Removable spindle assembly for torsion axles

Abstract

A torsion axle arrangement is provided wherein the spindle is mounted to the suspension link by insertion into a split socket at one end of the suspension link, which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the suspension link. That connection is maintained by a bolt passing through the suspension link, engaging a mating groove in the spindle, and then clamping the ends of the split socket together. The bolt is anchored to the suspension link by a threaded connection external to the suspension link. A chamfer or surface recess is formed in the surface of the suspension link for immediate source identification.

Claims

1. A torsion axle arrangement comprising: a suspension link, a spindle, and means for removably connecting the spindle to the suspension link.

2. The torsion axle arrangement of claim 1 wherein: the suspension link includes a split socket arrangement for receiving the spindle, and a means for clamping the spindle within the split socket arrangement.

3. The torsion axle arrangement of claim 2 wherein: the means for clamping includes a threaded bolt which passes through the split socket arrangement, and the spindle includes a recess therein for receiving, at least in part, the bolt.

4. The torsion axle arrangement of claim 3 wherein the suspension link is formed along a longitudinal axis and the threaded bolt passes through the suspension link at an acute angle with respect to that longitudinal axis.

5. The torsion axle arrangement of claim 4 wherein the suspension link includes at least one recessed portion on its surface containing identifying indicia therein.

6. The torsion axle arrangement according to claim 5 having an aesthetic design substantially as shown and described in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of a removable spindle assembly, according to the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows top exploded view of the disassembled components of embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows a photographic front view of the aesthetic design of the present invention, corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows a photographic view of the disassembled components of FIG. 3.

[0024] The background in FIGS. 3 and 4 form no portion of the claimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a torsion axle arrangement of the present invention, from a front view of the spindle and suspension link connection. This arrangement includes torsion axle element 10, suspension link 20, and spindle 30. In this view, torsion axle element 10 would be extending upward from the plane of the figure, spindle 30 would be extending downward from the plane of the figure, and suspension link 20 would be extending across the plane of the figure, substantially along longitudinal axis 40. Torsion axle element 10 may be of any desired configuration, including a variety of conventional constructions. Spindle 30 can be of any desired configuration, including conventional constructions, except as to include certain features for retention to the suspension link, as set forth herein.

[0026] Suspension link 20 includes an aperture 22 or other suitable device for connection to torsion axle element 10, generally positioned at one end thereof. Suspension link 20 also includes an aperture 24 for receiving a portion of spindle 30 (usually an end thereof), generally positioned at the other end thereof from aperture 22, along axis 40. Intermediate apertures 22 and 24, a chamfer portion 26 or recess is formed on the face of suspension link 20 on at least one side thereof. Within this recess an indicia 28 is located which provides a means for identifying the brand or source of the manufacturer of the suspension link and/or spindle. This indicia can be, for example, a raised or embossed mark of any desired configuration, which can be felt by touch and recognized by the user even when the recess is covered or partially filled by grease, dirt, or other grime. Alternatively, this indicia can be a label which is readily viewed when wiped to remove material obstructing its view. In especially preferred embodiments, chamfer portion 26 and indicia 28 are formed on both sides of suspension link 20.

[0027] Suspension link 20 also includes a split socket arrangement formed from arms 32 and 34, spaced apart by slot 36 leading from aperture 24. A passageway 38 extends through both arms 32 and 34, having a longitudinal axis 42. Axis 42 intersects axis 40 at an acute angle 50, such that passageway 38 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of suspension link 20. Passageway 38 is formed such that a conventional bolt can pass through passageway 38, connecting arms 32 and 34, with shank 60 of the bolt located largely within passageway 38. The head 62 of the bolt would be outside of passageway 38 and adjacent either arm 32 or arm 34. A nut or washer/nut combination 64 is connected to the bolt opposite head 62, in a conventional manner, and is located adjacent the other or arm 32 or arm 34, with respect to head 62. Tightening nut 64 onto shank 60 of the bolt serves as a means to clamp or draw arms 32 and 34 together, constricting slot 36, and securing spindle 30 to suspension link 20. In certain embodiments, a threaded portion of arm 34 can be used to replace nut 64, but using nut 64 can permit easier maintenance of the assembly in instances where material would build up and interfere with the threading of the bolt tightening and releasing arms 32 and 34.

[0028] As mentioned above, spindle 30 can be of a conventional or other configuration, but in preferred embodiments of the present invention, spindle 30 includes a recess 70 therein which corresponds, at least in part, to a portion of passageway 38 and bolt shank 60. Recess 70 allows shank 62 to block removal of spindle 30 from aperture 24. Spindle 30 also typically includes a brake flange 72 with mounting holes 74 therein for receiving and retaining a brake assembly. Angle 50 of inclination of passageway 38, and the angle or configuration of recess 70 with respect to spindle 30, are preferably established so as to permit application of wrenches and other tools to bolt head 62 and nut 64 without interference from flange 72 and the brake fasteners used in holes 74. Angle 50 can also facilitate the reverse situation, where the application of tools to the brake fasteners used in holes 74 is not impeded (or is less impeded) by the suspension link or bolt head 62 and nut 64.

[0029] In especially preferred embodiments, passageway 38 is formed such that during normal use of the vehicle, head 62 of the bolt rests on a top or upper surface of suspension link 30 at arm 32, with bolt shank 60 extending vertically downward into arm 34. Thus, even if, somehow, nut 64 works itself loose and becomes unthreaded from the bolt, the effect of gravity on the bolt and the length of passageway 38 will tend to keep the bolt within passageway 38 and in engagement with enough of recess 70 that spindle 30 cannot be removed from aperture 24 and separated from suspension link 20.

[0030] With this arrangement, spindle 30 can be readily attached to and removed from suspension link 20 for initial assembly, as well as for service, repair, replacement, and/or maintenance, and yet be reliably connected during normal usage.

[0031] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the configuration of suspension link 20 is formed to have an aesthetically pleasing shape, suggestive of strength, reliability and durability, as illustrated.

[0032] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated above with respect to particular embodiments, it will be readily understood that many variations of embodiments are contemplated by this invention which have not been enumerated herein. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention are limited only by the terms of the following claims which define the invention.