Snap-fit lever for a valve assembly
US12196339B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 27, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L27/0849
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A snap-fit lever for actuation of a valve assembly has an elongated valve stem with a ball. The snap-fit lever has a handle portion and a seat portion coupled to the handle portion. The seat portion defines an entry, a retention cavity, and a passage from the entry to the retention cavity. The passage guides the ball from the entry to the retention cavity. The snap-fit lever has deflectable fingers protruding from the seat portion to form part of the retention cavity and the passage. The deflectable fingers deflect to allow the ball to move from the passage into the retention cavity and capture the ball. The deflectable fingers enable rotation of the handle portion about a first axis of the elongated valve stem and allow rotation of the handle portion about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis for moving the elongated valve stem into an actuated position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.