Hand washing assembly

Abstract

The hand washing assembly includes a cover defining a cavity within the cover, a valve structure at least partially positioned within the cavity, and a lever handle. The lever handle is operably coupled to the valve structure and is configured to move the valve structure between a first position in which the valve structure prevents fluid flow through the valve structure and a second position in which the valve structure allows fluid flow through the valve structure. The lever handle includes a contact surface positioned within the cavity and configured to move toward a top wall of the cover when the valve structure is moved into the second position and configured to move away from the top wall when the valve structure is moved into the first position.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing of related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 046,637, filed June 30, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to systems and components for handwashing. More specifically, this disclosure relates to handwashing components for use in remote locations, such as those without traditional public service connectivity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] At least one embodiment relates to a handwashing assembly. The handwashing assembly includes a shroud, a valve structure, and a lever handle. The shroud includes a top wall and one or more side walls, the top wall having an orifice extending through it, and the one or more side walls extending downward from a periphery of the top wall. The one or more side walls define a cavity within the shroud. The valve structure is at least partially located within the cavity and configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source. The valve structure is also configured to receive fluid flow from the fluid source through the orifice. 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 fluid flow through it, and in a second position, in which the valve structure allows fluid flow through it. The lever handle includes a contact surface located within the cavity and configured to move toward the top wall when the valve structure is moved to the second position, and configured to move away from the top wall when the valve structure is moved to the first position.

[0005] The content of this invention is illustrative only and should not be considered restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0006] This disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements:

[0007] Figure 1 This is a side perspective view of a handwashing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0008] Figure 2 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 Detailed cross-sectional view of the handwashing assembly;

[0009] Figure 3 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 A bottom-view perspective of the handwashing unit;

[0010] Figure 4 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 Side view of the handwashing assembly;

[0011] Figure 5 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 A 3D view of the handwashing components;

[0012] Figure 6 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 A 3D view of the lever handle of the handwashing assembly;

[0013] Figure 7 It is operatively connected to the container according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 A 3D view of the handwashing components; and

[0014] Figure 8 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 5 Detailed cross-sectional view of the handwashing assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Before turning to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0016] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, this document discloses a handwashing assembly with an intuitive valve control structure configured to operate the assembly for easy, clean, and hygienic handwashing using minimal water. Therefore, the handwashing assembly is particularly useful in places where there is no water supply, water shortage, and / or where water needs to be conserved. The assembly allows the user easy access to water but prevents water from flowing or being wasted when the user is not using the assembly, not washing their hands, or between uses, thus conserving water and reducing the amount of water that needs to be refilled in the assembly (especially the water container). Because the assembly is wrist-activated, it reduces the spread of infection or bacteria and prevents the user's hands from being recontaminated when the water flow is turned off.

[0017] Additionally, the handwashing kit is easily adaptable to various environments and can be used with a wide range of water containers. To facilitate assembly and reduce costs (which is particularly important in areas with limited water), the number of parts within the kit has been minimized. Overall, the handwashing kit is intuitively designed so that even users unfamiliar with it can use it without instructions or guidance, and its convenience encourages users to wash their hands more frequently.

[0018] like Figure 1As shown, the handwashing kit 100 provides users with a simple and hygienic system for handwashing. The handwashing kit 100 can be used in various areas where handwashing is required. For example, the handwashing kit 100 can be used in bathrooms (and thus located, for example, near the toilet), kitchens (and thus located, for example, near a food preparation station), schools, health centers, community centers, or other building structures.

[0019] Handwashing assembly 100 includes: a valve housing, shown as a cover 102; a valve structure 104 (as shown in the image). Figure 2 (as shown); and a valve control element, shown as a lever handle 106. A fluid source, shown as a water supply device 110, can be fluidly connected to the handwashing assembly 100 via a valve structure 104. The handwashing assembly 100 may also optionally include additional components, including but not limited to a liquid waste tank 112.

