Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an attachment for a haircare appliance, and a haircare appliance.

Background of the Invention

Haircare appliances are typically used to dry and style hair. Where haircare appliances are used to style hair to create a smooth appearance, the presence of shorter or broken hairs, sometimes referred to as flyaways, may impact on the desired smooth appearance.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, and a plurality of bristles, wherein the attachment is configured such that airflow exiting the air outlet in use generates a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface, the plurality of bristles are movable between a first position relative to the air outlet, and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position different to the first position, and movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to airflow from the air outlet.

Providing a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet may generate a negative pressure region adjacent to the curved surface which attracts long hairs toward the curved surface, with the airflow interaction with hair also pushing shorter hairs away from the curved surface. This may result in shorter hairs being pushed through the longer hairs, for example through the longer hairs toward the side of hair facing a user’s head, such that a smooth finish is provided.

However, it may also be desirable to provide increased flexibility for styling. By providing the plurality of bristles movable between first and second positions relative to the air outlet, where movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to airflow from the air outlet, increased flexibility in styling may be provided for the attachment compared to, for example, an arrangement where the bristles are omitted.

For example, when the plurality of bristles are in the first position relative to the air outlet, i.e. when the plurality of bristles are less exposed to airflow from the air outlet, the attachment, and in particular the curved surface, may be used to reduce the appearance of flyaways by pushing shorter hairs through longer hairs toward the side of hair facing a user’s head such that a smooth finish is provided.

When the plurality of bristles are in the second position relative to the air outlet, i.e. when the plurality of bristles are more exposed to airflow from the air outlet, the attachment may, for example, be used to brush a user’s hair. This may allow for dual functionality in a single attachment, without a user having to switch between attachments to achieve a desired styling process, thereby enhancing user experience.

Airflow exiting the air outlet may flow over the curved surface in use, for example when the plurality of bristles are in the first position. The haircare appliance may be configured such that a negative pressure region is generated in the vicinity of the curved surface in use. The curved surface may comprise a Coanda surface, for example a convex surface along which airflow is attached as a result of the Coanda effect in use. Movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position may decrease an extent of the curved surface across which airflow flows before engaging with the plurality of bristles.

The plurality of bristles may be embedded in a bristle bed, and movement of the bristle bed between the first and second positions may move the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions. This may ensure consistency of movement of the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions, for example relative to an arrangement where each of the plurality of bristles is individually movable between the first and second positions.

Movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position may increase a number of the plurality of bristles that are exposed to airflow from the air outlet. This may, for example, enable a greater number of bristles to contact hair whilst also being in the airflow from the air outlet which may provide different styling functionality between the first and second positions.

At least one of the plurality of bristles is exposed to airflow from the air outlet in the first position. This may, for example, enable the at least one of the plurality of bristles to provide a desirable interaction with airflow from the air outlet when in the first position.

At least some of the plurality of bristles, for example the at least one of the plurality of bristles, are configured to detach airflow from the curved surface in the first position. This may, for example, inhibit airflow from the air outlet contacting a hand of a user holding the haircare appliance when the plurality of bristles are in the first position. This may be particularly beneficial where, for example, the attachment is configured to receive a heated airflow from the haircare appliance in use, and may provide enhanced user safety and/or comfort, for example relative to an arrangement where airflow is not detached from the curved surface in use.

The plurality of bristles may be positioned relative to the air outlet in the first position such that airflow detaches from the curved surface upon contact with the at least some of the plurality of bristles in use. The plurality of bristles, for example a first row of the plurality of bristles, may be no more than 180 degrees from the air outlet when in the first position.

None of the plurality of bristles may be exposed to airflow from the air outlet when the plurality of bristles are in the first position. This may, for example, increase the degree to which airflow attaches to the curved surface when the plurality of bristles are in the first position. The curved surface may comprise a projection for detaching airflow from the curved surface prior to airflow reaching the plurality of bristles when the plurality of bristles are in the first position.

The plurality of bristles may be detachable from the attachment, for example as a single modular unit, such that the plurality of bristles are detached from the attachment in the first position, and attached to the attachment in the second position. The plurality of bristles and the curved surface may comprise corresponding attachment features, for example embedded magnets or the like, to enable releasable attachment of the plurality of bristles to the curved surface.

The plurality of bristles may be retractable relative to the curved surface, for example such that tips of the plurality of bristles are flush with or below the curved surface in the first position, and raised relative to the curved surface in the second position.

