WO2025041712A1

WO2025041712A1 - Hand washing station, nozzle assembly, and nozzle

Info

Publication number: WO2025041712A1
Application number: PCT/JP2024/029121
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daigo Ishiyama; Gunjan Manu PATEL
Original assignee: Lixil Corp
Current assignee: Lixil Corp
Priority date: 2023-08-18
Filing date: 2024-08-15
Publication date: 2025-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-18

Abstract

A hand washing station comprising a plurality of nozzle assemblies fluidly coupled to a water pipe or conduit, the nozzle assemblies each comprising a nozzle, wherein the nozzle comprises a lever arm pivotally coupled to a stationary arm; a handle coupled to a proximate end of the lever arm; a water inlet positioned at a distal end of the stationary arm; and a water outlet positioned in the stationary arm, wherein the nozzle is configured to be in a closed position when the lever arm is in a horizontal or down position, such that the water outlet does not allow water flow, and the nozzle is configured to be in an open position when the lever arm is in a vertical or up position, such that the water outlet allows water flow.

Description

HAND WASHING STATION, NOZZLE ASSEMBLY, AND NOZZLE

The disclosure is directed to a hand washing station, in particular to a hand washing station comprising a plurality of nozzles configured to provide for a plurality of individuals to wash their hands.

Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-133706, filed August 18, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Hand washing is an important aspect of personal hygiene and of public health. Due to increasing global population and increasing threat of infectious disease, frequent hand washing is recognized as an important public health need. However, billions of people worldwide do not have access to adequate and sanitary hand washing facilities. According to some estimates, as few as about 60% of people globally have access to basic handwashing facilities.

Hand washing using clean water often relies on the use of pressurized plumbing systems to deliver clean water. However, in many parts of the developing world, and many rural or remote locations, access to pressurized plumbing systems is not available. Therefore, hand washing often is carried out using water basins, suspended water bottles, or by manually pouring water from a vessel. These practices are not optimal as they encourage the use of dirty water for hand washing, or they waste large amounts of water due to manually pouring an excess of water.

It is estimated that nearly 50% of schools globally do not have hand washing facilities. In some school houses for example, an overhead water tank connected to a horizontal pipe having a plurality of openings, or nozzles, configured to provide water flow for several children to wash their hands at once is employed. Such a gravity water tank may be coupled to a horizontal pipe by a single valve. When the valve is opened, water will flow from the overhead tank by force of gravity and through the plurality of nozzles. If for example, not each nozzle is being utilized for hand washing, water is wasted. Further, there is no individual control over each nozzle, such that each child must wash their hands over a same time period.

United States Patent No. 380039 International Application Publication No. WO2021/245862A1

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There is a need for hygienic hand washing stations configured to allow a plurality of people to wash their hands at once, for instance before and after lunch or bathroom breaks in a school. There is a need for such hand washing stations to allow for individual control over water flow, such that water is not wasted.

Accordingly, disclosed is a hand washing station comprising a plurality of nozzle assemblies fluidly coupled to a water pipe or conduit, the nozzle assemblies each comprising a nozzle, wherein the nozzle comprises a lever arm pivotally coupled to a stationary arm; a handle coupled to a proximate end of the lever arm; a water inlet positioned at a distal end of the stationary arm; and a water outlet positioned in the stationary arm, wherein the nozzle is configured to be in a closed position when the lever arm is in a horizontal or down position, such that the water outlet does not allow water flow, and the nozzle is configured to be in an open position when the lever arm is in a vertical or up position, such that the water outlet allows water flow. Also disclosed is a nozzle assembly and a nozzle as described herein.

The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
Fig. 1 provides views of a hand washing station with nozzles in closed and open positions, respectively, according to some embodiments. Fig. 2 provides views of a hand washing station with nozzles in closed and open positions, respectively, according to some embodiments. Fig. 3 shows a nozzle assembly, according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 provides views of a nozzle in an open position, according to some embodiments. Fig. 5 provides views of a nozzle in an open position, according to some embodiments. Fig. 6 shows views of a nozzle in a closed position, according to some embodiments. Fig. 7 shows views of a nozzle in a closed position, according to some embodiments. Fig. 8 shows views of a lever arm and a stationary arm of a nozzle, according to some embodiments. Fig. 9 shows views of a lever arm and a stationary arm of a nozzle, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show views of hand washing station 100, according to some embodiments. Hand washing station 100 comprises a plurality of nozzle assemblies 101 in-line with horizontal delivery pipe or conduit 102h. In some embodiments, a plurality of nozzle assemblies may mean 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 assemblies, or more. Fig. 1 shows each nozzle assembly 101 in a closed position, with each handle 106 in a “down” position, where water is prohibited from flowing from each nozzle assembly 101. Fig. 2 shows each nozzle assembly 101 in an open position, with each handle 106 in an “up” position, where water is allowed to flow from each nozzle assembly 101 for hand washing. Handles 106 are configured such that they may be manipulated with a hand, or if a hand is wet or dirty, with an elbow or forearm. Handles 106 are configured to have an optimal weight, such that when placed in an open, up position, it will remain up, and when placed in a closed, down position, it has enough weight to keep a nozzle assembly 101 closed. In hand washing station 100, water is configured to be stored in overhead storage tank 103, and to flow through “vertical” conduit 102v and through “horizontal” conduit 102h, which are joined in junction 104.

