DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to spare wheel housing in vehicles and more particularly, to a spare wheel housing assembly in a passenger compartment of vehicles.

BACKGROUND
[002] All vehicles typically come with at least a spare wheel so that during conditions of flat tyre or due to vehicle tyre punctures, the spare wheel can be used. Due to space constraints, especially in a small segment vehicle or a compact vehicle, the spare wheel is mounted at different locations inside the vehicle. For example, in some of the conventional spare wheel housing assemblies, the spare wheel is secured to a trunk door of the vehicle. With the aforementioned type of spare wheel assembly, while the access to the spare wheel is easy, a length of the vehicle is increased and the trunk door may require additional reinforcements to secure and carry the spare wheel assembly thereby increasing the overall weight of the vehicle.
[003] Other conventional spare wheel housing assemblies utilize a portion of BIW (body in white) floor panel near the trunk or a boot or a luggage compartment that has a depression extending towards a bottom of the vehicle and a cover, usually a mat, is used to cover the spare wheel. In the aforementioned spare wheel housing assemblies, while the spare wheel assembly is within the vehicle, access to spare wheel becomes difficult if the trunk is filled with luggage.
[004] Further, the aforementioned spare wheel housing assemblies are limited, in function, to accommodate the spare wheel alone and utilizing the area, with the spare wheel in place, for any other purpose may not be possible.
[005] Therefore, there exists a need for a spare wheel housing assembly in a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks of the conventional assemblies.

OBJECTS
[006] The principal object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a spare wheel housing assembly that can be accommodated inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
[007] Another object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a spare wheel housing assembly that provides easy access to the spare wheel.
[008] A further object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a spare wheel housing assembly that is easy to disassemble.
[009] Yet another object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a spare wheel housing assembly that can be utilized as compartments for other storage purposes in addition to housing the spare wheel.
[0010] The 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
[0011] The embodiments of this 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:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a spare wheel housing assembly for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the spare wheel housing assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a floor console of the spare wheel housing assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a lid of the spare wheel housing assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] 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.
[0017] The embodiments herein achieve a spare wheel housing assembly that can be accommodated inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Further, embodiments herein achieve a spare wheel housing assembly that provides easy access to the spare wheel. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the spare wheel housing assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the spare wheel housing assembly 100 is used for housing at least one spare wheel W. In an embodiment, the spare wheel housing assembly 100 is accommodated or provided in the passenger compartment (not shown) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the spare wheel housing assembly 100 (as shown in fig. 2 and fig. 1) includes a first side 102, a second side 104, a floor console 106 (as shown in fig. 1, fig. 2, and fig. 3), at least one lid 108 (as shown in fig. 1, fig. 2 and fig. 4), a bracket 110, a locking element 112, a nut 114, a plurality of mounting means (not shown), a plurality of fasteners (not shown) and a plurality of clips (not shown).
[0019] In an embodiment, the first side 102 of the spare wheel housing assembly 100 is defined and coverable by the floor console 106. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the first side 102 of the spare wheel housing assembly 100 to be defined and partially coverable by the floor console 106 and remaining portion of the first side 102 to be defined and coverable by using a separate covering element that can be connected to the floor console 106.
[0020] In an embodiment, the second side 104 of the spare wheel housing assembly 100 is defined and partially coverable by the floor console 106 and a remaining portion of the second side 104 is defined and coverable by the lid 108 adapted to be removably connected or movably connected to the floor console 106.