The plurality of bristles may be closer to the air outlet in the second position than in the first position. This may increase exposure of the plurality of bristles to airflow from the air outlet in the second position as compared to the first position. Movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position may bring the plurality of bristles closer to the air outlet. The plurality of bristles may be spaced from the air outlet in the second position, for example such that airflow flows over the curved surface before reaching the plurality of bristles in the second position. This may reduce noise compared to, for example, an arrangement where the plurality of bristles are located directly at the air outlet in the second position.

The plurality of bristles may be rotatable about a common rotation point to move between the first and second positions. This may ensure consistency of rotation of the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions, for example relative to an arrangement where each of the plurality of bristles is individually rotatable about different rotation points between the first and second positions. The common rotation point may comprise a center of curvature of the curved surface.

The attachment may comprise a user actuable mechanism to rotate the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions. This may provide increased user control over styling conditions compared to, for example, an arrangement where the plurality of bristles are automatically moved, without user input, between the first and second conditions based on certain criteria being met.

The user actuable mechanism may comprise a handle graspable by a user, and rotation of the handle by the user may move the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions. The handle may be positioned substantially outside of airflow from the air outlet in use. This may be particularly beneficial where, for example, the attachment receives a heated airflow from the haircare appliance in use, and may provide enhanced safety and/or user comfort relative to an attachment where the handle is located within the airflow in use. The attachment may comprise a retention mechanism for retaining the plurality of bristles in one of the first and second positions. This may reduce a risk of the plurality of bristles accidentally moving between the first and second positions in use without user input, which could otherwise interrupt a styling process carried out by the user.

The retention mechanism may retain the plurality of positions only in the first and second positions, for example with no retention in any positions intermediate the first and second positions. This may ensure that the plurality of bristles are correctly located in only the first or second position for styling processes in use.

The curved surface may comprise an annular surface, the plurality of bristles may be disposed on the curved surface, and rotation of the curved surface relative to the air outlet may move the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions. This may provide a simple mechanism for moving the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions.

The bristle bed may define at least part of the curved surface. The bristle bed may be overmoulded onto the curved surface.

The bristle bed may be located below the curved surface, with the plurality of bristles extending from the bristle bed through apertures in the curved surface. This may ensure that, when the plurality of bristles are in the second position, airflow is still able to attach to the curved surface between the bristles to draw hair radially inwardly toward the curved surface through the bristles.

The curved surface may be substantially smooth between the air outlet and the plurality of bristles when the plurality of bristles are in the first position. This may facilitate generation of a negative pressure region adjacent to the curved surface which attracts long hairs toward the curved surface, with the airflow interaction with hair also pushing shorter hairs away from the curved surface, in the manner previously described.

The plurality of bristles may be disposed on the curved surface such that a radial distance of a bristle closest to the air outlet in the second position is less than a radial distance of a bristle furthest away from the air outlet in the second position. This may facilitate attachment of airflow to the curved surface when the plurality of bristles are in the second position.

The attachment may comprise a contact member configured to contact the haircare appliance when the attachment is attached to the haircare appliance such that rotation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance about an axis in a plane of the air inlet is inhibited. This may, for example, inhibit separation of the attachment from the haircare appliance when a force is applied to the attachment that would typically cause pivoting about an axis in the plane of the air inlet. For example, when the plurality of bristles are located in the second position and engage with hair when moved relative to hair, a resultant force may comprise a pivoting force about an axis in the plane of the air inlet, which, in the absence of a contact member as mentioned above, could cause separation of the attachment from the haircare appliance.

The contact member may be configured to contact the haircare appliance when the attachment is attached to the haircare appliance such that rotation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance about a further axis orthogonal to the plane of the air inlet is enabled. This may provide flexibility in rotational orientation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance, whilst also inhibiting separation of the attachment from the haircare appliance in the manner described above.

The contact member may comprise a spigot that extends into a bore of the haircare appliance when the attachment is attached to the haircare appliance in use. This may provide a simple form of contact member whilst also providing the functionality described above. The contact member may engage with walls of the bore to inhibit rotation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance about an axis in a plane of the air inlet, whilst enabling rotation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance about a further axis orthogonal to the plane of the air inlet.

The attachment may comprise a fixing member for fixing the attachment relative to the haircare appliance such that rotation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance about the further axis is enabled. The fixing member may comprise a magnetic member for engaging a corresponding magnetic member of the attachment. The fixing member may comprise a plurality of magnetic members disposed annularly about the air inlet.

