Brush and hairstyling appliance

Abstract

A brush for a hairstyling appliance includes a housing having an air inlet for receiving air from an airflow generator, at least one platform mounted for movement relative to the housing; and at least one bristle operatively connected to the or each of the platform(s). Lateral movement of at least one of the bristle(s) causes at least one of the platform(s) to move relative to the housing such that one or more airflow ports is opened, or enlarged, to allow air, or more air, to exit the housing through the one or more airflow ports so as to style the hair. The at least one platform is, or are in aggregate, capable of movement relative to the housing with at least two degrees of freedom.

Description

[0001] BRUSH AND HAIRSTYLING APPLIANCE

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Haircare appliances are generally used to treat or style hair, and some haircare appliances may treat or style hair using airflow along with heat. Such haircare appliances are typically held by a user and moved relative to the hair to obtain desired treatment or styling.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a brush for a hairstyling appliance, the brush comprising: a housing comprising an air inlet for receiving air from an airflow generator; at least one platform mounted for movement relative to the housing; and at least one bristle operatively connected to the or each of the platform(s); such that, in use, lateral movement of at least one of the bristle(s) causes at least one of the platform(s) to move relative to the housing such that one or more airflow ports is opened, or enlarged, to allow air, or more air, to exit the housing through the one or more airflow ports so as to style the hair; wherein the at least one platform is, or are in aggregate, capable of movement relative to the housing with at least two degrees of freedom.

[0006] Allowing movement with at least two degrees of freedom may offer greater styling flexibility and / or improved performance.

[0007] The at least one platform may be, or may be in aggregate, capable of movement in at least two nonparallel directions.

[0008] Allowing movement in at least two non-parallel directions may offer greater styling flexibility and / or improved performance.

[0009] The brush may comprise a plurality of the platforms.

[0010] Using several platforms may allow for more localised control of airflow through the one or more ports. Each of the plurality of the platforms may be mounted to pivot relative to the housing, such that as each platform pivots responsive to lateral movement of the operatively connected bristles, the associated airflow port(s) are opened, or enlarged, at least partly responsive to the direction and / or amount by which the platform is pivoted.

[0011] This may allow control of the airflow in such a way that offers greater styling flexibility and / or improved performance.

[0012] Each of the plurality of the platforms may be capable of movement relative to the housing with at least two degrees of freedom.

[0013] Allowing the plurality of platforms to move in at least two non-parallel directions may offer greater styling flexibility and / or improved performance.

[0014] Each of the plurality of platforms may be capable of movement relative to the housing with only one degree of freedom, and the degree of freedom of at least one of the platforms may be different to the degree of freedom of at least another of the platforms.

[0015] This may offer greater styling flexibility and / or improved performance.

[0016] The brush may comprise a single platform, the single platform supporting a plurality of the bristles and being suspended by the housing such that it can pivot in at least two non-parallel directions.

[0017] This may offer multi-directional styling focused providing airflow from the peripheral edge of the platform.

[0018] An inner surface of the single platform and an inner surface of the housing may define a plenum into which the air inlet delivers the air received from the air inlet.

[0019] The use of a plenum may allow at least partial equalisation of pressure underneath the platform, which may help even out airflow through the airflow port(s).

[0020] The housing may comprise an opening terminating at an inwardly-extending lip; and the platform may terminate at a peripheral edge adjacent the lip; wherein the airflow port is defined between the lip and the peripheral edge of the platform, such that pivoting of the platform relative to the housing in a first direction causes an area of the airflow port to increase adjacent the peripheral edge of the platform in a direction aligned with the direction of pivoting of the platform.

[0021] This may help direct air towards the hair being styled when the hair styling appliance is in use.

[0022] The lip may overhang the peripheral edge such that air exiting the airflow port has a directional component that is at least partly opposite the direction of pivoting of the platform.

[0023] This may help direct air towards the base of hair being styled when the hair styling appliance is in use.

[0024] The housing may be generally circular or oval in plan.

