Patent Publication Number: US-2020281113-A1

Title: Powered hand-held spreader

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/234,095, filed Aug. 11, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/207,608, filed Aug. 20, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. FIELD OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
     The systems and methods described herein relate to a hand-held spreader device which is used in the consumer, professional or industrial markets, for example, to distribute granular product over terrain or other surfaces, and more particularly the description herein relates to a battery powered hand-held spreader device to distribute granular product over terrain or other surfaces. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Consumers distribute granular products using spreaders. Spreaders include larger, wheeled type spreaders and smaller, hand-held spreaders. Both types of spreaders are typically manually operated. 
     These and other deficiencies exist. 
     SUMMARY OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
     Exemplary embodiments include a portable device suitable for spreading granular product having a spreader body that has a hopper with an open upper portion and an internal volume configured to contain an amount of granular product for spreading over terrain or other surfaces, and further comprising an outlet located in a bottom portion of the hopper; a handle integral to the spreader body; a motor disposed in a lower portion of the spreader body, below the hopper; a gear train driven by the motor; a rotor plate for spreading the granular product located below the outlet and driven by the gear train through a first shaft; an agitator mounted in the hopper, proximate to the outlet, and driven by the gear train through a second shaft; a trigger, mounted in the handle, that is movable between a first position in which the motor is off and a second position in which the motor is actuated, the trigger configured to default to the first position, the trigger being operably coupled to a trigger mechanism; a rotary dial, coupled to a forward portion of the spreader body below the handle, the rotary dial being rotatably movable between a plurality of settings; a shutter cam, coupled internally to the rotary dial, for adjusting a shutter plate distance of travel, located proximal to the outlet, based on a selected setting of the rotary dial; and the shutter plate being coupled to the shutter cam and being movable with respect to the outlet, the shutter plate being movable such that when the trigger is in the first position the shutter plate covers the outlet and when the trigger is in the second position, the shutter plate is retracted from the outlet traveling a distance based on the selected setting of the rotary dial through movement of the trigger mechanism. 
     Another exemplary embodiment includes a portable hand-held spreader device having a hopper for holding an amount of granular product for spreading over terrain or other surfaces, the hopper having an outlet for exhausting the granular product; a handle means for holding the container; a spreading means for spreading the granular product that is located below the holding means and driven by a power source; an agitator means for agitating the granular product located within the container and proximate the outlet; a trigger mechanism for actuating the power source and moving a shutter plate; and a control means for controlling an opening size of the outlet through control of the shutter plate distance of travel, that has a plurality of settings, such that each setting adjusts the distance of travel of the shutter plate located proximal to the outlet and coupled to the control means. 
     Another exemplary embodiment includes a portable hand-held spreader device having a hopper configured to contain granular product for spreading over terrain or other surfaces including an outlet; a handle overhanging the hopper; a motor; a gear train driven by the motor; a rotor plate for spreading the granular product located below the outlet and driven by the gear train; an agitator mounted in the hopper, proximate the outlet, and driven by the gear train; a trigger mounted in the handle; a trigger mechanism coupled to the trigger comprising a first spring and a second spring and a stop, wherein the first and second springs are compressed during operation of the trigger mechanism; a shutter plate coupled to the trigger mechanism; a rotary dial that is rotatably movable between a plurality of settings; a shutter cam, coupled internally to the rotary dial, for adjusting a distance of travel the shutter plate based on a selected setting of the rotary dial such that the stop of the trigger mechanism is configured to contact the shutter cam; and the shutter plate being coupled to the shutter cam and being movable with respect to the outlet, the shutter plate being movable such that when the trigger is in a first position the shutter plate covers the outlet and when the trigger is in a second position, the shutter plate is retracted from the outlet through movement of the trigger mechanism, traveling a distance based on the selected setting of the rotary dial such that retraction of the shutter plate stops when the stop contacts the shutter cam. 
