A haircare appliance

Abstract

A haircare appliance (10, figure 1) comprising an air inlet (24, figure 1), a barrel 104 and plurality of first outlet apertures 122 and second outlet apertures 124 arranged consecutively along first

Description

BACKGROUND Haircare appliances are generally used to treat or style hair, and some haircare appliances may treat or style hair using airflow. SUMMARY According to a first aspect there is provided a haircare appliance comprising an air inlet; a barrel; a plurality of first outlet apertures, the first outlet apertures arranged consecutively along a first length of the barrel, each first outlet aperture having a same first open cross-sectional area; and a plurality of second outlet apertures, the second outlet apertures arranged consecutively along a second length of the barrel, each second outlet aperture having a same second open cross-sectional area different to the first open cross-sectional area, wherein the first length of the barrel is spaced from the second length of the barrel. With the plurality of first outlet apertures and the plurality of second outlet apertures arranged along the first and second spaced lengths of the barrel, airflow can be distributed along the length of the barrel to treat a user’s hair. It has been found, however, that where the outlet apertures all have a same open cross-sectional area, airflow exiting the outlet apertures may vary along the length of the barrel. By varying an open cross-sectional area of the outlet apertures along the length of the barrel, it has been found that a relatively even distribution of airflow through the outlet apertures may be achieved, which may provide improved treatment of hair for a user. However, continuously varying the open cross-sectional area along the length of the barrel may increase complexity of the barrel, and may result in increased manufacturing costs. By providing two pluralities of outlet apertures of different open cross-sectional areas along the length of the barrel, relatively even airflow may be achieved without the added complexity of a continuously varying open cross-sectional area. The plurality of second outlet apertures may be located downstream of the plurality of first outlet apertures, and the second open cross-sectional area may be less than the first open cross-sectional area. It has been found that airflow flowing along the length of the barrel may exhibit a preference to leave the barrel through outlet apertures at a downstream end of the barrel, when compared to an upstream end of the barrel. By providing the plurality of second outlet apertures with an open cross-sectional area less than that of the plurality of first outlet apertures, a greater proportion of airflow may leave the barrel through the plurality of first outlet apertures, for example at the upstream end of the barrel. This may provide improved distribution of airflow along the length of the barrel. The second open cross-sectional area may be from to 0.3 to 0.6 times the first open cross-sectional area. This has been found to provide a relatively even distribution of airflow along the length of the barrel. The second open cross-sectional area may be from 0.4 to 0.5 times the first open cross-sectional area, for example around 0.42 times the first open cross-sectional area. The first open cross-sectional area may be from 2mm2 to 4mm2, for example around 3.14mm2. The second open cross-sectional area may be from 0.5 mm2 to 1.5 mm2, for example around 1.3 mm2. The first outlet apertures may be evenly spaced along the length of the barrel, for example with a same distance between each adjacent first outlet aperture in a direction parallel to the length of the barrel. The first outlet apertures may be disposed in a plurality of first longitudinal rows along the length of the barrel, for example with a same distance between each adjacent first outlet aperture in the direction parallel to the length of the barrel. Adjacent ones of the first longitudinal rows may be offset relative to one another in the direction parallel to the length of the barrel. There may be a same number of first outlet apertures in each first longitudinal row. The second outlet apertures may be evenly spaced along the length of the barrel, for example with a same distance between each adjacent second outlet aperture in a direction parallel to the length of the barrel. The second outlet apertures may be disposed in a plurality of second longitudinal rows along the length of the barrel, for example with a same distance between each adjacent second outlet aperture in the direction parallel to the length of the barrel. Adjacent ones of the second longitudinal rows may be offset relative to one another in the direction parallel to the length of the barrel. There may be a same number of second outlet apertures in each second longitudinal row. Each first longitudinal row may be coaxial with a corresponding second longitudinal row. A total number of the first outlet apertures may be less than a total number of the second outlet apertures. This may provide relatively even distribution of airflow along the length of the barrel. The total number of the first outlet apertures may be from 0.6 times to 0.9 times the total number of the second outlet apertures, for example around 0.78 times the total number of the second outlet apertures. There may be 210 first outlet apertures. There may be 270 second outlet apertures. A total open-cross sectional area of the plurality of first outlet apertures may be greater than a total open cross-sectional area of the plurality of second outlet apertures. This may provide relatively even distribution of airflow along the length of the barrel. The total open cross-sectional area of the plurality of first outlet apertures may be from 1.5 to 2.0 times the total open cross-sectional area of the plurality of second outlet apertures. This may provide relatively even distribution of airflow along the length of