Patent Publication Number: US-2023133646-A1

Title: Handwashing assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to PCT No. PCT/US2021/039673, filed Jun. 29, 2021, which itself claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/046,637, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, the entire disclosure of both of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to systems and assemblies for handwashing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to handwashing assemblies for use in, for example, remote locations without traditional utility hook-ups. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a side perspective view of a handwashing assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a detailed cross-sectional view of the handwashing assembly of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    is a bottom perspective view of the handwashing assembly of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of the handwashing assembly of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the handwashing assembly of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a lever handle of the handwashing of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the handwashing assembly of  FIG.  1    operatively coupled to a vessel, according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG.  8    is a detailed cross-sectional view of the handwashing assembly of  FIG.  5   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     At least one embodiment relates to a handwashing assembly. The hand washing assembly includes a hood, a valve structure, and a lever handle. The hood includes a top wall having an aperture extending through the top wall and one or more sidewalls extending downward from a perimeter of the top wall. The one or more sidewalls define a cavity within the hood. The valve structure is positioned at least partially within the cavity and configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source. The valve structure is further configured to receive a flow of fluid from the fluid source through the aperture. The lever handle is operatively coupled to the valve structure and configured to move the valve structure between a first position in which the valve structure prevents the flow of fluid through the valve structure and a second position in which the valve structure permits the flow of fluid through the valve structure. The lever handle includes a contact surface positioned within the cavity and configured to move toward the top wall as the valve structure moves into the second position and configured to move away from the top wall as the valve structure moves into the first position. 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Referring generally to the figures, disclosed herein is a handwashing assembly with an intuitive valve control structure structured to operate the handwashing assembly for easy, sanitary, and hygienic hand washing using a minimal amount of water. Accordingly, the handwashing assembly is particularly useful in locations that do not have water plumbing, where water is scarce, and/or where water needs to be conserved. The handwashing assembly allows the user to easily access water, but does not let water run or be wasted while the user is not using the handwashing assembly, is not scrubbing their hands, or between uses in order to conserve water and reduce how much the handwashing assembly (specifically the water vessel) needs to be refilled with water. Since the handwashing assembly is wrist-activated, the handwashing assembly reduces the spread of infection or bacteria and prevents the user&#39;s hands from being recontaminated when turning off the water flow. 
     Additionally, the handwashing assembly is easily adaptable to a variety of different environments and can utilize a variety of different water vessels. In order to be easily assembled and to reduce the cost (which is of particular importance in areas with scarce amounts of water), the number of components within the handwashing assembly is minimized. Overall, the handwashing assembly is intuitively designed such that users who are unfamiliar with the handwashing assembly can use the handwashing assembly without instructions or directions and is convenient such that users are more likely to wash their hands more frequently. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , a handwashing assembly  100  provides a user with an easy and sanitary system for washing their hands. The handwashing assembly  100  can be used within a variety of different areas in which handwashing is needed. For example, the handwashing assembly  100  can be used within bathrooms (and therefore located near a toilet, for example), kitchens (and therefore located near a food preparation station, for example), schools, health centers, community centers, or other building structures. 
     The handwashing assembly  100  includes a valve housing, shown as hood  102 , a valve structure  104  (as shown in  FIG.  2   ), and a valve control, shown as lever handle  106 . A fluid source, shown as water supply  110 , may be fluidly coupled to the handwashing assembly  100  via the valve structure  104 . The handwashing assembly  100  may also optionally include additional components, including, but not limited to, a liquid waste bin  112 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more components of the handwashing assembly  100  may be the same as or similar to that of the handwashing assembly described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/187,005 filed Feb. 26, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     Generally speaking, the hood  102  is configured to protect the valve structure  104  from damage, to improve the aesthetics and durability of the handwashing system, and to improve the ease of use of the handwashing assembly  100 . The hood  102  may be formed of plastic, wood, metal, metal alloys, a polymer, or similar materials or combinations of materials that are both durable and corrosion-resistant. In some embodiments, the hood  102  is configured for use outside, and thus the hood  102  may be formed of a material that can withstand freezing temperatures and direct sunlight without fading, cracking, or deteriorating. The hood  102  is also configured to receive a flow of water from the water supply  110 . The water supply  110  may take many forms based on the desired location of the handwashing assembly  100 . For example, the water supply  110  may be a large bucket or vessel (e.g., oil drum, 55-gallon drum, etc.) configured to hold a volume of water or similar liquid. The valve structure  104  may be fluidly coupled to the water supply  110  such that the valve structure  104  is operable to discharge a flow of water. The handwashing assembly  100  may depend upon the potential energy provided by gravity and the water pressure within the liquid vessel to discharge the water from the valve structure  104 . In some embodiments, where the water supply  110  is a liquid vessel or bucket, the valve structure  104  may extend into the liquid vessel and be operable to discharge a flow of water from the liquid vessel. In some embodiments, where the water supply  110  is received from a hose  116  or conduit, the hose  116  may be coupled to or clamped to the valve structure  104 . In some embodiments, the water supply  110  may be a garden hose or other pressurized water conduit (e.g., spigot, pump, utility conduit, etc.) such that the pressure within the hose  116  is configured to facilitate a flow of water through the valve structure  104  when the valve structure  104  is operated to discharge water. 
