A haircare appliance

Abstract

A haircare appliance 100, such as a handheld hairdryer or hair styling device, comprising a main body 102 with a fluid inlet 104 and a fluid outlet 106, wherein the haircare appliance is configured to

Description

BACKGROUND Haircare appliances are known which use a flow of air to style hair. SUMMARY According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a haircare appliance having a main body, the haircare appliance comprising a fluid inlet through which fluid enters the main body; and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the main body; the haircare appliance being configured to generate a flow of fluid between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet along a fluid flow path, wherein the fluid inlet comprises one or more fluid guiding pathway(s), each fluid guiding pathway having a longitudinal axis which is at an oblique angle relative to the fluid flow path. By being provided in this way, the haircare appliance of the present invention is quieter in use, as fluid (in particular, air) entering the main body is introduced into the fluid flow path at an oblique angle, and so the fluid flow, particularly where the fluid flow changes direction between the fluid inlet and the fluid flow path within the main body, is less turbulent compared with known appliances. In some embodiments, the fluid guiding pathway(s) may form part of an opening or aperture in the main body itself through which fluid flows or, optionally, in other embodiments the fluid guiding pathway may form part of a separate structure which overlies a portion of the main body at and / or about the opening or aperture. Optionally, the longitudinal axis of the or each fluid guiding pathway is at an obtuse angle relative to the fluid flow path. For example, the longitudinal axis of each fluid guiding pathway may be at an angle of at least 120° relative to the fluid flow path, such as at an angle of at least 135° relative to the fluid flow path. Such an arrangement may provide a balance between the reduction of noise when the haircare appliance is in use and the flow rate of fluid through the fluid inlet. Optionally, the main body may be elongate, and the fluid flow path may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main body. For example, in certain embodiments the main body have a tubular outer wall, which may provide a handle or gripping portion for the haircare appliance. By providing a fluid flow path which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main body in this way, the main body may be more compact (e.g., having a smaller diameter) and thus easier for a user to hold. The arrangement of the fluid flow path in this way may also reduce turbulence in the fluid flow, reducing noise generated by the haircare appliance in use. Optionally, the fluid inlet may be formed in a wall which comprises a plurality of apertures therethrough, such as an array of apertures, and wherein each aperture has an angled sidewall such that each aperture may provide a fluid guiding pathway having a longitudinal axis at an oblique angle relative to the fluid flow path. For example, the wall in which the apertures are formed may be formed as an inner wall of the main body, or may be provided as a separate part. Providing a plurality of apertures in this way may help to prevent blockages which may otherwise affect fluid flow, and may further reduce turbulence in the fluid flow by ensuring that a maximal amount of the fluid flow is affected by the fluid path entry angle (i.e., by increasing the amount of fluid which passes over a sidewall of the apertures and so is guided at an oblique angled relative to the fluid flow path in the main body). Optionally, each aperture of the array of apertures may have an outer diameter of less than 3 mm, such as less than 2.7 mm, less than 2.5 mm, less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm. By being sized in this way the array of second apertures may help to ensure that foreign material is not able to enter the haircare appliance. Optionally, the haircare appliance may further comprise a filter material which is arranged to cover the fluid inlet. This may help to prevent foreign material entering the main body of the haircare appliance, which could otherwise inhibit proper functioning of the appliance. For example, the filter material may be arranged to overlay the wall in which apertures may be formed. The filter may comprise any one or more of thermal bonded polyethylene terephthalate (PET), thermal bonded polypropylene (PP), and / or a nylon mesh coated with either polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or perfluoro alkoxy (PFA). For example, the filter material may comprise multiple layers, such as an inner layer of thermal bonded PET or PP non-woven material and an outer layer of PTFE or PF A coated nylon mesh. In certain embodiments, the air inlet may further comprise an outer cover overlaying the filter material, wherein the outer cover may comprise a plurality of second apertures, for example an array of second apertures. The outer cover may thereby help to hold the filter material in place, and may also ensure that the exterior of the haircare appliance has a consistent and / or visually pleasing appearance. For example, the outer cover may be coplanar with an outer wall of the main body. Optionally, each of the plurality of second apertures may have a sidewall which is perpendicular to the fluid flow path. This may help to maximise the fluid intake and flow rate into the appliance. Optionally, the fluid inlet may be at a first end of the main body, and the fluid outlet may be at a second end of the main body. Optionally, the haircare appliance may be a handheld haircare appliance. Optionally, the haircare appliance may be a hairdryer or a hair styling device. The invention includes the combination of the aspects and optional features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1 (a) and 1 (b) show perspective views of a main body of a haircare appliance which may be used in embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a fluid flowpath through a haircare appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a structure which encloses and defines the fluid inlet of a haircare appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a wall used in the structure shown in Fig. 3; and Figure 5 shows a close-up view of an aperture in the wall shown in Fig. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) show perspective views of a main body 1000 of a haircare appliance which may be used in embodiments of the present invention. The main body 1000 comprises an outer wall 1005 which functions as a handle for the haircare appliance (i,e„ the outer wall 1005 is grippable by a user). By being shaped in this manner, the haircare appliance may be easier to use, and it may be easier to achieve a desired style. The main body 1000 has a fluid inlet 1015 at a first end 1010 and a fluid outlet 1025 at a second end 1020, with a fluid flow path through the main body 1000 from the fluid inlet 1015 to the fluid outlet 1025. In particular, the fluid flow path may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main body 1000. The outer wall 1005 defines an elongate tubular structure for the main body 1000, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the main body 1005 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is elliptical or oval such that the main body 1000 is ergonomically designed to be comfortable for a user to hold. The main body 1005 houses a motor which is configured to generate a flow of fluid (in particular, air) along the fluid flow path. The fluid is optionally heated by a heater (not shown) before exiting the main body 1000 at the fluid outlet 1025. The main body 1000 is connectable to a power supply via a power cable 1030 which extends from the first end 1010 of the main body 1000. However, in some embodiments, the main body 1000 may further house one or more batteries such that the power cable 1030 may not be required. The main body comprises a user interface which may include control settings for the haircare appliance. In this embodiment, the user interface is split, with a first portion of the user interface 1040a being positioned towards a first end 1010 of the main body 1000, and a second portion of the user interface 1040b being positioned towards a second end 1020 of the main body 1000. However, it will be understood that, in other embodiments, the user interface may be generally positioned at a single location on the main body 1000. The main body 1000 is configured to allow an attachment to be removably connected thereto, by comprising at least a portion of an attachment mechanism at or about the second end 1020 of the main body 1000. The attachment may comprise a fluid outlet which is arranged to direct fluid to and / or through a user’s hair. The attachment mechanism enables a user to create different hair styles and gives the haircare appliance additional functionality, by allowing the attachment to be removed and replaced with an alternative attachment. As shown in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b), the fluid inlet 1015 is formed in an outer wall of the main body 1000, the fluid inlet 1015 extending from the first end 1010 and along the outer wall towards the second end 1020 of the main body 1000. By being provided in this way, the fluid inlet 1015 has a large surface area in order to increase the fluid flow rate into the main body (e.g., in comparison with an arrangement wherein a fluid inlet is formed in an end face at the first end of the main body), and provides space on the outer surface of the main body 1000 for the power cable 1030 to be connected. It will be appreciated that the fluid inlet 1015 may have any size suitable for providing a required fluid flow rate through the fluid inlet 1015. Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a haircare appliance 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The haircare appliance 100 has a main body 102 and comprises a fluid inlet 104 through which fluid (in particular, air) enters the main body 102, and a fluid outlet 106 through which fluid exits the main body 102. The main body 102 is a generally tubular structure, with the fluid inlet 104 towards a first end of the main body 102 and the fluid outlet 106 at a second end of the main body 102. Although not shown in Fig. 2, the main body 102 may house a motor and, optionally, a fan or the like, for generating a flow of fluid between the fluid inlet 104 and the fluid outlet 106. Fluid flows through the main body 102 along a fluid flow path 108, which in this embodiment is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main body 102. The fluid inlet 104 comprises a fluid guiding pathway 110, the longitudinal axis of which is at an oblique angle 112 relative to the fluid flow path 108. In this embodiment, the fluid guiding pathway 110 comprises an aperture or opening in a wall of the main body 102 itself, the sidewalls of which are angled in order to provide the oblique angle 112. However, in other embodiments one or more fluid guiding pathways may be provided in a separate part or wall which is fitted to the main body, for example as described below with respect to Figs. 3-5. The oblique angle 112 is measured between the longitudinal axis of the fluid guiding pathway 104 and the fluid flow path 108 through the main body 102 in the downstream direction (i.e., towards the fluid outlet 106). The angle 112 is obtuse. The angle may be of at least 120° relative to the fluid flow path 108. In this way, fluid entering the main body 102 is introduced into the fluid flow path 108 at an oblique angle, and so the fluid flow, particularly where the fluid flow changes direction between the fluid inlet 104 and the fluid flow path 108, is less turbulent compared with known haircare appliances. This reduces the noise produced by the haircare appliance 100 in use. Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of a structure 200 which encloses and defines the fluid inlet of a haircare appliance, for example a fluid inlet 1015 as described above with respect to Figs. 1(a) and 1(b). In particular, the structure 200 provides a plurality of fluid guiding pathways having longitudinal axes at an oblique angle relative to a fluid flow path in a main body, in order to guide fluid entering the main body 1015 towards the fluid flow path in such a way as to reduce turbulence and noise associated with the fluid flow, as described in more detail below. The structure 200 comprises a wall 210, an outer cover 220 and a holder 130. The wall 210 fits directly over a portion of a main body, overlying one or more openings of the main body through which fluid enters the fluid flow path between the fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The outer cover 220 overlies the wall 210, with a gap therebetween for receiving a filter material, which prevents foreign material entering the main body of the haircare appliance. Specifically, the filter material may comprise a dual-layer structure, with an inner layer of thermal bonded PET or PP non-woven material and an outer layer of PTFE or PFA coated nylon mesh. Finally, the holder 230 is arranged to secure the structure 200 to a main body and ensure that the wall 210, filter material, and outer cover 220 are held in position during use. The wall 210 comprises a generally tubular structure with a plurality of apertures 212, arranged to form an array of apertures 212, formed therein. Each aperture 212 has an angled sidewall, as shown in more detail in Figs. 3 and 4, such that each aperture 212 provides a fluid guiding pathway with a longitudinal axis which is at an oblique angle relative to the fluid flow path within the main body. The inner diameter of the wall 210 is configured such that the wall 210 can fit over a portion of the main body so as to cover an opening through which fluid enters the flow path. The outer diameter of the wall 210 is configured to provide space for a filter material and the outer cover 220 to overlie the wall 210. For example, the wall 210 may have a similar cross-sectional shape as an outer wall of a main body. The wall 210 has a connecting portion 214 at its first end to allow the wall 210 to be attached to the main body. The wall 210 comprises a recessed portion 216 in an outer surface, which is provided to help align parts of the structure 200 with one another, and also align the structure with respect to the main body of a haircare appliance. The outer cover 220 comprises a generally tubular structure, having generally the same cross-sectional shape as the outer wall of the main body, in order to provide the haircare appliance with a consistent and / or visually pleasing appearance. The inner diameter of the outer cover 220 is configured such that the outer cover 220 can fit over the main body of the haircare appliance, the wall 210, and the filter material. The outer diameter of the outer cover 220 is the same as the outer diameter of the main body. As well as providing a consistent appearance, this may help to prevent unwanted gaps or openings in the main body such that fluid is only drawn into the haircare appliance through the fluid inlet, and undesirable foreign material does not enter the main body through such gaps or openings. The outer cover 220 comprises a plurality of second apertures 222, arranged to form an array of second apertures 222, through which fluid is able to flow in order to pass through the filter material, the wall 210 and into a main body of a haircare appliance. Each second aperture 222 has a sidewall which is perpendicular to the fluid flow path in the main body in order to maximise a fluid flow rate into the main body. The holder 230 is a framework structure which holds the wall 210, outer cover 220 and filter material in position on the main body of a haircare appliance. The holder comprises an upper ring 232, a lower ring 234 and a webbing portion 236 connecting the upper ring 232 with the lower ring 234. The upper ring 232 is configured to connect to the main body by comprising an upper connector 233 on its inner surface, which may mate with a corresponding connector on the surface of the main body. Similarly, the lower ring 234 comprises a lower connector 235 on its inner surface, which may mater with a corresponding connector on the surface of the main body. The upper connector 233 and lower connector 235 may thereby secure the holder 230 to the main body. Optionally, the connection may be reversible, such that the upper connector 233 and the lower connector 235 may be unsecured from the main body, for example to allow a user to clean or replace the filter material, outer cover 220 or wall 210. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the wall 210, and Fig. 5 shows a close-up view of the portion indicated. As can be seen in Fig. 5, each aperture 212 is generally in the form of an oblique cylinder through the wall 210, wherein the sidewall 213 is angled or slanted such that the aperture provides a fluid guiding pathway having a longitudinal axis which is at an oblique angle relative to a fluid flow path in the main body of the haircare appliance. Fluid (in particular, air) passing through each aperture 212 is thereby introduced to a fluid flow path within a main body of a haircare appliance at an oblique angle, which reduces turbulence of the air flow and thereby reduces noise generated by the haircare appliance in use. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations. Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and “include”, and variations such as “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, + / - 10%.

