Broadcast spreader with movable deflector

A spreader for broadcasting particulate materials comprising:

• a container for holding material to be dispensed;
• means connected to said container for facilitating movement of said container;
• a rotatable plate mounted to said container for receiving dispensed material from said container and for distributing said material;
• a mechanism for rotating said plate;
• a movable deflector connected to said container for controlling the pattern of distribution of said material, said deflector being movable about said plate;
• a mounting track attached to said container for supporting said deflector, said mounting track having an inner surface;
• and
• said deflector being movable between a refracted position and a plurality of extended positions, said movement of said deflector being by rotational motion in a generally horizontal plane;
• a port disposed between said container and said plate for passing dispensed material;
• and
• a port closure element connected to and movable with said deflector for selectively blocking said port.

A spreader for broadcasting particulate materials comprising:

• a container for holding material to be dispensed;
• means connected to said container for facilitating movement of said container;
• a rotatable plate mounted to said container for receiving dispensed material from said container and for distributing said material;
• a mechanism for rotating said plate;
• a movable deflector connected to said container for controlling the pattern of distribution of said material, said deflector being movable about said plate;
• and
• a mounting track attached to said container for supporting said deflector, said mounting track having an inner surface;
• wherein:
• said deflector is structured to nest adjacent said inner surface of said mounting track and being movable between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions, said movement of said deflector being by rotational motion in a generally horizontal plane,
• said deflector and said mounting truck both have generally L-shaped cross sections;
• said deflector extends about one hundred and twenty five degrees;
• and
• said track extends about one hundred fifty five degrees.

A spreader for broadcasting particulate materials comprising:

• a container for holding material to be dispensed;
• means connected to said container for facilitating movement of said container in a direction of travel;
• a rotatable plate mounted to said container for receiving dispensed materials from said container and for distributing said material;
• a mechanism for rotating said plate;
• a deflector connected to said container for controlling the pattern of distribution of said material, said deflector being movable about said plate;
• a mounting track having an arcuate shape in top plan view attached to said container for supporting said deflector, said deflector spreading said material in a pattern having a generally straight edge parallel to the direction of travel of said container and adjacent a side of said container;
• a port disposed between said container and said plate for passing dispensed material;
• and
• a port closure element connected and movable with said deflector for selectively blocking said port.

A spreader for broadcasting particulate materials comprising:

• a container for holding material to be dispensed;
• means connected to said container for facilitating movement of said container in a direction of travel;
• a rotatable plate mounted to said container for receiving dispensed materials from said container and for distributing said material;
• a mechanism for rotating said plate;
• a movable deflector connected to said container for controlling the pattern of distribution of said material, said deflector being movable about said plate;
• a mounting track having an arcuate shape attached to said container for supporting said deflector for blocking the distribution of material in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of said container;
• a port disposed between said container and said plate for passing dispensed material;
• and
• a port closure element connected and movable with said deflector for selectively blocking said port.