U.S. patent application number 17/245193 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-12 for spread control mechanism.
The applicant listed for this patent is Earthway Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard H. Chapman, Jeffrey D. Kendall, Richard Sevrey.
Application Number | 20220142042 17/245193 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006300402 |
Filed Date | 2022-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220142042 |
Kind Code |
A2 |
Kendall; Jeffrey D. ; et
al. |
May 12, 2022 |
SPREAD CONTROL MECHANISM
Abstract
A broadcast spreader and methods of using the same. One method
includes dispersing particulate material using a broadcast spreader
having a hopper and an impeller by placing the spreader in a first
configuration where a first set of through openings proximate a
bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to
pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be
distributed in a first spread pattern, and shifting the spreader
into a second configuration where a second set of through openings
proximate the bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate
material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby
be distributed in a second spread pattern. The first set of through
openings includes a different number of through openings than the
second set of through openings, and the first spread pattern is
different than the second spread pattern.
Inventors: |
Kendall; Jeffrey D.;
(Laurel, MD) ; Sevrey; Richard; (Bristol, IN)
; Chapman; Richard H.; (Camillus, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Earthway Products, Inc. |
Bristol |
IN |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20210243944 A1 |
August 12, 2021 |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006300402 |
Appl. No.: |
17/245193 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15786064 |
Oct 17, 2017 |
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17245193 |
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14886183 |
Nov 21, 2017 |
9820430 |
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15786064 |
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14875056 |
Mar 12, 2019 |
10225976 |
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14886183 |
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13919682 |
Nov 24, 2015 |
9198345 |
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14875056 |
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13661620 |
Nov 24, 2015 |
9192094 |
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13919682 |
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62066621 |
Oct 21, 2014 |
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61552030 |
Oct 27, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01C 17/008 20130101;
A01C 15/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01C 17/00 20060101
A01C017/00; A01C 15/02 20060101 A01C015/02 |
Claims
1. A method of dispersing particulate material using a broadcast
spreader having a hopper and an impeller disposed below the hopper,
the method comprising: placing the broadcast spreader in a first
configuration where a first set of one or more through openings
proximate a bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate
material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby
be distributed in a first spread pattern during use of the
broadcast spreader; and shifting the broadcast spreader into a
second configuration where a second set of one or more through
openings proximate the bottom portion of the hopper permit the
particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the
impeller to thereby be distributed in a second spread pattern
during use of the broadcast spreader, wherein the first set of one
or more through openings includes a different number of through
openings than the second set of one or more through openings, and
wherein the first spread pattern is different than the second
spread pattern.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of one or more
through openings includes three through openings, and wherein the
second set of one or more through openings includes less than three
through openings.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the broadcast spreader further
includes a spread control mechanism, the method further comprising:
placing the broadcast spreader in the first configuration using the
spread control mechanism; and placing the broadcast spreader in the
second configuration using the spread control mechanism.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the broadcast spreader further
includes a shut-off adjustment plate disposed below the hopper, and
wherein the spread control mechanism is disposed below the shut-off
adjustment plate and above the impeller.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the shut-off adjustment plate
includes a plurality of exit openings and is configured to move
with respect to the hopper between a closed position, in which the
shut-off-adjustment plate obstructs any particulate material
flowing from the hopper, to an open position, in which the
plurality of exit openings permits particulate material to flow
from the hopper, and wherein the spread control mechanism includes
a plurality of segments, the method further comprising: placing the
broadcast spreader in the first configuration by moving the spread
control mechanism to a deactivated position in which the plurality
of segments do not cover any of the plurality of exit openings in
the shut-off adjustment plate thus resulting in the first set of
one or more through openings when the shut-off adjustment plate is
in the open position; and placing the broadcast spreader in the
second configuration by moving the spread control mechanism to an
activated position in which the plurality of segments cover one or
more of the plurality of exit openings in the shut-off adjustment
plate thus resulting in the second set of one or more through
openings when the shut-off adjustment plate is in the open
position.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the shut-off adjustment plate has
a first exit opening, a second exit opening, and a third exit
opening, and wherein the spread control mechanism has a first
segment and a second segment.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein, when both the first segment and
the second segment are in the activated position, the first segment
completely covers the first exit opening, the second segment
completely covers the second exit opening, and the third exit
opening is not obstructed by the spread control mechanism.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein, when both the first segment and
the second segment are in the deactivated position, none of the
first exit opening, the second exit opening, and the third exit
opening are obstructed by the spread control mechanism.
