BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and assemblies for
handwashing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to handwashing assemblies
for use in, for example, remote locations without traditional utility hook-ups.
SUMMARY
10 [0002] At least one embodiment relates to a handwashing assembly. The hand washing
assembly includes a hood, a valve structure, and a lever handle. The hood includes a top
wall having an aperture extending through the top wall and one or more sidewalls
extending downward from a perimeter of the top wall. The one or more sidewalls define
a cavity within the hood. The valve structure is positioned at least partially within the
15 cavity and configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source. The valve structure is further
configured to receive a flow of fluid from the fluid source through the aperture. The lever
handle is operatively coupled to the valve structure and configured to move the valve
structure between a first position in which the valve structure prevents the flow of fluid
through the valve structure and a second position in which the valve structure permits the
20 flow of fluid through the valve structure. The lever handle includes a contact surface
positioned within the cavity and configured to move toward the top wall as the valve
structure moves into the second position and configured to move away from the top wall
as the valve structure moves into the first position.
25 [0003] This summary is illustrative only and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0004] The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like elements, in which:
3
[0005] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a handwashing assembly, according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the handwashing assembly of FIG.1,
according to an exemplary embodiment;
5 [0007] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the handwashing assembly of FIG. 1,
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a side view of the handwashing assembly of FIG. 1, according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the handwashing assembly of FIG. 1, according
10 to an exemplary embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lever handle of the handwashing of FIG. 1,
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the handwashing assembly of FIG. 1 operatively
coupled to a vessel, according to an exemplary embodiment; and
15 [0012] FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the handwashing assembly of FIG.
5, according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments
in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or
20 methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be
understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and
should not be regarded as limiting.
[0014] Referring generally to the figures, disclosed herein is a handwashing assembly
with an intuitive valve control structure structured to operate the handwashing assembly
25 for easy, sanitary, and hygienic hand washing using a minimal amount of water.
Accordingly, the handwashing assembly is particularly useful in locations that do not
have water plumbing, where water is scarce, and/or where water needs to be conserved.
The handwashing assembly allows the user to easily access water, but does not let water
4
run or be wasted while the user is not using the handwashing assembly, is not scrubbing
their hands, or between uses in order to conserve water and reduce how much the
handwashing assembly (specifically the water vessel) needs to be refilled with water.
Since the handwashing assembly is wrist-activated, the handwashing assembly reduces
5 the spread of infection or bacteria and prevents the user’s hands from being
recontaminated when turning off the water flow.
[0015] Additionally, the handwashing assembly is easily adaptable to a variety of
different environments and can utilize a variety of different water vessels. In order to be
easily assembled and to reduce the cost (which is of particular importance in areas with
10 scarce amounts of water), the number of components within the handwashing assembly
is minimized. Overall, the handwashing assembly is intuitively designed such that users
who are unfamiliar with the handwashing assembly can use the handwashing assembly
without instructions or directions and is convenient such that users are more likely to
wash their hands more frequently.
15 [0016] As shown in FIG. 1, a handwashing assembly 100 provides a user with an easy
and sanitary system for washing their hands. The handwashing assembly 100 can be used
within a variety of different areas in which handwashing is needed. For example, the
handwashing assembly 100 can be used within bathrooms (and therefore located near a
toilet, for example), kitchens (and therefore located near a food preparation station, for
20 example), schools, health centers, community centers, or other building structures.
[0017] The handwashing assembly 100 includes a valve housing, shown as hood 102,
a valve structure 104 (as shown in FIG. 2), and a valve control, shown as lever handle
106. A fluid source, shown as water supply 110, may be fluidly coupled to the
handwashing assembly 100 via the valve structure 104. The handwashing assembly 100
25 may also optionally include additional components, including, but not limited to, a liquid
waste bin 112.
[0018] In some embodiments, one or more components of the handwashing assembly
100 may be the same as or similar to that of the handwashing assembly described in U.S.
Patent Application No. 17/187,005 filed February 26, 2021, the entirety of which is
30 incorporated by reference herein.
