An attachment for a haircare appliance

Abstract

An attachment 100 for a haircare appliance includes a first and second arms 102, 104 and a connection mechanism (106, fig.7) for connecting the attachment to the haircare appliance. The first arm incl

Description

Field of the Invention The field of the invention is hair styling appliances and attachments therefor. Background of the Invention Haircare appliances are typically used to dry and style hair. Hair styling appliances with a par of arms joined by a pivot are used to straighten or curl hair by the application of heat via direct contact with heated ceramic plates. Summary of the Invention A first aspect of the present invention provides an attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising a first arm, a second arm, and a connection mechanism for connecting the attachment to the haircare appliance, wherein the first arm comprises a first portion located on a first side of the connection mechanism, and a second portion located on a second side of the connection mechanism opposite to the first side of the connection mechanism, the first portion of the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel therebetween, and the first portion of the first arm and the second portion of the first arm are configured such that application of a force to the second portion of the first arm by a user moves the first portion of the first arm relative to the second arm to vary a dimension of the hair receiving channel. By configuring the first portion of the first arm and the second portion of the first arm such that application of a force to the second portion of the first arm by a user moves the first portion of the first arm relative to the second arm to vary a dimension of the hair receiving channel, a user may be able to vary the width of the hair receiving channel in use, for example when the attachment is attached to a main body of a haircare appliance. This may provide greater flexibility than, for example, a hair receiving channel of fixed width. As the second portion of the first arm can be used by a user to vary the width of the hair receiving channel, the user can vary the width of the hair receiving channel by contacting the attachment at a region remote from the hair receiving channel. This may find particular utility where the hair receiving channel is heated, by virtue of heated plates and / or a heated airflow, and may provide increased user safety in comparison to an attachment where a user is required to apply a contact force in a region of the hair receiving channel to vary the width of the hair receiving channel. As the first portion of the first arm is located on the first side of the connection mechanism, and the second portion of the first arm is located on the second side of the connection mechanism opposite to the first side of the connection mechanism, the second portion of the first arm may overlie a main body of the haircare appliance when the attachment is attached to the main body of the haircare appliance. This may provide a more ergonomic arrangement than, for example, an arrangement where the first arm is located solely on one side of the connection mechanism, and may facilitate application of a force to the attachment by a user to vary the width of the hair receiving channel. The second portion of the first arm can be considered to constitute a user actuable mechanism configured to move the first arm relative to the second arm to vary a dimension of the hair receiving channel, with the hair receiving channel located on the first side of the connection mechanism, and the user actuable mechanism located on the second side of the connection mechanism. The second portion of the first arm may comprise a slider configured to facilitate application of a force to the second portion of the first arm, and the resulting moving of the first portion of the first arm relative to the second arm to vary a dimension of the hair receiving channel. The connection mechanism may be located in a connection plane, and the first and second portions of the first arm may be located either side of the connection plane. The connection plane may extend in a direction orthogonal to a central axis of the hair receiving channel, for example a central longitudinal axis of the hair receiving channel. The connection mechanism may comprise a set of projections that fit into a corresponding set of recesses on the haircare appliance. Alternatively, the connection mechanism may comprise a set of recesses into which a corresponding set of projections on the hair care appliance may be fitted into. Varying a dimension of the hair receiving channel may comprise, for example, moving of the first portion of the first arm and the second arm convergently to narrow the hair receiving channel therebetween when the user applies a force to the second portion of the first arm. Conversely, the moving of the first portion of the first arm and the second arm may be in an opposite direction, to further the distance between the first portion of the first arm and the second arm to widen the hair receiving channel, for example by removing the force from the second portion of the first arm. The second arm may comprise a first portion located on the first side of the connection mechanism, and a second portion located on the second side of the connection mechanism, the first portion of the first arm and the first portion of the second arm may be spaced apart to define the hair receiving channel therebetween, and the first portion of the second arm and the second portion of the second arm may be configured such that application of a force to the second portion of the second arm by a user moves the first portion of the second arm relative to the first portion of the first arm to vary a dimension of the hair receiving channel. In such a manner, a user can apply force to two portions of the attachment to vary the width of the hair receiving channel. This may facilitate a user varying the width of the hair receiving channel by grasping the attachment using a single hand. For example, the second portion of the first arm and the second portion of the second arm may be located on opposing sides of a plane that bisects the connection mechanism, with the plane orthogonal to the connection plane. In such a manner a user can apply a force to both the second portion of the first arm and the second portion of the second arm by grasping the attachment with their hand. The second portion of the first arm and the second portion of the second arm may be connected by the slider, and the slider may be configured to facilitate application of a force to the second portion of the second arm, and the resulting moving of the first portion of the second arm relative to the first portion of the first arm to vary a dimension of the hair receiving channel. The second portion of the first arm and the second portion of the second arm may be of a size suitable to fit into a palm of the user. The second portion of the first arm and / or the second portion of the second arm may have a length in the region of 10 to 200mm, for example in the region of 80 to 160mm, for example around 120mm. The second portion of the first arm and / or the second portion of the second arm may extend past the connection mechanism by a distance in the region of 10 to 200mm, for example in the region of 80 to 160mm, for example around 120mm. In such a manner the second portion of the first arm and / or the second portion of the second arm may overlie a main body of the haircare appliance by a distance in the region of for example in the region of 80 to 160mm, for example around 120mm, when the attachment is attached to the main body of the haircare appliance. This may provide easier variation of the width of the hair receiving channel by the user than, for example, an attachment where the second portion of the first arm and / or the second portion of the second arm overlie a main body of the haircare appliance by a distance less than 10mm. A maximal distance between the second portion of the first arm and the second portion of the second arm may be in the region of 40 to 50mm, for example in the region of 36mm to 42mm. This may facilitate a user applying a force to