US 12,188,574 B2
Handle connection systems and methods
Brian J. Mooren, Sheboygan Falls, WI (US); and Andrew J. Rieth, Howards Grove, WI (US)
Assigned to KOHLER CO., Kohler, WI (US)
Filed by Kohler Co., Kohler, WI (US)
Filed on Jan. 17, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/414,983.
Application 16/986,840 is a division of application No. 15/982,727, filed on May 17, 2018, granted, now 10,774,946, issued on Sep. 15, 2020.
Application 18/414,983 is a continuation of application No. 18/178,096, filed on Mar. 3, 2023, granted, now 11,885,434.
Application 18/178,096 is a continuation of application No. 17/746,413, filed on May 17, 2022, granted, now 11,598,446, issued on Mar. 7, 2023.
Application 17/746,413 is a continuation of application No. 16/986,840, filed on Aug. 6, 2020, granted, now 11,346,463, issued on May 31, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0151322 A1, May 9, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. F16K 31/60 (2006.01); B25G 3/12 (2006.01); B25G 3/18 (2006.01); E03C 1/04 (2006.01)
CPC F16K 31/60 (2013.01) [B25G 3/12 (2013.01); B25G 3/18 (2013.01); E03C 1/0412 (2013.01); F16K 31/607 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A process comprising:
placing a collar around a valve cartridge, the valve cartridge comprising a valve stem;
aligning the valve stem with an engagement crown of a handle such that an opening of the handle is located over the collar;
press fitting the valve stem into the engagement crown while pressing the handle towards the collar and such that the valve stem is rotatably coupled to the handle through the engagement crown; and
rotating the handle relative to the collar to rotate the valve stem after press fitting the valve stem into the engagement crown.