This invention concerns improvements in or relating to ablutionary appliances. More especially, the invention relates to the design of actuators utilised with ablutionary appliances, in particular, but not exclusively mixing valves.

In ablutionary appliances, it is desirable for ablutionary controls to give the user a feel of quality. One way to achieve this is to increase the 'weight' of the actuator in order that it should give the impression of quality and robust manufacture. This is often achieved by giving the actuator an increased resistance to actuation. It is desirable that the actuator runs smoothly, but nonetheless gives a certain resistance to actuation. For this reason actuators used in ablutionary systems are often provided with protrusions such as ribs, offering the user greater purchase, especially where it might be expected that water, soap and/or other chemicals might reduce the ability of the user to gain purchase on the actuator.

In the known ablutionary appliances, the controls are visible and accessible at all times. The present invention seeks to provide ablutionary appliances with an alternative control that may provide the designer with more options potentially allowing improved aesthetics.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an ablutionary appliance is provided having a manually operable actuator for controlling operation of the appliance, wherein the actuator is extendible from a retracted, inoperative position to an extended, operative position. The actuator is preferably substantially flush with an adjacent or surrounding surface in the retracted position and extends away from the surface for actuation by the user in the extended position.

In one embodiment, the surface may be provided by a housing of the ablutionary appliance. The housing may be in the form of a shelf. The shelf may have an upper surface and a front surface and the actuator is preferably located in the front surface. The housing may contain an ablutionary fitting such as a mixing valve operable by the actuator. The mixing valve may be non-thermostatic or thermostatic. Other configurations, applications and uses of the housing are envisaged.

The housing may provide a substantially flat fascia surface such that when in the retracted position, the actuator preferably provides a continuation of the substantially flat fascia surface and, when in the extended position, the actuator extends away from the fascia surface for actuation by the user.

Such an arrangement may be advantageous in that, when the actuator is in the retracted position, the substantially flat fascia, including exposed portions of the actuator, may be easier to clean. Additionally the substantially flat fascia including the actuator may provide designers with new aesthetic options and may give the ablutionary appliance a more elegant appearance.

Preferably, the actuator is held in the retracted position by a retainer mechanism and, when released, is biased to the extended position. In this way, the actuator is automatically moved to the extended position without the user having to pull the actuator out of the fascia. This may give the impression that the actuator is elegant and non-cumbersome. In this arrangement, the actuator can be manually returned to the retracted position whereupon the actuator is retained in the retracted position by the retainer mechanism.

The retainer mechanism may be released by pushing the actuator against the biasing of a spring when in the retracted position allowing the actuator to move to the extended position under the biasing of the spring. The retainer mechanism is preferably re-engaged when the actuator is returned to the retracted position so as to retain the actuator in the retracted position.

Preferably, the extension and retraction of the actuator is guided by a track which co-operates with the actuator and retains the actuator in the retracted position until the actuator is released whereupon the actuator is guided to the extended position. The track also guides the actuator for return movement to the retracted position to re-engage the retainer mechanism.

When in the extended position, the actuator is preferably rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the adjacent or surrounding surface. This may be an intuitive way for a user to adjust the actuator, and may mean that a relatively simple suitable mechanical connection can be made to the appliance, for example a thermostatic mixing valve or the like.

Preferably, rotation of the actuator is achieved by gripping an exterior wall of the actuator that becomes accessible as a result of the actuator being in the extended position. The actuator may be configured to help the user gain grip on the actuator to aid operation. This may be particularly advantageous in view of the fact that water, soap and/or other chemicals present may serve to reduce grip. This may also allow the actuator to be provided with a greater resistance to actuation, thus potentially increasing the apparent quality and robustness of the actuator. In one arrangement, grip may be enhanced by the shape of the actuator and may include integral formations such as ribs.

In a preferred arrangement, the actuator is provided with at least one formation movable between a retracted, stored position within the actuator when the actuator is in the retracted position and an extended, exposed position projecting from the actuator when the actuator is in the extended position. This may be advantageous in that the or each formation may be extended when required to aid gripping the actuator and retracted when it is no longer required. In this way the aesthetic of the actuator may be improved. This may also be advantageous in that there is no need to accommodate the formation in the adjacent or surrounding surface when the actuator is in the retracted position.

