Patent Publication Number: US-9845591-B2

Title: Water delivery apparatus with multi-channel hose

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/664,587, filed Jul. 20, 2010, which is the United States National Stage of International Application No. PCT/EP2008/004809, filed Jun. 16, 2008, which claims the benefit of Patent Applications GB 0711496.0, filed Jun. 14, 2007 and GB 0719338.6, filed Oct. 3, 2007, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent there is no inconsistency with the present disclosure. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to water delivery apparatus and to hose assemblies. The invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to water delivery apparatus and hose assemblies for use in shower units, especially for use in boats or other vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 
     In some plumbing applications, it is necessary to transport hot and cold water separately from the respective hot and cold water supplies to an outlet, for example a tap, or other device having a mixer. Conventionally, the hot and cold water is transported by two separate pipes. However, in some cases, for example the water supply system of a boat or caravan, it is considered to be unsightly and cumbersome to provide two separate water pipes for this purpose. 
     It would be desirable to mitigate this problem. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a hot and cold water delivery apparatus comprising a hose having a first channel for carrying hot water during use, and a second channel for carrying cold water during use, wherein one end of said hose is connectable both to a source of hot water and a source of cold water, the other end of the hose being connected to a water delivery device, the water delivery device having a first port connected to said first channel and a second port connected to said second channel. 
     In preferred embodiments, said water delivery device comprises a water dispensing nozzle, especially the spray head of a shower. The water dispensing nozzle typically includes means for mixing, in use, water received from said first and second channels, and means for dispensing the mixed water. Preferably, the mixing means comprises a mixing device controllable to adjust the relative quantities of hot and cold water mixed during use. 
     Preferably, the first and second channels are located side-by-side and run along substantially the entire length of the hose. More preferably, said first and second channels are formed by a dividing wall running longitudinally of the hose. 
     Alternatively, said water delivery device comprises a valve apparatus having third and fourth ports in selectable fluid communication with said first and second ports respectively, the valve apparatus being operable between an open state, in which said respective ports are in fluid communication, and a closed state in which said respective ports are isolated from one another. 
     In preferred embodiments, said valve apparatus comprises a core member rotatably located in a body, said first and second ports being provided on said core member, said third and fourth ports being provided on said body, said core member including respective channels for carrying water between said respective ports, said channels being in fluid communication with, or isolated from, said third and fourth ports depending on the relative rotational position of said core and said body. 
     Advantageously, said core member includes a handle for effecting rotation of the core member with respect to the body to operate the valve apparatus between said open and closed states. 
     In some embodiments, said one end of the hose is connectable to said hot and cold water sources by a valve apparatus having a first port connected to said first channel and a second port connected to said second channel, third and fourth ports in selectable fluid communication with said first and second ports respectively, the valve apparatus being operable between an open state, in which said respective ports are in fluid communication, and a closed state in which said respective ports are isolated from one another. For example, the hose may extend between two of said valves, or between one of said valves and a water dispensing nozzle. 
     A second aspect of the invention provides shower comprising a water delivery apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention. 
     A third aspect of the invention provides a valve apparatus, particularly for use with said hose, the valve apparatus having a first port and a second ports, third and fourth ports in selectable fluid communication with said first and second ports respectively, the valve apparatus being operable between an open state, in which said respective ports are in fluid communication, and a closed state in which said respective ports are isolated from one another, the valve advantageously having a rotatable core member. 
     From another aspect the invention provides a hose assembly comprising a hose and an adaptor for coupling the hose to, for example, a shower head, wherein the hose comprises an outer pipe and an inner pipe located within the outer pipe to define a space therebetween, and wherein the adaptor includes an inlet port comprising a first inlet and a second inlet, the arrangement being such that, when the hose is connected to the adaptor, the first inlet is in fluid communication with the inside of the inner pipe and the second inlet is in fluid communication with the space between the inner and outer pipes. The adaptor typically also comprises an outlet port having first and second outlets, the first inlet being in fluid communication with the first outlet and the second inlet being in fluid communication with the second outlet. This allows fluid, typically water, which passes through the hose and adaptor during use to be kept separately from one another. 
