WO2018095586A1

WO2018095586A1 - Handheld apparatus for spreading material

Info

Publication number: WO2018095586A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/059666
Authority: WO
Inventors: Axel Mock; Regina Schneider
Original assignee: Husqvarna Ab
Priority date: 2016-11-23
Filing date: 2017-04-24
Publication date: 2018-05-31
Also published as: TW201818804A

Abstract

The present invention relates a handheld apparatus (100) for spreading material. The handheld apparatus (100) includes a bucket member (102) configured to store the material, and having a closable dispensing opening (114). The handheld apparatus (100) further includes an actuating member (118) disposed on the bucket member (102), and a housing member (120) connected below the bucket member (102). The handheld apparatus (100) further includes a rotating member (122) disposed within the housing member (120) and positioned at a predefined distance from the housing member (120). The rotating member (122) is operably associated with the actuating member (118) to receive rotary movement therefrom. The predefined distance of the rotating member (122) from the housing member (120) is greater than maximum size of the material passing through the dispensing opening (114).

Description

HANDHELD APPARATUS FOR SPREADING MATERIAL

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a spreading apparatuses, and more particularly to a handheld apparatus for spreading materials.

BACKGROUND

Spreader apparatuses are generally used for spreading and distributing materials, including, but not limited to, fertilizer and seeds on surfaces like, lawns, farm land etc. A spreader apparatus typically includes a bucket member, a dispensing opening, and an actuating handle. The bucket member stores the material to be distributed. The dispensing opening is provided on a bottom side of the bucket member. The actuating handle is disposed on the bucket member to rotate a rotating member within the bucket member. Further, a housing member having a spreader plate is attached to the bucket member. Rotation of the actuating handle rotates the rotating member and the spreading spreader. Owing to such rotation of the rotating member and the spreading spreader, the material of the bucket member passes through the dispensing opening to get dispensed on the surface below the spreader apparatus. Since the spreader apparatus may be employed for spreading material having particles with varying sizes and hardness, the particles may get stuck at the housing member often between the spreader plate and the housing member. This may lead to jamming of the rotating member and stopping or hindering of flow of the material from the bucket member.

The US Patent number 3227461 (hereinafter referred as the patent '461 ) discloses a material spreading and broadcasting device. The material spreading and broadcasting device includes a housing that can be held with one hand and a rotatable crank mounted on the housing that can be operated by the other hand. Pellet material or the like is stored in the housing, and is deposited selectively on a rotating impeller member that has blades for centrifugally casting the material over a dispersed area.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing, there is a need for an improved handheld spreader apparatus which can overcome one or more problems stated above.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the problems discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved according to a handheld apparatus for spreading material. The handheld apparatus includes a bucket member configured to store the material, and having a closable dispensing opening. The handheld apparatus further includes an actuating member disposed on the bucket member, and a housing member connected below the bucket member. The handheld apparatus furthermore includes a rotating member disposed within the housing member and positioned at a predefined distance from the housing member. The rotating member is operably associated with the actuating member to receive rotary movement therefrom. The predefined distance of the rotating member from the housing member is greater than maximum size of the material passing through the dispensing opening. Since, the predetermined distance between the rotating member and the housing member is greater than the maximum size of the material passing through the dispensing opening; any likelihood of material clogging in the rotating member is eliminated. Further, any likelihood of damage to the rotating member and the housing member is also eliminated.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the housing member includes a plurality of slots.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the housing member includes a top wall, a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls encompassing the rotating member. According to an aspect of the present invention, the distance between the rotating member with respect to each of the top wall, the bottom wall and the side walls is greater than the maximum size of the material. Since the distance between the rotating member and each of the top wall, the bottom wall, and the side walls of the housing member is greater than the maximum size of the material, the material coming from the dispensing opening is allowed to pass therethrough.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the plurality of slots of the housing member may be defined on the bottom wall of the housing member.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the plurality of slots of the housing member is defined on the bottom wall of the housing member by a set of ribs. Each slot of plurality of slots is greater in size than the maximum size of the material. Since the each slot of plurality of slots may be greater in size than the maximum size of the material passing through the dispensing opening, any likelihood of material clogging in the housing member is also eliminated.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the housing member is detachably connected to the bucket member.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the rotating member is operably associated with the actuating member to receive rotary movement through one of a gear arrangement and a belt arrangement.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the actuating member is configured to be operated manually.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the handle is mounted on the bucket member.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the handle is provided with a knob to selectively open the dispensing opening of the bucket member.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a recessed handle portion is defined on the bucket member. According to an aspect of the present invention, the bucket member is having a rectangular cross section.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the bucket member is having a circular cross section.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the handheld tool is configured to dispense at least one of seeds, salt, fertilizers, sand and stones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a handheld apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the handheld apparatus shown in FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the handheld apparatus shown in FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a portion of the handheld apparatus shown in FIG. 1 along an axis A-A', according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the handheld apparatus shown in FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a handheld apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The handheld apparatus 100 may be used for spreading and/or distributing a material or a mixture of materials. In the present disclosure, the handheld apparatus 100 is embodied as a spreader apparatus which can be used for spreading and distributing the material at a farm or a garden. The materials may include seeds, salt, fertilizers, sand and stones or any other material in a form of granules of different sizes and shapes. The granules of the material may have a minimum size and a maximum size.

