Abstract: A tire securing apparatus includes a cylindrical enclosure (10) closed at one end for receiving a spare tire (26). The enclosure (10) is formed from a flexible material with a rigid plate (36) disposed on a recess (28) on the underside thereof. The spare tire (26) has a rim (32) which rests upon the metal plate (36) about locating lugs (38) and (40). A space (42) is formed between the side walls of the tire (26) and the lower surface thereof. This space is utilized for storage of various items. A cable (14) is attached to an eyebolt (16) and also to a winch (18). The winch (18) is attached to a motor drive package (20) on the underside of the pickup truck bed. A key switch (22) operates the motor drive package (20). Shock absorbing members (46) are disposed about the periphery of the enclosure (10) on the underside of the pickup bed truck to reduce vibrations therebetween.

Abstract: A device for securement of a spare tire and wheel to a vehicle. The device comprises a shroud which covers the exposed portions of the tire, a bolt attached to the shroud and passing through one of the lug nut apertures in the wheel and a nut threadably engaged on the bolt over the wheel. A cable encircling the bolt and passing through the axle aperture of the wheel secures the nut by preventing rotation when a suitable locking mechanism joins the nut and the cable. The invention reduces or eliminates theft of the tire yet provides easy access for removal. The shroud is of rigid construction and may be painted or otherwise decorated to blend with the vehicle's appearance.

Abstract: A spare-tire storage arrangement of an automotive vehicle, comprising a tire-storage pan portion forming part of the floor panel structure of the vehicle body and downwardly sunk from the upper face of the floor panel structure, the tire-storage pan portion having a bottom wall and a side wall and being formed with a concavity which is open upwardly and which is surrounded by the side wall, the tire-storage pan portion being internally sized to be suitable for having a regular-sized spare tire received on the inner surface of the side wall at least at a plurality of points of the outer perimeter of the tread portion of the tire; a receptacle member externally sized to fit the inner surface of the side wall of the tire-storage pan portion, the receptacle member having an upper face located above the upper face of the bottom wall of the tire-storage pan portion at a level equal to the difference between the depth of the concavity in the tire-storage pan portion and the width of a temporary-use spare tire.

Abstract: An illuminated wheel cover includes a light-penetrable member having indicia thereon. The member may be mounted on an exposed spare wheel of a vehicle. Light passed through the member enhances the indicia. The wheel is protected by the cover and the light-penetrable member aesthetically provides an added lighting feature for nighttime operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A holder device is adapted for fastening a spare wheel and tire directly on the roof of an automobile. The holder device, depending on the size of the spare tire, is provided with one or two cables which embrace the spare wheel and tire on the top of the roof in a horizontal position. The ends of the cables are grappled to the roof gutters by permanently connected catches, and the central portion of the cables are drawn in against the hub of the spare wheel by a tensioner so that the spare wheel and tire are securely pressed against its support.

Abstract: A spare tire mounting kit for installation on the rear of an automobile to provide a tire mount between the vehicle and rear bumper.

Abstract: The specification discloses apparatus for mounting a spare wheel and tire in a vehicle, and especially in a cargo box of a pickup truck wherein the spare is secured against one side wall of the box and does not extend above the side wall whereby rear vision of a driver of the truck remains unimpeded. The apparatus includes a well recessed in the floor of the box for receiving the spare adjacent the side wall and behind the cab of the truck and hinged bracket securing means allowing insertion and removal of the spare into and from the well.