Abstract: A device facilitating operation of a doorknob, comprising a tubular body member having a continuous wall with an outer gripping surface and an inner surface defining bore adapted for receiving the doorknob. A plurality of resiliently deformable projections extend inwardly from the inner surface of the wall. A distance between opposing projections before installation of the device on the doorknob is smaller than a cross dimension of the knob. Each projection has a pair of spaced end portions formed integrally with the inner surface of the wall. The outer gripping surface of the continuous wall includes a generally curved section between each pair of spaced end portions before the device is installed on the knob. Deformation of the projections upon installation of the device on the knob causes the spaced end portions of each projection to spread apart and embrace an outer periphery of the doorknob.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a tight, secure connection between two relatively non-deformable members and the connection resulting therefrom. The method includes the steps of forming a recess in a first of said members, forming a second member with a portion that seats in the recess of the first member, molding a liner of thermoplastic to one of the members, which thermoplastic is deformable but not more than slightly compressible, and seating the portion of the second member in the recess of the first member with one of the members engaging the liner to displace a portion of the liner into a void space in one of the members to thus form a tightly gripping connection between the members. A composite knob and its connection to shaft made in accordance with this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A door knob lever for use by disabled persons to assist in turning a door knob. A truncated bracket including a central section and two sloping sections extending from the central section is provided with a handle extending, substantially at right angles from one side of the central section of the truncated bracket and a hook plate extending, also substantially at right angles, from the opposite side of the central section of the truncated bracket and extending in the opposite direction as the handle. Friction pads are secured to the two sloping sections of the truncated bracket to grip a door knob when the hook plate is about the neck of the door knob to cause movement of the ball of the door knob by movement of the lever.

Abstract: A composite knob having a core formed of a hard plastic material and an outer covering of a softer plastic material. The core includes a front wall with an integral bent around skirt, a hub and an axially rearwardly extending stanchion. The softer plastic material covers the outer surface of the front wall and integral bent around skirt of the core. A narrow passage extends through the front wall, the bent around skirt and the outer covering and leads to the stanchion. A position indicator of contrasting color relative to the softer plastic material is inserted in the narrow passage and has a detent to engage the end of the stanchion to lock the position indicator in place with a portion thereof extending above the outer covering of the knob.

Abstract: A door knob lever is described, for use primarily by disabled persons, as including a rotatable hook at one end thereof for hooking around the base of a common door knob. A right angle or arcuate shaped bracket is also included, with the rotation of the hook taking place with respect to the bracket. The other end of the lever provides a handle for enabling the gripping of the lever, so that the user grips the handle of the lever, swings it to cause the hook to encircle the door knob at its base, rotates the bracket to engage the door knob gripping surface and then rotates the lever to cause the door knob to rotate.

Abstract: A ratchet head assembly has a reversing knob with a metal shaft coupled to the pawl assembly of the ratchet mechanism and an enlarged-diameter plastic head insert molded around the outer end of the shaft and having a diameter two to three times that of the shaft and a density no greater than about one-fifth that of the shaft. Thus, the reversing knob has a low inertia so that it is not susceptible to self-reversing or self-locking during operation of the ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: An operating knob-mounting structure in an air-conditioner for vehicle includes a support shaft provided on an equipment and an operating knob having a boss provided with an axial hole formed therethrough, the operating knob being rotatable and supported on the supported shaft fitted in the axial hole. The support shaft has an engagement portion formed thereon and engageable with an outer end face of the boss of the operating knob. The axial hole of the boss has an insertion recess formed in a periphery thereof and allowing the engagement portion to pass therethrough in a direction of an axis of the support shaft when the operating knob is mounted on said support shaft.

Abstract: A shift knob for use with automatic automotive transmissions has a one-piece body construction molded from a hard resin. The knob body is formed by gas injection molding, has a substantially uniform wall thickness and is covered with a soft resin. The knob body has a relatively thick bulbous grip portion at one end and gradually tapers to a slimmer lower end portion.

Abstract: A composite knob having a core formed of a hard plastic material and an outer covering of a softer plastic material. The core includes a front wall with an integral bent around skirt, a hub and an axially rearwardly extending stanchion. The softer plastic material covers the outer surface of the front wall and integral bent around skirt of the core. A narrow passage extends through the front wall, the bent around skirt and the outer covering and leads to the stanchion. A position indicator of contrasting color relative to the softer plastic material is inserted in the narrow passage and has a detent to engage the end of the stanchion to lock the position indicator in place with a portion thereof extending above the outer covering of the knob.

