Abstract: A tire storage device includes a base plate, a frame, and a storage container. The base plate secures the device to the frame of a semi-truck behind the cab. The storage container is also coupled to the base plate and includes a door and latch to provide selective access to an internal volume for the storage and access of tools used to facilitate changing tires on the truck. The frame supports one or more wheels. A lifting mechanism is included to raise and lower the wheels to and from the ground. A motor is selectively operated to facilitate movement. A guard is optionally included to maintain hoses at safe distances from the storage device.

Abstract: A reversible load floor for a vehicle includes a first side defining a planar surface. The reversible load floor also includes a second side disposed opposite of the first side. The second side includes a container, which extends from the second side along a vertical axis at a center of a spare tire such that, in a first position, the first side is accessible via a cargo compartment and the container is disposed over the spare tire, and, in a second position, the first side extends across a top of the spare tire and the container is accessible via the cargo compartment.

Abstract: An auxiliary spare tire brake light comprising: (a) a support having a central portion and a peripheral portion; (b) an array of elongated openings in the central portion of the support positioned and sized to fit over a plurality of different configurations of the lugs at the back of the vehicle for positioning the support on the lugs behind the rim of the spare tire; (c) a plurality of lights arrayed in a substantially continuous ring around the peripheral portion of the support; (d) a wire electrically connected to the plurality of lights; and (e) an electrical connector on the end of the wire threaded through a hole in the peripheral portion with the wire.

Abstract: A tire carrier assembly includes a tire carrier, a carrier support assembly which is lockable and unlockable and configured to support the tire carrier in a stowed position when locked and to lower the tire carrier toward a deployed position when unlocked, and a hoist coupled to the carrier support assembly. The hoist is configured to lock the carrier support assembly and to be selectively actuatable to unlock the carrier support assembly.

Abstract: A spare tire assembly which includes a spare tire or under mount frame, a spare tire, and a cover. The assembly may optionally include an electric winch, and a jack. The cover is connected to the under mount frame when assembled to the vehicle, and is disconnected from the under mount frame when the spare tire is needed. The cover has dimples which improve air flow underneath the vehicle. The cover is made of different sizes to be used with different size spare tires for different types of vehicles, such as trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans.

Abstract: A protection member for a vehicle road wheel includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface with a central aperture extending therethrough. The protection member further includes a plurality of unequal length pins spaced about the aperture and extending in a direction away from the second surface. The plurality of pins are configured and positioned to engage holes of said road wheel utilized for mounting the road wheel to an axle of the vehicle. The protection member further includes a plurality of spoke receiving features spaced about and extending from the second surface. The spoke receiving features have a complimentary configuration for substantially aligning with a complimentary configuration of spokes of the road wheel. When the road wheel is disposed on the second surface the plurality of pins detachably couple the protection member to the road wheel.

Abstract: A rimless tire cover system for protecting a wheel-less tire including a first annular cover on one side of the tire and a second annular cover on the other side of the tire and a tubular central connector for pulling the first and second covers against the sides of the tire. Each of the covers has an annular seal portion that conforms in shape to and engages and seals directly against the tire bends.

Abstract: A spare tire assembly which includes a spare tire or under mount frame, a spare tire, and a cover. The assembly may optionally include an electric winch, and a jack. The cover is connected to the under mount frame when assembled to the vehicle, and is disconnected from the under mount frame when the spare tire is needed. The cover has dimples which improve air flow underneath the vehicle. The cover is made of different sizes to be used with different size spare tires for different types of vehicles, such as trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans.

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: A spare tire assembly which includes a spare tire or under mount frame, a spare tire, and a cover. The assembly may optionally include an electric winch, and a jack. The cover is connected to the under mount frame when assembled to the vehicle, and is disconnected from the under mount frame when the spare tire is needed. The cover has dimples which improve air flow underneath the vehicle. The cover is made of different sizes to be used with different size spare tires for different types of vehicles, such as trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans.

Abstract: A spare tire lift assist apparatus including a flexible container having a tire-receiving cavity. The flexible container includes a top wall and a bottom wall. First and second straps each are included and have a base portion that extends around and is fastened to the bottom wall and a strap handle proximate the top wall. The flexible container also includes a closable tire-receiving aperture.

