Foot Operated Patents (Class 292/255)
  • Patent number: 11913266
    Abstract: A door assembly for an appliance includes a door frame configured to mount to a cabinet of the appliance and movable between an open position and a closed position. A catch mechanism can be provided within the door frame and configured to receive a latch projecting from the cabinet when the door frame is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ajinkya Sachindra Dhamdhere, Ratul Maity, Andrea Valeri
  • Patent number: 10907292
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance door assembly comprises a plastic fishbowl. Typically, laundry treating appliances, such as dryers, have door assemblies comprising glass fishbowls. Utilizing plastic enables a fishbowl to have a sharper radius of curvature than that of a glass fishbowl due to manufacturing constraints of glass. A shaper radius of curvature allows for greater capacity in the treating chamber in a laundry treating appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan Harbrecht, Douglas Mikkelsen, Christoph Miller, Joel Sells, Prasath M. Thirukonda
  • Patent number: 10621807
    Abstract: A core module for an Automated Transaction Machine (ATM) includes a housing including a plurality of cassette bays, a first document delivery system, and a second document delivery system. The first document delivery system is capable of transporting a document between the cassette and the second document delivery system via a first transport path. The second document delivery system is capable of transporting a document between the first document delivery system and an other ATM location via a second transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Jones, Michael J. Harty, Thomas A. Vankirk, William Daniel Beskitt, Jeffrey M. Eastman, David A. Peters, Clinton L. Boley
  • Patent number: 10098512
    Abstract: The toilet seat lifter is a device that is adapted for use with toilet seats. The toilet seat lifter is a foot-operated device that is used to lift and lower the toilet seat in preparation of and during the use of a toilet. The toilet seat operates such that when a pedal is depressed, the toilet seat is lifted. The toilet seat lifter further comprises a spring, which lowers the toilet seat to its original position when the pedal is no longer depressed. The toilet seat lifter further comprises a lighting assembly. The lighting assembly includes a light attached to the toilet seat for use in darkness. The toilet seat lifter is further housed in a phosphorescent that further provides light for use in darkness. The toilet seat lifter comprises a floor assembly, a lift assembly, a seat linkage, a seat mount, and a light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Rendie Premchand
  • Patent number: 9759477
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet that defines a first storage compartment configured to store food, a main door rotatably mounted on the cabinet and configured to open or close at least a portion of the first storage compartment, an accommodation device accessible through an opening in the main door, a sub door mounted on the main door and configured to open or close the opening, and a door opening assembly that is configured to selectively restrict one side of a back surface of the sub door to a corresponding side of a front surface of the main door to thereby selectively restrict movement of the sub door relative to the main door. The accommodation device defines a second storage compartment within the main door that is separated from the first storage compartment, and the door opening assembly is configured to be manipulated from a side surface of the sub door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jihyun Lee, Jinwon Kang, Hangbok Lee, Kyutae Park, Woonkyu Seo, Daesung Lee
  • Patent number: 9528305
    Abstract: A door assist system including a door and a door assist assembly. The door is pivotally attached to a wall. The door has a paddle handle configured to be pivoted about a first pivot axis relative to the door for allowing the door to rotate relative to the wall to open. The door assist assembly includes a bar connected to the door and configured to pivot relative to the door about a second pivot axis. The door assist assembly further includes a handle engagement member connected to the bar and securely engaging the paddle handle. Rotation of the bar about the second pivot axis causes the handle engagement member to rotate the paddle handle about the first pivot axis to allow the door to open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: STROMBERG CARLSON PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert C. Brammer, Jr., Charles A. Brammer
  • Patent number: 9383129
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes an ice storage container coupled to a mounting space of an inner wall of a freezing chamber door, and the ice storage container is attachable to and detachable from the mounting space by elastic lever units to maintain and release locking of the ice storage container with the mounting space, and elastic coupling units to maintain coupling of the ice storage container to the mounting space by elastic deformation and restrict movement of the ice storage container in the horizontal direction of the mounting space when the ice storage container is mounted on the mounting space, thereby preventing abrasion and breakdown of components due to user's ease in the assembly of the ice storage container and increase in the fixing force of the ice storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Tae Lim, Dong Hwa Kim, Dong In Shin
  • Patent number: 9347252
    Abstract: A foot-operated door opener, with a foot-operated actuator element is located in the lower region of a door for opening the door, and the foot-operated actuator element has a one foot tread element which, when actuated by a foot, at least partially pivots downwards and inwards. The foot tread element is also guided in a forcibly guided manner by way of a forcibly guided element and one forcibly-guided moving element. The foot tread element is connected rotatably to an articulated element and rotatably connected to the forcibly-guided moving element in such a manner that, upon actuation by a foot, the foot tread element both executes a movement downwards and is also moved as a whole at least partially outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Metiba Verwaltungs GmbH
    Inventor: Sascha Klein
  • Patent number: 9297187
    Abstract: A gate latch release mechanism has a cylindrical tubular guide having a first length, a mechanism to firmly fasten the tubular guide in a hole through a gate member, a compression spring having a length less than the first length of the tubular guide, the compression spring positioned within the tubular guide and having a first end bearing on a cap at a first end of the tubular guide, a flexible line of a length substantially longer than the tubular guide, the line passing through the compression spring and the tubular guide, and having a handle on one end and a coupling interface on an opposite end, and an element securely fastened to the line within the tubular guide, with the element bearing on a second end of the compression spring within the tubular guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Jerry Dean Glover
  • Publication number: 20140353985