Abstract: The invention concerns a furniture knob suitably having a rectangular or oval front peripheral contour, the knob comprising a knob portion having a front face and a back face, part of the back face being adapted to be gripped by the fingers of a hand, and a shank portion at the back face of the knob portion, the shank portion having a square cross section and a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the back face. The invention also concerns a process for attaching the knob to a furniture face.

Abstract: A counterbalanced, one-piece, non-slip, lever action handle for retrofit adaption to existing door knobs is disclosed wherein a conforming, contoured lever handle is provided with self-tapping anchor screws for permanent attachment of the lever handle to a target door knob. Once attached, the lever handle becomes an extension of the existing door knob thereby facilitating greater access to individuals with disabilities.

Abstract: A molded knob of the type which frictionally engages and fits over the end of a shaft, which shaft end is of generally U-shaped, transverse cross-section created by the removal of a portion of a circular tubular shaft. A hub is formed as part of the knob. A shaft-receiving socket of generally circular, transverse cross-section is formed in the hub. A pair of generally L-shaped fingers are formed as part of the hub and extend the depth of the socket. The L-shaped fingers are positioned back-to-back to define a U-shaped slot between the fingers and hub, which U-shaped slot receives the U-shaped end of the shaft. Each L-shaped finger has a base portion which is molded integrally with the core and a back portion which extends cantileverly from the base portion, with the base and back portions connected by an integral hinge. The back portions of the L-shaped fingers are spaced from each other about their integral hinges and are flexible so as to bend toward each other when the shaft is inserted in the socket.

Abstract: A safety device for a pneumatic tool having a body and an operation lever and a valve stem lowered by the operation lever has an axially movable pivot shaft by which the operation lever is pivoted to one end of the main body of the pneumatic tool. A stop is formed on the pivot shaft so as to move between a resting position and an operating position together with the pivot shaft. A conical coil spring is provided to urge the operation lever upward by its torsional action and the stop as well as the pivot shaft toward the resting position of the stop by its compressive action. A receiving chamber is formed in the operation lever at a position where it coincides with the stop when the stop is moved to the operating position by the depressing of the pivot shaft. When, in this state, the operation lever is pushed downward to cause the stop to enter the receiving chamber, the valve stem is lowered and the operation of the pneumatic tool starts.

Abstract: A knob (100) comprises an inner portion (105) made of a nonmetallic material and an outer portion (102) molded over the inner portion (105). The outer portion (102) comprises a material having a reduced hardness factor with respect to the inner portion (105).

Abstract: A faucet handle assembly is described for replacing a handle on a faucet valve stem, which can mount on a wide variety of types of stems. The assembly includes a pair of jaws (30, 32, FIG. 1) having inner surfaces for engaging opposite sides of the periphery (22) of the valve stem and having outer camming surfaces (42, 43) that can be pushed together. The assembly also includes a faucet handle (12) with a hole in the top for passing a screw (28) that screws into a threaded hole of the valve stem, and having a cavity (44) for receiving the jaws. The cavity has camming surfaces (54, 56) that engage the jaw camming surfaces, so as the screw is tightened the jaws are pressed tightly against the valve stem peripheral surface.

Abstract: A door and a ceramic handle or knob assembly are disclosed. The ceramic handle has a socket extending from a rear end wall and into the body of the handle. A plastic insert is received in the socket, so that the handle may be secured to the door by means of a threaded bolt, passing into and expanding the plastic insert.

Abstract: A handle assembly which is attachable to a conventional valve stem and includes a decorative handle member is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, an adapter element has an interior splined surface that mounts on the valve stem. The adapter also includes external splines and an annular flange. The adapter is positioned within a central opening in an escutcheon. A mounting screw fastens the adapter to the valve stem, with the escutcheon trapped beneath the adapter due to the presence of the annular flange. A post member has internal splines which engage the external splines of the adapter so that the parts rotate together. In addition, the post member has external splines which engage a splined opening in a handle. The handle comprises a bottom lever bar and a top lever bar. A strap cap is positioned over the handle and has a threaded hole to receive an upwardly-directed bolt. The bolt presses the handle between the strap cap and the post member.

