Patent Publication Number: US-8539925-B2

Title: Starter for two-cycle engines

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/330,286 filed Apr. 30, 2010, entitled “STARTER FOR TWO-CYCLE ENGINES” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Various embodiments of the present invention relate in general, to devices that assist a user in starting a two-cycle engine, and more particularly, to devices that automatically pull the starter rope of two-cycle engine devices. 
     Small internal combustion engines are commonly used to provide powered motion of a work implement. For instance, small internal combustion engines have been used to power a cutting mechanism or an auger, on tools and other equipment including chain saws, lawn mowers, tillers, edgers, string trimmers, snow blowers, powered post hole diggers, etc. 
     The vast majority of engines provided on such tools are adapted with a rope-pulled recoil starter. The rope-pulled recoil starter includes a rope that is wound upon a spool, which is biased by a recoil spring. To start the engine, a user of the tool performs a start operation by pulling a handle attached to the outer end of the rope. As the handle is pulled, the rope unwinds from the spool causing the spool to rotate. As the spool rotates, a clutch enables engagement of the spool with an input shaft of the engine so as to rotate the input shaft. If the input shaft is turned with an appropriate stroke, the engine cycles and starts running Upon release of the rope, the recoil mechanism retracts the rope back onto the spool. More particularly, the clutch is released from the input shaft as the spool rotates back in response to the recoil mechanism, thus allowing the engine to idle as the rope is rewound back onto the spool. If the engine failed to cycle and begin running in response to pulling the rope, the user can re-attempt the start operation by pulling the rope again. The above process may be repeated until the engine starts. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     According to various aspects of the present invention, a two-cycle engine starting device comprises a support structure having a tool securement. The tool securement includes a holding plate and at least one locking arrangement that temporarily holds or otherwise secures a two-cycle engine equipped tool to the holding plate during starting operations. The starting device also comprises a cylinder secured to the support structure. The cylinder includes a cylinder housing and a cylinder rod controllable to extend from the cylinder housing in a linear motion. The starting device also includes a handle holding mount coupled to an end of the cylinder rod that holds a handle attached to a starter rope of the two-cycle engine when the two-cycle engine is positioned on the holding plate, and an actuation control having a control element that is operable to cause the cylinder rod to extend from the cylinder housing. 
     According to further aspects of the present invention, a two-cycle engine starting device comprises a support structure having a holding plate, a first locking arrangement, a second locking arrangement and a third locking arrangement. The holding plate is configured to hold a chainsaw. The first locking arrangement is arranged such that, when a chainsaw is installed on the holding plate, the first locking arrangement temporarily holds the chainsaw to the holding plate by preventing a handle of the chainsaw from lifting up. The second locking arrangement includes a cantilevered arm comprising a first block section attached to the holding plate and a second block section that extends from the top of the first block section generally out over the holding plate such that when a chainsaw is installed on the holding plate, the second block section serves as a hold down to prevent up lifting of the chainsaw during starter rope pulls. The third locking arrangement defines a throttle guard lock attached to the holding plate. The third locking arrangement is configured such that, when a chainsaw is installed on the holding plate, the third locking arrangement temporarily retains a handle of a chainsaw on the holding plate from lifting during starting operations. 
     The two-cycle engine starting device further comprises a cylinder, a handle holding mount and an actuation control. The cylinder is secured to the support structure, and includes a cylinder housing and a cylinder rod controllable to extend from the cylinder housing in a linear motion. The handle holding mount is coupled to an end of the cylinder rod and the actuation control has a control element that is operable to cause the cylinder rod to extend from the cylinder housing. 
     In this regard, a two-cycle engine is started by positioning a corresponding tool on the holding plate so as to be temporarily held at least by the first, second and third locking arrangements, slipping the starter rope handle into the handle holding mount, and operating the actuation control, thus causing the cylinder to extend the cylinder rod and corresponding handle holding mount in a linear motion that pulls the starter rope with sufficient force to apply a starting force to the two-cycle engine. 
