Abstract: An apparatus for towing at least one wheeled vehicle includes a frame including at least one generally vertically oriented support member and at least one generally horizontally oriented support member, the horizontal support member being at least partially hollow and formed with a ramp in a distal end thereof; a mounting arrangement for selectively mounting the frame to a towing vehicle; a vehicle support assembly for receiving and holding a vehicle tire, including at least one generally curved forward tire support member mounted to the horizontal frame member, and a rear support assembly, the rear support assembly including a generally L-shaped frame and a generally curved aft tire support member for removable telescopic engagement with the horizontal support member; and a lifting assembly for moving the vehicle support assembly generally vertically between a first position for loading a vehicle and a second position for towing a vehicle.

Abstract: A latch assembly for use a tire carrier has a wheel plate and a lock bracket and an aperture and a flexible member disposed in the aperture and connected to a wheel plate. The latch assembly has a lock housing, a guide adjacent and a lock arm. The lock arm has one end, another end, a cam surface and a lower cam surface. The one end is pivotally connected to the guide. The lower cam surface extends past the bottom of the lock housing. The weight of the housing acts on a stop member attached to the flexible member, to form a force to urge the lock arms to an unlocked position. When another end is moved toward the lock bracket, the cam surface engages the lock bracket to pivot the lock arm to a locked position so that when the flexible member breaks, the lock arm engages the lock bracket.

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 wheeled carriage frame designed to support a tire on at least two wheels. 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 are borne by the wheels.

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 vehicle spare tire pressure detection assembly includes a tire support and hoisting unit that performs the function of hoisting and storing a spare tire, and a spare tire pressure detection unit that performs the function of monitoring tire pressure in the spare tire when the spare tire is in a stored state. The tire support and hoisting unit is configured to maintain an initial compression force on a side wall of the spare tire to deflect the side wall of the spare tire. The spare tire pressure detection unit monitors the adjustments made by the tire support and hoisting unit to maintain the initial compression force on the spare tire to determine if the spare tire has lost tire pressure below a predetermined threshold amount. A human detectable signal is produced when the spare tire pressure falls below the predetermined threshold amount.

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: An apparatus for storing and unloading a component such as a spare tire and wheel assembly mounted at a rear storage location on a vehicle includes a vehicle attachment arm having a first end releasably attached at a mounting location on the vehicle and a component attachment having a first end positioned adjacent the component storage location. The arms each have a second end attached to a connector member that permits the component attachment arm to be rotated between the component storage location and an unloaded position on the ground. The vehicle attachment arm is adjustable in length to move toward and away from the storage location. The component attachment arm is adjustable in length to move toward and away from the component storage location.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling a user to draw in and raise, and to lower and draw out, a spare wheel that is normally stored under a vehicle. The apparatus includes a chain having a first chain end and a second chain end for securing and manipulating the spare wheel. The apparatus also includes a bracket attached across the mounting hole of the spare wheel, wherein the first chain end and second chain end are attached to the bracket, a winch to control the movements of the chain, the winch positioned at the drawn out position for the spare wheel, a roller positioned at the drawn in position of the spare wheel and an operating handle for attachment to the winch, whereby the user turns the operating handle to control the movements of the winch, and thereby draws in and raises, and alternatively lowers and draws out, the spare wheel that is normally stored under the vehicle.

Abstract: A latch assembly for use in a vehicle with a tire and rim with an aperture is disclosed. The latch assembly includes a tire carrier, a flexible member with one end attached to a vehicle or a tire carrier. Additionally, a locking member is connected to the flexible member and disposed in the aperture to detachably connect the flexible membr to the rim. The locking member is a clamp member or a hook member.

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 carrier with an annular sleeve member is disposed about a flexible member. A stop is attached to the sleeve. The sleeve has one end, an opposite end, an inner surface and one of a polymeric layer, a contoured interior surface and a polymeric insert to prevent wear and failure of the flexible member. The interior surface forms a flared inside surface that extends from the one end toward the opposite end. The inside surface defines a first diameter D1 near the one end, a second diameter D2 extending away from the one end and a length L that extends between D1 and D2. The difference between D1 and D2 divided by L is in a predetermined range. A method of preventing failure to the flexible member with a contoured surface, a polymeric insert or a polymeric layer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly for storing a compact spare tire in a motor vehicle in which a second tire of regular size (larger than the compact spare) is secured at a predetermined space adjacent or within the vehicle on a second plane distal from the plane of the storage location of the compact spare, after the compact spare tire is removed and the regular tire is replaced, for example, in the event of a flat. The assembly includes first and second brackets cooperatively oriented to secure the tires in first and second separated planes.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and unloading a component such as a spare tire and wheel assembly mounted at a rear storage location on a vehicle includes a vehicle attachment arm having a first end releasably attached at a mounting location on the vehicle and a component attachment having a first end positioned adjacent the component storage location. The arms each have a second end attached to a connector member that permits the component attachment arm to be rotated between the component storage location and an unloaded position on the ground. The vehicle attachment arm is adjustable in length to move toward and away from the storage location. The component attachment arm is adjustable in length to move toward and away from the component storage location.