Abstract: A control mechanism having a dial and cooperating structure for selectively locking the dial in any one of a plurality of angularly related positions. The locking mechanism is configured to provide a force or manipulating characteristic precluding operation thereof by accident or by young children, such as infants, thereby effectively precluding undesired resetting of the associated control mechanism. The locking structure is formed integrally with the respective relatively movable parts of the mechanism, including the structure for providing the biasing of the locking mechanism to the locking disposition. The locking mechanism is resiliently biased and includes a graspable portion which when grasped to effect movement of the control overcomes the resilient biasing. The biasing structure automatically relocks the dial upon release of the graspable portion.

Abstract: A mechanism to prevent a dial or knob of an instrument panel from wandering from a manual setting when the panel is subjected to severe vibrations. The mechanism includes a compression spring to place a load on the dial in the direction of the dial's rotational axis. The mechanism also has a pair of roothed, interdigitated sleeves rotatably disposed along the axis to prevent torque transfer between the dial and the spring.

Abstract: A cover for door hardware which has a plastic sheet to be adhesively attached to the base of the door hardware and cover the door hardware while painting.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical shaft has a longitudinally extending flat area along its end section. A plastic member mounted on the shaft has a longitudinal bore complimentary in shape to and fitting around the shaft end section. The bore includes a longitudinally extending recess projecting radially outward from the flat area of the shaft. A locking sleeve fits within the bore and around the shaft and includes a generally U-shaped portion received in the recess. The U-shaped portion is discontinuous intermediate its ends, providing first and second longitudinal portions adjacent its ends. A screw passes through the first longitudinal portion and threadedly engages the second longitudinal portion for drawing the portions together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a member for controlling a tap or faucet, wherein it comprises a cylindrical skirt of circular or polygonal section and at least one added piece adapted to be fitted on the cylindrical skirt and to be fixed thereon at any desired height. The invention results in a top control member of which the grip and/or decorative appearance may be modified as desired.

Abstract: A decorative faucet handle mounting apparatus includes an adapter having a first bore complimentrally shaped to the shape of a faucet stem. A second bore formed coaxially in the adapter cooperates with a fastener to attach the adapter to the faucet stem. A decorative handle has a longitudinal bore extending inward from one end which is engageable over the adapter. A perpendicular bore formed in the handle receives a threaded fastener engageable through the perpendicular bore with the adapter to secure the handle to the adapter.

Abstract: A handlegrip cruise assist device is formed of a single piece of stiff resilient material, having a circular segment which is shaped circularly so as to grip the outer end of the throttle handlegrip, and a lever segment which extends beneath the heel of the palm and adjoining wrist of the operator with his hand in the normal operating position on the throttle handlegrip. The application of downward pressure on the lever segment from the palm and the adjoining wrist of the throttle hand neutralizes the return force of the carburetor return-to-idle springs, permitting the operator to maintain a constant throttle opening without having to grasp the throttle handlegrip. The circular segment is of a diameter slightly less than the diameter of a complete circle.

Abstract: A knob for the lid of a cooking vessel. The knob being made of heat sensitive material and having a metal cap covering the portion of the knob that is exposed on the underside of the cooking vessel lid.

Abstract: A cover for a knob or handle is disclosed herein that carries a disinfectant in its porous material adapted to be slidably engaged over the knob or handle in order to substantially act as a barrier between the fingers of a person and the possible contaminated surface of the knob or handle. The cover includes a cup-like portion defining a pocket for insertably receiving the knob or handle in close frictional engagement. A neck portion extends or projects from the pocket to cover the mounting shaft of the knob or handle, and, if desired, a band retainer may be employed for holding the cover in place. A plurality of slits or openings are provided through the material, permitting the user's fingers to grab limited surface areas of the knob or handle allowing knob turning.

Abstract: A knob mounts on one end of a shaft whose other end guides a slidable element, such as the wiper of a slide potentiometer. The shaft has an elongated cross section, and the knob has a pair of generally parallel raised ribs on each of two facing interior sides. The ribs guide and secure the shaft into the knob. If the knob is twisted rather than slid, the knob comes off, but any deformation of the ribs and/or shaft is minimal and does not prevent the knob and shaft from being reused. The knob is particularly adapted for use with a notched, split shaft.

Abstract: The handle for sanitary apparatus is intended to be fixed by clipsing on the free end of a control shaft and comprises a thin metallic envelope (1) defining the outside shape and appearance of the handle, a supple insert (2) comprising a dome (9) to which are attached several deformable flaps (11), the lower flange of said flaps cooperating in service position, with a flange (7) of the envelope, and a lock (3) comprising parts applying the flaps of the supple insert against the inside face of the envelope, a lower edge resting on the flange of the envelope. A mounting mechanism is provided on the inside face of the supple insert and the outside face of the lock permitting through their cooperation the assembly of the three parts in assembled service position.

