Patent Publication Number: US-2020298261-A1

Title: Modular dual wall spreader with liquid storage tanks

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/820,596, filed Mar. 19, 2019, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a vehicle mounted assembly for spreading granular particles and/or spraying liquid onto the ground or road surfaces. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The spreading of salt, sand, seed, fertilizer, or other generally dry, free-flowing material is common in many areas of road or driveway maintenance, landscaping, and agriculture. Various types of hopper spreader apparatuses that are mounted on a vehicle or towed by the vehicle have been developed for spreading or dispensing dry, free-flowing materials, with some hopper spreader units being permanently or semi-permanently mounted onto vehicles such as heavy duty trucks, while others, known as “insert hopper spreaders,” may be removably mounted onto vehicles such as pick-up trucks. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a hopper spreader assembly that has a modular dual-wall hopper for containing one or more liquids to be sprayed and for also containing dry, free-flowing material to be spread. The hopper spreader assembly facilitates dispersion of liquid and solid material separately or together, which can include such applications as dust control, dispensing of pesticides, herbicides, liquid salt, or liquid deicers, for example. The hopper spreader assembly can be built or reconfigured to different sizes, i.e. shortened or elongated, depending on vehicle size and volume(s) of solid/liquid materials required. The modular construction of the hopper spreader assembly further allows for its parts to be easily repaired and/or replaced, to avoid a costly replacement of the entire hopper in case of damage or disrepair. The modular double wall hopper construction of the hopper spreader assembly, in turn, allows for one or different liquids to be carried and subsequently dispensed by the hopper spreader assembly, and further reduces the turbulence of the liquid(s) carried by the hopper spreader assembly, which improves stability of the vehicle carrying or towing the hopper spreader assembly on the road. 
     In one form of the present invention, a hopper spreader assembly for spraying liquid(s) and spreading solid material includes a first dual-wall hopper module and a second dual-wall hopper module. The first dual-wall hopper module has a first liquid chamber defined between a first inner surface portion and a first outer surface portion. The second dual-wall hopper module has a second liquid chamber defined between a second inner surface portion and a second outer surface portion. The first inner surface portion cooperates with the second inner surface portion to define a receptacle for receiving and storing solid material such that the first and second hopper modules form a hopper that is sized and shaped to be received on a bed of a truck or a support vehicle. The hopper spreader assembly further includes a fluid conduit for filling or draining a liquid into or out of the first and second liquid chambers, a liquid pump in fluid communication with the first and second liquid chambers for drawing the liquid from the first and second liquid chambers, a selector valve in fluid communication with the fluid pump for directing the liquid drawn from the first and second liquid chambers, and a liquid dispenser in fluid communication with the selector valve for distributing the liquid onto an application area. 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, the fluid conduit is configured to inter-connect the first and second hopper modules in fluid communication with one another. The fluid conduit includes a plurality of liquid fittings, each liquid fitting adapted to fluidly connect a respective one of the first or second liquid chambers with the fluid conduit. 
     According to another aspect, the hopper spreader assembly further includes a central processing unit (CPU) communicatively connected to the selector valve and operable to control the selector valve. The selector valve is electrically operable in response to operator commands received from the CPU, and manually operable in response to manual intervention by an operator. 
     According to yet another aspect, the liquid dispenser includes a pre-wet nozzle, a hose reel with a dispensing hose, and a spray bar, each selectively supplied with the liquid through the selector valve controlled by the CPU. 
     According to still another aspect, each of the first and second hopper modules includes a pair of corner openings configured to receive respective lifting and mounting assemblies. Each lifting and mounting assembly includes an elongated spacer, an upper plate disposed at an upper end of the spacer, a ring member with a ring plate and a nut fastener disposed at a lower end of the spacer, and a corner bolt extending through the spacer and threadably engaging the nut fastener. 
     In a further aspect, the first and second hopper modules are secured together by a structural support that includes a pair of generally parallel rods extending longitudinally along the first and second inner surface portions. Each rod has opposite end portions that are configured to couple to respective corner portions of the first and second hopper modules. The rods are coupled together by at least one structural bar laterally extending between the rods. 
     In yet a further aspect, the hopper spreader assembly further includes a third dual-wall hopper module disposed between the first and second hopper modules. The third dual-wall hopper module has a third liquid chamber defined between a third inner surface portion and a third outer surface portion. The first, second, and third dual-wall hopper modules are correspondingly shaped and cooperate to form the hopper defining the receptacle. The first, second, and third liquid chambers are interconnected in fluid communication with one another to form a single liquid reservoir. The first, second, and third inner surface portions are at least partially angled and converging at a bottom of the receptacle so that said receptacle is shaped as a trough. Each of the first, second, and third liquid chambers is in fluid communication with the selector valve that directs the liquid drawn from the first, second, and third liquid chambers to the liquid dispenser for distributing the liquid onto the application area. The third dual-wall hopper module includes separate left and right module portions disposed on opposite lateral sides of the hopper. 
     In still another aspect, each module further includes a pair of side walls. Each side wall includes a flange with a plurality of openings for receiving fasteners to removably secure each hopper module to a respective adjacent hopper module. Each pair of adjacent flanges is further secured together by a structural brace. 
     In yet another aspect, the hopper spreader assembly further includes a hopper module insert defining a fourth liquid chamber disposed within the receptacle. The fourth liquid chamber is in fluid communication with the selector valve and the liquid dispenser. The fourth liquid chamber is not connected in fluid communication with the first, second, or third liquid chambers. 