     According to still further aspects of the present invention, a method for starting a two-cycle engine including a starter rope with a handle, is provided. The method comprises positioning a tool with the two-cycle engine to be started on a holding plate so as to be temporarily held by at least one locking arrangement on the holding plate, slipping the handle of the starter rope into a handle holding mount coupled to a cylinder rod, and operating an actuation control coupled to a pressurized air source, which causes pressurized air to extend the cylinder rod and to move the handle holding mount in a linear motion that pulls the starter rope with sufficient force to apply a starting force to the two-cycle engine. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a view of the two-cycle engine starting device, illustrating a cylinder having a cylinder rod in a default position, according to various aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a view of the two-cycle engine starting device of  FIG. 1 , wherein the cylinder rod is extended, according to various aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a handle holding mount that is secured to the end of the cylinder rod, according to various aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the handle holding mount of  FIG. 3 , according to various aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a tool securement, according to various aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the tool securement of  FIG. 5 , according to various aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an end view of the tool securement of  FIG. 5 , according to various aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the tool securement of  FIG. 5 , according to various aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a view of a cylinder stabilizer for securing a lower portion of the cylinder, according to various aspects of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a view of select components of the cylinder and a support structure of  FIG. 1 , according to various aspects of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity of discussion. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, and in particular, to  FIG. 1 , a two-cycle engine starting device  10  is illustrated according to various aspects of the present invention. In general, the two-cycle engine starting device  10  comprises a support structure  12 , a cylinder  14 , a handle holding mount  16  and an actuation control  18 . 
     The support structure  12  in the illustrative implementation comprises a base  20  and a tool securement  22 . The base  20  may be implemented, for example, as a tripod stand. By way of illustration, the tripod stand can include three legs  20 A,  20 B,  20 C. The legs are optionally adjustable and/or telescoping, e.g., to provide for height adjustment and/or leveling of the tool securement  22  in a variety of environments. The tripod stand may also optionally include any other desired features, such as a bracing structure  20 D, e.g., located generally towards a lower portion of the tripod that supplies support to the legs  20 A,  20 B and  20 C. However, in practice, the support structure  12  can be implemented by other structural configurations, depending for example, upon the particular tool or types of tools that the two-cycle engine starting device  10  is configured to start. For instance, the support structure  12  may be implemented with different features, different structures, optional add-on accessories, configurations etc., for applications utilized to start a chainsaw compared to a weed eater, an outboard motor, various engine-powered lawn and garden equipment, etc. 
     The tool securement  22  is attached to the base  20  and is provided to secure and hold a tool  23  in a “ready” position during the implementation of a starting operation. In the illustrative implementation, the tool securement  22  is suitable for supporting a tool such as a chainsaw. In this regard, the tool securement  22  comprises a generally horizontal holding plate secured towards the top of the base  20 . This arrangement locates the holding plate of the tool securement  22  at an appropriate height to insert the chainsaw and remove the chainsaw from the two-cycle engine starting device  10  without bending over or requiring awkward limb movements. Moreover, as will be described in greater detail herein, the tool securement  22  has at least one locking arrangement that temporarily holds a two-cycle engine equipped tool, e.g., a chainsaw in the illustrative example, to the holding plate while the two-cycle engine is being started. 
     The cylinder  14 , such as a linear actuator, pneumatic cylinder, etc., is rigidly secured to the support structure  12  so as to position the cylinder  14  in a predetermined orientation suitable for implementing a starting operation. For instance, the cylinder  14  is substantially vertical or perpendicular to a major surface of the holding plate, in the illustrated example. However, other orientations may alternatively be implemented, e.g., depending upon the specific starting requirements of the engine to be started and/or based upon the specific implementation, setting, configuration, adjustment, etc., of the structures of the starting device  10 . 
     The cylinder  14  includes a cylinder housing  24  having a first end  24 A and a second end  24 B. A first supply port  26  is positioned generally towards the first end  24 A of the cylinder housing  24 , and a second supply port  28  is positioned generally towards the second end  24 B of the cylinder housing  24 . The cylinder housing  24  contains a piston (not shown) and a cylinder rod  30  that is supported by the piston. The cylinder rod  30  is controllable to extend from the second end  24 B of the cylinder housing  24  in a linear motion. Correspondingly, the cylinder rod  30  can retract into the cylinder housing  24  through the second end  24 B, as will be described in greater detail herein. 
