WO2020222113A1

WO2020222113A1 - Foot operated door opener

Info

Publication number: WO2020222113A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/053982
Authority: WO
Inventors: Girish Govindrao MANJARAMKAR
Original assignee: Manjaramkar Girish Govindrao
Priority date: 2019-04-29
Filing date: 2020-04-28
Publication date: 2020-11-05

Abstract

A foot operated sanitary door opener 100 for a conventional door is disclosed. The foot operated door opener 100 allows a user to open the door by using his/her foot. The foot operated sanitary door opener 100 includes a foot rest plate 102 coupled to a mounting plate 104 that is fitted to a door panel at lower portion of the door. The foot rest plate 102 at the lower portion of the door panel allows the user to open the door by simply stepping and applying force on the foot rest plate 102. The foot rest plate 102 is provided with support members 302 to prevent movements of the foot rest plate 102 away from the mounting plate 104 beyond a predefined limit.

Description

FOOT OPERATED DOOR OPENER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sanitary door opener, and more specifically relates to a foot operated sanitary door opener or foot operated door opener for doors which allow a user to open the door by using his/her foot.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Doors are a common everyday occurrence in houses, businesses and public venues. The doors are typically opened and closed with knobs, handles and pulls, which are well known in the art. The doors, and their associated opening mechanisms, are generally configured for operation by a user's hand, by either grasping and pulling or grasping and pushing. There are common occurrences, however, when utilizing one's hand to open or close a door is undesirable. For example, individuals with physical limitations may find it difficult to open a door utilizing a conventional knob or grasp handle. Individual's whose arms are frequently full, holding a load or carrying objects, may often find it difficult to grasp and pull the knob or handle of the door.

[0004] Further, it is generally undesirable to touch a doorknob or grasp with one's hand, particularly in settings where the handle or pull may be dirty or contaminated, such as in public restrooms. It is known and documented that a majority of individuals using public restrooms take precautionary measures to avoid skin contact with the restroom door during entry and/or egress. For example, users often use a paper towel to shield their hand when operating door hardware upon exiting the restroom. This fact is evident in the common placement of trash receptacles near public restroom doors for deposit of paper towels once the user has opened the door. When paper towels are not available, such as in the restrooms only offering hand air dryers, users creatively manipulate inward swinging doors by shielding their hands with their clothing, kicking the door to“bounce” it open, or even waiting until someone else opens the door. For example, in hospitals where all the cleaning staff working in the hospital wears the hand gloves, however all the door handles are touched and contaminated with same hand and every person rather than the cleaning staff (i.e., nurses, doctors, patient visitors) are touching the handle without gloves and doing all their activities with that heavily contaminated hand.

[0005] As we all know, many viruses and infectious diseases spread occur through direct or indirect contact, such as enterovirus, influenza virus, etc., for the population gathered in public places such as schools, hospitals, railway stations, department stores. Many viruses and infectious diseases more easy to spread and become a source of transmission. Generally, viruses and infectious diseases are come into contact with objects by hand in public places. The virus causes infectious diseases and upper body, so health authorities have repeatedly warned people wash their hands frequently, avoid infection and infectious diseases, but the actual effect is not obvious, most people still ignore and avoid washing their hands, when a particular season every year, there are still many people infected with the virus and infectious diseases.

[0006] Efforts have been made in related art to address above stated problem by using a sanitary door handles. An example of such sanitary door handles is recited in United States patent application 4,817,239, entitled “Door hook”. The patent discloses a sanitary door opening assembly in the form of a U-shaped bracket which is disposed about the outer side edge of a door and a hook mounted to one surface of the bracket. The hook is adapted to receive a human forearm to pull the door open. One disadvantage of such door hooks is that pulling open a door with one's elbow can cause discomfort. Further, the position of such a door hook allows a person to grab the door hook with his/her hand, thereby contaminating the door hook. Once contaminated, a person can transfer contaminants to his/her body, particularly when the elbow or forearm is not covered by clothing.

[0007] However, during the heavy and big items movement the conventional door opener is a hurdle and consuming the space as it is not foldable. Further, conventional foot operated door openers included devices with shapes that would promote entanglement with shoe laces or clothing material like pant and cuffs due to the sharp downward angle of the hook for the toe to engage under. Furthermore, the conventional foot operated door opener cannot be used by bare foot due to promote entanglement. Additionally, improper maintenance of complex door opening devices may result in user injury, damage to the door or door frame, and in some instances may prevent the door from being opened.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to provide an efficient, effective, reliable and improved foot operated sanitary door opener for a conventional door which allows a user to open the door by using his/her foot, and can overcome the forgoing limitations in the art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.

[00010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved foot operated sanitary door opener for a conventional door which allows a user to open the door by using his/her foot.

