Abstract: A spare tire caddy is provided including a mounting assembly adapted for being mounted on an underside of a vehicle. Also included is a tire pod slidably coupled to the mounting assembly for removably receiving a tire therein.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to carry a spare tire against the underside of a vehicle, rearwardly thereof, featuring a mounting plate, for the tire assembly, attached to the first end of a cantilever arm. The second end of the cantilever arm is pivotally attached to a carrier base frame, which in turn is pivotally suspended from support members attached to the vehicle's frame, by four suspension bars. Movement of the base frame is controlled by operation of a driver tube incorporated into the base frame, comprised of a rectangular tube, inside of which are a drive screw, and a rectangular nut. Two cables attached to the nut are directed by pulleys to the center of the back transverse member of the frame, then right and left to the two back corners, thense to a point on each longitudinal member of the frame, then vertically to anchor points on the support members attached to the vehicle's frame. Clockwise rotation of the screw pulls cable into the tube, moving the base frame forward and upward into storage position.

Abstract: A spare tire bracket 1 composed of a disk-shaped flat plate member is disposed on the upper surface of a spare tire 4 in such a manner that the spare tire bracket 1 is in contact with the spare tire 4, while a hoist device mounting bracket 2 is fixed to the upper surface of the spare tire bracket 1 in such a manner that the hoist device mounting bracket 2 is inclined backwardly. The spare tire bracket 1 is structured such that it is easiest to deform downwardly at the base end portion 16 thereof to which the hoist device mounting bracket 2 is to be fixed and thus, when an external force is given thereto, the spare tire bracket 1 is bent and deformed downwardly at such base end portion 16. This widens a clearance between the hoist device mounting bracket 2 and a canister 29, thereby preventing interference between them.

Abstract: A spare tire and wheel assembly for a motor vehicle are held in a stored position under the vehicle body by a compact tire lift unit or winch having a primary flexible cable extending to the center of a retaining bracket releasably attached to the wheel hub. A secondary or auxiliary cable has one end portion secured by a crimp connector to the winch cable spaced above the bracket and extends through a laterally offset hole within the bracket to receive a stop fitting spaced below the bracket. In the event the winch cable breaks adjacent the retaining bracket, the spare tire and wheel assembly drops slightly to an inclined position supported by the stop fitting where rattling of the tire against the vehicle body alerts the driver of the vehicle that the winch cable has broken.

Abstract: A spare tire storage system for an automotive vehicle includes a swing arm having a first end rotatably attached to a first portion of a vehicle undercarriage and a second end detachably engagable to a second portion of a vehicle undercarriage, the swing arm rotatable in a vertical and horizontal plane when in a disengaged state, and a tire attached to the second end of the swing arm.

Abstract: An extracting assembly is used to extract a spare tire from a wheel well disposed below a load platform of a motor vehicle. The extracting assembly includes a base with a pivoting member extending out therefrom. A tire platform pivots from the pivoting member. The spare tire rests on the tire platform. When a handle which is secured to the tire platform is pulled, the tire platform pivots up and out of the wheel well. The spare tire which rests on the tire platform is pulled out of the wheel well also. The pivoting member provides mechanical advantage and supports the back half of the tire platform as it rests on the load platform while the spare tire is being removed therefrom.

Abstract: A spare tire-storage device incorporating a movable support basket capable of housing the tire, this basket being coupled to a housing used to store an object. The coupling arrangement (12) is configured in such a way as to permit positioning of the housing (6) in a space located between the support basket (1) and a car body component (17), so that the housing (6) cannot be removed when the support basket (1) is in the locked position.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel handling device for assisting in the mounting or demounting of a vehicle wheel onto or from the spare wheel storage position of a vehicle, comprises a wheel support mechanism for supporting the wheel, a coupling mechanism for coupling the device to the vehicle, and a handle for allowing manual operation of the device. The coupling mechanism and handle are connected to the wheel support mechanism and the device is configured such that raising or lowering the handle causes raising or lowering of a wheel supported on the wheel support mechanism. The configuration of the device is preferably such that the wheel pivots about a horizontal axis during mounting or demounting so that a mechanical advantage is obtained, greatly facilitating the handling of heavy vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A spare tire holder which lowers at least the rearward end of a slidable support shelf via first and second rear telescopic vertical support members wherein the slidable support shelf includes a handle which when pulled slides the slidable support shelf from under the vehicle through two parallel spaced channel rail guides.

