Pressure Washer

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to pressure washer systems, and more particularly, to a pressure washer that is convenient to operate and usable to generate different pressurized streams suitable to particular tasks. It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a power or pressure washer and/or pressure washer control system that is convenient to operate, reliable, robust, and configured to prevent or suspend operation of the pressure washing device if undesirable operating conditions occur during use of the pressure washing device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pressure washers generally include a motor or engine that is operatively connected to a water pump. A high pressure hose connects a wand to a discharge side of the water pump. The wand commonly includes a pistol grip or the like that includes a trigger whose actuation effects discharge of a high-pressure water stream from the nozzle. Both the simplicity of operation and effectiveness associated with using such devices has made pressure washers a staple for various residential and commercial cleaning and surface preparation tasks. Many cleaning and surface preparation operations can also include the use of extraneous cleaning or surface treatment agents. For instance, many deck and fence cleaning agents, automotive and/or fiberglass soaps, concrete cleaners, excreta, are commercially available and tailored to improve the efficiency of a particular cleaning operation. To effectuate a desired cleaning or surface preparation operation and increase the applicability of such devices, many pressure washers include a valve assembly associated with generating a desired variable pressure flow that can be configured for use with or without such soaps or agents.

The range of use of such pressure washers for various cleaning and surface preparation activities can also be increased by providing various alternate nozzle assemblies in addition to providing a flow pressure adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pressure of the flow stream that is delivered to the nozzle supported by the wand. Commonly, a pressure unloader valve assembly is provided between the output of the pump and a high pressure hose that is connected to the wand. The pressure unloader valve assembly commonly includes an operator or a handle that is rotatably connected to a housing and interacts with a valve body that is disposed in the housing. The valve body is commonly manually movable to selectively cooperate with a valve seat to define a bypass flow passage. Manipulation of the valve body relative to the valve seat alters a pressure of the fluid flow that is communicated to the wand by opening and closing the bypass fluid passage.

Starting and operation of engine powered pressure washer devices commonly requires user interaction with various discrete controls associated with starting and operating the internal combustion engine and configuring the pressure valve assembly to provide a desired flow pressure to the wand. As is commonly understood, starting of an internal combustion engine can include user interaction with various controls associated the ignition and fuel systems of the engine. During an initial starting process, such as when the engine has not been operated for an extended duration, commonly referred to as “cold” starting, the user must configure the ignition system to deliver an ignition signal to one or more spark plugs and interact with a choke and/or throttle systems to deliver a desired fuel charge to the combustion chamber associated with self sustained operation of the engine.

Commonly, the user must manipulate the choke and/or throttle controls after an initial warm up period to maintain self supported operation of the engine after the engine has attained a suitable operating temperature. Commonly, the ignition, choke, and throttle controls are associated with different discrete positions of the underlying pressure washing device. Suitable user interaction with the controls, particularly first time users or users who have not operated such devices in a while, commonly requires user inspection of the entirety of the device to gain or regain understanding of the location, direction of operation, and/or range of motion associated with each of the respective controls. Failure to adequately understand the respective orientation and sequencing of the various engine controls can result in flooding of the engine and/or inefficient operation of the engine even if the engine has been started. In many pressure washer devices, the engine is commonly configured to operate at a maximum operating speed and the desired flow pressure signal is provided by user interaction with the pressure unloader valve assembly. Such configurations require user attention to the multiple engine and flow controls to generate a desired pressure signal and can result in inefficient utilization of the combustible fuel as the engine is commonly operated at elevated speeds even when less than maximum operating pressures are utilized. Therefore, there is a need for a pressure washer device that includes a convenient and easily understandable engine and flow operation control.

Another consideration to efficient and extended operation of the internal combustion engine is an appreciation as to the condition of the lubrication system of the engine. Many engines include a volume of oil that is associated with maintaining a lubricated interaction between movable parts of the engine, such as a crankshaft, crank arms, pistons, and the cylinder walls. Many internal combustion engines include a reservoir that is generally defined by a crankcase and which includes a sufficient amount of oil to maintain operation of the engine for extended durations. Failure to adequately attend to the level of oil associated with engine operation can result in undesired damage to the engine which can substantially shorten the operating life of the engine. Continued operation of the internal combustion engine during low oil level conditions can result in catastrophic failure or seizure of the engine and can render the engine non-repairable.

Commonly, the engine system of such pressure washer devices is provided with a bung that is associated with a crankcase. Inspection of the oil level of the engine requires removal of the bung and visual inspection of the oil level or a dipstick associated with the removable bung. As the crankcase is commonly located beneath the internal combustion of the engine and/or the pump, many users, particularly novice users, frequently fail to adequately assess the oil condition or level before use of the pressure washer. Periodically, a tool is required to remove the bung such that even experienced users forego assessment of the engine oil condition with the sometimes misguided expectation that there is sufficient engine oil to complete an expected period of operation of the pressure without undue engine damage. Therefore, there is a need for a pressure washer device that allows the user to more conveniently assess the condition or quantity of engine oil. There is a further need for a pressure washing device that can prevent or suspend operation of the internal combustion engine during low oil conditions to avoid catastrophic engine failure.

Still another consideration to efficient and desired pressure washer operation is the condition of operation of the working fluid pump or the pump associated with generating the high pressure flow. The pump generally includes a housing and an impeller or the like associated with generating the high pressure flow. Commonly, one or more seals are provided between the various movable parts of the pump to maintain the desired fluid connectivity through the pump without undo leakage associated with communicating the working fluid through the pump. Any such leakage detracts from the efficient operation of the pump to generate the desired pressurized flow of the working fluid. Commonly, the working fluid, such as water, is provided from a source at a rate and temperature that provides sufficient cooling of the pump to prevent overheating of the pump which could detrimentally affect the integrity of the seals associated therewith.

Disruptions to the working fluid flow, such as via a kink in the source water hose or other source water delivery issues, can disrupt operation of the pump and/or result in pump flow cavitations. If left unaddressed, such source flow conditions can result in overheating of the pump. Commonly, the only indication of such a source flow condition is the inability of the pressure washing device to generate a desired pressure flow being dispelled from the wand during actuation of the trigger. Situations can arise however wherein the user is unaware that low source flow conditions exist even though a suitable pressurized fluid flow is delivered from the wand. Extended operation of the pressure washing device or system during such conditions detracts from efficient operation of the pump and can result in damage to the pump and/or the components thereof. Therefore, there is also a need to assess the operating conditioning of the pump and provide an indication and/or suspension of operation of the engine and/or pump of the pressure washer to protect the operational integrity of the pump.