     The handle holding mount  16  is coupled to an end the cylinder rod for linear motion therewith. For instance, as illustrated, the handle holding mount  16  is secured at a distal end of the cylinder rod  30  external to the cylinder housing  24 . In this regard, the handle holding mount  16  traverses linearly in cooperation with movement of the cylinder rod  30 . Moreover, when a tool (or engine) having a pull rope starting system is suitably positioned on the tool securement  22  of the support structure  12 , a handle attached to the pull rope starting system of the engine slips into the handle holding mount  16  on the cylinder rod  30  to define the “ready” position for automated engine starting, as will be described in greater detail herein. 
     The actuation control  18  includes a control element  32  that is operable to initiate a starting operation by causing the cylinder rod  30  to extend from the cylinder housing  24 . For instance, in the illustrative implementation, the actuation control  18  is connected to the first supply port  26  of the cylinder  14  using a first supply line  34 . The actuation control  18  may also be connected to the second supply port  28  of the cylinder  14  using a second supply line  36 . The actuation control  18  is further connected to a power source  38 , e.g., an air tank, an air compressor or other suitable source of power, using a third supply line  40 . 
     In an exemplary implementation, the actuation control  18  is implemented as a spring loaded pneumatic switch. Under this arrangement, the control element  32  may be implemented by a lever. By moving the lever in a first direction, the switch changes states from a default “Off” state to an “On” state, thus enabling the power source  38  to supply the necessary power to the cylinder  14  to extend the cylinder rod  30  in a linear direction out of the cylinder housing  24 . When the user releases the lever of the actuation control  18 , a spring bias returns the lever to a default position, thus transitioning the switch back to the default “Off” state. In response to the lever returning to the default position, the cylinder rod  30  retracts back or is otherwise retractable back into the cylinder housing  24 . 
     Extension of the cylinder rod  30  linearly out of the cylinder housing  24  is referred to herein as an “out-stroke.” The length that the cylinder rod  30  extends is referred to herein as the “cylinder stroke.” Retraction of the cylinder rod  30  linearly back into the cylinder housing  24  is correspondingly referred to herein as an “in-stroke.” In this regard, the length of the cylinder stroke, the positioning of the cylinder  14 , the orientation of the cylinder  14 , or a combination thereof can be taken into account to correspond with the length of starter rope that must be pulled to start a particular engine. Alternatively, the position and/or orientation of the cylinder  14  may be adjustable relative to a corresponding engine on the holding plate so that the cylinder stroke corresponds with the length of starter rope that must be pulled to start a particular engine. 
     In an illustrative example, the cylinder  14  is implemented as a double-acting cylinder. In this implementation, compressed air is utilized to perform both an out-stroke and an in-stroke. More particularly, in response to operation of the actuation control  18 , e.g., transitioning the pneumatic switch to an “On” state, compressed air from the power source  38  flows through the actuation control  18  and through the first supply line  34  to the first supply port  26 . In this regard, high air pressure is provided on a first side of the piston within the cylinder housing  24 . Further, air on a second side opposite of the first side of the piston escapes from the cylinder housing  24 , e.g., through the second supply port  28  and the second supply line  36  to an exhaust in the actuation control  18 . Thus, the piston is transitioned linearly within the cylinder housing  24  towards the second end  24 B, performing an out-stroke by extending the cylinder rod  30  out of the cylinder housing  24 . 
     To perform an in-stroke, compressed air from the power source  38  flows through the actuation control  18  and through the second supply line  36  to the second supply port  28 . In this regard, high air pressure is provided on the second side of the piston within the cylinder housing  24 . Further, air on the first side of the piston escapes from the cylinder housing  24 , e.g., through the first supply port  26  and the first supply line  34  to an exhaust in the actuation control  18 . Thus, the piston is transitioned linearly within the cylinder housing  24  towards the first end  24 A, performing an in-stroke by retracting the cylinder rod  30  into the cylinder housing  24 . As noted above, in an illustrative implementation, the exhaust for both the out-stroke and the in-stroke is located in the actuation control  18 . However, in practice, other exhaust schemes may be implemented. 
