ROBINET DE PRISE D'EAU ACTIONNE AVEC LE PIED

PEDAL OPERATED WATER VALVE

Abrégé anglais

There are many ways to operate water valves in domestic plumbing
systems mast of which require the use of the operator's hands.
The unique characteristic of the present invention is that the
operator would open the valve by the use of his foot. The
advantages of the present invention include: improved sanitation
in bathrooms and kitchens; allowing the operator the use of both
hands in the water flow without having to control the valve with
either hand; and increased economy in the use of water.

Revendications

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property,
or privilege, is claimed are defined as follows: a device for
controlling the flow of water froma valve by using a foot
operated pedal.

Description

CA 02229527 1998-04-20
SPECIFICATIONS
PEDAL OPERATED WATER VALVE
This invention relates to an improvement in the control of a
water valve for domestic plumbing systems by allowing the valve
to be opened and closed by the use of the operator's foot or feet
rather than hands.
The invention would be useful for improving sanitation and
rE:ducing the amount of water used in any kitchen or bathroom
sink.
Two variations of the device are illustrated. The difference
bE~tween the: two variations illustrated is the type of water valve
bE:ing controlled by the invention. In the case of Figures 1, 2
and 3, either a ball valve or a washerless cartridge value in
each of two water lines are interconnected and operated by
mE:chanical linkage from the pedal which rotates the valves
simultaneously. In the case of Figures la, 2a and 3a, the valve
being controlled is one which when lifted allows a single output
from two separate inputs. (normally hot and cold). This valve
can be adjusted manually to change the proportion of hot and cold
water inputs which will then be caused to flow from the single
outlet when the valve is lifted by mechanical linkage from the
pE:dal .
One variation of the invention is described with reference to the
drawings Figures 1, 2 and 3 in which Figure 1 shows a side view
oi: the device; Figure 2 shows a front view of the device from
innmediately in front of the pedal and Figure 3 shows a view
looking do,Nn on the device from above. In side profile (Figure
1) the working parts of the invention are shown. A section of
water supply piping is shown in the upper left hand corner of the
drawing att=ached to a vertical support by mounting brackets (F).
In the water supply pipe is a valve (either a ball valve or a
washerless cartridge valve) (A). The valve is operated by a
mf:chanical linkage rotating the valve control. This mechanical
linkage (C) is operated by pedal linkage (E) and a pedal (H)
operating on a hinge (G). This mechanical linkage, which is
pulled down by the pedal, forces down a spring guide (D) with
tension adjustment which when depressed by the pedal and linkage
compresses a coil spring (B). When pressure is taken off the
pedal the coil spring returns the spring guide to its original
position thus closing the water valve (A).
In the front view (Figure 2), it can be seen that normally two
fJLexible water lines would be connected from the outlet of the
valve to a water faucet (the water faucet will always be in the
"open" position). When pressure is applied to the pedal, both

CA 02229527 1998-04-20
hot and cold water valves will be opened at the same time since
th.e valves in each water line are interconnected. The flow of
water can be controlled by the degree to which the pedal is
depressed. The plan view (Figure 3), shows removable screws (J)
for valve replacement.
Th.e second variation of the invention is described with reference
to~ the drawings la, 2a and 3a in which Figure la shows a side
view of thn device, Figure 2a shows a front view of the device
from the pedal side and Figure 3a shows the device from above.
In. profile from the side (Figure la), the following working parts
of the invention are shown:
A water flow control valve A, which has two water inputs
(h.ot and cold) and a single combined output is supported in a
rigid frame; H. This valve can be adjusted by means of rotating
control knob B to set the proportions of hot and cold inputs
allowed to flow to the output. The output flow is controlled by
lifting the valve stem C. Such lift is obtained by the
depressing of a pedal D operating on a hinge E which is connected
to~ metal lunks F1, F2 and F3. When the valve stem C is lifted,
opening the; valve, a coil spring G is compressed. When pressure
is taken off the pedal, the coil spring pushes the valve stem
back down thus closing the valve and the linkage returns the
pedal to it.s original position.
'i~h. is of the invention in which an exclusive property,
or' privilecfie, is c ai as follows : a device for
co~ntrollinc~ the flow of water froma valve y ~~t
operated pedal.

Dessin représentatif