DESC:The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed: -
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein relate to an apparatus for mounting at least one spare wheel to an underbody of a vehicle and a locking mechanism which locks the position of the apparatus to restrict a movement of a spare wheel mounting assembly of the apparatus therein to restrict the theft of the spare wheel.
BACKGROUND
[002] Spare wheel carriers store a spare wheel to an underside of a truck or van is known in the art. The spare wheel carriers either lower the tire to the ground or pivot the rearward end of the carrier downward. The biggest challenge to accessing the spare wheel is the ability of a driver to reach under the vehicle to pull the lowered tire from underside of the vehicle. In some instances, the driver must lie on the ground to reach the tire from underside of the vehicle. This poses a problem if the driver has a back problem or is elderly. The retrieval of the spare wheel from under the vehicle is further complicated by weight of the tire.
[003] A known prior art discloses a device which assists in lowering and raising the spare wheel on a vehicle. The device consists of a winch operated by a ratchet assembly to wind or unwind a strap to raise or lower the spare wheel relative to a stored position. The device is installed by a strap and hook assembly on the rear bumper or on the bumper support bracket by an integral hanger.
[004] Another known prior art discloses a tire rack having brackets mounted on the frame of the truck which support a rod and arms for pivotal motion between a storage position and a release position. When the tire is moved to the release position, a worm gear is rotated to pivot a sector gear on the rod. Also known in prior art is a spare wheel holder having a dished support having a generally octagonal shape. The rear end of the dished support provides pivot support to lower the rearward end closest to the bumper. Members are provided with lugs to provide an extendable and retractable strut which releasably supports the rearward end of the dished support.
[005] Conventionally, spare wheels are mounted on the carriages which are configured only to slide. Because of this, spare wheel location in underbody is confined to the vehicle side. Positioning the spare wheel at vehicle side, will have implication on vehicle dynamic parameters like weight distribution of the vehicle i.e. weight distribution will be uneven. Due to which the vehicle stability gets disturbed. Further, one side tyres gets worn soon.
[006] In conventional automotive vehicles, there is no positive locking mechanism for the spare wheel carriage system only the driver of the vehicle is permitted to access the spare wheel. This poses a threat of spare wheel being stolen.
[007] Therefore, there exists a need for an apparatus for mounting at least one spare wheel to an underbody of a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks. Further, there exists a need for a locking mechanism for a spare wheel mounting apparatus of a vehicle, which locks the position of the apparatus to restrict a movement of a spare wheel mounting assembly of the apparatus therein to restrict the theft of the spare wheel.
OBJECTS
[008] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an apparatus for mounting at least one spare wheel to an underbody of a vehicle.
[009] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an apparatus with a locking mechanism which locks the position of the apparatus to restrict a movement of a spare wheel mounting assembly of the apparatus therein to restrict the theft of the spare wheel, where the control of the locking mechanism is provided in at least one of an occupant compartment and a storage compartment (boot) of the vehicle.
[0010] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an apparatus with a spare wheel locking arrangement which locks at least one spare wheel in the apparatus to restrict a movement of the spare wheel mounted to the apparatus.