     As an alternative exemplary implementation, according to aspects of the present invention, the cylinder  14  may be implemented as a single-acting cylinder. In this regard, the first supply port  26  defines a compressed air port, and is the only port necessary for entry of compressed air into the cylinder  14 . When the actuation control  18  is activated, compressed air from the power supply  38  flows through the third supply line  40  to the actuation control  18 , and from the actuation control  18  through the first supply line  34  to the first supply port  26 . In this regard, air pressure is provided on a first side of the piston within the cylinder housing  24 . However, in this illustrative example, the second supply port  28  defines an exhaust port that allows air to escape the cylinder housing  24 , e.g., though a muffler. Thus, by further allowing air pressure to release from the cylinder housing  24 , e.g., through the second supply port, the piston is transitioned linearly within the cylinder housing  24  towards the second end  24 B, thus performing an out-stroke by extending the cylinder rod  30  out of the cylinder housing  24 . 
     In this implementation, there may be no need for the second supply line  36 . However, the cylinder will not automatically retract the cylinder rod  30  in response to the switch transitioning to the Off state. As such, a user may be required to manually return the cylinder rod  30 , or the cylinder rod  30  must be returned by another mechanism. 
     In yet a further illustrative example according to aspects of the present invention, the cylinder  14  may comprise a single-acting spring return cylinder. Much like the previous illustrative example, the first supply port  26  defines a compressed air port, and is the only port necessary for entry of compressed air. The out-stroke is thus analogous to that described above for the first single-acting cylinder example. Moreover, the second supply port  28  defines an exhaust port that allows air to escape the cylinder housing  24 , e.g., through a muffler. However, in this illustrative example, the cylinder  24  includes a spring action in response to implementing an out-stroke and is thus capable of automatically retracting the cylinder rod  30  in response to the switch transitioning to the Off state. That is, when the switch transitions to the Off state, air is removed from the first supply port  26  allowing the spring action (within the cylinder) to push the cylinder rod  30  back into the cylinder housing  24 , thus implementing an automatic in-stroke. 
     In this regard, a double-acting cylinder may be convenient, e.g., where it is desirable to utilize fluid pressure to both extend and retract the cylinder rod  30 . However, depending upon the specific implementation, a double-acting cylinder may require relatively more air pressure for a given starting operation, compared to a single-acting cylinder. The single-acting cylinder may be used, for example, where conservation of air pressure is required, such as where the power source  38  is implemented as a tank with no corresponding compressor to automatically replenish the tank. The single-acting cylinder with spring provides a convenient way to automatically return the cylinder rod  30 , but generally requires more air pressure to activate compared to a single-acting cylinder without spring return. Moreover, the cylinder  14  is not limited to exemplary configurations described above. 
     The illustrated exemplary implementation of the two-cycle engine starting device  10  is suitable for starting a tool such as a chainsaw. In this regard, the tool is started by securing the tool to the tool securement  22  and by slipping the starter rope handle of the tool into the handle holding mount  16 . Depending upon the type of tool, the user may also be required to set a choke, prime the engine or perform other preliminary starting procedures associated with the tool. When the tool is ready to be pull started, the user operates the actuation control  18 , e.g., the pneumatic switch. In response thereto, the cylinder rod  30  extends from the cylinder housing  24  with sufficient force to pull start the corresponding two-cycle engine. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in response to operation of the actuation control  18 , the cylinder  14  performs an out-stroke wherein the cylinder  14  is caused to extend the cylinder rod  30 , e.g., by providing air pressure from the power source  38  to the cylinder  14  through the first supply port  26 . Because the handle holding mount  16  is attached to the cylinder rod, the handle holding mount  16  is extended in a linear motion that pulls the starter rope with sufficient force to apply a starting force to start the two-cycle engine. After the cylinder rod  30  extends, an in-stroke is performed to retract the cylinder rod  30  back into the cylinder housing  24 , as described more fully herein. In this regard,  FIG. 1  illustrates the cylinder rod  30  retracted, and  FIG. 2  illustrates the cylinder rod  30  extended. If the engine of the tool does not start, the actuation control  18  may be operated again to attempt to start the tool. Additionally, the user may be required to make adjustments, e.g., to the choke or other engine parameters to facilitate a successful start. If the tool starts, the user releases the tool from the locking arrangement(s) used to secure the tool during the starting operation and removes the tool from the tool securement  22 . The user is now free to use the tool for its intended application. 
