Abstract: A mobility carrier apparatus for vehicles includes: a carrier to store a mobility, and the carrier is not exposed at ordinary times and withdrawn when it is desired to use the mobility, thereby improving the external design of a vehicle and convenience of the vehicle. In particular, the carrier slides along a pair of sliding rails so as to be withdrawn from or stored in a case of the mobility carrier apparatus, and the carrier is provided with a storage unit in which the mobility is loaded. The mobility is lifted upwards at the time of withdrawal of the carrier.

Abstract: A support structure connects a closure structure to a body for movement between a closed position in which the closure structure obstructs an opening and an open position in which the closure structure does not obstruct the opening. An actuator is operable to cause motion of the closure structure. A manipulator is connected to the closure structure and includes arm portions that are connected by actuated joints that are operable to move the arm portions with respect to each other and an end effector that is configured to pick up and release objects. Sensors output sensor signals and a controller is operable to cause motion of the closure structure to move the end effector relative to the objects based in part on the sensor signals.

Abstract: Barriers for rear frame mounted spare tires are disclosed. An example vehicle disclosed herein includes a frame including a cross member, a spare tire, a skid plate, and a barrier extending between the skid plate and the cross member, the barrier abutting the spare tire, the barrier including a first surface having a first curvature, the first curvature concave relative to a rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for accessing a wheel of a vehicle includes a support, a carrier, and a hinge joint. The support is affixed in a recess of a vehicle bed, and is positioned below the surface of the vehicle bed. The carrier is configured to be affixed to the wheel. When the carrier is affixed to the wheel, both the carrier and the wheel are accommodated in the recess and move as a substantially rigid body. The hinge joint couples the support and the carrier. The hinge joint has an axis substantially parallel to the ground and laterally across the vehicle bed. The carrier is capable of rotating about the hinge joint. The carrier and the wheel are capable of being rotated about the hinge joint out of the recess and onto the vehicle bed. One or more rotational elements may be included to affect rotational motion of the carrier.

Abstract: Mobile high density read chambers are provided for scanning a plurality of RFID tagged items. Such chambers may include an enclosure with an interior defined by upper and lower surfaces, with a sidewall extending therebetween. An access (such as a door) may be associated with the sidewall, with the access being at least partially opened to access the interior of the enclosure from an outside location. The chamber further includes an RFID reader having at least one antenna positioned within the interior of the enclosure to emit a scanning signal within the interior of the enclosure. A base supports the enclosure, with at least one movement member supporting the base and configured to engage a ground surface for transport of the mobile high density read chamber. The movement member may comprise one or more wheels, ball casters, low-friction sliders, or rollers, for example.

Abstract: According to this invention, there is provided a cargo storage system for use with a vehicle having a load carrying bed, above the load carrying bed, and a movable including: (a) a grooved bedliner, (b) a cargo tray having opposite lateral sides and opposite longitudinal sides, including a pair of wheels at the forward end and a pair of rollers at the rearward end, the wheels seated in the grooves, rollers riding atop the grooves and support the tray for movement relative to the bedliner and outward extension onto the tail gate, and (c) a tether limiting outward and retraction movement of the tray relative to the bed.

Abstract: A multipurpose swing arm assembly for a vehicle accessory rack is described. The accessory rack includes a base rack that holds the multipurpose swing arm assembly, and a coupling assembly that couples the base rack and the multipurpose swing arm assembly to a hitch coupler of the vehicle. The multipurpose swing arm assembly is used to hold accessories for transported and use with the vehicle. The multipurpose swing arm assembly includes a multipurpose swing rod hingedly coupled to the base rack, and two cooler tray support rods. A cooler tray is coupled to the cooler tray support rods. A cooler is set on the cooler tray and coupled to the multipurpose swing arm assembly to be transported and used with the vehicle. A work top bar and a work top can also be coupled to the multipurpose swing rod to be used as a table top.