Therefore, there is a need for a pressure washer assembly that is simple and convenient to operate, provides indications as to the operating conditions of the engine and/or pump, and/or that can intervene in operation of the engine and/or pump if conditions persist that would detrimentally affect the usable life expectancy of a pressure washing device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a pressure washing device or system that overcomes one or more of the drawbacks mentioned above. One aspect of the invention discloses a pressure washer system that is convenient to maintain and operate. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure washing devices includes various control protocols associated generating various pressure flows for multiple desired uses from manipulation of the speed of operation of the engine. More preferably, the control protocols are configured to maintain the operational integrity of the engine and pump of the pressure washer if undesirable operating conditions, such as a low oil level condition or low water flow conditions, occur during use of the pressure washer.

Another aspect of the invention that is usable with one or more of the above aspects discloses a pressure washing system that includes an engine and a pump that is configured to be driven by the engine. The pump defines an output that provides a fluid flow at a higher pressure than an inlet of the pump. A control is connected to the engine and configured to manipulate operation of the engine to generate more than one pump output pressure wherein each of the more than one pump output pressure is associated with a desired use of the pressure washing device.

Another aspect of the invention that includes or is usable with one or more of the above aspects discloses a pressure washing device having a pump that is connected to a fluid path and defines an inlet and an outlet wherein the pump is operable to provide a pressurized flow at the outlet. The pressure washing device includes a sensor that is configured to monitor a pressure of the fluid path and an indicator that is connected to the sensor and configured to provide an indication of an undesired pressure condition of the fluid path.

Another aspect of the invention that is usable with one of the aspects above discloses a pressure washer having an internal combustion engine that is configured to drive a pump. The pump is connected between a water source and a wand and driven by the internal combustion engine to generate a pressurized flow. A sensor is connected to the internal combustion engine and configured to monitor an oil condition of the internal combustion engine and provide an indication of a low oil condition.

Another aspect of the present invention that is usable or combinable with one or more of the above aspects discloses a pressure washer that includes a pump that is driven by an engine to convert a low pressure flow to a high pressure flow. The pressure washer includes a sensor that is configured to monitor a parameter associated with operation of at least one of the engine and the pump. A controller is connected to the sensor and is configured to manipulate operation of one of the engine and the pump in response to a signal received from the sensor. The controller is further configured to execute a debounce operation that includes providing a delay before reacting to the signal and to confirm existence of the signal after the delay.

Another aspect of the invention that is usable or combinable with one or more of the above aspects discloses an engine powered pressure washer that includes an engine and a pump connected to the engine. The pressure washer includes a magneto that is configured to generate a charge during operation of the engine and a power storage device that is charged by the magneto. The pressure washer includes at least one indicator that is configured to indicate an operation status associated with operation of at least one of the engine and the pump and powered by one of the magneto and the power storage device.

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable engine powered pressure washing device equipped with a control protocol according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an alternate perspective view of the portable engine powered pressure washing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a control of the pressure washing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a chart that associates a fluid flow pressure associated with a first nozzle configuration at various engine operating speeds attained via manipulation of an engine throttle;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 and shows another chart that associates a fluid flow pressure associated with a second nozzle configuration at various engine operating speeds attained via manipulation of an engine throttle;

FIG. 6 shows an alternate perspective view of the control shown in FIG. 3 and shows a detail of the control;

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the control shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the control shown in FIG. 3 and exploded from the dashboard shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the pressure washing device shown in FIG. 1 with a handle removed from a chassis associated with the pressure washing device;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 3 and shows an alternate embodiment of the user control shown therein and usable with the pressure washing device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the control shown in FIG. 9 with a first set of indicia associated with the relative orientations of the control;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the dashboard area of the pressure washing device shown in FIG. 1 and an alternate set of indicia associated with the relative orientations of the control;

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of a signage provided on a package associated with containing the pressure washer shown in FIG. 1 at a point of sale;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a controller of the pressure washer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a chart that shows the variable pressure flow signals achieved with the pressure washer shown in FIG. 1 as related to the operating speed of the engine;

FIG. 16 is a chart that shows the association of engine operating speed relative to the adjustment of the throttle cable of the pressure washer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a graphical representation of an engine operating condition assessment of the pressure washer shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a throttle body associated with the engine of the pressure washer shown in FIG. 1 and includes a detail of a choke lever associated with the throttle body for controlling characteristics of the combustion charge delivered to the engine thereof;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a throttle control mechanism associated with the throttle body shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a throttle cable removed from the pressure washer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a choke cable removed from the pressure washer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the engagement between the control shown in FIG. 1 and the throttle cable shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is an opposite side plan view of the control and throttle cable shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 shows a guide wheel removed from the control and throttle cable assembly shown in FIG. 23 and a rack and pinion association between the control and the throttle cable;

FIGS. 25 and 26 are cross section views of the control and throttle cable assembly shown in FIG. 22 taken along lines 25-25 and 26-26, respectively, which contain the axis of rotation of the control;

FIG. 27 is a plan view of the choke control of the pressure washer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 at a first maximum position relative to the throttle body;

FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 27 and shows the choke lever at a maximum position relative to the throttle body;

FIG. 29 is a view similar to FIG. 28 and shows the choke and throttle controls at alternate maximum positions or orientations relative to the underlying throttle assembly or throttle body;

FIG. 30 shows a plan view of a portion of the pump of the pressure washer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and shows one or more sensors associated with assessing the operational condition of the pump;

FIG. 31 is a view similar to FIG. 1 and shows the handle of the pressure washer rotated between and up or in-use orientation and a folded or stowed orientation;

FIG. 32 is a forward side exploded perspective view of a joint of the handle assembly of the pressure washer shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 33 is an alternate lateral forward side exploded perspective view of the joint shown in FIG. 32.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a portable engine powered power or pressure washer system or device 40 according to the present invention. Pressure washer 40 includes an internal combustion engine 42 that is operationally connected to a pump 44. It is appreciated that one or more of the aspects disclosed herein may be applicable to power washer systems having other power sources, such as motor driven pumps, whereas other features or aspects of the proposed system are applicable only to engine powered power pressure washers, such as those features that are associated with manipulating operation of an ignition or fuel delivery systems associated with operation of the internal combustion engine. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the alternative uses of the various aspects disclosed herein as being usable with only one or both of engine and motor driven or powered pressure washer devices.

Engine 42, or an alternate power source such as an electric motor, can be directly or indirectly (via a power transmission system such as a belt or other flexible drive member) coupled to pump 44. When engine 42 directly cooperates with pump 44 without supplemental power transmission systems, pump 44 can be considered a direct drive pump. In such direct drive engine/pump configurations it should be appreciated that the pressure output of the pump is provided at least in part as a function of the operational revolutions per minute (RPM) of the pump and which is directly correlated to the operation speed or revolutions per minute (RPM) of the engine crankshaft. Regardless of the modality of the power source, the higher the RPM of the pump, the higher the pump output pressure—assuming other system variables to be constant. In one embodiment, the input RPM of the pump is controlled by the engine RPM by means of controlling the engine throttle such that, variable pressures can be provided at the pump output pressure via manipulation of the engine throttle or engine speed. The variable pressure output of the pump, in conjunction with a selector dial that manipulates the operating speed of the engine, allows one pressure washer to act as though it were capable of providing several different fixed operating pressures.

