A device for an ablutionary system

Abstract

A device 16 (e.g. manifold) for an ablutionary system 10 comprises a body 17 including first and second surface portions that face in different directions, e.g. upwards and downwards. The body include

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 handheld showerhead 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 an 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 including first and second surface portions which face in generally different directions, 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; a second outlet fluidly connectable to a second water outlet conduit, wherein the second outlet is in communication with the second inlet, wherein the first outlet is provided on the first surface portion, and the first inlet, second inlet and second outlet are provided on the second surface portion. Optionally or preferably the first and second surface portions face in generally opposite directions, optionally or preferably the first surface portion faces generally upwards, and the second surface portion faces generally downwards. Optionally or preferably the body includes: a passage device for the passage of water having a first end in fluid communication with the second inlet, and a second end in fluid communication with the second outlet, wherein the passage device is shaped to cause a change in direction of water from an incoming flow direction as received at the second inlet to an outgoing flow direction as outputted from the second outlet. Optionally or preferably the water turns through 180 degrees the incoming flow direction to the outgoing flow direction. Optionally or preferably the body includes a first wall section which defines the first surface portion and a second wall section which defines the second surface portion, and wherein the first and / or second wall sections include planar portions. 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, 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. 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, 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: 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 portion of the water inlet conduit may extend during use, and / or b) each of the first and second coupling formations include first and second parts, wherein in the first configuration, each first part extends over the first or second inlet, 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 over the first or second inlet. 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 passage device is coupled to the coupling device within the body. Optionally or preferably the passage device includes a channel in which the coupling device is positioned for movement therein. Optionally or preferably the passage device includes first and second ports which fluidly connect the first and second inlets to the first and second outlets respectively, optionally or preferably the passage device includes passages which extend between the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets respectively, and / or at least defines one or more parts of the passages. Optionally or preferably a device according to any preceding aspect 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 includes a nozzle defining a fluid passage and a nozzle outlet, the nozzle having an external surface for receiving a portion of the coupling device, optionally or preferably for receiving the first or second coupling formation therein. Optionally or preferably the coupling device includes an actuator for moving the coupling device, optionally or preferably the actuator includes a user graspable portion, and optionally or preferably the body includes first and second opposite ends, and the first end includes a portion which covers a portion of the actuator when the coupling device is in the first configuration. Optionally or preferably the body includes means for fixing the body to an external wall or the like. Optionally or preferably the device includes 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 showerhead and the second shower spray accessory is a handheld showerhead. Optionally or preferably the water inlet conduit, first water outlet conduit, and / or second water outlet conduit are flexible hoses. Optionally or preferably the device is for connection downstream of a water heater and the water inlet conduit fluidly connects the device to the water heater. According to another aspect of the present invention, we provide 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 I second inlet I inlet device is connected to the water inlet conduit so that the device is downstream of the water heater. Optionally or preferably the water heater is a mixer bar, or an instantaneous water heater, and / or the ablutionary system is a shower, optionally or preferably an electric shower. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In orderthatthe 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 first perspective view of a device of the ablutionary system shown in figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a second perspective view of the device shown in figure 2 at a different angle; FIGURE 4 is perspective cross-section view of the device shown in figure 2; FIGURE 5 is an exploded perspective view of the device shown in figure 2; FIGURE 6 is a cross-section view of device shown in figure 2 about a plane which is perpendicular to the plane about which the cross-section of figure 4 is shown; FIGURE 7 is a cross-section view of the device shown in figure 2 about a plane which is parallel to and spaced apart from the plane about which the cross-section of figure 6 is shown; FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a component part of the system shown in figure 1; FIGURES 9a to 9c show another device of the system of figure 1 in different states; and FIGURES 10a to 10d are perspective views showing the device shown in figure 2 in different states of 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, ora 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. 