Patent ID: 6547219
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A winch assembly comprising:a winch; and a carrier for a tire including a tube having a first and second end and having an opening extending from the first end to the second end, the tube having an enlarged head disposed proximate said first end of the tube and having a flared flanged end disposed proximate the second end of the tube, the enlarged end of the tube including a detent for engagement with a latch of said winch, the carrier having a wheel retaining portion providing a base upon which the tire will rest in use, said base including an opening extending there through, through which said tube is inserted from the first end to the second end, said opening of said wheel retainer being large enough to receive the first end of the tube but will not allow the second end to pass, the tube in use having a flexible member extending there through with a retaining nut provided proximate the end of the flexible member in use and disposed adjacent the opening of the second end of the tube to prevent pulling the flexible member through the tube in use, wherein said carrier is adapted to retain a spare tire in said winch assembly and to readily release the spare tire from the carrier for user access.