阅读说明：本技术 旋转式备用轮胎举升系统 (Rotary spare tire lifting system ) 是由 E·S·格里菲思 于 2021-03-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明题为旋转式备用轮胎举升系统。本发明提供了一种用于触及车辆的车轮的系统,该系统包括支撑件、托架和铰链接头。该支撑件附连在车辆载物区的凹陷部中,并且定位在该车辆载物区的表面下方。该托架被构造成附连到该车轮。当该托架附连到该车轮时,该托架和该车轮两者都容纳在该凹陷部中并且作为基本上刚性的主体移动。该铰链接头联接该支撑件和该托架。该铰链接头具有基本上平行于地面并且侧向跨过该车辆载物区的轴线。该托架能够围绕该铰链接头旋转。该托架和该车轮能够围绕该铰链接头旋转到该凹陷部之外并且旋转到该车辆载物区上。可包括一个或多个旋转元件以影响该托架的旋转运动。(The invention provides a rotary spare tire lifting system. The invention provides a system for accessing a wheel of a vehicle, the system comprising a support, a bracket and a hinge joint. The support is attached in a recess of the vehicle cargo area and positioned below a surface of the vehicle cargo area. The bracket is configured to be attached to the wheel. When the bracket is attached to the wheel, both the bracket and the wheel are received in the recess and move as a substantially rigid body. The hinge joint couples the support member and the bracket. The hinge joint has an axis substantially parallel to the ground and laterally across the vehicle cargo area. The bracket is rotatable about the hinge joint. The bracket and the wheel are rotatable about the hinge joint out of the recess and onto the vehicle cargo area. One or more rotating elements may be included to affect the rotational movement of the carriage.)

1. A system for accessing a wheel of a vehicle, the system comprising:

a support attached in a recess of a vehicle cargo area, wherein the support is positioned below a surface of the vehicle cargo area;

a bracket configured to be attached to the wheel, wherein both the bracket and the wheel are received in the recess when the bracket is attached to the wheel; and

a hinge joint coupling the support and the bracket,

wherein the hinge joint has an axis substantially parallel to the ground and laterally across the vehicle cargo area,

wherein the bracket is rotatable about the hinge joint, and

wherein the bracket and the wheel are rotatable about the hinge joint out of the recess and onto the vehicle cargo area.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a recessed portion cover configured as a portion of the vehicle cargo area floor; and

a hinge mechanism attached to the vehicle cargo area allowing the recess cover to rotate to expose the recess in the vehicle cargo area.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein:

The vehicle includes a tailgate;

the tailgate is configured to move through a first trajectory;

the well cover is configured to move through a second trajectory; and is

The tailgate and the recess cover do not interfere with each other at any location in the first track and the second track.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a strap attached to the bracket, wherein application of tension to the strap causes the bracket to rotate about the hinge joint.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a strap attached to the wheel, wherein application of tension to the strap causes the bracket and the wheel to rotate about the hinge joint.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a rotational element for affecting rotational kinematics of the carriage and the wheel, the rotational element selected from the group consisting of a torsion spring, a rotational damper, a rotational ratchet, and a hard stop.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the wheel comprises a diameter spanning from a rearward point to a forward point;

the wheel includes a center point; and is

The hinge joint is disposed between the center point and the rearward point.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the hinge joint is disposed between one quarter and one third of the diameter from the rearward point.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the hinge joint constrains the bracket to only enable rotational motion relative to the support.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein:

in a stowed position, the wheel is disposed in the recess below the hinge joint and below the recess cover; and is

In the open position, the wheel is disposed above the hinge joint, rotating substantially 180 ° about the hinge joint relative to the stowed position.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the vehicle cargo area includes a fixed portion that is not configured to rotate;

in a stowed position, the wheel is disposed partially below the fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area; and is

In the open position, the wheel is disposed above the fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area is disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle cargo area.

