DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a system for storing a spare wheel in a vehicle and more particularly, but not exclusively to a system and a method to store a spare wheel using a flip panel and to access the spare wheel from inside of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[002] A conventional spare wheel mounting assembly includes a wheel carrier and/ or frame, a cable, releasing elements and reinforcement elements for securing the spare wheel under a body of the vehicle. Some spare wheel mounting assembly utilizes the frame or mounting brackets or support member and winch type or strap type releasing mechanism for securing the spare wheel from under the body of the vehicle. In the aforementioned spare wheel mounting assemblies, the spare wheel is not easily accessible to an operator or driver i.e., the driver or operator has to crawl or go underneath the vehicle to remove the mounting bracket or releasing elements or the winch type or strap type release mechanism for releasing the spare wheel. Further, the driver or operator experiences discomfort while operating or releasing the spare wheel due to undesirable or rough road conditions (dust, mud road, etc). Furthermore, releasing of the spare wheel and locking of the flat tyre to the underbody of the vehicle requires higher effort by the driver or operator and higher operating time.
[003] Some conventional spare wheel mounting assemblies includes holding elements or mounting brackets for securing the spare wheel to a trunk door of the vehicle. With the aforementioned type of spare wheel mounting 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 and thereby increasing the overall weight of the vehicle.
[004] Other conventional spare wheel mounting 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 mounting assemblies, while the spare wheel assembly is within the vehicle, access to spare wheel becomes difficult if the trunk is filled with luggage.
[005] Therefore, there exists a need for a system to store a spare wheel which is simple and user friendly. Furthermore, there exists a need for a system to store a spare wheel that eliminates aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[006] The principal object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a spare wheel storage system suitable for use in an interior cabin of a vehicle.
[007] Another object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a system for storing a spare wheel which is simple and user friendly.
[008] Still another object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a system for storing a spare wheel which facilitates in releasing of the spare wheel from inside of the vehicle.
[009] Yet another object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a method of providing a spare wheel storage system suitable for use in an interior cabin of a vehicle.
[0010] 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
[0011] 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:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a system for storing a spare wheel, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a system for storing a spare wheel with a spare wheel mounted thereon, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the system for storing the spare wheel along with the spare wheel mounted thereon, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the system for storing the spare wheel along with the spare wheel mounted thereon, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts another view of Fig. 4, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 6 depicts yet another view of Fig. 4, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 7 depicts yet another view of Fig. 4, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0019] FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart of a method of providing a spare wheel storage system 100 suitable for use in an interior cabin of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] 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.
[0021] The embodiments herein achieve a system for storing a motor vehicle spare wheel. Further, the embodiments herein achieve a system for storing a spare wheel which facilitates in releasing of the spare wheel from inside of the vehicle. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 8, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the system 100 for storing the spare wheel, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the system 100 for storing the spare wheel (herein after referred as spare wheel storage system 100) includes, a flip panel 102, a top surface 104 and a bottom surface 106 defined in the flip panel 102, a spare wheel holder 108, a wheel locking nut 110, plurality of bearing supports 112, a handle 114, a threaded shaft 116, an axis A defined in the flip panel 102 and at least one spare wheel 118 as shown in FIG. 2.
[0023] In an embodiment, the spare wheel storage system 100 for storing the spare wheel 118 includes the flip panel 102. In an embodiment, the flip panel 102 is a made of sheet metal. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the flip panel 102 may be made from any type of metals or materials without otherwise deterring the intended function of providing support as can be deduced from this description and corresponding drawings.
[0024] In an embodiment, the spare wheel storage system 100 is suitable for use in an interior cabin (not shown) of a vehicle. The interior cabin is defined in a body structure of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the flip panel 102 is mounted on the body structure (not shown) of the vehicle (not shown). In an embodiment, the flip panel 102 is mounted on floor panel of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the spare wheel storage system 100 is positioned in at least one of vehicle locations including but not limited to the floor panel, side panel, door, tail gate, trunk, closures and roof of the vehicle.
[0025] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the system 100 for storing the spare wheel along with the spare wheel mounted thereon, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the flip panel 102 includes the top surface 104, the bottom surface 106 and the axis A defined in the flip panel 102. In an embodiment, the flip panel 102 is configured to rotate about the axis A as shown in FIGS. 4-7. In an embodiment, the flip panel 102 is configured to rotate about the axis A from 0° (minimum) to 200° (maximum).
[0026] In an embodiment, the flip panel 102 is mounted to the body structure of the vehicle through a plurality of bearings 112. The plurality of bearings 112 supports the flip panel 102 during turnover of the flip panel 102 in the interior cabin of the vehicle.
[0027] FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 depict another view of Fig. 4, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the spare wheel storage system 100 includes the spare wheel holder 108. In an embodiment, the spare wheel holder 108 is configured to hold the spare wheel 118 and fix the spare wheel 118 to the flip panel 102. In an embodiment, the spare wheel holder 108 includes the threaded shaft 116 through which holds the at least one spare wheel 118. In an embodiment, the threaded shaft 116 extends from the holder 108 of the flip panel 102 to downwards.
[0028] In an embodiment, the spare wheel storage system 100 includes the locking nut 110. In an embodiment, the locking nut 110 is fastened to the threaded shaft 116 to hold the spare wheel 118 in a predetermined position.
[0029] In an embodiment, the spare wheel storage system 100 includes at least one handle 114 mounted on the top surface 104 of the flip panel 102. In an embodiment, the handle 114 facilitates to turn over the flip panel 102 to access the spare wheel 118 from inside of the interior cabin of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the spare wheel 118 is locked and released from inside of the interior cabin of the vehicle.
[0030] In an alternate embodiment, the spare wheel storage system 100 includes at least two spare wheels 118 to be stored in the floor panel of the vehicle. In an alternate embodiment, the threaded shaft 116 is extended vertically in the downward direction to store at least two spare wheels 118. In an alternate embodiment, at least one locking plate 120 is provided between the at least two spare wheels 118 to separately hold the wheel under the flip panel 102.
[0031] In an embodiment, a method 200 of providing a spare wheel storage system 100 suitable for use in an interior cabin of a vehicle is disclosed as shown in FIG. 8. The method includes, mounting a flip panel 102 to the body structure of the vehicle, wherein the flip panel 102 includes a top surface 104 and a bottom surface 106 (step 202). Further, the method includes, mounting at least one spare wheel holder 108 at the bottom surface 106 of the flip panel 102 at a predetermined location (step 204). Furthermore, the method includes, coupling at least one wheel locking nut 110 to the spare wheel holder 108 to position at least one spare wheel 118 in the flip panel 102 (step 206). Also, the flip panel 102 is configured to turn over about an axis A defined in the flip panel 102.
[0032] The technical advantages achieved by the embodiments disclosed herein includes, easy access of spare wheels at any road conditions, suitable for women and aged customers, simple mechanism with lesser number of parts, clear and tyre smell free cabin area, easily serviceable and replaceable components, and facilitates mounting of more than one spare wheel.
[0033] 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.

