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An Anti Theft System For A Spare Wheel Of A Vehicle

Abstract: “AN ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FOR A SPARE WHEEL OF A VEHICLE” ABSTRACT Present disclosure discloses an anti-theft system (100) for a spare wheel (10) of a vehicle. The system includes at least two actuators (2) connected to a chassis (1) and each actuator of the at least two actuators (2) positioned adjacent to opposite surfaces of a spare wheel (10) supported by the chassis (1). Further, an arm (3) is coupled to each of the at least two actuators (2). The at least two actuators (2) are configured to selectively displace the arm (3) linearly, relative to the spare wheel (10). The arm (3) coupled to each of the at least two actuators (2) are adapted to contact the spare wheel (10) upon actuation of the at least two actuators (2) for locking the spare wheel (10). Fig. 2 is the representative figure.

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Notices, Deadlines & Correspondence

Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
27 October 2023
Publication Number
18/2025
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Status
Email
Parent Application

Applicants

TATA MOTORS LIMITED
Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai - 400 001, Maharashtra, India

Inventors

1. Pranita Deshpande
C/o. Tata Motors Limited, Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai – 400 001, Maharashtra India
2. Vrushali Bhadlikar
C/o. Tata Motors Limited, Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai – 400 001, Maharashtra India

Specification

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; rule 13] TITLE: “AN ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FOR A SPARE WHEEL OF A VEHICLE”
Name and Address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED of Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai - 400 001 Maharashtra, India.
Nationality: Indian
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Present disclosure, in general, relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an anti-theft system for a spare wheel of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[002] Conventionally, in commercial vehicles, spare wheels are externally mounted such as on the chassis or on a side fender which are susceptible to exposure to heat, rain, snow etc., which may deteriorate life of the tyre. In some cases, as the tyres are externally mounted at a location that is easily accessible, and are prone to theft. That is, the spare wheels are not locked to the vehicle, rather are just placed in a convenient location which can be removed by anyone, making them highly susceptible to theft. If the spare wheel is locked, such locking is generally achieved by way of a bolt locking arrangement or a padlock or a cable and yoke system or some other manually operated locks. These locks are susceptible to tampering, and also can easily be removed or cut using suitable tools. A vehicle owner may also not necessarily be aware when an attempt is being made to steal his spare wheel or, even worse, may only learn of the fact that his spare wheel has been stolen when the need arises to use it.
[003] Present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the known arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[004] One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by an anti-theft system as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the anti-theft system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[005] Present disclosure discloses an anti-theft system for a spare wheel of a vehicle. The system includes at least two actuators which are supported by a chassis and each actuator of the at least two actuators is positioned to be adjacent to diametrically opposite ends of a spare wheel which is

supported by the chassis. Further, the system includes an arm that is coupled to each of the at least two actuators. The at least two actuators are configured to selectively displace the arm linearly, relative to the spare wheel. Furthermore, the arm which is coupled to each of the at least two actuators are adapted to contact the spare wheel upon actuation of the at least two actuators for locking the spare wheel.
[006] In an embodiment, the anti-theft system includes a fluid reservoir that is fluidly connected to the at least two actuators. The fluid reservoir is configured to store and supply fluid to the at least two actuators to actuate the at least two actuators.
[007] In an embodiment, the anti-theft system includes one or more valves which are fluidly connected between the fluid reservoir and the at least two actuators. The one or more valves are configured to selectively channelize fluid from the fluid reservoir to the at least two actuators for locking the spare wheel.
[008] In an embodiment, the anti-theft system includes a control unit which is communicatively connected to the one or more valves configured to operate the one or more valves for actuating the at least two actuators.
[009] In an embodiment, the anti-theft system includes an ignition system which is communicatively connected to the control unit. The ignition system is configured to transmit an ignition ON signal and an ignition OFF signal to the control unit for selectively actuating the at least two actuators.
[010] In an embodiment, the anti-theft system includes an electromechanical latch mechanism that is fixed to the chassis. The electromechanical latch mechanism is configured to lock and unlock the spare wheel. The electromechanical latch mechanism, includes an electrical motor fixed to the chassis and one or more locking projections that are disposed on the chassis. The one or more locking projections are connected to the electrical motor. The one or more locking projections are configured to displace between a locked condition and an unlocked condition corresponding to actuation of the electrical motor. Here, the one or more locking projections at the locked condition are configured to engage with a fastener connected to the spare wheel to lock the spare wheel.

