Spreader assembly

Abstract

A spreader assembly for spreading sand or salt comprised of a molded, double-walled hopper having a bin portion and leg portions. The hopper has an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the inner wall has a front end section and opposing side sections. The end sections and the side sections define a media-holding chamber within the bin portion of the hopper. The chamber has a generally rectangular upper portion, a funnel-shaped lower portion and a bottom having an opening extending through the bin portion. The funnel-shaped lower portion of the chamber slopes toward the opening. The outer wall of the hopper defines the leg portions, and the leg portions are dimensioned to extend below the opening in the bin portion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to a spreader assembly for spreading salt and sand, and more particularly, to a spreader assembly for mounting to a bed of a truck. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Snow and ice control for parking areas around hospitals, shopping malls and industries is generally handled by private contractors or employees of such facilities who use a salt and sand spreader mounted to a vehicle. One type of spreader assembly is a “tailgate spreader.” A tailgate spreader is a device having a hopper for holding the sand or salt and a spinner plate for distributing the same. The spreader is attached or mounted behind the tailgate of the vehicle, and is supported by the tailgate or the bumper of the vehicle. Such spreaders find advantageous use for most small commercial applications. [0003] However, when the area to be controlled is relatively large, it is known to use spreader assemblies that include hoppers that rest within the b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] An advantage of the present invention is a sand and salt spreader assembly for mounting to the bed of a vehicle.

[0008] Another advantage of the present invention is a sand and salt spreader assembly as described above that is easily mounted to the vehicle, and easily removed therefrom.

[0009] Another advantage of the present invention is a sand and salt spreader assembly as described above that does not require alteration or modification of the vehicle.

[0010] Another advantage of the present invention is a sand and salt spreader assembly as described above that has a particulate conveyor device that is positioned outside of a hopper for holding the sand or salt.

[0011] Another advantage of the present invention is a sand and salt spreader assembly as described above having lifting means to facilitate mounting of the assembly onto the bed of a vehicle.

[0012] Another advantage of the present invention is a sand and salt spreader assembly as described above having a seamless, molded hopper for holding the sand and salt.

Problems solved by technology

Heretofore, such structures were relatively heavy and included an elongated hopper having a conveyor device within the hopper for conveying the sand or salt to a distributor.

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