     In still another aspect, the selector valve comprises a plurality of selector valves including a first selector valve configured to direct the liquid drawn from the fourth liquid chamber to at least one of the pre-wet nozzle, spray bar, and the dispensing hose of the hose reel, and a second selector valve configured to direct the liquid drawn from the first and second liquid chambers to the at least one of the pre-wet nozzle, the spray bar, and the dispensing hose. 
     In yet another aspect, the hopper spreader assembly further includes a rinse line with a rinse valve fluidly connected to the first, second, third, and fourth liquid chambers. The rinse line is configured to fill the first, second, third and fourth liquid chambers with a cleaning solution to be drained through any one of the pre-wet nozzle, the spray bar, and the dispensing hose. 
     In still another aspect, the hopper spreader assembly further includes a spreader assembly that includes (i) a pre-wet nozzle and a spray bar of said liquid dispenser and (ii) a spinner system. The hopper defines a lower aperture for receiving an auger or conveyor mechanism that is adapted to move the solid material from the receptacle to the spreader assembly. 
     In another form of the present invention, a hopper spreader assembly for spraying liquid(s) and spreading solid material includes a first dual-wall hopper module and a second dual-wall hopper module. The first dual-wall hopper module has a first liquid chamber defined between a first inner surface portion and a first outer surface portion. The second dual-wall hopper module has a second liquid chamber defined between a second inner surface portion and a second outer surface portion. The hopper spreader assembly further includes a fluid conduit for filling or draining a liquid into or out of the first and second liquid chambers, a liquid pump in fluid communication with the first and second liquid chambers for drawing the liquid from the first and second liquid chambers, a hose reel with a dispensing hose for distributing the liquid onto an application area, a pre-wet nozzle for distributing the liquid onto the application area, and a selector valve in fluid communication with the fluid pump for directing the liquid drawn from the first and second liquid chambers to the hose reel and the pre-wet nozzle. The first inner surface portion cooperates with the second inner surface portion to define a receptacle for receiving and storing solid material such that the first and second hopper modules form a hopper that is sized and shaped to be received on a bed of a truck or a support vehicle. 
     In yet another form of the present invention, a hopper spreader assembly for spraying liquid(s) and spreading solid material includes a first dual-wall hopper module, a second dual-wall hopper module, and a third dual-wall hopper module. The first dual-wall hopper module has a first liquid chamber defined between a first inner surface portion and a first outer surface portion. The second dual-wall hopper module has a second liquid chamber defined between a second inner surface portion and a second outer surface portion. The third dual-wall hopper module has a third liquid chamber defined between a third inner surface portion and a third outer surface portion. The hopper spreader assembly further includes a fluid conduit for filling or draining a liquid into or out of the first, second, and third liquid chambers. A liquid pump operable to draw the liquid from the first, second, and third liquid chambers. A hose reel with a dispensing hose operable to distribute the liquid onto an application area. A pre-wet nozzle operable to distribute the liquid onto the application area, and a selector valve in fluid communication with the fluid pump for directing the liquid drawn from the first, second, and third liquid chambers to the hose reel and the pre-wet nozzle. The fluid conduit extends along a lower surface of each of the first, second, and third hopper modules and comprises a plurality of liquid fittings, each of which is adapted to fluidly connect a respective one of the first, second, and third liquid chambers with the fluid conduit. The first, second, and third inner surface portions cooperate to define a receptacle for receiving and storing solid material such that the first, second, and third hopper modules form a hopper that is sized and shaped to be received on a bed of a truck or a support vehicle. 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, the hopper spreader assembly further includes a hopper module insert defining a fourth liquid chamber disposed within the receptacle. The fourth liquid chamber is in fluid communication with the selector valve, the hose reel, and the pre-wet nozzle. The fourth liquid chamber is not connected in fluid communication with the first, second, and third hopper modules. 
     Thus, the present invention provides a modular hopper spreader assembly that is reconfigurable in size and volume, with spreading equipment and various liquid dispensing equipment. The spreading and dispensing equipment, which can receive liquids and solids from different chambers, allows the hopper spreader assembly to separately or concurrently spread solid material and dispense one or more liquids onto the ground and/or road surfaces, depending on an application. 
     These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a modular double-wall hopper spreader, in accordance with the present invention, shown mounted on a bed of a vehicle; 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the modular hopper spreader of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of structural and plumbing/spreading components of the modular hopper spreader with hopper modules omitted for clarity; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a modular hopper of the modular hopper spreader of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of an extended modular hopper; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective views of the respective modular hoppers of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , each shown with a structural support frame and a screen portion attached thereto; 
         FIG. 6A  is a bottom perspective view of the extended modular hopper of  FIG. 4B ; 
         FIG. 6B  is an exploded top perspective view of the extended modular hopper of  FIG. 4B ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a side sectional view of a portion of the modular hopper spreader of  FIG. 5A , showing the structural support frame; 
         FIG. 7B  is an enlarged view of the region designated “ 7 B” in  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 7C  is a top perspective view of the modular hopper spreader of  FIG. 2 , shown with a structural brace and beam inter-coupling the hopper modules; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective view of a lifting and mounting assembly inserted into a corner of the hopper spreader assembly; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of a section of the structural support frame of  FIGS. 5A and 5B ; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged perspective view of a structural brace of the modular hopper assembly; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the modular hopper spreader of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged rear perspective view depicting plumbing and control portions of the modular hopper spreader of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13A  is a bottom view of another modular hopper spreader of the present invention and depicting another plumbing system; 
         FIG. 13B  is a bottom view of an extended modular hopper spreader of  FIG. 13A ; 
         FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of the modular double-wall hopper spreader of  FIG. 2 , shown with an inner hopper inserted and with the rear modular hopper omitted to shown an underlying structure; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear elevation view of the modular double-wall hopper spreader of  FIG. 2 , shown with a cover support mechanism; and 
         FIGS. 16 and 17  are schematic views of different liquid plumbing and spray systems of the modular hopper spreader. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a modular dual-wall hopper spreader with individual storage tanks or chambers within the hopper spreader for storing and dispensing or spraying solid particles or liquid(s) onto the ground and/or road surfaces. In the following description, numerous specific details of different embodiments are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of configurations. 
     Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, a hopper spreader assembly  10  includes a hopper assembly  12  and a spreader assembly  14 , such as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Hopper assembly  12  includes a plurality of structural support members and a plumbing system attached to or supported by a generally rectangular, modular, dual-wall insert hopper  16 , which is sized and shaped to be received on or in a bed  17  of a pick-up truck  15  or other support vehicle, such as shown in  FIG. 1 . As best shown in  FIGS. 4A-6B , hopper  16  is constructed of separate correspondingly-shaped double-wall modules, which can be assembled and plumbed together to form completed assemblies having different dimensions and capabilities, as will be described in more detail below. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 4B, 5B, 6A and 6B , hopper  16  may be constructed of three separate correspondingly-shaped double-wall modules  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c  each having lateral opposite sides. A front module  18   a  is located proximal to the cabin of the pick-up truck  15 , and a rear module  18   c  is proximal to the rear end of the truck&#39;s bed  17 . A middle module  18   b  is a two-piece module positioned and secured between the front and rear modules  18   a  and  18   c , respectively. As will be described in more detail below, solid and liquid materials carried within hopper  16  may be selectively discharged onto a ground surface, such as a road surface, based on signals received from an operator. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 4A and 5A , hopper  16  is shown as a “short version” and is constructed only of the front and rear modules  18   a  and  18   c . The modular (piecemeal) construction of hopper  16  allows it to be easily assembled as the “short version” of  FIGS. 4A and 5A , or as the “extended version” that includes the middle module  18   b  of  FIGS. 4B and 5B . Thus, hopper  16  may be constructed as a shortened version by omitting the middle module  18   b , or may be constructed as an elongated version by inserting one or more correspondingly-shaped middle modules  18   b , which may be of different longitudinal lengths, between front module  18   a  and rear module  18   c . It will be appreciated that constructing hoppers  16  of different lengths may necessitate changes in length of other components of the hopper spreader assembly  10 , which will be described in more detail below. 
     The double wall modules  18   a - c  may be formed of a plastic material, such as a linear medium density polyethylene, though it will be appreciated that any suitable polymeric plastic material, metal, and/or fiber-reinforced panels may be utilized in accordance with sound engineering judgment. Preferably, the material used is lightweight and corrosion resistant due to the nature of the products it will be carrying and dispensing. Optionally, the modules  18   a - c  may be formed of resinous plastic in a rotational molding process. Each module  18   a - c  includes a hollow inner cavity defined by respective inner and outer surfaces of modules  18   a - c , which will be discussed in more detail below. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4A-6B , each module  18   a - c  has a pair of respective opposite outer side walls  24   a - c , with front module  18   a  additionally including a forward end wall  26  defining a front end  20 , and with rear module  18   c  additionally including a rear end wall  28  defining a rear end  22 . Hopper  16  is longitudinally defined by the forward end wall  26  and the rear end wall  28 , and laterally by the outer side walls  24   a - c  of modules  18   a - c  (or by only the outer side walls  24   a ,  24   c  of the front module  18   a  and the rear module  18   c  for the short version of hopper  16 ). Thus, front module  18   a  and rear module  18   c  are each unitarily formed as a generally U-shaped piece. The middle module  18   b  of the extended hopper  16  is formed by a pair of separate modules that are selectively inserted opposite one another between U-shaped front module  18   a  and rear module  18   c . Optionally, the two separate modules that together form the middle module  18   b  are identical to one another, and thus can be formed in the same mold. It should be understood that the overall construction of the short version of the hopper  16  is identical to that of the extended version, except that the middle module  18   b  present in the extended version is omitted from the short version. 
     Each module  18   a - c  also has a respective pair of opposite front inner surfaces  30   a , middle inner surfaces  30   b , and rear inner surfaces  30   c  that laterally define a solids receptacle  32  ( FIG. 6B ). As best seen in  FIG. 6B , receptacle  32  is longitudinally defined by a forward inner surface  34  of front module  18   a  that extends between the front module&#39;s pair of opposite front inner surfaces  30   a , and by a rearward inner surface  36  of rear module  18   c , the rearward inner surface  36  extending between the rear module&#39;s pair of opposite rear inner surfaces  30   c . Respective front, middle, and rear inner surfaces  30   a ,  30   b  and  30   c  of modules  18   a - c , and the respective forward and rearward inner surfaces  34  and  36  of front and rear modules  18   a  and  18   c  are sloped so that receptacle  32  has a trough-like inner shape with the sloped surfaces converging at the bottom of receptacle  32 . Receptacle  32  may be used to hold a solid or generally dry, free-flow material, such as salt, sand, fertilizer, or the like, that is used to treat a ground surface. Receptacle  32  is in communication with an aperture  38  ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ) defined between lower regions of the modules  18   a - c  so that the solid contents of receptacle  32  may be applied to the ground surface. With reference to  FIG. 6B , hopper  16  may include a vibrator  40  mounted towards a lower portion of the forward inner surface  34  of front module  18   a  to help direct the solid contents closer to aperture  38  and/or to loosen any solid materials remaining on the inner surfaces  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c ,  34 ,  36  of receptacle  32 . 
