This international patent application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2015904010, entitled "Wheel Support for a Vehicle" filed on 1 October 2015, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated herein by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

10001 ] The present invention relates to a wheel support for a vehicle. An embodiment of the present invention relates to a wheel carrier for supporting a spare wheel on a wheeled vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, utility vehicle, truck, car, bus, van or the like.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles such as recreational vehicles, utility vehicles, trucks, cars, buses, or vans often carry a spare wheel for replacing a wheel which may have a partially or completed deflated tyre due to, for example, a puncture or a faulty valve.

[0003] Spare wheels may be supported in or to a vehicle by different mounting or support arrangements. For example, in some vehicles the spare wheel may be located or stowed in a storage area of a vehicle such as a boot compartment, or a well located in such a compartment. However such an arrangement may reduce the amount of storage space available in the compartment, particularly if the wheel is of a large size, or render the wheel difficult to access in circumstances where the wheel is obstructed by items stored in the compartment.

[0004] In other arrangements, the spare wheel may be mounted or supported underneath the vehicle, such as by a fray or bracket located on an underside of the vehicle. Although such an arrangement may reduce the extent to which the wheel affects storage space, this type of arrangement may make access to the spare wheel difficult. Furthermore, in some cases, mounting the wheel on the underside of the vehicle may expose the tyre to objects which may puncture the tyre or damage the rim of the wheel.

[0005 ] Yet another approach for mounting or supporting a spare wheel to a vehicle involves using a mounting arrangement or "carrier", such as a mounting bracket, which supports the spare wheel on the rear of the vehicle, such as on a rear door. Arrangements of this type may include fixed mounting bracket or involve a swing arm type carrier. A swing arm type carrier may allow an arm supporting the spare wheel, and thus the spare wheel, to be pivoted out from the vehicle for access and removal from the carrier by an operator lifting the wheel of the carrier. However, in some cases, a person may not be capable of lifting the wheel from the carrier, particularly heavy wheels of the type often found on four wheel drive vehicles, because they may not be capable of bearing the weight of the wheel.

[0006] There would be an advantage if a spare wheel carrier could be provided which allows improved access to and removal of the spare wheel from the vehicle.

SUMMARY

[0007] According to a first aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure there is provided a wheel carrier for a vehicle, the wheel carrier including an arm having a first section for pivotally coupling to the vehicle, a second section including a wheel mount, and an articulating joint connecting the first and second sections to allow rotational translation of the second section relative to the first section over an angular extent of more than 90 degrees to raise and/or lower the wheel mount.

[0008] Embodiments may further include an actuator which is operable to control the rotational translation of the wheel mount. The actuator may include a user actuable actuator. One example of a suitable user actuable actuator is a winch. However, it is possible that other types of user operated and non-user operated actuators may be used. In this respect, other suitable actuators may include a threaded shaft, hydraulic actuator (such as a hydraulic ram), a pneumatic actuator (such as a pneumatic ram), or an electromechanical actuator. Suitable user and non-user operated actuators would be known to a person skilled in the art

[0009] The articulating joint may be disposed along a longitudinal extent of the second section such that the second section has a first length supporting the wheel mount and a second length located on an opposite side of the articulating joint relative to the first length. The actuator may be coupled between a segment of the second length and a segment of the first section such that the at least an extent of the second section forms a lever arm operatively associated with the actuator.

[0010] The first section may include coupling members for forming a pivotal couple with the vehicle so as to permit rotational translation of the articulating ann about a vertical axis of rotation, and wherein the articulating joint provides a horizontal axis of rotation permitting rotational translation of the wheel mount about a horizontal axis of rotation. [0011 ] The coupling members may include a means for pivotally coupling with a mount mounted to the vehicle. One suitable coupling members includes a hollow vertically depending cylindrical shaft for locating on and over a correspondingly shaped cylindrical post located on and depending vertically upwards from a mounting on the vehicle. Another suitable coupling members includes a cylindrical post, such as a stub axle, for locating within a hollow vertically extending cylindrical shaft located on and depending vertically upwardly from a mounting on the vehicle. Other suitable coupling members include a bearing configured to provide free rotation about the vertical axis of rotation. For example, the coupling may include a two cone roller bearing hub on a stub axle.