[0011] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0013] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an apparatus for mounting a spare wheel to an underbody of a vehicle, where a plurality of sliding members are in a retracted position and a spare wheel mounting assembly is in a spare wheel loaded position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of the apparatus, where the plurality of sliding members are in an extended position and the spare wheel mounting assembly is in a spare wheel unloading position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of the apparatus, where the plurality of sliding members are in the retracted position, the spare wheel mounting assembly is in the spare wheel loaded position and the locking mechanism is in a locked position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of the apparatus, where the plurality of sliding members are in the extended position, the spare wheel mounting assembly is in the spare wheel unloading position and the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0017] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of a spare wheel carrier assembly of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 6 a perspective view of a spare wheel mounting assembly and the spare wheel locking arrangement of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 7 depicts a perspective view of a first sliding member and a plurality of first rollers of the apparatus in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0020] Fig. 8 depicts a perspective view of a second sliding member and a plurality of second rollers of the apparatus in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 9 depicts a partial perspective view of a portion of the second sliding member, a resilient means and a portion of a handle of the apparatus in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0022] Fig. 10 depicts an exploded view of the locking mechanism of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0024] The embodiments herein achieve an apparatus for mounting at least one spare wheel to an underbody of a vehicle. Further, embodiments herein achieve an apparatus provided with a locking mechanism which locks the position of the apparatus to restrict a movement of a spare wheel mounting assembly of the apparatus therein to restrict the theft of the spare wheel. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 10, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0025] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an apparatus 100 for mounting a spare wheel S to an underbody of a vehicle, where a plurality of sliding members (106 and 108) are in a retracted position and a spare wheel mounting assembly 103 is in a spare wheel loaded position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of the apparatus 100, where the plurality of sliding members (106 and 108) are in an extended position and the spare wheel mounting assembly 103 is in a spare wheel unloading position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 is used for mounting at least one spare wheel S to an underbody of the vehicle. It is also within the scope of the invention to In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a spare wheel carrier assembly 102, a spare wheel mounting assembly 103, a spare wheel locking arrangement 104, a plurality of sliding members (106 and 108), a plurality of first rollers 107, a plurality of second rollers 109, a locking mechanism 110, at least one handle 112 and a plurality of resilient means 114.
[0026] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of a spare wheel carrier assembly 102 of the apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The spare wheel carrier assembly 102 is used to hold the spare wheel S through the spare wheel mounting assembly 103 and the plurality of sliding members (106 and 108). The spare wheel carrier assembly 102 is mounted to the underbody of the vehicle. For example, the underbody of the vehicle is at least a floor panel (floor structure) of the vehicle. It is also within the scope of the invention to mount the spare wheel carrier assembly 102 indirectly to the underbody of the vehicle or to mount the spare wheel carrier assembly 102 to any under vehicular structure. In an embodiment, the spare wheel carrier assembly 102 includes a plurality of main carriage rails 102R and a plurality of carriage mounting members 102M. In an embodiment, each main carriage rail 102R is adapted to facilitate slidable movement of corresponding each first sliding member 106. Each main carriage rail 102R is mounted to the underbody of the vehicle through carriage mounting members 102M. Each main carriage rail 102R has a first portion 102Rf, an intermediate portion 102Ri and a second portion 102Rs. The first portion 102Rf of each main carriage rail 102R is supported by the carriage mounting members 102M. The first portion 102Rf of each main carriage rail 102R is disposed away and below the second portion 102Rf of the main carriage rail 102R. The intermediate portion 102Ri of each main carriage rail 102R is extending between the first portion 102f and the second portion 102Rs at a predefined angle. The second portion 102Rs of each main carriage rail 102R is extending from the intermediate portion 102Ri and opposite to the first portion 102Rf and disposed above the first portion 102f of the main carriage rail 102R. Each main carriage rail 102R defines at least one roller run channel 102Rc adapted to facilitate rolling movement of corresponding plurality of first rollers 107 therein to enable slidable movement of corresponding each first sliding member 106 with respect to corresponding each main carriage rail 102R. The roller run channel 102Rc is provided to at least one of the first portion 102Rf, the intermediate portion 102Ri and the second portion 102Rs of each main carriage rail 102R and extends along a lengthwise direction of the main carriage rail 102R. The roller run channel 102Rc of each main carriage rail 102R is at least an elongated groove. Each main carriage rail 102R is provided with at least one baffle 102Rb in the first portion 102Rf