Conduits

102v and 102h need not be exactly vertical or horizontal, only that they are arranged such that gravity is sufficient to provide for water flow therethrough. Junction 104 may simply be a pipe or conduit joint, or may be a curved or elbow section of pipe or conduit. In some embodiments, junction 104 may comprise a master valve, such that an entire station 100 may be turned on or off at that point. However, such a master valve is not required. As shown, water tank 103,

conduits

102v and 102h, junction 104, and nozzle assemblies 101 are fluidly coupled, or in “fluid communication”. Horizontal conduit 102h is enclosed with cap 105.

Fig. 3 provides a view of nozzle assembly 101 comprising nozzle 125 coupled to T-fitting 107, according to an embodiment. Nozzle 125 is shown in an open position with lever arm 108 in a vertical or up position. T-fitting 107 may be coupled to a conduit as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. T-fitting 107 may be threadingly coupled to stationary arm 109 and secured or sealed with gasket 110. Stationary arm 109 and lever arm 108 are pivotally coupled together via pin 111. As shown, lever arm 108 is configured to be rotated from the open position, about 90 degrees clockwise to a closed position. Handle 106 is configured such that it may be manipulated with an elbow or forearm if one’s hands are wet or not clean. Handle 106 may comprise an optimal and balanced weight such that nozzle assembly 101 will remain open when in an up position as shown, and will remain in a closed, down position when desired. Handle 106 is coupled to a proximate end of lever arm 108. A distal end of stationary arm 109 is coupled to T-fitting 107.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show views of nozzle 125 in an open position, according to some embodiments. Shown are nozzle inlet 128, having outer threaded surface 128t, configured to be threadingly coupled to T-fitting 107. Also visible is gasket 110 configured to seal inlet 128 and T-fitting 107. Gasket 110 is seated against flange 129. Lever arm 108 is shown rotated upwards from a closed horizontal position, about 110 degrees relative to stationary arm 109, placing nozzle 125 in an open position. As shown, angle alpha between lever arm 108 and stationary arm 109 is about 70 degrees. Visible is nozzle outlet 126, configured to deliver water when nozzle 125 is open, and to be sealed with stopper 127 when lever arm is rotated to place nozzle 125 in a closed position. Nozzle outlet is fluidly coupled to inlet 128 by conduit 130 positioned in stationary arm 109. Left and right side pins 111 rotatably join

arms

108 and 109 together and allow lever arm 108 to pivot relative to stationary arm 109 to open and close nozzle 125.

Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show views of nozzle 125 in a closed position, according to some embodiments. Lever arm 108 is rotated about pins 111 relative to stationary arm 109, to move lever arm 108 from a substantially perpendicular, open position to a substantially horizontal, closed position. Stopper 127 in a closed position is configured to seal water outlet 126. Handle 106 is configured to comprise enough counterweight to maintain nozzle outlet 126 in a closed position.

Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show views of lever arm 108 and stationary arm 109, respectively, according to some embodiments. Lever arm 108 is coupled to handle 106, and comprises pins 111 configured to snap fit into holes 131, positioned towards a proximate end of stationary arm 109. Pins 111, positioned towards a distal end of lever arm 108, are configured to allow lever arm 108 to pivot relative to stationary arm 109. Lever arm 108 contains opening 132 towards a distal end configured to receive stopper 127. Visible also is conduit 130 of stationary arm 109.

In some embodiments, a water pipe or conduit may comprise a metal such as copper, brass, stainless steel, or zinc. In other embodiments, a water pipe or conduit may comprise a plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polyolefin, or cross-linked polyolefin (PEX). A pipe or conduit may be rigid, flexible, or partly flexible.