     These and aspects of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the various exemplary embodiments. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  depicts a front perspective view of a powered hand-held spreader device according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a rear perspective view of a powered hand-held spreader device according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a front bottom perspective view of a powered hand-held spreader device according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a rear bottom perspective view of a powered hand-held spreader device according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 5A  depicts a front view of a powered hand-held spreader device with the shutter dial set to a maximum setting and the trigger depressed according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 5B  depicts a front view of a powered hand-held spreader device with the shutter dial set to a minimum setting and the trigger depressed according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 6A  depicts a cross sectional view taken along line  6 A- 6 A of  FIG. 5A  according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 6B  depicts a cross sectional view taken along line  6 B- 6 B of  FIG. 5B  according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6C and 6D  depict partial views of  FIG. 6A  according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6E and 6F  depict partial views of  FIG. 6B  according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 7A  depicts a cross sectional view taken along line  7 A- 7 A of  FIG. 6A  according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 7B  depicts a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 B- 7 B of  FIG. 6B  according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict a cut-away view of a lower portion of a powered hand-held spreader device according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict a second cut-away view of a lower portion of a powered hand-held spreader device according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  depict a third cut-away view of a lower portion of a powered hand-held spreader device according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict a fourth cut-away view of a lower portion of a powered hand-held spreader device according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 12A  depicts a cut-away view of a powered hand-held spreader device in an “off” state according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 12B  depicts a partial view of  FIG. 12A  according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a second cut-away view of a powered hand-held spreader device in an “off” state according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 14A  depicts a cut-away view of a powered hand-held spreader device in an “on” state according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 14B  depicts a partial view of  FIG. 14A  according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  depicts a second cut-away view of a powered hand-held spreader device in an “on” state according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  depict operation of the adjustable side deflector feature according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 17A and 17B  depict cut-away views of a powered hand-held spreader device showing the operation of the adjustable side deflector feature according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 18  depicts a flow chart of a method of operating a powered hand-held spreader device according to exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
     It will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are capable of broad utility and application. Accordingly, while the various embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to the exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of embodiments and is made to provide an enabling disclosure of the exemplary embodiments. The disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the various embodiments or otherwise to exclude any other such embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements. 
     The following descriptions are provided of different configurations and features according to exemplary embodiments. These configurations and features relate to a powered hand-held spreader device for spreading granular material over terrain or other surfaces. While certain nomenclature and types of applications or hardware are described, other names and applications or hardware usage is possible and the nomenclature provided is done so by way of non-limiting examples only. Further, while particular embodiments are described, these particular embodiments are meant to be exemplary and non-limiting and it further should be appreciated that the features and functions of each embodiment may be combined in any combination as is within the capability of one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Exemplary embodiments include a hand-held spreader device. The spreader device is powered. The spreader device has a handle that allows a user to grip and hold the device with a single hand. The handle may overhang the hopper. Accordingly, the spreader device is balanced for single hand use. The handle may be ergonomically configured to reduce strain on the user when operating the spreading device. A hopper contains the granular product desired to be spread. The hopper is loaded by pouring the granular product therein from another container. The power may be supplied by an electric motor that may be powered by one or more replaceable batteries. The batteries may be rechargeable or disposable. A trigger actuates the motor to drive a spinning rotor plate which distributes granular product. A trigger lock may be available to lock the trigger in the “on” position during use and to prevent actuation when the trigger is in the “off” position. A gear train may be used to control the rotor plate speed. The spreader device may include an adjustable shutter allowing for distribution of a range of different granular products that require different flow rates for distribution as well as controlling the amount of material dispensed from the spreader device. The adjustable shutter controls the opening size of the hopper outlet. A rotary dial may be used to set the adjustable shutter distance of travel to control the opening size. The rotary dial can have a plurality of settings. The granular product can be distributed over various types of terrain, including, but not limited to, lawns, gardens, and paths. An adjustable side deflector can be used to control the distribution pattern of the granular material. The hopper may be configured to allow for unused granular product to be poured back into its original container. It should be appreciated that the foregoing description is of an exemplary embodiment and that other embodiments with varying configurations are possible. For example, various embodiments may lack the trigger lock and/or the adjustable side deflector plate. 
     The term “granular product,” as used throughout this description, refers to product that is particulate (or granular) in nature in that it is a dry (not liquid) product that is flowable. For example, granular product may include without limitation, ice melting granules, fertilizer, pesticides, granular soil amendment material, granular oil absorbent material, dusting products, granular floor cleaning product, grass seed, or any other product, as well as combinations thereof, that is dry and flowable. 
     The hand-held spreader according to various embodiments may include an adjustable side deflector, which is used to prevent granular product from being thrown, during dispensing, onto sidewalks, driveways, or other areas where the product is not desired, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,074, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     The figures depict various functionality and features associated with exemplary embodiments. While a single illustrative block, sub-system, device, or component is shown, these illustrative blocks, sub-systems, devices, or components may be multiplied for various applications or different application environments. In addition, the blocks, sub-systems, devices, or components may be further combined into a consolidated unit or divided into sub-units. Further, while a particular structure or type of block, sub-system, device, or component is shown, this structure is meant to be exemplary and non-limiting, as other structures may be able to be substituted to perform the functions described. 