     The second inlet preferably comprises a plurality of apertures positioned outwardly of the first inlet with respect to the longitudinal axis of the adaptor. Conveniently, the apertures are spaced apart around at least part of the periphery of the first inlet, preferably being substantially equidistant from the first inlet. 
     The inlet port preferably has an outer plug member shaped and dimensioned to fit within the outer pipe, and preferably to engage with the internal surface of the outer pipe, and an inner plug member shaped and dimensioned to fit within the inner pipe, and preferably to engage with the internal surface of the outer pipe. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the inner plug projects from the outer plug. 
     The adaptor advantageously includes a gripping device which, in the preferred embodiment, is located around the inner plug. The gripping device preferably comprises at least two flexible, and preferably resilient, projections or tines spaced apart around the inner plug. The gripping device is shaped and dimensioned to fit between the inner and outer pipes. Said second inlet is preferably comprised of one or more apertures located between adjacent tines. 
     A still further aspect of the invention provides a hose assembly comprising a hose and an adaptor for coupling the hose to, for example, a shower head, wherein the hose comprises first and second channels located adjacent to one another, and wherein the adaptor includes an inlet (or outlet depending on the mode of use) comprising a first port and a second port, the arrangement being such that, when the hose is connected to the adaptor, the first port is in fluid communication with one of said channels and the second port is in fluid communication with the other of said channels. The adaptor typically also comprises an outlet port having first and second outlets, the first inlet being in fluid communication with the first outlet and the second inlet being in fluid communication with the second outlet. This allows fluid, typically water, which passes through the hose and adaptor during use to be kept separately from one another. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the inlet port of the adaptor comprises first and second plug members, each having a respective port or aperture at its free end. The plugs are shaped and dimensioned to fit into a respective channel, preferably to substantially fill the respective channel. 
     Typically, the channels are formed by providing a dividing wall along the length of the hose. The plugs are spaced apart to define a gap therebetween, the gap being shaped and dimensioned to receive the wall. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the inlet comprises a bifurcated male connector of which said plugs are respective branches extending from a common base. In this case, it is preferred that a portion of the dividing wall adjacent the end of the hose is cut away. 
     The shower head is preferably of the type comprising an elongate body and may be substantially bar-like or linear in shape. For example, in some embodiments, the shower head may be substantially or generally rounded or circular in transverse cross section. In preferred embodiments, the shower head includes a mixing unit for mixing hot and cold water and may also include one or more user control mechanisms. 
     From another aspect, the invention provides a fluid conducting apparatus, for example a shower unit or a hose assembly for a shower unit or other device, including a hose comprising an outer pipe and an inner pipe located within the outer pipe to define a space therebetween, wherein said hose is in fluid communication with a source of a first fluid (typically a liquid, e.g. hot or cold water) and with a source of a second fluid (typically a liquid, e.g. cold or hot water), and wherein, during use said first fluid passes through said inner pipe and said second fluid passes through said space. 
     A further aspect of the invention provides a fluid conducting apparatus, for example a shower unit or a hose assembly for a shower unit or other device, including a hose comprising first and second channels located side by side, wherein said hose is in fluid communication with a source of a first fluid (typically a liquid, e.g. hot or cold water) and with a source of a second fluid (typically a liquid, e.g. cold or hot water), and wherein, during use said first fluid passes through said first channel and said second fluid passes through said second channel. 
     From another aspect, the invention provides an adaptor, or valve assembly, comprising first and second ports, and a connector comprising third and fourth ports, the connector being adapted for insertion into a hose or conduit, especially one comprising first and second channels located adjacent one and other. The adapter is operable between an open state in which fluid, especially water, is able to flow through the adaptor via said first and third ports and via said second and fourth ports, in a closed state in which the fluid is prevented from flowing through the adaptor. 
     Other preferred features are recited in the dependent claims. 
