Mounting for spare wheel

Abstract

A fixing for securing a spare wheel to a structure, such as a part of a vehicle, is provided, the fixing comprising a connector having a lug, the lug being configured such that rotation of the fixing relative to the structure moves the lug into a recess in the structure to secure the fixing to the structure; and wherein the connector further comprises a resilient articulated arm arranged to act between the fixing and the structure to urge the lug into the recess when the fixing is connected to the structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing for securing a spare wheel to a structure, such as a part of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In vehicles such as cars, the spare wheel is usually loaded in the luggage compartment (trunk). A fixing (e.g. a bolt) is used to hold the spare wheel in place. The fixing is usually connected to a corresponding fixing feature on the vehicle, for example, a threaded hole formed in a plate on the floor of the car trunk. In particular, conventional fixings currently on the market usually require welding nuts 1, 2 and metal screws 3, 4 in the car body, as shown in Figures 1(a) to 1(d). Another solution is shown in Figures 2(a) to 2(c), in which an additional plastic retainer 5 is used to fasten the plastic screw 6. Further, the fixing shown in Figure 3 needs to be releasably connected to the plastic screw 7 on a specific metal bracket 8 and then connectedly engaged with the corresponding counterpart that fastens the wheel.

[0003] However, all of these known solutions require multiple components to provide the appropriate tension between the securing assembly and the spare wheel.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved fixing having fewer parts, minimizing manufacturing costs, and improving ease of use during installation or removal of a wheel. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, there is provided a fixture for securing a spare wheel to a structure, such as a part of a vehicle, the fixture comprising a connector having a lug, the lug being configured such that rotation of the fixture relative to the structure moves the lug into a recess in the structure to secure the fixture to the structure; and wherein the connector further comprises a resilient articulated arm arranged to act between the fixture and the structure to urge the lug into the recess when the fixture is connected to the structure.

[0006] The resilient hinged arm acts as a biasing member between the structure and the fixture to retain the lug in the recess. During use, the resilient hinged arm provides a biasing force that pushes the fixture away from the structure so that the fixture can be connected to the structure by a push-and-turn action that moves the lug into the recess.

[0007] During use, for example in a vehicle, the resilient hinged arm may advantageously prevent the lug from moving out of the recess due to movement and vibrations generated by the vehicle.

[0008] Additionally, the resilient hinged arm can be integrally molded as part of the fixture, which facilitates manufacturing because a separate biasing member (such as a spring or resilient ring) does not need to be assembled. Furthermore, the resilient hinged arm is preferably a resilient ring or coil spring because the hinge allows the resilient hinged arm to slide more easily across the surface of the structure when the fixture is rotated to connect it to the structure.

[0009] The fixing member may further include an axle, wherein one end of the axle is provided with a connector. In addition, the fixing member may include a cap, which is located at the end of the axle opposite to the connector. The cap is arranged to hold the spare wheel during use. In particular, during use, the axle extends through the spare wheel (for example, through a hole or opening in the spare wheel) and the connector is connected to the structure. In this position, the cap holds the spare wheel in place. The cap may be integral with the axle, or the cap may be removably connected to the axle (for example, by a thread). Preferably, the cap and the axle are partially threaded.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the structure is part of a vehicle (e.g., a car). The structure may be part of a car's trunk (i.e., a cargo area), or another portion of a car that stores a spare wheel. The structure may be part of the vehicle's chassis, or may be attached to the chassis (e.g., using fasteners or through a coupling). In one embodiment, the structure includes a mounting plate.

[0011] Preferably, the structure includes an opening through which the fixture extends during use, and the downside of the structure includes a recess. In order to connect the fixture to the structure, the connector passes through the opening in the structure in a first rotational position. The shape of the opening is determined to allow the connector to pass through in the first rotational position. The fixture is then rotated to a second rotational position in which the lug is arranged in the recess. In the second rotational position, the lug and the recess connect the fixture to the structure. Therefore, the fixture is connected to the structure by a push-and-turn action. Preferably, the first rotational position and the second rotational position are separated by a rotation angle of 90 degrees, but in other examples, they can alternatively be separated by other rotation amounts (e.g., 45 degree rotation angles, 60 degree rotation angles, or 18 degree rotation angles).