[0025] The or each platform may be mounted to the housing by way of a mounting arrangement, the mounting arrangement biasing the platform into a neutral position in which airflow through the airflow port(s) is minimised.

[0026] The brush may comprise an attachment portion allowing the brush to be removably attached to a hair styling appliance, such that an airflow generator of the hair styling appliance can supply air to the air inlet.

[0027] In accordance with a further aspect, there is provided hair styling appliance comprising: a body comprising: an airflow generator; and an outlet for airflow generated by the airflow generator; and the brush of the preceding aspect, wherein the brush is removably attachable to the body by way of the attachment portion such that, when so attached, airflow generated by the airflow generator is supplied through the outlet of the hair styling appliance to the air inlet of the brush.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a plan view of a brush;

[0030] Figure 2 is a longitudinal section taken along line II-II of Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 3 is a vertical section through a platform of the brush of Figures 1 and 2;

[0032] Figure 4 is an underside view of the platform of Figure 3;

[0033] Figure 5 is a vertical section through the platform of Figures 3 and 4, tilted to a first side; Figure 6 is a vertical section through the platform of Figures 3 to 5, tilted to a second side;

[0034] Figure 7 is a vertical section through a further implementation of a platform of the brush of Figures

[0035] 1 and 2;

[0036] Figure 8 is a vertical section through the platform of Figure 7, tilted to a first side;

[0037] Figure 9 is a vertical section through a further invitation of a platform of the brush Figures 1 and 2;

[0038] Figure 10 is a vertical section through the platform of Figure 9, tilted to a first side;

[0039] Figures 11 to 13 show a longitudinal section through a further implementation of a brush, in various modes of operation;

[0040] Figure 14 is a plan view of a further implementation of a brush;

[0041] Figure 15 is a plan view of a platform for use with the brush of Figure 14;

[0042] Figure 16 is a plan view of a further implementation of a brush;

[0043] Figure 17 is a schematic side view of a brush being used to style hair;

[0044] Figures 18 and 19 are vertical sections through a further platform for use with a brush;

[0045] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a further implementation of a brush;

[0046] Figure 21 is a side elevation of the brush of Figure 20;

[0047] Figure 22 is a section taken through the brush of Figures 20 and 21;

[0048] Figure 23 is a section taken through a further implementation of a brush;

[0049] Figures 24 and 25 are sections taken through the brush of Figures 20 to 22, with springs omitted for clarity;

[0050] Figure 26 is a plan view of a further implementation of a brush;

[0051] Figures 27 and 28 are sections taken through line XXVII-XXVII of Figure 26;

[0052] Figure 29 is a side elevation of a platform of the brush of Figure 26;

[0053] Figure 30 is a plan view of the platform of Figure 29; and

[0054] Figure 31 is a schematic of a hair styling appliance in the form of a hair dryer, for use with a brush.

[0055] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a brush 200. Brush 200 is configured for use with a hairstyling appliance such as hairdryer 100, as shown in Figure 31. Hairdryer 100 includes a body 102 that houses an airflow generator 104 comprising a motor 106 configured to drive an impeller 108. Motor 106 is driven under the control of a controller and driver 110. Airflow generated by airflow generator 104 is directed through an outlet 112.

[0057] The various brushes described below can be removably attached to body 102 by way of an attachment portion 248 such that, when so attached, airflow 114 generated by airflow generator 104 is supplied through outlet 112 of hairdryer 100. In other implementations, the brush can be a fixed (that is, non-removable) part of the hairstyling appliance.

[0058] Brush 200 comprises a housing 202 comprising an air inlet 204. An inner surface of housing 202 defines a plenum 206 into which the air inlet 204 delivers the air received via air inlet 204 from an airflow generator (which can be, for example, motor 106 and impeller 108 of hair dryer 100). Housing 202 is generally circular in plan, although other planforms (such as oval, rectangular, etc.) may be suitable in different implementations.

[0059] Brush 200 includes a plurality of platforms 208, each of which is mounted for movement relative to housing 202 as described in more detail below. Each platform 208 includes a single bristle 210, although it will be appreciated that at least some of the platforms 208 can include multiple bristles in different implementations.