13. A system for accessing a wheel of a vehicle, the system comprising:

a tank structure that forms a recessed portion arranged below a vehicle-mounted object region of the vehicle;

a bracket configured to be attached to the wheel, wherein both the bracket and the wheel are received in the recess when the bracket is attached to the wheel; and

a hinge joint coupling the tank structure and the bracket,

wherein the bracket is rotatable about the hinge joint, and

wherein the bracket and the wheel are rotatable about the hinge joint out of the recess and onto the vehicle cargo area.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein:

the vehicle cargo area includes a fixed portion that is not configured to rotate;

in a stowed position, the wheel is disposed partially below the fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area; and is

In the open position, the wheel is disposed above the fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area is disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle cargo area.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein:

the wheel comprises a diameter spanning from a rearward point to a forward point;

the wheel includes a center point; and is

The hinge joint is disposed between the center point and the rearward point.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the box structure comprises a forward portion and a rearward portion, and wherein the rearward portion is deeper than the forward portion.

18. A system for accessing a wheel of a vehicle, the system comprising:

a bracket configured to be attached to the wheel, wherein when the bracket is attached to the wheel, both the bracket and the wheel are received in a recess disposed below the vehicle cargo area; and

a hinge joint coupling the bracket to the vehicle,

wherein the bracket is rotatable about the hinge joint,

wherein, in the stowed position, the wheel is disposed below a fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area;

wherein the bracket and the wheel are rotatable about the hinge joint out of the recess and onto the vehicle cargo area.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein:

In the stowed position, the wheel is disposed in the recess below the hinge joint and below the recess cover; and is

In the open position, the wheel is disposed above the hinge joint, rotating substantially 180 ° about the hinge joint relative to the stowed position.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area is disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle cargo area.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a spare tire lifting system, and more particularly, to a system for rotating a spare tire from below a vehicle load area.

Background

The spare tire of a truck is typically located behind the rear axle and mounted to the underside of the frame. Full size spare tires can be very difficult to lift and are typically provided with a winch that a user can use to lower the spare tire from the underside of the pallet/frame in the truck load area. In such an arrangement, the spare part is exposed to the element. It is advantageous to protect the spare tire from environmental influences and to avoid awkward lifting postures.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to a system for accessing a spare tire located below a floor of a cargo placement area. For example, the spare tire can be easily lifted above the load area floor for removal. Furthermore, the operation of removing the spare tire is rotated from the recess in the carrier area, which keeps the tire clean and away from road debris.

In some embodiments, the system for accessing a wheel of a vehicle includes a support, a bracket, and a hinge joint. The support is attached in a recess of the vehicle cargo area and positioned below a surface of the vehicle cargo area. The bracket is configured to be attached to the wheel, and when the bracket is attached to the wheel, both the bracket and the wheel are received in the recess. The hinge joint couples the support member and the bracket. The hinge joint has an axis substantially parallel to the ground and laterally across the vehicle cargo area, and the bracket is rotatable about the hinge joint. For example, the bracket and the wheel can be rotated about the hinge joint out of the recess and onto the vehicle cargo area. In some embodiments, the hinge joint constrains the bracket to only enable rotational movement relative to the support.

In some embodiments, the system includes a recess cover configured as part of a floor of the vehicle cargo area, and a hinge mechanism attached to the vehicle cargo area that allows the recess cover to rotate to expose a recess in the vehicle cargo area. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a tailgate configured to move through a first trajectory, the pit cover is configured to move through a second trajectory, and at any position in the first trajectory and the second trajectory, the tailgate and the pit cover do not interfere with each other.

In some embodiments, the system includes a strap attached to the bracket, and applying tension to the strap causes the bracket to rotate about the hinge joint. In some embodiments, the system includes a strap attached to the wheel, and applying tension to the strap causes the bracket and the wheel to rotate about the hinge joint.

In some embodiments, the system includes a rotational element for affecting rotational kinematics of the carriage and the wheel. The rotating element optionally includes a torsion spring, a rotational damper, a rotational ratchet, a hard stop, any other suitable rotating element, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the wheel has a center point, and a corresponding diameter spanning from a rearward point to a forward point, and the hinge joint is disposed between the center point and the rearward point. For example, in some embodiments, the hinge joint arrangement is between one quarter and one third of the diameter from the rearward point.

In some embodiments, in the stowed position, the wheel is disposed in a recess below the hinge joint and below the recess cover. In some such embodiments, in the open position, the wheel is disposed above the hinge joint, rotated substantially 180 ° about the hinge joint relative to the stowed position.

