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.

1 . A spreader assembly comprising:
 a mobile support element,   a spreader attached to and conveyed by said support element, said spreader including a means for depositing granular material upon a surface proximate said support element, and   means for directing a stream of air to a portion of said surface to substantially clear said surface of said deposited material.   
   
   
       2 . The spreader assembly of  claim 1  wherein said means for directing a stream of air comprises a blower mounted upon said mobile support element and a duct or hose attached to said blower for receiving stream of air from said blower and conveying said stream of air to said surface. 
   
   
       3 . The spreader assembly of  claim 1  wherein said spreader comprises a rotary spreader having a rotary impeller powered by an electric motor. 
   
   
       4 . The spreader assembly of  claim 1  wherein said blower is powered by an internal combustion engine. 
   
   
       5 . A spreader assembly comprising:
 a mobile base,   a powered drive unit for moving said base across a ground surface, said mobile base projecting from said drive unit,   a spreader mounted to said base, and   means for producing and directing a stream of air to a selected portion of said ground surface proximate said base to substantially clear said portion of debris.   
   
   
       6 . The spreader assembly of  claim 5  wherein said mobile base comprises a generally rectangular, horizontally disposed frame. 
   
   
       7 . The spreader assembly of  claim 5  further comprising an engine for powering said powered drive unit. 
   
   
       8 . The spreader assembly of  claim 5  wherein said spreader comprises a hopper mounted to said mobile base and means for distributing granular material from said hopper to a portion of said ground surface proximate said base. 
   
   
       9 . The spreader assembly of  claim 5  wherein said spreader comprises a rotary spreader. 
   
   
       10 . The spreader assembly of  claim 5  further comprising a blower mounted upon said base, said blower comprising a rotating fan blade and nozzle for receiving a stream of air produced by said blade. 
   
   
       11 . The spreader assembly of  claim 10  further comprising means for directing said stream of air downward toward said ground surface. 
   
   
       12 . The spreader assembly of  claim 11  wherein said means for directing comprises one or more lengths of hose or duct connected to aid blower to receive said stream of air. 
   
   
       13 . The spreader assembly of  claim 12  further comprising means for selectively opening or closing one or more of said hoses or ducts. 
   
   
       14 . The spreader assembly of  claim 13  where said means for selectively opening or closing comprises valves adapted to control the flow of air through said hoses or ducts. 
   
   
       15 . A spreader assembly for spreading seed, fertilizer or pesticide granules, or other granular material upon a lawn, the assembly comprising:
 a spreader for distributing granular upon a lawn, said spreader mounted upon a rolling base,   a blower mounted to said base for directing a flow of air generally downward and outward from said base, said flow having sufficient velocity and volume to remove a substantial portion of said granules from a selected area of said ground surface.   
   
   
       16 . The spreader assembly of  claim 15  further comprising a powered drive unit attached to said base for driving said base across a ground surface, said powered drive unit including driven wheels and an engine for driving said wheels. 
   
   
       17 . The spreader assembly of  claim 15  further comprising an engine for powering said blower and an electric motor for powering a rotary impeller. 
   
   
       18 . The spreader assembly of  claim 17  further comprising a belt connecting a first pulley driven by said engine to a second pulley attached to the fan blade of said blower, whereby rotative force conveyed to said first pulley by said engine is further conveyed by movement of said belt to said second pulley and then to said blade. 
   
   
       19 . The spreader assembly of  claim 18  further comprising an electronic clutch for selectively engaging and disengaging power from said engine to said first pulley. 
   
   
       20 . The spreader assembly of  claim 18  further comprising a slack clutch for selectively engaging and disengaging power from said first pulley to said second pulley.