Patent ID: 6142449
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
An apparatus suitable for securing a spare tire and wheel assembly suspended in an elevated position underneath a vehicle by a resilient support member, said apparatus comprising:a stationary bracket connected to the body portion of the vehicle, said stationary bracket including a retaining formation;an outer member including a passageway for the resilient support member to pass through, an inner seating surface, a wall having an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface, and at least one slot-like formation extending through said wall between said inner wall surface and said outer wall surface;an inner member having an end surface, said inner member being connected to the resilient support member and telescopingly received within said outer member;a spring positioned between said inner seating surface of said outer member and said end surface of said inner member for biasing the inner and outer members with respect to one another; anda catch member in connection with said inner member, wherein said catch member includes at least one outwardly biased member designed to selectively pass through said slot-like formation and to engage said retaining formation should the resilient member structurally fail.