the second portion of the first arm and the second portion of the second arm simultaneously using one hand. The maximal distance may correspond to a maximal distance between a thumb and forefinger of an average user of the hair care appliance. The attachment may comprise an air inlet for receiving an airflow from the haircare appliance, and an air outlet for emitting airflow received from the haircare appliance into the hair receiving channel. In such a manner airflow may be utilised to style and / or dry hair received within the hair receiving channel, which may be less damaging than, for example, an arrangement in which hair is clamped between plates. The hair receiving channel may comprise a minimal distance of around 2 to 5mm. The connection mechanism may extend annularly about the air inlet, such that the first portion of the first arm is located on a first side of the air inlet, and the second portion of the first arm is located on a second side of the air inlet. When the attachment is attached to a main body of the haircare appliance in use, the main body and the second portion of the first arm and, optionally, the second portion of the second arm may be located on the second side of the air inlet, which is also the second side of the connection mechanism. The first portion of the first arm and the first portion of the second arm may extend on the first side of the air inlet, which is also the first side of the connection mechanism. A portion of the air outlet may be located on the first portion of the first arm, and the attachment may comprise a flow guide configured to guide airflow from the air inlet to an interior of the first arm. This may facilitate delivery of airflow along a length of the first portion of the first arm, and may avoid flow leakage compared to an arrangement absent a flow guide. The flow guide may be flexible in form. This may allow for accommodation of motion when the width of the hair receiving channel is varied in use. The flow guide may comprise a bellows. A further portion of the air outlet may be located on the second arm, and the attachment may comprise a further flow guide configured to guide airflow from the air inlet to an interior of the second arm. This may facilitate delivery of airflow along a length of the second arm, and may avoid flow leakage compared to an arrangement absent a further flow guide. The first portion of the second arm may comprise the further portion of the air outlet. The further flow guide may be flexible in form. This may allow for accommodation of motion when the width of the hair receiving channel is varied in use. The further flow guide may comprise a bellows. The second arm may comprise an air receiving opening, and the portion of the air outlet may be configured to direct air flow across the hair receiving channel towards the air receiving opening. This may allow for air within the hair receiving channel to exit the hair receiving channel via an additional route in comparison to an arrangement absent the air receiving opening, and may provide for increased flexibility in styling relative to an arrangement absent the air receiving opening. The air receiving opening may be located opposite the portion of the air outlet, for example opposite the portion of the air outlet across the width of the hair receiving channel. This may provide less disturbance to hair received within the hair receiving channel than, for example, an arrangement where the portion of the air outlet and the air receiving opening are spaced from one another along a length of the hair receiving channel. The first portion of the second arm may comprise the air receiving opening. The second arm may comprise a plurality of exit apertures fluidically connected to the air receiving opening, the plurality of exit apertures for diffusing air received by the air receiving opening. Diffusing the air through the plurality of exit apertures permits the exit of air flow away from the hair being styled within the hair receiving channel, which may lessen the agitation to the hair being styled. Additionally or alternatively, the user may place a section of hair on the plurality of exit apertures and utilise the air diffused through the exit apertures to style hair in an additional manner to the styling permitted by the air flow across the hair receiving channel alone. The plurality of exit apertures may be located on the first portion of the second arm. Thus the plurality of exit apertures may be located remotely from the second portion of the second arm, which is intended to be grasped by a user in use whilst hair is located within the hair receiving channel. This may remove a user’s hand from a heated region where the attachment receives heated airflow from the main body of the haircare appliance in use. The first arm may comprise a further air receiving opening, and the further portion of the air outlet may be configured to direct air flow across the hair receiving channel towards the further air receiving opening. This may allow for air within the hair receiving channel to exit the hair receiving channel via an additional route in comparison to an arrangement absent the further air receiving opening, and may provide for increased flexibility in styling relative to an arrangement absent the air receiving opening. The further air receiving opening may be located opposite the further portion of the air outlet, for example opposite the further portion of the air outlet across the width of the hair receiving channel. This may provide less disturbance to hair received within the hair receiving channel than, for example, an arrangement where the further portion of the air outlet and the further air receiving opening are spaced from one another along a length of the hair receiving channel. The first portion of the first arm may comprise the air receiving opening. The first arm may comprise a further plurality of exit apertures fluidically connected to the further air receiving opening, the further plurality of exit apertures for diffusing air received by the further air receiving opening. Diffusing the air through the plurality of exit apertures permits the exit of air flow away from the hair being styled within the hair receiving channel, which may lessen the agitation to the hair being styled. Additionally or alternatively, the user may place a section of hair on the further plurality of exit apertures and utilise the air diffused through the further plurality of exit apertures to style hair in an additional manner to the styling permitted by the air flow across the hair receiving channel alone. Diffusion of the air through the plurality of exit apertures and the further plurality of exit apertures on both the first arm and the second arm may permit styling of a hair section by placing the hair section on the exit apertures of both arms at the same time, which may provide further styling options to a user. The further plurality of exit apertures may be located on the first portion of the first arm. Thus the further plurality of exit apertures may be located remotely from the second portion of the first arm, which is intended to be grasped by a user in use whilst hair is located within the hair receiving channel. This may remove a user’s hand from a heated region where the attachment receives heated airflow from the main body of the haircare appliance in use. The plurality of exit apertures may be distributed along a length of the first portion of the second arm. The further plurality of exit apertures may be distributed along a length of the first portion of the first arm. The portion of the air outlet and the further air receiving opening may be adjacent to one another on the first portion of the first arm in a direction orthogonal to a length of the hair receiving channel. The further portion of the air outlet and the air receiving opening may be adjacent to one another on the first portion of the second arm in a direction orthogonal to a length of the hair receiving channel. In such a manner, airflow may exit and enter the first and second arms at adjacent locations along a depth of the hair receiving channel, with airflow blowing in opposing directions at different locations along the depth of the hair receiving