the barrel. The total open cross-sectional area of the plurality of first outlet apertures may be around 1.85 times the total open cross-sectional area of the plurality of second outlet apertures. The total open cross-sectional area of the plurality of first outlet apertures may be from 600 mm2 to 700 mm2, for example around 659.4 mm2. The total open cross-sectional area of the plurality of second outlet apertures may be from 300 mm2 to 400 mm2, for example around 356.4 mm2. The second length of the barrel may be greater than the first length of the barrel. This may provide relatively even distribution of airflow along the length of the barrel. The second length may be from 1.10 times to 1.15 times the first length, for example around 1.12 times the first length. The first length may be around 47% of a total length of the barrel. The second length may be 53% of the total length of the barrel. The total length of the barrel may be from 100 mm to 102 mm, for example around 101.45 mm. The first length may be from 46 mm to 49 mm, for example around 47.72 mm. The second length may be from 52 mm to 55 mm, for example around 53.73 mm. The first outlet apertures may be arranged in a plurality of first circumferential rows , the second outlet apertures may be arranged in a plurality of second circumferential rows, and a total number of the first circumferential rows may be less than a total number of the second circumferential rows. This may provide relatively even distribution of airflow along the length of the barrel. The total number of the first circumferential rows may be from 0.6 times to 0.9 times the total number of the second circumferential rows, for example around 0.78 times the total number of the second circumferential rows. The total number of the first circumferential rows may be from 15 to 25, for example around 21. The total number of the second circumferential rows may be from 25 to 30, for example around 27. The barrel may be tapered along the length of the barrel, from an upstream end of the barrel to a downstream end of the barrel. This may provide relatively even distribution of airflow along the length of the barrel. A maximal external diameter of the upstream end of the barrel may be from 1.01 to 1.20 times a minimal external diameter of the downstream end of the barrel. This may provide relatively even distribution of airflow along the length of the barrel. The maximal external diameter of the upstream end of the barrel may be from 1.02 to 1.10 times the minimal external diameter of the downstream end of the barrel, for example around 1.08 times the minimal external diameter of the downstream end of the barrel. The maximal external diameter of the upstream end of the barrel may be from 22mm to 26mm, for example around 24.2mm. The minimal external diameter of the downstream end of the barrel may be from 20mm to 24mm, for example around 22.5mm. A maximal internal diameter of the upstream end of the barrel may be from 1.01 to 1.20 times a minimal internal diameter of the downstream end of the barrel. This may provide relatively even distribution of airflow along the length of the barrel. The maximal internal diameter of the upstream end of the barrel may be from 1.02 to 1.10 times the minimal internal diameter of the downstream end of the barrel, for example around 1.08 times the minimal internal diameter of the downstream end of the barrel. The maximal internal diameter of the upstream end of the barrel may be from 19mm to 22mm, for example around 20.9mm. The minimal internal diameter of the downstream end of the barrel may be from 18mm to 21mm, for example around 19.2mm. The haircare appliance may comprise a sleeve overlying the barrel, and the sleeve may comprise a plurality of holes in fluid communication with the first and second outlet apertures. The haircare appliance may comprise a plurality of bristles that are upstanding relative to the sleeve. The bristles may extend through respective ones of the holes. Each bristle may have two spaced legs, such that airflow can pass between the two spaced legs. The haircare appliance may comprise an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow from the air inlet to the first and second outlet apertures, and the airflow generator may be configured to generate the airflow at a flow rate of from 9.1 L / s to 11.9 L / s. The haircare appliance may comprise a heater configured to heat the airflow generated by the airflow generator. The haircare appliance may comprise a main unit, and an attachment releasably attachable to the main unit, wherein the attachment comprises the barrel. This may enable the functionality of the outlet apertures to be selectively provided to the haircare appliance, and may, for example, enable such functionality to be retrofitted to existing haircare appliances having a main unit. At least one of the airflow generator and the heater may be disposed in the main unit. A second aspect of the present invention provides an attachment for releasably attaching to a main unit of the haircare appliance, wherein the attachment comprises: an air inlet for receiving an airflow from the main unit; a barrel; a plurality of first outlet apertures, the first outlet apertures arranged consecutively along a first length of the barrel, each first outlet aperture having a same first open cross-sectional area; and a plurality of second outlet apertures, the second outlet apertures arranged consecutively along a second length of the barrel, each second outlet aperture having a same second open cross-sectional area different to the first open cross-sectional area, wherein the first length of the barrel is spaced from the second length of the barrel. A third aspect provides a haircare appliance comprising a barrel having a plurality of outlet apertures arranged along an outlet length that is at least 25% of a length of the barrel, wherein each outlet aperture has a respective open cross-sectional area, and the open cross-sectional