TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is concerned with a device useful for hands-free door manipulation.

BACKGROUND ART References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

- US9,822,572

- US9,714,524

- US9,115,530

- US7,043,800

- US8,720,116

Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter. BACKGROUND

US9,822,572 discloses a foot-operated door opener, comprising: a single piece of material having a base member and an extension member; wherein the base member is configured to be attachable to a bottom surface of a door; and wherein the extension member, which does not protrude below the bottom surface of the door, comprises a first portion arcing upwardly, a second portion arcing downwardly, and a third portion arcing upwardly, is configured to be engaged by either a bottom portion or a side portion of a user's shoe such that when either a downward or sideward force is applied by either a bottom portion or a side portion of said shoe, respectively, to said extension member, said door pulls open.

US9, 714,524 discloses a force transmission device configured to laterally displace a plane, such as a sliding door or glass, by joining with the plane and transmitting a lateral force to the plane. Once securely joined with the plane, the device forms a securely fastened, textured surface area enabling an object, such as a foot or hand, to laterally displace both the device and the attached plane. The device includes a base portion having a mount surface and an outer surface. The mount surface adheres to the plane through an adhesive portion. A cover portion may detachably cover the adhesive portion and be removed by a tab. A wedge portion having an apex end and a base end extends from the base portion to provide a surface for the object to apply a force on the device. The force is transmitted to the plane for lateral or pivotal displacement.

US9, 115,530 discloses a door opener for mounting on a door, including a mounting plate, a frictional engagement beam and an upwardly projecting ledge spaced apart from the mounting plate. A user steps onto the device contacting their shoe with the engagement bar and the upwardly projecting ledge to frictionally engage the shoe to the opener. The user then forcibly retracts their foot towards their body to lever the door open.

US7,043,800 discloses a sanitary door opener in the form of an attachment to the bottom of a conventional door enables a user to pull open the door by engaging the attachment with his/her foot or shoe, thereby preventing hand contact with the door opener. The sanitary door opener preferably is manufactured from a single piece of durable and flexible metal material and is bent to form a front face, a bottom face, a rear face, a top face extending outwardly from the rear face, and a lip extending downwardly from the top face. The door opener is installed easily to a door by sliding the door opener under a door such that the front face contacts the front panel of the door, the bottom face contacts the bottom edge of the door and the rear face contacts the rear panel of the door. Once installed in the desired position, the door opener is secured to the door by mounting the front face to the door's front panel and the rear face to the door's rear panel.

US8,720,116 discloses a hands-free door opener assembly permits a person to open, close and lock a door by employing a forearm or elbow. The system comprises respective push handle members disposed on both the interior and exterior surfaces of the door. Pushing either handle member functions to pivot a latch out of engagement with a latch plate positioned in the door frame. A door opening spring -biased plate is mounted on the latch plate to provide an assist to open the door when the latch is disengaged. The door is provided with a hands-free locking structure on the interior surface. An occupancy alert is disposed on the exterior surface of the door.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Often there is the need for manipulating a door between closed/open positions, where at times the hands of an individual attempting to manipulate the door are occupied by objects or dirty. Also, nowadays, there is an increasing risk of contamination caused by touching different objects and surfaces, such as door handles, and even more so, disabled individuals may have difficulties in opening a door using hands.

The present disclosure is thus concerned with a device configured for hands-free door manipulation between respective positions.

According to the present disclosure is concerned with a hands-free door manipulating device, comprising a body configured with door attaching portion, a top arm and a bottom arm extending from the door attaching portion, the top arm is configured with a top end segment facing a bottom end segment of the bottom arm, wherein an edge of the top end segment is spaced apart from an edge of the bottom end segment, giving rise to a manipulating gap therebetween.

An embodiment of the present disclosure is concerned with a hands-free door manipulating device, comprising a generally C-like shaped body configured with door attaching portion, a top arm and a bottom arm, each extending from an opposite portion of the door attaching portion, the top arm is configured with a top end segment facing a bottom end segment of the bottom arm, wherein an edge of the top end segment is spaced apart from an edge of the bottom end segment, giving rise to a manipulating gap therebetween.

