US20210129925A1 - Spare Tire Carrier - Google Patents
Spare Tire Carrier Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210129925A1 US20210129925A1 US16/803,721 US202016803721A US2021129925A1 US 20210129925 A1 US20210129925 A1 US 20210129925A1 US 202016803721 A US202016803721 A US 202016803721A US 2021129925 A1 US2021129925 A1 US 2021129925A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- side plate
- arm
- support tube
- opening
- tire
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D43/00—Spare wheel stowing, holding, or mounting arrangements
- B62D43/02—Spare wheel stowing, holding, or mounting arrangements external to the vehicle body
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R9/00—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
- B60R9/06—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0001—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position
- B60R2011/004—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position outside the vehicle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
- B60R2011/0049—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for non integrated articles
- B60R2011/005—Connection with the vehicle part
- B60R2011/0052—Connection with the vehicle part using screws, bolts, rivets or the like
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
- B60R2011/0049—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for non integrated articles
- B60R2011/0064—Connection with the article
- B60R2011/0066—Connection with the article using screws, bolts, rivets or the like
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
- B60R2011/008—Adjustable or movable supports
- B60R2011/0085—Adjustable or movable supports with adjustment by rotation in their operational position
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
Abstract
A spare tire carrier has a base tube. A first side plate and second side plate are attached to the base tube. A first pin is disposed between the first side plate and second side plate. A support tube is configured to pivot around the first pin. A tire support bracket is attached to the support tube. A retainer bolt is attached to the support tube above the tire support bracket.
Description
- The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/930,718, filed Nov. 5, 2019, which application is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates in general to motor vehicles and, more particularly, to a flexible-use spare tire carrier for motor vehicles.
- Many vehicles sold today have no spare tire included with the vehicle. Most vehicles that do have spare tires included with the vehicle have a spare that is of limited durability and very limited mileage, typically just enough to get the vehicle to a facility for tire repair or replacement. The spare tires tend to be much smaller than the normal tires to fit in a small compartment or storage compartment.
- Having a regular size tire easily accessible as a spare makes longer distance travel less stressful. Many have designed and marketed spare tire carriers. However, the spare tire carriers currently on the market have serious limitations and inconveniences. Therefore, a need exists for an improved spare tire carrier.
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FIGS. 1a-1d illustrate a spare tire carrier; -
FIGS. 2a-2d illustrate putting together a base tube assembly of the spare tire carrier; -
FIGS. 3a-3f illustrate putting together a support tube assembly of the spare tire carrier; -
FIGS. 4a-4g illustrate installing the spare tire carrier on a vehicle and storing a tire on the carrier; and -
FIGS. 5a-5g illustrate various lowered positions of the spare tire carrier. - The present invention is described in one or more embodiments in the following description with reference to the figures, in which like numerals represent the same or similar elements. While the invention is described in terms of the best mode for achieving the invention's objectives, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents as supported by the following disclosure and drawings.
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FIGS. 1a-1d illustrate four perspective views ofspare tire carrier 10. Sparetire carrier 10 is designed to attach to a trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle and hold a spare tire for convenient storage and access. Hitchmount base tube 20 is configured to be insertable into a hitch receiver to installspare tire carrier 10 onto a vehicle.Base tube 20 of the illustrated embodiment is a 2-inch square tube, 16 inches in length, that fits a typical receiver tube of today's trailer hitch receivers. A different size or type of trailer hitch shank can be used forbase tube 20 in other embodiments for different hitch receiver configurations.Base tube 20 is typically extruded steel, but other manufacturing methods and materials are used in other embodiments.Holes 22 are formed horizontally throughbase tube 20 to accept a trailer hitch pin. The trailer hitch pin extends throughholes 22 ofbase tube 20 and corresponding holes in the hitch receiver tube to holdspare tire carrier 10 in the hitch receiver. -
Base tube 20 holdscarrier 10 in a trailer hitch receiver whilesupport tube 30 holds a spare tire on the carrier.Tire support bracket 32 is attached to supporttube 30 and has two arms 33 configured to support the weight of a spare tire setting on the arms.Tire support bracket 32 is attached to supporttube 30 by a pair ofbolts 34.Bolts 34 are inserted through openings ofbracket 32 andsupport tube 30, and held in place bynuts 36.Washers 38 are disposed ontobolts 34 prior to installingnuts 36 on the bolts to increase the surface area of contact between the nuts andsupport tube 30. Self-locking nuts 36 can be used to help reduce the likelihood of the nuts falling offbolts 34. -
