Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/596,241, filed Sep. 9, 2005, the inventor being Leon David Cotham. This application claims priority from and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/518,086, filed Sep. 8, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,663. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to dispersing granular material, e.g. feed, seed, grain and fertilizer, and more particularly to dispersing granular material from a portable device configured as a backpack. 
     2. Background 
     Hunters use feeders to attract game. Usually these are stationary and near a stand. Hunters then wait for game to come to the feeder. Some dedicated feeders are available for vehicles, e.g. all terrain vehicles, to feed larger areas like roads. During hunting season older more mature animals shy away from stationary feeders, or visit them at night. 
     The prior art includes a variety of devices for dispersing granular seed, feed, grain and fertilizer. Some prior art devices are adapted for carrying on the user&#39;s back. No prior art devices include a device adapted for carrying on the user&#39;s back, that also includes a remotely-actuated, motorized, spinning spreader plate. 
     Additionally, although some devices for dispersing granular material are adapted for attachment to a moving vehicle, no such prior art devices are adapted for removal from the vehicle and carrying on the user&#39;s back in a terrain deemed unsuitable for the vehicle. 
     Similarly, although some devices for dispersing granular material are adapted for suspension from overhanging objects, e.g. tree branches, no such prior art devices are remotely actuated, nor or such devices adapted for alternating between using the device in such a suspended manner, and carrying on the user&#39;s back to areas remote from the area of suspension, where no overhead object is available. 
     Also, although no prior art devices for dispersing granular material are adapted to provide an appropriately elevated seating platform for the user after removing the device from the user&#39;s shoulders. 
     What is needed is a device for dispersing granular seed, feed, and fertilizer, which is transportable on the user&#39;s back, has a motorized, spinning spreader plate that is remotely actuated, provides a seating platform for the user, is adaptable for attachment to rear structure on a vehicle, and can be suspended above the ground from an overhead object and remotely actuated. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a device for dispersing granular seed, feed, and fertilizer, which is transportable on the user&#39;s back, has a motorized, spinning spreader plate that is remotely actuated, provides a swiveling, cushioned seating platform for the user, is readily adaptable for attachment to rear structure on a vehicle, e.g. an all terrain vehicle or a pickup, and can readily be suspended above the ground from an overhead object and remotely actuated. 
     I have provided a portable game feeder backpack that is worn by the user to spread feed for wild game, and can also be used to spread seed and fertilizer. The device comprises a bucket with a removable lid that is filled with granular material, a funnel arranged within and at the bottom of the bucket, a downspout assembly beneath the funnel, and a motorized spreader plate beneath the downspout assembly that receives granular material from the funnel and scatters granular material behind the user as the user walks through a forest or hunting area that is inaccessible to vehicles. A push button activation switch is arranged at the end of an elastic cord to the motor that powers the spreader plate. The entire assembly is mounted to a backpack frame that has two padded shoulder straps. The device may be placed on the ground so that the padded lid of the bucket may serve as a hunting seat for the user. The invention also has a detachable bracket made from angle and flat aluminum that may be attached to the rack of a vehicle, e.g. an all terrain vehicle, (ATV) for transportation or for use in spreading granular material behind the vehicle. The device is easily attached and detached from the bracket by two or more bolts and wing nuts and secured with nylon buckle straps. 
     Advantages of my invention include the ability to enter areas inaccessible by vehicle and to enter without noise and disruption. Hunters may scout bedding areas and travel lanes used by game. The device is then used to spread feed, attract and hold game. The unit doubles as a hunting seat. The “backpack feeder” allows the hunter to go where these mature animals spend time and spread feed to hold the animals and then set up a stand. This is especially attractive for bow hunters. 
     The bucket is filled with granular material and then the user activates the spreader motor with the hand held switch causing the spreader plate to distribute the granular material either as a backpack or from the ATV. The components work together to hold the granular material, distribute the granular material to a spreader plate and then spread the granular material behind the user as a backpack or behind the invention mounted to a vehicle. My invention is used to spread granular material in order to attract and hold wild game in areas inaccessible to vehicles when used as a backpack or over large areas such as roads when used on the ATV. 