The term 'door' as used herein in the specification and claims refers to any type of door, for example, a hinged door, a sliding/gliding door, a swinging door, a tambour door, a rolling door, a folding door, etc. Likewise, a door according to the disclosure can be fitted as a barrier at any enclosure or enclosed space, such as buildings, rooms, cabins, cabinets, cupboards, refrigerators, containers, etc.

Respectively, the terms 'door manipulation' and 'door manipulating' as used herein in the specification and claims suggests any displacement of a door, of any type, between its respective closed/open positions, e.g. pulling, pushing, sliding, lifting, lowering, etc.

The door manipulating device according to the disclosure can be used for any type of manipulating of the door, i.e. pulling, pushing, sliding, lifting, lowering.

A manipulating space extends between an inside face of the top arm and an inside face of the bottom arm. The manipulating space is accessible through the manipulating gap-

The door attaching portion can be configured for attaching to one or more of a door face, and a door bottom face, and a door locking stile side face.

The door manipulating device according to the disclosure can be used as a foot manipulable device, wherein the device is attachable at a lower portion of a door, or as an arm manipulable device, wherein the device is attachable at a mid/upper portion of a door.

According to anther aspect of the disclosure, there is configured a door configured with a hands-free door manipulating device, comprising a body configured with door attaching portion, a top arm and a bottom arm extending from the door attaching portion, the top arm is configured with a top end segment facing a bottom end segment of the bottom arm, wherein an edge of the top end is spaced apart from an edge of the bottom end, giving rise to a manipulating gap therebetween.

It is appreciated that the terms 'top' and 'bottom' (referring to the 'top arm', 'top end segment', 'bottom arm' and 'bottom end segment', respectively) are used for nomenclature reference and the device is configured for articulation to a door surface at a variety of configurations, e.g. with the top arm extending below the bottom arm or side wise or even inclined.

Any one or more of the following features designs and configurations can be configured in a door manipulating device according to disclosure, individually or in various combinations thereof:

• The manipulating gap can be sized to allow inserting a forearm of an individual;

• The size of the manipulating gap is between about 5 to 15 cm.;

• The manipulating space can be sized to accommodate a forearm of an individual;

• The top arm can be disposed above the bottom arm; • The edge of top end segment and the edge of the bottom end segment can be equally distanced from the door attaching portion;

• The edge of top end segment and the edge of the bottom end segment can extend coplanar with one another;

• The bottom arm can extend at a right angle from the door attaching portion;

• The top arm and the bottom arm can at least partially overlap;

• The top arm and the bottom arm can be of equal width or each have different width;

• The top arm and the bottom arm and the door attaching portion can be of equal width;

• The door manipulating device can be made of rigid material;

• The door manipulating device can be attachable to a door surface by one or more of fastening arrangements including adhesives, fasteners, clamping, suction, magnetic, hook and pile fasteners (Velcro™), welding, etc.;

• The door manipulating device can be integral or integrated with a door surface;

• One or both of the top arm and the bottom arm can be foldable over the door attaching portion, into a folded position, thereby temporarily restricting the manipulating space;

• At the folded position the top arm and the bottom arm can be disposed substantially flush against one another;

• The top arm and the bottom arm are configurable for spontaneous displacement into the folded position upon encountering an obstacle;

• The top arm and the bottom arm can be normally biased into an extended, operative position;

• The door attaching portion can be a flat, narrow portion extending offset with respect to a longitudinal axis extending between the top arm and the bottom arm;

• One or both of the top arm and the bottom arm can be configured with a manipulating aperture; the opening can be configured for applying thereto toes of an individual, shoe cap/tip, cane end, crutches end, etc.; • A door manipulating device can be attached to a door surface at any, one or more, levels;

• The door manipulating device is attachable to a door surface such that the bottom arm is substantially flush with a bottom end of the door;

• The top arm can be curved (concaved);

• The bottom arm can be substantially flat;

• One or both of the top end segment and the bottom end segment can be configured with a friction enhancing arrangement;

• The friction enhancing arrangement can be any one or more of serrations, ridges, friction enhancing material applied thereto, etc.;

• The top arm can be configured with an upward facing sole engaging edge, for gripping by a front sole portion;

