A device for an ablutionary system

Abstract

A device for an ablutionary system, such as a shower, having a water inlet conduit 14 which supplies water, the device including: a body 17 having first 17a and second 17b opposite ends connected by a

Description

Known ablutionary systems often have a water heater having a water inlet conduit which supplies heated water for use downstream, e.g. as part of a shower. The water heater may be a mixer bar connected to a hot water supply, e.g. a hot water cylinder, or an instantaneous water heater, e.g. an electric shower unit, and the water inlet conduit is connected to a downstream outlet of the water heater. Ablutionary systems, e.g. shower systems, often have one or more shower spray accessories connected to the water inlet conduit to receive heated water from the water heater and spray the user with the water, with different shower spray accessories providing different shower experiences for the user. For example, a shower spray accessory may be a shower head which is positioned over a user’s head. Another shower spray accessory may be a handset which can be fixed below head height, e.g. using a riser rail, or held in the user’s hand to direct the water as desired during showering. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, we provide a device for an ablutionary system having a water inlet conduit which supplies water, the device including: a body having first and second opposite ends connected by a wall, wherein the body includes: a first inlet and a second inlet, wherein the first and second inlet are selectively connectable to the water inlet conduit; a first outlet fluidly connectable to a first water outlet conduit, wherein the first outlet is in communication with the first inlet; and a second outlet fluidly connectable to a second water outlet conduit, wherein the second outlet is in communication with the second inlet. Optionally or preferably the first and second inlets are releasably connectable to the water inlet conduit, optionally or preferably quick release connections are provided between the first and second inlets and the water inlet conduit. Optionally or preferably the first inlet and the second inlet are configured as a male or female connection, and the water inlet conduit is configured to have the other of the male or female connection for connection to the first inlet or the second inlet. Optionally or preferably the water inlet conduit includes a conduit connector for connection to the first inlet and the second inlet, optionally or preferably a nozzle or hose connector. Optionally or preferably the first and / or second inlets are aligned with the first and / or second outlets respectively, optionally or preferably the first inlet and first outlet are axially aligned about an axis F1 and / or connected by a first passage between the first inlet and first outlet, and optionally or preferably the second inlet and second outlet are axially aligned about an axis F2 and / or connection by a second passage between the second inlet and the second outlet. Optionally or preferably the first and second outlets include respective male or female connections and the first and second water outlet conduits have respective other ones of the male or female connections. Optionally or preferably the device includes a coupling device movable between first and second configurations, and wherein in the first configuration, the coupling device couples the water inlet conduit to the first or second inlet; and in the second configuration, the water inlet conduit is uncoupled from the first or second inlet. Optionally or preferably the coupling device is horizontally and / or slidably moveable between the first and second configurations. Optionally or preferably the coupling device includes first and second coupling formations corresponding to the first and second inlets for engaging a portion of the water inlet conduit to couple the water inlet conduit to the first or second inlet when the coupling device is in its first configuration, optionally or preferably the portion of the water inlet conduit is a conduit connector, optionally or preferably a nozzle or hose connector. Optionally or preferably the first and second coupling formations are spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the coupling device, and / or the first and second coupling formations are identical, and / or the first and second coupling formations define respective openings through which the portion of the water inlet conduit may extend during use. Optionally or preferably each of the first and second coupling formations include first and second parts, wherein in the first configuration, each first part extends across a portion of a respective passage which connects the first or second inlet to the first or second outlet, and in the second configuration, each second part is aligned with a respective one of the first or second inlet and the first parts do not extend across the respective passages which connect the first and second inlets to the first and second outlets. Optionally or preferably the first and second parts are configured so that at least one of the first parts engages the portion of the water inlet conduit in the first configuration, and the first and second parts are configured so that there is no engagement between the portion of the water inlet conduit and the coupling device in the second configuration. Optionally or preferably the coupling device includes an actuator for a user to move the coupling device. Optionally or preferably the device includes a biasing device for biasing the coupling device to the first configuration, optionally or preferably the biasing device is a spring. Optionally or preferably the actuator is configured as a button which may be depressed to move the coupling device to the second configuration. Optionally or preferably the device includes a support device for supporting the coupling device within the body. Optionally or preferably the support device includes a channel in which the coupling device is positioned for movement therein. Optionally or