channel. The portion of the air outlet and the further portion of the air outlet may be configured to direct airflow in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the hair receiving channel, for example in a direction both orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the hair receiving channel and orthogonal to a width of the hair receiving channel. This may enable airflow to be directed along a length of a tress of hair received within the hair receiving channel in use. The first arm may be connected to the second arm by a hinge, and the hinge may be located on the first side of the connection mechanism. The hinge may provide a relatively simple means of moving the first portion of the first arm relative to the second arm, for example the first portion of the second arm, when a force is applied to the second portion of the first arm and / or on the second portion of the second arm. Locating the arm on the first side of the connection mechanism may remove the hinge from the region of connection of the attachment to the main body of the haircare appliance, which may avoid unintentional contact of the hinge with the main body of the haircare appliance by a user, thereby reducing a risk of damage to the hinge. The hinge may be located on the first side of the air outlet. The hinge may be slidably received within a channel, and movement of the first arm relative to the second arm may cause the hinge to slide within the channel. This may accommodate relative movement of the first and second arms in a direction along a length of the channel when the width of the hair receiving channel is varied by the user. The first arm and the connection mechanism may be movably connected to one another. This may accommodate relative movement of the first arm and the connection mechanism when the width of the hair receiving channel is varied by the user. The first arm and the connection mechanism may be connected by an elastomeric member. This may provide a relatively simple and / or cost effective manner of enabling slidable motion between the first arm and the connection mechanism. The second arm and the connection mechanism may be movably connected to one another. This may accommodate relative movement of the second arm and the connection mechanism when the width of the hair receiving channel is varied by the user. The second arm and the connection mechanism may be connected by an elastomeric member. This may provide a relatively simple and / or cost effective manner of enabling slidable motion between the outer member and the inner member of the first arm. The first portion of the first arm may be located on a first side of a plane orthogonal to a hinge axis of the hinge, and the second portion of the first arm may be located on a second side of the plane defined by the hinge by which the first arm and the second arm are connected. The first portion of the second arm may be located on the second side of the plane, and the second portion of the second arm may be located on the first side of the plane. In such a manner, the first and second arms may comprise a scissor-like arrangement. The hinge may be located along a centre-line of the hair receiving channel, and the plane may bisect the hair receiving channel. The first arm and the second arm may be connected to one another by a connector located at respective ends distal from the hair receiving channel. Connecting the first and second arms to one another at respective ends distal from the hair receiving channel may inhibit the first and second arms from being moved relative to one another by an excessive extent. The second portion of the first arm and the second portion of the second arm may be connected to one another by the connector. The first and second arms may be spaced from one another in a region adjacent to the connector. This may provide a region of visibility between the first and second arms when the attachment is connected to a main body of the haircare appliance in use, and may, for example, enable visibility of a user interface when the attachment is attached to the main body of the haircare appliance in use. The connector may comprise a hinge. This may facilitate relative movement between the first and second arms to vary the width of the hair receiving channel. The attachment may comprise an open configuration where the first portion of the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart by a first extent to form the hair receiving channel, and a closed configuration where the first portion of the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart by a second extent less than the first extent to form the hair receiving channel, such that the hair receiving channel is narrower in the closed configuration than in the open configuration; and the attachment may comprise a locking mechanism for locking the attachment in the closed configuration. This may enable the attachment to be locked in the closed configuration, which may reduce a risk of damage compared to, for example, an attachment which is always free to move between the open and closed configurations. Optionally, the locking mechanism automatically locks the attachment in the closed configuration when disconnected from the haircare appliance at the connection mechanism. The locking mechanism may be configured to be automatically released when the attachment is attached to the haircare appliance by the connection mechanism. This may ensure that the user is free to vary the width of the hair receiving channel when the attachment is attached to the main body of the haircare appliance in use. The locking mechanism may be manually movable to a locked configuration by a user when the attachment is attached to the main body of the haircare appliance. The locking mechanism may be configured to automatically move to a locked configuration upon detachment of the attachment from the main body of the haircare appliance. The attachment may comprise a lining on the second portion of the first arm. The attachment may comprise a lining on the second portion of the second arm. The lining on the second portion of the first arm and / or the second portion of the second arm may prevent damage with repeated cycles of connecting and disconnecting of the attachment and the haircare appliance due to the second portion of the first arm and / or the second portion of the second arm contacting and / or sliding against the main body of the haircare appliance. A second aspect of the present invention provides a haircare appliance comprising a main body, and an attachment according the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the attachment is releasably connectable to the main body via the connection mechanism such that the second portion of the first arm overlies the main body. The second portion of the second arm may overlie the main body. A haircare appliance with releasable attachment can serve as a multipurpose tool for the user. The second portion of the first arm, and optionally the second portion of the second arm, overlaying the main body may provide a reachable grip point for the user which they can use to manipulate the size of the hair receiving channel, in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, while manipulating the position main body of the haircare appliance with respect to themselves at the same time. 