WO2010135777A1

WO2010135777A1 - Flow control device

Info

Publication number: WO2010135777A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/000642
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adrian John Nixon
Original assignee: Leak Control Development Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-05-27
Filing date: 2010-05-27
Publication date: 2010-12-02

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flow control device which provides a means for those using a shower apparatus to manually adjust the flow rate through the shower apparatus independently of altering the water flow rate at the initial hot and cold water mixing point, therefore making it possible to alter the water flow rate as the end user so desires. In a preferred embodiment, this is achieved by simply rotating an outer sleeve of the device.

Description

Flow Control Device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a flow control device and, in particular, to a flow control device adapted to assist in the adjustment of the fluid flow rate from equipment such as a shower apparatus typically used for the ablution of humans or animals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The populous is increasingly aware, and encouraged by governing bodies and water authorities, to reduce water usage across a broad spectrum of activities. One such activity is the ablutionary effort of cleaning the body in the shower. A common method to reduce water consumption is to restrict the flow rate of a fluid through a shower spray apparatus by installing a flow restriction device.

There are a large number of devices available which are adapted to restrict the flow rate of fluid through a shower spray apparatus. Some devices utilise a flow restriction disc which limits the maximum flow rate of water through the shower spray apparatus. Flow restriction discs are designed to limit the fluid flow to a predetermined rate, not allow manual variation of flow rate, and are generally removable for servicing. Shower apparatus with restriction discs fitted are typically not regarded as variable flow apparatus, as although water flow can be adjusted by the initial hot and cold mixing point, such control is difficult for the end user due to issues such as temperature control and the poor control characteristic of initial mixing point valves.

There exist shower flow control devices through which the flow rate is manually adjustable. These typically include a first static component fixed between the shower head and supply pipe, including an inlet, an internal flow path, and an outlet, and a second component which is moveable relative to the static component whereby such movement changes the internal flow path resulting in an adjusted flow rate. To the knowledge of the Applicant, the second component typically rotates on an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the static component, and the flow path changes as a result. The problem with these types of devices is that they are typically quite mechanically complex, and difficult and expensive to manufacture.

Furthermore, because the means of adjustment is typically in the form of a knob, or a handle which actuates movement of the second component, the device needs to be precisely connected between the shower head and supply line so as to make these adjustment means easily accessible to the user. Furthermore, such actuation knobs and handles are typically aesthetically obtrusive. It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems or to provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed a fluid flow control device characterised by: a static component including an inlet, an outlet, a first flow path from said inlet to an exterior of said static component, and a second flow path from the exterior of said static component to the outlet; and a moveable component associated with the exterior of said static component, said moveable component being moveable from a first position in which said moveable component provides a maximum fluid communication between said first and second flow paths, and a second position in which said moveable component provides a minimum fluid communication between said first and second flow paths.

Preferably when said moveable component is in said first position, maximum flow rate through the device is achieved from the inlet to the outlet.

In preference when said moveable component is in said second position, minimum flow rate through the device is achieved.

Preferably the minimum flow rate is greater than zero flow from the inlet to the outlet. This ensures that pressurisation of the upstream piping system and loss of water temperature does not occur.

Alternatively the minimum flow rate is zero flow from the inlet to the outlet.

In a further form of the invention there is proposed a fluid flow control device characterised by: a static component including a longitudinal axis, said static component including an inlet, an outlet, and an intermediate body portion disposed along said longitudinal axis, said inlet and outlet including central, coaxial bores therethrough; said body portion including an upper fluid flow path from the inlet bore to an exterior of the body portion, and a lower fluid flow path from the exterior of the body portion to the outlet bore; an outer sleeve adapted to be fitted over the static component, said outer sleeve including a rebate defining a fluid chamber on the exterior of the body portion, said outer sleeve being moveable in the longitudinal direction between a first position in which said fluid chamber is fully exposed to said upper and lower fluid flow paths, thereby providing a maximum flow rate through the device, and a second position in which said fluid chamber is not or only partially exposed to said upper fluid flow path, thereby providing a minimum flow rate through said device.

