The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 02, 2003
Filed:
Jan. 31, 2001
Accubuilt, Inc., Lima, OH (US);
Abstract
A vehicle is disclosed which is normally supported by a plurality of wheels and tires, the vehicle having an article carrying space, with a floor formed of a first material and having an opening. A spare wheel and tire storage well is mounted in the opening through the floor and is formed of a second material different from the first material. The storage well is configured to accommodate a spare wheel and tire substantially equal in width and diameter to at least one of the plurality of wheels and tires supporting the vehicle. Also disclosed is a method for modifying a vehicle to carry a full size spare wheel and tire, including removing a portion of the floor of the vehicle, which portion includes a first storage well, to form an opening in the floor, placing a second storage well in the opening in the floor, the second storage well being configured and to accommodate a full size spare wheel and tire having a maximum width and diameter substantially equal to at least one of the wheels and tires normally supporting the vehicle such that a major portion of a maximum width of the full size spare wheel and tire is located below an upper surface of the floor, and attaching the second storage well to the floor. A lifting mechanism is disclosed to assist in the removal of the spare wheel and tire from the storage well. A force generating mechanism raises the spare wheel and tire when a securing device is removed.