Abstract: A plate-shaped body component for a motor vehicle has a planar core zone, a planar edge zone and a first intermediate zone, which is set off from the core zone and from the edge zone by at least one step each. The core zone and the edge zone are deflected against the first intermediate zone in opposite directions of a surface normal of the first intermediate zones.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle structure includes an underbody portion of sheet-metal defining an aperture with within there is mounted a floor portion of plastic material or composite material, for housing a spare wheel or other component of a vehicle, such as an electric or electronic component and/or for example a unit for accumulating electric energy. To said floor portion of plastic material or composite material there is associated a holding element having at least a first part anchored to the underbody portion of sheet-metal and at least a second part which can be anchored to said spare wheel or said other component, so that in case of an accident, said holding element prevents said spare wheel or said other component from being projected far away from the underbody structure, by constraining it instead to remain within a distance corresponding to one dimension of said holding element.

Abstract: A system for compensating for a flat tire, including a tire deployment sub-system and a tire pressure monitoring sub-system. The tire deployment system comprises an extendable auxiliary tire mounted to the frame of the automobile that is in communication with the tire pressure monitoring system and a user interface. The tire pressure monitoring system is adapted to monitor the internal pressure of the tires of the vehicle, via either direct or indirect means, and send a notification signal to the tire deployment system when the pressure sensor detects that one of the tires of the vehicle is losing pressure. The deployed auxiliary tire provides a temporary support for the tire that has gone flat, allowing the driver to continue driving for a period of time and thereby obviating the need to immediately pull to the side of the road and change out the flat for a spare tire.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a battery and a spare tire may include a battery bracket fixing the battery to an accommodating compartment recessed in a rear floor of a vehicle, and a tire mounting bracket fastened to the spare tire, disposed at an upper side of the battery, through a tire bolt, and fixing the spare tire to the rear floor, in which the battery bracket and the tire mounting bracket are separated so that a load applied to the spare tire is not transmitted to the battery.

Abstract: A spare wheel lift mechanism is provided for a motor vehicle. That spare wheel lift mechanism includes a holder for receiving and holding the spare wheel and a support for the holder. The support is displaceable between a wheel storage position within a storage compartment of the motor vehicle and an access position wherein the spare wheel projects at least partially outside the body of the motor vehicle for easy access. A method of assisting an individual with access to a spare wheel stored in a storage compartment of a motor vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A window washer system for a vehicle may include a fluid reservoir and a nozzle. The fluid reservoir may be disposed on an exterior side of a tailgate of the vehicle and may be adapted to store a quantity of window washer fluid. The nozzle may be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and may be operable to deposit the window washer fluid onto a rear window of the vehicle. The window washer system may be disposed proximate a spare tire carrier.

Abstract: An auxiliary tank for a liquid is removably mounted on a rod extending from a support attached to selected threaded studs supporting a spare tire on a vehicle. A plurality of snaplock elements retain the tank locked with the support. A second tank for a liquid may be mounted on the rod adjacent the first tank. A further plurality of snaplock elements interlock the two tanks with one another. To prevent unauthorized removal of the tank(s), a conventional padlock is engaged with a passageway at the end of the rod. A variant support includes a flange for attachment to a bumper, running board, or the like, of a vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile tire changing tool assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a center post from which to support a wheel and tire, a tire demount bar, and a bead breaker tool attached to the center post. At the base of the center post is an elongated member adapted to be supported by one or more tool support assemblies or attached directly to a trailer hitch receiver. The supports include a T-shaped fitting that supports the elongated post in a vertical state from a trailer hitch, as well as an elongated, L-shaped support supporting the elongated member in a vertical state away from the rear of a vehicle. The tool support assemblies allow a user to mount and demount tires from wheel rims while traveling or in a remote location, wherein a vehicle hitch receiver is used as a support for the tool.