    Abstract: A foot-operated door-opener, includes a foot-operated actuator element provided in a lower region of a door for opening the door. The foot-operated actuator element includes an upper and a lower foot surface element that are connected to each other by a hinge and, when operated by a user's foot, each upper and lower foot surface element pivots at least partially into the interior of the door. The one or more upper and lower foot surface elements are guided in a guide slot, and the guide slot may have a course which is diagonal, vertical, paraboloid-like, or a combination of such.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Sascha Klein
  • Publication number: 20130207406
    Abstract: A foot-operated door-opener, includes a foot-operated actuator element provided in a lower region of a door for opening the door. The foot-operated actuator element includes an upper and a lower foot surface element that are connected to each other by a hinge and, when operated by a user's foot, each upper and lower foot surface element pivots at least partially into the interior of the door. The one or more upper and lower foot surface elements are guided in a guide slot, and the guide slot may have a course which is diagonal, vertical, paraboloid-like, or a combination of such.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Metiba Verwaltungs GmbH
    Inventor: Metiba Verwaltungs GmbH
  • Patent number: 7270352
    Abstract: A foot-operated door opener includes an elongate housing having openings at the upper and lower ends thereof. The housing is mounted to and hangs from a rotatable doorknob or door handle. An elongate actuator extends through the housing. An upper end of the actuator is grippably engaged with the door handle or doorknob and the lower end of the actuator carries a foot pedal. The lower end of the housing carries a hook that engages the lower edge of the door. The foot pedal is depressed to pull the actuator downwardly through the housing. This rotates the doorknob or door handle to open the door. The pedal is then pulled rearwardly or pushed forwardly by the users foot, as required, so that the housing and hook pivot the door open. The user may then exit the door without touching the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Stuart
  • Patent number: 6499254
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a pair of frame members adapted for mounting to opposing surfaces of a passageway. A door is mounted to at least one of the frame members for movement between a closed position, in which the door and frame members substantially traverse the passageway and an open position, in which a portion of the passageway is free of the door and frame members, the portion being large enough to permit passage of an adult therethrough. A lock is coupled to at least one of the frame members and adapted to retain the door in the closed position, the lock including an actuator adapted to release the lock to permit movement of the door from the closed position toward the open position upon application to the actuator of a force of at least a predetermined weight of a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventors: Jon R. Rossman, Bryan R. Hotaling, Carl J. Conforti
  • Publication number: 20010000556
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a pair of frame members adapted for mounting to opposing surfaces of a passageway. A door is mounted to at least one of the frame members for movement between a closed position, in which the door and frame members substantially traverse the passageway, and an open position, in which a portion of the passageway is free of the door and frame members, the portion being large enough to permit passage of an adult therethrough. A lock is coupled to at least one of the frame members and adapted to retain the door in the closed position, the lock including an actuator adapted to release the lock to permit movement of the door from the closed position toward the open position upon application to the actuator of a force of at least a predetermined weight of a child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: May 3, 2001
    Applicant: The First Years Inc., a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Jon R. Rossman, Bryan R. Hotaling, Carl J. Conforti
  • Patent number: 6176042
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a pair of frame members adapted for mounting to opposing surfaces of a passageway. A door is mounted to at least one of the frame members for movement between a closed position, in which the door and frame members substantially traverse the passageway, and an open position, in which a portion of the passageway is free of the door and frame members, the portion being large enough to permit passage of an adult therethrough. A lock is coupled to at least one of the frame members and adapted to retain the door in the closed position, the lock including an actuator adapted to release the lock to permit movement of the door from the closed position toward the open position upon application to the actuator of a force of at least a predetermined weight of a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventors: Jon R. Rossman, Bryan R. Hotaling
  • Patent number: 6161252
    Abstract: A door holder assembly used to maintain a door in an opened position. The assembly is made up of a door stop, a locking plate mounted on the door and a floor mounted door holder. The door stop and the door holder are fixed to the floor while the locking plate is fixed to the lower portion of the door and is positioned to engage the door holder when the door is opened. The locking plate has two joined segments one of which is planar and flat while the other of which has a right angled groove. Depending on the vertical elevation of the door's bottom above the floor, the same locking plate can be mounted to the door in one of two different positions. If the elevation is slight then the right angled groove portion is mounted on the vertical front door surface. If the elevation is larger and sufficient space exists, the locking plate may have the right angled groove portion mounted to the lower edge of the door between the door and the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Loera Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5975593
    Abstract: A foot operated cabinet latch concealed in the cabinet kick-space of commonly used storage cabinets in, for example, kitchens and bathrooms. The cabinet latch has an operator knob located in the cabinet kick-space and a flexible lever and strike located inside the cabinet. Operation of the latch is accomplished by engaging a person's foot with the knob and pushing in an upwards direction. This action serves to disengage the lever from the strike and the cabinet door can then be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventor: David R. Cress
  • Patent number: 5911460
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical jamb pocket latch bolt assembly release which is adapted to be installed in a conventional door jamb behind the strike plate. When activated, a ram element of the apparatus will eject the latch bolt assembly from the door jamb allowing the door to swing freely upon contact with the door. The present invention allows for easy installation without a carpenter or electrician, and without specialized tools and is particularly suited for use by handicapped individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corp.
