| 摘要 |
An apparatus is provided that is suitable for securing an article (e.g., a spare tire and wheel assembly) suspended in an elevated position underneath a support article (e.g., a vehicle) by a resilient support member. The apparatus includes a stationary bracket, outer and inner members, a compression spring, and a cat ch member. The stationary bracket is connected to the support article and includes a retaining formation. The outer member includes a passageway, an inner seatin g surface, and at least one slot-like formation. The inner member, which includes an end surface, is telescopingly received within the outer member and is connected to the resilient support member. The compression spring is positioned between the inner seating surface of the outer member and the end surface of the inner member and biases the inner and outer members with respect to one another. The catch member is connected to the inner cylinder, and includes at least one outwardly biased member designed to pass through the slot-like formation of the outer member and engage the retaining formation of the stationary bracket should the resilient support member break or structurally fail in service. A method for using the apparatus is also provided.
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