[0020] In some embodiments, one or more components of the handwashing assembly 100 may be the same as or similar to components of the handwashing assembly described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 187,005, filed February 26, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0021] Generally, the cover 102 is configured to protect the valve structure 104 from damage, thereby improving the aesthetics and durability of the handwashing system and the ease of use of the handwashing assembly 100. The cover 102 may be formed of plastic, wood, metal, metal alloy, polymer, or similar materials or combinations of durable and corrosion-resistant materials. In some embodiments, the cover 102 is configured for external use, and therefore the cover 102 may be formed of a material capable of withstanding freezing temperatures and direct sunlight without fading, cracking, or deterioration. The cover 102 is also configured to receive a flow of water from the water supply device 110. The water supply device 110 can take many forms based on the desired location of the handwashing assembly 100. For example, the water supply device 110 may be a large barrel or container configured to hold a volume of water or similar liquid (e.g., an oil drum, a 55-gallon bucket, etc.). The valve structure 104 may be fluidly coupled to the water supply device 110 such that the valve structure 104 is operable to discharge water. The handwashing assembly 100 can rely on the potential energy provided by gravity and the water pressure within the liquid container to discharge water from the valve structure 104. In some embodiments, where the water supply device 110 is a liquid container or bucket, the valve structure 104 can extend into the liquid container and be operable to discharge water from the liquid container. In some embodiments, where the water supply device 110 is received from a hose 116 or conduit, the hose 116 can be coupled to or clamped to the valve structure 104. In some embodiments, the water supply device 110 can be a garden hose or other pressurized water conduit (e.g., a faucet, pump, utility conduit, etc.) such that the pressure within the hose 116 is configured to facilitate water flow through the valve structure 104 when it is operated to discharge water.

[0022] The hose 116 may also include a filter element 117 disposed within the hose 116, the filter element 117 being fluidly coupled to the valve structure 104. The filter element 117 is configured to filter out any unwanted material (e.g., particles, etc.) from the water that may obstruct water output. As will be understood, the filter element 117 may include a filter screen configured to capture particles that are larger in size than the particles output by the water. In some embodiments, the hose 116 may also include an additional filter element positioned close to the filter element 117 to provide an additional filtration process.

[0023] Valve structure 104 is operably coupled to lever handle 106 such that interaction with lever handle 106 results in operation of valve structure 104. Generally, valve structure 104 is operable between two positions: a first (e.g., closed) position and a second (e.g., open) position. As will be understood, valve structure 104, as a physical valve, can be operated between the first and second positions because different degrees of "opening" can exist. For example, consider a sink faucet, where the position of the handle affects the flow rate of water discharged from the faucet. Similarly, different degrees of pressure applied to lever handle 106 can affect the flow rate of water discharged from valve structure 104.

[0024] Overall reference Figures 1 to 4 The image illustrates a cover 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cover 102 can take many different forms and appearances in various embodiments. The cover 102 includes a first panel 200 (e.g., a top wall) and side walls 202 (e.g., one or more side walls) that cooperate to define a housing cavity 204. A valve structure 104 and a lever handle 106 may be positioned within the housing cavity 204. In some embodiments, the valve structure 104 and the lever handle 106 are completely disposed within the housing cavity 204, such that no part of the lever handle 106 or the valve structure 104 extends outside the housing cavity 204. This may be desirable, for example, if multiple handwashing assemblies 100 are stacked and transported together. Extension of components such as the lever handle 106 and the valve structure 104 outside the housing cavity 204 may make these components more susceptible to damage during transport, packaging, and storage.

