GB2432115A

GB2432115A - Water mixer and apparatus for hydrotherapy

Info

Publication number: GB2432115A
Application number: GB0512412A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Dickson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-06-17
Filing date: 2005-06-17
Publication date: 2007-05-16
Also published as: WO2006134391A3; GB0512412D0; WO2006134391A2

Abstract

An apparatus for mixing liquids comprising a first inlet 1 and a second inlet 2, the first 1 and second 2 inlets being divided into a plurality of branches, each branch of the first inlet forming an inlet pair with a corresponding branch of the second inlet. Each inlet pair communicates with a corresponding mixer valve 50, each mixer valve further comprising an outlet and an outlet control means. Each mixer valve 50 is operable to mix liquids received from its inlet pair in varying proportions in response to the outlet control means. An apparatus for use in hydrotherapy comprising at least one water dispensing means is also disclosed, wherein the or each water dispensing means is connected to one of the outlets of the mixing apparatus.

Description

Multiple Outlet Water Mixer and Apparatus For Use in Hydrotherapy The

present invention relates to a method and apparatus for mixing water to provide outlets of selectively differing temperatures. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for use in hydrotherapy.

The principles of hydrotherapy advocate the use of water at differing temperatures to achieve therapeutic benefits. The benefits thought to arise range from improvements in the general state of wellbeing through to the treatment of heart disease.

Approaches vary, from the relaxing use of warm water, or the invigorating use of freezing cold water, through to alternation between hot and cold water or the simultaneous use of the two extremes (as in the well established Sitz' bath).

In practice, the techniques of hydrotherapy are rarely used outside of spas and treatment centres despite the availability of modern domestic bathing and showering equipment. The reason for this may simply be a lack of awareness of the potential benefits of hydrotherapy.

However, it is likely that there is a general perception of discomfort associated with hydrotherapeutic techniques.

This is particularly apparent when it comes to the use of cold to freezing water temperatures.

A showering device suitable for use in the home is known from JP2003175068. This device comprises a shower head with an inner spray of cold water surrounded by an outer spray of warm water. The purpose of this device is to reduce the discomfort associated with hydrotherapeutic treatment.

However, it is only suitable f or the treatment of one particular area of the human body at a time.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for mixing liquids, the apparatus comprising; a first inlet and a second inlet, the first and second inlets being divided into a plurality of branches, each branch of the first inlet forming an inlet pair with a corresponding branch of the second inlet, wherein each inlet pair communicates with a corresponding mixer valve, each mixer valve further comprising an outlet and an outlet control means, wherein each mixer valve is operable to mix liquids received from its inlet pair in varying proportions in response to the outlet control means.

The mixing apparatus of the present invention provides the benefit that each mixed outlet of liquid can have different properties to each other mixed outlet of liquid. For example, each outlet of liquid may have a different concentration to each other outlet.

In a preferred embodiment the first inlet is a hot water inlet and the second inlet is a cold water inlet. This provides the benefit that a normal domestic water supply, having one hot outlet and one cold outlet, can be readily mixed into a number of water outlets of selectively differing temperatures without the need for extensive plumbing work.

In a further preferred embodiment, each outlet control means is connected to a manually operable control dial in order that a user can vary the outlet settings of each mixer valve as desired.

Preferably the control dials are arranged in a concentric manner so that the relative settings of each mixer valve may be assessed by the user.

In an alternative preferred embodiment each outlet control means is connected to an electronic controller. This provides the benefit of allowing the mixer settings to be adjusted by electronic means such as an electronic user interface or a computer program. Indeed, in a preferred embodiment one or more of the electronic controllers are programmed to operate a cycle of outlet settings over a pre-determined time period.

Preferably each mixer valve can be turned off independently of each other mixer valve. This provides the benefit that the mixing apparatus can be used as a conventional mixer with only one outlet. Alternatively, the user may simply choose to turn one of the outlets off according to preference.

In a preferred embodiment the outlet control means are thermostatic thus allowing the mixer valves to be set at a desired temperature.

In a further preferred embodiment the mixer apparatus comprises two mixer valves. This provides the advantage that two differing liquid outlets can be provided.