Components of a nozzle assembly may comprise a same or a different material, for instance a thermoplastic, a thermoplastic composite, a glass-filled thermoplastic, a clay-filled thermoplastic, etc. Suitable thermoplastics may comprise polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, or polystyrenes. Polyolefins include polypropylene, polyethylene, and mixtures thereof. Parts may be prepared for example by molding techniques, for instance thermoplastic injection molding. Thermoplastics may include engineering thermoplastics., Engineering thermoplastics include for example polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polysulfones (PSU), polyethersulfones (PESU), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA), polyphenylene oxides (PPO), polyphenylene sulfides (PPS), polyphenylenesulfones (PPSU), polyether ether ketones (PEEK), polyethylenimine (PEI), polyphthalamides (PPA), polyacetals, copolymers thereof, and blends thereof. Polyamides include nylon and polyphthalamide (PPA). Polyacetals include polyoxymethylene (POM). In some embodiments, a thermoplastic polymer may comprise a glass-filled thermoplastic, for example a glass-filled polyamide.

In some embodiments, a lever arm and handle may comprise a single unitary molded part. In other embodiments, a lever arm and handle may comprise two or more parts coupled together. In some embodiments, a gasket or stopper may comprise an elastomer such as ABS or silicone. A gasket or stopper may be flexible or partly flexible. A stopper may comprise a certain shape configured to mate with a shape of a nozzle water outlet. A stationary arm may also comprise a single unitary molded part, or may comprise two or more molded parts coupled together.

In some embodiments, a nozzle lever arm and stationary arm may each comprise a central axis. In some embodiments, when a central axis of a lever arm and of a stationary arm are aligned and/or are parallel, a nozzle will be in a closed position. In some embodiments, when a central axis of a lever arm and of a stationary arm are at about a right (90 degree) angle, or substantially perpendicular, a nozzle will be in an open position. In some embodiments, a lever arm may be rotated more than 90 degrees relative to a stationary arm from a closed to an open position, such that an angle between a central axis of a lever arm and of a stationary arm may be from any of about 90 degrees, about 85 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 75 degrees, or about 70 degrees, to any of about 65 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 45 degrees, or less.

As shown in the figures, when a lever arm is “horizontal” or “down”, this may mean a lever arm central axis and stationary arm central axis are aligned, about aligned, parallel, about or substantially parallel, and that the nozzle is in a closed position. Also as shown in the figures, when a lever arm is “vertical” or “up”, this may mean a lever arm central axis and stationary arm central axis are at less than a 90 degree angle, or at about a 90 degree angle, and that the nozzle is in an open position.

In an embodiment, disclosed is a hand washing station comprising a plurality of nozzle assemblies fluidly coupled to a water pipe or conduit, the nozzle assemblies each comprising a nozzle, wherein the nozzle comprises a lever arm pivotally or rotatably coupled to a stationary arm; a handle coupled to a proximate end of the lever arm; a water inlet positioned at a distal end of the stationary arm; and a water outlet positioned in the stationary arm, wherein the nozzle is configured to be in a closed position when the lever arm is in a horizontal or down position, such that the water outlet does not allow water flow, and the nozzle is configured to be in an open position when the lever arm is in a vertical or up position, such that the water outlet allows water flow.

In some embodiments, a handle comprises a counterweight configured to maintain the nozzle in the closed position when the lever arm is in the horizontal or down position. In some embodiments, a handle comprises a counterweight configured to maintain the nozzle in the open position when the lever arm is in the vertical or up position. A handle may comprise a separate weight, or may itself comprise a certain size of a material to provide a counterweight.

In some embodiments, a handle may be configured to be manipulated, that is moved up or down to open or close an assembly, with an elbow or forearm if one’s hands are wet or dirty. As shown in the figures, a handle may comprise a cylinder-like shape, and have a central axis substantially perpendicular with a central axis of a lever arm. In other embodiments, a handle may have other shapes, for instance a rectangular box-like shape, a “fin” shape, a flat rectangle-like shape, a paddle-like shape, etc.

A handle and lever arm together may be a unitary molded part. In some embodiments, a handle and a lever arm may comprise separate parts coupled together. Molded parts may comprise a thermoplastic. A lever arm and a stationary arm may comprise thermoplastic molded parts. Thermoplastic molded parts may comprise a same or a different thermoplastic composition.