       FIGS. 1 through 5A and 5B  depict a powered hand-held spreader device according to exemplary embodiments. The spreader device may be a device configured for broadcasting granular product onto a lawn, terrain, or other surface. Externally, the spreader device  10  has a hopper  12 , a handle  14 , a trigger  16 , a trigger lock  18 , a grip portion  20 , a shutter dial  22 , an opening  24 , a rotor plate  26 , an adjustable side deflector  28 , a battery compartment  34 , and feet  36 . The spreader device  10  may have other external features as described herein. 
     The spreader device  10  has a hopper  12 . The hopper  12  has an internal volume to hold an amount of granular product. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the hopper volume may be 235 in 3  and this volume may be sufficient to hold enough granular product to cover 2500 sq. ft. of surface, depending on the setting of the shutter plate. Various embodiments may have different volumes to hold different amounts of product which alters the surface coverage. It should be appreciated that the amount of granular material capable of being contained in the hopper may vary with the particular granular material. For example, different granular materials have different granule sizes such that the coverage resulting from using a particular granular material may vary. Additionally, it should be appreciated that different material may require a different setting on the spreading device (for the shutter plate) which may affect the amount of surface coverage available from the spreader device. Furthermore, different settings on the spreading device may result in altering the available surface coverage available for the spreader device. 
     The spreader device  10  has a handle  14 . According to exemplary embodiments, the handle  14  may be located such that the handle  14  overhangs the hopper  12 . In various embodiments, other configurations of the handle are possible. For example, the handle  14  may be located such that the handle faces forward and does not overhang the hopper. A trigger  16  and trigger lock  18  are located on the handle  14 . The trigger  16  is located on a lower portion of the handle  14  and the trigger lock  18  is located on an upper portion of the handle  14 . In various embodiments, the trigger lock  18  may be optional. The handle  14  may have one or more rubber portions  20 . The grip portion  20  may assist with maintaining a secure grip on the handle  14 . The grip portion  20  may be located on the bottom and on each side of the handle  14 . In various embodiments, the grip portion  20  may cover more extensive portions of the handle  14  such as the top portion. According to exemplary embodiments, the grip portion  20  may be rubber. Other suitable materials may be used. In exemplary embodiments, the body of spreader device  10  is constructed of hard, durable plastic. Other suitable materials and combinations of materials may be used. 
     The spreader device  10  has a shutter dial  22  located on a forward portion. The shutter dial  22  is used to set an opening size of the shutter plate located at the bottom portion of the hopper  12 . The shutter dial  22  moves in a rotary fashion. In various embodiments, the shutter dial may move in a linear fashion. For example, the shutter dial may be a switch that moves in a linear direction, such as vertically (up and down) to change the settings. The shutter dial  22  may have a number of settings. According to exemplary embodiments, the shutter dial may have 23 settings. In various embodiments, more or less settings are possible. An opening  24  is located on a forward portion of the spreader device  10 . 
     Within the opening  24  is a rotor plate  26 . The rotor plate  26  is for spreading the granular product. The rotor plate  26  is driven by the spreader device&#39;s motor to eject and spread the granular material during operation of the spreader device  10 . According to exemplary embodiments, during operation, the rotor plate  26  rotates in a clockwise direction (when viewed from above in use). In various embodiments, the rotor plate  26  may rotate in the opposite direction. The figures depict an exemplary configuration for the rotor plate  26 . It should be appreciated that various embodiments may have different configurations. For example, the blade shape and configuration may be altered. In various embodiments other structures could be used for spreading of the granular material. For example, the rotor plate may be replaced by a blower or the rotor may be horizontally oriented (i.e., driven from the side and cylindrically shaped). 
     The spreader device  10  may have an adjustable side deflector  28 . Adjustable side deflector  28  may be a tab, plate, wall, or other structure that is configured to rotate partially over the launching plate thereby partially covering the area where granular product is broadcast from the launching plate. 
     The spreader device  10  may have a hanger  30  to enable hanging or otherwise securing the spreader device  10  when not in use. 