Preferably, the at least one formation is extended outward from a wall of the actuator, preferably radially, as the actuator is moved from the retracted position to the extended position in which the wall is accessible.

The at least one formation may be movable between the retracted position and the extended position in response to movement of the actuator between the retracted position and the extended position. A mechanism may be provided that is responsive to movement of the actuator between the retracted position and the extended position to move the at least one formation between the retracted position and the extended position.

In one arrangement, the at least one formation may be mounted for pivotal movement between the retracted position and the extended position and the mechanism is preferably operable to pivot the at least formation in response to movement of the actuator between the retracted position and the extended position. The mechanism may comprise a pin and slot. Alternatively, the mechanism may comprise a rack and pinion.

In another arrangement, the at least one formation may be biased towards the retracted position and the mechanism is preferably operable to move the at least one formation to the extended position in response to movement of the actuator from the retracted position to the extended position. The mechanism may be operable to allow the at least one formation to return to the retracted position under the biasing in response to movement of the actuator from the extended position to the retracted position. The mechanism may comprise a rotatable cam,

In a further arrangement, the at least one formation may be biased towards the extended position and is preferably retained in the retracted position when the actuator in the retracted position by a blocking member that prevents the at least one formation moving to the extended position. The blocking member preferably releases the at least one formation in response to movement of the actuator from the retracted position to the extended position allowing the at least one formation to move to the extended position under the biasing. The at least one formation is preferably co-operable with the blocking member to return to the retracted position against the biasing in response to movement of the actuator from the extended position to the retracted position. The blocking member may comprise a wall that surrounds the actuator or that part of the actuator in which the at least one formation is received in the retracted position of the actuator. Where the ablutionary appliance is a mixing valve, the actuator may be used to control the temperature and/or flow of water. Separate actuators may be provided for temperature and flow control. Alternatively, a single actuator may control both functions.

According to another aspect of the invention, an actuator is provided for operating a device, the actuator being movable from a first position to a second position and having at least one formation movable from a position substantially within the actuator to a position projecting from the actuator.

Preferably, the actuator is biased towards the second position and is retained in the first position until released whereupon the actuator moves to the second position under the biasing, for example the actuator may be biased by a spring. The actuator may be capable of actuation to operate the device in the second position. Operation of the device may be prevented when the actuator is in the first position.

Preferably, the at least one formation is movable to project from the actuator in response to movement of the actuator to the second position. When projecting from the actuator, the at least one formation may assist actuation of the actuator. For example, the at least one formation may help a user grip the actuator.

The actuator and formation may comprise any of the features of the preceding aspect of the invention. The device may be an ablutionary appliance or fitting such as a mixing valve for mixing hot and cold water to provide a supply of temperature controlled water. The actuator may project from the valve body in the second position. The actuator may be received in the valve body in the first position. Alternatively, the valve may be located in a housing with the actuator projecting from the housing in the second position. The actuator may be received in the housing in the first position.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention with the actuator shown in the retracted position;

Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 with the actuator shown in the extended position;

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the actuator of Figures 1 and 2 in the retracted position;

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the actuator in the extended position;

Figure 5 is a longitudinal section through the actuator in the retracted position of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a longitudinal section through the actuator in the extended position of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of a second actuator embodying the invention; Figure 8 is a longitudinal section through the assembled actuator of Figure 7 in the closed position;

Figure 9 is a cross-section on the line 9-9 of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a longitudinal section through the assembled actuator of Figure 7 in the open position;

Figure 11 is a cross-section on the line 11-11 of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is an exploded view of a third actuator embodying the invention;

Figure 13 is a longitudinal section through the assembled actuator of Figure 12 in the closed position;

Figure 14 is a longitudinal section through the assembled actuator of Figure 12 in the open position;

Figure 15 is an exploded view of a fourth actuator embodying the invention;

Figure 16 is a longitudinal section through the assembled actuator of Figure 15 in the closed position;

Figure 17 is a longitudinal section through the assembled actuator of Figure 15 in the open position;

Figure 18 is an exploded view of a fifth actuator embodying the invention; Figure 19 is a perspective view of the assembled actuator of Figure 18 in the closed position;

Figure 20 is a longitudinal section through the assembled actuator of Figure 19;

Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the internal parts of the assembled actuator of Figure 18 in the closed position;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the assembled actuator of Figure 18 in the open position;

Figure 23 is a longitudinal section through the assembled actuator of Figure 18 in the open position; and

Figure 24 is a perspective view showing the internal parts of the assembled actuator of Figure 18 in the open position.