area of the outlet apertures decreases in a direction from an upstream end of the barrel to a downstream end of the barrel along the outlet length, and there is no increase in open cross-sectional area in the direction from the upstream end of the barrel to the downstream end of the barrel along the outlet length. An increase in open cross-sectional area in the direction from the upstream end of the barrel to the downstream end of the barrel along the outlet length may encourage a greater proportion of airflow toward the downstream end of the barrel, which may be counterproductive in trying to provide a relatively even distribution of airflow along the length of the barrel. The third aspect may mitigate for this, and may provide relatively even distribution of airflow along the length of the barrel. The outlet length may be at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 80%, or at least 90%, of the length of the barrel. The plurality of outlet apertures may comprise: a plurality of first outlet apertures, the first outlet apertures arranged consecutively along the length of the barrel, each first outlet aperture having a same first open cross-sectional area; and a plurality of second outlet apertures, the second outlet apertures arranged consecutively along the length of the barrel, each second outlet aperture having a same second open cross-sectional area different to the first open cross-sectional area. The second open cross-sectional area may be from 0.3 to 0.6 times the first open cross-sectional area. The haircare appliance may comprise a main unit, and an attachment releasably attachable to the main unit, wherein the attachment comprises the barrel. According to a fourth aspect there is provided an attachment for releasably attaching to a main unit of the haircare appliance, wherein the attachment comprises a barrel having a plurality of outlet apertures arranged along an outlet length that is at least 25% of a length of the barrel, wherein each outlet aperture has a respective open cross-sectional area, and the open cross-sectional area of the outlet apertures decreases in a direction from an upstream end of the barrel to a downstream end of the barrel along the outlet length, and there is no increase in open cross-sectional area in the direction from the upstream end of the barrel to the downstream end of the barrel along the outlet length. According to a fifth aspect there is provided a haircare appliance comprising an air inlet, an elongate housing, a first air outlet through the housing, and a second air outlet through the housing. The first air outlet extends longitudinally along the housing. The second air outlet extends longitudinally along the housing. The first air outlet is longitudinally and circumferentially offset from the second air outlet. By having outlets which are longitudinally and circumferentially offset from each other through the housing, the air outlets can be positioned in a staggered arrangement along and around the housing. This can enable a greater number of air outlets to be arranged through the housing and therefore increasing the amount of airflow through the housing. The haircare appliance may comprise a plurality of hair-engaging members or bristles. The plurality of hair-engaging members may comprise a plurality of first hair-engaging members. The plurality of first hair-engaging members may extend through the first air outlet. The plurality of hair-engaging members may comprise a plurality of second hairengaging members. The plurality of second hair-engaging members may extend through the second air outlet. The first hair-engaging members and the second hair-engaging members may be upstanding relative to the housing. By having hair-engaging members or bristles which extend through air outlets which are longitudinally and circumferentially offset from each other through the housing, the hairengaging members or bristles can be positioned in a staggered arrangement along and around the housing. This may enable a greater number of hair-engaging members to be provided and / or enable the hair-engaging members to be positioned closer together around the housing. This may enable a greater amount of tension to be applied to the hair when the hair appliance is moved through a user’s hair. The first air outlet and / or the second air outlet may comprise an undulating or wavy periphery. Alternatively, the first outlet and / or the second air outlet may comprise a zigzagged periphery. The first air outlet may comprise a plurality of first outlet portions. The plurality of first outlet portions may be arranged sequentially along a length of the housing. Each hairengaging member of the first plurality of hair-engaging members may extend through a respective one of the first outlet portions. The second air outlet may comprise a plurality of second outlet portions. The plurality of second outlet portions may be arranged sequentially along a length of the housing. Each hair-engaging member of the second plurality of hair-engaging members may extend through a respective one of the second outlet portions. The plurality of first outlet portions and / or the plurality of second outlet portions may be continuous with respect to one another. Alternatively, the plurality of first outlet portions and / or the plurality of second outlet portions may be discrete with respect to one another. Where the plurality of first outlet portions and / or the second outlet portions are discrete with respect to one another, each first outlet portion may be separated from an adjacent first outlet portion by a respective first wall, and / or each second outlet portion may be separated from an adjacent second outlet portion by a respective second wall. The first air outlet and / or the second air outlet may have a respective length which may be at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the length of the housing. The housing may be generally cylindrical. The haircare