Abstract: A spare tire is mounted on a hoist having a hoist shaft. A rear bumper has a vertical portion with a hole providing access to the hoist shaft, a horizontal portion attached to the vertical portion and extending forward, and a lip extending downward from the horizontal portion, wherein the lip of the bumper has a arcuate notch aligned with the hole in the vertical portion of the bumper and the hoist shaft. A forward connector is attached to the forward end of a winch tube cover and adapted to cover one end of the hoist shaft, and has an open bore to provide access to the hoist shaft. A rear connector is attached to the rearward end of the winch tube cover and adapted to extend through the opening in the rear bumper, and has an open bore to provide access to the hoist shaft. A lock is temporary attached to the rear connector to prevent access to the hoist shaft through the rear connector.

Abstract: A device for mounting/demounting a spare tire for automobiles, comprises: a pivot support bracket which is installed in recesses formed on the bottom of a trunk, and includes a turn support hole formed in its center; a pivot rod including a pivot rotatively inserted into the turn support hole, and a screw formed on its outer circumference; a moving rod including a screw on its inner circumference, which matches with the screw of the pivot rod, to move upward and downward, and a screw on its outer circumference having the same turn direction as the screw on inner circumference; and a handle installed on the moving rod to rotate it.

Abstract: This application discloses novel device for blocking an access port in a vehicle bumper featuring a linear member carrying an elastically expandable element at one end and lug-key actuation mechanism at the other end, and adapted for insertion through the hole and thence, actuation of key lug to thereby expand expandable element to thereby block access through the hole.

Abstract: A lightweight stowable carrier for a tire of an automotive vehicle such as a truck or trailer comprises a plurality of straps, preferably formed of woven webbing. In a first embodiment, one set of straps has ratchet buckles for securing the tire to the carrier in encircling relationship. Another set of load-bearing straps is provided with cam buckles for length adjustment and hooks for securement to the underbody of a vehicle. All of the straps cross one another and are stitched at a common centerpoint. In a second embodiment, three separate straps are attached to the tire at points spaced around its circumference. Hooks attached to first ends of the straps are passed around the tire and through coupling links attached to opposite ends to form choker loops around the tire. Two of the straps are of fixed length and the third strap is adjustable in length.

Abstract: An apparatus having a vehicle frame with an end, a pivot arm pivotally connected to the vehicle frame and having a tire-receiving surface thereon, and a motor connected to the pivot arm. The pivot arm is movable between a first position aligned with the vehicle frame and a second position generally transverse to the vehicle frame such that the tire-receiving surface is below and adjacent the end of the vehicle frame. The motor serves to move the pivot arm between the first and second positions. The pivot arm includes a first arm pivotally connected at one end to one side of the frame, and a second arm pivotally connected at one end to an opposite side of the frame. The tire-receiving surface is a cross-member extending between the first and second arms. An actuator is connected to the motor so as to actuate the motor so as to move the pivot arm between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle body structure comprises a cross member which is disposed below a rear floor panel and formed of plate material. The cross member has front and rear end walls which are respectively formed with front-side and rear-side through-holes. A cylindrical member is disposed in a manner to connect the front-side and rear-side through-holes. The rear-side through-hole is covered with a back door in a closed state. A spare wheel hanging device includes an operational section by which a spare wheel is operated. The operational section is located such that the axis of the cylindrical member reaches the operational section. An operational handle is guided through the cylindrical member to the operational section of the spare wheel hanging device so as to operate the spare wheel.

Abstract: A spare wheel storage apparatus for a vehicle includes a mechanism for moving a spare wheel between a storage position and an unloading position along a path of travel, and a wheel presentation mechanism for presenting the wheel extending at least to a partially exposed unloading position from underneath the vehicle, wherein the spare wheel extends generally horizontally with a portion protruding outwardly with respect to a vertical plane corresponding to an outermost external periphery of the vehicle body contour. The wheel presentation mechanism includes first and second elongated, flexible members, such as cables, wires or the like, connected to the vehicle body portion at positions disposed between the storage position and the vertical plane corresponding to the vehicle body contour.

Abstract: The tire lift mechanism has a cable and a drive tube which includes an outer tube portion and an inner tube portion. The outer tube portion is telescopically mounted upon the inner tube portion. The drive tube is adapted to be selectively rotated to cause the cable to be raised and lowered thereby raising or lowering the spare tire. The lift mechanism also includes a driven shaft having an axis of rotation and structure for raising and lowering the cable. The driven shaft is selectively driven by the drive tube through a pivot coupling interposed therebetween. The pivot coupling has a pair of inner and outer tubular coupling members. The inner coupling member has an axially extending bore for receiving the axially extending driven shaft. The inner coupling member and the driven shaft extend into the interior of the inner tube portion. The outer coupling member is mounted on the exterior of the inner tube portion.

