Axially adjustable tap handle attachment mechanism

Details Axially adjustable tap handle attachment mechanism Axially adjustable tap handle attachment mechanism

1996-07-18

1998-09-22

Knight, Anthony

Joints and connections

Interfitted members

Radially interposed shim or bushing

403369, 403365, F16K 3160

Patent

active

058105042

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an adjustable attachment between a tap handle and a tap spindle which enables the axial position of the handle on the spindle to be adjusted where necessary.


BACKGROUND ART

It is conventional with existing handle attachments that the position of the handle is predetermined with no provision to allow adjustment of its axial position on the spindle. As a result when tap mechanisms are situated behind walls and bench tops, with the tap spindle extending through an opening in the wall or bench top, there is no provision to deal with differing thicknesses of walls or bench tops, particularly with regard to varying thicknesses of tiles applied to the wall or bench top which can vary from one tile manufacturer to another. Historically European manufactured tiles, particularly of Italian origin, are thicker than tiles originating elsewhere. In addition materials used for walls and bench tops can vary in thickness. However, for aesthetic reasons it is desirable that the position of the handle reside close to the cover plate or flange surrounding the tap spindle. The cover plate or flange covers the opening through the wall or bench top and is screwed onto the stuffing box of the tap assembly. The handle when positioned in some applications in required to hide the tap spindle or at least minimise the amount thereof which is visible when the tap is in the closed or off condition. In other applications, where the spindle is to be exposed, axial adjustment can still be required for various reasons.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an attachment between a tap handle and a tap spindle which will allow adjustment of the axial position of the tap handle relative to the spindle whereby to avoid or at least minimize the above problems with conventional attachments.


DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention there is envisaged a tap handle containing means to attach the handle to a tap spindle, wherein the means for attaching the handle to the tap spindle consists of a locating member adapted to rotatably engage the spindle as well as an aperture within and through said handle, and a locking member to hold said locating member at a fixed axial position relative to said aperture within and through said handle, wherein said locating member has an axial passage therethrough and has an end wall with an axial aperture therethrough shaped to drivingly receive an end of said spindle as well as a plurality of longitudinally extending fingers extending from said end wall with a limited degree of flexibility, and wherein said locking member is adapted to be received within said passage of said locating member has a tapering external configuration which engages within the hollow locating member to progressively flex said fingers thereof outwardly into tight engagement with the aperture within and through said handle.


BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

One preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an tap handle including an adjustable attachment in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention,
FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the opposite end of one of the components of the handle of FIG. 1,
FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned exploded longitudinal view of the handle of FIG. 1 and associated tap spindle,
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tap/spindle of FIG. 3 in an assembled condition, and
FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4.
Referring to the drawings, there is shown a tap handle 10 incorporating a spindle attachment assembly generally indicated as 11, a tap spindle 12 extending from within the outermost stuffing box 13 of the tap assembly, and through an intervening opening 14 through a wall or bench top 15. The opening is closed by a closure member or flange 16 having an opening 17 therethrough receiving and surrounding the tap spindle.
The tap spindle 12 has a pai

REFERENCES:
patent: 524848 (1894-08-01), Doebler
patent: 1217132 (1917-02-01), Amos
patent: 1856845 (1932-05-01), Donahue
patent: 2023951 (1935-12-01), Cohan
patent: 4287785 (1981-09-01), Hunt
patent: 5025826 (1991-06-01), Schoepe et al.
patent: 5176464 (1993-01-01), Tanner
patent: 5474403 (1995-12-01), Hetrich

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