Abstract: A spacer for spacing a spare wheel assembly from a vehicle floor of a vehicle compartment is provided. The spacer includes an annular body, an outer flange, and an inner flange. The annular body includes an upper surface for facing toward the spare wheel assembly and a lower surface for facing toward the floor and away from the spare wheel assembly. The annular body further includes a peripheral edge and an inner edge. The outer flange extends from the upper surface and is configured to contact a wheel rim of the spare wheel assembly. The inner flange is offset radially inwardly from the outer flange and extends from the upper surface. The inner flange is configured to contact the wheel rim of the spare wheel assembly offset from where the outer flange is configured to contact the wheel rim.

Abstract: A novel and improved automobile spare tire securement and anti-theft system having a cable a yoke and a sheath covering the cable from the underside surface of the automobile to the yoke. The sheath provided in several example embodiments, including a unitary piece, separate pieces, adjustable height, and combinations of the same. The current invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and accomplishes the surprising result of effective anti-theft protection, ease of access to the tire, reliable access to the tire, in an uncomplicated and cost effective manner.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier is provided. The spare tire carrier includes a mounting assembly and a support assembly that cooperate to carry a spare tire. The mounting assembly is configured for releaseably connecting the spare tire carrier to a vehicle. The support assembly is configured for supporting the spare tire for regardless of whether the spare tire has a rim or is rimless. The spare tire carrier may also include a hinged bracket that allows the spare tire carrier to be placed in a down position to allow the driver to access engine components.

Abstract: A vehicle body rear part structure in which a spare tire is stored underneath a rear floor via a spare tire carrier. The vehicle body rear part structure includes a frame part and a tire cover. An embedding groove is formed in an external surface of the tire cover. The frame part is embedded in the embedding groove. Left and right front connecting parts of the frame part are rotatably connected to left and right front support parts. A rear connecting part of the frame part is vertically movably connected to rear support part. Vertical movements of the rear connecting part via the rear support part causes a spare tire to be disposed in a tire storage position and a tire accessing position.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing a spare tire is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a hoisting device mountable to the underside of a vehicle. A tether is provided having a first portion and a second portion coupled to the hoisting device so that the first and second portions of the tether depend from the hosting device when it is mounted to the underside of a vehicle. A coupling member attached to the first portion of the tether permits an operator to attach the tether to the tire. A removable guard lays over at least part of the hub-facing wheel portion to cover one or more of the plurality of lug apertures such that the second portion of the tether cannot enter the plurality of lug apertures when the hosting device raises the spare tire.

Abstract: A tire carrier member stands on a front inclined surface of a luggage storage well formed in a floor panel. Tire supporting flanges having upper surfaces on which a spare tire is placed are provided at the lower part of the tire carrier member. A tire fixing portion to which the spare tire in a vertical position is detachably fixed is provided above the tire supporting flanges.

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.

Abstract: A device for lifting and attaching a wide-base truck tire and wheel to the frame of a road tractor. The device includes a support structure attached to the frame of the vehicle, a channel-shaped support beam attached to a frame of a tractor, a hoist comprising a lifting mechanism, and a structure for holding a wide-base truck tire in conjunction with the channel-shaped support beam.

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.

Abstract: A storage panel assembly for a vehicle includes a panel having louvered exterior and internal surfaces. A vent structure is formed on a portion of the panel. At least one lug nut retention assembly is formed on the portion of the panel including the vent structure. The exterior louvered surface of the panel remains unblemished.

Abstract: Improvements in a universal spare tire and accessory mount that includes a tire jack that is secured to an enlarged foot base to provide a larger lifting area to distribute the load from a jack onto the ground to prevent the jack from sinking into soft terrain, sand or mud. The mount secures to a vehicle or trailer to hold a spare tire and further includes tie down to secure the mount and the spare tire. The mount has storage or mounting features to provide additional storage of tools, accessories and or supplies. The mount can be secured to various parts of a vehicle or trailer including the bumper, hood, bed, floor or trunk of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for absorbing shocks of a liftable and lowerable object such as a spare tire includes a first hoisting cable having a hoist-side end and an object-side end and a hollow cylinder encompassing a folded or coiled length of the first hoisting cable near the object end inside the cylinder. Lower and upper ferrules at the lower and upper ends of the cylinder are held in position by a second auxiliary cable having two ends, each end attached to one of the ferrules, the second auxiliary cable having a smaller tearing strength than the first hoisting cable.