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. In this example, he first water outlet conduit 22a is 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 but may take other forms. For example, a flexible hose. 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 handheld showerhead 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 as shown in figure 8. Figure 8 is a perspective 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 15 for receiving a portion of the coupling device 30 therein as will be described. The nozzle 14a’ includes a radially extending annular rib 15’ around the surface of the nozzle 14a’. The nozzle 14a’ includes an O-ring seal 15” at near the nozzle outlet 14a’” for forming a fluid tight seal-against the internal surfaces of the ports 46a, 46c. The nozzle 14a’ may include a threaded section 15’” for connection to the water inlet conduit 14. 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. Referring to the figures 1,2 and 3, device 16 includes a body 17 including first and second surface portions 21a, 21b which face in generally different directions. The body 17 may include 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 first outlet 20a is provided on the first surface portion 21a. The first inlet 18a, second inlet 18b and second outlet 20b are provided on the second surface portion 21b. 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 e.g. through apertures 17d in the body, or using other mounting means. In the example shown in the figures, the first and second surface portions 21a, 21b may face in generally opposite directions that are generally upwards and downwards respectively when the device is in use or installed for use. The body 17 may include a main section 17’ defining an internal space for housing components of the device 16. The main section 17’ may include an open front face which is stadia shaped and is covered by a correspondingly shaped cover 17” fixed to main section 17’. The body 17 may have other shapes in other examples without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The body 17 includes members 17e in the form of loop or arm like members. The members 17e may be used to hand showering accessories or bottles therefrom. In this example, the main section 17’ includes a first wall section 19a which defines the first surface portion 21a, and a second wall section 19b at an opposite side of the main section 17’ which defines the second surface portion 21b. The first and second wall sections 19a, 19b may include planar portions, e.g. they may have generally flat portions. The planer portions may include one or more of the inlets 18a, 18b and outlets 20a, 20b. In examples, the first wall section 19a may provide a planar surface on which objects used during showering could be placed, e.g. shaped or soap dispensers. 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. First inlet 18a, second inlet 18b and second outlet 20b may be formed as openings or apertures in the body 17, e.g. in the second wall section 19b. First outlet 20a may be formed as an opening or aperture in the body 17, e.g. in the first wall section 19a. In examples, the wall sections 19a, 19b may include tubular members defining internal passages through which end portions of the conduits, e.g. connectors thereof, may be directly or indirectly received. For example, referring to figure 4 which is a perspective cross-section view of the device 16, the second wall section 19b includes tubular members 23a, 23b which are in communication with the first and second inlets 18a, 18b. The tubular members 23a, 23b may extend away from the second wall section 19b about the respective openings or apertures that form the first and second inlets 18a, 18b. Referring to figure 3, the second wall section 19b may include a tubular member 23c which is in communication with the second outlet 20b. The tubular member 23c may extend away from the second wall section 19b about the respective opening or aperture which forms the second outlet 20b. The tubular member 20b may include a threaded connector 23c’ positioned therein for fluid connection to the second outlet conduit 22b. In examples, the second outlet 20b may include a one-way valve 20b’, e.g. a check valve, which only permits water to flow in a direction out of the body 17. In examples, a tubular member 23d is provided on the first wall section 19a which is in communication with the first outlet 20a. The tubular member 23b may extend away from the first wall section 19a about the respective opening or aperture which forms the first outlet 20a. The tubular member 23d may include a threaded connector 23d’ positioned therein for fluid connection to the first outlet conduit 22a. In examples, the first outlet 20a may include a one-way valve 20a’, e.g. a check valve, which only permits water to flow in a direction out of the body 17. In examples, the body 17 may include a passage device 40 for the passage of water. The passage device 40 may have a first end 40a in fluid communication with the second inlet 18b, and a second end 40b in fluid communication with the second outlet 20b. The passage device 40 is shaped to cause a change in direction of water from an incoming flow direction as received at the second inlet 18b, e.g. an upwardly flowing direction, to an outgoing flow direction as outputted from the second outlet 20b, e.g. a downwardly flowing direction. The passage device 40 may be arranged such that the water turns through the 180 degrees the incoming flow direction to the outgoing flow direction. In examples, the passage device 40 provides the fluid flow paths which connect the first inlet 18a to the first outlet 20a, and the second inlet 18b to the second outlet 20b. The