[0025] Specific reference Figure 1The lever handle 106 can be positioned near the first side 210 of the cover 102. While the cover 102 can take many forms in various embodiments, it should be understood that the cover 102 defines a first side 210 (e.g., front, face, etc.), a second side 212, a third side 214 opposite the second side 212 (e.g., peripheral side), and a fourth side 216 (e.g., rear side, rearward side, etc.). Commonly, the first side 210, second side 212, third side 214, and fourth side 216 define continuous sidewalls (e.g., sidewall 202) that define the housing cavity 204. In some embodiments, the fourth side 216 is configured to attach to a vertical support surface such as a wall, tree, column, or similar structure. Mounting the fourth side 216 to a vertical support surface can provide additional stability to the handwashing assembly 100 when it is in use. The sidewall 202 extends substantially orthogonally away from the first panel 200. Each of the second side portion 212, the third side portion 214, and the fourth side portion 216 extends a first distance away from the first panel 200 and defines a sidewall height, which is shown as a first height H1 (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown). The sidewall 202 can define a generally annular body with a diameter approximately twice the length of the first height H1 (as shown). Figure 4 (As shown). 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 with rounded edges, such that both the second side 212 and the fourth side 216 are substantially flat, but the second side 212 and the fourth side 216 may meet at a rounded, continuous, and distinguishable corner.

[0026] The cover 102 may also include a set of mounting positions, screw holes, etc., configured to mount the handwashing assembly to a particular body. By way of example, the cover 102 may include a mounting position on the fourth side 216 and near the second side 212, and another mounting position on the fourth side 216 and near the third side 214. In some embodiments, the cover 102 may include a single mounting position located at the midpoint of the fourth side 216. In still other embodiments, the cover 102 may include any number of mounting positions located at any location along a continuous sidewall.

[0027] Opposite to the first panel 200, a sidewall 202 defines a sidewall edge 220 (e.g., a sidewall perimeter). The sidewall edge 220 is continuous over the entirety 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 it extends away from the first panel 200, such that the horizontal cross-sectional area taken at the first plane 222 defined by the first panel 200 is smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area taken at the 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 a first height H1 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (As shown).

[0028] The first side portion 210 may include an interface cutout 230 defined (e.g., restricted) by a cutout profile 232. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the cutout profile 232 defines a portion of the sidewall edge 220. The interface cutout 230, and therefore the cutout profile 232, can extend across the first side 210 and between the second side 212 and the third side 214. The cutout 230 is configured to allow access to the lever handle 106 through the first side 210 of the cover 102. When the user's line of sight is above the first panel 200 (e.g., the first plane 222), the cutout 230 allows the user of the system to see the lever handle 106. The cutout 230 allows the user to quickly identify the first side 210 of the cover 102, which improves the user experience of the handwashing assembly 100 and allows the user to intuitively understand how to interact with the lever handle 106 to expel water from the water supply device 110 via the valve structure 104.

[0029] Similar to valve structure 104, lever handle 106 is operable between a first position and a second position. Specifically, interaction with lever handle 106 facilitates operation of valve structure 104 between the first and second positions. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, lever handle 106 is in a first position. The first position is configured as a closed position, wherein fluid may not flow out of valve structure 104. The second position is configured as an open position, wherein fluid may flow out of valve structure 104. In some embodiments, the default position of lever handle 106 is in the first position. In order to position valve structure 104 in the second position so that water is discharged from valve structure 104, the user may apply an upward force on lever handle 106 (e.g., a force generally toward the cutout profile 232, or a force generally toward the first panel 200).

[0030] It should be understood that handwashing typically occurs at or below shoulder height. Therefore, the cut 230 provides a gap for the user's arm, wrist, or hand to apply force to the lever handle 106, causing the lever handle 106 to bias towards the first panel 200. While operation of the lever handle 106 between the first and second positions is still possible without the cut 230, when operating the handwashing assembly 100, the user may unintentionally strike the first side 210 of the cover 102, more specifically, the cut profile 232 of the cover 102, resulting in discomfort or pain. In some embodiments, the cover 102 is injection molded as a monolithic body of plastic. The edges of the injection-molded part may be sharp, and therefore, the engagement between the user's wrist and the cut profile 232 when operating the handwashing assembly 100 may cause injury to the user. In some embodiments, a protective element or pad is positioned along the cut profile 232 such that engagement with the cut profile 232 and the first side 210 (accidentally or intentionally) does not cause discomfort or pain.