     Other advantages provided by some exemplary embodiments, include interchangeable controller units, enabling the operator to quickly change among pushbutton, remote, and timer control of the motor. Other such advantages include a lid which drains through side ports to protect the bucket contents from water entry. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, I have provided an apparatus for a user to disperse granular material, comprising: a bucket for receiving and storing the granular material, the bucket having a bottom, the bucket bottom having a hole through which granular material is gravity discharged; a downspout assembly, cooperating with the bucket, for directing the granular material discharged from the bucket, the downspout assembly having a conduit, the conduit having a lower end; a spreader assembly, cooperating with the downspout assembly, attached to the bucket, the spreader assembly having a spreader plate positioned to receive granular material from the downspout assembly conduit lower end, a motor configured to receive power from an electric power source, a power source positioning member, a driving member connecting the motor and the spreader plate, and an actuator, for activating and de-activating the motor such that the activated motor rotates the spreader plate and granular material is dispersed, the downspout assembly conduit lower end being spaceable with respect to the spreader plate; a frame having a platform for supporting the bucket and spreader assembly; and a harness for receiving and supporting the frame, the harness having straps such that the user supports the apparatus upon the user&#39;s back. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the frame further comprises an enclosure, the enclosure substantially enclosing the spreader assembly. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the bucket has a conduit and the downspout assembly conduit is adjustable along a portion of the bucket conduit length such that the downspout assembly conduit lower end is positionable between a first and second position. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the bucket has a removable lid for securing the stored granular material within the bucket, the apparatus further comprising a seat attached to the lid. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprising a fastener for attaching the seat to the lid, the lid having a center member for receiving the fastener, the lid further having a plurality of drain passages, the fastener having a top, the top being higher than at least part of each drain passage, such that liquids drain from the lid prior to rising to enter the lid center member. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the seat swivels with respect to the lid. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the frame is sized such that the seat is spaced between two and three feet from the ground, when the frame rests upon the ground. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the actuator is a timer. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the actuator further comprises a hand control and an electric cord connecting the hand control to the motor. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the spreader assembly actuator further comprises a wireless hand control. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the harness further comprises a belt member, the belt member being attached to the frame such that the user may secure the belt member about the user&#39;s waist. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the frame has a padded member placed on the frame such that the padded support is proximate the user&#39;s neck. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the frame has a padded member placed on the frame such that the padded support is proximate the user&#39;s lower back. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the frame is configured and sized such that the height of the frame is less than 36 inches. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the frame is configured and sized such that the width of the frame is less than 25 inches. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the frame is configured and sized such that the depth of the frame is less than 25 inches. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the harness is constructed from weather-resistant material. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the harness is constructed from camouflaged material. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an attachment assembly for removably attaching the frame to a rear structure on a vehicle, such that, in response to the user&#39;s operation of the motor actuator, some of the granular material is dispersed behind the vehicle as the vehicle is in forward motion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the attachment assembly is configured such that the frame is attachable to the vehicle rear structure such that substantially all the frame is positioned behind the rear structure. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the vehicle rear structure is a receiver hitch and the attachment assembly comprises an insertion member for inserting and securing within the receiver hitch, the insert member having an elevated, transverse member and at least two elongated members extending from the transverse member, the frame being attachable to the two elongated members. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the vehicle rear structure is a rear rack having tubular portions and the attachment assembly comprises at least two elongated members and attachment mechanisms for attaching the elongated members to the tubular portions, the attachment assembly further comprising attachment mechanisms for attaching the frame to the elongated members. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the bucket has an attachment structure and the apparatus further comprises a suspension assembly for suspending the apparatus above the ground from an elevated object, the suspension assembly having pulley and a securing device for hanging the pulley on the elevated object, a rope having a first end and a second end, the rope positioned for travel through the pulley, a hanger having at least two end members, the end members being configured to engage the bucket attachment structure when the hanger moves vertically, and a hanger securing device positioned on the rope first end for attaching the rope to the hanger, such that the user, when pulling on the rope second end, causes the hanger securing device to lift the hanger, the hanger end members engaging the bucket attachment structure such that the apparatus is elevated. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, I have provided an apparatus for a user to disperse granular material, comprising: means for receiving, storing and discharging the granular material; means for directing the granular material discharged from the bucket; means for dispersing the granular material; means for supporting the means for receiving, storing and discharging the granular material, and for substantially enclosing the spreader assembly; and means for carrying the apparatus upon the user&#39;s back. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for closing the means for receiving, storing and discharging the granular material, the means for closing further comprising means for supporting the user in a seated position. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for the user to swivel while seated on the means for supporting the user in a seated position. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for remotely actuating the means for dispersing. