Faucet handle assembly

Abstract

A faucet handle assembly is configured to properly align a faucet handle relative to a valve assembly. The handle bushing includes an alignment rib that is received within an alignment slot of the faucet handle. The handle and handle bushing are operatively coupled together by flexible tabs of the handle bushing that engage an inner surface of the handle.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 353,132, filed June 17, 2022, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a faucet handle assembly including an interface between a valve handle and a valve stem. More specifically, illustrative embodiments of this disclosure relate to a push-fit interface between a valve handle and a valve stem for a faucet, the push-fit interface including ribs of different configurations to allow for proper rotational orientation of the assembly. Background Technology

[0004] A push-fit assembly using a handle is known for valve cores. Typically, the assembly method requires a spline or some other friction tool that rotates infinitely to allow proper rotational alignment of the valve handle. This can be cumbersome for the user, as it may require multiple attempts to correctly rotate and orient the valve handle towards the valve core and orifice, and thus towards the faucet nozzle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a device that connects the handle to the valve assembly while promoting proper rotational orientation between the handle and the valve assembly.

[0006] According to an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a faucet handle assembly includes a handle bushing having a lower body and a flexible upper tab. The lower body has a common rib and an alignment rib. The common rib is supported by the lower body and has a first rib profile. The alignment rib is supported by the lower body, spaced apart from the common rib, and has a second rib profile, wherein the first rib profile differs from the second rib profile. The flexible upper tab has a downward-facing surface. The handle includes a handle extension having a common groove and an alignment groove. The common groove has a first groove profile, and the alignment groove has a second groove profile, wherein the first groove profile differs from the second groove profile. When the common rib is received in the common groove and the alignment rib is received in the alignment groove, the handle bushing and the handle are aligned with a suitable rotational orientation. The handle and the handle bushing are operatively coupled together, wherein the downward-facing surface of the flexible upper tab of the handle bushing is biased against the upward-facing surface of the handle extension.

[0007] According to another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a faucet handle assembly includes a valve assembly and a handle bushing. The valve assembly has a valve stem, and the handle bushing has an upper body, a lower body, a first rib, and a second rib. The lower body is operatively connected to the valve stem. The first rib extends radially outward from the lower body and has a first rib profile. The second rib extends radially outward from the lower body, is circumferentially spaced from the first rib, and has a second rib profile, wherein the first rib profile differs from the second rib profile. The handle includes a handle extension having a first groove and a second groove. The first groove has a first groove profile, and the second groove has a second groove profile, wherein the first groove profile differs from the second groove profile. A connector is defined between the upper body of the handle bushing and the handle extension of the handle, and the connector is operatively connected to the handle.

[0008] According to another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a faucet handle assembly includes a valve assembly and a handle bushing. The valve assembly has a valve stem. The handle bushing includes an upper body and a lower body. The lower body is operatively connected to the valve stem. The lower body has a cylindrical sidewall with a common rib and an alignment rib. The common rib is supported by the lower body and has a first rib profile. The alignment rib is supported by the lower body, circumferentially spaced from the common rib, and has a second rib profile, wherein the first rib profile differs from the second rib profile. The upper body includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible upper tabs, each of which has a radially outwardly extending protrusion with a downward-facing surface.

[0009] The illustrative faucet handle assembly further includes a handle having a handle extension having a cylindrical sidewall having: an inner surface defining an internal chamber; a radially outwardly extending recess formed within the inner surface of the cylindrical sidewall and having an upward-facing surface; a common groove formed within the cylindrical sidewall having a first groove profile; and an alignment groove formed within the cylindrical sidewall having a second groove profile, wherein the first groove profile differs from the second groove profile. When the common rib is received within the common groove and the alignment rib is received within the alignment groove, the handle bushing and the handle are aligned in a suitable orientation. The handle and the handle bushing are operatively coupled together, wherein the protrusions of the upper tabs of the handle bushing are received within the recesses of the handle extension, such that the downward-facing surfaces of each flexible upper tab of the handle bushing are biased against the upward-facing surfaces of the handle extension.

[0010] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that are currently considered the best mode for carrying out the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The detailed description of the accompanying drawings refers specifically to the drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an illustrative faucet including a faucet handle assembly, according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the illustrative faucet handle assembly disclosed herein;

[0014] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the illustrative faucet handle assembly taken from line 3-3;

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An illustrative three-dimensional diagram of the upper part of the faucet handle assembly;

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial 3D perspective view of the lower part of an illustrative faucet handle assembly;

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Another partial anatomical perspective view of the lower part of the illustrative faucet handle assembly.

