Replaceable spindle assembly

A replaceable spindle assembly which includes a pair of plates connecting the spindle to the axle and fastened together by mounting bolts. One plate includes annular ribs which fit within annular grooves in the other plate to distribute the shear forces transmitted by the spindle to the axle through the plates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to a replaceable spindle assembly for a vehicle axle 
assembly. 
A spindle is a commonplace device fastened to the ends of a vehicle axle 
which serves as a mount for the vehicle wheels. Heretofore, spindles were 
connected to the axle by welding the spindle directly to the axle or by 
bolting. A drawback of the welded construction was that the spindle was 
not removable by the average person from the axle in event of spindle 
failure. Also, the bolted constructions did not adequately protect against 
the shear force on the spindle connection while in place on the vehicle. 
These prior spindle constructions are seen generally in U.S. Pat. Nos. 
774,042; 1,480,462; 1,410,863; 774,289; 726,209; and 2,501,579. 
The spindle assembly of this invention includes a pair of complemental 
plate members attached respectively to the axle and the spindle. One plate 
member has a pair of annular grooves formed in its outer face. The other 
plate member has a pair of annular ribs protruding from its outer face 
which fit within the grooves of the one plate. Both plates include aligned 
bores through which bolts are turned to secure the plates together. So 
constructed the spindle is easily replaced upon failure and provides 
greater support against shear forces upon the plate-connecting bolts as 
the axle supports the vehicle. 
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide for an improved 
vehicular spindle assembly. 
Another object of this invention is to provide for a spindle which is 
easily removable from the vehicle axle. 
Another object of this invention is to provide for a vehicle spindle 
assembly which allows for the simple removal of the spindle and which 
effectively distributes shear force across the connection of the spindle 
to the axle. 
Another object of this invention is to provide for a vehicle spindle 
assembly which may be efficiently produced by automatic lathes. 
Still another object of this invention is to provide for a vehicle spindle 
assembly which is durable and economical.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive 
or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and 
described to explain the principles of the invention and its application 
and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the 
invention. 
The spindle assembly 10 of this invention is adapted for use with a 
conventional vehicle axle 28. Spindle assembly 10 is of two piece 
construction and includes plate members 14 and 16. Plate 14 includes a 
head 18 which projects from the outer face 20 of the plate and which is 
secured by welding to a spindle 12. Spindle 12 is adapted to house a wheel 
hub (not shown). The opposite or inner face 22 of plate 14 for a pair of 
concentric annular grooves 24 and 25 formed in it. Plate 14 also includes 
a plurality of annularly spaced bores 26 which extend from face 20 to face 
22 of the plate. Bores 26 are preferably positioned between grooves 24 and 
25. Plate 16 is welded to axle 28 at its outer face 30. The opposite or 
inner face 32 of plate 16 includes a pair of concentric annular ribs 34 
and 35. Plate 16 also includes a plurality of annularly spaced threaded 
bores 36 which are positioned between ribs 34 and 35 and extend from face 
30 to face 32 of plate 16. 
To install spindle assembly 10, one places plate 16 over plate 14 with 
plate ribs 34 and 35 fitting complementally within the grooves 24 and 25 
of plate 14. Bores 26 and 36 are then aligned. Bolts 38 are fitted freely 
through bores 26 and turned into threaded bores 36 to secure plate 16 to 
plate 14. A lock washer 40 is used with each bolt 38. 
The interlock with ribs 34, 35 and grooves 24, 25 accommodates a good 
portion of the vertical shear stress placed upon bolts 38 during use of 
the axle assembly 10. Such interlock prevents transverse movement of plate 
16 over plate 14. The width of ribs 34, 35 are sufficient to accommodate 
the vehicle load shear stress placed upon the connecting interfaces 
between plates 14 and 16. 
It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to 
the above description but may be modified within the scope of the appended 
claims.