Pressure washer 40 includes a wand 46 that is connected to an output side of pump 44 via a hose (not shown). A trigger 50 is located at one end of wand 46 and a discharge nozzle 52 is disposed at the opposite end of the wand 46. Nozzle 52 may be adjustable and/or replaceable to provide a desired spray pattern during operation of pressure washer 40. Pressure washer 40 preferably includes a chassis 54 having one or more wheels 56 or other means for improving the mobility of the unit to facilitate convenient transportation of pressure washer 40. Pressure washer 40 includes a panel, bezel, or dashboard 60 that includes an input control 62 and one or more instructional indicia 64 associated with the desired operation or intended use of pressure washer 40. Preferably, dashboard 60 includes one or more indicia 64 that are associated with the desired operation of pressure washer 40 and can include one or more indicators 70 associated with a providing an indication as to the desired or satisfactory operation of pressure washer 40 as described further below.

Preferably, dashboard 60 also includes one or more receptacles or mounting portions 61 associated with supporting replaceable or interchangeable tips or nozzles 72, 74, 76 associated with the intended or desired use of pressure washer 40 for a particular tasks. As is readily understood, nozzles 72-76 are configured to interchangeably cooperate with the discharge end of wand 46 so as to replace nozzle 52. Alternatively, it is appreciated that nozzle 52 can be adjustable to provide more than one spray pattern—such as a fan pattern, a consolidated stream pattern, a cone pattern, etc. It is further appreciated that wand 46 may have integrated nozzles that are interchangeable and/or adjustable to allow various different functions including soaping via introduction of a detergent or other cleaning or treatment agent through a venturi or other such agent injection or suction system.

Referring to FIG. 3, control 62 associated with dashboard 60 includes a dial 78 that is rotational and/or axially translatable relative to dashboard 60 to manipulate the throttle of the engine and so as to provide a desired output associated with operation of pressure washer 40. As explained above, for direct drive pump configurations, the pressure output from the pump is a function of the revolutions per minute associated with pump operation and which is related to the operating speed and torque of engine 42. As explained further below with respect to FIGS. 18-28, a throttle linkage extends between dial 78 and engine 42 to manipulate the operational speed of engine 42 and thereby the pressure generated by pump 44. As explained further below with respect to FIGS. 18-28, it is appreciated that a number of methodologies are envisioned for providing the desired operational and functional connection between control 62 and engine 42 to achieve the objective of providing a user input control that is associated with manipulating an operating speed of the underlying engine 42 and provides a plurality of indicia associated with the desired activity or pressure output associated with operation of the engine 42 and effectively pump 44 at each respective speed associated with operation of engine 42.

As shown in FIG. 3, dial 78 is configured to control operation of engine 42 to provide a desired pressure associated with operation of pump 44. Dashboard 60 and/or dial 78 include one or more indicia and/or an inclined ramp or power bar indication that provide a visual indication as to the operational pressure that will be provided to wand 46 based on the discrete rotational position of dial 78 relative to dashboard 60. As explained further below, the throttle associated with operation of engine 42 is connected to dial 78 via mechanical means, such as a cable or the like, and which moves rotationally and/or laterally to control the RPM of the engine and thereby the pump output pressure associated with operation of pump 44.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotary throttle control associated with manipulation of dial 78 provides distinct throttle positions that are defined by tactile and/or audible indicia and which thereby provide a number of preset throttle positions. Preferably a plurality of such preset throttle conditions are provided by control 62. In a preferred embodiment, the preset throttle positions are provided by a ball and detent association that provides a tactile indication of the throttle control position as well as retains control 62 at the desired orientation to provide the desired operation of engine 42. The same functionality can be attained with an inclined ramp interaction with or without pronounced detents or tactile indicators. Alternatively, it is appreciated that dial 78 could cooperate with an underlying housing so as to provide translation of dial 78 in the longitudinal direction along the rotational axis associated with movement of dial 78 to provide the desired manipulation and/or adjustment of the throttle cable associated therewith as is discussed further below.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show graphical representations of the discharge pressures that can be achieved as a function of engine speed when wand 46 is provided with alternate nozzle configurations. As shown in FIG. 4, when pressure washer 40 is equipped with a first nozzle, a generally linear plot can be achieved when comparing the operating discharge pressure relative to a fully loaded engine operating speed. Changing the replaceable nozzle to have a different shape or sized orifice provides a different operating pressure range when the pump is driven at alternate full load engine speeds. Said in another way, pressure washer 40 provides different operating pressure spray conditions as the engine operating speed is manipulated for each of different nozzle shapes and/or sizes and the range of operating pressures alters as a function of the characteristics of the different nozzles. It should be appreciated that connecting any of nozzles 72, 74, 76 to wand 46 will alter the pressure to engine speed curve but each curve provides alternate working pressure flows across a range of achievable operating pressures for each respective nozzle. It is further appreciated that control 62 may be provided with different indicia as described further below with respect to associating the setting of control 62, associated with a discrete speed of operation of engine 42, with a respective nozzle which is connected to wand 46.

FIG. 6 shows an underside and a detailed view of control 62 associated with dashboard 60. As shown in FIG. 6, control 62 includes a step plate 80 that is secured to an underside 82 of dashboard 60 by one or more bosses 84. Step plate 80 defines an axis of rotation 86 of dial 78 relative to step plate 80 and dashboard 60. Said in another way, dial 78 is rotatable relative to dashboard 60 and step plate 80 so as to manipulate the speed of operation of engine 42 and thereby the operating pressure generated by pump 44.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, control 60 includes a rotor 88 that rotationally cooperates with a synchronizer 90 and is disposed between synchronizer 90 and step plate 80. Rotor 88 includes a recess 94 that is configured to cooperate with an end of a throttle cable associated with operation of engine 42 as is described further below with respect to FIGS. 18-29. An underside 96 of rotor 88 includes one or more bosses 98 that translate rotationally relative to a ramp surface 100 of step plate 80. Preferably, ramp surface 100 include one or more steps or lands 102, 104, 106 configured to provide a tactile indication as to the rotational position of rotor 88 relative to step plate 80. Cooperation of bosses 98 along ramp surfaces 100 allows rotor 88 to translate in the longitudinal direction associated with the axis of rotation of dial 78, indicated by arrow 110, relative to step plate 80 and thereby manipulate the operational length associated with a throttle cable or an instantaneous setting of the engine throttle assembly.

