Abstract: A towing apparatus of the wheel lift variety is provided with wheel support members that move horizontally or vertically relative to a fixed-position support beam. The support members are mounted to the beam by pivotable, tapered collars and include a depending retainer that has both an extended height and depth to contact a substantial portion of the wheel circumference. The apparatus also provides means for rotating the support beam both above the below the horizontal. All of these features facilitate use of the towing apparatus.

Abstract: A towing vehicle in the form of a tow truck is disclosed in combination with a novel boom, winching and lifting apparatus. The boom is pivotally mounted on a rear body of the tow truck and comprises an angled construction so that the free end of the boom is pivotable through an arcuate path from an upper position sufficient to permit conventional towing to a lower position sufficient to permit front-end winching. A winching cable is operatively associated with the free end of the boom and when the boom is positioned in its lowermost orientation the cable may extend forwardly beneath the truck for engaging a vehicle to be towed or winched in front of the truck. A belt sling assembly is mounted at the rear of the truck body and is releasably connected to the boom. A wheel lift sling assembly is connected to the boom and includes flexible sling straps depending from opposite ends of a sling support on opposite sides of the belt sling assembly.

Abstract: A repair construction and method are disclosed for repairing a damaged portion in the wall of a tire. A patch is installed over the damaged portion on the inside of the tire, and the inside of the tire is pressurized to force the patch into the damaged portion, preferably in a concave shape. The remainder of the plug area then is filled on the outside of the patch with a suitable plug material, and the plug material and patch are then cured while the patch is maintained in position at least partially within the damaged portion. This construction and repair method eliminates bulging on the exterior of the tire after the repair is completed.