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...

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