Abstract: A faucet handle is disclosed having a light-transmissive upper portion (10) and an opaque lower portion (16) which is connected to the handle hardware. In order to prevent viewing of the lower portion and the hardware through the light-transmissive upper portion, an opaque insert (26) is interposed between the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion comprises a unitary one-piece molding in which the top and downwardly depending skirt which form the upper portion are formed integrally in order to prevent detachment of the top (12) from the skirt (14). A projection (39) extends downwardly from the top at a central location thereof for carrying a color (40) which is applied to the underside of the projection, which color indicates cold or hot.

Abstract: Several embodiments of levers are particularly adapted for attachment to door knobs. The levers provide for increased leverage to effect a more easy turning of a door knob to which they are attached.

Abstract: A positive-positioning knob assembly comprises a knob body having a substantially hollow interior portion and a pinion member fixed against rotation relative to a panel, through which panel extends a shaft to be rotated by the knob assembly. Cooperating selectively interengageable and disengageable locking members are located on the pinion member and the hollow body interior respectively for alternatively permitting the body to rotate freely of the pinion member when the locking members are in a disengaged condition, and for locking the body non-rotatably relative to the pinion when the locking members are in an engaged condition. A resilient biasing member normally holds the locking members in the engaged condition to prevent rotation of the know body; however, the resilient biasing member is resiliently deformable for permitting the locking members to move to the disengaged condition to permit rotation of the knob body.

Abstract: A decorative handle which is attachable to a rotatable stem and has a decorative insert held therein is disclosed. In one version, the insert member is retained by a retainer assembly which engages the decorative insert. The retainer assembly holds the insert against a narrowed open top of the handle from below. A collar member which is threaded onto the handle from the bottom provides the force to hold the retainer in place. A decorative handle is provided which can be assembled and disassembled without tools, yet is highly aesthetic as the engagement of the component parts is obstructed from view as is a portion of the attachment to the valve assembly. Further, the inserts can be readily changed when the room where the handle is placed is remodeled.

Abstract: A press-in reversing knob for a ratchet wrench which has a self-contained retaining means. The reversing knob includes a generally cylindrical member having an annular flange at its upper end and resilient inwardly-deformable projections extending radially outward from its lower end. A cylindrical bore formed in the plug includes a coaxial annular retaining groove spaced downwardly from the top of the bore. As the reversing knob is pressed into the bore, the resilient projection is deformed inwardly by the walls of the bore until the projection engages the retaining groove and springs outwardly. The retaining groove retains the projection to prevent the reversing knob from becoming upwardly disengaged from the bore while accommodating rotational movement of the projection as the reversing knob is turned.

Abstract: One piece child safety handle is disclosed having a substantially circular configuration with a diameter of from about 4.25 inches to about 5 inches and having a thickness of about 0.5 inch to about 0.625 inch. The handle can be manipulated by an adult hand but not by a child's hand.

Abstract: A ball valve having a valve body within which is provided a ball for opening and closing the valve. The ball valve is constructed with bushings and lock rings arranged for ease of assembly and disassembly for inspection of the wear of internal ring seals. An internal lock ring is provided with recesses in an end face for receiving a tool which is part of the operating handle of the valve.

Abstract: A handle assembly has a handle member secured to a stem by a fastener device which includes a coupler member secured to the end of the stem and snap fittingly engaged to an insert member which in turn is rigidly secured to the handle member. The coupler member has axially extending flanges with radially extending shoulders which engage a shoulder on the insert member. The shoulders of the insert and the coupler member have inclined surfaces that provide the handle to be connected onto the stem upon exertion of a force of predetermined magnitude in the axial direction. The coupler member and the insert member have a second pair of inclined surfaces which provide for disengagement of the insert member from the coupler member at a force of greater predetermined magnitude than the connecting force.

Abstract: A knob-to-shaft assembly comprises a plastic knob having a cylindrical recess having a diameter corresponding to that of the outside diameter of the shaft onto which the knob is to be manually pushed. Projecting from the outside diameter of the shaft, at the forward end thereof, is an annular band comprising a series of outwardly projecting barbs created by an angled knurl which is formed on the rearward surface of an annular V-shape groove which is provided near the forward end of the shaft. Projecting slightly forwardly from the V-shape notch is a pilot portion whose outside diameter corresponds to that of the shaft.

