sink

Abstract

A handwashing station is provided that includes a base portion and a nozzle portion. The base portion can be configured to receive a fluid container, such as an inverted water bottle, such that water flows from the container downwardly into the handwashing station. The nozzle portion can be mounted on the base portion and positioned below the container such that water flows into a cavity defined within the nozzle portion. The nozzle portion can be pivotally mounted on the base portion such that it can be switched relative to the base portion between an open position and a closed position; in the open position, a nozzle opening in the nozzle portion can be below a water level of water filling the nozzle portion, such that water flows from the nozzle portion; in the closed position, the nozzle opening can be raised above the water level.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Handwashing is a crucial aspect of personal hygiene and public health. Due to increasing global population density and the growing threat of infectious diseases, frequent handwashing is considered a critical public health need. However, billions of people worldwide lack access to adequate and sanitary handwashing facilities. According to some expert estimates, only approximately 60% of the world's population has access to basic handwashing facilities. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Washing hands with clean water typically relies on the use of pressurized plumbing systems to provide clean water. However, in many parts of developing countries (and many remote areas), pressurized plumbing systems are unavailable. Therefore, handwashing typically must be done using a basin, suspended water bottles, or by manually pouring water from a container. These practices are suboptimal because they result in dirty water being used for handwashing or a large amount of clean water being wasted by manually pouring excess water from the container when washing and rinsing hands. Furthermore, manually pouring water from a container results in the unsanitary practice of many different people directly handling the container, thereby reducing the benefits of handwashing.

[0003] Overall, experts estimate that much of the world's population lacks access to adequate handwashing facilities, with 40% of the global population lacking access to water and soap at home, nearly 50% of schools lacking handwashing facilities, and nearly one in six healthcare facilities worldwide. Furthermore, access to handwashing facilities remains inadequate in urban areas with high rates of infectious disease transmission, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and East Asia.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved and sanitary system and method for providing clean water for hand washing without using pressurized plumbing systems, without using expensive electronic components, and without using or spilling water in a wasteful manner.

[0005] Disclosed herein are systems and methods that can address the aforementioned needs. In some embodiments, a handwashing station is provided for providing clean water from a container, such as an inverted water bottle. The handwashing station may include a base portion and a nozzle portion configured to be pivotally mounted thereon. The base portion may be configured to receive the inverted water bottle at its top, allowing water from the bottle to flow downwardly under the action of gravity into the nozzle portion, which may be mounted within the base portion.

[0006] The nozzle portion can be configured to switch between a closed position and an open position relative to the base portion. When the nozzle portion is positioned in the closed position, the nozzle opening of the nozzle portion can be raised so that it is above the nozzle portion's pivot axis; when the nozzle portion is positioned in the open position, the nozzle opening of the nozzle portion can be positioned below the nozzle portion's pivot axis. Thus, the sink can be configured such that, when the nozzle is in the closed position, water from an inverted water bottle can accumulate in the nozzle portion's inner cavity and fill the inner cavity until reaching a fill level defined by the lowest extension of the inverted bottle's downwardly facing opening, preventing water from flowing out of the raised nozzle opening of the nozzle portion. Conversely, when the nozzle is switched to the open position, the nozzle opening of the nozzle portion can be lowered below the surface of the water filling the inner cavity, and water can thus flow out of the nozzle opening, thereby allowing additional water from the inverted water bottle to flow downward into the nozzle portion's inner cavity.

[0007] In some embodiments, a handwashing station is provided, which includes: a base portion, which includes an opening configured to receive a container; and a nozzle portion, which is pivotally mounted on the base portion and configured to switch between a closed position and an open position relative to the base portion, wherein the nozzle portion is configured so that: when the nozzle portion is in the closed position, the fluid filling the inner cavity of the nozzle portion does not flow out from the nozzle opening of the nozzle portion; and when the nozzle portion is in the open position, the fluid in the inner cavity of the nozzle portion flows out from the nozzle opening.

[0008] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the nozzle portion is pivotally mounted on the base portion such that: when the nozzle portion is in a closed position, the nozzle opening is arranged in a first position relative to the base portion; and when the nozzle portion is in an open position, the nozzle opening is arranged in a second position relative to the base portion, wherein the second position is lower than the first position.

[0009] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the nozzle portion is pivotally mounted on the base portion so that: when the nozzle portion is in a closed position, the nozzle opening is arranged above the filling level of the fluid filling the inner cavity of the nozzle portion; and when the nozzle portion is in an open position, the nozzle opening is arranged below the filling level of the fluid filling the inner cavity of the nozzle portion.

[0010] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the nozzle portion is pivotally mounted on the base portion such that: when the nozzle portion is in the closed position, the nozzle opening is arranged above the pivot axis of the nozzle portion; and when the nozzle portion is in the open position, the nozzle opening is arranged below the pivot axis of the nozzle portion.