[0060] Figures 3 to 6 show detailed sectional views of one of platforms 208. Platform 208 is generally mushroom shaped, having an enlarged cap 212 from which a stem 214 extends downwards. A flange 216 is disposed at the bottom of stem 214.

[0061] Platform 208 is centred within an aperture 218 that extends through an upper wall 220 of housing 202. The inner edge of aperture 218 and the adjacent surfaces of platform 208 form an airflow port 232.

[0062] A spring 222 extends between the bottom end of platform 208 (beneath flange 216) and a lower wall 224 of housing 202. In the illustrated implementation, spring 222 is a coil spring that is in tension, which holds the underside edge of cap 212 against the upper surface of upper wall 220 around aperture 218.

[0063] In user, hair dryer 100 is turned on. Air is pressurised by impeller 106, and passes through outlet 112, inlet 204, and into plenum 206. Because the underside edge of cap 212 is pulled against the surface of upper wall 220 by spring 222, very little air is able to pass through airflow port 232.

[0064] When brush 200 is used to brush hair, friction between bristle 210 and the hair causes lateral movement of bristle 210, which in turn causes platform 208 to move relative to housing 202. For example, as shown in Figure 5, bristle 210 has moved to the right, as shown by arrow 226. The rightward movement of bristle 210 causes platform 208 to pivot about the righthand edge 228 of cap 212 where its underside touches the adjacent surface of upper wall 220 adjacent to aperture 218. This causes the lefthand edge 230 of cap 212 to move upwards relative to the adjacent surface of upper wall 220 adj acent to aperture 218. Since there is now a gap between the lefthand edge 230 of cap 212 and the adjacent surface of upper wall 220 adjacent to aperture 218, airflow port 232 is open, and air is able to exit housing 202 through airflow port 232 as shown by arrows 234.

[0065] When lateral forces on bristle 210 are removed, the tension of spring 222 causes platform 208 to return to the position shown in Figure 3, in which airflow port 232 is closed.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, when brush 200 is used to brush hair in the opposite direction to that shown in Figure 5, friction between bristle 210 and the hair causes lateral movement of bristle 210, and hence platform 208, in the direction opposite to that shown in Figure 5. That is, bristle 210 moves to the left, as shown by arrow 236. The leftward movement of bristle 210 causes platform 208 to pivot about the lefthand edge 230 of cap 212 where its underside touches the adjacent surface of upper wall 220 adjacent to aperture 218. This causes the righthand edge 228 of cap 212 to move upwards relative to the adjacent surface of upper wall 220 adjacent to aperture 218. Since there is now a gap between the righthand edge 228 of cap 212 and the adjacent surface of upper wall 220 adjacent to aperture 218, airflow port 232 is open, and air is able to exit housing 202 through airflow port 232 as shown by arrows 238.

[0067] In the implementation of Figures 3 to 6, platform 208 and aperture 218 are generally circular in plan, as shown in the underside plan view of Figure 4. As a result, bristle 210, and hence platform 208, is capable of movement relative to housing 202 in any direction. As such, each platform 208 is capable of movement relative to the housing with at least two degrees of freedom.

[0068] Figures 7 and 8 show an alternative implementation of a platform 308, in which like reference signs are used to indicate features corresponding with those described in relation to Figures 3 to 6. In contrast with platform 208, platform 308 is not connected to housing with a spring under tension. Instead, a coil spring 240 is positioned between the underside edge of cap 212 and the adjacent underside surface of upper wall 220 adjacent to aperture 218. Coil spring 240 is in compression, which causes platform 208 to be held in the closed position.

[0069] As with platform 208 of Figures 3 to 6, platform 308 can pivot in response to lateral forces placed upon it by friction between the hair and bristle 210. Pivoting of platform 308 causes further compression of coil spring 240 between the underside edge of cap 212 and the adjacent underside surface of upper wall 220 adjacent to aperture 218, for example as shown in Figure 8. Airflow port 232 opens as described above in relation to Figures 3 to 6.