[00011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable foot operated door opener which allows folding of the door opener when not in use.

[00012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foot operated sanitary door opener with automatic folding and unfolding feature based on presence of user.

[00013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foot operated sanitary door opener which can be use bare footed and with less chances of being harmed.

[00014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foot operated sanitary door opener to be mounted to a bottom portion of a door, which allows the user to open an inward swinging door by simply stepping and applying inward force on a foot rest plate of the door opener.

[00015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foot operated sanitary door opener with fluorescent material and/or LEDs to make the door opener visible in dark or night. [00016] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple and durable the foot operated door opener which can be used as a door stopper.

[00017] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient and cost-effective foot operated sanitary door opener which can be easily implemented to allow a user to open a door by using his/her foot.

[00018] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY

[00019] The present disclosure relates to a sanitary door opener. More specifically, it pertains to a foot operated sanitary door opener or foot operated door opener for doors which allow a user to open and/or close the door by using his/her foot.

[00020] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a foot operated door opener for a door, the door opener incudes a mounting member configured for fitment to a door panel of the door; a foot rest member pivotally coupled to the mounting member to move between a folded position in which the foot rest member moves towards the mounting member and an extended position in which the foot rest member moves away from the mounting member to allow opening of the door when a foot of a user is positioned to apply a door opening force on the foot rest member; and one or more support members coupled to the foot rest member for supporting the foot rest member to prevents movements of the foot rest member away from mounting member beyond a predefined limit.

[00021] In an embodiment, the foot rest member can be detachably coupled to the mounting member. The foot rest member can include a projection coupled to an outer end of the foot rest member. A padding member can be fitted on the at least a portion of the projection member to facilitate griping and cushioning to the foot of the user.

[00022] In an embodiment, the foot rest member can be operatively coupled to a door latch mechanism of the door to facilitate unlocking of a locked door and locking of an unlocked door. [00023] In an embodiment, the foot rest member and the mounting member are made of any of a metal, metal alloys and polymeric materials.

[00024] In an embodiment, the one or more support members can be detachably coupled to a bottom surface of the foot rest member and extended towards a ground surface. The one or more support members may touch the ground surface when the foot rest member exceeds beyond the predefined limit to avoid decoupling between the mounting member and the foot rest member when the foot of the user is positioned to apply the door opening force on the foot rest member. The one or more support members can be made of any or a combination of elastic materials or non-elastic material such as, but not limited to, rubber, plastic, aluminium, and stainless steel. The one or more support members can be any of a spherical shaped, circular shaped, elliptical shaped, a rectangular shaped, and a square shape.

[00025] In an embodiment, the door opener can include one or more sensors configured with any or both of the mounting member and the foot rest member to sense one or more parameters of one or more objects within a pre-defined area from the door opener. The one or more objects can be any or a combination of the user, animal, and articles.

[00026] In an embodiment, the one or more sensors can allows automatic movement, upon sensing of the one or more parameters, of the foot rest member between the folded position and the extended position. The one or more sensor can be selected from a group comprising proximity sensors, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, camera sensors, and the like. The one or more parameters of the one or more objects are any or combination of a distance of the one or more objects from the foot rest member and attributes of at least a part of the object.

[00027] In an embodiment, the door opener can include one or more illumination elements configured with any or combination of the mounting member and the foot rest member to enhance visibility of the mounting member and the foot rest member, and wherein the one or more illumination elements are selected from a group comprising light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and fluorescent materials.

[00028] In an embodiment, the door opener can include a control unit operatively coupled to the one or more sensors and at least one of the one or more illumination elements. The control unit can include one or more processors and a memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors. The control unit can be configured to control operation of the at least one of the one or more illumination elements based on the sensed one or more parameters by the one more sensors.

[00029] In an embodiment, the door opener can include one or more rotary devices configured with the foot rest member to rotate the foot rest member between the folded position and the extended position. The one or more rotary devices are operatively coupled to the control unit.

[00030] In an embodiment, the one or more rotary devices can be actuated on receipt of actuation signals from the control unit on the basis of sensed one or more parameters by the one more sensors. The one or more rotary devices can be selected from a group comprising alternating current (AC) motors, direct current (DC) motors, servo motors, stepper motors, and the like.

[00031] In an embodiment, the door opener can include one or more support structure configured between the mounting member and the door panel to facilitate pressure distribution on the door panel when the foot of the user is positioned to apply the door opening force on the foot rest member.

[00032] In an embodiment, the one or more support members extends from the mounting member to the foot rest member, to rigidly support the foot rest member, to avoid decoupling between the mounting member and the foot rest member.

