Abstract:
The present invention relates to a device for holding a faucet handle to a valve stem. The device tightens onto the valve stem when drawn upwardly into the faucet handle.

Description:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to a device for holding a faucet handle to a valve stem. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a collet that tightens onto a valve stem when coupled to a faucet handle. 
         [0002]    Many faucet systems utilize set screws to couple a faucet handle to a valve stem. In these systems, the set screws are prone to loosening, causing the faucet handle to loosen from the valve stem. Over-tightened set screws may cause the faucet handle to jam into the valve assembly or the faucet body. Further, the set screws are typically visible on the outside of the faucet handle, thereby reducing the aesthetic appearance of the faucet system. 
         [0003]    According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a faucet assembly includes a handle body having a receiving chamber defining a longitudinal axis, and a valve assembly having a valve stem. The faucet assembly further includes a collet having a clamping portion for receiving the valve stem, wherein the clamping portion is received within the receiving chamber of the handle body and wherein axial movement of the handle body into the receiving chamber causes a radial force on the clamping portion to grip the valve stem. 
         [0004]    According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a collet for holding a faucet handle body to a valve stem is provided, wherein the faucet handle body has a receiving chamber with a substantially tapered portion. The collet includes a coupling portion for securing the collet to the faucet handle body, and a clamping portion for receiving the valve stem. The clamping portion has a substantially tapered outer surface configured to cooperate with the substantially tapered portion of the receiving chamber and thereby clamp the clamping portion onto the valve stem. 
         [0005]    According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a faucet assembly includes a handle body having a receiving chamber, wherein the receiving chamber has a substantially tapered inner surface. A valve assembly includes a valve stem, and a collet includes a coupling portion for securing the collet to the handle body and a clamping portion for receiving the valve stem. The clamping portion has a substantially tapered outer surface configured to cooperate with the substantially tapered inner surface of the receiving chamber to clamp the clamping portion onto the valve stem. 
         [0006]    According to yet another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a faucet assembly includes a handle body having a receiving chamber defining a longitudinal axis, and a valve assembly including a valve stem. A holding device is configured to hold the handle body to the valve stem, wherein the holding device is received within the receiving chamber of the handle body and is movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis from an unlocked mode wherein the handle body is infinitely rotationally adjustable within a range of motion about the longitudinal axis relative to the holding device, to a locked mode wherein the handle body is rotationally locked to the holding device. 
         [0007]    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 illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a lever type two handle faucet assembly wherein rotation of the levers toward the delivery spout activates water flow; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a faucet handle, a collet, and a valve stem in a cold water orientation; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3A  is a detailed cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a partially exploded top perspective view of a glide ring positioned between the faucet handle and the collet; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the collet of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a partially exploded bottom perspective view of the collet of  FIG. 2  positioned above a valve cartridge; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a partially exploded top perspective view of the collet of  FIG. 2  positioned above a valve cartridge; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a partially exploded perspective view showing the faucet handle positioned above the collet of  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
       [0018]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure. The exemplification set out herein illustrates an embodiment of the disclosure, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any manner. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    The embodiment disclosed below is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiment is chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize its teachings. 
         [0020]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , an illustrative faucet assembly  10  is shown for use with a valve stem holding device, illustratively collet  34  of  FIG. 2 . Faucet assembly  10  is supported by a sink or mounting deck  18 . Faucet assembly  10  includes a delivery spout  16  and hot and cold water faucet handles  12  and  14 . As shown, hot and cold water faucet handles  12  and  14  are mounted in spaced relation to delivery spout  16 . Hot water faucet handle  12  illustratively includes a lever  20  and a handle body  24 , and cold water faucet handle  14  illustratively includes a lever  22  and a handle body  26 . In the shown embodiment, the rotation of hot water faucet handle  12  in a counterclockwise direction along arrow  28   a  toward the delivery spout  16  initiates the flow of hot water. Similarly, the rotation of cold water faucet handle  14  in a clockwise direction along arrow  28   b  toward the delivery spout  16  initiates the flow of cold water. While the following description depicts collet  34  configured for use with cold water faucet handle  14 , collet  34  may similarly be used in conjunction with hot water faucet handle  12 . Additionally, while the drawings illustrate a lever-type faucet assembly  10 , it should be appreciated that the collet  34  may be used with other faucet assemblies, including a knob-type faucet assembly including hot and cold water knobs (not shown), the rotation of which in counterclockwise directions initiate the flow of hot and cold water, respectively. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , collet  34  is configured to hold faucet handle  14  to a valve stem  36 . Collet  34  is illustratively made of a polymer, although other suitable materials such as metals, including brass, may be used. Collet  34 , as shown, includes a stem or coupling portion  38  and a clamping portion  40 . Stem portion  38 , centered along a longitudinal axis  58 , includes a first stem end  88  and a second stem end  90  and a substantially cylindrical outer surface  93  extending therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, stem portion  38  includes an internally threaded portion or opening  44 . Threaded opening  44 , centered along longitudinal axis  58 , extends through stem portion  38  from first stem end  88  to second stem end  90 . 
