Engine shroud

Abstract

A machine is provided that includes an engine that rotates an operating member. Each of the engine and the operating member is supported on a frame that supports each of the engine and the operating member. A shroud is mounted to the frame independently of the engine and the operating member and the shroud substantially encloses at least a portion of the engine.

1 . A pressure washer comprising: 
 (a) an engine that is operatively connected to a pump;    (b) a frame that supports each of the engine and the pump; and    (c) a shroud mounted to the frame independently of the engine and the pump, wherein the shroud at least partially encloses the engine.    
   
   
       2 . The pressure washer of  claim 1  wherein the shroud substantially encloses the engine and the pump.  
   
   
       3 . The pressure washer of  claim 1  wherein the shroud further comprises a plurality of vents to define an air flow passage to and from the engine.  
   
   
       4 . The pressure washer of  claim 1  wherein the shroud is mounted to the frame with at least one dampener to limit vibrations generated by the pump and the engine.  
   
   
       5 . The pressure washer of  claim 4  wherein the dampeners are rubber.  
   
   
       6 . The pressure washer of  claim 1  wherein the shroud is plastic.  
   
   
       7 . The pressure washer of  claim 1  wherein the shroud is mounted to the frame at a plurality of discrete locations.  
   
   
       8 . The pressure washer of  claim 1  wherein the engine and the pump are each mounted to the frame with at least one dampener to limit vibrations transferred to the frame.  
   
   
       9 . The pressure washer of  claim 1  wherein the shroud further comprises at least one retainer to receive and support tools for use with the pressure washer.  
   
   
       10 . The pressure washer of  claim 9  wherein the at least one retainer is integrally formed with the shroud.  
   
   
       11 . The pressure washer of  claim 9  wherein the at least one retainer is formed separately from the shroud and connected to the shroud.  
   
   
       12 . The pressure washer of  claim 1  wherein the shroud does not contact the engine or the pump when attached to the frame.  
   
   
       13 . A machine comprising: 
 (a) an engine that rotates an operating member;    (b) a frame that supports each of the engine and the operating member; and    (c) a shroud mounted to the frame independently of the engine and the operating member, wherein the shroud substantially encloses a portion of either the engine or the operating member.    
   
   
       14 . The machine of  claim 13  wherein the shroud has at least one vent to define an air flow passage to and from the engine from outside the shroud.  
   
   
       15 . The machine of  claim 13  wherein the shroud is mounted to the frame with structure to attenuate the vibrations generated by the engine and the operating member.  
   
   
       16 . The machine of  claim 13  wherein the shroud further comprises at least one retainer to receive and support tools for use with the machine.  
   
   
       17 . The machine of  claim 16  wherein the at least one retainer is integrally formed with the shroud.  
   
   
       18 . The machine of  claim 16  wherein the at least one retainer is formed separately from the shroud and connected to the shroud.  
   
   
       19 . The machine of  claim 13  wherein the shroud does not contact the engine or the operating member when mounted to the frame.  
   
   
       20 . The machine of  claim 13  wherein the machine is a generator.  
   
   
       21 . The machine of  claim 13  wherein the machine is an air compressor.  
   
   
       22 . A pressure washer comprising: 
 (a) an engine that is operatively connected to a pump;    (b) a frame that supports each of the engine and the pump; and    (c) a shroud mounted to the frame independently of the engine and the pump with structure to limit the vibrations produced in the engine or the pump, wherein the shroud at least partially encloses the engine and includes at least one retainer to accept and retain a tool for use with the pressure washer.    
   
   
       23 . The pressure washer of  claim 22  wherein the shroud is mounted to the frame at a plurality of locations.