Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a novel articulated adaptor and particularly an articulated adaptor suitable for redirecting the flow of a fluid, especially a gas, and to articles fitted with the novel adaptor.

More particularly the present invention relates to an articulated adaptor for a hair dryer and a hair dryer fitted with such an attachment.

Background of the Invention

A Mintel report shows that in the UK in 2010 over three quarters of the population, about 30 million adults, own a hair dryer, of which two thirds are women. They also report that there has been a change in habits over 2007-10, with fewer women visiting hairdressers, while those who do visit are tending to space out their trips. This means more women are looking after their hair at home and, arguably, keen to use appliances that give their hair the best results.

Electric hair dryers are designed to produce a stream of air which is usually heated by an electrical element and is delivered by action of a fan. The most common design of hair dryers comprises a handle portion, a barrel portion, which generally houses a fan, and which has an outlet nozzle, which usually has a circular cross-section. The flow of air produced by the hair dryer is usually in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the barrel portion of the hair dryer. However, it is sometimes desirable to alter the direction of the air flow. Conventionally, a hair dryer is used in the form of a pistol and the air flow arrives substantially perpendicular to the main direction of the handle. In order to alter the direction of the air flow, it is necessary for the user to move the directional position of the hair dryer. This can require considerable arm movements and can be unpleasant and/or fatiguing, especially if the user is a professional hairdresser who is performing this on a daily basis, and professionally used hair dryers may often be heavier that hair dryers used by consumers. The necessary twist and turning movements of the arm can lead, over the course of some years, to a repetitive strain injury or other damage in the shoulder and/or arm joints.

Attempts have been made to provide a hair dryer that minimises the required shoulder/arm by providing a fixed or coaxially rotatable air deflection nozzle. Thus, for example, European Patent application No. 0351765 describes an air deflection nozzle suitable for use with a hair dryer which is coaxially rotatable and is capable of deflecting the air through 90 degrees relative to the outlet barrel of the hair dryer. However, the air deflection nozzle does not able to operate at any angle other than 90 degrees relative to the outlet barrel of the hair dryer and therefore will still require significant movement of the shoulder and/or arms of the user.

International Patent application No. WO 2008/027171 describes a rotatable attachment for a hair dryer which has a tapered nozzle end which focuses the airflow. However, whilst the nozzle end is rotatable, and is capable of focussing the airflow, it does not angle the airflow relative to the outlet barrel of the hair dryer.

UK Patent application No. GB 2259007 describes a hand-held hair-dryer with an air guide nozzle in the form of a diffuser fitted with a rotatably connected articulation member. The articulation member is a one-piece hollow body with one end connectable to the hair-dryer and the other end connectable to the diffuser. The outer end face of the articulation member is angled so that rotation of the diffuser with respect to the articulation member causes angulation of the diffuser with respect to the hair-dryer. However, the hair dryer of GB '007 does not provide a 90 degree angulation of the diffuser and only provides a single axis of rotation.

We have now found a novel form of articulated adaptor nozzle which overcomes the problem of the prior art devices and GB 2259007 in particular and is furthermore capable of directing air flow or fluid flow through 180 degrees and intermediate positions there between, including, for example, an angle coaxial with the dryer barrel.

Furthermore, whilst the concept of the present invention has been formed whilst considering improvements in hair dryers as hereinbefore described, it will, however, be well understood by the person skilled in the art that the adaptor nozzle of the present invention, whilst suitable for use in conjunction with a conventional hair dryer will have much wider utility in that it may act to re-direct air or liquid flow in other known devices. Statement of Invention

Therefore, according to embodiment first aspect of the invention there is provided an articulated adaptor nozzle assembly suitable for re-directing fluid flow, the adaptor nozzle assembly comprising:

(i) a first element comprising a hollow body, having a first opening face which is substantially perpendicular to a first axis that defines the direction of fluid flow and is configured to fit a fluid inlet or outlet, and having a second opening face which is inclined relative to the first axis, the second opening face being adapted to fit a second element;

(ii) a second element comprising a second hollow body, the second element having a first opening face which is adapted to rotatably fit the second opening face of the first element and is inclined relative to the first axis, the second opening face also defining and substantially perpendicular to a second axis, and the second element having a second opening face which is inclined to the second axis and is adapted to rotatably fit a third element; and

(iii) a third element comprising a third hollow body, the third element having a first opening face adapted to rotatably fit the second opening face of second element, and having a second opening face which is adapted to direct a fluid stream. The hollow body of the first and second element my, for example, be substantially cylindrical, although it will be understood by the person skilled in the art that it is desirable for the elements to include a spherical or conical shape to ensure there is a circular interface between the first and second elements.