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 1a is a schematic view illustrating a haircare appliance according to an embodiment the present invention; Figure 1b is a schematic view of a haircare appliance of Figure 1a with an attachment in an open configuration; Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view through a handle unit of the haircare appliance of Figure 1a-b; Figure 3a is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an attachment of the haircare appliance of Figure 1 in an open configuration; Figure 3b is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an attachment of the haircare appliance of Figure 1 in a closed configuration; Figure 4 is a schematic view of a first arm of the attachment of Figures 3a and 3b; Figure 5 is a schematic view of a second arm of the attachment of Figures 3a and 3b; Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view through first portions of the first and second arms of the attachment of Figures 3a and 3b; Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a connection mechanism of the attachment of Figures 3a and 3b; Figure 8 is a schematic view of a locking mechanism for use with the attachment of Figures 3a and 3b in a locked position; Figure 9 is a schematic view of the locking mechanism of Figure 8 in an unlocked position; Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view through first portions of the first and second arms of a second embodiment of an attachment; Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of an attachment in an open configuration; Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of Figure 11 in an open configuration; Figure 13 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of an attachment in an open configuration; and Figure 14 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of an attachment in an open configuration. Detailed Description of the Invention A haircare appliance according to the present invention, generally designated 10, is shown schematically in Figures 1a and 1b. The haircare appliance 10 comprises a handle unit 12, and a first embodiment of an attachment 100 removably attachable to the handle unit 12. The handle unit 12 comprises a housing 14, an airflow generator 16, a heater 18, and a control unit 20, as can be seen schematically in Figure 2. The housing 14 is tubular in shape, and comprises an air inlet 22 through which an airflow is drawn into the housing 14 by the airflow generator 16, and an air outlet 24 through which the airflow is discharged from the housing 14. The airflow generator 16 is housed within the housing 14, and comprises an impeller 26 driven by an electric motor 28. The airflow generator is configured to generate airflow at a flow rate in the region of 8 to 18 L / S, for example in the region of 10 to 16L / s. An appropriate airflow generator is the Dyson V9 Digital Motor, produced by Dyson Technology Limited. The heater 18 is also housed within the housing 14, and comprises heating elements 30 to optionally heat the airflow. The control unit 20 comprises electronic circuitry for a user interface 32 and a control module 34. The user interface 32 is provided on an outer surface of the housing 14, and is used to power on and off the haircare appliance 10, to select a flow rate (for example high, medium and low), and to select an airflow temperature (for example hot, medium or cold). In the example of Figure 1, the user interface comprises a plurality of sliding switches, but other forms of user interface 32, for example buttons, dials or touchscreens, are also envisaged. The control module 34 is responsible for controlling the airflow generator 16, and the heater 18 in response to inputs from the user interface 32. For example, in response to inputs from the user interface 32, the control module 34 may control the power or the speed of the airflow generator 16 in order to adjust the airflow rate of the airflow, and the power of the heater 18 in order to adjust the temperature of the airflow. The attachment 100 is shown in an open configuration in Figure 3a and a closed configuration in Figure 3b. The attachment 100 comprises a first arm 102, a second arm 104, and a connection portion 106. The first arm 102, shown in various views in Figures 3a, 3b, and 4 to 6, is generally elongate in form, and comprises a first portion 108, a transition portion 109, a second portion 110, a first bellows 112, first 114 and second 116 floating plates, a first plenum outlet 118, a first plenum inlet 120, and a first plurality of exit apertures 122. The first portion 108 of the first arm 102 comprises a substantially D-shaped cross section, defined by a first planar wall 124 and a first curved wall 126. The first portion 108 of the first arm 102 is substantially hollow in form, and comprises a first upper plenum 128 and a first lower plenum 130. The first upper plenum 128 and the first lower plenum 130 extend along a length L of the first portion 108 of the first arm 102. The first upper plenum 128 is defined by the first planar wall 124 and a first internal wall 127. The first lower plenum 130 wraps at least partly around the first upper plenum 128, and is defined by the first planar wall 124, the first curved wall 126, and the first internal wall 127. The first portion 108 of the first arm 102 lies on a first side 132 of a plane P defined by the connection portion 106, and the second portion 110 of the first arm 102 lies on a second side 134 of the plane P, as will be discussed in more detail hereafter. The transition portion 109 lies between the first portion 108 and the second portion 110, and is located both on the first side 132 of the plane P and the second side 134 of the plane P. The second portion 110 of the first arm 102 is generally planar in form, albeit slightly curved to correspond to a curvature of the housing 14 of the handle unit 12 of the haircare appliance 10. The curved nature of the second portion 110 of the first arm 102 is such that the second portion 110 of the first arm 102 extends for less than half of a circumference of the housing 14 of the handle unit 12 of the haircare appliance 10, when the attachment 100 is attached to the handle unit 12 of the haircare appliance in use. The second portion 110 of the first arm 102 has a length in the region of 120mm. Lengths in the region of 10mm to 200mm are also envisaged The first bellows 112 comprises a flexible conduit extending from an air inlet 172 defined by the connection portion 106 to an inlet of the first upper plenum 128. The first 114 and second 116 floating plates are each elongate in form and extend along respective upper and lower edges of the first planar wall 124. The first 114 and second 116 floating plates protrude outwardly from the first planar wall 124. The first 114 and second 116 floating plates are mounted to the first planar wall 124 via intervening foam components (not shown) which can enable relative motion of the first 114 and second 116 floating plates to the first planar wall 124. The first plenum outlet 118 comprises a series of slots arranged in a longitudinal row along the length of the first planar wall 124. The first plenum outlet 118 is in fluid communication with the first upper plenum 128. The first plenum outlet 118, as a whole, has an open cross-sectional area in the region of 0.1mm - 5mm. The first plenum inlet 120 comprises an array of apertures formed along the length of the first planar wall 124, with the first plenum inlet 120 spaced apart from the first plenum outlet 118 along a height of the first planar wall 124. In the orientation of the attachment 100 shown in Figure 6, the first plenum outlet 118 is located above the first plenum inlet 120. The first plenum inlet 120 is in fluid communication with the first lower plenum 130, and in fluid communication with the first plurality of exit apertures 122. The first channel inlet 120, as a whole, has an open cross-sectional area in the region of 20 to 100mm2. The first plurality of exit apertures 122 are arrayed along a length of the first curved wall 126, such that the first plurality of exit apertures 122 can be considered to generally oppose the first plenum inlet 120. The first plurality of exit apertures 122 have a total open cross-sectional area of around 20 to 100 mm2. A flow of air may be guided from the air outlet 22 of the housing 14 into the first upper plenum 128 by the first bellows 112 and along a length of the first upper plenum 128 and out of the first plenum outlet 118 into a hair receiving channel 188. At the same time, a flow of air may be received through the first plenum inlet 120 from the hair receiving channel 188 and be guided from the first lower plenum 130 out of the first arm 102 via the first plurality of exit apertures 122. The second arm 104 is shown in various views in Figures 3a, 3b, 5 and 6. The second arm 104 has substantially the same overall form as the first arm 102, save that the second arm 104 is rotated relative to the first arm 102 by about 180 degrees about a central longitudinal axis L of the hair receiving channel 188. The second arm 104 is generally elongate in form, and