     The hollow inner cavities or liquid chambers of modules  18   a - c  are formed by their respective outer side walls  24   a - c ,  26 ,  28  and inner surfaces  30   a - c ,  34 ,  36 . For example, the hollow inner cavity of front module  18   a  is formed by the pair of opposite outer side walls  24   a  connected by the forward end wall  26  and the pair of opposite front inner surfaces  30   a  connected by the forward inner surface  34 . The hollow inner cavity of rear module  18   c  is formed by the pair of opposite outer side walls  24   c  connected by the rearward end wall  28  and the pair of opposite rear inner surfaces  30   c  connected by the rearward inner surface  36 . The hollow inner cavity of each module of the pair of separate modules of middle module  18   b  is formed by an outer side wall  24   b  and the middle inner surface  30   b.    
     The modular construction of hopper  16  allows each module  18   a - c  to define a separate hollow portion forming a liquid chamber for carrying liquid material, with each lateral side of the front, middle, and rear modules  18   a - c  being in fluid communication with the opposing side of that module. It should be understood that each separate liquid chamber of individual modules  18   a - c  may carry or store different liquid materials that may be used to treat the ground surface. In an alternative embodiment, however, the separate liquid chambers of modules  18   a - c  may be in fluid communication with one another via inner-modular plumbing, such as pipes, valves, fluid fittings, plumbing fixtures, or other apparatuses conveying fluids, such that the combination of the respective hollow portions or liquid chambers of modules  18   a - c  effectively forms a single liquid reservoir of hopper  16 . 
     Optionally, the hopper spreader assembly  10  includes an emptying and suction valve  42 , shown in  FIG. 3 , for draining the liquid material out of the liquid chambers of modules  18   a - c . In the illustrated embodiment, there are two emptying and suction valves  42  connected to respective opposite sides of rear module  18   c . It is further envisioned that the front and middle modules  18   a ,  18   b  may also have at least one emptying and suction valve  42 , if desired. The rear end wall  28  of rear module  18   c  may also include a liquid level indicator  44  ( FIG. 2 ). Indicator  44  may be a clear hose in fluid communication with the liquid chambers of modules  18   a - c  to show the liquid levels at a glance. It is also envisioned within the scope of the present disclosure that the hopper spreader assembly  10  includes, instead or in addition to the liquid level indicator  44 , an electronic liquid level sensor  46 , as shown in  FIGS. 13A and 13B . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-6B , front module  18   a  includes a rear end region, middle module  18   b  includes front and rear end regions, and rear module  18   c  includes a front end region. The rear end region of front module  18   a  includes a pair of upright-extending front flanges  48   a , the front and rear end regions of middle module  18   b  include a pair of upright-extending middle flanges  48   b , and the front end region of rear module  18   c  includes a pair of upright-extending rear flanges  48   c . Each flange  48   a - c  laterally outwardly extends from respective outer side walls  24   a ,  24   b , and  24   c , and laterally inwardly extends from respective inner surfaces  30   a ,  30   b , and  30   c . As shown in  FIG. 6B , each pair of middle flanges  48   b  of middle module  18   b  abuts adjacent flanges  48   a  and  48   c  of respective front module  18   a  and rear module  18   c  for additional structural support, strength and stability of modular hopper  16 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 14 , the respective flanges of adjacent modules may be fixedly secured together by a plurality of removable flange fasteners  50 . It is thus envisioned that the adjacent modules  18   a - c  formed with the flanges  48   a - c  described above allow the modules to be bolted or otherwise fastened together without relying on other structures to hold hopper  16  as a unitary piece. It should also be apparent that if the two-piece middle module  18   b  is absent, opposing front flanges  48   a  of front module  18   a  are removably securable by flange fasteners  50  to opposing rear flanges  48   c  of adjacent rear module  18   c.    
