System for hands-free locking, unlocking and pushing of a door, method for hands-free operation of the door, and the door

Abstract

A system for a hands-free locking, unlocking and pushing of a door (6), the system comprising a latch which comprises: a bolt (1) which is slidable between a lock and unlock position for locking and unlocking, respectively, the door (6); a slidable pusher (3) via which a user of the system can manually push the door (6) and slide the bolt (1) between the lock and unlock positions, wherein the pusher (3) is connected to the bolt (1) and is shaped to fit a forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe of the user. Also, a door comprising the system. Also a method for a hands-free operation of the door.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM FOR HANDS-FREE LOCKING, UNLOCKING AND PUSHING OF A DOOR, METHOD FOR HANDS-FREE OPERATION OF THE DOOR, AND THE DOOR

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure concerns a system for a hands-free operation of a door. The operation may comprise locking, unlock and / or pushing the door. A user may advantageously use the system for locking, unlocking and pushing the door without contacting the latter by hand. The system may advantageously be used for the handling of a door in a public space, especially in a public toilet. The system may be a mechanism which may be installed on, or be integrated with, the door. The present disclosure also concerns a door comprising the system.

[0004] Background

[0005] There are known conventional systems and mechanisms, such as for example known types of latches, for the locking, unlocking and / or pushing of doors, particularly doors in public spaces such as in public toilets. However, a problem with said conventional systems or mechanisms is that they do not address the problem which is described below and concerns the public’s health and safety.

[0006] Typically, a conventional door in a public facility, e.g. in a lavatory, is daily used by a large number of users who open, close and possibly lock and unlock the door by hand, as they enter and exit the facility. The manual operation via hand of these conventional doors poses the risk that germs or other pathogens which may be found on the hands of one or more users may be passed to the other users via the door’s parts which are commonly contacted by all the users. A particular part of a conventional door locking mechanism that is very likely to be contacted by the hands of all or most of the door’s users, is the locking mechanism’s part that is handled by the users. Such part, which typically has the form of a knob, latch, catch or lever and is designed to be grabbed by the user’s palm and fingers, may become contaminated or dirty by the germs or other matter found on the user’s hands, and consequently may mediate the spread of these germs or matter to the rest the door’s users. This may in turn pose a danger to public health and safety, and may also create a fear or disgust amongst the users. In addition, often a considerable number of the users of public doors tend to use these doors hastily and / or with little or no care regarding public hygiene, and this may further increase the risk of the doors becoming mediums via which pathogens and dirt may spread between the users. The majority of the conventional systems and mechanisms for the locking, unlocking and pushing of a door, have the drawback that they are not directed towards preventing the spread of pathogens between the door’s users. Hence, there is a need for a system and mechanism that overcomes that drawback.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The solution provided by the present invention may advantageously prevent the spread of germs or other pathogens between the users of a door. Consequently, the present invention may advantageously contribute to improving the health and safety in public spaces, and especially in public toilets. Moreover, the present invention may advantageously facilitate the opening, closing, locking and unlocking of a public door by its users. Also, the present invention may advantageously improve the user experience associated with the operation of the door by its users. In addition, at least some embodiments of the present invention may advantageously prevent damage of the door and of the door’s locking mechanism during a careless operation of the door by the door’s user.

[0009] The present invention in a first aspect concerns a system for a hands-free locking, unlocking and pushing of a door, the system comprising a latch which comprises: a bolt which is slidable between a lock and unlock position for locking and unlocking, respectively, the door; a slidable pusher via which a user of the system can manually push the door and slide the bolt between the lock and unlock positions, wherein the pusher is connected to the bolt and is shaped to fit a forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe of the user. The system of the first aspect of the invention may be a mechanism, i.e. a mechanism for the locking, unlocking and pushing of the door.