of the main carriage rail 102R. The baffle 102Rb is also called as stopper. The baffle 102Rb is adapted to restrict the movement of corresponding each first sliding member 106 beyond a predefined position to restrict the releasing of corresponding each first sliding member 106 from corresponding each main carriage rail 102R. In an embodiment, the baffle 102Rb is an integral part of the main carriage rail 102R. In another embodiment, each baffle 102Rb is a separate part connected to the first portion 102Rf of corresponding each main carriage rail 102R. Each main carriage rail 102R is parallel to the other main carriage rail 102R. Each main carriage rail 102R is disposed away from the other main carriage rail 102R. In an embodiment, each main carriage rail 102R extends along a lengthwise direction of the vehicle and correspondingly each carriage mounting member 102M extends along a widthwise direction of the vehicle so as to enable slidable movement of the sliding members (106 and 108) along at least a rear side of the vehicle to at least one of unload the spare wheel from the spare wheel mounting assembly 103 and load the punched tire to the spare wheel mounting assembly 103. In another embodiment, each main carriage rail 102R extends along the widthwise direction of the vehicle and correspondingly each carriage mounting member 102M extends along the lengthwise direction of the vehicle so as to enable slidable movement of the sliding members (106 and 108) along a lateral direction of the vehicle to at least one of unload the spare wheel from the spare wheel mounting assembly 103 and load the punched tire to the spare wheel mounting assembly 103. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide each main carriage rail 102R in any other orientation and configuration without otherwise deterring the intended function of the each main carriage rail 102R as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In an embodiment, each carriage mounting member 102M is used for supporting the main carriage rails 102R and mounting the main carriage rails 102R to the underbody of the vehicle. Each carriage mounting member 102M has a base portion 102Mb and a plurality of legs 102Mp. The base portion 102Mb of each carriage mounting member 102M is used for supporting the main carriage rails 102R. Each leg 102Mp of each carriage mounting member 102M is configured to extend from corresponding end of the base portion 102Mb at a predefined angle, where at least a portion of each leg 102Mp of carriage mounting member 102M is connected to the underbody of the vehicle. One leg 102Mp of each carriage mounting member 102M is opposite to the other leg 102Mp. Each carriage mounting member 102M is parallel to the other carriage mounting member 102M. Each carriage mounting member 102M disposed away from other carriage mounting member 102M.
[0027] Fig. 6 a perspective view of a spare wheel mounting assembly 103 and the spare wheel locking arrangement 104 of the apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the spare wheel mounting assembly 103 is used for mounting the spare wheel S. The spare wheel mounting assembly 103 is mounted to the spare wheel carrier assembly 102 through the plurality of sliding members (106 and 108). In an embodiment, the spare wheel mounting assembly 103 includes a spare wheel mounting member 103B and a spare wheel support member 103C. The spare wheel mounting assembly 103 is movable between a spare wheel unloading position in which the spare wheel S is unloaded from the spare wheel mounting member 103B in an event of tire puncture and a spare wheel loaded position in which the spare wheel S is loaded on to the spare wheel mounting member 103B of the spare wheel mounting assembly 103. The spare wheel mounting member 103B is used for mounting the spare wheel S. The spare wheel mounting member 103B is supported by the spare wheel support member 103C. The spare wheel mounting member 103B is disposed onto the spare wheel support member 103C. The spare wheel mounting member 103B is also called as base plate. The spare wheel mounting member 103B substantially defines a circular shape configuration. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the spare wheel mounting member 103B in any other orientation and configuration. The spare wheel support member 103C is used for supporting the spare wheel mounting member 103B and the spare wheel S. The spare wheel support member 103C is connected to plurality of second sliding members 108 thereby mounting the spare wheel mounting assembly 103 onto the plurality of second sliding members 108. The spare wheel support member 103C has a base portion 103Cb and a plurality of arms 103Ca. The base portion 103Cb of the spare wheel support member 103C is used for supporting the spare wheel mounting member 103B. The base portion 103Cb of the spare wheel support member 103C substantially defines a rectangular shape configuration. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the base portion 103Cb of the spare wheel support member 103C in any other shape and configuration without otherwise deterring the intended function of the spare wheel support member 103C as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The plurality of arms 103Ca of the spare wheel support member 103C is used for supporting and accommodating the spare wheel S with the spare wheel mounting assembly 103. The ends (103Cf and 103Cs) of each arm 103Ca of the spare wheel support member 103C are connected to the base portion 103Cb of the spare wheel support member 103C. Each arm 103Ca of the spare wheel support member 103C is opposite to the other arm 103Ca. Each arm 103Ca of the spare wheel support member 103C substantially defines a U-shape configuration. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide each arm 103Ca of the spare wheel support member 103C in any other orientation and configuration with respect to the spare wheel S without otherwise deterring the intended function of each arm 103Ca of the spare wheel support member 103C as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The spare wheel support member 103C is also called as cradle tray.