comprises a first portion 136, a transition portion 138, a second portion 140, a second bellows 142, third 144 and fourth 148 floating plates, a second plenum outlet 150, a second plenum inlet 152, and a second plurality of exit apertures 154. The first portion 136 of the second arm 104 comprises a substantially D-shaped cross section, defined by a second planar wall 156 and a second curved wall 158. The first portion 136 of the second arm 104 is substantially hollow in form, and comprises a second upper plenum 160 and a second lower plenum 162. The second upper plenum 160 and the second lower plenum 162 extend along a length L of the first portion 136 of the second arm 104. The second upper plenum 160 wraps at least partly around the second lower plenum 162, and is defined by the second planar wall 156, the second curved wall 158 and a second internal wall 164. The second lower plenum 162 is defined by the second planar wall 156 and the second internal wall 164. The first portion 136 of the second arm 104 lies on the first side 132 of the plane P defined by the connection portion 106, and the second portion 140 of the second arm 104 lies on the second side 134 of the plane P, as will be discussed in more detail hereafter. The transition portion 138 lies between the first portion 136 and the second portion 140, and is located both on the first side 132 of the plane P and the second side 134 of the plane P. The second portion 140 of the second arm 104 is generally planar in form, albeit slightly curved to correspond to a curvature of the housing 14 of the handle unit 12 of the haircare appliance 10. The curved nature of the second portion 140 of the second arm 104 is such that the second portion 140 of the second arm 104 extends for less than half of a circumference of the housing 14 of the handle unit 12 of the haircare appliance 10, when the attachment 100 is attached to the handle unit 12 of the haircare appliance in use. The second portion 140 of the second arm 104 has a length in the region of 120mm. Lengths in the region of 10 to 200mm are also envisaged. The second bellows 142 comprises a flexible conduit extending from an air inlet 172 defined by the connection portion 106 to an inlet of the second lower plenum 162. The third 144 and fourth 148 floating plates are each elongate in form and extend along respective upper and lower edges of the second planar wall 156. The third 144 and fourth 148 floating plates protrude outwardly from the second planar wall 156. The third 144 and fourth 148 floating plates are mounted to the second planar wall 156 via intervening foam components (not shown) which can enable relative motion of the third 144 and fourth 148 floating plates to the second planar wall 156. The second plenum outlet 150 comprises a series of slots arranged in a longitudinal row along the length of the second planar wall 156. The second plenum outlet 150 is in fluid communication with the second lower plenum 162. The second plenum outlet 150, as a whole, has an open cross-sectional area in the region of 0.1mm - 5mm. The second plenum inlet 152 comprises an array of apertures formed along the length of the second planar wall 156, with the second plenum inlet 152 spaced apart from the second plenum outlet 150 along a height of the second planar wall 156. In the orientation of the attachment 100 shown in Figure 6, the second plenum outlet 150 is located below the second plenum inlet 152. The second plenum inlet 152 is in fluid communication with the second upper plenum 160, and in fluid communication with the second plurality of exit apertures 154. The second plenum inlet 152, as a whole, has an open cross-sectional area in the region of 20 to 100mm2. The second plurality of exit apertures 154 are arrayed along a length of the second curved wall 158, such that the second plurality of exit apertures 154 can be considered to generally oppose the second plenum inlet 152. The second plurality of exit apertures 154 have a total open cross-sectional area of around 20 to 100mm2. A flow of air may be guided from the air outlet 22 of the housing 14 into the second upper plenum 160 by the first bellows 112, along a length of the second upper plenum 160 and out of the second plenum outlet 150 into the hair receiving channel 188. At the same time, a flow of air may be received through the second plenum inlet 152 from the hair receiving channel 188 and be guided from the second lower plenum 162 out of the second arm 104 via the second plurality of exit apertures 154. The connection portion 106 is shown in isolation in Figure 7, and comprises a connection mechanism 166 and first 168 and second 170 protruding portions. The connection mechanism 166 is generally annular in form, and is shaped and dimensioned to engage the end of the housing 14 of the handle unit 12 in the region of the air outlet 24, to releasably attach the attachment 100 to the handle unit 12. In some examples, an outwardly facing surface of the connection mechanism 166 comprises projections that are receivable in corresponding recesses formed in the housing 14. It will be appreciated that examples with the opposite arrangement are also envisaged. The connection portion 106 defines an air inlet 172 of the attachment 100, with the air inlet 172 being generally cylindrical in form. The air inlet 172 is in fluid communication with the first bellows 112 and the second bellows 142. The connection portion 106 also defines the plane P, with the plane P extending in a direction orthogonal to a central longitudinal axis of the air inlet 172. In such a manner, the first portion 108 of the first arm 102 and the first portion 136 of the second arm 104 can be considered to be on a first side of the air inlet 172, whilst the second portion 110 of the first arm 102 and the second portion 140 of the second arm 104 can be considered to be on a second side of the air inlet 172. The first 168 and second 170 protruding portions extend from opposing sides of the connection mechanism 166, and extend in a direction away from the air inlet 172. The first 168 and second 170 protruding portions are each generally planar in form, albeit slightly curved to correspond to a curvature of the housing 14 of the handle unit 12 of the haircare appliance 10. The curved nature of the first 168 and second 170 protruding portions is such that the first 168 and second 170 protruding portions extend for less than half of a circumference of the housing 14 of the handle unit 12 of the haircare appliance 10, when the attachment 100 is attached to the handle unit 12 of the haircare appliance in use. In such a manner, a main body receiving channel 174 is partly defined by the first 168 and second 170 protruding portions. The main body receiving channel has a maximal width in the region of 38 to 45mm. The first 168 and second 170 protruding portions are shaped and dimensioned to underlie a respective one of the second portion 110 of the first arm and the second portion 140 of the second arm 104. The first 168 and second 170 protruding portions have a length and a width that are such that the first 168 and second 170 protruding portions do not extend past a periphery of the respective second portion 110 of the first arm and the second portion 140 of the second arm 104. The first 168 and second 170 protruding portions are each connected to the respective second portion 110 of the first arm and the second portion 140 of the second arm 104 by an overmoulded elastomeric member 176. The overmoulded elastomeric members 176 define a living hinge between the first 168 and second 170 protruding portions and the respective second portion 110 of the first arm and the second portion 140 of the second arm 104. In other examples, alternative hinges that allow sliding motion between the first 168 and second 170 protruding portions and the respective second portion 110 of the first arm and the second portion 140 of the second arm 104 are also envisaged. Each of the first 168 and second 170 protruding portions comprises a respective felt lining 178. Located on an opposite side of the connection portion 106 to the first 168 and second 170 protruding portions is a hinge mechanism 180, with the hinge mechanism 180 located on the first