Abstract: A spare tire cover supporting structure includes: a transverse rear door, provided on a vehicle; a spare tire cover, including a first end and a second end, the first end supported on the transverse rear door, the spare tire cover operable to cover a spare tire held on the transverse rear door; a mounting member, detachably mounting the second end on the transverse rear door; and a supporting member, provided on one of the transverse rear door and the second end of the spare tire cover. When the second end of the spare tire cover is mounted on the transverse rear door by the mounting member or the second end of the spare tire cover is detached from the transverse rear door, the supporting member positions the spare tire cover relative to the transverse rear door and restricts an opening movement of the spare tire cover.

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 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: The present invention relates to a tire cover or casing that includes two flexible sides and a central member. The flexible sides have a width sufficient to essentially cover a sidewall of a tire, while allowing, when mounted on the tire, access to the inner opening of the tire; and a securing device for securing the side over the sidewall of the tire. The central member has sufficient length to essentially cover a tire tread; and an adjusting device for adjusting the size of the tire cover or casing to fit the tire. The present invention further includes methods for changing a flat tire, for storing a seasonal tire, and for covering tires for use in a show room or the ground. Additionally, the present invention relates to wheel assemblies and emergency roadside kits, both including the tire cover.

Abstract: A vehicle tire cover for covering a spare tire is disclosed. The tire cover is physically adapted to display an image and is further adapted to enable a vehicle owner to routinely and rapidly change the image. In some embodiments, the cover includes a pouch having a transparent window for displaying the image. The pouch includes a closure mechanism that provides access to the interior of a pouch without removing the tire cover from a spare tire.

Abstract: A spare tire cover supporting structure includes: a transverse rear door, provided on a vehicle; a spare tire cover, including a first end and a second end, the first end supported on the transverse rear door, the spare tire cover operable to cover a spare tire held on the transverse rear door; a mounting member, detachably mounting the second end on the transverse rear door; and a supporting member, provided on one of the transverse rear door and the second end of the spare tire cover. When the second end of the spare tire cover is mounted on the transverse rear door by the mounting member or the second end of the spare tire cover is detached from the transverse rear doors the supporting member positions the spare tire cover relative to the transverse rear door and restricts an opening movement of the spare tire cover.

Abstract: A cover for an externally mounted spare tire for a vehicle is provided, the cover having a repository affixed thereto, the repository having at least one opening thereinto and having at least one transparent window therein, and optionally including a removable graphic display which, upon placement within the repository, is displayed externally of the vehicle through the transparent window. Preferred is the complete combination, including the graphic display. The removable, interchangeable graphic display may carry an informative theme, a political theme, a sports or automotive theme, a humorous theme, a religious theme, a photograph, or virtually any other display of one's choosing and capable of representation in two dimensions.

Abstract: A spare tire cover includes a cup-shaped hard top cover having a substantially cylindrical portion, an inner surface of which is provided with a plurality of inwardly directed projections arranged at predetermined circumferential intervals, a substantially cylindrical fixing plate having a plurality of holes for receiving the plurality of inwardly directed projections to secure the fixing plate to the top cover, and a flexible rear cover having a peripheral edge that is attached to the fixing plate.

Abstract: A load bearing floor mat for vehicle cargo compartments includes a pliable layer configured to overlie a defined area of a vehicle floor and also includes a rigid member that is associated with a portion of the pliable layer. The rigid member has a width that is sufficient to span a gap or opening in the vehicle floor, such as a spare tire well or other storage compartment. The rigid member renders the pliable layer substantially non-pliable above the opening such that the floor mat can support a load placed thereon.

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 winch assembly is provided for use with a tire carrier having a mounting plate. The winch assembly includes a spool, a torque limiter and a housing. The housing has a closed end and an open end. The open end is adapted to be fixedly secured to the mounting plate to define a single cavity between the closed end and the mounting plate for substantially enclosing both the spool and the torque limiter therein.

Abstract: A wheel bag for enclosing a bicycle wheel and attaching to a bicycle for transport along with a method for using the bag are described. In one embodiment, the bag is configured to be secured to a bicycle at three points while the bicycle is in a rooftop carrier for transport on an automobile.