[0028] In an embodiment, the spare wheel locking arrangement 104 is used to lock the spare wheel S with the spare wheel mounting member 103B of the spare wheel mounting assembly 103 to restrict a movement of the spare wheel S mounted thereon. In an embodiment, the spare wheel locking arrangement 104 includes a plurality of spare wheel locking elements 104L provided on the spare wheel mounting member 103B at corresponding positions. The plurality of spare wheel locking element 104L is used for locking the spare wheel S with the spare wheel mounting member 103B of the spare wheel mounting assembly 103. Each spare wheel locking element 104L has a first portion 104Lf and a second portion 104Ls. The first portion 104Lf of each spare wheel locking element 104L is connected to the spare wheel mounting member 103B at corresponding position. In an embodiment, the second portion 104Ls of each spare wheel locking element 104L is transversely extending from the first portion 104Lf of the spare wheel locking element 104L. In another embodiment, the second portion 104Ls of each spare wheel locking element 104L is configured to extend from the first portion 104Lf at a predefined angle. The second portion 104Ls of each spare wheel locking element 104L is used to lock the spare wheel S with the spare wheel mounting member 103B of the spare wheel mounting assembly 103. Each spare wheel locking element 104L substantially defines a L-shape configuration. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide each spare wheel locking element 104L in any other orientation and configuration with respect to the spare wheel mounting member 103B without otherwise deterring the intended function of each spare wheel locking element 104L as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0029] Fig. 7 depicts a perspective view of a first sliding member 106 and a plurality of first rollers 107 of the apparatus 100 in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. Fig. 8 depicts a perspective view of a second sliding member 108 and a plurality of second rollers 109 of the apparatus 100 in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The plurality of sliding members (106 and 108) includes a plurality of first sliding members 106 and a plurality of second sliding members 108. The plurality of sliding members 106 is configured to mount the spare wheel mounting assembly 103. Each sliding member (106 and 108) is movable between an extended position in which at least a portion of each sliding member (106 and 108) is away and in front of the first portion 102Rf of corresponding each main carriage member 102R so as to move the spare wheel mounting assembly 103 to the spare wheel unloading position and a retracted position in which an entirety of each sliding member (106 and 108) is disposed onto the first portion 102Rf of corresponding each main carriage rail 102R so as to position move the spare wheel mounting assembly 103 to the spare wheel loaded position. The movement of the each sliding member (106 and 108) to the extended position and retracted position occurs on engagement of the handle 112. first sliding member 106 is slidably connected to corresponding each main carriage rail 102R through corresponding plurality of first rollers 107. Each first sliding member 106 defines at least one roller run channel 106c adapted to facilitate rolling movement of corresponding plurality of second rollers 109 therein to enable slidable movement of corresponding each second sliding member 108 with respect to corresponding each first sliding member 106. The roller run channel 106c extends along a lengthwise direction of the first sliding member 106. The roller run channel 106c of each first sliding member 106 is at least an elongated slot and an elongated groove. Each first sliding member 106 defines a plurality of rolling member receiving portions 106r, where rolling member receiving portion 106r is configured to movably receive corresponding first roller 107. Each rolling member receiving portion 106r of each first sliding member 106 is at least one an opening and a slot. Each first sliding member 106 is provided with at least one baffle 106b which is adapted to restrict the sliding movement of corresponding each second sliding member 108 beyond a predefined position to restrict the releasing of corresponding each second sliding member 108 from corresponding each first sliding member 106. The baffle 106b is also called as stopper. In an embodiment, the baffle 106b is an integral part of the first sliding member 106. In another embodiment, each baffle 106b is a separate part connected to corresponding each first sliding member 106. Each second sliding member 108 is slidably connected to corresponding each first sliding member 106 through corresponding plurality of second rollers 109. Each second sliding member 108 defines a plurality of rolling member receiving portions 108r, where rolling member receiving portion 108r is configured to movably receive corresponding second roller 109. Each rolling member receiving portion 108r of each second sliding member 108 is at least one an opening and a slot. Each second sliding member 108 has a portion 108s adapted to support and mount corresponding resilient means 114 and the handle 112. The portion 108s of each second sliding member 108 is disposed at one end and extends between lateral end walls of the second sliding member 108. The portion 108s of each second sliding member 108 substantially defines a pin shape configuration or tubular shape configuration. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the portion 108s of each second sliding member 108 in any other shape and configuration without otherwise deterring the intended function of the portion 108s of each second sliding member 108 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The portion 108s of each second sliding member 108 is also called as cross portion.