In some embodiments, a stationary arm may be configured to extend substantially horizontally from, and be substantially perpendicular to, a water pipe or conduit configured to deliver water to nozzle assemblies. A stationary arm may comprise a water inlet positioned at its distal end fluidly coupled to the water pipe or conduit. A stationary arm water inlet may be fluidly coupled to a T-fitting configured to be fluidly coupled to the water pipe or conduit. A stationary arm may also comprise a water outlet, configured to dispense water for hand washing. In some embodiments, a stationary arm may comprise a water conduit positioned therein, through which water is configured to pass from a stationary arm inlet to and through a stationary arm outlet. As shown in the figures, a stationary arm outlet and a stationary arm inlet may each have a central axis which are substantially perpendicular to each other. A stationary arm may comprise a water conduit positioned at an upper surface thereof.

A T-fitting may be configured to fluidly couple a nozzle to a water pipe or conduit. As shown in the figures, a nozzle may be configured to threadingly couple to a T-fitting with an outer threaded surface. In other embodiments, a nozzle may be configured to threadingly couple to a T-fitting with an inner threaded surface. In some embodiments, a nozzle may be configured to couple to a T-fitting with a “snap-fit”. Likewise, a T-fitting may be configured to threadingly couple to a water pipe or conduit, may be configured to be welded to a water pipe or conduit, may be configured to snap-fit to a water pipe or conduit, etc. Coupling of a nozzle to a T-fitting may be aided with an annular gasket, as shown in the figures. A nozzle may comprise a flange configured to seat a gasket between it and a T-fitting. A T-fitting may comprise a thermoplastic molded part, for instance PVC or a polyolefin.

A lever arm may comprise a stopper configured to mate with and enclose the nozzle water outlet when the nozzle is in a closed position. A stopper may comprise a certain shape to engage a nozzle outlet, for example may comprise a protrusion configured to mate with a nozzle outlet. In another embodiment, a stopper may comprise an annular groove or an annular protrusion configured to mate with an annular protrusion or an annular groove of a nozzle outlet, respectively. A stopper may comprise an elastomeric rubber or silicone rubber.

In some embodiments, a hand washing station may comprise an overhead water tank fluidly coupled to the water pipe or conduit comprising a plurality of nozzle assemblies. An overhead water tank may be used to store fresh water and configured to supply water to nozzle assemblies via gravity flow. An overhead water tank may be fluidly coupled to a “vertical” water pipe or conduit, and the vertical water pipe or conduit may be fluidly coupled to a “horizontal” water pipe or conduit comprising a plurality of nozzle assemblies. A vertical water pipe or conduit need not be exactly vertical, and a horizontal water pipe or conduit need not be exactly horizontal, that is they need not be exactly perpendicular. A water pipe or conduit may be rigid, flexible, or partly flexible.

In some embodiments, a hand washing assembly may comprise a master valve positioned at a point along a vertical or a horizontal water pipe or conduit, upstream of the plurality of nozzle assemblies. A master valve may be used to shut off an entire hand washing station if desired. A master valve may be positioned in a junction box subject to being locked. A vertical water pipe or conduit may be coupled to a lower portion of an overhead water tank. In another embodiment, a vertical water pipe or conduit may run into an upper portion of an overhead water tank, and water flow may be induced via siphon flow.

In some embodiments, a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet each comprise a central axis. A nozzle inlet central axis and a nozzle outlet central axis may be substantially perpendicular, that is may be positioned at about a 90 degree angle to each other. In other embodiments, a nozzle inlet central axis and a nozzle outlet central axis may be positioned at an angle less than or more than 90 degrees from each other.

As shown in the figures, a lever arm may comprise left and right side pins to be “snapped-in” to holes of a stationary arm. Pins may be positioned towards a distal end of a lever arm, and holes may be positioned towards a proximate end of a stationary arm. Also as shown in the figures, a lever arm may be positioned at an inner space of a stationary arm. Alternatively, a stationary arm may be positioned at an inner space of a lever arm. In other embodiments, a nozzle assembly may comprise a rod assembly configured to allow a lever arm to pivot or rotate relative to a stationary arm, which may comprise a single rod running through holes of a stationary arm and through a lever arm and held in place with one or more caps. In other embodiments, a lever arm may have left and right side openings configured to receive separate pin/cap assemblies which are received by/run into left and right side holes of a stationary arm.

The term “flow communication” or “fluid communication” means for example configured for liquid or gas flow therethrough and may be synonymous with “fluidly coupled”. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” indicate a direction of gas or fluid flow, that is, gas or fluid will flow from upstream to downstream.

