WO2014020311A1

WO2014020311A1 - Horticultural spreader

Info

Publication number: WO2014020311A1
Application number: PCT/GB2013/051934
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Armstrong; Timothy CORVIN
Original assignee: Westland Horticulture Limited
Priority date: 2012-08-01
Filing date: 2013-07-19
Publication date: 2014-02-06
Also published as: GB201312960D0; GB2506005A; GB2506006B; GB201312962D0; GB2506006A; GB201213656D0; GB2506005B; WO2014020312A1

Abstract

A horticultural spreader (1) for distributing particulate matter comprising a container (20) for the particulate matter having an opening (21), a handle assembly (10) for engagement with the container, and a flow restrictor (26) in the opening (21) and having an aperture (27) through which the particulate matter flows in use, wherein the aperture (27) is calibrated in size according to the particulate matter contained within the container. In this way, containers can be filled at source with any one of a multitude of particulate products provided as horticultural products with a flow restrictor having a suitably sized aperture in or inserted into the opening of the container. Such a container provides a versatile, multiuse container which only requires a specific flow restrictor to enable correct use with any horticultural product placed therein.

Description

Horticultural Spreader

The present invention relates to a spreader for distributing particulate matter, in particular, but not limited to, particulate matter for horticultural use.

There exist many products for horticultural use which are distributed manually onto soil, grass or other vegetation. Such horticultural products generally comprise one or more of fertilisers, pesticides and seeds, and/or mixtures of such products.

It has become commonplace for such horticultural products to delivered directly onto soil, grass or other vegetation from their packaging container. Often these packaging containers are hand-held and the product is manually poured or shaken therefrom. Each time a user empties the contents from such a packaging container, the container can either be disposed of, or opened and refilled. Because of the shape, size and arrangement of many packaging containers, which are often rectangular in shape with the contents being spread via the closure lid, it often inconvenient and difficult for a user to open and securely reseal a container ready for reuse after filling.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved horticultural spreader adapted for reuse.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a horticultural spreader for distributing particulate matter comprising a container for the particulate matter having an opening, a handle assembly for engagement with the container, and a flow restrictor in the opening and having an aperture through which the particulate matter flows in use, wherein the aperture is calibrated in size according to the particulate matter contained within the container.

In this way, the same or similar containers can be filled a source with any one of a multitude of particulate products provided as the final horticultural product, with a flow restrictor having a suitably sized aperture in or inserted into the opening of the container. Such a container provides a versatile, multiuse container which only requires a specific flow restrictor or specific aperture to enable correct use with any horticultural product placed therein.

According to one embodiment, there is provided a horticultural spreader comprising a handle assembly and a container body, wherein the handle assembly and container body are rotatably mountable and demountable with respect to one another.

Optionally, the handle assembly has means for releasable engagement with a container, and/or the container is adapted for releasable engagement with the handle assembly. In one embodiment, the handle assembly comprises means for releasable engagement with the container, the means comprising a mounting ring, the mounting ring being adapted to rotatably engage with a complementary flange provided around an opening in the container. It will be appreciated that the mounting ring need not be a continuous ring, but rather may comprise a plurality of curved sections having a common centre of radius and which together generally define a ring formation suitable for coupling to a flange of the container. Conveniently, the mounting ring is a locking ring comprising a plurality of lug formations, the lugs being adapted for mutual engagement with respective complementary channel formations provided on the flange of the container

Conveniently, the lug formations are arranged in two groups, each group disposed generally at opposing sides of the mounting ring. Conveniently, the channel formations are arranged in two groups, each group disposed generally at opposing sides of the flange.

Advantageously, the locations of the respective groups of channel formations on the flange corresponds with the locations of the complementary lugs on the mounting ring of the handle assembly such that the coupling of the container and handle assembly is "keyed". In this way, a fail-safe method of correctly aligning the handle assembly and the container is provided. Furthermore, in this way, the handle assembly can be placed generally onto the container, the two parts being securely coupled together by mutual rotation so that when full locking engagement of the respective parts is achieved, the handle assembly and container are correctly aligned for use.

Conveniently, the channel formations are substantially inverted L-shaped channels so that the coupling between the flange of the container and the mounting ring of the handle assembly is a bayonet coupling.

Advantageously, the container further comprises a tongue formation which projects rearwardly from the opening in the direction of a hand grip portion of the handle assembly in use.

Preferably, the tongue formation comprises a lower surface adapted to slidably engage with a complementary tongue or tab formation provided on the handle assembly when the container and handle assembly are coupled together.

