Patent ID: 6871841
Filing Date: 2005-03-29
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for securing a spare tire and wheel assembly in an elevated stored position under a vehicle body, said apparatus comprising a tire lift unit including a depending flexible cable having a lower end portion connected to an adapter for supporting said assembly, said cable extending and retracting in response to actuating said tire lift unit for moving said assembly between said elevated stored position and a lower ground engaging position, a secondary support independent of said cable for supporting said assembly in an elevated position spaced above the ground, said secondary support including a support bracket adapted to be connected to the vehicle body, a latch mechanism including a latch member movable between a retracted released position and an extended engaged position engaging said bracket in response to a change in tension in said cable when said cable fails to support said assembly in said stored position, and a spring biasing said latch mechanism and said latch member to said retracted released position for a predetermined movement of said cable from said stored position to permit raising and lowering of said cable and said adapter to and from said stored position when said assembly is removed from said adapter.