[0011] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the nozzle opening is formed in a wall of the nozzle portion and is located proximate the first end of the nozzle portion.

[0012] In some embodiments of the hand washing station: a first end of the nozzle portion extends laterally through a second opening provided in the base portion; and a second end of the nozzle portion opposite the first end extends laterally through a third opening provided in the base portion.

[0013] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the first end of the nozzle portion and the second end of the nozzle portion are disposed on opposite sides of a pivot axis of the nozzle portion.

[0014] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the opening in the base portion is provided at a bottom end of a tapered portion formed on a top side of the base portion.

[0015] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the nozzle portion is pivotally mounted on the base portion such that: when the nozzle portion is in the closed position, the nozzle opening is arranged to be higher than the opening in the base portion; and when the nozzle portion is in the open position, the nozzle opening is arranged to be lower than the opening in the base portion.

[0016] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the nozzle portion includes an opening formed in a top side of the nozzle portion.

[0017] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the tapered portion of the base portion extends downwardly through an opening formed in a top side of the nozzle portion.

[0018] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the pivot axis of the nozzle portion is defined by two protruding pivot portions respectively disposed on opposite sides of the nozzle portion.

[0019] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the protruding pivot portion is integrally formed as part of a corresponding side wall of the nozzle portion.

[0020] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the protruding pivot portion extends through a corresponding pivot hole provided in the base portion.

[0021] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the base portion includes a soap dish.

[0022] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the nozzle portion is mounted on the base portion so that when the nozzle portion is in the closed position, the interior cavity of the nozzle portion defines a fluid volume greater than 1 liter, greater than 2 liters, or greater than 5 liters below a maximum fill plane defined by a lower edge of the nozzle opening.

[0023] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the container is a commercial beverage bottle.

[0024] In some embodiments of the hand washing station, the container is a 2 liter bottle.

[0025] In some embodiments, any one or more features or aspects of any of the above-described embodiments may be combined in whole or in part with each other and / or may be combined in whole or in part with any other features or aspects disclosed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Various embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] [ Figure 1A ] Figure 1A depicts a hand washing station according to some embodiments;

[0028] [ Figure 1B ] Figure 1B depicts a hand washing station with a soap dish attached according to some embodiments;

[0029] [ Figure 2A ] Figure 2A depicts a cross-sectional view of a hand washing station according to some embodiments;

[0030] [ Figure 2B ] Figure 2B depicts a cross-sectional view of a hand washing station according to some embodiments;

[0031] [ Figure 3A ] Figure 3A Depicted are hand washing stations or portions thereof according to some embodiments.

[0032] [ Figure 3B ] Figure 3B Depicted are hand washing stations or portions thereof according to some embodiments.

[0033] [ Figure 3C ] Figure 3C Depicted are hand washing stations or portions thereof according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] This document describes a handwashing station and a method for using the handwashing station. The handwashing station described herein may include a base portion and a nozzle portion, wherein the nozzle portion is pivotally mounted on the base portion and is configured to switch between an open position and a closed position. The base portion may be configured to receive a fluid container, such as an inverted water bottle, so that water from the container can flow from the container under the action of gravity and into an inner cavity defined within the nozzle portion. When the nozzle is tilted to a closed position, wherein the front end of the nozzle portion having the nozzle opening is raised and the rear end of the nozzle portion is lowered, water can accumulate in the inner cavity and the water level can rise until the water level is flush with the lowest extension of the downwardly facing opening of the fluid container. When the water level reaches the opening of the container (e.g., reaches and exceeds the opening by a small distance, such as about 0.5 mm to 3 mm), the rising water can thereby form a seal and prevent additional air from entering the container, thereby preventing the remaining water in the container from flowing out of the container. Therefore, when the force generated by the air pressure acting on the water outside the bottle is equal to the force generated within the bottle due to the weight of the water and the air pressure within the bottle, the water level in the inner cavity can be stabilized. Therefore, when the water level in the inner cavity stabilizes at a level below the nozzle opening, water can be retained within the nozzle portion without flowing out of the nozzle opening when the nozzle portion is tilted to the closed position. Conversely, when the nozzle portion is tilted to the open position, with the front end of the nozzle portion tilted downward and the rear end of the nozzle portion raised, the nozzle opening can drop below the water level within the nozzle portion, allowing water to flow out of the nozzle portion. The user can conveniently switch the handwashing station on and off by simply pressing down or up on the front or rear end of the switchable nozzle portion, thereby allowing water to selectively flow out of the handwashing station under the action of gravity.

[0035] The following figures illustrate various embodiments of hand washing stations or portions thereof.