Tire support bracket 32 supports the weight of the spare tire whileretainer plate 40 holds the spare tire oncarrier 10. A sparetire holding bracket 42 is attached to supporttube 30 with aretainer bolt 44 extending from the spare tire holding bracket to holdretainer plate 40. Awasher 45 is inserted onto the shank ofbolt 44 between the head of the bolt andbracket 42. Anut 46 is used to hold thebolt 44 securely onbracket 42.Nut 48 is disposed onbolt 44 between the two arms ofbracket 42.Nut 48 can be turned away fromnut 46 to expand the arms ofbracket 42 away from each other and loosen the bracket onsupport tube 30. Washer 50 andnut 52 are disposed onbolt 44 on the complete opposite side ofbracket 42 from the bolt head.Nut 52 can be tightened toward the head ofbolt 44 to tighten the arms ofbracket 42 ontosupport tube 30. - To store a spare tire on
carrier 10, the spare tire is set ontire support bracket 32 withbolt 44 extending through the center of the wheel.Retainer plate 40 is turned down onbolt 44 withwasher 54 andnut 56 until the retainer plate is pressing the spare tire againstsupport tube 30. -
Support tube 30 is attached tobase tube 20 via a pair ofside plates 70 and a system of bolts and pins.Bolts 72 are first inserted through openings in one of the side plates 70 (side plate 70 a in the figures), then through openings inbase tube 20, and finally through openings in the other side plate (side plate 70 b in the figures).Washers 73 andnuts 74 are used on the other side ofbolts 72 from the bolt heads to pressside plates 70 againstbase tube 20.Nuts 74 are locking nuts in one embodiment. Abolt 76 extends through openings at the top ofside plates 70 and is held in place bynut 77. Aspacer 78 is disposed onbolt 76 between the side plates. Bolt 76 andnut 77 holds the tops ofside plates 70 in position whilespacer 78 maintains the spacing between the side plates.Spacer 78 is formed to a length that is the same or substantially the same as the width ofbase tube 20 to keepside plates 70 parallel with each other. - A bottom end of
support tube 30 is attached toside plates 70 viapin 80.Support tube 30 is disposed with the bottom end of the support tube betweensupport plates 70 and an opening through the support tube aligned with openings through the support plates.Pin 80 is inserted through the openings ofside plates 70 andsupport tube 30, and then aretaining pin 81 is disposed on the end of the pin to retain the pin within the openings. The openings ofsupport tube 30 thatpin 80 extends through are large enough that the support tube is able to rotate about the pin. - Rotating
support tube 30 aroundpin 80 adjusts the angle of the support tube relative tobase tube 20. Pins 82 a-82 c are inserted through openings ofside plates 70, similar to the openings forpin 80. Retaining clips 83 a-83 c are used to keep the pins in the openings ofside plates 70. Pins 82 are used in combination withpin 80 to keepsupport tube 30 at certain angles relative tobase tube 20.Pin 82 a is positioned directly abovepin 80 and inserted through openings insupport tube 30 to hold the support tube vertically.Pins support tube 30, thereby maintaining the support tube in a substantially fixed position relative tobase tube 20. In some embodiments,support tube 30 leans slightly toward the vehicle in the vertical position to improve balance of the spare tire onpin 80 and reduce the likelihood of a spare tire falling off the carrier.Pin 82 a can be removed tolower support tube 30 down to another position. - For temporary lowering,
support tube 30 can be lowered down and rested onpin 82 b without removing any of the pins other than pin 82 a. Settingsupport tube 30 onpin 82 b provides an intermediate angle of the support tube that is generally sufficient to open hatch backs or tailgates of vehicles.Support tube 30 can be lowered farther by removingpin 82 b, and then re-insertingpin 82 b through the same holes and also through the holes ofsupport tube 30.Pin 83 c can be used for an even lower angle ofsupport tube 30. Likepin 82 b,support tube 30 can rest onpin 83 c without removing the pin, or pin 83 c can be inserted through thesupport tube 30.Pin 83 c is positioned to holdsupport tube 30 substantially horizontal, i.e., parallel tobase tube 20, whenpin 83 c is inserted throughside plates 70 and the support tube. Usage of the various lowered positions ofsupport tube 30 is explained in detail below. -
Spare tire carrier 10 is conveniently sold and shipped because each of the parts can be distributed separately and then easily assembled by a retailer or end user. Alternatively, the carrier can be shipped and sold in an assembled state.FIGS. 2a-2d illustrate the parts of the base tube assembly ofcarrier 10 withbase tube 20 andside plates 70. -
FIG. 2a showsbase tube 20 in detail.Base tube 20 has a length indicated by the L axis inFIG. 2a , a width indicated by the W axis, and a height indicated by the H axis. The width and height ofbase tube 20 are both two inches to meet the hitch receiver standard. The height and width can be adjusted to fit other hitch receiver standards as necessary, e.g., 1.25-inch or 2.5-inch receivers.Base tube 20 can be non-square or non-rectangular in other embodiments if desired. The length ofbase tube 20 is sixteen inches. The length can be modified as desired to adjust the distance ofsupport tube 30 from the hitch receiver. -
Base tube 20 has a substantially square profile when viewed along the length axis. The square profile is formed by four equally sized sides ofbase tube 20,sides 200 and top andbottom 202. Other shapes beside square could be used if a trailer hitch receiver standard called for other shapes, although typically only square would be used. A side wall thickness ofsides 200 and top andbottom 202 is 0.187 inches. Top and bottom 202 are identical to each other, andsides 200 are also identical to each other.Base tube 20 can be flipped over 180-degrees around the L axis and there would be no readily apparent difference to a viewer. -
Base tube 20 has afirst end 203 a and asecond end 203 b. First end 203 a is the end ofbase tube 20 that is inserted into a hitch receiver.Second end 203 b is the end ofbase tube 20 that will haveside plates 70 mounted thereto.Openings 22 are formed in bothsides 200 to accept a pin to holdbase tube 20 within a hitch receiver.Openings 22 are formed 2.5 inches fromend 203 a, although the exact distance is not critical, and are centered between top andbottom 200. A diameter ofopenings 22 is 0.63 inches to fit the standard hitch receiver retaining pin. -