Referral Numerals:
System 100
Flip panel 102
Top surface 104
Bottom surface 106
Holder 108
Locking nut 110
Bearing 112
Handle 114
Threaded shaft 116
Spare wheel 118
Locking plate 120
,CLAIMS:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A spare wheel storage system 100 suitable for use in an interior cabin of a vehicle, the interior cabin defined in a body structure of the vehicle, said system100 comprises:
a flip panel 102 mounted to the body structure of the vehicle, wherein the flip panel 102 includes a top surface 104 and a bottom surface 106;
at least one spare wheel holder 108 mounted at the bottom surface 106 of the flip panel 102 at a predetermined location; and
at least one wheel locking nut 110 coupled to the spare wheel holder 108 to position at least one spare wheel 118 in the flip panel 102;
wherein
the flip panel 102 is configured to turn over about an axis A defined in the flip panel 102.

2. A spare wheel storage system 100 suitable for use in an interior cabin of a vehicle, the interior cabin defined in a body structure of the vehicle, said system100 comprising:
a flip panel 102 mounted to the body structure of the vehicle, wherein the flip panel 102 includes a top surface 104 and a bottom surface 106;
at least one spare wheel holder 108 mounted at the bottom surface 106 of the flip panel 102 at a predetermined location; and
at least one locking nut 110 coupled to the spare wheel holder 108 to position at least one spare wheel 118 in the flip panel 102;
wherein
the flip panel 102 is configured to turn over about an axis A defined in the flip panel 102;
the flip panel 102 is mounted to the body structure of the vehicle through a plurality of bearings 112.

3. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system 100 further includes at least one handle 114 connected on the top surface 104 of the flip panel 102 to facilitate turnover of the flip panel 102.

4. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flip panel 102 is configured to rotate about the axis A from 0°(minimum) to 200° (maximum).

5. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one spare wheel holder 108 includes at least one threaded shaft 116 extending downwards from the flip panel 102 to hold the at least one spare wheel 118.

6. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threaded shaft 116 is coupled with at least one separation locking plate 120 to hold at least two separate spare wheels 118.

7. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spare wheel storage system 100 is provided in at least one of floor panel, side panel, door, tail gate, trunk, closures and roof of the vehicle.

8. A method 200 of providing a spare wheel storage system 100 suitable for use in an interior cabin of a vehicle, the interior cabin defined in a body structure of the vehicle, said method comprising steps of:
mounting a flip panel 102 to the body structure of the vehicle, wherein the flip panel 102 includes a top surface 104 and a bottom surface 106;
mounting at least one spare wheel holder 108 at the bottom surface 106 of the flip panel 102 at a predetermined location; and
coupling at least one wheel locking nut 110 to the spare wheel holder 108 to position at least one spare wheel 118 in the flip panel 102;
wherein
the flip panel 102 is configured to turn over about an axis A defined in the flip panel 102.
9. A method of providing a spare wheel storage system 100 suitable for use in an interior cabin of a vehicle, the interior cabin defined in a body structure of the vehicle, said method comprising steps of:
mounting a flip panel 102 to the body structure of the vehicle, wherein the flip panel 102 includes a top surface 104 and a bottom surface 106;
mounting at least one spare wheel holder 108 at the bottom surface 106 of the flip panel 102 at a predetermined location; and
coupling at least one wheel locking nut 110 to the spare wheel holder 108 to position at least one spare wheel 118 in the flip panel 120;
wherein
the flip panel 102 is configured to turn over about an axis A defined in the flip panel 102;
the flip panel 102 is mounted to the body structure of the vehicle through a plurality of bearings 112.

10. The method as claimed in claims 8 and 9, wherein the flip panel 102 is configured to rotate about the axis from 0° (minimum) to 200° (maximum).