Abstract: A detachable saddle bag pet carrier is disclosed. The carrier comprises a box-like container provided with an upper portion that forms part of the container top. The container includes a plurality of vent openings for circulating air flow inside the carrier. The carrier further comprises a lid hinged to the upper portion of the container. The lid includes one or more air vents that could be adjusted from wide open position to fully closed position. The upper portion comprises a skylight mounted on the lid through which a pet could see the outside environment. The carrier is further provided with a removable foam backed carpet placed underneath the container for the pet. The carrier is mounted on the vehicle using a frame assembly to hold the carrier to the vehicle, thereby a user carries the pet within the carrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an attachment apparatus and/or system for securely attaching objects to a bicycle frame that comprises a transport platform that is attachable to the top of a bicycle rack.

Abstract: A cycle carrier structure mounted on a cycle comprises an integral bifurcated structure comprising a pair of limbs which are connected at their ends to complementary projections (6, 13) mounted on the ends of a skewer (12) by way of quick release connectors. The bifurcated structure (1) is pivotably connected at the interconnection between the limbs to one end of an adjustable strut (2). The strut (2) is connected at its other end to a seat post (10) by a quick release coupling (3). The bifurcated structure (1) has apertures (7) which can receive a pin (34) of a pannier (29) to secure the pannier (29) to the carrier frame (1). A hook (36) engages a limb of the bifurcated structure (1) to provide additional stability. The bifurcated structure (1) may be an integral component, for example a moulded, hollow component of composite material or alloy.

Abstract: A rack for mounting on a bicycle, comprises a platform, having a top surface, and structure for removably mounting the platform with respect to the frame of a bicycle. A post is mounted on the platform so that it can extend above said top surface of said platform. Left and right skirts are also mounted on the platform, and are deployed position to inhibit grocery bags engaged on the post from engaging the rear wheel of the bicycle. The skirts are mounted on the platform so that they can be carried on the platform in a stored position. A storage back is positioned over the platform and skirts, the storage bag having inside facing pockets for accommodating at least a part of the skirts.

Abstract: An improved carrier system is provided for easy attachment and detachment of the carrier from a wheeled conveyance such as a bicycle or motorcycle. When not attached to the conveyance, the carrier can also be used in a fashion similar to roller luggage.

Abstract: Chalk holding devices for bicycles, scooters, skateboards and other wheeled apparatuses are provided. One exemplary embodiment includes a chalk holding device for attachment to a bicycle having a wheel and an axle with a first end and a second end. The chalk holding device has a chalk-receiving member for receiving chalk therein. The chalk holding devices also has first and second arms that extend from the chalk-receiving member towards the axle. The first arm has a first axle cup for receiving a first end of the axle and the second arm has a second axle cup for receiving a second end of the axle.

Abstract: A supporter fastening to a hub axle of bicycle for supporting a fender or light is disclosed. The supporter includes a mount, two clipping pieces, a bolt and a connecting rod. The mount has a fixing hole for being penetrated by the hub axle and a first long hole for being penetrated by a screw to fasten to a rear fork end of the bicycle. The two clipping pieces are separately located on two opposite sides of the mount. The bolt is formed with a ring and a threaded rod. The bolt penetrates through the clipping pieces and the mount to fasten. One end of the connecting rod penetrates through and is fastened in the ring. The connecting rod is capable of being rotated at a desired angle by axially rotating the bolt.

Abstract: The rear-mounted bike rack has a platform on which an upright post is pivotable to a stored position. The handles of grocery bags can be engaged on the post. The bike rack has skirts which hang down outside the wheel to prevent the grocery bags from engaging on the rear wheel of the bicycle. The skirts can be folded up onto the platform when not needed. An optional carrier box can be mounted on the platform.

Abstract: An accessory adapter for a motorized personal transporter, which includes a bracket, a support member attached to the bracket, and a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly is mounted on an outer wheel nut of a wheel of the transporter, while the bracket is attached to a wheel assembly of the transporter. An inner connecting member of the bracket is connected to an inner portion of the wheel assembly of the transporter, while an outer connecting member of the bracket engages the bearing assembly. The outer connecting member of the bracket includes a concave cavity in which the bearing assembly lies, thereby allowing the wheel of the transporter to spin freely and brace the weight of the accessory. The support member may include a pair of prongs, which are connected to the bracket, and a neck that contains a plurality of holes which enables a user to connect accessories to the adapter, such as video camera equipment, golf bags, hunting rifles, and other personal items.