     Further advantageous aspects of the invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention and with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a hose assembly embodying an aspect of the invention, a portion of the hose being cut away for purposes of illustration; 
         FIG. 2  is an alternative exploded perspective view of the hose assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the hose assembly of  FIG. 1  in an assembled state; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective section view of a manifold included in the hose assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an end view of the manifold of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a hose assembly embodying a further aspect of the invention, a portion of the hose being cut away for purposes of illustration; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the hose assembly of  FIG. 2  in an assembled state; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative hose assembly embodying said further aspect of the invention, a portion of the hose being cut away for purposes of illustration; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the hose assembly of  FIG. 8  in an assembled state; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of a valve assembly, particularly suited for use with the hose of  FIG. 6  of the drawings; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 10  shown in a first mode of use; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 10  shown in a second mode of use and shown fitted to a hose of the type shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cutaway perspective view of the valve assembly  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of two valve assemblies of  FIG. 10  joined by a hose; and 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 10  connected to a spray head by a hose. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring now in particular to  FIGS. 1 to 5  of the drawings, there is shown, generally indicated as  10 , a hose assembly embodying one aspect of the invention. 
     The hose assembly  10  comprises a hose  12  and an adaptor or manifold  14 . The manifold  14  is connectable to a spray head, e.g. a shower head, or other water delivery device (not shown in  FIGS. 1 to 5 ) so that, in use, hot and cold water carried simultaneously by the hose  12  can be supplied to the shower head via the manifold  14 . 
     The hose  12  comprises an inner pipe  16  located within an outer pipe  18  to define a gap  17  therebetween. Preferably, the pipes, or tubes,  16 ,  18  are substantially concentric or coaxial with one another. The pipes  16 ,  18  may be held in position relative to one another by any convenient means, e.g. one or more spacer elements (not shown). In use one end  20  of the hose is connected to the manifold  14 , the other end  22  being connected to a supply of hot and cold water (not shown). Advantageously, the hose  12  is connected to the water supply such that, in use, hot water is carried by the inner pipe  16 , while cold water is carried by the gap between the pipe  16 ,  18 . As a result, the outer surface  24  of the hose  12  may be kept relatively cool. The pipes  16 ,  18  may be formed from any suitable material, typically plastics or rubber and, typically, are flexible. It is noted that, in the drawings, a portion of the end  20  of the hose  12  is cut away for illustration purposes only, and the hose  12  is shortened for convenience of illustration. 
     The manifold  14  has a body  25  which includes an inlet port  26  comprising a first inlet, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises an aperture  28 , and a second inlet, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of second apertures  30 , the second apertures  30  being located outwardly of the first aperture  28  with respect to the longitudinal axis of the manifold  14 . Conveniently, the second apertures  30  are spaced apart around part of the periphery of the first aperture  28 , preferably being substantially equidistant from the first aperture  28 . As may best be seen from  FIG. 5 , in the preferred embodiment, the inlet port  26  is substantially circular in transverse cross-section, the second apertures  30  each being located on a respective notional radial line from the first aperture  28 , the first aperture  28  conveniently being located substantially at the centre or longitudinal axis of the manifold  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second apertures  30  are distributed around approximately half of the first aperture  28 , although in alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the second apertures  30  may be distributed around more or less of the first aperture  28 . Moreover, while it is preferred to provide a plurality of second apertures  30 , it will be understood that a single second aperture  28  may alternatively be provided. 
     The inlet port  26  has an outer plug member  32  shaped and dimensioned to fit within the outer pipe  18 , and preferably to engage with the internal surface of the outer pipe  18 . The inlet port  26  also has an inner plug member  34  shaped and dimensioned to fit within the inner pipe  16 , and preferably to engage with the internal surface of the outer pipe  16 . The inner plug  34  is preferably positioned such that it does not extend beyond the outer plug  32  in a transverse direction. Conveniently, the inner and outer plugs  32 ,  34  are substantially concentric or coaxial with one another and are preferably centred substantially at the longitudinal axis of the manifold  14 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the inner plug  34  projects from the outer plug  32 . The outer plug  32  has an abutment surface  36  which extends around the inner plug  34  and in which the second apertures  30  are provided. Preferably, the apertures  30  are spaced apart from the inner plug  34  by a distance at least equal to the thickness of the inner pipe  16 . The outer plug  32  projects from the body  25  such that the body  25  defines an abutment surface  38  around the outer plug  32 . The width of the abutment surface  38  is at least equal to the thickness of the outer pipe  18 . 