• The top arm can be configured with one or more wings laterally projecting and facilitating for foot/shoe manipulation and for applying an elongate manipulating article (e.g. a crutch, a walking cane, hiking pole, etc.) into the manipulating space;

• One or both of an inside face of a door and an outside face of a door can be configured with a door manipulating device;

• The door manipulating device can be a double sided device configured with an inside door manipulating device and an outside door manipulating device;

• The inside door manipulating device and an outside door manipulating device can be integral or integrated with one another;

• The door attaching portion can be configured for attachment to a door handle or a door knob;

• The door attaching portion can be rigidly articulable to a door handle or a door knob, configured for manipulating the door handle or a door knob between closed and open position and simultaneous opening and closing the door, respectively;

• The top arm can be pivotally articulated to the door attaching portion, and said top arm can be further articulated by a manipulating member, to a door handle, whereby pivotal displacement of the top arm entails manipulating of the door handle between locked and un locked positions, respectively; • The botom arm can be configured as a door stopper. The door stopper can be engageable by a door arresting device for engaging with the botom arm at a door stopping position;

• The door manipulating device can be manipulable by a trained animal;

• The door manipulating device can be used upside down, that is with the top arm extending below the botom arm, and wherein the flat botom arm can be used for mounting thereover utility items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to beter understand the subject mater that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1A is a top perspective view of a door manipulating device according to an example of the disclosure;

Fig. IB is a botom perspective view of the door manipulating device of Fig. 1A;

Fig. 1C is a planar front view of the door manipulating device of Fig. 1A;

Fig. ID is a planar side view of the door manipulating device of Fig. 1 A;

Figs. 2A to 2F are top perspective views of door manipulating devices according to different examples of the disclosure;

Fig. 2G is botom perspective view of the door manipulating device of Fig. 2F;

Fig. 2H is a planar back view of the door manipulating device of Fig. 2F;

Fig. 21 is a planar front view of the door manipulating device of Fig. 2F;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the door manipulating device of Figs. 2A to 21;

Figs. 4A to 4G illustrate different door manipulation modes, using a door manipulating device according to examples of the disclosure;

Figs. 5A and 5B illustrate swing doors fited with door manipulating device according to examples of the disclosure;

Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate different doors fited with door manipulating device according to examples of the disclosure;

Fig. 7A is an example of a door manipulating device according to an example of the disclosure, articulated to a door handle;

Fig. 7B is a sectioned view along line 7A - 7A in Fig. 7A; Figs. 8A to 8D are directed to a foldable door manipulating device according to another example of the disclosure, wherein:

Fig. 8A is a top perspective view of the door manipulating device at an unfolded position;

Fig. 8B is a side view of Fig. 8A;

Fig. 8C is a top perspective view of the door manipulating device at a folded position; and

Fig. 8D is a side view of Fig. 8C;

Figs. 9A to 9C are additional different door manipulation modes, using a door manipulating device according to examples of the disclosure;

Figs. 10A and 10B are directed a side-mount door manipulating device; and

Figs. 11A to 11C are directed a bottom-mount door manipulating device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Attention is first directed to Figs. 1A to ID of the drawings, directed to a door manipulating device according to examples of the disclosure, generally designated 20. The door manipulating device 20 is made of a solid, rigid piece of material, e.g. polymeric material, composite material, metal, etc., and is configured with a door attaching portion 22, a top arm 24 and a bottom arm 26, oppositely extending from respective ends of the door attaching portion 22.

The door attaching portion 22 is a flat portion, configured for attaching over a door surface, where attachment can be facilitated by fasteners (e.g. bolts/screws/rivets) extendable through openings 28, or by other fastening arrangements such as adhesives, clamping, suction, magnetic, hook and pile fasteners (Velcro™), welding, etc. (not shown).

The bottom arm 26 extends at a right angle from a bottom end of the door attaching portion 22 and terminates at an upwardly projecting bottom end segment 32 having an edge 34. The top arm 24 is a concaved segment extending from a top end of the door attaching portion 22, with top end segment 35 terminating at an edge 36, and where the concaved arm is further configured with a manipulating aperture 38, as will be discussed below.