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, a casing 100 forming part of an ablutionary appliance (not shown) is provided. The casing 100 contains a thermostatic mixing valve (not shown) to which is supplied hot and cold water for mixing and supply of temperature controlled water to an outlet, for example a shower. In this embodiment, the casing 100 is in the form of a hollow shelf that can be mounted on a wall (not shown) to conceal the mixing valve and the fluid connections to the valve. The shelf may provide a substantially flat upper surface on which items can be placed, for example soap or shampoo bottles and a substantially flat front surface or fascia 106. It will be understood the invention is not limited to this form of casing and that other shapes and configurations of casing may be employed.

The thermostatic mixing valve is controlled by rotation of an actuator 102 about axis A (Figure 6) . Actuator 102 has a substantially circular cross- section and its outer end surface 104 is substantially flat. In this embodiment the actuator 102 is coupled via a mechanical connection with the thermostatic mixing valve to alter the temperature of the water delivered to the outlet in accordance with user selection. In other embodiments however the actuator 102 may be used to vary the flow rate of water delivered to the outlet via a similar mechanical connection. In other embodiments, the actuator 102 may control temperature and flow rate of water delivered to the outlet. It is also envisaged that two actuators 102 might be provided, one to control the temperature and the other to control the flow rate of the water delivered. .

In Figure 1 the actuator 102 is shown in a retracted, inoperative position. In this position the actuator 102 is contained within the casing 100 and the outer end surface 104 of the actuator 102 is substantially flush with the fascia 106 such that the actuator 102 cannot be used to control the thermostatic mixing valve. In Figure 2 the actuator 102 is shown in an extended, operative position. Extension of the actuator 102 gives access to an exterior sidewall 108 of the actuator 102 such that the actuator 102 can be used to control the thermostatic mixing valve. Also shown in Figure 2 is a blade formation 110 projecting generally radially from the exterior sidewall 108 in an extended, exposed position. The exposed part of the blade formation is approximately triangular in shape although other shapes and configurations are possible. The exposed part of the blade formation 110 extends substantially perpendicular to the exterior sidewall 108 of the actuator 102. Part of the formation 110 also extends into the body of the actuator 102 through a hole 112 in the exterior sidewall 108.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the actuator 102 is shown in isolation removed from the casing 100 for clarity. In Figure 3 the actuator 102 is shown in its retracted position. The formation 110 can be seen in a retracted, stored position substantially contained within the body of the actuator 102. In Figure 4 the actuator 102 is shown in its extended position. The formation 110 can be seen in the extended, exposed position with the exposed part extending perpendicular to the exterior sidewall 108. Additionally a sleeve 114 can be seen, which connects the actuator 102 to the thermostatic mixing valve (not shown) .

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, a cross-section through the actuator 102 is shown. In Figure 5 the actuator 102 is shown in its retracted position. As can be seen, when the actuator 102 is in the retracted position the sleeve 114 is largely contained within the body of the actuator 102. A spring 116 seated in a pocket 118 of the sleeve 114 acts between the sleeve 114 and the outer end wall 104 of the actuator 102 so as to bias the actuator 102 towards its extended position. The actuator 102 is held in the retracted position preventing it from moving to the extended position by engagement of a pin (not shown) forming part of the actuator 102 with a part of a track (not shown) on the sleeve 114. In Figure 5 the formation 110 is shown in the retracted position. The formation 110 is guided by a protrusion 120 on its proximal end that cooperates with a guide 122. In cooperation with a pivot 124, the protrusion 120 and guide 122 ensure that the formation 110 is in the retracted position when the actuator 102 is in the retracted position. In Figure 6 the actuator 102 is shown in the extended position. As can be seen, when the actuator 102 is in the extended position the actuator 102 is axially displaced from the sleeve 114 due to the biasing of the spring 118. In Figure 6 the formation 110 is shown in the extended position. The formation 110 has been moved to the extended position by protrusion 120 cooperating with guide 122 as the actuator 102 is moved to the extended position. In the extended position shown in Figure 6, the actuator 102 can be rotated to control the thermostatic mixing valve (not shown) .

