Patent ID: 7686357

Claim:
An operating mechanism for removably securing a handle to a spindle in a mutually irrotational manner without requiring a tool, wherein the handle has a cavity located therein for housing said operating mechanism, said operating mechanism comprising: a first member for installation into the cavity in the handle, said first member having a first aperture extending axially therethrough, the first aperture configured to receive an end of the spindle inserted through said first aperture and into the cavity in the handle, said first member also having an operating surface oriented toward the interior of the cavity in the handle when said first member is installed into the cavity in the handle, said operating surface of said first member comprising an oblique surface that is diagonal with respect to the axis of the spindle as it is installed into said operating mechanism; a clamping element for placement in the cavity in the handle; and a biasing element for placement in the cavity in the handle, said biasing element urging said clamping element toward said operating surface of said first member, wherein the end of the spindle may be freely inserted axially through said first aperture in said first member and into engagement with said clamping element without the use of a tool following which removal of the spindle in an axial opposite direction from said operating mechanism and the handle is blocked; wherein said clamping element comprises at least one clamping member having a generally annular configuration and having a third aperture extending therethrough, said third aperture being sized to admit the spindle therethrough with sufficient space to allow said at least one clamping member to be driven by said biasing element to pivot on said oblique surface to an angular position with respect to the spindle to cause said at least one clamping member to engage the spindle in a gripping manner after the spindle has been inserted through said third aperture in said at least one clamping member, thereby preventing the removal of the spindle from said operating mechanism and the handle.