9. A method of dispersing particulate material using a broadcast
spreader including a hopper and an impeller configured to disperse
particulate material falling thereon from the hopper, the method
comprising: operating the broadcast spreader in a first
configuration by providing a first set of one or more through
openings proximate a bottom portion of the hopper resulting in a
first spread pattern; and operating the broadcast spreader in a
second configuration by providing a second set of one or more
through openings proximate a bottom portion of the hopper resulting
in a second spread pattern, wherein a number of through openings
included in the first set of one or more through openings is
different than a number of through openings included in the second
set of one or more through openings, and wherein the first spread
pattern is different than the second spread pattern.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first set of one or more
through openings includes three through openings, and wherein the
second set of one or more through openings includes less than three
through openings.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the broadcast spreader further
includes a spread control mechanism, the method further comprising:
placing the broadcast spreader in the first configuration using the
spread control mechanism; and placing the broadcast spreader in the
second configuration using the spread control mechanism.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the broadcast spreader further
includes a shut-off adjustment plate disposed below the hopper, and
wherein the spread control mechanism is disposed below the shut-off
adjustment plate and above the impeller.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the shut-off adjustment plate
includes a plurality of exit openings and is configured to move
with respect to the hopper between a closed position, in which the
shut-off-adjustment plate obstructs any particulate material
flowing from the hopper, to an open position, in which the
plurality of exit openings permits particulate material to flow
from the hopper, and wherein the spread control mechanism includes
a plurality of segments, the method further comprising: placing the
broadcast spreader in the first configuration by moving the spread
control mechanism to a deactivated position in which the plurality
of segments do not cover any of the plurality of exit openings in
the shut-off adjustment plate thus resulting in the first set of
one or more through openings when the shut-off adjustment plate is
in the open position; and placing the broadcast spreader in the
second configuration by moving the spread control mechanism to an
activated position in which the plurality of segments cover one or
more of the plurality of exit openings in the shut-off adjustment
plate thus resulting in the second set of one or more through
openings when the shut-off adjustment plate is in the open
position.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the shut-off adjustment plate
has a first exit opening, a second exit opening, and a third exit
opening, and wherein the spread control mechanism has a first
segment and a second segment.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein, when both the first segment
and the second segment are in the activated position, the first
segment completely covers the first exit opening, the second
segment completely covers the second exit opening, and the third
exit opening is not obstructed by the spread control mechanism.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein, when both the first segment
and the second segment are in the deactivated position, none of the
first exit opening, the second exit opening, and the third exit
opening are obstructed by the spread control mechanism.
17. A broadcast spreader configured to operate in multiple
configurations thereby providing multiple spread patterns, the
broadcast spreader comprising: an impeller; and a hopper disposed
above the impeller and configured to drop particulate material onto
the impeller, wherein, when the broadcast spreader is in a first
configuration, the broadcast spreader includes a first set of one
or more through openings proximate a bottom portion of the hopper
such that, during use of the broadcast spreader in the first
configuration, the particulate material is configured to pass
through the first set of one or more through openings and fall onto
the impeller to thereby be distributed in a first spread pattern,
and wherein, when the broadcast spreader is in a second
configuration, the broadcast spreader includes a second set of one
or more through openings proximate a bottom portion of the hopper
such that, during use of the broadcast spreader in the second
configuration, the particulate material is configured to pass
through the second set of one or more through openings and fall
onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a second spread
pattern, wherein the first set of one or more through openings
includes a different number of openings than the second set of one
or more through openings, and wherein the first spread pattern is
different than the second spread pattern.
18. The broadcast spreader of claim 17 further comprising a spread
control mechanism configured to switch the broadcast spreader
between the first configuration and the second configuration.
19. The broadcast spreader of claim 18 further comprising a
shut-off adjustment plate disposed below the hopper, wherein the
spread control mechanism is disposed below the shut-off adjustment
plate and above the impeller.
20. The broadcast spreader of claim 19, wherein the shut-off
adjustment plate includes a plurality of exit openings and is
configured to move with respect to the hopper between a closed
position, in which the shut-off-adjustment plate obstructs any
particulate material flowing from the hopper, to an open position,
in which the plurality of exit openings permits particulate
material to flow from the hopper, and wherein the spread control
mechanism includes a plurality of segments configured to move
between a deactivated position, in which the plurality of segments
do not cover any of the plurality of exit openings in the shut-off
adjustment plate thus permitting particulate material to flow
therefrom, to an activated position, in which the plurality of
segments cover one or more of the plurality of exit openings in the
shut-off adjustment plate thus obstructing particulate material
from flowing therefrom.