     The hose  116  may further comprise a filter element  117  disposed within the hose  116 , fluidly coupled to the valve structure  104 . The filter element  117  is configured to filter any unnecessary material (e.g., particles, etc.) from the water that may obstruct a water output. As can be appreciated, the filter element  117  may comprise a filter screen that is configured to catch particles that are otherwise larger in size then that of the water output. In some embodiments, the hose  116  may further comprise an additional filter element positioned proximate to the filter element  117  such to provide an additional filtering process. 
     The valve structure  104  may be operably coupled to the lever handle  106  such that an interaction with the lever handle  106  results in operation of the valve structure  104 . Generally speaking, the valve structure  104  is operable between two positions: a first (e.g., closed) position and a second (e.g., open) position. As will be appreciated, the valve structure  104 , being a physical valve, may be operable in between a first position and a second position, as there may be varying degrees of “open.” Take, for example, a sink faucet, where the position of the handle affects the flow rate of the water being discharged from the sink faucet. Similarly, varying degrees of pressure applied to the lever handle  106  may affect a flow rate of water discharged from the valve structure  104 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the hood  102  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The hood  102  may assume many different forms and appearances across various embodiments. The hood  102  includes a first panel  200  (e.g., a top wall) and a sidewall  202  (e.g., one or more side walls) cooperating to define a housing cavity  204 . Positioned within the housing cavity  204  may be the valve structure  104  and the lever handle  106 . In some embodiments, the valve structure  104  and the lever handle  106  are disposed entirely within the housing cavity  204  such that no portion of the lever handle  106  or the valve structure  104  extends outside of the housing cavity  204 . This may be desirable if, for example, a plurality of handwashing assemblies  100  were being stacked and shipped together. The extension of components, such as the lever handle  106  and the valve structure  104 , outside of the housing cavity  204  may cause such components to be more susceptible to damage during shipping, packing, and storage. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG.  1   , the lever handle  106  may be positioned proximate a first side  210  of the hood  102 . While the hood  102  may assume many forms across various embodiments, it should be appreciated that the hood  102  defines the first side  210  (e.g., front, face, etc.), a second side  212  and a third side  214  opposite to the second side  212  (e.g., peripheral sides), and a fourth side  216  (e.g., back side, rearward facing side, etc.). Collectively, the first side  210 , the second side  212 , the third side  214 , and the fourth side  216  define a contiguous sidewall (e.g., the sidewall  202 ), which defines the housing cavity  204 . In some embodiments, the fourth side  216  is configured to be coupled to a vertical support surface, such as a wall, a tree, a post, or similar structure. Mounting the fourth side  216  to a vertical support surface may provide additional stability to the handwashing assembly  100  when the handwashing assembly  100  is in use. The sidewall  202  extends substantially orthogonally away from the first panel  200 . Each of the second side  212 , the third side  214 , and the fourth side  216  extend away from the first panel  200  a first distance and define a sidewall height, shown as a first height H 1  (as shown in  FIG.  4   ). The sidewall  202  may define a substantially annular body having a diameter approximately twice the length as the first height H 1  (as shown in  FIG.  4   ). In some embodiments, the second side  212  and the fourth side  216  meet at a sharp corner and the sidewall  202  defines a regular polygon, such as a square or rectangle. In some embodiments, the sidewall  202  defines a square having rounded edges such that the second side  212  and the fourth side  216  are both substantially planar, but the second side  212  and the fourth side  216  may meet at a rounded, contiguous, and differentiable corner. 
