Support structure for a spare tire on a vehicle

A support structure for a spare tire on a vehicle. A shell is attached to the vehicle and includes first and second end portions and a bottom portion extending at least partially between the first and second end portions. The shell at least partially defines a spare tire storage chamber and includes an opening providing access to the storage chamber, wherein the opening is adjacent to the first end portion. The support member is slidably positioned above the bottom portion and is movable back and forth along a movement path from a first position in which the support member is substantially disposed within the shell and a second position in which the support member is at least partially disposed outside the shell. In certain embodiments, a retention member can be fixedly attached to the shell. In further embodiments, the support member and the shell have a cooperative locking configuration.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a support structure for a spare tire on a vehicle. More particularly, the support structure can be configured to support a spare tire in a storage location disposed beneath the cargo carrying floor of a pickup truck.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventionally, spare tires have created design and storage problems in many vehicles, including pickup trucks. A spare tire for a pickup truck is typically hung underneath the pickup truck in a position below the truck bed. In order to access this spare tire, an operator of the pickup truck must typically crawl at least partially beneath the pickup truck in order to remove fasteners used to secure the spare tire to the pickup truck. It is accordingly difficult and messy to access such a spare tire. Furthermore, this conventional spare tire storage arrangement typically renders the spare tire subject to theft and/or environmental damage.

As one alternative, the spare tire can be placed upon the bed floor of a truck bed for storage. Although such storage would facilitate relatively convenient access to the spare tire by an operator, storage space for other cargo upon the bed floor would be considerably diminished. Furthermore, unless a truck cap or other protective device is associated with the truck bed, the spare tire would not likely be protected from theft and/or environmental damage.

Accordingly, there is a need for a spare tire storage arrangement on a vehicle (e.g., a pickup truck) that substantially protects the spare tire from theft and from environmental elements without reducing the storage capacity of the vehicle, and that facilitates simple and clean access to the spare tire by an operator of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a spare tire storage arrangement on a vehicle that substantially protects the spare tire from theft and from environmental elements without reducing the storage capacity of the vehicle, and that facilitates simple and clean access to the spare tire by an operator of the vehicle.

To achieve the foregoing and other aspects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention defined herein, a vehicle having a support structure for a spare tire is provided. A shell is attached to the vehicle and includes first and second end portions and a bottom portion extending at least partially between the first and second end portions. The shell at least partially defines a spare tire storage chamber and includes an opening providing access to the storage chamber, wherein the opening is adjacent to the first end portion. A support member is adapted to support a spare tire. The support member is slidably positioned above the bottom portion and is movable back and forth along a movement path from a first position in which the support member is substantially disposed within the shell and a second position in which the support member is at least partially disposed outside the shell. The support member includes a lower interface surface for directly contacting an upper interface surface of the bottom portion of the shell in sliding engagement as the support member is moved along the movement path. A retention member is fixedly attached to the shell. The retention member permits sliding movement of the support member along the movement path with respect to the shell, and is operative to limit movement of the support member with respect to the shell in at least one direction substantially perpendicular to the movement path.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle having a support structure for a spare tire is provided. A shell is attached to the vehicle and includes first and second end portions and a bottom portion extending at least partially between the first and second end portions. The shell at least partially defines a spare tire storage chamber and includes an opening providing access to the storage chamber, wherein the opening is adjacent to the first end portion. A support member is adapted to support a spare tire. The support member is slidably positioned above the bottom portion and is movable back and forth along a movement path from a first position in which the support member is substantially disposed within the shell and a second position in which the support member is at least partially disposed outside the shell. The support member includes a lower interface surface for directly contacting an upper interface surface of the bottom portion of the shell in sliding engagement as the support member is moved along the movement path. The support member and the shell have a cooperative locking configuration for substantially inhibiting sliding movement of the support member relative to the shell along the movement path when the support member is selectively positioned relative to the shell.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a support structure adapted to support a spare tire for a vehicle is provided. The support structure includes a shell including at least one side portion extending at least partially between first and second end portions of the shell. The shell further includes a bottom portion extending at least partially between the first and second end portions. The shell at least partially defines a spare tire storage chamber and further defines an opening providing access to the storage chamber. The opening is adjacent to the first end portion. A support member is adapted to support a spare tire. The support member is slidably positioned above the bottom portion and is movable back and forth along a movement path from a first position in which the support member is substantially disposed within the shell and a second position in which the support member is at least partially disposed outside the shell. The support member includes a lower interface surface for directly contacting an upper interface surface of the bottom portion of the shell in sliding engagement as the support member is moved along the movement path. A retention member is fixedly attached to the shell. The retention member permits sliding movement of the support member along the movement path with respect to the shell, and is operative to limit movement of the support member with respect to the shell in at least one direction substantially perpendicular to the movement path. The support member and the shell have a cooperative locking configuration for substantially inhibiting sliding movement of the support member relative to the shell along the movement path when the support member is selectively positioned relative to the shell.