[00033] In an embodiment, the door opener includes one or more second support members connecting the foot operated door opener coupled to the door panel of the door to prevent detachment of the foot operated door opener from the door panel.

[00034] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00035] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:

[00036] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of the proposed foot operated door opener, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00037] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary implementation of the proposed foot operated door opener on a door, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00038] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the proposed foot operated door opener, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00039] FIG. 3 illustrates the proposed foot operated door opener with support members, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00040] FIG. 4 illustrates the proposed foot operated door opener with a padding member on a foot rest member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00041] FIG. 5 illustrates a module diagram of the proposed foot operated door opener, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00042] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the proposed foot operated door opener to open and/or close doors having a latch, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00043] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[00044] Various methods described herein may be practiced by combining one or more machine -readable storage media containing the code according to the present invention with appropriate standard computer hardware to execute the code contained therein. An apparatus for practicing various embodiments of the present invention may involve one or more computers (or one or more processors within a single computer) and storage systems containing or having network access to computer program(s) coded in accordance with various methods described herein, and the method steps of the invention could be accomplished by engine s, routines, subroutines, or subparts of a computer program product.

[00045] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or“might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[00046] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,”“an,” and“the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of“in” includes“in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[00047] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.“such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[00048] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

[00049] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[00050] Embodiments explained herein relate to a foot operated sanitary door opener for a conventional door which allow a user to open the door by engaging the foot operated sanitary door opener with his/her foot. The foot operated sanitary door opener is foldable that allows folding of the door opener when not in use. The sanitary door opener is adapted to be installed at the bottom of a door in such a manner that a person can use his/her foot to pull the door open.

[00051] In an aspect, the disclosed foot operated door opener incudes a mounting member configured for fitment to a door panel of the door; a foot rest member pivotally coupled to the mounting member to move between a folded position in which the foot rest member moves towards the mounting member and an extended position in which the foot rest member moves away from the mounting member to allow opening of the door when a foot of a user is positioned to apply a door opening force on the foot rest member; and one or more support members coupled to the foot rest member for supporting the foot rest member to prevents movements of the foot rest member away from mounting member beyond a predefined limit.

[00052] In an embodiment, the foot rest member can be detachably coupled to the mounting member. The foot rest member can include a projection coupled to an outer end of the foot rest member. A padding member can be fitted on the at least a portion of the projection member to facilitate griping and cushioning to the foot of the user.

[00053] In an embodiment, the foot rest member can be operatively coupled to a door latch mechanism of the door to facilitate unlocking of a locked door and locking of an unlocked door.

[00054] In an embodiment, the foot rest member and the mounting member are made of any of a metal, metal alloys and polymeric materials.

[00055] In an embodiment, the one or more support members can be detachably coupled to a bottom surface of the foot rest member and extended towards a ground surface. The one or more support members may touch the ground surface when the foot rest member exceeds beyond the predefined limit to avoid decoupling between the mounting member and the foot rest member when the foot of the user is positioned to apply the door opening force on the foot rest member. The one or more support members can be made of elastic materials. The one or more support members can be any of a spherical shaped, circular shaped, elliptical shaped, a rectangular shaped, and a square shape.

[00056] In an embodiment, the door opener can include one or more sensors configured with any or both of the mounting member and the foot rest member to sense one or more parameters of one or more objects within a pre-defined area from the door opener. The one or more objects can be any or a combination of the user, animal, and articles.

[00057] In an embodiment, the one or more sensors can allows automatic movement, upon sensing of the one or more parameters, of the foot rest member between the folded position and the extended position. The one or more sensor can be selected from a group comprising proximity sensors, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, camera sensors, and the like. The one or more parameters of the one or more objects are any or combination of a distance of the one or more objects from the foot rest member and attributes of at least a part of the object.

[00058] In an embodiment, the door opener can include one or more illumination elements configured with any or combination of the mounting member and the foot rest member to enhance visibility of the mounting member and the foot rest member, and wherein the one or more illumination elements are selected from a group comprising light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and fluorescent materials.

[00059] In an embodiment, the door opener can include a control unit operatively coupled to the one or more sensors and at least one of the one or more illumination elements. The control unit can include one or more processors and a memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors. The control unit can be configured to control operation of the at least one of the one or more illumination elements based on the sensed one or more parameters by the one more sensors.

[00060] In an embodiment, the door opener can include one or more rotary devices configured with the foot rest member to rotate the foot rest member between the folded position and the extended position. The one or more rotary devices are operatively coupled to the control unit.

[00061] In an embodiment, the one or more rotary devices can be actuated on receipt of actuation signals from the control unit on the basis of sensed one or more parameters by the one more sensors. The one or more rotary devices can be selected from a group comprising alternating current (AC) motors, direct current (DC) motors, servo motors, stepper motors, and the like.