     The hood  102  may further comprise a set of mounting locations, screw holes, or the like, configured to mount the handwashing assembly onto a specific body. By way of example, the hood  102  may include one mounting location on the fourth side  216 , proximate the second side  212 , and another mounting location on the fourth side  216 , proximate the third side  214 . In some embodiments, the hood  102  may include a single mounting location positioned at the midpoint of the fourth side  216 . In still some embodiments, the hood  102  may include any number of mounting locations positioned at any location along the contiguous sidewall. 
     Opposite the first panel  200 , the sidewall  202  defines a sidewall edge  220  (e.g., sidewall perimeter). The sidewall edge  220  is contiguous across all of the first side  210 , the second side  212 , the third side  214 , and the fourth side  216 . In some embodiments, the sidewall  202  tapers outward as the sidewall  202  extends away from the first panel  200  such that a horizontal cross-sectional area taken at a first plane  222  defined by the first panel  200  is less than a horizontal cross-sectional area taken at a second plane  224  partially defined by the sidewall edge  220  of the second side  212 , the third side  214 , and the fourth side  216 . The first plane  222  and the second plane  224  are separated by the first height H 1  (as shown in  FIG.  4   ). 
     The first side  210  may include an interface cut-out  230 , framed (e.g., defined) by a cut-out profile  232 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , the cut-out profile  232  defines a portion of the sidewall edge  220 . The interface cut-out  230 , and thus the cut-out profile  232 , may extend across the first side  210 , extending between the second side  212  and the third side  214 . The cut-out  230  is structured to allow access to the lever handle  106  through the first side  210  of the hood  102 . The cut-out  230  enables a user of the system to see the lever handle  106  when a user&#39;s eye level is above the first panel  200  (e.g., the first plane  222 ). The cut-out  230  may allow a user to quickly identify the first side  210  of the hood  102 , which may improve the user experience of the handwashing assembly  100  and allow the user to intuitively know how to interact with the lever handle  106  to discharge water from the water supply  110  via the valve structure  104 . 
     Similar to the valve structure  104 , the lever handle  106  is operable between a first position and a second position. Specifically, interaction with the lever handle  106  facilitates operation of the valve structure  104  between the first position and the second position. As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the lever handle  106  is in the first position. The first position is configured to be a closed position, where fluid may not flow out of the valve structure  104 . The second position is configured to be an open position, where fluid may flow out of the valve structure  104 . In some embodiments, the default position for the lever handle  106  is in the first position. To position the valve structure  104  in the second position such that water is discharged by the valve structure  104 , a user may apply an upward force (e.g., a force in a direction generally toward the cut-out profile  232 , a force in a direction generally toward the first panel  200 ) on the lever handle  106 . 
     As will be appreciated, hand washing often occurs at or below shoulder level. Thus, the cut-out  230  provides clearance for a user&#39;s arm, wrist, or hand to apply a force to the lever handle  106  such that the lever handle  106  is biased toward the first panel  200 . While operation of the lever handle  106  between the first position and the second position would still be possible without the cut-out  230 , a user may unintentionally strike the first side  210 , and more specifically the cut-out profile  232 , of the hood  102  when operating the handwashing assembly  100 , causing discomfort or pain. In some embodiments, the hood  102  is formed as a unitary body of plastic by injection molding. The edges of injection molded parts may be sharp, and thus engagement between a user&#39;s wrist and the cut-out profile  232  when operating the handwashing assembly  100  may cause harm to a user. In some embodiments, a guard or pad is positioned along the cut-out profile  232  such that engagement (accidental or intentional) with the cut-out profile  232  and the first side  210  does not cause discomfort or pain. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , the cut-out profile  232  includes a first profile edge  234 , a second profile edge  236  proximate to the second side  212 , and a third profile edge  238  proximate to the third side  214 . The first profile edge  234  extends between the second profile edge  236  and the third profile edge  238 . The first profile edge  234  may be substantially parallel to the second plane  224  and spaced apart from the second plane  224  by a height approximately equal to one-half of the first height H 1  (as shown in  FIG.  4   ). The second profile edge  236  and the third profile edge  238  form a gradual transition between the first profile edge  234  and the portion of the sidewall edge  220  that lies within the second plane  224 . 