As can be seen, the edge 36 of the top end segment 35 is disposed substantially aligned (above in this case) the edge 34 of the bottom end segment 32 and is spaced apart therefrom, giving rise to a manipulating gap 40 therebetween and wherein a manipulating space 42 extends between an inside face of the top arm and an inside face of the bottom arm, said manipulating space 42 being accessible through the manipulating gap 40. It is appreciated that the gap 40 is sufficiently large to facilitate introducing therethrough a foot (with/without a shoe).

Before turning to additional examples and embodiments of the disclosure, further reference is made to Figs. 5 A, 5B, 6A and 6B exemplifying different mounting configurations of door manipulating devices according to the disclosure, over different door types, and to Figs. 4A to 4E exemplifying how the door manipulating device according to the disclosure is used.

In Fig. 5 A there is illustrated a hinged door 50 is fitted at a bottom end of a locking stile thereof with a door manipulating device 60 according to an example of the present disclosure. The door manipulating device 60 can be attached to either or both of an inside face and an outside face of the door 50. In the illustrated example the door manipulating device 60 is attached such that a bottom face of the bottom arm 62 is flush with a bottom face (bottom door rail) of the door 50. However, it is appreciated the door manipulating device 60 can be attached elsewhere over the door, as will be discussed, however with an advantage to locations nearer to the lock stile than the hinge stile.

A second door manipulating device 65 is mounted at an elevated portion, above the lock-handle assembly 66. The door manipulating device 65 is according to the present disclosure, however is attached to the door 50 at a horizontal configuration, such that the top arm and the bottom arm are disposed horizontally (as opposed to a vertical configuration discussed with reference to Figs. 1A to ID above), wherein use of such a setup is exemplified with reference to Fig. 9B as will be discussed later.

Fig. 5B illustrates a door 70 with a foot operated door manipulating device 72 attached at a bottom portion of the door 70, and an arm door manipulating device 74 attached at a top portion of the door 70.

Fig.6A illustrates a sliding door 76 with a door manipulating device 78 (e.g. of the type disclosed in Figs. 1A to ID) fitted at a bottom portion of the operating panel 80 of the door. In Fig. 6B there is illustrated a folding door 86 (bi-fold in the illustrated example), a door manipulating device 88 fitted at a bottom portion of the operating door wing 90. Tuming now to Figs. 4A to 4E of the drawings there are examples of manipulating a door utilizing a door manipulating device according to examples of the disclosure. In Fig. 4A a door manipulating device 20 (similar to that disclosed in Figs. 1A to ID) is attached at a bottom portion of a hinged door 90, at a stile side of the door. A user 92 waring a pointed shoe 94 inserts the toe portion 96 of shoe 94 through the gap 40 and into the space 42 (Figs. 1A - ID), such that the pointed tow box 98 projects through the manipulating aperture 38, and further where a portion of the vamp 99 bearing against the edge 36 of the top end segment 35. Now the user 92 can manipulate the door 90 (pulling/pushing) between its respective open and closed positions without having to hand touch the door 90. The arrangement is such that the toe box and the vamp/ shoe upper bear against the portions of the top arm 24, facilitating said hand-less operation. It is noted that manipulating the door is facilitated also with a high heeled shoe, as in the example.

It is appreciated that using a high heeled shoe is possible while the top arm of a door manipulating device according to the disclosure is sufficiently elevated above the floor and with a sufficient gap between the top arm and the bottom arm.

In Fig. 4B there is illustrated another example of door manipulating device 102 attached to a door face 104, said door manipulating device 102 being similar to door manipulating device 20 (discussed with reference to Figs. 1A to ID above ), wherein an individual 106 wearing a high heeled shoe 108 approaches the door manipulating device 20 such that the toe box 110 is received within the manipulating space 42 and with a front sole portion 112 bearing over and gripping edge 34 of the bottom end segment 32 of bottom arm 26, facilitating hand-less manipulation of the door between its respective open and closed positions.