preferably the support device includes first and second ports defining passages or the passages which connect the first and second inlets to the first and second outlets respectively. Optionally or preferably the first and second ports receive a portion of the water inlet conduit therein. Optionally or preferably the first and second ports include open sections through which the coupling device may extend. Optionally or preferably the first and second ports extend generally axially between the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets respectively. Optionally or preferably the device includes the water inlet conduit and wherein a portion of the water inlet conduit is connected to one of the first or second inlets. Optionally or preferably the portion of the water inlet conduit is a conduit connector, optionally or preferably a nozzle or hose connector. Optionally or preferably wherein the conduit connector includes a nozzle defining a fluid passage and a nozzle outlet, the nozzle having an external surface defining an annular recess for receiving a portion of the coupling device therein, optionally or preferably for receiving the first or second coupling formation therein. According to a second aspect of the present invention, we provide a device for an ablutionary system having a water inlet conduit which supplies water, the device including: a body having first and second opposite ends connected by a wall, wherein the body includes: an inlet device connectable to the water inlet conduit; a first outlet fluidly connectable to a first water outlet conduit; and a second outlet fluidly connectable to a second water outlet conduit, wherein the inlet device is connected to the body for linear movement relative to the body between a first configuration in which the inlet device is in fluid communication with the first outlet and a second configuration in which the inlet device is in fluid communication with the second outlet. Optionally or preferably the inlet device is slidingly connected to the body and / or the inlet device moves generally horizontally relative to the body. Optionally or preferably the body includes a recess which receives a portion of the inlet device. Optionally or preferably the inlet device may be moved to an intermediate configuration in which the inlet device is in fluid communication with the first outlet and the second outlet. Optionally or preferably the inlet device is configured so that, in use, water flows to at least one of the first and second outlets for any position of the inlet device relative to the body. Optionally or preferably wherein the inlet device includes: a first part including an inlet for connection to the water inlet conduit; and a second part connected to the first part including an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet and for communication with one of the first and / or second outlets, wherein the outlet is larger than the inlet. Optionally or preferably the inlet device includes an actuator for moving the inlet device. Optionally or preferably the actuator includes a user graspable portion. Optionally or preferably a portion of the actuator is positioned outside of the body, optionally or preferably the portion is a user graspable portion of the actuator. Optionally or preferably the body includes means for fixing the body to an external wall or the like. Optionally or preferably the device according to any preceding aspect includes the first and second water outlet conduits connected to the first and second outlets respectively. Optionally or preferably the first and second outlet conduits are connected to first and second shower spray accessories respectively, optionally or preferably the first shower spray accessory is a showerhead and the second shower spray accessory is a handset. Optionally or preferably the water inlet conduit, first water outlet conduit, and / or second water outlet conduit are flexible hoses. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an ablutionary system including: a water heater; a water inlet conduit for receiving water outputted by the water heater; and a device according to any preceding aspect, wherein the first inlet / second inlet / inlet device is connected to the water inlet conduit so that the device is downstream of the water heater. Optionally or preferably wherein the water heater is a mixer bar, or an instantaneous water heater. Optionally or preferably the ablutionary system is a shower, optionally or preferably an electric shower. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a diagram illustrating an ablutionary system embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 2 is a perspective cross-section view of a component of the ablutionary system shown in figure 1; FIGURES 3a and 3b are perspective cross-section views of the component shown in figure 2 along a plane perpendicular to the plane of figure 2 showing the component in first and second configurations respectively; FIGURE 4 is a cross-section view of the component of figure 2 with certain parts thereof omitted; FIGURE 5 is a cross-section view of a part of another component of the system shown in figure 1; FIGURES 6a to 6e are cross-section views of the component shown in figure 2 in different states of operation; FIGURES 7a and 7b are cross-section views of a device according to another aspect of the present disclosure in first and second configurations respectively; FIGURE 8 is a cross-section view of the device shown in figure 7a along a plane which is perpendicular to the plane about which the cross-section of figure 7a is taken; FIGURE 9 is a cross-section view of a device according to another aspect of the present disclosure; FIGURE 10 is an exploded cross-section view of the device shown in figure 9; and FIGURES 11 to 13 are cross-section views of the device shown in figure 9 in three different states during operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE Referring to figure 1, this shows an ablutionary system 10 according to an example of the present disclosure. In this example, the ablutionary system 10 includes a water