[0031] Reference Figure 3 The cutout profile 232 includes a first profile edge 234, a second profile edge 236 near the second side 212, and a third profile edge 238 near 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 substantially parallel to the second plane 224 and spaced from the second plane 224 by a height approximately equal to half the height of the first height H1 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (As shown). The second contour edge 236 and the third contour edge 238 form a gradual transition between the first contour edge 234 and the portion of the sidewall edge 220 located within the second plane 224.

[0032] Cover 102 may also include a latching mechanism, a fastening element, a strap, etc., as shown in fastening element 114. Fastening element 114 may be positioned on the first panel 200 near the first side 210. Fastening element 114 is configured to secure an accessory (e.g., soap, toothbrush, or similar accessory) to the first panel 200. Fastening element 114 is also configured to extend across at least a portion of the first panel 200, such that the first panel 200 may include at least two mounting positions for fastening element 114. As will be understood, fastening element 114 may include a locking feature, etc., configured to tighten fastening element 114 to secure the accessory. In some embodiments, fastening element 114 may be made of an elastic material, wherein a user can stretch fastening element 114 to place an accessory therein, wherein fastening element 114 retracts to a neutral position when the user stops applying force.

[0033] according to Figure 3In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cover 102 may include a lip 240 formed around the periphery of the first panel 200, defining a transition between the first panel 200 and the sidewall 202. The lip 240 may mate with the first panel 200 to hold an accessory such as soap, a toothbrush, or a similar accessory. In some embodiments, the lip 240 includes a recess configured to allow fluid captured by the first panel 200 to drain downwards along the sidewall 202. For example, when a user uses soap that can 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 recess allows fluid captured by the lip 240 to drain downwards along the sidewall 202 and away from the first panel 200.

[0034] The valve housing may also include an orifice 242 positioned in the first panel 200. In some embodiments, the orifice 242 is centrally positioned in the first panel 200. The orifice 242 may receive the water supply device 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 orifice 242. For example, a first portion of the valve structure 104 may be positioned within the housing cavity 204, and a second portion of the valve structure 104 may extend through the first panel 200 via the orifice 242 and be configured to be fluidly connected to the water supply device 110.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, valve structure 104 includes a first valve portion 300 and a second valve portion 302. The first valve portion 300 is positioned within housing cavity 204 and extends through orifice 242 and through first panel 200. The second valve portion 302 is configured to be connected to the first valve portion 300, for example, by threads, PVC glue, rubber cement, fasteners, etc. In some embodiments, the second valve portion 302 is fluidly connected to the first valve portion 300 such that water flow received by the second valve portion 302 is delivered to the first valve portion 300. In some embodiments, for example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second valve section 302 is fluidly connected to the water supply device 110 via fittings 304, such as hose fittings, pipe fittings, zipper straps, etc. Figure 2 As shown, valve structure 104 is in the first position. Therefore, even if the water supply device 110 is pressurized, valve structure 104 prevents water from being discharged. When lever handle 106 is engaged and an upward force is applied to lever handle 106, valve structure 104 is switched out from the first position, and water is discharged from valve structure 104, and thus from handwashing assembly 100.

[0036] The handwashing assembly 100 also includes a flow device, shown as a 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 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, said orifice being configured to regulate the amount of liquid flowing through the flow restrictor 303. In some embodiments, the amount of force applied to the lever handle 106 can change the volumetric flow rate of the liquid flowing out of the valve structure 104. For example, the greater the force applied to the lever handle 106, the higher the volumetric flow rate of the liquid. More specifically, the flow restrictor 303 is configured to maintain a head of 1 to 2 liters per minute for up to 10 minutes. In some embodiments, the flow restrictor 303 maintains a volumetric flow rate of less than 1 liter per minute. According to an exemplary embodiment, the flow restrictor 303 may include a control valve, wherein a user moves the control valve to change the volumetric flow rate of the liquid through the flow restrictor 303.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the lever handle 106 also includes a retraction mechanism 318 operatively coupled to the first control arm 312 and the second control arm 314. The retraction mechanism 318 is configured to bias the lever handle to a first position (e.g., a closed position) to prevent fluid outflow from the valve structure 104 when the user is not applying force to the lever handle 106. By way of example, the retraction mechanism 318 may be a spring, a cylinder, or the like. When the user applies an upward force to the lever handle 106, the applied force must be greater than the biasing force applied by the retraction mechanism 318 in order to move the lever handle 106 out of the first position. In some embodiments, the retraction mechanism 318 may include an auxiliary device configured to assist the user in overcoming the biasing force when the user interacts with the auxiliary device.