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A first side elevation view of the handle and handle bushing of the illustrative faucet handle assembly, showing the handle bushing disconnected from the handle;

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A second side elevation view of the illustrative faucet handle assembly, showing the handle and handle bushing disconnected from the handle;

[0020] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 An illustrative perspective view of the handle and handle bushing of a faucet handle assembly, showing the handle bushing aligned with the handle but disconnected from it.

[0021] Figure 10 This is another illustrative perspective view of the faucet handle assembly disclosed herein;

[0022] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the illustrative faucet handle assembly, taken from line 11-11;

[0023] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 An illustrative three-dimensional diagram of the upper part of the faucet handle assembly;

[0024] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 An exploded perspective view of the upper part of the illustrative faucet handle assembly;

[0025] Figure 14 yes Figure 10 A partial exploded perspective view of the handle body and valve body of the illustrative faucet handle assembly;

[0026] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Another partially exploded perspective view of the handle body and mounting base of the illustrative faucet assembly;

[0027] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 A partial perspective view of the handle body and mounting base of the illustrative faucet assembly, showing the handle body offset at an angle from the mounting base;

[0028] Figure 17 yes Figure 14 Another partial perspective view of the illustrative faucet assembly's handle body and mounting base shows the handle body aligned at an angle with the mounting base;

[0029] Figure 18 yes Figure 14 Side view of the mounting base;

[0030] Figure 19 yes Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the handle body;

[0031] Figure 20 This is another illustrative perspective view of the faucet handle assembly disclosed herein;

[0032] Figure 21 It is along Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of the illustrative faucet handle assembly taken from line 21-21;

[0033] Figure 22 yes Figure 20 An illustrative three-dimensional diagram of the upper part of the faucet handle assembly;

[0034] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A partial 3D perspective view of the lower part of an illustrative faucet handle assembly;

[0035] Figure 24 It is along Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of the illustrative faucet handle assembly taken from line 24-24;

[0036] Figure 25 This is another illustrative perspective view of the upper part of the handle bushing of this disclosure; and

[0037] Figure 26 It includes Figure 25 Another illustrative faucet handle assembly similar to the handle bushing Figure 24 A cross-sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0038] For the purpose of promoting and understanding the principles of this disclosure, reference will now be made to embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which will be described herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Rather, these embodiments were chosen and described so that their teachings can be used by others skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. The invention includes any changes and further modifications to the illustrated apparatus and described methods that would normally occur to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, as well as further applications of the principles of the invention.

[0039] First refer to Figure 1 The illustration shows an illustrative faucet 10, which is attached to a mounting surface (e.g., a sink countertop 12). The faucet 10 illustratively includes a delivery nozzle 14 for discharging water into a sink basin 16 surrounded by the sink countertop 12. Illustratively, a hot water faucet handle assembly 18a and a cold water faucet handle assembly 18b are mounted on the sink countertop 12, spaced apart from and located on opposite sides of the delivery nozzle 14. Hot water is supplied to the hot water faucet handle assembly 18a from a hot water source 20 (illustratively, a conventional hot water stop). Similarly, cold water is supplied to the cold water faucet handle assembly 18b from a cold water source 22 (illustratively, a conventional cold water stop).

[0040] Illustratively, hot water inlet conduit 24 and cold water inlet conduit 26 fluidly connect hot water source 20 and cold water source 22 to hot water faucet handle assembly 18a and cold water faucet handle assembly 18b, respectively. It is well known that faucet handle assembly 18a and faucet handle assembly 18b control the flow of water to hot water outlet conduit 28 and cold water outlet conduit 30, respectively, and subsequently control the flow of water to water outlet 32 ​​of delivery nozzle 14. Hot water inlet conduit 24 and cold water inlet conduit 26, as well as hot water outlet conduit 28 and cold water outlet conduit 30, are illustratively formed of a flexible tubular material such as a polymer (e.g., cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)).

[0041] The hot water faucet handle assembly 18a is shown and described in further detail in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. However, the hot water faucet handle assembly 18a and the cold water faucet handle assembly 18b are substantially the same except for their relative rotation during operation (e.g., for the hot water assembly 18a, rotating counterclockwise from the closed position to the full water flow position, and for the cold water faucet handle assembly 18b, rotating clockwise from the closed position to the full water flow position).

