Patent · US Expired

Hands-free door opener and method

US7068179B2 · kind B2 · utility

46Cited by
43References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 13, 2005
Grant dateJun 27, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 13, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE05Y2900/132
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

An apparatus for automatically opening a swinging restroom door is provided. The apparatus comprises an actuator, a control unit, and a power assisted drive mechanism that can be connected to an existing door closing mechanism. The actuator comprises a proximity sensor and further comprises a series of iconic symbols corresponding to predetermined proximity zones. The control unit is in electronic communication with the actuator with which signals are exchanged. The power assisted drive mechanism is in electronic communication with the control unit and can be connected to an existing door closing mechanism wherein the actions of the door closing mechanism are reversed and the door is opened.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.