The handheld apparatus 100 includes a bucket member 102 adapted to contain the material. In an example, the bucket member 102 may have a cup shape or a cylindrical shape or any other shape known in the art, to carry the material during operation of the handheld apparatus 100. In another example, the bucket member 102 may have a circular cross sectional configuration, or a rectangular cross sectional configuration, or any other cross sectional configuration/shape known in the art. The configuration of the bucket member 102 may define a predefined volume of the material that may be contained in the bucket member 102.

The bucket member 102 may include a base portion 104, and a plurality of exterior walls, such as a first side vertical wall 106, a second side vertical wall 108, a front vertical wall 110, and a back vertical wall 112. The first side vertical wall 106, the second side vertical wall 108, the front vertical wall 110, and the back vertical wall 112 may be connected to each other and extend upwardly from the base portion 104. In the disclosed embodiment, the first side vertical wall 106, the second side vertical wall 108, the front vertical wall 110, and the back vertical wall 112 diverge upwardly from the base portion 104 to define an open top portion (not numbered) opposite to the base portion 104. The material to be distributed through the handheld apparatus 100 may be filled in the bucket member 102 through the open top portion.

The bucket member 102 further includes a closable dispensing opening 114, as shown in FIG. 2 which illustrates a top view of the handheld apparatus 100. The closable dispensing opening 114, also referred to as "dispensing opening 114," may be defined on the base portion 104. The dispensing opening 114 may have a predefined size of a square, rectangular, circular or any other configuration. In an example, the dispensing opening 114 may have a size bigger that the maximum size of the material contained in the bucket member 102.

In an alternative embodiment, the bucket member 102 may include fewer or more number of walls defining the bucket member 102. For example, if the bucket member 102 has cylindrical configuration or a circular configuration, one cylindrical outer wall (not shown) may extend upwardly from the base portion 104 to define the bucket member 102.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and 2, the handheld apparatus 100 further includes a handle 116, an actuating member 118, a housing member 120 and a rotating member 122. The actuating member 118 is disposed on the bucket member 102. The housing member 120 is connected below the bucket member 102. The rotating member 122 is disposed within the housing member 120. The rotating member 122 is positioned at a predefined distance from the housing member 120. Further, the rotating member 122 is operably associated with the actuating member 118 to receive rotary movement. The predefined distance of the rotating member 122 from the housing member 120 may be greater than the maximum size of the material passing through the dispensing opening 114.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the handheld apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The handle 116 may be mounted on one of the exterior walls of the bucket member 102. In the illustrated example, the handle 116 is mounted on the back vertical wall 112 of the bucket member 102. In alternative example, the handle 116 may be mounted on any one of the first side vertical wall 106, the second side vertical wall 108, and the front vertical wall 110, of the bucket member 102. In one embodiment, the handle 116 may be detachably mounted on the back vertical wall 112 of the bucket member 102. Alternatively, the handle 116 may be integral to the back vertical wall 112 of the bucket member 102.

The handle 116 may include a first portion 124 and a second portion 126. The first portion 124 of the handle 116 may be connected to the back vertical wall 112 of the bucket member 102 and the second portion 126 extends at an inclination therefrom. The handle 116 may have a rectangular tubular cross-section and a cylindrical tubular cross- section. In another embodiment, the handle 116 may be a recessed handle portion defined on the back vertical wall 112 of the bucket member 102. The handle 116 may enable the user to hold the handheld apparatus 100 with just one hand.

