Abstract: An arrangement for storing a spare tire includes a cable coupled to the spare tire. A winch device is disposed between the motor vehicle and the cable and is operative for raising and lowering the tire in response to actuation thereof. A spring device is coupled between the bottom surface of the motor vehicle and the spare tire. The spring device is operative for positioning the spare tire in an accessible position when the spare tire is being lowered.

Abstract: In one form, the present invention provides an apparatus for controlling a windshield wiper system of a motor vehicle in combination with the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a steering wheel. The apparatus includes a first actuation device coupled to the windshield wiper system. The first actuation device controls continuous operation of the windshield wiper system at a selected speed. The second actuation device is coupled to the windshield wiper system and is operative to temporarily increase the selected speed selected by the first actuation device. The second actuation device includes a button for attachment to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A right hand drive steering column assembly is provided for implementation in vehicles which have been primarily designed for left hand side steering markets. As such, the engine or other vehicle components may not allow clearance for a standard steering column assembly. Therefore, the steering column assembly of the present invention provides a first steering shaft which is rotatably movable by a vehicle operator. A second steering shaft is provided which is adapted to transfer rotational motion to further steering components, thus providing steering for the vehicle. The first and second steering shafts are connected by a coupling device which transfers rotational motion of the first steering shaft to the second steering shaft.

Abstract: A fuel sending unit for an off-road vehicle subject to upward impacts on a fuel tank of the vehicle. The fuel sending unit includes a cannister providing a reservoir for fuel. A frame for supporting the cannister in the fuel tank has legs which straddle the cannister. Side bars slidable vertically on the legs have horizontal pivot pins which pivotally support the cannister. The cannister is in the form of an elongated cylindrical body and is rotated to a vertical or upright position for insertion into the fuel tank. After insertion, the cannister is rotated to a horizontal position of use in which it is spaced a substantial distance above the bottom wall of the fuel tank. The legs are supported on the bottom wall of the fuel tank. The side bars are connected to the top wall of the fuel tank. Springs carried by the legs press upwardly on the side bars.

Abstract: A swing-away spare tire carrier for a motor vehicle includes a cross tube extending transversely for attachment to underside vehicle structure of the motor vehicle and an arm support bracket secured to the cross tube. The swing-away spare tire carrier also includes a carrier arm having a first arm portion pivotally attached to the arm support bracket and a second arm portion pivotally attached to the first arm portion for pivotal movement between a first position adjacent a vehicle body of the motor vehicle and a second position extending substantially laterally from the vehicle body when the second arm portion is moved toward the first arm portion.

Abstract: A fuel sending unit assembly includes a pump for pumping fuel from a storage system to a combustion system, a float for measuring the level of fuel remaining in the storage system, and a filter for preventing debris contained in the fuel from entering the combustion system. The assembly is characterized by the filter being attached to the float. In this manner, the assembly intakes fuel from the fuel surface rather than debris or liquid contaminants which have settled on the bottom of the tank. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly further includes a tube for attaching the float to the pump and for channeling fuel from the filter to the pump.

Abstract: A system for delivering fuel to a motor vehicle engine includes a fuel sending unit and a self-cleaning filter. The fuel sending unit is in fluid communication with the engine, which in the preferred embodiment is a fuel injected engine. A fuel regulator is provided interbetween the fuel sending unit and the engine which delivers a first portion of the fuel to the engine. A second portion of the fuel is delivered to the filter for the sending unit through a reverse path for purging the filter of debris collected from the fuel.

Abstract: A swing-away spare tire carrier for a motor vehicle includes a cross tube extending transversely for attachment to underside vehicle structure of the motor vehicle, a single arm support bracket secured solely to the cross tube, the cross tube extending through the arm support bracket, and a carrier arm pivotally attached to the arm support bracket for pivotal movement between a first position adjacent a vehicle body of the motor vehicle and a second position extending substantially laterally from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A water management system for venting hot air out of the engine compartment of a vehicle through the hood of the vehicle includes a louver cover positioned over vent holes in the hood. A gasket is sandwiched between the louver cover and the hood. A water tray is positioned under the hood and is bolted to the louver cover. The water tray includes an open edge that is juxtaposed with a trough in the fender of the vehicle and a barrier wall opposite the open edge. The barrier wall is slightly vertically distanced from the hood, such that hot air from the engine compartment can flow over the barrier wall and out of the vent holes, but water seeping into the vent holes is blocked by the barrier wall from entering the engine compartment, and must instead flow into the fender trough.

Abstract: A mounting device with two attachment portions, one connected to a transmission portion of an engine/transmission assembly and another connected to a frame member of a vehicle in which the attachment portions rotate relative to one another about an axis normal to a plane of engine/transmission angulation during assembly thereof to the vehicle and during subsequent operation of the vehicle. A stationary cylindrically tubular sleeve encircles a rubber isolator which can rotate in the sleeve. One of the attachment portions of the mounting device is connected to the rubber isolator and rotates with it whereby the angular position of the engine/transmission is varied with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: For a vehicle with a body opening to a fuel filler inlet tube and a pivotal cover panel normally covering the body opening, a funnel member loosely supported in the inlet tube which is attached to the panel so that the funnel is moved axially in the tube to a more outward position as the panel is pivoted to an open operative position.

Abstract: A fuel sender mount comprises a support rod, a mounting plate secured at one end of the support rod and bolted to the top wall of the fuel tank, a carriage slideably mounted to the support rod and secured to the fuel sender housing and a spring for resiliently urging the carriage downwardly away from the top wall of the tank. The lower end of the carriage is received in a guide socket so that the fuel sender remains fixedly positioned with respect to the fuel tank. The mount is particularly useful in a fuel tank having a resiliently deformable bottom which can be deformed upwardly upon contact with a foreign object. During such contact, the carriage slides along the support rod to prevent puncturing of the bottom wall of the tank, and the force of the contact is not directed against the support rod or the mounting plate with sufficient force to cause the mounting bolts to rip through the top wall of the fuel tank or otherwise rupture the fuel tank.