Spreader assembly with surface-clearing blower

Abstract

A spreader assembly with surface-clearing blower includes a rotary or broadcast spreader mounted on a frame for distribution and deposition of granular material in an area proximate the spreader assembly, a blower also mounted on the frame and with one or more ducts or hoses for conveying forced air to a surface proximate the spreader assembly to be cleared of deposited material. Granular material may include seed, ice-melt compound or salt, or fertilizer or other lawn or garden amendment or additive. The frame is mounted on the powered drive unit of a walk-behind mower to replace the mower deck.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a motorized apparatus for spreading granular material such as dry fertilizer and, in particular, to a spreader assembly with forced air blower mounted to the front of a walk behind motorized drive assembly.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Devices for evenly spreading granular materials, such as de-icing compounds, seed, fertilizer, pesticide, or soil amendments such gypsum, are known in the prior art and include broadcast spreaders and drop spreaders. Drop spreaders generally drop material straight down in a width equal to that of the spreader hopper and are useful for covering areas than can be traversed in straight lines, in which case they generate little waste. Considerable care must be used, however, to avoid overlapping or failing to adjoin application lanes. If lanes fail to adjoin, gaps are created where material is not deposited. If lanes overlap, twice the amount of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Because the mower deck is removed and replaced with the lighter-weight frame that supports the spreader and blower, the machine is much lighter overall and is easier to use on hillsides because the reduced weight requires less force from the powered drive unit engine to drive the driven wheels and requires less operator force when manipulating the powered drive unit handle or handles to make turns. In addition, the blower enables the operator to remove deposited granules from selected portions of an application surface without requiring additional equipment.

Problems solved by technology

If lanes fail to adjoin, gaps are created where material is not deposited.

In the case of fertilizer or grass seed, such misapplication will become evident and long term as the lawn develops over a season.

The method of material distribution typically scatters material in an arc of 360° or less about the axis of the rotary impeller and, therefore, often deposits material in undesired locations such as sidewalks, driveways or parking lots adjacent to the application surface.

Removal of fertilizer granules from sidewalks and other pedestrian walkways in a commercial setting is particularly important as the granules present an unkempt appearance, are unpleasant for customers and visitors to walk upon, and in high traffic areas can result in significant deposition of fertilizer material upon carpeting and other interior floor surfaces, perhaps scratching, staining or otherwise marring or damaging the surfaces.

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