Mobile pellet distributor

Abstract

The invention relates to a pellet distributor (1) comprising a first compartment (7) for the bulk storage of pellets, the first compartment comprising a bottom provided with an extraction port, a second compartment in communication with the extraction port, an electric blower device connected at its inlet to the extraction port and housed in the second compartment, and a flexible duct (28) comprising an inlet end piece and an outlet end piece (32), wherein an outlet of the electric blower device is connected to the inlet end piece of the flexible duct (28). The electric blower device is configured, when activated, to extract pellets stored in the first compartment (7) via the extraction port and to propel the extracted pellets through the flexible duct (28) in order to expel the extracted pellets from the pellet distributor (1) via the outlet end piece (32).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Mobile Pellet Dispenser

[0003] technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a mobile pellet dispenser which allows pellets to be stored and easily moved to a place of use in order to pour or spread a quantity of these pellets for their use.

[0005] The dispenser can be used, for example, to pour pellets into a pellet stove, to pour or spread feed for poultry, to spread fertilizer on agricultural land or vegetation, or to spread plant seeds on vegetation. These uses are not exhaustive; the dispenser can also be used with other types of pellets.

[0006] The invention will be implemented particularly by manufacturers of portable power equipment.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] Traditionally, people with pellet stoves have a pellet reserve stored in bags or loose in a designated area away from the stove. The user then fills a container, such as a tub or jug, with a capacity roughly equivalent to that of the stove's hopper, from this reserve. Frequent refilling can be difficult for elderly or mobility-impaired individuals, especially when lifting a full bag of pellets, which typically weighs between 15 kg and 20 kg.The frequency of filling the pellet stove, generally one to two refills of the tank each day, can also be restrictive when the pellet reserve is stored at a more or less distant distance, for example in the garage, or requires going outside the house, for example in a shelter.

[0009] In another scenario, a growing number of households have a chicken coop, which offers the advantage of feeding chickens with food scraps rather than throwing them away, while also providing the eggs the hens lay. These food scraps are usually supplemented with feed. Typically, the feed is stored in a separate area, and the person feeding the chickens takes some in a container, usually a bucket, and pours it into a feeder placed in the coop or scatters it on the ground in the run.

[0010] In agriculture and horticulture, the application of fertilizers or plant seeds, such as grass seed, is generally done manually. The person with a container, usually a bucket, holding the fertilizer or seeds, takes handfuls and scatters them randomly over the planted area. Some areas may receive a large quantity of granules, while others receive only a small amount. To address this issue, dispensing devices allow for more even distribution of the granules. These devices are generally intended for large agricultural or horticultural areas and are less accessible, in terms of cost, size, and ease of use, for households with small gardens or vegetable patches.

[0011] Prior art patents ITPD20100002A1 and US2023149956Al, which disclose pellet dispensers for materials such as seeds or fertilizers, are known in the agricultural field. According to these patents, the pellet dispenser comprises a movable body which includes a first bulk pellet storage compartment with a base equipped with a pellet discharge port. The body includes a second compartment extending below the base and connected to the discharge port. The pellet dispenser includes an electric blower device comprising a first inlet nozzle connected to the discharge port and a first outlet nozzle, the electric blower device being housed in the second compartment.The pellet dispenser includes a flexible conduit with a second inlet nozzle at its upstream end and a second outlet nozzle at its downstream end. The first outlet nozzle of the electric blower is connected to the second inlet nozzle of the flexible conduit. When activated, the electric blower is configured to extract pellets stored in the first compartment through the extraction port and propel them through the flexible conduit to expel them from the second outlet nozzle. The applicant notes that the pellet dispensers described in prior art patents ITPD20100002A1 and US2023149956A1 do not allow for storage of the flexible conduit when not in use, making the flexible conduit cumbersome when storing the pellet dispenser.

