Spare tire and wheel carrier for pick-up trucks

Claim 1

A spare tire and wheel carrier for a vehicle having a frame, comprising: a. a transversely disposed supporting cross member; b. a longitudinally disposed center supporting member having its inner end secured to the cross member at a central point on the cross member; c. brace means mounted between said cross member and said longitudinal central member; d. a hanger means on each end of said cross member with the upper ends of each hanger means being fixedly secured to the vehicle frame; e. means pivotally mounting the outer ends of the cross member on the lower ends of said hanger means; f. means operatively mounted on said vehicle for a releasable locking engagement with the outer end of said longitudinal center member to retain the spare tire carrier in a transporting position; g. said means pivotally mounting the outer ends of the cross member on the lower ends of said hanger means, including, 1. said cross member being provided on each of its outer ends with an elongated opening which is disposed with its longest dimension longitudinally of the vehicle; and, 2. each of said hanger means including a hanger bolt having its lower end extended through one of said elongated holes and provided with means for supporting one of the ends of the cross member; and, h. grommet means operatively mounted in each of said elongated holes and surrounding the hanger bolt extended through said hole.