Indexable latching handle assembly for quarter-turn rotary valves
AssigneeParker & Harper Companies, Inc.
InventorDavid G. Holloway
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An indexable latching handle assembly for quarter-turn rotary valves which permits the arc of operation to be oriented as necessary to avoid surrounding obstacles and enhance ease of operation. This handle assembly has a latching device capable of latching the valve in the closed position or in the open position and is readily disengaged without regard to the orientation of the handle on the valve.
Claims20
A fluid control valve comprising:
- a quarter-turn valve having a valve body and a valve stem, said valve stem defining a longitudinal axis;
- and,
- a handle to rotate said valve stem through an arc of operation by way of an indexing means, said arc of operation being bound within a quadrant of a cartesian coordinate system originating at said valve stem axis;
- said indexing means being non-rotatably engaged with said valve stem for rotation therewith and including means for selectively positioning said arc of operation at a plurality of orientations about said valve stem axis.
A kit of parts for an indexable latching handle assembly for a quarter-turn rotary valve having a valve body and a valve stem, said kit comprising a handle and an indexing means, said handle when fastened, by way of said indexing means, to said valve stem rotates said valve stem through an arc of operation, said arc of operation being bound within a quadrant of a cartesian coordinate system originating at a longitudinal axis of said valve stem, when assembled said indexing means having means to non-rotatably engage said valve stem and including means for selectively orienting said arc, about said valve stem axis.
A method of assembling a fluid control valve with an indexable latching handle assembly comprising a quarter-turn valve having a valve body and a valve stem defining an axis, said valve stem being rotatable by a handle through an arc of operation, said arc of operation being bound within a quadrant of a cartesian coordinate system originating at said valve stem axis, an indexing means being non-rotatably engaged with said valve stem for rotation therewith and including means for selectively positioning said arc of operation of a plurality of orientations about said valve stem axis, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a handle to rotate said valve stem by way of said indexing means;
- b) selecting said quadrant in which said handle is to operate;
- and,
- c) providing a latching means for latching said handle in at least one of a clockwise and counterclockwise latched position thereby preventing rotation of said valve stem and for manually releasing said handle thereby permitting rotation of said handle away from said latched position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.