[0012] It is preferred that embodiments of the wheel carrier include a locking means having a locked state for preventing rotational translation of the second section, and a released state for allowing rotational translation second section.

[0013] The second section is preferably rotatable between a raised position in which the wheel mount is disposed substantially vertically upwardly relative to the articulating joint and a lowered position in which the wheel mount is disposed downwardly to locate a wheel mounted on the wheel mount in contact with the ground.

[0014] The articulating joint may be separated from the pivotal couple to the vehicle by a longitudinal extent not less than 100mm.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a wheel carrier for a vehicle, the wheel earner including an arm having a first section including a coupling member for forming a pivotal couple with the vehicle to permit rotational translation of the arm about a vertical axis of rotation and a second section connected to the first section via an articulating joint an arm having a first section including a coupling member for forming a pivotal couple with the vehicle to permit rotational translation of the arm about a vertical axis of rotation, the second section including a wheel mount for supporting a wheel, wherein the articulating joint connects the first section to the second section at a point located along the length of the second section so that the second section forms a lever having a first segment extending between the articulating joint and the wheel mount, and a second segment located on the opposite side of the articulating joint; and, the second section including a wheel mount for supporting a wheel, wherein the articulating joint connects the first section to the second section at a point located along the length of the second section so that the second section forms a lever having a first segment extending between the articulating joint and the wheel mount, and a second segment located on the opposite side of the articulating joint; and an actuator providing an adjustable length mechanical link extending between the first section of the arm and the second segment of the lever; wherein the lever is operatively associated with the actuator to control the rotational translation of the second section relative to the first section over an angular extent of more than 90 degrees to raise and/or lower the wheel mount.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a wheel carrier for a vehicle, the wheel carrier including:

an arm having a first section for coupling to the vehicle;

a second section including a wheel mount; and

an hinge connecting the first and second sections to allow rotational translation of the second section relative to the first section over an angular extent;

wherein the coupling of the first section to the vehicle permits rotational translation of the wheel carrier in a horizontal plane, and whereon the hinged connection permits rotational translation of the second section in a vertical plane for raising and/or lowing the wheel mount.

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a wheel carrier for a vehicle, the wheel carrier including:

an arm having a first section for pivotally coupling to the vehicle, a second section including a wheel mount, and an articulating joint connecting the first and second sections to allow rotational translation of the second section relative to the first section between a raised position and a lowered position;

and wherein the articulating joint comprises a hinged connection including

complementary shaped portions which mechanically engage when the wheel mount is in the raised position to stablise the hinged connection and which at least partially disengage when the wheel mount is in a lowered position.

[0018] A particular advantage of the present invention is that it may provide a wheel carrier which improves the access to and removability of the spare wheel from a vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0020 ] Figure 1 is rear perspective view of a vehicle fitted with a wheel carrier according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 is rear view of the vehicle fitted with the wheel carrier shown in Figure 1 ;

[ 0022] Figure 3 is side view of the vehicle fitted with the wheel carrier shown in Figure 1 ;

[0023 ] Figure 4 is an exploded isometric view of the wheel carrier shown in Figures 1 to 3 shown in an outwardly rotated position;

[0024] Figure 5A is a rear perspective view of the wheel carrier shown in Figures 1 to 4 shown in an outwardly rotated and partially lowered position;

[0025] Figure 5B is a rear perspective view of a wheel carrier according to a different embodiment shown in an outwardly rotated and partially lowered position;

[0026] Figures 6A to 6C show top views of the vehicle and wheel carrier shown in Figures 1 to 5 A, depicting various rotational translations of the wheel carrier shown about a vertical axis of rotation A-A shown in Figure 4;

[0027] Figure 7A to 7C show a side view of the wheel carrier shown in Figures 1 to 5A, depicting various rotational translations of the wheel carrier about a horizontal axis of rotation B- B shown in Figure 4;

[0028] Figure 8A to 8C show a side view of the wheel carrier shown in Figures 5B, depicting various rotational translations of the wheel carrier about a horizontal axis of rotation B-B shown in Figure 4;

[0029] Figure 9 shows a rear side perspective side view of the vehicle and wheel carrier shown in Figures 1 to 5A, with the wheel carrier in an outwardly rotated positon;