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: An apparatus for enabling a user to draw in and raise, and to lower and draw out, a spare wheel that is normally stored under a vehicle. The apparatus includes a chain having a first chain end and a second chain end for securing and manipulating the spare wheel. The apparatus also includes a bracket attached across the mounting hole of the spare wheel, wherein the first chain end and second chain end are attached to the bracket, a winch to control the movements of the chain, the winch positioned at the drawn out position for the spare wheel, a roller positioned at the drawn in position of the spare wheel and an operating handle for attachment to the winch, whereby the user turns the operating handle to control the movements of the winch, and thereby draws in and raises, and alternatively lowers and draws out, the spare wheel that is normally stored under the vehicle.

Abstract: A bumper mounted spare tire carrier, suitable for very heavy tires, such as those used by off road vehicles and military vehicles.

Abstract: A latch assembly adapted for use with a tire carrier including a wheel plate, and a lock bracket including an aperture and a cable disposed in the aperture and connected to the wheel plate. The latch assembly includes a lock housing, a cable guide adjacent the lock housing and a lock arm adjacent the cable guide member. The lock arm has one end, another end and a cam surface. The one end is pivotally connected to the cable guide member wherein, when another end is moved toward the lock bracket, the cam surface engages the lock bracket to pivot the lock arm to a locked position so that when the cable breaks, the lock arm engages the lock bracket.

Abstract: A support mechanism for use in releasably stowing a load on a vehicle. The support mechanism includes a flexible member extending from the vehicle, and an annular fitting member having a receiving end for receiving the flexible member. An inside surface of the fitting member is tapered at the receiving end so that an inside diameter of the fitting member decreases with distance from the receiving end. In addition, a method for selectively moving a load on a vehicle from a stowed position to a released position using a supporting mechanism including a flexible member extending from the vehicle. The method includes providing an annular fitting member for receiving the flexible member, supporting the load using the fitting member, and moving the fitting member further away from the vehicle so as to bring the load into the released position.

Abstract: An improved wheel-lift assembly is provided for towing vehicles on a wrecker. The wheel-lift assembly is adapted to be mounted on the rear deck of the wrecker. The wheel-lift tow assembly includes a relatively thin crossbar assembly, a pair of moveable support arms which are connected to a pair of lifting arms, and multiple hydraulic cylinders. The hyrdraulic cylinders control the position of the crossbar assembly. Two of the hydraulic cylinders are connected to the support arms, and thereby control the position of the lifting arms. The wheel-lift assembly includes over-center locking devices for securely locking the lifting arms in place during towing. The wheel-lift assembly may also include a mechanism for preventing excessive movement of the tow assembly, and it can be used in combination with an adjustable truck body.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed which is normally supported by a plurality of wheels and tires, the vehicle having an article carrying space, with a floor formed of a first material and having an opening. A spare wheel and tire storage well is mounted in the opening through the floor and is formed of a second material different from the first material. The storage well is configured to accommodate a spare wheel and tire substantially equal in width and diameter to at least one of the plurality of wheels and tires supporting the vehicle.

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: A latch assembly for use a tire carrier has a wheel plate and a lock bracket and an aperture and a flexible member disposed in the aperture and connected to a wheel plate. The latch assembly has a lock housing, a guide adjacent and a lock arm. The lock arm has one end, another end, a cam surface and a lower cam surface. The one end is pivotally connected to the guide. The lower cam surface extends past the bottom of the lock housing. The weight of the housing acts on a stop member attached to the flexible member, to form a force to urge the lock arms to an unlocked position. When another end is moved toward the lock bracket, the cam surface engages the lock bracket to pivot the lock arm to a locked position so that when the flexible member breaks, the lock arm engages the lock bracket.

