Abstract: A spare wheel catcher in a vehicle comprises a base adapted to be connected on a rear differential and a catcher plate. The base includes a support extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle at an assembled position and a connection member; and the catcher plate is connected with a first end of the support and forms an obtuse angle with a forward moving direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of a combination wheel locking system are provided herein. The combination wheel locking system can be used to prevent access to one or more lug nuts on a wheel. The combination wheel locking system and anti-theft device can include a combination master lock system for operatively engaging and releasing from a portion of a wheel.

Abstract: A locking lug nut system includes a primary locking lug nut, a secondary locking lug nut, and a key. The locking lug nuts each have non-hexagonal irregular key surfaces and the key has a non-hexagonal key element engageable with the key surface of at least one of the locking lug nuts.

Abstract: A vehicular anti-theft mechanism having cradles for the vehicle's wheels connected to opposing ends of a central shaft. Two sliding locks are mounted on the central shaft and are moveable relative to the shaft. Each of these sliding locks, e.g. chains, secure the vehicle's axle to the anti-theft device.

Abstract: An anti-theft fastener with locking feature includes a nut, a nut casing, a lock casing and a lock. An engaging ball of the lock casing gets embedded in an engaging groove of the nut casing. The lock and its' casing are positioned inside the nut casing. An abutting portion of the lock no longer abuts against a positioning ball of the nut. The positioning ball is no longer embedded inside a positioning engaging passage of the nut casing, thereby preventing the nut casing from driving the nut except idling. Under locked condition, the fastener is unable to be mounted. To dismount the fastener requires turning the lock with a key until the engaging ball falls into a curved groove of the lock and exits the engaging groove. The positioning ball is pushed outward and embedded inside the positioning engaging passage, thereby unfastening the screw element.

Abstract: A method of preventing trailer theft includes the extending of a first end of a rod through a pair of wheels of a trailer. A stop is attached to a second end of the rod to prevent the second end from being pulled through the wheels. The stop has an outer surface has indicia thereon indicating the wheels cannot be rotated. A securing member is extended through the rod adjacent to the first end to prevent the first end from being removed from the wheels.

Abstract: An anti-theft device is provided for inhibiting access to a fastener, and more specifically to a fastener head. The anti-theft device can include a base member with an opening for receiving the fastener and a lid member releasably coupled to the base member. The lid member can include a specialized tool recess adapted for receiving a specialized tool, such that only the specialized tool can be used to open and close the lid member.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for securing a tire to a vehicle so as to reduce the accidental or unauthorized removal of the tire from the vehicle. The device is particularly suitable for preventing the theft of a spare tire from a vehicle. More specifically, the device prevents an unauthorized user from gaining access to an opening in the vehicle which is used to lower and remove the spare. As a result, the device may save an individual hundreds of dollars and the annoyance of not having a spare tire when needed. The device is easily installed in many vehicles in around one minute.

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: The present invention generally relates to a device for securing a tire to a vehicle so as to reduce the accidental or unauthorized removal of the tire from the vehicle. The device is particularly suitable for preventing the theft of a spare tire from a vehicle. More specifically, the device prevents an unauthorized user from gaining access to an opening in the vehicle which is used to lower and remove the spare. As a result, the device may save an individual hundreds of dollars and the annoyance of not having a spare tire when needed. The device is easily installed in many vehicles in around one minute.

Abstract: A lock is disclosed to clamp a wheel of a motor vehicle or motor cycle to prevent its theft once parked. The locking device comprises a housing (1) having a base (2), a front face (3), an opposing rear face (4), two opposing side faces (5,6) and a hinged lid (7) to cover the internals of the housing (1). Pivoting arcuate arms (10,15) extend from the housing (1), A linkage comprises three links (20,21,22) extending between the arms (10,15). The wheel (41) of a vehicle is pushed against the linkage (20,21,22) causing the arms (10, 15) to assume a closed position flanking the rim of the wheel (41). A locking mechanism (39) is then turned to the locked position and the key removed thus preventing movement of the arms (10,15) to any open position. To release the wheel (41), the locking mechanism (39) is first unlocked and the wheel (41) then moved in a direction away from the front face (3), the arms (10,15) being moved by the wheel (41) in an outwards direction.