[0030] Figure 10 shows a close-up rear side perspective side view of the vehicle and of a wheel carrier shown in Figures 1 to 5 A, with the wheel carrier in an outwardly rotated and partially lowered positon;

[0031 ] Figure 1 1 shows a rear side view of a wheel carrier according to a second embodiment; [0032 ] Figure 12 shows a rear side view of the wheel carrier shown in Figure 1 1 in a lowered position; and

[0033] Figures 13A and Figure 13B shows a perspective view of a wheel carrier according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[ 0034 ] Figure 14 shows a first hinge element of a hinge arrangement included in the embodiment of the disclosure shown in Figures 13A and 13B;

[0035] Figure 15 shows a second hinge element of a hinge arrangement included in the embodiment of the disclosure shown in Figures 13 A and 13B; and

10036] Figure 16 shows a top sectional view taken along line 17 of Figure 17;

[0037] Figure 17 shows perspective view of the hinge arrangement included in the embodiment of the disclosure shown in Figures 13A and 13B; and

[0038] Figure 18 to shows an exploded perspective view of the hinge arrangement included in the embodiment of the disclosure shown in Figures 13 A and 13B.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Referring now to Figures 1 to 5 A, there is shown a wheel carrier 10 according to an embodiment of the disclosure fitted to a wheeled vehicle 12, which in this case is depicted as a station wagon type vehicle. As shown in Figure 4, the wheel carrier 10 has an arm 14 including a first section 16 for pivotally coupling to the wheeled vehicle 12, a wheel mount 18 located on a second section 20 of the arm 14, and an articulating joint 22 (ref. Figure 5A) connecting the first 16 and second sections 20 to allow a rotational translation of the second section 20, and thus the wheel mount 18, relative to the first section 16.

[0040] In the present case, the wheel carrier 10 is shown mounted to a supporting element 23, shown here as a bumper bar, fixed to a rear section of the wheeled vehicle 12, using a suitable mounting arrangement. However, it will be appreciated that other mounting arrangements are possible. For example, in other embodiments, the wheel carrier 10 may be mounted to another supporting element of a vehicle, such as beam or bar attached to the vehicle's rear section of the wheeled vehicle 12, such as a tow bar or hitch. For example, Figures 1 1 and 12 depict an example arrangement in which a wheel carrier 10 in accordance with another embodiment is mounted to a supporting element 23 in the form of a hitch located on the rear of the vehicle 12. Operation of the embodiment of the wheel carrier 10 shown in Figures 1 1 and 12 will be described in more detail later.

[0041 ] It will be appreciated that although the description that follow relates to a wheeled vehicle in the form of a station wagon, embodiments of the present invention may be used with other types of automotive or non-automotive wheeled vehicles, such as recreational vehicles, utility vehicles, fork-lifts, tractors, graders, trailers, trucks, cars, buses, or vans and other types of industrial and commercial wheeled vehicles.

[0042] The individual components of the wheel carrier 10 are best illustrated in Figures 4 and 5A.

[0043] Turning initially to Figure 4, in the present case the first section 16 includes a first member 24 in the form of a channel. The second section 20 includes a base member 26 (ref. Figure 5A), and a vertically extending "L-shaped" member 28. Members 24, 26 shown here include metal fabrications having a "c-channel" type cross section, whereas member 28 has a rectangular cross section. It will of course be understood that other types of material and sections may be used.

[ 0044] In the present case, the base member 26 is shown as a horizontally extending member whereas the L-shaped member 28 extends substantially vertically from the base member 26 from a junction spaced apart from the articulating joint 22.

[ 0045] As best shown in Figure 3, in the illustrated embodiment, an uppermost branch of L- shaped member 28 extends in a direction away from the rear of the vehicle 12 to position the wheel 40 rearward of the wheel mount 18 when the wheel carrier 10 is in a stowed positon, as shown in Figure 1. Such an arrangement locates the wheel mount 18 in a region between the wheel 40 and the rear of the vehicle 12 thus providing a user with access to locking nuts (not shown) used to secure the wheel to the wheel mount 18 when the wheel carrier 10 is in the stowed position.