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 4A, 4B, 6A and 6B , each respective corner of hopper  16  includes a corner opening  52 . As best shown in  FIGS. 3, 7A and 7B , each corner opening  52  receives a lifting and mounting assembly  54 , which includes an elongated cylinder or spacer  56 , an upper plate  58  disposed at an upper end of the cylinder  56 , and a ring member  60  disposed at a lower end of the cylinder  56  ( FIGS. 3 and 7B ). As best shown in  FIGS. 7B and 14 , the ring member  60  includes a ring plate  62  perpendicularly oriented to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder  56 . A corner bolt  64  extends through the upper plate  58  and the cylinder  56 , and threadably engages a nut fastener  65  that is coupled to the ring plate  62 . By tightening the bolt  64  and nut fastener  65 , the upper plate  58  and ring plate  62  are biased against respective top and bottom ends of the corner opening  52 , such as shown in  FIGS. 7B and 8 , with the cylinder  56  serving as a rigid spacer to prevent the module from being crushed at the corner opening  52  by over-tightening the bolt  64 . The ring member  60  can then be used for lifting and securely mounting hopper spreader assembly  10  onto the bed  17  of the pick-up truck  15  ( FIG. 1 ), or on a support structure or platform of a different support vehicle such as a heavy duty truck, trailer, or a hand cart. The lifting and mounting assembly  54  is made of metal or other rigid material in accordance with sound engineering judgment. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 3, 7A, 7B, 9 and 11 , modules  18   a - c  are secured together by a structural support frame  66  disposed at upper portions of the inner surfaces  30   a - c . The structural support frame  66  includes a pair of longitudinal and parallel bars  68 , each extending along respective opposing inner surfaces  30   a - c . As best shown in  FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8 , each opposite end of each longitudinal bar  68  is inter-coupled, via a coupling link  76  extending along an open-top channel  71 , with hopper  16  at a respective cavity area  57  near each corner opening  52 . The coupling link  76  can be a threaded bolt with a head  75  and a washer  73  at one end and a threaded fastener nut  77  at another end. By tightening the coupling link  76  and the fastener nut  77 , the front and rear modules  18   a ,  18   c  are pressed and secured together. As can be best seen in  FIGS. 7B and 8 , whenever the upper plate  58  is fixed to the corner opening  52 , the upper plate  58  secures the washer  73  and hence the coupling link  76  within the cavity area  57  so that the coupling link  76  cannot be lifted up and out of the open-top channel  71 . Conversely, whenever the upper plate  58  is removed from the corner opening  52 , the coupling link  76  can be freed from the cavity area  75  and open-top channel  71  of hopper  16  so that the bar  68  can be lifted away from the hopper  16 . Thus, the structural support frame  66  provides additional structural integrity, load support and overall stability of the entire modular hopper  16 . The structural support frame  66  further includes generally parallel frame rods  70  ( FIGS. 2, 3 and 9 ) that laterally extend between and removably couple, via rod fasteners  74 , the pair of longitudinal bars  68  ( FIGS. 3 and 9 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 9 , modular hopper  16  may include one or more generally parallel reinforcement rods  78  laterally extending and connecting upper portions of opposite inner surfaces  30   a  and  30   c . Also, upper portions of opposite inner surfaces  30   b  may similarly be connected by the reinforcement rod  78 , if two-piece middle module  18   b  is included in hopper  16 . Optionally, respective adjacent and inwardly-protruding portions of the upright-extending flanges of modules  18   a - c  may be secured together by a structural brace  80  that is removably connected to respective longitudinal bar  68  of structural support frame  66 , such as shown in  FIG. 10 . The structural brace  80  is constructed as a U-shaped bracket having a longitudinal surface  81  extending between a pair of parallel brace side walls  83  laterally extending from the longitudinal surface  81 . As best seen in  FIGS. 7A and 10 , each longitudinal bar  68  includes a plurality of bar openings  69  that are adapted to receive a respective tip projection of each brace side wall  83 , such as shown in  FIG. 10 , to engage and secure the longitudinal bar with the structural brace  80 . Inwardly protruding portions of flanges  48   a  and  48   b  are secured together by the structural brace  80 , such as shown in  FIG. 10 . A brace bolt  82  may additionally be provided to longitudinally extend through the pair of parallel brace side walls  83  of the structural brace  80  and the inwardly protruding portions of adjacent flanges  48   a  and  48   b  to threadably engage a fastener (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) to secure the middle and front modules  18   a  and  18   b  together and to provide for more secure hold and stability of the entire modular hopper  16 . It should be understood that the middle and rear modules  18   b  and  18   c  may likewise be secured together. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7C , a pair of opposing structural braces  80  may optionally be inter-coupled together by a structural beam  85  laterally extending between the pair of opposing structural braces  80 . For instance, each pair of opposing adjacent and inwardly-protruding portions of the upright-extending flanges  48   a  and  48   c  of respective modules  18   a  and  18   c  may first be secured together by respective structural brace  80 , as described above. Then, the opposing structural braces  80  are intercoupled by the structural beam  85 . It is envisioned that the structural beam  85  may be welded, fastened via a latch, or inserted into an opening formed in each structural brace  80 , and secured to each respective structural brace  80 . As shown in  FIG. 7C , the structural support frame  66  may be omitted if the hopper modules are connected by the structural braces  80  and beam  85 . Alternatively or additionally, the modules may be designed with interlocking features that facilitate their attachment to one another, or for increasing the rigidity of the assembled modules. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 13A and 13B , the bottom of hopper  16  includes lateral support members  122   a  and  122   c  attached by fasteners to the bottom of hopper  16 . Support members  122   a  and  122   c  are designed to provide support for an auger housing or bottom chute  124  and, optionally, may be used to securely attach hopper  16  to the bed  17  of the pick-up truck  15  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The bottom chute  124  contains an auger mechanism  125  and serves a dual function of protecting the auger mechanism  125  from the environment and as a bottom chute used to move/deliver/transfer the solid material of receptacle  32  towards the discharge end of bottom chute  124  that is proximal to the rear-end of the bed of the truck from where the solid material carried within hopper  16  may be eventually discharged onto a ground surface. Bottom chute  124  attaches to hopper  16  at the surfaces defining the bottom of rear recess  88  formed in rear module  18   c , as shown. Bottom chute  124  may be fastened to hopper  16  by fasteners such as bolts, clamps, or rivets. Optionally, the bottom chute  124  and hopper  16  may be configured so that no separate fasteners are required to secure those components together. Alternatively, instead of the auger mechanism  125 , a conveyor system (not shown) may be used to transport or convey the solid material toward the rear end of the spreader system where it can be distributed. 