The vehicles and support structures described herein are advantageous for providing a spare tire storage arrangement on a vehicle that substantially protects a spare tire from theft and from environmental elements without reducing the storage capacity of the vehicle, and that facilitates simple and clean access to the spare tire by an operator of the vehicle. Additional aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The aspects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention and its operation are hereinafter described in detail in connection with the views and examples ofFIGS. 1-3,4A,4B,5A,5B,6A and6B, wherein like numbers indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the views.FIG. 1depicts a vehicle, specifically a pickup truck10, which can have a truck bed12. The truck bed12can include a cargo carrying floor, and the cargo carrying floor can be substantially defined by a stationary bed floor14and a closure member16.

FIG. 2generally depicts selected components of the truck bed12ofFIG. 1, and in particular depicts the closure member16in its opened position. A support structure20is shown to substantially underlie the cargo carrying floor of the pickup truck10. The support structure20can be configured to support a spare tire26beneath the cargo carrying floor of the pickup truck10. The spare tire26, when so supported, can be protected from theft and/or damage from moisture and debris. The spare tire26can be accessed by the operator, for example, through the opening in the cargo carrying floor that is selectively covered by the closure member16. It should of course be understood that alternate avenues might be provided for an operator to access a spare tire stored within an exemplary support structure.

FIG. 3depicts an exploded view of the exemplary support structure20. The support structure20is shown to comprise a shell22, a support member24and a retention member30. The shell22can be adapted for attachment to a vehicle and the support member24can be configured to support a spare tire with respect to the shell22. A restraining member can be associated with the support member24for maintaining an associated spare tire in a fixed position with respect to the support member24. Exemplary restraining members might include a hub52for matingly engaging the spare tire26. Other exemplary restraining members might include a bolt, a strap, and/or a net.

The shell22can have a first end portion32and a second end portion34and can substantially define a spare tire storage chamber38disposed therebetween. The shell can further include at least one side portion48extending at least partially between the first and second end portions32,34. The shell can also include a bottom portion36extending at least partially between the first and second end portions32,34. In some embodiments, the bottom portion36can further extend at least partially between a plurality of side portions48(e.g., as inFIG. 3). The shell22can further include an opening33to the storage chamber38, whereby the opening33can be adjacent to the first end portion32and can be dimensioned to facilitate the passage of a spare tire therethrough. In some embodiments, the second end portion34can assume an arcuate configuration corresponding to the curvature of the outer circumference of the spare tire26, as shown for example inFIG. 3.

The shell22can be associated with a vehicle in any of a variety of specific configurations. In one exemplary embodiment, the shell22can be attached to the bed12of a pickup truck10. For example, as depicted inFIG. 3, the shell22can include at least one upper edge portion45for engaging the underside of the bed floor14. Fasteners, welds, adhesives, and/or a combination thereof can be used to secure the upper edge portion(s)45to the bed floor14, and to thereby secure the shell22to the associated pickup truck10. Additionally or alternatively, supports might be disposed beneath the bottom surface36of the shell22in order to provide subjacent support to the support structure20, and to thereby maintain the shell22in close association with the bed floor14.

The support member24can be slidably positioned above or on the bottom portion36and can be moveable (e.g., by sliding) back and forth along a movement path from a first position in which the support member24is substantially disposed within the shell22to a second position in which the support member24is at least partially disposed outside of the shell22. The support member24travels in a first direction (SIN) when moving from the second position into the first position, but then travels in a second direction (SOUT) when moving from the first position into the second position. As depicted inFIG. 3, the first direction and the second direction are directly opposite one another, and together substantially define the movement path for the support member24with respect to the shell22. In one exemplary embodiment, the movement path occurs along a plane that is substantially parallel with a plane defined by the bed floor14of the truck bed12.

The support member24includes a lower interface surface44that can, in one exemplary embodiment, directly contact an upper interface surface46of the bottom portion36in sliding engagement as the support member24is moved (e.g., by sliding) along the movement path. The lower interface surface44of the support member24and the upper interface surface46of the bottom portion36can be substantially parallel as the support member24slidably engages the shell22. It should be understood that the lower interface surface44and/or the upper interface surface46can include one or more coatings. These coatings can be provided to affect the friction between the directly contacting lower interface surface44and upper interface surface46, for example. Exemplary coatings might include chemicals (e.g., lubricants), fabrics (e.g., felt), plastics, rubber, and/or any other material that might desirably affect the interaction between the directly contacting surfaces44and46. For example, in one particular embodiment, the lower interface surface44can comprise a layer of plastic such that the layer and the upper interface surface46of the bottom portion36of the shell22are in direct contact as the support member24slidably engages the shell22.