     The inlet port  26  advantageously includes a gripping device located around the inner plug  34 . The gripping device may take the form of sleeve or sheath (not illustrated), but preferably comprises at least two projections or tines  42  spaced apart around the inner plug  34 . The gripping device  42  is spaced apart from the inner plug  34  by a distance at least equal to the thickness of the inner pipe  16 . The device  42  is advantageously self-supporting, flexible and resilient and may conveniently be co-formed with the body  25 , in particular the outer plug  32 . In the preferred embodiment, the tines  42  are arranged to flex resiliently towards the inner plug  34 . Conveniently, the tines  42  project from the outer plug  32  in a direction substantially, or generally, parallel with the inner plug  34 . The preferred arrangement has the tines  42  projecting from the abutment surface  36  with the second apertures  30  being located between adjacent tines  42 . 
     The gripping device  42  is shaped and dimensioned to fit between the inner and outer pipes  16 ,  18 , and preferably to engage with the outer surface of the inner pipe  16  and the inner surface of the outer pipe  18 . Hence, the thickness of the tines  42  (in the radial direction as viewed in  FIG. 5 ) is substantially equal to, or less than, the radial spacing between the inner and outer pipes  16 ,  18 . 
     When the hose  12  and the manifold  14  are assembled ( FIG. 3 ), the hose  12  is fitted to the inlet port  26  such that the outer pipe  18  fits over the outer plug  32  while the inner pipe  16  fits over the inner plug  34 , the tines  42  being located between the pipes  16 ,  18 . Although not shown in the drawings, it is preferred that a portion of the inner pipe  16  is cut back from the end  20  of the hose  12  to allow the outer pipe  18  to abut with the abutment surface  38  and, preferably also, to allow the inner pipe  16  to abut with the abutment surface  36 . In order to secure the hose  12  in place, a tie, clip or other gripping device (not shown), for example a jubilee clip, may be fitted around the external surface of the hose  12  in register with the tines  42 . When the clip or other device is tightened, it causes the tines  42  to flex inwardly and to clamp the inner pipe  16  against the inner plug  34 . If desired, a second clip or other gripping device can be fitted around the external surface of the hose  12  in register with the base of the outer plug  32 . 
     During use, water delivered to the manifold  14  via the inner pipe  16  passes into the manifold  14  via the first aperture  28 , while water delivered via the gap  17  enters the manifold via the second apertures  30 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, it is assumed that the hose assembly  10  is intended for use with a spray head, or other water dispensing device (not shown), which includes a mixing unit and so the manifold  14  is required to keep the hot and cold water supplies separate as they pass through it. Hence, the manifold  14  includes an outlet port  44 , which is adapted to be connected to the spray head or other apparatus, and which comprises a first outlet aperture  48  and a second outlet aperture  46 . One or more channels  50  are formed in the body  25  to provide a path for water to travel between the apertures  30  and the second outlet  46 . One or more channels  52  are formed in the body  25  to provide a path for water to travel between the aperture  28  and the first outlet  48 . A washer  49  may be provided to improve the seal between the manifold  14  and the spray head or other apparatus. In the illustrated embodiment, a respective channel  50  leads from each of apertures  30  to a common chamber  54  which leads to the outlet  46 . 
     In order to feed hot and cold water into the other end  22  of the hose  12 , any suitable adaptor or manifold (not shown) may be used. Advantageously, an adaptor or manifold having an outlet port substantially the same or similar to the inlet port  26  may be used. 