5
[0019] Generally speaking, the hood 102 is configured to protect the valve structure
104 from damage, to improve the aesthetics and durability of the handwashing system,
and to improve the ease of use of the handwashing assembly 100. The hood 102 may be
formed of plastic, wood, metal, metal alloys, a polymer, or similar materials or
5 combinations of materials that are both durable and corrosion-resistant. In some
embodiments, the hood 102 is configured for use outside, and thus the hood 102 may be
formed of a material that can withstand freezing temperatures and direct sunlight without
fading, cracking, or deteriorating. The hood 102 is also configured to receive a flow of
water from the water supply 110. The water supply 110 may take many forms based on
10 the desired location of the handwashing assembly 100. For example, the water supply 110
may be a large bucket or vessel (e.g., oil drum, 55-gallon drum, etc.) configured to hold
a volume of water or similar liquid. The valve structure 104 may be fluidly coupled to the
water supply 110 such that the valve structure 104 is operable to discharge a flow of
water. The handwashing assembly 100 may depend upon the potential energy provided
15 by gravity and the water pressure within the liquid vessel to discharge the water from the
valve structure 104. In some embodiments, where the water supply 110 is a liquid vessel
or bucket, the valve structure 104 may extend into the liquid vessel and be operable to
discharge a flow of water from the liquid vessel. In some embodiments, where the water
supply 110 is received from a hose 116 or conduit, the hose 116 may be coupled to or
20 clamped to the valve structure 104. In some embodiments, the water supply 110 may be
a garden hose or other pressurized water conduit (e.g., spigot, pump, utility conduit, etc.)
such that the pressure within the hose 116 is configured to facilitate a flow of water
through the valve structure 104 when the valve structure 104 is operated to discharge
water.
25 [0020] The hose 116 may further comprise a filter element 117 disposed within the hose
116, fluidly coupled to the valve structure 104. The filter element 117 is configured to
filter any unnecessary material (e.g., particles, etc.) from the water that may obstruct a
water output. As can be appreciated, the filter element 117 may comprise a filter screen
that is configured to catch particles that are otherwise larger in size then that of the water
30 output. In some embodiments, the hose 116 may further comprise an additional filter
element positioned proximate to the filter element 117 such to provide an additional
filtering process.
6
[0021] The valve structure 104 may be operably coupled to the lever handle 106 such
that an interaction with the lever handle 106 results in operation of the valve structure
104. Generally speaking, the valve structure 104 is operable between two positions: a first
(e.g., closed) position and a second (e.g., open) position. As will be appreciated, the valve
5 structure 104, being a physical valve, may be operable in between a first position and a
second position, as there may be varying degrees of “open.” Take, for example, a sink
faucet, where the position of the handle affects the flow rate of the water being discharged
from the sink faucet. Similarly, varying degrees of pressure applied to the lever handle
106 may affect a flow rate of water discharged from the valve structure 104.
10 [0022] Referring generally to FIGS. 1–4, the hood 102 is shown according to an
exemplary embodiment. The hood 102 may assume many different forms and
appearances across various embodiments. The hood 102 includes a first panel 200 (e.g.,
a top wall) and a sidewall 202 (e.g., one or more side walls) cooperating to define a
housing cavity 204. Positioned within the housing cavity 204 may be the valve structure
15 104 and the lever handle 106. In some embodiments, the valve structure 104 and the lever
handle 106 are disposed entirely within the housing cavity 204 such that no portion of the
lever handle 106 or the valve structure 104 extends outside of the housing cavity 204.
This may be desirable if, for example, a plurality of handwashing assemblies 100 were
being stacked and shipped together. The extension of components, such as the lever
20 handle 106 and the valve structure 104, outside of the housing cavity 204 may cause such
components to be more susceptible to damage during shipping, packing, and storage.
[0023] Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the lever handle 106 may be positioned
proximate a first side 210 of the hood 102. While the hood 102 may assume many forms
across various embodiments, it should be appreciated that the hood 102 defines the first
25 side 210 (e.g., front, face, etc.), a second side 212 and a third side 214 opposite to the
second side 212 (e.g., peripheral sides), and a fourth side 216 (e.g., back side, rearward
facing side, etc.). Collectively, the first side 210, the second side 212, the third side 214,
and the fourth side 216 define a contiguous sidewall (e.g., the sidewall 202), which
defines the housing cavity 204. In some embodiments, the fourth side 216 is configured
30 to be coupled to a vertical support surface, such as a wall, a tree, a post, or similar
structure. Mounting the fourth side 216 to a vertical support surface may provide
additional stability to the handwashing assembly 100 when the handwashing assembly
7
100 is in use. The sidewall 202 extends substantially orthogonally away from the first
panel 200. Each of the second side 212, the third side 214, and the fourth side 216 extend
away from the first panel 200 a first distance and define a sidewall height, shown as a
first height H1 (as shown in FIG. 4). The sidewall 202 may define a substantially annular
5 body having a diameter approximately twice the length as the first height H1 (as shown
in FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the second side 212 and the fourth side 216 meet at a
sharp corner and the sidewall 202 defines a regular polygon, such as a square or rectangle.
