Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a wheel mounting assembly. In a preferred embodiment, said wheel mounting assembly is for a multi-wheeled vehicle, including but not limited to passenger and goods vehicles.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally available vehicles, including passenger and goods vehicles, are designed with the ability to readily carry a wheel member. For example, some vehicles are manufactured to carry a spare wheel in the undercarriage of a vehicle. Other vehicles are designed with wheel wells to carry a wheel member to minimize the occupied space.
[0003] A wheel member can be a wheel-rim or a fully assembled wheel including the rim and the tyre with fasteners. The conventionally available designs of a wheel mounting assembly generally disclose bulky arrangements which are not at all cost effective. The conventionally available multi-wheeled vehicles compartment space is limited and some compartments are not large enough to hold a wheel member. More importantly, the compartment space is often needed to store battery, spares, tools and other important cargo supplies. Accordingly, the use of a compartment on multi wheeled vehicle to carry a wheel member such as a spare wheel, is not always practical.
[0004] The present wheel mounting assembly has many advantages over existing methods and apparatuses for storing and carrying a wheel member. For example, the invention removes the wheel member from within a compartment of the vehicle, thereby freeing more storage space within the vehicle and ensuring easier access to the wheel member. There are known configurations where wheels are store below the vehicle floor but they are difficult to access for users. In one aspect of the present invention, the location of the mounting of the wheel member is below the vehicle floor but more advantageous compared to similar known configurations in terms of wheel access but still more secure compared known assemblies which are more susceptible to theft. In known wheel mounting assemblies, if the wheel is not inconveniently mounted below the vehicle floor, it would be easier to remove in an unauthorised manner. Thus, the choice between a manufacturer was either an assembly configuration that is inconvenient for a bona fide user to dismount the wheel member, or an assembly configuration that makes it easy for thefts. The present subject matter substantially alleviates the above problem while making the assembly easier to access for bona fide user and yet provides additional safety against thefts.
[0005] More specifically, in one preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a wheel mounting assembly and various illustrative embodiments. The said wheel mounting assembly for a multi wheeled vehicle discloses an improvised assembly which overcomes various shortcomings of the prior art.
[0006] One of other the drawbacks of the conventionally available wheel mounting assembly for a multi wheeled vehicle is also heavy weight which make it difficult to handle single handedly. The weight reduction of the wheel mounting assembly for a multi wheeled vehicle is achieved through reduction in number of parts as a result of the novel and inventive assembly. The reduction in parts to construct the assembly leads to reduction in overall cost involved in manufacturing the wheel mounting assembly.
[0007] Another issue with regard to spare wheel mounting in some type of vehicle is that vehicles being exported from one country to another are to be packaged in a manner so that there is least number of parts for storing and packaging. Due to the present invention, the reduction in number of parts required in the assembly further facilitates the requirements of export packaging. Thereby, addressing the need of an improvised wheel mounting assembly which would overcome shortcomings of the existing wheel mounting assembly.
[0008] The inventive ness of the various features of the claimed invention is also addressing to eliminate the shortcomings of high takt time to build wheel mounting assembly and consequently the assembly of the vehicle. Therefore, the improvised wheel mounting assembly in the present inventive concept specifically addresses the aforesaid issues present in the prior art, thereby improving the whole configurational design and the operation of the vehicle in an efficient manner, reducing the hardships of serviceability and maintainability along with increasing durability of the wheel mounting assembly and vehicle thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention relates to a wheel mounting assembly for a multi wheeled vehicle which address the prior art problems related to takt time, weight reduction of overall assembly, theft proof design, export packaging issues raised due to cumbersome design of existing wheel mounting assemblies and reducing cost of the overall assembly. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures, which is related to a wheel mounting assembly, particularly where the first member and second member being one embodiment of the present invention. However, the preset invention is not limited to the depicted embodiment(s). In the figures, the same or similar reference signs are used throughout to represent similar features and components.
[00010] Figure 1(a) illustrates exploded view of a wheel mounting assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Figure 1(b) illustrates a perspective view of the assembled first member and second member in a wheel mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Figure 2(a) exemplarily illustrates a perspective view (from a bottom side of the vehicle) of the first member showing the attachment of first member of the wheel mounting assembly on the cross member of the vehicle frame along with depicting orientation of mounting members, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00013] Figure 2(b) exemplarily illustrates a back side view of the first member of the wheel mounting assembly showing the attachment of first member on cross member along with depicting orientation of fasting members, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00014] Figure 3(a) exemplarily illustrates a side view of the wheel mounting assembly in assembled condition showing first and second member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00015] Figure 3(b) exemplarily illustrates a perspective side view of the second member along with depicting orientation of fasting members, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00016] Figure 4(a) exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the second member in the wheel mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00017] Figure 4(b) exemplarily illustrates a perspective assembled view of the wheel mounting assembly depicting positioning in a multi wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00018] Figure 5(a) exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the first member of wheel mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00019] Figure 5(b) exemplarily illustrates a perspective inner side view of the wheel mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00020] Figure 6 exemplarily illustrates in a rear and side view of first member of the wheel mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00021] Figure 7 exemplarily illustrates in a cross sectional side view of the wheel mounting assembly in a multi wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00022] The present invention relates to system for storing and carrying a wheel member. The wheel member includes a wheel rim or a wheel including tyre and a rim. The wheel mounting assembly of the present invention has many advantages over existing methods and apparatuses for storing and carrying a spare wheel/ wheel member. For example, the invention removes the spare wheel/ wheel member from within a compartment of the vehicle, thereby freeing more storage space within the vehicle and ensuring easier access to the spare wheel/ wheel member. The location is also advantageous compared to spare wheel/ wheel member stored underneath vehicles, as those can be difficult to access. A further advantage of the present invention is that in particular embodiments it includes a theft preventive design, thereby substantially enhancing the safety in the storage of wheel member. The present invention also has advantages over spare wheel carriers systems that are horizontally affixed to the vehicle in that it is more structurally stable due to its upright configuration, while maintaining easy access to the rear of the vehicle due to the pivot point.