The angle of incline of the inclined openings of the first and second elements, i.e. the second opening face of the first element and the first opening face of the second element may be varied. Generally, it is desirable that the sum of the inclines of the inclined openings of the first and second elements will be about 90 degrees. Although it will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the sum of the inclines may be less than 90 degrees, but if a maximum rotation through 180 degrees is desired, then the sum of the inclines should be about 90 degrees. Thus, the angle of incline of the inclined second opening face of the first element may be from about 25 to about 65 degrees, relative to the first axis of the first element, preferably from about 35 to about 55 degrees, preferably from about 40 to about 50 degrees, e.g. about 45 degrees. Similarly, the angle of incline of the inclined second opening face of the second element may be from about 25 to about 65 degrees, relative to the second axis of the second element, preferably from about 35 to about 55 degrees, preferably from about 40 to about 50 degrees, e.g. about 45 degrees. The hollow bodies of the first and second elements of the articulated adaptor each has oppositely disposed side walls of different lengths. Thus, in the case of the first element, the first opening face is substantially perpendicular to the side walls and second opening face extends at an angle to the side walls. In the case of the second element, the first opening face extends at an angle to the side walls and the second opening face is substantially perpendicular to the side walls.

In use, the articulated adaptor nozzle is adapted to be rotatably mounted. Thus, each of the three elements may be rotatably mounted relative to each other and to other attachments. However, an embodiment wherein only two of the first, second and third elements is rotatably mounted is within the scope of the present invention. However, in a preferred embodiment each of the first, second and third elements as hereinbefore described are each rotatably mounted relative, for example, to a fluid inlet or outlet. The second element is desirably rotatably mounted relative to the first element. Thus, the articulated adaptor nozzle assembly is advantageous in that, inter alia, it provides:

• Up to three axes of rotation.

• An angulation of up to 90 degrees when combining the first and second elements.

· A third nozzle which can be rotated up to 360 degrees.

More specific features of the articulated adaptor nozzle of the invention may vary depending upon, inter alia, the nature of the fluid, e.g. gas or liquid, and the nature of the inlet or outlet, etc.

The adaptor nozzle of the invention may be advantageous for use in a variety of applications and a variety of other devices where it is desirable to have control over multiple degrees of direction of the fluid flow.

Non-limiting examples include:

For household use:

• controlling the air flow in vacuum cleaners and attachments;

• controlling the water flow in garden hoses, showers, taps and the like; and

• plumbing installations. For medical or veterinary use:

• controlling air/medicament flow in inhalers;

• controlling air/medicament flow in nebuliser;

· controlling air/medicament flow from an anaesthetic machine;

• controlling liquid flow in intravenous therapy apparatus; and

• controlling liquid flow in ophthalmic drug dispensers.

For industrial use:

· controlling air/gas flow in ventilation assemblies and/or air conditioning apparatus;

• controlling air/gas flow in aviation equipment, including, for example, hovercraft;

• controlling liquid flow in farm machinery, such as sprayers or particle flow in seed sowing machinery; and

• controlling liquid flow in spray machinery, such as paint spraying machinery.

By way of example only the following additional features have been found desirable when the articulated adaptor nozzle of the invention is designed for use in conjunction with a hair dryer, although it will be understood by the person skilled in the art that such features may be suitable for other applications, and other additional features might be included.

As hereinbefore described the first element is provided with a first opening face which is configured to fit a fluid inlet or outlet, for example, the housing or outlet barrel of a hand held hair dryer. The first opening face of the first element may be provided with any conventionally known connecting means, such as screw fit, snap fit, etc. A snap fit is preferred since this may facilitate rotation of the first element. For use with a hair dryer, it is preferred that the first element is provided with a gripping member, such as an O-ring or the like. The gripping member may advantageously enable the first element to be located on fluid inlets or outlets of varying diameter.