In some embodiments, the sidewall 202 defines a square having rounded edges such that
the second side 212 and the fourth side 216 are both substantially planar, but the second
10 side 212 and the fourth side 216 may meet at a rounded, contiguous, and differentiable
corner.
[0024] The hood 102 may further comprise a set of mounting locations, screw holes, or
the like, configured to mount the handwashing assembly onto a specific body. By way of
example, the hood 102 may include one mounting location on the fourth side 216,
15 proximate the second side 212, and another mounting location on the fourth side 216,
proximate the third side 214. In some embodiments, the hood 102 may include a single
mounting location positioned at the midpoint of the fourth side 216. In still some
embodiments, the hood 102 may include any number of mounting locations positioned at
any location along the contiguous sidewall.
20 [0025] Opposite the first panel 200, the sidewall 202 defines a sidewall edge 220 (e.g.,
sidewall perimeter). The sidewall edge 220 is contiguous across all of the first side 210,
the second side 212, the third side 214, and the fourth side 216. In some embodiments,
the sidewall 202 tapers outward as the sidewall 202 extends away from the first panel 200
such that a horizontal cross-sectional area taken at a first plane 222 defined by the first
25 panel 200 is less than a horizontal cross-sectional area taken at a second plane 224
partially defined by the sidewall edge 220 of the second side 212, the third side 214, and
the fourth side 216. The first plane 222 and the second plane 224 are separated by the first
height H1 (as shown in FIG. 4).
[0026] The first side 210 may include an interface cut-out 230, framed (e.g., defined)
30 by a cut-out profile 232. As shown in FIG. 3, the cut-out profile 232 defines a portion of
the sidewall edge 220. The interface cut-out 230, and thus the cut-out profile 232, may
extend across the first side 210, extending between the second side 212 and the third side
8
214. The cut-out 230 is structured to allow access to the lever handle 106 through the first
side 210 of the hood 102. The cut-out 230 enables a user of the system to see the lever
handle 106 when a user’s eye level is above the first panel 200 (e.g., the first plane 222).
The cut-out 230 may allow a user to quickly identify the first side 210 of the hood 102,
5 which may improve the user experience of the handwashing assembly 100 and allow the
user to intuitively know how to interact with the lever handle 106 to discharge water from
the water supply 110 via the valve structure 104.
[0027] Similar to the valve structure 104, the lever handle 106 is operable between a
first position and a second position. Specifically, interaction with the lever handle 106
10 facilitates operation of the valve structure 104 between the first position and the second
position. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lever handle 106 is in the first position. The first
position is configured to be a closed position, where fluid may not flow out of the valve
structure 104. The second position is configured to be an open position, where fluid may
flow out of the valve structure 104. In some embodiments, the default position for the
15 lever handle 106 is in the first position. To position the valve structure 104 in the second
position such that water is discharged by the valve structure 104, a user may apply an
upward force (e.g., a force in a direction generally toward the cut-out profile 232, a force
in a direction generally toward the first panel 200) on the lever handle 106.
[0028] As will be appreciated, hand washing often occurs at or below shoulder level.
20 Thus, the cut-out 230 provides clearance for a user’s arm, wrist, or hand to apply a force
to the lever handle 106 such that the lever handle 106 is biased toward the first panel 200.
While operation of the lever handle 106 between the first position and the second position
would still be possible without the cut-out 230, a user may unintentionally strike the first
side 210, and more specifically the cut-out profile 232, of the hood 102 when operating
25 the handwashing assembly 100, causing discomfort or pain. In some embodiments, the
hood 102 is formed as a unitary body of plastic by injection molding. The edges of
injection molded parts may be sharp, and thus engagement between a user’s wrist and the
cut-out profile 232 when operating the handwashing assembly 100 may cause harm to a
user. In some embodiments, a guard or pad is positioned along the cut-out profile 232
30 such that engagement (accidental or intentional) with the cut-out profile 232 and the first
side 210 does not cause discomfort or pain.