[0070] When lateral forces on bristle 210 are removed, the compressive force of coil spring 240 causes platform 308 to return to the position shown in Figure 7, in which airflow port 232 is closed.

[0071] The skilled person will appreciate that in other implementations, airflow port 232 can take other forms. For example, the airflow port can take form of a rotary or poppet valve integrated within the platform.

[0072] Other forms and arrangements of spring may be employed, including any form of helical, coil, or leaf spring(s), configured to operate in compression or tension. Elastic and / or compressible materials can be used in addition to, or in place of, springs. Alternatively, or in addition, air pressure within the plenum can be used to hold the valve closed (or partly closed) until the bristle(s) are moved when the brush is in use.

[0073] In an alternative implementation, at least some of the platforms can only move in one direction. For example, Figures 9 and 10 show an alternative implementation of a platform 408, in which like reference signs are used to indicate features corresponding with those described in relation to Figures 3 to 8. Platform 408 is rectangular in plan.

[0074] Platform 408 is configured such that it can only pivot in one direction. The righthand side of stem 214 of platform 408 is generally complementary with the rounded inner edge of aperture 218. This allows platform 408 to pivot about that inner edge in response to rightward movement of bristle 210. However, the right-hand side of platform 408 cannot move upwards in response to a leftward lateral force placed upon bristles 210, as a result of the interaction between platform 408 and the rounded inner edge of aperture 218. As result, only movement of bristle 210 in a rightward direction causes airflow port 232 to open.

[0075] Where platform 408 is used with brush 200, several platforms 408 will be distributed across the surface of housing 202. However, platforms 408 are arranged such that at least some of them are oriented (in plan) such that they open in response to different (i.e., non-parallel) directional movements through the hair. For example, Figure 14 shows a brush 400 having several platforms 408 distributed across its surface. Arrows 242 show the directions that the bristles 210 of each of platforms 408 move in order to open corresponding airflow ports 232. As such, platforms 408 are, in aggregate, capable of movement relative to the housing with at least two degrees of freedom.

[0076] In further alternative implementations, at least some of the platforms are able to pivot in opposite directions, but not laterally. For example, as shown in Figure 15, platform 608 can pivot in an upwards direction and a downwards direction (relative to the page), but cannot pivot side-to-side. This can be achieved by mounting platform 608 to pivot about a horizontal axis 246.

[0077] Where platform 608 is used with a brush, several platforms 608 will be distributed across the surface of housing 202. However, platforms 608 are arranged such that at least some of them are oriented (in plan) such that they open in response to different (i.e., non-parallel) directional movements through the hair. For example, Figure 16 shows a brush 600 having several platforms 608 distributed across its surface. Arrows 242 and 250 show the directions that the bristles 210 of each of platforms 608 move in order to open corresponding airflow ports 232.

[0078] As shown schematically in Figure 17, in use, users tend to rotate brush 200 away from the hair 252 during a brushing stroke (as indicated by arrow 254), such that the leading side of brush 200 disengages (or is less engaged) with the hair, while the trailing side of brush 200 remains engaged (the engaged bristles 210 are indicated by reference sign 244 in Figure 17). In this case, only the bristles closer to the trailing edge of the brush engage the hair and, as a result, have open airflow ports.

[0079] The illustrated implementations involving multiple platforms show the airflow ports opening at the leading edge of the bristle, such that air is directed into the hair before it passes the bristle (at least near the base of bristle adjacent the platform). This may assist in styling the hair, because it is heated by the air immediately before being placed under tension after it passes the bristle. In other implementations, however, the airflow ports can open behind the bristle, or in any other direction relative to movement of the hair relative to the bristle.