The attachment may be releasably attachable to the haircare appliance, for example releasably attachable via the fixing member.

When in the second position, a first airflow path may be defined along a first side of the plurality of bristles, and a second airflow path may be defined along a second side of the plurality of bristles. For example, the second airflow path may comprise a bleed along the second side of the plurality of bristles. Provision of the first and second airflow paths may encourage attachment of airflow along the first airflow path to the curved surface, thereby facilitating generation of a negative pressure region adjacent to the curved surface which attracts long hairs toward the curved surface, with the airflow interaction with hair also pushing shorter hairs away from the curved surface, in the manner previously described. The first and second airflow paths may recombine downstream of the plurality of bristles.

The air outlet may be defined by radially inner and outer walls, and the radially outer wall may comprise a radius of curvature that decreases toward the air outlet. This may result in an increased angle of attack of airflow exiting the air outlet toward the curved surface, for example compared to an arrangement where the radially outer wall comprises a constant radius of curvature, which may result in improved attachment of airflow to the curved surface, particularly when the plurality of bristles are located in the second position relative to the air outlet.

The air outlet may be configured to direct airflow at the curved surface at an angle in the range of 50° to 80° relative to the air inlet, for example relative to a plane of the air inlet. The air outlet may be configured to direct airflow at the curved surface at an angle of around 70°.

The air outlet may comprise a flow guide for distributing airflow along the air outlet. This may result in more even distribution of airflow along a width of the air outlet than, for example, an arrangement absent the flow guide. The flow guide may comprise a plurality of ribs spaced along a width of the air outlet, for example such that a plurality of channels are defined internally of the air outlet.

The plurality of bristles may be positioned in first and second rows, and at least some bristles of the first row may be linked to at least some bristles of the second row by a linking member. This may provide linked motion of the at least some bristles of the first row and the at least some bristles of the second row, which may provide a reduction in noise relative to an arrangement where unlinked bristles are provided.

The air inlet may be substantially annular in form. The air inlet may comprise a further flow guide. The attachment may comprise a further flow guide downstream of the air inlet, the further flow guide shaped to guide airflow from the annular air inlet into a single column of airflow. The further flow guide may be tapered in a direction downstream of the air inlet.

The air outlet may comprise an open cross-sectional area in the region of 140mm ² to 450mm ² , for example in the region of 280mm ² to 350mm ² . Such an open cross-sectional area may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along the curved surface that results in a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface.

The air outlet may comprise a width in the region of 70mm to 90mm, for example in the region of 75mm to 85mm. The air outlet may comprise a height in the region of 2mm to 5mm. The air outlet may be generally rectangular in form, for example such that airflow leaving the air outlet has a generally laminar form.

The curved surface may comprise a radius of curvature in the region of 16mm to 60mm. Such a radius of curvature may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along the curved surface that results in a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface. The curved surface may comprise a substantially constant radius of curvature.

The air outlet may comprise a fixed air outlet, for example an air outlet of fixed cross-sectional area, length and/or width. This may ensure that airflow characteristics of the attachment are constant for a given flow rate of airflow, thereby ensuring that an airflow is generated along the curved surface that results in a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface. This may also provide a simpler attachment with fewer moving parts, and hence a reduced risk of failure, compared to an attachment with a variable air outlet.

The attachment may comprise a switching member for directing airflow exiting the air outlet, the switching member switchable relative to the air outlet between a first switch position, in which airflow exiting the air outlet passes between a first side of the switching member and the curved surface and attaches to the curved surface, and a second switch position, in which airflow exiting the air outlet passes over a second, opposing side of the switching member and is directed away from the curved surface. This may enable the airflow to selectively flow over the curved surface, which may, for example, provide an alternative mode of operation where airflow is directed away from the curved surface, for example to provide a so-called “rough-dry” mode, where airflow is simply used to dry hair of a user in use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a haircare appliance comprising an attachment according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a haircare appliance comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet, a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, and a plurality of bristles, wherein the haircare appliance is configured such that airflow exiting the air outlet in use generates a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface, the plurality of bristles are movable between a first position relative to the air outlet, and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position different to the first position, and movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to airflow from the air outlet.

The haircare appliance may comprise a heater for heating the airflow. This may provide increased styling flexibility, and may, for example, enable the airflow to provide a drying function.