[0036] Figure 1A Depicted is a hand washing station 100a with an inverted bottle inserted therein, according to some embodiments. Figure 1A As shown, hand washing station 100a may include a base portion 102a and a nozzle portion 104a, wherein nozzle portion 104a is pivotally mounted on base portion 102a and configured to switch between an open position and a closed position, as described herein.

[0037] The base portion 102 can be configured to sit on a tabletop, countertop, floor, or any suitable flat surface, oriented so that its lower edge is at the bottom relative to gravity. As shown, the base portion 102 can have a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the base portion 102 can have a tapered shape so that it is narrower toward the upper end and wider toward the lower end.

[0038] In one embodiment, the base portion 102a is configured to receive the fluid container 106a in its upper end when operably positioned on a surface. The fluid container can be any suitable fluid container configured to distribute fluid downwardly to the base portion 102a and / or the nozzle portion 104a. In certain embodiments, the fluid container 106a can be a bottle positioned so that its mounting seat faces downwardly the opening formed in the top of the base portion 102a. In certain embodiments, the fluid container 106a can be a bottle of any suitable capacity, such as 12 ounces, 16 ounces, 20 ounces, 1L, 1.5L, 2L, 3L, 1 gallon, or 5 gallons. In some embodiments, the fluid container 106a can be a commercial beverage bottle, including but not limited to a 2L Coca-Cola bottle, a 2L Pepsi bottle, a 2L Fanta bottle, a 1.5L Evian bottle, a 1.5L GOOD&GATHER bottle, a 1L MARKET PANTRY bottle, a 1L POLAND SPRINGS bottle, a 2L ITO-EN OI OCHA bottle, a 2L KIRIN NAMACHA bottle, a 2L OTSUKAPOCARISWEAT bottle, or a 1.5L SUNTORY HACHIMITU LEMON bottle.

[0039] exist Figure 1A In the example shown, the nozzle portion 104a is tilted / flipped downward at its front end so that the nozzle portion 104a is in an open position relative to the base portion 102a. The hand washing station 100a can be configured such that when the nozzle portion 104a is positioned in the open position, water from the fluid container 106a can flow downwardly into the inner cavity of the nozzle portion 104a under the action of gravity and out of the nozzle opening ( Figure 1A (not visible in the figure) outflow.

[0040] Figure 1B Depicted is a hand washing station 100b having a soap dish attached and an inverted bottle inserted therein, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, hand washing station 100b and its components may share any one or more common features with hand washing station 100a and its corresponding components. In some embodiments, hand washing station 100b may differ from hand washing station 100a in that hand washing station 100b may include a soap dish 107, which may be attached to or form part of base portion 102b.

[0041] like Figure 1BAs shown, soap dish 107 can be part of base portion 102b and can extend laterally from a lower edge of base portion 102b. In some embodiments, soap dish 107 can include a central portion configured to hold a bar of soap (and / or a container or dispenser for liquid soap) and can include a raised lip around the perimeter of soap dish 107, wherein the raised lip is configured to prevent the soap from sliding off the central portion. In some embodiments, soap dish 107 can extend laterally away from the lower edge of the sidewall of base portion 102b, thereby widening the footprint of handwashing station 100b and increasing the stability of handwashing station 100b.

[0042] Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of hand washing station 200 is depicted with nozzle portion 204 of hand washing station 200 in an open position, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, hand washing station 200 and its components may share any one or more common features with one or more of hand washing stations 100a and 100b and / or their corresponding components.

[0043] As shown in this cross-sectional view, the base portion 202 of the hand washing station 200 can include an upper opening 208 disposed at the bottom of a tapered portion 210. In some embodiments, the tapered portion 210 can be any tapered, recessed, or inset portion disposed on the top side of the base portion 202 and configured to receive the fluid container 206. The tapered portion 210 can be generally conical and wider near the top edge of the base portion 202 and narrower toward the bottom edge of the tapered portion 210. The tapered portion 210 can terminate at its bottom edge and / or at the center of the upper opening 208, which can be an opening formed in the base portion 202 and configured to allow the nozzle of the fluid container 206 to pass through.

[0044] like Figure 2AAs shown, the tapered portion 210 and the upper opening 208 can be shaped so that a container 206 (e.g., in the form of an inverted bottle) can be received in the base portion 202 with the nozzle of the container facing downward so that the nozzle of the container 206 can extend toward, to, and / or through the upper opening 208 so that the container 206 can be positioned or rest against a wall of the base portion 202 forming the tapered portion 210 and / or an upper rim / lip of the tapered portion 210. In some embodiments, the tapered portion 210 and the upper opening 208 can be shaped so that one or more standard sized commercial beverage bottles (e.g., a 2L soda bottle) can be received in the base portion 202 and can be secured in place against the upper rim of the tapered portion 210 with the nozzle of the inverted bottle extending through the upper opening 208. In some embodiments, the base portion 202 can be configured such that the nozzle of the container 206 can extend toward and beyond the upper opening 208 a distance between approximately −30 mm and 30 mm when operably inserted into the base portion 202 .