[0012] Summary of the Invention: The present invention aims to design a pellet dispenser that optimally reduces the space required for the flexible hose when storing the pellet dispenser. To this end, the invention relates to a pellet dispenser comprising a movable body. The body includes a first compartment for bulk pellet storage. The first compartment includes a base with an orifice for extracting the pellets stored in said first compartment. The body includes a second compartment that extends at least partially under the base and communicates with the extraction orifice. The pellet dispenser includes an electric blower device comprising a first inlet nozzle connected to the extraction orifice and a first outlet nozzle, the electric blower device being housed in the second compartment.The pellet dispenser includes a flexible conduit with a second inlet nozzle at one upstream end and a second outlet nozzle at the other downstream end. The first outlet nozzle of the electric blower is connected to the second inlet nozzle of the flexible conduit. When activated, the electric blower is configured to extract pellets stored in the first compartment through the extraction port and propel them through the flexible conduit to expel them from the dispenser via the second outlet.

[0013] According to the invention, the second compartment comprises a portion extending juxtaposed to a vertical wall of the first compartment. Furthermore, the body comprises a first window opening onto the exterior of the pellet dispenser and communicating with said portion of the second compartment, the flexible conduit passing through the first window, said portion of the second compartment allowing at least a portion of the flexible conduit to be received in a retracted storage position, said at least a portion of the flexible conduit being extracted from said portion of the second compartment through the first window in an extended use position.This design advantageously allows the flexible conduit to be stored at least partially inside the second compartment when the dispenser is not in use, in order to prevent the flexible conduit from unnecessarily cluttering the storage space of the pellet dispenser when it is not in use.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the pellet dispenser of the invention, the electric blower device comprises an electric blower and a fitting including a first rigid duct with a first inlet and a first outlet, and a second rigid duct with a second inlet and a second outlet. The first inlet is connected to a blower outlet of the electric blower. The first outlet forms the first outlet and is connected to the second inlet of the flexible duct. The second inlet forms the first outlet and is connected to the extraction port of the first compartment. The second outlet opens into the first duct. This design allows pellets to be extracted from the first compartment and propelled into the flexible duct by a Venturi-type principle.Design variations of the electric blower device remain conceivable within the framework of the invention, i.e. by extracting the granules from the first compartment and blowing them into the flexible conduit.

[0015] Preferably, according to the aforementioned embodiment of the pellet distributor, the fitting includes a curved deflector arranged between the first and second conduits at the second outlet. This curved deflector facilitates the transfer of pellets extracted from the second conduit to the first conduit without disrupting the flow of extracted pellets. This advantageously maintains a constant flow rate of pellets expelled from the second outlet of the flexible conduit.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the pellet dispenser of the invention, the second outlet of the flexible conduit includes a nozzle. This nozzle allows for easier handling, facilitating manipulation of the downstream end of the flexible conduit during the pouring or spreading of pellets.

[0017] Preferably, according to the aforementioned embodiment of the dispenser, said portion of the second compartment is sized to receive the flexible hose in the retracted storage position, so that only the spray gun remains outside the body, at the level of the first window. Thus, the entire flexible hose is stored in the second compartment, with the exception of the spray gun, when the dispenser is not in use. A latching device, for example a hook, may be arranged on the outside of the body, near the first window, to hold the spray gun at the level of said first window when the flexible hose is stored in said portion of the second compartment in the retracted storage position.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the dispenser of the invention, the first compartment comprises a first upper opening for filling said compartment with granules, and the second compartment comprises a second upper opening for accessing the flexible conduit stored at least partially in said second compartment in a retracted storage position. Variations in the openings for accessing the first and second compartments are possible, for example, on the sides of the first and second compartments. Preferably, the body comprises a first flap for closing the first upper opening and a second flap for closing the second upper opening. Preferably, the first flap covers the second flap in a position where both the first and second upper openings are closed.A variant without the second hatch closing the second upper opening of the second compartment remains a possibility. A variant with a single hatch closing both the first and second upper openings is also conceivable.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the dispenser of the invention, the bottom of the first compartment has a funnel shape leading to the extraction orifice. This allows the first compartment receiving the granules to be completely emptied before being refilled. A variant with a flat bottom is also possible.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the dispenser of the invention, it comprises a set of wheels arranged on the body for movement on the floor. The set of wheels may, for example, consist of four casters arranged on one underside of the body, the dispenser then moving like a four-wheeled cart. In another example, the set of wheels may consist of two wheels arranged on two lateral sides of the body, the dispenser moving like a two-wheeled hand truck.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the distributor of the invention, the body includes a second window opening to the outside of the body and providing access to the second compartment. Furthermore, the electrical blower unit is arranged in the second compartment so as to be accessible from the outside, through the second window. This will facilitate cleaning and maintenance operations on the electrical blower unit.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the dispenser of the invention, it includes a handling mechanism arranged on the body. This facilitates the handling of the dispenser. Preferably, the handling mechanism is chosen from a pair of straps for carrying the dispenser on the back, a shoulder strap for carrying the dispenser over one shoulder or across the body, and at least one handle for carrying or pulling the dispenser with one or two hands, particularly when the dispenser includes a set of wheels, thus allowing it to be pushed or pulled more easily.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the dispenser of the invention, the body includes a third window opening onto the exterior of the body and allowing at least partial visibility of the interior of the first compartment, said third window being glazed. Thus, the user can easily see the quantity of pellets remaining in the first compartment, in order to know whether or not it needs to be refilled.