Openings sides 200 at 1.25 and 4.75 inches fromend 203 b, respectively.Openings side plates 70 to allow the side plates to be mounted by bolts.Openings bottom 202. -
FIG. 2b shows a perspective view ofside plate 70.Side plate 70 is cut from a ¼-inch thick sheet of hot-rolled steel in one embodiment.Holes side plate 70.Side plate 70 has arear edge 710 that will be oriented away from the vehicle whencarrier 10 is installed, andfront edge 712 opposite the rear edge.Holes bottom edge 714 so that, whenholes holes base tube 20, the bottom of the base tube aligns withbottom edges 714 ofside plates 70.Hole 700 is formed 1.25 inches fromrear edge 710, andhole 702 is formed 4.75 inches from the rear edge, so thatholes holes base tube 20 whileend 203 b of the base tube aligns withrear edge 710 ofside plate 70.Holes holes base tube 20. -
Hole 704 corresponds to the location ofpin 80 inFIGS. 1a-1d , while holes 706 a-706 c correspond to the locations of pins 82 a-82 c, respectively.Holes 704 and 706 a-706 c each have a diameter of 0.630 inches. Each hole 706 a-706 c has a center that is 3.5 inches from a center ofhole 704 to match a distance between corresponding holes ofsupport tube 30.Hole 706 a is oriented directly abovehole 704, i.e., in a direction parallel torear edge 710 andfront edge 712. The vertical alignment ofholes support tube 30 vertical when the support tube is aligned withopenings Hole 706 b is angled down 67 degrees from vertical. That is, a line through the centers ofholes front edge 712. The location ofhole 706 b controls the angle ofsupport tube 30 when the support tube is aligned withhole 706 b or resting onpin 82 b. The angle ofsupport tube 30 when the support tube is supported bypin 82 b can be customized by adjusting the location ofhole 706 b.Hole 706 c is located directly behindhole 704, i.e., in a direction parallel tobottom edge 714. The horizontal alignment ofholes support tube 30 horizontal when the support tube is aligned withopenings -
Hole 708 is formed in the top-front corner ofside plates 70 for placement ofbolt 76 andspacer 78, shown inFIG. 2c near the intersection offront edge 712 andtop edge 716.Hole 708 is formed near the front ofside plate 70 to be out of the normal range of motion ofsupport tube 30.Bolt 76 withspacer 78 will help block motion ofsupport tube 30 toward the vehicle, which will help reduce the likelihood of the support tube inadvertently swinging forward and damaging the vehicle. Opening 706 has a ¼-inch diameter in one embodiment.Bolt 76 is a ¼-inch bolt, and spacer 87 is a two-inch long tube with a ½-inch outer diameter and a ¼-inch inner diameter. Other sizes can be used in other embodiments.Nut 77 can be a locking nut. -
FIG. 2d showsbase tube 20 andside plates 70 assembled. Two substantiallyidentical side plates 70 are used, with one side plate disposed on each side ofbase tube 20.Openings side plates 70 are aligned toholes base tube 20 so thatbolts 72 can be disposed through the holes of both side plates and the base tube.Washers 73 andnuts 74 are disposed onbolts 72 opposite the bolt heads and tightened down to attachside plates 70 tobase tube 20.Bolts 72 are ½-inch bolts to correspond to the size of the holes.Nut 74 is a locking nut in some embodiments. At this stage of assemblingcarrier 10,nuts 74 can be tightened just enough to holdside plates 70 close tobase tube 20, allowing some shift in the relative positions to ensure sufficient alignment of other parts being assembled. -
Spacer 78 is disposed betweenopenings 708 ofside plates 70, and then bolt 76 is disposed through bothopenings 708 and the spacer.Nut 77 is screwed down ontobolt 76 opposite the bolt head to tighten down the tops ofside plates 70 againstspacer 78. As with nuts 75,nut 77 can be left slightly loose to allow a little movement of the parts' relative positions to accommodate later alignment. - Next,
FIGS. 3a-3f show the upper portion ofcarrier 10, withsupport tube 30,tire support bracket 32, andretainer plate 40 being assembled.Support tube 30 has a length of 36 inches indicated by the L axis inFIG. 3a . Alonger support tube 30 could be used to allow storage of larger spare tires, or a shorter support tube could be used.Support tube 30 has a width and height of two inches to match the width and height ofbase tube 20.Support tube 30 andbase tube 20 can be extruded using the same die and material, and simply cut to different lengths and have holes drilled at different locations. The two-inch width ofsupport tube 30 allows the support tube to fit snugly betweenside plates 70, which reduces lateral motion of the support tube and rattling between the support tube and side plates while driving withcarrier 10 installed. -
Support tube 30 has side faces 300, front and back faces 302,bottom end 303 a, andtop end 303 b. Each side has a thickness of 0.188 inches. As withbase tube 20,support tube 30 is symmetrical. Side faces 300 are identical to each other, and front and back faces 302 are identical to each other.Holes bottom end 303 a.Hole 304 is formed with a center that is one inch frombottom end 303 a, andhole 306 is formed 4.5 inches from the bottom end.Hole 304 is the hole thatpin 80 extends through to allowsupport tube 30 to pivot relative tobase tube 20.Hole 304 is close enough tolower end 303 a that the lower end will not contactbase tube 20 while rotating. - The gap of 3.5 inches between
holes hole 704 and each of holes 706 a-706 c to allowhole 306 to line up with any of the holes 706 whensupport tube 30 pivots around the pin throughholes Holes holes 704 and 706.Holes 58 are formed at a distance of 6 inches and 19.5 inches fromtop end 303 b, and with diameters of 1.0 inch. Each ofholes -
Holes 308 are drilled through both front and back faces 302 with a diameter of 0.375 inches.Holes 308 are centered between side faces 300 at a distance of 7 inches and 8.5 inches frombottom end 303 a. The 1.5 inch spacing betweenholes 308 matches a spacing of 1.5 inches betweenholes 328 oftire support bracket 32.Holes 328 also have diameters of 0.375 inches to matchholes 308. -