[00062] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of the proposed foot operated door opener, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1A, the foot operated sanitary door opener or proposed device 100 includes a mounting member (hereinafter, also referred to as mounting plate) 104 configured for fitment to a door panel 152 (shown in FIG. IB) of the door, and a foot rest member (hereinafter, also referred to as foot rest plate) 102 coupled to the mounting member 104. The foot rest member can be pivotally coupled to the mounting member 104 to move between a folded position in which the foot rest member 102 moves towards the mounting member 104 and an extended position in which the foot rest member 102 moves away from the mounting member 104 to allow opening of the door when a foot of a user is positioned to apply a door opening force on the foot rest member 102 as shown in FIG. IB.

[00063] In another exemplary embodiment, the foot rest plate 102 is foldable in nature. Due to foldable nature of the foot rest plate 102 it is easy to clean a bathroom or nearby area. Due to foldable nature, the door opener can be closed when not in use to avoid leg injuries.

[00064] In an embodiment, the foot rest member 102 and the mounting member 104 can be a plate shaped as shown in FIGs. 1A and IB. In another embodiment, the foot rest member 102 and mounting member 104 can be of any other suitable shape.

[00065] In an embodiment, the foot rest member 102 can be detachably coupled to the mounting member 104 which facilitate removal of the foot rest member 102 in order to avoid hurdle of the foot door opener 100 when not in use.

[00066] The foot rest member 102 can include a projection 106 coupled to an outer end of the foot rest member 102. A padding member 402 can be fitted on the at least a portion of the projection member 106 to facilitate griping and cushioning to the foot of the user (shown in FIG. 4).

[00067] In an embodiment, the foot operated door opener 100 can have one or more proximity sensors (not shown) to sense a user in close proximity of door opener 100. The foot rest plate 102 can be folded or unfolded based on detected presence of the user. For example, if the proximity sensor detects the user nearby the door or foot operated door opener 100 then the foot rest plate 102 can be unfolded/or moved to the extended position. In another example, when the pedal is not in use or presence of user is not detected in the close proximity of the door for a predefined period of time then the foot rest plate 102 can be folded up or moved to the folded position.

[00068] In another exemplary embodiment, the proximity sensor can be selected from any or combination of a capacitive proximity sensor or photoelectric sensor or an inductive proximity sensor.

[00069] In another embodiment, the mounting plate 104 includes fastening holes for the receipt and securement of conventional fasteners such as screws or bolts to enable fitment of the mounting plate 104 to the door panel 152. The mounting plate 104 can have at least one hole in a top portion of the mounting plate 104 to retrofit or mount the mounting plate 104 to an outer surface of the door panel 152.

[00070] In another embodiment, the mounting plate 104 and/or the foot rest plate 102 can be a shaped of rod as well instead of plate just like a footrest of the vehicle. [00071] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary implementation of the proposed foot operated door opener on a door, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. IB, the mounting plate 104 can be connected with a conventional door panel 152.

[00072] In another embodiment, the foot operated door opener 100 can allow the user to initiate the opening of the door by using either the top of his foot or shoe, or by using the bottom of his foot or shoe sole. The ability to use either the top or bottom of the shoe or foot ensures compatibility and functions with open or closed to persons who may have physical limitations or injury to their feet or lower body. The ability to use the bottom of the shoe sole also allows operation by delicate shoes, and avoids damage to the top of the shoe surface.

[00073] According to still further embodiments, the foot operated door opener 100 allows the user to avoid hand contact with the door for sanitary reasons when opening the door. Other example embodiments provide hands-free opening for home or commercial use when a person has their hands full carrying items. The foot operated door opener 100 may be beneficial in confined spaces and may be more comfortable for some users with physical or medical limitations.

[00074] In an embodiment, the foot rest member 102 and the mounting member 104 can be made of any or combination of a metal, metal alloys and polymeric materials.

[00075] In an embodiment, the door opener can include one or more support structure configured between the mounting member and the door panel to facilitate pressure distribution on the door panel when the foot of the user is positioned to apply the door opening force on the foot rest member.

[00076] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the proposed foot operated door opener, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. An illustration of a door being opened using a bottom surface of a user's foot or foot covering is shown in FIG. 2.

[00077] In an embodiment, the foot operated sanitary door opener allows users to open the door utilizing his/her foot by stepping onto the foot rest plate 102 or foot rest portion. [00078] In an embodiment, the foot rest plate 102 is foldable in nature. For example, for safety, the plate 102 can be initially configured in close position to avoid an injury, and comes in open position by depressing the pedal downward by a mechanism or by the foot of the users.

