Abstract: Provided herein is a variable ratio pedal assembly for a vehicle for operating a push rod of a brake system, for example. The assembly includes at least one activation link connected via a pivot tube to an elongated lever structure of the pedal arm, an input link for connection to the push rod to activate the brake system that is operatively connected to the activation link, and an intermediate link connected to the input link and a vehicle bracket. The intermediate link pivots relative to the input link and the vehicle bracket, resulting in a variation in angle between the input link and the intermediate link. The variation in angle between the input link and the intermediate link creates a ratio that varies as the pedal arm is moved.

Abstract: A reel assembly for a chain hoist having a sprocket mounted to a drive portion of a reel. The sprocket is configured to distribute rotational force to links of a drive chain, such as for moving a spare tire in and out of an access position. The sprocket has a first axial half and a second axial half that are formed via a stamped materials and fixedly secured together centrally and mounted on the drive portion. The sprocket includes protrusions and pairs of fingers arranged around and extending radially from a perimeter thereof in an alternating configuration in a circumferential direction. Each protrusion is constructed and arranged to at least partially extend through and engage at least insides of alternate horizontal links of the chain. The pairs of fingers are configured to be circumferentially aligned and receive radially oriented links of the chain therebetween and contact the outsides thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pedal assembly for a vehicle with an intermediate link releasably connected to an actuation link of a push rod. The push rod is connected to a pedal arm via the actuation link and the intermediate link. The intermediate link has two parallel links that are capable of movement from a first position to a second position during vehicle collision using a release lever. Upon rotation to its second position, the release lever disconnects and forces the parallel links of the intermediate link away from each other, thus disconnecting the push rod and pedal arm. Energy is prevented from being transmitted to the driver's foot, thereby reducing injury to the driver. An actuation mechanism, such as a reaction bracket, is mounted to a vehicle structure adjacent the release lever, and may actuate rotation of the lever.

Abstract: An end fitting for a chain hoist with a drive chain. The end fitting is configured to receive and absorb forces transferred from the spare tire to the chain as well as maintain the structural integrity of the last chain link of the drive chain and prevent disassembly. The end fitting is formed from a link insert, whose body is inserted into a last link of the drive chain, and a support bracket. The body of the link insert is inserted partially through and surrounded by the last link of the drive chain, and the bracket, which at least partially surrounds both of the body of the link insert and the last link, prevents disassembly. The body of the link insert and the support bracket can be correspondingly shaped such that the link insert is substantially aligned with and against the support bracket.

Abstract: Provided is a retainer for assisting in installation of a parking brake actuator for use in a vehicle by limiting relative movement of an input lever and a mounting bracket. The retainer has a first part and a second part connected via frangible connection(s). The first part of the retainer is fixed relative to a mounting bracket and the second part is fixed relative to the input lever (via a pivot member). After installation, the lever is moved from its first, installation position to a second, in-use position. The application of force and movement of the lever rotates the pivot member, which rotates the second part of the retainer relative to the first part thereby breaking the frangible connection(s). The input lever of the brake actuator is then ready for use to apply or release brakes of the vehicle.

Abstract: A reel assembly for a chain hoist having a sprocket mounted to a drive portion of a reel. The sprocket is configured to distribute rotational force to links of a drive chain, such as for moving a spare tire in and out of an access position. The sprocket has a first axial half and a second axial half that are formed via a stamped materials and fixedly secured together centrally and mounted on the drive portion. The sprocket includes protrusions and pairs of fingers arranged around and extending radially from a perimeter thereof in an alternating configuration in a circumferential direction. Each protrusion is constructed and arranged to at least partially extend through and engage at least insides of alternate horizontal links of the chain. The pairs of fingers are configured to be circumferentially aligned and receive radially oriented links of the chain therebetween and contact the outsides thereof.

Abstract: A hinge assembly that includes a first hinge member and a second hinge member for mounting to an external vehicle closure member and a vehicle body, a pivot pin, a first clamp member with a first clamp surface, and a second clamp member having a second clamp surface is provided. The pivot pin is pivotally connected to the first hinge member to provide pivotal movement of an external vehicle closure member about a horizontal pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The first and second clamp members are configured to clamp a mounting portion of the second hinge member between the first and the second clamp surfaces. The mounting portion of the second hinge member has an opening therethrough for receiving the pivot pin and is oversized relative to the pivot pin to accommodate relative radial adjusting movement during installation.

Abstract: A brake actuator for use in a motor vehicle having brakes actuable by a cable system with cables. The brake actuator includes a mounting bracket and an output member connected to the cables. The brake actuator includes an input lever mounted to the mounting bracket at a pivot for movement in brake applying and brake releasing directions. The pivot of the input lever is spaced axially from the output member and connected to the output member to effect movement of the output member. A plate is provided between the mounting bracket and the input lever and prevents contact between the mounting bracket and the input lever during movement between the brake applying and releasing directions. An additional plate is provided between the mounting bracket and a cover portion and prevents contact between the mounting bracket and the cover portion during movement between the brake applying and brake releasing directions.