heater 12, a water inlet conduit 14 for receiving water outputted by the water heater 12 and a device 16 connected to the water inlet conduit 14 to receive the water from the water inlet conduit 14 during use. In this example, the ablutionary system 10 is an electric shower. In other examples, the ablutionary system 10 may be a non-electric shower, e.g., a power shower, or a different washing system, e.g. a handwashing system. In present example, the water heater 12 is an instantaneous water heater which uses electric heating elements to heat ambient temperature water supplied to the water heater 12 from a mains water supply. In other examples, e.g. where the system 10 is a power shower, the water heater 12 may be a mixer bar that mixes cold and hot water supplied from a hot water cylinder to a desired temperature. In this example, the water inlet conduit 14 is a flexible hose. Referring to the figures 1, 2 and 4, device 16 includes a body 17 including first and second opposite ends 17a, 17b connected by a wall 17c. The body 17 includes a first inlet 18a and a second inlet 18b. The first and second inlets 18a, 18b are selectively connectable to the water inlet conduit 14. The body 17 includes a first outlet 20a fluidly connectable to a first water outlet conduit 22a and a second outlet 20b fluidly connectable to a second water outlet conduit 22b. The first outlet 20a is in communication with the first inlet 18a and the second outlet 20b is in communication with the second inlet 18b. The body 17 is generally cylindrically shaped in this example but may have other shapes in other examples. The body 17 defines an internal space and houses various components as will be described. In this example, the first and second inlets 18a, 18b are positioned on a first portion of the wall 17c, e.g. a generally upwardly facing surface thereof, and the first and second outlets 20a, 20b are positioned on a second portion of the wall 17c, e.g. a generally downwardly facing surface thereof, which is opposite the first portion. In other examples, the inlets 18a, 18b and outlets 20a, 20b may be positioned differently. Inlets 18a, 18b are formed as openings or apertures in the wall 17c. Outlets 20a, 20b are formed as openings or apertures in the wall 17c with, in this example, tubular members extending therefrom having threaded portions for ends 22a’, 22b” of the conduits 22a, 22b to be screwed onto. The inlets 18a, 18b and outlets 20a, 20b may be connected by respective first and second passages 19a, 19b extending therebetween. In this example, the first and second inlets 18a, 18b may be aligned with the first and second outlets 20a, 20b respectively. The first inlet and first outlet 19a, 20a are axially aligned about an axis F1. The second inlet 18b and second outlet 20b may be axially aligned about an axis F2. The device 16 may be mounted to an external wall, e.g. of a shower cubicle or bathroom, using fasteners which extend through the body 17, or using other mounting means. In figure 1, the inlet water conduit 14 is shown connected to the first inlet 18a and the first water outlet conduit 22a connected to the first outlet 20a. The first water outlet conduit 22a is a flexible hose in this example but may take other forms. For example, it may be a rigid tubular member defining an internal passage for water to pass therethrough, and / or form part of a riser pipe, e.g. the inlet water conduit 14 may be concealed within the riser pipe. The first water outlet conduit 22a has a first end 22a’ connected to the first outlet 20a, and a second end 22a” connected to a first shower spray accessory 24. The first shower spray accessory 24 is a shower head in this example, but it may be a different type of accessory in other examples. In figure 1, a second water outlet conduit 22b is shown connected to the second outlet 20b and the second inlet 18b is not connected to any conduit. The second water outlet conduit 22b is a flexible hose in this example but may take other forms. The second water outlet conduit 22b has a first end 22b’ connected to the second outlet 20b, and a second end 22b” connected to a second shower spray accessory 26. In this example, the second shower spray accessory 26 is a handset but may be different type of accessory in other examples. Device 16 is arranged so that a user may select one of the first and second shower spray accessories 24, 26 by simply disconnecting and then connecting the water inlet conduit 14 to the corresponding one of the first or second inlet 18a, 18b. The first and second inlets 18a, 18b are releasably connectable to the water inlet conduit 14 in this example. Quick release connections may be provided between the first and second inlets 18a, 18b and the water inlet conduit 14. An example of such a quick release connection will be described. In this example, the first and second inlets 18a, 18b are configured as female connections the water inlet conduit 14 has a male connection for connection thereto. The water inlet conduit 14 may include a conduit connector 14a for connection to the first inlet 18a and the second inlet 18b. In examples, the conduit connector 14a may be in the form of a nozzle or hose connector. Referring to figure 2, this is a perspective cross-section view of the device 16 with certain components not shown. The device 16 may include a coupling device 30 movable between first and second configurations. The coupling device 30 is in a retracted position in the first configuration and in an extended position in the second configuration. Figures 3a, 3b are perspective cross-section views of device 16 along a plane which is perpendicular to the plane along which the cross-section view is shown in figure 2. Figure 3a shows the coupling device 30 in its first configuration and figure 3b shows the coupling device 30 in its second configuration. The device 16 may include a support device 40 for supporting the coupling device 30 within the body. In the first configuration, the coupling device 30 couples the water inlet conduit 14 to the first or second inlet 18a, 18b. If the water inlet conduit 14 is positioned