[0042] refer to Figures 2 to 6 The faucet handle assembly 18a illustratively includes a lower portion 40 extending below the sink countertop 12 and an upper portion 42 extending above the sink countertop 12. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The lower portion 40 illustratively includes a flow control valve core or valve assembly 44 fluidly coupled to a water inlet conduit 24 and a water outlet conduit 28. The illustrative valve assembly 44 includes a valve housing 46 supporting a rotatable valve stem 48. The valve stem 48 illustratively includes a plane 49 defining a D-shaped cross-section. Figure 1 The valve stem 48 is rotatable relative to the valve housing 46 in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) and an opposite second direction (e.g., clockwise) to control (e.g., allow and suppress, or increase and decrease) the flow of water through the valve assembly 44.

[0043] Valve assembly 44 illustratively includes a semi-circular extension 50 comprising an opening or groove 52 that mates with a valve stem 48 extending above an upper surface 54, thereby defining a temperature-limiting stop as further detailed herein. In some illustrative embodiments, valve assembly 44 may be of the type further detailed in U.S. Patent No. 8,881,755 to Thomas et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] The illustrative valve assembly 44 is supported by a valve body or mounting handle 60, which includes a cylindrical sidewall 61 having an upper portion 62 with internal threads 63. The valve cover nut 64 includes external threads 65 that engage with the internal threads 63 of the mounting handle 60 to secure the valve assembly 44 within the mounting handle 60. Figure 4 As shown, the mounting handle 60 also includes a lower shaft 66 that extends through a mounting hole (not shown) in the sink countertop 12. The lower shaft 66 includes external threads 67 that engage with a mounting nut (not shown) for securing the mounting handle 60 to the sink countertop 12. An upper cover 68 is operatively engaged with the mounting handle 60 and supported above the sink countertop 12.

[0045] The upper portion 42 of the faucet handle assembly 18a illustratively includes a handle 70 operably connected to a valve stem 48 via a push-fit connector or interface 71, which includes a handle bushing 72 and a fastener 74 (e.g., a threaded bolt). The illustrative handle bushing 72 includes a lower body 76, an upper body 78, and a transverse wall 80 positioned between the lower body 76 and the upper body 78. The fastener 74 extends through the transverse wall 80 to secure the handle bushing 72 to the valve stem 48. Figure 3 More specifically, the threaded shaft 79 of the fastener 74 engages with the threaded opening 81 of the valve stem 48.

[0046] The lower opening 82 is defined by the lower body 76 of the handle bushing 72 and receives the valve stem 48. The lower opening 82 illustratively includes a shape configured to mate with the valve stem 48 (e.g., a D-shaped cross-section). More specifically, the lower opening 82 includes a plane 83 that mates with the plane 49 of the valve stem 48. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The handle bushing 72 further includes a lower protrusion 84 received in a groove 52 of the extension 50 of the valve assembly 44. The engagement of the lower protrusion 84 with the groove 52 supports limited rotation of the handle bushing 72 and thus supports limited rotation of the faucet handle assembly 18a (e.g., defining a temperature-limiting stop). The handle bushing 72 and the valve stem 48 are supported for rotation relative to the mounting handle 60 and the orifice cover 68. Illustratively, a sliding ring 86 is positioned midway between the handle 70 and the orifice cover 68 to prevent contact between the handle and the orifice cover. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As described above, valve assembly 44 is held in place by valve cover nut 64, which includes external threads 65 that engage with internal threads 63 of mounting shank 60.

[0047] refer to Figure 3 as well as Figures 5 to 9 The upper portion 42 of the faucet handle assembly 18a includes a handle 70, which in turn includes a handle extension 90 radially positioned within a housing or body 92. A user interface (e.g., a lever 93) is illustratively supported by the upper end of the outer body 92. Illustratively, the handle extension 90 includes a downwardly extending cylindrical sidewall 94, which is at least partially received within the outer wall 96 of the outer body 92 of the handle 70. The cylindrical sidewall 94 includes an inner surface 98 defining an internal cavity or passage 99 that receives the upper body 78 of the handle bushing 72. Illustratively, a radially outwardly extending recess 101 is formed within the inner surface 98 of the cylindrical sidewall 94 and includes an upwardly facing surface 103 defined by an inwardly extending protrusion 105. Figure 3 ).

[0048] Further reference Figures 5 to 9 The handle extension 90 further illustratively includes: a first or general recess, illustratively shown as a groove 100; and a second or aligned recess, illustratively shown as a groove 102. Grooves 100 and 102 are formed within the cylindrical sidewall 94 and are circumferentially spaced from each other. Illustratively, the handle extension 90 is shown having three general grooves 100 and one aligned groove 102. Further, the grooves 100 and 102 are angularly spaced 90 degrees from each other. However, the number and position of the grooves 100 and 102 can vary. Reference Figure 8 Each common groove 100 illustratively begins from the bottom surface 104 of the handle extension 90 and extends upward by a distance or length L1. The opening of each common groove 100 illustratively has a width W1. The length L1 and width W1 of the common groove 100 define a first groove profile. In one illustrative embodiment, L1 is 0.290 inches and W1 is 0.067 inches.