[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, 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 connect the contact surface 310 to the valve structure 104 such that forces applied to the contact surface 310 are transferred to the valve structure 104 to switch the valve structure 104 between a first position and a second position. The contact surface 310 can be formed by vacuum molding, injection molding, or the like. The contact surface 310 can be formed of plastic, metal, wood, metal alloy, or polymer. When the lever handle 106 is operatively connected to the valve structure 104, the contact surface 310 extends across the first side 210 such that a portion of the contact surface 310 is positioned facing the second side 212 and the third side 214. The contact surface 310 is also positioned near the cutout 230 such that the contact surface 310 can be engaged by a user. The contact surface 310 also includes a lower contact portion 316. The lower contact portion 316 may be substantially flat and may be located within the second plane 224. In some embodiments, the lower contact portion 316 is separated from the second plane 224 by a short distance (less than one inch). In some embodiments, the contact surface 310 does not extend outside the housing cavity 204. Generally, when a user interacts with the lever handle 106 to operate the valve structure 104, the user interacts with the lower contact portion 316, thereby applying a force to the lower contact portion 316, biasing the contact surface 310 toward the first panel 200, and shifting the valve structure 104 out of a first position. More specifically, the lever handle 106 is fixedly coupled to the valve structure 104 such that when the user applies an upward force to the lever handle 106, the valve structure 104 is positioned in an upward position (e.g., a second position), thereby 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 to a lowered position (e.g., a first position), thereby preventing fluid from flowing out of the valve structure 104. The first control arm 312 and the 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 configured to handle cyclic loads caused by the user applying force to the contact surface 310.

[0039] Overall reference Figures 1 to 5 A plurality of sidewalls 202 are configured to form continuous sidewalls surrounding the valve structure 104. The plurality of sidewalls 202 abut the first panel 200 at an edge 320. The edge 320 is configured as a circle and extends along at least a portion of the cover 102. In some embodiments, the edge 320 may be relatively square and include corners, wherein the corners extend along at least a portion of the cover 102.

[0040] Specific reference Figure 6The lever handle 106 includes a first control arm 312 and a second control arm 314, which are positioned adjacent to each other on the lever handle 106. The first control arm 312 and the second control arm 314 are also arranged parallel to each other along the length of the handwashing assembly 100. In some embodiments, the first control arm 312 and the second control arm 314 are not arranged parallel to each other, such that the lever handle 106 is connected to the valve structure 104 at different locations.

[0041] Now refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The image shows a handwashing assembly 100 according to another exemplary embodiment. The handwashing assembly 100 can be configured for use with a basin of water, such as a small bucket, a 55-gallon bucket, or a rain bucket. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The implementation shown is similar to Figures 1 to 6 The embodiment shown is different, but the water supply device 110 has been replaced with a different type of water supply device in the form of a liquid container 400. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Handwashing kit 100 and Figures 1 to 4 The difference between the handwashing kit 100 and the other one is that... Figure 4 The second valve portion 302 of the handwashing assembly 100 is configured to be disposed within the water supply device 110.

[0042] The water supply device 110 is shown as a liquid container 400. The liquid container 400 (e.g., bucket, receiver, container, barrel, cylinder, or liquid container 400) can be any kind of container constructed to hold and store liquids. Although water is mentioned herein, it should be understood that the liquid container 400 can store and release (via valve structure 104) various liquids such as soapy water. Due to the configuration and adaptability of the cover 102 and valve structure 104, the cover 102 and valve structure 104 can be attached to water containers of various sizes and shapes. Therefore, various different types of liquid containers 400 can be used with the handwashing assembly 100 depending on user preferences and what is being used. The size or capacity of the liquid container 400 can depend on what the handwashing assembly 100 is used for (e.g., how many people will use the handwashing assembly 100 and how frequently and easily the liquid container 400 can be refilled).

