Abstract: A drive unit is provided for driving a liftgate of a motor vehicle between closed and open positions. The drive unit includes an outer tube having an end configured to couple the drive unit to one of the liftgate or the motor vehicle. The drive unit also includes an inner tube having an end configured to couple the drive unit to the other of the liftgate or the motor vehicle. The inner tube is telescopically engaged with the outer tube. The inner tube is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the outer tube. An actuator is operative for actuating the inner tube relative to the outer tube between the retracted position and the extended position and causing movement of the liftgate between closed and open positions, respectively. The motor drive is housed within the outer tube. A biasing member is connected between the outer tube and the inner tube.

Abstract: A torque limiting clutch includes a drive shaft having central rotational axis and a groove, a spring member secured to the drive shaft for rotation with the drive shaft about the central rotational axis, a plate adjacent the spring member and rotatable about the drive shaft, and a retaining clip located within the groove of the drive shaft and engaging the plate to retain the plate on the drive shaft. The plate has a pocket forming an axial-facing first abutment engaging the retaining clip and a radial-facing second abutment located outward of the retaining clip to prevent release of the retaining clip from the groove.

Abstract: A tire carrier assembly includes a rotation shaft and a housing have a bottom wall including a first aperture for receiving the rotation shaft. The housing also includes a sidewall extending upward from the bottom wall defining an interior space. The sidewall includes inner and outer surfaces. A sheave is disposed within the interior space of the housing and has a second aperture that receives the rotation shaft. The sheave also includes a gear member associated with it. Also included is a torque plate having a base, the base having opposing first and second surfaces and a third aperture formed therein. The third aperture has a gear portion formed around a periphery of the aperture. The torque plate also includes an arm portion projecting radially from the base. The gear portion of the torque plate is in operable engagement with the gear member of the sheave.

Abstract: A motor vehicle tire carrier includes a housing having an aperture. A drive shaft is rotatably secured to the housing. A spool is positioned in the housing and is rotatably driven by the drive shaft. A flexible elongate member has a first end secured to the spool, is wound about the spool, and extends through the aperture in the housing. A wheel plate is secured to a second end of the elongate member and is configured to support a motor vehicle tire. A crash plate is secured to the housing and has an aperture through which the elongate member extends, with the housing being secured to the crash plate. A guide member on the crash plate has an arcuate surface about which the elongate member will bend when the tire carrier is subject to a lateral force.

Abstract: A pantograph jack includes a base, a load rest, first and second lower arms each pivotably coupled at a first end to the base, and first and second upper arms each pivotably coupled at a first end to the load rest. Second ends of the first lower and upper arms are pivotably coupled at a first joint. Second ends of the second lower and upper arms are pivotably coupled at a second joint. A screw extends between the joints and operably moves the joints toward and away from each other upon rotation of the screw to raise and lower the load rest. A bearing spacer includes a flange forming a bearing engagement surface at a first end and a second end engaging the second joint. The drive screw has an abutment facing the bearing engagement surface. A bearing is located between the bearing engagement surface and the abutment.

Abstract: A jack handle includes a handle arm having first and second ends, a jack driver having a coupling shaft, and a spring clip detachably securing the jack driver to the handle arm. The first end of the handle arm forms a socket receiving the coupling shaft. The spring clip has a protrusion resiliently deflectable between a locking position interlocking with the coupling shaft to secure the jack driver to the handle arm and a releasing position free of the coupling shaft such that the jack driver is released from the handle arm. Preferably, the spring clip encircles the periphery of the handle arm at the socket, the handle arm has an opening at the socket, and the protrusion of the clip extends through the opening and into the groove to interlock the jack driver with the handle arm.