In some embodiments, the vehicle cargo area includes a fixed portion that is not configured to rotate. In some such embodiments, in the stowed position, the wheel is disposed partially below the fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area, and in the open position, the wheel is disposed above the fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area. In some embodiments, the fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area is disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle cargo area.

In some embodiments, the system for accessing a wheel of a vehicle includes a box structure, a bracket, and a hinge joint. The tank structure forms a recess portion disposed below a vehicle object region of the vehicle. The bracket is configured to be attached to the wheel, and when the bracket is attached to the wheel, both the bracket and the wheel are received in the recess. The hinge joint couples the box structure and the bracket such that the bracket is rotatable about the hinge joint. The bracket and the wheel are rotatable about the hinge joint out of the recess and onto the vehicle cargo area.

In some embodiments, the vehicle cargo area includes a fixed portion that is not configured to rotate. In the stowed position, the wheels are disposed partially below the fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area, and in the open position, the wheels are disposed above the fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area. In some embodiments, the fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area is disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle cargo area.

In some embodiments, the box structure includes a forward portion and a rearward portion, wherein the rearward portion is deeper than the forward portion to accommodate the track of the wheel.

In some embodiments, the system for accessing a wheel of a vehicle includes a bracket and a hinge joint. The bracket is configured to be attached to the wheel, and when the bracket is attached to the wheel, both the bracket and the wheel are housed in a recess disposed below the vehicle cargo area. The hinge joint couples the bracket to the vehicle such that the bracket is rotatable about the hinge joint. In the stowed position, the wheel is disposed below a fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area, and the bracket and the wheel are rotatable about the hinge joint out of the recess and onto the vehicle cargo area. In some embodiments, the fixed portion of the vehicle cargo area is disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle cargo area.

In some embodiments, in the stowed position, the wheel is disposed in the recess below the hinge joint and below the recess cover, and in the open position, the wheel is disposed above the hinge joint, rotated substantially 180 ° about the hinge joint relative to the stowed position.

Drawings

The present disclosure in accordance with one or more various embodiments is described in detail with reference to the following drawings. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments. These drawings are provided to facilitate an understanding of the concepts disclosed herein and should not be taken to be a limitation on the breadth, scope, or applicability of these concepts. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an illustrative wheel assist system disposed in a recess of a vehicle cargo area, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 2A shows a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary wheel assist system disposed in a recess of a vehicle cargo area in a stowed configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary wheel assist system of fig. 2A in a first partially open configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary wheel assist system of fig. 2A in a second partially open configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 2D illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary wheel assist system of fig. 2A in a fully open configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 2E illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary wheel assist system of fig. 2A in a stowed configuration showing the vehicle tailgate in two positions, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary wheel assist system having a rear panel and a spare tire in a stowed configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary wheel assist system with a rear panel and a spare tire of FIG. 3A in a partially open configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows top views of two exemplary wheel assist systems labeled with spatial dimensions, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and is

Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of an exemplary wheel assist system with rotating elements, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system for managing spare tire access in a vehicle load zone. For trucks or other vehicles having cargo-holding areas, a full-size spare tire and rim (e.g., an assembly referred to herein as a "spare tire" or "wheel") can be heavy (e.g., over fifty pounds, eighty pounds) and cumbersome. In order to store the spare tire under the frame under the vehicle load area, there cannot be a means of blocking access. Further, storing the spare tire beneath the vehicle load area exposes the spare tire to the elements and mechanical damage from beneath the vehicle. The system of the present disclosure allows for the spare tire to be removed from above the carrier area through an access panel in the carrier area. The weight of the full size spare tire is assisted by a mechanism that allows mechanical advantage to be taken and is very difficult for even the strongest individual to lift. The system of the present disclosure avoids the need for the user to pull the spare tire hard out of the bin, which is dangerous and ergonomically undesirable for the user.

