Abstract: A rolling spare tire storage apparatus for easy access to spare tires includes a tire rack. A plurality of rollers and a plurality of arms are coupled to the tire rack. A plurality of brackets is coupled to the plurality of arms and is configured to selectively engage a tire and secure the tire to the rack body. A pivot mount comprises a pivot bar. A pair of back arms is coupled to the pivot bar. A pair of roller tracks is coupled to the pair of back arms. A pair of hydraulic cylinders is coupled to the pair of roller tracks. Each cylinder has a lock maintaining a compressed position securing the pair of roller tracks horizontally and alternatively releasing each cylinder to an extended position and angling the pair of roller tracks. A release button is in operational communication with the lock of each cylinder.

Abstract: A tire lift assembly may include an upper plate, a rod, and a pair of handles. The rod may connect the upper plate to a trunk support surface spaced from the upper plate to receive a tire therebetween. Each of the pair of handles may be mounted for rotation to the upper plate and each may include a tab. Rotation of each of handles orients the respective tab for engagement and non-engagement with the tire. Each of the handles may be arranged with the upper plate so that the tabs define a dimension greater than a diameter of a rim through-hole of the tire when the tabs are rotated for engagement with the tire.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a spare tire for antitheft may include a carrier support bracket on which a spare tire is mounted, a bracket mounted at a bottom surface of a vehicle and supporting the spare tire, and a carrier winding or unwinding a wire mounted at the carrier support bracket in order for the spare tire to be moved upwardly and downwardly, the carrier further including a carrier housing including a top surface formed with a through hole, and a bottom surface formed with a projecting hole, a shaft bolt rotatably mounted at the carrier housing and adapted to wind or unwind the wire by rotation thereof, and a socket to transmit a torque applied from an outside of the vehicle to the shaft bolt or to block the torque not to be transmitted to the shaft bolt.

Abstract: An automobile spare tire anti-theft device is disclosed. In an embodiment, the device includes a cap and retainer assembly. The cap can be configured to cover a portion of the yoke and the cable coupling extending from the underside of the yoke, including for example an extension and spring assembly. The cap can be secured in place by engaging the cap retainer positioned on the opposite side of the hub of the rim. Example features of example embodiments of the cap and retainer are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting a spare wheel to a motor vehicle with a tether, the spare wheel having at least one bolt hole, includes an eyelet bracket having a first member angled with respect to a second member, the first member connectable to the tether and the second member defining an eyelet, a rod that defines an axis and is connected to the first member, the rod configured to be disposed in the bolt hole of the spare wheel, and a clip connected to the second member, the clip having a retaining feature extended towards the rod and a tab extended through the eyelet. The second member of the eyelet bracket prevents the eyelet bracket from rotating about the axis and the retaining feature of the clip prevents the eyelet bracket from moving in one direction along the axis.

Abstract: An automated hoist for a vehicle spare tire includes a linear bracket mounted beneath the vehicle chassis, proximal the rear bumper. A motorized housing can be automatically propelled backward or forward along the bracket. A retractable cable extending from the housing has a lifting plate at a distal end that is connected to the spare tire. When a driver engages a switch, the cable partially lowers the spare tire and the housing moves toward the rear of the vehicle. The cable is then completely lowered until the tire is at ground level and the lifting-plate automatically releases the tire.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier for use with a truck, comprising a frame attachable underneath a truck, the frame having arms and a flat bar sized and shaped to hold a tire and a frame plate holding the frame to the truck, a rod attached in between the arms, the rod having a pole that rotates on the rod from a resting position to an upright position, wherein in the upright position the pole can hold a tire, a locking mechanism having a swing arm and a lock, the swing arm attached to the frame plate and is removably connected to the top of the pole, wherein the swing arm and pole are locked together with a lock.

Abstract: Unit for picking up spare wheels in vehicles that includes a winding assembly with a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft having a gear with a plurality of spaced-apart teeth circumferentially disposed about the rotating shaft. The unit further includes a safety device that includes a spring loaded cam that is pivotable between first and second angular positions. The cam includes an engaging portion that is configured to engage with the spaced-apart teeth on the rotating shaft. In the first angular position the engaging portion of the cam is urged towards the gear of the rotating shaft by action of a spring element so that the engaging portion resides in a space between the spaced-apart teeth to prevent rotation of the rotating shaft. In the second angular position the engaging portion of the cam is positioned away from the gear of the rotating shaft against the action of the spring element so that the engaging portion does not engage with the spaced-apart teeth to permit rotation of the rotation shaft.