[0046] Returning now to Figure 4, in the present case, the wheel mount 18 includes a metal disc having plural threaded studs 30 for coupling the wheel 40 to the wheel carrier 10 in a conventional manner. It is not essential that the wheel mount 18 be disc shaped, or that it have plural threaded studs 30. For example, in other embodiments of the disclosure, the wheel mount 18 may include a single stub axle (not shown) sized for location within a central bore of a wheel to be supported by the wheel carrier 10. When so supported on the stub axle, a fastener, such as a locking nut or other securing means, may be attached to the stub axle to secure the wheel 40 thereto.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel mount 18 is welded to an end portion of the L- shaped member 28, although it will of course be appreciated that other types of joining or fabrication methods may be used.

[0048] Continuing now with reference to Figure 4, the illustrated first section 16 includes a first coupling member 32 for forming a pivotable couple with a second coupling member 33 secured to the vehicle 12. The pivotable couple permits rotational translation of the arm 14 about a vertical axis of rotation A-A. On the other hand, the articulating joint 22 is configured to provide a horizontal axis B-B of rotation which permits rotational translation of the second section 20, and thus the wheel mount 18, in the plane of the vertical axis A-A. In the present case, the first coupling member 32 includes a two cone roller 34 bearing hub and the second coupling member includes a stub axle 35 secured to the support structure 23 by suitable means. However, it will be appreciated that other types of coupling members may be used.

[0049] Turning now to Figure 5A there is shown a rear side perspective view of the wheel carrier 10 with the arm 14 shown in a laterally rotated position and the second section 20 shown in partially lowered position to reveal further details of the wheel carrier 10. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, an end portion 36 of the first section 16 is received within the channel section of an end portion 38 of the second section 20. Each end portion 36, 38 includes holes 42 (ref. Figure 4) which are aligned to provide a clearance for receiving a pin, shown here as a hinge pin 44, for securing the second section 20 to the first section 16 to thereby form the articulating joint 22. Although in the present case the articulating joint 22 is illustrated and described as a hinged joint including a hinge pin 44, it will be appreciated that other forms of articulating joints may be used. In the present case, and as previously described above, the articulating joint 22, provides a horizontal axis of rotation B-B permitting rotational translation of the second section 18 in the plane of the vertical axis A-A (ref. Figure 4).

[0050] Referring again now to Figure 5A, the articulating joint 22 shown here is located along a longitudinal extent of the base member 26 of the second section 20 so that at least an extent of the second section 20 forms a lever including an arm having a first segment (L I ) disposed on the wheel mount 18 side of the articulating joint 22, and second segment (L2) located on an opposite side of the articulating joint 22 relative to the first segment (LI ). As shown, an actuator 46 provides an adjustable length mechanical link 48 extending between the second segment (L2) and the first section 16 so that the articulating joint 22 forms a fulcrum (F) of the lever formed by the above described arrangement of the second section 20 and the articulating joint 22. The lever is operatively associated with the actuator 46 via the mechanical link 48. It will be appreciated that although in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5A the actuator 46 is located on the first section 16, it is possible that the actuator 46 may be located on a different structural members of the wheel carrier 10. For example, in some embodiments the actuator 46 may be located on the base member 26 or the vertically extending "L-shaped" member 28 of the second section 20. In yet other embodiments, an additional structural member (not shown) may be provided for mounting the actuator 46 to the first section 16 or the second section 20.

[0051] It will be appreciated that the articulating joint 22 may be formed by other arrangements. For example, Figure 5B depicts an example arrangement in which the articulating joint 22 is located on a downwardly depending portion of the first and second sections 16, 20 so as to position the articulating joint 22 lower than the arrangement illustrated in, and described with reference to, Figure 5 A, and thus closer to the ground level. The articulating joint 22 arrangement shown in Figure 5B may allow for an improved rotational translation of the second section 26 relative to the first section 16 which may provide an advantage on uneven ground. Furthermore, by locating the articulating joint 22 more downwardly, the distance between a pulley 43 and the articulating joint 22 is increased, thus effectively lengthening the "effort arm" of the lever formed by the second section 26 and the fulcrum provided by the articulating joint 22 and thus reducing the load on the winch 41 during operation. In this respect, it will be appreciated that it is not essential that a pulley 43 be provided since in other arrangements a suitable gear ratio may be selected for the actuator which obviates the need for a pulley 42.