[0080] For example, Figures 18 and 19 show a platform 708 comprising aball 710 that mounts into a socket 712 formed in upper wall 220, enabling platform 708 to pivot in any direction. Ball 710 can be held in place within socket 712 in any suitable manner, including one or more springs (not shown), for example as described in relation to other implementations. Ball 710 includes airflow internal ducts 714. When bristle 210 is pointing directly upward, ducts 714 are sealed against the internal surface of socket 712. When bristle 210 is moved by hair, causing platform 708 to tilt, at least one of ducts 714 clears the edge of socket 712, allowing air to flow (see arrows 716) from plenum 206 through ducts 714 until it exits platform 708 adjacent the base ofbristle 210. In this case, the airflow is directed behind the bristle (i.e., on its trailing side) rather than in front.

[0081] Turning to Figure 11, there is shown a further implementation of a brush in the form of brush 500, in which like reference signs are used to indicate features corresponding with those described in relation to brush 200.

[0082] In contrast with brush 200, brush 500 comprises a single platform 508, from which extend several bristles 210. Platform 508 forms upper wall 220 of housing 202, and is mounted for movement relative to the rest of housing 202 by way of a flexible central support member 502. Support member 502 is relatively incompressible in an axial direction (i.e. vertically with respect to Figures 11 to 13), but is sufficiently flexible to allow a slight pivoting of platform 508, as described in more detail below.

[0083] Housing 202 includes an opening terminating at an inwardly-extending lip 504. Platform 508 terminates at a peripheral edge 506 adjacent lip 504, such that lip 504 slightly overhangs edge 506, preventing platform 508 from passing through the aperture defined by lip 504.

[0084] Several springs 512 spaced around the circumference of platform 508, and extend between an underside edge of platform 508 and lower wall 224 opposite. Springs 512 are in compression, and urge edge 506 of platform 508 towards the underside of lip 504.

[0085] In the implementation of Figures 11 to 13, the airflow port 232 is defined between lip 504 and edge 506. When brush 500 is not being used to brush and style hair, edge 506 is in contact with lip 504 around the full periphery of edge 506. Accordingly, no air is able to exit plenum 206.

[0086] When brush 500 is pulled through hair, lateral forces due to friction between hair and bristles 210 cause platform 508 to tilt relative to housing 202. For example, in Figure 12, brush 500 is moving to the right through stationary hair (hair not shown, for clarity). Friction between the hair and bristles 210 pulls platform 508 leftwards relative to housing 202, which causes the lefthand edge of platform 508 to move downwards relative to the adjacent portion of lip 504, compressing lefthand spring 512. This opens airflow port 232 between the edge of platform 508 and lip 504, such that airflow can leave plenum 206 via airflow port 232, as shown by arrows 510 in Figure 12. The righthand side of platform 508 is constrained by the overhanging lip 504, and so cannot move upwards.

[0087] When movement is reversed or brush 500 is withdrawn from the hair, lefthand spring 512 returns the lefthand side of platform 508 to its starting position in contact with lip 504.

[0088] Figure 13 shows what happens when brush 500 is moved through hair in a direction parallel but opposite to that shown in Figure 12. Friction between the hair and bristles 210 pulls platform 508 rightwards relative to housing 202, which causes the righthand edge of platform 508 to move downwards relative to the adjacent portion of lip 504, compressing righthand spring 512. This opens airflow port 232 between the edge of platform 508 and lip 504, such that airflow can leave plenum 206 via airflow port 232, as shown by arrows 514 in Figure 13. The lefthand side of platform 508 is constrained by the overhanging lip 504, and so cannot move upwards.

[0089] When movement is reversed or brush 500 is withdrawn from the hair, righthand spring 512 returns the righthand side of platform 508 to its starting position in contact with lip 504.

[0090] While two parallel directions of use are described in relation to Figures 12 and 13, the skilled person will appreciate that brush 500 can be operated in any direction. The airflow port will always open along the trailing edge of platform 508, relative to the direction of movement relative to the hair being brushed.

[0091] Platform 508 can be suspended in any other suitable way. For example, support member 502 can be omitted, and all suspension and support provided by springs 512. Alternatively, springs 512 can be omitted, and all suspension and support provided by support member 502. The skilled person will appreciate that the characteristics of support number 502 and / or springs 512 will be selected depending upon the role(s) they play.