Abstract: An axle mounted spare tire assembly is disclosed for use in replacing a damaged vehicle tire or tire support structure to permit a vehicle to then travel to a vehicle repair shop. The apparatus is comprised of a saddle which surrounds and bolts onto a vehicle's axle. A support tire is mounted below the saddle on a self-locking axle and will rotate as the vehicle is driven. The saddle is provided with a plurality of bolts to facilitate attachment to round, U-shaped, and square vehicle axles. The saddle is also equipped with a detachable handle to allow for ease of attachment and transfer of the assembly to and from the damage site.

Abstract: A spare tire handling device mounted on a vehicle and adapted for moving a spare tire between a stored and an accessible position relative to the vehicle, and including a winch and a flexible member attached to the winch at one end and the other end to the spare tire. The device includes a tire carrier with a housing and one extending portion pivotally connected to the housing. The extending portion being movable from a retracted to an extended position. Additionally a biasing member urges the extending portion to an extended position. A secondary lock assembly and a rim spacer are also disclosed.

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 reel assembly for a chain hoist having a sprocket mounted to a drive portion of a reel. The sprocket is configured to distribute rotational force to links of a drive chain, such as for moving a spare tire in and out of an access position. The sprocket has a first axial half and a second axial half that are formed via a stamped materials and fixedly secured together centrally and mounted on the drive portion. The sprocket includes protrusions and pairs of fingers arranged around and extending radially from a perimeter thereof in an alternating configuration in a circumferential direction. Each protrusion is constructed and arranged to at least partially extend through and engage at least insides of alternate horizontal links of the chain. The pairs of fingers are configured to be circumferentially aligned and receive radially oriented links of the chain therebetween and contact the outsides thereof.

Abstract: Safety devices for vehicle tire carriers including safety features that protect against the tire being dropped upon a failure in a cable system that supports the tire in a stowed condition. In one implementation the tire carrier has a support shaft at least partially housed within a longitudinal sleeve having a window. A pivotable arm has a first feature that engages with a portion of the support shaft to limit downward movement of the support shaft within the longitudinal sleeve when the pivotable arm is in a first rotational position and upon a failure in the cable system to properly support the tire in the stowed condition. The pivotable arm may also have a second feature that engages with the longitudinal sleeve to inhibit the arm from pivoting away from the first rotational position upon a failure in the cable system to properly support the tire in the stowed condition.

Abstract: A unit for picking up and lowering a spare wheel on a vehicle. In one implementation the unit comprises a main shaft, a mechanism with a shaft of rotation for winding or releasing the cable, which is connected at one end to the main shaft, and at the other to the mechanism, a safety actuator that acts on the main shaft and is connected to the mechanism by a connection means. A drive means connects the mechanism and the connection means, and cooperates with the safety actuator, releasing it, in a combined rotation and displacement movement.

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 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 damping vibration in a vehicle structure via a mass of a spare wheel includes a bar. The bar has a first end elastically coupled to the vehicle structure, wherein the first end is arranged for vertical movement relative to the vehicle structure. The bar also has a second end pivotably coupled to the vehicle structure, wherein the second end is arranged to facilitate the vertical movement of the first end. The bar additionally includes an arrangement for mounting a spare wheel, wherein damping of vibration in the vehicle structure is provided when the spare wheel is mounted on the bar.

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 bracket assembly for vehicle waste tanks having first and second longitudinal frame members. The longitudinal frame members each have proximal ends and lateral edges. In addition, the longitudinal frame members each have sidewalls extending therefrom. The sidewalls extend from their respective proximal ends a predetermined distance. Each proximal end has hinge assemblies that mount onto a vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the bracket assembly for vehicle waste tanks is mounted onto an underside of the vehicle, so that it is not seen and does not obstruct any functionalities of the vehicle, which may be a recreational vehicle having a kitchen, a bathroom, a bedroom and a living room. The vehicle may also be defined as a caravan, camper, or camper van. The vehicle is intended for everything from brief leisure activities such as vacations and camping, to full-time living, for which they are often parked in special trailer parks.

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 unit for picking up and lowering a spare wheel on a vehicle. In one implementation the unit comprises a main shaft, a mechanism with a shaft of rotation for winding or releasing the cable, which is connected at one end to the main shaft, and at the other to the mechanism, a safety actuator that acts on the main shaft and is connected to the mechanism by a connection means. A drive means connects the mechanism and the connection means, and cooperates with the safety actuator, releasing it, in a combined rotation and displacement movement.

Abstract: A device for preventing theft of a spare tire and rim comprising, a first cylinder having a length, an inner diameter and an outer diameter, a second cylinder having a length, an inner diameter and an outer diameter, a spring and a cable. The cylinders prevent access to a cable holding the spare tire and rim in place for storage. The cylinders protect the cable from being severed whereby the tire and rim would be released from storage and could be stolen.