9
[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, the cut-out profile 232 includes a first profile edge 234, a
second profile edge 236 proximate to the second side 212, and a third profile edge 238
proximate to the third side 214. The first profile edge 234 extends between the second
profile edge 236 and the third profile edge 238. The first profile edge 234 may be
5 substantially parallel to the second plane 224 and spaced apart from the second plane 224
by a height approximately equal to one-half of the first height H1 (as shown in FIG. 4).
The second profile edge 236 and the third profile edge 238 form a gradual transition
between the first profile edge 234 and the portion of the sidewall edge 220 that lies within
the second plane 224.
10 [0030] The hood 102 may further include a latching mechanism, tie down, strap, or the
like, shown as tie down 114. The tie down 114 may be positioned on the first panel 200,
proximate the first side 210. The tie down 114 is configured to secure an accessory (e.g.,
soap, toothbrush, or similar accessory) to the first panel 200. The tie down 114 is further
configured to extend across at least a portion of the first panel 200 such that the first panel
15 200 may include at least two mounting locations for the tie down 114. As can be
appreciated, the tie down 114 may include a locking feature, or the like, configured to
tighten the tie down 114 such to secure the accessory. In some embodiments, the tie down
114 may be an elastic material where the user may stretch out the tie down 114 to place
an accessory within, where tie down 114 retracts back into a neutral position when the
20 user stops applying a force.
[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the hood 102 may
include a lip 240 profiled about a perimeter of the first panel 200, the lip 240 defining the
transition between the first panel 200 and the sidewall 202. The lip 240 may cooperate
with the first panel 200 to retain an accessory, such as the soap, a toothbrush, or a similar
25 accessory. In some embodiments, the lip 240 includes a divot configured to allow
drainage of fluids captured by the first panel 200 to drain away down the sidewall 202.
For example, as user’s use the soap that may be placed on the first panel 200, water and
soap may collect on the first panel 200 and be collected by the lip 240. Thus, the divot
may allow for fluids captured by the lip 240 to drain down the sidewall 202 and away
30 from the first panel 200.
[0032] The valve housing may further include an aperture 242 positioned in the first
panel 200. In some embodiments, the aperture 242 is positioned centrally in the first panel
10
200. The aperture 242 may receive the water supply 110 and the valve structure 104. In
some embodiments, the valve structure 104 is positioned within the housing cavity 204
and extends through the first panel 200 via the aperture 242. For example, a first portion
of the valve structure 104 may be positioned within the housing cavity 204, and a second
5 portion of the valve structure 104 may extend through the first panel 200 via the aperture
242 and is configured to be fluidly coupled to the water supply 110.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the valve structure 104 includes a first valve portion 300
and a second valve portion 302. The first valve portion 300 is positioned within the
housing cavity 204 and extends through the aperture 242 and through the first panel 200.
10 The second valve portion 302 is configured to be coupled to the first valve portion 300,
such as by threading, PVC glue, rubber cement, fasteners, or the like. In some
embodiments, the second valve portion 302 is fluidly coupled to the first valve portion
300 such that a flow of water received by the second valve portion 302 is delivered to the
first valve portion 300. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second
15 valve portion 302 is fluidly coupled to the water supply 110 with a fitting 304, such as a
hose fitting, pipe fitting, zip ties, or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the valve structure 104
is in the first position. Thus, even if the water supply 110 is pressurized, the valve
structure 104 prevents a flow of water from being discharged. When the lever handle 106
is engaged and an upward force is applied to the lever handle 106, the valve structure 104
20 transitions out of the first portion and a flow of water is discharged from the valve
structure 104, and thus from the handwashing assembly 100.
[0034] The handwashing assembly 100 further includes a flow device, shown as flow
restrictor 303. The flow restrictor 303 is fluidly coupled to both the valve structure 104
and the lever handle 106. The flow restrictor 303 is configured to regulate the volume of
25 liquid discharged through the valve structure 104. By way of example, the flow restrictor
303 may include at least one orifice disposed within the flow restrictor 303 configured to
regulate the amount of liquid flowing through the flow restrictor 303. In some
embodiments, the amount of force exerted onto the lever handle 106 may change the
volumetric flow rate of the liquid out of the valve structure 104. For example, the larger
30 the force exerted onto the lever handle 106, the higher the volumetric flow rate of the
liquid. To be more precise, the flow restrictor 303 is configured to maintain a volumetric
flow rate of 1-2 liters per minute for up to 10 minutes of head pressure. In some
11
embodiments, the flow restrictor 303 maintains a volumetric flow rate less than 1 liter per
minute. According to an exemplary embodiment, the flow restrictor 303 may include a
control valve, where the user moves the control valve to change the volumetric flow rate
of the liquid passing through the flow restrictor 303.