Abstract: Users of cycles are limited in the amount that they can carry with them as luggage, owing to the need of having both hands to ride the cycle. Cycle carriers, therefore, provide a convenient way of allowing items to be carried by a cyclist, with the cycle and not the rider bearing the weight of the items. Many carriers, however, are designed for permanent attachment to cycles, this is not always appropriate if the cycle is to be used for other types of riding, where the carrier could be cumbersome or provide a hazard. To overcome such problems, a carrier (1) is presented which is readily attachable and detachable from the frame of a cycle without the need of tools. Furthermore, the carrier (1) is highly adjustable and can easily be fitted to a range of cycles with only minimal and straightforward modifications.

Abstract: An adjustable bicycle basket support frame configured with a hollow inverted U-shaped tube and rod members respectively inserted into two end portions of the inverted U-shaped tube; and screws are used to fixedly secure assembled component members. End portions of the two rod members are respectively secured to a hub of a bicycle front fork, and the rod members are adjustably extended or retracted up and down within the inverted U-shaped tube to reach a bottom portion of a bicycle basket, thereby enabling supporting or securing of the bicycle basket. Accordingly, the present invention enables installation to all models of bicycles and bicycle baskets, effectively increasing compatibility of the bicycle basket support frame and strengthening supporting force for the bicycle basket.

Abstract: A system for attaching bicycle accessories to the frame of a bicycle is herein disclosed. The system comprises at least two of an upper mount, a lower mount, and a support arm. The upper mount is generally secured to the frame of the bicycle adjacent the junction of the seat post and seat stay of a bicycle frame. The upper mount includes a channel for receiving a first portion of a bicycle accessory. A lower mount generally includes at least one mounting post that extends generally upward from a front or rear dropout of a bicycle frame. The mounting post is adapted to secure a second portion of a bicycle accessory to the frame of the bicycle. The support arm is constructed and arranged to couple a front fork or a seat stay of a bicycle frame to the accessory so as to create a rigid structural relationship between the accessory and the bicycle frame. The attachment system of the present invention may be adapted for attaching accessories to rigid bicycle frames or to bicycle frames that include suspensions.

Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch for securing a trailer to a bicycle, the trailer including a hitch arm and the bicycle having a rear wheel including an axle with an axis of rotation and a frame, the bicycle trailer hitch comprising: a hitch ball including a base end connectable to the trailer hitch arm, an opposite end formed as a ball end and a intermediate portion extending therebetween; and a bicycle-mounted hitch portion mountable on the bicycle and including a socket formed to removably retain the ball end of the hitch ball, the socket including an open end, sized to permit the ball end of the hitch ball to pass therethrough and a retainer end formed to retain the ball end therein, the open end being positioned at the forward end of the socket and the retainer end positioned at the rear of the socket such that the ball end is retained in the retainer end when the hitch arm of the trailer is extending out from the hitch behind the bicycle.

Abstract: A bag carrying bicycle rack installed over the rear wheel of a bicycle. In order to more appropriately hold a knapsack, a stretchable “fishnet” is used as a means to hold the knapsack. Because it is stretchable, it can conform to a variety of irregular shapes and hold them very securely.

Abstract: A saddlebag protecting device prevents saddlebags from contacting the exhaust system of a motorcycle. The saddlebag protecting device includes a frame having a perimeter wall. A bracket is attached to the perimeter wall of the frame. A fastening member may be extended through the bracket for removably fastening the frame to a motorcycle such that a plane of the frame is generally horizontally orientated.

Abstract: A bag carrying bicycle rack installed over the rear wheel of a bicycle. In order to more appropriately hold a knapsack, a stretchable “fishnet” is used as a means to hold the knapsack. Because it is stretchable, it can conform to a variety of irregular shapes and hold them very securely.

Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch for securing a trailer to a bicycle, the trailer including a hitch arm and the bicycle having a rear wheel including an axle with an axis of rotation and a frame, the bicycle trailer hitch comprising: a hitch ball including a connector end connectable to the trailer hitch arm, an opposite end formed as a ball and a intermediate portion extending therebetween; and a bicycle-mounted hitch portion including a plate having an aperture extending therethrough, the plate being mountable on the axle of the rear wheel of the bicycle with the axle extending through and rotatable within the aperture and a socket connected to the plate and formed to removably retain the ball of the hitch ball.