[0092] Turning to Figures 20 to 22, there is shown a further implementation of a brush in the form of brush 800, in which like reference signs are used to indicate features corresponding with those described in relation to brush 500. Brush 800 comprises a central first platform 802, from which extend several bristles 210. First platform 802 is supported by a support member 804, which in turn is supported by lower wall 224. First platform 802 terminates at a first peripheral edge 806 that is arcuate in cross section.

[0093] A generally annular second platform 808 surrounds first platform 802. Several bristles 210 also extend from second platform 808. Second platform 808 is suspended above lower wall 224 by springs 812. An inner edge of second platform 808 defines a first groove 810 that is generally complementary with, but larger than, first peripheral edge 806. First peripheral edge 806 nests within first groove 810 with sufficient clearance that second platform 808 can move laterally in any direction relative to first platform 802, as described below with reference to Figures 24 and 25. Second platform 808 defines a second peripheral edge 814 that is arcuate in cross section.

[0094] An inner edge of housing 202 of brush 800 defines a second groove 816 that is generally complementary with, but larger than, second peripheral edge 814. Second peripheral edge 814 nests within second groove 816 with sufficient clearance that second platform 808 can move laterally in any direction relative to housing 202, as described below with reference to Figures 24 and 25.

[0095] Together, first peripheral edge 806, first groove 810, second peripheral edge 814, and second groove 816 constrain movement of second platform 808, such that it cannot fall inside plenum 206 or detach from housing 202 of brush 800. As with springs 512, springs 812 are in compression, and urge the edge second platform 808 upwards.

[0096] In the implementation of Figures 20 to 22, 24, and 25, a first airflow port 832 is defined between first peripheral edge 806 and first groove 810, and a second airflow port 834 is defined between second peripheral edge 814 and second groove 816. When brush 800 is not being used to brush and style hair, first peripheral edge 806 is in contact with an inner surface of first groove 810, and second peripheral edge 814 is in contact with an inner surface of second groove 816. Accordingly, no air is able to exit plenum 206. Figure 24 shows this configuration with springs 812 omitted for clarity.

[0097] When brush 800 is pulled through hair, lateral forces due to friction between hair and bristles 210 on second platform 808 cause second platform 808 to move laterally relative to housing 202 and first platform 802. Figure 25 shows this configuration with springs 812 omitted for clarity. In Figure 25, brush 800 is moving to the right through stationary hair (hair not shown, for clarity). Friction between the hair and bristles 210 pulls second platform 808 leftwards relative to housing 202 and first platform 802. This causes first airflow port 832 and second airflow port 834 to open at the lefthand edges of first peripheral edge 806 and second peripheral edge 814, such that airflow can leave plenum 206 via first and second airflow ports 832 and 834, as shown by arrows 818 in Figure 25. The righthand side of first peripheral edge 806 constrains movement of the second platform 808 by engaging the bottom of first groove 810. In addition, the upper edge of second groove 816 constrains upward movement of the righthand edge of second peripheral edge 814. As such, air cannot flow from plenum 206 along the righthand side of first and second airflow ports 832, 834.

[0098] When movement is reversed or brush 800 is withdrawn from the hair, springs 812 return the second platform 808 to its starting position as shown in Figure 24. It will be appreciated that different regions of first and second airflow ports 832, 834 will open depending upon the direction that brush 800 is pulled through hair.

[0099] While two parallel directions of use are described in relation to Figures 20 to 22, 24, and 25, the skilled person will appreciate that brush 800 can be operated in any direction. Airflow ports 832, 834 will always open along the trailing side of second platform 808, relative to the direction of movement relative to the hair being brushed.

[0100] Second platform 808 can be suspended in any other suitable way. Other forms of suspension and support can be used. For example, a gimbal arrangement can be used to suspend the platform relative to the rest of the housing. Springs or other resilient elements, in compression and / or tension, can be used to centre and / or push the platform towards the aperture.