[00079] In another embodiment, the foot rest plate 102 can be provided with a spring or some other means to automatically return the pedal in close position when the user releases the foot rest plate 102 after use. The springs can be used to bias the foot rest plate 102 to return to an original position/folded position after being actuated.

[00080] FIG. 3 illustrates the proposed foot operated door opener with support members, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the foot operated door opener 100 can include one or more support members such as support members 302-1, and 302-2 (collectively referred to as support members 302) coupled to the foot rest member 102 for supporting the foot rest member 102 to prevents movements of the foot rest member 102 away from mounting member 104 beyond a predefined limit.

[00081] In an embodiment, the support members 302 can be detachably coupled to a bottom surface of the foot rest member 102 to allow removal of the support members 302 when required. The support members 302 can be extended towards a ground surface, and may touch the ground surface when the foot rest member 102 exceeds beyond the predefined limit to avoid decoupling between the mounting member 104 and the foot rest member 104 when the foot of the user is positioned to apply the door opening force on the foot rest member. The support members 302 can be made of elastic materials. The one or more support members can be any of a spherical shaped, circular shaped, elliptical shaped, a rectangular shaped, and a square shape.

[00082] In an exemplary embodiment, the each of the support members 302 can be a rubber/plastic ball. The support members 302 provides a support to the foot rest plate 102 and prevents being bent, beyond a limit, the foot rest plate 102 due to excessive force of the foot.

[00083] In another exemplary embodiment, the each of the support members 302 can be made of aluminium, and stainless steel. [00084] FIG. 4 illustrates the proposed foot operated door opener with a padding member on a foot rest member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the foot rest plate 102 can be provided with a padding member 402, made of rubber/plastic material, on a top surface a projection 106 of the foot rest plate 102. The padding member (hereinafter, interchangeably referred as “rubber padding”, “plastic padding” or “padding member”) 402 on the top surface the projection may provide better grip and cushioning to the foot of the user. As the foot rest plate with the rubber padding 402 so that it can even be used bare footed and less chances of being leg injured.

[00085] In another exemplary embodiment, the foot rest plate 102 can be embedded with a fluorescent material to make the pedal 102 visible in dark or night. The fluorescent material can enhance night visibility of the door opener 100 so that it is visible when it is dark and does not cause any harm. In another exemplary embodiment, the fluorescent material can be selected from a group comprising radium, photolumine scent material, phosphorescent glowing solution/, paint, powder etc.

[00086] FIG. 5 illustrates a module diagram of the proposed foot operated door opener/device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00087] In an embodiment, the proposed foot operated door opener/device 100 can include one or more sensors 504, a LED 502, a camera 506, one or more rotary devices 510 and a control unit 508 operatively coupled to the sensors 504, LED 502 and the camera 506 and the rotatory devices 510.

[00088] The control unit 508 can include one or more processors and a memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors. In an embodiment, the control unit 508 may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the control unit 508. In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the control unit 508 may be processor executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the control unit 508 may comprise a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine -readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the control unit 508. In such examples, the control unit 508 may comprise the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the control unit 508 and the processing resource. In other examples, the control unit 508 may be implemented by electronic circuitry. In another exemplary embodiment, the control unit 508 may be implemented as an artificial intelligence.

[00089] In another embodiment, the LED 502 can make the foot rest plate 102 visible in dark or night. In an embodiment, the LED 502 can be configured with any or combination of the mounting member 104, the foot rest member 102 and the door to enhance visibility of the foot operated door opener.

[00090] In an embodiment, the sensor 504 can be configured with any or both of the mounting member 104 and the foot rest member 102 to sense one or more parameters of one or more objects within a pre-defmed area from the door opener. The one or more objects can be any or a combination of the user, animal, and articles.

[00091] In an embodiment, the sensor 504 can allows automatic movement, upon sensing of the one or more parameters, of the foot rest member 102 between the folded position and the extended position. The sensor 504 can be selected from a group comprising proximity sensors, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, camera sensors, and the like. The one or more parameters of the one or more objects are any or combination of a distance of the one or more objects from the foot rest member and attributes of at least a part of the object.

[00092] In another embodiment, the control unit 508 can switch on and off the LED light based on the sensed one or more parameters or detected user. For example, if the sensor 504 detects nearby user then LED 502 can switch on.

[00093] In another embodiment, the camera 506 can capture the user activity or user appearance or shoe number of the user for any further use.

[00094] In another embodiment, the control unit 508 receives signals from the sensor 504 and the camera 506 on the basis of sensed one or more parameters and/or captured user activity or user appearance. In another embodiment, the control unit 508 can fold or unfold the foot rest member 102 based on the received signals. For example, if the sensor 504 detects the user nearby the door or foot operated door opener 100 then the foot rest plate 102 can be unfolded by the control unit 508. In another example, when the pedal is not in use then the foot rest plate 102 can be folded up by the control unit 508.