[0012] Preferably, this axle comprises a shoulder, and this elastic articulated arm can extend from this shoulder in the axial direction of this axle.In this position, this elastic articulated arm engages this structure, in particular engages the side of this structure facing the spare wheel.

[0013] The elastic hinge arm preferably includes a first hinge portion at the connection between the elastic hinge arm and the shoulder. The first hinge portion is preferably elastically bendable. Preferably, the end of the elastic hinge arm opposite to the first hinge portion is a free end.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic hinge arm further includes a second hinge portion disposed between the first hinge portion and the free end. The second hinge portion is bendable in a direction opposite to the first hinge portion. Thus, the elastic hinge arm can fold when the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion are bent.

[0015] In a preferred example, the fixing member comprises a plurality of lugs, such as two, three or four lugs, and the structure has a corresponding plurality of recesses.

[0016] In a preferred example, the fixing member comprises a plurality of elastic hinged arms, such as two, three or four elastic hinged arms. A plurality of elastic hinged arms can ensure that the fixing member is pushed uniformly to maintain its orientation relative to the structure (e.g., perpendicular to the structure).

[0017] In an example where the fixture includes a plurality of resilient articulated arms, each resilient articulated arm can have an angled portion that engages the structure (e.g., the portion between the second hinge portion and the free end as described above). In such an example, the resilient articulated arms can be arranged so that the angled portion is at an acute angle to the structure in the direction of rotation of the fixture to connect the fixture to the structure (or vice versa). In this way, the angled portion facilitates sliding of the resilient articulated arm on the structure as the fixture rotates. Additionally, if the angled portion is at an acute angle to the structure in the direction of rotation of the fixture to connect the fixture to the structure, the resilient articulated arm can resist reversal (i.e., rotation to remove the fixture from the structure) because the resilient articulated arm may become stuck in such a reversal.

[0018] In some examples, to connect the mount to the structure, the user pushes the mount toward the structure to deform the or each resilient hinged arm and then rotates the mount so that the lug moves into the recess. In such examples, the surface of the structure facing the spare wheel may be planar (i.e., flat).

[0019] In some examples, the surface of the structure engaged by the or each resilient articulated arm (i.e. the surface of the structure facing the spare wheel) can be contoured to define one or more inclined sections over which the or each resilient articulated arm can slide during rotation of the mount. In one example, the structure comprises an inclined section leading to a raised section for the or each resilient articulated arm. When the mount is connected to the structure, the or each resilient articulated arm will slide up along the or each inclined section to the or each raised section. The or each raised section ensures that when the mount is connected to the structure, the or each resilient articulated arm is in a partially bent state, thereby ensuring that a biasing force is generated to retain the or each lug in the or each recess.

[0020] Preferably, the or each resilient articulated arm is an integrally molded part of the fixture. Preferably, at least the shaft, the connector, and the or each resilient articulated arm are integrally molded. In some examples, the fixture further comprises a cap, and the cap may additionally be integrally molded with other features of the fixture.

[0021] In particular, the integral molding of these resilient hinged arms eliminates the need for a separate assembly step for resilient members (eg, resilient rings or coil springs).

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a securing system for securing a spare wheel to a vehicle is provided. The securing system includes a structure, such as a portion of a vehicle. The structure includes a recess. The securing system also includes a securing member as described above. As described above, the connecting portion of the securing member is configured to engage the recess of the structure to connect the securing member to the structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] FIG1 (Prior Art) illustrates different designs of known securing systems using vehicle securing threaded members (b), (d) cooperating with corresponding threaded wheel engaging members (a), (c);

[0025] FIG. 2 (Prior Art) illustrates another known fastening system comprising (a) a plastic threaded element coupleable to (b), (c) a bracket or retainer secured to a vehicle structure;

[0026] FIG3 (PRIOR ART) illustrates another known fastening system in which (a) a threaded member is coupled to (b) a (metal) bracket that is permanently mounted to the vehicle structure (covered);

[0027] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view showing a spare wheel of a vehicle secured to a portion of the vehicle by the fixing member of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 (a) front view and (b) side view of the fixing member;

[0029] Figure 6 Shown Figure 5 Close-up views of the fixing member in FIG. 1 as coupled to the vehicle structure in (a) a side perspective view, (b) a front view, and (c) a top perspective view, and

[0030] Figure 7 A top view of a fastening plate coupled to a vehicle structure is shown, the fastening plate being adapted to couplingly receive a connector portion of a retainer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The exemplary embodiments described relate to a fastener or fixing for a vehicle, in particular a fixing for a spare wheel to a vehicle structure. However, the invention is not limited to use with vehicle components but may be used for any suitable fastening purpose.