[0024] According to one embodiment by the distributor, the electric blower unit includes a power outlet for connecting it to an external power source, such as a public or private power grid. According to another embodiment by the distributor, the electric blower unit includes a rechargeable battery, this version facilitating the use of the dispenser in areas without electricity or without electrical outlets. When such a rechargeable battery is present on the dispenser, a charge level indicator can be mounted on the body.

[0025] The granules can be of various types, depending on the dispenser's intended use. For example, the granules can be pellets poured into a pellet stove, feed grains poured into a feeder or spread on a surface to feed poultry or other animals, such as rabbits, fertilizer spread in a garden or on a lawn, or grass seed spread on soil to establish a lawn. This is not a limiting case; the dispenser can also be used to dispense or spread other types of granules. The dispenser described in the invention may be of standard design or, conversely, customized, particularly in terms of size, the power of the electric blower, the length of the flexible conduit, and the storage capacity of the first compartment, according to the types of granules and the dispenser's intended use.

[0026] For example, when the dispenser is used to feed pellets into a pellet stove, the first compartment can be configured to hold the equivalent of four 15 kg bags of pellets, giving the first compartment a capacity of approximately 60 kg. This allows the user to have a week's supply of pellets before needing to refill the first compartment with another bag. When refilling the pellet stove's hopper, the user moves the pellet dispenser, which in this case will preferably include a set of wheels for easy movement. They then activate the electric blower using a control button located on the body and easily accessible from the outside. Activating the blower expels pellets through the second outlet at the downstream end of the flexible duct.The flexible hose can be easily manipulated by the user to position the second outlet above the pellet stove's hopper. This eliminates the need for the user to regularly, i.e., daily, carry a bag of pellets to refill the hopper. For elderly or mobility-impaired users, assistance can be provided to fill the dispenser with pellets once a week. The user can then easily move the dispenser, which in this case is preferably mounted on wheels for easy movement across the floor. Alternatively, the first compartment could hold approximately 15 kg of pellets, allowing the dispenser to be carried on the back or over the shoulder.

[0027] According to another example, when the dispenser is used to feed poultry or other animals, with feed grains being poured into a feeder or spread on the ground of an enclosure, the user can also fill the first compartment with feed grains in an amount corresponding to a 5 kg, 10 kg or 15 kg bag of feed grains, for example, the dispenser being able to be carried on the back or over the shoulder for reasons of accessibility to the henhouse or poultry yard, the pouring then being done easily as described previously for pellets.

[0028] In another example, when the spreader is used to distribute seeds such as fertilizer or grass seed on a field, it will ideally be designed to be carried on the back or over the shoulder, or even pushed or pulled along the ground like a hand truck. The spreader is then easily operated by manipulating the flexible hose to precisely and evenly distribute the fertilizer or grass seed over the area to be treated or seeded. The electric blower expels the seeds at a nearly constant rate, contributing to uniform distribution across the surface.