passage device 40 may include a component which can be inserted into the body 17 which solely defines the fluid paths, or which, in combination with internal surface(s) of the body 17 defines the fluid paths as will be described. In this example, referring to figure 6 which is a cross-section view showing a portion of device 16 about a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body 17 and which intersects the second inlet 18b and the second outlet 20b, the passage device 40 is formed from a combination of a passage body 42 positioned inside the body 17 and an internal passage 25 formed by the body 17. The passage body 42 is an elongate member in this example. The passage body 42 may have a generally rectangular shape and have an open bottom face. The main section of the passage body 42 may be n-shaped in cross-section. The top of the main section may include components as will be described below. The passage body 42 defines a passage 43 therein which is in communication with the internal passage 25 so that the passage body 42 and the internal passage 25 together form the passage device 40. The passage body 42 includes a first port 46a defined at a distal end of the passage 43 to define the first end 40a which is located adjacent and in fluid communication with the second inlet 18b. The passage body 42 includes a second port 46b defined at the other distal end of the passage 43 in communication with an end of the internal passage 25. The internal passage 25 at its other end defines the second end 40b which is located adjacent and in communication with the second outlet 20b. The first and second ports 46a, 46b may be located near an end of the passage body 42 which is closer to the second end 17b of the body 17 than the first end 17a. In this example, the passage body 42 may include a third port 46c which is located adjacent and in communication with the first outlet 20a (see figure 7). The third port 46c may define an internal thread to which the threaded connection 23d’ may be fastened. The third port 46c may be located at an opposite end of the passage body 42 in comparison to the ports 46a, 46b. The passage device 40 may include one or more channels 40’. The channels 40’ may be formed as openings or slots in side walls of the passage device 40. For example, they may be provided as slots in the passage body 42. Referring to figure 4, and figure 5 which is an exploded perspective view of the device 16, 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. Figure 4 shows the coupling device 30 in the first configuration. The coupling device 30 may be partially enclosed within the internal space of the body 17. Figure 9a shows the coupling device 30 in perspective view. Figures 9b and 9c are perspective views showing the conduit connector 14a as it would be positioned for connection with the first and second inlets 18a, 18b. It should be understood that the conduit connector 14a would only be connected to one of the first and second inlets 18a, 18b during use and the figures 9b, 9c are only for illustrative purposes to show the interaction between the coupling device 30 and the conduit connector 14a. Figure 9b shows the coupling device 30 in its first configuration and figure 9c shows the coupling device 30 in its second configuration. 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 (shown in figure 9b), it couples the conduit 14 to the first inlet 18a whilst it uncouples the conduit 14 if it is moved to its second configuration (shown in figure 9c). Similarly, if the water inlet conduit 14 is positioned in the second inlet 18b, when the coupling device 30 is moved to its first configuration (shown in figure 9b), it couples the conduit 14 to the second inlet 18b whilst it uncouples the conduit if it is moved to its second configuration (shown in figure 9c). The coupling device 30 is horizontally and / or slidably moveable between the first and second configurations. Referring to figure 4, 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 include a main section 30’. The main section 30’ may be generally rectangular shaped. The coupling device 30 may include a pair of opposing side walls 31. The side walls 31 may be formed as part of the main section 30’. The side walls 31 may include portions shaped for receipt and co-operation with channels 40’ formed in the passage device 40, e.g. channels 40’ in the passage body 42. The side walls and channels 40’ may co-operate to guide and retain the coupling device 30 for movement relative to the passage device 40. Referring to figure 9a, 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 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. 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 parts 32a, 34a may extend over, e.g. partially overlie or extend over, their corresponding first and second inlets 18a, 18b. 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 extend over or partially overlie their corresponding first and second inlets 18a, 18b. 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 the first configuration, it will be seen that each of the first parts 32a, 34a, includes an inwardly extending rib which engages with a corresponding formation on the conduit connector 14a such that the conduit connector 14a is prevented from moving downwards for removal from the coupling device 30. In the second configuration as shown in figure 9c, it will be seen that the conduit connector 14a is positioned inside the respective second part 32b, 34b and that the second part 32b, 34b defines an opening which is larger than the relevant formation on the conduit connector 14a and hence the conduit connector 14a is free to move downwardly and removed from the coupling device 30. In the example shown, the described interaction is achieved by each coupling formation 32, 34 being generally keyhole shaped with the first parts 32a, 34a being the part-stadia shaped sections, and the second parts 32b, 34b being the semi-circular 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. 