Abstract:
An aggregate-spreading device is disclosed for widening roads, filling trenches, spreading any kind of road construction material, and creating shoulders on the side of roads at a controllable, quick, and steady pace. The aggregate-spreading device may be controlled by electronic motors and electronic actuators. The aggregate-spreading device is equipped with a skeletal frame, either a first and a second adjustable spreader assembly attached on opposing ends of the skeletal frame, or a single spreader assembly for allowing an operator precise control over placement of an aggregate. The aggregate may be supplied to the first or second adjustable spreader assemblies by adjusting the rotation of a reversible conveyor system. The skeletal frame simplifies manufacturing of the aggregate-spreading device and allows for easy repairs and maintenance. The electronic motors and electronic actuators eliminate the need for hydraulics, allowing an operator to control the device from a remote location with a controller.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional application of and claims a benefit of priority under 35 USC §119, based on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/813,770, filed Jun. 11, 2010 now published as U.S. Publication No. 2011/0305551, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Devices for road widening and creating shoulders are known in the road construction industry. Many of the devices are designed for use only on either the right side of the road or the left side of a road. Oftentimes different machines must be kept on the construction site for road construction on the left and right sides of the road or the machine must be driven in a different direction. This not only increases construction costs by necessitating multiple machines, but also increases construction time as well. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,687, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated for reference, discloses the use of hydraulics for movement of aggregate-spreading systems. The hoses in these hydraulic systems may be prone to leaks and failure over time which requires maintenance and cleaning of the machine. Additionally, hydraulics can be difficult to control when precise, fine adjustments are necessary. Hydraulic fluid, hoses, and pistons also add considerable weight to the existing devices. 
     Another feature of known devices is that they are self-propelled. Many of the devices include large engines with transmissions for moving the device. This adds considerable costs as well as weight to the device. 
     What is therefore needed in the road construction industry is a low-cost device that may be either pushed by another vehicle such as a skid steer or attached to a rear end of an aggregate storage vehicle such as a dump truck, thus eliminating the need for an engine and drivetrain. Also needed is a device that eliminates hydraulics and utilizes electronic actuators and electronic motors for operation of the device. Another feature needed is a device that is constructed in a lightweight design, allowing for easier mobility, repairs, and maintenance. 
     SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     One object of the invention is to provide an aggregate-spreading device that may be attached either to a vehicle such as a skid steer and pushed behind a dump truck or suspended directly to the rear of a vehicle such as a dump truck, allowing the aggregate-spreading device to receive aggregate from the dump truck. 
     In accordance with one object of the invention, a spreader assembly may be attached on either both sides of the device or on a single side. The spreader assemblies are configured to extend and retract to and from the device and also may pivot allowing an angular adjustment. This movement may be accomplished with the use of electronic actuators, allowing an operator to have precise control over the width and depth of the aggregate that is spread. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a conveyor may be controlled with the controller to rotate in one direction for supplying aggregate to a spreader assembly on one side of the device, and controlled to reverse the rotation so as to supply aggregate to a spreader assembly on the opposite side of the device. This allows for the same device to be used when spreading aggregate on either side of the road while operating the machine in any desired direction. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the device is constructed on a skeletal frame with various components attaching to the frame including a height adjustable hopper. This allows for a modular construction and assists maintenance and repair work as various components may be removed or replaced with ease. Manufacturing costs are also lowered as is the overall weight of the device. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that has one or more of the characteristics discussed above in various combinations, thus, allowing for a reduced labor time and labor effort when spreading aggregate on a job site. These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an orthogonal view of the inventive aggregate-spreading device with a dual spreader assembly; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a back view of the aggregate-spreading device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of the aggregate-spreading device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the aggregate-spreading device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of the aggregate-spreading device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a bottom view of the aggregate-spreading device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates another orthogonal view of the aggregate-spreading device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an orthogonal view of a conveyor drive unit assembly of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an orthogonal view of the skeletal frame for an aggregate-spreading machine with a single spreader assembly; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an orthogonal view of the aggregate-spreading device equipped with a single spreader assembly; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a bottom view of the aggregate-spreading device of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a back view of the aggregate-spreading device of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a front view of the aggregate-spreading device of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of the aggregate-spreading device of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an orthogonal view of the aggregate-spreading device of  FIG. 1  in operation while attached to a skid steer; and 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an orthogonal view of the aggregate-spreading device of  FIG. 1  in operation while attached to a rear end of a dump truck. 
