Spreader apparatus and method

Abstract

A spreader apparatus for use with a vehicle. The spreader apparatus includes an auger portion and a flow bar. The auger portion is configured to spread solid material on a surface. The flow bar is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the auger portion, and includes a plurality of nozzles. The flow bar is configured to spread fluid through each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles onto the surface.

1 . A spreader apparatus for use with a vehicle, the spreader apparatus comprising:
 an auger portion configured to spread solid material on a surface; and   a flow bar disposed in mechanical cooperation with the auger portion, the flow including a plurality of nozzles, the flow bar configured to spread fluid through each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles onto the surface.   
     
     
         2 . The spreader apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the flow bar is affixed to the auger portion. 
     
     
         3 . The spreader apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the flow bar is removably attached to the auger portion. 
     
     
         4 . The spreader apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the flow bar includes a fluid inlet configured to connect to a hose, the fluid inlet being disposed in fluid communication with each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles. 
     
     
         5 . The spreader apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the flow bar is positioned distally of the auger portion. 
     
     
         6 . A method of treating a road surface, the method comprising:
 spreading a solid material onto the road surface with an auger portion of a spreader apparatus; and   spreading a fluid onto the road surface with a flow bar of the spreader apparatus.   
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , further comprising removably attaching the flow bar to the auger portion. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein spreading a solid material onto the road surface includes spreading at least one of sodium acetate, salt, or sand onto the road surface. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein spreading a fluid onto the road surface includes spreading at least one of an anti-icing solution, a de-icing solution, or a brine solution onto the road surface. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 6 , further comprising installing the spreader apparatus onto a truck. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein installing the spreader apparatus onto the truck includes removably installing the spreader apparatus onto the truck. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein installing the spreader apparatus onto the truck includes permanently installing the spreader apparatus onto the truck. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 10 , further comprising connecting a fluid inlet of the flow bar with a fluid tank. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein spreading the solid material onto the road surface is performed at the same time as spreading the fluid onto the road surface. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein spreading the solid material onto the road surface is performed at a different time as spreading the fluid onto the road surface. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein spreading a solid material onto the road surface includes spreading at least one of asphalt, concrete, or aggregates onto the road surface. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein spreading a fluid onto the road surface includes spreading at least one of a cleaning solution, or an adhesive onto the road surface.