Abstract:
A shock absorbing interposer is positionable between a manually manipulatable handle and a faucet of a beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage. The interposer includes a faucet adapter mechanism for interconnecting to a lever of the faucet and a handle adapter mechanism for interconnecting to the handle. A shock absorbing member is operatively connected to the faucet adapter mechanism and the handle adapter mechanism to dissipate excessive forces applied to the handle as the handle is moved between a first operative position and a second operative position in order to reduce the likelihood that such excessive forces will be exerted on the faucet and handle. A faucet assembly including a faucet, handle and shock absorbing interposer is also provided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/158,610, filed Mar. 9, 2009, which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a shock absorbing structure and, more particularly, to a shock absorbing interposer for absorbing stresses in a beverage dispensing system. 
     In a typical bar or tavern, a system for dispensing beer and certain other beverages includes a number of faucets or taps at which the beer is dispensed, a cooler in which kegs of beer are stored remotely from the faucets and transport systems consisting of a series of conduits or tubes that transport the beer to the faucets. Tap handles are mounted on the faucets to facilitate pouring of the beer. 
     In order to increase the appeal and distinctiveness of their brand of beer, many brewers of beer manufacture or provide distinctive, ornamental tap handles for use on the faucet in the bar that is dispensing their beer. As opposed to short, primarily functional handles that are approximately six inches long, such ornamental handles that may be as long as twelve inches or more. Inasmuch as a significant focus of the manufacturer is the distinctiveness of the tap handles, the handles may not be designed with strength in mind. In particular, the tap handles typically have a threaded bore at a lower end thereof for interconnecting to a movable lever on the faucet. Due to the space required for the threaded bore, the lower end of the tap handle is especially weak and prone to stress concentrations and breakage. 
     While the long handles clearly provide a larger area in which to display the distinctiveness of a brewer, the long handles also provide a significant mechanical advantage during actuation of the faucet. During peak serving periods, bartenders are focused on quickly pouring beer and otherwise servicing customers, not on carefully turning the beer taps on and off. The long handles make it extremely easy to provide a relatively large moment or force at the junction between the faucet and tap handle. Such excessive force may cause the handle to crack or break or simply cause the faucet itself to break. In either case, the particular faucet will be out of service until such handle or faucet is replaced. This will result in loss of revenue and customer goodwill during the time period in which the faucet for a particular brand of beer is inoperative. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object to solve the above-described problems encountered within existing beverage dispensing systems by providing a simple, low cost solution to broken handles and faucets. Accordingly, a shock absorbing interposer is provided that is positionable between a manually manipulatable handle and a faucet of a beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage. The interposer includes a faucet adapter mechanism having a threaded bore for interconnecting to a threaded lever of the faucet and a handle adapter mechanism having a threaded stud for interconnecting to a threaded bore of the handle. A shock absorbing member is operatively connected to the faucet adapter mechanism and the handle adapter mechanism to dissipate excessive forces applied to the handle as the handle is moved between a first operative position at which flow through the faucet is prevented and a second operative position at which flow through the faucet is permitted in order to reduce the likelihood that such excessive forces will be exerted on the faucet and handle. 
     If desired, axes of the threaded bore of the faucet adapter mechanism and the threaded stud of the handle adapter mechanism may be coincident absent an external force being applied to the handle adapter mechanism. The shock absorbing member may be positioned between the faucet adapter mechanism and the handle adapter mechanism. Both the faucet adapter mechanism and the handle adapter mechanism may be one-piece integrally formed members, and the shock absorbing member may be configured to engage directly both the faucet adapter mechanism and the handle adapter mechanism. A housing may be provided to maintain the shock absorbing member in direct engagement with both the faucet adapter mechanism and the handle adapter mechanism. The shock absorbing member may be chosen from urethane, buna or another material with similar properties and characteristics. The shock absorbing member may have a durometer rating within a range of approximately 55-75 Shore A. 