     
    
    
     In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the words “connected”, “attached”, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art. 
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     1. Overview 
     The present invention is directed to a device for spreading aggregate such as gravel on the side of the road. An effect of the present invention is to allow a road construction crew to widen or create a shoulder or road while minimizing the amount of time and labor required. One aspect of the invention is to provide an apparatus that is constructed on a skeletal frame and incorporates electronic motors and electronic actuators. Such an apparatus has the ability to spread aggregate all while being controlled with a manual controller that may be located remotely. The manual controller controls the electronics including electronic actuators and electronic motors to vary a conveyor speed, vary the conveyor&#39;s rotation direction, and control movement of the spreader assemblies. 
     An aggregate-spreading device is disclosed with a first and a second spreader assembly. The aggregate-spreading device is built on a skeletal frame. A hopper, for receiving an aggregate from a vehicle such as a dump truck is attached to the skeletal frame by a single hopper support bar for receiving the aggregate. Aggregate is understood to include a multitude of construction materials including, but not limited to, gravel, sand, soil, stone, hot asphalt, crushed cement, wet cement, and any other material used to construct roads. A tailgate stop extends from the support bar for limiting the dump truck&#39;s tailgate from over-extending and spilling aggregate onto undesired locations. A tailgate stop prevents the tailgate of the dump truck from opening beyond a desired amount and assures that aggregate is only supplied into the hopper. The hopper is constructed of a front wall, a back wall, and a cutout wall on each side of the hopper. The cutout walls include a cutout. A conveyor drive unit assembly is attached to the skeletal frame at either end of the conveyor, or may be attached at both ends of the conveyor, by threaded rods that attach to insertion points. This allows the conveyor drive unit assembly to be positionable, varying the tension of the conveyor. The conveyor drive unit assembly drives the conveyor in a rotating motion. The conveyor rotates by wrapping around conveyor drive which is made up of a plurality of T-shaped extensions that converge on a single roller that is supported by a bearing on each end of the single roller. The conveyor drive is rotated by a conveyor motor. The conveyor motor may transfer rotating motion directly to the single roller with a chain that attaches to the single roller in between a first bearing plate and a second bearing plate. The conveyor rotates surrounding a path that includes a plurality of rollers that are supported on the skeletal frame by roller mounts. The conveyor motor may also be a reversible motor that rotates the conveyor, plurality of rollers, and conveyor drive in a first direction and may reverse rotation to rotate the conveyor in a second direction. This allows aggregate to be delivered to either side of the aggregate-spreading device. A conveyor shield protects the edges of the conveyor. A chain shield protects the chain from any foreign objects. A first spreader assembly attached to a first end of the skeletal frame may be extended to and from the skeletal frame for controlling how wide aggregate will be spread from the skeletal frame. A second spreader assembly attaches to a second end of the skeletal frame opposite the first end and also includes a variable extension distance from the skeletal frame. 
     The aggregate-spreading device may be controlled by any electronic device, preferably a controller in communication with the conveyor motor, the first spreader assembly, and the second spreader assembly. The aggregate-spreading device may also be equipped with either hydraulics, electronic actuators, or a combination thereof for controlling the movement of the spreader assemblies. The controller may operate in a wireless fashion and be located inside a dump truck that supplies aggregate to the aggregate-spreading device, inside a vehicle such as a skid steer that pushes the aggregate-spreading device, or anywhere an operator may wish to be while controlling the device. The controller is preferably operated by a user with manual inputs and may be mounted inside the skid steer or dump truck or simply handheld. The controller may be operated to control the rotation of the conveyor to supply aggregate to the first spreader assembly when rotating in one direction and supply aggregate to the second spreader assembly when rotating in the opposite direction, control the conveyor rotation speed, and also control movement of the spreader assemblies. The controller controls the aggregate-spreading assemblies by communicating with a plurality of electronic actuators. The electronic actuators provide power to pistons that extend the aggregate-spreading assemblies to and from the skeletal frame and also provide an angular adjustment. 