     The spreader device  10  may have a label portion  32  for branding and/or labelling. The label portion  32  may be an in-mold label such that it is formed as a part of the spreader device  10 . In various embodiments, the label portion  32  may contain a press-on label or sticker. It should be understood that the label portion  32  may have a variety of configurations to accommodate different branding labels. In some embodiments, the label portion  32  may contain instructions and/or warnings and/or safety information. A label portion  32  may be located on the opposite side of the spreader in various embodiments. 
     A battery compartment  34  is located on the bottom portion of the spreader. The battery compartment  34  may be accessible to change the batteries. The battery compartment  34  may be secured to prevent undesired opening. For example, the battery compartment  34  may be secured by using a screw or snap closure. 
     The spreader device  10  may have feet  36  located on its bottom portion. The feet  36  may provide stability for the spreader device  10  when placed down on a surface. Exemplary embodiments may have four feet  36 . 
     A hole  38  may be provided on the bottom portion for hanging the spreader on a nail or screw or other protrusion. 
     When the spreader device  10  is new, such as when initially sold, a tab  40  may project from the battery compartment  34 . The tab  40  may be a piece of material that covers one or more of the battery contacts to prevent inadvertent operation of the spreader and/or drain on the batteries prior to use by a consumer. To operate the spreader device  10 , the tab  40  is to be pulled and the material removed from the battery compartment. 
       FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B  depicts cross-sectional views of the spreader device  10 .  FIGS. 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F  depict partial views of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , respectively. At a bottom portion of the hopper  12  is an agitator  42 . The agitator  42  is coupled to an agitator shaft  44 . The agitator shaft  44  is driven by a drive shaft  46 . The rotor plate  26  is coupled to a rotor shaft  48 . The shafts are driven by and coupled to a gear train  50 . The gear train  50  is driven by a motor  52 . The gear ratio may be approximately 8:1 according to exemplary embodiments. For example, the final gear ratio may be 8.4:1 The gear train  50  is constructed such that the agitator  42  rotates slower than the rotor plate  26  when driven by the gear train. In various embodiments, other gear and/or drive configurations are possible. For example, a direct drive may be used which incorporates one or more shafts, extending directly from the motor to drive the various structures. The motor  52  is powered by one or more batteries  54  located in the battery compartment  34 . Exemplary embodiments may use four AA type batteries. The batteries  54  may be replaceable. Rechargeable or disposable batteries may be used. 
     Accordingly to exemplary embodiments, the motor  52  is a DC motor. For example, the motor may be a 6-V DC motor type 280 with a no-load speed of 15,000 rpm. This is meant to be exemplary and a non-limiting example as other motor types and sizes may be used. The motor  52  is operated at a constant speed according to exemplary embodiments. Stated differently, the motor  52  is either on or off. For example, the motor  52  operates at the same speed no matter how far the trigger  16  is depressed (after depression, trigger  16  engages the motor contacts to turn the motor on). Various embodiments may employ variable speed operation, governed by depression of the trigger  16 . In various embodiments, more than one motor may be used. For example, two motors may be used—one to drive the agitator and one to drive the rotor plate. A direct drive or geared arrangement may be used in this configuration. 
     The hopper  12  has a hopper opening  56  in its bottom front portion, located forward of the agitator  42 . The hopper opening  56  is controlled by a shutter plate  58 . For example, the distance of travel of the shutter plate  58 , as controlled by the shutter dial  22  determines the size of the portion of the hopper opening  56  that is uncovered. 
     In  FIG. 6A , the shutter plate  58  is depicted in an open position. That is, the shutter plate  58  is retracted such that the hopper opening  56  is open to the rotor plate  26 , which lies below it. The shutter plate  58 , according to exemplary embodiments, is constructed of flexible plastic. For example, the shutter plate  58  may be constructed of polypropylene. Other suitable materials may be used. 