The handle 116 may be provided with a knob 128 to selectively open and close the dispensing opening 114 of the bucket member 102. Specifically, the knob 128 is a part of a locking mechanism 130 which also includes a closure member 132 connected to the knob 128. The locking mechanism 130 may be operated to selectively open and close the dispensing opening 114 of the bucket member 102. In an example, actuation of the knob 128 may move the closure member 132 to conceal the dispensing opening 114 to stop the passage of the material to the dispensing opening 114. Further, the actuation of the knob 128 may also move the closure member 132 to open the dispensing opening 114 to allow the passage of the material to the dispensing opening 114. In the same example, a marginal actuation of the knob 128 may move the closure member 132 slightly, to partially conceal the dispensing opening 114 to allow the passage of small amount or quantity of the material through the dispensing opening 114. As shown in FIG. 1 , 2 and 3, the actuating member 118 may be connected to the bucket member 102. In one embodiment, the actuating member 118 may be configured to be operated manually by the user to rotate the rotating member 122. Alternatively, the actuating member 118 may be operated electrically, may be through a motor to rotate the rotating member 122. The actuating member 118 may be disposed on the first side vertical wall 106 of the bucket member 102.

As illustrated, the actuating member 118 is operably associated with the rotating member 122 through a gear arrangement 134, to receive rotary movement from the actuating member 118. The actuating member 118 may include a lever 136 and a gripping member 138 connected to the lever 136. The gripping member 138 may be rotated, to rotate the lever 136 for providing a rotatory movement to the rotating member 122.

The gear arrangement 134 includes a bevel gear 140, a bevel pinion 142, a gear 144, a pinion 146, a vertically extending drive shaft 148, and an impeller 150. The lever 136 of the actuating member 118 is connected to the bevel gear 140, through a clipping member 143. The bevel gear 140 is disposed behind the first side vertical wall 106. The bevel gear 140 is in meshing engagement with the bevel pinion 142 and drives the bevel pinion 142. The bevel pinion 142 is integral to the gear 144. Therfore, the gear 144 rotates with rotation of the bevel pinion 142. Further, the gear 144 is in meshing engagement with the pinion 146 which is mounted on the vertically extending drive shaft 148. The impeller 150 is also mounted on the vertically extending drive shaft 148. Furthermore, the rotating member 122 is also mounted on the vertically extending drive shaft 148.

In an embodiment, the rotating member 122 may be operably associated with the actuating member 118 through a belt arrangement (not illustrated), to receive rotary movement from the actuating member 118. In alternative embodiments, the rotating member 122 may be operably associated with the actuating member 118 through any other mechanical arrangement known in the art. As illustrated, the rotating member 122 may include a plate portion 152 and a plurality of blades 154 extending outwardly from the plate portion 152. The blades 154 may have a curved profile. In alternative embodiments, the blades 154 may have a straight, or any other profile. The blades 154 have a predetermined height from the plate portion 152. Although the illustrations show four blades 154, the rotating member 122, in alternative embodiments, may include fewer or more number of blades, such as the blades 154.

Referring now to FIG. 4 which shows a sectional view of a portion of the handheld apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 along an axis A-A,' and FIG. 5 which shows a bottom perspective view of the handheld apparatus 100. The housing member 120 may be mounted to the base portion 104 of the bucket member 102. The housing member 120 may be detachably connected to the base portion 104 of the bucket member 102 through a plurality of bolts 156 (shown in FIG. 3). Alternatively, the housing member 120 may be detachably connected to the base portion 104 of the bucket member 102 through any other means.

The housing member 120 includes a top wall 158, a bottom wall 160 below the top wall 158, and a plurality of side walls 162 connecting the top wall 158 and the bottom wall 160. As discussed earlier, the rotating member 122 is disposed within the housing member 120. The rotating member 122 is disposed within the housing member 120 such that the top wall 158, the bottom wall 160, and a plurality of side walls 162 encompass the rotating member 122. A predetermined distance is provided between the rotating member 122 and each of the top wall 158, the bottom wall 160 and the side walls 162. The predetermined distance between the rotating member 122 with respect to each of the top wall 158, the bottom wall 160 and the side walls 162 is greater than the maximum size of the material.

Further, the housing member 120 includes a plurality of slots 164.

The plurality of slots 164 may be defined on the bottom wall 160 of the housing member 120. The slots 164 are positioned below the rotating member 122. Each slot of the plurality of slots 164 may be greater in size than the maximum size of the material. The plurality of slots 164 of the housing member 120 may be defined, on the bottom wall 160 of the housing member 120, by a set of ribs 166. The set of ribs 166 extend radially outwardly from a center of the bottom wall 160, to define the slots 164.