Abstract: A wheel decorating device for selective ornamentation of a wheel. The device includes a planar decorative member having a cylindrical base member protruding therefrom. The base member is fixedly coupleable to a wheel, having: a first and second coupling member; a first and second locking member both actuable by a lock and key that is selectively engageable between the first and second coupling member. Additionally, the device has a lock disposed centrally on the base member; and a planar decorative member in communication with the interior of the base member, forming an access port through which the lock may be accessed. The lock has a first position that disengages the first and second locking members; a second position that engages the first locking member and disengages the second locking member; and a third position that engages both the first and second locking members.

Abstract: A hoist assembly includes a housing having a body sandwiched between metal plates connected to a mounting channel. The housing supports a rotary drive shaft which supports a rotary spool defining a groove receiving a cable having an inner end portion connected to the spool. A drive mechanism connects the shaft to the spool and produces one revolution of the spool for multiple revolutions of the drive shaft. A down stop member moves radially within the groove while engaging the cable, and an alternate one-piece down stop member surrounds the cable and engages the spool on opposite sides of the groove. An elongated wheel support bracket is connected to the outer end of the cable and has opposite inclined straight surfaces for self-centering wheels with center holes of different diameters. Another wheel support bracket has opposite end portions having pins projecting upwardly into lug holes within the wheel.

Abstract: A lug nut locking device is provided to prevent theft of vehicle wheels. The locking device includes a collar adapted to fit over the lug nut. A tube fits within the collar and has a threaded first end to threadably mount onto the lug bolt. The second end of the tube has an opening to receive a tool to tighten the tube onto the lug bolt. A lock cylinder slides into the tube and has a tab extendable by a key into a recess within the tube to lock the cylinder in the tube. A decorative cap frictionally fits over the collar to cover the lock cylinder. The collar and cap spin freely about the lug nut, to prevent use of a wrench while the lock device is mounted on the lug nut and bolt assembly.

Abstract: A lockable shopping cart wheel (10) comprises a plastics hollow casing (12), an axle (22) on which the casing is rotatably mounted and a resetable locking mechanism that is mounted on the axle in the casing. The casing has an end wall (14), a cylindrical wall (16) having a tyre (20) and an end wall (18). The locking mechanism includes a locking plate (34) which is axially displaceable but rotationally fixed to the axle (22). A coil spring (38) acts between wall (18) and plate (34) urging it towards wall (14). The plate (34) defines formations which can engage the wall (16) thereby locking the wheel. Between the plate (34) and wall (14) are three gear wheels (44.1), (44.2) and (44.3) which meter the number of revolutions of the casing and release the plate (34) when a predetermined number of revolutions has taken place. The plate (34) is ferromagnetic, allowing the plate to be displaced against the spring action to reset the locking mechanism by using a magnet from outside the casing.

Abstract: A lug wrench and spare tire locking assembly that is attached to a motor vehicle or trailer which includes a hollow wrench carrier body (20) having four open-ended slots (22) at right angles to each other that are configured to interface with a four-way lug-wrench (56). The body has a pair of opposed short legs (24) formed between two adjacent slots, and another pair of opposed long legs (26) formed between each remaining slot. The body also includes a shackle lock pin (28) that extends beyond the legs. A slotted flange (38) is joined to a vehicle bracket (44) and threaded shaft (36) connects the body to the flange. A spare wheel is fastened to the vehicle bracket on top of the flange and a four-way lug-wrench (56) is placed over the wheel interfacing with the slots in the body.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes a shackle having an engagement portion with a plurality of apertures therethrough. A lock housing has a first end having a first end opening, a second end having a second end opening and an open interior between the ends, at least one opening for receiving the engagement portion of the shackle and a blocking member can be attached to the lock housing. The lock body can include: an elongated lock member dimensioned to pass through at least one of the apertures in said engagement portion; a lock adapted for engagement to the lock member, the lock body being dimensioned to substantially fit within the lock housing, the lock having access structure accessible from either of the first and second ends of the lock housing, wherein the lock member may be passed through at least one alternative aperture of the plurality of apertures in the shackle.

Abstract: A wheel locking assembly provides a mounting base that can be permanently attached to a wheel stud underneath the lug nut, the mounting base providing a platform for a cylinder lock, a length of chain or the like, and a cylinder lock that, when locked, secures both ends of the chain. A rectangular chain connector is provided and fits over the mounting base such that a square column of the mounting base engages a square hole of the connector. A circular chain connector is also provided and overlays the rectangular chain connector. The rectangular chain connector is attached to one end of a chain and the circular chain connector attached to the other end. The cylinder lock engages a latch portion of the mounting column. The device of the present invention further provides an easy and convenient assembly that is designed to secure small vehicles with a wide variety of wheel sizes.

