Patents by Inventor Michael A. Grudek

Michael A. Grudek has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8251265
    Abstract: A spare tire carrier that preserves the vehicle approach angle. The carrier comprises a hitch anchor configured to be mounted on a vehicle towing hitch; a fork having tines affixed to the back end of the hitch anchor by means of a hinge; a sleeve slidingly mounted on the fork's handle; a lower shoulder bar essentially perpendicularly mounted onto the sleeve; an upper shoulder bar slidingly mounted on the lower shoulder bar and a rim holder affixed to the upper shoulder bar. The device is constructed of telescoping bars that can be slidingly adjusted and kept in place by pins. This design allows the shape of the device to be modified and to accommodate a diversity of tire sizes. This invention can also be used as a jack by positioning the rim holder on the ground as a fulcrum and using the device as a lever to lift a car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Michael A. Grudek
  • Publication number: 20120175388
    Abstract: A spare tire carrier that preserves the vehicle approach angle. The carrier comprises a hitch anchor configured to be mounted on a vehicle towing hitch; a fork having tines affixed to the back end of the hitch anchor by means of a hinge; a sleeve slidingly mounted on the fork's handle; a lower shoulder bar essentially perpendicularly mounted onto the sleeve; an upper shoulder bar slidingly mounted on the lower shoulder bar and a rim holder affixed to the upper shoulder bar. The device is constructed of telescoping bars that can be slidingly adjusted and kept in place by pins. This design allows the shape of the device to be modified and to accommodate a diversity of tire sizes. This invention can also be used as a jack by positioning the rim holder on the ground as a fulcrum and using the device as a lever to lift a car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Michael A. Grudek