[011] In an embodiment, the electromechanical latch mechanism includes a resilient member which is connected in between the electrical motor and the one or more locking projections. The resilient member is configured to bias the one or more locking projections to the unlocked condition.
[012] In another non-limiting embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cabin supported on the chassis. Further, the vehicle includes a chassis which is adapted to support the spare wheel. Furthermore, the vehicle includes an anti-theft system for the spare wheel for the vehicle. The system includes at least two actuators which are connected to the chassis. Each actuator of the at least two actuators is positioned adjacent to opposite surfaces of a spare wheel which is supported by the chassis. Additionally, the system includes an arm that is coupled to each of the at least two actuators. The at least two actuators are configured to selectively displace the arm linearly, relative to the spare wheel. Furthermore, the arm which is coupled to each of the at least two actuators are adapted to contact the spare wheel upon actuation of the at least two actuators for locking the spare wheel. Further, the vehicle includes a control unit that is communicatively connected to the anti-theft system and is configured to operate the anti-theft system for locking the spare wheel.
[013] In an embodiment, the chassis includes one or more long members and one or more cross members connecting the one or more long members.
[014] In an embodiment, the one or more cross members is adapted to support the spare wheel.
[015] In an embodiment, the one or more cross members are defined with a provision to receive a fastener to secure the spare wheel to the chassis.
[016] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[017] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[018] Fig. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an anti-theft system for a spare wheel of a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[019] Fig. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the anti-theft system of Fig. 1.
[020] Fig. 3 is a top view of the anti-theft system of Fig. 1.
[021] Fig. 4 illustrates a block diagram of the anti-theft system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[022] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[023] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, assemblies, system, methods and processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent construction and method do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its construction and features, together with further objects and advantages will be

better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
[024] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[025] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[026] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device or a system or a method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such device, assembly, system or method. In other words, one or more elements in a device or an assembly or a system or a method proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device or system or method.
[027] In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, an anti-theft system for a spare wheel of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes at least two actuators which are connected to a chassis and each actuator of the at least two actuators is positioned adjacent to opposite surfaces of a spare wheel which is supported by the chassis. Further, the system includes a arm that is coupled to each of the at least two actuators. The at least two actuators are configured to selectively displace the arm linearly, relative to the spare wheel. Furthermore, the arm which is coupled to each of the at least two actuators are adapted to contact the spare wheel upon actuation of the at least two actuators for locking the spare wheel. This configuration of the the anti-theft

system having the at least two actuators connected with the arm to engage with the spare wheel prevents theft of the spare wheel.
[028] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1-4.
[029] Figs. 1-3 illustrates an anti-theft system (100) for a spare wheel (10) of a vehicle [not shown in Figs]. In an embodiment, the vehicle may be, for example, a commercial vehicle. The vehicle may include a chassis (1) and the chassis (1) may be adapted to support a spare wheel (10) of the vehicle. Further, in an illustrated embodiment, the chassis (1) is adapted to support one spare wheel (10), however, this should not be considered as a limitation as the chassis (1) may be adapted to support more than one spare wheel (10) of the vehicle.
[030] Referring to Fig. 1, the chassis (1) may include one or more long members (8). Further, the chassis (1) may include one or more cross members (9) which may be connected to the one or more long members (8). In an embodiment, the one or more cross members (9) is adapted to support the spare wheel (10), however, this should not be considered as a limitation as the spare wheel (10) may be connected or supported by the one or more long members (8) as well. Furthermore, the chassis (1) may be defined with a provision to receive a fastener to secure the spare wheel (10). In an embodiment, the one or more cross members (9) are defined with the provision to receive the fastener to secure the spare wheel (10) to the chassis (1).
[031] Referring now to Fig. 2, the anti-theft system (100) for the spare wheel (10) may include at least two actuators (2) which may be connected to the chassis (1). In an embodiment, at least one actuator (2) of the at least two actuators (2) may be positioned on the one or more long members (8) of the chassis (1). The at least two actuators (2) may be separated from each other in a width-wise direction of the vehicle. Each of the at least two actuators (2) may be positioned adjacent to diametrically opposite ends of the spare wheel (10) that may be supported by the chassis (1). That is, one of the at least two actuators (2) may be positioned adjacent to a periphery of the spare wheel (10) and the other actuator of the at least two actuators (2) may be positioned at an

