Patent ID: 7249927

Claim:
A storage rack connectable to a mounting structure of a vehicle for supporting a tire, comprising: a load supporting structure adapted to support the tire when the tire is associated with the load supporting structure; a swing arm assembly connected to the load supporting structure, the swing arm assembly being attachable to the mounting structure of the vehicle and adapted to permit the storage rack to move between an open position and closed position; and a lift assembly for facilitating lifting of the tire to the load supporting structure whereby the tire can be supported by the load supporting structure and thus the vehicle when the swing arm assembly connects the load supporting structure to the mounting structure of the vehicle, and wherein the lift assembly comprises: a lift member pivotally connected to the load supporting structure; and a lever connected to the lift member so as to permit the lift assembly to be folded to a folded position and moved to an extended position, the lever forming a ramp when the lever is positioned in the extended position whereby the tire can be rolled up the ramp formed by the lever and subsequently lifted to the load supporting structure by movement of the lift member toward the load supporting structure by lifting the lever.