The spare tire carrier allows the spare tire to be easily removed from the rear box. The spare tire carrier is hinged to a structure and, in some embodiments, the assembly fulfills one or more design requirements. For example, in some embodiments, the spare tire carrier serves as a support structure for the spare tire. To illustrate, the cradle-holding spare tire is securely mounted to the underside of the cargo area floor in all vehicle applications (e.g., on-road, off-road, on-pothole roads). The carrier may also act as a spacer to avoid any noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) issues that may exist with loose tires that are moved around or otherwise not secured in the box. In another example, the bracket may be coupled to a support structure that must meet rear impact requirements and securely hold the spare tire in place in the event of a rear impact. In another example, the spare tire carrier serves as a means for easily removing the spare tire from the rear box. When in the bin, the spare tire cannot be lifted directly upward (e.g., in the Z-direction) because the rear is below the solid load zone floor, possibly including a tailgate. For purposes of illustration, the spare tire need not be fully visible in a top plan view with the lid fully open.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an illustrative wheel assist system disposed in a recess of a vehicle cargo area 101, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The wheel assist system includes a panel 111 (e.g., also referred to as a "well cover"), a box 112 (e.g., also referred to as a "well"), a bracket 113, a hinge joint 115, a structure 114 (e.g., also referred to as a "support") to which the hinge joint 115 is attached, all of which are configured to manage the storage and access of a spare tire 150 of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 includes a cargo area 101 having a rear storage compartment (e.g., a box 112 in the cargo area 101) below a cargo area floor. In some embodiments, bin 112 includes space for securely and invisibly (e.g., for security, aesthetic purposes) storing additional items (e.g., items other than spare tire 150). In some embodiments, tank 112 is large enough to accommodate a full size spare tire (e.g., spare tire 150), but it should be understood that tank 112 may be sized to accommodate any suitable size spare tire. Spare tire 150 is attached to otherwise engage with a bracket 113 that is coupled via a hinge joint 115 to a structure 114 that allows spare tire 150 to be removed from bin 112.

Spare tire 150 in the closed position fits under tailgate 120, with panel 111 configured to act as a carrier area surface and a cover for spare tire 150. This arrangement can create problems when designing a tank 112 to be used with the tailgate 120 in any location. For example, a tailgate 120 and any suitable tailgate mechanism that allows movement of the tailgate 120 are provided at the rear end of the cargo area 101. For example, if the lid (i.e., panel 111) is not fully closed, the automatic tailgate may be damaged by contact between the panel and the automatic tailgate (e.g., tailgate 120) when the two interfere with each other in certain panel-tailgate position configurations. Further, if the tailgate 120 is to constrain the panel 111, the panel 111 may not be able to move with the tailgate 120 in the constrained position (e.g., tire inaccessible, bin inaccessible or bin not removable from bin). In some embodiments, the floor of the carrier region 101 includes multiple components (e.g., panels) that are joined together. In some embodiments, a stationary load zone floor panel may be included toward the front of the load zone 101. In some such embodiments, the panel 111 is positioned further to the rear, and with the box 112 closed, the panel 111 matches a standard cargo area floor, both acting as a cargo floor for the cargo area 101. In some embodiments, the tank 112 includes a sealed compartment that is capable of preventing water from entering the tank 112 (e.g., even if fully submerged).

In some embodiments, panel 111 is attached at its edge closest to the front of vehicle 100 with a hinge (e.g., hinge joint 119, as shown). In some embodiments, the latch mechanism or other securing device is disposed near or at the edge of the panel 111 closest to the rear of the vehicle 100.

Fig. 2A-2E show side views of an exemplary wheel assist system 200 in various configurations. For purposes of illustration, the system 200 may represent an example of the wheel assist system of FIG. 1. When opened, the panel 211 opens clockwise with the edge toward the rear of the vehicle rising and rotating about the hinge joint 219, generally toward the front of the vehicle. In some embodiments, this operation releases the seal from the panel 211 to the tank 112 and allows access to the contents of the tank 212.

Fig. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary wheel assist system 210 disposed in a recess 212 of a vehicle cargo area 201 in a stowed configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. System 210 includes a panel 211 (e.g., also referred to as a "well cover"), a bin 212 (e.g., also referred to as a "well"), a bracket 213, a hinge joint 215, and a structure (not shown in fig. 2A-2E) to which hinge joint 215 is attached, all of which are configured to manage the storage and access of spare tire 250. As shown in fig. 2A, the panel 211 is in an open configuration (e.g., rotated open about the hinge joint 219) while the cargo area panel 202 remains in place (e.g., the panels 211 and 202 make up all or part of the vehicle cargo area). As shown, the tailgate 220 is in an open configuration, thus allowing a user to stand behind the vehicle while accessing the wheel assist system 210. In one illustrative example, one or more wheel nuts or other fasteners may be used to attach the spare tire 250 to the bracket 213. As shown, the bin 212 may be dished, with the bottom of the bin 212 indicated by the dashed line (e.g., such that the spare tire 250 passes the bottom while rotating).

