Patent Publication Number: US-2023133631-A1

Title: Vehicle mounted spreader

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 63/263,455 filed Nov. 3, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to material spreaders, and more particularly to material spreaders for mounting to a vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Material spreaders which mount to a vehicle are generally known; however, improvements are needed. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a material spreader usable with a user-operated All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or Utility-Terrain Vehicle (UTV) to spread material comprises a mount configured to mount to the ATV or UTV and a spreader assembly. The spreader assembly comprises a base and a hopper supported by the base. The hopper includes an interior configured to hold a supply of the material. The hopper has an inlet opening through which material can be delivered to the interior and an outlet opening through which material can exit the interior. The spreader assembly includes a thrower supported by the base and configured to spread the material from the hopper onto a surface over which the ATV or UTV moves. A control system includes a power source and a motor operatively connected to the thrower. A flow rate assembly is configured to control a flow rate at which the material flows to the thrower. The flow rate assembly includes gate passage structure configured to permit material to flow therethrough. The flow rate assembly includes a flow adjustor moveable with respect to the gate passage structure to change a degree of openness of the gate passage structure. A gate is moveable with respect to the gate passage structure and the flow adjustor. The gate is moveable between a closed position and an open position. The gate when in the closed position prevents flow of material from the hopper to the thrower. The gate in the open position permits flow of material from the hopper to the thrower through the gate passage structure. 
     In another aspect, a material spreader usable with a user operated All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) for spreading material comprises a mount configured to mount to the ATV and a spreader assembly. The spreader assembly comprises a base and a hopper. The hopper is supported by the base and configured to hold a supply of the material. A thrower is supported by the base and configured to spread the material from the hopper to a surface over which the ATV moves. A flow rate assembly is configured to control a rate of flow at which the material flows to the thrower. A control system includes a power source and a motor operatively connected to the thrower. A user interface is operatively connected to the control system and includes at least one actuator configured to permit the user to adjust a speed of the motor and turn the motor on and off. 
     Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective of a spreader including a mount and a spreader assembly, the spreader assembly having a flow rate assembly; 
         FIG.  2    is a rear perspective of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective of a mount of a first embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    is a fragmentary perspective of the mount including a connector; 
         FIG.  5    is an enlarged fragmentary perspective including a connection of the spreader assembly to the mount; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective of a fastener usable to form the connection; 
         FIG.  7    is an enlarged fragmentary exploded perspective of components of the flow rate assembly; 
         FIG.  8    is a side perspective showing a handle of the flow gate in the closed position; 
         FIG.  9    is a side perspective showing the handle the flow gate in an open position; 
         FIG.  10    is a top view of the flow adjustor in a fully open setting; 
         FIG.  11    is a top view of the flow adjustor in an intermediate open setting; 
         FIG.  12    is a top view of the flow adjustor in a fully closed setting; 
         FIG.  13    is a top perspective of the flow rate assembly with the flow adjustor fully closed and the flow gate closed; 
         FIG.  14    is a top perspective of the flow rate assembly with the flow adjustor fully open and the flow gate fully open; 
         FIG.  15    is a top perspective of the flow rate assembly with the flow adjustor in an intermediate open position and the flow gate in the fully open position; 
         FIG.  16    is an enlarged fragmentary perspective showing a control interface; 
         FIG.  17    is a schematic of a control system; 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective of a mount of a second embodiment; and 
         FIG.  19    is a second embodiment of a lock engagement structure. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a material spreader (broadly, “spreader”) of the present disclosure is indicated by  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the spreader is configured to be secured to a vehicle to assist a user/operator in spreading material (e.g. seed, salt, fertilizer, other pelletized material, etc.) over a surface in which the vehicle is driven. The spreader can be mounted to vehicles such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) (also commonly referred to as a “four wheeler”); utility-terrain vehicle (UTV) (also commonly referred to as a “side-by-side”); truck; etc. Materials which the spreader can spread can vary in use and size. For example, corn, clover, soybeans, sunflowers, grass seed, salt, fertilizer, herbicide, etc. can be spread from the spreader onto surfaces such as a field, pavement, etc. 