[0021] In an embodiment, the floor console 106 is used to accommodate the spare wheel W and also the bracket 110. In an embodiment, the floor console 106 defines the first side 102 and covers the first side 102 of the spare wheel housing assembly 100. In an embodiment, the floor console 106 defines the second side 104 and partially covers the second side 104 of the spare wheel housing assembly 100. In one embodiment, the floor console 106 is transversely positioned to a floor panel P (as shown in fig. 2) of the vehicle. In other embodiment, the floor console 106 to connected or positioned to a depression of the floor panel P of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the floor console 106 includes/defines a portion 106a, an opening 106b (as shown in fig. 3) and a top portion 106c (as shown in fig. 3). In an embodiment, the portion 106a of the floor console 106 is used to accommodate the spare wheel W and the bracket 110. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide an opening on the top portion 106c of the floor console 106 to facilitate passage of the spare wheel W therethrough to enable accommodating of the spare wheel W in the floor console 106 and mounting of the spare wheel W by a locking means removably connected to the bracket 110 or removable connected to an element extending from the floor console 106 for mounting the spare wheel W without otherwise deterring the intended function of the of the spare wheel housing assembly 100 as can be deduced from the description. In an embodiment, the opening 106b of the floor console 106 is adjacent to the lid 108 and is used to facilitate passage of the spare wheel W therethrough to enable mounting of the spare wheel W to the bracket 110 and to provide access to the spare wheel W during flat tyre conditions. The opening 106b of the floor console 106 is covered by lid 108. In an embodiment, the top portion 106c of the floor console 106 defines a plurality of compartments 106d (as shown in fig. 3) including a plurality of compartments 106e (as shown in fig. 3) and a compartment 106f (as shown in fig. 3). In an embodiment, the plurality of compartments 106e of the top portion 106c is adapted to hold cups. Further, in an embodiment, the compartment 106f of the top portion 106c is adapted to hold mobile phone. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to configure the plurality of compartments 106d of the top portion 106c as a litter bin with closeable lids without otherwise deterring the intended function of the plurality of compartments 106d of the top portion 106c of the floor console 106 as can be deduced from the description. It is to be noted that while the plurality of compartments 106e and 106f provided for the aforementioned purposes on the top portion 106c of the floor console 106 is for the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, compartments for other purposes depending on the need and structure may also be provided without otherwise deterring the intended function of the floor console 106 of the spare wheel housing assembly 100 and such provisions are also within the scope of this invention. The floor console 106 is connected to the floor panel P by connecting or mounting the floor console 106 to the plurality of mounting means (not shown) using corresponding plurality of fasteners (not shown). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to connect the floor console 106 to the floor panel by fastening, riveting, adhesive bonding or any other means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the floor console 106 as can be deduced from the description. In one embodiment, the floor console 106 is made of plastic. In other embodiment, the floor console 106 is made of fiber reinforced plastic. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the floor console 106 to be made of any other material without otherwise deterring the intended function of the floor console 106 as can be deduced from the description.
[0022] In an embodiment, the lid 108 is used to cover the spare wheel W. In an embodiment, the lid 108 defines the corresponding portion of the second side 104 and covers the corresponding portion of the second side 104 of the spare wheel housing assembly 100. In one embodiment, the lid 108 is removably connected to the floor console 106 by using at least one of the plurality of clips (not shown) and the locking element 112. In another embodiment, the lid 108 is movably connected to the floor console 106 for example a hinge. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to provide the lid 108 to be movably connected or removably connected to the floor console 106 through any other means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the lid 108 as can be deduced from the description. Further, in an embodiment, the lid 108 defines a depression 108a (as shown in fig. 4) extending towards a location of rim R of the spare wheel W. In an embodiment, the depression 108a of the lid 108 can be used for storage purposes. The depression 108a of the lid 108 defines an opening (not shown) adapted to receive the locking element 112 therein to enable locking of the lid 108 and the spare wheel W to the bracket 110. In an embodiment, a width of the depression 108a is 250mm. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to vary the width of the depression 108a of the lid 108 without otherwise deterring the intended function of the depression 108a of the lid 108 as can be deduced from the description.
[0023] In an embodiment, the bracket 110 is adapted for mounting the spare wheel S and also to support the spare wheel W. In an embodiment, the bracket 110 is accommodated or secured inside the floor console 106. In an embodiment, the bracket 110 includes an opening (not shown) adapted to receive the locking element 112 therein to secure the spare wheel W. The bracket 110 is connected to the rim R of the spare wheel W. In one embodiment, the bracket 110 is connected to the floor panel P of the vehicle by welding. In other embodiment, the bracket 110 is connected to the floor console 106. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to connect the bracket 110 to the floor panel P by adhesive bonding, riveting, fastening or any other means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the bracket 110 as can be deduced from the description. In one embodiment, the bracket 110 is made of metal. In other embodiment, the bracket 110 is made of combination of nylon with glass filled in brackets. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the bracket 110 to be made of any other material without otherwise deterring the intended function of the bracket 110 as can be deduced from the description.
[0024] In one embodiment, the locking element 112 is used for securing the spare wheel W to the bracket 110. In other embodiment, the locking element 112 is provided to the opening (not shown) of the depression 108a of the lid 108 to facilitate passage of the locking element 112 therethrough to enable locking of the lid 108 and thereby the spare wheel W to the bracket 110. In an embodiment, the locking element 112 is a bolt. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other type of fasteners or any other means for locking at least one of the lid 108 and the spare wheel W to the bracket 110 without otherwise deterring the intended function of the locking element 112 as can be deduced from the description.