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 van rear window wiper that is mounted on the van spare wheel carrier in which the position of the spare wheel carrier closed against the tailgate of the van establishes contact of the wiper blade, under spring urgency, against the van rear window incident to the wiper providing window-wiping service.

Abstract: A locking device for preventing the theft of spare tires mounted on a hoist mechanism underneath the rear of a pickup truck is provided. This device consists of a J-hook and lock. The J-hook is suspended from the hoist shaft with the long end projecting downward through a lug hole in the wheel. The long end of the J-hook has plurality of holes allowing for the adjustment to different thicknesses of tires and wheels. The lock has a tubular shaped body with a cross hole allowing it to slide up on to the long side of the J-hook where the push button mechanism can be engaged, locking it into the properly aligned hole in the J-hook.

Abstract: A pickup truck spare tire is mounted on a hoist having a hoist shaft, accessible through an opening in the rear channel or rear bumper. A winch tube cover is placed over the hoist shaft to allow access to the hoist shaft only through the winch tube cover. An insert is mounted in the rearward end of the winch tube cover and extends through the opening in the rear bumper. An open bore through the insert provides access to the hoist shaft. A lock is temporarily attached to the insert to prevent access to the hoist shaft through the insert.

Abstract: A device to assist in lowering and raising the spare tire on a pickup truck. The device consists of a winch operated by a ratchet assembly to wind or unwind a strap to raise or lower the spare tire relative to a stored position. The device is installed on the pick up truck by a strap and hook assembly on the rear bumper, or on the bumper support bracket by an integral hanger.

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 hidden, receiver type trailer hitch is provided for vehicles and comprises an elongate curved or straight transverse tubular strut of rectangular cross-sectional configuration and having reinforced horizontal connection plates at each end of the strut for bolted connection of the strut to the lower surface of the longitudinal frame members of a vehicle. Vertical connection plates are connected by welds to the outside edges of the horizontal connection plates and project upwardly from the horizontal connection plates for bolted connection to the outside side walls of the frame members. A tubular hitch receiver is connected by welds to the upper wall of the transverse strut and is reinforced by reinforcing plates that are connected by welds to both the side walls of the receiver and the front wall of the transverse strut.

Abstract: A new and improved spare tire locking rod for a truck prevents rotation of a rotatable shaft which controls motion of a hoisting assembly for lifting and lowering the spare tire so that the spare tire can be removed and replaced. The apparatus includes a first end assembly which includes a first noncircular inner portion and a second noncircular inner portion connected to the first noncircular inner portion. A midportion is connected to the first end assembly. A second end assembly is connected to the midportion. The second end assembly includes a lock-receiving portion which is capable of receiving a lock assembly for preventing the second end assembly and the midportion from being disconnected from the fixed portion of the truck. The lock-receiving portion of the second end assembly is an aperture.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tire support and safety cage for mounting on a vehicle lift gate or the like. The invention has a base frame for mounting the tire support and safety cage to a lift gate, inner and outer pairs of support members, each support member having top and bottom end portions, the bottom end portions being pivotally mounted to the base frame such that the support members are pivotally movable between raised working positions and lowered storage positions. A securement bar is connected to and extended between the top end portions of one of the pairs of support members. A closure frame is pivotally connected to the top end portions of the other of the pairs of support members for movement between a generally horizontal lowered locking position and a generally vertical raised open position. A means is included for releasably securing the closure frame, in the lowered locking position, relative to the securement bar and the one pair of support members.

Abstract: A take-up reel suitable for taking up cable as a coil. The reel includes a pair of plates and a central raised hub carrying an outer peripheral surface about which a cable may be wound. The central hub may be formed from one of the plates and may also carry a recess in the hub. An anchor secures one end of the cable between the plates and presents an abutment and locking surface. A cable follower is pivotally biased to engage the outer surface of the coil of cable being taken-up and let out from the take-up reel. The cable follower is adapted to abut an abutment when the cable has been substantially let out (played out) to preclude further rotation of the take-up reel.A torque limiter may be provided employing a spring plate and parallel oriented clutch plate in face to face abutting relation with the spring plate.The connection between the take-up reel and torque limiter is effected by a special pin construction to ensure maximum torque transfer to the reel from the torque limiter.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a spare tire and wheel assembly supported adjacent the depending rearward limit thereof by a cable hoist operated by a rearwardly projected hoist shaft terminating adjacent the rearward bumper of the vehicle. A lockable shaft is extended through the bumper and engages the rearward end of the shaft for receiving a lock and preventing access to the rearward end of the hoist shaft. A sleeve surrounds the lockable shaft and an elongated sleeve surrounds the hoist shaft in shielding relation preventing access thereto by an unauthorized person.