Each of the first, second and third elements may be provided with means, which may be the same or different, for connecting it to the adjacent element. Such means may be, for example a catch or snap-action means. One or both of the first and second elements may optionally be provided with one or more tabs to facilitate rotation of that element. Preferably the second element will be provided with one or more tabs to facilitate rotation of the second element relative to the first element. The articulated adaptor nozzle may optionally be provided with additional elements. For example, when the articulated adaptor nozzle is intended for use with a hair dryer, the third element may be provided with an aperture suitably shaped for providing lamina flow. The first and/or second elements may optionally be provided with one or more baffles, e.g. an internal baffle, i.e. an obstructing vane or panel for directing the flow of the fluid, e.g. air. This is particularly advantageous when the articulated adaptor nozzle is to be used in association with fluids, such as air, at elevated or reduced temperatures, since the use of one or more baffles may dissipate the fluid and avoid overheating or chilling of surfaces. The articulated adaptor nozzle assembly of the invention may also be provided in kit form. Therefore, according to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising:

(i) a first element comprising a hollow body, having a first opening face which is substantially perpendicular to a first axis that defines the direction of fluid flow and is configured to fit a fluid inlet or outlet, and having a second opening face which is inclined relative to the first axis, the second opening face being adapted to fit a second element;

(ii) a second element comprising a second hollow body, the second element having a first opening face which is adapted to rotatably fit the second opening face of the first element and is inclined relative to the first axis, the second opening face also defining and substantially perpendicular to a second axis, and the second element having a second opening face which is inclined to the second axis and is adapted to rotatably fit a third element; and

(iii) a third element comprising a third hollow body, the third element having a first opening face adapted to rotatably fit the second opening face of second element, and having a second opening face which is adapted to direct a fluid stream.

The present invention especially provides a hair dryer provided with an adaptor nozzle assembly as hereinbefore described. Therefore, according to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a hair dryer kit comprising optionally a hair dryer; and

(i) a first element comprising a hollow body, having a first opening face which is substantially perpendicular to a first axis that defines the direction of fluid flow and is configured to fit a fluid inlet or outlet, and having a second opening face which is inclined relative to the first axis, the second opening face being adapted to fit a second element;

(ii) a second element comprising a second hollow body, the second element having a first opening face which is adapted to rotatably fit the second opening face of the first element and is inclined relative to the first axis, the second opening face also defining and substantially perpendicular to a second axis, and the second element having a second opening face which is inclined to the second axis and is adapted to rotatably fit a third element; and

(iii) a third element comprising a third hollow body, the third element having a first opening face adapted to rotatably fit the second opening face of second element, and having a second opening face which is adapted to direct a fluid stream.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of re-directing fluid flow which comprises passing fluid through an articulated adaptor nozzle assembly suitable for re-directing fluid flow, the adaptor nozzle assembly comprising.

(i) a first element comprising a hollow body, having a first opening face which is substantially perpendicular to a first axis that defines the direction of fluid flow and is configured to fit a fluid inlet or outlet, and having a second opening face which is inclined relative to the first axis, the second opening face being adapted to fit a second element; (ii) a second element comprising a second hollow body, the second element having a first opening face which is adapted to rotatably fit the second opening face of the first element and is inclined relative to the first axis, the second opening face also defining and substantially perpendicular to a second axis, and the second element having a second opening face which is inclined to the second axis and is adapted to rotatably fit a third element; and

(iii) a third element comprising a third hollow body, the third element having a first opening face adapted to rotatably fit the second opening face of second element, and having a second opening face which is adapted to direct a fluid stream.

The present invention especially provides a method of re-directing air flow from a hair dryer which comprises the use of an articulated adaptor nozzle assembly suitable for re-directing fluid flow, the adaptor nozzle assembly comprising:

(i) a first element comprising a hollow body, having a first opening face which is substantially perpendicular to a first axis that defines the direction of fluid flow and is configured to fit a fluid inlet or outlet, and having a second opening face which is inclined relative to the first axis, the second opening face being adapted to fit a second element;

