This vehicle body rear structure includes a tire pan provided to protrude downward from a floor of a vehicle rear section and including a spare tire fixing portion configured to fix a center portion of a spare tire, and a jack base provided on the tire pan, and the jack base extends downward from the tire pan on a rear side with respect to a vehicle body, and has a front end portion continuously extending from the spare tire fixing portion to a front side of the vehicle body.

A spare tire mount for the rear of a motor vehicle has a first outer support frame with a second, inner support frame nested inside and releasably connected to the first frame. Both frames extend laterally across the back of the vehicle and extend upward at an angle. Both frames rotate about a vertical joint at the rear bumper so the frames rotate toward and away from the vehicle. The second frame holds the spare tire and rotates about a horizontal axis. A wire rope winds around a reel on the first frame with the rope connected to the second frame to raise and lower the second frame and tire as they rotate about the first horizontal axis—toward and away from the first frame and ground. The reel is rotated by a worm screw and worm wheel.

A lifting system for generating a lifting force on a portion of a vehicle includes a vehicle wheel and a force-generating mechanism structured to be received inside a rim cavity of the wheel. The force-generating mechanism is also structured to be operably connected to a frame of a vehicle. A bearing member is operably connected to the force-generating mechanism. The bearing member is structured to transmit a force generated by the force-generating mechanism to a surface in physical contact with the bearing member. The bearing member is also structured for operably connecting the wheel to the force-generating mechanism. Force applied by the force-generating mechanism may be sufficient to lift a portion of the vehicle off of a ground surface, or the force may only be sufficient to apply a parking brake force without lifting the vehicle.

A lifting system for generating a lifting force on a portion of a vehicle includes a vehicle wheel and a force-generating mechanism structured to be received inside a rim cavity of the wheel. The force-generating mechanism is also structured to be operably connected to a frame of a vehicle. A bearing member is operably connected to the force-generating mechanism. The bearing member is structured to transmit a force generated by the force-generating mechanism to a surface in physical contact with the bearing member. The bearing member is also structured for operably connecting the wheel to the force-generating mechanism. Force applied by the force-generating mechanism may be sufficient to lift a portion of the vehicle off of a ground surface, or the force may only be sufficient to apply a parking brake force without lifting the vehicle.

A tire storage device includes a base plate, a frame, and a storage container. The base plate secures the device to the frame of a semi-truck behind the cab. The storage container is also coupled to the base plate and includes a door and latch to provide selective access to an internal volume for the storage and access of tools used to facilitate changing tires on the truck. The frame supports one or more wheels. A lifting mechanism is included to raise and lower the wheels to and from the ground. A motor is selectively operated to facilitate movement. A guard is optionally included to maintain hoses at safe distances from the storage device.

A cable hoist system for a spare tire carrier in a vehicle includes a housing; a drive cable; a reel assembly; and a drive mechanism. A first gear assembly of the drive mechanism includes a control plate member connected to a first gear using at least two frangible connectors. The at least two frangible connectors connecting the control plate member and the first gear provides a frangible connection in the first gear assembly such that, when the first gear assembly is subject to a force exceeding a predetermined value caused by momentum of a spare tire applied through the reel assembly and a second gear of a second gear assembly, the at least two frangible connectors break to allow the first gear to move relative to the control plate member such that the second gear and the reel assembly can rotate to allow for pay out of the drive cable.

A wheel jack holder for a vehicle may include a holder base having at least one sliding member formed at each of first and second side portions of the holder base, whereby a wheel jack is configured for being placed on the holder base; and a pair of holder arms, each having a sliding rod formed at a first surface thereof, wherein the sliding rod is slidably inserted into a hole of the sliding member. The pair of holder arms may move away from each other when receiving force from the wheel jack to be fixed to a wheel rim of a wheel.

Exemplary spare tire cover systems for motor vehicles may include features for assisting in raising/lowering a spare tire to/from a vehicle mounted position. Exemplary system features may include, but are not limited to, a deployable ramp, a wheel stop, a wheel catcher, and a strut assembly for moving the deployable ramp between stowed and deployed positions. The spare tire cover systems may additionally include features designed for increasing the functionality of the system, including but not limited to integrated deployable steps and handrails, lighting, sensors, etc.

An automobile spare tire anti-theft device is disclosed. In an embodiment, the device includes a cap and retainer assembly. The cap can be configured to cover a portion of the yoke and the cable coupling extending from the underside of the yoke, including for example an extension and spring assembly. The cap can be secured in place by engaging the cap retainer positioned on the opposite side of the hub of the rim. Example features of example embodiments of the cap and retainer are disclosed herein.

A spare tire carrier for vehicles which includes a support arm for mounting a spare tire thereon and a cooperating tubular assembly coupled to a fixed end of the support arm for mounting the support arm to a vehicle. The cooperating tubular assembly includes upper and lower opposed guide plates which provide for relative rotational movement there between to simultaneously effect pivotal movement of the support arm with respect to the cooperative tubular assembly while effecting rotational movement of the support arm about its central axis. The spare tire carrier can be mounted to the underside of trucks, vans, recreational vehicles, campers, trailers, and other motorized and non-motorized and towed vehicles.