DESC:ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FOR SPARE WHEEL ASSEMBLY IN VEHICLE

Field of invention:

The present invention generally relates to an anti-theft system and more particularly relates to an anti-theft system for spare wheel assembly fixed to the rear end of the vehicle.

Background of the invention:

Most of the sport utility vehicles (SUV) have spare wheel assembly positioned on the rear door which are aesthetic wise a robust design as well as to manage the space constraint. Simultaneously, it provides easy access for removal from outside of vehicle and hence there arises a need to protect the rear wheel assembly from theft.

Mostly the rear door wheel assembly is protected by a house door lock on wheel holding studs which separates lock and key, which gives a scruffy look to the vehicle. The house door lock unit usually produces noise, with metallic rim due to vibrations in running condition. This results in unpleasant drive for both the driver and passenger travelling. The house door lock is easy to cut or damage and steal the wheel with tyre which is costly.

Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a system that protects spare wheel assembly from theft and overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

Objects of the invention:

An object of the present invention is to provide a cost effective anti-theft system for spare wheel assembly fixed to the rear end of the vehicle.
Another object of the present invention is to facilitate aesthetic wise locking system of spare wheel assembly fixed to the rear end of the vehicle.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a single locking system for spare wheel assembly hoisting device and rear door of the vehicle.

Further object of the invention is to provide an unlocking system of pull type lever mechanism to unlock the spare wheel from inner side of the rear door of the vehicle.

Summary of the invention:

Accordingly, the present invention provides an anti-theft system for a spare wheel in a vehicle. The anti-theft system comprises a latch assembly mounted on a latch mounted bracket, a locking plate assembly, a lock barrier and a cover provided for covering the spare wheel. The latch assembly includes a linkage for providing locking mechanism for the spare wheel operated from both outer and inner panel of a back door of the vehicle. The locking plate assembly has a striker mounted on a striker mounting bracket. The latch assembly is interconnected to the locking plate assembly with the striker. The lock barrier is provided on the locking plate assembly. The lock barrier includes a lock and key arrangement provided on outer panel of the back door and a pull type switch or a plunger provided on inner panel of the back door. The lock and key arrangement is connected with the linkage of the latch assembly for operating the locking mechanism from outside of the vehicle to unlock the spare wheel. The plunger is connected with the linkage of the latch assembly for operating the locking mechanism from inside of the vehicle to unlock the spare wheel.

Brief description of the drawings:

The objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in accordance with the accompanying drawings wherein,

Figure 1 shows an existing spare wheel in tailgate/back door of a vehicle without protection, in accordance with the prior art;

Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of an anti-theft system to lock a spare wheel of a vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 shows detailed sectional view of the anti-theft system of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 4a and 4b show a lock and a plunger to operate the latch of the spare wheel of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a spare wheel mounting bracket of the anti-theft system of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a latch mounting bracket of the anti-theft system of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a locking plate assembly of the anti-theft system of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a latch assembly of the anti-theft system of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 9 shows a cover for covering a spare wheel of the anti-theft system of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention:

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment.

The present invention provides a cost effective anti-theft system for spare wheel assembly in vehicle. The anti theft system is a locking mechanism which facilitates locking and unlocking of the spare wheel from a mounting position and protect wheel from theft.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description and also provided in a table as given below:
Part no Part name
10 Spare wheel mounting bracket
11 Bolt / Stud
15 Spare wheel
20 Latch mounting bracket
30 Locking plate assembly
31 Striker
32 Striker mounting bracket
40 Latch assembly
41 Linkage
50 Lock and key arrangement
51 Back door
60 Plunger or Pull type switch
70 Cover

Referring to figures 2 to 9, an anti-theft system (100) (hereinafter referred as, “the system (100)”) for a spare wheel (15) in a vehicle, in accordance with the present invention is shown. The system (100) is a locking mechanism. The system (100) comprises a latch assembly (40) mounted on a latch mounted bracket (20), a locking plate assembly (30), at least one operating level or lock barrier and a cover (70) provided for covering the spare wheel (15).