[0010] The system of the first aspect of the invention may advantageously enable and facilitate a handsfree operation of the door via allowing a user to lock, unlock and push the door without contacting the latter via the fingers, palms or other parts of the user’s hand. Instead, the mechanism may allow the user to operate the door via using one of the aforementioned forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe. In that manner, the user’s hands may not be contaminated by germs or other pathogens which may possibly be on the mechanism as a result of the latter’s use by other users. Hence, the mechanism of the first aspect of the invention may contribute to improving the user’s health and safety, and may improve the confidence and comfort with which the users may use a door on which the mechanism may be installed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pusher is U-shaped or T-shaped. When the pusher is U- or T-shaped, and hence, has the shape of a “U” or a “T” respectively, this may facilitate the contacting and sliding of the pusher by one of the aforementioned forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe of the user, without the user needing to contact the pusher by hand. For example, in the optional case that the pusher is U-shaped, a body of the pusher may comprise a curved portion located in an opening formed between two extreme portions of the pusher, such that the user may place a body part, other than the user’s hands, within said opening and slide the pusher via pushing the body part against any of the two extreme portions, wherein said body part is any of the user’s forearm, elbow, knee, foot. In the latter example, depending on the exact size, shape and / or overall design of the pusher’s body, the pusher may be adequate such that when the user places the body part within the curved portion, the latter contours to the body part. This may advantageously allow the user to more accurately and steadily operate the pusher. Likewise, in the optional case that the pusher is T-shaped and comprises a T-shaped body that has two symmetrical opposite (to each other) sides, the user may place the non-hand body part on either of the two sides of the pusher’s body for pushing against and sliding the pusher. It may be understood that the manual operation of the pusher by the user may be further facilitated when the pusher is shaped and / or sized such that the user’s body part that the user is using for pushing the pusher fits the latter. In this way the pusher may advantageously be more easily, controllably and steadily moved by the user. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pusher is sized and shaped to receive and partially surround the forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe of the user. Also, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pusher is shaped to contour to the forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe of the user.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bolt has a shape configured to cause the bolt to move to the unlock position when the door closes while the bolt is at the lock position. In the latter case, preferably the shape is a curved shape. When the bolt of the latch is configured to automatically move to the unlock position when the door closes with the bolt being at the lock position, this may advantageously prevent a damaging the door.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system or the door comprises a receptor or striker, and the bolt has a curved shape for forcing the bolt to move from the lock position to the unlock position upon the bolt contacting the receptor or striker when the bolt is at the lock position and the door closes causing the bolt to contact the striker or receptor. In the latter case it can be understood that the curved shape of the bolt may cause the latter to automatically move from the lock to the unlock position when the bolt strikes the receptor or striker during a closing of the door. The bolt’s automatic moving enabled by the aforementioned optional configuration of the bolt may advantageously prevent the damaging of the latch and of the door during the closing of the door with the bolt being at the lock position, and may also further facilitate the ease with which the mechanism and the door may be operated in a hands-free manner by the user.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, herein referred to as “first exemplary embodiment”, the system further comprises a blocker which is configured to prevent the bolt from moving from the unlock position to the lock position when the door is open. In the latter case, the blocker may advantageously prevent the damaging of the door and / or of the latch. Said damaging may be caused if during a closing of the door, the bolt is at a lock position and smashes / strikes against another part of the latch or of the door. Hence, the blocker may prevent said damaging via preventing the movement of the bolt to the lock position while the door is open.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment which is according to the aforementioned first exemplary embodiment, the blocker is movable between a block position for blocking the bolt, and an unblock position for unblocking the bolt, and when the door closes with the bolt being at the unlock position the blocker is configured to move from the block position to the unblock position via contacting a door casing of the door or a part located at the door casing, preferably said part being a striker or a receptor which is configured to receive therein the bolt when the latter moves to the lock position. In the latter case, the particular configuration of the blocker may facilitate the latter’s function of preventing the damaging of the latch and of the door. It is noted that in the optional case that the system comprises the aforementioned blocker that is movable between the block and unblock positions, preferably the blocker is elastic or elastically movable between the block and unblock positions. When the blocker is elastic or elastically movable, this may advantageously cause and facilitate an automatic return of the blocker from the unblock to the block position when the door opens.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system also comprises a receptor placeable on the door for receiving the bolt when the door is closed and the bolt slides to the lock position. Optionally, this receptor may also act as the aforementioned striker. The inclusion of a receptor in the system may advantageously allow for the installation of the system on doors which do not comprise pre-existing receptors which are suitable for receiving the system’s bolt for the locking of the door.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, herein referred to as “second exemplary embodiment”, the system further comprises: a T-track bar attachable to the door; a metal bar configured to slide in the T-track bar, wherein the pusher is attached to the metal bar for sliding together along the T-track bar. In the latter case, preferably the latch further comprising a stopper part which is configured to limit a movement of the pusher, more preferably the stopper part being placed between the bolt and the pusher. The configuration of the second exemplary embodiment may advantageously improve the ease with which the system may be produced and installed, and may also advantageously improve the durability and operational lifetime of the system. In particular, the T-track bar in combination with the metal bar may provide for a simple and easy to implement way for keeping the pusher slidably attached to the door. Similarly to the metal bar, the T-track bar is preferably also metallic, for further improving the durability of the mechanism. As mentioned further above, in the second exemplary embodiment, preferably the latch further comprises a stopper part. The latter, via limiting the movement of the pusher, may advantageously simplify the operation of the bolt via limiting the latter’s movement between the positions which are enough for the locking and unlocking of the door.

[0017] It may be understood that in the second exemplary embodiment the T-track bar may act as a guide that guides the movement of the pusher and hence the movement of the bolt between the lock and unlock position. Hence, preferably the latch of the system of the first aspect of the invention comprises a guide that is configured to guide the movement of the bolt between the lock and unlock positions. In the latter case it can be understood that the lock and unlock positions of the bolt may be positions of the bolt relatively to (i.e. with respect to) the guide. Most preferably, said guide is firmly fixable (i.e. is configured to be firmly fixed) on the door.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment which is according to the aforementioned second exemplary embodiment, the bolt is configured to be placed and move inside a first hole of the door, and the bolt is connected to the pusher via a pin which is attached to the pusher and passes through an oval hole of the T-track bar. The configuration of the system in the latter case may further facilitate the installation and operation of the system with existing types of doors that comprise one or more holes in which a locking mechanism comprising a bolt can be fitted such that the door when it is closed can be locked via the movement of the locking mechanism’s bolt to a lock position. It is also noted that in the latter embodiment, the pin and oval hole advantageously facilitate the attachment of the bolt to the pusher such that these two elements can move together towards the same direction when a user pushes the pusher.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pusher is placeable at a first side of the door, and the system further comprises an assembly placeable at a second side of the door opposite the first side, wherein the assembly is configured to display a visible indication that the door is locked or unlocked, preferably the visible indication comprising a first color for when the door is locked and a second color for when the door is unlocked, more preferably the first color being red and the second color being green; and / or the assembly is configured to enable an emergency unlocking of the door from the second side. The aforementioned assembly may advantageously improve the functionality of the system, especially when the system is installed in a public facility such as in a public toilet. In the latter case, the aforementioned optional assembly may serve for notifying potential users regarding whether another user has already locked the door, and / or for allowing an emergency unlocking of the door from the outside in case that a user has been accidently locked and trapped behind the door.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, herein referred to as “third exemplary embodiment”, the system further comprises a door mechanism for opening, moving and maintaining a door in an equilibrium position at which the door is opened or partially opened. In the latter case the door mechanism for the opening, moving and maintaining a door in an equilibrium position, may also be called “door control mechanism” or “door position control mechanism” or “door position mechanism” or “door position controlling mechanism” or “opener”, and may advantageously serve for repelling an unlocked door towards the equilibrium position, and for holding the door at that equilibrium position. When the door position control mechanism is coupled with the latch of the system, advantageously users can push the pusher to close the door, and slide the pusher to lock it without direct hand contact. To unlock, users may simply slide the pusher in the opposite direction, prompting the door to open automatically, guided by the door position control mechanism. In the optional case that the system comprises the aforementioned door position control mechanism and the latter is configured to automatically open the door to a partially open position (i.e. semiopen position), advantageously when the door is at the semi-open position the user of the door may access the latch more easily compared to what would happen if the door was at a fully open position. When the door is at a fully open position, then the door may be very close to a wall that may be adjacent to the door, and this can make it more difficult for the user to directly access in a hand-free manner a latch or lock of the door.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment which is according to the third exemplary embodiment, the door mechanism comprises: an adjustable pivot arm connectable to a door casing and configured to rotate around a rotation axis that is parallel to or coincides with a pivot axis of the door; an expandable component for coupling the pivot arm to the door to facilitate the door's retention in the equilibrium position; wherein the pivot arm is configured for to be adjusted relatively to the door’s casing to any of a plurality of discrete positions for thereby adjusting an opening angle of the equilibrium position. In the latter case the door mechanism may advantageously allow for adjusting the opening angle of the door at the equilibrium position, and moreover, the door mechanism is advantageously easy to fabricate, install and operate with a plurality of door types.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment which is according to the third exemplary embodiment, the door mechanism comprises: a bracket connectable to a door casing, wherein the bracket comprises a plurality of engagement points arranged along a curve corresponding to a segment of a circle, and the center of the circle is aligned with the rotation axis; an expandable component for coupling the door to one of the engagement points for thereby adjusting an opening angle of the equilibrium position. In the latter case, the door mechanism may advantageously allow for adjusting the opening angle of the door at the equilibrium position, and moreover, the door mechanism is advantageously easy to fabricate, install and operate with a plurality of door types.