Abstract: A carrier for attachment to a motor vehicle is provided. In accordance with this invention a carrier is provided for attachment to a motor vehicle, with the carrier having a backplate, a mounting plate and an axle adapter. The backplate has an upright member and a base portion. The upright member also has a projection extending therefrom and at least one retention plate secured thereto. The mounting plate has cooperative retention means and an aperture through which the aforesaid projection extends. The upright member of the backplate is secured to the mounting plate by fastening means. The mounting plate is secured to the axle adapter, such that the axle adapter causes the carrier to be secured to the rear axle of a motor vehicle. Preferably, the backplate has a handle portion inclined relative to the upright member.

Abstract: A bicycle fishing pole holder comprised of a plurality of parallel rings or wire type hoops serially connected to a main shaft aligned to receive a fishing pole handle. The first end of a cylindrical mounting rod is attached to the main shaft and the second end is formed into a half round section designed to be inserted into a universal mounting bracket. The cylindrical mounting rod is bent or angled close to the second end to act as a stop which prevents the rod from completely passing through the mounting bracket The mounting rod is also angled near the first end to position the main shaft vertically and perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: An article holding apparatus is disclosed for use in conjunction with a wheeled vehicle of the type including an axle upon which the vehicle wheel is rotatably mounted. The apparatus comprises an article holder, and a mount connectable to the vehicle. According to one embodiment, the article holder is connectable to the mount so as to be rotatable independently of the rotation of the vehicle wheel. According to another embodiment, the mount defines the exclusive point of securement to the vehicle for the article holder, and the mount and the article holder each comprise slidably interconnectable mounting elements. Per this embodiment, the article holder may be rotatable independently of the rotation of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A carrier includes supports that attach to opposite sides of the axle of a steerable wheel. Extending generally vertically from the supports are cylindrical tubes that accommodate long and narrow cargo such as baseball and softball bats. The tubes are held near the top by a first bracket extending between them. A second bracket is attached to the first through an elongated slot, and secures the first bracket to the vehicle, for example, at the steering column. The carriers extend vertically beyond the first bracket and so provide support for baseball and softball gloves and mitts. A ball container is suspended from the first bracket between the tubes. When the steering column and steerable wheel are rotated, the carrier rotates also, thereby preventing interference between the carrier and the transportation device. While the invention has application with other transportation devices, particular synergy is found when the inventive carrier is used in combination with a bicycle.

Abstract: A tire and wheel cover (10) with one size to expand over many size tires and wheels. Two sections of covering material are used, a detachable center section (16) for viewing the wheel and a wide circumferential section of material (12) for covering the tire. The two sections being removably attached to each other allowing for viewing of the wheel (24). The circumferential section of material (12) rear side having a hollow infold (28) with an elastic cord (18) inside.

Abstract: A system for mounting a spare tire and a license plate to a motor vehicle includes a tire mounting member having a bracket fixedly attached to a rear surface of the motor vehicle. The system further includes a license plate carrier pivotally connected to the bracket for rotation about a pivot axis. The license plate carrier includes a display portion oriented in a substantially vertical plane and spaced from the rear surface of the motor vehicle. A plurality of threaded shafts rearwardly extend from the tire mounting member for mounting the spare tire thereto. The license plate carrier includes a boss portion for receiving one of the threaded shafts to thereby selectively prevents rotation of the license plate carrier about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A cargo support device increases the cargo-carrying capacity of standard two-wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, and mopeds. The cargo support device includes a base extension frame mounted to the two-wheeled vehicle. The base extension frame can be mounted to the bottom bracket shell or detachably mounted at three connection points to the bottom bracket shell or chainstays and rear wheel dropouts of the two-wheeled vehicle. The rear wheel assembly is transferred from its original dropouts to new dropouts located on the base extension frame. The original chain, rear brakes, and gear accessories, if any, are extended so as to accommodate the displacement of the rear wheel assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle.

Abstract: A bicycle foot peg of a hollow construction is fastened at one end thereof with a bicycle frame and provided in the inner wall of the open end thereof with an inner threaded portion. A fitting seat is disposed in the hollow interior of the bicycle foot peg and provided with a plurality of slots for holding hand tools such as a screwdriver and wrench. An outer cap is used to seal off the open end of the foot peg such that the outer cap is engaged securely with the outer end of the fitting seat, which in turn is engaged with the inner threaded portion of the foot peg.