[0032] Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience only and are not limiting. The words "right," "left," "lower," "upper," "front," "rear," "upward," "downward," "above," and "below" refer to directions in the drawings and are relative to the state of the components being described when assembled and installed (e.g., in situ). The words "inward," "inwardly," and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centerline or geometric center (e.g., a central axis) of the components being described, and the specific meanings will be readily apparent from the context of the relevant description.

[0033] Further, as used herein, the terms "connected," "attached," "coupled," and "mounted" are intended to include a direct connection between two components without any other components intervening therebetween, as well as an indirect connection between components where one or more other components are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0034] Further, unless otherwise indicated, the use of ordinal adjectives such as "first," "second," "third," etc. merely indicates that different instances of similar objects are referenced and is not intended to imply that the objects so described are necessarily in a given order temporally, spatially, hierarchically, or in any other manner.

[0035] Throughout the description section and claims of this specification, the terms "comprise" and "include" and their variations are interpreted as meaning "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other parts, additives, components, integers or steps. In the description section and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural, unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood as contemplating plural as well as singular forms, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0036] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood as applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination unless at least some of such features and / or steps in such combinations are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel feature or any novel combination of features among those features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), or to any novel step or any novel combination of steps among those steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0037] refer to Figure 4 The fixing member 100 is used to fasten the spare wheel 200 to a structure 300 of a vehicle (e.g., an automobile). Typically, the structure 300 is located in the trunk (i.e., the backrest) of the vehicle (e.g., an automobile). The structure 300 may be part of the floor of the vehicle trunk, or may be an additional plate attached (e.g., fastened or coupled) to the floor of the vehicle trunk or other structural member of the vehicle.

[0038] The retainer 100 extends through a central aperture 202 of the spare wheel 200 , but may alternatively extend through a different opening in the spare wheel 200 , such as a lug hole or any other suitable opening.

[0039] As further described below, fixture 100 includes a connector portion 102 (see Figure 5 ), for connecting to a corresponding connection feature 302 of the structure 300. The cap member 104 of the fixture 100 is configured to securely secure the spare wheel 200 to the structure 300 when connected to the structure 300.

[0040] Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5(b) shows simplified front and side view illustrations of the fixture 100, which includes the cap member 104, the shaft 106 and the connector portion 102. The shaft 106 extends between the cap member 104 and the connector portion 102.

[0041] The shape of the cap member 104 can be determined to be held and / or gripped by the user. For example, the cap member 104 can have grooves or other structures (not shown) that facilitate the user's grip of the cap member 104. The size of the cap member 104 can be determined to allow it to be operatively snapped onto the spare wheel 200 (i.e., as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the cap member is larger than the opening 202 in the spare wheel 200 . The cap member 104 may further be shaped to match a recess or other geometry of the spare wheel 200 , ie, to fit flush within the spare wheel 200 .

[0042] Now refer to Figure 6(a) to Figure 6 (c) The shaft 106 can be threaded, and the cap member 104 can be removably coupled to the shaft 106, for example, via an internally threaded hole configured to attach to the shaft 106. In this particular example embodiment, the threads on the shaft 106 are provided by partially threaded sections, each of which extends circumferentially around only a portion of the shaft 106. The cap member 104 can have corresponding partially internally threaded sections. In this manner, the cap member 104 can be secured to the shaft 106 by less than 90 degrees (typically about 45 degrees) of rotation.

[0043] In an alternative example, the cap member 104 and the shaft 106 may be integrally formed, ie, without requiring threads or threaded sections.

[0044] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As particularly shown in FIG, connector portion 102 is configured to be removably connected to structure 300, and in particular to corresponding connection features 302 formed within structure 300.

[0045] In particular, connector portion 102 has a plug 108 that extends axially away from the distal end of shaft 106. Here, the diameter of plug 108 is smaller than the diameter of shaft 106 to form a shoulder 110 between shaft 106 and plug 110. Two lugs 112a, 112b extend laterally away from plug 108 (i.e., radially away from the longitudinal axis of the concentric shaft 106 and plug 108). Lugs 112a, 112b extend in opposite directions from one another to form a T-shaped bar.