Tire support bracket 32 has an overall width of 12 inches illustrated by the W axis inFIG. 3a , with two arms 33 having lengths of 6 inches each illustrated by the LB axis. The height ofbracket 32, illustrated by the H axis, is 2.5 inches. A thickness of bracket 342 is 0.25 inches.Bracket 32 can be cut into a two-foot by 2.5-inch piece from a ¼-inch sheet of hot-rolled steel, and then holes 328 are drilled and arms 33 are bent to ninety-degree angles. - The centers of
holes 328 are drilled 1.5 inches apart, and 0.5 inches from the top and bottom ofbracket 32. The centers ofholes 328 are 4.5 inches fromleft arm 33 a and 7.5 inches fromright arm 33 b, which means thatside 32 b sticks out an extra 3 inches from the center ofsupport tube 30 compared toside 32 a ofbracket 32. The purpose of mountingbracket 32 off center is to align the center ofbracket 32 withretainer bolt 44, as will be explained below. -
Bracket 32 is attached to supportbracket 34 bybolts 34.Bolts 34 have a 3-inch length and ⅜-inch shank diameter.Bracket 32 is disposed adjacent to supportbracket 30 withholes 328 aligned toholes 308.Bolts 34 are disposed throughholes Washers 38 andnuts 36 are used to tighten downbracket 32 againstsupport tube 30.Nuts 36 can be left somewhat loose to allow later adjustment ofbracket 32, or fully tightened down at this stage. Adjustment ofbracket 32 is usually not necessary. -
Bolts 34 have a smooth domed head to givebracket 32 an exposed face that is smooth. In other embodiments,bolts 34 have heads with a driving mechanism such as a phillips screw drive, torxs drive, or an external hex drive.Bolts 34 have knurled splines 340 formed on the shank adjacent to the head to reduce rotation withinholes 328 when trying to tighten nuts 36. Alternatively,bolts 34 can be carriage bolts. -
FIG. 3b illustrates sparetire holding bracket 42 that is used to attachretainer bolt 44 to supporttube 30.Bracket 42 has arear portion 420 that provides a two-inch width to the bracket. The two-inch width corresponds to the two-inch width ofsupport tube 30, which allows twoarms 422 ofbracket 42 to both set in contact with respective side surfaces 300 ofsupport tube 30. In one embodiment,arms 422 are 2.02 inches apart from each other.Arms 422 each have a length of 3.25 inches withholes 424 formed 0.75 inches from the ends of eachrespective arm 422 oppositerear portion 420.Bracket 42 has a two-inch height withholes 424 having a 0.512-inch diameter and being centered within the height.Bracket 42 can be formed from a sheet of rolled steel 0.188 inches thick. The sheet is cut to size, holes 424 are drilled, and bent to formarms 422. -
FIG. 3c illustrates sparetire holding bracket 42 assembled withretainer bolt 44.Bolt 44 is an eight-inch long and ½-inch diameter bolt in one embodiment.Bolt 44 is inserted through one of theopenings 424 withwasher 45 between the bolt head andbracket 42, andnuts second opening 424.Nut 46 is tightened down on thefirst arm 424 a to holdbolt 44 withinbracket 42.Nut 46 is a locking nut in some embodiments.Nut 48 is provided betweenarms 424 as a means to temporarily increase physical separation between the two arms. As illustrated inFIG. 3c ,nut 48 is screwed againstarm 424 b to stretchbracket 42 and increase the gap betweenarms 424. The increased gap is used to facilitate sliding ofbracket 42 ontosupport arm 30. -
Nut 52 andwasher 50 can be added at this stage or oncebracket 42 is installed onsupport arm 30. Ifnut 52 is added before the positioning procedure shown inFIG. 3d , the nut should be loosely installed to ensure that the position ofbracket 42 is adjustable onsupport tube 30.Bracket 42 is installed onsupport tube 30 by sliding the bracket ontotop end 303 b and down toward the middle of the support tube.Bracket 42 is installed withretainer bolt 44 extending away fromsupport tube 30 in parallel to, and in the same direction as, arms 33 oftire support bracket 32. - Once
bracket 32 andbracket 42 withbolt 44 are disposed onsupport tube 30, the tube can be laid on top of the tire to be carried in order to properly position the bolt. The tire can be disposed on the ground or a floor.FIG. 3d showssupport tube 30 set ontire 90 in roughly the position that the tire would be in during storage oncarrier 10. Arms 33 ofbracket 32 are in contact withtire 90, andbolt 44 is positioned to extend through center opening 92 of the wheel without touching the inside of the opening. Ifbolt 44 does not extend throughopening 92 with arms 33 in contact withtire 90, the user adjusts the position ofbracket 42 onsupport tube 30 until the bolt is withinopening 92. - With
bolt 44 properly positioned,nut 48 can be loosened away fromarm 424 b to allowarms 424 to compress ontosupport tube 30. A mark can be made onsupport tube 30 next tobracket 42 so that the position can be recalled without having to go through the same exercise.Nuts 36 can be tightened to fix the position ofbracket 32 once the lateral position ofbolt 44 is confirmed withinopening 92.Support tube 30 can then be picked up, andnut 52 can be tightened down to increase the clamping force ofarms 424 againstsupport tube 30. A lock washer can be added betweenarm 424 b andnut 52 instead of or along withflat washer 50. -
FIG. 3e showsbrackets support tube 30. When a tire is sitting on arms 33,bolt 44 should extend through the middle of the tire. The nature ofbracket 42 results inretainer bolt 44 being disposed off to one side or the other ofsupport tube 30.Bolt 44 and the longer side ofbracket 32 can be disposed on either side ofsupport tube 30, but both should be on the same side of the support tube to ensure proper alignment. Ideally,bolt 44 will be located directly above the center ofbracket 32, although any location ofbolt 44 will work as long as the bolt can extend through a tire to be loaded onto the carrier. -
FIG. 3f illustrates detail ofretainer plate 40.Retainer plate 40 goes ontoretainer bolt 44 with a spare tire between the retainer plate andsupport tube 30 to hold the tire.Nut 56 is used to holdretainer plate 40 onbolt 44.Retainer plate 40 has a length of 8 inches, a height of 1.5 inches, and a thickness of 0.38 inches. A 0.5-inch opening 402 is formed through the center ofplate 40 to accommodatebolt 44.Plate 40 can be cut from a sheet of hot rolled steel. -