     The hood  102  may further include a latching mechanism, tie down, strap, or the like, shown as tie down  114 . The tie down  114  may be positioned on the first panel  200 , proximate the first side  210 . The tie down  114  is configured to secure an accessory (e.g., soap, toothbrush, or similar accessory) to the first panel  200 . The tie down  114  is further configured to extend across at least a portion of the first panel  200  such that the first panel  200  may include at least two mounting locations for the tie down  114 . As can be appreciated, the tie down  114  may include a locking feature, or the like, configured to tighten the tie down  114  such to secure the accessory. In some embodiments, the tie down  114  may be an elastic material where the user may stretch out the tie down  114  to place an accessory within, where tie down  114  retracts back into a neutral position when the user stops applying a force. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  3   , the hood  102  may include a lip  240  profiled about a perimeter of the first panel  200 , the lip  240  defining the transition between the first panel  200  and the sidewall  202 . The lip  240  may cooperate with the first panel  200  to retain an accessory, such as the soap, a toothbrush, or a similar accessory. In some embodiments, the lip  240  includes a divot configured to allow drainage of fluids captured by the first panel  200  to drain away down the sidewall  202 . For example, as user&#39;s use the soap that may be placed on the first panel  200 , water and soap may collect on the first panel  200  and be collected by the lip  240 . Thus, the divot may allow for fluids captured by the lip  240  to drain down the sidewall  202  and away from the first panel  200 . 
     The valve housing may further include an aperture  242  positioned in the first panel  200 . In some embodiments, the aperture  242  is positioned centrally in the first panel  200 . The aperture  242  may receive the water supply  110  and the valve structure  104 . In some embodiments, the valve structure  104  is positioned within the housing cavity  204  and extends through the first panel  200  via the aperture  242 . For example, a first portion of the valve structure  104  may be positioned within the housing cavity  204 , and a second portion of the valve structure  104  may extend through the first panel  200  via the aperture  242  and is configured to be fluidly coupled to the water supply  110 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the valve structure  104  includes a first valve portion  300  and a second valve portion  302 . The first valve portion  300  is positioned within the housing cavity  204  and extends through the aperture  242  and through the first panel  200 . The second valve portion  302  is configured to be coupled to the first valve portion  300 , such as by threading, PVC glue, rubber cement, fasteners, or the like. In some embodiments, the second valve portion  302  is fluidly coupled to the first valve portion  300  such that a flow of water received by the second valve portion  302  is delivered to the first valve portion  300 . In some embodiments, such as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the second valve portion  302  is fluidly coupled to the water supply  110  with a fitting  304 , such as a hose fitting, pipe fitting, zip ties, or the like. As shown in  FIG.  2   , the valve structure  104  is in the first position. Thus, even if the water supply  110  is pressurized, the valve structure  104  prevents a flow of water from being discharged. When the lever handle  106  is engaged and an upward force is applied to the lever handle  106 , the valve structure  104  transitions out of the first portion and a flow of water is discharged from the valve structure  104 , and thus from the handwashing assembly  100 . 
