Patent ID: 6098660
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
An improved faucet assembly comprising:a valve assembly for controlling the flow of a liquid therethrough, and a valve stem having a proximal and distal ends, said proximal end received in said valve assembly to selectively control the flow of the liquid in the valve assembly;a spout communicating with said valve assembly to receive a discharge of liquid from said valve assembly and to direct said discharge to a desired area;a handle removably mounted to said valve stem, said handle further including an internal mounting portion for receiving said distal end of said valve stem;a compression spring member inserted in said internal mounting portion and in contact with said valve stem and said internal mounting portion to releasably mount said handle to said valve stem;said compression spring member further includes a curved body portion having a curvature, and a stop tab formed from said curved body portion and protruding away therefrom in a direction opposing said curvature; andsaid internal mounting portion further includes a transverse slot, said compression spring member being placed within said transverse slot with said curved body portion inducing a force to hold said valve stem within said internal mounting portion.