It should be appreciated that clockwise rotation of dial 78 translates rotor 88, and thereby throttle cable recess 94, in a longitudinal direction along axis 110 effectively “pulling” the throttle cable whereas counter-clockwise rotation of dial 78 allows the throttle assembly to “push” the throttle cable. The “push” and “pull” manipulation of the throttle cable manipulates the throttle assembly associated with engine 42 to reduce and increase the operating speed of engine 42. It is further appreciated that the “push” of the throttle cable could be provided as merely allowing the throttle assembly to return to a biased orientation as compared to actually “pushing” the cable to achieve the desired orientation of the throttle and thereby the desired operation of the engine.

It is further appreciated that the rotational association of dial 78 relative to the manipulation of the underlying throttle assembly could be reversed such that counterclockwise rotation of dial 78 increases the engine speed whereas clockwise rotation of dial 78 decreases the operating speed of engine 42. Preferably, regardless of the direction of rotation of dial 78 relative to increasing and/or decreasing the operating speed of engine 42, the throttle assembly is biased toward a position associated with idle operation of engine 42 such that user interaction with dial 78 increases the throttle positioning and thereby the operating speed of engine 12. More preferably, once increased, it is appreciated that control 62 maintains the desired engine operating speed associated with the particular throttle position associated with the setting of dial 78 relative to control 62 until subsequent user interaction with dial 78 and/or automatic interference with operation of engine 42 as disclosed further below.

Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, synchronizer 90 includes a first tang 112 and a second tang 114 that preferably have dissimilar sizes. Rotor 88 includes a first cavity 116 and a second cavity 118 that are each configured to cooperate with only one of the respective tangs 112, 114 of synchronizer 90. Such a construction ensures a repeatable and a singular rotational orientation associated with assembling synchronizer 90 relative to rotor 88 so as to provide a desired orientation of synchronizer 90 and dial 78 relative to dashboard 60 and the throttle cable assembly associated therewith.

Referring to FIG. 8, an underside 120 of dial 78 includes a cavity 122 that is constructed to secure dial 78 to synchronizer 90. Cavity 122 includes one or more ribs 124 that cooperate with the detent 126 formed in synchronizer 90 to define the orientation of dial 78 relative thereto. Synchronizer 90 cooperates with an underside of dashboard 60 whereas dial 78 is exposed proximate a front side of the dashboard and correspondingly oriented relative to the indicia provided on the front side of dashboard 60 so as to be indicative of the desired cleaning operation and/or pressure intended to be provided by pressure washer 40 and to exposed to the user for setting the engine throttle speed associated with generating the flow pressure for performing the intended operation. The single orientation structural interaction between dial 78, rotor 88, and synchronizer 90 ensures that the indicia 68 associated with the orientation of dial 78 relative to dashboard 60 provides the desired indication or association between the orientation of the dial 78 relative to the throttle assembly to achieve the desired operational condition of engine 42 and thereby the generation of the desired operating pressure associate with driven operation of pump 44.

FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of the dashboard area 16 of pressure washer 40. As shown in FIG. 9, pressure washer 40 can be configured to include an “on/off” switch 131, one or more indicators 132, one or more engine controls 134, such as an engine choke control, etc. Preferably, those controls of pressure washer 40 that are commonly interacted with by a user are all generally centrally positioned on dashboard 60 proximate dial 78. It is further appreciated that dial 78 could be configured to include the functionality of “on/off” switch 131 and/or choke control 134 as explained further below. It is further understood that although indicators 132 are shown as being positioned proximate dial 78 on dashboard 60, other locations are envisioned including being supported by dial 78. The centralized location of all of the operational controls associated with the starting and operating of pressure washer 40 provides a pressure washer wherein a user need only inspect a limited area of the device to quickly assess the overall operating condition of the device.

One or more nozzles 72, 74, 76 are positioned proximate dial 78 so as to be readily identifiable and accessible to the user of pressure washer 40. It is appreciated that the operation and manipulation of dial 78 can be configured to provide a number of indicia that assimilate the operating condition of the engine and/or the desired pressure intended to be provided via operation of pressure washer 40 and/or assimilate the position of dial 78 relative to the operation condition of engine 42 as well as a respective nozzle 72, 74, 76 engaged with wand 46. Referring to FIGS. 10-12, indicia 68 can be provided as one or more of the desired output associated with operation of pump 44, such as a pressure reading or range as shown in FIG. 10, as an activity to be undertaken such as shown in FIG. 11, or a combination thereof as shown in FIG. 12. That is, dashboard 60 and/or dial 78 might have an icon indicating a fence, a vehicle, walls, windows, driveways, or other structures or graphical indicia associated with the activity that is to be undertaken. Rotating dial 78 to the desired indicia 68 would set the corresponding water discharge pressure associated with operation of pump 44 to the preferred, desired, or optimal value for undertaking the desired activity by manipulation of the engine throttle control as explained above.

It is further appreciated that indicia 68 may be provided in multiple radially oriented rows or sequences such that a first row of indicia 68 may provide an indication associated of desired pressure output, a second row may include indicia indicative of the activity to be undertaken, range of engine speed operation or throttle control position, etc. It is further appreciated that such rows may include a legend or key associated with assimilating the desired pressure flow signal, engine speed condition, or activity to be completed with a respective nozzle that is connected to wand 46 as disclosed above. It is further appreciated that pressure washer 40 may be provided with multiple placards that each include multiple indicia and which the end user can position relative to dial 78; one of which the discrete user or end purchaser considers the most convenient or readily understandable for assessing and setting the desired operation of pressure washer 40. That is, it is appreciated that whereas some users may appreciated a power bar type of indicia associated with the various positions of dial 78, other users may prefer graphical indicia associated with respective activities that are to be undertaken.

It should be further appreciated that control 62 can be provided as various other operational modalities other than being provided as a rotational dial. It is appreciated that the functionality of control 62 could be provided in other modalities such as a slide lever, a push/pull lever, a pushbutton, or the like. It is further appreciated that control 62 can be configured to provide one or more mechanical, tactile, visual, or audible, indications associated with indicating the setting of control 62 for the desired operation of pressure washer 40. Regardless of the mode of operation of control 62, the inclusion of operational indicators 132 proximate dashboard 60 provides a power washer 40 wherein most if not all of the operational controls associated with operation and/or monitoring of pressure washer 40 are conveniently located in a common area.

As shown in FIG. 13, pressure washer 40 is intended to include both conditional operational indicators 132, such as oil and water condition indicators, and consumable level indicators 134 in the general proximity of dashboard 60. Such a configuration allows the user to quickly assess the operating condition of pressure washer 40 without undue examination or inspection of different areas of the pressure washer 40 to assess the condition of the discrete systems associated therewith.

Referring to FIG. 14, pressure washer 40 includes a controller or control circuit 140 that is configured to assess various operational and system integrity or operational control signals. Preferably, control circuit 140 is configured to suspend operation of engine 42 if a low oil condition is detected and preferably persists beyond a desired interval. Control circuit 140 also preferably monitors pump inlet pressure and/or pump temperature and is configured to suspend operation of pressure washer 40, or minimally provide illumination of one or more of indicators 132, 134 during low engine oil, low intake water pressure conditions, and/or pump overheat conditions. In a preferred embodiment, pressure washer 40 includes a hall-effect sensor 141 (FIG. 2) or other fluid/oil level sensing device that is connected to engine 42 and controller 140. Controller 140 can be configured to simply provide an indication of receipt of the signal from the oil condition sensor 141 and/or suspend operation of engine 42 if a low oil condition exists or persists for a selected duration during operation of engine 42.

