Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is suitable for securing an article (e.g., a spare tire and wheel assembly) suspended in an elevated position underneath a support article (e.g., a vehicle) by a resilient support member. The apparatus includes a stationary bracket, outer and inner members, a compression spring, and a catch member. The stationary bracket is connected to the support article and includes a retaining formation. The outer member includes a passageway, an inner seating surface, and at least one slot-like formation. The inner member, which includes an end surface, is telescopingly received within the outer member and is connected to the resilient support member. The compression spring is positioned between the inner seating surface of the outer member and the end surface of the inner member and biases the inner and outer members with respect to one another.

Abstract: A cam assembly for a hoist mechanism includes a cam member, a pair of springs and an input shaft. The cam member has a cavity defined by an inner periphery of a side wall and floor. Cutout portions extend radially outwardly from the inner periphery of the cavity. The springs include a bow-shaped body portion positioned between first and second connection end members. The body portion further includes an outwardly extending detent, each detent extends into a cutout of the cam member to operatively connect the cam member to the springs. The input shaft has a through hole. The first connection end members of each spring are inserted into the through holes of the input shaft, thereby operatively connecting the springs to the input shaft with a reduced number of components.