Abstract: A vehicle hinge assembly including a first hinge member mounted to a vehicle body or a vehicle closure panel and a second hinge member mounted to the other of the vehicle body or the vehicle closure panel. A first contact member is fixed to the first hinge member and a second contact member is fixed to the second hinge member. The first contact member and the second contact member have first and second surfaces, respectively, that frictionally engage each other. The first contact member and the second contact member are arranged between the first hinge member and the second hinge member such that relative motion of the vehicle closure panel between an open position and a closed position causes relative frictional motion between the first contact member and the second contact member to provide a resistance for controlling the movement of the vehicle closure member.

Abstract: Provided is a retainer for assisting in installation of a parking brake actuator for use in a vehicle by limiting relative movement of an input lever and a mounting bracket. The retainer has a first part and a second part connected via frangible connection(s). The first part of the retainer is fixed relative to a mounting bracket and the second part is fixed relative to the input lever (via a pivot member). After installation, the lever is moved from its first, installation position to a second, in-use position. The application of force and movement of the lever rotates the pivot member, which rotates the second part of the retainer relative to the first part thereby breaking the frangible connection(s). The input lever of the brake actuator is then ready for use to apply or release brakes of the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-adjusting parking brake actuator includes a brake lever that is movable between brake-released and brake-applied positions.

Abstract: The present application discloses a cable connector for use in attaching an input cable to an actuator in a vehicle braking system.

Abstract: A self-adjusting parking brake actuator includes a brake lever that is movable between brake-released and brake-applied positions.

Abstract: An assembly to pivotally connect an external vehicle closure panel to a vehicle body includes a first hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to one of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a second hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to the other of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a shaft that is constructed to pivotally connect the first hinge member to the second hinge member, and a viscous rotary damper. The damper includes a cover, a rotor, and a viscous material. The shaft connects to the rotor such that rotation of the external vehicle closure panel between a closing position and an opening position causes relative motion between the rotor and the cover of the viscous damper to provide a resistance for controlling the velocity of the external vehicle closure member.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pedal assembly for a vehicle with a push rod releasably connected to a pedal arm. The push rod is connected to the pedal arm via a pivoting reaction mount that is capable of rotating from a first position to a second position during vehicle collision. Upon rotation to the second position, the push rod is disconnected from the pedal arm, thereby reducing injury to the driver. The pivoting reaction mount may include a rotatable lever. An actuation mechanism, such as a reaction bracket, is mounted to a vehicle structure adjacent the push rod, and may actuate rotation of the pivoting reaction mount.

Abstract: A brake actuator for use in a motor vehicle having brakes actuable by a cable system with cables. The brake actuator includes a mounting bracket and an output member connected to the cables. The brake actuator includes an input lever mounted to the mounting bracket at a pivot for movement in brake applying and brake releasing directions. The pivot of the input lever is spaced axially from the output member and connected to the output member to effect movement of the output member. A plate is provided between the mounting bracket and the input lever and prevents contact between the mounting bracket and the input lever during movement between the brake applying and releasing directions. An additional plate is provided between the mounting bracket and a cover portion and prevents contact between the mounting bracket and the cover portion during movement between the brake applying and brake releasing directions.

Abstract: A hinge for use in a motor vehicle, including first and second members pivotably coupled to each other. First and second position retainers are coupled between the first member and the second member to releasably secure the second member in a first holding position relative to the first member. The first position retainer has a first holding portion and the second position retainer has a second holding portion such that one of the first and second position retainers is structured and arranged to move relative to the other of the first and second position retainers such that the first and second holding portions move into and out from a first holding position. The first and second holding portions are structured and arranged to be releasably secured to each other in the first holding position.

Abstract: An assembly to pivotally connect an external vehicle closure panel to a vehicle body includes a first hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to one of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a second hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to the other of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a shaft that is constructed to pivotally connect the first hinge member to the second hinge member, and a viscous rotary damper. The damper includes a cover, a rotor, and a viscous material. The shaft connects to the rotor such that rotation of the external vehicle closure panel between a closing position and an opening position causes relative motion between the rotor and the cover of the viscous damper to provide a resistance for controlling the velocity of the external vehicle closure member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for pre-stressing the cable system of a vehicle brake actuating system.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pedal assembly for a vehicle with a push rod releasably connected to a pedal arm. The push rod is connected to the pedal arm via a pivoting reaction mount that is capable of rotating from a first position to a second position during vehicle collision. Upon rotation to the second position, the push rod is disconnected from the pedal arm, thereby reducing injury to the driver. The pivoting reaction mount may include a rotatable lever. An actuation mechanism, such as a reaction bracket, is mounted to a vehicle structure adjacent the push rod, and may actuate rotation of the pivoting reaction mount.