     The pistons are controlled in order to determine the width and depth of the distributed aggregate. The controller and electronic actuators control the spreader assemblies so that they may be moved in multiple directions. For example, each spreader assembly is equipped with a piston, chain, and angular adjustment guide. The first spreader assembly includes a first spreader plate, a first spreader extension connected to the first spreader plate at approximately a right angle, a first chain attaching an end of the spreader plate to the skeletal frame, a first piston, and an angular adjustment guide. Also included in the second spreader assembly is a second spreader plate, a second piston, a second chain, an angular adjust guide, and a second spreader extension. 
     As aggregate is delivered into the hopper, it falls onto the conveyor which delivers the aggregate to either the first spreader assembly or the second spreader assembly depending on the inputs provided to the controller by an operator. As the aggregate is supplied to either one of the spreader assemblies, the spreader assemblies may be moved in a manner placing the first or second spreader plate closer or further away from the skeletal frame by extending or retracting the piston with input to the controller, and the spreader assemblies may be adjusted with an angular adjustment. This angular adjustment allows the spreader assemblies to tilt in the vertical direction so that the first spreader plate or the second spreader plate is closer or further away from the ground. The angular adjustment guides provide a maximum and a minimum adjustment distance as well. The first and second chains are attached to the skeletal frame and may be attached to the first or second spreader plates to provide additional support under the weight of supplied aggregate and the weight of the extended spreader assemblies themselves. 
     As discussed above, the aggregate-spreading device may be fastened to the front of a vehicle such as a skid steer but may optionally be fastened to any vehicle and pushed behind a dump truck. Contact rollers attached to the skeletal frame on the front side of the aggregate-spreading device are designed to allow contact with the rear wheels of the dump truck and rotate when in contact. Alternatively, the aggregate-spreading device may also be attached directly to the rear end of a dump truck by attaching the auxiliary mounting plate to any attachment point on the rear end of the dump truck, such as a trailer hitch. The aggregate-spreading device also has a set of wheels allowing it to roll on the road as it is suspended behind the dump truck or pushed by a skid steer. Attaching the aggregate-spreading device directly to the rear of a dump truck eliminates the need for an additional vehicle and also lowers the labor force required to widen roads and spread aggregate. 
     The skeletal frame of the aggregate-spreading device is strengthened by attachment of a plurality of plates to form an exterior skin on the skeletal frame. The plates include, for example, a front plate and extension; however, any number of plates may be attached to the skeletal frame. The plurality of plates provide structural support to the skeletal frame, and because they may be removed and re-attached, they allow for simplified repairs, simplified assembly operations, and simplified maintenance operations as compared to other construction machines that do not include a skeletal frame and plate construction. 
     A similar aggregate-spreading device is also disclosed, however, it is equipped with a single spreader assembly on a single end of the device. The device with a single spreader assembly functions identically to the device discussed above, but simply has a single spreader assembly. As there is only one spreader assembly, the conveyor only delivers aggregate to that side of the device. The hopper also includes one cutout wall with the cutout on the side of the device with the spreader assembly. The spreader assembly is similarly equipped with a spreader plate, spreader extension, piston, and chain, and operates identically to the spreader assemblies discussed above. 
     2. Detailed Description 
     The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description. 