(ii) a second element comprising a second hollow body, the second element having a first opening face which is adapted to rotatably fit the second opening face of the first element and is inclined relative to the first axis, the second opening face also defining and substantially perpendicular to a second axis, and the second element having a second opening face which is inclined to the second axis and is adapted to rotatably fit a third element; and (iii) a third element comprising a third hollow body, the third element having a first opening face adapted to rotatably fit the second opening face of second element, and having a second opening face which is adapted to direct a fluid stream. The articulated adaptor nozzle assembly may comprise any suitable substantially rigid material, particularly a synthetic plastics material. However, it will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the choice of material may vary depending upon, inter alia, the intended use of the articulated adaptor nozzle or the article which the articulated adaptor nozzle is used in association with. Thus, for example, for use with a hair dryer, the articulated adaptor nozzle assembly may comprise a synthetic plastics material. Alternatively, for use in association with a plumbing installation the articulated adaptor nozzle assembly may comprise a metal.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an article An article provided with an articulated adaptor nozzle assembly as hereinbefore described. According to this aspect of the invention the article may be, for example, a vacuum cleaner and/or vacuum cleaner attachment; a garden hose, shower or tap; an inhaler; a nebuliser; an anaesthetic machine; an intravenous therapy apparatus; an ophthalmic drug dispenser; a ventilation assembly; an article is for controlling air/gas flow in aviation equipment, including, for example, hovercraft; a sprayer apparatus; or ventilation or air conditioning apparatus.

The invention will now be exemplified in certain embodiments with reference to the following drawings in which Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an articulated adaptor nozzle assembly positioned to direct flow along a longitudinal axis; Figures 2a and b are perspective views of an articulated adaptor nozzle assembly positioned to direct flow along a longitudinal axis;

Figures 3a and b are perspective views of an articulated adaptor nozzle assembly positioned to direct flow along a perpendicular axis; and

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the articulated adaptor nozzle assembly fitted to a hair dryer.

Referring to Figure 1 an articulated adaptor nozzle assembly 1 suitable for redirecting fluid flow has a first element 2 comprising a hollow body 5 and a second element 3 comprising a hollow body 10. The hollow body 5 comprises side walls 5a and 5b of different lengths. The first element 2 having a first opening face 4 which is substantially perpendicular to a first (rotational) axis of the hollow body 5 and is configured to rotatably fit a fluid outlet pipe (not shown) and a second opening face 6 which is inclined relative to the (rotational) axis of the hollow body 5 and adapted to rotatably fit the second element 3. The first opening face 4 is provided with a rubber O-ring 7 and the second opening face 6 is provided with a circumferential lip 8. The hollow body 5 comprises side walls 5a and 5b of different lengths.

The second element 3 comprises a second hollow body 10 with first opening face 9 adapted to rotatably fit the second opening face 6 of the first element 2. The hollow body 10 comprises side walls 10a and 10b of different lengths. The first opening face 9 is inclined relative to the first (rotational) axis of the first hollow body 5. The second opening face 11 defines a second axis, of the second hollow body 10 and the second opening face 11 is substantially perpendicular to the second (rotational) axis of the second hollow body 10. The first opening face 9 is also inclined relative to the second (rotational) axis of the second hollow body 10. The first opening face 9 of the second element 3 is provided with a circumferential groove 12 adapted to engage with the circumferential lip 8 of the first element 2. A tab 13 is also provided on the second element 3 to facilitate rotation thereof.

A third element 14 is rotatably connected to the second opening face 11 of the second element 3. In the embodiment shown, the third element 14 is provided with a narrow outlet aperture 15 to provided laminar flow of the fluid (not shown).

Referring to figures 2a and b and figures 3a and 3b, the articulated adaptor nozzle assembly 1 comprises a first element 2 and a second element 3. The first element 2 having a first opening face 4 which is perpendicular to the (rotational) axis of the hollow body 5 and a second opening face 6 which is inclined relative to the first (rotational) axis of the hollow body 5 and adapted to rotatably fit the second element 3. The second element 3 comprises a first opening face 9 adapted to fit the second opening face 6 of the first element 2 and inclined relative to the second (rotational) axis of the hollow body 10 and a second opening face 1 1 which is perpendicular to the second (rotational) axis of the hollow body 10. A third element 14 is provided connected to the second opening face 11 of the second element 3. In the embodiment shown the third element 14 is provided with a narrow laminar flow outlet aperture 15.

Referring to figure 4 the articulated adaptor nozzle assembly 1 is fitted to a hair dryer 22. The second element 3 is rotated so that the air flow from the third element 14 is perpendicular to the outlet end 21 of the hair dryer barrel 20.

0242P.WO.Spec(4)