In use, starting from the inoperative position shown in Figure 1 , the user pushes the top surface 104 of the actuator 102 inwards releasing the pin allowing the actuator 102 to move to the extended position under the biasing of the spring 116 while guided by engagement of the pin in the track. In this way the actuator 102 automatically 'pops-out' of the casing 100 when released. Simultaneously through the action of the protrusion 120, guide 122 and pivot 124, the formation 110 moves out of the actuator 102 into the extended position. The user may now rotate the actuator 102 about axis A, using the formation 110 for better grip. Rotation of the actuator 102 causes rotation of the sleeve 114, which in turn adjusts the thermostatic mixing valve in order to change the temperature of the water delivered. When the user has finished using the ablutionary system, the actuator 102 may be pushed back into the casing 100 against the biasing of the spring 116 while guided by engagement of the pin in the track until the pin re-engages a portion of the track to retain the actuator 102 in the retracted position against the biasing of the spring 116. As the actuator 102 is returned to its retracted position the formation 110 is simultaneously moved to the stored position inside the body of the actuator 102 through the action of the protrusion 120, guide 122 and pivot 124. When in the retracted position the end surface 104 of the actuator 102 is substantially flush with the fascia 106, making the fascia 106 easy to clean and giving the casing 100 a pleasing aesthetic.

It will be understood that the number of blade formations may be altered. In the simplest arrangement, the actuator has a single blade formation as described but it will be understood that two or more blade formations may be provided and these may arranged with a uniform or non-uniform spacing.

Figures 7 to 24 show a number of actuators that can be used in place of the actuator 102 shown in Figures 1 to 6 for controlling operation of a mixing valve or any other article employing a rotatable actuator. Each of the actuators shown in Figures 7 to 24 preferably has a substantially circular cross-section and a substantially flat outer end surface and is movable between a retracted or closed position in which the outer end surface is preferably substantially flush with the surrounding surface of the housing for the mixing valve and an extended or open position in which the actuator projects from the housing for rotation by the user to control operation of the mixing valve. Such arrangement will be understood from the description of Figures 1 to 6 although it will be appreciated that we do not intend the invention to be limited to such an arrangement.

Referring now to Figures 7 to 11 , like reference numerals in the series 200 are used to indicate parts that are the same or similar to parts of the previous embodiment. The actuator 202 is provided with a pair of blade formations 210a, 210b. In the extended position of the actuator 202

(Figure 10) , the blade formations 210a, 210b project through holes 212a, 212b in the exterior sidewall 208 of the actuator 202. In the retracted position of the actuator 202 (Figure 8) , the blade formations 210a, 210b are withdrawn and contained within the actuator 202. The blade formations 210a, 210b are connected by an annular spring 230 that biases the blade formations 210a, 210b into the actuator 202. The blade formations 210a, 210b are moved out of the actuator 202 against the biasing of the spring 230 by a cam 232.

The cam 232 is mounted on a hollow spindle 234 attached at one end to the actuator 202 by a pair of ears 236a, 236b that locate over a flange 238 on the underside of the actuator 202 to axially retain the spindle 234 while allowing the spindle 234 to rotate relative to the actuator 202. The other end of the spindle 234 is received in tubular socket 240 of a guide sleeve 242 and has an external helical formation 244 on the outer surface that co-operates with a complementary internal helical formation 246 on the internal surface of the socket 240. A spring 248 acts between the inner end of the socket 240 and the underside of the end face of the actuator 202 to bias the actuator 202 towards the extended position.

The actuator 202 is fixed to a ring-shaped saddle 250 connected to the guide sleeve 242 for controlling movement of the actuator 202 between the retracted position and the extended position and for transmitting rotational movement of the actuator 202 to the guide sleeve 242 which rotates with the actuator 202 for controlling the mixing valve. The guide sleeve 242 has a guide track 252 in the sidewall of the sleeve. The guide track 252 has a notch 254 at the upper end and a notch (not shown) at the lower end connected by a pair of slots 256,258.