     As noted in greater detail herein, the power source  38  may comprise a tank of air. In this regard, the tank may or may not be coupled to a corresponding compressor. As an example, the tank may be free from connection to an air compressor, at least during use of the tank such that a limited number of starting operations may be performed before the tank needs to be replenished with compressed air. Thus, the tank may be filled with air, e.g., at a gas station or other location prior to use. The air tank may even be filled up using a manually operated air pump, such as a hand pump typically used to fill bicycle tires. The use of a manually operated air pump allows the tank to be replenished with compressed air, even when electricity or other automatic powered means of pumping air into the tank is unavailable. In this regard, the tank of air may provide only a limited number of starting actuations, e.g., depending upon factors such as the size of the tank, the amount of air required per actuation, etc. However, this approach provides a “self powered” solution that is portable and is not dependent upon external sources such as electricity to power a corresponding compressor. This makes utilization of the device possible in remote locations where access to electricity is inconvenient or where electricity is otherwise inaccessible. 
     Alternatively, the tank of air may be coupled to a corresponding compressor, such as an electrically powered conventional air compressor. The utilization of a compressor in combination with the air tank provides the ability to recharge or otherwise replenish the supply of air to the tank, which may be convenient, for example, where frequent starting actuations are required. In further illustrative examples, the power source  38  may comprise other sources, e.g., depending upon requirements of the cylinder  14 . 
     In order to provide the correct amount of pull effort to start the engine of the tool mounted to the support structure  12 , a user may be required to adjust the pressure of the power source  38 . One exemplary approach is to use a conventional pressure regulator in line between the power source  38  and the third supply line  40 . A conventional regulator is typically provided or otherwise utilized with a conventional air compressor. 
     By way of illustration, a power source  38  capable of providing between approximately 80-125 pounds per square inch (psi) is likely to be suitable for a broad cross section of powered tools. If the tank of air is not coupled to a compressor or other source of automatic replenishment, the pressure in the tank will drop with each operation. As such, the number of actuations will be limited by the ability of the tank to maintain at least the minimum required pressure to pull start a given type of tool. Moreover, the travel of the cylinder rod  30  should be calibrated, adjusted or otherwise limited to correspond with the length of the pull rope of the class of devices anticipated for use with the two-cycle engine starting device  10 . For instance, in an exemplary implementation suitable for use starting a chainsaw, a pneumatic cylinder is utilized, which has an extension of approximately 24 inches (61 centimeters). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the handle holding mount  16  includes in general, a base section  50  having an aperture  52  there through. The aperture  52  is dimensioned such that the end of the cylinder rod  30  ( FIG. 1 ) is firmly and securely coupled to the handle holding mount  16  at least during starting operations, for example, using any suitable securing arrangement  54 . The handle holding mount  16  may further be able to swivel or otherwise be adjustable, e.g., rotatable. For instance, the end of the cylinder rod  30  ( FIG. 1 ) may be threaded. The base section  50  is secured to the end of the cylinder rod  30  ( FIG. 1 ) using a suitable locking washer and corresponding nut. In this manner, the base section  50  is securely held to the cylinder rod  30 . However, the cylinder rod  30  is rotatable within the cylinder housing  24 . As such, the handle holding mount  16  can be swiveled or otherwise rotated out of the way, so as to facilitate mounting a chainsaw or other suitable work tool on the holding plate of the tool securement  22 . Once the tool is suitably mounted, the handle holding mount  16  can be rotated back into position. Other arrangements may alternatively be implemented. Still further, as noted above, the handle holding mount  16  may not require repositioning and may thus be fixedly attached to the end of the cylinder rod  30 . 