     It will be understood that the hose may have more than two channels. The or each additional channel being formed in any convenient manner, e.g. by one or more respective pipes. The or each additional channel may be used for any suitable purpose, e.g. carrying fluid (for example, water, pressurised air or liquid soap) or a utility cable, e.g. a power or communications cable. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there is shown, generally indicated as  101 , a hose assembly embodying a further aspect of the invention. The hose assembly  101  comprises a hose  103  and an adaptor, or manifold,  105 . The manifold  105  is connectable to a spray head, e.g. a shower head (not shown) or other dispensing device so that, in use, hot and cold water carried by the hose  103  can be supplied to the shower head or other water delivery device via the manifold  105 . The hose  103  comprises first and second channels  107 ,  109  for carrying water between ends  111 ,  113  of the hose  103 . The first and second channels  107 ,  109  are located adjacent to one another. In the preferred embodiment, this is achieved by providing a dividing wall  115  along the length of the hose  103 . For hoses  103  with a transverse cross-section which is generally circular or otherwise rounded, this results in channels  107 ,  109  of substantially D-shaped cross-section. The illustrated hose  103  thus lends itself to manufacture by extrusion of plastics or other suitable material, e.g. poly silicone, or by any other suitable manufacturing method. 
     In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the channels  107 ,  109  may be provided by a respective separate pipe located within the hose  103 . In any event, it is preferred that each channel  107 ,  109  is incorporated within a single hose  103 , preferably a hose of substantially circular transverse cross section. Alternatively, however, each channel may be provided by a respective conjoined tube or pipe, the pipes being joined together, or co-formed, along their respective lengths to provide parallel channels between the ends of the hose. It will be understood that the hose may have more than two channels. The or each additional channel being formed in any convenient manner, e.g. by an internal diving wall and/or one or more respective pipes. The or each additional channel may be used for any suitable purpose, e.g. carrying fluid (for example, water, pressurised air or liquid soap) or a utility cable, e.g. a power or communications cable. 
     In use, one end  111  of the hose  103  is connected to the manifold  105 , the other end  113  being connected to a supply of hot and cold water (not shown). The hose  103  is connected to the water supply such that, in use, hot water is carried by one of the channels  107 ,  109 , while cold water is carried by the other channel  109 ,  107 . The hose  103  may be formed from any suitable material, typically plastics or rubber or other suitable material, e.g. poly silicone, and by any other suitable manufacturing method. Typically, the hose  103  is flexible. It is noted that, in the drawings, a portion of the end  111  of the hose  103  is cut away for illustration purposes only, and the hose  103  is shortened for convenience of illustration. 
     The manifold  105  has a body  117  which includes an inlet  119  comprising first and second plug members  121 ,  123 , each having a respective aperture at its free end to provide first and second ports  125 ,  127  respectively. The plug members  121 ,  123  project from the body  117  in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the manifold  105  and substantially parallel with one another. The plugs  121 ,  123  are spaced apart to define a gap  129  therebetween. The plugs  121 ,  123  are shaped and dimensioned to fit into a respective channel  107 ,  109 , preferably to substantially fill the respective channel  107 ,  109 . The gap  129  is shaped and dimensioned to receive the wall  115 . In the preferred embodiment, the plugs  121 ,  123  are substantially D-shaped in transverse cross section. The plugs  121 ,  123  are conveniently hollow or tube-like. 
     Advantageously, the body  117  is shaped to provide an abutment surface  133  around the inlet  119  against which the end  111  of the hose  103  may abut when the hose  103  and manifold  105  are assembled ( FIG. 7 ). 
     In the preferred embodiment, the inlet  119  comprises a bifurcated male connector of which plugs  121 ,  123  are two branches extending from a common base  131 . In this case, it is preferred that a portion of the wall  115  adjacent to the end  111  is cut away to allow the end  111  of the hose  103  to abut with the surface  133 . 
     When the hose  103  and manifold  105  are assembled, water supplied through the respective channels  107 ,  109  enters the manifold through respective ports  125 ,  127  and passes through the respective plug members  121 ,  123 . In cases where it is desired that the manifold  105  keep the two water supplies separate, the body  11  is shaped to define respective internal channels (not visible) which lead from the respective plugs  121 ,  123  through the body  117  and to a respective outlet (not visible) at an outlet port  135 . The outlet port  135  may for example be substantially the same or similar to the outlet port  44  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The hose  103  may be secured to the manifold by any suitable means, for example a clip, tie or other clamping device (not shown), which may, for example, be located in register with the base  131  or the plugs  121 ,  123 . 
