Hands-free door opener

Abstract

A hands-free door operator includes a housing attachable to a hinged door, an actuation arm configured to receive foot pressure, and a door opening arm configured to couple to a nearby structure. Foot pressure on the actuation arm initiates a mechanical sequence using a rack and pinion assembly and springs of varying force to open the door. A toggle lever temporarily restrains a return spring to allow the door to open under the force of the weaker spring, then releases the return spring to automatically reclose the door. The system enables door operation by a single foot input without the need to use hands.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 568,028, filed March 21, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to door opening mechanisms, specifically to a foot-operated door opening device that enables the door to be opened without hand contact. Background Technology

[0004] In the public health and hygiene sector, the spread of pathogens and germs through common surfaces in public and private spaces has long been a concern. Traditional door opening mechanisms, such as handles and knobs, require direct physical contact, typically by hand. This operation poses a significant risk of the transmission of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, between people. This problem is particularly pronounced in high-traffic and frequently used environments, such as public restrooms, hospitals, and food preparation areas, where the likelihood of cross-contamination is significantly higher. Maintaining hygiene standards in such environments is crucial for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

[0005] Public and shared environments, including restrooms, hospitals, food service establishments, and educational facilities, are high-traffic areas where individuals frequently come into contact with various surfaces, including doorknobs. These surfaces can act as vectors for a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, leading to the spread of infectious diseases. The most common pathogens that can be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces include influenza viruses, noroviruses, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and various coronavirus strains, including those that cause outbreaks of diseases such as COVID-19.

[0006] These pathogens can spread and enter the body when an individual touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face, especially the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, or eyes. This mode of transmission is particularly concerning in public restrooms because the presence of fecal bacteria increases the risk of disease transmission. Handwashing is a key measure to prevent the spread of disease; however, the need to touch doorknobs after washing hands may negate the benefits of handwashing.

[0007] Various solutions have been proposed and implemented to address the problem of germ transmission via door handles, including the use of antimicrobial coatings and encouragement of hand hygiene. However, these methods have limitations. Antimicrobial coatings wear off over time and require regular maintenance, while hand hygiene relies heavily on individual compliance, which cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, in some environments, it is not always possible to wash hands before touching door handles.

[0008] The emergence of contactless technologies, such as automatic doors, offers a way to mitigate the problems associated with direct contact with door surfaces. However, the cost, complexity, and space requirements of installing such systems can be prohibitive, especially in existing structures or smaller spaces where retrofitting may be difficult. Furthermore, automatic door systems typically require electricity, which can further complicate installation in locations without readily available electrical infrastructure or in scenarios where power reliability is questionable.

[0009] The spread of infection via surface contact in public places poses a significant public health challenge, including increased disease incidence, increased demand for healthcare resources, and economic impacts related to lost productivity and healthcare care. Given these challenges, there is a recognized need for innovative approaches to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission via surface contact, particularly in high-risk environments such as public restrooms. Developing facilities that minimize direct hand contact with potentially contaminated surfaces is a potential strategy to enhance public health and safety by reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a simple and cost-effective solution that can be easily applied in a wide range of environments to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission via door surfaces. Ideally, such a solution should have a simple mechanical structure, be electricity-free, and be able to be installed into existing door mechanisms without significant modifications. The solution should enhance public health and hygiene practices in a practical and widely applicable manner across a wide range of facilities, including public restrooms, hospitals, private residences, and commercial kitchens. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In a first general aspect, a hands-free door operating device for a hinged door is provided, including a housing configured to attach to the door. A first actuation mechanism extends from the housing and includes an actuating arm configured to receive foot pressure. An opening mechanism also extends from the housing and includes an opening arm configured to engage with a structure adjacent to the door and apply a pulling or pushing force to the structure to open or close the door, respectively. The actuating arm moves in response to foot pressure to actuate the opening mechanism, thereby providing a hands-free operating mechanism for moving the door from a closed position to an open position.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first general aspect, the actuation mechanism is a first rotatable gear shaft, and the door opening mechanism is a second rotatable gear shaft. Further embodiments include a closing rack-pinion assembly operably associated with the first rotatable shaft, and an opening rack-pinion assembly operably associated with the second rotatable shaft, wherein each rack-pinion assembly is configured to convert rotational motion of its respective rotatable shaft into linear motion of its respective rack. Furthermore, the device may include a first spring biasing the closing rack toward the opening rack, and a second spring biasing the opening rack toward the closing rack, wherein the first spring has a greater spring force than the second spring.