         [0022]    In the illustrated embodiment, clamping portion  40  is coaxial and integral with stem portion  38 . Clamping portion  40  has a first clamping end  76 , located adjacent to second stem end  90 , and a second clamping end  78 , located opposite first clamping end  76 . Clamping portion  40  has an inner surface  95 , best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , and a substantially tapered outer surface  92 , which tapers from second clamping end  78  to first clamping end  76 . Inner surface  95  of clamping portion  40  defines an inner opening  94  centered along longitudinal axis  58  extending from first clamping end  76  to second clamping end  78 . Inner opening  94  illustratively has a substantially D-shaped cross-section as taken in a horizontal plane normal to longitudinal axis  58  ( FIG. 6 ). Alternatively, inner opening  94  may have other cross-sectional shapes or features to facilitate rotational locking, such as a circular or double D-shaped cross-section. An end wall or face  104  extends between outer surface  92  and inner surface  95  of clamping portion  40  proximate the second clamping end  78 . 
         [0023]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , clamping portion  40  includes a first body  130  and a second body  132  separated by a pair of slots  48 . Slots  48  are circumferentially spaced apart from each other by approximately 120 degrees, and extend from outer surface  92  to inner surface  95  and from first clamping end  76  to second clamping end  78 . As such, second body  132  is slightly flexible or movable relative to first body  130 . In the illustrated embodiment, first body  130  is substantially larger than second body  132  due to the spacing of slots  48 . However, first body  130  and second body  132  may be any relative size. 
         [0024]    Still referring to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , outer surface  92  of clamping portion  40  has a plurality of recesses or grooves  46  circumferentially located therein. Grooves  46  may be of any size or shape. As shown, grooves  46  are at least partially elongated and extend substantially from first clamping end  76  to second clamping end  78 . As illustrated, grooves  46  are evenly spaced around outer surface  92  of clamping portion  40 . Outer surface  92  of the illustrative clamping portion  40  includes a pair of tabs  50  extending radially outward from outer surface  92 . Illustratively, tabs  50  are located near second clamping end  78 , but tabs  50  alternatively may be located anywhere on outer surface  92 . As best shown in  FIG. 5 , tabs  50  are circumferentially oriented on first body  130  approximately 120 degrees from each other. Alternatively, collet  34  may have any number of tabs  50  circumferentially oriented at any angle from each other. Furthermore, tabs  50  may be located on outer surface  93  of stem portion  38 . In yet another illustrative embodiment, tabs  50  may be eliminated to provide for infinite incremental adjustment of handle body  26  relative to collet  34  as further detailed herein. 
         [0025]    With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , a stop member  42  extends longitudinally outwardly from end wall  104  of clamping portion  40 . Stop member  42  has an inner face  136  and a substantially smooth outer face  134  extending between opposing surfaces  118 . Outer face  134  is slightly curved and substantially parallel to longitudinal axis  58 . Stop member  42  is illustratively integral with clamping portion  40 . 
         [0026]    An illustrative valve assembly or cartridge  102  for use with faucet handle  14  and collet  34  is shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  6  and  7 . Valve cartridge  102  includes valve stem  36 , a valve housing  62 , and a valve cap  60 . As illustrated, valve cartridge  102  is a cold water valve, although valve cartridge  102  may be a hot water valve. As shown in  FIG. 3 , faucet handle  14  is operably coupled to valve stem  36  of valve cartridge  102  through collet  34 . Rotation of faucet handle  14  causes corresponding rotation of valve stem  36  along longitudinal axis  58  to control the flow of water through valve cartridge  102 . Valve cartridge  102  may be similar to the type disclosed in further detail in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/132,664, filed Jun. 20, 2008, entitled “VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR A TWO HANDLE FAUCET,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0027]    Valve cap  60  of valve cartridge  102  includes a cap base  122  integral with a limit stop  120 , as shown. Valve housing  62  includes a cylindrical side wall  160  and opposing first and second ends  154  and  156 , respectively, centered along longitudinal axis  58 . First end  154  of valve housing  62  is coupled to cap base  122  of valve cap  60 , as illustrated. Side wall  160  of valve housing  62  includes a plurality of locating tabs  158  extending longitudinally outwardly from first end  154 . Valve cap  60  is rotationally fixed in position relative to valve housing  62  by locating tabs  158  being received within corresponding notches  150  formed within cap base  122  of valve cap  60 . Second end  156  of valve housing  62  is coupled to a base  72 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , which is coupled to an inlet water conduit and an outlet water conduit (not shown). A gasket  70  provides a seal between valve housing  62  and base  72 . 