21. A particulate material dispersing apparatus comprising: a
hopper including a plurality of openings in a bottom of the hopper;
a shut-off adjustment plate disposed below the plurality of
openings and including a plurality of exit openings, the shut-off
adjustment plate being moveable with respect to the hopper between
a fully closed position, in which the shut-off adjustment plate
completely covers the plurality of openings in the hopper and
obstructs any particulate material from flowing therefrom, to a
fully open position, in which the plurality of exit openings align
with the plurality of openings in the hopper thus permitting
particulate material to flow therefrom; and a spread control
mechanism disposed below the shut-off adjustment plate and
including a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments being
movable between a deactivated position, in which the plurality of
segments do not cover any of the plurality of exit openings in the
shut-off adjustment plate thus permitting particulate material to
flow therefrom, to an activated position, in which each of the
plurality of segments covers a corresponding one of the plurality
of exit openings in the shut-off adjustment plate thus obstructing
particulate material from flowing therefrom.
22. The particulate material dispersing apparatus of claim 21,
wherein the shut-off adjustment plate has a first exit opening, a
second exit opening, and a third exit opening, wherein the
plurality of segments includes a first segment and a second
segment, wherein, when the plurality of segments are in the
activated state and the shut-off adjustment plate is in the fully
open position, the first segment completely covers the first exit
opening, the second segment completely covers the second exit
opening, and the third exit opening is not obstructed by the spread
control mechanism, and wherein, when the plurality of segments are
in the deactivated state and the shut-off adjustment plate is in
the fully open position, none of the first exit opening, the second
exit opening, and the third exit opening are obstructed by the
spread control mechanism.
23. The particulate material dispersing apparatus of claim 21
further comprising a handle coupled to an end of a first segment of
the plurality of segments.
24. The particulate material dispersing apparatus of claim 23,
wherein the handle is configured to selectively move the first
segment between the deactivated position and the activated
position.
25. The particulate material dispersing apparatus of claim 24,
wherein the handle is further configured to selectively move a
second segment of the plurality of segments between the deactivated
position and the activated position.
26. The particulate material dispersing apparatus of claim 21,
wherein the spread control mechanism is configured to move with the
shut-off adjustment plate when the shut-off adjustment plate moves
from the fully closed position to the fully open position.
27. The particulate material dispersing apparatus of claim 21,
wherein when the plurality of segments are in the deactivated
position, the particulate material dispersing apparatus is
configured to spread particulate material in a first pattern about
a surface, wherein when the plurality of segments are in the
activated position, the particulate material dispersing apparatus
is configured to spread particulate material in a second pattern
about the surface, and wherein the second pattern is a subset of
the first pattern.
28. The particulate material dispersing apparatus of claim 21,
wherein the plurality of segments includes a first segment and a
second segment, and wherein the first segment and the second
segment are arranged in a V-shaped configuration.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/786,064, entitled "SPREAD CONTROL
MECHANISM," filed on Oct. 17, 2017; which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/886,183, entitled "SPREAD CONTROL
MECHANISM," filed on Oct. 19, 2015, and issued on Nov. 21, 2017 as
U.S. Pat. No. 9,820,430; which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/066,621, entitled
"SPREAD CONTROL MECHANISM," filed on Oct. 21, 2014. U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/886,183 is also a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/875,056, entitled "ADAPTABLE
SPREADER," filed on Oct. 5, 2015, and issued on Mar. 12, 2019 as
U.S. Pat. No. 10,225,976; which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/919,682, entitled "ADAPTABLE SPREADER,"
filed on Jun. 17, 2013, and issued on Dec. 1, 2015 as U.S. Pat. No.
9,198,345; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/661,620, entitled "ADAPTABLE SPREADER," filed on Oct. 26,
2012, and issued on Nov. 24, 2015 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,192,094; which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/552,030, entitled "ADAPTABLE SPREADER," filed on Oct. 27, 2011.
The entirety of the above-noted applications are incorporated by
reference herein.