In another aspect the present invention relates to an apparatus for use in hydrotherapy comprising the mixing apparatus described above, the hydrotherapy apparatus further comprising at least one water dispensing means, wherein the or each water dispensing means is connected to one of the outlets of the mixing apparatus.

The hydrotherapy apparatus of the present invention provides the benefit that it is suitable for use in the home as the apparatus may be connected to a standard domestic water supply. It provides the further advantage that discomfort associated with hydrotherapy may be reduced as the water outlets may be set as the user desires.

In a preferred embodiment the hydrotherapy apparatus further comprises at least one supporting means for supporting a person undergoing hydrotherapy, wherein the or each supporting means is connected to one of the outlets of the mixing apparatus.

This provides the advantage that the area of the user's body being supported may also be heated or cooled as an integral part of the hydrotherapy.

In a preferred embodiment the or at least one of the supporting means is adapted to be sat on so that the users buttocks may be warmed or cooled as a part of the hydrotherapy.

Alternatively or additionally, the or at least one of the supporting means comprises a tile or a mat defining an internal channel connected to one of the outlets of the mixing apparatus and to at least one outlet hole. In this way water may be transmitted through the tile and may heat or cool the tile depending on the water temperature.

In a preferred embodiment the or at least one of the supporting means comprises a tiled floor made up of one or more of the tiles. Alternatively, the or at least one of the supporting means comprises a continuous floor surface defining an internal channel connected to one of the outlets of the mixing apparatus and to at least one outlet hole.

These embodiments have the advantage that a dedicated hydrotherapy room may be provided, the temperature of the floor being selectable by the user.

In an alternative embodiment the supporting means comprises a shower tray or a bath thereby allowing the hydrotherapy apparatus to be incorporated into a standard domestic shower.

Preferably one water dispensing means comprises a shower head. This provides the advantage that standard domestic showering apparatus may be used.

Additionally or alternatively one water dispensing means comprises a panel operable to dispense a plurality of water jets. Again, this provides the advantage that commercially available showering equipment may be used.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic front elevational view of a hydrotherapy apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the mixer of the present invention showing the distribution of the hot and cold water supplies within the mixer.

Figure 3 is a schematic front elevational view of the mixer of the present invention showing a concentric arrangement of the control dials.

Figures 4a to 4c are schematic views of the control dials of Figure 3 showing the dials at various settings.

Figure 5 is a schematic front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the mixer of the present invention.

Figure 6a is a schematic front elevation view of a further alternative embodiment of the mixer of the present invention comprising an electronic display and control system.

Figure 6b is a schematic front elevation view of the electronic display and control system of Figure 6a depicting a programmable cycle.

Figure 7 is a schematic front elevation view of a further alternative embodiment of the mixer of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic front elevation view of a further embodiment of the mixer of the present invention adapted for use with a conventional bath.

Figure 9 is a schematic exploded isometric view of a shower tray forming a part of the hydrotherapy apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a schematic exploded isometric view of a portable base forming an alternative part of the hydrotherapy apparatus of the present invention.

Figure ha is a schematic isometric view of the insert tile of Figure 10 further comprising a vapour/mist generator.

Figure hlb is a schematic isometric view of the insert tile of Figure 9 further comprising a vapour/mist generator.

Figure 12 is a schematic isometric view of an alternative insert for the shower tray of Figure 9 or for the portable base of Figure 10.

Figure 13 is a schematic view of a tiled floor suitable for use with the hydrotherapy apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a schematic isometric view of alternative embodiments of the supporting base of Figure 1.

Figure 1 shows a hydrotherapy apparatus 10 comprising a shower system 25, a supporting base 20 and a water mixer 50.

The shower system 25 comprises a shower head 30 and a shower panel 40, the shower panel 40 having a plurality of water jets 42. The water mixer 50 has a hot water supply 1 and a cold water supply 2. The mixer 50 further comprises two outlets. The first mixer outlet 3 is connected to the supporting base 20 and the second mixer outlet 4 is connected to the shower system 25.

Hot water supply 1 and cold water supply 2 enter the mixer and are mixed together such that water from the first mixer outlet 3 is at a first temperature T(l),and water from the second mixer outlet 4 is at a second, lower, temperature T(2) (as described later) . Water from the first mixer outlet 3 flows to the supporting base 20 where heat is conducted to the supporting base 20 (as described later) At the same time, water from the second mixer outlet 4 is directed to the shower system 25 where it exits the system from the shower head 30 and the shower panel 40 via water jets 42.