Abstract: Tire carriers for vehicles and related methods are disclosed. An example tire carrier includes a hinge to be pivotally coupled to a vehicle. A support arm has a first end to be pivotally coupled to the hinge and a second end to receive a tire. A jack including a beam and running gear. The beam to be pivotally coupled to the hinge and the running gear to be coupled to the second end of the support arm.

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 is provided. The spare tire carrier includes a mounting assembly and a support assembly that cooperate to carry a spare tire. The mounting assembly is configured for releaseably connecting the spare tire carrier to a vehicle. The support assembly is configured for supporting the spare tire regardless of whether the spare tire has a rim or is rimless. The spare tire carrier may also include a hinged bracket that allows the spare tire carrier to be placed in a down position to allow the driver to access engine components.

Abstract: An automated lift hauler configured for attachment to a vehicle frame near a rear of the vehicle. When not in use, the lift hauler is substantially concealed beneath the vehicle. During use, the lift hauler extends from beneath the vehicle such that large items may be supported by a lift hauler platform. One or more hydraulically-driven pistons move the lift hauler from a concealed position beneath the vehicle to a use position rearward of the vehicle. The lift hauler comprises a series of frame members and utilizes a scissor design to facilitate movement between a lower position, which allows large items to be loaded on a lift hauler platform, to a raised position which allows the large items to restrained and transported. Operating the lift hauler may be accomplished using a remote control or in-cab control panel or mounted control panel near the rear of the vehicle.

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

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

Abstract: A loading floor for a cargo space of a vehicle includes a section which is fixed to the vehicle, cannot be displaced and, viewed in the driving direction, is arranged in the front in the cargo space. Another section is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The two sections each extend over the entire width of the cargo space. The displaceable section is displaceable over the section fixed to the vehicle. In its most rearward position viewed in the driving direction, the displaceable section may be lowered into the cargo space so that it adjoins the section fixed to the vehicle flush with the surface.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier featuring an integrated automotive jack, the jack used for manipulating the carrier into and out of a configuration suitable for transit. The jack may also be removed from the carrier, and used to elevate the vehicle. A strap and ratchet mechanism is also provided, helpful for securing the tire upon the carrier and also for leveraging the tire into place upon the carrier.

Abstract: A spare tire hoist may be provided. A retention cable may be used to retain a spare tire against a surface of a motor vehicle. A tensioning spring may be used to tension the retention cable when the spare tire is in a storage position. A wheel plate engages the spare tire and cooperates with the retention cable and the tensioning spring to maintain the spare tire in the storage position. The wheel plate may include an insert portion that engages a center aperture of a wheel rim of the spare tire. A flange portion that substantially surrounds the insert portion and engages a peripheral surface of the wheel rim may also be provided. A reinforcement ring may be included in the wheel plate, substantially coextensive with the insert portion and extending within a substantially hollow region of the flange portion. The reinforcement ring may provide mechanical reinforcement to the wheel plate.

Abstract: A vehicle, configured to transport an object, said vehicle among other components, comprising: a load bearing member; a line; an actuator coupled to said vehicle and adapted for applying a tensile force to said line in response to an actuator command, and disposed and adapted for transmitting at least a portion of said tensile force to said load bearing member; an end-effector mechanically coupled to said line and adapted for transmitting said tensile force and an operator force to said object and for generating an operator input signal; and a controller adapted for generating said actuator command from said operator input signal.

Abstract: A vehicle equipped with a lift device, capable of suitably lowering objects that have been placed in a high place to a position at which they can be reached by people, is provided. A link unit is provided on the top of the vehicle. The link unit is comprised of telescoping arms, which are parallel to each other. The link unit is comprised of base arm members, slide arm members, a base link which connects the base arm members, and support links, which are parallel to the base links and which connect the slide arm members. Further, the link unit is comprised of a drive boom, which is swung up and down on the top of the vehicle around a drive shaft, and a follow boom, which is swung, in the same direction as the drive boom, around a support shaft that is parallel to the drive shaft. One base arm member is attached to the leading end of the drive boom, and another base arm member is attached to the leading end of the follow boom.