[0029] Brief description of the figures

[0030] The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is supported by figures, including:

[0031] [Fig. 1] - Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the distributor according to the invention, with the flexible conduit in a retracted storage position;

[0032] [Fig. 2] - Figure 2 illustrates the distributor of [Fig. 1] with the flexible conduit in the extended position for use;

[0033] [Fig. 3] - Figure 3 illustrates the dispenser of Figure 1 and Figure 2 with a first hatch open, allowing access to a first pellet storage compartment;

[0034] [Fig. 4] - Figure 4 partially illustrates the distributor of figures 1 to 3, with a second open hatch, allowing access to a second compartment in which the flexible conduit is stored when retracted;

[0035] [Fig. 5] - Figure 5 partially illustrates the dispenser of figures 1 to 4 and highlights the design of the bottom of the first pellet storage compartment;

[0036] [Fig. 6] - Figure 6 partially illustrates the distributor of figures 1 to 5 and highlights the presence of a set of wheels on an underside of the distributor body;

[0037] [Fig. 7] - Figure 7 partially illustrates a design of the electrical blower device;

[0038] [Fig.8] - Figure 8 schematically illustrates a variant of the dispenser according to the invention, including straps for carrying the dispenser on the back;

[0039] [Fig. 9] - Figure 9 schematically illustrates another variant of the dispenser according to the invention, including a shoulder strap for carrying the dispenser on a shoulder or across the body; [Fig. 10] - Figure 10 schematically illustrates another variant of the dispenser according to the invention, including a set of two wheels and a handling element including two handles, for transporting the dispenser in the manner of a hand truck.

[0040] Detailed description

[0041] Further in the description:

[0042] - the term distributor refers to the pellet distributor according to the invention, unless otherwise indicated in the description;

[0043] - the same references are used to describe the same characteristics on the various embodiments of the distributor, unless otherwise indicated in the text;

[0044] - terms such as "top", "bottom", "lower", "upper", "front", "rear", "lateral"... which could be used, will be in consideration of a position of use of the dispenser resting on a horizontal support surface, for example a slab or a base, the user being placed facing a front wall of the dispenser.

[0045] With reference to Figures 1 to 5, the dispenser 1 comprises a body 2 in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, although this shape is not limited; the body 2 could, for example, be cylindrical. In Figures 1 to 5, the body 2 comprises a rear wall 3, a front wall 4, and two side walls 5 and 6. The body 2 includes a first compartment 7 and a second compartment 8. The first compartment 7 includes a first upper opening 9, and the second compartment includes a second upper opening 10. The body 2 includes a first flap 11 that closes the first upper opening 9 and a second flap 12 that closes the second upper opening 10. The first flap 11 can be closed once the second flap 12 is closed, the first flap 11 covering the second flap 12 in the closed position.The openings of these first and second hatches 11, 12 are carried out in reverse order, by opening first the first hatch 11 then the second hatch 12. A variant could be envisaged with a single hatch closing both the first upper opening 9 and the second upper opening 10. Another variant could be envisaged with a single hatch closing only the first upper opening 9, the second upper opening 10 remaining open.

[0046] With regard to [Fig. 3] to [Fig. 7], the first compartment 7 is delimited by the side walls 5, 6, by the front wall 4, by an intermediate wall 13 which is vertical and which separates said first compartment 7 from a first part 8a of the second compartment 8 and by a bottom 14. The second compartment 8 is delimited by the side walls 5, 6, by the rear wall 3, by the intermediate wall 13, by the bottom 14 of the first compartment 7 and by a lower wall 15 of the body 2. A second part 8b of the second compartment 8 is thus formed below the bottom 13 of the first compartment 7, while the first part 8a of the second compartment 8 is formed behind the first compartment 7.

[0047] The first compartment, 7, is sized to temporarily store a quantity of loose pellets. The volume of the first compartment, 7, can be chosen according to the type of pellets to be stored in the dispenser, 1, and their intended use. For example, when the pellets are bulk pellets, the first compartment, 7, can be sized to hold the equivalent of four 15 kg bags of pellets, which is generally the capacity of a commercially available bag of pellets. This would mean that the capacity of the first compartment, 7, corresponds to 60 kg of pellets. Such a capacity is generally sufficient to heat a home for about a week, assuming the pellet stove is filled daily. Of course, this is subject to variation depending on the heating temperature and external temperature conditions.A person skilled in the art can easily adapt the volume of the first compartment 7 to suit the intended use, for example by conducting tests with various prototypes of dispenser 1 and different applications. The capacity of the first compartment 7 could be limited to the equivalent of one bag of pellets, i.e., 15 kg of pellets, in another possible variant of dispenser 1.