In operation, a user (not shown) stands on the supporting base 20 under the shower head 30 and next to the shower panel 40. The users feet are warmed by the supporting base which is at or near the first temperature T(l), whilst the users body is doused by water at the second, lower, temperature T(2) Preferably, T(1) is 5 C above, and T(2) is 5 C below, a nominal human body temperature of 35 C. Thus T(1) is preferably approximately 40 C and T(2) is preferably approximately 30 C. With T(1) and T(2) adjusted to be at these temperatures the user is able to experience the therapeutic effects of being doused in water at a lower temperature than his own body temperature whilst benefiting from a comforting/warming sensation through the soles of his feet from the supporting base 20. The supporting base 20 may optionally further comprise an indicator (not shown) to indicate when the supporting base 20 has reached a pre-determined temperature. The indicator may be an LED.

It will be understood that the above described configuration relates to a preferred embodiment only and that the configuration of the hydrotherapy apparatus 10 may vary from that described above.

For example, the mixer 50 may comprise more than two water outlets. In one example (not shown) the mixer 50 has three outlets, each supplying water at a different temperature T(l), T(2) and T(3) . As above, the first mixer outlet at temperature T(1) is connected to the supporting base 20.

However, in this embodiment the second mixer outlet at T(2) is connected to the shower head 30 and the third mixer outlet at T(3) is connected to the shower panel 40. The user is thereby able to experience a greater range of water temperatures at different locations on his body.

In a further example the shower system 25 comprises only the shower head 30 or only the shower panel 40.

Additionally or alternatively, the shower system 25 may comprise a sprinkler system.

In yet another example, the shower system 25 may comprise more than one shower head 30. For example a fixed shower head and a hand held shower head. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the shower heads (or shower -10 -panel) may be substituted for one or more high pressure hoses.

Additionally or alternatively, a second supporting base may be provided which is adapted to be sat on by the user thereby warming the user's buttocks in addition to (or as an alternative to) the soles of his feet. The second supporting base may share the first mixer outlet 3 with the supporting base 20, or it may have an independent water supply from the mixer 50.

A further aspect in which the above described embodiments may vary is the temperature settings of the water outlets from the mixer 50. Depending on the user's choice, the temperatures may be adjusted to be the same, or may be adjusted so that the temperature of the water supply to the supporting base 20 is lower than the temperature of the water supply to the shower system 25. Additionally, the mcan temperature difference between the water outlets 3, 4 from the mixer 50 does not have to be centred on 35 C as described above. The user may select a midpoint and set a temperature difference independently, or simply select arbitrary temperatures for each outlet as preferred.

As will be discussed further below, the mixer 50 may also comprise flow control means to vary the flow rate of the first and second mixer outlets 3, 4.

Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the mixer 50. The mixer 50 comprises a first water mixing valve 65 and a second water mixing valve 66. The mixer 50 further comprises a first inlet pipe 60 and a second inlet pipe 62.

-11 -The first inlet pipe 60 branches at first branch 55 into secondary hot water inlet pipes 57 and 57'. Similarly, the second inlet pipe 62 branches at second branch 56 into secondary cold water inlet pipes 58 and 58'.

Secondary hot water inlet pipe 57 is connected to the first water mixing valve 65 and secondary hot water inlet pipe 57' is connected to the second water mixing valve 66.

Similarly, secondary cold water inlet pipe 58 is connected to the first water mixing valve 65 and secondary cold water inlet pipe 58' is connected to the second water mixing valve 66. Thus each water mixing valve 65, 66 has its own supply of hot and cold water. The outlet from the first water mixing valve 65 corresponds to the first mixer outlet 3 and the outlet from the second water mixing valve 66 corresponds to the second mixer outlet 4.

In use, hot and cold water supplies 1, 2 enter the water mixer 50 via first and second inlet pipes 60 and 62. Hot water supply 1 is split into two flows via first branch 55 into secondary hot water inlet pipes 57 and 57' Similarly, cold water supply 2 is split into two flows via second branch 56 into secondary cold water inlet pipes 58 and 58'.