     A shock absorbing interposer may be provided for positioning between a manually manipulatable handle and a faucet of a beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage. Such interposer includes a shaft member having a force dispersion section thereon and a housing member having a receptacle for receiving the force dispersion section of the shaft member therein. The receptacle is dimensioned to permit the force dispersion section to move within the receptacle. One of the shaft member and the receptacle member has a coupling section for interconnecting to the handle and the other has a coupling section for interconnecting to the faucet. A resilient member is positioned between the force dispersion section and the receptacle to dissipate excessive forces applied to the handle in order to reduce the likelihood that such excessive forces will be transmitted to the faucet. 
     If desired, the force dispersion section may be movable laterally relative to the receptacle axis of the housing and the shaft member may be pivotable relative to the receptacle. The force dispersion section of the shaft member may be axially movable along the receptacle axis. The shaft member has an axis and the shaft member may be rotatable about its own axis. 
     If desired, the force dispersion section of the shaft member may be axially movable along the receptacle axis. The force dispersion section of the shaft member together with the resilient member may be movable within the receptacle along the receptacle axis. An axial shock absorber may be provided to absorb axial forces along the axis. The axial shock absorber including first and second resilient members within the receptacle that are positioned on opposite sides of the force dispersion section of the shaft member relative to the axis. Further, the first and second resilient members may each include a plurality of disks. 
     If desired, the shaft member may be positioned along a shaft axis absent an external force being applied to the shaft member. The shaft member, the receptacle and the resilient member may be configured such that an external force no greater than a predetermined magnitude applied to the shaft member will cause the shaft member, the resilient member and the housing to move as an assembly but an external force exceeding the predetermined magnitude applied to the shaft member will cause deformation of the resilient member and permit limited movement of the shaft away from the shaft axis. 
     A faucet assembly for dispensing a beverage may be provided that includes a faucet body, a handle, and a shock absorbing interposer. The faucet body has an inlet through which the beverage enters the faucet, a spout through which the beverage exits the faucet and a valve member between the inlet and the spout for controlling flow of the beverage through the faucet. The valve member includes a lever movable between a first operative position at which flow through the faucet is prevented and a second operative position at which flow through the faucet is permitted. The manually manipulatable handle assists in moving the lever between the first and second operative positions and the handle has a bore. The shock absorbing interposer includes a faucet adapter mechanism having a bore for interconnecting to the lever of the faucet, a handle adapter mechanism having a stud for interconnecting to the bore of the handle, and a resilient material operatively connected to the faucet adapter mechanism and the handle adapter mechanism to dissipate excessive forces applied to the handle and faucet as the lever reaches the first and second operative positions. 
     If desired, the resilient material may be positioned between the faucet adapter mechanism and the handle adapter mechanism. Axes of the bore of the faucet adapter mechanism and the stud of the handle adapter mechanism may be coincident absent an external force being applied to the handle adapter mechanism. The handle may have a reduced cross-sectional area generally adjacent the bore. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated and better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like-reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a beverage dispensing faucet assembly including the shock absorbing member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention showing the handle moved between its two operative positions; 
         FIG. 2  is a partially exploded side view of the beverage dispensing assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an perspective view of the shock absorbing interposer member of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the shock absorbing interposer member of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-section of the shock absorbing interposer member depicted in  FIG. 3  and 
         FIG. 6  is a partially exploded, cross-section of the shock absorbing interposer member depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description is intended to convey the operation of exemplary embodiments of the invention to those skilled in the art. It will be appreciated that this description is intended to aid the reader, not to limit the invention. As such, references to a feature or aspect of the invention are intended to describe the feature or aspect of the embodiment of the invention, not to imply that every embodiment of the invention must have the described characteristic. 
       FIGS. 1-2  illustrate a beverage dispensing faucet assembly  10  suitable for mounting in a tavern, bar, restaurant or other similar establishment. The assembly  10  includes faucet  15 , handle  25 , and shock absorbing interposer  30  positioned therebetween. In this description, representations of direction such as up, down, left, right, front, rear and the like used for explaining the structure and movement of each part of the disclosed embodiment are not absolute, but relative. These representations are appropriate when each part of the disclosed embodiment is in the position shown in the Figures. If the position of the disclosed embodiment changes, these representations are to be changed according to the change in position of the disclosed embodiment. 
