Faucet handle mounting

A faucet handle assembly configured to couple to a valve stem extending outwardly from an escutcheon. The faucet handle assembly includes a handle base axially adjustable along a longitudinal axis of the valve stem. A glide surface is supported by the handle base and is configured to contact an outer surface of the escutcheon.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a faucet handle assembly and, more particularly, to a faucet handle assembly which is configured to eliminate a gap between a handle base and a corresponding mounting base or escutcheon.

Conventional faucets typically include at least one faucet handle assembly which is rotated to open and close a valve for controlling the flow of water to a delivery spout. More particularly, the faucet handle assembly is coupled to the valve stem of a valve cartridge. The faucet handle assembly is typically located above a mounting base or escutcheon, which is supported on a sink deck. A clearance gap generally exists between a conventional faucet handle assembly and the escutcheon. The clearance gap serves as a tolerance buffer for dimensional variations of components. The clearance gap is generally achieved by positioning a stop within the faucet handle assembly. The stop is configured to engage the valve stem and thereby prevent axial travel of the faucet handle assembly beyond a certain point along the valve stem. The clearance gap between the faucet handle assembly and the escutcheon may be aesthetically unpleasant, depending upon the particular design of the handle assembly, and may provide a location for the collection of dirt and debris.

The faucet handle assembly of the present invention is configured to couple to a valve stem of a valve, the valve stem extending outwardly from an escutcheon. The faucet handle assembly comprises 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 handle is 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. A non-metallic glide surface is supported by the second end of the handle base and faces an outer surface of the escutcheon. The glide surface is configured to contact the outer surface of the escutcheon and to provide for relative movement between the handle base and the escutcheon.

Illustratively, a locking device is operably coupled to the handle base and the valve stem, and is configured to secure the handle base from moving axially relative to the valve stem. The locking device illustratively comprises a planar portion formed on the valve stem and a set screw extending perpendicularly to the planar portion, the set screw extending through the handle base and engaging the planar portion of the valve stem. The locking device is further illustratively configured to secure the handle base from rotating relative to the valve stem. Illustratively, the locking device comprises a receiving bore formed within the handle base and having a D-shaped cross-section. The valve stem includes a portion have a cooperating D-shaped cross-section configured to be received within the receiving bore.

Illustratively, the glide surface is an outer surface of a glide ring coupled to the second end of the handle base. The glide ring illustratively includes a plurality of locking tabs, and the second end of the handle base includes an annular lip, the locking tabs being configured to secure the glide ring to the annular lip.

According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a faucet comprises a mounting base including an opening and an upwardly facing surface, and a valve including a valve stem with an upper end positioned above the opening of the mounting base. A handle base includes an upper end and an open lower end, the open lower end being configured to receive the valve stem. A glide ring is supported by the lower end of the handle base, the glide ring including a downwardly facing glide surface configured to contact the upwardly facing surface of the mounting base and to provide for relative movement between the handle base and the mounting base.

In yet another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a faucet handle assembly is configured to couple to a valve stem of a valve, the valve stem having an upper end positioned above an opening of an escutcheon. The faucet handle assembly comprises a handle base including a first end, a second end, and a cavity extending upwardly from the second end toward the first end. The cavity of the handle base is configured to receive the valve stem. The faucet handle assembly further comprises means for selectively adjusting the handle base along an axis of the valve stem, and means for closing the space between the second end of the handle base and an outer surface of the escutcheon, while permitting movement of the handle base relative to the escutcheon.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the presently perceived best mode of carrying out the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While in the following detailed description the present invention will be described in connection with a faucet for use with a sink, it should be understood that the faucet handle assembly of the present invention may be utilized in connection with any conventional water flow control valve, including those for use with showers or tubs. Furthermore, the particular exterior shape or appearance of the faucet handle assembly and escutcheon may be selected by the end user based upon a number of factors, including aesthetic considerations. More particularly, the coupling of the faucet handle assembly to the valve permits for the faucet handle assembly to be interchanged with a different faucet handle assembly having a different decorative appearance.

