| 摘要 |
A support member for supportively holding a spare tire beneath a vehicle includes a platform section having a cutout area formed therein, the cutout area having an upper cutout portion and a lower cutout portion; and an insert which fits engagingly into the cutout area of the support member. The insert includes an upper portion which is dimensioned to fit into the upper cutout portion in the support member, a lower portion which is affixed to the upper portion, the lower portion being of a wider diameter than the upper portion, and one or more structural members for connecting the insert to a cable of a winch assembly. Preferably, the support member includes a seal at the top of the platform section for resisting entry of water therepast. A safety latch assembly for supportively engaging a support member of the above-described type is also disclosed. A release and control apparatus is provided for cooperating with the support member and latch assembly as herein described. A storage and retrieval system for releasably storing a spare tire beneath a vehicle is also disclosed, which generally, includes a support member for supportively holding a spare tire thereon, a winch assembly for raising and lowering the support member between a stored position and an accessible position thereof, the winch assembly including a cable attached to the support member, a safety latch assembly for supportively holding the support member in the stored position independently of the winch assembly, and strategically located sealing members, for resisting entry of water into selected components of the system.
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