[00095] In an embodiment, the rotary devices 510 can be configured with the foot rest member 102 to rotate the foot rest member between the folded position and the extended position. The rotary devices 510 can be actuated on receipt of actuation signals from the control unit 508 on the basis of received signals.

[00096] In an embodiment, the rotary devices 510 can be selected from a group comprising alternating current (AC) motors, direct current (DC) motors, servo motors, stepper motors, and the like.

[00097] In another exemplary embodiment, the foot operated door opener 100 can be operated in the same manner as a conventional door opening device, when the force applied is below the predetermined threshold

[00098] In another exemplary embodiment, the proposed solution provides users a highly safe, hygienic, hand free door opener assembly for toilets, bathrooms or some other similar application.

[00099] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the proposed foot operated door opener to open and/or close doors having a latch, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[000100] As shown in FIG. 6, a door panel 152 can have a latch mechanism 602 that can be placed on bottom or top or any portion of the door panel 152. The latch mechanism 602 can be operated by using a string or rod. The latch mechanism 602 can be directly operated by using hand.

[000101] In an embodiment, the door panel 152 can have a normal latch mechanism 604 with a lock and key. Instead of handle or knob a plate/paddle 102 operatively coupled to the latch mechanism 604 can be used. The paddle 102 can be operated using a leg instead of hand of a user to open or close the door. In an exemplary embodiment, if the user press downs the paddle 102 then it can unlatch the door by unlatching the latching mechanism. [000102] In an embodiment, the normal latch mechanism 604 can be inserted in the wall like a normal latch or it can be inserted in the ground depending on ease of function.

[000103] In another exemplary embodiment, the foot operated door opener 100 can be used for glass or conventional weak doors. Additional supports can be provided for weak/delicate doors like glass doors to distribute the pressure of the foot while opening the door. For example, one or more support structure can be provided between the mounting member (104) and the door panel (152) to facilitate pressure distribution on the door panel (152) door when the foot of the user is positioned to apply the door opening force on the foot rest member (102). This can be achieved by using different designs or using different kinds of materials which may absorb or distribute the load and/or pressure and reduce the possibility of damage of the door because of the foot operated door opener. Additional cross pillars or any other design may provide the support and distribute the pressure can be provided. In an embodiment, a large plate or section can be used which may be fitted as a whole along with the foot operated door opener to prevent damage to the door, and to make this device workable on weak doors like glass doors. The additional support to the foot operated opener so that the pressure from top may not be directly act only on the door fittings (screws).

[000104] In another exemplary embodiment, the door opener can be made of any of rubber, plastic, magnet or metal or combination of them depending on the requirement, design, price, usage etc.

[000105] In another exemplary embodiment, the door opener can have a wheel to avoid the pressure of the door opener on the door surface.

[000106] According to an exemplary embodiment, the foot operated door opener is made of strong durable material that has a pretension quality that allows the material to maintain the primary shape while still have a degree of flexibility. In further embodiments, the material is stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or plastic. In still further embodiments, the material is a composite, such as carbon fiber or Kevlar.

[000107] In example embodiments, the foot operated door opener is made from a single piece of durable material and is in the shape of a smooth wave that allows the foot or shoe to comfortably slide in and out and on and off of the opener without damage to the person's foot or shoe. In further embodiments, the overall side-to-side shape is in a smooth arc, extending from the door mounting. This shape prevents the user from being hindered during operation due to the catching of clothing or shoe laces or any similar item or object that the person may be carrying or wearing. In example embodiments, the foot-operated door opener easily mounts to the lower door surface area by use of screws or bolts fastened through the opener material utilizing pre-existing holes and into the door material.

[000108] According to exemplary embodiments, the foot operated door opener utilizes its unique curved design, along with the durable slightly flexible material to provide opposing tension to the user's bottom of his shoe or foot, or to the top of the user's shoe or foot, which naturally aids in keeping the door opener in contact with the user's foot during operation.

[000109] In still further embodiments, the foot operated door opener can serves as a door stopper when the door to which it is attached is fully opened, eliminating the need for a separate door stopping device to protect the wall.

[000110] In another embodiment, the door stopper can be using a magnet below or the front side of the plate of the foot rest or some other functionality.

[000111] In another exemplary embodiment, the foot operated door opener can have a power source or energy source such as a battery and/or solar and/or electricity.

[000112] In another exemplary embodiment, the foot rest plate and a door knob can have mechanical connection between press mechanisms of the knob which gets operated using the foot rest plate 102 for opening the door.

