Abstract: There is provided a metallic wheel having multiple planes of wire-like spokes and a rim for mounting a tire, and a method for fabricating the spoked wheel members entirely from flat sheet metal. The wheel comprises a pair of inner wheel members, a pair of outer wheel members, an externally threaded shaft, and a spacer. The inner and outer wheel members each have a peripheral rim, a central hub, and a plurality of spokes extending generally inward from the peripheral rim to the central hub. The inner wheel members have a plurality of pins projecting from their peripheral rims which mate with correspondingly arranged holes in the peripheral rims of the outer wheel members. The externally threaded shaft threadably mates with internally threaded orifices in the hubs of the outer members.

Abstract: A locking bar adapted for use with a spare tire carrier having a tire carriage slideable in respective tracks of a pair of side members between a storage and a retracted position. The side members are attached on the underside of the vehicle. A transverse locking bar is rotatable within a carriage cylindrical part, with ends lockably engaged to the side members. A user can grasp the locking bar and move the carriage between a retracted or extended position, as well as rotate the locking bar to effect the locking or unlocking of the carriage with respect to the side members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spare tire carrier adapted for supporting a spare tire on an underside of a vehicle. The carrier comprises a pair of fixed track members attached to the vehicle underside for pivotably and slidably mounting a carriage adapted to receive the spare tire. Each of the tracks members has an inclined guide slot for receiving rollers and guide pins of the carriage. The rollers and guide pins are disposed in the guide slots and secured to the carriage approximately intermediate the front end and rear end of the carriage. The carriage is movable relative to the track members in the guide slots between a retracted elevated position and a projected lowered position enabling convenient access to the tire. An improved locking mechanism is disclosed comprising a rotatable carriage locking bar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spare tire carrier adapted for supporting a spare tire on an underside of a vehicle. The carrier comprises a pair of fixed track members attached to the vehicle underside for pivotably and slidably mounting a carriage adapted to receive the spare tire. Each of the tracks members has an inclined guide slot for receiving rollers and guide pins of the carriage. The rollers and guide pins are disposed in the guide slots and secured to the carriage approximately intermediate the front end and rear end of the carriage. The carriage is movable relative to the track members in the guide slots between a retracted elevated position and a projected lowered position enabling convenient access to the tire. An improved locking mechanism is disclosed comprising a rotatable carriage locking bar.