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

Abstract: A lift device, comprising link units and a drive source, for operating these link units, is provided on the top of a vehicle or high surface. The link units comprise a telescoping arm that is disposed in a reclined posture on a top of the vehicle or high surface, a boom that is swung up and down by the drive source, a slide beam that is moved by the swing movement of this boom, along the top of the vehicle or high surface, and arm telescoping means for telescoping the telescoping arm in response to the swing movement of the boom. The telescoping arm comprises a first arm member, having an end that is rotatably connected to a free end of the boom, and a second arm member that is mobile in the lengthwise direction of the first arm member, the first arm member being oriented upwards so as to be lowered while extending from the top of the vehicle, as a result of the swing movement of the boom.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading an object into a vehicle, the vehicle having a trunk lid, the apparatus comprising: a line; an actuator adapted for applying a tensile force to the line in response to an actuator command, and disposed and adapted for transmitting at least a portion of the tensile force to the trunk lid; an end-effector mechanically coupled to the line and adapted for transmitting the tensile force and an operator force to the object and for generating an operator force measurement; and a controller adapted for generating the actuator command from the operator force measurement.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device (1) for guiding a loading floor (3), the height of which can be adjusted manually and which can be pivoted about a first spindle (9), of a motor vehicle. The device (1) is distinguished by lever parts (7), which are arranged opposite one another, can be pivoted about a second spindle (11) and on which the loading floor (3) is pivotably mounted, wherein the loading floor (3) can be adjusted between a lower loading floor position and an upper loading floor position by a pivoting movement of the lever parts (7).

Abstract: A storage rack connectable to a mounting structure of a vehicle for supporting a load, comprising a load supporting structure, a swing arm assembly, and a lift assembly. The load supporting structure is adapted to support the load when the load is associated with the load supporting structure. The swing arm assembly is connected to the load supporting structure, the swing arm assembly being attachable to the mounting structure of the vehicle. The lift assembly is associated with the load supporting structure for facilitating lifting of the load to the load supporting structure whereby the load can be supported by the load supporting structure and thus the vehicle.

Abstract: A storage rack connectable to a mounting structure of a vehicle for supporting a load, comprising a load supporting structure, a bracket assembly, and a lift assembly. The load supporting structure is adapted to support the load when the load is associated with the load supporting structure. The bracket assembly is connected to the load supporting structure, the bracket assembly being attachable to the mounting structure. The lift assembly is associated with the load supporting structure for facilitating lifting of the load to the load supporting structure whereby the load can be supported by the load supporting structure and thus the vehicle when the bracket assembly connects the load supporting structure to the mounting structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly is provided for storing items above a roof of a motor vehicle. The roof rack assembly includes a pair of rails fixedly secured to the roof, parallel to each other. Each of the rails has a channel therealong. A tray includes a first end slidingly engaging the channel and a second end. The tray is movable between a storage position above the roof and a loading position along the side of the motor vehicle. A pair of pivot arms extends between a receiving end and a pivot end. The receiving end is pivotally coupled to the second end of the tray. A pair of mounting brackets are fixedly secured to the side of the motor vehicle and pivotally coupled to the pivot arms at the pivot end thereof. Each of the mounting brackets includes a stop for limiting pivotal movement of the pivot arms as the tray moves from the storage position to the loading position in order to maintain the tray in the loading position.

Abstract: Device for holding a load on a load support of an industrial truck with the following characteristics: a support construction, adjustable in its height by a lifting drive, is mounted above the load support the support construction has several vertical guidances, distributed across a plane, in each of which one plunger (8) is vertically guided a clamping device is attached on the support construction, by means of which the plungers are fixable in the guidances in an arbitrary height position, and an actuation device for the clamping device for optional clamping or releasing the plungers in their guidances.