Advantageously, the mutually engaged tongue formations of the container and handle assembly act as the main load bearing components of the horticultural spreader and so carry the majority of the weight of the container and its contents during lifting and use. In this way, the weight of the container and its contents is distributed across the handle assembly so forces acting on the coupled interface of the mounting ring of the handle assembly and the flange of the container are reduced. Conveniently therefore, any tendency of the coupling of the mounting ring and the flange to separate is mitigated. Advantageously, the tongue provided on the container acts as a lever which assists a user to tilt the horticultural spreader towards a horizontal orientation during use. Conveniently, the tongue formation provided on the container comprises a wedge- shaped wing formation which provides rigidity and prevents deformation of said tongue during use. Conveniently also, the wedge shape enables the tongue formation to fit within the form of the contours of the handle assembly. Advantageously, the flow restrictor is removable, and optionally it is press-fitted into the opening provided in the container.

Optionally, the aperture is closed by a removable closure member such as a tab, cap or frangible seal.

Conveniently, the container is adapted to receive a closure cap to close it after filling and prior to use, for example when the container is to be transported or placed on display for sale, or after use to close the container when it is demounted from the handle assembly.

Preferably, the closure cap is provided with a plurality of lugs so that the closure cap may be rotatably coupled to the flange of the container via the channel formations provided on the flange. In this way, a filled container can be sealed and sold as a separate refill item.

In a preferred embodiment, the handle assembly further comprises a distribution end and an opposing hand grip end, the hand grip end being downwardly curved from the rear of the distribution end. ideally, the handle assembly is formed from two moulded halves adapted for snap- fitment to each other. Advantageously, hand grip end is economically formed having a palm rest portion and a finger grip.

Conveniently, the finger grip may be formed as a separate component adapted for snap-fitting to the handle assembly.

Advantageously, at the distribution end of the handle assembly, there is provided an aperture which is located in use above the aperture provided in the flow restrictor of the container so that particulate matter to be spread can pass from the container and through the handle assembly, and optionally through to a distribution chute.

Ideally, the aperture in the handle assembly is substantially surrounded by the mounting ring. In this way, the mounting ring of the handle assembly provides both a coupling means between the handle assembly and the container, as well as defining a passageway through which particulate matter to be spread passes between the container, and optionally through a distribution chute in use.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the horticultural product further comprises of a distribution chute adapted for mounting to the handle assembly.

In one embodiment, the distribution chute is pivotally mountable, and the handle assembly could comprise spaced apart mounts between which the distribution chute is pivotally mountable. In this way, a distribution chute can be pivotally mounted to the handle assembly such that the distribution chute is movable between a stowed configuration in which it is folded substantially flush with an upper surface of the handle assembly, and a distribution configuration, whereby it is folded outwardly from the handle assembly.

Advantageously, the mounts are disposed towards opposing sides of the aperture of the handle assembly. Preferably, the distribution chute is of two-part construction having a first, upper portion and a second, lower portion which are adapted for mutual assembly to define a conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end through which particulate matter enters and is dispensed from said chute.

Conveniently, the inlet end is pivotally mounted between the mounts provided on handle assembly. Advantageously, the inlet end is mountable between the mounts provided on handle assembly as the two moulded halves of the handle assembly are brought together for snap-fitment.

Alternatively, mounting of distribution chute to handle assembly may be by snap- fitment.

Advantageously, the inlet end of the lower portion of the distribution chute is provided with an aperture that is in fluid communication with the aperture in the handle assembly when said chute is in a distribution configuration, i.e. when folded outwardly from the handle assembly.

Advantageously, when the distribution chute moved into a stowed configuration, whereby the distribution chute is folded substantially flush with an upper surface of the handle assembly, cross-members or webs extending transverse the inlet end of the upper and lower portions are operable to close the aperture in the handle assembly so that particulate material is unable to pass through the handle assembly and into the distribution chute.

Advantageously, the distribution chute is formed having one or more elongate webs which divide its interior into a plurality of separate channels. Preferably, the one or more elongate webs extend from an upper portion of the distribution chute.

Advantageously, the separate channels ensure an even spread of particulate material is maintained when the horticultural spreader is tilted to one side during use.

Advantageously, proximate the outlet end of the distribution chute there is further provided a lip having a convex formation provided on an upper surface thereof.

In one embodiment, the convex formation is a separate component that is press- fitted onto a suitable receiving formation provided on the lip. In an alternative embodiment, the convex formation is integrally formed on the lip. Ideally, the convex formation is arranged on the lip so that matter exiting the spreader impinges against said convex formation, whereby it is scattered evenly and widely over the lip in a divergent manner. In this way, the convex formation disperses particulate matter from the spreader over an increased spreadwidth that is in excess of the width of the spreader apparatus.