[0049] The lower body 76 of the handle bushing 72 illustratively includes a first or general protrusion extending radially outward (illustratively shown as rib 106). A general groove 100 receives the general rib 106 to operatively engage the handle 70 and the handle bushing 72. More specifically, the cooperation between the general groove 100 and the general rib 106 rotatably holds the handle 70 and the handle bushing 72. This cooperation between the handle 70 and the handle bushing 72 provides additional translation of rotational loads to reduce stress concentration.

[0050] refer to Figure 7 Alignment groove 102 illustratively begins from the bottom surface 104 of handle extension 90 and extends a distance or length L2. The opening of alignment groove 102 illustratively has a width W2. The length L2 and width W2 of alignment groove 102 define a second groove profile. In one illustrative embodiment, L2 is 0.430 inches and W2 is 0.122 inches.

[0051] The lower body 76 of the handle bushing 72 also includes radially outwardly extending alignment protrusions (illustratively shown as ribs 108). Ribs 106 and 108 are supported by cylindrical sidewalls 94 and circumferentially spaced from each other. Alignment groove 102 receives alignment ribs 108 to operatively engage the handle 70 and handle bushing 72. More specifically, the cooperation between alignment groove 102 and alignment ribs 108 rotatably holds the handle 70 and handle bushing 72.

[0052] The standard rib 106 is configured to distribute rotational movement from the handle 70 to the handle bushing 72. The alignment rib 108 is used to rotatably align the handle 70 with the handle bushing 72 before the handle 70 is secured (e.g., snapped) into place. This alignment rib 108 prevents the handle 70 from being secured in an incorrect orientation and thus prevents rotational misalignment. In other words, the different configurations (e.g., profiles) of the ribs 106 and 108 contribute to the proper rotational orientation of the handle 70 relative to the valve bushing 72 and the valve stem 48. Illustratively, L2 is higher than L1, and W2 is wider than W1. Therefore, the alignment rib 108 is made larger than the standard groove 100, which allows the handle 70 to slide on the alignment feature when the user rotates the handle 70 to align it. By making the alignment rib 108 higher than the standard rib 106, the alignment groove 102 will not jam the thinner standard rib 106, thus preventing a false sense of engagement from being given to the user. Once the user rotates the handle 70, causing the alignment groove 102 to exceed the alignment rib 108, the tapered sides 112, 114 of the alignment groove 102 will allow gravity to cause the handle 70 to fall, while the ordinary rib 106 interacts with the corresponding ordinary groove 100.

[0053] The push-in mating connector or interface 71 includes ribs 106 and 108 of unequal width. This unequal width allows for assembly in only one orientation. Interface 71 also includes the widest rib 108, which has the greatest height or length L2, to prevent unintentional assembly in an incorrect orientation due to material flexure or deformation. This is due to the nature of the assembly of the mating parts (i.e., the handle 70 with mating slots 100 and 102). Ribs 106 and 108 are illustratively and error-proofly attached to the handle 70. By making the alignment rib 108 thicker than the other ordinary ribs 106 and tapering the alignment rib to obtain a considerable gap, the user can blindly assemble the handle 70 relying on tangible feedback. In one illustrative embodiment, the alignment features are achieved by setting ribs 106 and 108 in different widths and lengths or, in addition to different widths and lengths, unequal angles to allow assembly in only one proper orientation.

[0054] When the handle 70 illustratively falls into the alignment rib 108, the handle 70 can then be engaged with and operably linked to the handle bushing 72 by the engagement of the upper body 78 of the handle bushing 72 with the recess 101 of the handle 70. More specifically, the upper body 78 of the handle bushing 72 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced upper tabs 116. Each upper tab 116 illustratively includes a protrusion 118 having a downward-facing surface 120. When the handle 70 is pushed onto the handle bushing 72, the upper tabs 116 bend inward and slide along the inner surface 98 of the handle extension 90. Figure 3Once the upper tab 116 is pushed above the protrusion 105, the upper tab 116 expands radially outward, and the downward-facing surface 120 presses against the upward-facing surface 103 of the handle extension 90. Figure 3 This allows for the operative connection of the handle 70 and the handle bushing 72, and secures the handle assembly 18a in place.

