Patent ID: 8205859
Filing Date: 2012-06-26
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
1. A valve handle assembly for a valve having an outwardly extending rotatable stem for opening and closing the valve by rotation of the stem, the valve handle assembly comprising: a stop plate having a projection extending toward the valve and positioned within a rotational range defined between limiters of the valve, the stop plate having a slot formed therethrough for receiving a stem of the valve and engaging surfaces thereof to maintain a fixed relationship between the stem and the stop plate; a handle having an elongate body and a recess for clearing the projection and engaging the stop plate to maintain the handle and the stop plate, along with the stem, in a fixed relationship as turning of the valve handle assembly occurs, the elongate body further having a tapered cylindrical shape having a slightly reduced diameter at a near end with respect to the valve and having an inner lip within an interior of the elongate body that abuts against a surface of the stop plate facing outward with respect to the valve and defines a position of the stop plate relative to the handle; a sleeve positioned around the elongate body within which the handle turns; a cup washer having an opening therethrough for receiving the stem, a raised annular flange that abuts against and retains the inner lip between the stop plate and the raised flange to affix the handle to the valve, and a cup bottom that abuts against the surface of the stop plate facing outward with respect to the valve; and a nut turned on the stem to maintain engagement of the valve handle assembly with the stem.