Abstract: A device for transporting cartridges comprises a housing for holding a plurality of cartridges in a temperature controlled environment. A transport system is also provided and has a grasping mechanism for grasping one of the cartridges. The transport system is further used to remove the cartridge from the housing and to place the cartridge into a scanner.

Abstract: A bumper mounted spare tire carrier, suitable for very heavy tires, such as those used by off road vehicles and military vehicles.

Abstract: A support mechanism for use in releasably stowing a load on a vehicle. The support mechanism includes a flexible member extending from the vehicle, and an annular fitting member having a receiving end for receiving the flexible member. An inside surface of the fitting member is tapered at the receiving end so that an inside diameter of the fitting member decreases with distance from the receiving end. In addition, a method for selectively moving a load on a vehicle from a stowed position to a released position using a supporting mechanism including a flexible member extending from the vehicle. The method includes providing an annular fitting member for receiving the flexible member, supporting the load using the fitting member, and moving the fitting member further away from the vehicle so as to bring the load into the released position.

Abstract: A latch assembly adapted for use with a tire carrier including a wheel plate, and a lock bracket including an aperture and a cable disposed in the aperture and connected to the wheel plate. The latch assembly includes a lock housing, a cable guide adjacent the lock housing and a lock arm adjacent the cable guide member. The lock arm has one end, another end and a cam surface. The one end is pivotally connected to the cable guide member wherein, when another end is moved toward the lock bracket, the cam surface engages the lock bracket to pivot the lock arm to a locked position so that when the cable breaks, the lock arm engages the lock bracket.

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 torque-limited winch assembly is provided including: a winch supported on a winch shaft for rotation therewith, a first enclosed chamber for housing the winch including a housing wall formed to include an opening to receive the winch shaft, a torque-override apparatus, a second enclosed chamber separated from the first chamber for receiving the torque-override apparatus including a shell having a radially-extending peripheral rim, and means for retaining the peripheral rim in fixed engagement with the housing wall so that the shell is prevented from rotating with respect to the housing wall, wherein there is a backing plate cooperating with the housing wall to define the first chamber for containing the winch and cooperating with the shell to define the second chamber for containing the torque-override apparatus, wherein the means for retaining the peripheral wall includes a two part connector comprising a plurality of tangs that each engage within one of a plurality of slots.

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: An electrically operated hoist control is provided which has an accessory to aid in lowering and raising a spare tire stored beneath the undercarriage of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, van, or sport utility vehicle. The accessory includes a reversible, direct current motor and speed reducing gearing. The accessory is mounted to the underside of the vehicle proximate a conventional, manually operated spare tire hoist that has a rotatable, mechanical drive input. The output drive of the speed reducing gearing is coupled to the drive input of the conventional vehicle spare tire hoist in place of the conventional extension from the hoist drive input that is accessible at the rear bumper of the vehicle. The accessory includes an automatically resetting circuit breaker, such as a bimetal circuit breaker which trips when excessive amperage is drawn by the reversible direct current motor.

Abstract: A winch assembly includes an actuating mechanism coupled to a winch and a latch. Rotation of the winch in a first direction drives the actuating mechanism to position the latch at a first position. The actuating mechanism includes a clutch allowing further rotation of the winch in the same direction after the latch is positioned.

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: A tire carrier assembly for storing a spare tire of a motor vehicle includes a tire carrier adapted for supporting the spare tire, a winch assembly operably connected to the tire carrier to raise and lower the tire carrier between a stowed position wherein the tire is inaccessible and a deployed position wherein the tire is accessible, and a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes at least one latch member and an actuator adapted to selectively move the latch member between a locking position wherein the latch member prevents movement of the tire carrier from the stowed position to the deployed position and an unlocking position wherein the latch member permits movement of the tire carrier from the stowed position to the deployed position. The actuator includes a push-pull cable and a pull handle such that the operator manually pulls the cable to move the latch member from the locking position to the unlocking position.

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.

Abstract: A suspending member breakage preventing mechanism in a spare wheel holding apparatus. The spare wheel holding apparatus is provided with a wheel support member on which a spare wheel is supported, and a winding device having a suspending member which connects the wheel support member to the falling end of the suspending member. The winding device is provided with a case, a main shaft, and a planetary gear mechanism. In the planetary gear mechanism, an internal gear is provided on the side surface of the winding drum, and an eccentric cam is provided on the main shaft, and an external gear is rotatably fitted to the eccentric cam. A rotation restricting plate is provided to the side surface of the external gear, and a rotation restricting pin is provided on the case and serves also as a safety pin. If the winding-off force applied to the suspending member is larger than at normal state, the rotation restricting pin is broken thereby the breakage of the suspending member is prevented.