[0055] Figures 10 to 19 Another illustrative embodiment of the faucet handle assembly 118a is shown. The faucet handle 118a includes many of the same elements as the faucet handle assembly 118a detailed above. Thus, in the following description, similar parts are identified by similar reference numerals.

[0056] Further reference Figures 10 to 12 The faucet handle assembly 118a illustratively includes: a lower portion 140 extending below the sink countertop 12; and an upper portion 142 extending above the sink countertop 12. The lower portion 140 illustratively includes a flow control valve core or valve assembly 44 fluidly coupled to a hot water inlet conduit 24. The illustrative valve assembly 44 includes the structural elements further detailed above.

[0057] The illustrative valve assembly 44 is supported by a valve body or mounting handle 150, which includes a cylindrical sidewall 151 having an upper portion 152 with internal threads 153. The mounting handle 150 also includes a lower shaft 154 extending through a mounting hole (not shown) in the sink countertop 12. The lower shaft 154 also includes external threads 156 that engage with a mounting nut (not shown) for securing the mounting handle 150 to the sink countertop 12. An upper mounting base 158 of the mounting handle 150 is supported above the sink countertop 12. The mounting base 158 may be formed of metal or polymer.

[0058] refer to Figures 11 to 13 The upper portion 142 of the faucet handle assembly 118a illustratively includes a handle rod or blade 160 rotatably supported above the handle body 162. An upper sliding ring 164 is positioned midway between the handle rod 160 and the handle body 162 to prevent contact between the handle rod and the handle body. A handle extension 168 is operatively coupled to the handle rod 160. More specifically, the handle rod 160 includes internal splines 170 on a protrusion 172, which are rotatably coupled to external splines 174 on the upper end of the handle extension 168. Figure 13 Fastener 176 secures the upper end of the handle extension 168 to the handle rod 160.

[0059] The lower end of the handle extension 168 is operatively coupled to the valve stem 48 via a handle bushing 72 and a fastener 74. As previously described, the handle bushing 72 includes a lower opening 82 for receiving the valve stem 48. The handle bushing 72 also includes a lower protrusion 84 received in a groove 52 of the extension 50 of the valve assembly 44. The engagement of the lower protrusion 84 with the groove 52 supports limited rotation of the handle bushing 72 and thus supports limited rotation of the faucet handle assembly 18a (e.g., defining a temperature limiting stop).

[0060] The handle bushing 72 and valve stem 48 are supported for rotation relative to the mounting handle 150 and handle body 162. Illustratively, a sliding ring 172 is positioned midway between the handle body 162 and the handle extension 168 to prevent contact between the handle body and the handle extension. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As described above, valve assembly 44 is held in place by valve cover nut 64, which includes external threads 65 that engage with internal threads 153 of mounting shank 150.

[0061] The handle extension 168 includes a general recess (illustratively shown as groove 100) and an alignment recess (illustratively shown as groove 102), which are similar to those previously described for the handle extension 90. The handle extension 168 is illustratively connected to the handle bushing 72 in the same manner as the handle extension 90 is connected to the handle bushing 72, as further detailed above.

[0062] Figures 14 to 19 Additional details are provided regarding the connection between the handle body 162 and the mounting base 158 and mounting handle 150. The handle body 162 illustratively includes an inwardly extending first tab 180 and a second tab 182. Illustratively, the first tab 180 includes a rectangular protrusion 184 that extends inwardly away from the inner surface or wall 186 of the handle body 162. Additionally, the second tab 182 is a vertical protrusion extending inwardly away from the inner surface or wall 186 of the handle body 162. Similarly, the handle body 162 includes opposing first tabs 180 and second tabs 182 that also project inwardly from an inner surface or wall 188 that directly opposes and is positioned inwardly from the inner surface 186.

[0063] The upper mounting base 158 of the mounting handle 150 illustratively includes a handle mounting hub 190 having a cylindrical sidewall 191 that projects upward and away from the mounting base 158. The handle mounting hub 190 includes at least one upper protrusion 192. Illustratively, the handle mounting hub 190 includes two radially opposing upper protrusions 192 extending above the sidewall 191. The handle mounting hub 190 also includes axially extending recesses or grooves 194. Illustratively, the handle mounting hub 190 includes two radially opposing grooves 194 formed within the sidewall 191.