Fig. 4C too illustrates using a door manipulating device 20 (as disclosed in detail in Figs. 1A to ID), articulated at a bottom portion of a door 120, where a bottom face of the bottom arm 26 is substantially flush with a bottom face of the door 120, and whereby a user wearing a high-healed show 124 inserts toe box 126 into the space 42 however without having the shoe point introduced within a manipulating aperture 38, but rather where a portion of the vamp 128 bearing against the edge 36 of the top end segment 35. This may be advantageously for example to minimize risk of damaging nail polish e.g. in the case of an open toe shoe or a bare-footed individual 130, such as illustrated in the example of Fig. 4D, where the toes 132 do not project through manipulating aperture 38. In the illustration of Fig. 4E there is a door manipulating device 20 (as disclosed in detail in Figs. 1A to ID), articulated at a bottom portion of a door 140, wherein rather than a foot used for manipulation the door 140, a bottom end 142 of a crutch 144 is introduced into the space 42 through the manipulating aperture 38, facilitating manipulating the door 140 between its respective open and closed positions, without using hands or feet. Similarly, any aid can be used for manipulating the door, e.g. a walking cane, a hiking pole and the like.

Further reference is now made to Figs. 2A to 21 and 3 of the drawings, directed to additional examples and embodiments of door manipulating devices according to the disclosure, all of which sharing essential common features.

The door manipulating device 150 of Fig. 2A has a flat door attaching portion 152 with fastener apertures 155, a top arm 154 and a bottom arm 156 extending at a right angle from a bottom end of the door attaching portion 152, terminating with an upwardly projecting bottom end segment 158 having a rounded edge 160. The top arm 154 is a concaved segment extending from a top end of the door attaching portion 152, with a rounded edge 162 at the end of the top end segment 161, however wherein the concaved arm 154 is devoid of a manipulating aperture.

The door manipulating device 170 of Fig. 2B is similar to door manipulating device 150 of Fig. 2A, however with a difference residing in that the concaved top arm 172 is configured with a manipulating aperture 174.

The door manipulating device 180 of Fig. 2C has a flat door attaching portion 182 with attachment apertures 184, a bottom arm 184 extending at a right angle from a bottom end of the door attaching portion 182 terminating with an upwardly projecting bottom end segment 185 having a serrated straight edge 188. The top arm 190 is a concaved segment extending from a top end of the door attaching portion 182, with a straight edge 194 facing the edge 188, however wherein the top arm 190 is configured with two laterally projecting wings 200A and 200B, each configured with a top face 202A and 202B, respectively. The arrangement being such that a door fitted with a door manipulating device 180 can be manipulated as explained hereinabove, and also by applying users sole over the top face 202A and 202B of wings 200A and 200B, or by applying an object into the space S behind said wings 200A and 200B. The serrations over straight edge 188 facilitate as a friction enhancing arrangement, to prevent foot slippage. The door manipulating device 220 of Fig. 2D is a simple slim configuration according to the disclosure, configured with a flat slim door attaching portion 222 with fastener apertures 224, a concave top arm 226 and a bottom arm 228 extending at a right angle from a bottom end of the door attaching portion 222, terminating with an upwardly projecting bottom end segment 232 having a straight edge 232. The top arm 226 has a straight edge 234 at an end of the top end segment 236 and is devoid of a manipulating aperture. The door manipulating device 220 is in particular useful for articulation to a door configured with a slim lock stile, or where slim design is required.

In Fig. 2E there is disclosed a door manipulating device 240 configured with a flat door attaching portion 242 with attachment apertures 244, a bottom arm 246 extending at a right angle from a bottom end of the door attaching portion 242 and terminating with an upwardly projecting bottom end segment 248, with a laterally projecting single sided wing portion 250, and having a straight edge 252. A top arm 256 is a concaved segment extending from a top end of the door attaching portion 242, with a top arm segment 258 with a laterally projecting single sided wing portion 260 having a straight bottom edge 262 and a straight top edger 264. The arrangement is such that a door fitted with a door manipulating device 240 can be manipulated as explained hereinabove, and also by applying users sole over any of the top face 264 and 252 of wings 260 and 250, respectively, or by applying an object into the space S behind said wings.