[0048] Opposite [Fig. 5], the base 14 of the first compartment 7 includes an extraction orifice 16 through which the pellets from the first compartment 7 will be extracted. To facilitate the descent of the pellets stored in the first compartment 7 to the extraction orifice 16, the base 14 has a funnel shape, implemented by means of several inclined sides 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e. This funnel shape could be implemented differently, depending on the shape of the first compartment 7. The dispenser 1 includes an electric blower device 18, which comprises an electric blower 19 which, in the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 6], is electrically powered by means of an electrical plug 20 which connects to a power outlet (not shown) of a public or private power supply network.However, a variant is possible by providing a rechargeable electric battery (not illustrated) which would be positioned in the second compartment 8 to electrically power the electric blower 19.

[0049] With reference to [Fig. 7], the electric blower device 18 includes a fitting 21 which comprises a first rigid duct 22 and a second rigid duct 23. The first rigid duct 22 includes a first inlet 24 which is connected to a blower outlet 25 of the electric blower 19. The first rigid duct 22 includes a first outlet 26 which is connected to an inlet fitting 27 of a flexible duct 28. The second rigid duct 23 includes a second inlet 29 which is connected to the extraction port 16 on the bottom 14 of the first compartment 7. The second rigid duct 23 includes a second outlet 30 which opens into the first rigid duct 22. The first rigid duct 22 and the second rigid duct 23 are more or less T-shaped or Y-shaped.A deflector 31 is arranged inside the fitting 21, between the first rigid duct 22 and the second rigid duct 23, at the second outlet 30. The deflector 31 has a curved shape that facilitates the extraction of the granules without turbulence. The fitting 21 is located in the second section 8b of the second compartment 8, and the electric blower 19 is located on the lower side of the first section 8a of the second compartment 8, next to the second section 8b of the second compartment 8.

[0050] With regard to [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 4], the flexible conduit 28 includes at its downstream end an outlet nozzle 32 which includes a nozzle 33 providing a good grip on the outlet nozzle 32, for easier handling of the flexible conduit 28. The flexible conduit 28 can be placed in a retracted storage position, illustrated [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 4], where it is arranged inside the first part 8a of the second compartment 8, only the nozzle 33 remaining outside the body 2, said nozzle 33 being able to be held by means of a latching member 34, for example a hook, fixed to the outside of one of the side walls 5 of the body 2. This side wall 5 includes a first window 35 through which the flexible conduit 28 passes, which makes it possible to pull the flexible conduit 28 to place it in an extended operating position, illustrated [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 4]. 2] and [Fig.3], where said flexible conduit 28 can be manipulated by grasping the gun 33 in order to pour or spread granules extracted from the first compartment 7. The presence of the second hatch 12 and the second upper opening 10 will facilitate the storage of the flexible conduit 28 in the first part 8a of the second compartment 8 and its extraction from said first part 8a.

[0051] In relation to [Fig. 1], [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 6], the rear wall 3 of the body 2 includes in its lower part a second window which communicates with the second compartment 8 and allows access to the electric blower 19 and the fitting 21, for example to dismantle the fitting in case of blockage, to clean the electric blower 19, or even for maintenance operations on said electric blower 19. A variant could be envisaged with a rear wall which opens completely onto the body 2, like a door, thus allowing full access to the second compartment 8.

[0052] With reference to [Fig. 1], [Fig. 2], [Fig. 5], and [Fig. 6], the dispenser 1 includes a set of four casters 37 arranged on the lower wall 15 of the body 2, allowing the dispenser 1 to be rolled on a floor surface by pushing or pulling it. A handling device may be arranged on the body 2 to facilitate gripping it during movement on the floor surface. For example, the first hatch 11 includes a light 38 positioned near a free edge 39 of the first hatch 11. When the first hatch 11 is closed, in a horizontal position, the light 38 is positioned adjacent to the front wall 4 of the body 2, allowing the user to place the fingers of one or both hands in the light 38 to grasp and manipulate the dispenser 1. Other manipulation devices could be provided, for example one or two handles arranged on the rear wall 3 of the body 2.

[0053] Opposite [Fig. 3], the front wall 4 of the body 2 includes a third glazed window 40 extending substantially along the entire height of said front wall 4. This third window 40 communicates with the first compartment 7. This third window 40 allows the quantity of pellets remaining in the first compartment 7 to be seen, so that it can be refilled if necessary before use. The third window 40 can be of various shapes and / or placed on one of the side walls 5, 6 of the body 2, in order to modify the appearance of the dispenser 1.