     The handle holding mount  16  also includes a handle receiving section  56 . The handle receiving section  56 , as illustrated, includes a pair of handle arms  58 A,  58 B that extend out from the base section  50 . Each handle arm  58 A,  58 B includes a concave slot  58 C along its top surface. Moreover, a channel  55  is formed between the handle arms  58 A,  58 B. In use, a handle  57  attached to a pull rope  59  associated with a tool situated on the tool securement  22 , is positioned so as to rest in the concave slot  58 C of each handle arm  58 A,  58 B. In this regard, the middle section of the handle  57  is positioned generally within the channel  55  and the pull rope  59  extends through the channel  55  into the corresponding tool. For purposes of clarity of discussion herein, a handle  57  of a two-cylinder engine device is positioned within the channel  55  and rests on each handle arm  58 A,  58 B and is thus in a ready position for starting a corresponding device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the tool securement  22  includes a holding plate  60  that serves as a base, platform or other suitable structure that supports the tool during starting operations. For instance, the holding plate  60  may be implemented using aluminum, plastic or other suitable material. Moreover, the holding plate  60  is suitable for use in starting a chainsaw in the illustrative example, and is thus dimensioned so as to provide a platform upon which the power unit of a chainsaw can rest. However, the holding plate  60  may need to be reconfigured, re-dimensioned, repositioned, etc., depending for example, upon the type or types of tools and/or engines to be started using the starting device  10 . 
     Additionally, the tool securement  22  includes a first fastening block  62  and a second fastening block  64  extending upward from the base. The first fastening block  62  and the second fastening block  64  flank respective sides of the cylinder housing  24 . The first fastening block  62  and the second fastening block  64  further attach to the cylinder housing  24  so that the cylinder housing  24  is rigidly supported by the tool securement  22 . For instance, the cylinder housing  24  may pass through a notch or cutout in the holding plate  60 . Alternatively, the cylinder housing  24  may run along the side of the holding plate  60 . Regardless, the cylinder rod  30  extends and retracts in a direction substantially perpendicular to a major surface  60 A of the holding plate  60  in this illustrative example. However, the direction of the cylinder rod  30  may be made adjustable to extend and retract in a different direction to correspond with the direction required to pull the starter rope of a corresponding engine. 
     The tool securement  22  also includes one or more tool locking arrangements  66 ,  69 ,  72  that temporarily hold, e.g., secure, fasten, lock, restrain or otherwise immobilize the engine with respect to the holding plate  60  in such a way that movement thereof is eliminated or at least substantially minimized to a degree sufficient to implement starting operations described more fully herein. For example, at least one locking arrangement  66 ,  69 ,  72  may be implemented as a “hold down” that temporarily prevents a portion, such as a handle or guard, of a tool temporarily secured to the holding plate from lifting when the actuation control is operated to pull the corresponding starter rope. As another example, the hold down may temporarily contact a portion of the tool to prevent lifting of the tool from the holding plate when the actuation control is operated to pull the corresponding starter rope. 