     In order to feed hot and cold water into the other end  113  of the hose  103 , any suitable adaptor or manifold (not shown) may be used. Advantageously, an adaptor or manifold having an outlet port substantially the same or similar to the inlet  119  may be used. It will be understood that the inlet  119  may alternatively serve as an outlet in other modes of use. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , there is shown, generally indicated as  101 ′, an alternative hose assembly embodying one aspect of the invention. The hose assembly  101 ′ comprises a hose  103 ′ which may be substantially the same or identical to the hose  103  and in respect of which like numerals are used to indicate like parts. The hose assembly  101 ′ also includes a manifold  105 ′ which has an inlet  119 ′ which is substantially similar or identical to the inlet  119  and in respect of which like numerals are used to indicate like parts. However, the manifold  105 ′ further includes a respective housing  145 ,  147  for a respective pressure regulating device (not shown) for each channel provided through the manifold  105 ′. A respective outlet port  149 ′,  151 ′ is associated with each housing  145 ′,  147 ′. The manifold  105 ′ includes a respective channel leading from the respective port  125 ′,  127 ′, through the respective plugs  121 ′,  123 ′ and into a respective pressure regulating device located in the housings  145 ′,  147 ′. Each housing  145 ′,  147 ′ has an outlet  153 ′,  155 ′ which leads to a respective outlet port  149 ′,  151 ′. The housings  145 ′,  147 ′ may be shaped and dimensioned to received any suitable conventional water pressure regulator, for example a pressure regulator as described in UK patent GB 2 289 747. 
     The hoses described hereinbefore may be formed from any suitable material, e.g. poly silicone, plastics or rubber. Typically, the hoses are flexible. The manifolds described hereinbefore may be formed from any suitable material, especially plastics, and may conveniently be formed by conventional moulding processes. The hoses and manifolds are not limited to use for water delivery. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 to 13 , there is show the preferred embodiment of a valve apparatus generally indicated as  500 . The valve apparatus  500  is particularly intended for use with a fluid, and especially a liquid, distribution system in which at least two separate sources of fluid are to be distributed separately. The assembly  500  is especially suited for use in the distribution of separate hot and cold water supplies. The valve  500  may serve as a water delivery device in that it may deliver water from the hoses described herein to hot and cold water sources, or vice versa. 
     The valve apparatus  500  comprises first and second ports  502 ,  504  in fluid communication with a body  506 . The apparatus  500  has third and fourth ports  508 ,  510  selectable connectable to a respective one of the first and second ports  502 ,  504 . In typical use, when the first and second ports serve as inlets to the valve  500 , the third and fourth ports serve as outlets from the valve  500 , and vice versa. The assembly  500  is operable between an open state in which the first port  502  is in fluid communication with the third port  508  and the second port  504  is in fluid communication with the fourth port  510 , and a closed state in which the ports  502 - 510  are isolated from one another so that fluid cannot flow through the valve  500 . 
     The ports  508 ,  510  are provided in respective plugs  512 ,  514 . Together, the plugs  512 ,  514  provide a male connector which is suitable for insertion into a hose, or other conduit, for transporting the water to or from the valve assembly  500 . The plugs  512 ,  514 , and therefore the connector formed by them, may for example be substantially the same as the plugs/connectors illustrated in and described with reference to the  FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 . Moreover, the hose or conduit, which is shown is  FIG. 12 , may be substantially the same or similar to the hose  103  illustrated in  FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the plugs  512 ,  514  are provided on a core member  516  which is located in, or removably locatable in, the body  506 . The core  516  includes a respective inlet/outlet  518 ,  520  and a respective channel  522 ,  524  for allowing fluid to flow from the respective ports  502 ,  504  to the respective ports  508 ,  510  and vice versa. When the valve assembly  500  is in the open state ( FIG. 13 ), the inlets/outlets  518 ,  520  are in register with, or substantially in register with, the ports  502 ,  504  to allow fluid to flow from the ports  502 ,  504  into the core  516  via the inlets  518 ,  520 , or vice versa. When the assembly  500  is in the closed state, the inlets/outlets  518 ,  520  are not in register with the ports  502 ,  504  in order to prevent fluid flowing from the ports  502 ,  504  into the core  516 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the core  516  is rotatable within the body  506  between the open and closed states. In particular, the core  516  is located inside, and is substantially coaxially with, the body  506  and is rotatable about their common axis. To this end, the core  516  and the body  506  are preferably substantially cylindrical in shape. Conveniently, a lug or handle  526  is provided on the core  516 , or in any other convenient location, to allow the core  516  to be actuated between the open and closed states. In the preferred embodiment, the core  516  is removably insertable into the body  506 . 