In addition to the oil condition monitoring, it is appreciated that pressure washer 40 include one or more sensors 145 (FIG. 13) associated with detecting various parameters associated monitoring operation of the pump flow conditions. FIG. 30 shows one such configuration wherein pump 44 is can be configured to include one or more temperature sensors 139 such as thermocouples to assess the operating temperature of pump 44. Preferably, the one or more thermal couples 139 are connected to controller 140 so that operation of pressure washer 40 can be suspended in the event of an over-temperature condition. Alternatively, it is envisioned that sensors 139 be provided as pressure sensors 145 (FIG. 14) associated with assessing a pressure signal associated with the inlet pressure of the working fluid or an output pressure of the working fluid. Controller 140 can be configured to provide an indication of an unsuitable working fluid flow parameter and/or manipulate operation of engine 42 or pump 44 in response to detection of such a situation.

In a preferred embodiment, all such indicators and/or manipulation of the desired operation of pressure washer 40 are limited by a debounce algorithm that mitigates false positives of the any of the low oil, low pump intake pressure, high pump operating temperature, the latter of which can be caused by kinked feed hoses or the like. Such a debounce operation allows the operator a suitable period to clear the unintended but undesired operational condition without unduly interfering with operation of pressure washer 40.

In a preferred configuration, the electronic circuit associated with controller 140 is provided on pressure washer 40 to provide a visual indication of the low pressure of the inlet water. Preferably, the circuit also provides an indication of low engine oil condition as disclosed above via indicators 132, 134 positionally associated with dashboard 60. Such a configuration protects the integrity of the pressure washer from damage due to extended periods of operation at low input water pressure, thereby protecting the operational integrity of pump 44, and low engine oil conditions, thereby protecting the operation integrity of engine 42. In a preferred aspect, rather than simply interrupting or interfering with operation of washer 40, controller 140 is configured to provide user feedback to indicate when the respective switches become active. Such an indication can be provided as a sequential actuation of the one of more of indicators 132, 134. Preferably, dashboard 60 includes textual or graphical explanations related to the operation or illumination of indicators and the causes associated with actuation of the same. Such feedback allows the user to quickly and accurately troubleshoot the cause of unintended device shutdowns, such as no fuel, low oil, engine failure, pump stalling, pump temperature, pump flow, etc. The feedback directs the user to the cause of the shutdown so that shutdown conditions can be expeditiously rectified.

As mentioned above, controller 140 also includes an algorithm that is provided in conjunction with the pressure shutdown to prevent false shut downs and provide an adequate annunciation period to allow the user to recognize the source of the problem and correct it while still getting feedback. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor error signals are provided as one or more LED's such as indicators 132, 134 that illuminate at an error condition and/or a continual indication of the present state of engine oil and/or pump water.

In a preferred embodiment, referring to FIGS. 14 and 17, the control circuit associated with controller 140 includes a magneto positive and negative detection section 150, a magneto shutdown section 152, a water pressure switch monitor section 154, an indicator section 156, and a low power microcontroller section 158 that is preferably powered by a lithium type battery. In use, controller 140 has various modes of operation further characterized as:

Sleep Mode

When the microcontroller detects that there are no magneto pulses, it goes into sleep mode. In this mode, the total circuit draw is less than 11 microamperes preferably as a worst case calculation. The battery is preferably rated for 225 milliamp hours of operation and, with the above current draw; the shelf life of the battery in sleep mode would be approximately 2.7 years. The measured current draw with the indicator in sleep mode was less than 0.3 microamperes which equates to a greater than 50 year shelf life associated with operation of controller 140.

Wake Up

When the microcontroller detects a positive magneto pulse, it wakes up and briefly flashes the LED associated with one or more of indicators 132, 134. This flash notifies the user both that the circuit is awake and that the one or more LED's or indicators 132, 134 are functional.

Oil Switch Failure Detect

During normal operation of pressure washer 40, in a preferred embodiment, the respective oil level indicator receives positive and negative pulses from the magneto. When there is an oil level failure or low oil level condition, the oil level shutdown circuit shorts, shunts, or grounds the negative magneto pulses. During shorting of the negative magneto pulses, the ignition or combustion signal is not communicated to the sparkplug associated with operation of engine 42 such that operation of pressure washer 40 automatically terminates. If the indicator detects the loss or shorting of the negative magneto pulses, the low oil indicator flashes an oil fail pattern on the LED, for example a pattern of ON or illuminated for 1 second, OFF for 1 second, repeat; or a pattern of a dash illumination signal, followed by OFF, and repeat. Understandably, dashboard 60 can be provided with more than one failure indicator such that an illuminated indicator is indicative of either a particular system OK condition or a particular system failure or warning condition. Regardless if provided as a single or a multiple system failure or warning indicator, the LED can continue to flash for 1 minute after shutdown before the circuit will go to sleep. In a preferred embodiment, reactivation of the system will repeat the oil failure alert until the low engine oil condition is cleared or rectified such as by replenishing the engine oil to a suitable or operational level.

Water Switch Failure Detect

During normal operation of pressure washer 40 at any of the operational conditions associated with the relative position of dial 78, controller 140 is also preferably configured to assess one or more conditions associated with the status of the working fluid. While pressure washer 40 is operating normally, controller 140 or an associated microcontroller sends a 3V signal to a water pressure switch 145 (FIG. 14). When the input water pressure is sufficient to achieve the expected or desired operation of pressure washer 40, the pressure switch remains open and the microcontroller detects the 3V signal via monitoring of the signal. When the water pressure is insufficient to support desired operation of pressure washer 40, this pressure signal deviates in a downward direction or is pulled down from the suitable operational signal. Controller 140 preferably starts a counter associated with generating a delay when the low signal or deviation of the 3V signal is detected.

If the counter reaches a threshold, such as 4 seconds of low signal, the magneto engine shutdown circuit engages and the indicator flashes a water pressure failure pattern on one or more of the respective LED's associated with indicators 132, 134. Such an indication pattern can include illumination of the low flow pressure indicator in a suitable pattern such as ON for a ½ second duration, OFF for a ½ second duration, ON for ½ second duration, OFF for a 1 second duration, repeat. Such operation can be referred to a dot, dot, OFF, pattern. The LED can continue to flash the pattern for a selected duration, such as for approximately 1 minute, after shutdown before controller 140 returns to the sleep operation described above. Although pressure washer 40 is disclosed as including multiple indicators 132, 134, it is appreciated that a single indicator could be provided which operates in selected patterns associated with indicating to the user the basis for a particular shut-down operation.