With reference initially toFIGS. 1 and 2of the drawings, an illustrative faucet10is shown as including first and second faucet handle assemblies12aand12bof the present invention. Rotation of the first faucet handle assembly12acontrols the flow of hot water supplied from a hot water supply line14to a delivery spout16. Similarly, rotation of the second faucet handle assembly12bcontrols the flow of cold water supplied from a cold water supply line18to the delivery spout16. While the following description references details of the first faucet handle assembly12a,it should be appreciated that the second faucet handle assembly12bis substantially identical. As such, like components will be identified with the same reference numeral followed by the letter “a” when referring to the first faucet handle assembly12a,and followed by the letter “b” when referring to the second faucet handle assembly12b.

With further reference toFIGS. 1-3, the first and second faucet handle assemblies12aand12band the delivery spout16are positioned above a mounting base or escutcheon20. The escutcheon20is supported by a sink deck22(FIG. 3) in a conventional manner and is illustratively formed of a metal, such as brass. A conventional valve24is operably coupled with each supply line14and18in order to control the flow of water to the delivery spout16. The valve24may be of conventional design and include a valve body26having lower external threads28to facilitate coupling with the respective water supply line14,18.

Referring now toFIGS. 3 and 4, a valve cartridge30is supported within the valve body26and includes a rotatable valve member32configured to control the flow of water passing through an outlet33, which is in fluid communication with the delivery spout16. A valve stem34includes a lower portion or end35coupled to the valve member32and is illustratively formed of a metal, such as brass. The lower end35of the valve stem34may be coupled to the valve member32in a conventional manner, for example, through an interference fit or spline connection. The valve body26, including the valve stem34, extends through an opening37(FIG. 4) formed within the escutcheon20. A bushing36is coupled to the valve body26by an internally threaded nut or bonnet38, which threadably receives upper external threads39of the valve body26. A first o-ring41provides a seal between the valve body26and the bushing36, while a second o-ring43provides a seal between the bushing36and the valve stem34. The valve stem34is supported for rotational movement within the bushing36. The bushing36is illustratively formed of a non-metallic material, such as a thermoplastic, to promote rotation between the bushing36and the valve stem34and to prevent excessive wear. As is known, rotation of the valve stem34causes rotation of the valve member32in order to control the flow of water through the valve body26.

A handle base40is operably coupled to an upper portion or end42of the valve stem34. In the illustrative embodiment, the handle base40includes a first or upper end44and a second or lower end46. The lower end46opens into a cavity48(FIG. 3) extending upwardly from the lower end46toward the upper end44. Illustratively, the handle base40is formed of a metal, such as brass.

The handle base40is selectively adjustable along a longitudinal axis50of the valve stem34. A locking device52is operably coupled to the handle base40and the valve stem34, and is configured to secure the handle base40axially (i.e., along the longitudinal axis50) relative to the valve stem34. Illustratively, the locking device52comprises a planar portion or flat section54formed on an outer surface of the valve stem34. A set screw56extends radially inwardly from the handle base40and is configured to engage the planar portion54. More particularly, the set screw56is threadably received within an opening58formed within an outer wall60of the handle base40. The set screw56is aligned on a horizontal axis62such that a tip64of the set screw56is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis50of the valve stem34. The planar portion54of the valve stem34is illustratively made of the material softer than that of the set screw56such that the set screw56will indent or “bite” into the planar portion54. This indentation after tightening prevents the unintentional removal of the handle base40under an axial load. As noted above, the valve stem34, including planar portion54, may be formed of brass while the set screw56may be formed of a hardened steel. The planar portion54of the valve stem34together with the set screw56provides for the vertical adjustment of the handle base40such that dimensional tolerances of the various components of the handle assembly12may be absorbed.

