Detachable handle for control devices

Claim 2

A control device with a detachable handle comprising: a. a control body; b. a control stem assembly protruding from said body; c. fastening means fastened to said stem assembly external to said body securing said stem assembly tightly together and to said body; d. a handle mating with said control stem assembly, and e. a spring clip securing said handle to said stem assembly independently of said fastening means.

Claim 3

A control device according to claim 1 in which said control device is a valve.

Claim 4

A control device according to claim 2 in which said stem assembly comprises a stem, and sequentially assembled on said stem a first specially shaped washer nonrotatably fitting said stem, a second smaller washer fitting said stem and fastening means fastened to said stem for securing said stem assembly tightly together.

Claim 5

A control device according to claim 3 in which said handle has an aperture fitting said first washer.

Claim 6

A control device according to claim 4 in which said spring clip mates with said second washer for securing said handle in place on said first washer.

Claim 7

A control device according to claim 5 in which said second washer is smaller than said fastening means whereby said fastening means prevents said spring clip from sliding off said second washer.

Claim 8

A control device according to claim 4 in which said aperture is larger than said fastening means whereby said handle will pass readily over said fastening means for detachment when said spring clip is removed.

Claim 9

A control device according to claim 4 in which said stem assembly further comprises a third washer between said body and said first washer, and said spring clip and said third washer are both greater in diameter than said aperture whereby said handle is sandwiched between said spring clip and said third washer.

Claim 10

The combination of a stem assembly for a rotary valve and a detachable handle therefore in which said stem assembly includes a shaped washer which mates in a unique relationship with said handle and a spring clip mates with said stem assembly on top of said handle to secure said handle to said stem assembly mated to the periphery of said washer whereby when said handle is attached, it indicates the operative position of the stem assembly and when it is detached by removal of said spring clip, the shaped washer indicates the operative position of the stem assembly.

Claim 11

The combination of a stem assembly for a rotary valve and a detachable handle therefore in which said stem assembly includes a shaped washer which mates in a unique relationship with said handle and a spring clip mates with said stem assembly on top of said handle to secure said handle to said stem assembly mated to the periphery of said washer whereby when said handle is attached, it indicates the operative position of the stem assembly and when it is detached by removal of said spring clip, the shaped washer indicates the operative position of the stem assembly.