Template for measuring and quantifying defects in produce
View Patent ↗A tool for measuring and quantifying defects in produce includes a template; at least one graphic indicia printed on the template, the graphic indicia providing a pictorial sample of a specific tolerance for a specific quality defect in the produce; and at least one textual description printed on the template proximate to the graphic indicia, the at least one textual description providing a written description of the specific tolerance.
1. A tool for measuring and quantifying defects in produce, the tool comprising:
a template;
at least one graphic indicia printed on the template, the graphic indicia providing a pictorial sample of a specific tolerance for a specific quality defect in the produce; and
at least one textual description printed on the template proximate to the graphic indicia, the at least one textual description providing a written description of the specific tolerance.
2. The tool of claim 1 , further comprising a scale printed on a surface of the template, wherein the scale displays precise measurement indicators.
3. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the template comprises graphic indicia and textual descriptions for a plurality of specific tolerance and specific quality defects.
4. The tool of claim 3 , wherein:
the template comprises a plurality of evaluation cells; and
each evaluation cell includes a graphic indicia and textual description for a specific defect.
5. The tool of claim 1 , wherein:
the produce is stone fruit; and
the specific quality defect is a member selected from the group consisting of growth crack, cat face, stem-end growth crack, field mech., bruise, corking, scar, high tip, decay/bird peck, sunburn, russeting, water streaks, stem pull, dark staining, light staining, split pit, field mech. round, insect bite, hail, open suture, and scale.
6. The tool of claim 1 , wherein:
the produce is stone fruit; and
the template includes a graphic indicia and a textual description for each of the following specific quality defects:
growth crack,
cat face,
stem-end growth crack,
field mech,
bruise,
corking,
scar,
high tip,
decay/bird peck,
sunburn,
russeting,
water streaks,
stem pull,
dark staining,
light staining,
split pit,
field mech. round,
insect bite,
hail,
open suture, and
scale.
7. The tool of claim 1 , wherein varying grades for the specific tolerances are displayed in different colors to help quantify and measure the specific defects.