end which may be diametrically opposite to the one actuator, such that the at least two actuators
(2) may be positioned adjacent to diametrically opposite ends of the spare wheel (10). In an
embodiment, the at least two actuators (2) may be one of a pneumatic actuator and/or a hydraulic
actuator. Further, the anti-theft system (100) may include an arm (3). The arm (3) may be coupled
to each of the at least two actuators (2). The arm (3) may be configured to selectively displace
relative to the spare wheel (10) based on actuation of the at least two actuators (2). For example,
the arm (3) may travel in a width-wise direction of the vehicle in response to actuation by the at
least two actuators (2). In an embodiment, the arm (3) may be adapted to displace in a linear path
towards or away from the spare wheel (10), corresponding to actuation or de-actuation of the at
least two actuators (2). Furthermore, the arm (3) may be defined with a profile which may
correspond to the profile of the spare wheel (10). For example, the arm (3) may be defined with a
profile which may correspond to the periphery or the spare wheel (10) or the tyre mounted on the
spare wheel (10). The arm (3) which may be coupled to each of the at least two actuators (2) may
be adapted to contact the spare wheel (10) upon actuation of the at least two actuators (2) for
locking the spare wheel (10). That is, the arm (3) may be adapted to grip the tread surface of the
tyre for locking the spare wheel (10). This configuration of the anti-theft system (100) where the
arm (3) connected to each of the at least two actuators (2) engage or contact the spare wheel (10)
upon actuation of the at least two actuators (2) locks the spare wheel (10) thereby preventing theft
of the spare wheel (10).
[032] In an embodiment, the arm (3) may include multiple sections [as seen in Fig. 2] to securely lock the spare wheel (10) upon actuation of the two or more actuators (2). The arm (3) may include a first section (3a) which may be connected to the at least two actuators (2) and may be configured to engage with the spare wheel (10). Further, the arm (3) may include a second section (3b) which may extend from either sides of the first section (3a). The second section (3b) may be configured to extend from the first section (3a) at a predefined angle such that the second section (3b) may correspond to the circular profile of the spare wheel (10) and engage with the periphery of the spare wheel (10) to lock the spare wheel (10). In an embodiment, the arm (3) may include a third section [not shown in Figs]. The third section of the arm (3) may extend from the first section which may be in a direction perpendicular to the second section (3b). The third section of the arm
(3) may be adapted to engage with the side face of the spare wheel (10) upon actuation of the at

least two actuators (2) such that upon locking, vertical displacement of the spare wheel (10) may be mitigated.
[033] Further as seen in Figs. 2 and 4, the anti-theft system (100) may include a fluid reservoir (14) which may be fluidly connected to the at least two actuators (2). The fluid reservoir (14) may be configured to store and supply fluid to the at least two actuators (2) for actuating the at least two actuators (2) to selectively displace the arm (3) relative to the spare wheel (10). For example, the fluid reservoir (14) may be a brake fluid reservoir such as but not limited to an air tank or a hydraulic tank, however, this should not be considered as a limitation as the fluid reservoir (14) may be any other tank capable of storing fluid for any other operations in the vehicle or may be a dedicated reservoir for the anti-theft system (100). Additionally, the anti-theft system (100) may include one or more valves (13) which may be fluidly connected between the fluid reservoir (14) and the at least two actuators (2). The one or more valves (13) may be configured to selectively channelize fluid from the fluid reservoir (14) to the at least two actuators (2) for actuating the at least two actuators (2) to selectively displace the arm (3) relative to the spare wheel (10) and lock the spare wheel (10).
[034] Referring again to Fig. 4, the anti-theft system (100) may include a control unit (CU) which may be communicatively connected to the one or more valves (13). The control unit (CU) may be configured to operate the one or more valves (13) for actuating the at least two actuators (2). The control unit (CU) may be communicatively connected to an ignition system (11) that may be used to selectively switch ON and switch OFF the vehicle. Further, the ignition system (11) may be configured to transmit an ignition ON signal and an ignition OFF signal to the control unit (CU) for selectively actuating the at least two actuators (2). That is, the control unit (CU) upon receiving the ignition OFF signal from the ignition system (11) may be configured to operate the one or more valves (13) to actuate the at least two actuators (2), thereby displacing the arms (3) to lock the spare wheel (10). Thus, upon turning off of the vehicle, such as after parking of the vehicle, the spare wheel (10) may be locked.
[035] In an embodiment, the control unit (CU) may be a control unit of the vehicle that performs one or more other control functions in the vehicle, such as a body control module (BCM), or may be a dedicated control unit to the anti-theft system (100). . In an embodiment, the control unit (CU)