     In general, the spreader  10  comprises a mount  12  and a spreader assembly  14 . The mount  12  is configured to be connected to mounting structure of the vehicle. For example, the mount  12  can be connected to a trailer hitch of the vehicle having a trailer hitch, or to a vehicle having compatible mounting structure. For example, a first embodiment of the mount can be mounted to a vehicle such as an ATV having a front or rear rack. A second embodiment of the mount is configured to be mounted to a trailer hitch of a truck and/or a UTV. The spreader assembly is configured to be mountable to the mount. The user can remove the spreader assembly from the mount for transporting, storage, etc., while the mount remains connected to the vehicle mounting structure. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the mount  12  of the first embodiment comprises a frame  20  and a support receiver  22  (broadly, “connector”). The frame  20  includes first and second arms  20 A,  20 B, a crossbar  80 , and fasteners  82 . Each mounting arm  20 A,  20 B has a first portion  20 C and a second portion  20 D where an elbow is formed between the first and second portions to form a generally L-shaped arm. Fasteners  82  (e.g. U-bolts) can pass through a plate  82 A, secured by nuts  82 B, to secure the first portions of the respective arms to the mounting structure of the vehicle, for example a rack of an ATV. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  4   , the support receiver  22  comprises a support receiver body  22 A which defines two through-holes  84 A,  84 B (upper and lower). The connector body defines a through hole  84 C, transverse to holes  84 A,  84 B. 
     The support receiver  22  is configured to include an adjustment assembly  25 . The adjustment assembly  25  comprises a pair of holders  86 A,  86 B. Each holder is secured (e.g. welded) to the crossbar  80 . Each holder defines a first through hole  84 B and plurality of through-holes  88  arranged in an arcuate series. A carriage pin  90  (broadly, “fastener”) is received through the through holes  84 A of each respective holder  86 A,  86 B and defines a pivot axis PA about which the support receiver  22  can pivot. The support receiver  22  can be pivoted to a positon as seen fit by the user, generally an upright position with respect to the first portions of the arms, or otherwise to orient the spreader assembly generally vertical with respect to the ground. It will be appreciated that mounting racks on various ATVs may not be parallel to the ground, and the vertical adjustment can be useful to properly orient the spreader assembly. An adjustment pin  92  (broadly, “fastener”) can be passed through a selected hole from the series of holes  88  and passed through the upper hole  84 A of the support receiver to hold the support receiver in place. Shims can be used to fill gaps between the U-bolts to provide a rattle-free connection. Such shims can also be used for leveling the mount on the vehicle. Moreover, metal D-loops (broadly, “connectors”) can be installed on either the frame or the support of the spreader, to which ratchet straps or other ties can connect to further provide a rattle-free connection. 
     Other types of mounts can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in another embodiment, the support receiver  22  can be secured (e.g. welded) to the crossbar  180  such that it is not provide vertical adjustment. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the spreader assembly  14  comprises a base  26 , a hopper  28  supported by the base  26 , a flow rate assembly  30  arranged at the bottom of the hopper  28 , and a thrower  50  arranged below the flow rate assembly. The thrower  50  is operable by a user interface. The thrower is rotated by an output shaft operatively connected to a motor  56  and controlled by the user interface. The user interface includes a user input which comprises first and second actuators,  60 A,  60 B, (broadly, “actuators”). In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  16   , the actuators  60 A,  60 B are housed in a housing  62  supported by the base  26 . The first actuator  60 A includes an On/Off switch. The second actuator  60 B includes a motor speed adjustor. The On/Off switch is a pressable button which the user can press to turn the motor on and off. The motor speed adjustor includes an adjustable toggle dial switch which the user can turn to increase or decrease the speed in which the motor rotates the output shaft, which in turn spins or rotates the thrower. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustor works in conjunction with a variable resistor, such as a Rheostat resistor. The housing  62  is fastened to the base  26  and houses other electrical components of the user interface, such as wiring. A waterproof sealant can be installed around the actuator/housing interface and/or the housing to prevent water or moisture intrusion. A gasket may be provided thereover to further prevent moisture from entering that region. Different types of actuators (e.g. dials, buttons, sliders, etc.) can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  16   , the base  26  of the spreader assembly comprises a bracket  26 A and a support  29  (broadly, “connector”). The bracket  26 A includes first and second portions  26 B,  26 C each configured to support various components of the spreader assembly. The first portion  26 B is arranged in an upstanding fashion and the second portion  26 C extends rearward from the first portion to form an L-shape. The connector  29  of the spreader assembly is configured to connect to the connector  22  of the mount  12 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  2  and  5   , the connector  29  of the spreader assembly  14  includes a rectangular post which is secured to the first portion of the bracket in a generally upstanding fashion. The rectangular post of the spreader assembly is slightly larger than the rectangular post of the frame to form a male/female or mating connection. The connectors define through-holes which align each other to allow a fastener  24  to pass through for securing the connection. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , the fastener  24  can be a pin which passes through the opening  84 C and is removable by the user. The pin comprises a pin body  24 A and a handle  24 B. The pin body can be passed through the opening  8 C and secured using a nut  24 F. In other embodiments, a detent mechanism may be used. A button  24 C (broadly, “actuator”) can be arranged to move the detent (not shown). For example, the detent would arranged at one end of the pin body and the handle and actuator are arranged at the opposite end. The handle includes a T-shaped head in which the button protrudes. In response to the user pressing the button, the detent retracts into the pin body permitting the pin to be removable through the openings. Other ways of securing the connectors to form a connection are not outside the scope of this disclosure. A connector (e.g. ring) may be provided on the handle to secure to a tether for safekeeping. 