     The auger mechanism  125  is at least partially positioned within aperture  38  and is used to move the solid material from receptacle  32  towards the end of bottom chute  124 . An auger drive motor  126  and a gear box  128  are attached to the front end of the auger  125  and used to drive the auger. The drive motor  126  and gear box  128  may include and incorporate any desired gearing and connections for any energy source, including electrical, hydraulic, or combustion engine. Rotation of the auger  125  causes solid material to be drawn out of receptacle  32  and to be communicated to the end of bottom chute  124 , where it leaves the hopper  16 . It should be understood that lengths of the bottom chute  124  and the auger mechanism  125  may vary depending on length, i.e. the short or extended versions, of the hopper  16 . Similarly, the size and/or power requirements of the drive motor  126  and/or gear box  128  should vary based on sound engineering judgement. 
     In an alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the hopper spreader assembly  10  further includes an inner hopper module or bladder insert  84  disposed within receptacle  32  of the hopper  16 . The inner hopper module  84  defines another liquid chamber inside a soft, rigid, or semi-rigid bladder tank that is mechanically secured to and/or supported by the respective inner surface portions of the respective hopper modules used to form the hopper  16 . The inner hopper module  84  forms an extra liquid tank to provide the hopper spreader assembly with extra liquid capacity, or to allow the hopper to store and dispense two or more different liquids. It is contemplated that the inner hopper module  84  may be supported by an elevated platform  86  such that a gap is formed between the bottom portion of the receptacle  32  and the inner hopper module  84 . Each of the liquid chambers of the respective hopper modules  18   a - c  used to form such hopper, including the inner hopper module  84 , are connected in fluid communication to various plumbing and spray equipment of the hopper spreader assembly  10 , as described in more detail below. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , hopper assembly  12  includes various plumbing and spray equipment that is mounted within or near a rear recess  88  ( FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6A ) formed in rear module  18   c . Rear recess  88  is formed within curved inward rear end wall  28  of rear module  18   c . Rear recess  88  is isolated from receptacle  32  by the double wall formed between the rear end wall  28  and the rear inner surface  36  of module  18   c  ( FIGS. 4A-5B ). In the illustrated embodiment, the plumbing and spray equipment at or near the rear recess  88  includes first and second suction filters  90   a  and  90   b  each in liquid communication with respective first and second liquid pumps  92   a  and  92   b , a liquid filling connector  94 , a set of manually and/or electrically actuated selector valves  96 , and a central processing unit (CPU) controller  98  communicatively connected to the selector valves  96 . The rear end wall  28  of rear module  18   c  may also support a hose reel  100  with a dispensing hose  150  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ). The supply of the pressurized liquid to the hose reel  100  is controlled by one of the selector valves  96 , which selectively pressurizes the dispensing hose  150  so that it can be used by the operator to manually spray the liquid carried within the liquid chamber(s) of hopper  16 , such as saline solution or liquid fertilizer, directly onto an application area of the ground. The dispensing hose  150  may be in fluid communication with each liquid chamber of modules  18   a - c  and/or the inner hopper module  84 . It is also envisioned that, in an alternative embodiment in which the adjacent liquid reservoirs of the modules  18   a - c  are in fluid communication with one another via one or more fluid conduits, the dispensing hose  150  may be in fluid communication with what is effectively a single liquid reservoir formed by modules  18   a - c  of the extended version of hopper  16 , or formed by the front and rear modules  18   a  and  18   c  of the short version of hopper  16 . 
     According to the embodiment of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the first and second suction filters  90   a  and  90   b  are fluidly connected with the liquid chamber of the rear module  18   c  via respective fluid lines  102   a  and  102   b . More specifically, the fluid lines  102   a  and  102   b  are connected to the liquid chamber of the rear module  18   c  via their respective valve fittings  103   a  and  103   b . According to an alternative embodiment, however, each of the first and second suction filters  90   a ,  90   b  may be in fluid communication via their respective fluid lines  102   a  and  102   b  with a fluid pipe or conduit  120  ( FIGS. 13A and 13B ). More specifically, the fluid lines  102   a  and  102   b  may be in fluid communication with the fluid pipe  120 , via a manifold, T-shaped fitting, or Y-shaped fitting (not shown), at a point of the pipe  120  that is near the rear end wall  28  of rear module  18   c  and downstream of the liquid filling connector  94 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 16 , the first suction filter  90   a  is connected in fluid communication by a first filter hose  104   a  with the first liquid pump  92   a , and the second suction filter  90   b  is connected in fluid communication by a second filter hose  104   b  with the second liquid pump  92   b . The first liquid pump  92   a  is connected in fluid communication by a first pump hose  106   a  with a first selector valve  96   a . The second liquid pump  92   b  is connected in fluid communication by a second pump hose  106   b  with a valve manifold  107  adapted to connect in fluid communication with second, third, and fourth selector valves  96   b ,  96   c , and  96   d , respectively. The first and second selector valves  96   a ,  96   b  are connected in fluid communication by respective spray bar hoses  110   a  and  110   b  with a spray bar  112  ( FIG. 11 ). The third selector valve  96   c  is connected in fluid communication by a reel fluid line  114  to the dispensing hose  150  on the hose reel  100 . The fourth selector valve  96   d  is connected in fluid communication with a pre-wet spray nozzle  140  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) via a second valve manifold  111  and pre-wet hoses  108   a  and  108   b . It should be understood that each selector valve  96   a - d  can be electrically controlled based on operator commands transmitted wirelessly or by hard-wire. Additionally or alternatively, each selector valve  96   a - d  can be manually controlled by the operator. 
