Systems and Methods Providing Hands Free Water Faucet Control

Abstract

Hands free system providing user control and regulation of water flow and temperature mix using “foot actuated” devices. Hands free system is adaptable to pre-existing water faucets and conventional plumbing, enabling full integration of an adjustable foot operated device with conventional hand operated water faucets. The hand free water system includes a control state module for providing a user with BYPASS, ON, OFF, HOT and COLD modes of operation. Hardware can include a sealed chamber body adapted for containing a mixing ball valve and having chamber ports further serving as internal passages to channels adapted to said sealed chamber body for connection to water line tubing. The mixing ball can include delivery and exit ports through which water can enter and exit and is adapted for rotation in relation to the fixed chamber body for selective alignment with said chamber ports. A foot controllable actuator in operational connection with said mixing ball valve, wherein rotation of said mixing ball valve with said foot controllable actuator offer user over control water flow rate and temperature.

1 . A method of using a hands free water system comprising a hands free control mechanism adapted for user foot control and further adapted for use with pre-existing plumbing and fixtures, said hand free water system including control state module for providing a user with BYPASS, ON, OFF, HOT and COLD modes of operation via a foot pedal, comprising the steps of: 
 manually adjusting a preexisting fixture “hot water” valve to the desired maximum flow rate while said control state module is in the “BYPASS” state; and    engaging the control state module and switching it from the “BYPASS” state to any of the four states, “OFF”, “ON”, “HOT”, or “COLD” using the foot pedal.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the “OFF” state comprises the “hands free” device being in an operational mode and water output is shut-off.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the “ON”, “HOT”, and “COLD” states comprises the “hands free” device being in an associated operational mode.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a user may vary the flow rate and temperature mix via operation of the foot pedal.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said system includes a hands free mode and a conventional mode and wherein said system can be set to conventional mode from hands free mode through the steps comprising: 
 setting Hot and Cold Water Service Shut-Off Valves to an OPEN State;    setting conventional faucet Hot and Cold water valves to a CLOSED State; and    setting the control state module to BYPASS using the foot pedal;    wherein a user is then able to control the flow rate and temperature mix of the output by manual control of the conventional faucet valves.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said system includes a hands free mode and a conventional mode and wherein said system can be set to hands free mode from conventional mode through the steps comprising: 
 setting Hot and Cold water service shut-off valves to an OPEN State;    setting conventional faucet Cold water valve to a CLOSED State;    setting conventional faucet Hot water valve to an OPEN State and Adjust to desired maximum flow rate; and    setting the control state module to OFF state using the foot pedal, wherein the OFF state represents standby mode for hands free functionality;    wherein a user is then able to control the flow rate and temperature mix of the output by hands free control of the conventional faucet valves.