may include a processing unit, where the processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user or system-generated requests. The processing unit may be a specialized processing unit such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. Further, the control unit (CU) may be an electronic control unit, disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to the memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, and the like.
[036] In an embodiment, as seen in Figs. 3 and 4, the anti-theft system (100) may include an electromechanical latch mechanism (7). The electromechanical latch mechanism (7) may be fixed on the chassis (1) and configured to lock and unlock the spare wheel (10). In an illustrated embodiment, the electromechanical latch mechanism (7) is fixed on the on the one or more cross members (9), however, this should not be considered as a limitation as the electromechanical latch mechanism (7) may be fixed to the one or more long members (8) as well. The electromechanical latch mechanism (7) may include an electrical motor (4) that may be fixed to the one or more cross members (9) of the chassis. Further, the electromechanical latch mechanism (7) may include one or more locking projections (6). The one or more locking projections (6) may be disposed around the provision defined on the one or more cross members (9) and may be connected to the electrical motor (4). The one or more locking projections (6) may be configured to displace between a locked condition and an unlocked condition corresponding to actuation of the electrical motor (4) to lock and unlock the spare wheel (10), respectively. The one or more locking projections (6) at the locked condition may be configured to engage with the fastener connected to the spare wheel (10) to lock the spare wheel (10). Further, the electromechanical latch mechanism (7) may include a resilient member (5). The resilient member (5) may be connected in between the electrical motor (4) and the one or more locking projections (6). The resilient member (5) may be configured to bias the one or more locking arms (6) to the unlocked condition such that upon de-actuation of the electrical motor (4), spare wheel (10) may be unlocked. In an embodiment, the electrical motor (4) may be configured to displace the one or more locking projections (6) from the unlocked condition to the locked condition by overcoming the biasing force of the resilient member (5).

[037] In an embodiment, the electrical motor (4) may be communicatively connected to a switch (12) for selectively operating the one or more locking projections (6) between the locked condition and the unlocked condition. The switch (12) may be positioned within the cabin of the vehicle and may be operated by an operator to selectively lock the spare wheel (10). In another embodiment, the electrical motor (4) may be communicatively connected to the control unit (CU). The control unit (CU) may be configured to actuate the electrical motor (4) upon receiving the ignition OFF signal from the ignition system (11) to from the unlocked condition to the locked condition for locking the spare wheel (10).
[038] In an embodiment, the anti-theft system (100) may include a plurality of sensors (15) which may be positioned proximal to the spare wheel (10). For example, the plurality of sensors (15) may be positioned on the chassis (1). In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors (15) may be a proximity sensor or any other sensor which may be capable of detecting movement of an object. The plurality of sensors (15) may be configured to detect displacement of the spare wheel (10) from a required position and transmit signals to the control unit (CU). In an embodiment, the control unit (CU) upon receiving the signal from the plurality of sensors (15) may alert the operator of the vehicle of theft. For example, the control unit (CU) may be configured to trigger visual or audio indication to alert the operator or may also send out wireless alert signals to portable hand held devices such as a phone, a tablet and the like.
[039] In an embodiment, the anti-theft system (100) having the arms (3) engaged with the spare wheel (10) upon an ignition OFF condition of the vehicle, locks and secures the spare wheel (10), thereby preventing theft of the spare wheel (10). Additionally, as the anti-theft system (100) includes at least two actuators (2) and the control unit (CU) for locking the spare wheel (10), simple mechanical tools and conventional ways of unfastening the spare wheel (10) cannot lead to theft of the spare wheel (10). Furthermore, the electromechanical latch mechanism (7) provides an added protection for mitigating theft of the spare wheel (10) by locking the fastener connecting the spare wheel (10) to the chassis (1), thereby ensuring that, even if the arms (3) are not engaged properly with the spare wheel (10), removal of the spare wheel (10) from the chassis (1) of the vehicle may not be possible.

[040] It should be noted that in an exemplary embodiment, as seen in the Figs. 1-4 the features, construction, position and connections should not be construed as a limitation as the anti-theft system (100) may include any other type of features, construction, position, and connections which may work with other combinations for reducing backlash exerted by the seatbelt on the occupant.
[041] In an operational embodiment, as seen in Figs. 1 and 4, the spare wheel (10) may be connected to the chassis (1) of the vehicle. The ignition system (11) may be configured to transmit the ignition ON signal and the ignition OFF signal to the control unit (CU) based on ignition ON and OFF condition of the vehicle. The control unit (CU) may be configured to receive the signals from the ignition system (11) and determine the ignition OFF condition relative to the ignition OFF signal received from the ignition system (11). Upon determining the ignition OFF signal the control unit (CU) may be configured to operate the one or more valves (13) which are fluidly connected between the fluid reservoir (14) and the at least two actuators (2). The one or more valves (13) upon operation may channelize fluid from the fluid reservoir (14) to the two or more actuators (2) to linearly displace the arms (3) relative to the spare wheel (10). The linear displacement of the arm (3), result in contact or engagement between the arm (3) connected to each of the at least two actuators (2) and the spare wheel (10), thereby locking the spare wheel (10) and prevent theft of the spare wheel (10).
[042] It should be imperative that the anti-theft system and any other elements described in the above detailed description should not be considered as a limitation with respect to the figures. Rather, variation to such system and method should be considered within the scope of the detailed description.
Equivalents:
[043] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[044] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as