     Still further, the starting device  10  may comprise at least one arrangement that temporarily operates a control mechanism of a tool that is temporarily secured to the holding plate  60  that is required for starting operations of the tool. For instance, a hold down or other feature may temporarily hold a throttle, safety/kill switch or other device of a tool that requires actuation or operation in order to start the engine. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the holding plate  60  of the illustrated tool securement  22  includes in general, a front portion  60 F and a rear portion  60 R. A first locking arrangement  66  is provided towards the front portion  60 F and along one side of the holding plate  60 . The first locking arrangement  66  includes a locking arm  68  that is both located generally adjacent to and extends out from the first fastening block  62  to form a cantilevered member that is both generally parallel to and spaced from the surface of the holding plate  60 . For instance, the locking arm  68  may be implemented as a Mylar arm having a shoulder portion that is secured to the holding plate  60  using appropriate fasteners, e.g., Allen bolts. Referring briefly to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5  and  6 , when a chainsaw  23  is positioned on the tool securement  22 , the chainsaw  23  is initially positioned forward towards the forward portion  60 F of the holding plate  60 . The chainsaw  23  is then slid back towards the rear portion  60 R of the holding plate  60 . As the chainsaw  23  is slid back, and the lower portion of a handle system of the chainsaw  23  slips underneath of the locking arm  68 . As such, upward lifting of the chainsaw  23  is prevented by the locking arm because a portion of the handle is temporarily trapped between the locking arm  68  and the holding plate  60 . As such, the first locking arrangement  66  functions as a first hold down. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7 , a second locking arrangement  69  is implemented in an illustrative example, by a first block section  70  and a second block section  71 . The second block section  71 , e.g., a Mylar arm, is secured to the top of the first block section  70 , e.g., an aluminum block section. As best illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the second block section  71  extends past the periphery of the first block section  70  so as to extend out over and across the holding plate  60 . In the illustrative example, this defines a cantilevered arm that extends out over the holding plate  60 , e.g., generally perpendicular to the cantilevered arm defined by the locking arm  68 . When the chainsaw is installed on the holding plate  60 , the second block section  71  serves as a second hold down to prevent up lifting of the chainsaw during starter rope pulls. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 7 , a third locking arrangement  72  may also be provided. In the illustrative example, the third locking arrangement  72  defines a throttle guard lock and includes a first handle support bar  74  and a second handle support bar  76 , each positioned towards the rear portion  60 B of the holding plate  60 . The first handle support bar  74  is further spaced from the second handle support bar  76  so as to define a channel between the two support bars  74 ,  76 . Moreover, the second handle support bar  76  has a cantilevered member extending towards the channel. As an illustrative example, the second handle support bar  76  may be implemented as a Mylar arm having a shoulder portion that is secured to the holding plate  60  using appropriate fasteners, e.g., Allen bolts, in a manner analogous to the locking arm  68  of the first locking arrangement  66 . 
     Referring briefly to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5  and  7 , when the chainsaw is positioned on the tool securement  22 , the rearward handle/throttle interlock of the chainsaw sits in the channel between the first handle support bar  74  and the second handle support bar  76 . Once the chainsaw has been suitably positioned, the handle/throttle is slid under the cantilevered member, e.g., implemented as an extending arm of the second support bar  76 , so as to retain the throttle interlock from moving up-and-down, thus serving as a third hold down. 
     As such, several separate and distinct locking features are provided by the tool securement  22  in the illustrative implementation. However, the particular locking features and corresponding tool securement described in the figures herein is presented by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation. Other structures and arrangements may be implemented, e.g., depending upon the specific two-cycle engine device and/or model of tool that the device  10  is intended to start. As such, other locking arrangements and securement arrangements are within the spirit of various aspects of the present invention. For instance, instead of the three locking arrangements  66 ,  69 ,  72 , just one or any combination thereof may be utilized. Further, one or more different locking arrangements may be utilized as required by a particular tool or two-cycle engine. 
     In the illustrative implementation, the cylinder  14  is supported by the support structure  12  at the second end  24 B of the cylinder housing  24  by the tool securement  22 , first fastening block  62  and the second fastening block  64 . However, it may be necessary or desirable at times to further support the cylinder  14  in one or more additional locations, e.g., proximate to the first end  24 A to be of the cylinder housing  24 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , an exemplary implementation of a two-cycle engine starting device  10  is illustrated, according to various aspects of the present invention. As with the previous exemplary implementations, the starting device  10  includes, in general, a support structure  12 , a cylinder  14 , a handle holding mount  16  and an actuation control  18 . The support structure  12  includes a tripod and a tool securement including a holding plate  60  that serves as a base or platform that supports the tool during starting operations. This exemplary implementation locates the actuation control  18  towards a rear portion  60 R of the holding plate  60 . 
