HANDLE ASSEMBLY OR THE LIKE

Abstract: A handle assembly includes an open-ended sleeve (12) connectable to a valve stem (11) by a screw inserted and removed through the open end. A removable thimble (25) has a lateral opening which aligns with a lateral opening in the sleeve. A handle member is held intact to the thimble and sleeve by an internal threaded connection (29). In one embodiment, the internal con­ nection is provided by threads (31) of two handle members (30) and the thimble. In another embodiment, a screw (41) extends from one handle member for connection with the other with the head housed in a cavity which is covered by a cap. The handle assembly can also be provided with decorative rings (35) positioned between the handle members and the thimble. In a preferred embodiment, the threaded engagement with the thimble is afforded by a first cross member inside the thimble and a second cross member represented by a handle member covering the thimble opening.

Description: This invention relates particularly to decorative handle assemblies, preferably those used to control rotatable valve stems. The invention is also useful for securing a handle like element in other instances (e.g. in conjunction with a door). In most faucet assemblies, an exposed valve control stem is provided with a fluted attachment head having a threaded screw hole at its outer end. The typical faucet handle has a fluted socket that receives the head, and an attachment screw is inserted through an access hole that opens through the outer end of the handle. A decorative sleeve usually surrounds the exposed portion of the valve stem below the handle, and is held between the handle and a countertop or the like. Without more in such assemblies, the attachment screw is exposed. For ease of cleaning and appearance, various attempts have been made to hide the access hole and the screw. For example, special snap covers have been developed that can be placed over a top access hole and removed when appropriate. However, the use of such snap covers on the top of the design can detract from the decorative appearance of the top of the handle. The use of side set screws has also been tried, but this can also detract from the decorative appearance of the neck of the handle and can be awkward. A handle assembly which addresses many of the foregoing problems is described in U.S. Patent 4,349,940. However, a handle of that type may not be as vandalism resistant as desired in certain commercial installations where vandalism is a serious problem. Further, such a handle has a cross member having several different metal components. The object of the present invention is to provide an improved handle assembly which is capable of securely connecting a decorative faucet handle or the like to a stem without the need for an exposed attachment screw. The present invention provides a handle assembly or the like connectable to a support comprising an open-ended sleeve which is connectable to the support by a fastener inserted and removed through the open end, the sleeve having aligned opposite cross openings near the open end; a thimble that covers the open end and has opposite openings aligned with the cross openings; a first cross member engageable in an opening of said thimble; characterized by a second cross member not integral with the first cross member engageable in the opposite opening of said thimble; and threaded connecting means combined between the ends of said thimble to hold said thimble and said first and second members in place when said cross members are connected to said thimble. In one embodiment the thimble is internally-threaded. The first cross member has external threads for engagement with the internal threads of said thimble. The second cross member has external threads for engagement with the internal threads of said thimble. The threads of the thimble and the first and second cross members hold the thimble and the first and second members in place. In another embodiment the threaded connecting means includes a screw secured in an axial through bore of one of the cross members and threads in the other of the cross members for engagement with the screw threads. The invention is adaptable to other applications such as a towel bar support or robe hook by using a base bracket having a post shaped like a conventional valve stem and then attaching a similar sleeve and thimble. One of the cross members may be, for example, a towel or robe hook. The present invention thus provides an improved handle assembly connectable to a stem by hidden connecting means. The assembly is easily assembled and stable. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a view, partially in cross section and with parts broken away, showing a faucet handle assembly constituting one embodiment of the invention, the assembly being shown attached to a valve stem; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the parts shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partial view similar to that of Fig. 1 showing another embodiment; Figure 4 is a view in partial vertical cross section showing still another embodiment; Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing yet another embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 1, but showing a wall mounted robe hook assembly; Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing a preferred embodiment; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the parts shown in Figure 7; and Figure 9 is a view in partial vertical cross section showing yet another embodiment. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the handle assembly generally 10 is shown in conjunction with a threaded valve stem 11. It includes a sleeve 12 having an annular compartment 13 for receiving a spline adapter 14. The sleeve 12 rests on the spline adapter 14. The spline adapter 14 rests on a narrowing portion 15 so as to be retained on the valve stem shoulder 11a. A mounting screw 16 passes through a through bore 17 and against a stop 18 for mounting the handle assembly 10 to the valve stem 11. As best seen in Fig. 2, the sleeve 12 has stem portion 20 which has an open top for reception of the screw 16. It also has the radiused shoulders 21 and 22 for positioning in the bottom opening 28 of the thimble 25. The opening 28 and the shoulders 21 and 22 are dimensioned so that the shoulders can be received inside the thimble a sufficient distance so that a limited rotating arrangement is provided. As best seen in Figure 2, the thimble 25 has internal threads 29 as well as opposing openings one of which is shown at 26. This is afforded by the fact that thimble 25 is an open tubular member. The handle assembly 10 also includes two identical handle end pieces 30 each having a reduced diameter threaded portion 31 and a further reduced diameter extension 32. There is also shown the indexing rings 35 which are secured against a shoulder 27 adjacent to the threaded portions 31 as well as the brass washers 34 and the rubber o-rings 33 for placement over the extension portions 32. If desired the extension portions can be internally threaded such as shown at 36 for purposes of which will be later explained. Referring specifically to Figure 1, it will be seen that the thimble 25 is adapted to be placed over the end of the stem portion 20. The threaded portions 31 of the handle end pieces 30 are threaded into the internal threads 29 of the thimble 25 with the o-rings 33 and the brass washers 34 placed on the extensions 32 and the indexing rings 35 placed against shoulder 27 adjacent to the threaded portions 31. The handle end pieces 30 are turned until the indexing rings 35 are in contact with the thimble 25 and abut against the shoulders 27, and the o-rings 33 press against the stem portion 20 and the washers 34 press against the shoulders 24. When fully assembled, the handle assembly 10 appears as in Figure 1. A secure fitment of the handle end pieces 30 to the thimble 25 as well as to the stem portion 20 is afforded by the extension portions 32 projecting into the opposed openings 23 of the stem portion 20. When assembled, the exposed indexing rings 35 provide a decorative effect as they can be of various colors and positioned between the handle end pieces 30 and the thimble 25. This provides a smooth and aesthetic looking handle as the handle end pieces 30 and the thimble 25 have the same outside diameter. The purpose of the o-rings 33 and the brass washers 34 are to provide a spacing and resilient connection between the handle pieces 30 and the thimble 25 as well as the sleeve 12 for any tolerances. The o-ring in their compressed state compensate for tolerance build up as well as provide a lock washer effect with the washer to prevent the end pieces from loosening. Referring to the embodiment generally-10A shown in Figure 3, all of the previous components are designated with the same numbers followed by the letter A. The difference between embodiment 10 and 10A is the fact that the indexing rings 35 are no longer utilized and neither are the brass washers 34. This shows the versatility of the handle assembly of this invention. They can be converted to other assemblies without the indexing rings and still provide a tight connection with the thimble 25A as well as with the stem portion 20A. As the indexing rings are no longer utilized, neither are the brass washers 34. Accordingly, they are eliminated. This allows the threaded portions 31A to be screwed into the threads 29A of the thimble 25A for a greater distance. The o-rings 33A provide a resilient connection. According to Figure 4, embodiment 10B provides a more tamper resistant version for the handle assembly. The previous components are designated with the same numbers followed by the letter B. The tamper resistant version is afforded by utilizing a modified end piece 37B having a through bore 38B to receive the screw 39B. The screw 39B has the threads 42B for engagement with internal threads 36B inside the handle end piece 30B. Handle end piece 37B has a compartment 40B for receiving the screw head 41B. A cap 43B with the resilient fingers 44B is placed over the compartment 40B so as to conceal the screw head 41B. The fingers 44B provide a frictional engagement means. If desired, an adhesive can be employed to seal the fingers 44B into the compartment. This would further resist removal of the cap 43B. Figure 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of the handle assembly generally 10C. The previous components are designated with the same numbers followed by the letter C. This embodiment 10C is similar to 10B in utilizing the internal screw 39C and the cap 43C. It will be seen that the threads on the thimble 45C have been eliminated as have been the threads on the handle end pieces 46C and 47C. Figure 6 depicts how assemblies of this type can be used for a wide variety of handles or the like functions. In this case, the assembly is a bathroom accessory, a robe hook generally 10D. The previous components are designated with the same numbers followed by the letter D. In this instance the embodiment is the same as depicted in Figure 1 except the valve stem 11 has been replaced by a base bracket which has a support 49D shaped like a valve stem and from which extends a flange 50D. A