[0046] In the example shown, Figure 6 (c) and Figure 730, the structure 300 or at least a portion of the structure 300 proximate the connection feature 302 is a planar or plate-like structure, for example, having a thickness between 0.5 mm and 5 mm. The connection feature 302 in the structure 300 can have a central opening 304 and two lateral openings 306a, 306b extending laterally from the central opening 304, the two lateral openings forming an elongated opening in the structure 300. The openings 304, 306a, 306b are configured to allow the plug 108 and the laterally extending lugs 112a and 112b to pass through the structure 300 and reach the underside of the structure 300.

[0047] Special References Figure 7 , the underside of the structure 300 can include recesses 308a, 308b formed in an orientation perpendicular to the orientation of the lateral openings 306a and 306b and extending toward the central opening 304. The recesses 308a and 308b are configured to securely receive at least a portion of the lugs 112a and 112b, i.e., the recess profile can substantially match the profile of the lugs 112a and 112b.

[0048] Further, in this particular example, the recesses 308a, 308b are formed by contours within the structure 300, i.e., the structure 300 includes bends in the sheet material to define the recesses 308a, 308b on the underside of the structure 300 (i.e., the side opposite the side on which the spare wheel 200 is placed). These folded structures also define raised areas 310a, 310b on the side of the structure 300 facing the spare wheel 200, as will be described below.

[0049] During use, to connect the connector portion 102 to the structure 300, the connector portion 102 is pushed through the connecting feature 302. Specifically, the lugs 112a, 112b are aligned with the lateral openings 306a, 306b, and the plug 108 is aligned with the central opening 304. This allows the lugs 112a, 112b to move to the underside of the structure 300. The fixture 100 is then rotated (e.g., 45 degrees) to move the lugs 112a, 112b into a position aligned with the orientation of the recesses 308a, 308b. The lugs 112a, 112b will then secure the fixture 100 to the structure 300, thereby also securely connecting the spare wheel 200 to the structure 300.

[0050] Special References Figure 5 (a) to Figure 6(c) The mount 100 further includes a first resilient hinge arm 114a and a second resilient hinge arm 114b. The resilient hinge arms 114a, 114b extend from the shoulder 110 toward the respective lugs 112a, 112b (i.e., in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 106). Preferably, the resilient hinge arms 114a, 114b are axially aligned with the lugs 112a, 112b. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the resilient hinge arms 114a, 114b may also be arranged to be circumferentially offset relative to the orientation of the lugs 112a, 112b. During use, the resilient hinge arms 114a, 114b are configured to biasingly engage the structure 300 to urge the mount 100 away from the structure 300 (i.e., toward the spare wheel 200) and draw (i.e., bias) the lugs 112a, 112b into the respective recesses 308a, 308b. This biasing action serves to help retain the lugs 112 a, 112 b in the recesses 308 a, 308 b and prevents the mount 100 from rotating, thereby securing the spare wheel 200 to the structure 300 .

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , each resilient hinged arm 114 a, 114 b has a first portion 116 a, 116 b extending directly from the shoulder 110. The first portion 116 a, 116 b is connected to the shoulder 110 at a first hinge 118 a, 118 b. The first hinge 118 a, 118 b is resilient and allows the first portion 116 a, 116 b to bend resiliently relative to the shoulder 110. Preferably, the first portion 116 a, 116 b extends from the shoulder 110 at a predetermined angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the planar surface of the shoulder 110.

[0052] Furthermore, each of the resiliently hinged arms 114a, 114b has a second portion 120a, 120b connected to the respective distal end of the first portion 116a, 116b via a second hinge 122a, 122b. Preferably, when in a non-deformed state (i.e., relaxed), the second portion 120a, 120b extends toward the respective lug 112a, 112b (i.e., toward the center plane of the fixture 100) at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the orientation of the first portion 116a, 116b. The second hinge 122a, 122b allows the second portion 120a, 120b to bend resiliently relative to the first portion 116a, 116b.

