| 摘要 |
<p>A wheel holder for use in securing a spare wheel to a vehicle having a bumper provided with a recessed surface adapted to receive the vehicle licence plate. Methods previously used for securing a spare wheel to a vehicle have often resulted in a reduction in available carrying space, obtrusive location of the wheel on the exterior of the vehicle, or interference with the loading and unloading of the vehicle. The invention provides a wheel holder comprising a base adapted to be attached to a recessed surface in a vehicle bumper, and a wheel mounting assembly pivotally connected to the base and pivotable between an upright position, in which the assembly extends substantially vertically from the base, and a lowered position, in which the assembly is pivotted at least ninety degrees from the upright position. The assembly includes a wheel retaining device for-releasably receiving and retaining a spare wheel, and a latch connected to the base for releasably latching the wheel mounting assembly in the upright position by releasably engaging the wheel mounting assembly. When the wheel mounting assembly is in its lower position, it can serve as a step, to facilitate entry into the back of the vehicle.</p> |