[0043] The handwashing assembly 100 is attached to a liquid container 400, allowing liquid (i.e., water) to flow from the liquid container 400 to the user's hands when the lever handle 106 is activated. Figure 7As shown, the liquid container 400 includes a housing 402 that extends around the body of the liquid container 400 and defines a base 404 and a side 406. The base 404 and the side 406 cooperate to define an internal region of the liquid container 400 configured to contain a liquid (i.e., water). To attach the handwashing assembly 100 to the liquid container 400, an opening or hole 408 (which may optionally be circular) is drilled or cut into the base 404, extending completely through the housing 402. As further described herein, a valve structure 104 is positioned such that it extends through an opening 242 of the housing 102 and through the hole 408 of the liquid container 400. According to one embodiment, the diameter of the hole 408 is approximately 25 mm to 35 mm. Since the handwashing assembly 100 can be attached to the base 404, at least a portion of the handwashing assembly 100 can be positioned vertically below (and optionally directly below) the liquid container 400.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment, the handwashing assembly 100 may include a flange configured to support the handwashing assembly 100 on a wall shelf in environments where suspending the liquid container 400 and the handwashing assembly 100 would be impractical. The handwashing assembly 100 may be fluidly coupled to and cooperate with the liquid container 400 to discharge water. However, the valve structure 104 of the handwashing assembly 100 does not need to be positioned within or directly below the liquid container 400. The cover 102 includes a cover flange extending beyond the fourth side 216. The cover flange may be substantially flat and includes a first panel 200 extending across the entire cover flange. The cover flange may define a first flange end near the fourth side 216 and a second flange end opposite the first flange end. When the cover 102 is coupled to the liquid container 400, the cover flange may be inserted between the liquid container 400 and a generally flat surface. The flat surface may be a cover, a step, a staircase, a table, a truck bed, or a similar structure. The flange allows handwashing components to be installed, and more specifically, the valve structure 104 extends beyond the edge of the flat surface and extends below the flat surface.

[0045] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment, the portion integrated within the first panel 200 may be a ridge extending orthogonally away from the first panel 200 in a direction substantially opposite to the housing cavity 204. The ridge may be configured as a securing attachment. The first panel 200 also includes an aperture 242. The ridge may be positioned between the aperture 242 and the first side portion 210 such that the ridge region defined by its periphery is completely positioned between the aperture 242 and the first side portion 210. The aperture 242 is configured to receive part of a valve structure 104, such that the valve structure 104 is coupled to the cover 102.

[0046] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment, the handwashing assembly 100 also includes a conduit configured to receive liquid from the liquid container 400 and deliver the liquid to the valve structure 104. The valve structure 104 may be partially disposed within the housing cavity 204, extending through an orifice 242 in the first panel 200, and fluidly coupled to the conduit. The conduit may be coupled to the housing 402 of the liquid container 400, and more specifically, to a side 406 of the liquid container 400 near the base 404 to increase water pressure at the conduit. The conduit may be configured to extend orthogonally away from the liquid container 400, bend at approximately 90 degrees in a direction generally toward the base 404, and be fluidly coupled to the valve structure 104.

[0047] As used herein with respect to numerical ranges, unless otherwise stated, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean + / - 10% of the disclosed value. As used herein with respect to structural features (e.g., for describing shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, manufacturing or assembly processes, and are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted usage by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that non-substantial or insignificant modifications or alterations to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0048] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and its variations, as used herein to describe various implementations, are intended to indicate possible examples, representations or illustrations of possible implementations (and such terms are not intended to imply that such implementations are necessarily extraordinary or the highest level examples).