5 [0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the lever handle 106 further includes a retracting mechanism
318 operably coupled to both the first control arm 312 and the second control arm 314.
The retracting mechanism 318 is configured to bias the lever handle into the first position
(e.g., closed position) to prevent fluid from flowing out of the valve structure 104 when
the user is not applying a force on the lever handle 106. By way of example, the retracting
10 mechanism 318 may be a spring, cylinder, or the like. When the user provides an upward
force onto the lever handle 106, the applied force must be greater than the biasing force
applied by the retracting mechanism 318 in order to move the lever handle 106 out of the
first position. In some embodiments, the retracting mechanism 318 may comprise an
assist that is configured to assist the user in overcoming the bias force when the user
15 interfaces with the assist.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lever handle 106 includes a substantially smooth
contact surface 310, a first control arm 312, and a second control arm 314. The first
control arm 312 and the second control arm 314 operatively couple the contact surface
310 to the valve structure 104 such that a force applied to the contact surface 310 is
20 translated to the valve structure 104 to transition the valve structure 104 between the first
position and the second position. The contact surface 310 may be formed by vacuum
molding, injection molding, or the like. The contact surface 310 may be formed of plastic,
metal, wood, metal alloys, or a polymer. When the lever handle 106 is operatively coupled
to the valve structure 104, the contact surface 310 extends across the first side 210 such
25 that a portion of the contact surface 310 is positioned in confronting relation to the second
side 212 and the third side 214. The contact surface 310 is also positioned proximate to
the cut-out 230 such that the contact surface 310 may be engaged by a user. The contact
surface 310 also includes a lower contact portion 316. The lower contact portion 316 may
be substantially planner and my lie within the second plane 224. In some embodiments,
30 the lower contact portion 316 is separated from the second plane 224 by a short (less that
one inch) distance. In some embodiments, the contact surface 310 does not extend outside
of the housing cavity 204. Generally speaking, when a user interacts with the lever handle
12
106 to operate the valve structure 104, the user interfaces with the lower contact portion
316, applying a force to the lower contact portion 316, biasing the contact surface 310
toward the first panel 200, and transitioning the valve structure 104 out of the first
position. To be more precise, the lever handle 106 is fixedly coupled to the valve structure
5 104 such that when the user provides an upward force onto the lever handle 106, the valve
structure 104 is positioned into an upward position (e.g., second position) allowing fluid
to flow out of the valve structure 104. When the user releases from the lever handle 106,
the valve structure 104 is positioned back into the lowered position (e.g., first position)
preventing fluid to flow out of the valve structure 104. The first control arm 312 and the
10 second control arm 314 may be integrally formed with the contact surface 310. The first
control arm 312 and the second control arm 314 may be structured to handle the cyclic
loading caused by users applying a force to the contact surface 310.
[0037] Referring generally to FIGS. 1–5, the plurality of sidewalls 202 are configured
15 to form the contiguous sidewall that encompasses the valve structure 104. The plurality
of sidewalls 202 abut the first panel 200 at an edge 320. The edge 320 is configured to be
the circumference of a circle, and extends along at least a portion of the hood 102.. In
some embodiments, the edge 320 may be relatively square and includes a corner, where
the corner extends along at least a portion of the hood 102.
20 [0038] Referring specifically to FIG. 6, the lever handle 106 comprises the first control
arm 312 and the second control arm 314, positioned adjacent one another on the lever
handle 106. The first control arm 312 and the second control arm 314 are further disposed
parallel to one another along the length of the handwashing assembly 100. In some
embodiments, the first control arm 312 and the second control arm 314 are not disposed
25 parallel to one another such that the lever handle 106 is coupled to the valve structure 104
at varying locations.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the handwashing assembly 100 is shown
according to another exemplary embodiment. The handwashing assembly 100 may be
configured for use with a basin of water, such as a small pail of water, a 55-gallon drum,
30 or a rain barrel. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is similar to the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1-6, but the water supply 110 has been replaced with a different type of
13
water supply in the form of the liquid vessel 400. A difference between the handwashing
assembly 100 of FIGS. 7and 8 when compared to the handwashing assembly 100 of FIGS.
1–4 is that the second valve portion 302 of the handwashing assembly 100 of FIG. 4 is
configured to be disposed within the water supply 110.