The terms “coupled” or “connected” may mean that an element is “attached to” or “associated with” another element. Coupled or connected may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in a sequential manner or a non-sequential manner. The term “via” in reference to “via an element” may mean “through” or “by” an element. Coupled or connected or “associated with” may also mean elements not directly or indirectly attached, but that they “go together” in that one may function together with the other.

The term “towards” in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at exactly that location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to another distinct point, for example “towards a center” means closer to a center than to an edge.

The term “like” means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance “ring-like” means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.

The articles "a" and "an" herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term "about" used throughout is used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, "about" may mean the numeric value may be modified by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, or ±10%. All numeric values are modified by the term "about" whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by the term "about" include the specific identified value. For example "about 5.0" includes 5.0.

The term “substantially” is similar to “about” in that the defined term may vary from for example by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, or ±10% of the definition; for example the term “substantially perpendicular” may mean the 90° perpendicular angle may mean “about 90°”. The term “generally” may be equivalent to “substantially”.

Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.

Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and/or portions of the embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure also include any and all combinations and/or sub-combinations of embodiments.

Claims

A hand washing station comprising a plurality of nozzle assemblies fluidly coupled to a water pipe or conduit, the nozzle assemblies each comprising a nozzle, wherein the nozzle comprises:
a lever arm pivotally coupled to a stationary arm;
a handle coupled to a proximate end of the lever arm;
a water inlet positioned at a distal end of the stationary arm; and
a water outlet positioned in the stationary arm,
wherein
the nozzle is configured to be in a closed position when the lever arm is in a horizontal or
down position, such that the water outlet does not allow water flow, and
the nozzle is configured to be in an open position when the lever arm is in a vertical or up
position, such that the water outlet allows water flow.
The hand washing station according to claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a counterweight configured to maintain the nozzle in the closed position when the lever arm is in the horizontal or down position.
The hand washing station according to claim 2, wherein the handle counterweight is configured to maintain the nozzle in the open position when the lever arm is in the vertical or up position.
The hand washing station according to claim 1, wherein the stationary arm comprises a conduit, and wherein the nozzle water inlet is fluidly coupled to the nozzle water outlet by the stationary arm conduit.
The hand washing station according to claim 1, wherein the lever arm comprises a stopper positioned towards a distal end of the lever arm, and wherein the stopper is configured to enclose the nozzle water outlet when the nozzle is in the closed position.
The hand washing station according to claim 5, wherein the stopper comprises an elastomer or silicone.
The hand washing station according to claim 1, wherein the handle is configured to be manipulated with an elbow or forearm if one’s hands are wet or dirty.
The hand washing station according to claim 1, wherein each nozzle assembly comprises a T-fitting coupled to the nozzle, and wherein the T-fitting is configured to fluidly couple the nozzle inlet to the water pipe or conduit.
The hand washing station according to claim 8, wherein the nozzle inlet is seated against the T-fitting with a gasket.
The hand washing station according to claim 9, wherein the stationary arm comprises a flange configured to seat the gasket against the T-fitting.
The hand washing station according to claim 8, wherein the nozzle inlet is configured to be threadingly coupled to the T-fitting.
The hand washing station according to claim 8, wherein the T-fitting comprises a thermoplastic molded part.
The hand washing station according to claim 1, comprising an overhead water tank fluidly coupled to the water pipe or conduit, wherein the overhead water tank is configured to provide water to the water pipe or conduit by gravity.
The hand washing station according to claim 13, wherein the overhead water tank is fluidly coupled to a substantially vertical water pipe or conduit portion, the substantially vertical water pipe or conduit portion is fluidly coupled to a substantially horizontal water pipe or conduit portion, and the substantially horizontal water pipe or conduit portion is fluidly coupled to the plurality of nozzle assemblies.
The hand washing station according to claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a cylinder-like shape, and wherein a central axis of the cylinder-like shape is substantially perpendicular with a central axis of the lever arm.
The hand washing station according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle inlet and the nozzle outlet each comprise a central axis, and wherein the nozzle inlet central axis is positioned at about a 90 degree angle relative to nozzle outlet central axis.
The hand washing station according to claim 1, wherein the lever arm and the stationary arm comprise a thermoplastic molded part.
The hand washing station according to claim 1, wherein the lever arm comprises pins positioned towards a lever arm distal end, the pins configured to snap-fit into holes positioned towards a proximate end of the stationary arm, the pins configured to allow the lever arm to pivot or rotate relative to the stationary arm.
A nozzle assembly according to any of claims 1 to 16.
A nozzle according to any of claims 1 to 16.