Abstract: A simplified wheel-lift mechanism is disclosed. The components of the wheel-lift mechanism are all formed of a plastic material that is corrosion resistant. Further, the wheel-lift mechanism includes a one-piece flexible coupling which reduces the complexity of the system over prior art systems. The one-piece flexible coupling includes a plurality of integrally molded discs connected by a plurality of circumferentially-spaced integrally molded posts. This results in a strong coupling which allows relative angular motion between the ends of the coupling. In a further feature of this invention, a locking key is operable to lock the wheel hub at a particular location. The locking key is selectively released to allow the wheel to be lowered. A unique drive mechanism is also included.

Abstract: The vehicle undercarriage spare tire carrier wherein the tire is lifted by a lever arm. A yieldable resilient connection is provided to attach an end of the cable that lifts the tire so that the effective lever arm operating on the cable to lift the tire is shortened as the tire is lifted thereby increasing the ease of lifting the tire.

Abstract: An improved tire lift mechanism is disclosed in which a drive tube selectively rotates a driven shaft to raise and lower a cable fixed to a spare tire. The drive tube is connected to the driven shaft through a connection formed of a plurality of circumferentially-spaced pins which are received within notches in the driven shaft. Spaces are provided between the drive pins. Liquids in the area of the connection drain outwardly of the spaces and do not freeze in the area, which could prevent use of the tire lift mechanism. A spring is disposed between the driven shaft and the drive tube to eliminate looseness, and resultant rattling. Finally, a method of assembling the tire lift mechanism is disclosed in which the drive tube is formed of a pair of telescopic tube members. The members are telescopically moved relative to each other to a collapsed position, and the mechanism is fixed to the underside of a vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel-lift mechanism is disclosed which incorporates a unique torque limiting structure. A drive is transmitted to a first shaft, which is in turn transmitted to a second shaft. The second shaft drives a reel for raising and lowering a flexible lift member and an attached wheel hub from beneath a vehicle. The torque limiting structure consists of an outer drive member which has an inner periphery including a plurality of ears which are received within notches in an inner driven member. The first shaft rotates the outer drive member and the inner driven member in turn rotates the second shaft. Should the relative torque transmitted from the first shaft to the second shaft exceed a predetermined limit, the ears deform the notch radially inwardly and the outer drive member slips relative to the inner driven member. Nodes are positioned radially outwardly of the notches on each circumferential side. A space is formed radially inwardly of the notch in the inner driven member.

Abstract: The invention comprises a hinged ramp adapted to have its non-hinged end lowered and raised beneath the body of a vehicle by a pulley system. The ramp supports a tire carriage which is configured to hold a spare tire and to slide downwardly along the ramp when the ramp is in an angled, lowered position. At the extreme end of the downward slide, the tire carriage and the spare tire are in a position beneath and behind the vehicle chassis so as to be easily moved by the vehicle user.

Abstract: A security device is disclosed for securing a spare tire mounted on a hoist having a hoist shaft accessible through an opening in a bumper. The device has a cup that fits over the end of the hoist shaft to prevent access to the hoist shaft. A locking shaft extends from the cup and through the opening in the bumper. A padlock through an aperture on the locking shaft prevents removal of the device. If the device is moved to the rear, the cup prevents the locking shaft from moving out of the opening in the bumper. If the device is moved to the rear, the padlock prevents the cup from being removed from the end of the hoist shaft.