     The hopper  28  defines an interior sized and shaped for holding the material. A top side of the hopper defines an inlet opening in which the user can pour the material to the interior. An outlet opening is arranged on a side opposite the inlet opening. The flow rate assembly covers the outlet opening, as will be described in greater detail below. A bottom portion of the hopper includes a neck which is angled toward the outlet opening to further facilitate flow of the material downward toward the outlet. A lid  28 A may be provided to cover the inlet opening of the hopper to prevent material from escaping the hopper and/or debris from entering the hopper. A side of the hopper (e.g. the side which faces the operator in the driver seat) includes a viewing window  28 B through which the operator can look to see how much material remains in the hopper. The outlet opening of the hopper is generally a circular shape, however other opening shapes can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the hopper  28  is supported and connected to the second portion  26 C of the bracket. A support member (e.g. a bracket arranged horizontally relative to the hopper) spans across the back side of the hopper and is secured to a distal end of the connector to provide additional support to the hopper. The second portion  26 C of the bracket  26 A defines a handle  26 D which can assist the user in lifting the spreader assembly off the mount. The actuator housing of the control system is secured to the second portion of the bracket, which is easily accessible to the user. 
     The flow rate assembly  30  comprises a flow gate  32  which the user/operator may move between a fully open position ( FIG.  9   ) and a fully closed position ( FIG.  8   ) by actuating a lever and/or handle  34 . As will be described in greater detail below, the flow rate assembly  30  can be manipulated by the user to permit a desired amount of material to expel from the hopper  28  and onto the thrower  50 , which is ultimately spread over the surface over which the vehicle is moving. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , the flow rate assembly  30  comprises an upper housing portion  38 ; a lower housing portion  40 , a flow rate restrictor plate  42 ; and the flow gate  32 . The upper and lower housing portions  38 ,  40  can be referred to broadly as gate passage structure. As will become apparent, the flow rate restrictor plate  42  and gate  32  are configured to change a degree of openness of the gate passage structure to control a flow rate of material to the thrower. The gate passage structure includes an upper gate passage structure portion (e.g., a portion of the upper housing portion  38 ) and a lower gate passage structure portion (e.g., a portion of the lower housing portion  40 ). Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The flow rate assembly  30  is connected (e.g. fastened) to the hopper to overlie the outlet opening of the hopper. The upper housing portion  38  faces upward toward the interior of the hopper  28  whereas the lower housing portion  40  faces downward toward the thrower  50 . The flow rate assembly  30  is configured to allow the user to adjust the flow restrictor plate  42  to predetermined positions which correspond with a desired rate of flow at which the material will fall from the hopper and onto the thrower. Desirably, the predetermined, or “preset,” location of the flow restrictor plate is set prior to operation of the vehicle. The flow restrictor plate is pre-set before the operator is driving the vehicle to spread the material, and while the operator is operating the vehicle, they can move the flow gate between the open and closed positions to start and stop spreading of material. Desirably, the flow gate is opened at least as much as the flow restrictor (e.g., flow gate full open) such that it is the flow restrictor that determines or limits flow through the flow rate assembly. 