appliance may comprise a barrel underlying the housing. The barrel may comprise a plurality of outlet apertures in fluid communication with the first and second air outlets. The haircare appliance may comprise an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow from the air inlet to the first and second air outlets. The airflow generator may be configured to generate the airflow at a flow rate of from 9.1 L / s to 11.9 L / s. The haircare appliance may comprise a heater configured to heat the airflow generated by the airflow generator. The haircare appliance may comprise a main unit, and an attachment releasably attachable to the main unit. The attachment may comprise the housing. This may enable the functionality of the air outlets to be selectively provided to the haircare appliance, and may, for example, enable such functionality to be retrofitted to existing haircare appliances having a main unit. At least one of the airflow generator and the heater may be disposed in the main unit. According to a sixth aspect, there is provided an attachment for releasably attaching to a main unit of a haircare appliance. The attachment comprises an air inlet, an elongate housing, a first air outlet through the housing, and a second air outlet through the housing. The first air outlet extends longitudinally along the housing. The second air outlet extends longitudinally along the housing. The first air outlet is longitudinally and circumferentially offset from the second air outlet. According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a haircare appliance comprising an air inlet, an elongate housing, a plurality of first air outlets arranged consecutively along a length of the housing, and a plurality of second air outlets arranged consecutively along a length of the housing. Each first air outlet of the plurality of first air outlets is longitudinally and circumferentially offset from each second air outlet of the plurality of second air outlets. By having outlets which are longitudinally and circumferentially offset from each other through the housing, the air outlets can be positioned in a staggered arrangement along and about the housing. This can enable a greater number of air outlets to be arranged through the housing and therefore increasing the amount of airflow through the housing. The haircare appliance may comprise a plurality of hair-engaging members or bristles. The plurality of hair-engaging members may comprise a plurality of first hair-engaging members. Each first hair-engaging member of the plurality of first hair-engaging members may extend through a respective first air outlet. The plurality of hair-engaging members may comprise a plurality of second hair-engaging members. Each second hair-engaging member of the plurality of second hair-engaging members may extend through a respective second air outlet. The first hair-engaging members and the second hair-engaging members may be upstanding relative to the housing. By having hair-engaging members or bristles which extend through air outlets which are longitudinally and circumferentially offset from each other through the housing, the hairengaging members or bristles can be positioned in a staggered arrangement along and around the housing. This may enable a greater number of hair-engaging members to be provided and / or enable the hair-engaging members to be positioned closer together around the housing. This may enable a greater amount of tension to be applied to the hair when the hair appliance is moved through a user’s hair. The first air outlets and / or the second air outlets may each comprise a circular crosssection. Alternatively, the first air outlets and / or the second air outlets may comprise an oval, square, or rectangular cross-section. The first air outlets may be evenly spaced along the length of the housing, for example with a same distance between each adjacent first air outlet in a direction parallel to the length of the housing. The first air outlets may be disposed in a plurality of first longitudinal rows along the length of the housing, for example with a same distance between each adjacent first air outlet in the direction parallel to the length of the housing. Adjacent ones of the first longitudinal rows may be circumferentially offset relative to one another along the housing. Adjacent ones of the first longitudinal rows may also be longitudinally offset relative to one another along the housing. There may be a same number of first air outlets in each first longitudinal row. The second air outlets may be evenly spaced along the length of the housing, for example with a same distance between each adjacent second air outlet in a direction parallel to the length of the housing. The second air outlets may be disposed in a plurality of second longitudinal rows along the length of the housing, for example with a same distance between each adjacent second air outlet in the direction parallel to the length of the housing. Adjacent ones of the second longitudinal rows may be circumferentially offset relative to one another along the housing. Adjacent ones of the second longitudinal rows may also be longitudinally offset relative to one another along the housing. There may be a same number of second air outlets in each second longitudinal row. The first air outlets may have substantially the same cross-sectional area of the second air outlets. The housing may be generally cylindrical. The haircare appliance may comprise an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow from the air inlet to the plurality of first and second air outlets. The airflow generator may be configured to generate the airflow at a flow rate of from 9.1 L / s to 11.9 L / s. The haircare appliance may comprise a heater configured to heat the airflow generated by the airflow generator. The haircare appliance may comprise a main unit, and an attachment releasably attachable to the main unit. The attachment may comprise the housing. This