5 [0040] The water supply 110 is shown as a liquid vessel 400. The liquid vessel 400
(e.g., the water bucket, receptacle, container, barrel, drum, or liquid vessel 400) may be
any variety of different containers that are configured to contain and store a liquid.
Although water is referred to herein, it is understood that the liquid vessel 400 may store
and release (via the valve structure 104) a variety of different liquids, such as soapy water.
10 Due to the configuration and adaptability of the hood 102 and the valve structure 104, the
hood 102 and valve structure 104 can be attached to a wide variety of differently sized
and shaped water vessels. Accordingly, a wide variety of different types of liquid vessels
400 may be used with the handwashing assembly 100, according to the user’s preference
and what is available to be used. The size or capacity of the liquid vessel 400 may depend
15 on what the handwashing assembly 100 is being used for (e.g., how many people will be
using the handwashing assembly 100 and with what frequency, how often and easily the
liquid vessel 400 can be refilled).
[0041] The handwashing assembly 100 is attached to the liquid vessel 400 such that,
upon activation of the lever handle 106, liquid (i.e., water) can flow from within the liquid
20 vessel 400 onto the user’s hands. As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid vessel 400 includes a
shell 402 that extends about the body of the liquid vessel 400 and defines a base 404 and
a side 406 that cooperate to define an inner area of the liquid vessel 400 that is configured
to contain a liquid (i.e., water). In order to attach the handwashing assembly 100 to the
liquid vessel 400, an aperture or hole 408 (which may optionally be circular) is drilled or
25 cut in the base 404, extending completely through the shell 402. As described further
herein, the valve structure 104 is positioned such that the valve structure 104 extends
through the aperture 242 of the hood 102 and through the hole 408 of the liquid vessel
400. According to one embodiment, the diameter of the hole 408 is approximately 25 to
35 millimeters. Since the handwashing assembly 100 may be attached to the base 404, at
30 least a portion of the handwashing assembly 100 may be positioned vertically below (and
optionally directly underneath) the liquid vessel 400.
14
[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment, the handwashing assembly 100 may
include a flange configured to support the handwashing assembly 100 over a ledge in an
environment where suspending the liquid vessel 400 and the handwashing assembly 100
would be impractical. The handwashing assembly 100 may be fluidly coupled to the
5 liquid vessel 400 and cooperate with the liquid vessel 400 to discharge a flow of water.
However, the valve structure 104 of the handwashing assembly 100 is not required to be
positioned within or directly beneath the liquid vessel 400. The hood 102 includes a hood
flange which extends beyond the fourth side 216. The hood flange may be substantially
planar and include the first panel 200, the first panel 200 extending across an entirety of
10 the hood flange. The hood flange may define a first flange end proximate to the fourth
side 216 and a second flange end opposite to the first flange end. When the hood 102 is
coupled to the liquid vessel 400, the hood flange may be interposed between the liquid
vessel 400 and a substantially planar surface. The planar surface may be a mantle, a step,
a stair, a table, a truck bed, or a similar structure. The hood flange allows the handwashing
15 assembly, and more specifically the valve structure 104, to extend beyond an edge of the
planar surface and to extend below the planar surface.
[0043] Referring still to the exemplary embodiment, integrated within the first panel
200 may be a ridge extending orthogonally away from the first panel 200 in a direction
generally opposite from the housing cavity 204. The ridge may be configured to secure
20 an accessory. The first panel 200 also includes the aperture 242. The ridge may be
positioned between the aperture 242 and the first side 210 such that a ridge area defined
by a perimeter of the ridge is positioned entirely between the aperture 242 and the first
side 210. The aperture 242 is configured to receive a portion of the valve structure 104
such that that valve structure 104 is coupled to the hood 102.
25 [0044] Referring still to the exemplary embodiment, the handwashing assembly 100
further includes a conduit configured to receive the liquid from the liquid vessel 400 and
deliver the liquid to the valve structure 104. The valve structure 104 may be partially
disposed within the housing cavity 204, extend through the aperture 242 in the first panel
200, and be fluidly coupled to the conduit. The conduit may be coupled to the shell 402
30 of the liquid vessel 400, and more specifically coupled to a side 406 of the liquid vessel
400 proximate to the base 404 to increase the water pressure at the conduit. The conduit
may be configured to extend orthogonally away from the liquid vessel 400, bend at
15
approximately 90 degrees in a direction generally toward the base 404, and be configured
to be fluidly coupled to the valve structure 104.