[0045] In some embodiments, the base portion 202 can be configured to receive the container 206 by allowing the container 206 to seat securely and snugly within the opening defined by the tapered portion 210. In some embodiments, the container 206 can be physically / mechanically secured in place on the base portion 202, for example, by threads, one or more latches, one or more snaps, one or more cams, etc. In some embodiments, the base portion 202 can include threads configured to be compatible with one or more standard commercial beverage bottles.

[0046] In some embodiments, the base portion 202 may further include a front opening 212 and a rear opening 214, each of which may be an opening formed in a wall of the base portion 202. In some embodiments, the front opening 212 and the rear opening 214 may extend from a lower lip / edge of the base portion 202, thereby each forming an arched opening in the base portion 202.

[0047] like Figure 2AAs shown, the front opening 212 and the rear opening 214 can each be configured such that the nozzle portion 204 extends through the opening and protrudes from the interior space defined within the outer wall of the base portion 202. In some embodiments, a front portion 216 of the nozzle portion 204 can extend through the front opening 212, while a rear portion 218 of the nozzle portion can extend through the rear opening 214 (features of the nozzle portion 204 are described in more detail below). By being pivotally mounted on the base portion 202 at or near the center of the interior of the base portion 202 and partially extending outward through one or both of the front opening 212 and the rear opening 214, the nozzle portion 204 can be configured such that it can be switched to the open position 216 by a user pushing down on the front portion 216 and / or lifting up on the rear portion 218, while it can be switched to the closed position by a user lifting up on the front 216 and / or pushing down on the rear portion 218.

[0048] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous for a hand washing station, such as hand washing station 200, to be switchable between open and closed positions in a manner that prevents or minimizes contamination of hands from the faucets or controls of the hand washing station, including recontamination of hands after hand washing and including cross-contamination of hands between different users of the same hand washing station.

[0049] In some embodiments disclosed herein, minimizing contamination can be achieved by using two distinct contact points. By using two distinct contact points to open and close the handwashing station, the user of the handwashing station can use the first contact point to turn on the water flow and the second contact point to turn it off. Thus, the first contact point can be designated as the "dirty" contact point that the user touches before and during handwashing, while the second contact point can be designated as the "clean" contact point that the user touches only after washing and disinfecting their hands. In the examples of handwashing stations disclosed herein, users can collectively accept using either the front or rear portion of the nozzle section to open the handwashing station, and then use the opposite portion of the nozzle section to close the handwashing station once their hands have been washed and disinfected. In the case of the handwashing stations disclosed herein, either the front or rear portion of the nozzle section can be used equally effectively to open or close the handwashing station. This arrangement can provide a low-cost and effective solution to preventing hands from becoming re-contaminated after washing due to contact with contaminated surfaces, and can be less expensive and less prone to failure than more cumbersome and expensive solutions such as contactless electronic sensors and / or foot pedal-operated systems. Furthermore, this arrangement can provide a solution to the problem of contamination through faucet contact that is more water-efficient than a time-delayed, automatic-stop faucet. Furthermore, this can further help mitigate hand contamination during operation of the handwashing station, for example by eliminating the need to tightly manually grip any faucet controls for twisting or similar movements. The handwashing stations disclosed herein can be easily operated with a forearm or elbow (e.g., by pressing down on one end of the spout portion with a forearm to open the handwashing station, and then pressing down on the other end of the spout portion with a forearm to close the handwashing station).

[0050] In some embodiments, nozzle opening 220 may be an opening formed in a wall of nozzle portion 204. Nozzle opening 220 may be formed near a distal-most extension of front portion 216 (as measured relative to a center of nozzle portion 204) and may be formed on an underside of nozzle portion 204.

[0051] like Figure 2A As shown, when the nozzle portion 204 is tilted / switched to the open position, with the front portion 216 in a downward position relative to the rear portion 218, the nozzle opening 220 can be located below the pivot axis by which the nozzle portion 204 is pivotally mounted to the base portion 202. Similarly, when the nozzle portion 204 is tilted / switched to the open position, the nozzle opening 220 can be located below the lowest extension of the container 206 (e.g., the opening of an inverted bottle) when the container 206 is operably inserted into the hand washing station 200. Similarly, when the nozzle portion 204 is tilted / switched to the open position, the nozzle opening 220 can be located below the surface of the water filling the interior cavity of the nozzle portion 204, so that water can flow from the interior cavity of the nozzle portion 204 through the opening 220 for use by a user of the hand washing station.