[0013] In another embodiment, the toggle lever is configured to prevent the closing rack from returning under the force of the first spring until the opening rack has moved a sufficient distance to rotate the second rotatable shaft. The toggle lever may be spring-biased to move relative to the closing rack between a blocked position and a released position. In another embodiment, a link may be attached to the opening arm and a structure adjacent to the door, such that rotation of the second rotatable shaft pulls or pushes the door relative to the structure via the opening arm. The link may be pivotally connected to the opening arm at a first end and to the structure at a second end. Each of the closing rack and the opening rack may be formed as a hollow, elongated cylinder that at least partially surrounds its respective spring.

[0014] In a second general aspect, a hands-free door operating device for a hinged door is provided, comprising a housing attachable to the door and enclosing a first rack-pinion assembly and a second rack-pinion assembly, the first and second rack-pinion assemblies each having a first rack and a first spring, and a second rack and a second spring, the first and second racks being independently biased toward each other by the first and second springs. The spring force of the first spring is greater than the spring force of the second spring. An actuating arm is coupled to the first rack-pinion assembly and configured to translate the first rack and compress the first spring in response to foot pressure, thereby allowing the second rack to translate under the pushing force of the second spring. An opening arm is mechanically connected to the second rack-pinion assembly and configured to be connected via a linkage to a structure adjacent to the door, such that the door moves from a closed position to an open position by a single action of the actuating arm, and subsequently returns to the closed position by the first spring.

[0015] In some embodiments of the second general aspect, the toggle lever is configured to hold the first rack in its compressed position against the force of the first spring, while allowing the second rack to translate under the pushing force of the second spring, and releasing the first rack after the second rack has advanced a sufficient distance to open the door. In an alternative embodiment, the toggle lever is configured to restrict the movement of the first rack under the force of the stronger first spring until the second rack has moved a sufficient distance to switch the toggle lever and release the first rack, after which the stronger spring pushes the second rack to move the door from the open position back toward the closed position.

[0016] In another embodiment, the toggle lever is pivotally mounted on a support of the housing and includes an abutment configured to engage an end of the first rack. The toggle lever can be pushed upwards by a lever spring toward the translational plane of the first and second racks, the lever spring biasing the abutment to a blocking position until the second rack translates a sufficient distance to push the toggle lever downwards away from the translational plane of the first and second racks. Each of the first and second racks can be a hollow, elongated cylinder partially housing its respective spring within an internal cavity and can be arranged generally parallel to each other within the housing. A foot pedal can also be located at the distal end of the actuating arm and positioned to receive a user's foot when the housing is mounted on the lower part of the door.

[0017] In a third general aspect, a hands-free door operating device for a hinged door is provided, comprising a housing attachable to the door. A first gear shaft is at least partially disposed within the housing and includes an actuating arm configured to receive foot input. A second gear shaft is also at least partially disposed within the housing and includes an opening arm configured to be connected to an adjacent structure of the door via a linkage. A first rack-pinion assembly is associated with the first gear shaft and biased by a first spring having a greater force. A second rack-pinion assembly is associated with the second gear shaft and biased by a second spring having a smaller force.

[0018] The housing includes a toggle lever configured to, when the actuating arm is depressed, overcome the biasing force of the first spring to hold the first rack in a compressed state, thereby allowing the second rack to translate under the biasing force of the second spring and rotate the second gear shaft to move the door from a closed position to an open position. The toggle lever then releases the first rack, causing the first spring to move the second rack and return the door to the closed position. In this way, the hinged door is opened and closed with a single foot actuation.

[0019] In some embodiments of the third general aspect, the toggle lever is pivotally mounted in the bottom region of the housing and includes an abutment configured to engage the first rack when the actuating arm is depressed. Furthermore, each of the first and second racks may be formed as a hollow, elongated cylinder that at least partially surrounds its respective spring.