[0023] Preferably, the aforementioned expandable component of the door mechanism (i.e. of the door position control mechanism) is elastic, or is a spring, or comprises a hydraulic element which is configured to control a return speed to the door. The aforementioned optional hydraulic element may advantageously further improve the safety of the system and of the door, via preventing a very rapid movement, closing or opening of the door, because such a rapid door movement may result to the crashing of the door against the user and this may pose a danger to the user’s safety.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment which is according to the third exemplary embodiment, the door mechanism further comprises a damping element for controlling the speed at which the door moves towards the equilibrium position. This optional damping element may be used for advantageously further improving the safety of the system and of the door, via preventing a very rapid movement / closing / opening of the door, because such a rapid door movement may result to the crashing of the door against a door casing, a wall or the user.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment which is according to the third exemplary embodiment, when during an operation of the door the latter is away from the equilibrium position, the door mechanism is configured to apply to the door a force which drives the door to return to the equilibrium position, and the closer the door is to the equilibrium position the smaller the force is. This may advantageously cause a smooth return of the door to the equilibrium position.

[0026] The force may also be called “door-return force”. The invention in a second aspect concerns a door which comprises a system of the first aspect of the invention.

[0027] A third aspect of the invention concerns a method for a hands-free operation of a door which comprises the system of the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising a user performing the following: closing the door via pushing the slidable pusher via any of a forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe of the user; locking the closed door via sliding the pusher towards a first direction, thereby sliding the bolt from the unlock to the lock position; unlocking the locked door via sliding the pusher towards a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, thereby sliding the bolt from the lock to the unlock position.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the system is according to the aforementioned third exemplary embodiment, and the method further comprises the following: the door mechanism (i.e. the door position control mechanism) opening and maintaining the unlocked door to the equilibrium position at which the door is partially opened.

[0029] Another aspect of the invention concerns the aforementioned door position control mechanism, i.e. the “door mechanism” of the third exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Another aspect of the invention concerns a door comprising the aforementioned door position control mechanism i.e. the “door mechanism” of the third exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Any optional or preferable features mentioned herein with respect to the first aspect of the invention, may correspond to respective optional or preferable feature of any of the second, third or another aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0032] Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows and will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0033] Brief Description of Drawing

[0034] Fig. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, as seen from different perspectives.

[0035] Fig. 2 illustrates two different views of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Fig. 3A illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Fig. 3B illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Fig. 4 illustrates parts of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention at two different operational positions.

[0039] Fig. 6 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0040] Fig. 7 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0041] Fig. 8 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention during its operation by a user.

[0042] Fig. 9 shows parts of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0043] Fig. 10 shows part of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Fig. 11 shows part of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0045] Fig. 12 shows part of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0046] Fig. 13 shows part of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0047] Fig. 14 illustrates an operation of part of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0048] Fig. 15 illustrates an operation of part of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0049] Fig. 16 illustrates an operation of part of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0050] Fig. 17 illustrates an operation of part of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0051] Fig. 18 illustrates an operation of part of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0052] Detailed Description