     Beginning with  FIG. 1 , an aggregate-spreading device  1  is disclosed. The aggregate-spreading device  1  is constructed on a skeletal frame  10  with a plurality of plates attached to the exterior of the skeletal frame  10 , including a front plate  33  and an extension  50 , however, any number of additional plates may also be attached to the skeletal frame for increased rigidity and protection from damage. Also attached to the skeletal frame  10  by a hopper support bar  12 , better seen in  FIG. 2 , is a hopper  5 . The hopper  5  is constructed out of a back wall  7 , a front wall  6 , and cutout walls  9 . The cut out walls  9  each includes a cutout  4 . The hopper  5  is configured for receiving aggregate and delivering it to a conveyor  30  below. Aggregate is understood to include a multitude of construction materials including, but not limited to, top soil, wet concrete, hot asphalt, sand, gravel, crushed concrete, recycled materials, stone, and any other material used in road construction. A conveyor shield  32  guards the edge of the conveyor  30  and a chain shield  31  protects the conveyor&#39;s drive chain. The aggregate-spreading device  1  may be attached to the front of the vehicle, for example a skid steer  61 , and pushed from behind with the use of a universal mount  45  as shown in  FIG. 15 . In this configuration, the skid steer pushes the aggregate-spreading device  1  behind the dump truck  59  that supplies aggregate to the hopper  5 . A pair of contact rollers  55  is designed to contact the rear wheels of the aggregate-supplying vehicle and to rotate along with the rear wheels of the vehicle. Alternatively, the auxiliary mounting plate  53  attached to the front of the aggregate-spreading device  1  may engage with the rear of the aggregate-supplying vehicle, for example a dump truck  59 , suspending the aggregate-spreading device  1  aggregate-supplying vehicle, as shown in  FIG. 16 . This alternative configuration eliminates the need for an additional vehicle to push the aggregate-spreading device  1 . A pair of wheels  60  allows the aggregate-spreading device to roll along the ground as it moves; however, any number of wheels may be attached to the device for added support. The second spreader assembly  25  is also visible and is configured to spread aggregate that is supplied from the conveyor  30 . The second spreader assembly  25  includes a second spreader plate  26 , a second spreader extension  29  that is attached to the second spreader plate  26  at a right angle, and a second chain  28 . The second chain  28  is attached to the skeletal frame  10  on one end and the may be attached to the second spreader plate  26  at any other in order to provide additional support to the second spreader plate  26  under the load of aggregate. 
     Looking now at  FIG. 2 , the aggregate-spreading device  1  is shown from the rear. The hopper  5  is attached to sleeve hopper support bar  12  on the skeletal frame  10 . Proximate to the hopper support bar  12  is a tailgate stop  11  which prevents a dump truck&#39;s tailgate from opening beyond a desired amount as it supplies aggregate to the hopper. This limits the aggregate to being supplied only to the hopper and not to the surrounding areas. Both spreader assemblies, first spreader assembly  20 , and second spreader assembly  25 , are visible. First spreader assembly  20  is identical to the second spreader assembly  25  except it is attached to the opposite side of the skeletal frame  10 . The first spreader assembly also includes a first piston  22  that can extend and retract the first spreader plate  21  to and from the skeletal frame  10 . A first chain  23  is attached to the skeletal frame  10  and may be attached to the first spreader  21  anywhere in between the first end and the second end for supporting the weight of the first spreader assembly when extended. Second spreader assembly  25  also includes a second piston  27  that is configured to extend and retract the second spreader plate  26  to and from the skeletal frame  10 . Both spreader assemblies  20 ,  25  may be adjusted to include an angular adjustment  19  that pivots the spreader assemblies  20 ,  25  about a central axis of the aggregate-spreading device  1 , allowing the first spreader plate  21  and the second spreader plate  26  to have adjustable heights from the ground. The slope attachments  13  allow attachment of a ratcheting device from the slope attachment  13  to either spreader assembly  20 ,  25  to reinforce the positioning of the angular adjustment  19 . An angular adjustment guide  47  on both the first spreader assembly  20  and the second spreader assembly  25  controls the maximum and minimum angular adjustment. The universal mount  45  is also shown and is configured to attach to a vehicle for pushing the aggregate-spreading device  1  behind a vehicle that supplies the hopper  5  with aggregate. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the front side of the aggregate-spreading device  1  may be seen. The hopper  5  is suspended above the skeletal frame  10  by the hopper support bar  12 . The front plate  33  not only reinforces the skeletal frame  10  but also provides a mounting location for both contact rollers  55  and auxiliary mounting plate  53 . The first spreader assembly  20  and the second spreader assembly  25  receive aggregate delivered to the aggregate-spreading device  1  and are controlled to extend, retract, and adjust in an angular direction with the use of a controller  57  seen in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The controller  57  may be wired to the aggregate-spreading device  1  but is preferably a wireless controller, allowing the controller to be located in the aggregate-supplying vehicle or in the vehicle pushing the aggregate-spreading device  1 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , the aggregate-spreading device  1  is shown from the side. The hopper  5  includes a cutout  4  on the cutout wall  9 . The cutout  4  may be covered or opened to assist aggregate to spill to the desired spreader assembly. A slope attachment  13  allows attachment of a ratcheting device from the slope attachment  13  to either spreader assembly for assisting in making the angular adjustment  19  discussed above. The hopper  5  is attached to the skeletal frame  10  by a single point by the hopper support bar  12 . The tailgate stop  11  is extendable and limits the motion of a dump truck&#39;s tailgate.  FIG. 5  shows an overhead view of the aggregate-spreading device  1 . The hopper  5  is suspended directly over the conveyor  30 . The conveyor  30  is chain driven to rotate in both directions. This allows the conveyor  30  to supply aggregate to the second spreader assembly  25  when rotating in one direction and to supply aggregate to the first spreader assembly  20  when rotating in the opposite direction. The rotational direction of the conveyor  30  is controlled by the controller  57 . Chain shields  31  and conveyor shields  32  protect the edges of the conveyor  30  and of the chain, which is not pictured. 
       FIG. 6  shows a bottom view of the aggregate-spreading device  1 . The rotation of the conveyor  30  is powered by a conveyor motor  56 . The conveyor motor  56  is directly controlled by the controller  57 . This allows the operator to control the rotational direction of the conveyor  30  from any location. The conveyor  30  is supported by and assisted in rotating with the help of a plurality of rollers  41  that are attached to the skeletal frame  10  on each end. The rollers  41  are preferably ball bearing rollers to minimize friction and assist the conveyor  30  in rotating. The rotation of the conveyor  30  is powered and made possible by a conveyor drive unit assembly  35 , shown in detail in  FIG. 8 , located at each end of the conveyor  30 . The rollers  41  and conveyor motor  56  attach to the skeletal frame by interlocking with a plurality of roller mounts  43 , seen in  FIG. 9 , that are located on the skeletal frame  10  at each end of the rollers  41  and conveyor motor  46 . The aggregate-spreading device  1  is equipped with a plurality of electronic actuators  54  for moving the first spreader assembly  20  and the second spreader assembly  25 . Electronic actuators  54  control the first piston  22  and the second piston  27  along with the angular adjustment  19  to allow an operator precise control over any movement of the spreader assemblies  20 ,  25  with the use of the controller  57 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an orthographic view of the aggregate-spreading device  1 . Both of the first spreader assembly  20  and the second spreader assembly  25  can be seen. Angular adjustment guides  47  prevent over adjustment in the angular direction of the first and second spreader assemblies  20 ,  25 . A front plate support  34  acts as a truss and supports the skeletal frame  10  under the load of aggregate or when being pushed from behind or suspended from an aggregate spending vehicle. While only a single front plate support  34  is seen, there are many more front plate supports, as seen in  FIG. 9 . 
     Moving on to  FIG. 8 , the conveyor drive unit assembly  35  is shown. The conveyor drive unit assembly  35  is attached to the skeletal frame  10  with a pair of threaded rods  39  for securing the drive unit assembly to the skeletal frame  10 . The conveyor drive unit assembly  35  is attached to skeletal frame  10  on any side proximate to a spreader assembly. The conveyor drive unit assembly  35  includes a conveyor drive  40  that is made up of a plurality of T-shaped extensions that extend from a central axis of the conveyor drive  40  and converge on a single roller  48  to form a rotating drum. The single roller  48  has a bearing  36  on each end to assist in rotation. A first bearing plate  37  and a second bearing plate  38  on the ends of the single roller  48  assist in supporting the load of the conveyor drive  40 . A chain may be used to rotate the conveyor drive  40 . The chain interacts with a gear in between the first bearing plate  37  and the second bearing plate  38  that is attached to the single roller  48 . 