[0020] As detailed in this article, hands-free door openers offer several significant advantages over traditional door opening methods, particularly in terms of enhanced usability, improved hygiene, and improved accessibility. These benefits are crucial in both public and private environments, demonstrating broad applicability and the potential to address contemporary needs.

[0021] One advantage of door openers is their contribution to improved hygiene. By enabling users to open and close doors without using their hands, the risk of spreading germs and viruses through door surfaces is significantly reduced. This is particularly valuable in healthcare settings such as hospitals and clinics, where maintaining a sterile environment is crucial to preventing the spread of infection. Furthermore, during periods of heightened public health concerns, such as flu season or pandemics, hands-free operation can promote public health safety in commercial and educational institutions by minimizing points of contact where pathogens may hide.

[0022] Another advantage of hands-free door openers is their enhanced accessibility. They are particularly beneficial for people with disabilities or those who may have difficulty using traditional knobs or handles due to physical limitations. The foot-operated mechanism allows for greater independence for those with upper limb mobility restrictions, making it a thoughtful addition to public buildings, restrooms, and residences committed to improving inclusivity. The simple act of using a foot to operate the door opener makes it easier for everyone to enter and exit, including those carrying heavy items or parents pushing strollers, thus improving overall user convenience.

[0023] Thanks to its robust construction and adaptable design, the door opener is durable and compatible with a wide range of door types. The housing uses robust materials such as steel or aluminum, ensuring the opener can withstand the wear and tear of daily use and cleaning, and is resistant to chemicals, especially those used in commercial, business, hospital, or other non-residential environments, and is suitable for high-traffic areas. The opener can be installed on swing doors made of any material, this versatility enhancing its suitability for different architectural styles and environments, including modern office buildings, hospitals, and traditional educational institutions. An internal spring mechanism within the rack and pinion assembly ensures smooth and reliable operation, helping to extend the device's lifespan and reduce the need for frequent maintenance.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. While similar or equivalent methods and materials may be used to implement or test any of the described embodiments, suitable methods and materials are described below. Furthermore, materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the model. In the event of any conflict with the terminology used in the art, this specification (including its definitions) shall prevail.

[0025] The foregoing description of the invention is merely illustrative and not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description and claims, in addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above. Attached Figure Description

[0026] This embodiment is illustrated with accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. Similar reference numerals denote similar elements, and wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a hands-free door opener according to one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 A door opener operatively attached to a hinged door according to one embodiment is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The left front view of the door opener;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The left-side front view of the door opener is shown, with the door opener housing removed.

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The right-side front view of the door opener shown;

[0032] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of the base and toggle switch of a door opener according to one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 7 The rotation of the door opening arm and the movement of internal components of a door opener according to one embodiment are shown;

[0034] Figure 8 This is an enlarged view of the base and toggle switch of the door opener during opening operation, according to one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 9 This is an enlarged view of the base of a door opener according to one embodiment, showing the internal components;

[0036] Figure 10 The movement of internal components of a door opener during opening operation is shown according to one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 11 The movement of internal components of the door opener during a door opening operation, according to one embodiment, is shown; and

[0038] Figure 12 The movement of internal components of the door opener after the opening and closing operations are completed, according to one embodiment, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1 This refers to a hands-free door opener 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "door opener") according to one embodiment. The door opener 100 enables hands-free opening and closing of a swing door, one side of which is hinged to a wall or other frame. The term "hands-free" has its general meaning. In the context of this disclosure, "hands-free" refers to opening and closing a door without using human hands.

[0040] In this embodiment, the door opener 100 includes a housing 101 that encloses various mechanical components, which will be described in more detail herein. The housing is made of a robust material, such as steel, aluminum, or other materials resistant to normal wear and tear for the type of operation described herein. In this embodiment, the housing 101 includes three through holes 102, 103, and 104 that allow the housing 101 to be securely attached to a door using screws, bolts, or other suitable fastening mechanisms. The housing 101 can be attached to any type of swing door made of any material and is intended to be mounted on the lower part of the door for foot actuation. In this embodiment, the door opener 100 includes a front surface 110 and a rear surface 115, as shown, with the rear surface opposite the front surface.