Abstract: The present invention is a locking device for securing outboard motors and stern drives mounted on a plurality of exposed studs on the stern of a boat, and construction equipment on a plurality of studs inset in concrete or other media and other items which can be mounted. The invention is comprised of a 304 work hardened stainless steel body which has two blind holes connected by a slot. In one blind hole, a keyed lock assembly is fitted. The keyed lock deploys a catch which engages a groove in a stainless steel lock pin. The lock pin can be attached to items having protruding studs or other protuberances.

Abstract: A tire lock mounts to an opening in the vehicle frame in order to suspend a locking bar down through an opening in the spare wheel. A locking device may then be slid over the distal end of the locking bar in order to lock the spare wheel securely in place. The locking device is designed to accept a lock cylinder from the manufacturer's easily-defeated spare tire lock, so that the locking device of the present invention may be keyed with the remaining locks of the vehicle. The locking mechanism of the present invention also incorporates a spring-loaded resilient boot which engages the vehicle spare wheel lug nut hole, thereby preventing annoying rattling between the spare tire lock of the present invention and the spare tire.

Abstract: A tire clamp for immobilizing a vehicle including a fixed bar having a generally L-shaped configuration. The fixed bar is comprised of a horizontal segment and a vertical segment. The horizontal segment is comprised of an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion has a plurality of sharpened teeth extending downwardly therefrom. The vertical segment has an inwardly angled lower portion. The fixed bar is positionable with respect to a tire with the horizontal segment disposed above and extending across the tire with the plurality of teeth abutting the tire and pointed thereat. A movable bar has an inwardly angled lower portion and is coupled with the fixed bar and is slidably mounted thereon. The movable bar is positionable with respect to a tire with both inwardly angled lower portions positioned against an exterior of the rim the tire is mounted on while the sharpened teeth remain oriented toward and abutting the tire.

Abstract: A spare tire lock and lug wrench placement device designed to be attached to a motor vehicle or trailer. The device includes a hollow wrench carrier body (20) having an extended shackle lock pin (24) with the body removably connected to a round threaded shaft (32). The shaft attaches to a slotted flange assembly (34) which in turn mounts directly to a spare wheel carrier (40) to accommodate various widths of spare tires. A shackle-less padlock (64) is permanently mounted in a locking cover (60) that slips over the body and captivates a four way lug wrench (54) using open ended slots (22) and (62) in the body and cover. The wrench is locked in place on the outside of the wheel and a emblem plate (56) covers the body and padlock which prevents theft of both the tire and wrench. A second embodiment replaces the locking cover with a conventional lock (70), having the U-shaped shackle permanently installed in a round body, (66) eliminating the use of a cover or emblem plate while functioning in the same manner.

Abstract: A Locking Lug Cover assembly is disclosed which utilizes an annulus secured by a locking mechanism to the specialy designed lug nuts or studs of a vehicle wheel for prohibiting access to the aforementioned lug nuts or studs of a vehicle, The annulus is constructed of a rigid, machineable material substantial in construction as to not allow deflection or breakage by applied force. The annulus is connected to the vehicle hub with mounting attachments that connect to the specially designed extended lug nuts or studs of a vehicle. A locking mechanism such as a cam lock extends through the cross section of the annulus to communicate with the lug nuts or bolts and hold the lug cover securely in place.

Abstract: A trailer wheel rim lock comprising two steel jaw members hinged together at one end and secured around a wheel rim at the other ends and wherein a chain is fixed to one jaw and passed through a guide member on the other jaw to tighten the jaws together around the wheel rim and a padlock is passed through the chain to lock the chain around the jaws.

Abstract: A security device for spare wheel winch for preventing the spare wheel winch from being lowered beneath the vehicle. The security device for spare wheel winch includes a tubular member having a first open end and a second open end and also having a bore extending therethrough and further having a bracket-like portion disposed at the first end thereof; and also includes a locking assembly for preventing the spare wheel winch from being lowered.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes an elongated shackle having an engagement portion. A lock housing has an open interior and at least one opening for receiving a portion of a lock. The lock housing has at least one opening for receiving the engagement portion of the shackle. A lock member is dimensioned to fit within the open interior of the lock housing and to engage the engagement portion of the shackle. A lock body is adapted for engagement to an end of the lock member and is adapted to prevent the removal of the lock member from the engagement portion of the shackle. The lock and lock member are protected by the lock housing to substantially prevent unauthorized tampering.