[0049] As used herein, the term "connection" and its variations refer to the direct or indirect linking of two components to each other. This connection can be static (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or detachable). Such a connection can be achieved by: two components being directly connected to each other; two components being connected to each other using a single intermediate component and also using any additional intermediate component; or two components being connected to each other using an intermediate component that is integral with one of the two components, forming a single whole. If "connection" or its variations are modified by an additional term (e.g., direct connection), the general definition of "connection" provided above is modified by the common linguistic meaning of the additional term (e.g., "direct connection" means the linking of two components without any single intermediate component), resulting in a narrower definition than the general definition of "connection" provided above. Such a connection can be mechanical, electrical, or fluid.

[0050] References to the positions of elements herein (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below") are used only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and these variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure.

[0051] It is important to note that any element disclosed in one embodiment can be combined with or used in conjunction with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, refer to Figures 1 to 6 The valve structure 104 of the described exemplary embodiment can be incorporated into the reference. Figures 7 to 8 In the handwashing assembly of the exemplary embodiments described herein, the reverse is also true. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that may be combined or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be understood that other elements of various embodiments may be combined or used in conjunction with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A handwashing assembly, comprising: The cover, the cover comprising: A top wall having an opening extending through it; and One or more sidewalls, the one or more sidewalls extending generally downward from the periphery of the top wall and cooperating with the top wall to define a cavity within the enclosure; A valve structure coupled to the cover and at least partially positioned within the cavity, the valve structure being configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source and configured to receive fluid flow from the fluid source through the orifice; and A lever handle, operably coupled to the valve structure and configured to move the valve structure between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the valve structure prevents fluid flow through the valve structure, and in the second position the valve structure allows fluid flow through the valve structure; The lever handle includes a contact surface positioned within the cavity, the contact surface being configured to move toward the top wall when the valve structure is moved to the second position and configured to move away from the top wall when the valve structure is moved to the first position. The lever handle is fully positioned within the cavity, the one or more sidewalls include a cutout extending along a portion of the one or more sidewalls, the lever handle extends from the valve structure toward the cutout, and the contact surface is positioned close to the cutout.

2. The handwashing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fluid container located above the top wall and fluidly connected to the valve structure, wherein, The fluid container is the fluid source.

3. The handwashing assembly of claim 1 further includes a filter element disposed between the fluid source and the valve structure and configured to remove particles from the fluid flow.

4. The handwashing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more sidewalls define sidewall edges that form a continuous lower perimeter of the one or more sidewalls offset from the top wall.

5. The handwashing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, A first portion of the one or more sidewalls extends downward from the top wall at a first height, and a second portion of the one or more sidewalls extends downward from the top wall at a second height, the second height being approximately half the first height, to define a cut edge offset from the top wall at the second height.

6. The handwashing assembly of claim 1 further includes a spring or counterweight coupled to the lever handle and configured to bias the lever handle toward the first position when the user does not apply force to the lever handle.

7. The handwashing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The contact surface is substantially parallel to the top wall and extends along the lower portion of the lever handle.

8. The handwashing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The lever handle also includes a first control arm and a second control arm parallel to the first control arm, the first control arm and the second control arm extending between the contact surface and the valve structure and connecting the contact surface to the valve structure.

9. The handwashing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, When the user applies an upward force to the contact surface, the lever handle moves the valve structure to the second position, in which fluid flows through the valve structure.

10. The handwashing assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The upward force is applied to the contact surface by the user's hand or forearm, which extends through the cuts in the one or more sidewalls.

11. The handwashing assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The spring or counterweight acts in the opposite direction to the upward force, causing the lever handle and the valve structure to be biased toward the first position.

12. The handwashing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The valve structure includes: The upper portion, located outside the cavity and above the top wall, is configured to connect to the fluid source outside the cavity; and The lower portion is connected to the lever handle within the cavity and is configured to transmit the upward force to the valve structure when an upward force is applied to the contact surface, so as to move the valve structure upward.

13. The handwashing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more sidewalls include: A first portion, extending from the top wall to a lower plane offset from the top wall by a first distance; and The second part extends from the top wall to an intermediate plane offset from the top wall by a second distance, the second distance being less than the first distance, wherein the cut is located adjacent to the second part between the intermediate plane and the lower plane.

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