     The handwashing assembly  100  further includes a flow device, shown as flow restrictor  303 . The flow restrictor  303  is fluidly coupled to both the valve structure  104  and the lever handle  106 . The flow restrictor  303  is configured to regulate the volume of liquid discharged through the valve structure  104 . By way of example, the flow restrictor  303  may include at least one orifice disposed within the flow restrictor  303  configured to regulate the amount of liquid flowing through the flow restrictor  303 . In some embodiments, the amount of force exerted onto the lever handle  106  may change the volumetric flow rate of the liquid out of the valve structure  104 . For example, the larger the force exerted onto the lever handle  106 , the higher the volumetric flow rate of the liquid. To be more precise, the flow restrictor  303  is configured to maintain a volumetric flow rate of 1-2 liters per minute for up to 10 minutes of head pressure. In some embodiments, the flow restrictor  303  maintains a volumetric flow rate less than 1 liter per minute. According to an exemplary embodiment, the flow restrictor  303  may include a control valve, where the user moves the control valve to change the volumetric flow rate of the liquid passing through the flow restrictor  303 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the lever handle  106  further includes a retracting mechanism  318  operably coupled to both the first control arm  312  and the second control arm  314 . The retracting mechanism  318  is configured to bias the lever handle into the first position (e.g., closed position) to prevent fluid from flowing out of the valve structure  104  when the user is not applying a force on the lever handle  106 . By way of example, the retracting mechanism  318  may be a spring, cylinder, or the like. When the user provides an upward force onto the lever handle  106 , the applied force must be greater than the biasing force applied by the retracting mechanism  318  in order to move the lever handle  106  out of the first position. In some embodiments, the retracting mechanism  318  may comprise an assist that is configured to assist the user in overcoming the bias force when the user interfaces with the assist. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the lever handle  106  includes a substantially smooth contact surface  310 , a first control arm  312 , and a second control arm  314 . The first control arm  312  and the second control arm  314  operatively couple the contact surface  310  to the valve structure  104  such that a force applied to the contact surface  310  is translated to the valve structure  104  to transition the valve structure  104  between the first position and the second position. The contact surface  310  may be formed by vacuum molding, injection molding, or the like. The contact surface  310  may be formed of plastic, metal, wood, metal alloys, or a polymer. When the lever handle  106  is operatively coupled to the valve structure  104 , the contact surface  310  extends across the first side  210  such that a portion of the contact surface  310  is positioned in confronting relation to the second side  212  and the third side  214 . The contact surface  310  is also positioned proximate to the cut-out  230  such that the contact surface  310  may be engaged by a user. The contact surface  310  also includes a lower contact portion  316 . The lower contact portion  316  may be substantially planner and my lie within the second plane  224 . In some embodiments, the lower contact portion  316  is separated from the second plane  224  by a short (less that one inch) distance. In some embodiments, the contact surface  310  does not extend outside of the housing cavity  204 . Generally speaking, when a user interacts with the lever handle  106  to operate the valve structure  104 , the user interfaces with the lower contact portion  316 , applying a force to the lower contact portion  316 , biasing the contact surface  310  toward the first panel  200 , and transitioning the valve structure  104  out of the first position. To be more precise, the lever handle  106  is fixedly coupled to the valve structure  104  such that when the user provides an upward force onto the lever handle  106 , the valve structure  104  is positioned into an upward position (e.g., second position) allowing fluid to flow out of the valve structure  104 . When the user releases from the lever handle  106 , the valve structure  104  is positioned back into the lowered position (e.g., first position) preventing fluid to flow out of the valve structure  104 . The first control arm  312  and the second control arm  314  may be integrally formed with the contact surface  310 . The first control arm  312  and the second control arm  314  may be structured to handle the cyclic loading caused by users applying a force to the contact surface  310 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , the plurality of sidewalls  202  are configured to form the contiguous sidewall that encompasses the valve structure  104 . The plurality of sidewalls  202  abut the first panel  200  at an edge  320 . The edge  320  is configured to be the circumference of a circle, and extends along at least a portion of the hood  102 . In some embodiments, the edge  320  may be relatively square and includes a corner, where the corner extends along at least a portion of the hood  102 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG.  6   , the lever handle  106  comprises the first control arm  312  and the second control arm  314 , positioned adjacent one another on the lever handle  106 . The first control arm  312  and the second control arm  314  are further disposed parallel to one another along the length of the handwashing assembly  100 . In some embodiments, the first control arm  312  and the second control arm  314  are not disposed parallel to one another such that the lever handle  106  is coupled to the valve structure  104  at varying locations. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the handwashing assembly  100  is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. The handwashing assembly  100  may be configured for use with a basin of water, such as a small pail of water, a 55-gallon drum, or a rain barrel. The embodiment shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8    is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , but the water supply  110  has been replaced with a different type of water supply in the form of the liquid vessel  400 . A difference between the handwashing assembly  100  of  FIGS.  1  and  8    when compared to the handwashing assembly  100  of  FIGS.  1 - 4    is that the second valve portion  302  of the handwashing assembly  100  of  FIG.  4    is configured to be disposed within the water supply  110 . 