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of means for actuating the means for dispersing. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for supporting the apparatus further comprises means for securing the apparatus about the user&#39;s waist. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for removably attaching the frame to a rear structure on a vehicle, such that, in response to the user&#39;s operation of the means for dispersing, some of the granular material is dispersed behind the vehicle while the vehicle is in forward motion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for removably suspending the apparatus from an elevated structure. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, I have provided an apparatus for a user to disperse granular material, comprising: a bucket for receiving and storing the granular material, the bucket having a bottom, the bucket bottom having a hole through which granular material is gravity discharged, the bucket further having a removable lid for securing the stored granular material within the bucket, the lid having a padded top member the top member being useable as a seat by the user, the frame serving as a support for the seat member, the top member swiveling with respect to the lid; a downspout assembly, cooperating with the bucket, for directing the granular material discharged from the bucket, the downspout assembly further comprising a first conduit and a second conduit, the second conduit having a lower end, the first and second conduits being adjustable along a portion of their respective lengths such that the second conduit lower end is positionable at or between a first and second position; a spreader assembly, cooperating with the downspout assembly, attached to the bucket, the spreader assembly having a spreader plate positioned to receive granular material from the downspout assembly second conduit lower end, a motor configured to receive power from an electric power source, a power source positioning member, a driving member connecting the motor and the spreader plate, and an actuator, operated by the user&#39;s hand, for activating and de-activating the motor such that the activated motor rotates the spreader plate and granular material is dispersed, the downspout assembly second conduit lower end being spaceable with respect to the spreader plate; a frame having a platform for supporting the bucket, and a brace member, the frame being configured and sized such that the height of the frame is less than 36 inches, the frame brace member having a padded member placed on the frame brace member such that the padded support is proximate the user&#39;s lower back, the frame further comprising an enclosure, the enclosure substantially enclosing the spreader assembly; and a harness for receiving and supporting the frame, the harness having straps such that the user supports the apparatus upon the user&#39;s back, the harness further comprising a belt member, the belt member being attached to the frame brace such that the user may secure the belt member about the user&#39;s waist. 
     The foregoing features and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following more particular descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the invention as illustrated, in some embodiments, in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the downspout assembly in a first position in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the downspout assembly in a second position in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view across the middle of the lid assembly in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a partial sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention cut laterally across the middle of the bucket and downspout assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial front view of the spreader assembly of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional partial view of the frame brace and bucket in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial view of a shoulder strap, frame brace and attachments in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the lid assembly removed. 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a vehicle rear structure attachment assembly in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a vehicle rear structure attachment assembly in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of a suspension assembly in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a partial front view of a spreader assembly in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a plan view of a portion the camouflaged fabric. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the seat/lid attached and camouflage material and straps removed. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the seat/lid, camouflage material and straps removed. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the frame of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the bucket of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a partial view of the bucket attachment to the frame of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a partial sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a partial sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a reducing insert of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a reducing insert of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a schematic view of controller systems for an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  is a partial sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the lid of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 29  is a sectional front view of the lid of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The following discussion describes exemplary embodiments of the invention in detail. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to the appended claims. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/518,086, filed Sep. 8, 2006, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     As used herein the term “granular material” includes feed, seed, grain, and fertilizer. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment  10  of the present invention is illustrated. As illustrated further in  FIG. 2 , an exemplary embodiment  10  is shown by which a user can disperse granular material stored in a bucket  20 , having a camouflaged fabric cover  21  and a threaded top  22 , an interior funnel  24 , attached within the bucket fasteners  26   a - d , with rivets  27   a - d  attaching the fasteners to the bucket, and rivets  29   a - d  attaching the fasteners to the funnel, the funnel having a hole  28  at the bottom  34  of the bucket, coinciding with a hole  23  in the bucket bottom (as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ). As part of a downspout assembly  30 , a plate  32  is within the bucket  22  at the bottom, the plate having a hole  36  at which a first conduit  40  is fixed and extends downwardly such that granular material within the bucket may pass through the funnel hole  28 , the plate  32 , the bucket bottom hole  23 , and the first conduit  40 . The downspout assembly includes a second conduit  42  which telescopes on the first conduit  40  and is fixable at various positions with relation to the first conduit using set screw  44 , which screws into the second conduit and bears against the first conduit. As illustrated for an exemplary embodiment in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the second conduit  42  is positionable in a lowered position and raised position, respectfully. 