     Operation of the shutter plate  58  is controlled by a trigger mechanism  60 . The trigger mechanism has a frame that is subdivided into two portions by an inner structural member  69 . The trigger mechanism is coupled to the trigger  16  and moves with the trigger  16 &#39;s movement. In  FIG. 6A , the trigger  16  is depicted in a depressed state. The trigger lock  18  is not engaged. The depressed state depicted is an operational state in which the spreader is “on.” The operation of the spreader is described further below. The trigger mechanism  60  is coupled to the shutter plate  58  such that movement of the trigger mechanism moves the shutter plate  58 . The trigger mechanism  60 , when moving from an “off” to an “on” position moves in an upward direction, coincident with the trigger movement, which retracts the shutter plate  58  from sealing or covering the hopper opening  56 . The trigger mechanism  60  contains two springs mounted within its frame—an upper spring  62  located in the trigger mechanism&#39;s frame upper portion (above the inner structural member  69 ) and a lower spring  64  located in the trigger mechanism&#39;s frame lower portion (below the inner structural member  69 ). A stop  66  is connected to an internal part  67 . The internal part  67  is held against the inner structural member  69  by the second spring  64 . The stop  66  is configured to contact a cam  68  that is coupled to the shutter dial  22 . Rotation of the shutter dial  22  causes a rotation of the cam  68 . Changing position of the cam  68  changes at what point the stop  66  contacts the cam  68 . Once the stop  66  contacts the cam  68 , retraction of the shutter plate  58  stops. In this manner, the size of the opening of the hopper opening  56  through which granular material can flow can be altered during operation of the spreader device  10 . It should be appreciated that the cam may be replaced by any other suitable structure in various embodiments. For example, a stop may be directly connected to the shutter dial such that it moves to various positions based on the dial setting. 
     The trigger mechanism  60  has a lower stop  70  that is configured to engage with an electrical contact set  72 . The electrical contact set  72  is connected by electrical wires (not shown) to the motor  52 . The lower stop  70  breaks electrical contact of the electrical contact set  72  when the trigger  16  in an “off” position. When the trigger  16  is in an “on” position, the lower stop  70 , as depicted in  FIG. 6A , is removed from breaking the electrical contact set  72 , allowing for electrical flow for operation of the motor and hence operation of the spreader which includes rotation of the agitator  42  and the rotor plate  26  through rotation of the gear train  50 . The electrical contact set  72  has one or more springs allowing for engagement of the contacts following the removal of the lower stop  70 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 7A  depict the spreader device  10  with the shutter dial  22  and the cam set at the maximum setting. That is, the shutter plate  58 , when retracted, retracts a maximum distance providing the largest opening size for the hopper opening  56 . As depicted in  FIG. 5A , the shutter dial  22  is set on 9, the maximum setting according to exemplary embodiments. The upper spring  62  is fully compressed and the lower spring  64  is not compressed or is minimally compressed. The upper spring  62  is fully compressed because the upper portion of the upper spring is attached to a projection  63  that is fixed to external shell  65  of the spreader body; that is, rather than the projection  63  being directly attached to the trigger mechanism  60 , it is fixed to the shell  65  of the spreader body. This position represents the upper limit of travel for the trigger mechanism  60 , the cam setting allowing the stop  66  maximum vertical movement upon depression of the trigger  16 . The stop  66  is connected to the internal part  67  that has the lower spring  64  mounted thereto on its lower side. The internal part  67  rests upon the inner structural member  69  of the trigger mechanism but is not connected to the inner structural member  69 . The lower spring  64  provides a force to hold the internal part  67  against the inner structural member  69  and cause the internal part  67  to move upward when the trigger  16  is depressed. 
     The upper spring  62  is attached at its upper end to the shell  65  of the spreader body and to the frame of the trigger mechanism  60  at its lower end. The lower end of the upper spring  62  is attached to the upper side of the inner structural member  69 . Thus, the upper spring  62  compresses in response to upward movement of the trigger mechanism  60 . 
     The lower spring  64  is attached at its upper end to the internal part  67  and at its lower end to frame of the trigger mechanism  60 . The internal part  67  is not attached to the trigger mechanism  60  but held in position by the lower spring  64  against the inner structural member  69 . The stop  66  is attached to the internal part  67 . Once the stop  66  contacts the cam  68  during upward movement of the trigger mechanism  60 , the internal part  67  (which is connected to the stop  66 ) stops upward movement and causes the lower spring  64  to compress as the trigger mechanism continues upward (since the internal part  67  is not connected to the trigger mechanism). The lower spring  64  compresses independent of the upper spring  62 .  FIGS. 6C and 6E  depict partial views of the trigger mechanism and surrounding structure. 
       FIGS. 6B and 7B  depict the spreader device  10  with the shutter dial  22  and the cam set at the minimum setting. That is, the shutter plate  58 , when retracted, retracts a minimum distance providing the smallest opening for the hopper opening  56 . As depicted in  FIG. 5B , the shutter dial  22  is set on 2, the minimum setting according to exemplary embodiments. The upper spring  62  is fully compressed and the lower spring  64  is also fully compressed. The hopper opening  56  is smaller than that of  FIG. 6A  since the shutter plate  58  has retracted a minimal distance. 
