Modular engine construction

Abstract

A modular internal combustion engine is provided in which a single crankcase can be adapted to a plurality of different types of engine configurations. The crankcase is open at its top so that each upper side edge of the crankcase forms a mounting flange while a crankshaft is rotatably carried by the crankcase. Block members and adapter members are provided and each includes a mounting flange formed along each longitudinal side. All of the mounting flanges are substantially identical to each other so that any one mounting flange can be detachably secured to another mounting flange. Thus to construct the engine, one mounting flange of either the block or adapter member is attached to one crankcase mounting flange while one mounting flange on the other member is attached to the other crankcase mounting flange. In addition, the remaining mounting flanges on the block and adapter members register with each other and are secured together. At least one block member is utilized in each configuration and the block member is adapted to reciprocally carry at least one piston therein. The piston in turn is operatively coupled to the crankshaft to rotatably drive the crankshaft upon reciprocation of the piston in the conventional manner.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.