     Faucet  15  includes a faucet body  16  of known type having an inlet  17  through which a liquid or beverage such as beer may enter the faucet body. Spout  18  is provided as an exit port through which the beverage that entered through inlet  17  may pass. Faucet  15  includes an internal valve mechanism (not shown) that is actuated by movement of handle lever  19  between a closed position as depicted in the solid lines in  FIG. 1  at which no liquid may pass through faucet  15  and an open position as depicted in phantom at  19 ′ in  FIG. 1  at which liquid may freely pass through faucet  15 . Handle lever  19  moves back and forth between the first and second operative positions in a plane generally extending through the inlet  17 , spout  18 , and handle lever  19 . Handle lever  19  includes a threaded shaft or stud  20  at a top end thereof. 
     Handle  25  includes a generally elongated handle portion  26  and an end or mounting section  27  in which a threaded bore  28  is located. Handle  25  is depicted as being generally cylindrical but may be formed in a variety of shapes. While the length and shape of handle  25  may vary considerably, the handle as depicted is relatively long and omni-directional meaning that it may be mounted in any rotational orientation. 
     Shock absorbing interposer  30  includes an outer housing  31  formed of an end cap  32  and a female end housing  33 . A male end member  50  is positioned within outer housing  31  and extends through bore or aperture  35  in end cap  32 . A shock absorbing insert or section  60  generally surrounds an end portion or force dispersing section  51  of male end member  50 . Female end housing  33  is a generally cylindrical member with a mounting section  34  at one end and a dampening or shock absorbing cylindrical bore or cavity  36  at the opposite end. Mounting section  34  of female end receptacle housing  33  has a threaded cylindrical bore  35  dimensioned so as to inter-mate with the threaded stud  20  of handle lever  19  of faucet  15 . Shock absorbing cavity  36  is dimensioned so as to receive shock absorbing section  60  and force dispersion section  51  of male end member  50  therein. 
     End cap  32  is cylindrically shaped with the substantial length thereof having a diameter dimensioned so as to receive therein the outer surface  37  of female end housing  33  in a press fit manner. End cap  32  includes an end wall  38  with a bore or aperture  41  through which a portion of male end member  50  extends. Bore  41  is dimensioned so that male end member  50  may move or pivot within bore  41  as described below. Female end housing  33  and end cap  41  may be formed of aluminum, stainless steel, delrin, nylon or other non-corrosive metals or polymers with similar strength and corrosion resistance characteristics. 
     Male end member  50  is a generally elongated shaft with a force dispersion section  51  at one end and a threaded stud or shaft  52  at the opposite end thereof. A flange  53  is provided between force dispersion section  51  and threaded stud  52  and includes a pair of oppositely facing flat tool engaging sections  54  that are provided in case it is desired to use a tool to engage and either secure or rotate shock absorbing interposer  30  or adjust the rotational position of male end member  50 . If desired, flat tool engaging sections  54  may be omitted without eliminating the ability to rotate or secure handle  25  as described below. A first undercut member  55  is provided between threaded stud  52  and flange  53 . A second, larger undercut section  56  is provided between flange  53  and force dispersion section  51  and is dimensioned so as to be smaller than bore  41  in the end section  38  of end cap  32  to permit movement of undercut section  56  within bore  41 . Force dispersion section  51  is generally cylindrical and dimensioned to have a diameter sufficiently smaller than the diameter of shock absorbing cavity  36  so as to permit shock absorbing ring  61  to be positioned therebetween. Male end member  50  may be formed of aluminum, stainless steel, delrin, nylon or other non-corrosive metals or polymers with similar strength and corrosion resistance characteristics. 
     Shock absorbing insert  60  includes a somewhat rigid shock absorbing ring or cylinder  61  having an outside diameter dimensioned so as to be snugly received within shock absorbing cavity  36  and an inside diameter or surface  63  dimensioned so as to snugly receive the outer surface  57  of force dispersion section  51  of male end member  50 . In one embodiment, shock absorbing ring  61  may be made of polyethylene, polyurethane, urethane or other materials of similar properties. Although a durometer or hardness rating for the shock absorbing ring  61  has been initially targeted at approximately 70 Shore A, a durometer rating within a range of approximately 55-75 Shore A is anticipated to provide acceptable performance. A wider range may be possible depending upon the characteristics of the handle and faucet and the desired tactile feel to be experienced by a user. 