in the first inlet 18a, then, when the coupling device 30 is moved to its first configuration, it couples the conduit 14 to the first inlet 18a whilst it uncouples the conduit 14 if it is moved to its second configuration. Similarly, if the water inlet conduit 14 is positioned in the second inlet 18b, when the coupling device 30 is moved to its second configuration, it couples the conduit 14 to the second inlet 18b whilst it uncouples the conduit if it is moved to its second configuration. The coupling device 30 is horizontally and / or slidably moveable between the first and second configurations. The coupling device 30 may be supported for movement in a direction which is parallel to an axis C which extends longitudinally along the body 17. The coupling device 30 may be in the form of a generally planar member. Referring to figures 3a, 3b, the coupling device 30 includes first and second coupling formations 32, 34 corresponding to the first and second inlets 18a, 18b for engaging a portion of the water inlet conduit 14, e.g. the conduit connector 14a, to couple the water inlet conduit 14 to the first or second inlet 18a, 18b when the coupling device 30 is in its first configuration. The first and second coupling formations 32, 34 may be spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the coupling device 30 and may be generally positioned along a midline along the length of the coupling device 30. The first and second coupling formations 32, 34 may be generally arranged so that the respective passages 19a, 19b which connect inlets 18a, 18b and outlets 20a, 20b extend through respective ones of the formations 32, 34. The first and second coupling formations 32, 34 may be identical in examples. The first and second coupling formations 32, 34 may define respective openings and, during use, at least a portion of the water inlet conduit 14, e.g. the conduit connector 14a, extends through one of them when the water inlet conduit 14 is connected to one of the inlets 18a, 18b. In examples, as best seen in figure 4, the outlets 20a, 20b may include one-way valves 20a’, 20b’, e.g. check valves, to prevent water entering into the outlets 20a, 20b from the first and second water outlet conduits 22a, 22b. Each of the first and second coupling formations 32, 34 may include respective first and second parts 32a, 32b and 34a, 34b. The parts 32a, 34a and 34b, 34b are arranged so that, in the first configuration, the parts 32a, 34a are closer to their corresponding inlets 18a, 18b than the second parts 32b, 34b, and, in the second configuration, the parts 32b 34b are closer to their corresponding inlets 18a, 18b than the parts 32a, 34a. In the first configuration, the first part 32a, 34a may extend across the passages 19a, 19b which connect the first and second inlets 18a, 18b to the first and second outlets 20a 20b. In the second configuration, the second parts 32b, 34b may align with the first and second inlets 18a, 18b and the first parts 32a, 34a do not extend across the passages 19a, 19b which connect the first and second inlets 18a, 18b to the first and second outlets 20a, 20b. The first parts 32a, 34a may be configured so that the corresponding one of the first parts 32a, 34a engages a portion of the water inlet conduit 14, e.g. the conduit connector 14a, when positioned in the first or second inlet 18a, 18b in the first configuration, and the second parts 32b, 34b may be configured so that there is no engagement between the portion of the water inlet conduit 14, e.g. the conduit connector 14a, and the coupling device 30 in the second configuration. In this example, this is achieved by each coupling formation 32, 34 being generally key-hole shaped with the first parts 32a, 34a being the part-stadia shaped sections, and the second parts 32b, 34b being the semicircular shaped sections as will be described. In other examples, the coupling formations 32, 34 may have other shapes or sizes for performing the same function as will be appreciated by the skilled person. The coupling device 30 may have a main section 30a which is generally rectangular shaped in this example. In examples, the coupling device 30 may include an actuator 36 for a user to move the coupling device 30. In this example, the actuator 36 is an elongate section which extends generally centrally and away from an end of the main section 30a. The actuator 36 extends out of the body 17 from the second end 17b thereof and includes a user graspable portion 38 connected to it for a user to grasp when operating the actuator 36. Referring to figure 4, this is a cross-section view of the device 16 about the same plane as that shown in figure 2 with the coupling device 30 omitted. The support device 40 may include a channel 42 in which the coupling device 30 is positioned for movement therein. In this example, the support device 40 is a single component part which is positioned internally of the device 16 and extends longitudinally along the axis C. The support device 40 defines an internal space. The support device 40 may have different shapes. In this example, the support device 40 has a generally cylindrical section 40a and rectangular shaped formations 40b running lengthwise of, and along opposite sides of the cylindrical section 40a. These formations 40b define the channel 42 in this example. The support device 40 may include first and second ports 44a, 44b which define the passages 19a, 19b which connect the first and second inlets 18a, 18b to the first and second outlets 20a, 20b respectively. The ports 44a, 44b are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the support device 40. The first and second ports 44a, 44b may extend generally axially between the first and second inlets 18a, 18b and the first and second outlets 20a, 20b respectively. The first port 44a is aligned to the first and second outlets 18a, 20a, and has a first end protruding from one side, e.g. upper side, of the support device 30, and a second, opposite end, protruding from the opposite side of the support device 30. The second port 44b is aligned to the first and second outlets 18b, 20b, and has a