Secondary hot and cold water inlet pipes 57, 58 supply the first water mixing valve 65 to provide first mixer outlet 3 at temperature T(1) . Similarly, secondary hot and cold water inlet pipes 57', 58' supply the second water mixing valve 66 to provide second mixer outlet 4 at temperature T(2) The mixer 50 may optionally further comprise flow control means for controlling the flow rate of the first and second -12 -mixer outlets 3, 4. For example, The first and second mixer valves 65, 66 may comprise internal flow control means.

Additionally or alternatively, flow control means may be connected to the first and second mixer outlets 3, 4.

The pipes, connections, flow control means and water mixing valves of the above described embodiments are standard components which are well known in the art. Therefore, no detailed description of their configuration or operation is given here.

The first and second water mixing valves 65, 66 may be non-thermostatic mixing valves with no integral temperature control (such as those found in standard domestic taps) However, it is preferable that the water mixing valves comprise a thermostatic temperature control means so that the temperature of each outlet can be selected by the user.

Thermostatic temperature control means allow temperatures to be maintained at or near the desired settings under changing water inlet conditions. Conventional mechanical/electronic thermostatic temperature control devices include: wax-filled cartridge, liquid/vapour filled bellows, bi-metallic strip, thermocouple, thermistor.

Figure 3 shows a schematic front elevational view of the mixer 50. In this case the first and second water mixing valves 65, 66 comprise thermostatic temperature control devices such that the temperature of the first and second mixer outlets 3, 4 can be selected by the user. As shown in Figure 3, the mixer 50 comprises an inner control dial 51 and an outer control dial 52. The inner 51 and outer 52 control dials being in a concentric arrangement.

-13 -The inner control dial 51 is connected to the first water mixing valve 65 and the outer control dial 52 is connected to the second water mixing valve 66. The inner control dial 51 comprises a first temperature indicator 53 and the outer control dial 52 comprises a second temperature indicator 54.

Both temperature indicators 53, 54 are visible to the user.

Thus the temperature of the mixer outlets 3, 4 can be set by the user and the difference between the water temperatures can be readily assessed and adjusted if required.

Although not shown, it will be understood that the control dials 51, 52 may also be connected to flow control means within the mixer 50. In this case the control dials 51, 52 may also comprise flow rate indicators. Additionally or alternatively, the mixer 50 may comprise separate flow control dials independently connected to flow control means within the mixer 50.

Figures 4a to 4c show schematic front elevational views of the mixer 50. In Figure 4a the temperatures of the mixer outlets 3, 4 are selected to be the same, in Figure 4b the temperatures of the mixer outlets 3, 4 are selected to be offset about a midpoint and in Figure 4c the temperatures of the mixer outlets 3, 4 are arbitrarily selected by the user.

In Figure 4c the temperature of the first mixer outlet 3 is selected to be lower than the temperature of the second mixer outlet 4.

Figure 5 shows an alternative arrangement of a multiple outlet water mixer 70. For ease of understanding, where equivalent components are shown the same reference numerals as above are used. Mixer 70 comprises a lower control dial -14 - 71 and an upper control dial 72. In this case the control dials 71, 72 are not arranged in a concentric manner but are separate from one another. In all other respects the mixer is the same as the mixer 50 described previously.

It will be understood that the vertical arrangement of the control dials 71, 72 shown in Figure 5 is not a limiting feature of the mixer 70 and that the control dials 71, 72 may be arranged to be side by side or in any other position relative to one another. Preferably the control dials 71, 72 are arranged such that the temperature difference between the two outlets 3, 4 can be easily assessed by the user.

Figure Ga shows a further alternative embodiment of a multiple outlet water mixer 84. Mixer 84 comprises an electronic display and control device 85. The electronic display and control device 85 comprises an LCD display screen 86, first and second on/oft buttons 78, 78', temperature control buttons 87, 87' and flow control buttons 88, 88'.