The haircare appliance may comprise a handle unit within which the airflow generator is housed, and an attachment releasably attachable to the handle unit, the attachment comprising the air outlet, the curved surface, and the plurality of bristles. Providing the air outlet, the curved surface, and the plurality of bristles, as part of a removable attachment may allow the functionality described herein to be selectively provided by a user.

The handle unit may comprise a bore for receiving a contact member of the attachment, for example such that engagement of the contact member with a wall of the bore inhibits rotation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance about an axis in a plane of an air inlet of the attachment.

The haircare appliance may be configured such that airflow at the air outlet comprises a velocity in the region of 30m/s to 45m/s. Such a velocity may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along the curved surface that results in a first force that is sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the first surface whilst also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface. The air outlet may be shaped and dimensioned such that airflow at the air outlet comprises a velocity in the region of 30m/s to 45m/s. The airflow generator may be configured to generate an airflow at a flow rate such that airflow at the air outlet comprises a velocity in the region of 30m/s to 45m/s.

The airflow generator may be configured to generate airflow at a flow rate in the region of 8L/s to 14L/s. The applicant has found that such an airflow rate may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along the curved surface that results in a first force that is sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the first surface whilst also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface.

Optional features of aspects of the present invention may be equally applied to other aspects of the present invention, where appropriate.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a haircare appliance according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a handle unit of the haircare appliance of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view of an attachment of the haircare appliance of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a first perspective view of an inlet body of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

Figure 5 is a first perspective view of an inlet body of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an upper wall of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a barrel of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an end cap of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a spigot of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the attachment of Figure 3 with bristles in a first position;

Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of Figure 3 with bristles in the first position; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the attachment of Figure 3 with bristles in a second position;

Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of Figure 3 with bristles in the second position;

Figure 14 is a schematic view illustrating forces generated by airflow through the attachment of Figure 3 in use;

Figure 15 is a schematic view illustrating forces generated by moving the attachment of Figure 3 relative to a tress of hair with the bristles in the second position of Figures 12 and 13;

Figure 16 is a schematic view of a first alternative barrel for the attachment of Figure 3;

Figure 17 is a schematic view of a second alternative barrel for the attachment of Figure 3;

Figure 18 is a schematic view illustrating rows of linked bristles for the attachment of Figure 3;

Figure 19 is a schematic view of a third alternative barrel for the attachment of Figure 3;

Figure 20 is a schematic view of a fourth alternative barrel for the attachment of Figure 3;

Figure 21 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of an attachment for use with the haircare appliance of Figure 1 . Detailed Description of the Invention

A haircare appliance 10 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically in Figure 1.

The haircare appliance 10 comprises a handle unit 12 and an attachment 14.

The handle unit 12 is shown schematically in isolation in Figure 2, and comprises a handle portion 16, a head portion 18, an airflow generator 20 and a heater 22.

The handle portion 16 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form, and houses the airflow generator 20. The handle portion 16 has an air inlet 24 in the form of a plurality of perforations at a first end 26 of the handle portion 16.

The head portion 18 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form, and is disposed at a second end 27 of the handle portion 16, with a central axis of the head portion 18 orthogonal to a central axis of the handle portion 16 such that the handle unit 12 is generally T-shaped in form. The head portion 18 houses the heater 22. The head portion 18 comprises a bore 28 through which air is entrained, and an air outlet 30. The air outlet 30 is generally annular in form about a periphery of the bore 28. The head portion 18 further comprises an annular magnet (not shown) for releasably connecting the handle unit 12 to the attachment 14. The annular magnet extends annularly about the air outlet 30.

The attachment 14 is shown in an exploded view in Figure 3. The attachment 14 comprises an inlet body 32, an upper wall 34, a barrel 36, first 38 and second 40 end caps, and a spigot 42.

The inlet body 32 is shown in isolation in Figures 4 and 5. The inlet body 32 comprises a conical body 44, and first 50 and second 52 annular members. The conical body 44 is generally conical in form, is hollow, and is open at a downstream end. The conical body 44 acts as a plenum to receive airflow from the handle unit 12 in use. Lower 56 and upper 58 walls extend forwardly from the open end of the conical body 44. The lower wall 56 of the conical body 44 extends further forwards than the upper wall 58 of the conical body 44, with the lower wall 56 defining a radially inner wall of an air outlet 54 of the attachment 14. The air outlet 54 is seen most clearly in Figures 11 and 13. An upstream end of the conical body 44, i.e. an end that is closer to the handle unit 12 when the attachment 14 is attached to the handle unit 12 in use, is generally open. Collectively, the open upstream end of the conical body 44 and the spigot 42 define an air inlet 60 of the attachment, with the air inlet 60 generally annular in form. A plurality of magnets (not shown) are disposed annularly about the air inlet 60.