[0101] Figure 23 shows an alternative implementation of a brush 900, in which like reference signs are used to indicate features corresponding with those described in relation to Figures 20-22, 24, and 25. In Figure 23, second platform 808 is mounted to housing 202 by way of a ball and socket joint 830. A ball-and-socket joint 830 includes a ball 832 mounted to lower wall 224, and a complementary socket 834. Socket 834 is connected to the underside of second platform 808. In use, friction from hair while brush 900 is being pulled through hair causes pivoting of second platform 808 relative to housing 202. This causes airflow ports 832, 834 to open along the trailing side of second platform 808, in a similar manner to as was described in relation to Figures 11 to 13. Springs 812 return second platform 808 to the central position when the lateral forces are removed.

[0102] Figure 26 shows an alternative implementation of a brush 1000, in which like reference signs are used to indicate features corresponding with those described in relation to the other implementations. Figure 26 includes several platforms 1008, each of which is arcuate in plan. Several bristles 210 extend from the upper surface of each platform 1008, as well as from the upper surface of housing 202 interleaved between platforms 1008. There are concentric inner and outer rings of platforms 1008.

[0103] As best shown in Figures 27 and 28, each platform 1008 is mounted within an aperture 1018 formed in upper wall 220. As shown in Figures 29 and 30, axles 1002 extend from opposite ends of platform 1018. Axles 1002 are held within complementary recesses (not shown) within walls of aperture 1018, such that each platform 1008 can pivot in a radially outward direction. An overhanging lip 1004 of aperture 1018 prevents platform 1008 from pivoting in a radially inward direction.

[0104] A spring 1012 extends between an underside of each platform 1018 and lower wall 224. Spring 1012 is in compression, keeping platform 1008 in the closed configuration shown in Figure 27.

[0105] In the implementation of Figures 26 to 30, a first airflow port 1032 is defined between a radially outer edge of platform 1008 and an adjacent region of aperture 1018. When brush 1000 is not being used to brush and style hair, the radially outer edge of platform 1008 is in contact with an underside surface of lip 1004. Accordingly, no air is able to exit plenum 206.

[0106] When brush 1000 is pulled through hair, friction between hair and bristles 210 on platform 1008 places lateral forces on platform 1008. When a component of this friction is in a direction radially outwards through one or more of platforms 1008, it causes that / those platform(s) 1008 to pivot downwards relative to upper wall move laterally relative to housing 202 and upper wall 220. Figure 29 shows this configuration. This causes airflow port 1032 to open at the righthand edge of platform 1008, such that airflow can leave plenum 206 via airflow port 1032, as shown by arrows 1006 in Figure 28.

[0107] When movement is reversed or brush 1000 is withdrawn from the hair, springs 1012 return platform 1008 to its starting position as shown in Figure 27. It will be appreciated that different combinations of platforms 1008 will open their airflow ports 1032 depending upon the direction that brush 1000 is pulled through hair. Airflow ports 1032 will only open along the trailing side of each platform 1008, relative to the direction of movement relative to the hair being brushed.

[0108] Platform 1008 can be suspended in any other suitable way. Other forms of suspension and support can be used. For example, the platform can be mounted to pivot around a hinge (live or otherwise). Optionally, platform 1008 can be linear instead of arcuate. Although platforms 1008 are arranged concentrically in quadrants, it will be appreciated that the number of platform orientations can be more or less than four, and the platforms need not be concentric. Also, any of the platforms can be arranged such that they also have an airflow port on one or more other sides, such that they open an airflow port response to movement through hair in more than one direction (similar to the arrangement of Figure 16, for example). Other arrangements of springs or other resilient elements, in compression and / or tension, can be used to centre and / or push the platform towards the aperture.

[0109] Optionally, different platform types can be combined on the one brush.

[0110] It will be appreciated that, in some implementations, at least some of the airflow port(s) need not close completely when the brush is not being used to brush hair. This allows some air to continuously flow through the airflow port(s), which may ensure that an acceptable minimum airflow passes through hairdryer 100. This may be useful for, for example, ensuring that there is sufficient cooling airflow passing across motor 104 when the hairdryer is turned on but the brush is not being used.