Abstract: A rear mounted spare tire lock including an angle iron positionable over the mounting aperture of the spare tire. A padlock is coupled with respect to the angle iron. The padlock includes a shackle portion and a locking portion. The padlock is extendable through the mounting aperture of the spare tire and extending through the aperture of the mounting bracket for securing to the mounting bracket in a locked orientation.

Abstract: The lower section of the L-shaped truck/camper security bar inserts into an existing load-leveling type trailer hitch and can be locked into place with an existing trailer hitch lock. The upper section extends vertically along the rear of the vehicle to block the pulling down action that would open the tailgate and to block the lifting up action that would open the camper top rear window.

Abstract: A connector for automobile winches comprises a generally cylindrical body with a winch drive shaft receiving end and a crank receiving end. The drive shaft receiving end is provided with a pair of opposed openings through which a retaining pin, attached to the winch drive shaft is passed, thereby creating an universal joint. The crank receiving end is provided with an insert adapted to receive an end of the crank. The connector is designed to extend outside of the vehicle body and at an upward angle to facilitate operation of the winch. The invention also eliminates the need for carrying long cranks.

Abstract: A four way lug wrench carrier attached to a motor vehicle or trailer which includes a hollow wrench carrier body (20) having an extended shackle lock pin (24) with the body connected to a round shaft (32). The shaft has an adjustable flanged sleeve (36) that connects directly to a spare wheel carrier (40) to accommodate various widths of spare tires. Securement means in the form of a flat washer (46) is held in place on the end of the shaft thus providing secondary protection for the carrier. A shackle-less padlock (64) is permanently mounted in a locking cover (60) that slips over the body and captivates a four way lug wrench (54) using open ended slots (22) and (62) in the body and cover. The wrench is locked in place on the outside of the wheel to prevent theft of both the tire/wheel and wrench.

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 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.

Abstract: A lock arrangement for blocking the open end of a winch inlet tube of a spare wheel hoist and storage winch mounted on a vehicle frame having a bumper mounted thereon with a hole in the bumper for permitting access to the winch inlet tube, the lock arrangement including an extension tube for mounting between the hole in the bumper and the opening in the winch inlet tube and a closure for selectively blocking the open end of the extension tube including a key-actuated lock on the closure for selectively permitting removal of the closure from the second end of the extension tube to thereby permit an elongated crank member to pass through the extension tube and the winch inlet tube for actuating the winch.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier lock including a split body collectively formed of at least two body sections, wherein the exterior shape of the split body is complementary to the shape of a predetermined socket of a hoist shaft of a hoist assembly for a spare tire carrier so as to be drivably received into the socket. The body sections are resiliently conjoined to form the split body via at least one, preferably two, resilient members. The split body has a first end at which a tapered seat is formed. A body shaft runs from the seat to a second end of the split body. A tapered armature is shaped to be seatably received by the seat and is provided with a threaded bore for being aligned with the body shaft. A head is located at the second end of the split body having a diameter which prevents its being received into the socket. A head shaft is provided in the head for being aligned with the body shaft, wherein opposite the split body, the head shaft is enlarged to form a recess.

Abstract: A lock arrangement for blocking the open end of a winch inlet tube of a spare wheel hoist and storage winch mounted on a vehicle frame having a bumper mounted thereon with a hole in the bumper for permitting access to the winch inlet tube, the lock arrangement including an extension tube for mounting between the hole in the bumper and the opening in the winch inlet tube and a closure for selectively blocking the open end of the extension tube including a key-actuated lock on the closure for selectively permitting removal of the closure from the second end of the extension tube to thereby permit an elongated crank member to pass through the extension tube and the winch inlet tube for actuating the winch.

Abstract: A locking hub assembly has a hub rotatably engaged to a vehicle's non-rotating axle and a manually controlled actuator for selectively switching the hub assembly between an engaged position for rotatably fixing the hub to the axle and a disengaged position for freeing rotation of the hub on the axle. A locking mechanism for the hub assembly has a lock operatively engaged with the actuator and at least one throw arm. The lock is selectively operable between: a locked position in which the throw arm is extended into locking engagement with the hub to prevent operation of the actuator, and to prevent removal of the actuator from the hub as well as the hub from the axle; and, an unlocked position in which the throw arm is retracted from locking engagement to permit operation of the actuator.