The first 50 and second 52 annular members are disposed either side of the lower 56 and upper 58 walls, and comprise generally annular bodies 62 that define through-holes 64. The through-holes 64 are shaped and dimensioned to receive radially inner annular projections 86 of the respective first 38 and second 40 end caps. Each of the first 50 and second 52 annular members comprises a respective ball plunger 66 that can act as plunger of a retention mechanism, as will be described in more detail hereafter.

The upper wall 34 is shown in isolation in Figure 6. The upper wall 34 is shaped and dimensioned to sit on top of the inlet body 32, and in particular on top of the conical body 44 and the associated upper wall 58 of the conical body 44. The upper wall 34 defines a radially outer wall of the air outlet 54 of the attachment 14. The curvature of the upper wall 34 is such that the curvature increases toward the air outlet 54. Collectively the form of the upper wall 34 and the lower wall 56 of the conical body 44 give the air outlet 54 a generally slot-like form. The air outlet 54 comprises an open cross-sectional area in the region of 140mm ² to 450mm ² , for example in the region of 280mm ² to 350mm ² . The air outlet comprises a width in the region of 70mm to 90mm, for example in the region of 75mm to 85mm. The air outlet comprises a height in the region of 2mm to 5mm.

A lower surface of the upper wall 34 comprises a plurality of projections 70 that, when the upper wall 34 is mounted to the inlet body 32, extend into the flow path in the region of the air outlet 54. Such projections 70 act as flow guides in the region of the air outlet 54. Only one projection 70 is visible in Figure 6.

The barrel 36 is shown in isolation in Figure 7, and comprises a cylindrical body 72, a bristle bed 74, a ramp 76, and snap-fit recesses 78. The cylindrical body 72 is generally cylindrical in form, and defines a substantially smooth and uninterrupted surface over a majority of its circumferential extent. The cylindrical body 72 defines a curved surface downstream of the air outlet 54 of the attachment 14 when the attachment 14 is assembled. The cylindrical body 72 has a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the through-holes 64 of the first 50 and second 52 annular members.

The bristle bed 74 is overmoulded onto the cylindrical body 72, and comprises a plurality of upstanding bristles 80. The ramp 76 is positioned adjacent to the bristle bed 76 such that the ramp 76 is located upstream of the plurality of bristles 80 when the attachment is assembled. The ramp 76 is generally triangular in cross-sectional shape, and is positioned such that a flat surface is presented in an upstream direction, i.e. a direction that faces the air outlet 54 of the attachment 14 when the attachment 14 is assembled. The ramp 76 can be integrally formed with the cylindrical body 72, or can be a separate component attached to the cylindrical body 72. The ramp 76 has a width substantially corresponding to a width of the bristle bed 74.

The snap-fit recesses 78 are disposed toward outer edges of the cylindrical body 72, and are spaced about the circumference of the cylindrical body 78. The snap- fit recesses 78 are shaped and dimensioned to receive corresponding snap-fit projections 88 of the first 38 and second 40 end caps. The snap-fit recesses 78 are positioned such that they are not located within an airflow from the attachment 14 when the attachment 14 is in use.

The first end cap 38 is shown in isolation in Figure 8. It will be appreciated that the second end cap 40 comprises substantially the same form as the first end cap 38, and so is not described here for sake of brevity.

The first end cap 38 comprises a circular base 82, and radially outer 84 and radially inner 86 annular projections extending from the circular base 82. The spacing between the radially outer 84 and radially inner 86 annular projections, and the depth of the radially outer 84 and radially inner 86 annular projections, is such that the first end cap 38 is able to overlie the first annular member 50, with the radially inner annular projection 86 extending through the through-hole 64 of the first annular member 50, and the first end cap 38 being rotatable relative to the first annular member 50.

The radially inner annular projection 86 comprises a number of snap-fit projections 88 shaped and dimensioned to engage with the corresponding snap- fit recesses 78 of the barrel 36.