ORIGIN
[0002] The innovation disclosed herein relates to a particulate
dispersing apparatus and, more specifically, to a granular spreader
having a spread control mechanism.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A known particulate spreader incorporates a deflector that
when activated impedes particulate material from exiting out one
side of the spreader. Thus, any material dispersed in the spread
pattern is impeded from spreading onto non-lawn areas, such as
landscape beds, driveways, walkways, etc. In other words, the
deflector simply deflects the dispensed material back toward the
lawn area. A disadvantage of material dispersing systems that rely
on such a deflector is that the amount of material dispersed
(material flow rate) into the spread pattern remains the same
whether or not a deflector is activated. Thus, if the deflector is
activated the amount of material directed onto the lawn is more
than the recommended amount since the deflected material also exits
the side of the spreader opposite that of the deflector. This leads
to over treatment of the lawn and to wasted product.
SUMMARY
[0004] The following presents a simplified summary in order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the innovation.
This summary is not an extensive overview of the innovation. It is
not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the
scope of the innovation. Its sole purpose is to present some
concepts of the innovation in a simplified form as a prelude to the
more detailed description that is presented later.
[0005] Some embodiments are directed to a method of dispersing
particulate material using a broadcast spreader having a hopper and
an impeller disposed below the hopper. The method includes placing
the broadcast spreader in a first configuration where a first set
of one or more through openings proximate a bottom portion of the
hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and
fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a first spread
pattern during use of the broadcast spreader. The method also
includes shifting the broadcast spreader into a second
configuration where a second set of one or more through openings
proximate the bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate
material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby
be distributed in a second spread pattern during use of the
broadcast spreader. The first set of one or more through openings
includes a different number of through openings than the second set
of one or more through openings, and the first spread pattern is
different than the second spread pattern.
[0006] Other embodiments are directed to a method of dispersing
particulate material using a broadcast spreader including a hopper
and an impeller that disperses particulate material falling thereon
from the hopper. The method includes operating the broadcast
spreader in a first configuration by providing a first set of one
or more through openings proximate a bottom portion of the hopper
resulting in a first spread pattern. The method also includes
operating the broadcast spreader in a second configuration by
providing a second set of one or more through openings proximate a
bottom portion of the hopper resulting in a second spread pattern.
The number of through openings included in the first set of one or
more through openings is different than a number of through
openings included in the second set of one or more through
openings, and the first spread pattern is different than the second
spread pattern.
[0007] Still other embodiments are directed to a broadcast spreader
that operates in multiple configurations thereby providing multiple
spread patterns. The broadcast spreader includes an impeller and a
hopper disposed above the impeller that drops particulate material
onto the impeller. When the broadcast spreader is in a first
configuration, the broadcast spreader includes a first set of one
or more through openings proximate a bottom portion of the hopper
such that, during use of the broadcast spreader in the first
configuration, the particulate material is configured to pass
through the first set of one or more through openings and fall onto
the impeller to thereby be distributed in a first spread pattern.
And when the broadcast spreader is in a second configuration, the
broadcast spreader includes a second set of one or more through
openings proximate a bottom portion of the hopper such that, during
use of the broadcast spreader in the second configuration, the
particulate material is configured to pass through the second set
of one or more through openings and fall onto the impeller to
thereby be distributed in a second spread pattern. The first set of
one or more through openings includes a different number of
openings than the second set of one or more through openings, and
the first spread pattern is different than the second spread
pattern.
[0008] To accomplish the foregoing and related ends, certain
illustrative aspects of the innovation are described herein in
connection with the following description and the annexed drawings.
These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various
ways in which the principles of the innovation can be employed and
the subject innovation is intended to include all such aspects and
their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the
innovation will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the innovation when considered in conjunction with
the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example particulate
dispensing apparatus featuring the innovation disclosed herein in
accordance with the innovation.
