Systems and Methods Providing Hands Free Water Faucet Control

Abstract

Hands free system providing user control and regulation of water flow and temperature mix using “foot actuated” devices. Hands free system is adaptable to pre-existing water faucets and conventional plumbing, enabling full integration of an adjustable foot operated device with conventional hand operated water faucets. The hand free water system includes a control state module for providing a user with BYPASS, ON, OFF, HOT and COLD modes of operation. Hardware can include a sealed chamber body adapted for containing a mixing ball valve and having chamber ports further serving as internal passages to channels adapted to said sealed chamber body for connection to water line tubing. The mixing ball can include delivery and exit ports through which water can enter and exit and is adapted for rotation in relation to the fixed chamber body for selective alignment with said chamber ports. A foot controllable actuator in operational connection with said mixing ball valve, wherein rotation of said mixing ball valve with said foot controllable actuator offer user over control water flow rate and temperature.

Description

APPLICATION PRIORITY [0001] This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 456,085, filed Jun. 6, 2003, entitled “Systems and Methods Providing Hands Free Water Faucet Control”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 461,922, filed Apr. 10, 2003, entitled “Systems and Methods Providing Hands Free Water Faucet Control”, and the specifications and claims thereof are hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The field of the present invention generally relates to systems and methods for controlling and regulating water flow and temperature mix using “hands free” devices in conjunction with conventional water faucets. The present invention more particularly relates to the integration of an adjustable foot operated device with conventional hand operated water faucets. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Traditional sinks and basins typically are equipped with “hand operated” faucets to provide...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the “hands free” device features a “BYPASS” state, which places the mixing ball valve's orientation in the maximum flow rate of hot water, only. Since the output channel of the chamber body assembly and mixing ball valve is in an in-line supply or series arrangement with the conventional faucet's corresponding “hot water” control valve, assertion of the “hands free” device in the “BYPASS” state provides a single source of supply of hot water to the conventional faucet. The cold water is in a constant supply or parallel arrangement to both the “cold water” input channel of the chamber body and to the conventional faucet's corresponding “cold water” control valve. The purpose of the “BYPASS” state, is to allow the user full “hand operated” control of the output via the conventional faucet control valves.

[0014] Also in accordance with addressing the limitations of the prior art, presented are new and improved methods of asserting and controlling the “hands free” device to regulate the flow rate and temperature mix. The present invention features a systematic and a straightforward approach to presetting the “hands free” device that are both ergonomic and economic. In addition to the benefits of the convenience of the “hands free” feature of the device, the ease of operation and cost of ownership are prime factors in the solution of reducing the waste of clean water and associated energy resources.

Problems solved by technology

For example, in initial conditions where both hands are contaminated and is undesirable to spread the contamination to the faucet controls, the single user must rely on secondary measures to manipulate conventional faucet valves and mechanisms to initiate the desired output.

Similarly, in post conditions where both hands have been thoroughly scrubbed and free of contamination and is undesirable to contract any contamination by direct hand contact with the faucet controls, the single user must rely on secondary measures to shut off the faucet output.

The inconvenience of setting flow rates and temperature mixes prior, during, and possibly after an operation increase when requirements of an operation demand sequentially setting of different rates and mixes.

Further complications arise when two or more users have access to the same delivery system and an individual assumes the status of the systems' presets to be in accordance to their particular setting.

An incorrect assumption, on the part of an individual on the present state of that system, may result in personnel or product safety issues.

Furthermore, waste of clean water during the normal set-up of the initial conditions, plus the energy expended in the heating and possible conditioning of the water should also be a concern.

Furthermore, the waste of clean water and energy resources only increases in a multi-user scenario.

Images