     Shock absorbing ring  61  is sufficiently rigid and extends in the direction of an axis  40  through shock absorbing cavity  36  and bore  35  sufficiently so as to substantially center shock dispersion section  51  of male member  50  along such axis yet still permit some movement of the male end member  50  off of the axis  40  while performing the shock absorbing function. Shock absorbing ring  61 , shock dispersion section  51  and shock absorbing cavity  36  are also dimensioned so as to permit male end member  50  to move axially along the axis  40  through shock absorbing cavity  36 . In addition, because the male end member  50 , shock absorbing ring  61 , and shock absorbing ring  61  are press fit together in shock absorbing cavity  36 , torsional forces between male end member  50  and female end housing  33  are resisted. However, if the torsional force is great enough, the press fit forces will be overcome and the male end member  50  may rotate relative to female end housing  33 . 
     A male end pair of axial shock absorbing disks or wafers  64   a ,  64   b  is positioned at one end or side of shock absorbing ring  61  towards threaded stud  52  of male end member  50 . Each male shock absorbing disk  64   a ,  64   b  has an inner diameter  65  dimensioned so as to fit around undercut section  56  of male end member  50  and a split or seam  67  in order to facilitate mounting on undercut section  56 . A similar pair of female axial shock absorbing disks or wafers  66   a ,  66   b  is provided at the opposite end or side of shock absorbing ring  61  adjacent threaded aperture  35  of female end housing  33 . The female disks  66   a ,  66   b  are similar to male disks  64  but do not necessarily include an aperture  65  or split  67  as is shown in male axial disks  64 . The axial disk pairs  64   a ,  64   b ,  66   a ,  66   b  interact with end wall  38  of end cap  32  and with end wall  39  of female end housing  33  in order to capture force dispersion section  51  of male end member  50  and shock absorbing ring  61 , yet still permit some limited axial movement of force dispersion section  51  and shock absorbing ring  61  relative to housing  31 . In one embodiment, axial disks  64   a ,  66   a  may be made of urethane, buna, spring steel (including cupped washers or wave-springs) or other materials or structure of similar strength and performance characteristics to provide resiliency and axial disks  64   b ,  66   b  may be made of nylon or other materials or structure of similar strength and performance characteristics to provide rigidity and protect disks  64   a ,  66   a.    
     Through such a structure, male end member  50  is securely and accurately positioned within housing  31  and threaded stud  52  is biased to be positioned along axis  40  extending through bore  35  of female end housing  33 . A lateral force applied to threaded stud  52  of male end member  50  is generally transmitted through shock absorbing ring  61  and to inner  42  surface of shock absorbing cavity  36  of female end housing  33 . However, a force that exceeds a predetermined amount will cause deformation of shock absorbing ring  61  so that only a limited amount of the lateral force will be transferred to the female end housing and ultimately to threaded bore  35 . 
     Similarly, a rotational or torsional force applied to threaded stud  52  via handle  25  will apply a torsional force through shock absorbing ring  61  to female end housing  33  and thus to handle lever  19  via threaded bore  35 . However, once a predetermined magnitude of torque is exceeded, slippage will occur between one or more of the press-fit intersections of surface  57  of force dispersion section  51  of male end member  50  with inner surface  63  of shock absorbing ring  61  and/or outer surface  62  of shock absorbing ring  61  with inner surface  42  of shock absorbing cavity  36  of female end housing  33 . 
     Axial forces applied to handle portion  26  are passed through force dispersion section  51  of male end member  50  through axial female disks  66  and into end wall  39  of female end housing  33  or from force dispersion section  51  of male end member  50  through male axial disks  64  and into end wall  38  of end cap  32 , depending on the direction from which the axial force is being applied to male end member  50 . In either case, a portion of the axial force will be absorbed by the axial disks  64 ,  66 , thus limiting the axial force applied from handle portion  26  through male end member  50  and into faucet  15  via female end housing  33  and handle lever  19 . 