[000113] In another exemplary embodiment, the foot rest plate 102 of the present invention is composed of a strong and durable material which has some flexing ability. Preferably, the foot operated door opener is manufactured from a metal material. More preferably, the foot operated door opener is manufactured from brass or stainless steel. The foot operated door opener of the present preferably is manufactured from a single piece of material and is bent to form the several faces. However, it is to be understood that the sanitary door opener can be manufactured from more than a single piece of material without deviating from the present invention. Moreover, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the foot operated door opener of the present invention can be manufactured from a strong and durable non-metal material, including for example, plastics, fiberglass and even wood.

[000114] In addition to the sanitary and medical benefits of the present invention, embodiments may be employed as hands-free openers where a user is prohibited from using the user's hands to engage a door handle. For example, in a restaurant setting, a server, with trays in the server's hands, may use embodiments to open doors without putting the trays down.

[000115] In another exemplary embodiment, the foot operated door opener can be attached to typical home doors ranging from 24" to 36" in width, to heavier commercial property or fire doors.

[000116] In another exemplary embodiment, the proposed device can include a door lock. For example, if user presses the door opener (which will be without wheels - not for weak doors) then it will lock the door and if the user presses it again it will unlock/release the lock. The door lock can make a complete device for the door - i.e. door opening, closing, locking and stopper.

[000117] In another exemplary embodiment, the proposed door opener can be push and pull for door opening and closing. The proposed door opener can try to change the habit of a person and that is possible only if this is a hands free door opening and closing.

[000118] In another exemplary embodiment, the proposed door opener can be used for sliding door.

[000119] It may be appreciated that, the proposed system can be used for all public places doors (hospitals, offices etc... ).

[000120] In another exemplary embodiment, the proposed door opener can include a door opening and closing mechanism. The door opening and closing mechanism majorly can be used for sliding doors. In the door opening and closing mechanism, instead of pull it can be slide on left or right. The proposed design of the system assists in a support on left or right side of the foot depending the sliding.

[000121] It may be appreciated that, the foot operated door opener preferably are composed of a non-metal material and more preferably are composed of a durable plastic material. Suitable examples of such durable plastic materials include polyethylenes, polypropylenes, ethylene -propylene copolymers, polystyrenes, polyvinylchlorides, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers such as Dupont's Cycolac™ ABS copolymers, polycarbonates, such as GE Plastics Lexan™ polycarbonates, nylons, such as Dupont's Zytel™ nylon, glass or mineral-filled nylons, such as Dupont's Minion™ nylon resins, polybutylene terephthalate copolymers, such as GE Plastics Valox™ PBT resins, polytetrafluoroethylenes (PTFE), copolymers of ABS and PTFE, such as GE Plastics Cycoloy™, PTFE— acetal resins, such as Dupont's Delrin™resins, Advanced Elastomer Systems' Santoprene™ and mixtures thereof. Other non-metal materials include for example, neoprenes (hard rubber materials), graphites and wood. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these non-metal materials are merely examples of suitable materials and other durable plastic materials are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

[000122] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that even though the present disclosure explains that the proposed foot operated door opener can be implemented doors of washrooms, however, the implementation is not restricted to the same and may also be implemented in house hold items like refrigerator, table drawers (like office, study tables) and even car with suitable modifications, all are within scope of the present disclosure.

[000123] For example, while implementation of the proposed foot operated door opener in refrigerator, table drawers (like office, study tables) which comparatively may have small doors than the doors of washrooms, the proposed foot operated door opener instead of folding it may slide (slide in slide out) under the door of the refrigerator, table drawers (like office, study tables) when it is not in use or if user do not want to use it.

[000124] Thus, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.

[000125] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as described in the claim.

[000126] In the foregoing description, numerous details are set forth. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[000127] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other)and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean“communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.

[000128] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms“comprises” and“comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ....and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the appended claims.

[000129] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[000130] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention

[000131] In the description of the present specification, reference to the term "one embodiment," "an embodiments", "an example", "an instance", or "some examples" and the description is meant in connection with the embodiment or example described The particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic included in the present invention, at least one embodiment or example. In the present specification, the term of the above schematic representation is not necessarily for the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features structures, materials, or characteristics described in any one or more embodiments or examples in proper manner. Moreover, those skilled in the art can be described in the specification of different embodiments or examples are joined and combinations thereof.

[000132] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[000133] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[000134] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[000135] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art. ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[000136] The present disclosure provides an improved foot operated sanitary door opener for a conventional door, which allows a user to open the door by using his/her foot.

[000137] The present disclosure provides a foldable foot operated door opener which allows folding of the door opener when not in use.

[000138] The present disclosure provides a foot operated sanitary door opener with automatic folding and unfolding feature.

[000139] The present disclosure provides a foot operated sanitary door opener which can be use bare footed and with less chances of being harmed.