In Figs. 2F to 21 there is disclosed a door manipulating device 270 configured with a flat door attaching portion 272 with attachment apertures 274, a bottom arm 276 extending at a right angle from a bottom end of the door attaching portion 272 terminating with an upwardly projecting bottom end segment 278 with a laterally projecting single sided wing portion 280 and having a straight top edge 282. A top arm 286 is a concaved segment extending from a top end of the door attaching portion 272, with a top arm segment 288 having a laterally projecting single sided wing portion 290 having a straight bottom edge 292 and a straight top edger 294. However, it is noted that the flat door attaching portion 272 is inclined between the bottom arm 276 and the top arm 286, imparting the door manipulating device 270 a Z-like shaped configuration. The arrangement is such that a door fitted with a door manipulating device 270 can be manipulated as explained hereinabove, and also by applying users sole over any of the top face 282 and 294 of wings 280 and 290, respectively, or by applying an object into the space S behind said wings. Fig. 3 of the drawings is a schematic planar side view of the door manipulating devices illustrated in Figs 2A to 21, illustrating a door manipulating device generally designated D and configured with several common features, as follows: a flat door attaching portion A, a top arm T with a top arm end segment TS having a bottom edge EB, a bottom arm B with a bottom arm end segment BS and having a top edge ET. Common to all the examples and embodiments illustrated herein is a clearly displayed C- like cross section (side view), and further wherein the top edge ET of the top arm end segment TS is disposed aligned with the bottom edge EB of the bottom arm end segment BS, with a gap G therebetween and giving rise to a space S between the top arm end segment TS, the bottom arm end segment BS and the door attaching portion A. Also appreciated, while the bottom arm B is generally flat and the top arm T is concave, however they are disposed about parallel planes.

Whilst in the embodiments discussed herein above the door manipulating device is attachable to a door surface, in the example according to Figs. 7A and 7B the door manipulating device 300 is articulated to a door handle/lever 302. It is however appreciated that the door manipulating device is configurable for articulation to different types of door handles and knobs, not shown. The door manipulating device 300 is of the type generally discussed herein above, however with a difference residing in the shape of the door attaching portion 308 being a generally flat piece configured with fastener apertures 310 for alternative articulating to a flat door surface as previously explained. The door attaching portion 308 is further configured with a handle receptacle in the form of a looped portion shaped and sized for embracing a portion of the (cylindrical) door lever 302, and further configured with a fastener set screw 316. The door manipulating device 300 is configured with a gap 320 facilitating arm introduction into space 322 for manipulation of the door using the door manipulating device 300. It is appreciated that the handle receptacle can be shaped in conformity with the type, shape and size of a door handle/ knob.

With further reference now made to Figs. 8A to 8D there is illustrated a foldable door manipulating device generally designated 330. The door manipulating device 330 follows the essential features of the disclosure as discussed herein above, namely door manipulating device is configured with a flat door attaching portion 334 with fastener apertures 338, a top arm 340 with a top arm end segment 342 having a bottom edge 344, a bottom arm 348 with a bottom arm end segment 350 and having a top edge 352 disposed aligned with the edge of top arm end segment 344, giving rise to a gap 356 and a space 360 between the top arm end segment 342, the bottom arm end segment 350 and the door attaching portion 336.

However, and unlike the previous examples, the bottom arm 348 is pivotally articulated at 364 to a hinge disposed at a bottom portion of the door attaching portion 334. likewise, the top arm 340 is pivotally articulated at 370 to a hinge disposed at a top portion of the door attaching portion 334, whereby the bottom arm 348 and the top arm 340 are independently foldable between an open, deployed position (Figs. 8A and 8B), and a folded position (Figs. 8C and 8D). It is appreciated that the door manipulating device can be configured with one or both the top arm and bottom are foldable. The folding configuration is useful for example to eliminate or substantially reduce damage to articles disposed behind the door, such as furniture or walls, and to reduce risk of an individual encountering the arms. The foldable arms can be spring biased into one of the open and closed position and there may be a locking arrangement (e.g. a snap type arrangement) for arresting an arm at a respective deployed or folded position (not shown). It is appreciated that one or both of the top arm and the bottom arm can be foldable.

Reverting now to Figs. 4F and 4G, and with reference made also to Figs. 9A to 9C additional modes of use of a door manipulating device according to the present disclosure are exemplified.