     The water supply  110  is shown as a liquid vessel  400 . The liquid vessel  400  (e.g., the water bucket, receptacle, container, barrel, drum, or liquid vessel  400 ) may be any variety of different containers that are configured to contain and store a liquid. Although water is referred to herein, it is understood that the liquid vessel  400  may store and release (via the valve structure  104 ) a variety of different liquids, such as soapy water. Due to the configuration and adaptability of the hood  102  and the valve structure  104 , the hood  102  and valve structure  104  can be attached to a wide variety of differently sized and shaped water vessels. Accordingly, a wide variety of different types of liquid vessels  400  may be used with the handwashing assembly  100 , according to the user&#39;s preference and what is available to be used. The size or capacity of the liquid vessel  400  may depend on what the handwashing assembly  100  is being used for (e.g., how many people will be using the handwashing assembly  100  and with what frequency, how often and easily the liquid vessel  400  can be refilled). 
     The handwashing assembly  100  is attached to the liquid vessel  400  such that, upon activation of the lever handle  106 , liquid (i.e., water) can flow from within the liquid vessel  400  onto the user&#39;s hands. As shown in  FIG.  7   , the liquid vessel  400  includes a shell  402  that extends about the body of the liquid vessel  400  and defines a base  404  and a side  406  that cooperate to define an inner area of the liquid vessel  400  that is configured to contain a liquid (i.e., water). In order to attach the handwashing assembly  100  to the liquid vessel  400 , an aperture or hole  408  (which may optionally be circular) is drilled or cut in the base  404 , extending completely through the shell  402 . As described further herein, the valve structure  104  is positioned such that the valve structure  104  extends through the aperture  242  of the hood  102  and through the hole  408  of the liquid vessel  400 . According to one embodiment, the diameter of the hole  408  is approximately 25 to 35 millimeters. Since the handwashing assembly  100  may be attached to the base  404 , at least a portion of the handwashing assembly  100  may be positioned vertically below (and optionally directly underneath) the liquid vessel  400 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the handwashing assembly  100  may include a flange configured to support the handwashing assembly  100  over a ledge in an environment where suspending the liquid vessel  400  and the handwashing assembly  100  would be impractical. The handwashing assembly  100  may be fluidly coupled to the liquid vessel  400  and cooperate with the liquid vessel  400  to discharge a flow of water. However, the valve structure  104  of the handwashing assembly  100  is not required to be positioned within or directly beneath the liquid vessel  400 . The hood  102  includes a hood flange which extends beyond the fourth side  216 . The hood flange may be substantially planar and include the first panel  200 , the first panel  200  extending across an entirety of the hood flange. The hood flange may define a first flange end proximate to the fourth side  216  and a second flange end opposite to the first flange end. When the hood  102  is coupled to the liquid vessel  400 , the hood flange may be interposed between the liquid vessel  400  and a substantially planar surface. The planar surface may be a mantle, a step, a stair, a table, a truck bed, or a similar structure. The hood flange allows the handwashing assembly, and more specifically the valve structure  104 , to extend beyond an edge of the planar surface and to extend below the planar surface. 
     Referring still to the exemplary embodiment, integrated within the first panel  200  may be a ridge extending orthogonally away from the first panel  200  in a direction generally opposite from the housing cavity  204 . The ridge may be configured to secure an accessory. The first panel  200  also includes the aperture  242 . The ridge may be positioned between the aperture  242  and the first side  210  such that a ridge area defined by a perimeter of the ridge is positioned entirely between the aperture  242  and the first side  210 . The aperture  242  is configured to receive a portion of the valve structure  104  such that that valve structure  104  is coupled to the hood  102 . 
     Referring still to the exemplary embodiment, the handwashing assembly  100  further includes a conduit configured to receive the liquid from the liquid vessel  400  and deliver the liquid to the valve structure  104 . The valve structure  104  may be partially disposed within the housing cavity  204 , extend through the aperture  242  in the first panel  200 , and be fluidly coupled to the conduit. The conduit may be coupled to the shell  402  of the liquid vessel  400 , and more specifically coupled to a side  406  of the liquid vessel  400  proximate to the base  404  to increase the water pressure at the conduit. The conduit may be configured to extend orthogonally away from the liquid vessel  400 , bend at approximately 90 degrees in a direction generally toward the base  404 , and be configured to be fluidly coupled to the valve structure  104 . 
     As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean+/−10% of the disclosed values, unless specified otherwise. As utilized herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     It is important to note that any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the valve structure  104  of the exemplary embodiment described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 6    may be incorporated in the handwashing assembly of the exemplary embodiment described with reference to  FIGS.  7 - 8   , and vice versa. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.