Abstract: A parking brake assembly which includes a brake lever, a rotary clutch and a lock-release mechanism which cooperate to selectively lock and release a parking brake. The clutch allows actuation of the brake lever in one direction and prevents movement of the brake lever in an opposite direction. The lock-release mechanism allows selective movement of the rotary clutch and the brake lever together in the opposite direction. A gear mechanism is operatively coupled between the brake lever and the rotary clutch.

Abstract: A parking brake assembly which includes a brake lever, a rotary clutch and a lock-release mechanism which cooperate to selectively lock and release a parking brake. The clutch allows actuation of the brake lever in one direction and prevents movement of the brake lever in an opposite direction. The lock-release mechanism allows selective movement of the rotary clutch and the brake lever together in the opposite direction. The rotary clutch may be disposed generally coaxially with a pivot axis of the brake lever.

Abstract: A drive unit for driving a liftgate of a motor vehicle between closed and open positions. The drive unit includes an extendable strut having an outer tube and an inner tube coupled telescopically for movement between retracted and extended positions corresponding with the closed and open positions of the liftgate, respectively. The drive unit includes a drive screw mechanism for retracting and extending the extendable strut. The drive unit also includes a motor and gear set for actuating the drive screw, wherein the motor and gear set are supported by one of the outer and inner tubes of the extendable strut. The drive screw mechanism utilizes a ball bearing for translating rotational movement of the drive screw into translational movement of a housing and the inner tube interconnected therewith.

Abstract: A parking brake assembly which includes a brake lever, a rotary clutch and a lock-release mechanism which cooperate to selectively lock and release a parking brake. The clutch allows actuation of the brake lever in one direction and prevents movement of the brake lever in an opposite direction. The lock-release mechanism allows selective movement of the rotary clutch and the brake lever together in the opposite direction. The rotary clutch may be disposed generally coaxially with a pivot axis of the brake lever.

Abstract: A parking brake assembly which includes a brake lever, a rotary clutch and a lock-release mechanism which cooperate to selectively lock and release a parking brake. The clutch allows actuation of the brake lever in one direction and prevents movement of the brake lever in an opposite direction. The lock-release mechanism allows selective movement of the rotary clutch and the brake lever together in the opposite direction. A gear mechanism is operatively coupled between the brake lever and the rotary clutch.