Abstract: An engine starting device includes a first pulley mounted to the crankshaft of an engine for rotation with the crankshaft. A second pulley is mounted to an arbor that extends into a spring housing containing an elastic member. The elastic member is interconnected with the arbor such that rotation of the arbor in a loading direction loads the elastic member. A belt interconnects the two pulleys and a tensioner is mounted near the belt to selectively apply tension to the belt. When the tensioner applies sufficient tension to the belt, the second pulley rotates in response to the first pulley and crankshaft rotating. Rotation of the second pulley causes the elastic member to become loaded in response to rotation of the arbor in the loading direction. A ratchet wheel and pawl may be used to keep the arbor from rotating in the unloading direction. To initiate start up of the engine, the pawl is removed from engagement with the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: An engine starting device includes a first pulley mounted to the crankshaft of an engine for rotation with the crankshaft. A second pulley is mounted to an arbor that extends into a spring housing containing an elastic member. The elastic member is interconnected with the arbor such that rotation of the arbor in a loading direction loads the elastic member. A belt interconnects the two pulleys and a tensioner is mounted near the belt to selectively apply tension to the belt. When the tensioner applies sufficient tension to the belt, the second pulley rotates in response to the first pulley and crankshaft rotating. Rotation of the second pulley causes the elastic member to become loaded in response to rotation of the arbor in the loading direction. A ratchet wheel and pawl may be used to keep the arbor from rotating in the unloading direction. To initiate start up of the engine, the pawl is removed from engagement with the ratchet wheel.