Abstract: A tire casing carrier for carrying a tire casing under the frame of a vehicle having a pair of engagement members and a pair of lifting devices. Each engagement member has a strap extension with a free end and an opposing end which connects to a pair of support member each having a hook at their end. A locking member is connected to and arcuately extends between opposing hooks with a clamping member attached at its midpoint. The clamping devices, hooks and locking members are attached to the interior of the tire casing and tightened by the lifting devices thereby holding the tire casing in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article of manufacture having a reflective design thereon, as well as a method for manufacture thereof. The article of manufacture, such as a tire cover, comprises a substrate having a display surface, at least one adhesive material disposed on the display surface, and a first pigmented material arranged in a first design pattern and adhered to the display surface by the adhesive material, where the first pigmented material includes a plurality of glass particles operative to reflect light received from a light source. A second pigmented material, such as a reflective or non-reflective material of a different color, may be adhered to the display surface in a second design pattern. The present invention also provides a transfer pattern, and method for forming the same, that is for use in transferring a reflective design to a display surface.

Abstract: A wheel mount for storing and transporting a wheel, such as a spare bicycle wheel, is disclosed. The wheel mount is preferably substantially smaller that the wheel and attaches to an automobile or an automobile-mounted transportation rack. In one embodiment, the wheel mount attaches to a truck bed railing and has a slot for accepting a portion of an axle of a bicycle wheel, the slot restricting at least some movement of the bicycle wheel. In some embodiments, a cam mechanism common to many bicycle wheel axles can be engaged to further restrict movement of the bicycle wheel while it is in the wheel mount.

Abstract: In a rear vehicle body structure, a spare tire is received in a spare tire pan in a rear end up slanted orientation, the front end of the spare tire is prevented from forward movement by a spare tire pan cross member, and a rear bottom of the spare tire pan is reinforced. At the time of a rear end crash, the spare tire is tilted substantially to an upright orientation around the front end, and the spare tire pan is deformed in such that the rear bottom folded upon a front bottom wall in the shape of letter Z as seen from side so that the spare tire pan provides a long deformation stroke, and is utilized for absorbing the impact energy of the rear end crash. Preferably, the rear bottom comprises an elevated horizontal part and a stepped portion defining a front edge of the elevated horizontal part.

Abstract: A lower structure of a vehicle body rear part, when receiving a load from a rear side of the vehicle, prevents deformation of a spare tire housing toward a front side of the vehicle and displacement of the front end of a spare tire toward the front side of the vehicle, and also facilitates the tipping up of a rear portion of the spare tire.

Abstract: A bumper-equipped spare-tire carrier to be mounted on the rear bumper of an automobile, the Tricked Out Bumpers provide carry-space for the spare tire in an elegant and stylish manner, and can be moved forward and back by remote control, appealing strongly to low-rider and other auto enthusiasts. Fabricated of the highest-quality components and available to fit the more popular sizes of tires, the Tricked Out Bumpers will find a wide and receptive market among America's auto owners and aficionados.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier for a vehicle may structurally entail a base, a mounting flange extending from the base, a vertical support post extending from the base, a light support post attached to the vertical support post, a threaded stud that engages a front surface of the base to support a spare tire. A tether, which may be secured to the base with a fastener, may lie largely concealed within the base and have additional studs or bolts which may protrude through a front surface of the base and further support a spare tire. A plurality of strength ribs may join the mounting flange and the base, while the base, the first mounting flange, vertical support post extending from the base, and plurality of strength ribs may be a single cast magnesium part. The tether may be of another high strength material.