[0053] A preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention is shown in Fig. 1. Specifically, Fig. 1 shows different perspectives (views) of a system 10 for a hands-free locking, unlocking and pushing of a door. The system 10 of Fig. 1 is a mechanism for a hands-free locking, unlocking and pushing of a door. Said system or mechanism 10 of Fig. 1 is installable on the door and comprises a latch which comprises a bolt 1 and a pusher 3 which is slidable. The bolt 1 is slidable between a lock and unlock position for locking and unlocking, respectively, the door. A user of the system can use the slidable pusher 3 to manually push via the latter the door 6. Also, the user can slide / push, via the pusher, the bolt 1 between the lock and unlock positions. Hence, with respect to the embodiment of Fig. 1 , when the bolt is at the lock position, the user can push the pusher 3 towards a first direction in order to move the bolt to the unlock position. Similarly, when the bolt is at the unlock position, the user can push the pusher towards a second direction which is opposite the first direction, in order to move the bolt to the lock position. Also, the pusher 3 is connected to the bolt 1 and is shaped to fit a forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe of the user such that the user can push and move the pusher via one of the user’s forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe. Specifically, the pusher 3 of the system 10 of Fig. 1 has a U-shape and is wide enough to fit the elbow, the forearm, the knee, or a shoe of grown-up person. The U-shape is advantageous because it allows three directions of ferees to be applied: forward, left, and right. Instead of its U-shape, the pusher may alternatively have any shape, such for example a reversed T-shape, that may allow someone to push the pusher forward, left, and right. Also, although the bolt 1 of the embodiment of Fig. 1 has a substantially cylindrical shape, alternatively it may have any other shape that allows the bolt to slide for locking the door. For example, in the optional case that the system comprises a receiver into which the bolt may be inserted for locking the door, the bolt and the receiver may be shaped so that they can engage each other. Preferably, the system is installed or integrated at a location at the door where it can be easily accessed by one of the said forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe. Hence, when it is desirable that the user can push the pusher via the user’s foot or shoe, the pusher preferably is installed at a door height relatively close to the floor of the facility at which the door may be installed. However, when it is desirable that the user pushes the pusher via a forearm or an elbow, the pusher is preferably installed at a door height relatively close to height where the upper body and arms of an average user of the door are. Similarly, the pusher may optionally be placed at a height relatively close to the knees of the door’s average user, such that a user may push the pusher using a knee. For facilitating the installation of the system to a door, the system 10 shown in Fig. 1 further comprises a guide 2 which is attachable to a surface of the door. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 , the pusher 3 and the bolt 1 can slide with respect to said guide 2. Also, it is noted that the embodiment of Fig. 1 further comprises a stopper part 8 placed between the bolt 1 and the pusher 3. This stopper part 8 is configured to limit the movement of the pusher 3, such that the corresponding movement of the bolt 1 is confined between the lock and the unlock positions. It is noted that in Fig. 1 the bolt 1 is shown to be at the unlock position.

[0054] Fig. 2 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention, from two different views / perspectives. The embodiment of Fig. 2 is according to the embodiment of Fig. 1. Additionally, in the embodiment of Fig. 1 the bolt 1 has a curved shape which is configured to cause the bolt 1 to move to the unlock position when the door 6 closes while the bolt 1 is at the lock position. For this reason, the bolt 1 shown in Fig. 2 comprises a curved portion 31 via which, as the door closes, the bolt may contact a receptor or striker located on a door casing or wall against which the door is to be locked. When the door closes with the bolt initially being at the unlock position, and the curved portion 31 contacts the aforementioned striker or receptor, then the curved position 31 may slide against the striker or receptor forcing the rest of the bolt to move from the lock position to the unlock position such that the closing of the door can be completed.

[0055] The following can be further understood with respect to the embodiment of Fig. 2. The bolt 1 of the system of Fig. 2, wherein said bolt may also be called “locking pin”, has a curved shape, designed to prevent damage to the latch in the event of an accident or vandalism. The shape of the locking pin 1 guides the latch back to the unlocked position if the door closes while the latch is in the locked position. In the preferable case that the system or the door also comprises a striker against which the locking pin may strike, when the locking pin meets the striker, the locking pin’s curved shape may force the latch to move to the unlocked position.

[0056] This mechanism also advantageously prevents potential damage to the latch or the door. It is noted that the locking pin 1 may optionally be shaped in a way that incorporates the aforementioned stopper 8 as a single part.

[0057] Another preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention is explained next with reference to Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B. The embodiment of Fig 3A comprises a latch which is installable on a door and comprises a pusher 3, a bolt 1 and a guide 2. The bolt 1 is shaped as a square bar and is slidable within the guide 2 between a lock and unlock position for locking and unlocking, respectively, the door. The pusher 3 is connected to the bolt 1 via a connector (not shown). Also, the guide comprises a slot (not shown) via which the connector passes. The pusher 3 has a U-shape and is sized and shaped to receive and partially surround and contour to the forearm or elbow of the user of the system. In Fig. 3A the bolt is shown to be at the unlock position. Fig. 3B shows a preferred embodiment which is according to the embodiment of Fig. 3A and further comprises a receptor 4 in which the bolt 1 can slide in for locking the door. In Fig. 3B the bolt is shown to be at the lock position at which the bolt 1 engages the receptor 4. The receptor 4 is installable on a door frame or casing against which the door, e.g. the panel of the door, that carries the guide 2 and the pusher 3 can close and lock.

[0058] Another preferred embodiment is explained next with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The embodiment of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is according to the one of Fig. 3A and 3B and hence comprises a guide 2, a pusher 3, a bolt 1 and a receptor 4. The guide 2 comprises an oval hole 31 , as shown in Fig. 4. This oval hole allows for the connection between the pusher 3 and the bolt 1. The embodiment of Fig. 4-5 further comprises a blocker 5 which is configured to prevent the bolt 1 from moving from the unlock to the lock position when the door is open.

[0059] The operation of the blocker 5 can be further understood from Fig. 5 which shows the system at two different operational positions I and II of the system. These two different operational positions are related to respective positions of the door (not shown in Fig. 5). At the first position I the door, i.e. the door panel, that carries the latch except the receptor, is at an open position at which the bolt can not yet be inserted in the receptor 4. At the second position II the door is at a closed position at which the bolt can be inserted in the receptor 4 for locking the door. As can be seen in Fig. 5, the system’s blocker 5 is shaped and located on the guide 2 such that at the first position I, when the bolt is at the unlock position and is fully inside the guide 2, the blocker 5 blocks the movement of the bolt from the unlock to the lock position.

[0060] However, when the system and the door goes to the second position II, then the blocker, which is elastic, is pushed by the stopper and moves towards an unblock position which permits the bolt 1 to move to the lock position and engage with the receptor 4. Hence, it can be understood that in the embodiment of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 the blocker 5 is movable between a block position for blocking the bolt 1 , and an unblock position for unblocking the bolt 1 , and when the door 6 closes with the bolt 1 being at the unlock position the blocker 5 is configured to move from the block position to the unblock position via contacting the receptor 4 which is located at a door casing. The receptor 4 is configured to receive therein the bolt 1 when the latter moves to the lock position. It is noted that Fig. 5 includes two different views of the system at the second position II, with one of the views including the pusher 3, and the other view not including the pusher 3. Also, in Fig. 5 the pusher has been omitted from the view that shows the system at the first position I.