An insert70may be received within the cavity48of the handle base40. Illustratively, the insert70has a body72defining a receiving bore74. The receiving bore74illustratively includes a D-shaped cross section which is configured to receive the upper portion42of the valve stem34, which has a cooperating D-shaped cross section as defined by the planar portion54. As such, the receiving bore74and upper end42of the valve stem34comprise part of the locking device52and are configured to secure the handle base40from rotating relative to the valve stem34. Illustratively, the insert70is formed of a thermoplastic material. The body72may include a rotational or angular stop member73configured to selectively engage a cooperating extension75of the bushing36for limiting the angle of rotation of the handle base40and the valve stem34. While in the illustrative embodiment the receiving bore74and the stop member73are formed by the insert70, it should be appreciated that the insert70could be formed integral with the handle base40. More particularly, the receiving bore74and the stop member73could be formed through conventional means, such as casting or machining, within the cavity48of the handle base40.

A handle76is illustratively coupled to the upper end44of the handle base40. While the handle76is illustrated as a lever in the figures, it should be appreciated that the handle76may be of any desired shape or size. Further, the handle76may be coupled to the handle base40in any conventional manner, for example, by a threaded connection, a friction fit, or conventional adhesives. Additionally, the handle76may be integrally formed with the handle base40.

With reference now toFIGS. 4-7, a glide surface80is supported by the lower end46of the handle base40. The glide surface80faces an outer surface82, illustratively an upper surface84, of the escutcheon20and provides for relative movement between the handle base40and the escutcheon20. The glide surface80is illustratively a downwardly facing surface86of a glide ring88coupled to the lower end46of the handle base40(FIGS. 5-7). The glide ring88is formed from a non-metallic material, illustratively a thermoplastic, and prevents direct contact between the lower end46of the handle base40and the upper surface84of the escutcheon20.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, in one illustrative embodiment, the glide ring88includes an upper or retaining portion90and a lower or flange portion92. The upper portion90includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient locking tabs94configured to couple to an annular lip96concentrically formed within and extending inwardly from the outer wall60of the handle base40. The annular lip96is secured between the locking tabs94and the lower portion92of the glide ring88.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, a second embodiment glide ring88′ includes an upper or retaining portion90′ which is frictionally fit within the lower end46of the handle base40.FIG. 7illustrates a third embodiment glide ring88″ which comprises a split ring including an upper or retaining portion90″ and a lower or flange portion92″, both portions90″ and92″ defining opposing ends98,100which are spring biased within the lower end46of the handle base40for retention therein.

To assemble the faucet handle assembly12to the valve stem34and in contact with the escutcheon20, the installer initially verifies that the glide ring88is secured to the handle base40. If not, then the glide ring88is simply inserted into the open lower end46of the handle base40such that the locking tabs94couple to the annular lip96. Next, the installer verifies that the set screw56is positioned to prevent interference with the valve stem34. The lower end46of the handle base40is then placed over the valve stem34and is angularly oriented so that the D-shaped cross section of the receiving bore74of the insert70is aligned with the upper portion42of the valve stem34. Once in the proper angular orientation, the handle base40is lowered until the glide surface80of the glide ring88contacts the upper surface84of the escutcheon20, thereby eliminating any gap between the handle base40and the escutcheon20. After being placed in the proper axial position, the set screw56is rotated or tightened until the tip64engages and indents the planar portion54of the valve stem34.

The set screw56used for attachment of the handle base40to the valve stem34does not generate any vertical load on the faucet handle assembly12since it is positioned on horizontal axis62. The lack of vertical load allows the faucet handle assembly12to rest on the escutcheon20while being tightened and will not cause any undue binding on the valve24. Because the valve stem34does not have a vertically orienting feature for engagement with the set screw56, the placement of the set screw56only depends upon the overall height of the individual components that make up the faucet handle assembly12. If enough planar portion54is provided on the valve stem34, the part to part variation of the entire faucet handle assembly12can be absorbed and the assembly12will always sit directly on the escutcheon20. The glide ring88between the lower end46of the handle base40and the outer surface82of the escutcheon20facilitates rotational movement between the faucet handle assembly12and the escutcheon20. More particularly, the glide ring88isolates the lower end46of the handle base40from the upper surface84of the escutcheon20, thereby preventing noise and finish damage due to rotational movement of the faucet handle assembly12. Further, the glide ring88provides an aesthetically pleasing look and an easy to clean interface between the handle base40and the escutcheon20.