Engine fuel tank shroud having dampened spring retainers
AssigneeTecumseh Products Company
InventorPeter G. Kronich
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention relates to a mounting arrangement for a fuel tank and shroud unit on an internal combustion engine. The plastic shroud unit includes a fuel tank and outer walls extending around the crankcase. The shroud unit is clamped to the crankcase by two springs disposed on opposite sides of the crankcase. In addition, the shroud unit and crankcase have complementary mounting surfaces for supporting the shroud unit on the crankcase.
Claims27
An internal combustion engine comprising:
- a crankcase including a first mounting portion;
- a fuel tank and shroud unit disposed over said crankcase, said shroud unit including a second mounting portion engaging said first mounting portion which results in a nonrigid attachment that minimizes unit fatigue or detachment caused by vibrations;
- and
- spring means for resiliently clamping said shroud unit to said crankcase.
In an internal combustion engine including a crankcase, an integral fuel tank and shroud comprising:
- a fuel tank portion for storing liquid fuel;
- a mounting portion having a bottom surface adapted to engage the crankcase which results in a nonrigid attachment that minimizes unit fatigue or detachment caused by vibrations;
- an outer wall portion extending outwardly and downwardly from said mounting portion;
- and
- spring means for resiliently clamping said shroud to the crankcase.
An air cooled engine and gas tank/shroud assembly comprising:
- an internal combustion engine including a crankcase having a crankshaft and piston assembly therein;
- a unitary fuel tank and shroud unit disposed over said engine, said shroud unit including a fuel reservoir and side walls extending over at least a portion of said engine crankcase which results in a nonrigid attachment that minimizes unit fatigue or detachment caused by vibrations;
- and
- spring means for resiliently clamping said shroud unit to said engine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.