     In some exemplary embodiments (not shown) the first conduit is attached to the funnel instead of the plate  32 , and in some exemplary embodiments the first conduit is an extension of the funnel through the plate  32 . 
     Additionally, for the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a frame  50  is provided having a platform section  52  with holes  54   a - b  aligning with holes  56   a - b  in the plate  32  for attachment using screws  58   a - b , the frame platform section thus supporting and securing the bucket  20 . Granular material within the bucket is protected by a multi-component lid assembly  60  which threadably attaches to the bucket threaded top  22 . As further shown in  FIG. 5 , the lid assembly  60  has a bottom portion  62  that threadably attaches to the bucket  20 . The lid bottom portion has concentric elevations  64   a - b  about its center. A center bolt and nut combination  66  fastens a second portion  68 , which is constructed of aluminum. A third portion  70 , constructed from plywood, is attached to the second portion using four screws  72   a - d , and spaced from the second portion using nylon spacers  74   a - d . A fourth portion  76 , constructed from foam is positioned on the third portion  70  as a seat cushion, and is held in place by a camouflaged fabric cover  78 , which surrounds the fourth portion and is stapled to the third portion. In use, the seat may be swiveled about the center bolt and nut combination  66 , the aluminum third portion  70  sliding easily on the first portion elevations  64   a - b.    
     Further, the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  provides a spreader assembly  80 , which is attached to the plate  32  using bracket  82  and back plate  81  which have holes  84   a - b  and  86   a - b , respectively. As shown in combination with partial section  FIG. 6 , the holes  84   a - b  and  86   a - b  align with holes  88   a - d  in the plate  32  and receiving screws  90   a - d  for attachment using nuts  91   c - d  (two not shown) such that the spreader assembly is contained within a frame  50  enclosure  92  in such a manner that the frame enclosure extends lower than the spreader assembly. The spreader assembly includes a box  94  attached to back plate  81  and positioned within the spreader assembly bracket  82 , the box having an openable end  96 , the end being openable by the removal of cap  100 . As shown in further detail in  FIG. 6 , the box  94  has an opening  104  through which a motor  106  within the box partially protrudes, the motor being attached to the box using screws  108   a - b . A shaft  110  rotates when the motor is activated, and is attached to a spreader plate  112 , the spreader plate being attached to the shaft using screw  113 , the spreader plate having deflector blades  114 . The rotating shaft drives the spreader plate into rotation with the motor. As shown in additional detail in  FIG. 7 , the motor receives power through conventional wiring  116  that connects the motor to a 9-volt battery  117  positionable in either of brackets  118   a - b , the battery brackets being within and attached to the box  94 . A hand-operated push button actuator  120  has a coiled cord  122  that extends through the box, through rubber grommet  119 , and is wired to the motor  106 . By holding the button down, the user causes the motor to run, thus turning the spreader plate  112 . 