The temperature control buttons 87, 87' control the temperature of the first and second mixer outlets 3, 4 respectively. In this case the water mixing valves 65, 66 are thermostatically controlled by electronic means. Flow control buttons 88, 88' control the flow rate of the first and second mixer outlets 3, 4. First and second on/off buttons 78, 78' control the first and second mixer valves 65, 66 respectively. Therefore, one or both of the mixer outlets 3, 4 may be independently turned on or off. The LCD display screen 86 displays the temperature of the first mixer outlet 3 (T(l)) and the second mixer outlet 4 (T(2)) -15 -The electronic display and control device 85 may be programmed to execute a cycle of water temperatures. An example of a programmable electronic display and control device 85 is shown in Figure Gb.

In this case the electronic display and control device 85 comprises amplitude control buttons 77, P77' which control the maximum temperature displacement of the first and second mixer outlets 3, 4 about a selectable mean temperature, and also, period control buttons 89, 89' and phase control buttons 79, 79'. The LCD display screen 86 shows the temperature of the first and second mixer outlets 3, 4 over time in the form of traces 76, 76' respectively. The period control button 89 and phase control button 79 control the period and phase of the first trace 76 and the period control button 89' and phase control button 79' control the period and phase of the second trace 76' The electronic display and control device 85 may be programmed by the user as desired. The electronic display and control device 85 may also comprise pre-programmed cycles which may be selected by the user via set-program buttons (not shown).

It will be understood that the electronic display and control device 85 may be programmed in any way desired by the user. The electronic display and control device 85 may also control the flow rates of the first and second mixer outlets 3, 4.

In addition to the configurations shown in Figure 6a and Figure 6b, the mixer 84 may comprise two electronic display -16 -and control devices 85 (not shown) arranged to be side by side or one on top of the other in a similar manner to the mixer 70 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 shows a further alternative configuration of a multiple outlet water mixer 80. Mixer 80 comprises a primary control dial 82 and a secondary control dial 81.

The primary control dial 82 is connected to the second water mixing valve 66 and secondary control dial 81 is connected to the first water mixing valve 65. Primary and secondary control dials 82, 81 further comprise meshing cogs 83.

In use, the user adjusts the primary control dial 82 to set the temperature of the second mixer outlet 4. Movement of the primary control dial 82 causes movement of the secondary control dial 81 via meshing cogs 83. Thus increasing the temperature of the second mixer outlet 4 causes the temperature of the first water outlet 3 to lower and vice versa.

The mixer 80 may comprise a facia (not shown) which hides the secondary control dial 81 and the meshing cogs 83.

Furthermore, the primary control dial 82 may be arranged to be dislocated from the secondary control dial 81 by disengaging meshing cogs 83 thereby allowing independent control of the first and/or second mixer valves 65, 66.

All of the water mixers described above may be arranged such that one or other of the mixer outlets 3, 4 may be completely shut off independently from one another. A common reason for this might be to allow the user to operate the hydrotherapy apparatus 10 as a conventional shower by -17 -completely shutting off the first mixer outlet 3.

Alternatively, the user may wish to completely shut off the second mixer outlet 4 in order to operate the base unit in isolation or to run a bath.

S

Figure 8 shows an adaptation of the hydrotherapy apparatus 10. In this case a mixer 90 is connected to the hot and cold water supplies 1, 2 of a conventional bath 91. The second mixer outlet 4 is connected to a shower system 25 and the first mixer outlet 3 is connected to a removable hose 92. In this case the hydrotherapy apparatus 10 may be used as a conventional shower by shutting off the first mixer outlet 3, or may be used to run a bath by shutting off the second mixer outlet 4. If desired the user may remove the hose 92.

The mixer 90 may be used with the hydrotherapy apparatus 10 for hydrotherapeutic treatment by attaching the hose 92 between the first mixer outlet 3 and a portable supporting base 20 (as described later) . Additionally or alternatively, the hose 92 may be a high pressure hose.

Figure 9 shows an exploded isometric view of a shower tray for use with the hydrotherapy apparatus 10. The shower tray 100 comprises an outer support 103 and an insert tile 105. The shower tray 100 further comprises water inlet 101 and waste water outlet 102. The outer support 103 may be made of a stone, composite, ceramic, resin or other material.

The insert tile 105 corresponds to the supporting base 20 above. The insert tile 105 comprises a coiled pipe 107 -18 -which is embedded in the material of the insert tile 105.