     According to the embodiment of  FIGS. 13A and 13B , the fluid pipe  120  extends from the liquid filling connector  94  and around the bottom surfaces of the hopper  16 . The fluid pipe  120  includes a plurality of fluid fittings  130   a - c  connecting each respective fluid reservoir of each module  18   a - c  to the fluid pipe  120 , thereby providing for each of the modules to be in fluid communication with the other modules of the hopper  16 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 13A and 13B , the fluid pipe  120  includes a front pair of fluid fittings  130   a  to connect the fluid chamber of front module  18   a  to the fluid pipe  120 , a middle pair of fluid fittings  130   b  to connect the fluid chambers of two-piece middle module  18   b  to the fluid pipe  120 , and a rear pair of fluid fittings  130   c  to connect the fluid chamber of rear module  18   c  to the fluid pipe  120 . The fluid pipe  120  is supported by lateral support members  122   a  and  122   c . It should be understood that if the two-piece middle module  18   b  is not included in the hopper  16 , only front and rear fluid fittings  130   a  and  130   c  will be connecting the fluid chambers of respective front and rear modules  18   a  and  18   c  to the fluid pipe  120  ( FIG. 13A ). 
     Liquid directed into or out of the liquid chambers of hopper  16  may be supplied or drained via the filling pipe  120  through the liquid filling connector  94 . After filling and once a connector valve  95  is closed, the liquid in the liquid chambers of the modules  18   a - c  will typically be present in the filling pipe  120  due to gravity. According to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , each side of each module  18   a - c  may be fitted with a pipe on either side of the bottom chute  124  to communicatively connect one of the liquid chambers of each module to the liquid filling connector  94  and to the liquid pumps  92   a  or  92   b , thus providing for each module  18   a - c  to be in individual fluid communication with the liquid pumps  92   a  and  92   b.    
     Optionally, and with reference to  FIG. 14 , it is contemplated that the inner hopper module  84  and the liquid chambers of the modules  18   a - c  are not necessarily interconnected in fluid communication with one another. Instead, the inner hopper module  84  includes an independent bladder pipe  132  connected in fluid communication to a manifold valve  113  ( FIG. 16 ) for selectively directing the liquid stored in the inner hopper module  84  for subsequent distribution to liquid pumps  90   a  and/or  90   b  and then to a dispensing apparatus, such as pre-wet spray nozzle(s)  140 , hose reel  110  and/or spray bar  112 . As best shown in  FIG. 16 , the manifold valve  113  is also fluidly connected to the valve fittings  103   a  and  103   b  such that the manifold valve  113  is operable to select from which of the liquid chambers of the inner hopper module  84  or the modules  18   a - c  to receive the liquid, and to which liquid pump  92   a  or  92   b , to feed the liquid. The manifold valve  113  can be manually and/or electrically operated. Additionally, the manifold valve  113  can consist of several on/off valves to separate the fluid in the manifold valve  113  into separate fluid lines, such as shown in  FIG. 16 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 14 , the inner hopper module  84  is connected by a bladder connector  134  to the bladder pipe  132 . It should thus be understood that the liquid stored in and distributed out of the inner hopper module  84  may be same or different from the liquid stored in the liquid chambers of the modules  18   a - c . It should also be understood that the inner hopper module  84  may include a bladder liquid filling connector (not shown) that can be used to fill the inner hopper module with the liquid. Optionally, and with reference to  FIG. 17 , the inner hopper module or bladder tank  84  may be connected in direct fluid communication by the bladder pipe  132  with the rear module  18   c  such that inner hopper module  84  is also fluidly connected by the fluid pipe  120  with one or more middle modules  18   b  and front module  18   a.    
     With reference to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , it is further contemplated that the liquid pumps  92   a  and  92   b  and/or liquid chambers of the modules  18   a - c  and/or the inner hopper module  84  may be rinsed, separately or together, using a rinse line  121  fitted with a rinse port valve  115 . Rinse line  121  is fluidly connected with the valve fittings  103   a ,  103   b  and manifold valve  113  so that the liquid chambers of the modules  18   a - c  and/or inner hopper module  84  can be first filled with water, anti-freeze, or cleaning solution using the rinse line  121 . Subsequently, the cleaning solution is drained via any one of the pre-wet nozzle  140 , the dispensing hose  150 , or the spray bar  112 . To rinse liquid pumps  92   a  and  92   b , it is envisioned that a liquid chamber rinse valve  117  is closed so that the water, anti-freeze, or cleaning solution is fed directly into the pumps for rinsing and subsequent draining via any one of the pre-wet nozzle  140 , the dispensing hose  150 , or the spray bar  112 . Optionally, a separate liquid tank (not shown) containing water, a cleaning solution, or anti-freeze liquid solution can be carried by the hopper spreader assembly  12 , such as in one of the liquid chambers described hereinabove. The separate liquid tank is envisioned to be connected to the rinse line  121  to perform the rinsing function of the liquid pumps  92   a  and  92   b  and/or liquid chambers of the modules  18   a - c  and/or the inner hopper module  84  as described above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , hopper assembly  12  optionally includes a screen  114 . Screen  114  may be installed to prevent large debris, clumps of salt, or other granular material from being received in the receptacle  32 . Screen  114  may also desirably cause clumps of salt to be broken apart during filling of the hopper  16 . Screen  114  may be attached to hopper  16  by using fasteners  72  ( FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 10 ) to hold screen  114  to hopper  16 , or may be received on a track or a shelf (not shown) that is integrally-formed within hopper  16 . It is also contemplated that screen  114  may be made of metal or other rigid material and act as a reinforcement structure securing the modules  18   a - c  together and providing enhanced overall stability to the hopper assembly  12 , either in addition to or in place of the framework and/or cross members described above. 
