Patent ID: 7540300
Filing Date: 2009-06-02
Classification: E03C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A faucet handle assembly configured to couple to a valve stem of a valve, the valve stem extending outwardly from an escutcheon, the faucet handle assembly comprising: a handle base configured to be coupled to the valve stem and to be axially adjusted along a longitudinal axis of the valve stem, the handle base including a first end and a second end; a locking device operably coupled to the handle base and the valve stem, the locking device configured to secure the handle base from moving axially relative to the valve stem; a handle coupled to the first end of the handle base such that movement of the handle is configured to rotate the handle base and the valve stem about the longitudinal axis, thereby causing the second end of the handle base to move relative to the escutcheon; and a glide ring coupled to the second end of the handle base and including a retaining portion concentrically received within the second end of the handle base and a flange portion having a non-metallic glide surface extending radially outwardly from the retaining portion and facing an outer surface of the escutcheon, the glide surface contacting the outer surface of the escutcheon to conceal the valve and to provide for relative movement between the handle base and the escutcheon, wherein the glide surface is positioned intermediate the second end of the handle base and the outer surface of the escutcheon such that the handle base is in spaced non-contacting relation to the escutcheon regardless of the axial adjustment of the handle base.