The insert tile 105 also comprises a tile waste water outlet 106. The insert tile 105 may be made of ceramic material or any other material suitable for containing the coiled pipe 107, conducting heat from the first mixer outlet 3 to the soles of a users feet and bearing the weight of the user.

The shower tray 100 forms part of a conventional shower cubicle. The hydrotherapy apparatus 10 is contained within the shower cubicle (not shown) . The first mixer outlet 3 is connected to the inlet 101 in the shower tray 100 which is in turn connected to the coiled pipe 107. The coiled pipe 107 conveys the water to the waste water outlet 102 via the tile waste water outlet 106. As the water travels through the coiled pipe 107 heat from the water is conducted through the material of the tile 105 to the users feet.

It will be understood that the pipe 107 need not be in the form of a coil but may be in any form which allows the heat from the water to be conducted to a wide area of the tile 105, for example a concertina shape. It will also be understood that a bath or hot tub may be substituted for the shower tray 100 (as illustrated in Figure 14) Figure 10 shows an alternative supporting base apparatus for use with the hydrotherapy apparatus 10. In this case a portable base 110 is provided. The portable base comprises a stand alone base unit 113 and an insert tile 115. The insert tile 115 corresponds to the supporting base 20 above.

The stand alone base unit 113 may be made of rubber, composite, ceramic, resin or other material. The outer -19 -support 113 further comprises water inlet 111 and waste water outlet 112.

The insert tile 115 comprises an internal channel 117. The insert tile 115 further comprises a tile inlet 118 and a tile waste water outlet 119. The insert tile 115 may be made of ceramic, aluminium or any other material suitable for conducting heat from the first mixer outlet 3 to the soles of a users feet and for bearing the weight of the user.

The portable base 110 may be placed in the bottom of a bath or shower. The portable base 110 is suited, but not limited, to use with the mixer 90. The hydrotherapy apparatus 10 is contained within the bath/shower cubicle (not shown) . The first mixer outlet 3 is connected to the inlet 111 via hose 92. The inlet 111 is connected to the inlet 118 of the internal channel 117. The internal channel 117 conveys the water to the tile waste water outlet 119, the water then exits the portable base via waste water outlet 112. As the water travels through the internal channel117 heat from the water is conducted through the material of the tile 115 to the users feet.

It will be understood that the insert tile 115 of the portable base 110 can be exchanged for the insert tile 105 of the shower tray 100 described above and vice versa.

Figure ha shows insert tile 115 with an optional vapour/mist generator 125. The vapour/mist generator 125 has a power supply 126, an inlet 127 and an outlet 128. The vapour/mist generator 125 is attached to the insert tile -20 - 115. The waste water outlet 119 is connected to the inlet 127 of the vapour/mist generator. In this way the waste water may be used to generate vapour/mist as an additional feature of the hydrotherapy apparatus 10. Additionally, the vapour/mist generator may be used with aromatic oils.

Figure lib shows insert tile 105 with an alternative vapour/mist generator 124 disposed in the centre of the insert tile 105. In this case the outlet 128 from the vapour/mist generator 124 is coincident with the outlet 106 of the insert tile 105.

The insert tiles 105, 115 may also be used independently of any supporting base in the form of a mat.

Figure 12 shows an alternative jet base 120 for use in place of either the insert tile 105 or the insert tile 115. The jet base 120 may also be used independently of any supporting base in the form of a mat.

The jet base 120 comprises an inlet 121 and a plurality of outlets 122. The jet base 120 further comprises internal channels (not shown) leading from the inlet 121 to the outlets 122. The jet base 120 may be made of rubber, ceramic or any other suitable material.

The jet base 120 may be placed in the bottom of a bath or shower. The hydrotherapy apparatus 10 is contained within the bath/shower cubicle (not shown). The first mixer outlet 3 is connected to the inlet 121 via hose 92. The inlet 121 is connected to the internal channels which convey the water to the outlets 122 where the water exits in the form of fine -21 -sprays 123. The sprays 123 spray onto the soles of the users feet thereby heating or cooling the users feet as desired.