Preferably said upper fluid flow path is in the form of at least one aperture extending transversely through the body portion.

In preference said upper fluid flow path includes two perpendicular apertures which intersect at the centre of the body portion.

Preferably said lower fluid flow path is in the form of at least one aperture extending transversely through the body portion a spaced apart distance from said upper fluid flow path.

In preference said lower fluid flow path includes two perpendicular apertures which intersect at the centre of the body portion.

Preferably said upper fluid flow path is in the form of two perpendicular apertures extending transversely through the body portion.

In preference said lower fluid flow path is in the form of two perpendicular apertures extending transversely through the body portion a spaced apart distance downwards from said upper fluid flow path.

Preferably said upper and lower perpendicular apertures are radially offset. Having the upper and lower flow paths radially offset provides additional strength to the static component.

Preferably said radially offset upper and lower flow paths are also angled to allow for a static component of reduced length.

Advantageously said upper and lower perpendicular apertures are radially offset by fourty-five (45) degrees.

Preferably said static component includes a generally circular cross section along its length, and said outer sleeve is a hollow annular member through which the static component extends. In preference the outer sleeve includes an internal surface which is clearance fit around the outer surface of the static component body portion, said whereby the diameter of the rebate is greater than the diameter of the sleeve internal surface.

Preferably said static component includes a shoulder proximate the inlet, said shoulder being of greater cross section to that of the outer sleeve to thereby provide a longitudinal abutment for said outer sleeve.

Preferably said full exposure between the rebate and the upper and lower fluid flow paths occurs when the outer sleeve abuts with the shoulder, and flow rate variation is achieved by downward movement of the outer sleeve away from the shoulder.

In preference a lower end of said outer sleeve includes an internal thread adapted for mating with a male thread associated with the outlet end of the static component, whereby movement of said outer sleeve away or towards said abutment shoulder is achieved by rotation of the outer sleeve about said male thread.

In a yet further form of the invention there is proposed a fluid flow control device characterised by: a static component including a longitudinal axis, said static component including an inlet, an outlet, and an intermediate body portion disposed along said longitudinal axis, said inlet and outlet including central, coaxial bores therethrough; said body portion including an upper fluid flow path from the inlet bore to an exterior of the body portion, and a lower fluid flow path from the exterior of the body portion to the outlet bore; an outer sleeve adapted to be fitted over the static component, said outer sleeve including a rebate defining a fluid chamber on the exterior of the body portion, said outer sleeve being moveable in the longitudinal direction between a first position in which said fluid chamber is fully exposed to said upper and lower fluid flow paths, thereby providing a maximum flow rate through the device, and a second position in which said fluid chamber is not or only partially exposed to said lower fluid flow path, thereby providing a minimum flow rate through said device.

In a still further form of the invention there is proposed an ablution apparatus including a supply pipe, an exit head, and a fluid flow control device connected between the supply pipe and exit head as characterised above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a static component forming part of a flow control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of the static component of Figure 1 taken along the vertical axis of the longitudinally aligned upper and lower ports;

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a moveable component forming part of the flow control device of the first embodiment;

Figure 4 illustrates a longitudinal cross sectional view of the moveable component of Figure 3;

Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the flow control device of the first embodiment in an assembled maximum flow position;

Figure 6 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flow control device of Figure 5 taken along the vertical axis of the longitudinally aligned upper and lower ports of the static component;

Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the flow control device of the first embodiment in an assembled minimum flow position;

Figure 8 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flow control device of Figure 7 taken along the central vertical axis of the longitudinally aligned upper and lower ports of the static component;

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a shower head, a water supply pipe, and a flow control device for use therewith in accordance with a second and preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the flow control device of the second and preferred embodiment;

Figure 11 illustrates a side view of the flow control device of Figure 10 when the outer sleeve is in a position allowing for maximum flow rate through the device; Figure 12a illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flow control device of Figure 11 taken along the central vertical axis of one of the upper ports of the static component;