side 132 of the plane P. The hinge mechanism 180 comprises a torsion spring 182, a first connecting member 184, and a second connecting member 186. A central longitudinal axis of the torsion spring 182, about which coils of the torsion spring 182 are wound, extends in a direction along the plane P. In some examples, the torsion spring 182 is movably mounted within a channel, such that the torsion spring 182 can slide within the channel in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the air inlet 172. The first connecting member 184 rigidly connects the first planar wall 124 of the first arm 102 to a first end of the torsion spring 182, and the second connecting member 186 rigidly connects the second planar wall 156 of the second arm 104 to a second, opposite, end of the torsion spring 182. The torsion spring 182 thus sits between the first 102 and second 104 arms, and more particularly between the transition portions 109,138 of the first 102 and second 104 arms. In such a manner the hinge mechanism 180 connects together the first 102 and second 104 arms, with the torsion spring 182 facilitating relative motion between the first 102 and second 104 arms. In particular, the torsion spring 182 facilitates movement of the attachment 100 between the unlocked position of Figure 3a and the closed configuration of Figure 3b, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. It will be appreciated that other forms of hinging mechanisms are also envisaged. For example, compression springs or the like may be utilised between the connection mechanism 106 and the first 102 and second 104 arms. With the attachment 100 assembled, the first 102 and second 104 arms are opposite one another, such that the first portion 108 of the first arm 102 is opposite to the first portion 136 of the second arm, and the second portion 110 of the first arm 102 is opposite to the second portion 140 of the second arm 104. The first portion 108 of the first arm 102 and the first portion 136 of the second arm 104 are spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel 188. The first plenum outlet 118 opposes the second plenum inlet 152 across the hair receiving channel 188, and the second plenum outlet 150 opposes the first plenum inlet 120 across the hair receiving channel 188. The hair receiving channel has a maximal width of between 5 to 60mm in the open configuration, and a minimal width of 2-5mm in the closed configuration. In use, the attachment 100 is attached to the handle unit 12, as shown in Figures 1a and 1b, via the connection portion 106. The first 168 and second 170 protruding portions of the connection portion 106, and the respective second portion 110 of the first arm and the second portion 140 of the second arm 104, overlie the housing 14 of the handle unit 12, and in particular extend along a length of the handle unit 12 for around 120mm. As the first 168 and second 170 protruding portions of the connection portion 106, and the respective second portion 110 of the first arm and the second portion 140 of the second arm 104, have circumferential extents that are each less than half a circumference of the housing 14 of the handle unit 12, gaps between the second portion 110 of the first arm and the second portion 140 of the second arm 104 enable the user interface 32 of the handle unit 12 to remain visible to a user. With the attachment 100 attached to the handle unit 12, the air inlet 172 of the attachment 100 is in fluid communication with the air outlet 24 of the handle unit 12. Airflow generated by the airflow generator 16 therefore passes from the handle unit 12 into the attachment 100. Airflow is guided from the air inlet 172 by the first bellows 112 to the first upper plenum 128 of the first portion 108 of the first arm 102, and by the second bellows 142 to the second lower plenum 162 of the first portion 136 of the second arm 104. Airflow exits the first upper plenum 128 of the first portion 108 of the first arm 102 via the first plenum outlet 118, and travels across a width of the hair receiving channel 188 into the second plenum inlet 152. Airflow thus enters the second upper plenum 160 of the first portion 136 of the second arm 104 via the second plenum inlet 152, and then exits the second upper plenum 160 of the first portion 136 of the second arm 104 via the second plurality of exit apertures 154. Similarly, airflow exits the second lower plenum 162 of the first portion 136 of the second arm 104 via the second plenum outlet 150, and travels across a width of the hair receiving channel 188 into the first plenum inlet 120. Airflow thus enters the first lower plenum 130 of the first portion 108 of the first arm 102 via the first plenum inlet 120, and then exits the first lower plenum 130 of the first portion 108 of the first arm 102 via the first plurality of exit apertures 122. Either during, or prior to, generation of airflow by the airflow generator 16, the user can place a tress of hair within the hair receiving channel 188 with the attachment in its open configuration of Figure 3a. A user can then apply force, using a single hand, to the second portion 110 of the first arm 102 and the second portion 140 of the second arm 104, to vary a width of the hair receiving channel 188. The magnitude of force dictates the width of the hair receiving channel 188. In some examples, if an average user comfortable grip strength in daily tasks is 50N, the attachment will firmly close in the closed configuration of Figure 3b at 40N, loosely close at in the closed configuration of Figure 3b at 30 N , partway close between 30N and 1N, and fully open in the open configuration of Figure 3a under 1N. The hinge mechanism 180 permits relative movement of the first portion 108 of the first arm 102 and the first portion 136 of the second arm 104 toward one another to reduce the width of the hair receiving channel 188. In the closed configuration of Figure 3b, the first through fourth 114,116,144,148 floating plates can contact a tress of the user’s hair, and can be used to apply a force to the tress in a manner similar to plates of conventional hair straighteners, although here the floating plates 114,116,144,148 are not heated. The attachment 100 can be moved along the length of the tress of hair whilst held in the closed configuration by the user. In other examples, the floating platesl 14,116,144,148 may be heated, either directly or by using them as heatsinks for the airflow. To move the attachment 100 from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the user can simply release the force applied to the second portion 110 of the first arm 102 and the second portion 140 of the second arm 104. As the second portion 110 of the first arm and the second portion 140 of the second arm 104 overlie the housing 14 of the handle unit 12, the user can vary the width of the hair receiving channel 188 by contacting the attachment 100 at a region remote from the hair receiving channel 188. This may provide increased user safety in comparison to an attachment where a user is required to apply a contact force in a region of the hair receiving channel to vary the width of the hair receiving channel. As the second portion 110 of the first arm and the second portion 140 of the second arm 104 overlie the housing 14 of the handle unit 12, a more ergonomic arrangement may be provided than, for example, an arrangement where the first and second arms are located solely on one side of the connection mechanism, and may facilitate application of a force to the attachment by a user to vary the width of the hair receiving channel. Given the relative arrangements of the first plenum outlet 118, the first plenum inlet 120, the second plenum outlet 150, and the second plenum inlet 152, two counter parallel air flows are generated across the hair receiving channel 188, which may provide relatively stable flow across a tress of a hair when located inside the hair receiving channel 188. The first 122 and second 154 pluralities of exit apertures may enable the airflow to exit the attachment 100 in a manner which will not agitate surrounding hair. Furthermore, the first 122 and second 154 pluralities of exit apertures may enable the user to perform alternative styling procedures