Claims

1. A haircare appliance having a mam body, the haircare appliance comprising:a fluid inlet through which fluid enters the main body; anda fluid outlet through which fluid exits the main body;the haircare appliance being configured to generate a flow of fluid between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet along a fluid flow path,wherein the fluid inlet comprises one or more fluid guiding pathway(s), each fluid guiding pathway having a longitudinal axis which is at an oblique angle relative to the fluid flow path.

2. The haircare appliance of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of each fluid guiding pathway is at an obtuse angle relative to the fluid flow path through the main body.

3. The haircare appliance of claim 2, wherein the longitudinal axis of each fluid guiding pathway is at an angle of at least 120° relative to the fluid flow path through the main body.

4. The haircare appliance of claim 3, wherein the longitudinal axis of each fluid guiding pathway is at an angle of at least 135° relative to the fluid flow path through the main body.

5. The haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body is elongate, and the fluid flow path is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main body.

6. The haircare appliance of claim 5, wherein the main body has a tubular outer wall.

7. The haircare appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the fluid inlet is fonned in a wall which comprises a plurality of apertures, and wherein each aperture has an angled sidewall such that each aperture provides a fluid guiding pathway having a longitudinal axis which is at an oblique angle relative to the fluid flow path.

8. The haircare appliance of any preceding claim, further comprising a filter material which is arranged to cover the fluid inlet.

9. The haircare appliance of claim 8, wherein the filter material is arranged to overlay thewall.

10. The haircare appliance of claim 9, wherein the air inlet further comprises an outer cover overlaying the filter material, the outer cover comprising a plurality of second apertures.

11. The haircare appliance of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of second apertures has a sidewall which is perpendicular to the fluid flow path.

12. The haircare appliance of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the outer cover is coplanar with an outer wall of the main body.

13. The haircare appliance of any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the fluid inlet is at a first end of the main body, and the fluid outlet is at a second end of the main body.

14. Tire haircare appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the haircare appliance is a handheld haircare appliance.

15. The haircare appliance of claim 14, wherein the haircare appliance is a hairdryer or a hair styling device.11

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