     The upper housing portion  38  (broadly, “fixed member”) includes an upper housing portion body  38 ′. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper housing portion body is generally disc-shaped to correspond with the circular shape of the outlet opening of the hopper. The upper housing portion includes an opening through which the material can pass. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper housing portion body  38 ′ defines two openings  44 A,  44 B (broadly, “an opening”). In the illustrated embodiment, each opening  44 A,  44 B has a wedge shape spanning radially outward from a center of the disc, but stopping short of the edge of the disc. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle of the wedge shape is about seventy degrees, but other larger or smaller angles can be used. The wedge shape has a generally truncated pie piece shape. Other shapes can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     An edge portion of the disc defines openings in which bolts  31  (broadly, “fasteners”) can be received to secure together the other components of the assembly. A pin passed through the center of the disc defines a pivot axis PA, ( FIG.  8   ). The pin also passes through other moveable components of the assembly. An agitator (broadly, “spindle”) protrudes from the upper housing portion into the interior of the hopper. The output shaft can rotate the agitator to facilitate movement of the material within the hopper. The upper housing portion could be shaped differently without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     The lower housing portion  40  comprises a body  40 ′ sized and shaped to correspond with the size and shape of the upper housing portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the body  40 ′ defines openings  40 A,  40 B. A portion of the main body extends outboard relative to the upper housing portion and defines a lock engagement structure  46  (broadly, “flow restrictor engagement structure”). The lock engagement structure  46  defines predetermined positions each having an associated indicator. A forward side of the lower housing portion includes an arcuate track allowing for the handle  42 A of the flow restrictor plate to freely move. Similarly, a rear side of the lower housing portion includes a track allowing for the handle  32 C of the feed gate to freely move. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  13   , there are nine teeth  46 A (broadly, “protrusions”) arranged in a series and eight notches  46 B (broadly, “retainers”) defined by two adjacent teeth  46 A. The lock engagement structure comprises indicators including a letter “C,” which stands for “closed” and numbers 1-7. The numbers 1-7 correspond to a degree to which the flow adjustor can be set, as will be described below. The indicators, and the lock engagement structure, are arranged to face rearward with respect to the vehicle. This allows a user standing outside the vehicle to face the spreader and view the markings while the spreader is mounted to the vehicle. It is anticipated the operator will refer to these markings while not sitting in an operator station of the vehicle, but other configurations can be used. Other indicators (e.g. colors, graphics, etc.) may be used. An edge portion of the main body defines openings sized, shaped, and arranged to correspond with the openings of the upper housing portion to receive the bolts. Nuts, and washers, are used to fasten together the bolts. More or fewer teeth and/or notches could be included without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, other arrangements can be used for permitting a user to set a degree of openness of the gate passage structure, such as other arrangements (e.g., ball detent) configured to provide preset open settings. 
     The flow restrictor plate  42 , hereinafter referred to as the flow adjustor, is arranged immediately below the upper housing portion  38  configured to pivot about the pivot axis PA. The flow adjustor  42  includes a flow adjustor body  42 ′ and a handle  42 A (broadly, “actuator”) protruding from the flow adjustor body. The flow adjustor body can be disc-shaped to correspond with the other components of the assembly. The flow adjustor  42  is configured to be moveable with respect to the upper housing portion. The arrangement is such that the flow adjustor  42  can be moveable to cover (fully, partially, or not at all—broadly, “change the size”) the wedge shaped opening(s)  44 A,  44 B of the upper housing portion  38 . In the illustrated embodiment, the flow adjustor  42  defines wedge-shaped openings  48 A,  48 B which can correspond to the wedge-shaped openings  44 A,  44 B of the upper housing portion  38 . The wedge shaped openings of the flow adjustor could be omitted such that the flow adjustor body  42 ′ is sized and shaped to cover the wedge-shaped openings of the upper housing portion. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  13   , the flow adjustor handle  42 A extends from the disc-shaped body in the direction of the lock engagement structure  46  so it is accessible by the user. The flow adjustor handle  42 A comprises a keeper  42 B which is configured to engage with the notches  46 B of the lower housing portion  40 . 