     Additionally,  FIGS. 1 and 2  show the frame  50  of the exemplary embodiment  10  to include a vertical brace member  140  to which the frame platform  52  and frame enclosure  92  are attached. An aluminum top attachment member  142  is attached to the top center of the brace member and is joined to bucket  20  handle structure  144  using a screw  146  which threadably attaches to a threaded hole in the top attachment member  142 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Padded backpack straps  150   a - b , adjustable in length, have first ends  152   a - b , and are removably attached to brace member holes  154   a - b  using clevis pin—circle cotter combinations  156   a - b , as shown in additional detail in  FIG. 9  for the right shoulder strap  150   b . Similarly, the straps have second ends  158   a - b  attached to brace member holes  160   a - b  using clevis pin—circle cotter combinations  162   a - b . Also, an adjustable padded and buckled waist strap  164  is attached, using snaps  165   a - b  to the brace member. A padded lower back cushion  166  is also provided and attached to the brace member  140  using snaps  167   a - d , along with a padded and a padded neck cushion  168 . In some exemplary embodiments the push button actuator  120  is removably attached to the frame brace  140  using a hook-and-pile fastener  123 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Additional views of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  are provided in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 12 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown to provide an all terrain vehicle attachment assembly  200  for supporting the device  10  on an all terrain vehicle, having a rear structure, e.g. a rack  202  made of tubular steel. The attachment assembly provides two rigid, elongated members  204   a - b , each having a hole  208   a - b , which aligns with a hole  206   a - b  in the frame enclosure  52  and attached with screws  210   a - b  and wing nuts  211   a  (one shown). Each member  204   a - b  also has a buckle strap  212   a  (one shown) positioned on each member for wrapping about the frame enclosure and further attaching the frame enclosure to the member. [In some exemplary embodiments the strap uses a hook and pile fastener.] The attachment assembly further provides clamps having U-bolts  214   a - d  a U-bolt closing member  216   a - d , and a pair of wing nuts  218   a - h , for completing the clamping of the elongated members  204   a - b  to portions of the rack  202 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the elongated members are of a length such that the frame and bucket are in a position completely behind the rear structure. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 13 , whereby an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and shown to include an attachment assembly  300  for use with a vehicle that has rear structure in the form of a conventional receiver hitch having an opening for receiving a square-shaped member with a hole, the hitch having a hole for inserting a pin through the hitch and the square-shaped member hole to secure the square-shaped member. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 13 , the attachment assembly includes an insertion member having a square-shaped first member  302  with a hole  304  such that the pin is insertable through the hitch and first member hole, thus securing the first member in the hitch. The first member extends rearwardly from the vehicle and at its end has an upwardly facing member  306  for receiving a second square-shaped member  308  and securing the second member using a clevis pin and cotter combination  310 . The second member extends upwardly and has at its end an upwardly facing member  312  for receiving the vertical end  314  of a welded tee  316  and securing the welded tee using a clevis pin and cotter combination  320 . Two elongated members  322   a - b  are attached to the welded tee using bolt and wing nut combinations  324   a - b . The elongated members have holes  326   a - b  that align with frame enclosure holes  206   a - b  and are attached to the frame enclosure  52  using bolt and wing nut combinations  328   a - b . Each elongated member  322   a - b  also has a buckle strap  330   a - b  for additional securement of the elongated members to the frame enclosure  52 . In some exemplary embodiments, the first member  302 , second member  308 , and welded tee  316  are two inch square steel tubing, and the upwardly facing receiving members  306 , 312  are two and one/half inch square steel tubing. 
     In some exemplary embodiments the first member  302  extends rearwardly to a length that allows the upwardly extending second member  308  to clear a typical pickup tailgate in its lowered position, or the rear rack on an all terrain vehicle. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 14 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown to include a suspension assembly  400  for suspending the device, above the ground, from an elevated object, e.g. a tree limb  402 . The suspension assembly has a conventional pulley  404  and a securing device  406 , (e.g. a length of rope) for hanging the pulley on the elevated object, a rope  408  having a first end  410  and a second end  412 , the rope being positioned for travel through the pulley, a hanger  414  having at least two end members  416 , 418 , the end members being configured to engage the bucket handle structure  144  when the hanger moves vertically, and a hanger securing device  420  positioned on the rope first end for attaching the rope to the hanger, such that the user, when pulling on the rope second end, causes the hanger securing device to lift the hanger, the hanger end members engaging the bucket handle structure such that the device is elevated. When the device is at the desired height, the user ties the rope second end to a suitable object. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 15 . In some exemplary embodiments, the wired remote actuator  120  and coiled wire  122 , and related conventional wiring  116 , are replaced with a wireless remote actuator assembly  500 , having a receiver  502 , antenna  504 , conventional wiring  506 , and a wireless handheld actuator  508 , having a button  510 . By pressing and releasing the button, the user causes the motor  106  to run, thus turning the spreader plate  112 . A second press and release turns the motor off. 