[0041] Brief Reference Figure 2 When installed on door D, the door opener 100 is oriented such that the front surface 110 is closest to the handle side of door D, and the rear surface 115 is closest to the hinge side H of door D, as shown in the figure. Upon completion of installation, the anchor 160 is securely attached to a portion of the wall W on which door D is installed; alternatively, the anchor 160 may be attached to a wall adjacent to the wall on which door D is installed. The pull rod 150 is attached to the anchor 160 at its distal end and to the door opener 100 at its proximal end, as described in more detail below.

[0042] Return to reference Figure 1In this embodiment, the door opener 100 includes an actuation mechanism. In this example, the actuation mechanism is a first rotatable gear shaft 165. The distal portion of the first rotatable gear shaft 165 extends through a first hole closest to the front surface 110 to the outside of the housing 101, and at the distal portion of the first rotatable gear shaft, is coupled to the proximal end (125) of the actuation arm 130 via a first hub 120. The first gear shaft 165 is operatively connected to the “closing” rack-pinion assembly 185, which will be described in more detail herein. In alternative embodiments, the actuation mechanism may be, for example, but not limited to, a sliding gear shaft or other mechanism. As shown, a foot pedal 135 is attached to the distal end (137) of the actuation arm 130. The foot pedal 135 is appropriately sized and shaped for a user’s foot or shoe to step on, and may be textured, surface-treated, or material-applied thereto provide sufficient friction when the user operates the actuation arm 130. The actuation arm 130 along Figure 1 Rotation in the general direction indicated by the dashed double arrow causes the first gear shaft 165 to rotate about its axis and drive the rack-pinion assembly 185, as described in more detail herein. The first hub 120 may include a key, spline, set screw, or other locking hardware to securely lock the actuator arm 130 to the first gear shaft 165, thereby ensuring that the two components remain connected and rotate synchronously without slippage.

[0043] In this embodiment, the door opener 100 includes an opening mechanism. In this example, the opening mechanism is a second rotatable gear shaft 170. The distal portion of the second gear shaft 170 extends through a second hole near the rearmost surface 115 of the housing 101 and, as shown, is coupled to the proximal end (142) of the door opening arm 140 via a second hub 136. The second rotatable gear shaft 170 is operatively connected to a “door opening” rack-pinion assembly 190 as described in more detail herein. In alternative embodiments, the opening mechanism may be, for example, but not limited to, a sliding gear shaft or other door opening mechanisms. The door opening arm 140 includes a distal portion 145 connected to... Figure 2 The proximal end of the pull rod 150. In this embodiment, the distal end 145 of the door opening arm 140 includes a hole that allows the door opening arm to be coupled to the pull rod 150 using suitable coupling or attachment hardware; however, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, other methods can be used to achieve the coupling from the door opening arm to the pull rod. The second hub 136 may include a key, spline, set screw, or other locking hardware to securely lock the door opening arm 140 to the second gear shaft 170, ensuring that the two components rotate together without slippage.

[0044] Now for reference Figures 3 to 12 The operation and mechanical structure of the door opener 100 are described according to one embodiment. In the following description, some reference numerals are omitted for clarity of the drawings. Figure 3The first image shows a front view of the left side of the door opener. The door opener is attached to the door (for clarity, in...). Figures 3 to 12 (Door not shown in the diagram), so that the right side, opposite to the left side of the diagram, faces the door surface.

[0045] Figure 4 It shows that it is in the same position as Figure 3 A door opener 100 with the same configuration, wherein the housing is removed to show the internal components; however, the boundary of the housing 101 is shown in dashed lines. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The door opener 100 shown is in a "ready configuration" in which the door is closed and the door opener 100 is ready for the operator to actuate by placing their foot on pedal 135. In this configuration, as shown, the actuating arm 130 is positioned at an upward angle of approximately 45 degrees, but other angles may also be used. Similarly, as shown, the door opening arm 140 is positioned at an upward angle of approximately 45 degrees, but other angles may also be used.