[0045] As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,”
“about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean +/- 10% of the disclosed
5 values, unless specified otherwise. As utilized herein with respect to structural features
(e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms
“approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are meant to cover minor
variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly
process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and
10 accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this
disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that
insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter
described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited
in the appended claims.
15 [0046] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used
herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments
are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such
terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or
superlative examples).
20 [0047] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of
two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g.,
permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be
achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members
coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional
25 intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to
each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body
with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an
additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided
above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly
30 coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member),
resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above.
Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.
16
[0048] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,”
“below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES.
It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other
exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the
5 present disclosure.
[0049] It is important to note that any element disclosed in one embodiment may be
incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the
valve structure 104 of the exemplary embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1-6
may be incorporated in the handwashing assembly of the exemplary embodiment
10 described with reference to FIGS. 7-8, and vice versa. Although only one example of an
element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment
has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various
embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments
disclosed herein.
15
17
WE CLAIM:
1. A handwashing assembly comprising:
a hood comprising:
a top wall having an aperture extending through the top wall; and
one or more sidewalls extending substantially downward from a
perimeter of the top wall and cooperating with the top wall to define a cavity within
the hood;
a valve structure positioned at least partially within the cavity and
configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source and configured to receive a flow
of fluid from the fluid source through the aperture; and
a lever handle operatively coupled to the valve structure and configured to
move the valve structure between a first position in which the valve structure
prevents the flow of the fluid through the valve structure and a second position in
which the valve structure permits the flow of the fluid through the valve structure;
the lever handle comprising a contact surface positioned within the cavity
and configured to move toward the top wall as the valve structure moves into the
second position and configured to move away from the top wall as the valve
structure moves into the first position.
2. The handwashing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fluid vessel
located above the top wall and fluidly coupled to the valve structure, wherein the
fluid vessel is the fluid source.
3. The handwashing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a filter element
disposed between the fluid source and the valve structure and configured to remove
particles from the flow of the fluid.
4. The handwashing assembly of claim 1, wherein the lever handle is
positioned entirely within the cavity.
5. The handwashing assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more sidewalls
define a sidewall edge forming a contiguous lower perimeter of the one or more
sidewalls offset from the top wall.
18
6. The handwashing assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more sidewalls
comprise a cut-out extending along a portion of the one or more sidewalls and the
lever handle extends from the valve structure toward the cut-out.
7. The handwashing assembly of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the one or
more sidewalls extends substantially downward from the top wall by a first height,
and a second portion of the one or more sidewalls extends substantially downward
from the top wall by a second height approximately half the first height to define a
cut-out edge offset from the top wall by the second height.
8. The handwashing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a spring or
weight coupled to the lever handle and configured to bias the lever handle toward
the first position when a user is not applying a force to the lever handle.
9. The handwashing assembly of claim 1, wherein the contact surface is
substantially parallel to the top wall and extends along a lower portion of the lever
handle.
10. The handwashing assembly of claim 1, wherein the lever handle further
comprises a first control arm and a second control arm parallel to the first control
arm, the first control arm and the second control extending between the contact
surface and the valve structure and coupling the contact surface to the valve
structure.
11. The handwashing assembly of claim 1, wherein lever handle causes the
valve structure to move into the second position in which fluid flows through the
valve structure when a user applies an upward force to the contact surface.
12. The handwashing assembly of claim 11, wherein the upward force is
applied to the contact surface by a hand or forearm of the user that extends through
a cut-out in the one or more sidewalls.
13. The handwashing assembly of claim 11, wherein a spring or weight acts in
an opposing direction to the upward force, the spring or weight configured to bias
the lever handle and the valve structure toward the first position.
19
14. The handwashing assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve structure
comprises:
an upper portion located outside the cavity above the top wall and
configured to be coupled to the fluid source outside the cavity;
a lower portion coupled to the lever handle within the cavity and configured
to transfer an upward force to the valve structure to cause the valve structure to
move upward when the upward force is applied to the contact surface.
15. The handwashing assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more sidewalls
comprise:
a first portion that extends from the top wall to a lower plane offset from
the top wall by a first distance; and
a second portion that extends from the top wall to an intermediate plane
offset from the top wall by a second distance less than the first distance, wherein
the cut-out is located adjacent to the second portion between the intermediate plane
and the lower plane.