     Some exemplary embodiments include aluminum tubing for the frame  50 , a plastic bucket  20 , urethane foam for cushions in the belt  164 , lower back cushion  166 , and backpack shoulder straps  150   a - b , a aluminum plate  32 , an aluminum funnel  24 , box  94 , support bracket  82 , back plate  81 , and battery brackets  118   a - b , and an aluminum first conduit  40  and second conduit  42 . Some exemplary embodiments include 600d polyester weather resistant urethane 2-pass for the camouflaged fabric portions, e.g. the bucket cover  21 , seat cushion cover  78 , and the covers for straps  150   a - b , neck cushion  168 , lower back cushion  166 , and the cushion in the padded waist belt  164 , a representative camouflaged portion  600  being illustrated in  FIG. 16 . Some exemplary embodiments include urethane 2-pass foam for cushions and pads. Some exemplary embodiments include a 3950 rpm 12V DC high-torque (1360 gm-cm) motor  106  with a ¼ inch flat, ⅛ inch diameter stainless steel shaft. Some exemplary embodiments include a 315 MHz frequency, fixed code transmitter  508 , compatible with a 3-13.8 VDC, 5 mA standby, 15 mA LED flashing at 12 VDC receiver  502 . Some exemplary embodiments include a bucket capacity of approximately five gallons (0.0189 cubic meters). 
     In the use of some exemplary embodiments, the user arrives at the site onto which the user desires to spread a granular material, e.g. feed. For sites inaccessible by vehicle, the user will use the device as a backpack, such that the feed may be dispersed behind the user while walking. The user first removes the lid assembly  60 , pours the desired amount of feed into the bucket  20 , and replaces the lid assembly. The second conduit  42  of the downspout assembly  30  has been previously positioned to a setting whereby the lower end of the second conduit is close enough to the spreader plate  112  that the feed will be retained on the plate and within the second conduit, thus discharge of feed from the bucket is stopped. The user then adjusts the shoulder straps  150   a - b  and dons the device as a backpack. Once on the user&#39;s shoulders the user fastens the padded belt about the waist and adjusts the belt such that some of the weight is borne by the waist rather than the shoulders. When the user walks and reaches the terrain upon which it is desired to disperse the feed, the user detaches the remote push-button hand control  120  from its hook and pile attachment  123  to the frame brace  140 . When the user pushes the button the circuit is completed in the conventional wiring  116 , such that the motor  106  is activated, and the motor shaft  110  rotates the spreader plate  112 . The spinning spreader plate, acting through the deflector blades  114 , now actively propels the feed from the spreader plate behind the user as the user is walking, for so long as the user is pushing the button. When the user reaches a terrain where feed is not needed, or stops for a rest, the user releases the button, the motor stops, the spreader plate stops, and the feed ceases being discharged from the bucket through the downspout assembly. 
     If, during the course of the walk, the user determines that feed should be dispersed at an increased rate, the user loosens the set screw  44 , raises the second conduit with respect to the first conduit, and tightens the set screw. The increased spacing between the second conduit lower end and the spreader plate will allow feed to be discharged from the bucket at a higher rate. 
     During a rest break, the user removes the device from the user&#39;s shoulders and sets the device down on the frame  50 . The frame height is such that the seat portion  70 , 76 , 78  of the lid assembly  60  is at an appropriate height for the user to sit down on the seat portion. For the user&#39;s comfort the seat is cushioned and swivels. 