An inwardly facing surface of the circular base 82 comprises first 92 and second (not shown) pairs of ramped projections, with each pair of ramped projections comprising a notch 96 located between the respective ramped projections. The notches 96 are shaped and dimensioned to receive the ball plunger 66 of the first annular member 50, such that the first end cap 38 can be retained in one of two rotational positions relative to the first annular member 50. An external surface 98 of the radially outer projection defines a graspable surface by which a user can grasp the first end cap 38 and rotate the first end cap 38 relative to the first annular member 50 between the two rotational positions. The spigot 42 is shown in isolation in Figure 9 and comprises a first spigot portion 102 and a second spigot portion 104. The first spigot portion 102 is duckbill shaped, and is dimensioned to sit substantially within the conical body 44 of the inlet body 32. Collectively, the first spigot portion 102 and the conical body 44 define the air inlet 60 of the attachment, as discussed previously. The first spigot portion 102, and particularly the duckbill region of the first spigot potion 102, act as a flow guide for air entering the air inlet 60. The second spigot portion 104 is generally cylindrical in form, albeit with an annular channel 106 for receiving an o-ring (not shown). The second spigot portion 104 extends rearwardly from the attachment 14, in an upstream direction, when the attachment is assembled. The second spigot portion 104 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within the bore 28 of the head portion 18 of the handle unit 12 when the attachment 14 is attached to the handle unit 12. The second spigot portion 104 has a length of around 38mm, although lengths of at least 20mm are envisaged.

To assemble the attachment 14, the upper wall 34 is ultrasonically welded to the inlet body 32. The first 102 and second 104 spigot portions are fixed together via a screw, and are attached to the inlet body 32 via two screws received in screw bosses formed on the inlet body 32. The barrel 36 is located between the first 50 and second 52 annular members of the inlet body 32, and the first 38 and second 40 endcaps are aligned with both the barrel 36 and the respective first 50 and second 52 annular members, before the snap-fit projections 88 of the first 38 and second 40 endcaps engage with the corresponding snap-fit recesses 78 of the barrel 36. Thus the barrel 36 is held between the first 50 and second 52 annular members, with the barrel 36 downstream of the air outlet 54 of the attachment 14. The notches 96 of the first 38 and second 40 end caps receive the ball plungers 66 of the respective first 50 and second 52 annular members, such that the first 38 and second 40 end caps, and hence the barrel 36, can be retained in one of two rotational positions relative to the first 50 and second 52 annular members. In particular, the barrel 36 can be rotated by a user of the attachment 14 between a first position, shown schematically in Figures 10 and 11 , and a second position shown schematically in Figures 12 and 13.

In the first position of Figures 10 and 11 , the substantially smooth and uninterrupted surface of the cylindrical body 72 is located adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet 54 of the attachment 14. The plurality of bristles 80 are located more than 90° from the air outlet 54, with the ramp 76 located upstream of the plurality of bristles. Angular positions of the bristles 80 relative to the air outlet 54 of between 30° and 120° are also envisaged.

In the second position of Figures 12 and 13, the ramp 76 is engaged with the lower wall 56 of the inlet body 32 and the plurality of bristles 80 are located adjacent to, although paced from, the air outlet 54. In other words, the plurality of bristles 80 are located closer to the air outlet 54 in the second position of Figures 12 and 13 than they are when in the first position of Figures 10 and 11.

In use, the attachment 14 is attached to the handle unit 12 via the corresponding magnets, as previously described, with the second spigot portion 104 extending into the bore 28 of the head portion 18 of the handle unit 12. The airflow generator 20 generates an airflow from the air inlet 24 to the air outlet 30 of the handle unit, with the heater 22 optionally being used to heat the generated airflow

Airflow enters the attachment via the air inlet 60, and is guided by the first spigot portion 102 toward the air outlet 54. The plurality of projections 70 of the upper wall 34 extend into the flow path in the region of the air outlet 54, and act as flow guides in the region of the air outlet 54 to distribute airflow across the width of the air outlet 54. The airflow generator 20 is configured to generate airflow in the region of 8L/s to 14L/s, and this, combined with the form of the air outlet 54, results in airflow at the air outlet having a velocity in the region of 30m/s to 45m/s. When the barrel 36, and hence the plurality of bristles 80, are in the first position of Figures 10 and 11 , the substantially smooth and uninterrupted surface of the cylindrical body 72 defines a curved surface located adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet 54. Airflow leaving the air outlet 54 flows over this curved surface attaches to the curved surface via the Coanda effect. When a tress of hair is brought into the vicinity of the attachment 14, long hairs of the tress are attracted to, and at least partially wrapped about, the curved surface, as a result of a negative pressure region generated by the airflow over the curved surface. However, the pressure gradient across the tress also results in a force which causes some airflow to pass directly through the tress. Due to the location of this force relative to the curved surface and the rest of the tress, shorter hairs are only held loosely at this point compared to longer hairs which are held in place on the curved surface. The shorter hairs are blown through the tress toward a user’s head, whilst the longer hairs remain in place on the outside of the tress, ie the portion of the tress facing away from the user’s head. This provides a smooth finish for hair following interaction with the haircare appliance 10.