The spare wheel (15) is mounted on a spare wheel mounting bracket (10). The spare wheel mounting bracket (10) is fitted on tailgate or a back door (51) of the vehicle through bolts (11) for holding the spare wheel (15) on required position.

The latch assembly (40) is mounted on a latch mounted bracket (20). The latch assembly (40) is arranged on spare wheel mounting bracket (10) by welding the latch mounting bracket (20) thereon. The latch assembly (40) includes a linkage (41) for providing locking mechanism for the spare wheel (15) operated from both outer and inner panel of a back door (51) of the vehicle.

The locking plate assembly (30) is arranged on the cover (70) on the outer panel of the back door (51) of the vehicle. The locking plate assembly (30) has a striker (31) mounted on a striker mounting bracket (32) thereon. The latch assembly (40) is interconnected to the locking plate assembly (30) with the striker (31).

The lock barrier is provided on the locking plate assembly (30). The lock barrier includes a lock and key arrangement (50) provided on outer panel of the back door (51) and a pull type switch or a plunger (60) provided on inner panel of the back door (51). In an embodiment, the lock and key arrangement (50) is connected with the linkage (41) for operating the locking mechanism from outside of the vehicle to unlock the spare wheel (15). In another embodiment, the plunger (60) is connected with the linkage (41) for operating the locking mechanism from inside of the vehicle to unlock the spare wheel (15).

Specifically, the system (100) provides effortless spare wheel assembly protection of the vehicle from theft.

Advantages of the invention:

1. The system (100) provides is aesthetic wise a robust design.
2. The system (100) does not require any separate lock and key arrangement for the protection of the spare wheel (15).
3. The system (100) achieves one vehicle key for all locks of the vehicle including spare wheel protective device.
4. The system (100) facilitates to unlock the spare wheel (15) from inside the vehicle though the linkage (41).
5. The system (100) facilitates noise less spare wheel protection in vehicle running condition compare with existing spare wheel locking arrangement.
6. The system (100) also provides protection without nut/ bolt locking of the spare wheel on tailgate in and above condition.
7. The system (100) provides an antitheft mechanism with no access to thief from outside of the vehicle.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention. ,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. An anti-theft system (100) for a spare wheel (15) in a vehicle comprises:
a latch assembly (40) mounted on a latch mounted bracket (20), the latch assembly (40) includes a linkage (41) for providing locking mechanism for the spare wheel (15) operated from both outer and inner panel of a back door (51) of the vehicle;
a locking plate assembly (30), the locking plate assembly (30) having a striker (31) mounted on a striker mounting bracket (32), wherein the latch assembly (40) is interconnected to the locking plate assembly (30) with the striker (31);
a lock barrier provided on the locking plate assembly (30), the lock barrier including,
• a lock and key arrangement (50) provided on outer panel of the back door (51),
• a plunger (60) provided on inner panel of the back door (51); and
a cover (70) provided for covering the spare wheel (15).

2. The anti-theft system (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the locking plate assembly (30) is arranged on the cover (70) on the outer panel of the back door (51) of the vehicle.

3. The anti-theft system (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the spare wheel (15) is mounted on a spare wheel mounting bracket (10) that is fitted on the back door (51) through bolts (11) for holding the spare wheel (15).

4. The anti-theft system (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the latch assembly (40) is arranged on the spare wheel mounting bracket (10) by welding the latch mounting bracket (20) thereon.

5. The anti-theft system (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the lock and key arrangement (50) is connected with the linkage (41) for operating the locking mechanism from outside of the vehicle to unlock the spare wheel (15).

6. The anti-theft system (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the plunger (60) is connected with the linkage (41) for operating the locking mechanism from inside of the vehicle to unlock the spare wheel (15).

Dated this 15th day of March 2019

Madhavi Vajirakar
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-2337)