[0010] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of another example particulate
dispensing apparatus featuring the innovation disclosed herein in
accordance with the innovation.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an innovative spread
control assembly in a deactivated position in accordance with an
aspect of the innovation.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the innovative spread control
assembly in a deactivated position in accordance with an aspect of
the innovation.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of the innovative spread control
assembly in a deactivated position in accordance with an aspect of
the innovation.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the innovative spread control
assembly in a deactivated position in accordance with an aspect of
the innovation.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a left side view of the innovative spread control
assembly in a deactivated position in accordance with an aspect of
the innovation.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a right side view of the innovative spread control
assembly in a deactivated position in accordance with an aspect of
the innovation.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the innovative spread
control assembly in an activated position in accordance with an
aspect of the innovation.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the innovative spread control
assembly in an activated position in accordance with an aspect of
the innovation.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a front view of the innovative spread control
assembly in an activated position in accordance with an aspect of
the innovation.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the innovative spread control
assembly in an activated position in accordance with an aspect of
the innovation.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a left side view of the innovative spread control
assembly in an activated position in accordance with an aspect of
the innovation.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a right side view of the innovative spread
control assembly in an activated position in accordance with an
aspect of the innovation.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a top view of an innovative spread control
mechanism in accordance with an aspect of the innovation.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the innovative spread control
mechanism in accordance with an aspect of the innovation.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a front view of the innovative spread control
mechanism in accordance with an aspect of the innovation.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a rear view of the innovative spread control
mechanism in accordance with an aspect of the innovation.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a left side view of the innovative spread control
mechanism in accordance with an aspect of the innovation.
[0028] FIG. 19 is a right side view of the innovative spread
control mechanism in accordance with an aspect of the
innovation.
[0029] FIG. 20 is a top view of an innovative shut-off adjustment
plate in accordance with an aspect of the innovation.
[0030] FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the innovative shut-off
adjustment plate in accordance with an aspect of the
innovation.
[0031] FIG. 22 is a front view of the innovative shut-off
adjustment plate in accordance with an aspect of the
innovation.
[0032] FIG. 23 is a rear view of the innovative shut-off adjustment
plate in accordance with an aspect of the innovation.
[0033] FIG. 24 is a left side view of the innovative shut-off
adjustment plate in accordance with an aspect of the
innovation.
[0034] FIG. 25 is a right side view of the innovative shut-off
adjustment plate in accordance with an aspect of the
innovation.
[0035] FIG. 26 is another example embodiment of an innovative
spread control mechanism in accordance with an aspect of the
innovation.
[0036] FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustration of a method of
dispersing particulate material in accordance with an aspect of the
innovation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The innovation is now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may
be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without
these specific details.
[0038] While specific characteristics are described herein (e.g.,
thickness), it is to be understood that the features, functions and
benefits of the innovation can employ characteristics that vary
from those described herein. These alternatives are to be included
within the scope of the innovation and claims appended hereto.
[0039] While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the one or
more methodologies shown herein, e.g., in the form of a flow chart,
are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood
and appreciated that the subject innovation is not limited by the
order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance with the innovation,
occur in a different order and/or concurrently with other acts from
that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the
art will understand and appreciate that a methodology could
alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or
events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated
acts may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with
the innovation.
[0040] Disclosed herein is an innovative spread control assembly
for use on a particulate dispersing apparatus that when activated
impedes particulate material from being dispersed out one side of
the particulate apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the
innovation. When activated, the assembly overcomes the
aforementioned disadvantage by simultaneously regulating a material
flow rate of the particulate material, which impedes over treatment
of the lawn and wasted material. Thus, the spread control assembly
facilitates the reduction of particulate material that is dispersed
onto non-lawn areas (e.g., landscape beds, driveways, etc.) while
simultaneously regulating the material flow rate.
[0041] With reference now to the figures, FIGS. 1A and 1B
illustrate example embodiments of a particulate material dispersing
apparatus 100A, 100B that incorporates the innovative spread
control assembly 200 (shown in FIG. 1A) in accordance with aspects
of the innovation. It is to be understood that the particulate
material dispersing apparatus 100A, 100B may be any type of
particulate dispersing apparatus capable of dispersing particulate
and/or granular material (hereinafter "material"), such as but not
limited to lawn seed/fertilizer, salt, etc. In addition, the
particulate material dispersing apparatus 100A, 100B may be a walk
behind type spreader, a hand-held type spreader, a tow-type
spreader, etc. The example particulate material dispersing
apparatus 100A, 100B illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B are walk behind
type spreaders and will be used to describe the innovation
disclosed herein. Thus, the example particulate material dispersing
apparatus 100A, 100B illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B are for
illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope
of the innovation.