     The flow gate  32  is arranged immediately below the flow adjustor  42 . The flow gate  32  includes a flow gate body  32 ′ and an arm  32 C (broadly, “lever”) extending from the flow gate body. The flow gate  32  can be disc-shaped to correspond with the other components of the assembly. The flow gate is configured to be moveable with respect to the upper housing portion to either cover (i.e. closed positon) or uncover (i.e. open position) the opening formed between the openings  44 A,  44 B of the upper housing  38  and the openings  48 A,  48 B of the flow adjustor  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, the flow gate is configured to pivot about the pivot axis, PA, between the fully open ( FIG.  9   ) and fully closed positons ( FIG.  8   ). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the flow gate  32  is disc-shaped to correspond with the other components of the assembly. The flow gate body  32 ′ defines wedge-shaped openings  32 A,  32 B (broadly, “an opening”) which can be in registration with the wedge shaped openings  48 A, 48 B of the flow adjustor  42 , and with the openings  44 A,  44 B the upper housing portion  38 . As will become apparent, pivotable movement of the flow gate  32  (between closed and open positions) will cause the flow gate body  32 ′ to cover the openings  48 A,  48 B of the flow adjustor  42  and the openings  44 A,  44 B of the upper housing portion  38  (i.e., closed position), or the flow gate openings  32 A,  32 B will align with the openings of the flow adjustor and upper housing (i.e., open position). The flow gate could be arranged immediately above the flow restrictor plate without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, other positions can be used (e.g., with intermediate structure between the flow restrictor and flow gate). The wedge-shaped openings of the flow gate could be omitted such that the flow gate body is sized and shaped to fully cover and/or uncover the opening(s) of the upper housing. 
     The arm  32 C of the flow gate  32  is arranged to face generally in the direction of the operator sitting in the driver&#39;s seat of the vehicle. The arm  32 C includes and opening (broadly, “connector”) to connect to a handle  34  (broadly, “actuator”) which is reachable by the operator/driver. The arrangement is such that the driver can pull the handle  34  toward themselves (forward) to open the flow gate ( FIG.  9   ), or push the handle away (rearward) to close the flow gate ( FIG.  8   ), as will be described in greater detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle  34  includes a metal rod having a hook (broadly, “connector”) arranged at the distal end to connect to the arm  32 C. The proximal end of the rod includes a handle head  34 A which the operator can grasp to pull or push the handle. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle head has an opening configured to receive the operator&#39;s finger. 
     The handle  34  can be supported by intermediate support structure which can guide the movement of the handle. In the illustrated embodiment, the intervening support structure comprises a flange  66  (broadly, “guide”) and a support arm  68 . The flange  66  extends forward from the bracket  26 A and defines an arcuate track  66 A. A proximal end of the support arm  68  is pivotably connected to a base the flange  66 . A distal end of the support arm  68  is secured to an intermediate part of the handle  34 . A guide pin  66 B protrudes from an intermediate portion of the support arm and extends through the track. The guide pin can be loosely fastened using a nut (e.g. a wing-nut) to allow the support arm to move along the track in a guided manner. 
     In other embodiments, the flow adjustor and the flow gate can be moved between respective preset positions and open and closed positions in ways other than pivoting about the pivot axis PA (e.g., sliding). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  8 - 15   , different settings of the flow rate assembly will be discussed in greater detail. The different settings allow the user to adjust the rate at which material will fall from the hopper onto the thrower. 
       FIGS.  12  and  13    illustrate a first configuration (Configuration A) in which the flow adjustor  42  is in the fully closed position and the flow gate  32  is in the fully closed position. The flow adjustor handle  42 A is moved to preset position “C” to arrange the flow adjustor  42  to the fully closed position. The openings  48 A,  48 B of the flow adjustor  42  (covered by upper housing portion) overlie the body  40 ′ of the lower housing portion. The arm  32 C of the flow gate  32  is moved to the forward position such that the flow gate body  32 ′ overlies the openings  44 A,  44 B of the upper housing portion  38 . The configuration of Configuration A is such that no material is permitted to pass through the flow rate assembly. 
       FIGS.  8  and  10   , illustrate a second configuration (Configuration B) in which the flow adjustor  42  is in the fully open position and the flow gate  32  is in the fully closed position. The flow adjustor handle  42 A is moved to preset Position 7 to arrange the flow adjustor  42  to the fully open position. The openings  48 A,  48 B of the flow adjustor  42  align with the openings  44 A,  44 B of the upper housing portion  38  and the openings  40 A,  40 B of the lower housing portion  40 . However, the arm  32 C of the flow gate  32  is moved to the forward position such that the flow gate body  32 ′ overlies the aligned openings  44 A,  44 B of the upper housing portion  38  and the openings  48 A,  48 B of the flow adjustor  42 . The configuration of Configuration B is such that no material is permitted to pass through the flow assembly. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates a third configuration (Configuration C) in which the flow adjustor  42  is in the fully open position and the flow gate  32  is in the fully open position. The flow adjustor handle  42 A is moved to preset Position 7 to arrange the flow adjustor  42  to the fully open position. The openings  48 A,  48 B of the flow adjustor  42  fully align with the openings  44 A,  44 B of the upper housing portion  38 . The arm  32 C of the flow gate  32  is moved to the rearward position such that the openings  32 A,  32 B of the flow gate  32  fully align the openings  32 A,  32 B of the lower housing portion. All the openings fully align with each other. The configuration of Configuration C is such that a maximum amount of material is permitted to pass through the flow rate assembly. 