Fig. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary wheel assist system 210 of fig. 2A in a first partially open configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, if a force is applied (e.g., to a strap or shank attached to the carriage 213, the spare tire 250, or both) to the carriage 213 or the spare tire 250, the assembly of carriage and spare tire 250 may rotate about the hinge joint 215 from the stowed configuration of fig. 2A to the first partially open configuration of fig. 2B.

Fig. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary wheel assist system 210 of fig. 2A in a second partially open configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, if a force is further applied (e.g., to a strap or shank attached to bracket 213, spare tire 250, or both) to bracket 213 or spare tire 250, the assembly of bracket and spare tire 250 may rotate about hinge joint 215 from the first partially open configuration of fig. 2B to the first partially open configuration of fig. 2C.

Fig. 2D illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary wheel assist system 210 of fig. 2A in a fully open configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, if a force is further applied (e.g., to a strap or shank attached to bracket 213, spare tire 250, or both) to bracket 213 or spare tire 250, the assembly of bracket and spare tire 250 may rotate about hinge joint 215 from the second partially open configuration of fig. 2C to the fully open configuration of fig. 2D.

Fig. 2E illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary wheel assist system of fig. 2A in a stowed configuration, showing the vehicle tailgate in two positions (e.g., "open" and "closed"), according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the tailgate 220 is configured to rotate through a trajectory of at least 90 ° about an axis. In some embodiments, regardless of the position of the tailgate 220, the interface between the tailgate 220 and the panel 211 may allow the panel 211 to open, close, or otherwise rotate about the hinge joint 219. In some embodiments, the interface between the tailgate 220 and the panel 211 need not allow the panel 211 to open unless the tailgate 220 is at least partially open.

In one illustrative example, the bracket 213 may be coupled to a rigid base that is fully mounted to the floor of the tank, other structure, or the cargo area. The bracket also provides attachment to the spare tire 250 with a means of securing the spare tire 250 to the bracket 213. For example, the attachment may include a wing nut on a large threaded rod in the center of the wheel, a plurality of studs secured through wheel nut holes of the wheel, any other suitable securing means, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the system includes a fixation point opposite the hinge joint 215 to securely fasten the bracket 213 to the surrounding structure of the tank 212. For example, the anchor point can be unscrewed or otherwise released by the user to rotate and remove the spare tire 250. In some embodiments, the bracket 213 may include rubber, plastic, any other suitable sacrificial material, or any combination thereof, on a surface that contacts the spare tire 250, the floor of the carrier region 101, the tailgate 120, or any other surface.

In some embodiments, carriage 213 includes a handle for pulling spare tire 250 and carriage 213 out of bin 212. In some embodiments, bin 212 includes a bin liner to seal bin 212 when spare tire 250 is removed or to store cargo when spare tire 250 is not present. In some embodiments, tank 212 may include a compartment in the space inside or outside the diameter of spare tire 250 that may be used to house a vehicle jack, charging cable, tools, or other equipment.

In one illustrative example, in some embodiments, to operate the spare tire mechanism, panel 211 is opened to a position greater than the swing trajectory of spare tire 250. For example, for general vehicle use, the bracket 213 and spare tire 250 may be fully secured to the vehicle. The support structure is completely attached within the tank 212 (e.g., to the sides, bottom, rear, front, or combinations thereof). In some embodiments, bracket 213 is attached to a support structure on the rear of the vehicle via a hinge joint (e.g., one or more hinged locations) and is secured to the front of box 212 with a latch mechanism.