       FIG. 9  shows an orthographic view of the skeletal frame according to one embodiment of the invention. While the skeletal frame disclosed in  FIG. 9  is very similar to the skeletal frame of the aggregate-spreading device disclosed in  FIGS. 1-7  above, it is equipped for a single spreader assembly  14 , shown in  FIGS. 10-14 . The concept is identical to the skeletal frame of the dual spreader assembly design disclosed in  FIGS. 1-7 . The only difference in the skeletal frame  10  design for the dual spreader assembly aggregate-spreading device is that the spreader attachment  3  as seen in  FIG. 9  would be on both sides of the skeletal frame  10 , along with another angular adjustment guide  47  and electronic actuator  54 . As the skeletal frame  10  shown in  FIG. 9  has a single-spreader attachment  3 , the conveyor drive assembly mount  44  may be seen on the opposite side. The conveyor drive assembly mount  44  allows for simple attachment of the conveyor drive unit assembly  35  to the skeletal frame  10 . Mount bars  39  are inserted into the mount insertion point  42  for positive retention and location of the conveyor drive unit assembly  35  to the skeletal frame  10 . A plurality of front plate supports  34  functions as trusses to support the load on the skeletal frame  10  when the device is in use. The skeletal frame  10  also allows for easy repair and maintenance work to the aggregate-spreading device  1  as all the components may be removed from the skeletal frame  10 . The skeletal frame  10  also makes the aggregate-spreading device  1  much lighter in weight as compared to previous devices that did not incorporate a skeletal frame  10 . 
       FIG. 10  shows an orthographic view of an aggregate-spreading device  1  that includes a single spreader assembly  14 . As there is only one spreader assembly  14 , the side of the aggregate-spreading device  1  is exposed and other features may be seen. For example, the conveyor drive unit assembly  35  can be seen along with a threaded rod  39  that is attached to a threaded rod insertion point  42 . While only a single conveyor drive unit assembly  35  is seen, all aggregate-spreading devices  1  optimally are equipped with a conveyor drive unit assembly  35  on each end of the conveyor  30 . A side plate  52  strengthens the skeletal frame  10  and prevents aggregate from falling off the conveyor  30  on the side of the aggregate-spreading device  1  that does not include a spreader assembly  14 . A back plate  51  and extension  50  also strengthen the skeletal frame  10 . In all embodiments of the aggregate-spreading device  1 , the various plates strengthening the skeletal frame may be removed and reattached in order to assist maintenance, repair, and cleaning of the aggregate-spreading device  1 . The spreader assembly  14  may be extended to and from the skeletal frame  10  with the use of piston  16 . The piston  16  may also angularly adjust  19  the spreader assembly  14  exactly as is shown and discussed in  FIG. 2  and above. An angular-adjustment guide  47  is equipped to prevent over adjusting when making angular adjustments. 