[00023] Therefore, the objectives of the present invention are reducing number of parts utilized for constructing the wheel mounting assembly which leads further lowering the costs to build the wheel mounting assembly which further reduces the weight of the assembly. This improvised arrangement assures that the export packaging is made convenient with bolting concept along the existing length of the frame member. Further, ensuring the theft proof design for the wheel member.
[00024] Further, the present invention reduces the process cost by reducing the number of parts needed to construct the wheel mounting assembly.
[00025] The wheel mounting assembly may be implemented in any multi-wheeled vehicle such as three-wheeled, a quadricycle or a multi-wheeled vehicle. However, the application of the invention is not limited vehicular applications only. However, for the purpose of explanation and by no limitation, the wheel mounting assembly, corresponding additional advantages and features are described through the following embodiments.
[00026] Accordingly, in one of the illustrative embodiment, a wheel mounting assembly for a multi wheeled vehicle is provided which comprises at least one wheel member, a first member which is rigidly attached to a frame member. The frame member is part of a frame assembly of the multi wheeled vehicle and frame member is located below a floor of multi wheeled vehicle and a second member is detachably attached to first member.
[00027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second member is configured to include a front-end portion which is configured to have a substantially C-shaped cross section and the front end portion is configured to detachably attach the second member with the first member across said frame member. Further, a rear end portion is also provided which includes at least two mounting means which are configured to mount a wheel member.
[00028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wheel mounting assembly for a multi wheeled vehicle comprises frame member which is configured to be a cross member of frame assembly, wherein cross member is rigidly attached to at least a pair of long members of frame assembly of multi-wheeled vehicle.
[00029] In one of the embodiment of the present invention, the front-end portion of second member is detachably attached to the first member using one or more fastening members disposed on the front end portion, these fastening members include a plurality of upper fastening members and a plurality of bottom fastening members. This plurality of upper fastening members and the plurality of bottom fastening members are fastened using attachment means rigidly disposed on first member. In one aspect of the invention, the front-end portion and rear end portion along with coupling member of second member are fixedly and integrally attached to each other. Further, upon attachment of first member to second member plurality of upper fastening members are disposed above frame member and plurality of bottom fastening members are disposed below said frame member.
[00030] In one more aspect of the present invention, the wheel mounting assembly is designed in such a fashion that the plurality of upper fastening members are offset from the plurality of bottom fastening members in a vehicle-width direction.
[00031] Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the wheel mounting assembly discloses that the front-end portion and rear end portion are vertically offset to each other.
[00032] Further in one of the illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the wheel mounting assembly makes disclosure regarding the rear end portion is configured to be rigidly attached to front end portion through a coupling member. The coupling member is configured to disclose a substantially I-shape structure which facilitates the association between rear end portion and front-end portion. The coupling member is disposed in an inclined configuration when viewed from a side of the multi wheeled vehicle.
[00033] In one aspect of the present invention, the wheel mounting assembly further discloses that the wheel member is selected from a group consisting of a wheel rim, a tyre and a wheel including wheel rim and a tyre. The mounting means include at least two bolts welded on rear end portion; wheel member is mounted on at least two bolts on rear end portion using a locking means and a nut member.
[00034] Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the wheel mounting assembly wherein wheel member is mounted on the rear end portion of the second member at an angle of 2 to 7 degrees from a vertical plane perpendicular to vehicle floor of multi wheeled vehicle when viewed from a side direction of the vehicle.
[00035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wheel mounting assembly wherein wheel member is a spare wheel of multi-wheeled vehicle.
[00036] In one of the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the wheel mounting assembly wherein long members of the frame assembly are disposed parallelly and cross member is welded perpendicularly to long members and wherein wheel member being configured to be mounted on second member such that mounting means become inaccessible without dismounting wheel member. The locking means enables the theft proof design ensuring the efficient arrangement.
[00037] Thus, the objectives of the present subject matter are achieved by a system which provides a solution to the ergonomic challenge to mount the wheel member efficiently. This solution further solves the problem by creating a theft proof arrangement and further reducing the number of parts utilized to create the wheel mounting assembly. This enables a system which lower in weight than the existing similar assemblies which are usually cumbersome and bulky in design and creates issues while export packaging.
[00038] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00039] Figure 1(a) illustrates exploded view of a wheel mounting assembly (100) as mounted on a frame member of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. For the sake of explanation, the wheel mounting assembly (100) of a multi wheeled vehicle (200) is shown which comprises at least a wheel member (201), a first member (101) which is rigidly attached to a frame member (103). The frame member (103) is part of a frame assembly (500) and is located below the floor of said multi-wheeled vehicle (200). A second member (102) is detachably attached to the first member (101). The second member (102) is configured to include a front-end portion (107F), where the front end portion (107F) is configured to have a substantially C-shaped cross section. The front end portion (107F) is also configured to detachably attach the second member (102) with the first member (101) across the frame member (103). The frame member (103) is a cross member (103C) of the frame assembly (500) which is rigidly attached to two long member (106L). The mounting of first member (101) and the second member (102) across the cross member (103C) ensures that the wheel mounting assembly (100) takes the benefit of the strength of the cross member (103C). The rear end portion (107R) is configured to have at least two mounting means (108) which are providing assistance to mount the wheel member (201).