Abstract: A system for storing a spare tire within a vehicle includes a support surface, a rear tire brace, and a front restraint member. The support surface supports the spare tire. The support surface has a rearward portion on which a rearward radial portion of the spare tire is supported and a forward portion on which a forward radial portion of the spare tire is supported. The rear tire brace is spaced apart from the rearward portion of the support surface for limiting lifting movement of the rearward radial portion of the spare tire. The front restraint member is removably secured to the forward portion of the support surface for limiting at least one of forward, lateral and lifting movement of the spare tire on the support surface.

Abstract: A spare tire tuned mass damper assembly is provided for reducing vehicle vibration or beaming shake that may otherwise be perceptible at the driver interface. The assembly is attachable between a pair of underbody support beams and includes a tire carrier for a spare tire and wheel and a plurality of spring and damper assemblies positioned between the carrier and support beams. The assemblies have at least one leaf spring and bushing, and are selected to provide a predetermined level of vibration modes and modal damping for the assembly. A method is also provided for reducing road vibration in a vehicle having an underbody support structure, including supporting a spare tire carrier using a plurality of spring and damper assemblies configured to absorb and damp an oscillating mode of the support structure to a predetermined level to produce a desired post-damped road response, thereby increasing vehicle ride comfort.

Abstract: A spare tire hoist may be provided. A retention cable may be used to retain a spare tire against a surface of a motor vehicle. A tensioning spring may be used to tension the retention cable when the spare tire is in a storage position. A wheel plate engages the spare tire and cooperates with the retention cable and the tensioning spring to maintain the spare tire in the storage position. The wheel plate may include an insert portion that engages a center aperture of a wheel rim of the spare tire. A flange portion that substantially surrounds the insert portion and engages a peripheral surface of the wheel rim may also be provided. A reinforcement ring may be included in the wheel plate, substantially coextensive with the insert portion and extending within a substantially hollow region of the flange portion. The reinforcement ring may provide mechanical reinforcement to the wheel plate.

Abstract: An aerodynamic spare tire cover system is provided for use with a spare tire stored on a vehicle underbody. The cover system can be used to cover a full sized spare tire or a temporary spare tire, while providing the same aerodynamic qualities. The cover system includes an annular spare tire cover defining a central aperture, a removable center cap for selectively covering the central aperture, a center spacer supported by the annular spare tire cover that is adjustable between a first position and a second position depending on whether a full sized spare or temporary spare is being covered, and removable spacers supported by the annular spare tire cover. A full sized spare tire and the center spacer in the first position space the spare tire cover the same distance from a position on the vehicle underbody, on the opposite side of the spare tire, as a temporary spare tire, and the center spacer in the second position.

Abstract: A fifth wheel cover comprises a shell arranged to span over the fifth wheel plate of a tractor trailer chassis. The shell has a continuous, circular, peripheral edge to which a continuous band of elastomeric material is integrally joined about the full periphery for retaining the shell on the fifth wheel plate.

Abstract: A protective rear accessory bumper and integrated spare tire carrier for use on a host land vehicle providing protective features designed to minimize vehicle damage in rear-end vehicular collisions, and also providing rapid access to, and stowage of, a spare tire, by means of a pivoting tire carrier assembly, allowing a single person to change a heavy tire too heavy for the person to lift by hand.

Abstract: A spare tire holder and installation for a vehicle is provided. To this end, the spare tire holder includes, but is not limited to a mount that can be pivoted downward in the tail region underneath the car body. The mount can furthermore be pivoted about a pivot joint. To this end, an actuating mechanism holds the mount in a locked position and releases the mount such that it can be pivoted into a pivoted position. In this case, the vehicle has a reduced vehicle overhang between the rear wheel axle and the tail. Two swing arms are furthermore arranged to both sides of the mount. The swing arms feature double-jointed hinges with two pivot joints per hinge.