     The stop  66  contacts the cam  68  at its lowest position at this setting. Contacting the stop  66  ceases retraction of the shutter plate  58 . The stop  66 , when engaged with the cam, causes the internal part  67  of the trigger mechanism  60  to stop upward movement which causes the lower spring  64  to compress, while at the same time allowing the trigger mechanism  60  to continue its upward movement. The internal part  67  is connected to the stop  66  such that when the stop  66  contacts the cam  68 , the internal part  67  is stopped from further movement such that it separates from contact with the inner structural member  69 . The internal part  67  therefore ceases upward movement, causing the lower spring  64  to compress as a result. It should be appreciated that cam settings between the maximum and the minimum will cause varying degrees of compression of the lower spring  64  based on the contact of the stop  66  with the cam. The trigger mechanism  60  continues its upward movement until it reaches its maximum point of travel. As depicted in  FIG. 6B , the upper spring  62  is compressed to same amount as in the operational state depicted in  FIG. 6A .  FIGS. 6E and 6F  depict partial views of the hopper opening area. 
     It should be appreciated that the trigger mechanism depicted is exemplary. Other configurations may be used in various embodiments. For example, the trigger mechanism may employ one spring or more than two springs. Other variations are possible. 
       FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11A, and 11B  depict various internal views of a lower portion of the spreader device  10 . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict a lower portion  74  of the spreader device including the battery compartment  34 , the batteries  54  and the gear train  50 . The lower portion  74  is joined to an upper portion of the spreader device through a series of posts  76  (shown in  FIG. 8A ), through which screws (not shown) are inserted to secure this lower portion. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict a second view of the lower portion  74 . The motor  52  is mounted over the gear train  50  (not shown). The gear train  50  is contained in a gear train section that is covered as depicted. The drive shaft  46  extends upward for driving the agitator. An agitator drive or transfer gear  80  is mounted to the upper part of the drive shaft. The rotor shaft  48  is also depicted. An upper cover  78  and a lower cover  79  contain the gear train. The gear train  50  may be enclosed to protect the gear train from dust and other particulate matter. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  depict a third view of the lower portion  74 . The agitator transfer gear  80  meshes with an agitator gear  82  that is connected to the agitator shaft  44 . The rotor plate  26  is mounted to the rotor shaft  48 . 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict a fourth view of the lower portion  74 . The agitator  42  is mounted to the agitator shaft  44 . The agitator  42  has a single arm or blade. The agitator  42  may have a curved blade that is optimized for use in various granular material types used with the spreader device. In various embodiments, the agitator  42  may have two arms or blades. Other agitator configurations are possible and may be optimized for use with various granular material types. In various embodiments, the agitator  42  may be changeable to allow for use of different agitator types and configurations based on the type of granular material. 
     The agitator  42  sits upon a washer  84 . The washer  84  prevents moisture, dirt, and granular material from entering the gear train area of the lower portion. In exemplary embodiments, a wool washer is used. Other washer types can be used in various embodiments. The washer  84  may be located between the agitator and the floor of the hopper in which the agitator is mounted. The washer may also be located below the floor of the hopper, above the agitator gear  82 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the gear train  50  will be described. The motor  52 &#39;s output shaft is coupled to a motor pinion  86 . The motor pinion  86  is meshed with an idler gear  88 . Mounted to the idler gear  88  is a pinion  90  that drives an intermediate gear  92 . The intermediate gear  92  drives the rotor plate pinion  94 . The rotor plate pinion  94  has the rotor shaft  48  mounted thereto. Also, the intermediate gear  92  has the drive shaft  46  mounted thereto, which is mounted to the intermediate gear  92  (the base of which is depicted in  FIGS. 8A and 8B ). 
       FIGS. 12 through 15  depict different operational states of the spreader device according to exemplary embodiments. In  FIGS. 12A and 12B , the trigger is off, the trigger lock is off, and the motor is off. In  FIG. 13 , the trigger is off, the trigger lock is on, and the motor is off. In  FIG. 14A , the trigger is on, the trigger lock is off, and the motor is on. Finally, in  FIG. 15 , the trigger is on, the trigger lock is on, and the motor is on. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , the trigger  16  in the “off” or not depressed position. This is the default position for the trigger  16 . The trigger lock  18  is off also. The trigger lock  18  has a switch  96  and a latch  98 . The latch  98  is configured to match with a recess and lip  100  on the trigger  16 . The trigger mechanism  60  as previously described has an upper spring  62  and a lower spring  64 . These springs provide tension for operation of the trigger. The upper spring  62  provides for return of the trigger mechanism to the off position. In the off position, both springs are in an unloaded state. 