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 connected to one end of the main section 30’ and extends away therefrom. The actuator 36 may be configured as a user graspable portion. The main body 30’ may be positioned within the internal space defined by the body 17 and the actuator 36 may be positioned outside of the body 17. In this example, the actuator 36 is a user graspable portion shaped to conform with the rest of the shape of the body 17, so that, in the first configuration, the actuator 36 forms an unbroken or continuous surface with the rest of the body 17. In this example, the body 17 includes a portion 17e having a smaller width than the main body 17’ which extends to one side of the main body 17’ and is located at a front side thereof so as to define a space immediately behind the portion 17e in which the actuator 36 is positioned in the first configuration. Referring to figure 4, channel 43 may be provided in the body 17 in which the coupling device 30 is positioned for movement therein. The channel 43 may be formed by the passage body 42 having a recessed portion which faces towards the inner surface of the body 17. Operation of the device 16 will now be described with reference to figures 10a to 10d which are cross-section views of the device 16 in various states as the water inlet conduit 14 is changed from being connected to the first inlet 18a to the second inlet 18b. Figure 10a shows the conduit connector 14a connected to the first inlet 18a and the coupling device 30 is in its first configuration. In this state, the conduit connector 14a extends through the first inlet 18a and the tubular member 23a. The conduit connector 14a is received in the passage body 42 at the third port 46c 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 across and overlies the first inlet 18a. The rib 15’ thus rests or is in abutment with the first part 34a so as to hold the conduit connector 14a in place and inhibit movement of the conduit connector 14a away from the second inlet 18b. In this state, water flows from the water heater 12 through the water inlet conduit 14 to the first outlet 20a via the first inlet 18a to supply the water to the first shower spray accessory 24. It will be seen that the first inlet 18a and the first outlet 18b are axially aligned. With reference to figures 10b and 10c, in order to use the second shower spray accessory 26, the water inlet conduit 14 must first be disconnected or released from the first inlet 18a and then connected or coupled to the second inlet 18b. 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 10b. In this position, the conduit connector 14a is released from the device 16 because the first coupling formation 32 has moved such that its second part 32b is aligned with the second inlet 18b and the first part 32a is positioned away from the conduit connector 14a such that there is no contact between the conduit connector 14a and the coupling device 30, and nor does the first part 32a extend across or overlie the first inlet 18a. As shown in figure 10c, the water inlet conduit 14 is removed by pulling the conduit connector 14a out of the first inlet 18a. With reference to figure 10d, now the conduit connector 14a has been released and removed from the device 16, the user simply pushes the conduit connector 14a into the second inlet 18b whilst the coupling device 30 is in its second configuration. Due to the coupling device 30 being in its extended, second configuration, the second coupling formation 34 does not interfere or prevent the conduit connector 14a from being pushed into the second inlet 18b and into the tubular member 23b. The second part 34b is aligned with the second inlet 18b and does not extend across or overlie the second inlet 18b. This permits the conduit connector 14a to be pushed into place until it is received in the port 40a of the passage body 42. 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 6. Placing the coupling device 30 into its first configuration causes the first part 34a of the second coupling formation 34 to engage with the conduit connector 14a. The rib 15’ rests or abuts the first part 34a to hold the conduit connector 14a relative to the second inlet 18b to prevent the conduit connector 14a from being removed. The water inlet conduit 14 is now in fluid communication with the second outlet 20b. The water heater 12 can now be operated so that water flows through the device 16 and to the second shower spray accessory 26. In more detail, incoming water flows in a first direction into the body 17 until it is received by the passage device 40. The passage device 40 defines a flow path which causes the water to change direction from the first direction to a second direction which is away from the body 17. In this example, the water changes from a first, upwardly flowing, direction to a second, downwardly flowing, direction. The passage device 40 thus causes the water to change direction through 180 degrees as it travels from the second inlet 18b to the second outlet 20b. 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. The device 16 by having the water inlets and at least one water outlet provided on a common surface which is different to the surface on which another water outlet is provided, provides for flexibility in how the shower spray accessories may be fitted to suit a particular space in which the ablutionary system is to be used. 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. In examples, the device 16 may include a biasing device for biasing the coupling device 30 to the first configuration and the biasing device may be a spring. 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 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. 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.