[0030] The plurality of first rollers 107 adapted to facilitate sliding movement of said plurality of first sliding members 106 with respect to said plurality of main carriage rails 102R. The plurality of second rollers 108 adapted to facilitate sliding movement of said plurality of second sliding members 108 with respect to said plurality of first sliding members 106.
[0031] Fig. 10 depicts an exploded view of the locking mechanism 110 of the apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism 110 is configured to lock the position of the spare wheel mounting assembly 103 and the plurality of sliding members (106 and 108) through the handle 112. In an embodiment the locking mechanism 110 includes a mounting bracket 110M, a locking and releasing member 110R and at least one resilient means 110S. The mounting bracket 110M is used for pivotably mounting the locking and releasing member 110R. The mounting bracket 110M is configured to be provided in at least one of a storage compartment of the vehicle and an occupant compartment of the vehicle. For example the storage compartment is a boot in the vehicle. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the mounting bracket 110M in any portion in the vehicle based on the type and configuration of vehicle. The locking and releasing member 110R is used for locking and releasing the handle 112. The locking and releasing member 110R is pivotably connected to the mounting bracket 110M. It is also within the scope of the invention to pivotably connect the locking and releasing member 110R to any vehicular structure or any other means provided in at least one of the storage compartment, occupant compartment and any other portion in the vehicle. The locking and releasing member 110R is movable between an unlocked position in which the handle 112 is disengaged from the locking and releasing member 110R to move the spare wheel mounting assembly 103 to the spare wheel unloading position, and a locked position in which the handle 112 is engaged with the locking and releasing member 110R to restrict the theft of the spare wheel W. The locking and releasing member 110R has a first portion 110Rf, an intermediate portion 110Ri and a second portion 110Rs. The first portion 110Rf of the locking and releasing member 110R is operated by an user for moving the locking and releasing member 110R between the unlocked position and the locked position. The intermediate portion 110Ri of the locking and releasing member 110R is extending from the first portion 110Rf of the locking and releasing member 110R. The second portion 110Rs of the locking and releasing member 110R is extending from the intermediate portion 110Ri of the locking and releasing member 110R. The second portion 110Rs of the locking and releasing member 110R defines a portion 110Rp adapted to facilitate locking of the handle 112 with the locking and releasing member 110R. One part of the locking and releasing member 110R is provided inside at least one of the storage compartment, occupant compartment and any other portion in the vehicle. Another part of the locking and releasing member 110R is provided external to the underbody of the vehicle. The locking and releasing member 110R substantially defines a Z-shape configuration. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the locking and releasing member 110R in any other orientation and configuration without otherwise deterring the intended function of the locking and releasing member 110R as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The In an embodiment, the locking and releasing member 110R is at least a lever. In another embodiment, the locking and releasing member 110R is at least a hook. The resilient means 110S is used for biasing the locking and releasing member 110R to the mounting bracket 110M. The resilient means 110S having a first end adapted to be connected to the mounting bracket 110M and a second end adapted to be connected to the locking and releasing member 110R. In an embodiment, the resilient member 110S is at least a spring.