Turn Off

When use of pressure washer 40 is complete and the user desires to suspend operation of the pressure washer, dial 78 or a supplemental ON/OFF switch can be moved to an OFF position that is associated with terminating, grounding, shunting, or shorting both the positive and negative pulses associated with the magneto. Controller 140 processes the no magneto pulses as a safe for operation condition such that no engine or pump operation failure signals are generated or indicated. If there are no failure conditions when pressure washer 40 is shut down, controller 140 returns to the sleep mode after a selected duration such as 4 seconds and pressure washer 40 returns to a condition suitable for subsequent operation of the pressure washer 40.

Restart: Oil Level Failure

During a restart activity after a low oil condition engine shut down, controller 140 is configured to assess and confirm that the low oil level condition has been rectified prior to allowing engine 42 to start. In a preferred embodiment, if the oil level sensor recovers to a safe operation condition while the associated indicator is still flashing, engine 42 can be restarted. The respective oil condition indicator will continue to provide an oil level indicia until power washer 40 restarts or a selected duration, such as 1 minute, elapses. If the oil level sensor does not provide a safe to operate indication, the indicator will continue to alarm, via an indication such as illumination of one or more of indicator 132, 134, as the user cranks or otherwise attempts to start engine 42 until the low oil condition is rectified.

Restart: Water Pressure Failure

After a water pressure failure shut down of operation of engine 42, if the water pressure is restored, controller 140 will allow the respective flow pressure indicator to recover to a safe operation indication, such as turning off the indicator, and allow the indicator to stop blinking after a selected duration such as a few seconds. Upon recovery of a suitable operation water pressure, assuming a safe oil level condition exists; engine 42 of pressure washer 40 is allowed to restart via termination of the grounding or shunting of the engine ignition signal.

The various operational control sequences disclosed above allow pressure washer 40 to be protected from the detrimental effects associated with extended periods of operation with any or all of low water flow pressure, high pump operating temperatures, and/or low engine oil conditions. It is appreciated that the various operational parameters and time intervals discussed above are merely exemplary of one preferred operational configuration of pressure washer 40. It is appreciated that the various values and/or intervals may be manipulated to satisfy other user and/or application demands.

Regardless of the specific operational parameters, pressure washer 40 provides a pressure washer whose operation can control the pressure output of the pump by manipulation of the engine operating speed or engine throttle and preferably can be utilized to modify pump discharge pressure as a function of engine operating speed. The control associated with such operation includes a control that is assimilated with a task or activity selector and provides the ability to select task or activity specific pressure selection with optional task or activity iconography. The control system provides consolidated controls to enable ease of use for the end customer and preferably provides feedback of the control position with detent, tactile, audible, and/or a pointing arrow. Alternatively, it is appreciated that the position of dial 78, which is associated with an engine operating speed, could be used to point to pressure settings in pounds per inch squared (psi) instead of icons. Dial 78 and/or dashboard 60 could also incorporate other “one touch interface” functions such as the ON/OFF position, choke position, start position, etc. It is further appreciated that dial 78 could also be used to engage an electric start feature that would start engine 42 based on a rotational or axial position of the dial 78 were power washer 40 equipped with the systems associated with effectuating the same, such as a battery and an electronic starter and the electrical connections associated with suitable operation of the same.

In a preferred embodiment, pressure washer 40 also provides one or more visual indications of low water pressure conditions in the pressure washer in conjunction with pressure sensing ability via a pressure switch or similar device. Use of visual indications of low oil in the pressure washer with low oil sensing ability in the engine—via a sensor such as a Hall Effect type sensor or similar device, allows power washer 40 to protect the operational integrity of engine 42 as well as pump 44 while providing the user with an indication as to the cause of suspension or prevention of operation of engine 42. Preferably, controller 140 includes a debounce algorithm that provides one or more delays as disclosed above when responding to instantaneous signals associated the oil level and/or fluid flow pressure switches to prevent false alarms from causing nuisance shut downs of pressure washer 40. The duration of the debounce period is preferably chosen to allow pressure washer 40 to maintain operation during normal operating events such as air pockets in the operating fluid water stream and/or temporary kinks associated with a water delivery hose without suspending operation of the device due to such transient deviations that can occur during normal operation of pressure washer 40.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show various operating pressures that can be achieved and delivered to wand 46 associated with operation of engine 42 at various operating speeds as function of the relative manipulation of the engine throttle cable via user interaction with dial 78. As shown in FIG. 15, in a preferred embodiment, dial 78 achieves and maintains various discrete positions that are associated with different engine operating speeds and which are associated with providing different operating pressures associated with various output nozzles. In a preferred embodiment, rotation of dial 78 between the respective discrete radial positions associated with steps 100, 102, 104 (FIG. 7) provides incremental adjustment of the throttle position associated with operation of engine 42. As explained further below, it is appreciated that other numbers of preset throttle positions can be provided by control 60.

The trend lines shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 are indicative of one such control wherein the control is movable to allow adjustment of the operating length of the throttle cable in 0.5 mm increments and through a range of motion of zero extension of the cable to 5.5 mm of total extension of the cable. Understandably, such dimensions are merely exemplary of one control and throttle association of the present invention. FIGS. 15 and 16 show that various operating flow pressures can be achieved via manipulation of the engine throttle speed with control 60 during both loaded and unloaded conditions associated with the operation of the underlying engine 42. Understandably, the number of preset engine throttle conditions and total travel of the throttle cable can be manipulated to satisfy parameters associated with different engine and/or throttle constructions as well other parameters associated with the operation of pressure washer 40, such as the range of pressures that can be generated from operation of a particular pump and/or provided via use of alternate nozzles. Regardless of the number of preset throttle positions associated with each discrete position of dial 78 of control 60, control 60 is preferably configured to manipulate the pressure flow from a lowermost usable pressure to a maximum pressure that can be provided with a given pump and engine association.

FIGS. 18-21 show a throttle assembly 144 associated with a throttle body 160 and one or more cables 164, or such as throttle and choke cables 166, 222, associated with communicating the throttle instructions from control 60 to throttle assembly 144 of engine 42. As is commonly understood, manipulation of the throttle and choke cables manipulates the combustion charge and the air associated therewith that is delivered to a combustion chamber of engine 42 to effectuate starting and sustained operation of engine 42 at various engine speeds associated with the position of a throttle plate relative to a passage through the throttle body 160. FIGS. 18-19 and 27-29 show two alternate preferred embodiments for providing the mechanical throttle connection between the user adjustable control 60 and a throttle body 160 and/or an engine governor system associated with operation of engine 42. Regardless of the construction of the control or the throttle assembly, the adjustable throttle control associated with generating a desired flow pressure output also provides the user the ability to better manage sound output associated with operation of the pressure washer 40. That is, when less than peak operating pressures are desired, engine 42 of pressure washer 40 can operate at a less than maximum engine RPM to generate the desired pressure signal output thereby reducing the decibel level associated with operation of engine 42 and making pressure washer 40 more affable to consumers.