[0061] Hence, from the above it can be further understood that the blocker 5 advantageously does not allow the bolt to move until the door is closed. It is noted that said blocker may alternatively also be called “stopper”. When the door is closed, the blocker’s end may strike the receptor 4 on the door case and elastically move to allow the bolt to move forward. When the bolt 1 is retracted to unlock the door, the blocker 5 may return to the initial position, block the bolt again, and prevent accidental locking when the door is open. The blocker can be elastic, like in the embodiment of Fig. 5, or it can consist of a combination of parts that move, retract, or bend when contacting the door casing or any part related to the door's casing and allow the bolt to move when the door is closed, and block the bolt's movement when the door is open.

[0062] Another preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention is explained next with reference to Fig. 6. The embodiment of Fig. 6 is according to the one of Fig. 2. Also, in the embodiment of Fig. 6 the latch further comprises a metallic T-track bar 22 and a metal bar 9.

[0063] The T-track bar 22 is attachable to the door 6 and acts as a guide for the sliding of the pusher and of the bolt 1. The metal bar 9 is configured to slide in the T-track bar 22. The pusher 3 is attached via screws 51 to the metal bar 9, such that the pusher together with the metal bar 9 can slide together along the T-track bar 22. Also, in the embodiment of Fig. 6 the bolt 1 is attached to the pusher 3 via a screw 52. Also, in the embodiment of Fig. 6 the pusher 3 is placeable at a first side of the door 6, and the system further comprises an assembly 33a placeable at a second side of the door 6 opposite the first side, wherein the assembly 33a is configured to display a visible indication that the door 6 is locked or unlocked. The visible indication comprises a first color for when the door 6 is locked and a second color for when the door 6 is unlocked, the first color being red and the second color being green. Also, the assembly 33a is configured to enable an emergency unlocking of the door 6 from the second side.

[0064] The following can be further understood regarding the embodiment of Fig. 6. The T-track slider bar 2 is attached to the door, and the metal bar 9 is attached to the pusher 3 which can be called “latch body”. The latch body, together with the attached metal bar, slides in the T- track slider bar. The bolt 1 is a locking pin 1 which is attached to one end of the latch body 3, and the latch further comprises a stopper part 8 which is placed between the locking pin 1 and the latch body 3. This advantageously allows a limited movement of the latch / bolt, enough to lock and unlock.

[0065] Another preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention is explained next with reference to Fig. 7. The embodiment of Fig. 7 comprises a latch which comprises: a bolt 1 which is slidable between a lock and unlock position for locking and unlocking, respectively, the door 6; a slidable pusher 3 via which a user of the system can manually push the door 6 and slide the bolt 1 between the lock and unlock positions, wherein the pusher 3 is connected to the bolt 1 and has a U-shape to fit a forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe of the user. Also, similarly to the embodiment of Fig. 6, in the embodiment of Fig. 7 the latch further comprises: a T-track bar 22 attachable to the door 6 via first screws 55; a metal bar 9 configured to slide in the T-track bar 22, wherein the pusher 3 is attached via second screws 51 to the metal bar 9 for sliding together along the T-track bar 22. Also, in the embodiment of Fig. 7 the latch further comprises a stopper part 8 for limiting a movement of the pusher 3 with respect to the T-track bar 22. Said stopper part is connected to the pusher via a third screw 56. Moreover, in the embodiment of Fig. 7 the bolt 1 is configured to be placed and move inside a first hole 54 of the door 6, and the bolt 1 is connected to the pusher 3 via a pin 32 which is attached to the pusher 3 and passes through an oval hole of the T-track bar. Also, in the embodiment of Fig. 7 the pusher 3 is placeable at a first side of the door 6, and the system further comprises an assembly 33b placeable at a second side of the door 6 opposite the first side, wherein the assembly 33b is configured to display a visible indication that the door 6 is locked or unlocked.

[0066] The following can be further understood regarding the embodiment of Fig. 7. The latch of the system of Fig. 7 is placed on the door 6 and drives the bolt 1 , i.e. the locking pin 1 , that slides inside the door 6. The latch body 3 (i.e. the pusher) is similar to one of the latch shown in Fig. 1 and 2. The T-track metal bar 22 is mounted on the door panel. The pin 32 is attached to the latch body 3 and moves in a hole 57 inside the door. The pin 32 moves the locking pin 1 (i.e. the bolt) to lock and unlock. There are two holes on the door panel, one 54 for the locking pin 1 , and one 57 for the pin 32 that controls the locking pin 1 position. The assembly 33b on the outer side of the door includes a mechanism that changes between green and red color when the door locks. It is noted that alternatively the mechanism may change between different colors, e.g. between blue and red. The movement of the pusher 3 and the pin 32 controls the position of the visible color on the outer side of the door. Another use of the pin 32 is to allow unlocking the door from the outside in case of emergency by moving the pin towards the unlocked position. In this embodiment, the T-shaped bar 22 and the aforementioned the oval hole that allows the pin 32 to move and be moved / activated by the emergency release mechanism (assembly) 33b. Also, in the embodiment of Fig. 7, the bar 9 has a hole 58 that allows the pin 32 to pass through it and attach to the pusher 3. It is noted that the aforementioned oval hole of the T-track bar 22 may alternatively have a different shape, i.e. not be oval.