[0053] In addition, each of the resilient hinged arms 114a, 114b includes a contact portion 124a, 124b formed on a distal end of the second portion 120a, 120b. The contact portions 124a, 124b extend from the second portion 120a, 120b in a direction approximately transverse to the concentric shaft 106 and the longitudinal axis of the plug 108. As described below, the contact portions 124a, 124b are configured to engage with the structure 300 to facilitate sliding movement between the resilient hinged arms 114a, 114b and the structure 300.

[0054] Each of the elastic hinge arms 114a, 114b forms an elastic biasing member (e.g., a spring member). When pressure is applied to the contact portions 124a, 124b (or the second portions 120a, 120b), the elastic hinge arms 114a, 114b bend and fold over themselves at the corresponding first hinge portions 118a, 118b and second hinge portions 122a, 122b. The first hinge portions 118a, 118b and the second hinge portions 122a, 122b are elastic, and the elastic hinge arms 114a, 114b exert a reaction force against this bending.

[0055] Now special reference Figure 6 (c) During use, when the connector portion 102 extends through the connection feature 302 in the structure 300, the resilient hinged arms 114a, 114b (particularly the contact portions 124a, 124b and / or the second portions 120a, 120b) contact the structure 300 proximate the connection feature 302. The resilient hinged arms 114a, 114b are thereby forced to bend about their hinges 118, 122. When the fixture 100 is rotated, the resilient hinged arms 114a, 114b act to push the lugs 112a, 112b against the underside of the structure 300. In particular, the resilient hinged arms 114a, 114b act to push the lugs 112a, 112b into the recesses 308a, 308b (see FIG. Figure 7 Thus, the resilient hinged arms 114 a, 114 b serve to retain the lugs 112 a, 112 b within the recesses 308 a, 308 b and help secure the spare wheel 200 to the structure 300 .

[0056] like Figure 5As best shown in FIG. 1( b ), the resilient hinged arms 114 a, 114 b have opposite orientations (i.e., curved orientations relative to the center plane of the fixture 100), such that the second portions 120 a, 120 b are each angled to facilitate bending / sliding when the fixture 100 is rotated (e.g., clockwise). More specifically, the resilient hinged arms 114 a, 114 b are angled such that the second portions 120 a, 120 b form an acute angle with the structure 300, e.g., in a clockwise direction. In this manner, the angle of the second portions 120 a, 120 b helps prevent binding and allows the resilient hinged arms 114 a, 114 b to bend as the fixture 100 is rotated.

[0057] Now return to reference Figure 7 , the connection feature 302 of the structure 300 includes raised areas 310a, 310b arranged on either side of the open center 304. These raised features 310a, 310b can be formed by and correspond to recesses 308a, 308b formed on opposite surfaces of the structure 300. Thus, when the fixture 100 is rotated so that the lugs 112a, 112b are received in the recesses 308a, 308b, the resilient hinge arms 114a, 114b engage with these raised areas 310a, 310b, thereby ensuring that once the fixture 100 is coupled to the structure 300, the resilient hinge arms 114a, 114b remain at least partially bent to maintain the biasing action. Preferably, the structure 300 has a corresponding ramp 312a, 312b leading to each raised portion 310a, 310b. When the elastic hinged arms 114a, 114b move to the raised areas 310a, 310b, the ramps 312a, 312b facilitate the bending action of the elastic hinged arms.

[0058] Preferably, the resilient hinge arms 114a, 114b are integrally molded with the shaft 106, the plug 108, and the lugs 112a, 112b. That is, the shaft 106, the connector portion 102, and the resilient hinge arms 114a, 114b are molded as a single component (e.g., via injection molding). Preferably, the shaft 106, the connector 102, and the resilient hinge arms 114a, 114b are made of a polymer material, such as polyoxymethylene (POM). The resilient first hinge portions 118a, 118b and the resilient second hinge portions 122a, 122b of the resilient hinge arms 114a, 114b can be formed by configuring the geometry and thickness of the materials, as is known in the art.