     Preferably, a locking mechanism is provided to hold the core  516  within the body  506 . The preferred locking mechanism comprises a co-operable pin and slot mechanism having a slot conveniently formed in the body  506 , and a pin  526  conveniently provided on the core  516 . The slot  528  includes an opening  530  through which the pin  526  can enter and leave the slot and at least one seat  532  for receiving the pin in a locked state, the shape of the slot  528  being such that, when the pin  526  is seated in one of said seats  532 , engagement of the pin  526  and the walls of the slot  528  prevent the core  516  from being withdrawn from the body  506  in an axial direction. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the handle  526  serves as the pin, and the slot  528  has two seats  532 ,  532 ′ corresponding to the open and closed states of the valve assembly  500  respectively. By way of example, the slot  528  may be substantially T shaped. 
     Seals  534  may be provided between the external surface of the core  516  and the internal surface of the body  506  as required. Pins and sockets  536 ,  538  may be provided for fixing the valve  500  to a suitable support structure (not shown). 
     In use, assuming by way of example that the ports  502 ,  504  are serving as inlets and the ports  508 ,  510  are serving as outlets, the inlets  502 ,  504  may each be connected to a respective fluid source, and in particular to a separate water supply, e.g. a hot and a cold water supply. The connector formed by the plugs  512 ,  514  is inserted into a hose  103 , or similar conduit, such that the plugs  512 ,  514  are inserted into respective channels  507 ,  509  of the hose  103 . With the valve assembly  500  in an open state (as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) water from the respective supplies is allowed to enter the valve assembly by respective inlets  502 ,  504  and to leave the valve by respective outlets  508 ,  510  whereupon it is transported onwards in respective channels  107 ,  109  of the hose  103 . Hence, the respective water supplies are kept separate. When the valve apparatus  500  is in the closed state (as shown in  FIG. 11 ) the water is prevented from passing through the valve  500  and out of the outlets  508 ,  510 . 
     The valve apparatus  500  facilitates provision of a fluid transport or distribution system in which two or more sources of fluid may be transported separately via a single hose or conduit. Referring for example to  FIG. 14 , there is shown first and second valve apparatus  500  joined by a multi-channel hose, for example the hose  103 . The assembly shown in  FIG. 14  may be used, for example, in situations where two separate water or fluid supplies are to be transported or distributed across a distance, for example from one end of a boat to another. Conventionally, this would involve the routing of two separate hoses. However, the valves  500  together with the hose  103  allow this to be done using a single hose. It will be apparent that the ports  502 ,  504 ,  508 ,  510  may serve as inlets or outlets. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , the valve  500  and hose  103  are shown in use supplying both hot and cold water to a spray head  351 , for example the water dispensing head of a shower, or other nozzle. The spray head  351  includes a mixing device (not shown) for mixing the hot and cold water received by it during use. The mixing device may take any suitable form and, typically, includes user operable control means for controlling the relative quantities of hot and cold water being mixed. In the example of  FIG. 15 , the mixing device is controllable by means of a rotatable collar  352 . Although not shown, the manifold  14  of  FIGS. 6 to 8 , or other adaptor, may be located inside the body of the spray head  351  connecting the hose  103  to the mixing device. 
     Alternatively, the hoses described herein may be used to supply hot and cold water simultaneously to any other device, especially water dispensing devices, e.g. taps. The devices preferably include a controllable mixing device for mixing the hot and cold water before dispensing, but any other mixing means may be provided, e.g. a mixing chamber into which both the hot and cold water are fed without any control device. 
     It will be apparent that hose assemblies embodying the invention are not limited to use with shower units or to carrying water, and may be used in general to carry fluids, especially liquids, in any suitable application. 
     The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention.