Handle assembly

A handle assembly which can be attached and detached from a rotatable stem by axial movement of the handle along the axis of the stem, comprising:

• a stem adapter suitable to fit over the stem so as to be fixed axially relative thereto and rotate therewith, said stem adapter having a peripheral cam surface and an undercut catch portion;
• a handle adapter constructed and arranged to fit over said stem adapter, said handle adapter defining at least one resilient finger member with a portion adapted to engage said cam surface and said undercut catch portions of said stem adapter;
• a handle member;
• a retainer member;
• said handle adapter and said retainer member being mounted in said handle member;
• said retainer member having a resilient engaging member, said engaging member being constructed and arranged so that in conjunction with said stem adapter it can hold said resilient finger member out away from said stem adapter undercut catch portion when said handle member is in one position, permit placement of said finger member in said undercut portion in another position of said handle, and move the finger portion away from the catch portion in a third position.

A handle unit which can be attached and detached from a rotatable stem, said handle adapted to be used in conjunction with a stem adapter which fits over said stem and is fixed axially relative thereto to rotate therewith, the stem adapter having an angled shoulder surface and an undercut portion spaced therefrom, said handle unit comprising:

• a handle adapter constructed and arranged to fit over said stem adapter, said handle adapter defining at least one resilient finger member adapted to engage both said angled shoulder and said undercut portion of said stem adapter;
• a handle member;
• a retainer member;
• said handle adapter and said retainer member mounted in said handle member to rotate therewith;
• said retainer member having a resilient finger engaging portion, said resilient finger member being constructed and arranged so that in conjunction with said stem adapter it can hold said resilient finger member away from said stem adapter when said handle member is in one position, permit placement of said finger member in said undercut portion and in engagement with said shoulder surface in another position, move the finger member away from the said undercut portion in a third position, and also permit the retainer member to abut against the said stem adapter in yet another position.