[0052] exist Figure 2A In the example shown, the surface of the water filling the inner cavity is shown; this surface can be defined by the level of the lowest extension of the downwardly-facing opening of the container 206. For example, when the water filling the inner cavity reaches the opening of the container 206 (and exceeds a small distance, such as 0.5 mm to 3 mm), the water can form a seal that prevents additional air from entering the container 206 and thereby prevents additional water from flowing out of the container 206. Therefore, the water filling container 206 can be caused to rise to the water level defined by the lowest extension of the container 206 and may not rise further beyond this water level. When the nozzle portion is tilted as shown in FIG. Figure 2A In the open position shown, the nozzle opening 220 can be lowered below the water surface to allow water to flow out of the nozzle opening 220 (and allow additional water to flow from the container 206 into the interior cavity of the nozzle portion 204 to replenish the water being dispensed); when the nozzle portion is tilted to the closed position, the nozzle opening 220 can be raised above the water surface to prevent water from flowing out of the nozzle opening 220.

[0053] In addition to the nozzle opening 220 configured to allow water to flow out of the interior cavity of the nozzle portion 204, the nozzle portion 204 may also include an upper opening 222 configured to allow water to flow into the nozzle portion 204. Figure 2A As shown, the upper opening 222 can be an opening formed in the wall of the nozzle portion 204 and disposed on an upper surface (e.g., an upward-facing surface) of the nozzle portion 204. In some embodiments, the upper opening 222 can be disposed at an uppermost end of an upwardly projecting portion 224 that extends upward from the center of the nozzle portion 204. As such, the upwardly projecting portion 224 can form a raised rim / wall surrounding the upper opening 222.

[0054] When nozzle portion 204 is functionally pivotally mounted on base portion 202, as shown in FIG2 , upper opening 208 of base portion 202 and upper opening 222 of nozzle portion 204 can be aligned with one another, allowing fluid to flow downward through opening 208 and into opening 222 and / or allowing container 206 to be positioned partially through both opening 208 and opening 222. In some embodiments, upwardly projecting portion 224 can extend upwardly and around tapered portion 210, which can extend downwardly and into upwardly projecting portion 224; opening 208 can thus be positioned lower than opening 222. In some embodiments, opening 222 can be wider than opening 208, providing sufficient clearance around tapered portion 210 and opening 208 so that nozzle portion 204 can be switched back and forth between an open position and a closed position without the edges of opening 222 colliding with tapered portion 210 and without any portion of opening 222 moving from beneath opening 208. In this way, the nozzle portion 204 can be switched back and forth without the flow of water from the container 206 into the inner cavity of the nozzle portion 204 being interrupted or affected.

[0055] Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of a hand washing station 200 is depicted with a nozzle portion 204 of the hand washing station 200 in a closed position, according to some embodiments.

[0056] In some embodiments, the nozzle portion 204 can be tilted / switched to a closed position by a user by lifting upward on the front portion 216 and / or pressing downward on the back portion 218. In some embodiments, when the nozzle portion 204 is tilted / switched to the closed position, the nozzle opening 220 can be located above the lowest extension of the container 206 (e.g., the opening of an inverted bottle) when the container 206 is operably inserted into the hand washing station 200. Similarly, when the nozzle portion 204 is tilted / switched to the closed position, the nozzle opening 220 can be located above the surface of the water filling the interior cavity of the nozzle portion 204, thereby preventing water from flowing out of the interior cavity of the nozzle portion 204 and out of the opening 220. Figure 2B In the example shown, the surface of the water filling the inner cavity is shown; as mentioned above, this surface can be defined by the lowest extension of the downward opening of the container 206. Figure 2B When tilted to the closed position as shown, the nozzle opening 220 can be raised above the water surface to prevent water from flowing out of the nozzle opening 220.

[0057] Figures 3A-3C Depicted is a hand washing station 300 or portions thereof according to some embodiments. Specifically, Figure 3A Depicted is a hand washing station 300 comprising a base portion 302 and a nozzle portion 304; Figure 3B A base portion 302 of a hand washing station 300 is depicted; Figure 3C Depicted is a nozzle portion 304 of hand washing station 300. In some embodiments, hand washing station 300 and its components may share any one or more common features with one or more of hand washing stations 100a, 100b, and 200 and / or their corresponding components.

[0058] In some embodiments, hand washing station 300 can differ from one or more of the other embodiments of hand washing stations depicted herein in that hand washing station 300 can include components having different sizes. For example, nozzle portion 304 can have a more uniform width than nozzle portions 104a, 104b, or 204, as nozzle portion 304 may not taper sharply toward front portion 216 as other depicted nozzle portions taper toward their fronts. Additionally, base portion 302 can have a flange 326 around its lower edge that is wider than the flange on base portion 202; in some embodiments, flange 326 on base portion 302 can include one or more threaded holes 328 configured to allow base portion 302 to be secured to a surface for placement.

