Abstract: A holder for a vehicle spare tire which diminishes the possibility of tire theft from the vehicle. The holder includes a hoist attached to the vehicle frame. This hoist is driven by a key wrench which engages a key aperture associated with the hoist drive means. A flexible guide directs the key wrench from the exterior portion of the vehicle into its key aperture. The guide comprises a flexible spring which is associated in a slidable relationship with the hoist. The flexion and/or slidable connection of the guide precludes operation of the hoist by manipulation of the guide. The key wrench is user-driven by a drive tube/lug wrench combination. The flexion and/or slippage connection cooperates with the key wrench assembly so as to diminish the possibility of operation of the hoist and lowering of the spare tire to the ground by non-authorized users.

Abstract: A storage device which fits within the rim of a spare tire and can be locked to secure its contents against unauthorized access and to lock the spare tire itself. A pan shaped container has a closed bottom which is secured to the hub of the wheel by the same fasteners that mount the spare wheel to its mounting bracket on the exterior of the vehicle. The interior of the container provides a storage compartment for tools and other articles. A removable cover panel encloses the storage compartment and can be locked in place on the container by a key operated cylinder lock. The storage device can be used with a flexible tire cover which covers the spare tire and is secured to the cover panel of the container by the cylinder lock in cooperation with a large washer.