Internal-combustion engines – Starting device – Either power or manual starting device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-29
2001-07-03
Dolinar, Andrew M. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Starting device
Either power or manual starting device
C123S185200, C123S185500, C074S139000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253722
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to starting apparatus for internal combustion engines; and more particularly to a starter strip operable to initiate movement of the starter wheel of a small engine.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Present methods and means for starting internal combustion engines, especially small engines used in lawn and power applications, and those designed for model planes and the like, need improvement. The recoil starters and the rope and pulley mechanisms presently used by these devices create a litany of problems. Examples of these problems include missed starts, poor engagements, broken cords and teeth, tangled rope, inconsistent pulls, and kick back.
One of the most troubling problems with such mechanisms is their propensity to break. Starting mechanisms have a high manufacturer return rate and are expensive to repair. Just considering the savings possible from reducing the return rate establishes a need for improvement of such starter mechanisms. Moreover, the present systems are complicated and expensive to manufacture. They require extensive, labor intensive operations and testing as well as added expense in materials for parts of the mechanisms involved. Ropes, pulleys, springs, starter dogs, knotting, handles, and gearing are all expenses that can be reduced if there were a direct starting mechanism.
For small engines the winding, flipping, or other requirements for an electric starting device all point to a need for something simpler, safer, and less expensive. Present starting systems are bulky. They contain design limitations that impede engine cooling or block the flow of cooling air to the engine. As a result, the construction materials utilized by these systems require higher melt temperatures and are heavy and expensive. These limitations tend to reduce engine efficiency and operating life by creating an operating environment wherein the engine encounters higher heat or reduced heat transfer.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for an improved starting apparatus for internal combustion engines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a starting apparatus wherein the starting device has a rotary drive member that is operable by hand or power devices. A detented or geared strip is shaped to mesh and catch with a similarly detented or geared starting wheel. The teeth of these parts are designed to grab and lock with each other in the starting direction and to slip past each other in the opposite direction. By utilizing the detented or geared strip, oftentimes called a “zip strip”, the problems heretofore encountered with recoil starters having rope and pull mechanisms are virtually eliminated.
Specifically, the present invention provides a starting apparatus for internal combustion engines comprising an elongated starter strip having a plurality of teeth along its length. A rotatable starter wheel has an edge for securely receiving the teeth of the starter strip. The teeth and the edge are adapted to grab and lock with each other when the strip is pulled in the starting direction, and slip past each other during movement of the strip in the opposite direction. An axle couples rotation of the starter wheel to the internal combustion engine; and a channel having entry and exit ends receives the starter strip and engages the teeth with the edge of the starter wheel. The strip is inserted into the entry end of the channel and pulled from the exit end, whereupon the teeth engage the edge causing the wheel to rotate. The axle is, in turn, caused to rotate, and starting of the internal combustion engine is initiated. Preferably, the starter strip is comprised of injection molded high performance plastic, such as Capron nylon 6.
Optionally, the starting apparatus further comprising a return mechanism connected to the starter strip. Pulling the starter strip from its start position through the channel causes mechanical energy to be stored in the return mechanism. When the starter strip is released, the return mechanism operates to return the starter strip to its start position.
In a further embodiment, the starting apparatus additionally comprises a gear engaged to the starter wheel; and a remote starter motor (i.e. a cordless drill) adapted for selective engagement with the gear. When the starter motor is connected to the gear its actuation causes the starter wheel to rotate. This movement, in turn, causing the internal combustion engine to start.
This invention advantageously provides a new way to pull start or power start an internal combustion engine. Crimping, sticking and other failure modes of conventional wind up rope units are virtually eliminated. Also eliminated are abrasion failures created by the presence of dirt and debris within the pulley mechanism. The starter strip of this invention delivers a more consistent pull because it provides a constant radius interface with the starter wheel rather than a diminishing radius as the rope is extended or used up in the pulley.
The starting apparatus of the present invention affords a substantial reduction in required parts. Advantageously, the recoil starter pulley cord handle and its attachment points are eliminated. Other parts such as throw-out dogs, springs, and the like, required for connection to the starting unit are also eliminated. No longer needed are expensive throw-outs and other delicate or complicated components of conventional devices, which are expensive, take time to construct and are susceptible to breaking down.
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Aadahl Frank P.
Fleming John T.
Manning Earl
Marsh Walter H. W.
McMaster William J.
Allied-Signal Inc.
Criss Roger H.
Dolinar Andrew M.
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