Abstract: A system for storing a spare tire within a vehicle includes a support surface, a rear tire brace, and a front restraint member. The support surface supports the spare tire. The support surface has a rearward portion on which a rearward radial portion of the spare tire is supported and a forward portion on which a forward radial portion of the spare tire is supported. The rear tire brace is spaced apart from the rearward portion of the support surface for limiting lifting movement of the rearward radial portion of the spare tire. The front restraint member is removably secured to the forward portion of the support surface for limiting at least one of forward, lateral and lifting movement of the spare tire on the support surface.

Abstract: A canister mounting structure including: a spare tire disposed in a rear underfloor region of a vehicle body in a forward tilted position wherein a front end of the spare tire is positioned lower; a canister disposed between the vehicle body and the spare tire and fastened to an underfloor member; a fuel tank disposed in front of the spare tire; a first space formed between the spare tire and the fuel tank; and a second space formed between the canister and the fuel tank.

Abstract: A spare tire mounting apparatus includes a mounting including a male hitch coupler and a female hitch coupler that are attached together. The male hitch coupler may be extended into and secured to the receiver hitch. A pole is attached to and extends upwardly from the mounting. The pole has a front side and a back side. The pole has a break therein such that a first portion and a second portion are defined. The first portion abuts the mounting and is hingedly coupled to the second portion. The hinge is positioned on the front side of the pole. A rod for removably receiving a tire is attached to the pole and extends outwardly away from the front side of the pole. The rod is positioned on the second portion of the pole. The rod is threaded and a threaded locking member is selectively positionable on the rod.

Abstract: A hoist assembly includes a housing having a body sandwiched between metal plates connected to a mounting channel. The housing supports a rotary drive shaft which supports a rotary spool defining a groove receiving a cable having an inner end portion connected to the spool. A drive mechanism connects the shaft to the spool and produces one revolution of the spool for multiple revolutions of the drive shaft. A down stop member moves radially within the groove while engaging the cable, and an alternate one-piece down stop member surrounds the cable and engages the spool on opposite sides of the groove. An elongated wheel support bracket is connected to the outer end of the cable and has opposite inclined straight surfaces for self-centering wheels with center holes of different diameters. Another wheel support bracket has opposite end portions having pins projecting upwardly into lug holes within the wheel.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier fixing holder includes a bolt penetrating a vehicle body member. A holder is equipped at the upper end with a nut screwed to the bolt while the lower end of the holder is formed with a hook onto which a carrier is engaged. A guide ring is formed within the holder to guide the bolt to minimize the eccentricity between the bolt and nut.

Abstract: A collision management system for an automotive spare tire includes a pneumatic spare tire mounted upon a wheel, and a body structure for axially displacing the spare tire in the direction of a combination tire deflator and wheel retainer which engages the spare tire and pierces it to deflate the spare tire, while subsequently locking upon the wheel rim, so as to assist in retaining the spare tire in a desired location within a storage compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel mount for storing and transporting a wheel, such as a spare bicycle wheel, is disclosed. The wheel mount is preferably substantially smaller that the wheel and attaches to an automobile or an automobile-mounted transportation rack. In one embodiment, the wheel mount attaches to a truck bed railing and has a slot for accepting a portion of an axle of a bicycle wheel, the slot restricting at least some movement of the bicycle wheel. In some embodiments, a cam mechanism common to many bicycle wheel axles can be engaged to further restrict movement of the bicycle wheel while it is in the wheel mount.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted wheel repair platform includes a vehicle connection assembly, a wheel repair platform assembly, and a wheel securing assembly. The vehicle connection assembly includes a horizontal section having a vehicle attachment port for coupling to a vehicle, and a vertical section connected to the horizontal section. The platform assembly includes a vertically-oriented section configured to engage the vertical section of the vehicle connection assembly, and a wheel platform connected to the vertically-oriented section. The wheel securing assembly is coupled to the wheel platform and operable to secure a wheel to the top surface of the wheel platform.