FIGS. 4a-4g illustrate installingcarrier 10 on avehicle 100.Vehicle 100 is an SUV that includes arear hatchback door 102.Carrier 10 is also compatible with other types of hatchback vehicles, pickups and other vehicles with tailgates that swing downward, and any other vehicle with a hitch receiver.Hatchback door 102 can be opened prior to installingcarrier 10 if desired.Vehicle 100 includes ahitch receiver 104 configured to the same standard asbase tube 20 ofcarrier 10, e.g., to accept a 2-inch by 2-inch tube. - Installing
carrier 10 begins by insertingbase tube 20 intohitch receiver 104 withside plates 70 oriented upward as shown inFIG. 4a .Hitch receiver 104 includesholes 105 that correspond toholes 22 ofbase tube 20.Base tube 20 is inserted intohitch receiver 104 untilholes 22 are aligned withholes 105.Pin 106 is inserted throughholes base tube 20 intohitch receiver 104.Pin 106 is a ⅝-inch diameter pin to correspond to the size of the holes. A retainer pin can be used to keeppin 106 inholes pin 106 that requires a key to remove the pin can be used to reduce the likelihood of theft ofcarrier 10. -
FIG. 4b illustrates attachingsupport tube 30 tobase tube 20 viaside plates 70 to completecarrier 10.Lower end 303 a ofsupport tube 30 is inserted betweenside plates 70 withbolt 44 and arms 33 oftire support bracket 32 extending away fromrear door 102.Support tube 30 is positioned so thatopenings 304 ofsides 300 are aligned withopenings 704 ofside plates 70.Pin 80 is inserted throughopenings bottom end 303 a betweenside plates 70.Pin 80 is a ⅝-inch diameter pin to correspond to the sizes of the openings. A locking pin that requires a key to remove can be used to reduce the likelihood ofsupport tube 30 being stolen, potentially along with a spare tire. -
Pin 80 allowssupport tube 30 to pivot or rotate about the pin betweenside plates 70, as illustrated inFIG. 4c . Movement in the direction ofarrow 110 is referred to as lowering, and movement in the direction ofarrow 112 is referred to as raising. Loweringsupport tube 30 allowsrear door 102 to be opened without removingcarrier 10 ortire 90 once stored. - Pins 82 a-82 c are inserted through holes 706 a-706 c, respectively, in
FIG. 4d . Pins 82 a-82 c have ⅝-inch diameters to match their respective openings. For initial storage oftire 90,support tube 30 is positioned vertically withpin 82 a through not only holes 706 a ofside plates 70, but also holes 306 of the support tube.Pins support tube 30. In combination, pins 80 and 82 a extending through bothside plates 70 andsupport tube 30 results in the support tube being maintained in a substantially vertical orientation. - At this stage, with
carrier 10 completely assembled and installed onvehicle 100, all of the bolts that were previously left slightly loose to allow some play in components can be fully tightened down. Typically, atleast bolts side plates 70 and ensure proper fit ofsupport tube 30.Bolts 34 that hold ontire support bracket 32 may also have been left loose and need to be tightened. All nuts and bolts included withcarrier 10 should be tightened prior to or at this stage, other thannut 56 that holds on the spare tire. -
FIG. 4e showstire 90 hoisted up ontotire support bracket 32 ofcarrier 10. With the weight oftire 90 being supported bybracket 32, the tire is leaned forward as indicated byarrow 114 so thatbolt 44 extends through the middle of the tire.Tire 90 can also be lifted in a vertical orientation and placed withbolt 44 through the tire before setting the tire down onbracket 32. -
FIGS. 4f and 4g showtire 90 resting oncarrier 10 with the storage of the tire complete.Tire 90 rests onbracket 32.Bolt 44 extends through opening 92 oftire 90.Retainer plate 40 is disposed onretainer bolt 44 with the bolt extending throughopening 402.Washer 54 andnut 56 are disposed onbolt 44 to holdretainer plate 40 on the bolt. A lock washer can be disposed betweenwasher 54 andnut 56 to reduce the likelihood of the nut falling offbolt 44 accidentally.Nut 56 could also be a locking nut. In other embodiments,nut 56 is welded or otherwise attached toretainer plate 40. All nuts and bolts included withcarrier 10 should be tightened prior to or at this stage. -
Retainer plate 40 is wider than opening 92 oftire 90 so that asnut 56 is tightened down onbolt 44 the retainer plate presses against the tire.Nut 56 can be tightened down fairly tightly to presstire 90 againstsupport tube 30 and limit the movement of the tire during storage. A ⅜-inch or ½-inch wrench should be used to ensurenut 56 is sufficiently tight.Tire 90 is removed fromcarrier 10 by unscrewingnut 56 and removingretainer plate 40, then lifting the tire offcarrier 10. Withtire 90 removed,carrier 10 can be removed fromvehicle 100 and stored in one piece by removingpin 106. - A chain, cable, rope, or other suitable mechanism can be threaded through opening 92 of
tire 90 andopenings 58 ofsupport tube 30 as an extra layer of safety and security.FIGS. 4f and 4g show achain 116 withpadlock 118.Chain 116 is threaded through theupper openings 58, around one side oftire 90, and throughopening 92.Chain 116 operates as an extra retaining mechanism incase retaining plate 40 fails by breaking, bynut 56 coming unscrewed, or in any other failure mode of the retaining plate.Chain 116 will greatly reduce the likelihood that tire 90 falls fromcarrier 10 while driving. Using apadlock 118 also provides security against theft oftire 90 fromcarrier 10. -
FIGS. 5a- 5g show carrier 10 in lowered positions.FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate the first lowered position, which is approximately a 45-degree angle betweensupport tube 30 and vertical. Tolower support tube 30 to the first lowered position, pin 82 a is removed to allow the support tube to pivot aroundpin 80.Pin 82 b remains inside plates 70, andsupport tube 30 is then lowered to rest onpin 82 b.Pin 82 a can be reinstalled intoopenings 706 a after loweringsupport tube 30 to reduce the likelihood of losing the pin. Alternatively, a single pin 82 can be used and simply moved between openings 706 a-706 c as desired. - The first lowered position holds