Referring to FIGS. 18-21, as mentioned above, throttle body 160 of engine 42 is configured to deliver a fuel charge to the combustion chamber associated with operation of the engine 42. The throttle body 160 includes a choke lever 162 that effectuates the choking of engine 42 during starting processes. A choke cable 164 extends between choke lever 162 and a choke pull associated with dashboard 60 or control 62 as described above and further below with respect to FIG. 21. Throttle cable 166 is connected to a throttle linkage 168 and manipulates the orientation of the throttle plate associated with throttle body 160. An alternate end of throttle cable 166 is connected to control 60 such that operation of dial 78 manipulates throttle linkage 160 associated with throttle body 160. Said another way, manipulation of dial 78 manipulates the operating speed of engine 42 during operation of engine 42.

As shown in FIG. 19, throttle linkage 168 includes one or more springs 170, 172 that are configured to bias throttle linkage 168 toward an idle position. As alluded to above, such a configuration allows engine 42 to return toward lower engine operating speeds during rotation of dial 78 in a respective clockwise or counterclockwise direction. FIGS. 20 and 21 show throttle cable 166 and choke cable 178 removed from power washer 40. As shown in FIG. 20, throttle cable 166 includes a sheath 180 and a cable 182 slidably contained therein. A first end 184 of cable 182 includes a stopper or ball 186 that is shaped to be received within the recess 94 of rotor 88 as shown in FIG. 7. Translation of ball 186 from a terminal end 188 of sheath 180 yields translation, indicated by arrow 190, of a second end 192 of cable 182 thereby effectuating manipulation of throttle linkage 168 so as to alter the operating speed of engine 42.

In a similar manner, referring to FIG. 21, choke cable 178 includes a sheath 196 disposed about a cable 198. A pull 200 is secured to first end of choke cable 198 and is preferably mounted on dashboard 60. A second end 202 of cable 198 is configured to cooperate with choke lever 162 such that manipulation of pull 200 effectuates translation of choke lever 162 relative to throttle body 160, as shown in FIG. 18, thereby choking engine 42. Understandably, manipulation or operation of choke cable 178 is generally only necessary during starting or cold starting operations of engine 42 whereas manipulation of throttle cable 166 effectuates changes in the operational speed of engine 42 at any time during operation of the engine. As such, operation on dial 78 effectuates manipulation of throttle cable 182, and thereby throttle linkage 168, and alters the operating speed of engine 42 to create changes in the output pressure associated with operation of pump 44.

FIGS. 22-26 show various views of a control 218 having a dial 220 associated with a throttle cable 222 according to another embodiment of the invention. Preferably, control 218 and dial 220 are constructed to cooperate with dashboard 60 of pressure washer 40 to effectuate similar engine throttle control as disclosed above with respect to control 60 and dial 78. Dial 220 is secured to a mount or dial mount 224 that is constructed to be secured proximate dashboard 60. Alternatively, it is envisioned that dial mount 224 could be formed integrally with dashboard 60.

A gear or a pinion 226 extends from a rearward facing side of dial 220 and operationally cooperates with a toothed interface or a rack 228 that is slidably oriented relative to dial mount 224. A support 230 extends from dial mount 224 and slidably cooperates with a groove 232 formed in rack 228 to maintain a desired alignment between rack 228 and pinion 226 associated with the interaction between dial 220 and throttle cable 222. Throttle cable 222 is secured to rack 228 such that rotation of dial 220 results in longitudinal translation, indicated by arrow 234, of cable 222 relative to a cable mount 236 secured to dial mount 224. It is appreciated that rack 228 could be constructed to cooperate with the ball shaped end 184 of throttle cable 166. Like control 60, longitudinal translation of cable 222 effectuates changes in the engine operating speed in the same manner as discussed above. That is, it should be appreciated that the alternate end of throttle cable 222 is connected to the throttle linkage associated with the throttle body of an underlying engine 42 as disclosed above.

Dial mount 224 also includes a number of cavities 250 that cooperate with a ball 252 (FIG. 26) that is biased towards the cavities 250 by a spring 254. Ball 252 and spring 254 are supported by dial 220 such that rotation of dial 220 effectuates translation of ball 252 relative to the respective cavities or detents 250. The cooperation of the ball with the discrete detents provides a tactile indication as to the relative position or discrete changes in the position of dial 220 relative to dial mount 224 and thereby the position of throttle cable 222 relative to the throttle assembly connected to an alternate end of the throttle cable and associated with the underlying engine 42. It is appreciated that dial 220 can be configured to cooperate with a dashboard 60 having operational indicia like those disclosed above so as to provide a graphical indication as to the operational condition of the pressure washer so equipped. It is further envisioned that dial 220 and throttle cable 222 can be provided on pressure washers having the pump intake pressure, pump temperature, and engine oil temperature safety protocols discussed above as well as other engine driven devices wherein a robust user input to throttle linkage communication is desired.

FIGS. 27-29 show various views of a throttle assembly 260 associated with engine 42 and connected to a throttle cable such as one of throttle cables 166, 222. It should be appreciated that the opposite end of throttle cable 166, 222 can be operationally connected to either of control 60 or control 218 to effectuate communication of the user throttle input signal to a throttle assembly 260 associated with an engine 42 of pressure washer 40. Throttle assembly 260 includes a throttle level 268 and a choke lever 270 that are positionally associated with one another so that actuation of throttle lever 268 beyond a desired maximum operating throttle position associated with a maximum operating speed of engine 42 to manipulate actuation of choke lever 270 to effectuate choking of engine 42. After starting of engine 42, choke lever 270 is allowed to return to a non-actuated position such that manipulation of throttle lever 268 manipulates the operation speed of engine 42 without influence of an engine choking action. Understandably, it is further appreciated that throttle lever 268 and choke lever 270 can be provided in an independently operable configuration wherein each of the throttle lever 268 and choke lever 270 do not interact with one another in a manner wherein manipulation of one of the throttle lever 268 or choke lever 270 does not affect the orientation of the other of the throttle lever 268 and the choke lever 270.

Throttle assembly 260 preferably includes one or more stops 272 associated with setting the relative minimum and maximum throttle positions. Preferably, stops 272 are adjustable to allow tuning of the relative maximum and minimum throttle positions associated with a desired maximum operating speed of engine and a relative minimum operating speed or idle operation of engine 42. Cable 182 of throttle cable 166, 222 engages throttle lever 268 and sheath 180 of throttle cable 166, 222 is secured to throttle assembly 260 via a clamp 274 such that actuation or manipulation of the control 60, 218 connected to the opposite end of a respective throttle cable 166, 222 effectuates longitudinal translation of cable 182 and thereby manipulation of throttle lever 268 relative to throttle assembly 260. The various discrete positions associated with controls 60, 218 allows operation of engine 42 at various discrete speeds to achieve the desired pressure flow output associated with each of the respective indicia that are positionally associated with respect to the respective user control 60, 218 for which pressure washer 40 is equipped.