         [0028]    Referring further to  FIG. 3 , valve stem  36 , illustratively formed of brass, includes a base  106  and a shaft  108 . A central opening  110  of valve cartridge  102  extends longitudinally through valve housing  62  and valve cap  60  to receive shaft  108  of valve stem  36 . A spacer or carrier  64 , a first valve member  66 , and a second valve member  68  are coaxially disposed within valve housing  62  along longitudinal axis  58 . As shown, base  106  of valve stem  36  is operably coupled to spacer  64  to rotate therewith, and spacer  64  is operably coupled to first valve member  66  to rotate therewith. The rotation of first valve member  66  relative to second valve member  68  provides control of fluid flow through valve housing  62 . As such, valve stem  36  is configured to rotate spacer  64  which, in turn, rotates first valve member  66  about longitudinal axis  58  to control the flow of fluid through valve housing  62 . 
         [0029]    Referring again to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , shaft  108  of valve stem  36  is configured to be received by inner opening  94  of clamping portion  40  to thereby couple valve stem  36  to collet  34 . As shown, an outer surface  100  of shaft  108  is configured to cooperate with inner surface  95  of clamping portion  40  to thereby rotationally lock collet  34  to valve stem  36 . Illustratively, outer surface  100  of shaft  108  is substantially D-shaped, although shaft  108  may have a circular or double D-shaped outer surface  100 . Alternatively, a spline connection may be used to rotationally lock shaft  108  to clamping portion  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, inner opening  94  of clamping portion  40  is sized to provide a tight fit to valve stem  36 . The flexibility of second body  132  relative to first body  130 , as noted above, allows clamping portion  40  to provide an initial radial holding force on valve stem  36  when assembled. Alternatively, inner opening  94  may be sized to provide a loose fit to valve stem  36  and little or no radial holding force. 
         [0030]    In assembly, the rotation of collet  34  thereby rotates valve stem  36  and first valve member  66  to control the flow of fluid through valve housing  62 . Stop member  42  of collet  34  is configured to selectively engage limit stop  120  to limit rotation of valve stem  36 . As shown, limit stop  120  of valve cap  60  extends upwardly from cap base  122  and includes a cap end wall  116  and opposing end surfaces  112 . In assembly, end wall  104  of clamping portion  40  is disposed adjacent to cap end wall  116 , and opposing end surfaces  118  of stop member  42  are configured to selectively engage surfaces  112  of limit stop  120 . Cooperation between stop member  42  and limit stop  120  defines a path of rotational travel for valve stem  36  and, as such, first valve member  66 . In the illustrated embodiment, the path of rotational travel is limited to less than approximately 90 degrees. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  3 A, and  4 , a glide ring  96  is disposed between handle body  26  and trim piece or escutcheon  19 . Escutcheon  19  is disposed between faucet handle  14  and sink deck  18 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Escutcheon  19  includes an annular wall  178  including an inner surface  176  and an outer surface  177 . Escutcheon  19  also includes a surface  182  extending radially inwardly from wall  178 . Glide ring  96  includes a cylindrical side wall  170  having opposing first and second ends  172  and  174 , respectively, centered along longitudinal axis  58 . Side wall  170  includes an inner surface  164  and an outer surface  165 . A flange  162  extends radially outwardly from first end  172  of side wall  170 , and a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs  98  extend longitudinally outwardly from second end  174  of side wall  170 . In the illustrated embodiment, tabs  98  are substantially resilient or flexible. Glide ring  96  further includes a slot  166  in side wall  170  to provide glide ring  96  with radial flexibility. Glide ring  96  may be made of a polymer or any other suitable flexible material. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  8 , collet  34  is configured to be received within a receiving port or chamber  80  of handle body  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, receiving chamber  80  is sized to provide a tight tolerance or fit between handle body  26  and collet  34 . Receiving chamber  80  includes a substantially cylindrical portion  86  configured to receive stem portion  38  of collet  34 , and a substantially tapered portion  84  axially spaced from portion  86  and configured to receive clamping portion  40  of collet  34 . In the illustrated embodiment, tapered outer surface  92  of clamping portion  40  is tapered at a different angle than the angle of a tapered inner surface  85  of tapered portion  84  relative to longitudinal axis  58 . Tapered portion  84  includes slots  82  located on tapered surface  85  configured to cooperate with tabs  50  of collet  34  to facilitate proper angular positioning of collet  34  relative to handle body  26 . In assembly, the cooperation of tabs  50  and slots  82  rotationally locks collet  34  to receiving chamber  80  of handle body  26 . Tabs  50  and slots  82  may be configured to rotationally lock collet  34  to receiving chamber  80  of handle body  26  in one of a plurality of positions. By eliminating tabs  50 , infinite incremental adjustment of handle body  26  relative to collet  34  is facilitated. 