Abstract: A concentrically shaped, moisture and dust resistant apparatus for storing tools and roadside emergency equipment. The device is designed to remain in a suspended state between the wheel of a spare tire and the underside of a motor vehicle. It is positioned above the spare tire on the metal portion of the wheel and is held in place by means of a factory installed winch system. The principal object has two separate, semi-circular compartments which, when joined, form a spherically shaped apparatus. An inner circular opening located at the mid-point of the principal object allows a spare tire retention cable and its fastening means to be received and passed through it. The arcuate exterior has positioned upon it three essentially flat and level surface segments: one at 180 degrees at the bottom of the device and two on adjacent, but opposite sides of the principal object, at 90 and 270 degrees, respectively.

Abstract: A movable luggage board is arranged in such a manner as to cover a tire well provided on a luggage floor in a vehicle. The luggage board is connected to a floor structure body by a tether so that a movable range is limited. The tire well has a depth in correspondence to a tire width of a temporary use spare tire having a narrow width. A length of the tether is set to a dimension such that the luggage board can move to a position to be mounted in a substantially horizontal manner on an attached tire projecting above the tire well in a state where the attached tire having a wide width is housed within the tire well. Accordingly, an increased height within a luggage room at a normal state can be secured and the attached tire having a wide width can be housed within the tire well.

Abstract: A decorative tire cover for covering a spare tire while displaying a photograph or artwork from within. The photograph or artwork is enclosed in an environment that is substantially waterproof, yet is easily accessible when the photograph or artwork is to be replaced. The decorative tire cover is defined by a flexible tire cover having a first circular opening formed in one side thereof for enabling a photograph or artwork situated inside thereof to be visible to someone outside the flexible tire cover. An opposing side of the flexible tire cover has a second circular opening formed therein for enabling the flexible tire cover to be wrapped around a spare tire. A transparent protective cover is attached to an inner surface of flexible tire cover overlapping the first circular opening for protecting the photograph or artwork from weather damage. Removably attached to the protective cover is an inner annular ring for confining a photograph or artwork to a fixed region adjacent the protective cover.

Abstract: The combination of a container having an emergency fuel therein for an internal combustion engine. The container is disposed in a trunk of a vehicle or in a storage compartment on a boat. A handle is formed on a body of the container. A closable outlet is formed on the body. A spout is adapted to be connected to the closable outlet. The container is manually releasably retained in the trunk of the vehicle. Also a method is disclosed of safely storing a stable emergency fuel in the trunk of a vehicle or in a storage compartment on a boat.

Abstract: A spare tire cover covering a spare tire supported on a bracket fixed on a rear gate or the like of a vehicle includes a first sheet portion having an opening into which the bracket is inserted and for covering one side surface of the spare tire, a second sheet portion covering an outer peripheral surface of the spare tire, and a third sheet portion for covering another side surface of the spare tire. The opening is biased in a shrinking direction by means of elastic bands accommodated at a fringe and can be opened at three slits extending in a radial direction. The spare tire cover is positioned in a rotational direction by contacting a straight portion formed on an upper fringe of the opening with a straight spare tire cover supporting portion horizontally formed on an upper surface of the bracket. Thus, a tilt of a logotype or the like printed on the spare tire cover can be prevented.

Abstract: A pet carrier is provided which is adapted for use with tandem wheeled vehicles such as bicycles and motorcycles and has an open box like construction with a connecting means located in the back wall for securing a fastening device to a harness on the pet. The pet carrier includes structure to enable quick, easy and secure attachment and detachment from the associated vehicle. The connecting means in the back of the pet carrier enables the pet to be secured in comfort while being carried and transported.

Abstract: A container is adapted to contain a spare tire therein. The container includes a substantially planar member and a wall forming a substantially perpendicular angle with the substantially planar member. The container is adapted to be fastened to an underside of a vehicle such that the substantially planar member is substantially adjacent the underside of the vehicle and the wall extends downwardly from the substantially planar member. A seal is adapted to be positioned between the substantially planar member and the underside of the vehicle. An aperture in the substantially planar member is adapted for a spare tire support member to extend downwardly through the substantially planar member from the underside of the vehicle and into the container. A covering member is configured to cover an open end of the container opposite of the substantially planar member.

Abstract: A carrier rack for a two-wheeled vehicle, in particular for a bicycle, has a carrying body and struts supporting the same. A lower fastening element is mounted on the struts, and an upper fastening element is mounted on the carrying body for fastening the carrier rack on the vehicle. The lower fastening element can be fitted onto a retaining part, fastenable on the vehicle. It can be brought into operative connection with the retaining part, and released again therefrom, by turning the carrier rack with respect to the retaining part. The upper fastening element is a clamping-type closure which can be manually clamped on, and released again from, a tube of the two-wheeled vehicle. Consequently, the carrier rack can, quickly and easily, be fitted on, and removed from, a two-wheeled vehicle such as a bicycle or mountain bike.