     In an additional use of some exemplary embodiments, the user with a vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle with a rear rack, quickly configures the device for an attachment to the rear rack. The shoulder straps, for access convenience, are removed by pulling the circular cotters from the clevis pins  156   a - b , 162   a - b , and the waist belt  164  and lower back cushion  166  are unsnapped  165   a - b , 167   a - b  and removed. The attachment assembly  200  has two elongated steel members  204   a - b  that are positioned on the rear rack, and attached using the U-bolt brackets  214   a - d . The steel members are movable fore or aft before tightening the brackets, depending on how close to the front of the rear rack the user wants the device to be placed. (The farther aft the device is placed, the less feed will contact the all terrain vehicle while being dispersed.) Once the brackets are tightened the device is placed on the elongated steel members until frame enclosure holes  206   a - b  align with holes  208   a - b  on the elongated members, and bolt and wing nut combinations  210   a - b  are utilized to attach the frame to the elongated members. Then buckle straps  212   a  on the elongated members are connected and tightened for additional attachment of the frame to the elongated members. Exemplary embodiments including the wireless hand held actuator  508  are particularly useful when the device is attached to the all terrain vehicle, because a single push of the actuator button starts the motor  106  and the motor stays running until the button is pushed a second time, allowing hands to be free as the vehicle moves and the spreader plate is spinning. 
     In an additional use of some exemplary embodiments, the user desires to utilize the hitch receiver on a pickup to position the device. The user assembles the attachment assembly  300 , by inserting the first member  302  into the pickup&#39;s hitch receiver and securing it with a pin through a hole  304  in the first member. The user then inserts the second member  308  into the upward-facing portion  306  of the first member and secures it using the clevis pin and cotter combination  310 . The user then inserts the vertical portion  314  of a welded tee  316  into an upward-facing portion of the second member  312  and secures the joinder using the clevis pin and cotter combination  320 . Two steel elongated members are then attached by the user to the welded tee using bolts affixed to the welded tee and then secured with wing nuts  324   a - b . Holes  326   a - b  in the elongated members are aligned with holes  206   a - b  in the frame enclosure  52 , and bolt and wing nut combinations  328   a - b  are used to attach the frame to the elongated members. Once the wing nuts are tightened buckle straps  330   a - b  on the elongated members are fastened and tightened about the frame. In the remote areas where the user is likely to desire to spread feed, a person in the back of the pickup can reach the wired handheld control  120  to activate the spreader assembly, or in exemplary embodiments with the wireless handheld control  508 , the driver can activate the spreader assembly from the passenger compartment of the pickup. The user is able to operate with the tailgate down, in that the first member extends rearwardly a sufficient distance for the second member to clear the back edge of the tailgate. 
     Should the user desire a stationary feed spreader, the device is readily adaptable from the backpack configuration to the stationary configuration using a suspension assembly  400 , where the user hangs a pulley  404  from an elevated object such as a tree limb  402 , using a length of rope  406  which is tied off on the tree trunk. A second length of rope  408  is run through the pulley and hooked to a hanger  414  using a clip  420  on the first end  410  of the rope. The hanger is positioned such that its hooks  416  and  418  are beneath the bucket handle structure  144 . When the user pulls on the rope second end  412  the hooks engage the handle structure and the device is pulled from the ground to an acceptable height, and the user ties off the rope second end to the tree trunk. Using the wireless remote handheld actuator  508 , the user initiates the spreader assembly for the desired amount of time by pushing the button, then pushing the button again at the end of the desired time. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 17-29 , wherein an exemplary embodiment  700  of the present invention is depicted and shown to have a modified frame  702 , bucket  720 , spreader assembly  760 , downspout assembly  790 , controller(s)  800 , 802 , 804  and seat assembly  820 . In previously described exemplary embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the bucket  20  was attached to the frame  50  using fasteners through bucket holes  56   a , 56   b  and frame holes  54   a , 54   b . In some exemplary embodiments of the type depicted in  FIGS. 17-21 , the bucket  720  has a bottom  722 , having four circumferentially spaced bottom slots  724   a - d , and two sets  726   a - b  of aligned braces  728 , each brace having a slot  730 . The brace slots  730  are aligned with the bottom slots  724   a - d  such that each brace set  726   a - b  partially encompasses one of two forwardly extending, substantially horizontal frame member  704   a,b , as shown in more detail in  FIG. 21  for one of the horizontal frame members  704   a . Four pairs of downwardly extending, threaded posts  732   a - d  are positioned among the braces, two pairs for each brace set  726   a - b , each pair of posts having a clamp bar  734   a - b  (two shown) attached using conventional screws  736   a - c  (three shown). The attached clamp bars retain the horizontal frame members  704   a,b . In the exemplary embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 17-21  a deflector plate  780  is positioned between the frame back  706  and the spreader assembly  760 , being attached to two of the threaded post pairs  732   a,c  by brackets  782   a  and  782   b  ( FIG. 22 ) extending from outer sections of the deflector plate to the threaded post pairs, as shown in more detail in  FIG. 21 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 22-26 , wherein an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown to include a modified spreader assembly  760  that cooperates with a modified downspout assembly  790 . The bucket  720  has an integrated conduit  738  and a taper  740  joining and directing feed particles to the integrated conduit. The downspout assembly also includes a sliding conduit  792  that telescopes on the integrated conduit  738 , the sliding conduit being fixable along the length of the integrated conduit  738  using set screw  794 . The use of finer grained feed particles is enhanced when reducing inserts  796 ,  798  are positioned within the sliding downspout  792 , the reducing inserts providing various combinations of internal diameter and length for precise adjustment of feed particle flow onto the spreader plate  762 . 