Abstract: A spare tire security system for preventing access of the winch assembly outside the vehicle. The spare tire security system includes a vehicle having a passenger compartment, a rear wall forming a portion of the passenger compartment, and also having an undercarriage; and also includes a winch assembly being securely mounted beneath the undercarriage of the vehicle and having a housing, a spool rotatably mounted in the housing, a first gear member mounted to the spool, a winch drive shaft journaled through a wall of the housing and extending through the hole in the rear wall, and a second gear member being mounted to the winch drive shaft and being engaged to the first gear member; and further includes a tubular member being securely attached to the undercarriage for carrying the cable; and also includes a crank assembly being attached to the winch drive shaft and being adapted to lower and raise a spare tire disposed beneath the undercarriage.

Abstract: This invention provides a safety mechanism for a winch assembly when storing a load, such as a tire under a vehicle or a boat on a trailer, in a raised or stored position. The invention finds particular application to a spare tire, but those skilled in the art will appreciate the broader benefits of such a structure when used with a winch assembly for other uses such as a boat winch for a trailer or any analogous use wherein it is desirable to secure a load in the raised or stored position. A unique actuator is described with an improvement of the invention, which includes a control path therewith to control a rod end and thereby actuates in a preferred embodiment a latch by converting rotary motion to linear motion.

Abstract: The invention herein is a carrier apparatus structured to be attached to a motor vehicle for carrying motorcycles and similar vehicles, which carrier is adapted for external attachment to a motor vehicle for supporting and carrying motorcycles in an upright position externally to said motor vehicle, with such apparatus having three major subcomponents, specifically, a base support member, referred to as a main support member, which is rigidly affixed to a portion of the vehicle through a connecting elevating mechanism, with the base support member having a bottom wheel support member to hold a portion of the front wheel of the carried motorcycle, and a vertical support portion, with an elevating member adapted to raise or lower the wheel base member.

Abstract: In order to improve a spare wheel holding device for a vehicle body having a hatchback with tailgate, comprising a spare wheel carrier, which holds a spare wheel and is capable of swivelling about an axis relative to the vehicle body, in a way that improves rear access to the vehicle body and hence to the tailgate and enables said spare wheel holding device to be fixed as easily as possible to the vehicle body, it is proposed that the spare wheel carrier is connected to the vehicle body by a swivel joint, the swivelling axis of which is disposed in such a way that the spare wheel carrier the spare wheel is movable from a travel position, in which it is behind the tailgate, into a rear access position, in which the spare wheel held by the spare wheel carrier is disposed at least with a part-region overlapping a rear part of a longitudinal side of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed which is normally supported by a plurality of wheels and tires, the vehicle having an article carrying space, with a floor formed of a first material and having an opening. A spare wheel and tire storage well is mounted in the opening through the floor and is formed of a second material different from the first material. The storage well is configured to accommodate a spare wheel and tire substantially equal in width and diameter to at least one of the plurality of wheels and tires supporting the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed which is normally supported by a plurality of wheels and tires, the vehicle having an article carrying space, with a floor formed of a first material and having an opening. A spare wheel and tire storage well is mounted in the opening through the floor and is formed of a second material different from the first material. The storage well is configured to accommodate a spare wheel and tire substantially equal in width and diameter to at least one of the plurality of wheels and tires supporting the vehicle.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier having a housing fixed to the automobile body, a roller assembly rotatably mounted at a rotary shaft of the housing and constructed with a plurality of closely-adhered roller plates to allow a wire to wind and unwind therebetween, and a gear plate fixed to one side of the roller assembly and formed with a first gear having a predetermined length of diameter, the carrier comprising: a plurality of split-constructed contact gears respectively meshed to a part of the first gear; an eccentric cam formed at the rotary shaft; and a resilient member mounted between the eccentric cam and the plurality of contact gears to apply a pressure to the plurality of contact gears towards the first gear, such that the wire is prevented from being squeezed in a gap of the roller assembly and the carrier is prevented from being inoperable, while the carrier swiftly operates to prevent the first and second gears from being broken down when an excessive force is applied and strength of an accommodation plate w

Abstract: The present invention relates to a removal aid for a spare wheel of a motor vehicle having at least one strap which, at one end, is fastened to a vehicle body section, extends from there under the spare wheel and beyond it and can be braced at the other end with another vehicle body section, a spare wheel receiving device being slidably constructed with respect to the strap.