Abstract: A handle assembly for attaching a decorative handle to a turning stem is disclosed. The handle can be placed on, as well as removed from the stem by a straight axial motion (without turning the handle). In one embodiment, the stem adapter is secured to a valve stem and has an angled shoulder surface and an undercut portion. An attachment screw is employed to secure the stem adapter to the valve stem. The handle adapter has a multiplicity of resilient finger members with terminal portions adapted to engage both the angled shoulder surface and the undercut portion of the stem adapter. A handle member of a generally U-shaped configuration has a retainer member secured therein with the retainer member having finger engaging portions.

Abstract: A handle for a single-control mixer valve, having an outer control lever and an inner actuating lever connected together by an inner connection member fastened to the inner actuating lever and provided with a threaded bore. A cap is mounted onto the connection member and a bore located so as to correspond to the threaded bore of the connection member. A fastening screw integral with the control lever, is screwed into the threaded bore of the connection member and fixes to both the control lever and the cap to the connection member. The cap is provided with a seat to receive an ornamental element made of natural or imitation onyx, sodalite or other valuable material, which results in being easily replaceable. The parts are fastened together with no visible fasteners and ensure an easy disassembly for reaching the inner parts of the valve for repair, disassembly or maintenance purposes.

Abstract: A handle for a stove damper or the like includes an elongated rod mounted in a boss secured to the handle member. The handle member is disposed at an angle to the rod. The rod is mounted in the boss in such a manner that axial, rotational and pivotal movement is prevented.

Abstract: An adjustable knob assembly for operating a gas valve includes a rotatable knob affixable to the shaft of the gas valve and having a hub with an axially extending ridge. An annular pointer is angularly displaceably affixed to the hub and has opposed sets of adjacent grooves selectively alignable to engage the ridge on the hub, to permit angular displacement of the pointer with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A remote hand knob gear as first of a train of gears for actuating a taumel hinge eccentric constructed as integral plastic support disc and gear adapted for snap on hand knob.

Abstract: A knob assembly is provided which includes a knob having an integral shaft. The knob further includes a circular groove therein, and first and second cams situated in the groove. A knob receiving member includes an aperture in which the shaft of the knob is situated. Two snap fingers of flexible material extend from the sides of the aperture to engage the knob when the knob is pressed into the aperture. The knob is conveniently removed from the aperture by rotating the knob until the first and second cams contact and push the first and second snap fingers, respectively, out of the groove.

Abstract: An auxiliary handle is attached to a pivotal faucet spout. The handle has a high thermal resistance. When used to pivot the faculet spout, heat from a hot spout will not be transferred to the use's hand.

Abstract: A large manually operated leak-proof corrosion-proof low-cost shut-off or stop valve for handling high pressure refrigerant liquids and/or gases comprises a valve body formed of two sheet metal hemispheres welded to the periphery of a circular metal valve plate having a fluid passage therethrough and hollow cylindrical metal tubes welded to the hemispheres along the edges of circular holes cut in the hemispheres. The cylindrical outer end of a valve spindle extends into a cylindrical bore in the hub of a hand-wheel which is rotatable to open and close the valve. The hand-wheel is secured to a valve spindle by a removable flanged roll pin which fits into a pin hole formed by mating or registering recesses formed in the periphery of the outer end of the valve spindle and in the peripheral wall of the bore in the hub of the hand-wheel. Unscrewing of the bonnet affords access to the sealing materials and, as the bonnet moves axially, it also shifts the hand-wheel off of the outer end of the valve spindle.

Abstract: A molded knob of the type which frictionally engages and slips over the end of a shaft of generally circular cross section and having at least one longitudinally extending flat surface. A hub is formed as part of the knob. A shaft receiving walled socket is formed in the hub. The socket has a flat wall adapted to engage the shaft. Side walls extending from the flat wall are positioned to contact the curved wall of the shaft. Abutments are located at the ends of the side walls distal from the flat wall and are positioned to engage the shaft. A resilient finger is located in the socket opposite the flat wall between the abutments and positioned to engage and apply pressure to the curved outer surface of the shaft. The abutments are dimensioned to engage the shaft to limit deflection of the resilient finger beyond that necessary to apply a force to the shaft.