[0059] In some examples, the cap member 104 is also integrally molded with the shaft 106, the connector portion 102, and the resilient hinged arms 114a, 114b. In other examples, the cap member 104 can be separate and subsequently attached to the shaft 106. In such examples, the cap member 104 can be made of a different material (e.g., a metal such as steel or stainless steel). In examples where the cap member 104 is separate from the shaft 106 (and attached by a threaded connection as previously described) and the fixing member 100 (i.e., the shaft 106) can be attached to the structure 300, the spare wheel 200 can be arranged on the shaft 106 so that the shaft 106 extends through the hole 202 in the spare wheel 200, and the cap member 104 is then screwed onto the shaft 106 to secure the spare wheel 200. The partial threads allow the cap member 104 to move axially along the shaft 106 without rotation until the cap member 104 abuts the spare wheel 200 , at which point the partial rotation of the cap member 104 engages the threads to secure the cap member 104 to the shaft 106 .

[0060] In various examples, the fixture 100 can include only a single clamping lug 112 and / or only a single resilient hinged arm 114. In other examples, the fixture 100 can include more than two clamping lugs 112, for example, three or four clamping lugs 112. The profile of the opening in the structure 300 that forms the connection feature 302 can be adjusted accordingly. In other examples, the fixture 100 can include more than two resilient hinged arms 114, for example, three or four resilient hinged arms 114.

[0061] List of reference numerals:

[0062] 100 Fixing parts

[0063] 102 Connector part

[0064] 104 cap member

[0065] 106 axis

[0066] 108 Plug

[0067] 110 Shoulders

[0068] 112a, b lugs

[0069] 114a, b Articulated arm

[0070] 116a, b Part 1

[0071] 118a, b first hinge

[0072] 120a, b Part II

[0073] 122a, b Second hinge

[0074] 124a, b contact part

[0075] 200 spare wheel

[0076] 202 center hole

[0077] 300 Vehicle Structure

[0078] 302 Connection Features

[0079] 304 Central Opening

[0080] 306a, b side opening

[0081] 308a,b recess

[0082] 310a, b raised area

[0083] 312a, b slope

Claims

1. A fixing for securing a spare wheel to a structure, the fixing comprising: a shaft, the shaft including a shoulder; a connector disposed at the first end of the shaft and having a lug arranged such that rotation of the fixture relative to the structure moves the lug into a recess in the structure to secure the fixture to the structure; and wherein the connector further comprises a resilient hinged arm arranged to act between the fixture and the structure to push the lug into the recess when the fixture is connected to the structure; wherein the elastic hinge arm is an integrally molded portion of the fixing member, the elastic hinge arm being integrally molded with the shoulder and extending from the shoulder toward the lug in the axial direction of the shaft; Wherein, the fixing member includes a cap member, the shaft extends from the cap member to arrange the shoulder at the first end of the shaft.

2. The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein The elastic hinge arm includes a first hinge portion at a connection between the elastic hinge arm and the shoulder portion, wherein the first hinge portion is elastically bendable.

3. The fixing member according to claim 2, wherein: An end of the elastic hinge arm opposite to the first hinge portion is a free end, and the elastic hinge arm further includes a second hinge portion disposed between the first hinge portion and the free end.

4. The fixing member according to claim 3, wherein: The second hinge portion bends in a direction opposite to the first hinge portion.

5. The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein The shaft is threaded and the cap member is threadably engaged with the shaft.

6. The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein The shoulder is an integral part of the shaft having a fixed position along the shaft.

7. A securing system for securing a spare wheel to a vehicle, the securing system comprising: a structure comprising a recess; and The fixture of any one of claims 1 to 6, the lugs of the fixture being configured to engage the recesses of the structure to connect the fixture to the structure.

8. A fixing for securing a spare wheel to a structure, the fixing comprising: a shaft, the shaft including a shoulder; a connector disposed at the first end of the shaft and having a lug arranged such that rotation of the fixture relative to the structure moves the lug into a recess in the structure to secure the fixture to the structure; and wherein the connector further comprises a resilient hinged arm arranged to act between the fixture and the structure to push the lug into the recess when the fixture is connected to the structure; wherein the elastic hinge arm is an integrally molded portion of the fixing member, the elastic hinge arm being integrally molded with the shoulder and extending from the shoulder toward the lug in the axial direction of the shaft; Wherein, the fixing member includes a cap member, the shaft extends from the cap member such that the shoulder is spaced apart from the cap member toward the first end of the shaft.

9. A securing system for securing a spare wheel to a vehicle, the securing system comprising: a structure comprising a recess; and The fixture of claim 8, wherein the lug of the fixture is configured to engage the recess of the structure to connect the fixture to the structure.

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