Abstract: A portable beverage cooler comprises an automobile tire and a bottom membrane attached thereto. Optionally, a drain valve may be inserted in the side wall of the tire to facilitate draining liquid from inside the beverage cooler. Additionally, a pair of handles may be attached to the cooler to enhance its portability. Also, a base may be attached to the tire and/or rollers may be attached to the base or to the tire to increase the portability and point-of-sale functionality of the cooler.

Abstract: A storage rack connectable to a mounting structure of a vehicle for supporting a load, comprising a load supporting structure, a swing arm assembly, and a lift assembly. The load supporting structure is adapted to support the load when the load is associated with the load supporting structure. The swing arm assembly is connected to the load supporting structure, the swing arm assembly being attachable to the mounting structure of the vehicle. The lift assembly is associated with the load supporting structure for facilitating lifting of the load to the load supporting structure whereby the load can be supported by the load supporting structure and thus the vehicle.

Abstract: A storage rack connectable to a mounting structure of a vehicle for supporting a load, comprising a load supporting structure, a bracket assembly, and a lift assembly. The load supporting structure is adapted to support the load when the load is associated with the load supporting structure. The bracket assembly is connected to the load supporting structure, the bracket assembly being attachable to the mounting structure. The lift assembly is associated with the load supporting structure for facilitating lifting of the load to the load supporting structure whereby the load can be supported by the load supporting structure and thus the vehicle when the bracket assembly connects the load supporting structure to the mounting structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: A detachable wheel cover for a trolley, pushchair or the like has a substantially cylindrical part which is adapted to fit around the periphery of a wheel, a first side adapted to cover one side of the wheel and a second side adapted to cover the other side of the wheel. The edges of the sides are secured to the edges of the substantially cylindrical part by stitching and/or adhesive. An opening which is closable by a flap is provided in the side so that the wheel can be inserted into the cover. Once the wheel has been inserted, the flap can be folded to close the opening and the flap can be held in position by a releasable fastener such as “Velcro” (Registered Trade Mark). An axle on which the wheel is mounted extends through a small central aperture in a central region of the side of the cover.

Abstract: A structure for retaining a spare tire at a sidewall of a rear body of a vehicle is disclosed. A vertically extending bracket is weld connected to an outer surface of an inner panel forming the sidewall. A rod extending through the inner panel into a luggage space is attached to a distal end of the bracket. The rod has a front end exposed to the luggage space for retaining the spare tire in an upright position. When a forwardly directed load arising from a collision in a rear of the vehicle is applied to the spare tire, the bracket is deformed through the rod to rupture the inner panel at the weld connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and storing tools in a vehicle, including a storage body shaped to fit inside the hub of a spare wheel. The storage body has a jack storage space for securely holding a vehicle raising jack, a lug wrench-receiving space for securely holding a lug wrench and a hollow storage well for holding and storing one or more various user-selected tools or accessories. The storage well has a volume approximately as large as said jack storage space. The storage well may be substantially crescent shaped in cross section and extends substantially the full depth of the storage body for thereby providing a relatively large storage space in a otherwise restricted area of a vehicle trunk. Optionally, tools may be added to the storage body, and fitted into the appropriate storage spaces therein, to form a compact tool kit and storage receptacle for a vehicle.

Abstract: Extensions extend rearwardly from the frame rails of an automotive vehicle and terminate in securement to a cross member. A rear bumper has a channel portion in which the cross member is received. An end segment of the cross member serves to carry a support for a spare tire carrier. The support projects upwardly through an aperture in the bumper.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with mounted spare tires is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a valve stem extender and a bracket for holding the valve stem extender in place. The bracket can be designed in one of two different embodiments, depending on the desired use. The present invention would be useful to allow a user to inflate a spare tire or check the air pressure of a spare tire when the spare tire would be difficult to reach, especially on trucks, minivans, and sport utility vehicles, where many times the spare tire is mounted underneath or in a container that is difficult to open.