The saddle 250 has a slot 260 in the sidewall of the saddle 250. The slot 260 extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the actuator 202 and is positioned opposite the guide track 252 in the guide sleeve 242. The saddle 250 is connected to the guide sleeve 242 by a follower 262 arranged between the guide track 252 and the slot 260. The follower 262 has a central coupling pin 264 of which one end is received in the guide track 252 and the other end is received in the slot 260.

In use, the actuator 202 is held on the closed position against the biasing of the spring 248 by engagement of the coupling pin 264 in the notch (not shown) at the lower end of the guide track 252. The coupling pin 264 is released from the notch by manually depressing the actuator 202 against the biasing of the spring 248. The guide track 252 is configured so that coupling pin 264 enters the slot 256 and, on releasing the actuator 202, the actuator 202 moves to the extended position under the biasing of the spring 248. The actuator 202 is held in the extended position by engagement of the guide pin 264 in the notch 254 at the upper end of the guide track 252. As the actuator 202 moves to the extended position, the spindle 234 moves with the actuator 202 and is rotated by engagement of the helical formations 244,246. This in turn rotates the cam 232 which acts to push the blade formations 210a, 210b out through the holes in the exterior sidewall 208 of the actuator 202 against the biasing of the spring 230. In the extended position, the blade formations 210a, 210b assist the user to grip and rotate the actuator 202 for controlling the mixing valve.

The actuator 202 is returned to the retracted position by manually depressing the actuator 202 against the biasing of the spring 248 to release the coupling pin 264 from the notch 254 at the upper end of the guide track 252. The guide track 252 is configured so that the coupling pin 264 enters the slot 258 and moves to re-engage the notch at the lower end of the guide track 252 so that, on releasing the actuator 202, the actuator 202 is again retained in the closed position. As the actuator 202 moves to the retracted position, the spindle 234 moves with the actuator 202 and is rotated by engagement of the helical formations 244,246. This in turn rotates the cam 232 allowing the blade formations 210a, 210b to be withdrawn into the actuator 202 by the spring 230. T he slots 260 in the saddle 250 allow movement of the coupling pins 264 along the guide track 252 transverse to the axial direction

It will be understood that the number of blade formations may be altered and in the simplest arrangement, the actuator may have a single blade formation. More preferably, the actuator has two or more blade formations and these may arranged with a uniform or non-uniform spacing. It will also be understood that the spring biasing the blade formation (s) may be integral with the blade formation (s) or a separate spring may be provided. It will also be understood that the profile of the guide track may be altered to provide any desired range of movement of the actuator.

Referring now to Figures 12 to 14 of the drawings, like reference numerals in the series 300 are used to indicate parts that are the same or similar to parts of the previous embodiments. The actuator 302 is provided with a pair of blade formations 310a, 310b connected by a pair of annular springs 330a, 330b. In this embodiment, the spindle and cam of the previous embodiment are omitted and the blade formations 310a, 310b are urged by the springs 330a, 330b to engage a wall 366 that surrounds the actuator 302 within the housing 300 in the retracted position.

Movement of the actuator 302 between the closed position and the open position is controlled by engagement of a coupling pin 364 of follower 362 with a slot 360 in the saddle 350 and a guide track 352 on the guide sleeve 342 as described previously. The wall 366 is flared to increase in diameter towards the outer face and the opposed faces of the blade formations 310a, 310b are tapered and provided with abutment legs 368a, 368b at the inner end that engage the wall 366. As the actuator moves to the extended position, the legs 368a, 368b co-operate with the wall 366 so that the blade formations 310a, 310b automatically move from the withdrawn position (Figure 13) to the extended position (Figure 14) under the biasing of the springs 330a, 330b. As the actuator moves to the retracted position, the legs 368a, 368b co-operate with the wall 366 so that the blade formations 310a, 310b automatically return to the withdrawn position against the biasing of the springs 330a, 330b.