During utilisation of the handheld apparatus 100 filled with the material having granules varying from the minimum size to the maximum size in the bucket member 102, the lever 136 of the actuating member 118 is rotated. When the lever 136 is rotated, the bevel gear 140 rotates, and the bevel pinion 142 in meshing arrangement with the bevel gear 140 also rotates. The bevel pinion 142 rotates the gear 144 which rotates the pinion 146. The vertically extending drive shaft 148 rotates with the pinion 146. Further, since the impeller 150 and the rotating member 122 are mounted on the vertically extending drive shaft 148, rotation of the vertically extending drive shaft 148 also rotates the impeller 150 and the rotating member 122. Due to such rotation of the impeller 150, the material contained in the bucket member 102 is agitated and induced to move.

The material contained in the bucket member 102 flows through the dispensing opening 114 towards the housing member 120. The rotating member 122, positioned within the housing member 120, also rotates with the vertically extending drive shaft 148. Further, the material passes through a gap (the predetermined distance) between the rotating member 122 and the top wall 158, the bottom wall 160, and a plurality of side walls 162 of the housing member 120. Owing to the predetermined distance between the rotating member 122 and each of the top wall 158, the bottom wall 160, and a plurality of side walls 162 of the housing member 120, the material coming from the dispensing opening 114 is allowed to pass therethrough. Since the predetermined distance between the rotating member 122 and the housing member 120 is greater than the maximum size of the material passing through the dispensing opening 114, any likelihood of material clogging in the rotating member 122 is eliminated. Further, any likelihood of damage to the rotating member 122 and the housing member 120 is also eliminated.

Subsequently, the material is allowed to pass through the plurality of slots 164 of the housing member 120. Since the each slot of plurality of slots 164 may be greater in size than the maximum size of the material passing through the dispensing opening 114, any likelihood of material clogging in the housing member 120 is also eliminated.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 Handheld Apparatus

102 Bucket Member

104 Base Portion

106 First Side Vertical Wall

108 Second Side Vertical Wall

1 10 Front Vertical Wall

1 12 Back Vertical Wall

1 14 Dispensing Opening

1 1 6 Handle

1 18 Actuating Member

120 Housing Member

122 Rotating Member

24 First Portion

126 Second Portion

128 Knob

130 Locking Mechanism

132 Closure Member

134 Gear Arrangement

136 Lever

138 Gripping Member

140 Bevel Gear

142 Bevel Pinion

143 Clipping Member

144 Gear

146 Pinion

148 Vertically Extending Drive Shaft

150 Impeller

152 Plate Portion

154 Blades

156 Bolts

158 Top Wall Bottom Wall Side Walls Slots Ribs

Claims

1 . A handheld apparatus (100) for spreading material, the handheld apparatus (100) comprising:

a bucket member (102) configured to store the material, and having a closable dispensing opening (114);

an actuating member (118) disposed on the bucket member (102); a housing member (120) connected below the bucket member

(102);

a rotating member (122) disposed within the housing member (120) and positioned at a predefined distance from the housing member (120), wherein the rotating member (122) is operably associated with the actuating member (118) to receive rotary movement therefrom;

characterised in that

the predefined distance of the rotating member (122) from the housing member (120) is greater than maximum size of the material passing through the dispensing opening (114).

The handheld apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the housing member (120) has a plurality of slots (164).

The handheld apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the housing member (120) includes a top wall (158), a bottom wall (160) and a plurality of side wall (162) encompassing the rotating member (122).

The handheld apparatus (100) according to claim 1 and 3, wherein the distance between the rotating member (122) with respect to each of the top wall (158), the bottom wall (160) and the side walls (162) is greater than the maximum size of the material.

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5. The handheld apparatus (100) according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of slots (164) of the housing member (120) are defined on the bottom wall (160) of the housing member (120).

The handheld apparatus (100) according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of slots (164) of the housing member (120) are defined on the bottom wall (160) of the housing member (120) by a set of ribs (166), wherein the each slot of plurality of slots (164) is greater in size than the maximum size of the material.

The handheld apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the housing member (120) is detachably connected to the bucket member (102).

The handheld apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the rotating member (122) is operably associated with the actuating member (118) to receive rotary movement through one of a gear arrangement (134) and a belt arrangement.

The handheld apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the actuating member (118) is configured to be operated manually.

10. The handheld apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , wherein a handle (116) is mounted on the bucket member (102).

1 1 . The handheld apparatus (100) according to claim 9, wherein the handle (116) is provided with a knob (128) to selectively open the dispensing opening (114) of the bucket member (102).

12. The handheld apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , wherein recessed handle portion is defined on the bucket member (102).

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13. The handheld apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bucket member (102) is having a rectangular cross section.

14. The handheld apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bucket member (102) is having a circular cross section.

15. The handheld apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims is configured to dispense at least one of seeds, salt, fertilizers, sand and stones.

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