Abstract: A spare tire storage bracket assembly for safely securing a spare tire under a vehicle includes a main member designed to be coupled to a selectively extendable and retractable cable of a vehicle. The main member includes a pair of outer portions designed to be positioned to engage a lip around a central opening of a rim of a spare tire of the vehicle. An attachment assembly holds the main member against the spare tire whereby the main member is prevented from being passed through the central opening. The attachment assembly includes a plate member that has a pair of apertures. The attachment assembly further includes a pair of screws, each of the screws includes a head portion and a threaded portion, and the threaded portion of each of the screws is insertable through an associated one of the apertures. The apertures are positioned such that the threaded portions are inserted through the attachment holes in the rim of the spare tire when the plate member is positioned adjacent the rim of the spare tire.

Abstract: A tire carrier assembly for storing a spare tire of a motor vehicle includes a tire carrier for supporting the spare tire and having a swivel with a shank portion and a head portion along the shank portion, a winch assembly operably connected to the tire carrier with a cable or rope to raise and lower the tire carrier between upper and lower positions, a housing assembly forming a horizontal support surface, and a secondary latch assembly secured to the housing assembly and adapted to selectively confine the tire carrier in the upper position. The secondary latch assembly includes a sliding latch member supported by the horizontal support surface and an actuator adapted to selectively move the latch member along a linear path between a locking position and an unlocking position.

Abstract: A locking shaft extends from the end of the hoist shaft through the hole in the rear bumper of a vehicle. The front end of the locking shaft is tapered to fit within the end of the hoist shaft. A padlock fits within a hole in the locking shaft adjacent to the bumper. The padlock prevents unauthorized removal of the locking shaft from the hoist shaft. If the locking shaft and the hoist shaft are rotated, the padlock contacts a lip on the bumper and prevents further rotation of the locking shaft and the hoist shaft.

Abstract: A storage construction in which a spare tire of a motor vehicle is stored, comprising: a tire storage portion for storing the spare tire, which is disposed under a floor panel of the motor vehicle; a hoisting cable at one end of which a hanger engageable with a hub hole of the spare tire is provided; a hoist around which the other end of the hoisting cable is wound and which lifts the spare tire by winding the hoisting cable so as to store the spare tire in the tire storage portion and lowers the spare tire from the tire storage portion by unwinding the hoisting cable; an operating handle which is detachably inserted into an insertion portion of the hoist from a cabin of the motor vehicle such that winding and unwinding of the hoisting cable by the hoist are performed by operating the operating handle; a detachment preventing device which prevents detachment of the operating handle from the hoist before the spare tire is lifted to a hoisting completion position by the hoist; and a contact member which is secu

Abstract: A winch assembly is provided including a single mounting bracket for mounting the winch assembly directly to a frame (for example beams) of a vehicle having a front and rear. The mounting bracket has a winch mounting area provided therewith, and a tire carrier and cooperative flexible member outlet area spaced from the winch mounting area towards the front of the vehicle. The mounting bracket is adapted to bolt directly to the frame members (for example beams) of a vehicle. The mounting bracket for the winch therefore obviates the need to provide welded or fastened reinforcing plates with the vehicle proximate the locations wherein the winch assembly is to be mounted.

Abstract: A support member for supportively holding a spare tire beneath a vehicle includes a platform section having a cutout area formed therein, the cutout area having an upper cutout portion and a lower cutout portion; and an insert which fits engagingly into the cutout area of the support member. The insert includes an upper portion which is dimensioned to fit into the upper cutout portion in the support member, a lower portion which is affixed to the upper portion, the lower portion being of a wider diameter than the upper portion, and one or more structural members for connecting the insert to a cable of a winch assembly. Preferably, the support member includes a seal at the top of the platform section for resisting entry of water therepast. A safety latch assembly for supportively engaging a support member of the above-described type is also disclosed. A release and control apparatus is provided for cooperating with the support member and latch assembly as herein described.

Abstract: A vehicle spare wheel lock construction including a lock body having a funnel guide mounted on one end thereof and a multi-fingered spring-type retaining washer mounted on the other end thereof for biting engagement with the internal surface of a handle receptacle of the winch. The lock body has a key-receiving groove in the end thereof and a key adapter is mounted on the end of a winch handle and has a curvilinear ridge on the end thereof which is guided into the curvilinear groove of the lock body by the frustoconical funnel guide and an adjacent internal frustoconical surface within the lock body.