A retention member30can be associated with the shell and can be configured to directly engage one or more outer edges54of the support member24when the support member24is inserted into the shell22. The retention member30can permit sliding movement of the support member24with respect to the shell22along the movement path. Additionally, the retention member30can be operative to limit movement of the support member24with respect to the shell22in at least one direction substantially perpendicular to the movement path (e.g., up/down and left/right).

In one particular embodiment, as depicted byFIG. 3, the retention member can comprise a rotating member (e.g., a wheel30) that is fastened with respect to the shell.FIG. 4Adepicts an exemplary support structure20having a plurality of retention members (e.g., two wheels30) that are fixedly attached to the shell22but are configured to rotate. Each of these wheels30is configured to interface a respective outer edge54of the support member24. The outer edges54are depicted inFIG. 4Aas extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the movement path, and being closely disposed to the retention members30when the support member24is in its first position. These interfaces between the retention members30and the outer edges54substantially prevents the support member24(e.g., when in its first position) from moving in a direction (e.g., up/down) substantially perpendicular to the movement path.

Also, the retention members30are depicted as being closely disposed to side surfaces76of the support member24when the support member24is in its first position. This relationship between the retention members30and the side surfaces76can substantially prevent the support member24(e.g., when in its first position) from moving in a direction (e.g., side/side) substantially perpendicular to the movement path. In another embodiment, the outer edges54of the support member24are depicted as being closely disposed to the side portions48of the shell22when the support member24is in its first position. This relationship between the outer edges54and the side portions48can additionally or alternatively substantially limit the support member24(when in its first position) from moving in a direction (e.g., side/side) substantially perpendicular to the movement path.FIG. 4Afurther illustrates a direct contact between the lower interface surface44of the support member24and the upper interface surface46of the bottom portion36of the shell22.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the retention member(s)130can be integrally formed with the shell122, as illustrated for example inFIG. 4B. These integrated retention members130permit movement of the support member124with respect to the shell122along the movement path, but substantially limit movement of the support member124in at least one direction substantially perpendicular to the movement path (e.g., as described above with respect to the retention members30ofFIG. 4A).FIG. 4Bfurther illustrates a direct contact between the lower interface surface144of the support member124and the upper interface surface146of the bottom portion136of the shell122.

One of the bottom portion and the support member of an exemplary support structure (e.g.,120) might include an outwardly projecting protrusion, and the other of the bottom portion and the support member might include a complementary inwardly extending recess adapted to receive the protrusion. For example, as depicted inFIG. 4B, the bottom portion136of the shell122can include one or more upwardly extending protrusions (e.g.,137). The lower interface surface144of the support member124can include one or more grooves (e.g.,149) for correspondingly engaging the protrusion(s). Each protrusion (e.g.,137) and groove (e.g.,149) can remain in close proximity or in direct contact as the support member124slides with respect to the shell122. It should be understood that in alternate embodiments, one or more protrusions in the support member124could correspondingly engage one or more grooves in the shell122. It should be further understood that virtually any quantity and virtually any configuration of correspondingly engaging protrusion/groove pairs could be provided in association with an exemplary support structure. In general, correspondingly engaging protrusion/groove pairs can assist in limiting a support member (when in its first position) from moving in a direction (e.g., side/side) substantially perpendicular to the movement path.

The support member and the shell can be provided with one or more cooperative locking configurations for substantially inhibiting sliding movement of the support member relative to the shell along the movement path when the support member is selectively positioned relative to the shell. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a cooperative locking configuration includes a complementary geometry.FIG. 5Aillustrates one exemplary embodiment of a complementary geometry60, wherein the support member24comprises a flange61that is configured to selectively engage a recessed region62in the bottom portion36of the shell22. When so engaged, the support member24can be substantially prevented from sliding along the movement path. The flange61is depicted as being integrally formed in the support member24adjacent to a front edge58of the support member24and the recessed region62is depicted as being integrally formed in the bottom portion36adjacent to the first end portion32of the shell. However, it should be understood that alternate embodiments of an exemplary support structure can involve a flange and a recessed region that are not adjacent to the front edge58and the first end portion32. Furthermore, it is appreciated that an exemplary support structure might include one or more complementary geometries (e.g., having a plurality of flanges and/or recessed regions). In use, a support structure located at its first position can be substantially prevented from movement along the movement path by component(s) forming a cooperative locking configuration. To disengage the complementary geometry60ofFIG. 5A, an operator can lift the front edge58of the support member24to thereby disengage the flange61from the recessed region62, and to thereby permit movement of the support member24along the movement path.