[0067] Another preferred embodiment of the invention is explained next with reference to Fig. 8 which shows a door 6 with installed thereon a system that comprises the mechanism 10 of Fig. 1 , and further comprises a door mechanism 7 for opening, moving and maintaining a door in an equilibrium position at which the door is partially opened. The door mechanism 7 may also be called “door position mechanism” or “door position controlling mechanism” or “return mechanism” or “opener”. Also, Fig. 8 shows a person using the hands-free latch mechanism 10 to push, close and lock the door 6 using the elbow. To unlock the door, the user pushes the U-shaped part of the system 10 to the left. The door mechanism 7 which for simplicity may also be called “opener” repels the door from the closed position to an open position to allow for contactless exit. In some embodiments, the opener 7 places the door in a semi-open adjustable position to allow for contactless entry and exit. The opener 7 may optionally also control the door’s speed and balancing (equilibrium) angle. The opener 7 advantageously enhances the hands-free character of the system, because the opener 7 allows that when the user unlocks the door, the opener (i.e. door position controlling mechanism) repels the closed door to an open position, allowing the user to leave the room in a contactless way. It is noted that in some embodiments, the door position controlling mechanism can be a motorized opener that opens the door automatically to a fully open position. In other embodiments, it can be a mechanical opener that allows the door to open to a predefined angle. The door position mechanism 7 (opener) of the embodiment of Fig. 8 is further explained next with reference to Fig. 8-16. Fig. 9 shows parts of the opener 7, and Fig. 10 shows the opener 7 installed on the door. With reference to FIG. 9 and Fig. 10, when the door is closed with the bolt being at the unlock position, the door's opening may be achieved by using the return mechanism which is shown in Fig. 10 and comprises the following components which are shown in Fig. 9: a bracket 11 placed on a door casing or on a wall, a pivot arm 12 that is attached to the bracket 11 , a mounting part 13 connected to the door 6, and an expandable elastic part 14 that bridges the pivot arm 12 with the mounting part 13. The expandable elastic part may also be called expandable component 14.

[0068] Hence, the mechanism of Fig. 9-10 can be considered as being a mechanism for holding a door at a semi-open or equilibrium position, comprising a bracket 11 placeable on a door casing or on a wall, a pivot arm 12 attached to the bracket 11 , a mounting part 13 connectable to the door 6, and an expandable elastic means 14 connecting the pivot arm 12 with the mounting part 13. The expandable elastic part may expand when pulled and may return to its former shape when released.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in fig. 8-16, the elastic part 14 (i.e. the elastic means) is a spring, but other embodiments may alternatively include a different type of an expandable elastic part, like rubber, pneumatic, hydraulic or spring-loaded devices. In addition, some expandable elastic parts may be equipped with return speed control. The expandable elastic part 14 may also be called elastic part or elastic means.

[0070] Fig 11. is a view of the door shown in Fig. 10, as seen from further away from the door. It is noted that in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 the door is at an equilibrium position “a”. The same door of Fig. 10, is also shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. However, Fig. 12 shows the door 6 pushed towards a more open position “b”, and Fig. 13 shows the door 6 pushed towards a more closed position “c”. Fig. 14 shows the combination of Fig. 10-13. Fig. 15 further shows the expansion of the elastic part 14 when the door moves from the equilibrium position.

[0071] The operation of the door position control mechanism 7 of the embodiment of Fig. 8-16. is based on the T riangle inequality property that concerns the sum of the lengths of two triangle sides and says: any one of the triangle's sides must be shorter than the sum of the other two. This operation is explained in more detail below with reference to Fig. 15.

[0072] In Fig. 15, the expandable elastic part 14, a spring in this particular embodiment, is attached at the first end to the edge D of the pivot arm 12, and the other end of the spring 14 is attached to point A of the mounting part 13 on the door. Therefore, the first distal end of the elastic means 14 is connected to the edge D of the pivot arm 12, and a second distal end of the elastic means is connected to a point A of the mounting part, said second distal end being opposite to the first distal end. At the equilibrium position of the mechanism, the door pivot point C which is a point on the axis about which the door can pivot, the edge D and the point A are linearly aligned with each other, i.e. they are aligned in a line segment CDA. Preferably points C, D and A are on the same geometrical plane which more preferably is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spring 4. The equilibrium position of the mechanism can be also considered as being an equilibrium position of the door on which the mechanism of Fig. 8-9 is attached. Closing or opening the door will cause points C, D and A to be misaligned, and the line segment becomes a triangle. If the door moves towards the closing direction, such that point A moves to position B, the triangle CBD is formed, and If the door moves to the open position triangle such that point A moves to position C, triangle CDE is formed. As the door turns around pivot center C, the distance CA equals CD and DA. For the triangle CDB, according to the Triangle inequality, any one of the triangle's sides must be shorter than the sum of the other two, which leads to the following: CD + BD > CB

[0073] CB = CA = CD + DA

[0074] So,

[0075] CD + BD > CD + DA =>

[0076] BD > DA

[0077] This means that the length of the expandable elastic part increases and the expandable elastic part is tensioned, when the door moves away from the equilibrium position.

[0078] The same conclusion is valid for triangle CDE for which the following occurs: CD + ED > CE CE = CA = CD + DA

[0079] So,

[0080] CD + ED > CD + DA => ED > DA

[0081] Referring to Fig. 14 and 15, the position of the door or the state of the mechanism at which there is the alignment CAD, is a balancing or equilibrium position (or state) at which the length of the spring 14 is minimum. The DA length is minimum when the expandable elastic part’s end A is aligned with the door’s pivot C and the bracket’s edge D, and as a result, the spring 14 gets extended and more tensioned, regardless of the direction of the door’s movement. If no external force is applied, the expandable elastic part 14 pulls the door to return to the position where points C, D and A are aligned to a straight line, said position being the balancing position. The angle 0, shown in FIG. 15, at which the door is opened at the balancing position compared to when the door is fully closed, can be called balancing angle or equilibrium angle. The expandable elastic part can pull the door until it returns to the balancing angle. The force to move the door may be analogue to the hardness of the expandable elastic part; the stiffer the flexible element, the stronger may be the required force to move the door and vice versa. Another way to adjust the force required to move the door is to preload the expandable elastic part. The preload tension may be adjustable. In the embodiment of Fig. 15 the preload tension may be adjusted by moving point A along the top side of the door. In some embodiments the bracket and the pivot arm are combined or integrated in one fixed bracket. Integrating the bracket and the pivot arm may provide for adjustability. Some doors may not allow the placement of the mounting part on the top of the door because of the form of the door case. In such cases, the mounting part may be placed on the door side, such that there may occur an alignment between the door pivot, the arm and the mounting part. It is also noted that in the embodiment of Fig. 15, the more the door moves / turns away from the equilibrium position, the larger the angle between BC and BD or between ED and EC becomes. This angle between BC and BD or between ED and EC may be called “displacement angle”, because it is related to the displacement of the door relatively to the equilibrium position. In the embodiment of Fig. 15 the return force exerted by the spring for returning the door back to the equilibrium position depends on the displacement angle.