first end protruding from one side, e.g. upper side, of the support device 30, and a second, opposite end, protruding from the opposite side of the support device 30. In this example, the first and second ports 44a, 44b may receive, e.g. at their lower ends, a portion of the water inlet conduit 14, e.g. the conduit connector 14a, within them when the water inlet conduit 14 is connected to the respective first or second inlet 18a, 18b. The first and second ports 44a, 44b may include outlet flanges 44a’, 44b’ which abut an end of the water inlet conduit 14 from which water leaves the water inlet conduit 14 during use. In this example, the first and second ports 44a, 44b are in sealing engagement with the internal surface of the body 17 about the first and second outlets 20a, 20b through the use of sealing members 44a”, 44b”, e.g. O-rings. The first and second ports 44a, 44b may include open sections 46a, 46b through which the coupling device 30 may extend. For example, sections 46a, 46b may be annular-shaped openings positioned generally midway along the length of the respective ports 44a, 44b. The first and second outlets 20a, 20b may include respective male connections, e.g. thread formations, and the first and second water outlet conduits 22a, 22b may have respective female connections for receiving the male connections. The male and female connections may be reversed between these components in other examples. Referring to figure 5, this is a perspective cross-section view of the conduit connector 14a. The conduit connector 14a includes a nozzle 14a’ defining a fluid passage 14a” and a nozzle outlet 14a’”. The nozzle 14a’ is a tubular member and has an external surface which defines an annular recess 15 for receiving a portion of the coupling device 30 therein as will be described. The recess 15 is formed by a pair of radially extending annular ribs around the surface of the nozzle 14a’. The nozzle 14a’ includes an O-ring seal at near the nozzle outlet 14a’” for forming a fluid tight seal against the internal surfaces of the ports 44a, 44b. In examples, the conduit connector 14a may be a separate component part connected to the rest of the water inlet conduit 14, or the conduit connector 14a may be integrally formed as part of the water inlet conduit 14. Operation of the device 16 will now be described with reference to figures 6a to 6b which are crosssection views of the device 16 in various states as the water inlet conduit 14 is changed from being connected to the second inlet 18b to the first inlet 18a. Figure 6a shows the conduit connector 14a connected to the second inlet 18b and the coupling device 30 is in its first configuration. Referring to figure 3a, showing the figuration configuration corresponding to that of figure 6a, in this state, the conduit connector 14a extends through the second inlet 18b and along the passage 19b. The conduit connector 14a is received in the support device 40 at the second port 44b thereof. The coupling device 30 is in a retracted state in the first configuration. The second coupling formation 34 engages with the conduit connector 14a. In more detail, the first part 34a extends into the recess 15 so as to hold the conduit connector 14a in place and inhibits movement of the conduit connector 14a away from the second inlet 18b. It can be seen that the first part 34a extends through the open section 46b of the second port 44b to engage the conduit connector 14a in this way. In this state, water flows from the water heater 12 through the water inlet conduit 14 to the second inlet 18b via the device 16 to supply the water to the second shower spray accessory 26. With reference to figure 6b, in order to use the first shower spray accessory 24, the water inlet conduit 14 must first be disconnected or released from the second inlet 18b and then connected or coupled to the first inlet 18a. In order to do this, the coupling device 30 must be moved to its second configuration, away from the first configuration. This is done by a user grasping the actuator 36 and pulling it outwards or to an extended position. This causes the coupling device 30 to move horizontally to an extended position as shown in figure 6b and figure 3a showing the second configuration. In this position, the conduit connector 14a is released from the device 16 because the second coupling formation 34 has moved such that its second part 34b is aligned with the second inlet 18b and the first part 34a is positioned away from the conduit connector 14a such that it no longer extends into the passage 19b or the open section 46b. As shown in figure 6c, the water inlet conduit 14 is removed by pulling the conduit connector 14a out of the second inlet 18b. With reference to figure 6d, now the conduit connector 14a has been released and removed from the device 16, the user simply pushes the conduit connector 14a into the first inlet 18a. Due to the coupling device 30 being in its extended, second configuration, the first coupling formation 32 does not interfere or prevent the conduit connector 14a from being pushed into the first inlet 18a and into the passage 19a. The second part 32b is aligned with the first inlet 18a and does not protrude into the passage 19a, permitting the conduit connector 14a to be pushed into place until it abuts the outlet flange 44a’. The coupling device 30 must then be placed into its retracted, first configuration by the user pushing the actuator 36 into the body 17 as shown in figure 6e. This causes the first part 32a of the first coupling formation 32 to engage with the recess 15 of the conduit connector 14a. The first part 32a extends through the open section 46a and into the recess 15 to hold the conduit connector 14a relative to the first inlet 18a to prevent the conduit connector 14a from being removed. The water inlet conduit 14 is now in fluid communication with the first outlet 20a. The water heater 12 can now be operated so that water flows through the device 16 and to the first shower spray accessory 24. The device 16 provides a convenient way for a user to easily and quickly select which of the shower spray