[00040] Figure 1(b) exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the assembled first member (101) and the second member (102) in a wheel mounting assembly (100). The front-end portion (107F) of the second member (102) is detachably attached to the first member (101) using one or more fastening members disposed on front end portion (107F). The fastening members include a plurality of upper fastening members (110 U) and a plurality of bottom fastening members (110B), wherein said plurality of upper fastening members (110U) and the plurality of bottom fastening members (110B) are fastened using attachment means rigidly disposed on said first member (101). The arrangement is such that upon attachment of the first member (101) to the second member (102), the plurality of upper fastening members (110U) are disposed above the frame member (103) and the plurality of bottom fastening members (110B) are disposed below said frame member (103). The front-end portion (107F) and the rear end portion (107R) are vertically offset to each other in a vehicle width direction (W-W). This is an advantageous configurational approach demonstrated in the inventive concept which is assisting in achieving the objectives of the invention. The rear end portion (107R) is rigidly attached to the front end portion (107F) through a coupling member (111C), which is a substantially I-shape structure and disposed in an inclined configuration when viewed from a side of the multi wheeled vehicle (200). The long members (106L) of the frame assembly (500) are disposed parallelly and a cross member (103C) is welded perpendicularly to the long members (106L) and the wheel member (201) is configured to be mounted on the second member (102) such that said fastening means become inaccessible without dismounting said wheel member. This structural advance facilitates in achieving a configurational design for wheel mounting assembly (100) which is enabling a theft proof arrangement because the plurality of upper fastening members (110U) which are disposed above the frame member (103) and the plurality of bottom fastening members (110B) are disposed below said frame member (103) are inaccessible without dismantling of the wheel member (201). This is also because the wheel member (201) is secured through the rear end portion (107R) using a locking means (109L) and a nut member (109N).
[00041] Figure 2(a) exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the first member showing the attachment of first member (101) on cross member (103C) along with depicting orientation of mounting members (108) (also shown in Figure 1(a)), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The pluralities of welded nuts (114W) are disclosed herein which are fixedly disposed on the back side of the first member (101) on upper as well as on bottom edges. These welded nuts (114W) are further facilitating the configurational objectives of the present inventive concept. The welded nuts (114W) ensure that the attachment between first member (101) and the second member (102) can be done without the need to access the rear side of the first member (101) which is rigidly attached to the cross member (103C). The above mentioned configuration also aids in detachable attachment first member (101) thereby facilitating the reduction in takt time and enabling the export packaging with existing length of the frame member.
[00042] Figure 2(b) exemplarily illustrates a back side view of the first member (101) showing the attachment of the first member (101) on cross member (103C)along with depicting orientation of fasting members (110U & 110B) (also shown in Figure 1(b)), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The plurality of upper fastening members (110U) and the plurality of bottom fastening members (110B) are fastened using attachment means rigidly disposed on said first member (101). Further, disclosing the structural orientation of welded nuts (114W).
[00043] Figure 3(a) and 3(b) exemplarily illustrates a side and perspective view of the wheel mounting assembly (100) along with the assembled first and second member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Both figures are described together for ease of reference. This side view of the wheel assembly further shows that the front-end portion (107F) of second member (102), rear-end portion (107R) of the second member (102) and the coupling member (111C) are affixed fixedly in one robust configuration to provide strength and rigidity to the assembly (100) to withstand the weight of the wheel member (201) even during operation of the multi wheeled vehicle (200) on rough roads.
[00044] Figure 4(a) exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the wheel mounting assembly (100) depicting only the second member (102) which comprises the front-end portion (107F) of the second member (102), the rear-end portion (107R) of the second member (102) and the coupling member (111C), which detachably attached to the first member (101) (also shown in Figure 1(b)) thereby, facilitating the export packaging.
[00045] Figure 4(b) exemplarily illustrates a perspective assembled view of the wheel mounting assembly (100) along with depicting positioning in the multi wheeled vehicle (200), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The wheel mounting assembly (100) for a multi wheeled vehicle (200) disclosing the wheel member (201) mounted on the rear end portion (107R) of second member (102) at an angle of 2 to 7 degrees (θ ) (also shown in Figure 7) from a vertical plane (V-V’) (also shown in Figure 7) perpendicular to vehicle floor of the multi wheeled vehicle (200) when viewed from the side direction (F-R) (also shown in Figure 7) of the multi wheeled vehicle (200). This configurational advance facilitates the single handedly removal and installation of wheel member (201) without much application of muscular endurance. Therefore, making a disclosure which is easy and robust in its configurational design.
[00046] Figure 5(a), 5(b) and 6 exemplarily illustrate perspective views, side view and rear view respectively of the first member of wheel mounting assembly (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The figures clearly show the cross section “C” shape of the first member (101) which ensures strength and rigidity added to its mounting on the cross member (103C) of the frame member (103).
[00047] Figure 7 exemplarily illustrates in a cross sectional side view of the wheel mounting assembly in a multi wheeled vehicle (200), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The safety member (202) present in the disclosed inventive concept, not only protects the multi wheel vehicle (200) from damages caused by other vehicles from the rear side of the multi wheel vehicle (200) but also safeguards the wheel member (201) and the wheel mounting assembly (100) along with prohibiting access to the plurality of fastening members (110U and 110B) thereby adding another layer of protection to the theft proof design. This cross sectional side view of the wheel assembly further shows that the front-end portion (107F) of the second member (102), the rear-end portion (107R) of the second member (102) and the coupling member (111C) are affixed fixedly to each other whereas the second member is detachably attached to the first member (101) thereby reducing the takt time. The figure also shows the wheel member (201) mounted on the rear end portion (107R) of the second member (102) at a preferred angle of 2 to 7 degrees. This provides convenient mounting and dismounting of the wheel member (201) for a user working from the rear side of the vehicle (200) in this embodiment. A skilled person would appreciate that the inventive concepts of this invention can also be realized by providing the wheel mounting assembly (100) on the parallel member (103L) or any other part of the frame assembly (500) of the vehicle (200).
[00048] The embodiments of this invention are not limited to particular wheel carriers and/or vehicles, which can vary and will be understood by skilled artisans. It is further to be understood that all terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting in any manner or scope. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, when introducing elements/components/etc. of the assembly described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
[00049] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[00050] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure.

List of Reference Numerals:
Angle: θ
Wheel mounting assembly: 100,
First member: 101,
Second member: 102,
Frame member: 103,
Cross member: 103C,
Pair of long members: 103L,
Front-end portion: 107F,
Rear end portion: 107R,
Mounting means: 108,
Locking means: 109 L and 109 N,
Protrusion of locking means on which wheel would mount: 109L’
Upper set of fasting members: 110 U,
Bottom set of fasting members: 110 B,
Upper set of openings: 110 U’
Bottom set of openings: 110 B’
Coupling member: 111 C,
Back surface of first member: 113,
Welded Nuts: 114W,
Multi wheeled vehicle: 200,
Wheel member: 201,
Safety member: 202,
Frame assembly: 500,
Vehicle width direction: W-W.
Vertical plane: V-V’
, C , Claims:We claim:

1. A wheel mounting assembly (100) for a multi wheeled vehicle (200), said wheel mounting assembly (100) comprising:
at least one wheel member,
a first member (101), said first member (101) being attached to a frame member (103), said frame member (103) being part of a frame assembly (500) of said multi-wheeled vehicle (200) and said frame member (103) being located below a floor of said multi-wheeled vehicle (200); and
a second member (102), said second member (102) being detachably attached to said first member (101),
wherein
said second member (102) is configured to include
a front-end portion (107F), said front end portion (107F) being configured to detachably attach the second member (102) with the first member (101) of said frame member (103); and
a rear end portion (107R), said rear end portion (107R) being configured to have at least one mounting means (108), said at least one mounting means (108) being configured to mount said wheel member.