For example, to remove spare tire 250, a user may disengage the fasteners of brackets 213 while standing or sitting above box 212 in carrier region 201. The user then grasps the handle (or strap) of the bracket 213 and pulls generally upward to rotate the entire unit (e.g., spare tire 250 and bracket 213) about the hinge joint 215. The spare tire 250 moves from a substantially horizontal position below the floor of the load area 201 to a substantially horizontal position above the load area 201. For example, the spare tire 250 may rotate approximately 180 °, but the rotation may be greater or less than 180 °, depending on the final orientation of the spare tire 250 within the vehicle. Once in the final position (e.g., the "open" position), the spare tire 250 will be turned over, thereby exposing the fastening mechanism to the user. The user may then disengage the fasteners and remove the spare tire 250 from the open tailgate 220 or floor of the cargo area 201 without entering the bin 212. When complete, the user may replace the spare tire 250 (or another wheel from the vehicle) to the bracket 213 that is easily accessible on the tailgate 220. The user may reinstall the fasteners for the wheels and rotate the bracket 213 back into the box 212. For example, in some embodiments, the final operation is to secure bracket 213 back into box 212. In one illustrative example, the force with which the wheels and brackets 213 fall back into the box 212 may be used to cause the fasteners to automatically tighten (e.g., latch fasteners or fasteners).

In some embodiments, to provide mechanical advantage, hinge joint 215 is positioned toward the center of gravity of spare tire 250. For example, such positioning reduces the overall force required to lift spare tire 250 off of bin 212. To illustrate, the spare tire 250 may be lifted directly off of the bin 212, requiring the user to hold the entire weight of the spare tire 250 throughout the removal process. With the location of the hinge joint 215 closer to the center of gravity of the spare tire 250, this minimizes the maximum force that the user needs to apply at any time during removal. The spare tire 250 will rotate partially about the axis onto the floor of the load zone 201.

In some embodiments, the panel 211 is a recess cover configured as part of the floor of the vehicle cargo area and is attached to a hinge mechanism that is attached to the cargo area 201, allowing the recess cover to rotate to expose a recess (e.g., box 212) in the vehicle cargo area (e.g., cargo area 201).

In some embodiments, the tailgate 220 is configured to move through a first trajectory, the panel 211 is configured to move through a second trajectory, and the tailgate 220 and the panel 211 do not interfere with each other at any position in the first trajectory and the second trajectory.

In some embodiments, the strap is attached to the bracket. For example, when tension is applied to the strap, the tension causes the bracket 213 and the spare tire 250 (if installed) to rotate about the hinge joint 215. In some embodiments, the strap is attached to the wheel. For example, when tension is applied to the strap, the tension causes the bracket and spare tire 250 (if installed) to rotate about the hinge joint.

In some embodiments, the wheel assist system includes a rotating element (not shown in fig. 2A-2E) for affecting the rotational kinematics of the carrier 213 and the spare tire 250. The rotating element may include, for example, a torsion spring, a rotational damper, a rotational ratchet, a hard stop, any other suitable element, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the hinge joint 215 constrains the carriage to only achieve rotational motion relative to the support (e.g., prevent translation or other rotation about more than one axis).

In some embodiments, in the stowed position, spare tire 250 is disposed in bin 212 below hinge joint 215 and below panel 211. In some embodiments, in the open position, spare tire 250 is disposed above hinge joint 215, rotated substantially 180 ° about hinge joint 215 relative to the stowed position.

Fig. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary wheel assist system 310 having a rear panel 303 and a spare tire 350 in a stowed configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary wheel assist system 310 of fig. 3A with a rear panel 303 and a spare tire 350 in a partially open configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. System 310 includes a panel 311 (e.g., also referred to as a "well cover"), a bin 312 (e.g., also referred to as a "well"), a bracket 313, a hinge joint 315, and a structure (not shown in fig. 2A-2E) to which hinge joint 315 is attached, all of which are configured to manage the storage and access of spare tire 350. As shown in fig. 3A, panel 311 is in a closed configuration (e.g., lying substantially coplanar with panel 302 and rear panel 303). As shown, the panel 311, the panel 302, and the rear panel 303 constitute all or part of the vehicle cargo placing area. As shown, the tailgate 320 is in a closed configuration. Because the panel 311 and the rear panel 303 meet in front of the tailgate 320, the trajectory of the panel 311 and the trajectory of the tailgate 320 are independent (e.g., the trajectories do not interfere with each other). In some embodiments, the back panel 303 may be as short as possible (e.g., along the front-to-back axis) to allow the box 312 to be as rearward as possible so that the panel 311 does not interfere with the tailgate 320. In some embodiments, as shown, the box 312 may include a forward portion and a rearward portion, wherein the rearward portion is deeper than the forward portion. For example, the shape of the bin 312 may accommodate the spare tire 350 throughout its trajectory (e.g., from a stowed position to an open position).