Abstract: The present invention provides a luggage compartment construction comprising a spare tire house for containing a spare tire, which is provided under a luggage compartment by depressing a floor panel, and a spare tire cover for covering an opening of the spare tire house, wherein a floor forming member having a step is provided at the periphery of the opening of the spare tire house, a tray is disposed under the spare tire cover, and the periphery of the tray is placed and fixed on the step of the floor forming member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carrier, attachable to the rear frame of a bicycle, for mounting in upright position a pair of in-line roller skates of the type of skate that includes a boot, and a support frame below the boot for rotatably mounting a plurality of wheels in tandem, the carrier including framework that supports an elongate horizontal central platform, first and second relatively narrow support plates co-planar with the central platform, the first plate spaced from one side edge portion of the central platform and the second plate spaced from the other side portion of the central platform to provide a longitudinal slot on each side of the central platform for receiving respectively the wheels of one of the pair of skates and those of the other skate.

Abstract: A spare tire for vans, trucks, and the like may be mounted in underslung position beneath the vehicle body. A framework to encompass the spare tire is mounted on a framework below the vehicle body. The spare tire is maintained in position by a conventional lifting mechanism, involving a lug on the end of a cable. A threaded stud projects downwardly from the lug to extend through an aperature in the bottom surface of a cup-shaped housing. A threaded nut tightens the housing against a panel mounted on the framework on the underside of the vehicle body, thereby, the spare tire is completely enclosed against the elements.

Abstract: A bicycle rack for supporting panniers includes first and second laterally spaced apart frames connected to each other by a substantially U-shaped yoke. Each of the frames includes a clamp which is configured to grip a bifurcation of a steering fork of a bicycle. Each frame also includes a transverse member having a flange with an upper edge of the flange defining at least one notch for engaging an axle of the front wheel of the bicycle. The rack can be quickly and easily mounted, dismounted and remounted as desired on the same or on different bicycles. The panniers rack of the invention eliminates the need for special mounting features and does not require any permanent modifications which would alter the appearance of the bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle racket holder attachable to a bicycle frame which has a rigid shell for receiving the racket. The shell has two halves which are connected by a hinge. An adapter plate or adapter frame is firmly affixed to a bicycle frame. The shell can be attached to or removed from the adapter plate or frame only with the shell in the open position. With the shell closed and locked, the shell cannot be removed from the adapter plate or frame thus securing it and the racket to the bicycle. The shell can selectively be removed and used as a protective carrying case for the racket.

Abstract: A carrier for transporting a small pet on a bicycle includes a box-like container provided with a hatch that forms the front portion of the container top. The hatch is hinged at its back side and opens upwardly to allow the pet to extend its head from the container while facing forward. A pair of rails fixed to the container bottom are arranged to detachably couple to a rack that is mounted above the rear wheel, and behind the seat of a bicycle.

Abstract: An infant carrier is mounted on a platform located directly over the rear wheel of a bicycle, such that the infant can become a passenger along with the bicyclist. The carrier has an arcuate cradle-like configuration that causes the infant to be in a semi-prone inactive position in the carrier. A helmet is releasably retained on the carrier body to provide head protection for the infant. A retention strap encircles the helmet to stabilize the helmet position, and to reduce the loading of the helmet on the infant's head and neck muscles. The carrier is selectively positionable on the platform to face either toward the front or the rear. The carrier is detachably mounted so that it can be used for carrying the infant when the carrier is in a detached condition.

Abstract: A cover for a spare tire for use with light duty trucks and the like where spare tires are carried under the body of the vehicle exposed to the outside environment. The cover is designed to protect the spare tire and rim from becoming filled with foreign material. The cover is placed on the spare tire between the spare tire and the underside of the body of the vehicle preventing foreign material from entering the spare tire and rim from the topside.

Abstract: A cover for a spare wheel arranged externally at the rear of a motor vehicle has a clamping strap which covers the entire tread of the tire. In its lateral edge regions, the clamping strap is drawn in towards the center of the wheel. A round plate covers the free side of the wheel. Over the peripheral edge region of the plate, the drawn-in edge region of the clamping strap engages. In order to make such a cover easy to mount for a single person and to permit it to be used simultaneously for different tire widths, there is provided an outer, annular region of the plate bent to extend towards the spare wheel. A support body can be inserted into a vehicle-side receptacle as far as a stop. The support body is attached to the center of the rear of the plate. The length of the support body is dimensioned such that, when tightening the clamping strap, the plate, acting so to speak as a disc spring, presses the support body against its stop.