[0025] In an embodiment, the nut 114 is used to aid the locking element 112 in locking the spare wheel W and the lid 108 to the bracket 110. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide internal threads in the opening (not shown) of the bracket 110 to receive the locking element 112 for locking the spare wheel W and the lid 108 to the bracket 110 or provide any other means to aid the locking element 112 for locking the spare wheel W and the lid 108 to the bracket 110 instead of the nut 114 without otherwise deterring the intended function of the nut 114 as can be deduced from the description. The nut 114 is welded adjacent to the opening (not shown) of the bracket 110 to receive the locking element 112. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to connect the nut 114 adjacent to the opening (not shown) of the bracket 110 by any other means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the nut 114 as can be deduced from the description.
[0026] In an embodiment, the plurality of mounting means (not shown) is used for mounting the floor console 106 thereby connecting the floor console 106 to the floor panel P of the vehicle. In an embodiment, each of the mounting means (not shown) includes an opening (not shown) adapted to receive corresponding fasteners (not shown) therein to secure the floor console 106 to each of the mounting means (not shown). In an embodiment, each of the mounting means (not shown) is a bracket. However it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other means for mounting the floor console 106 without otherwise deterring the intended function of the plurality of the mounting means (not shown) as can be deduced from the description.
[0027] In an embodiment, the plurality of fasteners (not shown) is used for securing the floor console 106 to corresponding plurality of mounting means (not shown).
[0028] In an embodiment, the plurality of clips (not shown) is used for fixing the lid 108 to the floor console 106. In an embodiment, the plurality of clips (not shown) is made of metal. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the plurality of clips (not shown) to be made of any other material without otherwise deterring the intended function of the plurality of clips (not shown) as can be deduced from the description.
[0029] During conditions of flat tyre, the accessing of the spare wheel W for the aforementioned embodiments is as follows. In one embodiment, the operator or driver can remove the plurality of clips (not shown) and then remove the locking element 112 to remove the lid 108 and thereby dis-engaging the spare wheel W from the bracket 110 to replace the flat tyre (not shown) with the spare wheel W. In another embodiment, the operator or driver can remove the plurality of clips (not shown) to remove the lid 108 and then remove the locking element 112 to disengage the spare wheel W from the bracket 110 to replace the flat tyre with the spare wheel W. In another embodiment, the operator or driver can move the lid 108 to an open position and then remove the locking element 112 to disengage the spare wheel W from the bracket 110 to replace the flat tyre with the spare wheel W.
[0030] The following 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 preferred 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:CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A housing assembly 100 for a spare wheel W, said housing assembly 100 comprising:
a first side 102 defined by a floor console 106;
a second side 104 partially defined by a lid 108; and
a bracket 110 adapted for mounting the spare wheel W,
wherein
the spare wheel W and said bracket 110 are adapted to be secured towards said first side 102 defined by the floor console 106.
2. The housing assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a locking element 112 adapted to secure at least one of the spare wheel W and the lid 108 to said bracket 110.
3. The housing assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bracket 110 is configured to be connected to at least one of a floor panel P and the floor console 106 of the vehicle.
4. The housing assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of mounting means adapted for mounting the floor console 106 thereby connecting the floor console 106 to the floor panel P of the vehicle.
5. The housing assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of clips adapted to secure the lid 108 to the floor console 106.
6. The housing assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a nut 114 adapted to aid the locking element 112 to secure the lid 108 and the spare wheel W to said bracket 110.
7. A housing assembly 100 for a spare wheel W, said housing assembly 100 comprising:
a bracket 110 adapted for mounting the spare wheel W;
a floor console 106 adapted to accommodate the spare wheel W and said bracket 110; and
at least one lid 108 adapted to at least partially cover the spare wheel W.
8. The housing assembly 100 as claimed in claim 7, wherein said lid 108 adapted to be removably connected or movably connected to said floor console 106.
9. A housing assembly 100 for a spare wheel W, said housing assembly 100 comprising:
a first side 102 covered by a floor console 106;
a second side 104 partially covered by a lid 108; and
a bracket 110 adapted for mounting the spare wheel W,
wherein
the spare wheel W and said bracket 110 are adapted to be secured towards said first side 102 covered by the floor console 106.
10. A housing assembly 100 for a spare wheel W, said housing assembly 100 comprising:
a first side 102;
a second side 104;
a floor console 106 adapted to cover said first side 102 and at least partially cover said second side 104;
a lid 108 adapted to cover corresponding portion of said second side 104; and
a bracket 110 adapted for mounting the spare wheel W,
wherein
the spare wheel W and said bracket 100 are accommodated inside said floor console 106 towards said first side 102 covered by said floor console 106.