     Turning to  FIG. 11 , a bottom view of the aggregate-spreading device  1  with a single spreader assembly  14  is shown. Just as in the dual spreader assembly embodiment, a plurality of rollers  41  assists the conveyor  30  in rotating. A conveyor motor  56  provides power to rotate the conveyor  30  preferably with the use of the chain attaching to the conveyor drive unit assembly  35 . An electronic actuator  54  powers the movements of the spreader assembly  14  just as disclosed in the dual spreader assembly embodiment above. Electronic actuator  54  is controlled by a controller  57  that is preferably wireless and is also in communication with the conveyor motor  56  to control all functions of the conveyor motor and movement of the spreader assembly  14  with manual input from the operator. As the controller  57  may be located anywhere, an operator may manually control the functions of the aggregate-spreading device  1  from a vehicle pushing the device from the rear or, alternatively, for a vehicle supplying aggregate to the aggregate-spreading device  1  in the front. The aggregate spring device  1  may be attached to the vehicle in front of the device via auxiliary mounting plate  53 , suspending the aggregate-spreading device  1  from the rear of the vehicle. Alternatively, the aggregate-spreading device  1  may be attached to a vehicle pushing the device from the rear by attaching a vehicle to the universal mount  45 . This optional configuration allows the aggregate-spreading device  1  as disclosed in  FIGS. 1-7  or in  FIGS. 10-14  to be attached to the rear end of a dump truck  59  with the use of auxiliary mounting plate  53  as seen in  FIG. 16 , or to the front of the vehicle such as a skid steer  61  with the universal mount  45  as is seen in  FIG. 15 . In either configuration, the controller  57  may be located in the cabin of the dump truck  59  or in the skid steer  61  allowing the operator of either vehicle to operate the functions of the aggregate-spreading device  1 . 
     When operating the aggregate-spreading device  1  from a remote location with the controller  57  from the interior of the dump truck  59  or from the interior of skid steer  61 , a means for viewing is preferably used that enables the operator to see the aggregate coming out of the dump truck  59  and being supplied to any spreader assembly. The means for viewing may include a simple device such as a plurality of mirrors or a more sophisticated device such as video cameras mounted on the aggregate-spreading device  1  and monitors located inside the cabin of the respective vehicle. Such a configuration allows for a single person to operate the dump truck  59  and operate the aggregate-spreading device  1  when the aggregate-spreading device  1  is attached to the dump truck  59  as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 12  shows a rear side view of the aggregate-spreading device  1  that includes a single spreader assembly  14 . As there is only a single spreader assembly  14 , the conveyor drive unit assembly  35 , bearing  36 , threaded rod  39 , and threaded rod insertion point  42  are exposed on the opposite side of the skeletal frame  10 . The hopper  5  is attached to the skeletal frame  10  by the hopper support bar  12 .  FIG. 13  discloses a front side view of the aggregate-spreading device  2  with a single spreader assembly  14 , just as with the dual spreader configuration of  FIGS. 1-7 . The single spreader device includes a pair of contact rollers  55  attached to the front plate  33 . The contact rollers  55  are designed to contact the rear wheels of a dump truck  59 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , when the device is pushed from the rear with attachment of a skid steer  61  via the auxiliary universal mount  45 . The wheels  60  allow the aggregate-spreading device  1  to roll on the ground as it is pushed by the skid steer  61  or when the device is suspended from the rear end of a dump truck as seen in  FIG. 16  via the auxiliary mounting plate  53 . The hopper  5  receives aggregate from a dump truck  59 , as seen in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , and is suspended above the conveyor  30 , as seen in  FIG. 14 , by a single attachment point, the hopper support bar  12 . The spreader assembly  14  operates as discussed above. 
     A top side view of the aggregate-spreading device  1  with a single spreader assembly  14  is seen in  FIG. 14 . Looking inside the hopper  5 , the side wall  8 , front wall  6 , cutout wall  9 , and rear wall  7  are shown. Aggregate supplied to the hopper  5  is directed to fall directly on the conveyor  30  for delivery to the single spreader assembly  14  as the conveyor is rotated by the conveyor drive unit assembly  35 . The bearing  36  assists the conveyor drive unit assembly  35  in rotation and the threaded rod insertion point  42  secures the threaded rod  39 , seen in  FIG. 8 , to the skeletal frame  10  thus allowing the conveyor drive unit assembly  35  to be positionable for adjusting the tension of the conveyor  30 . The universal mount  45 , secured to the skeletal frame  10  and reinforced by the extension  50 , allows attachment of the aggregate-spreading device  1  to a vehicle such as a skid steer  61 , as seen in  FIG. 15 . The aggregate-spreading device  1  may alternatively be secured to the rear side of a dump truck  59  with the auxiliary mounting plate  53 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
     Although the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications, and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape and assembled in virtually any configuration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive. 
     It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications, and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.