Optionally, the lip is formed on a lower portion of the distribution chute.

Advantageously, the convex formation has the appearance of a ball, or a portion of a ball.

Preferably, the container is formed having a concave rear surface in the area proximate the hand grip portion of the handle assembly in use. In this way, an enlarged gap is provided for a user's fingers to extend into. Conveniently, the handle assembly, container, and distribution chute are all formable from suitable plastics materials and are susceptible for manual assembly and disassembly without the need for tools or other specialized equipment. The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of example only, embodiments of a horticultural spreader in accordance with the invention:-

Figure 1 and Figure 2 are schematic illustrations showing a horticultural spreader in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 is an exploded drawing of the horticultural spreader of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a detailed view of the underside of a handle portion of the horticultural spreader shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a horticultural spreader showing connection of a handle assembly to a container; and

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of the container in accordance with the invention.

Referring initially to Figures 1 and 2, a horticultural spreader 1 comprises a handle assembly 10, a container 20 and a distribution chute 30.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, distribution chute 30 is pivotally mounted to handle assembly 10 such that the distribution chute is movable between a stowed configuration in which it is folded substantially flush with an upper surface of the handle assembly (Figure 1), and a distribution configuration, whereby it is folded outwardly from the handle assembly (Figure 2). Referring to Figure 3, container 20 comprises an opening 21 at an upper in use end through which particulate matter to be spread exits said container. Container 20 further comprises means for demountable engagement with handle assembly 10, the means comprising an upstanding flange 22 provided around the opening 21, the flange 22 having a plurality of channel formations 23 disposed at locations around said flange and configured for mutual engagement with complementary lug formations 16 disposed radially on a mounting ring arrangement 15 of handle assembly 10 (see Figures 4 and 5). Conveniently, channel formations 23 are arranged in two groups, each group disposed generally at opposing sides of upstanding flange 22. Channel formations 23 are substantially inverted L-shaped channels so that the coupling between flange 22 and mounting ring 15 is a bayonet coupling.

As shown in Figure 5, which is a cross-sectional view of a spreader in the plane x-x indicated in Figure 1, the locations of the respective groups of formations 23 correspond with the locations of the complementary lugs 16 on mounting ring 15 of the handle assembly 10 such that the coupling of the container 20 and handle assembly 10 is "keyed" so that a fail-safe method of correctly aligning the two components is provided. In this way, handle assembly 10 can be placed generally onto container 20, the handle assembly and container being securely coupled together by mutual rotation so that when full locking engagement of the is achieved, the handle assembly and the container are in correct ergonomic alignment and opening 14 is aligned with opening 27 of flow restrictor 26 as shown in Figure 3 and as described below. For clarity, the flow restrictor is not shown in Figure 5.

Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5, container 20 further comprises a tongue formation 24 which projects rearwardly from opening 21 in the direction of a hand grip portion 12 of the spreader in use. Tongue 24 comprises a lower surface 25 adapted to slidably engage with a complementary tongue or tab formation 17 provided on handle assembly 10 (Figures 4 and 5) when container 20 and handle assembly 10 are coupled together as described above. In use, mutually engaged tongues 24 and 17 act as the main load bearing components of spreader 1 and so carry the majority of the weight of the container and its contents during lifting and use. In this way, the weight of the container and its contents is distributed across the handle assembly and so forces acting on the coupling of mounting ring 15 and flange 22 are reduced in magnitude. Conveniently therefore, any tendency of the coupling of mounting ring 15 and flange 22 to separate is mitigated. Furthermore, tongue 24 acts as a lever which assists a user to tilt the spreader towards a horizontal orientation during use. It will be appreciated that mounting ring 15 need not be a continuous ring, but rather may comprise a plurality of curved sections 15a having a common centre of radius and which together generally define a ring formation 15 suitable for coupling to flange 22 as described above and as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

Conveniently, tongue formation 24 comprises a wedge-shaped wing formation which provides rigidity and prevents deformation of said tongue during use. Conveniently also, the wedge-shape enables said formation to fit within the contours of the handle assembly.