using the same attachment. For example, with the airflow generator 16 providing an airflow, and with the attachment 100 in the closed configuration, the user can wrap their hair around the first 126 and second 158 curved walls of the first portion 108 of the first arm 102 and the first portion 136 of the second arm 104, instead of placing a tress of hair within the hair receiving channel 188, and the first 122 and second 154 pluralities of exit apertures can be utilised to provide airflow to the wrapped hair. Additional and / or alternative features and embodiments of the attachment 100 are also envisaged. In some examples, the attachment 100 comprises a locking mechanism 200, such as the locking mechanism 200 illustrated schematically in Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 shows the locking mechanism 8 in a locked position, and Figure 9 shown the locking mechanism 200 in an unlocked position. With the locking mechanism 200 in the locked position, the attachment 100 is held in the closed configuration. With the locking mechanism 200 in the unlocked position, the attachment 100 is able to move to the open configuration. The locking mechanism 200 can be in the locked position when the attachment 100 is not attached to the handle unit 12, and can move automatically to the unlocked position upon the attachment 100 being attached to the handle unit 12. The locking mechanism 200 comprises a first hook structure 204 that can engage with corresponding second hook structures 206 provided on the first 102 and second 104 arms, and a recess 208 through which the second hook structures 206 can pass. In the locked position, the locking mechanism 200 is biased by a spring (not shown) such that the first 204 and second 206 hook structures are engaged with one another. This holds the attachment 100 in the closed configuration, with the first 102 and second 104 arms unable to move outwardly relative to one another. When the attachment 100 is located on the main body 12 of the haircare appliance 100, the first hook structure 204 is pushed away from the second hook structures 208 against the action of the spring, such that the second hook structures 206 can pass through the recess 208 and the first 102 and second 104 arms of the attachment 100 can move relative to one another between the open and closed configurations. It will be appreciated that other forms of locking mechanism are also envisaged. In a second embodiment of the attachment 250, illustrated schematically in crosssection in Figure 10, the airflow paths are altered relative to those of the first embodiment of the attachment 100. The second embodiment 100 of the attachment does not comprise first upper plenum 128, the first lower plenum 130, the second upper plenum 160, the second lower plenum 162, the second 116 or fourth 148 floating plates, or the first 122 and second 154 pluralities of exit apertures. Other components of the second embodiment of the attachment 250 remain substantially similar to those of the first embodiment of the attachment 100, so like reference numerals will be used for sake of clarity. In the second embodiment of the attachment 250, each of the first portion 108 of the first arm 102 and the first portion 136 of the second arm 104 comprises an internal airflow plenum 252, a respective air outlet 254, and a respective floating plate 256. Each air outlet 254 comprises a slot extending along the length of the respective first portion 108 of the first arm 102 and the first portion 136 of the second arm 104. Each air outlet is located at an upper end of the hair receiving channel 188 as shown in Figure 10. The air outlets 254 are shaped to direct airflow along a height of the hair receiving channel 188, from an upper end of the hair receiving channel 188 to a lower end of the hair receiving channel 188 as shown in Figure 10. The floating plates 256 are located above the respective air outlets 254. In use, the second embodiment of the attachment 250 enables airflow within the hair receiving channel 188 to be directed along a height of the hair receiving channel 188, and hence along a length of a tress of hair received within the hair receiving channel 188. This is in contrast to the first embodiment of the attachment 100, where airflow is directed across the width of the hair receiving channel 188. Further example alternative embodiments of the attachment are shown in Figures 11 to 16, where connections between first and second arms, and relative movement between the first and second arms, can vary relative to the embodiments previously described. The embodiment of the attachment 300 shown in Figures 11 and 12 comprises a first arm 302, a second arm 304, a first pivot point 306, a connection mechanism 308, and first 310 and second 312 hinges. The first 302 and second 304 arms are connected to one another by the first pivot point 306. The connection mechanism 308 is connected to each of the first 302 and second 304 arms by the first 310 and second 312 hinges respectively. Similar to the embodiments previously described, pressure applied to portions of the first 302 and second 304 arms below the connection mechanism 306, in the orientation shown in Figure 11, will move the attachment 300 from an open configuration of Figure 11 to a closed configuration of Figure 12. The first 310 and second 312 hinges absorb relative motion in the longitudinal direction. The embodiment of the attachment shown in Figure 13 comprises a first arm 402, a second arm 404, and a connection mechanism 406. Here the first 402 and second 404 arms are connected about the connection mechanism 406 by a pivot point 408, with the first 402 and second 404 arms in a scissor-like arrangement. Similar to the embodiments previously described, pressure applied to portions of the first 402 and second 404 arms below the connection mechanism 406, in the orientation shown in Figure 13, will move the attachment 400 from an open configuration a closed configuration. The embodiment of the attachment 500 shown in Figure 14 is substantially the same as the first embodiment of the attachment 100, save that in the embodiment of the attachment 500 of Figure 14 first 502 and second 504 arms are connected together by a sliding mechanism 506. The sliding mechanism 506 is configured such that sliding of the sliding mechanism 506 in a direction away from the first 502 and second 504 arms causes movement of the first 502 and second 504 arms toward one another. The embodiment of the attachment 600 shown in Figure 15 is similar to the embodiment of the attachment 400 shown in Figure 13, in that it has first 602 and second 604 and a connection mechanism 606. Here, however, the second arm 604 does not extend past the connection mechanism 606 and is fixed relative to the first arm 602. The first arm 602 is connected to the connection mechanism 606 at a pivot point. The embodiment of the attachment 700 shown in Figure 16 comprises a first arm 702, a second arm 704, and a connection mechanism 706. The second arm 704 is fixed relative to the connection mechanism 706, similar to the embodiment of the attachment 600 of Figure 15. The first arm 702 is mounted to the connection mechanism 706 by an appropriate connection mechanism to allow movement of the first arm 702 relative to the second arm 704. In some examples, the first arm 702 is not configured to receive airflow via the connection mechanism, and hence does not have an air outlet into a hair receiving channel. In such examples, the first arm 702 may still comprise an air inlet to receive airflow from the second arm 704, as in previous embodiments. In other examples, the first arm 702 can comprise an air inlet that only receives airflow when the first arm 702 is brought towards the second arm 704 in a closed configuration. Whilst particular examples and embodiments have thus far been described, it should be understood that these are illustrative only and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It will further be understood that references to upper and lower are references to the particular orientation of the haircare appliance, or components thereof, shown in the relevant figures, and that of course the orientation of the haircare appliance can vary in use.

