H:\jzc\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\JZC\6428427_I.doc-17/06/2014 DEVICE FOR MIXING WATER Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to a water mixer device for use with a garden hose or the like. Background of the Invention Domestic water mixers are common in bathrooms and the like, to mix hot and cold water from 10 associated water pipes, for release from a common outlet or faucet. The mixers are generally integrated into plumbing of a water appliance such as a shower, which is fixed relative to the pipes. Traditionally, garden hoses are attached to an external cold-water tap and there is generally no 15 ability to readily mix hot water into the cold water flowing though the hose. Object of the Invention The present invention seeks to provide a new and innovative device for mixing water. 20 Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device for mixing hold and cold water from water outlets, the device having: 25 a first coupling, for connection to a hot water outlet; a second coupling for connection to a cold water outlet; a mixer; conduits that provide fluid communication between the couplings and the mixer; and an outlet through which combined hot and cold water from the mixer is output. 30 In one form, the first and second couplings are screw threaded to attach to conventional H:\jzc\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\JZC\6428427_I.doc-17/06/2014 -2 laundry tap outlets. In one form, the conduits terminate in connection pieces that are screw fitted to the mixer. 5 In one form, the mixer includes opposed ports with associated external threading for attachment to the connection pieces. In one form, the outlet in integrally formed with the mixer. 10 In one form, the outlet includes a connector for click fit with an end fitting of a garden hose. In one form, the conduits are flexible to allow the device to be connected across a range of distances between the water outlets. 15 Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be described, by way on non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 20 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device for mixing hot and cold water; and Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the device connected to laundry taps. Detailed Description of the Invention 25 Referring firstly to Figure 1, a device 1 for mixing hot and cold water includes a first coupling 2, a second coupling 3, a mixer 4 and an outlet port 5. Each of the first and second couplings 2, 3 has a rotatable collar 6 with an internal thread 7 30 and an integral, external nut 8 that may be gripped to facilitate turning the collar 6.
H:\jzc\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\JZC\6428427_I.doc-17/06/2014 -3 Sleeve clamps 9 connect the couplings 2, 3 to flexible conduits 10 that provide fluid communication between the respective couplings 2, 3 and associated connection pieces 11 that are plumbed into the mixer 4. 5 Each connection piece 11 has a sleeve clamp 12 that serves to connect an elbow section 13 of the respective connection piece 11 to the conduit 10. A nut 14 is fitted to an opposite end 15 of the elbow section 13, for engagement with an external thread 16 of an associated inlet 17 of the mixer 4. 10 Each sleeve clamp 9, 12 is preferably fitted using a suitable swaging or crimping tool. The sleeve clamps 9. 12 can, of course, be replaced by any other form of suitable connection. The outlet port 5 of the mixer 4 has a connector 18, formed of a spigot 19 with a reduced diameter portion 20 and a ring seal 21 around a remote end 22. 15 The device 1 is shown in Figure 2 connected to conventional hot and cold water outlets 23, 24 of a laundry 25. The couplings 2, 3 have been screw fitted onto each of the hot and cold water outlets 23, 24 so that when taps 25, 26 are turned on, respective hot and cold water will flow through the conduits 10 and into the mixer 4. 20 The conduits 10 are flexible to accommodate a range of different distances between the taps 25, 27. The mixer 4 is also shown attached to a conventional garden hose 28, which includes a female 25 hose attachment 29arranged for click fit engagement with the connector 18. Hot and cold water are combined in the mixer 4, to flow through the outlet port 5 and into the hose 28. 30 As may be appreciated, outdoor hoses are traditionally connected to an external cold-water tap, whereas the use of the device allows hot water to also be incorporated in water flow H:\jzc\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\JZC\6428427_I.doc-17/06/2014 -4 delivered to the hose 28, such as for external use, for example, for washing a car or the like. The device 1 has been described by reference to the connection to laundry taps 26, 27 and a garden hose 28. However, the invention has application to any style of water outlets, where 5 hot and cold water is available. Further, the outlet port 5 of the device 1 can be used to connect to any type of hose or the like and need not be limited to use with a garden hose 28.
H:\jzc\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\JZC\6428427_I.doc-17/06/2014 -5 List of Parts 1. Device 2. First coupling 5 3. Second coupling 4. Mixer 5. Outlet port 6. Collar 7. Internal thread 10 8. Nut 9. Sleeve clamp 10. Conduit 11. Connection piece 12. Sleeve clamp 15 13. Elbow section 14. Nut 15. End 16. External thread 17. Inlet 20 18. Connector 19. Spigot 20. Portion 21. Seal 22. End 25 23. Water outlet 24. Water outlet 25. Laundry 26. Tap 27. Tap 30 28. Hose 29. Hose attachment