Spare wheel assembly winch with force dependent cable release mechanism

Abstract

A spare wheel assembly winch having a force dependent cable release mechanism is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sheave includes a series of breakaway features that can be torn if the tension on the spare tire cable exceeds the predetermined level, thus allowing the inner, gear-containing portion of the sheave to rotate independently of the outer, cable-holding portion. In another embodiment, the sheave includes a series of breakaway notches formed on the gear teeth of the internal gear. In a further embodiment, a frangible tab extends from torque plate into a depression formed in the cover plate. In yet another embodiment, a tear feature extends from the housing and is situated adjacent the torque plate arm. In an additional embodiment, frangible tabs extend from the body of the sheave into a geared insert. In still another embodiment, a frangible tab extends from a geared insert into the torque plate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.