[0082] That is because the force exerted by the spring may be analyzed to force components, with one of the force components being normal to the door (e.g. normal the large side of the door’s panel) and acting to return the door to the equilibrium position. The force component that is normal to the door and acts to return the door to the equilibrium position may be called “doorreturn force component”, and decreases as the displacement angle decreases, i.e. the smaller the displacement angle is, the smaller the door-return force component will be. More specifically the door-return force component is proportional to the sine of the displacement angle. Consequently, the automatic return of the door to the equilibrium position, wherein said automatic return is caused by the door position mechanism, may advantageously be smooth.

[0083] Fig. 16 shows the door in two different equilibrium positions. The balancing angle depends on the position of the pivot arm 12. Turning the pivot arm 12 causes the door to move to a new balancing angle and align with the mounting part and door pivot.

[0084] From the above, it can be understood that the door mechanism 7 (i.e. the door position mechanism) shown in Fig. 8-16, comprises: an adjustable pivot arm 12 connectable to a door casing and configured to rotate around a rotation axis that is parallel to or coincides with a pivot axis of the door; an expandable component 14 for coupling the pivot arm 12 to the door to facilitate the door's retention in the equilibrium position; wherein the pivot arm 12 is configured for to be adjusted relatively to the door’s casing to any of a plurality of discrete positions for thereby adjusting an opening angle of the equilibrium position.

[0085] In other embodiments which comprise the aforementioned door position control mechanism, in the latter the bracket and pivot arm shown in Fig. 8-16 are replaced by a bracket that can be attached to the wall or the door casing on one end, and it can be connected with the expanding elastic part at the second end. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment the bracket and the pivot arm of the embodiment of Fig. 8-16 are replaced by a bracket which may also be called bracket means or bracket element, and has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be attached to a wall or a door casing, and the second end is configured to be connected with the aforementioned expandable elastic part 14. The first end and the second end of the bracket may also be respectively called first connection point and second connection point. Furthermore, alternatively or complementary the aforementioned bracket means or bracket element replacing the combination of bracket-pivot arm may have multiple connection points as the bracket element 112 of the mechanism shown in Fig. 17, for providing more than one balancing angles. In the embodiment of Fig. 17, the multiple connection points correspond to slots 112a (holes) on the bracket element 112, wherein a connection part 112b of the mechanism is insertable in said slots 112a, said connection part 112b being connectable with an end of the expandable elastic means 14 (the spring). In the embodiment of Fig. 17 said connection part 112b is a pin, but may alternatively be a bolt or another type of connection means for connecting said end of the expandable elastic means 14 to any one of the connection points 112a (holes). Hence the connection part 112b may also be called connection means.

[0086] Hence, from the above it can be understood that the door position mechanism shown in Fig. 17 comprises a bracket 112 connectable to a door casing, wherein the bracket comprises a plurality of engagement points 112a arranged along a curve corresponding to a segment of a circle, and the center of the circle is aligned with a door’s pivot axis; an expandable component 14 for coupling the door to one of the engagement points for thereby adjusting an opening angle of the equilibrium position.

[0087] Fig. 18 shows another embodiment of a door position mechanism that may optionally be included in a system according to the first aspect of the invention. The mechanism of Fig. 18 comprises an expandable elastic part (expandable elastic means) that comprises a hydraulic part 18 and a first and a second shaft 16, 17. The first shaft 16 at opposite ends of it is respectively connected with and can respectively pivot about the hydraulic part 18 and the second shaft 17, wherein the second shaft 17 at an end of it is respectively connected with and can respectively pivot about the first shaft 16. Advantageously the embodiment of Fig. 10 may offer adjustable return speed. For this purpose, preferably the hydraulic part 18 is configured for limiting the rotation speed with which the first shaft 16 can rotate (pivot) about the hydraulic part. In an example, the hydraulic part is part of a common door closing mechanism. This kind of common closing mechanism includes a spring and a hydraulic mechanism that controls the return speed. Advantageously, the expandable means of Fig. 18 is reliable, heavy duty and cost effective. It can be understood that in the embodiment of Fig. 18 the aforementioned expandable elastic means effectively replaces the spring shown in Fig. 8-17. The addition of the first shaft which in the embodiment of Fig. 18 is a short arm 16, may advantageously allow the door to fully open in rooms where the wall is close to the door pivot. This may occur when the wall is close to the door casing. When the door moves away from the equilibrium position, the hydraulic mechanism’s distance from the pivot arm is increased and as a result the second shaft 17, i.e. the second arm 17, pulls the first arm 16 and turns it. By turning the first arm 16, a spring found inside the hydraulic mechanism 18 is tensioned. As soon as the door is unlocked or released, the first arm 16 will turn and pull the door back to the equilibrium position. The return speed of the door is adjustable.