[0046] In this embodiment, the door opener 100 includes a closing rack-pinion assembly 185 and an opening rack-pinion assembly 190, both of which are connected to internal compression springs 200 and 215, respectively. The door opener 100 further includes a base 230 with a toggle lever 275 (see [link]). Figure 6 The rack and pinion assemblies 185, 190 and the base 230 cooperate to perform the opening and closing operations, which will now be described in detail.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a front view of the right side of the door opener 100 with housing 101 removed. (Reference) Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the door closing rack-pinion assembly 185 includes a door closing rack 195 and a door closing pinion 245. The door closing pinion 245 is located on the proximal portion of the first gear shaft 165 and positioned below and engages with the door closing rack 195. The door closing rack 195 is a hollow, elongated cylinder that partially houses the spring 200. The door closing pinion 245 includes teeth that mesh with the teeth 255 of the door closing rack 195. The door closing pinion 245 is circumferentially arranged on the gear shaft 165 such that when the actuating arm 130 rotates, the gear shaft 165 and the door closing pinion 245 are aligned according to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The closing rack 195 is driven laterally in the left-right direction and vice versa. The closing rack-pinion assembly 185 further includes a closing spring 200 that extends from the end cap 205 connected to the left side (180) of the housing 101 to the distal end 260 of the closing rack 195.

[0048] The door opening rack-pinion assembly 190 includes a door opening rack 210 and a door opening pinion 240. The door opening pinion 240 is located on the proximal portion of the second gear shaft 170 and is positioned below and engages with the door opening rack 210. The door opening rack 210 is a hollow, elongated cylinder that partially accommodates a spring 215. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the middle, spring 215 is compressed within the door-opening rack 210 (therefore only partially visible). Door-opening pinion 240 includes teeth that mesh with the teeth 250 of the door-opening rack 210. Door-opening pinion 240 is circumferentially arranged on gear shaft 170, such that when the door-opening rack 210... Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the mechanism moves laterally, the door opening pinion 240 and the gear shaft 170 rotate synchronously, which drives the rotation of the drive arm 140, and vice versa. The spring 215 of the door opening rack-pinion assembly 190 extends from the end cap 220 connected to the right side (225) of the housing 101 to the distal end 265 of the door opening rack 210.

[0049] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 9 In this embodiment, the base 230 includes a support column 270 that supports a spring-loaded toggle link 275. The toggle link 275 is pivotable about an axis 290 between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the toggle link 275 is flat (i.e., horizontal), while in the second configuration the toggle link is tilted such that the abutment side 280 of the toggle link is raised, as... Figure 6 As shown. During operation of the door opener 100, the abutment side 280 of the toggle lever 275 abuts against the distal portion (260) of the closing rack 195, as described in more detail below. Figure 9 As per convention, the vertically oriented spring 285 is positioned below the abutment side 280 of the toggle lever and applies a constant spring force in the upward direction. During the opening of the door, as the racks 195 and 210 move, the toggle lever 275 switches between a first configuration and a second configuration, as described below.

[0050] Refer again Figure 4 The door opener is in a "ready configuration", where the door ( Figure 4 (Not shown in the diagram) is in the closed position. In this configuration, the closing spring 200 applies a pushing force against the left side 180 of the housing 101, thereby pushing the closing rack 195 to the right and also pushing the opening rack 210 to the right, thereby compressing the opening spring 215 against the right side 225 of the housing 101. Importantly, in this embodiment, the closing rack spring 200 has a stronger spring force than the opening spring 215; that is, the force of spring 200 is greater than the force of spring 215, which keeps the door in the closed configuration until the user presses down the pedal 135. In this "ready configuration", the toggle switch 275 is in the horizontal position.

[0051] Now for reference Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 In this embodiment, when the pedal 135 is pressed down from the "ready configuration," as indicated by the downward-curving arrow, the door closing arm rotates to drive the gear shaft 165 and the pinion 245, thereby... Figure 7 The convention causes the closing rack 195 to move to the left from its original position in its "ready configuration". This movement is caused by... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The horizontal dashed arrow in the diagram indicates that when the closing rack 195 moves to the left, the spring 200 is simultaneously compressed, and the closing rack 195 no longer applies pushing force to the opening rack 210.

