Broadcast spreader with movable deflector

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to a broadcast spreader and more particularly to a broadcast spreader having a simple and reliable movable deflector.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of the broadcast spreader of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the broadcast spreader of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a plan view of the container of the spreader shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

#While the present invention is open to various modifications and alternative constructions, the preferred embodiment shown in the drawing will be described herein in detail. It is understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalent structures and methods, and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

#The simplicity of the new spreader may be seen by referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2. Front and rear isometric views of a broadcast spreader 10 are illustrated. The spreader includes a container or hopper 12 into which particulate or granular material such as fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, seed and the like are placed by a user. The hopper 12 is mounted to a pair of wheels 14, 16 which are connected by an axle 18. Connecting the hopper to the wheels and the axle are opposing tubular legs 20, 22 which are also connected to a tubular handle 24 and a tubular rest stand 26.

#Located beneath the hopper 12 is a rotatable plate, rotor plate or impeller 30 which is driven by a set of gears within a gearbox 32. The upper portion of the tubular handle may include a foam grip 34, and the spreader may be foldable at a junction 36 to allow storage and shipping in a compact configuration. A hopper closure assembly including a closure lever 40, an adjustment micrometer 42, a control wire 44 and a slidable closure plate 46 are provided to allow an operator to meter the amount of material which leaves the hopper. The hopper has an opening 45, FIG. 3, at its lowest elevation through which the dispensing material leaves the hopper. The closure plate 46 is mounted to the hopper to block or unblock the opening 45 depending upon whether the spreader is in use. When in use, an operator may manipulate the micrometer to adjust the degree to which the opening is unblocked. If larger particulate matter is being dispensed, the closure plate may block less of the opening. If fine material is being dispensed, more of the opening may be blocked. The position of the closure plate is controlled by the lever 40 and the micrometer 42 and the decisions of the user are transmitted by the wire 44 to the closure plate. Disposed just upstream of the impeller 30 are a deflector 50 and a track 52 to which the deflector is mounted in a rotatable relationship.