[0088] Preferred embodiments of the system of the first aspect of the invention may advantageously be installed on any type of door, including wood, metal, or glass, and can be used in any type of building or facility, such as offices, hospitals, schools, and public restrooms. During an operation of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the user may close the door by pushing the latch mechanism’s pusher with an elbow or forearm, and the latch mechanism will lock the door. To unlock the door, the user can push the pusher of the latch mechanism to the opposite side with their elbow or forearm. In the optional and preferable case that the system further comprises a door position controlling mechanism, the latter may open the door and hold it open. In the optional case where the latch mechanism includes a blocker, the blocker may prevent the bolt from moving until the door is fully closed. The blocker then may move out of the bolt’s way when the door is closed, allowing the bolt to slide into place and lock the door. When the user unlocks the door, the blocker may return to its initial position, preventing the bolt from accidentally going to the lock position. Overall, the system, i.e. the the handsfree latch system, according to the present invention, advantageously provides a convenient and hygienic way to close, lock, and unlock shared restroom doors, minimizing the need for physical contact. By optionally combining the system’s latch with a door position controlling mechanism, the system may advantageously further offer a completely hands-free solution for entering and exiting public restrooms, helping to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments disclosed here are non-limitative examples, and other embodiments are possible.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for a hands-free locking, unlocking and pushing of a door (6), the system comprising a latch which comprises: a bolt (1) which is slidable between a lock and unlock position for locking and unlocking, respectively, the door (6); a slidable pusher (3) via which a user of the system can manually push the door (6) and slide the bolt (1) between the lock and unlock positions, wherein the pusher (3) is connected to the bolt (1) and is shaped to fit a forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe of the user.

2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the pusher (3) is U-shaped or T-shaped.

3. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pusher (3) is sized and shaped to receive and partially surround the forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe of the user.

4. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pusher (3) is shaped to contour to the forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe of the user.

5. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bolt (1) has a shape configured to cause the bolt (1) to move to the unlock position when the door (6) closes while the bolt (1) is at the lock position, preferably the shape being a curved shape.

6. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system or the door (6) comprises a receptor (4) or striker, and the bolt (1) has a curved shape for forcing the bolt (1) to move from the lock position to the unlock position upon the bolt (1) contacting the receptor (4) or striker when the bolt (1) is at the lock position and the door (6) closes causing the bolt (1) to contact the striker or receptor (4).

7. A system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a blocker (5) configured to prevent the bolt (1) from moving from the unlock position to the lock position when the door (6) is open.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the blocker (5) is movable between a block position for blocking the bolt (1), and an unblock position for unblocking the bolt (1), and when the door (6) closes with the bolt (1) being at the unlock position the blocker (5) isconfigured to move from the block position to the unblock position via contacting a door casing of the door (6) or a part located at the door (6) casing, preferably said part being a striker or a receptor (4) which is configured to receive therein the bolt (1) when the latter moves to the lock position.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the blocker (5) is elastic or elastically movable between the block and unblock positions.

10. A system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a receptor (4) placeable on the door (6) for receiving the bolt (1) when the door (6) is closed and the bolt slides to the lock position.

11. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the latch further comprises: a T-track bar (22) attachable to the door (6); a metal bar (9) configured to slide in the T-track bar (22), wherein the pusher (3) is attached to the metal bar (9) for sliding together along the T-track bar (22), preferably the latch further comprising a stopper part (8) configured to limit a movement of the pusher (3), more preferably the stopper part (8) being placed between the bolt (1) and the pusher (3).

12. A system according to claim 11 , wherein the bolt (1) is configured to be placed and move inside a first hole (54) of the door (6), and the bolt (1) is connected to the pusher (3) via a pin (32) which is attached to the pusher (3) and passes through an oval hole (31) of the T-track bar.

13. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pusher (3) is placeable at a first side of the door (6), and the system further comprises an assembly (33a, 33b) placeable at a second side of the door (6) opposite the first side, wherein: the assembly (33a, 33b) is configured to display a visible indication that the door (6) or locked or unlocked, preferably the visible indication comprising a first color for when the door (6) is locked and a second color for when the door (6) is unlocked, more preferably the first color being red and the second color being green; and / or the assembly (33a, 33b) is configured to enable an emergency unlocking of the door (6) from the second side.

14. A system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a door mechanism (7) for opening, moving and maintaining a door in an equilibrium position at which the door is partially opened.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the door mechanism (7) comprises: an adjustable pivot arm (12) connectable to a door casing and configured to rotate around a rotation axis that is parallel to or coincides with a pivot axis of the door; an expandable component (14) for coupling the pivot arm (12) to the door to facilitate the door's retention in the equilibrium position; wherein the pivot arm is configured for to be adjusted relatively to the door’s casing to any of a plurality of discrete positions for thereby adjusting an opening angle of the equilibrium position.

16. A system according to claim 14, wherein the door mechanism comprises: a bracket (112) connectable to a door casing, wherein the bracket comprises a plurality of engagement points (112a) arranged along a curve corresponding to a segment of a circle, and the center of the circle is aligned with a rotation axis that is parallel to or coincides with a pivot axis of the door; an expandable component (14) for coupling the door to one of the engagement points (112a) for thereby adjusting an opening angle of the equilibrium position.

17. A system according to any of claims 15-16, wherein the expandable component (14) is elastic, or is a spring, or comprises a hydraulic element (18) which is configured to control a return speed to the door.

18. A system according to any of claims 14-17, wherein the door mechanism further comprises a damping element for controlling the speed at which the door moves towards the equilibrium position.

19. A system according to any of claims 14-18, wherein when during an operation of the door the latter is away from the equilibrium position, the door mechanism is configured to apply to the door a force which drives the door to return to the equilibrium position, and the closer the door is to the equilibrium position the smaller the force is.

20. A door comprising a system which is according to any of the preceding claims.

21. A method for a hands-free operation of a door which comprises a system which is according to any of claims 1-18, the method comprising a user performing the following: closing the door via pushing the slidable pusher via any of a forearm, elbow, knee, foot or shoe of the user; locking the closed door via sliding the pusher towards a first direction, thereby sliding the bolt from the unlock to the lock position; unlocking the locked door via sliding the pusher towards a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, thereby sliding the bolt from the lock to the unlock position and allowing the door to return to an open position.

22. A method according to claim 21 , wherein the system is also according to claim 14, and the method further comprises: the door mechanism (7) opening and maintaining the unlocked door to the equilibrium position at which the door is partially opened.

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