     With reference to  FIG. 15 , hopper assembly  12  optionally includes a cover support mechanism  116 . Cover support mechanism  116  may have various clamps or hooks suitable for receiving a tarp or other surface coverings to prevent foreign material from mixing with the contents in the hopper and/or from spilling of the contents outside of the hopper. In the illustrated embodiment, cover support mechanism  116  includes a pair of opposing cover arms  118 , distal ends of which are pivotably joined to an upper surface of hopper  16  such that cover support mechanism  116  may be pivotally lifted and lowered, and proximal ends of which are adapted to come close together when the opposing cover arms  118  are pivotally lowered. It is also envisioned that at least one proximal end of the cover arms  118  may include a hook or a latch  119  to securely couple another proximal end of the cover arms  118  when the opposing cover arms  118  are pivotally lowered. Hopper assembly  12  may also include an equipment cover  148  ( FIG. 1 ) to protect the plumbing and spray equipment mounted at rear recess  88  of rear module  18   c  from weather conditions and/or vehicle spray. 
     The spreader assembly  14  ( FIG. 2 ) serves to distribute the solid granular material carried within receptacle  32  of hopper  16  onto the ground or road surface. Optionally, the spreader assembly  14  also distributes liquid received from the modules  18   a - c , which liquid may be sprayed, via the pre-wet nozzle  140 , onto the solid granular material before the resulting mixture is discharged. As shown in  FIG. 11 , spreader assembly  14  includes a vertical chute assembly  136  and a spinner assembly  138 . Vertical chute assembly  136  is securely attached by fasteners to bottom chute  124  and receives the solid material discharged from receptacle  32  of hopper  16  via the discharge aperture of bottom chute  124  and an aperture of vertical chute assembly  136  that are in fluid communication with one another. Vertical chute assembly  136  is selectively secured to bottom chute  124  and is generally vertically oriented and positioned perpendicular to bottom chute  124 , in an operating mode. Vertical chute assembly  136 , which is generally hollow, includes a body portion formed as one or more pieces of plastic or metal components. Optionally, the liquid spray bar  112  is provided, as shown in  FIG. 11 , to spray the liquid material carried within the liquid chamber(s) of hopper  16 , and/or inner hopper module  84 , directly onto an application area of the ground. In the illustrated embodiment, spray bar  112  may include downward spray nozzles  142  and/or a plurality of side spray nozzles  144 . Further, vertical chute assembly  136  may be pivotably connected to bottom chute  124  and hydraulically or electrically controlled, via hydraulic or electrically-driven mechanism(s), and is adapted to be pivotally raised from and lowered to its generally perpendicular position with respect to bottom chute  124 . 
     Spinner assembly  138  includes the pre-wet spray nozzle  140  ( FIG. 2 ) that is selectively connected in fluid communication with the liquid chambers of the modules  18   a - c  via fourth selector valve  96   d  and pre-wet hoses  108   a  and  108   b , and/or with the inner hopper module  84 . Pre-wet spray nozzle  140  serves to pre-wet the solid contents of receptacle  32 , which is moved by the auger (not shown) to spinner assembly  138 , so that the solid content takes the form of a slurry being distributed over an application area by spinner assembly  138 . The spinner assembly  138  also includes a spinner plate  146 . Spinner assembly  138  may be powered either via a hydraulic unit, a belt and pulley system, or an electric motor. The hydraulic unit, belt, or motor rotates plate  146  so that when the solid material lands on plate  146 , it is spread broadly over the ground area. The spinner assembly  138  may at least partially surround plate  146  and the hydraulic unit, belt or motor, as shown. 
     According to the embodiments described above, the hopper assembly includes individual liquid chambers that may be inter-connected in fluid communication with one another to effectively form a single liquid reservoir filled with a liquid, and an extra liquid chamber of the inner hopper module that may be provided in the hopper assembly and that can be filled with the same or different liquid material. The liquid material(s) of the individual liquid chambers and the extra liquid chamber may be selectively dispensed by using any one of the spraying equipment of the hopper assembly, such as the pre-wet nozzle, spray bar, and dispensing hose. Alternatively, the individual liquid chambers of the hopper assembly may not be inter-connected in fluid communication with one another, and thus can be individually filled with the same or different liquids, and individually and selectively dispensed by using any one of the spraying equipment. 
     Thus, the present invention provides a hopper spreader assembly that includes a modular dual wall hopper with a solid material receptacle and individual liquid storage tanks for spreading solid particles and/or spraying one or more liquids onto the ground and/or road surfaces in a fully controllable, convenient and efficient manner. The modular hopper is adaptable to be selectively shortened or elongated in order to accommodate different sizes of vehicles and/or volumes of solid and/or liquid materials to be distributed. The modular hopper also reduces the sloshing of liquid in the modular liquid reservoirs, optionally without the use of baffles, as compared to unitary or contiguous liquid reservoirs. 
     While the foregoing description describes several embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications to these embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the claims below, as interpreted according to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. The present invention encompasses all combinations of various embodiments or aspects of the invention described herein. It is understood that any and all embodiments of the present invention may be taken in conjunction with any other embodiment to describe additional embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, any elements of an embodiment may be combined with any and all other elements of any of the embodiments to describe additional embodiments.