     In the off position, the lower stop  70  breaks the electrical contact set  72  by moving a contact portion downward and distal from one of the contacts of the set. The electrical contact set  72  may have two contacts:  72 A and B. Each of the contacts is connected to the motor  52  by a wire  102 . The stop  70  moves a wire spring portion  104  of the contact  72 A out of contact with the contact  72 B, breaking the electrical circuit. Hence, in the position shown, the motor  52  is off. 
     In the “off” position, the shutter plate  58  is closed, sealing the hopper opening  56 . Material in the hopper is unable to exit the spreader device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the trigger lock  18  is engaged. The trigger lock  18  can be used to prevent actuation of the spreader device by holding the trigger  16  in the off position. The trigger lock  18  is engaged by moving the switch  96  towards the rear of the handle. This movement causes the latch  98  to move to a position over a stop portion  106  of the trigger  16  as depicted. The trigger  16  is not able to be depressed in this configuration since the latch  98  prevents upward movement of the trigger through contact with the stop portion  106 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , the trigger  16  is in the “on” or depressed position. The trigger lock  18  is off also. The trigger mechanism  60  is moved upward for its off position. The upper spring  62  is compressed as depicted from the upward movement of the trigger mechanism. The lower spring  64  is not compressed in this position. The stop  66  of the trigger mechanism has contacted the cam  68 . 
     The lower stop  70  has moved upward allowing the wire spring portion  104  of the contact  72 A to return to contact with the contact  72 B, completing the electrical circuit. Hence, in the position shown, the motor  52  is on. Since the motor  52  is on, the gear train is being driven and hence the rotor plate  26  would be spinning as would the agitator  42 . 
     The shutter plate  58  is open, unsealing the hopper opening  56 . Material in the hopper is able to exit the spreader device and fall onto the spinning rotor plate and therefore be ejected from the spreader device to be spread over a surface. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the trigger lock  18  is engaged. The trigger lock  18  can be engaged to hold the trigger  16  in the “on” position. The trigger lock  18  is engaged by moving the switch  96  towards the rear of the handle. This movement causes the latch  98  to move to a position under the lip in the recess  100 . The trigger  16  remains in the on or depressed position in this configuration since the latch  98  prevents downward movement of the trigger through contact with the lip  100 . 
     In various embodiments, the trigger lock  18  may have different configurations. For example, the trigger lock  18  may be configured for engagement in either the “off” or “on” positions. In various embodiments, the trigger lock  18  may automatically engage the trigger in the “on” position or when the trigger is fully depressed. The trigger lock  18  may be tensioned with a spring or other structure to automatically engage the trigger. The trigger lock  18  may be optional. 
     As described above, the spreader device may have an adjustable side deflector  28  which can be optionally engaged to alter the spreading pattern. The adjustable side deflector  28  may be an optional feature in various embodiments. In operation, the adjustable side deflector  28  is manually moved from a stored position to an actuated position. The adjustable side deflector  28  may block the spreading of the spreadable or granular material on one side of the rotor plate by narrowing the spreading pattern. The adjustable side deflector can be rotated back to its stowed position when desired.  FIGS. 16A, 16B, 17A, and 17B  depict the operational states of the adjustable side deflector  28 .  FIGS. 16A and 17A  depict the adjustable side deflector in the “off” position.  FIGS. 16B and 17B  depict the adjustable side deflector in the “on” position. 
     The adjustable side deflector  28  consists of a tab  108  and a ring  110 . The tab  108  and ring  110  are connected, such that movement of the tab  108  moves the ring  110 . The ring  110  is mounted over the rotor plate center post  112  which allows rotation from “off” to “on.” As can be seen in  FIGS. 16B and 17B , movement of the tab  108  causes a narrowing of the opening  24 , which in turn allows for a narrower dispersal pattern of the granular material during operation of the spreader device. Material is not able to be spread past the adjustable side deflector  28 . Additionally, the ring  110  partially blocks the hopper opening  56  when the adjustable side deflector  28  is on, which restricts output of the granular material onto the rotor plate. 