2. The wheel mounting assembly (100) for a multi wheeled vehicle (200) claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame member (103) is configured to be a cross member (103c) of said frame assembly (500), said cross member (103c) being rigidly attached to at least a pair of long members (103L) of said frame assembly (500) of said multi-wheeled vehicle (100).

3. The wheel mounting assembly (100) for a multi wheeled vehicle (200) claimed in claim 1, wherein
said front-end portion (107F) of said second member (102) is detachably attached to the first member (101) using one or more fastening members disposed on said front end portion(107F), said fastening members including a plurality of upper fastening members (110 U) and a plurality of bottom fastening members (110 B);
wherein said plurality of upper fastening members (110U) and the plurality of bottom fastening members (110B) are fastened using attachment means rigidly disposed on said first member (101); and

wherein upon attachment of said first member (101) to said second member (102), said plurality of upper fastening members (110U) are disposed above said frame member (103) and said plurality of bottom fastening members (110B) are disposed below said frame member (103).

4. The wheel mounting assembly (100) for a multi wheeled vehicle (200) claimed in claim 1, wherein the front end portion (107F) is configured to have a substantially C-shaped cross section.

5. The wheel mounting assembly (100) for a multi wheeled vehicle (200) claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of upper fasting members (110 U) are offset from the plurality of bottom fasting members (110 B) in a vehicle-width direction(W-W).

6. The wheel mounting assembly (100) for a multi wheeled vehicle (200) claimed in claim 1, wherein said front-end portion (107F) and said rear end portion (107R) of second member (102) are vertically offset to each other.

7. The wheel mounting assembly (100) for a multi wheeled vehicle (200) claimed in claim 6, wherein said rear end portion (107R) of second member (102) being rigidly attached to said front end portion (107F) of second member (102)through a coupling member (111 C), said coupling member (111C) being configured in a substantially I-shape in a side view of said multi wheeled vehicle (200)and said coupling member (111C) being disposed in an inclined configuration when viewed from a side of the multi wheeled vehicle (200).

8. The wheel mounting assembly (100) for a multi wheeled vehicle (200) claimed in claim 1, wherein
the wheel member (201) is selected from a group consisting of a wheel rim, a tyre and a wheel including said wheel rim and a tyre;
said mounting means (108) include at least two bolts attached welded on said rear end portion (107R);
and wherein said wheel member is mounted on said at least two bolts on said rear end portion (107R) using a locking means (109 L) and a nut member (109 N).

9. The wheel mounting assembly (100) for a multi wheeled vehicle (200) claimed in claim 7, wherein said wheel member is mounted on said rear end portion (107R) of said second member (102) at an angle of 2 to 7 degrees from a vertical plane perpendicular to said vehicle floor of said multi wheeled vehicle (200) when viewed from a side direction of the vehicle.

10. The wheel mounting assembly (100) for a multi wheeled vehicle (200) claimed in claim 7 wherein said wheel member is a spare wheel of said multi-wheeled vehicle (200).

11. The wheel mounting assembly (100) for a multi wheeled vehicle (200) claimed in claim 3 wherein
said long members (103L) of the frame assembly (500) are disposed parallelly and said cross member (103C) is welded perpendicularly to said long members (103L);
and wherein said wheel member (201) being configured to be mounted on said second member (102) such that said fastening means (110U and 110B) become inaccessible without dismounting said wheel member.