Figure 12b illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of the flow control device of Figure 11 taken along the central horizontal axis of the upper port of the static component;

Figure 13a illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flow control device of Figure 11 taken along the central vertical axis of one of the lower ports of the static component;

Figure 13b illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of the flow control device of Figure 11 taken along the central horizontal axis of the lower port of the static component;

Figure 14 illustrates a side view of the flow control device of Figure 10 after the outer sleeve has been rotated downwardly to a position allowing for minimum flow rate through the device;

Figure 15a illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flow control device of Figure 14 taken along the central vertical axis of one of the upper ports of the static component;

Figure 15b illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of the flow control device of Figure 14 taken along the central horizontal axis of the upper port of the static component;

Figure 16a illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flow control device of Figure 14 taken along the central vertical axis of one of the lower ports of the static component;

Figure 16b illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of the flow control device of Figure 14 taken along the central horizontal axis of the lower port of the static component;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the embodiments and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

The present invention relates to a flow control device 10a/10b used to adjust the flow rate of liquid passing from an inlet 12 of the device through an outlet 14 of the device. It will become apparent that the device 10a of Figures 1 to 8 depicts the broad features of the present invention for the purpose of demonstrating to the reader how the invention works, whilst the device 10b of Figures 9 to 16 demonstrates a preferred form of the invention.

Various shower apparatus are typically found in the bathroom, including but not limited to fixed flow conduit designs, articulated flow conduit designs, and flexible hose conduit designs. Regardless of the configuration of the shower apparatus the common theme includes an inlet water supply to one end of the shower apparatus and a water outlet where water is dispersed in a spray pattern. The device of the present invention is adapted to be installed between an upstream water supply and the shower spray. It is to be understood that the flow control device of the present invention could equally be applied to any other environment requiring the flow rate of liquid to be adjustable.

Turning now to the first embodiment 10a, there are two main components of the flow control device, a static component 16 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and a moveable component 18 as shown in Figures 3 and 4, both of which are disposed along the same longitudinal axis. The static component 16 includes an inlet 12 adapted to be connected to a source of liquid 20, such as the shower water supply 20 shown in Figure 9, and an outlet 14 to which an exit device 22 such as the shower hose 22 shown in Figure 9 is to be connected. The static component 16 includes an intermediate body portion 24 between the inlet 12 and outlet 14, which includes first and second transverse flow paths 26 and 28 described in further detail below. The cross-sectional dimension of the body portion 24 is stepped down from that of the inlet 12 so as to create a shoulder 30, and the outlet 14 is of a still further stepped down cross section.

Each of the inlet 12 and outlet 14 includes a respective internal bore 32 and 34 extending centrally along the longitudinal axis. In the embodiments shown, the diameter of each bore 32 and 34 is the same however one could be greater than the other depending on the required flow through the device.

The moveable component 18 is hollow and includes a cross-sectional dimension slightly greater than the body portion 24 of the static component 16 so as to be able to receive the static component 12, outlet end first. The limit of upward movement of the moveable component 18 longitudinally along the static component 16 is defined by the shoulder 30 with which the moveable component 18 abuts. Although the static and moveable components are shown to be of a generally circular cross-section, the present invention is not intended to be limited to this cross-sectional shape.

The moveable component 18 also includes an internal annular rebate 36. The rebate 36 is configured such that when the static and moveable components are assembled, it defines an annular hollow chamber 38 between the outside wall of the body portion 24 and the inside wall of the rebate 36. When the moveable component 18 is positioned appropriately relative to the static component 16, the upper flow path 26 can be exposed to the chamber 38 either fully, partially, or not at all. Obviously, maximum flow rate is achieved with full exposure to the chamber 38, and minimum flow rate is achieved with no exposure. In the embodiment shown, maximum exposure is achieved when the moveable component 18 is moved as close as possible to the abutting shoulder 30, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, and minimum exposure is achieved when it is moved sufficiently away from the shoulder 30, as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

It is to be further understood that the moveable component could be moved to any position between the maximum and minimum, thus allowing a user to adjust the flow to a desired rate, that is, any point in between and including the maximum and minimum flow positions.