support tube 30 at an angle that is generally low enough to allowrear door 102 to be opened.FIG. 5b showsarc 120 thatdoor 102 makes as the door opens and closes. The first lowered position provides just enough clearance to allow the door to open without contactingcarrier 10. The exact position of opening 706 b can be customized to a particular vehicle to provide a near exact minimum clearance for the vehicle's rear door or tailgate, e.g., withdoor 102 swinging within an inch ofsupport tube 40. A slightly lower-diameter bolt 82 b can be used to provide a slightly greater clearance for a particular vehicle if the door hitscarrier 10 in the first lowered position. - The first lowered position in
FIGS. 5a and 5b will usually be the position that will be used the most because it allows full access to the back of the vehicle and can easily be returned to the vertical position without having to lift the full weight of the tire. However, pin 82 b only limits downward motion ofsupport tube 30, so the support tube is still free to rotate aroundpin 80 abovepin 82 b. Driving whilecarrier 10 is lowered should only be done if a pin 82 is disposed through one set of openings 706 ofside plates 70 andopenings 306 ofsupport tube 30 to secure the support tube andtire 90 in the lowered position. - A second lowered position is illustrated in
FIGS. 5c-5e . The second lowered position is achieved by removingpin 82 b, allowingsupport tube 30 to be lowered untilopenings 306 of the support tube are aligned withopenings 706 b ofside plates 70, and then reinsertingpin 82 b. Havingpin 82 b positioned throughsupport tube 30 limits the movement of the support tube in both the upward and downward direction, which means that the second lowered position is safer for use while driving the vehicle. - The second lowered position also provides sufficient access to cargo areas of SUVs or beds of trucks, as illustrated in
FIG. 5d wherecargo area 122 ofvehicle 100 is accessible. The second lowered position is a good option for longer-term use because the vehicle can be loaded, driven, and then unloaded repeatedly without having to adjustcarrier 10. The second lowered position also allows travel with furniture, lumber, or other longer cargo that extends out of the rear of the vehicle beyondcargo area 122 or beyond the end of the bed of a truck. -
FIGS. 5f and 5g illustratecarrier 10 in a third lowered position, or the horizontal position.Pin 82 b is removed to releasesupport tube 30 from the first or second lowered positions.Pin 82 a will also need to be removed ifsupport tube 30 is being changed from the vertical position. The horizontal position can provide a flat surface for placing things on the tire or for installing a structural platform for use as a table or other utility. The horizontal position may also be needed for some vehicles in order to fully access a cargo area. -
Spare tire carrier 10 allows a full-size spare tire to be carried, providing peace of mind in travelling longer distances that a tire failure would not be catastrophic. The spare tire carrier with multiple lowered positions allows avoiding more frequent handling and the space requirement of carrying a spare tire with other types of holders. There is no need to move or readjustcarrier 10 each time a cargo area is accessed.Spare tire carrier 10 also makes it easier to carry a damaged tire to a repair facility. Only a screw nut wrench is required to place the damaged tire on the carrier. - While an SUV is illustrated, the designs and features of
spare tire carrier 10 apply equally to pickups with a tailgate that lowers, or any other vehicle with a trailer hitch receiver. The specific lengths, widths, heights, thicknesses, and other measurements given above are all generally subject to modification as needed to fit differently sized trailer hitches, to increase strength, reduce costs, or for any other reason. Every part ofcarrier 10 is formed from steel unless otherwise indicated. In other embodiments, aluminum, copper, titanium, or other metals are used for some parts. Any other suitable material may be used as long as the material meets the load bearing requirements of a particular part. The specific order of steps described and illustrated above are merely a suggestion. The disclosed instructions can be performed in other suitable orders. The term locking nut can refer to either a nut with an integrated locking washer, or a normal nut used in combination with a separate locking washer. The term spare tire can refer to a tire that is specifically designated as being a spare, or any other tire. - While one or more embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, the skilled artisan will appreciate that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (24)
1. A tire carrier, comprising:
a base tube;
a first side plate attached to the base tube;
a second side plate attached to the base tube opposite the first side plate;
a first bolt disposed through the first side plate, base tube, and second side plate;
a second bolt disposed through the first side plate, base tube, and second side plate;
a first pin disposed through a first opening of the first side plate and a first opening of the second side plate, wherein the first pin extends directly over the base tube;
a support tube comprising a first opening formed through the support tube and a second opening formed through the support tube a first distance from the first opening of the support tube, wherein the support tube is configured to pivot around the first pin with the first pin disposed through the first opening of the support tube;
a pair of second openings formed through the first side plate and second side plate, wherein the second openings of the first side plate and second side plate are horizontally aligned with each other and with the first openings of the first side plate and second side plate, wherein a line from the second opening of the first side plate to the second opening of the second side plate extends directly over the base tube, and wherein the second opening of the first side plate is the first distance from the first opening of the first side plate and the second opening of the second side plate is the first distance from the first opening of the second side plate;