Abstract: A transport modification for a vehicle such as a van having a rearmost seat means pivotally mounted a position proximate one forward edge portion thereof to the vehicle floor and pivotal over a storage space located normally substantially underneath the seat, the modification including a tote deck adapted to overlie the space and providing a substantially flat and generally horizontal support surface for baggage or the like, a foot member affixed to each end portion of the tote deck for spanning the space and adapted to rest on the floor for maintaining the support surface of the deck above the space and substantially parallel to the floor, and at least one removable prop adapted for rigidly connecting the floor to the other edge portion of the seat to maintain the seat in a pivoted position with respect to the tote deck during the period that accessibility to the storage space is desired.

Abstract: A combination tire cover and article carrier wherein the combination includes a tire cover for receipt over a vehicle spare tire, wheel and the like and a carrier attached to the front of the tire cover for holding various types of articles. The article carrier is used for transporting and storing various items therein. The tire cover is contoured to fit over a top portion of the spare tire. An upper strap is attached to the upper front of the carrier and is looped over the top of an item stored therein and over the top of the tire cover and around an upper tire mounting bracket. The upper strap is than returned to a buckle attached to the front of the carrier where an end of the upper strap is tightened thereon. A lower strap is attached to the front of the carrier and is looped underneath the carrier and under the bottom of the spare tire where the lower strap is looped around a lower tire mounting bracket.

Abstract: A flexible spare tire cover for enveloping an externally carried tire/wheel combination mounted to a bracket. The cover consists of two partially joined halves, the inner half incorporating a small substantially rigid and flat mounting plate at its center that is sandwiched between the wheel and mounting bracket. A zip fastener enables the unjoined sections of the cover halves to attach to one another serving to completely enclose the spare tire. The cover is quickly and easily fitted in a preselected angular orientation and is not susceptible to misalignment during use.

Abstract: A tire cover apparatus including a cylindrical elongate housing rotatably and retractively mounting a flexible curtain therewithin. The curtain is directed through elongate slot wherein the slot includes a covering of felt strips to effectively clean and maintain the curtain in an operative condition minimizing the contamination of the curtain when maintained interiorly of the housing. A plurality of axially spaced clamps secure the housing in combination with an interior flange of an associated vehicular body including a mounting flange to prevent unauthorized removal of the housing relative to the automotive flange.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing a spare tire or the like beneath a vehicle, such as beneath the bed of a pick-up truck, includes first and second spaced-apart support bars and first and second pairs of suspension arms depending from a bottom part of the vehicle. The first and second support bars extend between the respective first and second pairs of suspension arms and are mounted to respective laterally extending portions of the first and second pairs of suspension arms. The first support bar is detachably coupled to one of the first pair of suspension arms, so that when the first support bar is detached therefrom, the first support bar is rotatable with respect to the other one of the first pair of suspension arms, thereby facilitating removal of the spare tire from beneath the vehicle. The bottom part of the vehicle has an opening above the support bars for allowing access to the spare tire from above the vehicle. A cover member is hingedly connected to the bottom part of the vehicle for closing off the opening.

Abstract: An enclosure for encapsulating a wheel, where the wheel includes a tire and wheel rim. The enclosure has a cylindrical shape with a cylindrical side wall and circular end closures whose inner diameter and inner height are greater than the size of the wheel, thus forming a cavity within which the wheel may be placed. The enclosure is separated into two parts on the cylindrical side wall along an elliptical parting line, including: front and rear container halves. The elliptical parting line of the rear container half forms a mounting shelf in the lowermost cylindrical side wall upon which the wheel may rest, and also forms a wheel accessible opening in the upper-most cylindrical side wall for easy removal of the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention shows a soft cover for a tire formed from a molded, hard, hat-shaped core which mounts between the tire mounting bracket and the tire. The hat-shaped core has a brim to which is attached a first soft, hat-shaped cover. A second soft, hat-shaped cover is permanently attached to the first soft hat-shaped cover over a portion of its periphery. The remaining portion of the periphery between the two soft, hat-shaped covers is closed by a zipper. The core maintains the orientation of the two soft covers and, in combination therewith, fully encloses the tire.

Abstract: A spare wheel suitable for storage in a trough in a motor vehicle includes a wheel rim which is formed to include a container-receiving cavity. A pot-shaped container is inserted therein. Fastening mechanisms are provided to secure both the spare wheel and the container in a position within the motor vehicle trough.