[0064] When the handle body 162 is connected to the handle mounting hub 190, the first protrusion 180 is inserted into the groove 194 and slides axially downward until the protrusion 184 is stopped by the side wall 200. Figure 18 This configuration prevents the handle body 162 from moving vertically and becoming disconnected from the handle mounting hub 190 by restricting its clockwise rotation. Simultaneously, the tab 182 rotates along the upper surface 202 of the handle mounting hub 190 until it is pushed above the upper protrusion 192. A pressure relief groove 204 is formed within the sidewall 191, allowing the handle mounting hub 190 to bend and allowing the second tab 182 to be pushed above the upper protrusion 192. When the second tab 182 is above the upper protrusion 192, it is restricted in the axial direction and prevents the handle body 162 from becoming disconnected from the handle mounting hub 190 by restricting its counterclockwise rotation.

[0065] It is important to note that the handle extension 168 aligns the handle blade with the base before the handle base can fall into the bayonet slot 194. Alignment rib 108 and slot 102 will engage first, followed by rib 106 and slot 100. Next, the protrusion 108 will rest on top of the sidewall 191. The handle body 162 can be rotated until gravity allows it to fall into the slot 194. This sequence of operations is important because it first aligns the handle blade 160, then the handle body 162, and finally axially (e.g., vertically) and reasonably restrains the assembly 118a.

[0066] Figures 20 to 24 Another illustrative embodiment of the faucet handle assembly 300a is shown. The faucet handle 300a includes many of the same elements as the faucet handle assembly 18a detailed above. Therefore, in the following description, similar parts are identified by similar reference numerals.

[0067] Further reference Figures 20 to 23The faucet handle assembly 300a illustratively includes: a lower portion 310 extending below the sink countertop 12; and an upper portion 312 extending above the sink countertop 12. Figure 20 and Figure 21 The lower portion 310 illustratively includes a flow control valve core or valve assembly 44, which is similar to the flow control valve core or valve assembly detailed above in conjunction with the faucet handle assembly 18a.

[0068] The illustrative valve assembly 44 is supported by a valve body or mounting handle 320, which includes a cylindrical sidewall 322 having an upper portion 324 with an upwardly extending protrusion or sidewall 326. Illustratively, the valve cover nut 330 includes internal threads 331 that engage with external threads 327 of the protrusion 326 to secure the valve assembly 44 within the mounting handle 320. Figure 22 As shown, the mounting handle 320 also includes a lower shaft 332 that extends through a mounting hole (not shown) in the sink countertop 12. The lower shaft 332 includes external threads 340 that engage with a mounting nut (not shown) for securing the mounting handle 320 to the sink countertop 12. An upper flange or cover 342 is operatively engaged with the mounting handle 320 and supported above the sink countertop 12.

[0069] The upper portion 312 of the faucet handle assembly 300a illustratively includes a handle 350 operably connectable to a valve stem 48 via a push-fit connector or interface 352, which includes a handle bushing 354 and a fastener 356 (e.g., a threaded bolt). The illustrative handle bushing 354 includes a lower body 360, an intermediate body 362, an upper body 364, and a transverse wall 366 positioned between the intermediate body 362 and the upper body 364. The fastener 356 extends through the transverse wall 366 and includes a threaded shaft 365, which can be threadedly received within a threaded opening 367 of the valve stem 48 to secure the handle bushing 354 to the valve stem 48.

[0070] Further reference Figure 21 The lower opening 370 is defined by the lower body 360 of the handle bushing 354 and receives the valve stem 48. The intermediate opening 371 extends upward from the lower opening 370 and illustratively includes a shape configured to mate with the valve stem 48 (e.g., a D-shaped cross-section). More specifically, the intermediate opening 371 includes a plane 372 that mates with a plane 49 of the valve stem 48. Figure 22 and Figure 23 ).

[0071] Further reference Figure 22 and Figure 23The illustrative handle bushing 354 further includes a lower protrusion 374 received in a groove 52 of the extension 50 of the valve assembly 44. The engagement of the lower protrusion 374 and the groove 52 supports limited rotation of the handle bushing 354 and thus supports limited rotation of the faucet handle assembly 300a (e.g., defining a temperature limiting stop). The handle bushing 354 and the valve stem 48 are supported for rotation relative to the mounting handle 320 and the flange 342. Illustratively, a sliding ring 380 is positioned between the handle 350 and the flange 342 to prevent contact between the handle and the flange and to provide a sliding surface. As described above, the valve assembly 44 is held in place by the valve cover nut 330 by engaging with the protrusion 326 of the mounting handle 320.

[0072] Further reference Figure 23 and Figure 24 The upper portion 312 of the faucet handle assembly 300a includes a handle 350. The illustrative handle 350 includes an outer body 390 that defines a lower opening 391. A user interface (e.g., a lever 392) is illustratively supported by an upper end 394 of the outer body 390. A cylindrical inner wall 400 of the outer body 390 defines an internal cavity or passage 402 that receives the upper body 364 of the handle bushing 354.