In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 5B, the cooperative locking configuration can include an aligned arrangement that is configured to limit movement of the support member224relative to the shell222along the movement path. The aligned arrangement can include an aperture263in the support member224that aligns with an aperture265in the shell222when the support member224is in the first position. A locking member267, such as a pin and/or a rod, can be inserted through the aligned apertures263,265to thereby substantially inhibit sliding movement of the support member224relative to the shell222(e.g., along the movement path). In order for an operator to remove the support member224from the shell222, the locking member267may be removed and the support member224can then be slid out of the shell222along the movement path. AlthoughFIG. 5Billustrates the aligned apertures263,265being configured to facilitate the passage of a vertically oriented locking member267through the bottom surface236of the shell222, it should be understood that the aligned apertures can have alternative orientations and/or can involve portions of the shell222other than the bottom portion236. Furthermore, any of a variety of alternative cooperative locking configurations (e.g., involving a flange, a hook or clip) could be associated with a support member and a shell of an exemplary support structure to selectively limit movement of the support member along the movement path.FIG. 5Balso depicts a retention member230that can be integrally formed with the shell222, such as is the retention member130depicted inFIG. 4B.

FIG. 6A and 6Bdepict cargo carrying systems involving exemplary support structures in use. In each ofFIGS. 6A and 6B, a support structure20is shown as being associated with a bed floor14and a closure member16of a truck bed. A user can disengage the cooperative locking configuration60by slightly lifting the front edge58of the support member24which accordingly removes the flange61from the recessed region62to permit movement of the support member24along the movement path. Although the retention member(s) (e.g.,30) can generally prevent up/down movement of the support member while the support member is in its first position, it is to be understood that sufficient vertical movement of the support member24shall be permitted by the retention member(s) if necessary to enable an operator to disengage the flange61from the recessed region62.

Once the support member24is extended from the shell22through the opening in the first end portion, the support member24can be supported by various mechanisms while the operator removes or adds the spare tire26to the support member24. For example,FIG. 6Aillustrates in dashed lines how the support member24can be extended to a second position. The support member24can be supported along its front edge58by a ledge71defined by a shell73that is depicted as being associated with the shell22. Movement of the support member24along the movement path can be substantially prevented by causing the flange61to engage a recessed region72in the ledge71. An operator can then return the support member24to its first position by lifting the front edge58such that the flange61is removed from the recessed region72, and by then sliding the support member24back into the shell22. The support member24can then lock into the shell22when the flange61engages the recessed region62.

As another example,FIG. 6Billustrates in dashed lines how the support member24can be extended to a third position. After the support member24is moved from the first position to the second position (e.g., shown in dashed lines inFIG. 6A), the front edge58of the support member can be lifted vertically and can be supported upon a ledge81defined by the shell73. The support member24can be prevented from falling by engaging the flange61with a recessed region82in the ledge81. An operator can then return the support member24to its first position by lifting the front edge58such that the flange61is removed from the recessed region82, by lowering the front edge58, and then by sliding the support member24back into the shell22. The support member24can then lock into the shell22when the flange61engages the recessed region62. Although flange/recess configurations are depicted inFIGS. 6A and 6Bfor securing the support member in its second and third positions, it should be understood that alternate cooperative locking configurations (e.g., an aligned aperture arrangement, a hook, a clasp) might be provided to inhibit sliding movement of the support member when the support member is removed from its first position (e.g., as when placed into one of the second or third positions). In still another exemplary embodiment, the support member24can be cantileverly supported by the shell22such that the front edge58is substantially unsupported by any ledge during removal of the spare tire26by an operator.

As depicted byFIG. 5A, a stopper63can be attached to the shell22(e.g., disposed adjacent to the second end portion34) and can be configured to engage the support member24in order to prevent overtravel along the movement path by the support member24and/or to retain a rear edge59of the support member24. It is important to note that the components of an exemplary support structure can be formed from various materials known and appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, the materials could include metals, alloys, plastics, composites or combinations thereof. Also, although the specific embodiments discussed herein primarily relate to the use of an exemplary support structure in conjunction with a pickup truck, it should be understood that a support structure in accordance with the present invention can also be associated with other types of motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles, including but not limited to cars, sport-utility vehicles, recreational vehicles, construction equipment, trailers, campers, and a variety of other vehicles.

The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments and examples of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed, and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and various embodiments as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is hereby intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.