     From the foregoing, it can be seen that male end member  50 , and thus handle  25 , may move in many different directions relative to female end housing  33 , and thus faucet  15 , in order to limit the amount of force applied to faucet  15 . As a result, excessive force on handle  25  or on faucet  15  is avoided by permitting male end member  50  to move independently of female end housing  33 . For example, shock dispersion section  51  of male end member  50  may move laterally relative to the axis  40  of shock absorbing cavity  36  through the compression of shock absorbing ring  61  between shock dispersion section  51  and the inner  42  wall of shock absorbing cavity  36 . In other words, male end member is capable of moving such that an axis  58  thereof may move laterally relative to the axis through shock absorbing cavity  36 . Furthermore, such deformation of shock absorbing ring  61  will also permit male end member  50  to pivot or tilt within shock absorbing cavity  36  generally about shock dispersion section  51 . Male end member  50  may also rotate about its own axis  58  relative to shock absorbing cavity  36  if a sufficient torsional or rotational force is applied to male end member  50 . Finally, male end member  50  may also slide or move along or parallel to the axis  40  of the shock absorbing cavity  36 . In use, male end member  50  is simultaneously moveable in multiple directions and thus will limit stresses placed on the handle  25  and faucet  15  and protect them from breakage. In addition, as an operator moves handle  25  past its normal range of movement, the movement of male end member  50  relative to outer housing  31  can be felt by an operator and thus will provide tactile feedback or an indication of over-travel of the handle  25  so that the operator will stop pushing or pulling on the handle. 
     In assembly, female axial disks  66  are inserted into shock absorbing cavity  36  of female end housing  33  and located generally adjacent end wall  39  of the shock absorbing cavity. Force dispersion section  51  of male end member  50  is press fit into shock absorbing ring  61  and male axial disks  64  are positioned onto undercut section  56  of male end member  50 . The subassembly of the male end member  50 , shock absorbing ring  61  and male axial disks  64  is then press fit into shock absorbing cavity  36 . In order to complete the assembly, end cap  32  is press fit onto female end housing  33  with a length male end member  50  including threaded stud  52 , undercut section  55  and flange  53  extending through bore  41 . 
     To mount shock absorbing interposer  30  in beverage dispensing faucet assembly  10 , shock absorbing interposer  30  is positioned above faucet  15  such that bore  35  of female end housing  33  and threaded stud  20  of handle lever  19  of faucet  15  are axially aligned. Shock absorbing interposer  30  and faucet  15  are moved relatively together and bore  35  is threaded onto stud  20  to secure interposer  30  to faucet  15 . Bore  28  of handle  25  and threaded stud  52  of male end member  50  are then axially aligned. Handle  25  is moved towards stud  52  and rotated until the handle is secured. 
     Although the rotational orientation of handle  25  depicted in  FIGS. 1-2  is not a concern as the handle  25  is omni-directional, some handles are configured to be mounted in a single angular orientation. Through the structure of the shock absorbing interposer depicted herein, male end member  50 , and thus handle  25 , may be easily rotated relative to female end housing  33 , and thus faucet  15 , if a predetermined amount of torque is exceeded. By applying enough torque to handle  25  (either by utilizing a wrench or other tool applied to the flat tool engaging sections  54  of flange  53  of male member  50  or, if tool engaging sections  54  are omitted, by engaging the male member  50  with another appropriate tool such as some type of pliers or by manually manipulating handle  25 ), handle  25  may be rotated in order to properly angularly align the handle a simple manner. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. For example, a resilient or shock absorbing structure could be positioned between a threaded stud that fits into the threaded bore  28  of handle  25  and a threaded bore that receives stud  20  of handle lever  19  such as, for example, a large coil spring or a resilient polymer member. In addition, other manners of securing the top handle to the shock absorbing interposer such as with a glue or adhesive could be utilized as well as other manners of securing the shock absorbing interposer to the faucet. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.