[0054] Variations of the dispenser 1 are possible. For example, in [Fig. 8], the body 2 is schematically represented by a basic rectangle, the other features of the dispenser having been obscured, as they are not necessary for understanding. In addition to or instead of the set of four casters 37 described previously, the dispenser 1 may include a pair of shoulder straps 41 arranged on the rear wall 3 of the body 2, this pair of straps 41 allowing the dispenser 1 to be carried on the back. The user can then easily grasp the nozzle 33 with one hand to extract the flexible tube 28 from the first part 8a of the second compartment 8, and then activate a control button 42 arranged on one of the side walls 6 of the body 2 – also provided on the first version described previously, but not illustrated – in order to activate the electric blower device 18.

[0055] In another variant shown schematically in [Fig. 9], the body 2 is represented by a basic rectangle, the other features of the dispenser having been obscured as they are not necessary for understanding. In addition to or as a substitute for the set of four casters 37 and / or the pair of straps 41, described previously, the dispenser 1 may include a shoulder strap 43 for carrying the dispenser 1 over a shoulder or across the body.

[0056] In another variant shown schematically in [Fig. 10], the body 2 is represented schematically by a basic rectangle, the other features of the dispenser having been obscured, as they are not necessary for understanding. As a replacement for the set of four casters 37 illustrated in [Fig. 1], [Fig. 2], [Fig. 5] and [Fig. 6], the dispenser 1 may include, in the lower part of its side walls 5, 6, a set of two wheels 44 positioned near the rear wall 3 and, in the upper part of this rear wall, a handling mechanism having, for example, two handles 45a, 45b which could be connected by a crossbar (not shown), thus allowing the dispenser 1 to be handled in the manner of a hand truck.

[0057] Other variants are possible. The gun 33 could be removed, in which case the extracted granules would be expelled directly through the outlet nozzle 32 at the downstream end of the flexible conduit 28.

[0058] The control button 42, which operates the electric blower 19, could be located in other positions on the body 2 than those shown in [Fig. 4] and [Fig. 8], according to other variants. In another variant, this control button 42 could also be arranged on the gun 33 and take the form, for example, of a trigger.

[0059] In relation to [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 4], the first hatch 11 is mounted on first hinges 46 opposite the rear wall 3 and the second hatch 12 is mounted on second hinges 47 opposite the intermediate wall 13. The hatches 11 and 12 could be mounted in the manner of a lid, to be completely removed from the first upper opening 9 and the second upper opening 10. In use, once the first compartment 7 is filled with pellets and the electric blower device 18 is electrically powered (connection of the plug 20 or from a rechargeable electric battery), the user grasps the gun 33 and activates the electric blower 19 which blows air from the first rigid duct 22 in the direction of the first inlet 24 towards the first outlet 26.The airflow in the first rigid duct 22 generates suction in the second rigid duct 23 (Venturi principle), which draws in the granules 48 placed in the first compartment 7. The granules extracted through the extraction orifice 16 are conveyed into the second rigid duct 23, then enter the first rigid duct 22 following a curve thanks to the deflector 31, which prevents the extracted granules from impacting as they enter the first rigid duct 22 and also prevents air from rising into the second rigid duct 23. The extracted granules are then propelled into the flexible duct 28 until they are expelled from the gun 33 connected to the outlet nozzle 32 of said flexible duct 28.

[0060] The body 2 of the dispenser 1 can be made of various materials, for example wood, metal, or plastic. The dispenser 1 can be used to dispense or spread granules of various types, for example pellets, food seeds, fertilizer, or grass seed. The dispenser 1 can be adapted in size and power, depending on the type of granules and the method of transport, whether on wheels, on a backpack, or over the shoulder.