a pair of third openings formed through the first side plate and second side plate, wherein the third openings of the first side plate and second side plate are horizontally aligned with each other and vertically aligned with the first openings of the first side plate and second side plate, and wherein the third opening of the first side plate is the first distance from the first opening of the first side plate and the third opening of the second side plate is the first distance from the first opening of the second side plate;
a pair of fourth openings formed through the first side plate and second side plate, wherein the fourth openings of the first side plate and second side plate are horizontally aligned with each other and at a first angle from vertical relative to the first openings of the first side plate and second side plate, wherein the first angle is configured to allow a vehicle door to swing within an inch of the support tube without hitting the support tube when an outside side surface of the support tube is aligned with the fourth openings, and wherein the fourth opening of the first side plate is the first distance from the first opening of the first side plate and the fourth opening of the second side plate is the first distance from the first opening of the second side plate;
a tire support bracket attached to the support tube by a third bolt and a fourth bolt extending through the support tube and the tire support bracket, wherein the tire support bracket is formed from a first sheet of steel bent to form a first arm and second arm, wherein the first arm and second arm are configured to support a weight of a spare tire set on the tire support bracket, wherein the first arm of the tire support bracket is a second distance from a center of the support tube, and wherein the second arm of the tire support bracket is a third distance from the center of the support tube different from the second distance;
a spare tire holding bracket comprising a second sheet of steel bent to include a first arm and a second arm with the support tube disposed between the first arm and second arm of the spare tire holding bracket;
a retainer bolt extending through a first opening in the first arm of the spare tire holding bracket and a second opening in the second arm of the spare tire holding bracket, wherein the retainer bolt extends in a direction parallel to the first arm and second arm of the tire support bracket and is disposed equidistant from the first arm and second arm of the tire support bracket;
a first nut disposed on the retainer bolt between the first arm and second arm of the spare tire holding bracket, wherein the first nut is tightened down against a head of the retainer bolt with the first arm of the spare tire holding bracket disposed between the first nut and head;
a second nut disposed on the retainer bolt between the first arm and second arm of the spare tire holding bracket; and
a third nut disposed on the retainer bolt on a complete opposite side of the first arm and second arm of the spare tire holding bracket from the head of the retainer bolt, wherein the third nut is tightened down on the second arm of the spare tire holding bracket to clamp the first arm and second arm of the spare tire holding bracket down onto the support tube.
2-3. (canceled)
4. The tire carrier of claim 1 , further including a retainer plate disposed on the retainer bolt.
5-7. (canceled)
8. A tire carrier, comprising:
a base tube;
a first side plate attached to the base tube;
a second side plate attached to the base tube opposite the first side plate, wherein an end of the base tube aligns with a side surface of the first side plate and a side surface of the second side plate;
a first pin extending through the first side plate and second side plate;
a support tube pivotally attached to the base tube by the first pin;
a tire support bracket attached to the support tube, wherein the tire support bracket is formed from a first sheet of steel bent to form a first arm and a second arm, and wherein the first arm and second arm of the tire support bracket are oriented off-center from the support tube;
a spare tire holding bracket comprising a first arm and a second arm with the support tube disposed between the first arm and second arm of the spare tire holding bracket;
a retainer bolt extending through the first arm and second arm of the spare tire holding bracket, wherein the retainer bolt extends in a direction parallel to the first arm and second arm of the tire support bracket and is disposed centered over the tire support bracket.
9. The tire carrier of claim 8 , further including a plurality of openings formed through the first side plate and second side plate for limiting rotation of the support tube at a plurality of predefined angles.
10. The tire carrier of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of predefined angles includes vertical, horizontal, and a third angle that is nonvertical and nonhorizontal, wherein the third angle is configured such that a side surface of the support tube is resting on a second pin disposed through one of the openings in the first side plate and a corresponding one of the openings in the second side plate without the second pin extending through an opening in the support tube.
11. The tire carrier of claim 8 , wherein the spare tire holding bracket and retainer bolt in combination extend completely around the support tube.
12. The tire carrier of claim 8 , further including:
a first nut disposed on the retainer bolt between the first arm and second arm of the spare tire holding bracket;
a second nut disposed on the retainer bolt between the first arm and second arm of the spare tire holding bracket; and
a third nut disposed on the retainer bolt outside of the first arm and second arm of the spare tire holding bracket.
13. (canceled)
14. A method of storing a tire on a vehicle, comprising:
mounting a base tube to a trailer hitch receiver;
attaching a first side plate to the base tube;
attaching a second side plate to the base tube opposite the first side plate;
pivotally attaching a support tube between the first side plate and second side plate by extending a first pin through a first opening of the support tube, a first opening of the first side plate, and a first opening of the second side plate;
disposing a second pin through a second opening of the support tube, a second opening of the first side plate, and a second opening of the second side plate, wherein the second openings are vertically aligned with the first openings;
disposing a third pin through a third opening of the first side plate and a third opening of the second side plate while the second pin remains extending through the second openings of the first side plate, second side plate, and support tube;
removing the second pin from the second openings; and
rotating the support tube down to rest on the third pin after removing the second pin and without removing the third pin.
15-16. (canceled)
17. The method of claim 14 , further including:
removing the third pin; and
disposing the third pin through the third openings of the first side plate and second side plate and the second opening in the support tube.
18. The method of claim 17 , further including opening a rear door of the vehicle while the support tube remains resting on the third pin, wherein the rear door swings within an inch of the support tube without contacting the support tube.
19. The method of claim 14 , further including disposing a chain through the tire and through an opening in the support tube.
20. The method of claim 14 , further including:
attaching a retainer bolt to the support tube;
disposing the tire around the retainer bolt; and
disposing a retainer plate on the retainer bolt with the tire between the retainer plate and support tube.
21. The method of claim 20 , further including:
providing a spare tire holding bracket comprising a first arm and a second arm;
disposing the spare tire holding bracket with the support tube between the first arm and second arm; and
disposing the retainer bolt through openings of the first arm and second arm.
22. The method of claim 21 , further including:
disposing a first nut on the retainer bolt between the first arm and second arm;
disposing a second nut on the retainer bolt between the first arm and second arm; and
disposing a third nut on the retainer bolt outside of an area between the first arm and second arm.
23. The tire carrier of claim 1 , further including a second pin disposed through the second openings of the first side plate, second side plate, and support tube, wherein the support tube is oriented parallel to the base tube, and wherein a footprint of the support tube overlaps a footprint of the base tube for an entire distance between the first pin and second pin.
24. The tire carrier of claim 1 , further including a second pin disposed through the fourth openings of the first side plate and second side plate, wherein the support tube is resting on the second pin without the second pin extending through the second opening of the support tube.
25. The tire carrier of claim 1 , further including a second pin disposed through the second opening of the support tube and the third openings of the first side plate and second side plate, and wherein the support tube is oriented perpendicularly to the base tube.
26. The tire carrier of claim 1 , wherein the second nut is physically separated from the second arm of the tire support bracket.
27. The tire carrier of claim 12 , wherein the first nut is tightened against the first arm of the spare tire holding bracket and the second nut is tightened against the second arm of the spare tire holding bracket to increase a distance of separation between the first arm and second arm of the spare tire holding bracket.
28. The tire carrier of claim 12 , wherein the third nut is tightened against the second arm of the spare tire holding bracket to clamp the support tube between the first arm and second arm of the spare tire holding bracket.
Priority Applications (1)
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US16/803,721 US10974777B1 (en) | 2019-11-05 | 2020-02-27 | Spare tire carrier |
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US201962930718P | 2019-11-05 | 2019-11-05 | |
US16/803,721 US10974777B1 (en) | 2019-11-05 | 2020-02-27 | Spare tire carrier |
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US10974777B1 US10974777B1 (en) | 2021-04-13 |
US20210129925A1 true US20210129925A1 (en) | 2021-05-06 |
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US16/803,721 Active US10974777B1 (en) | 2019-11-05 | 2020-02-27 | Spare tire carrier |
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Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20210283765A1 (en) * | 2019-09-29 | 2021-09-16 | David Richard Galmarini | Stand for mower cutting unit |
US11485431B2 (en) * | 2020-03-16 | 2022-11-01 | One-T Llc | Spare tire support |
US20220355870A1 (en) * | 2021-05-06 | 2022-11-10 | Truck Accessories Group, Llc | Tire Carrier and Bedslide Attachment Systems |
USD1021699S1 (en) * | 2021-08-06 | 2024-04-09 | Dirtcom Inc. | Swinging receiver mount for vehicle |
USD1016676S1 (en) * | 2021-08-06 | 2024-03-05 | Dirtcom Inc | Swinging receiver mount latch for vehicle |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4811874A (en) * | 1987-11-03 | 1989-03-14 | Robison Vincent R | Spare tire carrier |
US4823997A (en) * | 1988-01-05 | 1989-04-25 | P & J Enterprises, Inc. | Cycle carrier |
US7533789B1 (en) * | 2003-11-03 | 2009-05-19 | Seely Stephen J | Spare tire mounting apparatus |
US7461822B2 (en) * | 2005-08-29 | 2008-12-09 | Gary Edwards | Observation stand accessory |
US20140054344A1 (en) * | 2012-08-21 | 2014-02-27 | Cliff Watkins | Tire carrier |
US9387739B2 (en) * | 2013-12-27 | 2016-07-12 | Vit Babuska | Adjustable device for supporting hitch mounted accessories |
TWI609805B (en) * | 2017-03-22 | 2018-01-01 | 高鐵工業股份有限公司 | Quick disassembly and clamping device for holding bicycle with frame |
US10405475B2 (en) * | 2017-11-22 | 2019-09-10 | Green Leaf, Inc. | Hitch mount and support for sprayer boom |
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2020
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