Claims

1. A device for an ablutionary system having a water inlet conduit which supplies water, the device including:a body including first and second surface portions which face in generally different directions, 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;a second outlet fluidly connectable to a second water outlet conduit, wherein the second outlet is in communication with the second inlet, wherein the first outlet is provided on the first surface portion, and the first inlet, second inlet and second outlet are provided on the second surface portion.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the first and second surface portions face in generally opposite directions, optionally or preferably the first surface portion faces generally upwards, and the second surface portion faces generally downwards.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the body includes:a passage device for the passage of water having a first end in fluid communication with the second inlet, and a second end in fluid communication with the second outlet, wherein the passage device is shaped to cause a change in direction ofwater from an incoming flow direction as received at the second inlet to an outgoing flow direction as outputted from the second outlet.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the water turns through 180 degrees the incoming flow direction to the outgoing flow direction.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the body includes a first wall section which defines the first surface portion and a second wall section which defines the second surface portion, and wherein the first and / or second wall sections include planar portions.

6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein 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.

7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein 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, 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.

8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein 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 orfemale connections.

9. A device according to any preceding claim including a coupling device movable between first and second configurations, wherein:in 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.

10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the coupling device is horizontally and / or slidably moveable between the first and second configurations.

11. A device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein 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.

12. A device according to claim 11 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 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 over the first or second inlet, 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 over the first or second inlet.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein 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 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.

14. A device according to any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein the coupling device includes an actuator for a user to move the coupling device.

15. A device according to any one of claims 9 to 14 wherein the passage device is coupled to the coupling device within the body.

16. A device according to claim 15 wherein the passage device includes a channel in which the coupling device is positioned for movement therein.

17. A device according to any preceding claim 15 or 16 wherein the passage device includes first and second ports which fluidly connect the first and second inlets to the first and second outlets respectively, optionally or preferably the passage device includes passages which extend between the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets respectively, and / or at least defines one or more parts of the passages.

18. 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 includes a nozzle defining a fluid passage and a nozzle outlet, the nozzle having an external surface for receiving a portion of the coupling device, optionally or preferably for receiving the first or second coupling formation therein.

19. A device according to any one of claims 9 to 18 wherein the coupling device includes an actuator for moving the coupling device, optionally or preferably the actuator includes a user graspable portion, and optionally or preferably the body includes first and second opposite ends, and the first end includes a portion which covers a portion of the actuator when the coupling device is in the first configuration.

20. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the body includes means for fixing the body to an external wall or the like.

21. 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 showerhead and the second shower spray accessory is a handheld showerhead.

22. 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.

23. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device is for connection downstream of a water heater and the water inlet conduit fluidly connects the device to the water heater.

24. An ablutionary system including:a water heater;a water inlet conduit for receiving water outputted by the water heater; anda device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first inlet I second inlet I inlet device is connected to the water inlet conduit so that the device is downstream of the water heater.

25. An ablutionary system according to claim 23 or 24 wherein the water heater is a mixer bar, or an instantaneous water heater, and / or the ablutionary system is a shower, optionally or preferably an electric shower.s

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