Abstract: A truck bed for a pickup truck includes a metal support structure that is in a fixed position relative to a pickup truck. A shell is fixedly supported by the metal support structure and is configured to integrally define a portion of a first chamber and a portion of a second chamber. The first chamber is adjacent to the second chamber at an interface, and the first and second chambers are disposed substantially beneath a plane. The plane is defined by a cargo carrying floor that is integrally provided by the truck bed. A first closure member includes a first support surface and is associated with the shell. The first closure member is moveable between a first position in which the first support surface is substantially coplanar with the plane and is configured to support cargo directly above the first chamber, and a second position in which the first closure member is at least partially removed to provide access to the first chamber from above the plane.

Abstract: A cargo protecting system for a pickup truck includes a metal support structure that is in a fixed position relative to a pickup truck. A bed floor is fixedly supported by the metal support structure, and the bed floor includes a first support surface for directly supporting cargo, wherein the first support surface is substantially coplanar with a plane. A first chamber is disposed substantially beneath the plane and can be defined by a first shell having first and second openings. The first chamber is accessible from above the plane through the first opening, and the first and second openings can be of sufficient size and dimension to allow the passage of a spare tire. Exemplary embodiments can include a second chamber disposed substantially directly beneath the bed floor and adjacent to the second opening, wherein the second chamber is separate from the first chamber and accessible from the first chamber through the second opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coated fabric object and a method of making the coated fabric object, including a vase, container or furniture panel, the object having an outer fabric wrapping with a sewn seam and drawstring to tighten the seam around the neck of the object, an inner fabric collar applied and fitted to the opening of the object, after which a clear resin coating is applied to the fabric, causing the fabric to become stiff as the resin hardens, permanently bonding the fabric to the object to which it is applied.

Abstract: A support for a spare tire for the tailgate of an automobile. The support is configured to receive an anchoring disk of the spare tire and is positioned in the thickness of the tailgate between an internal lining panel turned toward the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and an external body panel, so that the spare tire is flush with the extension of the external panel. The support is carried by an internal tubular frame of the tailgate that carries the hinge and locking mechanisms of the tailgate on the body shell structure, and to which the internal lining and external body panels are anchored.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel well assembly is provided and is adapted to engage a vehicle floor pan. The wheel well assembly includes a floor and an annular sidewall extending upwardly from the periphery of the floor. A post extends upwardly from the center of the floor for engaging the spare wheel assembly. A threaded connector extends upwardly from the post for threaded engagement with a receptacle on a top. The sidewall terminates in either a mounting flange or a deck. When connected to a deck, the deck includes a mounting flange. The floor and sidewalls are integrally formed preferably of a composite material. A method of securing a vehicle wheel well assembly in a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical shaped unitary body container is adapted to hold a spare vehicle tire. The container is compatible with a vehicle cable retraction system and has at least one aperture through which a horizontal member at the cable terminus supports the container. The vehicle spare tire container has ribs for structural support, fluid tight seals, a protruding handle, and locking mechanisms. The container creates a safer design for spare tire changing, as well as eliminating the need for suspending the tire from the tire rim, hence using fewer components and a more economical design.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a license plate to a motor vehicle having a spare tire mounted to a rear panel. The apparatus includes a mounting portion, a display portion and a latch assembly. The mounting portion is adapted to be pivotally interconnected to the motor vehicle for rotation about a pivot axis to selectively provide access to the spare tire. The display portion is carried by the mounting portion and is adapted to be oriented in a substantially vertical plane and spaced apart from a rear surface of the motor vehicle such that the spare tire is mounted to the motor vehicle interbetween the rear surface and the display portion. The latch assembly is operative for releasing/engaging a striker interconnected to the rear panel. The latch assembly is attached to the display portion.

Abstract: A jack storage assembly is provided for use in conjunction with an automotive vehicle having a wheel well for storage of a spare tire and in which the wheel well includes a bracket over which the spare tire is positioned. The assembly includes a bucket which is adapted to contain a jack, and the bucket is detachably secured to the bracket so that the spare tire is sandwiched in between the bucket and the wheel well. The cover is then positioned over the spare tire while a fastener is detachably secured to the bucket such that the cover is sandwiched in between the fastener and the bucket.