[000140] The present disclosure provides a foot operated sanitary door opener to be mounted to a bottom portion of a door, which allows the user to open an inward swinging door by simply stepping and applying inward force on a foot rest plate of the door opener.

[000141] The present disclosure provides a foot operated sanitary door opener with fluorescent material and/or LEDs to make the door opener visible in dark or night.

[000142] The present disclosure provides a simple and durable the foot operated door opener which can be used as a door stopper.

[000143] The present disclosure provides an efficient and cost-effective foot operated sanitary door opener which can be easily implemented to allow a user to open a door by using his/her foot.

Claims

I Claim:

1. A foot operated door opener (100) for a door, the door opener (100) comprising:

a mounting member (104) configured for fitment to a door panel (152) of the door;

a foot rest member (102) pivotally coupled to the mounting member (104) to move between a folded position in which the foot rest member (102) moves towards the mounting member (104) and an extended position in which the foot rest member (102) moves away from the mounting member (104) to allow opening of the door when a foot of a user is positioned to apply a door opening force on the foot rest member (102); and

one or more support members (302) coupled to the foot rest member (102) for supporting the foot rest member (102) to prevents movements of the foot rest member (102) away from the mounting member (104) beyond a predefined limit, wherein the one or more support members (302) are detachably coupled to the foot rest member (102).

2. The door opener (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foot rest member (102) is detachably coupled to the mounting member (104) and the foot rest member (102) comprises a projection (106) coupled to an outer end of the foot rest member (102), and wherein a padding member (402) is fitted on the at least a portion of the projection (106) to facilitate griping and cushioning to the foot of the user.

3. The door opener (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foot rest member (102) is operatively coupled to a door latch mechanism of the door to facilitate unlocking of a locked door and locking of an unlocked door, and wherein the foot rest member (102) and the mounting member (104) are made of any of a metal, metal alloys and polymeric materials.

4. The door opener (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more support members (302) avoid decoupling between the mounting member (104) and the foot rest member (102) when the foot rest member (102) just exceeds beyond the predefined limit, and wherein the one or more support members (302) are made of elastic materials, and are any of a spherical shaped, circular shaped, elliptical shaped, a rectangular shaped, and a square shape.

5. The door opener (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the door opener (100) comprises one or more sensors (504) configured with any or both of the mounting member (104) and the foot rest member (102) to sense one or more parameters of one or more objects within a pre-defmed area from the door opener (100), and wherein the one or more objects are any or a combination of the user, animal, and articles.

6. The door opener (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more sensors (504) allows automatic movement, upon sensing of the one or more parameters, of the foot rest member (102) between the folded position and the extended position, the one or more sensor are selected from a group comprising proximity sensors, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor and a camera sensor (506), and wherein the one or more parameters of the one or more objects are any or combination of a distance of the one or more objects from the foot rest member (102) and attributes of at least a part of the object.

7. The door opener (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the door opener (100) comprises one or more illumination elements configured with any or combination of the mounting member (104) and the foot rest member (102) to enhance visibility of the mounting member (104) and the foot rest member (102), and wherein the one or more illumination elements are selected from a group comprising light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and fluorescent materials.

8. The door opener (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the door opener (100) comprises a control unit (508) operatively coupled to the one or more sensors (504) and at least one of the one or more illumination elements, wherein the control unit (508) comprises one or more processors and a memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors, and wherein the control unit (508) is configured to control operation of the at least one of the one or more illumination elements based on the sensed one or more parameters by the one more sensors (504).

9. The door opener (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the door opener (100) comprises one or more rotary devices (510) configured with the foot rest member (102) to rotate the foot rest member (102) between the folded position and the extended position, wherein the one or more rotary devices (510) are operatively coupled to the control unit (508).

10. The door opener (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more rotary devices (510) are actuated on receipt of actuation signals from the control unit (508) on the basis of sensed one or more parameters by the one more sensors (504), and wherein the one or more rotary devices (510) are selected from a group comprising alternating current (AC) motors, direct current (DC) motors, servo motors, and stepper motors.

11. The door opener (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the door opener (100) comprises one or more support structure configured between the mounting member (104) and the door panel (152) to facilitate pressure distribution on the door panel (152) when the foot of the user is positioned to apply the door opening force on the foot rest member (102).

12. The door opener (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more support members (302) extends from the mounting member (104) to the foot rest member (102), to rigidly support the foot rest member (102), to avoid decoupling between the mounting member (104) and the foot rest member (102).

13. The door opener (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the door opener (100) includes one or more second support members connecting the foot operated door opener (100) coupled to the door panel (152) of the door to prevents detachment of the foot operated door opener (100) from the door panel (152).