Abstract: A carrier apparatus for use on a motor vehicle to store a spare tire mounted on a rim beneath the undercarriage of the vehicle. The apparatus including a spring rod having an upper end and a lower end with the upper end being connected to the vehicle via a mounting assembly. A cradle bar having a forward end attached to the lower end of the spring rod is received in a cradle receiver member to form a telescoping cradle. A rear end of the cradle receiver member is connected to a bracket assembly which is adapted to be secured to the vehicle.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier for a vehicle with a tailgate or other rear access assembly characterized in that the spare tire carrier is adapted to swing away outwardly from the vehicle and is provided with a swing-down device which allows a spare tire to be lowered into ground contact for easy removal of the spare tire. The swing-down device includes a tire support plate and an assist arm is pivotally coupled to the tire support plate for controlling the movement of the tire support plate when the latter is unlatched from the spare tire carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is locking apparatus for use on a vehicle that mounts a spare tire on a hoistable carrier mounted under the lower rear end of the vehicle, near the near bumper, the tire carrier being lowerable to a position that gives access to the spare tire, by use of a hand crank that is connectable to the hoist by way of a hole in the bumper. The hoist mechanism for the tire carrier includes a longitudinally extending horizontal drive shaft having a beveled rear end adapted to be engaged by the hand crank shaft. The disclosed locking apparatus is adapted to releasably cover the beveled end of the hoist shaft, and includes a cylindrical latch rod having a front end adapted to engage the beveled end of the hoist shaft, and a socketed rear end that is adapted to abut the vehicle bumper adjacent the bumper hole.

Abstract: An apparatus is set forth wherein a central, elongate support bar includes a rear pivot pin mounted to a cross frame that is in turn integrally mounted between spaced frame rails of an associated truck. The support bar includes a through-extending aperture adjacent its forwardmost end to receive a pin, wherein the pin is integrally secured to a lower rear flange of the rear bumper of the vehicle. Upon release of the bar relative to the pin, the bar is pivoted downwardly to release the tire slidingly towards an individual subsequent to its being sandwiched between the bar and bottom surface of the truck bed. A modification of the instant invention includes the tire mounted upon a slide to securely maintain the tire in its downwardly sliding position relative to the support bar, and may further include an air cylinder to dampen dropping of the bar upon release relative to the pin.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier utilizing a differential gear mechanism having a wire wheel rotatably held in a housing, for winding a wire rope to lift a spare tire. The differential gear mechanism includes an internal gear coaxial and integral with the wire wheel, a drive gear meshing with the internal gear, and a drive gear plate coaxial and integral with the drive gear and adapted to come into abutment with the housing to prevent the drive gear from rotating in a wire rope unwinding direction. The drive gear is rotatably fitted on an eccentric portion of the drive shaft. The housing and the drive gear plate are provided with a stopper mechanism for stopping an eccentric motion of the drive gear plate when the drive gear plate rotates in a wire rope winding direction from its position of abutment with the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for towing vehicles that is fixedly attached to the towing vehicle, so as to provide a longitudinally retractable load bar extension with provisions for coupling to the towed vehicle, and a vertically rotatable load bar to maintain vertical lift of the towed vehicle during movement. The vehicle to be towed is fitted with a mounting bar having inverted coupling seats compatible for towing attachment with the coupling box mounted to the rearward extending end of the load bar extension, such that the operation of the towed vehicle, when uncoupled from the towing apparatus, is not impeded by the mounting bar remaining in place.

Abstract: A vehicle has a rear bumper and a spare tire carrier. A retracting mechanism is actuated by a rotatable shaft which extends toward and is spaced from the rear bumper. An aperture through the rear bumper enables a crank to be inserted therethrough and into engagement with the rotatable shaft. A drive device is inserted through the bumper and into the shaft where it is attached in lieu of the previous crank. A marginal end of the drive device extends through the bumper and is a polygon in cross-section configuration. A rotatable housing is removably locked about the polygon so that the polygon is inaccessible and therefore cannot be rotated when the rotatable housing is engaged by a rotatable means. When the housing is removed, the polygon is engaged by a crank and rotated, thereby rotating the rotatable shaft whereupon the spare tire is extended from the tire carrier.

Abstract: A tire lift/carrier unit has a sheet metal housing forming an enclosure and having parallel spaced walls supporting a rotatable shaft which supports a rotatable spool formed by a set of sheet metal plates. A flexible cable has one end connected to the spool and its opposite end connected to a tire support member, and the plates are spaced closely together to define a track slightly wider than the cable so that the cable wraps on itself in a spiral overlapping manner. A ring gear is mounted on the spool and surrounds an internal drive gear supported for orbital movement by an eccentric cam member rotably supported by the shaft. The cam member is rotated by the shaft through a spring biased slip clutch mounted on the shaft.