     The spreader device may have a label  114  to indicate the status of the adjustable side deflector  28 . That is, the label may have “off” and “on” labels with arrows that correspond to the position of the tab  108  as depicted in  FIG. 16B , for example. It should be appreciated that the label  114  is exemplary and other labels are possible. 
     A stop  116  is located at the internal end of the tab. The stop  116  mates with a corresponding structure on the spreader body to provide a limit when the adjustable side deflector  28  is placed into the “off” position. The stop  116  has a projection  118  that provides a limit when the adjustable side deflector  28  is moved to the “on” position. The projection  118  hits an internal wall of the spreader body preventing further rotation of the adjustable side deflector  28 . The ring  110  has a detent bump  120  that fits into a corresponding recess  122  in the spreader body to provide a limit for the “position” and to hold the adjustable side deflector  28  in the “off” position. When in the “on” position, the detent bump  120  fits into a second recess  124  to provide a limit for the “on” position and to hold the adjustable side deflector  28  in the “on” position. The detent/recess structure provides feedback to a user when the adjustable side deflector  28  is in the proper position. 
       FIG. 18  depicts a flow chart of a method  1800  of operating the spreader device. This method is exemplary as there are a variety of ways to carry out the present disclosure. Each block shown in the method represents one or more processes or decisions carried out in the exemplary method, and these processes or decisions are not necessarily carried out in the specific order outlined in the method, nor may be each required. 
     First, at  1802 , the hopper is filled with spreadable material. Next, at  1804 , a setting on the shutter dial is selected. Also, at  1804 , the adjustable side deflector can be engaged (if so equipped). At  1806 , the trigger can then be depressed to begin operation of the spreader device when the user is ready. At  1808 , spreader operation commences. A number of events occur in the spreader device. 
     Depression of the trigger causes retraction of the shutter from the hopper opening. The shutter is retracted a distance corresponding to the setting on the shutter dial. The shutter cam coupled to the shutter dial stops upward movement of the trigger mechanism, which in turn stops retraction of the shutter plate. During a first phase of upward movement of the trigger mechanism, an upper spring is compressed until a stop on the trigger mechanism contacts the shutter cam. Compression of the upper spring ceases when the trigger mechanism reaches its upper limit of travel, and a lower spring is compressed based on the stop contacting the shutter cam. 
     The upward movement of the trigger mechanism also allows for contact between certain electrical connections, causing actuation of the motor. Actuation of the motor causes rotation of the gear train. The motor is a constant speed motor. The rotation of the gear train causes rotation of the agitator in the hopper and the rotor plate through connected shafts. In operation, the spreadable material can flow from the hopper, agitated by the agitator, through the hopper opening, at a rate permitted by the shutter plate opening, and then impact the spinning rotor plate, which causes the spreadable material to be ejected from the spreader device and spread over the desired terrain. 
     At  1810 , upon completion of the desired spreading, the trigger is released. At  1812 , spreader operation ceases. Upon release, the trigger mechanism moves downward. The springs cause return of the trigger mechanism to its initial position. Electrical contact is broken by the trigger mechanism causing the motor to cease operation, which in turn causes the gear train to stop moving. The agitator and rotor plate cease movement. The downward movement of the trigger mechanism also cause the shutter to move back over the hopper opening, sealing the hopper opening and thus cutting off the flow of spreadable material from the hopper. 
     At  1814 , the method  1800  may be repeated, as required, by returning to  1802  to refill the hopper or to fill with a different material, by returning to  1804  to change the shutter setting, and/or by returning to  1806  by depressing the trigger again. If no further operation is desired, the method  1800  ceases at  1816 . 
     During operation, the trigger lock can optionally be applied using a switch located at the top portion of the handle. The trigger lock secures the trigger in the “on” position allowing for continual operation of the spreader without application of any pressure on the trigger. The trigger lock can also be applied, using the same switch, with the trigger in the “off” position. The trigger lock prevents movement of the trigger in this position which prohibits actuation of the spreader device. When the trigger lock is not engaged, the trigger can be actuated freely. 
     Accordingly, the various embodiments are not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Further, although some of the embodiments have been described herein in the context of a particular implementation in a particular environment for a particular purpose, those of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the various embodiments can be beneficially implemented in any number of environments for any number of purposes. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the embodiments as disclosed herein. While the foregoing description includes many details and specificities, it is to be understood that these have been included for purposes of explanation only, and are not to be interpreted as limitations of the various embodiments. Many modifications to the embodiments described above can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this description.