It will be understood that the number of blade formations may be altered and in the simplest arrangement, the actuator may have a single blade formation. More preferably, the actuator has two or more blade formations and these may arranged with a uniform or non-uniform spacing. It will also be understood that the springs biasing the blade formation(s) may be integral with the blade formation(s) or a separate spring may be provided. It will also be understood that the profile of the guide track may be altered to provide any desired range of movement of the actuator. It will further be understood that a two stage movement in the opening direction may be provided whereby the actuator can move independently of the saddle after a set amount of axial movement allowing the actuator to key into the blade formation (s) to prevent it being pushed back in as it rotates.

Referring now to Figures 15 to 17 of the drawings, like reference numerals in the series 400 are used to indicate parts that are the same or similar to parts of the previous embodiments. The actuator 402 is provided with a pair of blade formations 410a, 410b pivotally mounted on the saddle 450 and provided with pinions 470a, 470b that engage racks 472a, 472b provided on the sleeve 442.

Movement of the actuator 402 between the closed position and the open position is controlled by engagement of a coupling pin 464 of follower 462 with a slot 460 in the saddle 450 and a guide track 452 on the sleeve 442 as described previously. As the actuator moves to the extended position, the pinions 470a, 470b co-operate with the racks 472a, 472b so that the blade formations 410a, 410b automatically move from the withdrawn position (Figure 16) to the extended position (Figure 17) . As the actuator moves to the retracted position, the pinions 470a, 470b co-operate with the racks 472a, 472b so that the blade formations 410a, 410b automatically return to the withdrawn position.

It will be understood that the number of blade formations may be altered and in the simplest arrangement, the actuator may have a single blade formation. More preferably, the actuator has two or more blade formations and these may arranged with a uniform or non-uniform spacing.

Referring now to Figures 18 to 24 of the drawings, like reference numerals in the series 500 are used to indicate parts that are the same or similar to parts of the previous embodiments. The actuator 502 is provided with a pair of blade formations 510a, 510b connected by a spring 530. The guide sleeve 542 has a central hollow post 574 and the saddle 550 is mounted on the guide sleeve 542 for axial sliding movement. The spring 530 acts between the saddle 550 and a flange 576 at the upper end of the post 574 which also serves to retain the saddle 550. Movement of the actuator 502 between the retracted position and the extended position is controlled by engagement of a coupling pin 564 of follower 562 with a slot 560 in the saddle 550 and a guide track 552 on the guide sleeve 542 as described previously. In this embodiment, the saddle 550 has openings 578 for passage of guide arms 580 on the sleeve 542. As shown the guide track 552 is provided on one of the guide arms 580. As the actuator 502 moves to the extended position, the spring 530 is compressed between the saddle 550 and the flange 576 causing the blade formations 510a, 510b to move from the withdrawn position (Figure 20) to the extended position (Figure 23) . As the actuator moves to the retracted position, the spring 530 returns to its original shape causing the blade formations 510a, 510b to move to the withdrawn position.

It will be understood that the number of blade formations may be altered and in the simplest arrangement, the actuator may have a single blade formation. More preferably, the actuator has two or more blade formations and these may arranged with a uniform or non-uniform spacing. It will also be understood that the spring biasing the blade formation(s) may be integral with the blade formation(s) or a separate spring may be provided. It will also be understood that the profile of the guide track may be altered to provide any desired range of movement of the actuator.

The above-described embodiments are examples of mechanisms for moving the actuator between an extended or open position and a retracted or closed position and automatically extending one or more formations such as blades in the extended position that facilitate manually gripping and rotating the actuator where the formations are automatically withdrawn in the retracted position of the actuator. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that the mechanisms described herein may be modified or altered without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, in the above-described embodiments, we may employ more than one guide track and slot with a follower therebetween to guide the actuator between extended and retracted positions. The grip enhancing formation (s) may have the form of blades as described or any other suitable form. In a variation of the mechanism outlined in Figures 1 to 6, rather than having an enclosed track around a pin, the track may extend on one side only to guide the blade out as the actuator extends as already outlined and, as the actuator retracts, a spring or other suitable means pushes the blade back into to place rather than the other side of the track guiding the blade back in. While the actuator has been described for operating an ablutionary appliance, it may have application for operating other appliances.

It will be understood that various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the various concepts described herein. Any of the features described herein may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the invention extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein in any form of ablutionary system.