FIG. 31 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of pressure washer 40 and shows movement of the handle portion 300 of pressure washer 40 between an in-use orientation 302 and a folded, stowed, or stored orientation 304 relative to pressure washer 40. When oriented in the in-use orientation, handle portion 300 extends in a generally upward direction proximate a rear portion of pressure washer 40 and when oriented in the stored orientation 304 handle portion 300 is positioned in close proximity to a top surface associated with the engine 42 and dashboard 60 of pressure washer 40 so as to provide a comparatively compact configuration of the same.

Chassis 54 includes a first vertically oriented member 306 and a second vertically oriented member 308 that are connected to U-shaped handle portion 300 by respective joint assemblies 310, 312. As alluded to above, when oriented in the upward or in-use orientation 302, handle portion 300 extends generally above engine 42 of pressure washer 40 and defines a grip site 314 useful in facilitating manual transport of pressure washer 40. That is, user interaction with grip site 314 allows pressure washer 40 to be tipped in a generally rearward direction so as to be supported by wheels 56. When not in use, handle portion 300 can be rotated in a generally forward direction and is shaped to snuggly cooperate with an upper portion 316 associated with the power unit of pressure washer 40. Handle portion 314 is also preferably contoured to snuggly cooperate with control panel or dashboard 60 of pressure washer 40 to provide a compact orientation thereof when pressure washer 40 is not in use. It is appreciated however that pressure washer 40 can be operated with handle portion 300 in both the in-use orientation 302 and the stowed orientation 304 relative to the remainder of pressure washer 40.

Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, each joint assembly 310, 312 includes a first lobe 320 that is secured to a respective upright member 306, 308 associated with chassis 54. Handle portion 300 includes laterally oriented downward extending portions 322, 324 that each have a second lobe 326 of joint assemblies 310, 312 secured thereto. Respective first and second lobe pairs 320, 326 rotationally cooperate with one another to allow translation of handle portion 300 between the in-use orientation 302 and the stored orientation 304.

A first side 328 of each first lobe 320 includes a pair of projections 330, 332 that extend in a transverse direction relative to the generally planar orientation of lobe 320 or in a direction aligned with the axis of rotation associated with the respective joint assemblies 310, 312. Projections 330, 332 are each shaped and positioned to be received in a respective chase 334, 336 defined by a first side 338 of each second lobe 326. Each second lobe 326 includes one or more projections 340, 342 that are shaped to cooperate with respective pockets 344, 346 formed in first side 328 of each first lobe 320. Pockets 344, 346 are oriented radially outboard relative to projections 330, 332 or each first lobe 320. Projections 330, 332 of each first lobe 320 and projections 340, 342 of each second lobe 326 are shaped to cooperate with a respective chase 334, 336 or pockets 334, 346 to facilitate an indexed and self retained orientation of handle portion 300 relative to the in-use orientation 302 and the stored orientation 304 thereof.

Each joint assembly 310, 312 includes a fastener, such as the carriage bolt 352, having a stem portion 354 and a head portion 356. Stem portion 354 of carriage bolt 352 passes through an opening 358 formed in a respective second lobe 326 and an opening 360 formed in each respective first lobe 320 and operationally cooperates with a nut 362 associated with the respective joint assembly 310, 312. In a preferred embodiment, opening 358 associated with each second lobe 326 has a shape that slidably but non-rotationally cooperates with a contour 364 positioned proximate head portion 356 of each carriage bolt 352. The cooperation of contour 364 with opening 358 of each second lobe 326 prevents rotation of carriage bolt 352 during manipulation of nut 362.

Each nut 362 includes a threaded bore 368 that threadably cooperates with stem 354 of a respective carriage bolt 352. In outer radial surface 370 of each nut 362 is shaped to provide toolless manual manipulation of nut 362 relative to a respective carriage bolt 352. Nut 362 and carriage bolt 352 of each joint assembly 310, 312 cooperate with one another to allow lateral translation, indicated by arrow 374, of each respective first lobe 320 relative to the corresponding second lobe 326 of each joint assembly 310, 312 such that each joint assembly 310, 312 can be loosened to allow projections 340, 342 of second lobe 326 to translate relative to a respective pocket 344, 346 associated with a respective first lobe 320 without full disassociation of the respective joint assembly 310, 312 such that handle portion 300 can be rotated between in-use orientation 302 and stored orientation 304 without disassembly of the respective joint assemblies 310, 312.

The association of projections 330, 302 of perspective first lobes 320 with corresponding chases 334, 336 of a corresponding second lobe 326 prevents over rotation of handle portion 300 relative to the in-use orientation 302 and stored orientation 304 when joint assemblies 310, 312 are even loosely associated. Rotation of nut 362 in a tightening direction when handle portion 314 is oriented in either of the in-use orientation 302 of the stored orientation 304 biases each respective first lobe 320 into engagement with a corresponding second lobe 326 such that at least one of projections 340, 342 of second lobe 326 are laterally associated with a corresponding pocket 344, 346 in a manner that prevents rotational interaction between the respective first lobe 320 and a corresponding second lobe 326. Such cooperation prevents the inadvertent rotation of handle portion 300 from the relative in-use orientation 302 and/or stored orientation 304. Each joint assembly 310, 312 provides a robust physical connection that allows extension and/or retraction or collapsing of handle portion 300 relative to the remainder of pressure washer 40.

Accordingly, pressure washer 40 provides a user interface or control that is easy to understand and convenient to interact with such that the user can expeditiously configured the pressure washer for an intended operation via manipulation of an engine throttle control. The control is further configured to provide a variety of indicia indicative of the intended or desired operation of the pressure washer. Regardless of the methodology associated with the construction of the respective control and indicia, pressure washer 40 is also configured to assess the operating condition of the engine and/or the pump to protect the operational integrity of one or both of the engine and pump. Preferably, pressure washer 40 also includes one or more indicators associated with providing the user information as to the suitable operable condition of the engine and pump. More preferably, each of the indicators, indicia, and controls are provided in a common area of the pressure washer to mitigate user inspection of various areas of the pressure washer for assessing the operational condition and state of the pressure washer. As such, pressure washer 40 is convenient to operate, provides various usable working flow pressures that are attained by manipulation of the engine operating speed, protects the engine and pump of pressure washer 40 from damage due to operation of the engine and/or pump at less than suitable conditions, and provides such protection in a manner that accommodates tolerable transient operating conditions.

Many changes and modifications could be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. The scope of these changes will become apparent from the appended claims.

Pressure Washer

Information

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Date Filed

Date Published

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

Provisional Applications (1)