accessories are to be used by a quick release and connect mechanism between the water inlet conduit 14 and the device 16. The device 16 acts as a manifold for selective connection between a plurality of shower spray accessories to a single water inlet conduit 14. In examples, the device 16 may have more than two inlets and outlets, for example, three inlets and three outlets for connection to three shower spray accessories depending on the desired ablutionary system. Figures 7a and 7b, are cross-section views of another device 116 that is accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. Device 116 shares features in common with device 16 and common features are denoted by the same reference number with the addition of 100. Figure 7a shows device 116 and coupling device 130 in its first configuration, whilst figure 7b shows the device 116 and coupling device 130 in its second configuration. The main difference between device 116 and device 16 is the configuration of the coupling device 130. The coupling device 130 is generally similar to the coupling device 30 except that a biasing device 136’ is provided to bias the actuator 136 to its first configuration and rather than having a user graspable portion, the actuator 136 is configured as a button that can be depressed. The formations 132, 134 are the same shape and positioned the same as formations 32, 34 but are orientated the opposite way round. The biasing device 136’ may be in the form of a spring and the actuator 136 may be depressed to move the coupling device 130 to its second configuration. With reference to figure 8, this is another cross-section view of device 116 along a plane which is perpendicular to the plane about which the cross-sections of figures 7a and 7b are shown. The coupling device 130 includes stop members 130’ in the form of outwardly extending arms which engage with respective ends of apertures defined by side walls 140’of the support device 140. The stop members 130’ engage with the side walls 140’ when the coupling device 130 is in its first configuration as shown in figure 8 to prevent the coupling device 130 from being separated from the support device 140. The configuration of device 116 provides for a convenient operation of the device 116 in that the coupling device 130 will automatically return to the first configuration after having been moved to its second configuration. It should be understood that other types of quick release connections or mechanisms for releasably connecting the inlet water conduit 14 to the inlets 18a, 18b may be adopted. For example, rather than having a coupling device 30 which is a separate part supported within the device, the inlet water conduit 14 may have a conduit connector 14a which incorporates a coupling device, e.g. interlocking ribs, which may co-operate with formations on the inlet 18a, 18b or the body 17 to hold the inlet water conduit 14 in place. Figures 9 to 13 show a device 1016 In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure. Device 1016 may be used in the same way as devices 16, 116 described previously in relation to the ablutionary system 10 shown in figure 1, i.e. devices 16, 116 may be replaced by device 1016 in the system 10. In other words, device 1016 may be used to fluidly connect shower spray accessories 24, 26 and water outlet conduits 22a, 22b to the water heater 12 via the inlet water conduit 14. Device 1016 includes a body 1017 having first and second opposite ends 1017a, 1017b connected by a wall 1017c. The body 1017 includes or houses an inlet device 1200 connectable to the water inlet conduit 14, a first outlet 1020a fluidly connectable to the first water outlet conduit 22a; and a second outlet 1020b fluidly connectable to the second water outlet conduit 22b. The inlet device 1200 is connected to the body 1017 for linear movement relative to the body 1017 between a first configuration (shown in figure 11) in which the inlet device 1200 is in fluid communication with the first outlet 1020a and a second configuration (shown in figure 13) in which the inlet device 1200 is in fluid communication with the second outlet 1020b. The body 1017 is generally cylindrical shaped. The inlet device 1200 is slidingly connected to the body 1017. The inlet device 1200 is movable generally horizontally relative to the body 1017 between the first and second configurations. The inlet device 1200 may be slidably supported so that the inlet device 1200 may slide between the configurations. The inlet device 1200 may be moved to an intermediate configuration (shown in figure 12) in which the inlet device 1200 is in fluid communication with the first outlet and the second outlet 1020a, 1020b. In this configuration, water may be supplied to both of the shower spray accessories 24, 26 at the same time. Advantageously, the inlet device 1200 may be configured so that, in use, water flows to at least one of the first and second outlets 1020a, 1020b for any position of the inlet device 1200 relative to the body 1017. With reference to figure 10 which is an exploded cross-section view of the device 1016, the device 1016 includes a body component 1017’ which is connected to the inside of the body 1017. The body component 1017’ includes a main section 1017” which may be generally rectangular shaped. The outlets 1020a, 1020b may be connected to component 1017’. The outlets 1020a, 1020b are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the body 1017. The outlets 1020a, 1020b may include tubular sections which extend away from the main section 1017” in an upward direction. The body 1017 defines a pair of openings through which the outlets 1020a, 1020b extend. The main section 1017” and outlets 1020a, 1020b may be integrally formed as a single component part or formed by separate components connected together. The outlets 1020a, 1020b may include one-way valves positioned therein, e.g. check valves similar to those described above in relation to device 16. The main section 1017” may include a formation 1017’” defining a recess which receives the inlet device 1200 therein to support the inlet device 1200 for