Figure 13 shows a tiled floor 130 for use with the hydrotherapy apparatus 10. The tiled floor 130 comprises a plurality of tiles 135, an inlet 132 and a gutter 131. The tiles 135 correspond in many respects to the insert tile 115 described above. Each tile 135 has an internal channel (not shown) and an inlet and an outlet (not shown). Each tile also comprises a peripheral seal (not shown) The tiled floor 130 is suited, but not limited, to use in a dedicated hydrotherapy room. In this case the shower system 25 may be replaced by a sprinkler system (not shown). The inlet 132 is connected to the first water outlet 3 of the mixer 50. The water flows through the network of channels in the tiles 135 to the gutter 131. Thus the floor 130 is warmed or cooled by the flowing water and the temperature of the floor may be adjusted by adjusting the temperature of the first mixer outlet 3.

Alternatively, the floor 130 may comprise a continuous pipe (not shown) embedded in a continuous ceramic, composite or other suitable floor surface.

Figure 14 depicts a number of alternative embodiments for the supporting base 20. The supporting base 20 may comprise any one of base units 142a, 142b, 142c or 142d; wherein 142a is a fixed shower tray, 142b is a floor tile, 142c is a shower/bath seat and l42d is a bath/hot tub. The supporting base 20 may further comprise any one of insert members l4la, -22 - 141b, l4lc, or 141d; wherein l4la substantially corresponds to insert tile 105 and 141b substantially corresponds to insert tile 115, and wherein insert member l4lc comprises a central spring 145 and insert member 141d comprises an array of regular channels 146. The inset tiles/mats may further comprise a top plate 140a, 140b, 140c or 140d; wherein top plate 140a is a woven mesh, 140b is a solid plate, 140c is a solid plate with a central hole and 140d is a solid plate with a series of regular holes.

Any one of inset members l4la, l4lb, l4lc or l4ld may also be used as a supporting mat without the need for a base unit.

While specific embodiments have been described above, it should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above-described embodiments are exemplary in nature since certain modifications may be made thereto without departing from the teachings of the invention, and the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection for the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

-23 -Claims: 1. An apparatus for mixing liquids, the apparatus

comprising; a first inlet and a second inlet, the first and second inlets being divided into a plurality of branches, each branch of the first inlet forming an inlet pair with a corresponding branch of the second inlet, wherein each inlet pair communicates with a corresponding mixer valve, each mixer valve further comprising an outlet and an outlet control means, wherein each mixer valve is operable to mix liquids received from its inlet pair in varying proportions in response to the outlet control means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first inlet is a hot water inlet and the second inlet is a cold water inlet.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein each outlet control means is connected to a manually operable control dial.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the control dials are arranged in a concentric manner.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein each outlet control means is connected to an electronic controller.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein one or more of the electronic controllers is programmed to operate a cycle of outlet settings over a pre-determined time period.

-24 - 7. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein each mixer valve can be turned off independently of each other mixer valve.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the outlet control means are thermostatic.

9. The apparatus of any preceding claim comprising two mixer valves.

10. An apparatus for use in hydrotherapy comprising the mixing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, the hydrotherapy apparatus further comprising at least one water dispensing means, wherein the or each water dispensing means is connected to one of the outlets of the mixing apparatus.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising at least one supporting means for supporting a person undergoing hydrotherapy, wherein the or each supporting means is connected to one of the outlets of the mixing apparatus.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the or at least one of the supporting means is adapted to be sat on.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the or at least one of the supporting means comprises a mat defining an internal channel connected to one of the outlets of the mixing apparatus and to at least one outlet hole.

-25 - 14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the or at least one of the supporting means comprises a tile defining an internal channel connected to one of the outlets of the mixing apparatus and to at least one outlet hole.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the or at least one of the supporting means comprises a tiled floor made up of one or more of the tiles.

16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the or at least one of the supporting means comprises a continuous floor surface defining an internal channel connected to one of the outlets of the mixing apparatus and to at least one outlet hole.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 11 to 14 further comprising a shower tray.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 11 to 14 further comprising a bath.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 18 wherein one water dispensing means comprises a shower head.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 18 wherein one water dispensing means comprises a panel operable to dispense a plurality of water jets.

21. An apparatus for mixing liquids substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying Figures 1 to 8.

-26 - 22. An apparatus for use in hydrotherapy substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying Figures 1 to 14.