Abstract: Safety devices for vehicle tire carriers including safety features that protect against the tire being dropped upon a failure in a cable system that supports the tire in a stowed condition. In one implementation the tire carrier has a support shaft at least partially housed within a longitudinal sleeve having a window. A pivotable arm has a first feature that engages with a portion of the support shaft to limit downward movement of the support shaft within the longitudinal sleeve when the pivotable arm is in a first rotational position and upon a failure in the cable system to properly support the tire in the stowed condition. The pivotable arm may also have a second feature that engages with the longitudinal sleeve to inhibit the arm from pivoting away from the first rotational position upon a failure in the cable system to properly support the tire in the stowed condition.

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 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: An industrial vehicle, in particular a trailer or semi-trailer, comprises on its two sides two side-impact guard devices each comprising at least one bar extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and connected to the frame of the vehicle. Set between the bars of the two side-impact guard devices is a housing structure for one or more spare wheels, in such a way that said housing structure and the spare wheel or wheels housed therein contribute, together with the aforesaid bars, to absorbing the energy of a lateral impact.

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 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 dynamic damper for a vehicle comprises a mounting frame, at least one support plate, and a moveable spare tire attachment plate spaced between the at least one support plate and the mounting frame, wherein the spare tire attachment plate is configured to move in the space between the mounting frame and the at least one support plate. In this embodiment, the spare tire dynamic damper comprises a pair of coil springs, wherein each coil spring is extended from opposite faces of the spare tire attachment plate, and one or both of the coil springs is configured to oscillate upon the movement of the spare tire attachment plate.

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: A cargo lid assembly for a vehicle is provided and includes a cargo lid, at least one lid-engaging member and at least one hinge member that is integral with a respective one of the at least one lid-engaging member and is configured for hinged connection to a body structure of a vehicle. The cargo lid includes an inner member and an outer member that cooperate to define a cavity. The assembly further includes at least one stiffener positioned within the cavity between the inner and outer members of the cargo lid. At least one lid-engaging member is secured to at least one stiffener.

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: An apparatus for damping vibration in a vehicle structure via a mass of a spare wheel includes a bar. The bar has a first end elastically coupled to the vehicle structure, wherein the first end is arranged for vertical movement relative to the vehicle structure. The bar also has a second end pivotably coupled to the vehicle structure, wherein the second end is arranged to facilitate the vertical movement of the first end. The bar additionally includes an arrangement for mounting a spare wheel, wherein damping of vibration in the vehicle structure is provided when the spare wheel is mounted on the bar.

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: A quick release apparatus mounted on or within the rear bumper of an automotive vehicle for releasing a spare tire located behind the rear wheels and subjacent the undercarriage includes a winch assembly that includes a drum housing a cable coiled upon a rotatable spoke extending through drum with the spare tire resting on and supported by a crossbar and the distal cable end extending through the center of the tire for attachment to the crossbar with the winch assembly also including a pivotal handle having a winch key and a release button so that setting the winch key disengages a ratchet mechanism mounted within the drum and interconnected to the spoke whereupon pressing the release button actuates the unwinding of the cable and the lowering of the spare tire.

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 tire carrier assembly for storing a spare tire on a vehicle which includes a carrier adapted for supporting the spare tire and a winch operatively connected to the carrier to raise and lower the carrier between a stowed position wherein the carrier is inaccessible and a deployed position wherein the carrier is accessible. The winch has a flexible member secured to the carrier and one of an electric motor and a manual device which selectively raises and lowers the carrier between the stowed and deployed positions. A sensor is activated when the carrier is in the stowed position. A warning indicator is operably connected to the sensor so that the warning indicator is activated and provides the operator with a warning when the carrier is out of the stowed position and the sensor is not activated.

Abstract: A removable tire caddy and method of use for providing convenient access and manipulation of a vehicle-mounted spare tire. The removable tire caddy includes a unitary carriage designed to support a tire on its frame and at least one wheel coupled to the frame. In the center of the carriage is a structure for engaging a cable of a spare tire lift-and-carry apparatus that extends or retracts to move the spare tire and wheeled carriage between a release position and a storage position under the vehicle. When the carriage is disengaged from the cable, the user is able to move the tire about easily, as the weight of the tire and carriage is borne by the at least one wheel.

Abstract: A tire carrier assembly for storing a spare tire includes a carrier for supporting the spare tire, a rotatable sheave, and a flexible member operably connecting the carrier to the sheave. The flexible member is wound upon and unwound from the sheave upon rotation of the sheave to raise and lower the carrier between a stowed position and a deployed position. A drive member is operably connected the sheave to selectively rotate the sheave. The connection between the sheave and the drive member is broken upon a predetermined torque indicative of a catastrophic event so that the sheave is freely rotatable to prevent failure of the flexible member. A preferred sheave has first and second portions that break away at the predetermined torque so that the reel is freely rotatable.