movement within the body 1017. The formation 1017’” may extend from respective sides of the main section 1017” to form an L-shape in cross-section. In examples, the body component 1017’ is not provided and the functionality and features thereof may instead be formed as integrated parts of the body 1017 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The inlet device 1200 may include a first part 1250 including an inlet 1252 for connection to the water inlet conduit 14, and a second part 1260 connected to the first part 1250. The second part 1260 includes an outlet 1262 in fluid communication with the inlet 1252 and is in communication with the first and / or second outlets 1020a, 1020b. The outlet 1262 may be larger than the inlet 1252. The inlet device 1200 defines an internal space which extends between the first and second parts 1250, 1260. The first part 1250 may be generally tubular shaped and have a free end, e.g. its lower end, which includes the inlet 1252. The inlet 1252 may include means for connecting to the water inlet conduit 14. For example, the means may be a male connection with a threaded section which fastens onto a female connection on the water inlet conduit 14. Other types of connections may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a quick release connection between the inlet 1252 and the water inlet conduit 14 may be provided. The first part 1250 is connected at its other end to the second part 1260. The second part 1260 may include a generally wedge-shaped section which increases in diameter as it extends away from the first part 1250. The free end of first part 1260 defines the outlet 1262. In this example, the outlet 1262 is an oval-shaped aperture in cross-section but may have other shapes in examples. The second part 1260 includes a flange which is positioned adjacent the internal surface of part 1071’ which includes the first and second outlets 1020a, 1020b. The flange includes an o-ring for providing a fluid seal between the flange and the part 107T. The body 1017 includes an opening 1100 for receiving the inlet device 1200 therein. The opening may be provided at an opposite side of the body 1017 to the side at which the outlets 1020a, 1020b are located. The opening 1100 may be generally oval shaped. The inlet device 1200 may be arranged so that the first part 1250 extends through and is positioned generally in the opening 1100 and the second part 1260 is positioned generally centrally within the main section of the body 1017. The opening 1100 is larger than the first part 1250 so that the inlet device 1200 can move linearly across the body 1017 whilst being positioned therein. The inlet device 1200 includes an actuator 1270 for moving the inlet device 1200. In this example, the actuator 1270 is an elongate member. The actuator 1270 may be connected to the inlet device 1200, e.g. integrally formed as one component part with the inlet device 1200 or a separate component which is connected to the inlet device 1200. In this example, the actuator 1270 may be positioned and connected to the second part 1260. The actuator 1270 includes a portion which extends through an opening in the body 1017 to be positioned externally thereof. For example, a user graspable portion thereof may be positioned externally of the body 1017. Operation of the inlet device 1200 will be described with reference to figures 11 to 13. In figure 11, the inlet device 1200 is in its first configuration. In this configuration the inlet device 1200 is in fluid communication with the first inlet 1020a. The inlet device 1200 is in a generally retracted position in the first configuration. A portion of the outlet 1262 is blocked so that water only flows to the first inlet 1020a in this position. The inlet device 1200 is positioned to one end, end 117a of the body 1017. The user may move the inlet device 1200 to the intermediate configuration shown in figure 12 by pulling the actuator 1270 so that the inlet device 1200 is partially extended relative to the first configuration. In the intermediate configuration, the inlet device 1200 is in communication with both outlets 1020a, 1020b. The inlet device 1200 is positioned generally centrally within the body 1017 in the intermediate configuration. The outlet 1262 has respective peripheral portions which are open and in communication with the outlets 1020a, 1020b and a central section which is blocked. In this state, water flows to both of the shower spray accessories 24, 26. The user may now move the inlet device 1200 to its second configuration by pulling the actuator 1270 to its fully extended state. In this state, the inlet device 1200 is only in fluid communication with the second outlet 1020b. A portion of the outlet 1262 is blocked so that no water can flow to the first outlet 1020a. In this state, water flows to the second spray accessory 26. The inlet device 1200 is now positioned to the opposite end 117b of the body 1017 compared to its position in the first configuration. Advantageously, the device 1016 provides a convenient mechanism for a user to select between the first and second shower spray accessories 24, 26. Although a particular arrangement for supporting the inlet device 1200 is described, it will be appreciated that other arrangements may be adopted to support the inlet device 1200 for linear movement between first and second configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The described inlet device 1200 has a particular shape and configuration but it will be appreciated that other shapes and / or configurations may be adopted to provide the required functionality without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The device 1016 may have more than three outlets in examples and the inlet device 1200 may be configured accordingly to have a larger size to selectively connect them to the inlet water conduit 14 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features 5 from any other embodiment(s) described herein. Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure. 10 Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents. 15 16 06 25