The multi-piece construction of the panel 311, the panel 302 and the rear panel 303 allows for overhang at the edge towards the rear of the vehicle. This allows the box 312 to fit under the tailgate 320 without the panel 311, or any portion thereof, also fitting under the tailgate 320 of the vehicle. Accordingly, the panel 311 may be opened regardless of the position of the tailgate 320.

Fig. 4 shows top views of two illustrative wheel assist systems labeled with spatial dimensions, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. These two systems (system I and system II) are compared and distinguished in the following description.

The first wheel assist system ("system I") shown on the left side of fig. 4 includes a box 412 (e.g., also referred to as a "recess"), a bracket 413, a structure 414 (e.g., also referred to as a "support"), a hinge joint 415, and a handle 418 (e.g., to which straps may optionally be attached), all of which are configured to manage storage and access of a spare tire 450. As shown, the spare tire 450 has a diameter "D", and a radius "R" equal to D/2. The axis of rotation of the hinge joint 415 is positioned a distance "L1" from the centerline of the spare tire 450 in the "front-to-rear" direction (as identified by "front" and "rear" in fig. 4). Thus, this axis of the hinge joint 415 is positioned a distance "R-L1" from the rear end of the spare tire 450. As shown, the grip portion of the handle 418 is positioned a distance "H1" from the axis of rotation of the hinge joint 415 toward the front of the vehicle.

The second wheel assist system ("system II") shown on the right side of fig. 4 includes a box 422 (e.g., also referred to as a "recess"), a bracket 423, a structure 424 (e.g., also referred to as a "support"), a hinge joint 425, and a shank 428 (e.g., to which straps may optionally be attached), all of which are configured to manage storage and access of the spare tire 450. As shown, the spare tire 450 has a diameter "D", and a radius "R" equal to D/2. The axis of rotation of the hinge joint 425 is positioned a distance "L2" from the centerline of the spare tire 450 in the "front-to-rear" direction (as identified by "front" and "rear" in fig. 4). Thus, this axis of the hinge joint 425 is positioned a distance "R-L2" from the rear end of the spare tire 450. As shown, the grip of the handle 428 is positioned a distance "H2" from the axis of rotation of the hinge joint 425 toward the front of the vehicle.

The amount of physical work required to lift the spare tire 450 is equal to the product of the mass of the unit (tire + rim + carrier), gravity, and vertical displacement. For example, in a hard-pull operation, the user will experience the total force (e.g., gravity and any upward acceleration imparted to the spare tire 450) required to move at least the weight of the spare tire 450 upward to the cargo-placement-area floor. By using a rotating carriage (e.g., carriage 413 or 423), the force required by the user is reduced and expanded by the longer distance traveled, which corresponds to the travel of the handle of the carriage (e.g., carriage 413 or 423). This travel of the shank of the spare tire carrier is approximately a semi-circle circumference, with the radius being the distance from the pivot point to the shank (e.g., 180 ° for radius H1 or H2, depending on the shank position). By positioning the pivot point (e.g., along the axis of rotation of the hinge joint 415 or 425) close to the center of gravity of the spare tire 450 as packaging allows, greater mechanical advantage of the wheel assist system is achieved. For purposes of illustration, system II will exhibit greater mechanical advantage than system I because L2 is less than L1 (e.g., for the same handle position, where optionally H1 ═ H2).

Additionally, the space within the box (e.g., box 412 or 422) may be available for tools, vehicle jacks, or other equipment, and may be accessible when in the open or closed position of spare tire 450. For example, the bin (e.g., bin 412 or 422) may be designed so that a user can open the lid and enter the space around the spare tire and the carrier to pull out the equipment they need without rotating the spare tire 450 and carrier out of the bin. In another example, once the spare tire and the carriage are rotated out of the bin, the same space in the bin is accessible. In one illustrative example, where the tool is attached to the carriage and the tire is inverted in the open configuration, the user may need to first remove the spare tire from the carriage to access the equipment (e.g., the tool and/or jack). Access to the tools and jacks may be required without the need for a spare tire, and thus the ability to store the equipment without removing the spare tire 450 may be useful to the user.