    Inventors: J. Riley Hawkins, Larry Tew, Nicole E. Hawkins, Michael Perdue, Mark Tew
  • Patent number: 5653487
    Abstract: A door stopping device comprises a bottom or base element, which when in use, rests stably on a floor and a cover or top element connected to the aforesaid base element and sliding coaxially up and down over it along a substantially vertical axis; the said top element has an integral flat ring protruding at right angles from its bottom edge and designed to engage the bottom edge of a door; elastic means apply a force in an upward direction between the base element and the top element which tends to draw the two elements apart and which, when an external force is applied along the same axis but in the direction opposite to that applied by the elastic means, defines at least one limit position of minimum extension where the said base element is completely covered by the said top element in such a way as to enable the said flat ring to be inserted under the bottom edge of the door; permanent latching means are provided to establish a reciprocal link between the aforesaid base and top elements and defining the po
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Alberto Proni
  • Patent number: 5622416
    Abstract: A foot pedal door opener device for side-by-side doors of a cabinet includes a right side foot pedal for opening a left side door of the side-by-side doors, and a left side foot pedal for opening a right side door of the side-by-side doors. The right and left side foot pedals are pivotably attached to pivot points on the cabinet. Actuator members are fixedly attached to the right and left side foot pedals. The actuator members are disposed to engage the opposite doors when a foot pedal is actuated, thereby opening the opposite door. The actuator members extend from one foot pedal toward the other foot pedal, such that a portion of the actuator members are in an overlapping, non-interfering relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Hoshizaki America Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Rainey, Emory Taylor
  • Patent number: 5622395
    Abstract: According to the invention a releasable mounting system for retaining a protective cover (i.e., security grill) over an opening (i.e., window or door) in a wall of a structure is provided. The releasable system of the present invention includes a latch pin adapted to be rigidly connected to the protective cover. A housing assembly for accommodating the release means and for receiving the latch pin is also provided. The release means provided by the instant invention are pivotally mounted inside the housing assembly and include a latch member having a lever segment and a catch segment. Further provided are separation biasing means that facilitate movement of the latch member from a release position to a cocked position. Invention separation biasing means additionally facilitate movement of the latch pin away from the housing assembly when the latch member is in a release position. Also provided are remote actuating means that are connected to the latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventors: Jerry P. Shine, Richard W. Harrington
  • Patent number: 5193863
    Abstract: A foot activated door opening device that can be readily retrofitted onto existing doors, especially doors of walk-in type refrigerators is provided. The device includes a lever system that can be readily adjusted to accommodate different size handles. When activated by a foot pedal, the lever system engages the handle which causes the door to open. In another aspect of the invention, a device that is particularly suited for opening a door equipped with a plunger mechanism is provided. The device is foot activated and uses a lever system to engage the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Tahoe Bare Paw, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore McBain
  • Patent number: 4911508
    Abstract: A cabinet structure having an improved user-mountable foot pedal-operated door opener. The pivot rod of the door opener may be mounted by the user to brackets previously mounted to the cabinet by the manufacturer, permitting completed installation of the door opener by the user without the need for tools. In one form, the door opener acts against a slide plate carried on the lower edge portion of the door of the cabinet, and in another form, a roller is provided on the pivot rod for directly engaging the door lower edge portion. The pivot rod may be readily removed from the cabinet construction, when desired, such as during subsequent shipment of the cabinet structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Harry L. Tillman
  • Patent number: 4569546
    Abstract: A pedal is secured to the bottom of a door and a clamp is secured to the door knob. The pedal is coupled to the clamp through a cord or the like. Operation of the pedal by a user turns the knob through the clamp, whereby the door latch is disengaged from a latch plate in the door jamb to free the door therefrom, so that the door may be opened by the user by pushing with a hand or foot, as the case may be.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Assignee: Maddak, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Howard, Thomas G. Gover
  • Patent number: 4068872
    Abstract: A latched cabinet structure includes obscure toe-pressed means operable to disengage latching means securing the cabinet door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1978
    Inventor: Charles V. Smith