     In exemplary embodiments depicted in  FIG. 22 , the spreader assembly  760  includes the spreader plate  762 , rotatably attached to a motor  764 , the motor being suspended from the interior top  766  of a motor box  768 . The motor box  768  is attached to a frame plate  712  ( FIG. 19 ) using screws  770   a,b  (two shown). (In some exemplary embodiments the screws are replaced by rivets.) The motor box  768  has a removable front plate  772  held in place by a top overhang portion  773  and a wing nut  774  ( FIG. 17 ) attached to a motor box screw  775 . A motor box side plate  776  has an opening  777  for the cord (not shown) for a pushbutton controller system ( FIG. 26 ). A power source, e.g. a 9V battery having battery terminal  778 , is held within the motor box  768  by a clamp  779 . 
     As schematically illustrated in  FIG. 26  for some exemplary embodiments, the motor  764  wiring  806  presents a connection  808  which is alternately joinable to three controller systems  800 , 802 , 804  each presenting a connection member  810 , 812 , 814  that mates with the motor connection  808 . For example, if the operator wants the motor  764  to run in response to a pushbutton controller system  800 , the operator leaves the directly wired pushbutton controller connection  810  attached to the motor connection  808 , i.e. the default configuration. If the operator wants the motor  764  to run in response to a remote device (not shown), the operator removes the front plate  772 , detaches the pushbutton controller connection  810  from the motor connection  808  and battery terminal  778  attaches the remote controller system  802  connection  812  to the motor connection  808 , attaches the remote controller  802  to the battery terminal  778 , then reattaches the front plate. Likewise, if the operator wants the motor to run in response to a timer, the operator removes the front plate  772  detaches the pushbutton controller connection  810  from the motor connection  808  and battery terminal  778 , attaches the timer controller system  804  connection  814  to the motor connection  808 , attaches the timer controller  804  to the battery terminal  778 , then reattaches the front plate  772 . In practice the timer controller system  804  is the optimum choice for placement of the device as a stationary feeder which will be unattended. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 27-29 , wherein an exemplary embodiment is depicted and is shown to include a combination seat and lid assembly  820 , which is threadably attachable to the threaded bucket top  742 . As illustrated for some exemplary embodiments in  FIG. 27 , the bucket top  742  also receives a frame rear extension  708  with a screw  710  attaching the frame rear extension  708  to the bucket top  742 . The seat and lid assembly  820  has a lid member  822  having a internally threaded center post  824  and four circumferentially spaced side ports  826   a - c  (three shown) for drainage of water that accumulates on the lid  822 . As shown in more detail in  FIG. 29 , the top vertical height of the center post  824  is higher than the bottoms of the side ports  826   a - c . This prevents water from entering through the top of the center post  824  and then entering the bucket interior with the feed. The assembly  820  also has a seat member  830  having a downwardly extending bolt  832  that threads into the lid center post  824  and is secured by a nut  834  and washer  836 . 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum apparatus for a particular application or use of the device, will include various material and size adjustments, and will include alterations in the shape and direction of the members of the attachment assemblies, which will occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure. 
     All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     The descriptions in this specification are for purposes of illustration only and are not to be construed in a limiting sense.

Technology Category: 1