In some embodiments, the panel (or "lid") of the bin is attached to a spare tire bracket (e.g., bracket 413 or 423). For example, rather than the panel opening toward the front of the vehicle, the entire unit (e.g., spare tire, carrier, and floor) all rotates together toward the rear of the vehicle. Further, this configuration will reduce the number of tools and hinges required for the mechanism.

In some embodiments, the spare tire 450 has a diameter D spanning from a rearward point to a forward point, and the spare tire 450 further includes a center point. The hinge joint 415 is disposed between the center point and the rearward point. For example, the hinge joint 415 may be disposed between one-quarter and one-third of the diameter from the rearward point, or at any other suitable location.

Fig. 5 shows a top view of an illustrative wheel assist system with rotating element 517, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The wheel assist system includes a box 512 (e.g., also referred to as a "recess"), a bracket 513, a structure 514 (e.g., also referred to as a "support"), a rotating element 517, a hinge joint 515, an arm 518, and a strap 528 attached to the arm 518, all of which are configured to manage the storage and access of a spare tire 550. The bracket 513 and the spare tire 550 are configured to rotate about the rotational axis of the hinge joint 515. For example, a user may apply tension to strap 528, thereby exerting a force on arm 518 and causing bracket 513, arm 518, and spare tire 550 to rotate about hinge joint 515. The arm 518 may be rigidly attached to the bracket 513, or may be a continuous extension of the bracket 513 or otherwise be part of the bracket. The rotary element 517 may include a rotary damper (e.g., providing a torque counter-rotation that may be proportional to the rotational speed), a torsion spring (e.g., applying a force according to an angular displacement), a hard stop (e.g., constraining rotational motion, such as a bump stop or a cable), a ratchet (e.g., discretizing a stable angular position during rotation, such as a ratchet mechanism), a rotary encoder (e.g., configured to detect rotational motion, angular position, or both), a rotary actuator (e.g., configured to apply a force based on an electromechanical device, such as a motor), any other suitable rotary element, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the rotational element 517 comprises a linear element coupled to the hinge joint 515, the linear element configured to affect rotational motion, angular position, or both. For example, the rotating element 517 may comprise a linear spring coupled to an extension of the hinge joint 515 for applying torque to the bracket 513. In some embodiments, the hinge joint 515 may be actuated by a motor system that receives electrical energy as an input and converts the electrical energy to mechanical work in the form of applying a torque on the carriage 513 during rotational displacement.

The system of the present disclosure allows a user to access the spare tire even if it is physically impossible to lift a large spare tire that the vehicle may be equipped with. By increasing the mechanical advantage of the bracket system, the positioning of the hinge joints can be adjusted such that the maximum force required to remove the spare tire is minimized, limited, or otherwise within a predetermined range.

In another example, the system of the present disclosure also mitigates problems caused by mounting a spare tire under a truck load area. For example, spare tires mounted under a truck load area may be exposed to all weather conditions, including dirt, sharp objects, snow, and salt (e.g., which may cause wear, rust, damage, or a combination thereof). For example, if the spare tire is mounted under a vehicle, when the user needs to reach it, the spare tire may be very dirty, causing the vehicle to rust, or to leak air. Another problem with spare tires mounted under a vehicle area is that they are not accessible under adverse vehicle conditions (such as, for example, the vehicle traversing heavy snow or mud, towing a trailer resulting in the rear underside contacting or coming into contact with rocks or ground, or wading).

In another example, the system of the present disclosure allows for easier access to a spare tire for use, rotating the tire, or any other suitable purpose. Some users with full size spare tires may want to rotate the spare tire onto the vehicle so that all five tires wear evenly, thus requiring frequent access to the spare tire. For example, the spare tire of the present disclosure will always be relatively clean when exchanged with existing tires, as compared to systems in which the spare tire is always dirty or rusty. Furthermore, the spare tire removal process becomes much simpler, as opposed to having no rotating carriage.

The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The above-described embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The present disclosure may take many forms in addition to those explicitly described herein. Therefore, it should be emphasized that the present disclosure is not limited to the explicitly disclosed methods, systems, and devices, but is intended to include variations and modifications thereof which are within the spirit of the following claims.