Referring to Figure 3, container 20 further comprises a flow restrictor 26 which could be formed with the container, or other fixed to the container, or which is press-fitted into opening 21. Flow restrictor 26 comprises an aperture 27 through which particulate material being the horticultural product flows. Aperture 27 is calibrated in size according to the particular horticultural material or product contained within the container. For example, where the container is to contain a horticultural product which requires only a limited volume to be dispensed from the spreader, the size of the aperture can be smaller than that for a product which requires a larger volume to be dispensed. In this way, containers 20 can be filled at source with any one of a multitude of horticultural products with a flow restrictor 26 and having a suitably sized aperture 27 inserted into opening 21. In this way, container 20 provides a versatile, multiuse container which merely requires the insertion of specific flow restrictor where necessary, to enable correct use with any horticultural products placed therein. Optionally, a removable closure member such as a tab, cap or frangible seal (not shown in the Figures) may be provided to cover aperture 27.

As shown in Figure 6, a closure cap 29 can be fitted to the container 20 to close it after filling and prior to use, for example when the container is to be transported or placed on display for sale, or after use, for closing container 20 when it is demounted from handle assembly 10. Conveniently, closure cap 29 is provided with a plurality of lugs (not shown), so that the closure cap may be rotatably coupled to the flange 22 as described previously with respect to the coupling of the handle assembly 10 to flange 22. In this way, a filled container can be sealed and sold as a refill item separate from a handle assembly 10 component.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, handle assembly 10 further comprises a distribution end 11 and an opposing hand grip end 12, the hand grip end being downwardly curved from the rear of the distribution end 11. Ideally, handle assembly 10 is formed from two moulded halves that are adapted for snap-fitment to each other however it will be appreciated that handle 10 assembly may alternatively be formed as a unitary component. Hand grip end 12 is economically formed having a palm rest portion 12a and a finger grip 13. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, finger grip 13 may be formed as a separate component adapted for snap-fitting to the handle assembly 10. At the distribution end 11, the handle assembly 10 is provided with an aperture 14 which is located in use above aperture 27 provided in flow restrictor 26 of container 20 so that particulate matter to be spread can pass from container 20 and out through the handle assembly 10 to the distribution chute 30. As shown in Figure 4, on the underside of handle 10, aperture 14 is substantially surrounded by mounting ring 15. In this way, mounting ring 15 of handle assembly 10 not only provides a coupling means between the handle assembly 10 and the container 20, but also defines a passageway through which particulate matter to be spread passes between container 20 and distribution chute 30 in use.

With reference to Figures 2, 3 and 4, handle assembly 10 further comprises spaced apart mounts 18 between which a distribution chute 30 is pivotally mountable. Mounts 18 are disposed at opposing sides of aperture 14.

Distribution chute 30 is of two-part construction having a first, upper portion 31 and a second, lower portion 32 which are adapted for mutual assembly to define a conduit having an inlet end 33 and an outlet end 34 through which particulate matter enters and is dispensed from said chute. Inlet end 33 is pivotally mounted between mounts 18 provided on handle assembly 10 (Figure 2]. Advantageously, the inlet end of distribution chute 30 is mountable between the mounts 18 as the two moulded halves of the handle assembly 10 are brought together for snap- fitment. Alternatively, where handle assembly 10 is formed as a unitary component, mounting of distribution chute 30 to mounts 18 may be conveniently achieved by snap-fitment. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, inlet end 33 of lower portion 32 is provided with an aperture 35 that is in fluid communication with aperture 14 of the handle assembly when chute 30 is in a distribution configuration, i.e. when folded outwardly from the handle assembly. When moved into a stowed configuration, whereby the distribution chute 30 is folded substantially flush with an upper surface of the handle assembly (as shown in Figure 1), a cross-member or web 36 extending transverse the inlet end 33 of lower portion 32 and a cross- member or web 37 extending transverse the inlet end 33 of upper portion 31 are operable to close aperture 14 so that particulate material is unable to pass through the handle assembly and into the distribution chute.

It has been found in use that sideways movement or sideways tilt of a spreader can cause particulate matter to tend towards and travel down one side of the distribution chute as it flows through said chute. In this way the particulate matter can substantially bypass any dispersing arrangement provided at the terminal end of the chute which results in poor distribution of the horticultural product. To mitigate this problem, upper portion 31 of distribution chute 30 is formed having one or more elongate webs 38 which divide the interior of the distribution chute into plurality of separate channels 38a, 38b as shown in Figures 2 and 4. In this way, the volume of particulate matter flowing through the chute is divided so that when tilted or moved sideways, a proportion will remain be directed onto the dispersing arrangement provided at the terminal end of said chute as described with reference to lip 40 and a convex formation 41, below. In this way, scattering and even spreading of the horticultural product is maintained when the spreader is tilted to one side during use.