The flow paths 26 and 28 in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8 are in the form of two parallel and longitudinally spaced apart ports drilled transversely through the body portion 24 of the static component 16, the upper port being exposed to the inlet bore 32 and the lower port being exposed to the outlet bore 34. Thus, the inlet bore 32 branches into two opposite directions through the upper flow path 26, into chamber 38, and then from opposed directions through the lower flow path 28 into the outlet bore 34. It will become apparent when turning to the second and preferred embodiment, that the invention is not intended to be limited to this particular flow path configuration.

The skilled addressee would also realise that the present invention need not necessarily be limited to flow rate variation being achieved by exposure of the upper port 26 to the external chamber 38. For example, the moveable component 18 could be connected to the static component 16 in a way which allows for exposure variation between the lower port 28 and the external chamber 38.

Turning now to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 16, it can be appreciated immediately that device 10b works under the same principles as device 10a, but includes minor design and configuration differences. For the purpose of brevity, like features between the two devices are referenced using like numerals and will not be described in detail again.

Figure 10 illustrates the device 10b in exploded view, Figures 11-13 illustrate different views of the device when in a "maximum flow rate" configuration as described below, and Figures 14-16 illustrate different views of the device 10b when in a "minimum flow rate" configuration which is also described below.

The device 10b of the preferred embodiment is adapted for connection to a standard shower water supply, so the inlet 12 includes a hexagonal shaped nut having an internal thread arrangement 40 to mate with the external thread arrangement 42 of the water supply 20. As mentioned previously however, it is to be understood that connection between the inlet 12 and a source of liquid could be by way of any suitable connection means depending on the particular application.

The device 10b includes a water outlet connection 14 at the end opposite the inlet, to which a shower hose 22 or other exit nozzle may be connected. Again, the device 10b of the preferred embodiment illustrates a threaded male arrangement 44 for engagement with the threaded female arrangement (not shown) of the shower hose adapter 46 but it is to be understood that any other connection means could be used.

The upper and lower flow paths 48 and 50 in the body portion 52 of device 10b differs from that of device 10a in that device 10b includes two perpendicularly arranged upper ports drilled through the body portion 52 and two perpendicularly arranged lower ports. Rather than extending in a parallel relationship, the upper and lower ports are radially offset from each other, and most preferably by 45 degrees as shown clearly in the transverse cross sectional views of Figures 12b and 13b. Thus, water which flows axially through the inlet bore 32 branches into four directions through the upper flow path 48, into the external chamber 38, and then from four perpendicular directions back into the body portion 52 through the lower flow path 50, and into the outlet bore 34. In both embodiments, the ports are shown to be circular in cross section but the path could equally have an alternate profile.

As in the first embodiment, flow variation is achieved by moving the moveable component such that the chamber 38 moves axially along the assembly, thereby increasing or decreasing the exposure of the chamber to the upper flow path 48, hence altering the degree of restriction to water flow. The moveable component in the preferred embodiment shown is an outer sleeve 18 including a female thread 54 at a lower inwardly turned end, that interacts with the male thread 44 of the static component outlet 14. Rotation of the outer sleeve 18 on the thread 44 moves it longitudinally with respect to the static component 16, and thus adjusts the flow. Whilst Figures 11-13 show the outer sleeve in the maximum flow, "fully exposed" position, Figures 14-16 show the outer sleeve in the minimum flow, "non-exposed" position.

Again, flow restriction takes place by movement of the outer sleeve to change the exposure of the external chamber 38 to the upper flow path 48, but exposure of the external chamber 38 to the lower flow path 50 could equally be used to adjust the flow rate. Similarly, exposure changes of the external chamber 38 to both the upper and lower flow paths 48 and 50 at the same time could achieve a similar effect.