[0111] Alternatively, or in addition, one or more apertures may be provided to offer a path for airflow from the plenum, again, for example, ensuring sufficient cooling airflow for motor 104. Such apertures can, for example, be distributed within the bristles, spaced around the periphery of the platform, and / or elsewhere on the housing.

[0112] Each of the brushes described above includes an attachment portion 248 that clips into a corresponding attachment outlet of hair dryer 100. The brushes are therefore removably attachable to the hair dryer. In other implementations, the brush can form an integral (i.e., non-detachable) part of a hair styling appliance.

[0113] Optionally, one or more stationary bristles can be mounted to the housing in such a way that they do not affect operation of the airflow port(s).

[0114] Although the invention has been described with reference a number of specific implementations, the skilled person will appreciate that the invention can be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A brush for a hairstyling appliance, the brush comprising: a housing comprising an air inlet for receiving air from an airflow generator; at least one platform mounted for movement relative to the housing; and at least one bristle operatively connected to the or each of the platform(s); such that, in use, lateral movement of at least one of the bristle(s) causes at least one of the platform(s) to move relative to the housing such that one or more airflow ports is opened, or enlarged, to allow air, or more air, to exit the housing through the one or more airflow ports so as to style the hair; wherein the at least one platform is, or are in aggregate, capable of movement relative to the housing with at least two degrees of freedom.

2. The brush of claim 1, wherein the at least one platform is, or are in aggregate, capable of movement in at least two non-parallel directions.

3. The brush of claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of the platforms.

4. The brush of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of the platforms is mounted to pivot relative to the housing, such that as each platform pivots responsive to lateral movement of the operatively connected bristles, the associated airflow port(s) are opened, or enlarged, at least partly responsive to the direction and / or amount by which the platform is pivoted.

5. The brush of claim 2 or 3, wherein each of the plurality of the platforms is capable of movement relative to the housing with at least two degrees of freedom.

6. The brush of claim 3 or 4, wherein each of the plurality of platforms is capable of movement relative to the housing with only one degree of freedom, and the degree of freedom of at least one of the platforms is different to the degree of freedom of at least another of the platforms.

7. The brush of claim 1, comprising a single platform, the single platform supporting a plurality of the bristles and being suspended by the housing such that it can pivot in at least two non-parallel directions.

8. The brush of claim 7, wherein an inner surface of the single platform and an inner surface of the housing define a plenum into which the air inlet delivers the air received from the air inlet.

9. The brush of claim 8, wherein: the housing comprises an opening terminating at an inwardly-extending lip; and the platform terminates at a peripheral edge adjacent the lip; wherein the airflow port is defined between the lip and the peripheral edge of the platform, such that pivoting of the platform relative to the housing in a first direction causes an area of the airflow port to increase adjacent the peripheral edge of the platform in a direction aligned with the direction of pivoting of the platform.

10. The brush of claim 9, wherein the lip overhangs the peripheral edge such that air exiting the airflow port has a directional component that is at least partly opposite the direction of pivoting of the platform.

11. The brush of any preceding claim, the housing being generally circular or oval in plan.

12. The brush of any preceding claim, wherein the or each platform is mounted to the housing by way of a mounting arrangement, the mounting arrangement biasing the platform into a neutral position in which airflow through the airflow port(s) is minimised.

13. The brush of any preceding claim, comprising an attachment portion allowing the brush to be removably attached to a hair styling appliance, such that an airflow generator of the hair styling appliance can supply air to the air inlet.

14. A hair styling appliance comprising: a body comprising: an airflow generator; and an outlet for airflow generated by the airflow generator; and the brush of claim 13, wherein the brush is removably attachable to the body by way of the attachment portion such that, when so attached, airflow generated by the airflow generator is supplied through the outlet of the hair styling appliance to the air inlet of the brush.

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