With reference to Figure 2, at the outlet end 34 of distribution chute 30 there is further provided a lip 40 having a convex formation 41 on an upper surface thereof. Lip 40 is formed on lower portion 32. Convex formation 41 is provided on lip 40 so that matter exiting the spreader impinges against said convex formation, whereby it 201

13 is scattered evenly and widely over lip 40 in a divergent manner. In this way, convex formation 41 disperses particulate matter from the spreader over an increased spreadwidth that is in excess of the width of the spreader apparatus. Convex formation 41 may be integrally formed on lip 40 or, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, may be a separate component that is press-fitted onto a suitable receiving formation 42 provided on lip 40. By providing convex formation 41 as a separate component it can be readily formed from a material having a different colouring or material properties from the other component parts of the horticultural spreader. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, container 20 is formed having a concave rear surface 21a in the area proximate handle 12 in use. In this way, an enlarged gap is provided for a user's fingers to extend into. This enlarged gap is particularly advantageous as it accommodates a user's hand whilst wearing thick protective gloves, such as gardeners' gloves.

Conveniently, handle assembly 10, container 30, and distribution chute 30 are all formed from suitable plastics materials and are susceptible for manual assembly and disassembly without the need for tools or other specialized equipment. Preferably, the handle assembly 10, container 30, and distribution chute 30 are formed by moulding.

Conveniently also, container 20 is refillable so that a user can replenish it with replacement contents obtained from bulk packages. It is thought that the present invention and its advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the forms hereinbefore described being merely preferred or exemplary embodiments thereof.

Claims

1. A horticultural spreader for distributing particulate matter comprising a container for the particulate matter having an opening, a handle assembly for engagement with the container, and a flow restrictor in the opening and having an aperture through which the particulate matter flows in use, wherein the aperture is calibrated in size according to the particulate matter contained within the container.

2. A horticultural spreader as claimed in claim 1 wherein the handle assembly and container are rotatably mountable and demountable with respect to one another.

3. A horticultural spreader as claimed in claiml or claim 2 wherein the handle assembly comprises means for releasable engagement with the container.

4. A horticultural spreader as claimed in claim 3 wherein the means comprises a mounting ring adapted to rotatably engage with a complementary flange provided around the opening in the container.

5. A horticultural spreader as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the container further comprises a tongue formation which projects rearwardly from the opening in the direction of a hand grip portion of the handle assembly.

6. A horticultural spreader as claimed in claim 5 wherein the tongue formation comprises a lower surface adapted to slidably engage with a complementary tongue or tab formation provided on the handle assembly when the container and handle assembly are coupled together.

7. A horticultural spreader as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the tongue provided on the container acts as a lever during use.

8. A horticultural spreader as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the flow restrictor is removable from the opening in the container.

9. A horticultural spreader as claimed in claim 8 wherein the flow restrictor is press-fitted into the opening in the container.

10. A horticultural spreader as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the aperture is closed by a removable closure member after filling the container or after use.

11. A horticultural spreader as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the handle assembly further comprises a distribution end and an opposing hand grip end, the hand grip end being downwardly curved from the rear of the distribution end.

12. A horticultural spreader as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising an aperture at a distribution end of the handle assembly located in use above the aperture provided in the flow restrictor so that particulate matter can pass from the container and through the handle assembly.

13. A horticultural spreader as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a distribution chute adapted for mounting to the handle assembly and moveable between a stowed configuration in which it is folded substantially flush with an upper surface of the handle assembly, and a distribution configuration in which it extends outwardly from the handle assembly.

14. A horticultural spreader as claimed in claim 13 wherein the distribution chute is pivotally mounted to the handle assembly.

15. A horticultural spreader as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the distribution chute is of two-part construction having a first upper portion and a second lower portion adapted for mutual assembly to define a conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end through which particulate matter enters and is dispensed from said chute.

16. A horticultural spreader as claimed in claim 15 wherein when the distribution chute is moved into a stowed configuration substantially flush with an upper surface of the handle assembly, cross-members extending transverse the inlet end of the upper and lower portions close the aperture in the handle assembly so that particulate material is unable to pass through the handle assembly and into the distribution chute.

17. A horticultural spreader as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17 wherein the distribution chute has one or more elongate webs which divide its interior into a plurality of separate channels.

18. A horticultural spreader as claimed in claim 17 wherein the one or more elongate webs extend from an upper portion of the distribution chute.

19. A horticultural spreader as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein proximate an outlet end of the distribution chute there is further provided a lip having a convex formation provided on an upper surface thereof.

20. A horticultural spreader as claimed in claim 19 wherein the convex formation has the appearance of a ball, or a portion of a ball.

21. A horticultural spreader as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the lip is formed on a lower portion of the distribution chute.