       FIGS.  11  and  15   , illustrate a fourth configuration (Configuration D) in which the flow adjustor  42  is in an intermediate open position and the flow gate is in the fully open position. The arrangement of the flow adjustor  42  at preset Position 4 causes the flow adjustor body  42 ′ to partially obstruct the aligned openings of the upper housing portion  38 , flow gate  32 , and lower housing portion  40 . The flow adjustor handle  42 A is moved to preset Position 4 to arrange the flow adjustor  42  in an intermediate open position. The openings  48 A,  48 B of the flow adjustor  42  partially align with the openings  44 A,  44 B of the upper housing portion  38  to form a smaller opening overall. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge of the flow adjustor body  42 ′ forms an arcuate opening having an angle of thirty degrees (referred to as Position 4 opening). The arm  32 C of the flow gate  32  is moved to the rearward position such that the flow gate openings  32 A,  32 B align with the openings  40 A,  40 B of the lower housing portion  40 . Thus the limiting flow factor is the Position 4 setting of the flow restrictor. The configuration of Configuration D is such that a medium amount of material is permitted to pass through the flow rate assembly. 
     It will be appreciated that the flow adjustor is moveable among the various preset positions 1-7 which will allow lesser or greater amounts of material to pass through the flow rate assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, preset positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, of the flow adjustor correspond with smaller to greater sized openings, respectively. The sizes of the wedge-shapes defined by the upper housing, flow adjustor, and flow gate could be manufactured to be larger or smaller sizes and/or different shaped. 
       FIG.  17    illustrates a schematic of a control system  70  of the material spreader  10 . The motor  56  is energized by a battery  72  (broadly, “power source”) which can be the battery of the vehicle and operatively connected by appropriate circuitry (broadly “wiring”). The control system comprises a user interface having a user input. The user input comprises the first and second actuators  60 A,  60 B. The second actuator  60 B further comprises a Rheostat (broadly, “resistor”). 
     Referring to  FIG.  18   , a mount  112  of the second embodiment is similar to the mount described above, and like reference numbers, plus  100 , are used to designate like elements. The mount  112  comprises a frame  20  and a support receiver  22  (broadly, “connector”). The frame  20  includes first and second arms  20 A,  20 B. The first arm  20 A (broadly, “hitch connector”) is sized and shaped to be received on a hitch mount receiver of the vehicle. The first arm  20 A defines a transverse opening arranged to align with an opening of the hitch mount receiver in which a fastener  124  (e.g. locking pin) can be received for locking the frame  20  to the hitch mount receiver. A proximal end of the second arm  20 B extends from a distal end of the first arm  20 A in an upward and rearward direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the second arm  20 B is angled at about forty-five degrees with respect to the first arm  20 A. The connector  22  is arranged at a distal end of the second arm. The connector  22  has a connector body  22 ′ and is sized and shaped to connect to the spreader assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector is a rectangular post arranged in a generally upstanding fashion with respect to the second arm configured to form a male/female connection with the connector  29  of the spreader assembly. The first and second arms can be integrally formed from stainless steel or other suitable materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame is configured to be receivable on a 1¼″ hitch mount receiver. 
     Referring to  FIG.  19   , a lock engagement structure  146  of the second embodiment is similar to the lock engagement structure described above, and like reference numbers, plus  100 , are used to designate like elements. The teeth  146 A may define gaps  146 B (broadly, “retainers”) therebetween for receiving the keeper of the handle of the flow adjustor. Indicators are provided on flanges  148  of the teeth to represent a degree of openness of the flow restrictor corresponding to the setting. The gaps are configured to engage with the keeper of the handle of the flow adjustor in a secure fashion. 
     It will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. The dimensions and proportions described herein are by way of example without limitation. Other dimensions and proportions can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.