Claims

Demands 1. Pellet dispenser (1) comprising a movable body (2), the body (2) comprising a first bulk storage compartment (7) for pellets (48), the first compartment (7) comprising a bottom (14) provided with an extraction orifice (16) for the pellets stored in the first compartment (7), the body (2) comprising a second compartment (8) which extends at least partially under the bottom (14) and which communicates with the extraction orifice (16), the pellet dispenser (1) comprising an electric blower device (18) which includes a first inlet nozzle connected to the extraction orifice (16) and a first outlet nozzle, the electric blower device (18) being housed in the second compartment (8), the pellet dispenser (1) comprising a flexible conduit (28) which includes at an upstream end a second inlet nozzle (27) and at a downstream end a second outlet nozzle (32),the first outlet nozzle of the electric blower device (18) being connected to the second inlet nozzle (27) of the flexible conduit (28), the electric blower device (18) being configured, when activated, to extract pellets (48) stored in the first compartment (7), through the extraction orifice (14), and to propel the extracted pellets into the flexible conduit (28) in order to expel said extracted pellets through the second outlet nozzle (32), outside the pellet dispenser (1), characterized in that the second compartment (8) comprises a part (8a) which extends juxtaposed to a vertical wall (13) of the first compartment (7), the body (2) comprising a first window (35) opening onto the outside of the pellet dispenser (1) and communicating with said part (8a) of the second compartment (8), the flexible conduit (28) passing through the first window (35),said part (8a) of the second compartment (8) allowing the reception of at least a portion of the flexible conduit (28), in a retracted storage position, said at least a portion of the flexible conduit (28) being extracted from said part (8a) of the second compartment (8) through the first window (35), in an extracted use position.

2. Pellet dispenser (1) according to claim 1, the electric blower device (18) comprises an electric blower (19) and a fitting (21) comprising a first rigid conduit (22) having a first inlet (24) and a first outlet (26) and a second rigid conduit (23) having a second inlet (29) and a second outlet (30), the first inlet (24) being connected to a blower outlet (25) of the electric blower (19), the first outlet (26) being connected to the second inlet fitting (27) of the conduit flexible (28), the second inlet (29) being connected to the extraction port (14) of the first compartment (7) and the second outlet (30) opening into the first conduit (22).

3. Pellet distributor (1) according to claim 2, wherein the fitting (21) includes a curved deflector (31) arranged between the first conduit (22) and the second conduit (23) at the level of the second outlet (30), the deflector (31) promoting the transfer of the extracted pellets from the second conduit (23) to the first conduit (22) without disturbing the flow of the extracted pellets.

4. Pellet dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second outlet nozzle (32) of the flexible conduit (28) includes a gun (33).

5. Pellet dispenser (1) according to claim 4, wherein said part (8a) of the second compartment (8) is dimensioned to receive the flexible conduit (28) in the retracted storage position, so that only the gun (33) remains outside the body (2), at the level of the first window (35).

6. Pellet dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first compartment (7) comprises a first upper opening (9) allowing the filling of said first compartment (7) with pellets and the second compartment (8) comprises a second upper opening (10) allowing access to the flexible conduit (28) stored at least in part in said second compartment (8) in a retracted storage position.

7. Pellet dispenser (1) according to claim 6, wherein the body (2) comprises a first hatch (11) for closing the first upper opening (9) and a second hatch (12) for closing the second upper opening (10).

8. Pellet dispenser (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first gate (11) covers the second gate (12), in a closed position of the first upper opening (9) and the second upper opening (10).

9. Granule dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bottom (14) of the first compartment (7) has a funnel shape in the direction of the extraction orifice (16).

10. Pellet dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which includes a set of wheels (37) arranged on the body (2) for ground movement of said pellet dispenser (1).

11. Pellet dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the body (2) comprises a second window (36) opening to the outside of the body (2) and allowing access to the second compartment (8), the electrical blower device (18) being arranged in the second compartment (8) so as to be accessible from the outside, from the second window (36).

12. A pellet dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein it comprises a handling member arranged on the body (2).

13. A pellet dispenser (1) according to claim 12, wherein the handling member is selected from a pair of shoulder straps (41) for carrying said pellet dispenser (1) on the back, a shoulder strap (43) for carrying the pellet dispenser (1) over one shoulder or across the body, and at least one handle (45a, 45b) for carrying, pushing, or pulling the pellet dispenser (1) with one or two hands.

14. A pellet dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the body (2) comprises a third window (40) opening onto the exterior of the body (2) and allowing at least partial viewing of the interior of the first compartment (7), said third window (40) being glazed.

15. Pellet dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the electric blower device (18) includes an electrical plug (20) connecting to an external electrical source or a rechargeable electric battery for its power supply.

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