Abstract: A vehicle body supporting structure arrangement that an inner body member, an outer body member a manually operated mechanism and a tool guide tube. The inner body member has an inner aperture. The outer body member has an outer aperture that is offset with respect to the inner aperture. Further, the outer body member is coupled to the inner body member defining a body cavity therebetween. The manually operated mechanism is supported on the supporting structure. The tool guide tube is coupled to the inner and outer body members and extending through the body cavity to define a tool passageway between the inner and outer body members. An inner end portion of the tool guide tube is located in a position proximate the manually operated mechanism. The manually operated mechanism is accessed and operated by inserting a tool into and through the tool passageway.

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 tire carrier assembly for storing a spare tire on a vehicle which includes a carrier adapted for supporting the spare tire and a winch operatively connected to the carrier to raise and lower the carrier between a stowed position wherein the carrier is inaccessible and a deployed position wherein the carrier is accessible. The winch has a flexible member secured to the carrier and one of an electric motor and a manual device which selectively raises and lowers the carrier between the stowed and deployed positions. A monitoring device is located adjacent the winch and a control module is operably connected to the monitoring device to monitor movement of the carrier from the deployed position toward the stowed position.

Abstract: The invention provides a reeling device for a hoisting system, including a flexible member having a lower end and an upper end, a rotatable drum on which the flexible member is windable, disk means rotatably mounted on said drum, to which disk means the upper end of the flexible member is anchored, and a stop mechanism activated by the disk means once the flexible member has completely unreeled from the drum.

Abstract: A tire lift winch unit includes a depending cable connected through a plastic bushing to an adapter supporting a spare tire and wheel assembly for movement between an elevated stored position an a lower ground engaging position. A secondary support system includes a tubular support bracket enclosing a tubular shell and latch mechanism with a latch body supporting retractable latch blades biased by corresponding springs confined with opposing slots within the latch body and blades. The shell depends from the latch body and has a bottom flange supporting a conical washer engaging the adapter, and a tubular latch release pin extends within the shell. A conical compression spring biases the latch system downwardly within the support bracket to hold the blades retracted for clearing the bracket when the tire and wheel assembly are removed from the adapter.

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 automatic winch drive system (AWDS) adapted to mount a motorized conveyance and designed specifically to raise and lower a spare tire and wheel. The AWDS is adapted to mount a motorized conveyance at the rear portion of same during factory installation or as an after-purchase accessory/enhancement. The principal object includes the following: a power cell, a reversing control switch, an electric gear motor, an adapter, a drive, a gib, threaded fasteners, a limit switch, an alert and a manual redundancy. The redundancy activates the gear motor's rotor, gearbox and drive; it is built into the system to override the automatic setting in the event of an electrical malfunction or power failure. The principal object has a warning mechanism that broadcasts an alert when the winch cable has been deployed; it remains in effect until the spare tire and wheel are returned to their appropriate storage configuration.

Abstract: A winch assembly includes a winch coupled to a bracket, a carrier having first and second members, and a latch coupled to one of the bracket and the first member. A flexible member extends through apertures extending through the first and second members. The first member includes a first end disposable through an aperture of the second member and a second end which may not pass through the aperture of the second member. The latch engages the other of the bracket and the first member upon a tire being moved toward a stored position. The first member is disengagable from the bracket to allow the tire to be moved to an accessible position.

Abstract: A tire lock mounts to an opening in the vehicle frame in order to suspend a locking bar down through an opening in the spare wheel. A locking device may then be slid over the distal end of the locking bar in order to lock the spare wheel securely in place. The locking device is designed to accept a lock cylinder from the manufacturer's easily-defeated spare tire lock, so that the locking device of the present invention may be keyed with the remaining locks of the vehicle. The locking mechanism of the present invention also incorporates a spring-loaded resilient boot which engages the vehicle spare wheel lug nut hole, thereby preventing annoying rattling between the spare tire lock of the present invention and the spare tire.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for securing the upper terminal position of a liftable and lowerable object, comprising cable means having a hoist-side end and an object-side end; a stationary bracket having an aperture disposed in a substantially horizontal plane; a housing supported by the object-side end of the cable means and carrying the object, the housing having a lower portion and an upper portion, at least the upper portion being configured to pass through the aperture, a first opening at the top of the upper portion and a second opening at the bottom of the lower portion facilitating the passage of the cable means through the housing, and two oppositely located, elongated slots extending along at least parts of the upper portion; lever means located inside, and extending through a substantial portion of, the housing, the lever means being pivotably mounted in the lower portion of the housing and being provided with catch means and camming means, the lever means having a first limit position in which

Abstract: An arrangement for storing a spare tire includes a cable coupled to the spare tire. A winch device is disposed between the motor vehicle and the cable and is operative for raising and lowering the tire in response to actuation thereof. A spring device is coupled between the bottom surface of the motor vehicle and the spare tire. The spring device is operative for positioning the spare tire in an accessible position when the spare tire is being lowered.