The forces described above are illustrated schematically in Figure 14.

The ramp 76 causes airflow to detach from the curved surface prior to airflow reaching the bristles 80, although it will be appreciated that some airflow may contact at least the initial rows of bristles in practice. Other embodiments in which the ramp 76 is omitted are also envisaged, and in such embodiments the bristles 80 can similarly cause detachment of airflow for the curved surface. Either way, airflow is detached from the curved surface prior to the airflow being directed at a hand of a user grasping the handle portion 16 of the haircare appliance, which may be particularly beneficial where the airflow is heated.

If a user instead wishes to utilise the bristles 80 to style their hair, the user can grasp one of the first 38 and second 40 end caps, and via rotation of the end cap 38,40 cause rotation of the barrel 36, and hence the plurality of bristles 80, to the second position of Figures 12 and 13. In such a position, the ramp 76 contacts the lower wall 56 of the air outlet, and the bristles 80 are located closer to the air outlet 54, with the majority, if not all, of the bristles 80 being exposed to airflow from the air outlet 54. The bristles 80 can then be used to, for example, brush the user’s hair whilst also drying the user’s hair via the heated airflow. It will be appreciated that, as the bristles 80 are also disposed on a curved surface, airflow may still attach to the curved surface when the bristles 80 are in the second position, and may attract airflow toward the roots of the bristles 80 in the manner previously described. However, the bristles 80 may result in such an attractive force being lower than, for example, that experienced in the first position previously described. This force can be optimised by, for example, modifying the angle of attack of the air outlet 54 relative to the curved surface, and an angle of attack of 70° has been found to be beneficial in some examples.

It will of course be appreciated that a user may wish instead to use the haircare appliance 10 in the opposite order to that described above, for example by using the attachment with the bristles 80 in the second position initially to brush and/or dry their hair, before switching the bristles to the first position to subsequently achieve a smooth finish.

When a user drags the bristles 80 through a tress of hair, resultant forces may be such that pivoting of the attachment 14 relative to the handle unit 12 can occur, and, given that the magnetic attachment strength between the attachment 14 and the handle unit 12 needs to be relatively small in order to enable ease of removal by a user, such forces can result in inadvertent separation of the attachment 14 from the handle unit 12. However, as the second spigot portion 104 extends into the bore 28, particularly to an extent of 38mm, the second spigot portion 104 can contact the wall of the bore 28 such that only minimal pivoting of the attachment 14 relative to axes in the plane of the air inlet 60 of the attachment 14 is allowed. This may inhibit inadvertent separation of the attachment 14 from the handle unit 12. Furthermore, the nature of the magnetic fixing of the attachment 14 to the handle unit 12, and the interaction of the second spigot portion 104 with the bore 28, can enable the attachment 14 to rotate relative to the handle unit 12 about an axis orthogonal to the plane of the air inlet 60 of the attachment 14, This provides flexibility in rotational orientation of the attachment 14 relative to the handle unit 12, whilst providing the reduced risk of inhibit inadvertent separation of the attachment 14 from the handle unit 12 mentioned above. The above is illustrated schematically in Figure 15.

As noted above, airflow may still attach to the curved surface when the bristles 80 are in the second position, and may attract airflow toward the roots of the bristles 80 in the manner previously described. However, the bristles 80 may result in such an attractive force being lower than, for example, that experienced in the first position previously described.

A second embodiment of a barrel 200 that may help with increasing the attractive force when the bristles 80 are in the second position is illustrated schematically in Figure 16, where like reference numerals are used for sake of clarity.

Here the cylindrical body 202 of the barrel 200 comprises an area 204 of increased cross-sectional thickness relative to the remainder of the cylindrical body, with the bristles 80 disposed in the area 204 of increased cross-sectional thickness. The area 20 of increased cross-sectional thickness gradually increases in thickness, before falling back sharply to the thickness of the remainder of the cylindrical body 202. Given that each of the bristles 80 has the same length, this results in bristles 80 further downstream being located at slightly increased radial distances relative to those bristles 80 located upstream. This may provide an enhanced coanda effect on the curved surface on which the bristles 80 are disposed in the second position. A third embodiment of a barrel 300 that may help with increasing the attractive force when the bristles 80 are in the second position is illustrated schematically in Figure 17, where like reference numerals are used for sake of clarity.