[0042] Still referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the example particulate
material dispersing apparatus 100A, 100B, includes a frame 102A,
100B, a vessel or hopper 104A, 104B, mounted to the frame 102A,
102B, a push handle 106A, 106B mounted to the frame 102A, 102B, an
open-close/adjustment (shut-off) assembly 108A, 108B, a pair of
wheels 110A, 110B, a dispersing mechanism 112A, 112B disposed below
the innovative spread control assembly and configured to disperse
product from inside the hopper 104A 104B, and a gear box 114A, 114B
operatively connecting the wheels 110A, 110B, and the dispersing
mechanism 112A, 112B via an axle 116A, 116B, and a gear/impeller
shaft 118A (best shown in FIG. 1A).
[0043] In the example embodiment illustrated in the figures, the
hopper 104A, 104B has a rectangular type shape, as viewed from the
top, but it is to be understood that the shape of the hopper 104A,
104B can be any shape, such as but not limited to square, circular,
etc. An opening (not shown) is defined in a bottom of the hopper
104A, 104B that facilitates the dispersing of the particulate
material in association with the innovative spread control assembly
200.
[0044] FIGS. 2-7 illustrate the innovative spread control assembly
200 in a nonactivated (open) state in accordance with an aspect of
the innovation. In the nonactivated state, the spread control
assembly 200 allows the dispersion of material in all directions,
as will be explained further below. FIGS. 8-13 illustrate the
spread control assembly 200 in an activated (closed) state in
accordance with an aspect of the innovation. In the activated
state, the spread control assembly 200 impedes the dispersion of
material in one side direction and allows the dispersion of
material in an opposite side direction while simultaneously
reducing the material flow rate.
[0045] Thus, the spread control assembly 200 is configured to alter
a material spread pattern of the particulate material dispersing
apparatus 100A, 100B. More specifically, the spread control
assembly 200, when activated, impedes material from being dispersed
through one or more exit openings defined in a shut-off adjustment
plate explained further below. Therefore, a reduced amount of
material is dispersed through only those remaining exit openings
not covered by a spread control mechanism thereby eliminating
product overuse and waste.
[0046] In addition, activation of the spread control assembly 200
causes the material to be dispersed outward from one side of the
particulate material dispersing apparatus 100A, 100B while impeding
material from being dispersed out an opposite side of the
particulate material dispersing apparatus 100A, 100B. Thus, any
material dispersed in the altered-spread pattern is impeded from
spreading onto non-lawn areas, such as landscape beds, driveways,
walkways, etc. It is to be understood that the spread control
assembly 200 can be configured to impede material dispersion from
either side of the dispersing apparatus 100A, 100B. Thus in one
example embodiment, the material may be dispersed from a first side
(e.g., left or right) and impeded from being dispersed from a
second side (e.g., right of left). Therefore, the example
embodiment described herein and illustrated in the figures is for
illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope
of the innovation.
[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 2-13, the innovative spread control
assembly 200 includes a spread control mechanism 300, a shut-off
adjustment plate 400, and a pivot mechanism 500 that pivotally
connects the spread control mechanism 300 and the shutoff
adjustment plate 400.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 14-19, in the example embodiment
illustrated in the figures, the spread control mechanism 300
includes a handle 302, multiple paddles including a first paddle
304, a second paddle 306, and a curved pivot engagement portion
308. The curved pivot engagement portion 308 facilitates the
pivoting motion of the spread control mechanism 300 about the pivot
mechanism 500. The spread control mechanism 300 attaches to the
shut-off adjustment plate 400 via a fastener 310 that extends
through a slot 312 defined in the spread control mechanism 300. The
handle 302 connects to an end 314 of the first paddle 304 that is
distal from the pivot mechanism 500. The handle 302 facilitates
movement of the spread control mechanism 300 between and an
activated (closed) and deactivated (open) state. The spread control
mechanism 300 has a V-shaped configuration whereby the first and
second paddles 304, 306 are spaced to facilitate application of
material.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 20-25, the shut-off adjustment plate 400
includes the multiple exit openings 402 defined therein and
multiple elongated curved openings 404 that serve as hopper
attachments openings whereby the shut-off adjustment plate 400
attaches to an outside bottom of the hopper 104A, 104B. The
shut-off adjustment plate 400 further includes a vertically
projecting stop mechanism 406, a control rod attachment opening
408, multiple hold down openings 410 (FIG. 21) that receive
fasteners 412 that serve to hold down the spread control mechanism
300, and a spread control mechanism guide opening 414 (FIG. 21)
that receives the fastener 310 mentioned above.