“open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would Understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

[045] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[046] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Anti-theft system
1 Chassis
2 Actuator
3 Arm
4 Electrical motor
5 Resilient member
6 Locking projections
7 Electromechanical latch mechanism
8 Long member
9 Cross member
10 Spare wheel
11 Ignition system
12 Switch
13 Valves
14 Fluid reservoir
15 Sensor
CU Control unit

We Claim:
1. An anti-theft system (100) for a spare wheel (10) of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
at least two actuators (2) supported by a chassis (1) of the vehicle, each actuator of the at least two actuators (2) being positioned to be adjacent to diametrically opposite ends of a spare wheel (10);
a arm (3) coupled to each of the at least two actuators (2), wherein the at least two actuators (2) are configured to selectively displace the arm (3) linearly, relative to the spare wheel (10); and
wherein the arm (3) coupled to each of the at least two actuators (2) are adapted to contact the spare wheel (10) upon actuation of the at least two actuators (2) for locking the spare wheel (10).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a fluid reservoir (14) fluidly connected to the at least two actuators (2) and configured to store and supply fluid to the at least two actuators (2) to actuate the at least two actuators (2).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising one or more valves (13) fluidly connected between the fluid reservoir (14) and the at least two actuators (2), wherein the one or more valves (13) are configured to selectively channelize fluid from the fluid reservoir (14) to the at least two actuators (2) for locking the spare wheel (10).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a control unit (CU) communicatively connected to the one or more valves (13) configured to operate the one or more valves (13) for actuating the at least two actuators (2).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising an ignition system (11) communicatively connected to the control unit (CU), wherein the ignition system (11) is configured to transmit an ignition ON signal based on an ignition ON condition and an ignition OFF signal based on an ignition OFF condition to the control unit (CU) for selectively actuating the at least two actuators (2).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising an electromechanical latch mechanism
(7) fixed to the chassis (1) and configured to lock and unlock the spare wheel (10) wherein
the electromechanical latch mechanism (7), comprises:
an electrical motor (4) fixed to the chassis (1); and
one or more locking projections (6) disposed on the chassis (1) and connected to the electrical motor (4), the one or more locking projections (6) being configured to displace between a locked condition and an unlocked condition corresponding to actuation of the electrical motor (4);
wherein the one or more locking projections (6) at the locked condition are configured to engage with a fastener connected to the spare wheel (10) to lock the spare wheel (10).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the electromechanical latch mechanism (7) comprises a resilient member (5) connected in between the electrical motor (4) and the one or more locking projections (6), and the resilient member (5) is configured to bias the locking member to the unlocked condition.
8. A vehicle, comprising:
a chassis (1) adapted to support a spare wheel (10);
an anti-theft system (100) for the spare wheel (10) for the vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
at least two actuators (2) supported by the chassis (1), each actuator of the at least two actuators (2) being positioned to be adjacent to diametrically opposite ends of the spare wheel (10);
a arm (3) coupled to each of the at least two actuators (2), wherein the at least two actuators (2) are configured to selectively displace the arm (3) linearly, relative to the spare wheel (10); and

wherein the arm (3) coupled to each of the at least two actuators (2) are adapted to contact the spare wheel (10) upon actuation of the at least two actuators (2) for locking the spare wheel (10); and
a control unit (CU) communicatively connected to the anti-theft system (100) and configured to operate the anti-theft system (100) for locking the spare wheel (10).
9. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the chassis (1) comprises one or more long members (8) and one or more cross members (9) connecting the one or more long members (8).
10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more cross members (9) is adapted to support the spare wheel (10).
11. The vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more cross members (9) are defined with a provision to receive a fastener to secure the spare wheel (10) to the chassis (1).

Documents

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 202321073420-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [27-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-27
2 202321073420-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [27-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-27
3 202321073420-FORM 18 [27-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-27
4 202321073420-FORM 1 [27-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-27
5 202321073420-DRAWINGS [27-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-27
6 202321073420-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [27-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-27
7 202321073420-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [27-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-27
8 202321073420-Proof of Right [06-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-06
9 202321073420-FORM-26 [28-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-28
10 Abstract.1.jpg 2024-02-08