Claims

1. A device for an ablutionary system having a water inlet conduit which, during use, supplies water from a water heater to the device, the device including:5 a body having first and second opposite ends connected by a wall, wherein the bodyincludes:a first inlet and a second inlet, wherein the first and second inlet are selectively connectable to the water inlet conduit to receive the water from the water heater during use;10 a first outlet fluidly connectable to a first water outlet conduit,wherein the first outlet is in communication with the first inlet; anda second outlet fluidly connectable to a second water outlet conduit, wherein the second outlet is in communication with the second inlet.15 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the first and second inlets are releasably connectableto the water inlet conduit, optionally or preferably quick release connections are provided between the first and second inlets and the water inlet conduit.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the first inlet and the second inlet are configured 20 as a male or female connection, and the water inlet conduit is configured to have the otherof the male or female connection for connection to the first inlet or the second inlet, and optionally or preferably wherein the water inlet conduit includes a conduit connector for connection to the first inlet and the second inlet, optionally or preferably a nozzle or hose connector.

254. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the first and / or second inlets are aligned with the first and / or second outlets respectively, optionally or preferably the first inlet and first outlet are axially aligned about an axis F1 and / or connected by a first passage between the first inlet and first outlet,30 and optionally or preferably the second inlet and second outlet are axially alignedabout an axis F2 and / or connection by a second passage between the second inlet and the second outlet.

5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second outlets include 35 respective male or female connections and the first and second water outlet conduits haverespective other ones of the male or female connections.

6. A device according to any preceding claim including a coupling device movable between first and second configurations, wherein:16 06 25in the first configuration, the coupling device couples the water inlet conduit to the first or second inlet; andin the second configuration, the water inlet conduit is uncoupled from the first or second inlet.

57. A device according to claim 6 wherein the coupling device is horizontally and / or slidably moveable between the first and second configurations.

8. A device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the coupling device includes first and second 10 coupling formations corresponding to the first and second inlets for engaging a portion of thewater inlet conduit to couple the water inlet conduit to the first or second inlet when the coupling device is in its first configuration, optionally or preferably the portion of the water inlet conduit is a conduit connector, optionally or preferably a nozzle or hose connector.15 9. A device according to claim 8 wherein:a) the first and second coupling formations are spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the coupling device, and / or the first and second coupling formations are identical, and / or the first and second coupling formations define respective openings through which the 20 portion of the water inlet conduit may extend during use, and / orb) each of the first and second coupling formations include first and second parts, wherein in the first configuration, each first part extends across a portion of a respective passage which connects the first or second inlet to the first or second outlet, and in the 25 second configuration, each second part is aligned with a respective one of the first orsecond inlet and the first parts do not extend across the respective passages which connect the first and second inlets to the first and second outlets.

10. A device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second parts are configured so that at 30 least one of the first parts engages the portion of the water inlet conduit in the firstconfiguration, and the first and second parts are configured so that there is no engagement between the portion of the water inlet conduit and the coupling device in the second configuration.35 11. A device according to any one of claims 6 to 10 wherein the coupling device includes anactuator for a user to move the coupling device, and / or the device includes a biasing device for biasing the coupling device to the first configuration, optionally or preferably the biasing device is a spring, and / or the actuator is configured as a button which may be depressed to move the coupling device to the second configuration.16 06 2512. A device according to any one of claims 6 to 11 including a support device for supporting the coupling device within the body.

13. A device according to claim 12 wherein the support device includes a channel in which the 5 coupling device is positioned for movement therein.

14. A device according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the support device includes first and second ports defining passages or the passages which connect the first and second inlets to the first and second outlets respectively.1015. A device according to claim 14 wherein the first and second ports receive a portion of the water inlet conduit therein.

16. A device according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the first and second ports include open sections 15 through which the coupling device may extend.

17. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the first and second ports extend generally axially between the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets respectively.2018. A device according to any preceding claim including the water inlet conduit and wherein a portion of the water inlet conduit is connected to one of the first or second inlets, optionally or preferably the portion of the water inlet conduit is a conduit connector, optionally or preferably a nozzle or hose connector, and optionally or preferably the conduit connector 25 includes a nozzle defining a fluid passage and a nozzle outlet, the nozzle having an externalsurface defining an annular recess for receiving a portion of the coupling device therein, optionally or preferably for receiving the first or second coupling formation therein.

19. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the body includes means for fixing the body to an external wall or the like.3020. A device according to any preceding claim including the first and second water outlet conduits connected to the first and second outlets respectively, and optionally or preferably wherein the first and second outlet conduits are connected to first and second shower spray accessories respectively, optionally or preferably the first shower spray accessory is a 35 showerhead and the second shower spray accessory is a handset.

21. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the water inlet conduit, first water outlet conduit, and / or second water outlet conduit are flexible hoses.40 22. An ablutionary system including:a water heater;a water inlet conduit for receiving water outputted by the water heater; andLO CXIa device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first inlet / second inlet / inlet device is connected to the water inlet conduit so that the device is downstream of the water heater.5 23. An ablutionary system according to claim 22 wherein the water heater is a mixer bar, or aninstantaneous water heater, and / or the ablutionary system is a shower, optionally or preferably an electric shower.

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