     In a manner analogous to that described more fully herein, the holding plate  60  includes a first locking device  66  comprising a locking arm  68 . The locking arm  68  includes an arm portion that is raised from the holding plate  60  by a corresponding shoulder portion, as described more fully herein. 
     When a tool, e.g., a chainsaw in the illustrative example, is installed on the holding plate  60 , the tool is positioned forward of the first locking arrangement  66  and is slid backwards towards the rear portion  60 R of the holding plate  60 . In this regard, the arm of the locking arm  68  extends over a handle portion of the tool, providing a hold down that prevents lifting of the tool that would otherwise prevent, inhibit or otherwise significantly reduce the effectiveness of a starting operation. 
     The holding plate  60  also supports a second locking arrangement  69 . As with the previous examples, the second locking arrangement  69  includes a first block section  70  and a second block section  71  that cantilevers out over the holding plate  60 , e.g., generally perpendicular to the arm of the locking arm  68 . When the chainsaw is installed on the holding plate  60 , the tool is positioned forward of the first locking arrangement  66  and is slid backwards towards the rear portion  60 R of the holding plate  60 . In this regard, the second block section  71  extends over a portion of the engine of the tool installed on the holding plate, thus providing a hold down that prevents lifting of the tool that would otherwise prevent, inhibit or significantly reduce the effectiveness of a starting operation. 
     The holding plate  60  also supports a third locking arrangement  72 . The third locking arrangement  72  defines a throttle guard lock, and includes a first handle support bar  74  and a second handle support bar  76 , each positioned towards the rear portion  60 B of the holding plate  60 . The first handle support bar  74  is further spaced from the second handle support bar  76  so as to define and channel there between. Moreover, the second handle support bar  76  has a cantilevered member extending towards the channel between the first and second handle support bars  74 ,  76 . 
     When the chainsaw is installed on the holding plate  60 , the tool is positioned forward of the first locking arrangement  66  and is slid backwards towards the rear portion  60 R of the holding plate  60 , a handle portion of the chainsaw is slid under the cantilevered member of the second handle support bar  76 . In this regard, the second handle support bar  76  extends over a portion of the rear handle of the chainsaw providing a hold down that prevents lifting of the tool that would otherwise prevent, inhibit or otherwise significantly reduce the effectiveness of a starting operation. 
     In practice, there may be a small clearance or “play” defining a gap between the first, second and/or third locking arrangements  66 ,  69 ,  72  and the corresponding tool mounted on the holding plate  60 , e.g., depending upon the make and/or model of tool. Regardless, the tool is secured to the holding plate  60  sufficiently to implement a starting operation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a cylinder stabilizer  80  may be utilized to further secure the cylinder  14 . The illustrated cylinder stabilizer  80  includes a long extension portion  82  and a furcation portion  84 . The furcation portion  84  is configured to hold the cross section of the cylinder housing  24 . Referring back to  FIG. 1  in conjunction with  FIG. 10 , the cylinder stabilizer  80  may be located towards the bottom end of the tripod. For instance, the extension portion  82  may couple to one or more of the tripod legs, e.g.,  20 B as illustrated. In this regard, the extension portion  82  extends generally horizontally out such that the furcation portion  84  grasps contacts, supports or otherwise secures the cylinder housing  24 . 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For instance, the support structure  12 , including the configuration of the base  20  and tool securement  22  can take other configurations, e.g., depending upon the specific type of two-cycle engine requiring starting assist. For instance, an outboard motor, leaf blower, string trimmer, or other two-cycle engine device each have unique physical attributes that affect the way that the device is put into a ready state for starting. Moreover, such tools each have different physical features, which may require specific hold downs and/or holding structures of the support structure  12 . Moreover, the cylinder parameters including the cylinder stroke may need to be compensated for, e.g., depending upon the positioning of the engine relative to the cylinder  14 , and/or based upon the length of the pull rope of the engine to be started. As such, specific structures may vary within the spirit and scope of various aspects of the present invention. 
     Having thus described the invention of the present application in detail and by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.