screw 51D passes through the flange 50D and into the wall 52D. The embodiments of Figures 3, 4, 5, and 7-9 can similarly be employed. Figure 7 and 8 show yet another embodiment of the handle assembly generally 10E. The previous components are designated with the same numbers followed by the letter E. This embodiment 10E is similar to 10. However, there is one important difference in providing the additional vandal resistant screws 57E. These have a reduced diameter portion 58E for fitting into the openings 23E of the stem portion 20E. An allen wrench non-circular hole 60E is provided which facilitates wrench tightening. The screws 57E have external threads 59E for engagement with the internal threads 29E of the thimble 25E. The engagement of the screw 57E with the thimble 25E and the extension of the reduced diameter portion 58E into the stem opening 23E as well as the engagement of the end pieces 30E in the thimble 25E provide a very sturdy handle assembly. The handle assembly 10E is shown in conjunction with a valve assembly 55 including a stabilizer portion 56. According to Figure 9, embodiment 10F provides an even more tamper resistant version for the handle assembly 10E. The previous components are designated by the same numbers followed by the letter F. This handle assembly incorporates the tamper-resistant components of the handle assembly 10B. Through bore 61F is provided in the screw 57F to afford passage of the screw 39F. Thus, the invention provides an improved faucet handle assembly or the like. While the preferred embodiments have been described above, it is readily apparent to those skilled in the art that a number of modifications and changes may be made. For example, in the Figure 1 embodiment, there are internal threads 36 shown in the extension portions 32 of the handle pieces 30 and in the Figure 7 embodiment, there are internal threads 36E in the reduced diameter portion 31E. These can be eliminated as a threaded connection is made between threaded portions 31, 31E and the internal threads 29, 29E the thimbles 25, 25E. However, having the internal threads 36, 36E offers the advantage of one component being used with the threaded thimble 25 and /or the screw 39B and 39F as indicated in Figures 4 and 9. The same is true concerning embodiments 10A without the indexing rings. Embodiments 10B, 10C and 10F do not include the indexing rings 35. These could be included in these embodiments and the brass washers 34 could be included in embodiments 10B and 10C. As an additional modification one of the handle pieces 30 could form a handle arm integral with the thimble 25. All such and other modifications are meant to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims: A handle assembly or the like connectable to a support comprising an open-ended sleeve (12) which is connectable to the support by a fastener (16) inserted and removed through the open end, the sleeve (12) having aligned opposite cross openings (23) near the open end; a thimble (25) that covers the open end and has opposite openings (26) aligned with the cross openings (23); a first cross member (30) engageable in an opening (26) of said thimble (25); characterized by a second cross member (30) not integral with the first cross member (30) engageable in the opposite opening (26) of said thimble (25); and threaded connecting means (29, 31) combined between the ends of said thimble (25) to hold said thimble (25) and said first and second members (30) in place when said cross members (30) are connected to said thimble (25). The assembly of claim 1, characterized in that said cross members (30) are substantially identical to each other. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the threaded connecting means includes at least one set of matable threads (31, 29) on the interior of the thimble (25) and on the exterior of a cross member (30). The assembly of claim 1 or 2, characterized by said thimble (25) being internally threaded; said first cross member having external threads (29) for engagement with the internal threads (31) of said thimble (25) and said second cross member having external threads (29) for engagement with the internal threads (31) of said thimble (25). The assembly of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said threaded connecting means including a screw (39B) secured in an axial through bore of one of said cross members (30) and threads (36B) in the other of said cross members for engagement with the screw (39B). The assembly of claim 5, characterized in that said cross member includes a compartment (40B) for housing the head of said screw (39B), and the assembly further comprises a cap member (43B) secured over said screw head (41B) to conceal the head of said screw (39B). The assembly of claim 1, characterized in that the second cross member comprises a handle arm not integral with the first cross member that extends from said thimble portion opposite said first cross member. The assembly of claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the first and second cross members are positionable entirely between the ends of the thimble when the assembly is assembled, and a further member or members cover the thimble opening and hides said at least one cross member from view. The assembly of claim 8, characterized in that said at least one cross member (57E) has a non-circular hole (60E) in its outer surface to facilitate threaded engagement of the cross member to the assembly.

Inventors: FREIER, DONALD P., KECMAN, MICHAEL M., STEFFEN, JACK W.
Applicants: KOHLER CO.
Application year: 1989
Main classification: E05B1
IPC codes: F16K31, G05G1, E05B1, E03C1