Here cylindrical body 302 of the barrel 300 comprises first 304 and second 306 slots formed either side of the bristles 80, with the first 304 and second 306 slots forming a second airflow path, e.g. a bleed, behind the bristles 80. The presence of the second airflow path may encourage airflow flowing through the bristles 80 to remain attached to the curved surface on which the bristles are disposed, for example by entraining the airflow through the bristles by virtue of the airflow from the second airflow path emerging downstream of the bristles 80.

When the bristles 80 are located in the second position, the bristles 80 are closer to the air outlet 54, and more exposed to airflow from the air outlet 54, than when in the first position. This can, however, increase noise levels via increased interaction of the bristles 80 with the airflow. In some examples, individual rows of bristles 80 are linked, as shown schematically in Figure 18, which has been found to reduce noise levels associated with the attachment 14. As illustrated in Figure 18, only first 400 and second 402 rows of bristles are linked by a linking member 406, although it will be appreciated that embodiments where further rows of bristles 80 are linked are also envisaged. Embodiments where only certain columns of bristles within a row are linked are also envisaged.

In the embodiments previously described, movement of the bristles 80 between the first and second positions is achieved via rotation of the barrel 36 between its first and second positions. Other mechanisms for increasing exposure of the bristles 80 to the airflow from the air outlet are also envisaged.

In the example of Figure 19, where like reference numerals are used for sake of clarity, the bristles 80 are formed as part of a detachable bristle bed 500, which comprises attachment features 502, in the form of magnets, for attachment to corresponding attachment features 504 formed on either the curved surface of the barrel 36, or the first 50 and second 52 annular members. It will be appreciated that the barrel 36 need not be rotatable in such an embodiment. Here a user can selectively attach the detachable bristle bed 500 to achieve the functionality previously described herein, with the bristles 80 not located in the airflow from the air outlet 54 when detached from the attachment 14, but located within, and hence more exposed to, the airflow from the air outlet 54 when attached to the attachment 14.

In the example of Figure 20, the bristles 80 are instead retractable relative to the barrel via movement of a slider 600 located on an outwardly facing surface of the second annular member 54. As above, it will be appreciated that the barrel 36 need not be rotatable in such an embodiment. Here a user can selectively retract the bristles 80 by moving the slider 600 to achieve the functionality previously described herein, with the bristles 80 not located in the airflow from the air outlet 54 when retracted, but located within, and hence more exposed to, the airflow from the air outlet 54 when deployed.

A further embodiment of an attachment 700 in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated schematically in Figure 21. The attachment 700 is substantially the same as the attachment 14 of Figure 3, and differs only in the presence of a switching member 702 for directing airflow exiting the air outlet 54. The switching member 702 is switchable between a first switch position and a second switch position (illustrate in dashed lines in Figure 21 ). Here the switching member 702 comprises a pivotable section of the upper wall 34, and in some examples a switch or dial may be provided to move the switching member 702 between the first and second positions.

In the first switch position, airflow exiting the air outlet 54 passes between a first side of the switching member 702 and the curved surface and attaches to the curved surface. In the second switch position, airflow exiting the air outlet 54 passes over a second, opposing, side of the switching member 702 and is directed away from the curved surface.

The attachment 700 therefore has three modes of operation, one in which airflow is directed away from the curved surface with the switching member 702 in its second position, one in which the switching member 702 is in its first position and the bristles 80 are in their first position, and one in which the switching member 702 is in its first position and the bristles 80 are in their second position. Providing multi-functionality in a single attachment may provide increased flexibility compared to, for example, an arrangement where a user has to switch between attachments to provide the same functionality.

In each example herein, providing bristles 80 movable between first and second positions relative to the air outlet 54, where movement of the bristles 80 from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the bristles 80 to airflow from the air outlet 54, increased flexibility in styling may be provided for the attachment 14 compared to, for example, an arrangement where the bristles are omitted.

Although described herein as embodiment with releasable attachments, embodiments are also envisaged where, rather than the haircare appliance comprising a handle unit and an attachment the haircare appliance is a singlepiece unit, for example taking the form of the combined handle unit and attachment previously described.