[0073] The handle 350 further illustratively includes a first or general recess or groove 410 and a second or aligned recess or groove 412. The recesses 410 and 412 are illustratively formed within a cylindrical inner wall 400 and extend radially outward from the inner surface 414 of the cylindrical inner wall. Illustratively, the recesses 410 and 412 are circumferentially spaced from each other. In an illustrative embodiment, the handle 350 includes a plurality of general recesses 410 and one aligned recess 412. However, the number and position of the recesses 410 and 412 can vary. Each of the illustrative general recesses 410 has a width W1, and the illustrative aligned recess 412 has a width W2. In one illustrative embodiment, W1 is 0.050 inches and W2 is 0.085 inches.

[0074] The lower body 360 of the handle bushing 354 illustratively includes a first or general protrusion extending radially outward (illustratively shown as a rib or spline 420). A general recess 410 receives the general rib 420 to operatively engage the handle 350 and the handle bushing 354 together. More specifically, the cooperation between the general recess 410 and the general rib 420 rotatably holds the handle 350 and the handle bushing 354. The lower body 360 of the handle bushing 354 also includes radially outwardly extending alignment protrusions (illustratively shown as ribs 422). Ribs 420, 422 are circumferentially spaced from each other. An alignment recess 412 receives the alignment rib 422 to operatively engage the handle 350 and the handle bushing 354. The cooperation between the alignment recess 412 and the alignment rib 422 also rotatably holds the handle 350 and the handle bushing 354. The standard rib 420 and the alignment rib 422 are functionally similar to the standard rib 106 and the alignment rib 108, respectively, as detailed above in conjunction with the faucet handle assembly 18a. This arrangement allows for rotational alignment of the handle 250 with the handle bushing 254 as previously described.

[0075] More specifically, the alignment rib 422 prevents the handle 350 from being fixed in an incorrect orientation and thus prevents misalignment during rotation. In other words, the different configurations (e.g., profiles) of the ribs 420 and 422 contribute to the proper rotational orientation of the handle 350 relative to the valve bushing 354 and the valve stem 48. Illustratively, W2 is wider than W1. Therefore, the alignment rib 422 is made larger than the ordinary groove 410, which allows the handle 350 to slide on the feature when the user rotates the handle 350 to align it with the alignment feature. Once the user rotates the handle 350 such that the alignment groove 410 tolerance exceeds the alignment rib 422, the alignment groove 412 will allow gravity to cause the handle 350 to fall, while the ordinary rib 420 interacts with the corresponding ordinary groove 410.

[0076] The push-in mating connector or interface 352 may include ribs 420 and 422 of unequal width. This unequal width allows for only one orientation for the faucet handle assembly 300a. When the handle 350 illustratively falls into the alignment rib 412, the handle 350 can then be engaged with and operably coupled to the handle bushing 354 by the engagement of the upper body 364 of the handle bushing 354 with the internal passage 402 of the handle 350. More specifically, the upper body 364 of the handle bushing 354 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced upper tabs 430. Each upper tab 430 illustratively includes a protrusion 432 having a downward-facing surface 434. When the handle 350 is pushed onto the handle bushing 354, the upper tabs 430 bend inward and slide along the inner wall 400 of the handle 350. Figure 21The protrusion 436 extends radially inward from the inner wall 400 of the handle 350. Once the upper tab 430 is pushed over the protrusion 436, the upper tab 430 expands radially outward, and the downward-facing surface 434 presses against the upward-facing surface 438 of the handle 350. Figure 21 This allows for the operative connection of the handle 350 and the handle bushing 354, and secures the faucet handle assembly 300a in place.

[0077] Figure 25 and Figure 26 An alternative illustrative embodiment of a faucet handle assembly 300a' is shown, which includes a handle 350' and a handle bushing 354' and has many elements similar to those of the faucet handle assembly 300a detailed above. Therefore, in the following description, similar parts are identified by similar reference numerals.

[0078] The number, size, and position of the alignment recess 412 of the handle 350' and the cooperating alignment ribs 422 of the lower body 360' of the handle bushing 354', as well as the number, size, and position of the ordinary recess 410 of the handle 350' and the cooperating splines or ribs 420 of the handle bushing 354', differ from those detailed above in conjunction with the handle 350 and handle bushing 354. Further reference Figure 25 Five circumferentially spaced alignment recesses 412 and cooperating alignment ribs 422 can be used to rotatably orient the handle 350′ relative to the valve bushing 354′ (and therefore relative to the mounting shank 320). The number and size of the intermediate ribs 422 are increased by reducing the number of splines or ribs 420 in selected areas. This arrangement facilitates the assembly of the handle 350′ in a single desired orientation and supports the handle 350′ until it finds that orientation. In other words, this arrangement prevents the recesses 410 and ribs 420 from engaging undesirably before achieving such a proper orientation.