[0052] Turning now to Figures 7A to 7C, the actuator 46 is operable to control the rotational translation of the wheel mount 18 about the axis B-B (ref. Figure 4) by adjusting a length of the mechanical linkage 48 to thereby raise or lower the wheel 40.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 46 includes a user operable actuator in the form of a winch 41. The winch 41 shown here is mounted on an upper face of the first section 16 and includes the above described mechanical link 48 in the form of a winch cable which passes around the pulley 43 located at near end of the second section 20. Although in the present case the actuator 46 is shown as a winch 41 , it will be appreciated that any suitable type of actuator may be used. One example of another suitable actuator is an electric motor having a motor shaft which is operatively associated with a threadedly adjustable mechanical link, such as a threaded rod so that the electric motor is operable to vary the length of the mechanical link formed using the threaded rod to rotate the second section 20 relative to the first section 16 for raising or lowering the wheel 40.

[0054] In the present case, a removable winch handle 45 is provided to operate the winch 41 and vary the length of the mechanical link 36. Although the illustrated embodiment includes a winch 41, it will be appreciated that other types of user actuable or non-user actuable actuators 46 may be used. For example, suitable actuators may include a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator or an electromechanical actuator (such as an electric winch) . Furthermore, it is not essential that the winch handle 45 be removable.

[0055] Referring now to Figures 6A to 6C, it can be seen that the pivotable couple formed by the first and second coupling members 32, 33 permits the arm 14 to be laterally "swung out" or "swung in" relative to the rear of vehicle 12. Whereas, as shown in Figures 7A to 7C, by operating the actuator 46, the second section 20, and thus the wheel mount 18, may be rotationally translated relative to the first section 16 generally downwardly and upwardly, to thereby respectively lower and raise the wheel mount 18, as will be described in more detail below.

[0056] Example 1: Removing a Spare Wheel from the Wheel Carrier

[0057] Returning now to Figure 1 , it can be seen that the wheel carrier 10 has been mounted to a support structure 23 of a vehicle 12 using the rotatable couple 32. The wheel carrier 10 shown here is orientated in a "stored" or stowed position. In this position, a locking means, shown as distally located locking pin 53 (ref. Figure 5A), is engaged with a hole 56 (ref. Figure 6B) in the support structure 23 to prevent rotation of the first section 16 about the vertical axis A-A, and thus prevent the arm 14 from swinging laterally outwardly from the vehicle 12. In some embodiments, it is possible that locking pin 53 and hole 56 arrangement may provide an arrangement in which at least some of the load of the wheel carrier 10 and the wheel 40 is distributed across the support element 23. Furthermore, the provision of the locking pin 53 and hole 56 arrangement may also relieve, or at least reduce, mechanical stress on the coupling members 34, 35 which may otherwise be induced due to rotational forces resulting from acceleration or deceleration of vehicle 12.

[0058] A second locking pin 58 (ref. Figure 4) may also be provided to engage with receiving holes 60 (ref. Figure 5 A) in the first and second sections 16, 20 to prevent rotational translation of the second section 20 relative to the first section 16 about the rotational axis of the articulating joint 22 when the wheel carrier 10 is in the stowed position or rotating outwardly. It will be appreciated that although the illustrated embodiments includes locking pins 53, 58, other suitable locking devices may be used. One example of an suitable alternative locking devices includes an over centre lock. Other suitable locking devices would be known to a skilled addressee.

[0059] Referring again to Figures 6A to 6C, to lower the spare wheel 40, a user first releases the locking pin 53 from the hole 56. Upon release of the locking pin 53, the arm 14 is then released to rotate about the vertical axis A- A so that the arm 14, and thus the spare wheel 40, may be "swung" laterally outwardly from the rear of the vehicle 12, as is shown in Figures 6A to 6C to a laterally rotated position shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10.