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 winch assembly is provided for use with a tire carrier having a mounting plate. The winch assembly includes a spool, a torque limiter and a housing. The housing has a closed end and an open end. The open end is adapted to be fixedly secured to the mounting plate to define a single cavity between the closed end and the mounting plate for substantially enclosing both the spool and the torque limiter therein.

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

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

Abstract: A 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 swivelling spare wheel carrier for a vehicle is provided which improves rear access to the vehicle body and the tailgate opening. The spare wheel carrier is connected to the vehicle body by a swivel joint. A swivelling axis of the swivel joint is disposed such that, by means of 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 in part with a region overlapping a rear part of a longitudinal side of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A welding machine includes a housing having a base and a slidable rack assembly to support a gas cylinder. The rack assembly is slidably coupled to the base of the housing to move between open and closed positions. In a closed position, the rack assembly is concealed underneath the housing and in the open position the rack assembly is extended outwardly from the base to support the gas cylinder. A plurality of wheels is provided to support transportability of the welding machine.

Abstract: A spare tire storage assembly is provided for mounting on a vehicle and includes a support member that carries a spare tire, a primary support mechanism, a secondary support mechanism and a release member. A flexible member is connected on one end to the primary support mechanism and on the other end to the support member. The support member and spare tire are elevated by the primary support mechanism to a stowed position within the secondary support mechanism. The secondary support mechanism includes a resiliently biased latch member and an adjacent lance member that are positioned to engage and maintain the support member and spare tire in the stowed position should the primary support mechanism or flexible member fail. The release member is connected to the primary support mechanism and as is provided to engage and pivot the latch member permitting the spare tire to be lowered from the vehicle.

Abstract: In order to increase winch safety, power and utility method for using a winch and a method for mounting a winch based on ensuring that the force exerted by the winch cable on the drum rotation axis and the drum rotation axis remains perpendicular throughout winch operation are disclosed. An improved winch mount which allows the user of the winch to ensure that the force exerted by the winch cable on the drum rotation axis and the drum rotation axis remains perpendicular throughout winch operation is disclosed.

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

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

Abstract: 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: 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: A hauling accessory for an all terrain vehicle (ATV) includes a jack with a stationary member and a telescoping member, the telescoping member being operable via a threaded screw rod. The stationary member includes mounting brackets with a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners capable of securedly fastening the stationary member to a luggage rack of the ATV such that the jack is oriented substantially perpendicular to the ground that supports the ATV. A lower rack including cargo support rods is affixed to a lower portion of the telescoping member of the jack. The cargo support rods are attached to telescoping arms whereby the width of the lower rack can be adjusted. An upper rack, which also includes cargo rods, is affixed to the stationary member of the jack adjacent the mounting bracket. In a preferred embodiment, the threaded screw rod is manually rotated via handle. In an alternative embodiment, the threaded screw rod is turned by a motor.

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: An apparatus is provided that is suitable for securing an article (e.g., a spare tire and wheel assembly) suspended in an elevated position underneath a support article (e.g., a vehicle) by a resilient support member. The apparatus includes a stationary bracket, outer and inner members, a compression spring, and a catch member. The stationary bracket is connected to the support article and includes a retaining formation. The outer member includes a passageway, an inner seating surface, and at least one slot-like formation. The inner member, which includes an end surface, is telescopingly received within the outer member and is connected to the resilient support member. The compression spring is positioned between the inner seating surface of the outer member and the end surface of the inner member and biases the inner and outer members with respect to one another.

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 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 system for stowing a spare tire on the exterior of a sport utility vehicle includes a carrier that holds the spare tire and that can pivoted between a highway configuration, wherein the spare tire is positioned beneath the chassis to thereby provide unimpeded access to the vehicle's rear lift door, and an off-road configuration, wherein the tire is positioned against the rear lift door, to thereby provide ample clearance beneath the vehicle.

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: 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.