[0052] When the closing rack 195 moves to the left, its distal end (260) passes the abutment side (280) of the toggle switch 275. At this time, the abutment side (280) of the toggle switch 275 is no longer constrained by the closing rack 195 and moves freely upward under the pushing force of the spring 285, as... Figure 8 As shown by the vertical arrow in the diagram. In this configuration, the abutment side (280) of the toggle switch 275 prevents the closing rack 195 from moving to the right under the force of the closing spring 200 (according to...). Figures 7 to 9 (As per the agreement). The closing rack 195 cannot return to its original position until the toggle switch 275 switches back to the horizontal configuration, as described in the next door opening step below.

[0053] Now for reference Figure 10 When the closing rack 195 moves to the left, the opening rack 210 moves to the left under the pressure of the compressed spring 215 (according to...). Figure 10 (as per the convention), as shown by the horizontal dashed arrow pointing to the left. When the door opening rack 210 moves, it according to... Figure 10 The mechanism drives the second gear shaft 170 and the door-opening pinion 240 to rotate counterclockwise. This simultaneously rotates the door-opening arm 140 counterclockwise, pulling the lever 150 to the left, as shown. The distal end of the lever 150 is attached to a wall or door frame; therefore, as the lever moves to the left, a pulling force is applied to the door because the housing 101 of the door opener 100 is attached to the door. Thus, the door begins to open.

[0054] Continue with this example and now refer to Figure 11 The door opening spring 215 continues to push the door opening rack 210 to the left, further causing the door opening arm 140 to rotate counterclockwise, thus opening the door wider, while simultaneously pushing the door closing rack 195 to the left. As the door opening rack 210 moves further to the left, the toggle switch 275 gradually moves back to the horizontal position, as... Figure 11As shown. Ultimately, the opening rack 210 pushes the closing rack 195 to a position where the toggle lever 275 reaches a flat orientation and the abutment end 280 no longer faces the distal end (260) of the closing rack 195. As previously mentioned, the closing spring 200 has a higher spring constant (k1) than the opening spring 215 (k2). This difference in spring constant results in the force applied by the closing spring 200 being sufficient to counteract and overcome the force generated by the opening spring 215. Now, because the force of the closing spring 200 can overcome the force of the opening spring 215, according to Figure 11 As per the agreement, the door closing rack 195 moves back to the right. Therefore, the door begins to close.

[0055] Now for reference Figure 12 During the closing phase of operation, the closing spring 200 pushes the closing rack 195 to the right, causing the closing pinion 245 to rotate clockwise simultaneously, thereby resetting the actuator arm 130 to the "ready configuration" orientation. Simultaneously, the closing spring 200 causes the closing rack 195 to abut against the opening rack 210, forcing the opening rack 210 to move to the right, thereby causing the opening pinion 240 to rotate clockwise. The clockwise rotation of the opening pinion 240 (according to...) Figure 12 (According to the agreement) the door opening arm 140 rotates clockwise, thereby “pushing” the lever 150 against the structure to which it is attached (e.g., the door frame or the wall adjacent to the door), thus closing the door completely.

[0056] As illustrated in the previous example, the user can open and close the door hands-free simply by pressing the pedal 135 with their foot.

[0057] Many illustrative embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments presented herein. For example, although the foregoing description portrays the spring as a component that moves the rack, other methods can be used, such as by using an electric motor, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, counterweight, or other articles. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A hands-free door operating device for hinged doors, comprising: A housing configured to be attached to the door; A first actuation mechanism extends from the housing and has an actuation arm configured to receive foot pressure. as well as A door opening mechanism extending from the housing, the door opening mechanism having a door opening arm configured to be coupled to a structure adjacent to the door and to apply a pulling or pushing force to the structure to open or close the door, respectively. The actuator arm moves in response to foot pressure to actuate the door opening mechanism, thereby providing a hands-free operating mechanism for moving the door from a closed position to an open position.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The actuation mechanism is a first rotatable gear shaft, and the door opening mechanism is a second rotatable gear shaft.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: A door-closing rack-pinion assembly, which is operatively associated with the first rotatable shaft; as well as A door-opening rack-pinion assembly, which is operatively associated with the second rotatable shaft; Each rack-pinion assembly is configured to convert the rotational motion of its respective rotatable shaft into the linear motion of its respective rack.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: A first spring biases the closing rack toward the opening rack; as well as The second spring biases the opening rack toward the closing rack; The spring force of the first spring is greater than that of the second spring.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a toggle lever configured to prevent the closing rack from returning under the force of the first spring until the opening rack has moved a sufficient distance to rotate the second rotatable shaft.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The toggle lever is spring-biased to move relative to the closing rack between a blocking position and a releasing position.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a link attachable to the door opening arm and a structure adjacent to the door, such that rotation of the second rotatable shaft pulls or pushes the door relative to the structure via the door opening arm.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The link is pivotally connected at a first end to the door opening arm and at a second end to a structure adjacent to the door.

9. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the closing rack and the opening rack is formed as a hollow, elongated cylinder, which at least partially surrounds its respective spring.

10. A hands-free door operating device for a hinged door, comprising: A housing that can be attached to the door and encloses a first rack-pinion assembly and a second rack-pinion assembly, the first rack-pinion assembly and the second rack-pinion assembly having a first rack and a first spring and a second rack and a second spring, the first rack and the second rack being independently biased toward each other by the first spring and the second spring, respectively; Wherein, the spring force of the first spring is greater than the spring force of the second spring; An actuating arm, connected to the first rack-pinion assembly, is configured to translate the first rack and compress the first spring in response to foot pressure, thereby allowing the second rack to translate under the pushing force of the second spring; and The door opening arm is mechanically connected to the second rack and pinion assembly and configured to be connected to the door via a linkage, such that the door moves from a closed position to an open position by a single action of the actuating arm and is subsequently returned to the closed position by the first spring.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a toggle lever configured to hold the first rack in its compressed position against the force of the first spring, while allowing the second rack to translate under the pushing force of the second spring, and releasing the first rack after the second rack has advanced a sufficient distance to open the door.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a toggle lever configured to restrict movement of the first rack under the force of the stronger first spring until the second rack has moved a sufficient distance to switch the toggle lever and release the first rack, after which the stronger spring pushes the second rack to move the door from the open position back toward the closed position.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The toggle lever is pivotally mounted on the support of the housing and includes an abutment portion configured to engage the end of the first rack.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The toggle lever is pushed upward toward the translation plane of the first rack and the second rack by the lever spring. The lever spring biases the abutment to the blocking position until the second rack translates a sufficient distance to push the toggle lever downward away from the translation plane of the first rack and the second rack.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, Each of the first rack and the second rack is a hollow, elongated cylinder that partially houses its respective spring within an internal cavity.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The first rack and the second rack are arranged substantially parallel to each other within the housing.

17. The device of claim 10, further comprising a foot pedal disposed at the distal end of the actuating arm and positioned to receive a user's foot when the housing is mounted on the lower part of the door.

18. A hands-free door operating device for a hinged door, comprising: A housing that can be attached to the door; A first gear shaft, which is at least partially disposed within the housing and has an actuating arm configured to receive foot input; A second gear shaft, which is at least partially disposed within the housing and has a door opening arm, the door opening arm being configured to be connected to an adjacent door via a linkage; A first rack-pinion assembly, which is associated with the first gear shaft and biased by a first spring having a large force; A second rack-pinion assembly, associated with the second gear shaft and biased by a second spring having a smaller force; and The toggle lever in the housing is configured to hold the first rack in a compressed state against the biasing force of the first spring when the actuating arm is pressed down, thereby allowing the second rack to translate under the biasing force of the second spring and rotate the second gear shaft to move the door from the closed position to the open position. The toggle lever then releases the first rack, causing the first spring to move the second rack and return the door to the closed position. Thus, the hinged door is opened and closed by a single foot actuation.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein, The toggle lever is pivotally mounted in the bottom region of the housing and includes an abutment configured to engage the first rack when the actuating arm is depressed.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, Each of the first rack and the second rack is a hollow, elongated cylinder that at least partially surrounds its respective spring.

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