may enable the functionality of the air outlets to be selectively provided to the haircare appliance, and may, for example, enable such functionality to be retrofitted to existing haircare appliances having a main unit. At least one of the airflow generator and the heater may be disposed in the main unit. According to an eighth aspect, there is provided an attachment releasably attachable to a main unit of a haircare appliance. The attachment comprises an air inlet, an elongate housing, a plurality of first air outlets arranged consecutively along a length of the housing, and a plurality of second air outlets arranged consecutively along a length of the housing. Each first air outlet of the plurality of first air outlets is longitudinally and circumferentially offset from each second air outlet of the plurality of second air outlets. Optional features of aspects may be equally applied to other aspects, where appropriate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure lisa schematic view of an example haircare appliance; Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main unit of the example haircare appliance of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic view of a first example attachment of the example haircare appliance of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a first schematic view of a barrel of the attachment of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a second schematic view of the barrel of the attachment of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through the attachment of Figure 3; Figure 7 is a schematic view through the attachment of Figure 3, before assembly; Figure 8 is a schematic view through the attachment of Figure 3, following assembly; Figure 9 is a side view of the housing of the attachment of Figure 3; and Figure 10 is a side view of the housing of a second example attachment for an example haircare appliance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A first example of a haircare appliance 10 is shown schematically in Figure 1. The haircare appliance 10 comprises a main unit 12, and a first example attachment 100 removably attachable to the main unit 12. The main unit 12 comprises a housing 14, an airflow generator 16, a heater 18, and a control unit 20, as can be seen schematically in Figures 1 and 2. The housing 14 is tubular in shape, and comprises an air inlet 24 through which an airflow is drawn into the housing 14 by the airflow generator 16, and an air outlet 26 through which the airflow is discharged from the housing 14. The airflow generator 16 is housed within the housing 14, and comprises an impeller 28 driven by an electric motor 30. The airflow generator 16 is configured to generate airflow at flow rates of from 9.1 L / s to 11.9 L / s. The heater 18 is also housed within the housing 14, downstream of the airflow generator 16, and comprises heating elements 32 to selectively heat the airflow. The control unit 20 comprises electronic circuitry for a user interface 34 and a control module 36. The user interface 34 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 36 is responsible for controlling the airflow generator 16, and the heater 18 in response to inputs from the user interface 34. For example, in response to inputs from the user interface 34, the control module 36 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 first example attachment 100 is illustrated in isolation in Figure 3. The attachment 100 has a connection portion 102, a barrel 104 extending from the connection portion 102, a sleeve or housing 106, and bristles 108. The connection portion 102 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form, and defines an air inlet 112 of the attachment 100. An outer surface of the connection portion 102 has connection projections 116 that can be received within corresponding recesses on the main unit 12 to releasably connect the attachment 100 to the main unit 12. The barrel 104 is elongate in form between an upstream end 118, proximal to the air inlet 112 of the attachment 100, and a downstream end 120, distal to the air inlet 112 of the attachment 100. The barrel 104 is tapered between the upstream end 118 and the downstream end 120, and has a length L of around 101.45 mm. The upstream end 118 defines a maximal external diameter MAXE of around 24.2mm, and a maximal internal diameter MAXI of around 20.9mm. Maximal external diameters of from 22mm to 26mm are also envisaged, as are maximal internal diameters of from 19mm to 22mm. The downstream end 120 defines a minimal external diameter MINE of around 22.5mm, and a minimal internal diameter MINI of around 19.2mm. Minimal external diameters of from 20mm to 24mm are also envisaged, as are minimal internal diameters of from 18mm to 21mm. It can be seen that the maximal external diameter MAXE is around 1.08 times the minimal external diameter MINE, and that the maximal internal diameter MAXI is around 1.08 times the minimal internal diameter MINI. The barrel 104 has two hundred and ten first outlet apertures 122 and two hundred and seventy second outlet apertures 124. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the barrel 104 may have a different number of first and second outlet apertures. The first outlet apertures 122 are disposed in longitudinal rows along a first length FL of the barrel 104, with a same number of first outlet apertures 122 in each longitudinal row. The first length FL is around 47.72 mm, which is around 47% of the length L of the barrel 104. It will be appreciated that in other examples, first length FL may have a different length. A spacing between each adjacent first outlet aperture 122 in a respective longitudinal row is even, and adjacent longitudinal rows are offset from one another in a direction along the first length FL. The first outlet apertures 122 are also disposed in twenty one circumferential rows about the barrel 104. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the first outlet apertures 122 may be disposed in a different number of circumferential rows about the barrel 104. Each first outlet aperture 122 has a diameter of 2.0mm, and an open cross-sectional area of 3.14 mm2. A total open cross-sectional area of the first outlet apertures 122 is therefore 659.4 mm2. Diameters of from 1.92 mm to 2.08 mm, and open cross-sectional areas of from 2 mm2 to 4 mm2 are also envisaged. The second outlet apertures 124 are disposed in longitudinal rows along a second length SL of the barrel 104, with a same number of second outlet apertures 124 in each longitudinal row. The second length SL is around 53.73 mm, which is around 53% of the length L of the barrel 104, and around 1.12 times the first length FL. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the second length SL may have a different length. A spacing between each adjacent second outlet aperture 124 in a respective longitudinal row is even, and adjacent longitudinal rows are offset from one another in a direction along the second length SL. The length of the barrel 104 along which the first and second outlet apertures 122, 124 are arranged (in other words, FL + SL) may be referred to as an outlet length. Each longitudinal row of second outlet apertures 124 shares an axis with a corresponding row of first outlet apertures 122. The second outlet apertures 124 are also disposed in twenty seven circumferential rows about the barrel 104. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the second outlet apertures 124 may be disposed in a different number of circumferential rows about the barrel 104. Each second outlet aperture 124 has a diameter of 1.3mm, and an open cross-sectional area of 1.32 mm2. A total open cross-sectional area of the second outlet apertures 124 is therefore 356.4 mm2. Diameters of from 1.22 mm to 1.38 mm, and open cross-sectional areas of from 300 mm2 to 400 mm2 are also envisaged. It can therefore be seen that each second outlet aperture 124 has an open cross-sectional area that is less than the open cross-sectional area of any first outlet aperture 122, with the individual open cross-sectional area of a second outlet aperture 124 being 0.42 times the individual open cross-sectional area of a first outlet aperture 122. Ratios of from 0.3 to 0.6 are also envisaged. The total open cross-sectional area of the first outlet apertures 122 is around 1.85 times the total open cross-sectional area of the second outlet apertures 124, although ratios from 1.5 to 2.0 are also envisaged. With such an arrangement, it can be seen that the open cross-sectional area of the outlet apertures decreases in a direction from the upstream end 118 of the barrel 104 to the downstream end 120 of the barrel 104, at a transition from the first outlet apertures 122 to the second outlet apertures 124, without increasing again along the length of the barrel 104. The sleeve or housing 106 is generally cylindrical in form, and is shaped and dimensioned to overlie the barrel 104. The sleeve 106 has a number of air outlets 126, which each air outlet 126 overlying a corresponding one of the first outlet apertures 122 or a corresponding one of the second outlet apertures 124, depending on the position of the air outlet 126. Each bristle 108 extends through a corresponding air outlet 126, such that the bristles 108 are upstanding from the sleeve 106. Each bristle 108 has spaced legs 128, such that airflow can pass through the bristle 108. Figures 7 and 8 are schematics of an assembly process of the bristles 108 in the attachment 100, viewed from a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the attachment 100. The bristles 108 are formed as part of a bristle plate 140. The bristle plate 140 comprises a base portion 142 and a plurality of bristles 108 extending upwards from the base portion 142. The attachment 100 may comprise a plurality of bristle plates 140. The base portion 142 is flexible or resiliently deformable. Before assembly of the attachment (as shown in Figure 7), the base portion 142 is generally planar and the bristles 108 are generally parallel to one another. During assembly, the bristle plate or plates 140 is inserted into the sleeve 106 in an insertion direction I from a position in which the bristles 108 face the concave inner surface of the sleeve 106. The bristle plate 140 is inserted into the sleeve 106 such that each bristle 108 is inserted into a respective air outlet 126 of the sleeve 106. As the air outlets 126 are angularly or circumferentially spaced apart about the sleeve 106, inserting the bristles 108 into the respective air outlets 126 causes the bristles 108 to flare outwards, such that the positions of the bristles 108 correspond to the position of the respective air outlet 126 through which the bristles 108 extend. Therefore, in the assembled configuration (as shown in Figure 8), the bristles are angularly spaced apart. This also causes the base plate 142 to bend and conform to the concave profile of the sleeve 106. In this assembled configuration, the bristles 108 extend radially outward from the sleeve 106. Figure 9 shows the arrangement of the air outlets 126 through the housing or sleeve 106 in more detail. In Figure 9, the bristles are not shown, for ease of understanding. The air outlets 126 comprises a first air outlet 130 and a second air outlet 132. The first air outlet 130 and the second air outlet 132 extend longitudinally along the sleeve 106. The first air outlet 130 is adjacent to the second outlet 132. The first air outlet 130 is longitudinally and circumferentially offset from the second air outlet 132. The first air outlet 130 and the second air outlet 132 each comprise a non-linear periphery. In particular, the first air outlet 130 and the second air outlet 132 each comprise an undulating or wavy periphery. In other examples, the first air outlet 130 and / or the second air outlet 132 may comprise a zig-zagged periphery. The first air outlet 130 comprises a plurality of first outlet portions 130a-n arranged sequentially along a length of the housing or sleeve 106. Similarly, the second air outlet 132 comprises a plurality of second outlet portions 132a-n arranged sequentially along a length of the housing 106. The first air outlet 130 comprises twenty four first outlet portions 130a-n and the second air outlet 132 comprises twenty four second outlet portions 132a-n. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the first and second outlets 130, 132 may have a different number of respective outlet portions. Each of the first outlet portions 130a-n is continuous with an adjacent first outlet portion 130a-n. Similarly, each of the second outlet portions 132a-n is continuous with an adjacent second outlet portion 132a-n. Each first outlet portion 130a-n is longitudinally and circumferentially offset from each of the second outlet portions 132a-n. This means that the first outlet portions 130a-n and the second outlet portions 132a-n are disposed in a staggered arrangement, as opposed to being in-line with each other. Each of the first outlet portions 130a-n and the second outlet portions 132a-n overlies a respective outlet aperture 122, 124 on the barrel 104. Each bristle 108 is configured to extend through a respective first outlet portion 130a-n or a respective second outlet portion 132a-n. Due to the staggered arrangement of the air outlets 130, 132, the bristles 108 are also disposed in a correspondingly staggered arrangement. This enables the bristles 108 to be positioned closer together along the attachment 100, which in turn enables the attachment 100 to have a greater number of bristles 108. Each of the first outlet 130 and the second outlet 132 extend longitudinally as elongate slots along the housing 106. The first outlet 130 and the second outlet 132 both have a length which extends to 85% of the length of the housing or sleeve 106. In other examples, the first outlet 130 and the second outlet 132 may have a respective length of at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the length of the housing 106. The attachment comprises a plurality of first outlets 130 and a plurality of second outlets 132. The plurality of first outlets 130 are circumferentially spaced apart from one another. The plurality of second outlets 132 are circumferentially spaced apart from one another. The outlets are arranged so that the first outlets 130 and the second outlets 132 are disposed in an alternating sequence about the housing 106. In use, with the attachment 100 attached to the main unit 12, a user can operate the user interface 34 to power on the haircare appliance 10. The airflow generator 16 generates an airflow by drawing air into the main body 12 via the air inlet 24, and airflow is emitted from the handle unit 12 via the air outlet 26. The heater 18 heats the airflow before the airflow is emitted from the main body 12. The airflow enters the attachment 100 via the air inlet 112 of the attachment 100, and flows along the barrel 104. The airflow exits the barrel 104 via the first 122 and second 124 outlet apertures, and passes through the legs 128 of the bristles 108 and out of the holes 126 in the sleeve 106. With the first outlet apertures 122 and the of second outlet apertures 124 arranged along the first FL and second SL spaced lengths of the barrel 104, airflow can be distributed along the length of the barrel 104 to treat a user’s hair. It has been found, however, that where the outlet apertures all have a same open cross-sectional area, airflow exiting the outlet apertures may vary along the length of the barrel 104. By varying an open cross-sectional area of the outlet apertures 122,124 along the length of the barrel 104, it has been found that a relatively even distribution of airflow through the outlet apertures 122,124 may be achieved, which may provide improved treatment of hair for a user. However, continuously varying the open cross-sectional area along the length of the barrel 104 may increase complexity of the barrel 104, and may result in increased manufacturing costs. By providing two pluralities of outlet apertures of different open cross-sectional areas along the length of the barrel 104, relatively even airflow may be achieved without the added complexity of a continuously varying open cross-sectional area. Figure 10 shows a second example of an attachment 200. The second example attachment 200 is similar to the first example attachment 100, but differs with respect to the air outlets on the sleeve or housing. In Figure 10, the bristles are not shown, for ease of understanding only. The attachment 200 comprises a sleeve or housing 206 which has a plurality of air outlets 226 extending therethrough. The air outlets 226 comprise a plurality of first air outlets 230 and a plurality of second air outlets 232. The plurality of first air outlets 230 are arranged consecutively along a length of the housing 206. The plurality of second air outlets 232 are arranged consecutively along a length of the housing 206. The first air outlets 230 are longitudinally spaced apart from one another. In this way, a row of first air outlets 230 is formed. Similarly, the second air outlets 230 are longitudinally spaced apart from one another. In this way, a row of second air outlets 232 is formed. The row of first air outlets 230 is adjacent to and circumferentially spaced apart from the row of second air outlets 232. Each of the first air outlets 230 is longitudinally and circumferentially offset or spaced apart from each of the second air outlets 232. This means that the first air outlets 230 and the second air outlets 232 are disposed in a staggered arrangement relative to each other, as opposed to being in-line with each other. The attachment 200 comprises multiple rows of the first air outlets 230, with the rows being circumferentially spaced apart from one another. The attachment 200 also comprises multiple rows of the second air