[0079] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications as described and defined in the appended claims exist within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A faucet handle assembly, comprising: A valve assembly, the valve assembly including a valve stem having a first plane; A handle bushing includes an upper body, a lower body, a first rib, and a second rib. The lower body is defined as having a lower opening that mates with the valve stem, and the lower body has a second plane that mates with the first plane, thereby allowing the lower body to be operatively connected to the valve stem. The first rib extends radially outward from the lower body and has a first rib profile. The second rib extends radially outward from the lower body, is spaced apart from the first rib, and has a second rib profile, wherein the first rib profile is different from the second rib profile. A handle, the handle including a first groove and a second groove, the first groove being configured to receive a first rib and having a first groove profile, the second groove being configured to receive a second rib and having a second groove profile, wherein the first groove profile differs from the second groove profile, thereby facilitating proper rotational orientation of the handle relative to the handle bushing. The handle bushing further includes a transverse wall extending between the lower body and the upper body, and fasteners extend through the transverse wall to secure the handle bushing to the valve stem; and A connector, defined between the upper body of the handle bushing and the handle, the connector being operable to connect the handle bushing to the handle.

2. The faucet handle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first rib rotatably holds the handle bushing relative to the handle, and the connector axially holds the handle bushing relative to the handle.

3. The faucet handle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The connector includes a snap-fit ​​connector.

4. The faucet handle assembly as described in claim 3, wherein, The snap-fit ​​connector includes a flexible upper protrusion supported by the upper body of the handle bushing, and the flexible upper protrusion includes a downward-facing surface; and When the handle and the handle bushing are operatively connected, the downward-facing surface of the flexible upper tab of the handle bushing is biased against the upward-facing surface of the handle.

5. The faucet handle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The handle includes a handle extension having a cylindrical sidewall and a radially outwardly extending recess. The cylindrical sidewall of the handle extension has an inner surface defining an internal cavity. The radially outwardly extending recess is formed within the inner surface of the cylindrical sidewall of the handle extension. The handle bushing includes a flexible upper tab having a radially outwardly extending protrusion that is received within a recess in the handle extension.

6. The faucet handle assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The lower body of the handle bushing includes a cylindrical sidewall supporting the first rib, and the first rib and the second rib are circumferentially spaced apart; and The cylindrical sidewall of the handle extension supports the first groove, and the first groove and the second groove are circumferentially separated.

7. The faucet handle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a mounting handle and a valve cover nut, the mounting handle receiving the valve assembly, and the valve cover nut securing the valve assembly within the mounting handle.

8. The faucet handle assembly of claim 7, further comprising a perforated cover supported by the upper end of the mounting handle.

9. The faucet handle assembly of claim 8, further comprising a sliding ring positioned between the orifice cover and the handle.

10. A faucet handle assembly, comprising: Valve assembly, the valve assembly including a valve stem; A handle bushing includes an upper body, a lower body, a first rib, and a second rib. The lower body is operatively connected to the valve stem. The first rib extends radially outward from the lower body and has a first rib profile. The second rib extends radially outward from the lower body, is spaced apart from the first rib, and has a second rib profile, wherein the first rib profile is different from the second rib profile. The lower body of the handle bushing includes a cylindrical sidewall supporting the first rib, which is circumferentially spaced apart from the second rib. A handle, including a handle extension having a cylindrical sidewall having an inner surface defining an internal chamber, the cylindrical sidewall of the handle extension supporting a first groove having a first groove profile and a second groove having a second groove profile, wherein the first groove profile differs from the second groove profile, and the first groove is circumferentially spaced relative to the second groove; and A connector, defined between the upper body of the handle bushing and the handle extension of the handle, operably connects the handle bushing to the handle.

11. The faucet handle assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The handle extension includes a radially outwardly extending groove formed within the inner surface of the cylindrical sidewall of the handle extension; and The handle bushing includes a flexible upper tab with radially outwardly extending protrusions that are received within the groove of the handle extension.

12. The faucet handle assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The handle bushing also includes a transverse wall extending between the lower body and the upper body, and fasteners extend through the transverse wall to secure the handle bushing to the valve stem.

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