Abstract: Mounting bracket for a spare wheel that has a hub hole and at least two bolt holes. The bracket includes a shaft support structure, a first shaft affixed to the shaft support structure, capable of receiving the hub hole of the wheel, and at least two second shafts affixed to the shaft support structure, capable of receiving the bolt holes of the wheel. The second shafts have nuts placed on them. The placement of the nuts may be adjusted to control the tile of the wheel with respect to the shaft support structure. The invention further includes vertical support members downwardly extending from the shaft support structure for connecting the shaft support structure to the underside of the vehicle.

Abstract: The spare wheel lift and drive assembly is for a vehicle having a frame, a downwardly facing spare rear wheel mount bracket upon the underside of the frame, a lift mechanism depending from the bracket including a cable extending therefrom and rotative drive arranged upon a first axis connected to the cable for selectively extending and retracting a cable, and a spare wheel support connected to the cable. A compound angle drive is provided for operating the lift mechanism.

Abstract: An improved tire rack (10) is disclosed for use on any vehicle, but which is particularly suitable for use on a pickup truck (12). Brackets (24, 26) are mounted on the frame members of the truck and support a rod (28) and arms (32, 36) for pivotal motion between a storage position and a release position. In the storage position, the spare tire is held horizontally against the bottom of the bed of the truck. When moved to the release position by rotating a worm gear (72) to pivot the sector gear (66) on the rod (28), the tire rack moves the spare tire below and behind the bumper of the vehicle for ready access.

Abstract: A spare wheel carrier for a motor vehicle comprising a support member on which a spare wheel can be secured and which is pivotable about a pivot axis between a stored position underneath the motor vehicle and a predetermined position located more than 90.degree. from the stored position. A resilient member is secured at one end to the motor vehicle and, at its opposite free end, carries a pivot for the pivot axis of the support member. The resilient member is biased at its free end in a direction against an abutment surface. A drive member is pivotably secured to the motor vehicle at one end and is pivotably secured to the support member at the other end. The drive member is reversibly actuable to pivotally move the support member. Pivot limit structure is provided for limiting the angle of movement of the support member relative to the resilient member about the pivot axis to a predetermined angle after the support member has passed through the predetermined position.

Abstract: A tire carrier employs a parallelogram suspension and incorporates a simple screw-and-lever mechanism which is manually actuatable by a standard lug wrench to move between a securely held storage position and an easy-access position, whereby the tire carrier is swung out into its latter position from under the vehicle body, simultaneously releasing the tire from its secured storage position, to a convenient access position extending somewhat beyond the rear of the vehicle proximate and below the rear bumper.

Abstract: A support device for the spare wheel of a motor vehicle includes a box member attachable to a rear frame portion and including a front lockable cover to prevent access to interior bolts holding the box member on the frame. The box member includes an upstanding latch plate and carries pivotally on pivot pins through the side walls thereof, a support member including a cradle and an upstanding portion which has a slide movable vertically to engage behind the latch portion of the box member. The sides of the cradle include cut-outs so the cradle can wrap around the bumper and the slide engage behind the bumper onto the latch plate. The slide is lockable in position and the spare wheel sits in the cradle and can be locked to the upright. The device is therefore mounted entirely on the frame of the vehicle and is separate from the bumper and does not require any drilling or modification of the vehicle.

Abstract: A spare tire bracket lock for installation on the existing spare tire support bracket of a pick-up truck or similar vehicle of the type having an elongated spare tire support bracket for supporting the spare tire in the stored position against the undercarriage of the vehicle and an elongated threaded bolt extending vertically through an aperture at one end of the tire support bracket engaged by a flanged mounting nut having an eye therein. The spare tire bracket lock comprises an elongated tubular member which is slotted to be slidably received on one end of the support bracket. A pin inserted through aligned holes in the bracket lock side walls passes through the eye of the flange of the mounting nut and the shackle of a padlock received through a hole in the pin within the bracket lock secures the bracket lock on the support bracket to enclose the mounting nut and padlock and substantially surround the elongated threaded bolt restricting access to the padlock and the threaded bolt.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiment which is in the form of a winch (or hoist) comprises a reel including a spool and embodying a portion thereof through which it may be driven for its raising and lowering functions. The reel mounts in bearing relation to a drive shaft between parallel relatively closely spaced side walls of its housing. This embodiment features an overload clutch including a drive plate mounted for rotation with said shaft within said housing. The drive plate nests within a shallow cup-shaped plate firmly and resiliently coupled by springs, parts of which have an interfit relation with portions of the bounding wall. Upon rotation of the shaft the nature and direction thereof is transmitted through the clutch and successive drive transmission elements to the portion of the reel provided for this purpose.