[ 0060] It is to be noted that the arm 14, and thus the spare wheel 40, may be swung laterally outwardly by an extent which permits "lowering" of the wheel 40 at a location which allows a user to conveniently access both sides of the wheel 40. In some embodiments, the extent of lateral swing may be up to 180 degrees. When in the "swung out" position, locking pin 54 is engaged with a hole 51 to secure the wheel carrier 10 in the "swung out" position and thereby prevent lateral movement of the arm 14 during lowering or raising of the wheel 40. In some embodiments, plural holes 51 are provided, and the locking pin 54 and holes 51 are configured to allow the arm 14 swung laterally and locked at one or plural selectable angular positions. For example, the locking pin 54 and holes 51 may provide for locking at 90 degrees, 120 degrees, 150 degrees, and 180 degrees.

[0061 ] Turning now to Figures 7A to 7C, having swung the arm 14 laterally outwardly from the vehicle 12, the user may then release the locking pin 58 (ref. Figure 4). Once so released, the user then operates the actuator 46 via winch handle 45 to lower the second section 20, and thus correspondingly lower the spare wheel 40.

[ 0062] In the illustrated example, during the lowering process, the spare wheel 40 travels along an arc towards the ground 64 over an angular extent of more than 90 degrees. The user continues to operate the winch 41 in this manner until the tread of the spare wheel 40 contacts the ground 64 and the weight of the spare wheel 40 is supported by the ground 64. At this point, the user may release the spare wheel 40 from the wheel carrier 10. A corresponding operation of the wheel carrier 10 depicted in Figure 5B is shown in Figures 8A to 8C.

[0063] Example 2: Attaching a Spare Wheel to the Wheel Carrier

[0064] Referring now to Figure 7C, it can be seen that the wheel carrier 10 is in a lowered position. In this position, a user may secure a spare wheel 40 to the wheel mount 18 of the wheel carrier whilst the weight of the wheel 40 is borne by the ground 64 (ref. Figure 7C), thus relieving the user of the need to lift the wheel 40 onto the wheel carrier.

[0065] To move the spare wheel 40 to the stored position, the user operates the winch 41 via winch handle 45 to rotate the second section 20 about the articulating joint 22 and thus raise the wheel mount 18. During this process the spare wheel 40 travels along an arc towards a raised position. This process continues until the second section 20 is in the raised position, as shown in Figure 7A, at which point the user engages the locking pin 58 (ref. Figure 1) and disengages locking pin 54. Having engaged the locking pin 58 and disengaged locking pin 54, the user may then swing the arm 14 laterally towards the rear of the vehicle 12 until the spare wheel 40 is positioned in the stored or stowed position. At this point, the user may then engage locking pin 53.

Example 3: Operation of Alternative Embodiment

[0066] Referring now to Figure 1 1 and Figure 12 there is shown an embodiment of a wheel carrier 10 mounted to a vehicle 12 via an alternative arrangement to that described above with reference to Figures 1 to 10. In particular, the embodiment of the wheel carrier 10 shown in Figure 1 1 is mounted to a support element 23 it the form of a hitch and attached via a coupling member 32 positioned more centrally compared to the more lateral an-angement described previously.

[0067] The embodiment of the wheel carrier 10 shown in Figure 1 1 and Figure 12 is similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 10, except that the second section 20 of the arm 14 is located rearwardly of the wheel 40.

[0068] The embodiment of the wheel earner 10 shown in Figure 1 1 and Figure 12 also includes a releasable locking pin 60 which performs a similar operation to the locking pin 58 described previously. In particular, upon release of the locking pin 60, the arm 14 of the wheel carrier 10 is released to rotate about the vertical axis A- A so that the arm 14, and thus the spare wheel 40, may be "swung" laterally outwardly from the rear of the vehicle 12, as is shown in Figures 12.

[0069] Figures 13 A and 13B show a wheel carrier 1300 according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure. In particular, Figure 13A shows a wheel carrier 1300 according to an embodiment with the second section 20 in a raised position whereas Figure 13B shows the wheel carrier 1300 with the second section 20 rotational translated towards a lowered position.

[0070 ] The wheel carrier 1300 is similar in operation to the wheel carrier 10 shown in Figure 5B in that it includes an articulating joint 22 which depends downwardly from the first and second sections 16, 20 so as to position the articulating joint 22 lower than the arrangement illustrated in, and described with reference to, Figure 5 A, and thus closer to the ground level. However, in the wheel carrier 1300 shown in Figure 13A and 13B, the articulating joint 22 includes a hinged connection 1302 including a first hinge element 1304 and a second hinge element 1306).