[0050] There are three exit openings 402 defined in the shut-off
adjustment plate 400 in the example embodiment illustrated in the
figures. It is to be understood, however, that there can be any
number of exit openings 402 defined in the exit plate 400. In one
example embodiment, the number of exit openings 402 is at least one
greater than a number of paddles 304, 306. Thus, when the spread
control mechanism 300 is activated all but one exit opening 402
will be covered thereby impeding any material from exiting the
covered exit openings 402. Therefore, a reduced amount of material
will exit the remaining exit openings 402, which directs the
material to exit one side of the particulate material dispersing
apparatus 100A, 100B.
[0051] When the spread control mechanism 300 is in a non-activated
position, as shown in FIGS. 2-7, the spread control mechanism 300
is positioned such that all of the exit openings 402 are uncovered.
The spread control mechanism 300 is slidably attached through the
curved slot 312 via a washer head screw or other suitable device.
Thus, the handle 302 may be grasped and moved, thereby urging the
spread control mechanism 300 to be moved or slid along the path
defined by slot 312 so as to move the spread control mechanism 300
between the activated (closed) and deactivated (open) state. The
vertically projecting stop mechanism 406 impedes the spread control
mechanism 300 from pivoting past the associated exit openings 402
intended for selective closure.
[0052] The pivot mechanism 500 is circular and is integrated into
the shut-off adjustment plate 400. The curved pivot engagement
portion 308 of the spread control mechanism 300 engages the pivot
mechanism 500 to facilitate pivoting of the spread control
mechanism 300 with respect to the shut-off adjustment plate 400.
Thus, in order to pivot the spread control mechanism 300, the user
pivots or rotates the user pivots or rotates the spread control
mechanism 300 about the pivot mechanism 500 to the desired
position.
[0053] Although, the spread control assembly illustrated in the
figures is configured to disperse material out a particular side of
the particulate dispersing apparatus, it is to be understood that
in an alternate embodiment, the spread control assembly can be
configured to disperse particulate material out an opposite side of
the particulate dispersing apparatus.
[0054] FIG. 26 illustrates an example alternate embodiment of a
spread control assembly 2600 similar to the spread control assembly
200 disclosed above in accordance with an aspect of the innovation.
The spread control assembly 2600 includes a spread control
mechanism 2610, a shut-off adjustment plate 2620, and a pivot
mechanism 2630 that pivotally connects the spread control mechanism
2610 and the shut-off adjustment plate 2620. One difference between
the spread control assembly 2600 illustrated in FIG. 26 and the
spread control assembly 200 illustrated above is that the spread
control assembly 2600 does not include the slots 404 defined in the
shut-off adjustment plate 400. All other features and functions
between the two spread control assemblies 200, 2600 are similar and
thus, will not be repeated.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 27, a process of dispersing particulate
material will now be described in relation to the spread control
assembly 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2-25 in accordance with one
aspect of the innovation. At 2702, a spread control assembly 200 in
a non-activated state for a particulate material dispersing
apparatus is provided. At 2704, a spread control mechanism 300 is
moved via the handle 302 in a direction such that the spread
control assembly 200 is in an activated state. At 2706, the paddles
304, 306 cover exit openings 402 defined in the shut-off adjustment
plate 400 thereby impeding particulate material from be dispersed
through the covered exit openings 402. At 2708, particulate
material is dispersed in a direction that corresponds to the side
opposite the covered exit openings 402. Simultaneously, at 2710,
particulate material is impeded from being dispersed in a direction
that corresponds to the side of the covered exit openings 402.
Simultaneously at 2712, an amount of dispersed particulate material
is reduced thereby minimizing particulate material waste. At 2714,
the spread control mechanism 300 is moved in a direction such that
the spread control assembly 200 is in a de-activated position. At
2716, the paddles 304, 306 are moved such that the exit openings
402 are uncovered. At 2718, particulate material is dispersed in
all directions. The process is repeated as the need arises to
impede the dispersing of particulate material in a particular
direction so as to impede the dispensing of particulate material on
unwanted surfaces, such as driveways, walkways, landscape beds,
etc.
[0056] What has been described above includes examples of the
innovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe every
conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes
of describing the subject innovation, but one of ordinary skill in
the art may recognize that many further combinations and
permutations of the innovation are possible. Accordingly, the
innovation is intended to embrace all such alterations,
modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope
of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term
"includes" is used in either the detailed description or the
claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar
to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when
employed as a transitional word in a claim.
* * * * *