Claims

1. An attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising:a first arm;a second arm; anda connection mechanism for connecting the attachment to the haircare appliance;wherein the first arm comprises a first portion located on a first side of the connection mechanism, and a second portion located on a second side of the connection mechanism opposite to the first side of the connection mechanism, the first portion of the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel therebetween, and the first portion of the first arm and the second portion of the first arm are configured such that application of a force to the second portion of the first arm by a user moves the first portion of the first arm relative to the second arm to vary a dimension of the hair receiving channel; andwherein the attachment comprises an air inlet for receiving an airflow from the haircare appliance and an air outlet for emitting airflow received from the haircare appliance into the hair receiving channel;wherein a portion of the air outlet is located on the first portion of the first arm, and a further portion of the air outlet is located on the second arm;wherein each of the first arm and the second arm comprises a respective floating plate.

2. An attachment as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the second arm comprises a first portion located on the first side of the connection mechanism, and a second portion located on the second side of the connection mechanism, the first portion of the first arm and the first portion of the second arm are spaced apart to define the hair receiving channel therebetween, and the first portion of the second arm and the second portion of the second arm are configured such that application ofa force to the second portion of the second arm by a user moves the first portion of the second arm relative to the first portion of the first arm to vary a dimension of the hair receiving channel.

3. An attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection mechanism extends annularly about the air inlet, such that the first portion of the first arm is located on a first side of the air inlet, and the second portion of the first arm is located on a second side of the air inlet.

4. An attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment comprises a flow guide configured to guide airflow from the air inlet to an interior of the first arm.

5. An attachment as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the attachment comprises a further flow guide configured to guide airflow from the air inlet to an interior of the second arm.

6. An attachment as claimed in Claim 4 or 5, wherein the second arm comprises an air receiving opening, and the portion of the air outlet is configured to direct air flow across the hair receiving channel towards the air receiving opening.

7. An attachment as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the second arm comprises a plurality of exit apertures fluidically connected to the air receiving opening, the plurality of exit apertures for diffusing air received by the air receiving opening.

8. An attachment as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, when dependent on Claim 5, wherein the first arm comprises a further air receiving opening, and the further portion of the air outlet is configured to direct air flow across the hair receiving channel towards the further air receiving opening.

9. An attachment as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the first arm comprises a further plurality of exit apertures fluidically connected to the further air receiving opening, the further plurality of exit apertures for diffusing air received by the further air receiving opening.

10. An attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portion of the air outlet and the further portion of the air outlet are configured to direct airflow in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the hair receiving channel.

11. An attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arm is connected to the second arm by a hinge, and the hinge is located on the first side of the connection mechanism.

12. An attachment as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the hinge is slidably received within a channel, and movement of the first arm relative to the second arm causes the hinge to slide within the channel.

13. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the first portion of the first arm is located on a first side of a plane orthogonal to a hinge axis of hinge, and the second portion of the first arm is located on a second side of the plane.

14. An attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arm and the connection mechanism are movably connected to one another.

15. An attachment as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the first arm and the connection member are connected by an elastomeric member.

16. An attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second arm and the connection mechanism are movably connected to one another.

17. An attachment as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the second arm and the connection mechanism are connected by an elastomeric member.

18. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first arm and the second arm are connected to one another by a connector located at respective ends distal from the hair receiving channel.

19. An attachment as claimed in Claim 18, wherein the first and second arms are spaced from one another in a region adjacent to the connector.

20. An attachment as claimed by any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment comprisesan open configuration where the first portion of the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart by a first extent to form the hair receiving channel, anda closed configuration where the first portion of the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart by a second extent less than the first extent to form the hair receiving channel, such that the hair receiving channel is narrower in the closed configuration than in the open configuration; andthe attachment comprises a locking mechanism for locking the attachment in the closed configuration.

21. An attachment as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to be automatically released when the attachment is attached to the haircare appliance by the connection mechanism.

22. An attachment for a hair care appliance according to any preceding claim,the attachment comprising a lining on the second portion of the first arm.

23. A haircare appliance comprising a main body, and an attachment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment is releasably connectable to the main body via the connection mechanism such that5 the second portion of the first arm overlies the main body.

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