[0059] like Figure 3C As shown, the nozzle portion 304 may include a pivot mounting portion 332 extending outward from the center of the nozzle portion 304 and allowing the nozzle portion 304 to be pivotally mounted to the base portion 302. In some embodiments, the pivot mounting portion 332 defines a pivot axis for the nozzle portion 304 and may be configured to partially pass through a pivot opening 334 formed in a side wall of the base portion 302 to be secured thereto and configured to rotate within the pivot opening 334 (see FIG. Figure 3B 334). In some embodiments, the nozzle portion 304 can be pivotally mounted to the base portion 302 in any suitable manner that allows it to pivot / switch relative to the base portion 302. In some embodiments, defining a protruding pivot mounting portion 332—which is integrally formed as part of a wall defining the shape and structure of the nozzle portion 304—can allow for simplified manufacturing while ensuring that the nozzle portion 304 remains watertight (e.g., compared to embodiments in which a pin passes through the wall of the nozzle portion 304, such that the opening through which the pin passes must be constructed to be watertight). In some embodiments, the base portion 302 can be sufficiently flexible so that the base portion 302 can be deformed to allow the pivot mounting portion 332 to be inserted into the opening 334 to pivotally mount the nozzle portion 304 to the base portion 302.

[0060] In some embodiments, handwashing stations, such as those disclosed herein, can be configured to adjust the flow rate of water dispensed from the handwashing station. Due to limited water supplies in certain regions and global environmental concerns related to water use, there is an important need to adjust the flow rate of dispensed water. In some embodiments, the flow rate of water dispensed from the handwashing station can depend on (at least) the head pressure and the nozzle opening area.

[0061] In the example handwashing stations disclosed herein, the head pressure can be determined by the vertical (e.g., along the direction of gravity) distance between the nozzle opening and the water level of the water filling the inner cavity of the nozzle portion. As discussed herein, the vertical position of the nozzle opening can change as the nozzle portion switches between the open and closed positions, reaching its lowest position when the nozzle portion is fully switched to the open position. Also as discussed herein, the vertical level of the water level of the water filling the inner cavity of the nozzle portion can be defined by the lowest extension of the opening of a container (e.g., a bottle) inserted into the base portion of the handwashing station. Because the nozzle portion can be mounted to the base portion in a vertically fixed position (relative to the rotational axis of the nozzle portion), the vertical distance between the nozzle opening (when the nozzle opening is in the fully open position) and the water level can be determined by the distance that the opening of the fluid container protrudes downward (or does not protrude downward) beyond the upper opening of the base portion. This distance can depend on the shape of the tapered portion of the base portion and / or the shape of the fluid container (e.g., the shape of different commercial beverage bottles that can be used).

[0062] In some embodiments, the opening of the container inserted into the base portion of the wash basin can be flush with the upper opening of the base portion. In some embodiments, the opening of the container inserted into the base portion of the wash basin can be placed at a position 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, 3 mm or more, 5 mm or more, or 10 mm or more above the upper opening of the base portion. In some embodiments, the opening of the container inserted into the base portion of the wash basin can be placed at a position 1 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 5 mm or less, or 10 mm or less above the upper opening of the base portion. In some embodiments, the opening of the container inserted into the base portion of the wash basin can be placed at a position 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, 3 mm or more, 5 mm or more, or 10 mm or more below the upper opening of the base portion. In some embodiments, the opening of the container inserted into the base portion of the wash basin can be placed at a position 1 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 5 mm or less, or 10 mm or less below the upper opening of the base portion.

[0063] In some embodiments (e.g., as determined by the dimensions of the base portion and the container), the total distance between the nozzle opening of the nozzle portion and the fill level of the water filling the nozzle portion can be greater than or equal to 1 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, or 30 mm. In some embodiments, the total distance between the nozzle opening of the nozzle portion and the fill level of the water filling the nozzle portion can be less than or equal to 1 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, or 30 mm. In some embodiments, the distance can be between approximately 12 mm and 26 mm.

[0064] In some embodiments, the distance between the fill level and the nozzle opening when the nozzle portion is in the open position can further depend on the angular displacement of the nozzle portion. The further the angular displacement the nozzle portion can rotate, the further the nozzle opening can travel, and the higher the flow rate in the maximum open position can be. In some embodiments, the maximum rotation of the nozzle portion into the open and / or closed positions can be limited by preventing further rotation of the nozzle portion due to contact with the upper edge of the front or rear opening of the base portion (through which the nozzle portion protrudes). For example, when fully rotated to the open position, the upper wall of the rear portion of the nozzle portion can contact the upper edge of the rear opening of the base portion, thereby preventing further rotation; when fully rotated to the closed position, the upper wall of the front portion of the nozzle portion can contact the upper edge of the front opening of the base portion, thereby preventing further rotation. In some embodiments, the shape of the upper wall of the nozzle portion and the shape of the front and rear openings of the base portion can be used to adjust the extent to which the nozzle portion can rotate, thereby adjusting the extent to which the nozzle opening can be lowered below the water level of the water filling the nozzle portion. In some embodiments, to make the front and rear openings of the base portion equal in height (e.g., for reversibility of the base portion) and to allow different maximum angular displacements toward the open and closed positions, the front or rear upper wall of the nozzle portion can be made higher or lower than the other. In some embodiments, a protrusion or recess can be provided on the front and / or rear upper wall of the nozzle portion to control the maximum angular displacement of the nozzle portion.