Prevention of water leakage to the surrounding environment is achieved with O-ring seals 56 located in annular channels 58 between the inlet 12 and the body portion 24/52, and the body portion 24/52 and outlet 14. For clarity, the O-rings 56 are not shown in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8. Preferably, a rubber washer 59 is also inserted into the inlet 12 of the device 10b, as shown in Figure 10 only. The torque required to rotate the position of the moveable component is governed by O-ring compression, as the moveable component is otherwise a clearance fit on the body portion 24/52 of the static component 16. The clearance fit allows easy rotation of the moveable component about the static component.

The actual clearance between the static component and the moveable component also governs the minimum flow set point for any given upstream and downstream pressure combination. This embodiment maintains a non-zero minimum flow characteristic as a desirable result of the clearance between static component and the outer sleeve. If the minimum flow is zero, the upstream piping system may become pressurised and there may be a loss in water temperature. It is envisaged however that the invention could be produced with a zero minimum flow capability.

In the embodiments shown, the upper and lower ports are longitudinally spaced apart. It is envisaged however that the upper and lower ports could be positioned in the same plane, with the two sets of ports angled back into their respective centre axis flow paths to maintain the required separation between the inlet and outlet. Having radially offset upper and lower flow paths not only offers improved strength characteristics but allows for reduced body portion length, and angled transverse ports to allow flow path separation inside the static component.

As mentioned, the internal thread 54 associated with the lower inwardly turned end of the outer sleeve 18 engages the external thread 44 of the outlet 14, which is also adapted to be engaged by the female thread (not shown) associated with the shower hose adapter 46. It is to be understood that separate threads could be provided at the outlet 14. It is to be further understood that the outer sleeve 18 need not threadably engage the outlet 14 at all, but could equally well engage the inlet 12 in the same or a similar manner.

The travel limits of the outer sleeve 18 with respect to the static component are set by the device in it's installed configuration, by a combination of integrated design features such as shoulder 30 and where the thread 44 terminates on the outlet 14, and also by interaction of the outer sleeve 18 with components of the plumbing system upstream and/or downstream, such as hose or shower apparatus attachments to the device inlet and/or outlet. It is not essential that the moveable component hits the abutment on the static component at the point of maximum flow. For example, the moveable component could be positioned to hit the abutment at a minimum flow rate. Alternatively, there is no abutment shoulder at all.

It should be understood that the preferred embodiment includes an abutment shoulder to provide a movement stop for the moveable component, preventing that component from moving so far longitudinally that the furthest O-ring (which seals the clearance between the two components) becomes uncovered and stops sealing. The movement stop could be provided by the fitting to which the control device 10 is attached (as is the case in the preferred embodiment for lower movement stop) to prevent unmasking of the top O-ring.

In summary, the present invention provides a means for those using a shower apparatus to manually adjust the flow rate through the shower apparatus independently of altering the water flow rate at the initial hot and cold water mixing point, therefore making it possible to alter the water flow rate as the end user so desires. In a preferred embodiment, this is achieved by simply rotating an outer sleeve of the device. The invention can be added to an existing shower apparatus, or incorporated into a new shower apparatus, therefore providing the end user the opportunity to manually adjust the water flow rate to their desired satisfaction initially and subsequently during the showering process as they see fit. There are no handles or knobs which means the device can be installed without the user having to be concerned about which direction the handle or knob is facing.

The invention consists of just two main components other than seals such as o-rings or the like, making it a far less complex device than hitherto known devices, and easier and cheaper to manufacture. The device may be constructed of any suitable materials to suit the applicable requirements.

Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

In any claims that follow and in the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A fluid flow control device characterised by: a static component including an inlet, an outlet, a first flow path from said inlet to an exterior of said static component, and a second flow path from the exterior of said static component to the outlet; and a moveable component associated with the exterior of said static component, said moveable component being moveable from a first position in which said moveable component provides a maximum fluid communication between said first and second flow paths, and a second position in which said moveable component provides a minimum communication between said first and second flow paths.

2. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 1 wherein when said moveable component is in said first position, maximum flow rate through the device is achieved from the inlet to the outlet.

3. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein when said moveable component is in said second position, minimum flow rate through the device is achieved.

4. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 3 wherein the minimum flow rate is g a_*r*-eater than zero flow from the inlet to the outlet.

5. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 3 wherein the minimum flow rate is zero flow from the inlet to the outlet.

6. A fluid flow control device characterised by: a static component including a longitudinal axis, said static component including an inlet, an outlet, and an intermediate body portion disposed along said longitudinal axis, said inlet and outlet including central, coaxial bores therethrough; said body portion including an upper fluid flow path from the inlet bore to an exterior of the body portion, and a lower fluid flow path from the exterior of the body portion to the outlet bore; an outer sleeve adapted to be fitted over the static component, said outer sleeve including a rebate defining a fluid chamber on the exterior of the body portion, said outer sleeve being moveable in the longitudinal direction between a first position in which said fluid chamber is fully exposed to said upper and lower fluid flow paths, thereby providing a maximum flow rate through the device, and a second position in which said fluid chamber is not or only partially exposed to said upper fluid flow path, thereby providing a minimum flow rate through said device.

7. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 6 wherein said upper fluid flow path is in the form of at least one aperture extending transversely through the body portion.

8. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 7 wherein said upper fluid flow path includes two perpendicular apertures which intersect at the centre of the body portion.

9. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein said lower fluid flow path is in the form of at least one aperture extending transversely through the body portion a spaced apart distance from said upper fluid flow path.

10. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 9 wherein said lower fluid flow path includes two perpendicular apertures which intersect at the centre of the body portion.

11. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 6 wherein said upper fluid flow path is in the form of two perpendicular apertures extending transversely through the body portion.

12. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 11 wherein said lower fluid flow path is in the form of two perpendicular apertures extending transversely through the body portion a spaced apart distance downwards from said upper fluid flow path.

13. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 12 wherein said upper and lower perpendicular apertures are radially offset by fourty-five (45) degrees.

14. A fluid flow control device as characterised in any one of claims 6-13 wherein said static component includes a generally circular cross section along its length, and said outer sleeve is a hollow annular member through which the static component extends.

15. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 14 wherein the outer sleeve includes an internal surface which is clearance fit around the outer surface of the static component body portion, said whereby the diameter of the rebate is greater than the diameter of the sleeve internal surface.

16. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 15 wherein said static component includes a shoulder proximate the inlet, said shoulder being of greater cross section to that of the outer sleeve to thereby provide a longitudinal abutment for said outer sleeve.

17. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 16 wherein when said full exposure between the rebate and the upper and lower fluid flow paths occurs when the outer sleeve abuts with the shoulder, and flow rate variation is achieved by downward movement of the outer sleeve away from the shoulder.

18. A fluid flow control device as characterised in claim 17 wherein a lower end of said outer sleeve includes an internal thread adapted for mating with a male thread associated with the outlet end of the static component, whereby movement of said outer sleeve away or towards said abutment shoulder is achieved by rotation of the outer sleeve about said male thread.

19. A fluid flow control device characterised by: a static component including a longitudinal axis, said static component including an inlet, an outlet, and an intermediate body portion disposed along said longitudinal axis, said inlet and outlet including central, coaxial bores therethrough; said body portion including an upper fluid flow path from the inlet bore to an exterior of the body portion, and a lower fluid flow path from the exterior of the body portion to the outlet bore; an outer sleeve adapted to be fitted over the static component, said outer sleeve including a rebate defining a fluid chamber on the exterior of the body portion, said outer sleeve being moveable in the longitudinal direction between a first position in which said fluid chamber is fully exposed to said upper and lower fluid flow paths, thereby providing a maximum flow rate through the device, and a second position in which said fluid chamber is not or only partially exposed to said lower fluid flow path, thereby providing a minimum flow rate through said device.

20. An ablution apparatus including a supply pipe, an exit head, and a fluid flow control device connected between the supply pipe and exit head as characterised in any one of claims 1-19.