In Fig. 4F the door manipulating device 240 is similar to the door manipulating device disclosed in Fig. 2E, with reference made thereto. The door manipulating device 240 is attached to a door surface 380 and in use the toe box 382 of the shoe 384 is introduced into the space S such that the toe tip 388 is received behind the wing 260. Optionally with an upper of the show bearing against top edge 264. This configuration can be useful for introducing an elongate manipulating aid (e.g. a crutch, a walking cane/hiking pole, etc. ; not shown), wherein a user does not have to be bothered with aiming at introducing a tip of the elongate manipulating aid into a manipulating aperture (e.g. manipulating aperture 38 in the door manipulating device 20 according to the example of Figs. 1A to ID), but rather can slide the elongate manipulating aid into the space S behind the wing 260.

In Fig. 4G a door manipulating device 261 is similar to the door manipulating device 20 disclosed in Figs. 1A to ID, with the concave top arm 263 is configured with a manipulating aperture 265. In the use example of Fig. 4G the individual places his foot over the top surface 267 of the top arm 263, with one or more toes 269 projecting through the manipulating aperture 265, thus obtaining enhanced grip of the door manipulating device while manipulating same.

It is further appreciated that a trained animal (e.g. a working dog) can use a door manipulating device according to different configurations of the disclosure.

Fig. 9A illustrates a door manipulating device 400 attached at a top, side portion 402 of a refrigerator door 404, where an individual's forearm 410 is received within the space S, such that at least a portion of the concave top arm 414 embraces the forearm 410, such that the refrigerator door 404 can be pulled open or pushed to be closed. It is appreciated that the door 404 cane be manipulated by the end segment 416 of the bottom arm 418 engaging the individual's forearm 410.

Fig. 9B illustrates a door manipulating device 219 similar to the door manipulating device 400 illustrated in Fig. 9A, however wherein the device 219 is attached to the door surface 221 in a sidewise position, i.e. with the top arm 223 and the bottom arm 225 extending substantially vertically. This configuration is useful for manipulating the door using arm 227 at folded vertical position, as exemplified.

In Fig. 9C the door manipulating device 229 is attached to a door surface 231 at an upside down position, such that the top arm 233 extends below the bottom arm 235, whereby the flat portion 237 of the bottom arm is used for mounting thereover a utility item, e.g. a sanitizing liquid container 239.

Figs. 10A and 10B are directed to a door manipulating device generally designated 430 being principally similar to door manipulating device 220 of Fig. 2D whereby reference is made back thereto. The door manipulating device 430 is configured with a mounting bracket 432 in the form of a plate rigidly extending from door attaching portion 436, extending normal to said door attaching portion 436 (and to a bottom arm 440), said mounting bracket 432 configured with several mounting apertures 438. The arrangement being such that the door manipulating device 430 is attachable to a door 450 (Fig. 10A) either or both through fasteners applied via front mounting apertures 452 configured at the door attaching portion 436, and side mounting apertures 438 configured at the mounting bracket 432. This arrangement increases stability of articulation of the door manipulating device 430 to a door 450 and even more so, eliminates forming apertures at the front/back surface of a door so as to avoid damaging of the surface. Yet a mounting and articulation solution is disclosed in figs. 11A to 11C directed to a door manipulating device generally designated 470 being principally similar to door manipulating device 220 of Fig. 2D whereby reference is made back thereto.

The door manipulating device 470 is configured with a mounting bracket 472 in the form of a plate rigidly extending at the bottom of door attaching portion 474, extending normal to said door attaching portion 474 (and parallel to a bottom arm 475, though not necessary coplanar therewith), said mounting bracket 472 is configured with several mounting apertures 478. The arrangement being such that the door manipulating device 470 is attachable to a door 480 (Fig. 10A) either or both through fasteners applied via front mounting apertures 482 configured at the door attaching portion 474, and bottom mounting apertures 478 configured at the mounting bracket 472. This arrangement increases stability of articulation of the door manipulating device 480 to a door 482 and even more so, eliminates forming apertures at the front/back surface of a door so as to avoid damaging of the surface.

Though not illustrated, it is appreciated that the top arm of a door manipulating device according to any of the examples can be pivotally articulated to the door attaching portion, and said top arm can be further articulated by a manipulating member, to a door handle, whereby pivotal displacement of the top arm entails manipulating of the door handle between locked and un locked positions, respectively. More so, the bottom arm can be configured as a door stopper. The door stopper can be engageable by a door arresting device for engaging with the bottom arm at a door stopping position.