[0065] In some embodiments, the maximum angular displacement of the nozzle portion from the center toward the open position and / or toward the closed position can be greater than or equal to 2 degrees, 4 degrees, 6 degrees, 8 degrees, or 10 degrees. In some embodiments, the maximum angular displacement of the nozzle portion from the center toward the open position and / or toward the closed position can be less than or equal to 2 degrees, 4 degrees, 6 degrees, 8 degrees, or 10 degrees. In some embodiments, the maximum angular displacement of the nozzle portion from the center toward the closed position can be approximately 7 degrees, and the maximum angular displacement from the center toward the open position can be approximately 6 degrees.

[0066] In some embodiments, the nozzle opening of a hand washing station such as those disclosed herein can have a diameter less than or equal to 10 mm, 8 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm (or can be a shape other than a circle and have a total area less than or equal to the area of a circle having a diameter of 10 mm, 8 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm).

[0067] In some embodiments, when the hand wash station is in the open position (e.g., the nozzle opening is fully lowered), the flow rate of water dispensed from the hand wash station may be less than or equal to 5 L / min, 2 L / min, 1 L / min, 0.5 L / min, 0.25 L / min, 0.2 L / min, 0.1 L / min, or 0.05 L / min. In some embodiments, when the hand wash station is in the open position (e.g., the nozzle opening is fully lowered), the flow rate of water dispensed from the hand wash station may be greater than or equal to 5 L / min, 2 L / min, 1 L / min, 0.5 L / min, 0.25 L / min, 0.1 L / min, or 0.05 L / min.

[0068] In some embodiments, the operating capacity of the nozzle portion of the hand washing station—e.g., defined by the amount of water that can fill the nozzle portion to the fill line when the nozzle portion is in the closed position—can be greater than or equal to 200 mL, 300 mL, 350 mL, 500 mL, or 1 L. In some embodiments, the operating capacity can be greater than or equal to 200 mL, 300 mL, 350 mL, 500 mL, or 1 L.

[0069] In some embodiments, the maximum capacity of the nozzle portion of the hand washing station—for example, defined by the amount of water that can fill the nozzle portion without overflowing from the upper opening of the nozzle portion when the nozzle is in any position that can be switched relative to the base portion—can be greater than or equal to 200 mL, 300 mL, 350 mL, 500 mL, or 1 L. In some embodiments, the maximum capacity can be greater than or equal to 200 mL, 300 mL, 350 mL, 500 mL, or 1 L.

[0070] In some embodiments, the nozzle portion of the hand washing station can include one or more lateral projections near a central portion of the nozzle portion, extending, for example, along the pivot axis of the nozzle portion toward the sidewalls of the base portion. The lateral projections can allow the nozzle portion to have a larger operating capacity and / or a larger maximum capacity.

[0071] In some embodiments, the nozzle portion of the handwashing station can have a curved, bent, or angled shape so that as the nozzle portion extends toward its front and / or rear, the nozzle portion is angled or bent in an upward direction. In some embodiments, as described above, the curvature or angle of the nozzle portion may affect the maximum angular displacement because a nozzle portion with an upwardly curved or angled front and rear portion may not be able to shift as far. Additionally, the upward angling or curvature of the upper wall (e.g., top plate) of the nozzle portion as the wall extends toward the front end of the nozzle portion can help prevent bubbles from being trapped on the upper wall of the nozzle portion, thereby reducing turbulence and overflow when the nozzle portion switches between open and closed positions. Additionally, the upward angling or curvature of the lower wall (e.g., bottom plate) of the nozzle portion as the wall extends toward the front end of the nozzle portion may affect how water is discharged from the nozzle portion in the event that a small amount of water remains. For example, an upwardly curved lower wall may prevent all water from being discharged from the nozzle portion, while a lower wall that does not curve upward may allow all water to be discharged from the nozzle portion. In some embodiments, due to the upward curvature or angled inclination of the nozzle portion, the upper and / or lower walls of the front portion of the nozzle portion may form an angle with the upper and / or lower walls of the rear portion of the nozzle portion, wherein the angle is less than or equal to 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, or 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle may be greater than or equal to 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, or 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle may be approximately 22 degrees.