[0032] The handle 112 is used for locking the spare wheel mounting assembly 103 with the locking mechanism 110 and also for moving the plurality of sliding members (106 and 108) between the extended position and the retracted position thereby moving the spare wheel mounting assembly 103 between the spare wheel unloading position and spare wheel loaded position respectively. The handle 112 is connected to the portion 108s of each second sliding member 108. The handle 112 has a first end (not shown) adapted to be connected to the portion 108s of corresponding second sliding member 108 and a second end (not shown) adapted to be connected to the portion 108s of corresponding another second sliding member 108. The handle 112 substantially defines a U-shape configuration. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the handle 112 in any other orientation and configuration without otherwise deterring the intended function of the handle 112 as can be deuced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0033] The plurality of resilient means 114 is used for return movement of the handle 112 when the handle 112 is disengaged from the locking and releasing member 110R of the locking mechanism 110. Each resilient means 114 is supported to portion 108s of corresponding each second sliding member 108. Each resilient means 114 having a first end (not shown) adapted to be connected to corresponding each second sliding member 108 and a second end (not shown) adapted to be connected to corresponding end of the handle 112. In an embodiment, each resilient means 114 is at least a spring. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other means for return movement of the handle 112 without otherwise deterring the intended function of each resilient means 114 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0034] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:We claim,
1. An apparatus 100 for mounting at least one spare wheel S to a vehicle, said apparatus 100 comprising:
a spare wheel carrier assembly 102 comprising a plurality of main carriage rails 102R;
a spare wheel mounting assembly 103 adapted to mount the spare wheel S thereon;
a spare wheel locking arrangement 104 adapted to be provided on said spare wheel mounting assembly 102S;
a plurality of sliding members (106 and 108) comprising a plurality of first sliding members 106, where each of said first sliding member 106 is adapted to be slidably connected to corresponding each of said main carriage rail 102R and a plurality of second sliding members 108, where each of said second sliding member 108 is adapted to be slidably connected to corresponding each of said first sliding member 106,
wherein
said spare wheel mounting assembly 103 is adapted to be mounted onto each of said second sliding member 108; and
said spare wheel locking arrangement 104 is adapted to lock the spare wheel S onto said spare wheel mounting assembly 103.

2. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one handle 112 adapted to be connected to each of said second sliding member 108.

3. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 2 comprises a plurality of resilient means 114, where each of said resilient means 114 has a first end adapted to be connected to corresponding each of said second sliding member 108 and a second end adapted to be connected to corresponding end of said handle 112.

4. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 3 comprises a locking mechanism 110 comprising,
a mounting bracket 110M; and
at least one locking and releasing member 110R adapted to be pivotally connected to said mounting bracket 110M,
wherein
said locking and releasing member 110R is movable between an unlocked position in which said handle 112 is dis-engaged from locking and releasing member 110R and a locked position in which said handle 112 is engaged with locking and releasing member 110R .

5. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein said locking mechanism 110 comprises,
at least one resilient means 110S having a first end adapted to be connected to said mounting bracket 110M and a second end adapted to be connected to said locking and releasing member 110R.

6. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 5, wherein said spare wheel mounting assembly 103 comprises,
a spare wheel support member 103C adapted to be mounted onto each of said second sliding member 108; and
a spare wheel mounting member 103B adapted to be mounted onto said spare wheel support member 103C,
where
said spare wheel mounting assembly 103 is movable between a spare wheel unloading position and a spare wheel loaded position.

7. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein said spare wheel carrier assembly 102 comprises,
a plurality of carriage mounting members 102M adapted to mount said plurality of main carriage rails 102R to an underbody of the vehicle.

8. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 7 comprises a plurality of first rollers 107 adapted to facilitate sliding movement of said plurality of first sliding members 106 with respect to said plurality of main carriage rails 102R.

9. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 8 comprises a plurality of second rollers 108 adapted to facilitate sliding movement of said plurality of second sliding members 108 with respect to said plurality of first sliding members 106.

10. A locking mechanism 110 for a spare wheel mounting apparatus 100 of a vehicle, said mechanism 110 comprising:
a mounting bracket 110M;
at least one locking and releasing member 110R adapted to be pivotally connected to said mounting bracket 110M; and
at least one resilient means 110S having a first end adapted to be connected to said mounting bracket 110M and a second end adapted to be connected to said locking and releasing member 110R.