Furthermore, the wheel carrier 1300 shown in Figure 13A and 13B includes an actuator 46 which is located on the second section 30, although it will of course be appreciated the actuator 4 6 may be located elsewhere.

[0071 ] The embodiment shown in Figure 13A and 13B also includes a second section 20 having an arrangement which provides an outer frame 1502 forming a compartment 1504 in a central portion thereof. The different configuration of the second section 20 will be described in more detail later.

[0072] Turning now to Figures 14 and 15, in the present case, the first hinge element 1304 comprises a vertically aligned elongate linear portion 1306 in the form of a projection 1308 which extends outwardly from a base region 1316 fixable to an end of the first section 16. As shown, the projection 1308 includes an upper linear portion 13 10 and a lower portion cylindrical portion 1312 including a receiving hole 1314 for receiving a hinge pin 44 (ref Figure 17 and Figure 18).

[0073 ] The second hinge element 1316 is configured for location at an end of the second section 20. As shown in Figure 16, the second hinge element 1316 comprises an elongate slot or channel 1318 shaped to receive the first hinge element 1304 when the second section 20 is in the raised position. The second hinge element 13 16 also includes hinge pin receiving holes 1320 for receiving a hinge pin for forming the hinged connection 1302. [0074 ] As best shown in Figures 16 to 18, the projection 1308 of the first hinge element 1304 and the slot 13 18 of the second hinge element 1316 provide complementary shaped portions 1322, 1324, shown here as tapered portions. In use, the complementary shaped portions 1322, 1324 mechanically interface to reduce "play" in the hinged connection 1302 when the wheel mount 18 is in the raised position and thus when the complementary shaped portions 1322, 1324 engage with each other. In particular, the complementary shaped portions 1322, 1324 mechanically engage when the wheel mount is in a raised position and at least partially disengage when the wheel mount is in, or is rotationally translating to, a lowered position. In other words, in embodiments, it is possible that the complementary shaped portions 1322, 1324 may partially engage with each other during rotational translation from the raised position to the lowered position, with the extent of the engagement reducing as the second section rotationally translates about the hinged connection 1302 to position the wheel mount in the lowered position.

[0075] The mechanically interface provided by the hinged connection 1302 shown in Figures 14 to 18 may thus provide for improved mechanical stability of the support arrangement formed by the first section 16 and the second section 20, particularly when the wheel mount 18 is in the raised position when the vertically aligned elongate linear portion 1306 of the first hinge element 1304 is received within the elongate slot or channel 1318 of the second hinge element 1316.

[0076] Returning now to Figure 13A and 13B, the illustrated embodiment of the wheel carrier 1300 includes a second section 20 having an arrangement which provides an outer frame 1502 forming a compartment 1504 in a central portion thereof.

[0077] The outer frame 1502 may be of any suitable construction, such as a one-piece or multiple piece construction. One example of a suitable construction is a frame fabricated from joined metallic panels, such as welded metal panels. Other examples of a suitable construction included a moulded polymer construction (such as an injection moulded polymer construction) or a laid up type polymer constructions (such as a fibreglass type construction). Suitable constructions would be well understood to a skilled addressee.

[0078 ] The compartment may be sized and arranged to, for example, store tools such as wheel changing tools and the like. A lid, such as hinged lid 1506, may be provided to enclose the storage area.

[0079] As shown, a segment 1508 of the second section 20 forms, in combination with the hinged connection 1302, a portion of a lever arm having a fulcrum located at the hinge pin of the hinged connection 1302. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 13A and 13B, the hinged connection 1302 thus connects the first section 16 to the second section 20 at a point which is laterally offset along the horizontal length of the second section 20, so that the second section 20 forms a lever extending from a vertical axis intersecting the hinge pin 44. The function of the lever is similar to the lever described previously.

[0080] From the above description it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may reduce the need for a user to bear the weight of the spare wheel when storage and/or removal of the spare wheel is required.

[0081] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0082] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0083] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the foll owing claims.