[0072] In some embodiments, hand washing stations such as those disclosed herein can be configured such that the nozzle portion is stable when positioned in either the open or closed position, rather than being biased to automatically return to one position. This way, a user can keep the water flowing or stop it. In some embodiments, movement of water filling the interior cavity of the nozzle portion toward the rear of the nozzle portion can stabilize the nozzle portion when the nozzle portion is in the closed position, while movement of water filling the interior cavity of the nozzle portion toward the front of the nozzle portion can stabilize the nozzle portion when the nozzle portion is in the open position.

[0073] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms, symbols, and other technical and scientific terms or expressions used herein are intended to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed subject matter belongs. In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and / or for ease of reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should not necessarily be construed to indicate a substantial difference from what is generally understood in the art.

[0074] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will also be understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "comprising" when used herein indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or units, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, units, and / or groups thereof.

[0075] This application discloses several numerical ranges in the text and drawings. The disclosed numerical ranges inherently support any range or value within the disclosed numerical ranges, including the endpoints, even if the precise range limits are not verbatim stated in the specification, because the present disclosure can be fully implemented within the disclosed numerical ranges.

[0076] For purposes of illustration, the foregoing description has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the above illustrative discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of these techniques and their practical applications. This will enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the techniques and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the specific application contemplated.

[0077] Although the present disclosure and examples have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the present disclosure and examples as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A wash basin, comprising: a base portion including an opening configured to receive a container; and a nozzle portion pivotally mounted on a base portion and configured to switch between a closed position and an open position relative to the base portion, wherein the nozzle portion is configured such that: When the nozzle portion is in the closed position, the fluid filling the inner cavity of the nozzle portion does not flow out of the nozzle opening of the nozzle portion; and When the nozzle portion is in the open position, the fluid in the inner cavity of the nozzle portion flows out from the nozzle opening; wherein the nozzle opening is formed in a wall of the nozzle portion and is disposed proximate a first end of the nozzle portion; a first end of the nozzle portion extending laterally through a second opening provided in the base portion; and A second end of the nozzle portion, opposite the first end, extends transversely through a third opening provided in the base portion.

2. The wash basin according to claim 1, wherein: The nozzle portion is pivotally mounted on the base portion such that: When the nozzle portion is in the closed position, the nozzle opening is arranged in a first position relative to the base portion; and When the nozzle portion is in the open position, the nozzle opening is arranged in a second position relative to the base portion, wherein the second position is lower than the first position.

3. The hand washing station according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The nozzle portion is pivotally mounted on the base portion such that: When the nozzle portion is in the closed position, the nozzle opening is arranged above a fill level of a fluid filling an inner cavity of the nozzle portion; and When the nozzle portion is in the open position, the nozzle opening is arranged below a fill level of a fluid filling an inner cavity of the nozzle portion.

4. The hand washing station according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The nozzle portion is pivotally mounted on the base portion such that: When the nozzle portion is in the closed position, the nozzle opening is arranged above the pivot axis of the nozzle portion; and When the nozzle portion is in the open position, the nozzle opening is arranged below the pivot axis of the nozzle portion.

5. The hand washing station according to claim 1, wherein: The first end of the nozzle portion and the second end of the nozzle portion are disposed on opposite sides of a pivot axis of the nozzle portion.

6. The hand washing station according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The opening in the base portion is provided at a bottom end of a tapered portion formed at a top side of the base portion.

7. The hand washing station according to claim 6, wherein: The nozzle portion is pivotally mounted on the base portion such that: the nozzle opening being arranged higher than the opening in the base portion when the nozzle portion is in the closed position; and When the nozzle portion is in the open position, the nozzle opening is arranged lower than the opening in the base portion.

8. The hand washing station according to claim 7, wherein: The nozzle portion includes an opening formed at a top side of the nozzle portion.

9. The hand washing station according to claim 8, wherein: The tapered portion of the base portion extends downwardly through an opening formed in a top side of the nozzle portion.

10. The hand washing station according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The pivot axis of the nozzle portion is defined by two protruding pivot portions respectively provided on opposite sides of the nozzle portion.

11. The hand washing station according to claim 10, wherein: The protruding pivot portion is integrally formed as part of a corresponding side wall of the nozzle portion.

12. The hand washing station according to claim 10, wherein: The protruding pivot portions extend through corresponding pivot holes provided in the base portion.

13. The hand washing station according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The base portion includes a soap dish.

14. The hand washing station according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The nozzle portion is mounted on the base portion so that when the nozzle portion is in the closed position, the inner cavity of the nozzle portion defines a fluid volume greater than 1 liter, greater than 2 liters or greater than 5 liters below the maximum filling plane defined by the lower edge of the nozzle opening.

15. The hand washing station according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The container is a commercial beverage bottle.

16. The hand washing station according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The container was a 2 liter bottle.

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