         [0033]    In the illustrated embodiment, collet  34  is secured to faucet handle  14  by a fastener  32 , such as a bolt or screw. As illustrated, fastener  32  includes a head  57  and a shaft  59  having threads  55  and a smooth surface  56 . Faucet handle  14  includes an opening  33  extending through lever  22  and handle body  26  along longitudinal axis  58 . As best shown in  FIG. 3 , fastener  32  extends through opening  33  of faucet handle  14  and mates with stem portion  38  of collet  34 , thereby securing collet  34  to faucet handle  14 . Threaded opening  44  of stem portion  38  is configured to receive fastener  32  and engage threads  55  of fastener  32 . Opening  33  includes a ledge  74  to provide a seat for head  57  of fastener  32 , thereby fixing the longitudinal position of fastener  32  relative to faucet handle  12  as collet  34  is tightened into faucet handle  14 . A fastener cap  30  is disposed in opening  33  over head  57  to cover fastener  32 . 
         [0034]    In operation, as fastener  32  is tightened to collet  34 , stem portion  38  is pulled axially upwardly into cylindrical portion  86  of handle body  26 , and clamping portion  40  is pulled upwardly into tapered portion  84  of handle body  26 . Tapered surface  85  of receiving chamber  80  engages tapered outer surface  92  of clamping portion  40 , thereby causing handle body  24  to provide a radial force on clamping portion  40 . Clamping portion  40  thereby grips and provides a radial holding force on valve stem  36 . As fastener  32  is tightened to collet  34 , the radial holding force on valve stem  36  is strengthened until valve stem  36  is ultimately secured to faucet handle  14 . Grooves  46  located in outer surface  92  of clamping portion  40  provide evenly distributed contact points between tapered outer surface  92  of collet  34  and tapered surface  85  of receiving chamber  80 . As such, the radial force on clamping portion  40  is substantially evenly distributed across outer surface  92 . 
         [0035]    In the illustrative embodiment without tabs  50  engaging slots  82 , collet  34  is movable along the longitudinal axis  58  between an unlocked mode and a locked mode when received within receiving chamber  80  of handle body  26 . Handle body  26  may be rotated about longitudinal axis  58  at any incremental angle relative to collet  34  prior to fastener  32  tightening collet  34  into frictional locking engagement with receiving chamber  80  of handle body  26 . As such, in the unlocked mode the user may infinitely incrementally adjust the angular orientation of handle body  26  relative to collet  34  within a given range of motion for proper positioning on sink deck  18 . Illustratively, the range of motion is 360 degrees, but may vary through the use of stop members (not shown). In the locked mode, handle body  26  is rotationally locked to collet  34 . A holding device other than collet  34  may be alternatively used. 
         [0036]    Lever  22  may also be oriented at any angle relative to handle body  26  when tightened to handle body  26  via fastener  32 . As fastener  32  is tightened, collet  34  and valve cartridge  102  are pulled up into receiving chamber  80 , thereby tightening handle body  26  to lever  22 . Referring again to  FIGS. 3 ,  3 A, and  4 , glide ring  96  functions as a spacer between handle body  26  and escutcheon  19  to prevent handle body  26  from contacting or jamming into escutcheon  19  and sink deck  18  as fastener  32  is tightened. In assembly, flange  162  is disposed between a lip  180  of handle body  26  and wall  178  of escutcheon  19 . Inner surface  164  of glide ring  96  is disposed adjacent to a coupling portion  168  of handle body  26 , and outer surface  165  of glide ring  96  is disposed adjacent to inner surface  176  of escutcheon  19 . Slot  166  allows glide ring  96  to fit snugly or tightly to coupling portion  168  of handle body  26 . As fastener  32  is tightened, tabs  98  of glide ring  96  engage surface  182  of escutcheon  19  to resist and ultimately prevent further axial movement of handle body  26  towards escutcheon  19 . As such, tabs  98  of glide ring  96  provide a spring bias or spring load between handle body  26  and escutcheon  19  to prevent handle body  26  from contacting or jamming into escutcheon  19 . Glide ring  96  thereby functions to reduce friction between faucet handle  14  and sink deck  18 , allowing smooth rotation of faucet handle  14  relative to sink deck  18 . 
         [0037]    Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.