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: 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 lock arrangement for blocking the open end of a winch inlet tube of a spare wheel hoist and storage winch mounted on a vehicle frame having a bumper mounted thereon with a hole in the bumper for permitting access to the winch inlet tube, the lock arrangement including an extension tube for mounting between the hole in the bumper and the opening in the winch inlet tube and a closure for selectively blocking the open end of the extension tube including a key-actuated lock on the closure for selectively permitting removal of the closure from the second end of the extension tube to thereby permit an elongated crank member to pass through the extension tube and the winch inlet tube for actuating the winch.

Abstract: The carriers described herein employ an adjustable locking member to secure the carrier to the rear of a vehicle. A locking channel incorporates a cam lever used to adjust and lock the carrier and renders the mechanism inaccessible when locked. Apparatus for supporting and stabilizing a bicycle protrudes rearwardly from the base member.

Abstract: The apparatus immobilizes a wheel of a vehicle. A chock is connected to a facing bar. Also connected to the facing bar, spaced away from the chock is an engaging bar. The engaging bar has a first, generally elongated straight section and a second section that is shorter than the first straight section, and that is joined to one end of the first section such that the angle between the first section and a portion of the second section is between -45.degree. and +45.degree., preferably 0.degree.. The engaging bar is attached to the facing bar, such that the first straight section is generally perpendicular to the facing bar, the engaging bar is movable along its first section relative to the facing bar and the second section is rotatable around an axis coaxial with the first section. A lock locks the engaging bar at a desired position relative to the facing bar.

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 cylindrical winch tube cover is placed over the rear end of the hoist shaft for blocking access to the rear end of the hoist shaft. A lock bracket is mounted on the winch tube cover, and a padlock secures the lock bracket to the winch tube cover and prevents removal of the winch tube cover from the hoist shaft. The shackle of the padlock passes through a pair of aligned holes in the lock bracket and a groove in the winch tube cover.

Abstract: The carrier described herein employs opposing hook members projecting from a base to clamp the spare tire (mounted on the rear of a vehicle) therebetween. The extension of one of these hooks is adjustable, to accommodate different sized tires, and a locking mechanism is employed to facilitate secure attachment. Apparatus for supporting and stabilizing the bicycle protrudes rearwardly from the hook and base members.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a spare tire of a pick-up truck including a rigid locking plate having an upper extent slidably securable to a lower rail of a spare tire locking tongue of a pick-up truck and a lower extent with an eyelet formed thereon; a rigid locking screw disposable within a bore of a lower rail of a spare tire locking tongue of a pick-up truck, the locking screw having an upper end securable to a frame of a pick-up truck and a lower end with a ring formed thereon alignable with the eyelet of the locking plate; and a rigid locking pin having a bore on one end and a head on the other end and with the pin positionable within the eyelet of the locking plate and ring of the locking screw to thereby define a coupled configuration and with a lock insertable within the bore of the locking pin when placed in the coupled configuration for locking the spare tire to a pick-up truck.

Abstract: A key operated lock assembly for blocking access to an opening in a static wall structure. The lock assembly is formed by a lock sleeve adapted for positioning behind the opening adjacent the rear wall of the static wall structure, wherein the lock sleeve has a tubular sleeve member extending rearwardly therefrom. The forward end of the lock sleeve is provided with a dome-shaped head portion which is formed integrally with the sleeve. A lock plug is provided having a front end and a rear end and sized for insertion through the opening in the static wall structure and into the sleeve member of the lock sleeve positioned adjacent the rear wall of the structure. The lock plug is also provided with lock pin elements which cooperate with pin detents formed at the back end of the lock sleeve which cooperate to lockingly engage the lock plug to the lock sleeve with the static wall structure interposed therebetween in order to block access through the opening in the static wall structure.

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: A spare tire access hole lock for preventing the theft of spare tires on vehicles equipped with undercarriage mounted spare tires. The spare tire access hole lock is particularly suited for use on trucks that are equipped with an access hole in the bumper for facilitating the insertion of a tool necessary to release the spare tire from stowage. The spare tire access hole lock prevents entrance of a tool to release the spare tire from stowage by obstructing access to the spare tire release mechanism through the spare tire access hole. The spare tire access hole lock may be used by inserting it through the spare tire access hole and securing it with a standard padlock to prevent its removal.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for a vehicle having a spare tire hoist system for storage of the spare tire. The locking device includes a tubular member having a first end adapted to mateably engage an actuator tube on the hoist, and a second end. The second end includes a press-fit pin or extendable pin that engages the bumper to prevent the tubular member from being removed, and further includes a lock that prevents the tubular member from being rotated without removing the lock. The second end also includes a partially flattened section that can be engaged by a wedge-shaped end of a vehicle lug wrench.