outlets 232, with the rows being circumferentially spaced apart from one another. The outlets are arranged such that the rows of first air outlets 230 alternate with the rows of the second air outlets 232. Each outlet 230, 232 has a generally circular cross-section. However, in other examples, the outlets 230, 232 could have oval, rectangular, or square cross-sections. Each of the first outlets 230 and the second outlets 232 overlies a respective outlet aperture on the barrel. Each bristle is configured to extend through a respective first outlet 230a or a respective second outlet 232. Due to the staggered arrangement of the air outlets 230, 232, the bristles are also disposed in a correspondingly staggered arrangement. This enables the bristles to be positioned closer together along the attachment 200, which in turn enables the attachment 200 to have a greater number of bristles 208. It will be appreciated that the function and method of use of the second example attachment 200 is substantially similar to that of the first example attachment 100, as described previously. It will further be appreciated that embodiments in which the attachment and the main unit are integrally formed are also envisaged. More generally, whilst particular examples have been described, it should be understood that these are illustrative examples only and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, the barrel 104 may include further outlet apertures disposed in longitudinal rows along a further length of the barrel 104 nearer to the downstream end 120 of the barrel 104 (as compared to the length SL). These further outlet apertures may have open cross-sectional areas different from (e.g., smaller than) the open cross-sectional areas of the second outlet apertures. Also, the outlet length may be shorter than that shown in the figures, as long as it is at least 25% of the barrel length. In addition, while the first example attachment 100 is described as having air outlets 130, 132 which are each made of up a plurality of outlet portions 130a-n, 132a-n which are continuous with one another, in other examples, the plurality of outlet portions 130a-n, 132a-n may be discrete from one another. In that sense, each outlet portion 130a-n, 132a-n may be physically separated from a respective adjacent outlet portion by a dividing wall. The present disclosure also extends to the following numbered clauses: Clause 1. A haircare appliance comprising: an air inlet; a barrel; a plurality of first outlet apertures, the first outlet apertures arranged consecutively along a first length of the barrel, each first outlet aperture having a same first open cross-sectional area; and a plurality of second outlet apertures, the second outlet apertures arranged consecutively along a second length of the barrel, each second outlet aperture having a same second open cross-sectional area different to the first open cross-sectional area, wherein the first length of the barrel is spaced from the second length of the barrel. Clause 2. A haircare appliance according to clause 1, wherein the plurality of second outlet apertures is located downstream of the plurality of first outlet apertures, and the second open cross-sectional area is less than the first open cross-sectional area. Clause 3. A haircare appliance according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the second open cross-sectional area is from 0.3 to 0.6 times the first open cross-sectional area. Clause 4. A haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein a total number of the first outlet apertures is less than a total number of the second outlet apertures. Clause 5. A haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein a total open-cross sectional area of the plurality of first outlet apertures is greater than a total open cross-sectional area of the plurality of second outlet apertures. Clause 6. A haircare appliance according to clause 5, wherein the total open-cross sectional area of the plurality of first outlet apertures is from 1.5 to 2.0 times the total open cross-sectional area of the plurality of second outlet apertures. Clause 7. A haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second length of the barrel is greater than the first length of the barrel. Clause 8. A haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first outlet apertures are arranged in a plurality of first circumferential rows, the second outlet apertures are arranged in a plurality of second circumferential rows, and a total number of the first circumferential rows is less than a total number of the second circumferential rows. Clause 9. A haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the barrel is tapered along a length of the barrel, from an upstream end of the barrel to a downstream end of the barrel. Clause 10. A haircare appliance according to clause 9, wherein a maximal external diameter of the upstream end of the barrel is from 1.01 to 1.20 times a minimal external diameter of the downstream end of the barrel. Clause 11. A haircare appliance according to clause 9 or clause 10, wherein a maximal internal diameter of the upstream end of the barrel is from 1.01 to 1.20 times a minimal internal diameter of the downstream end of the barrel. Clause 12. A haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the haircare appliance comprises an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow from the air inlet to the first and second outlet apertures, and the airflow generator is configured to generate the airflow at a flow rate of from 9.1 L / s to 11.9 L / s. Clause 13. A haircare appliance according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a main unit, and an attachment releasably attachable to the main unit, wherein the attachment comprises the barrel. Clause 14. An attachment for releasably attaching to a main unit of the haircare appliance, wherein the attachment comprises: an air inlet for receiving an airflow from the main unit; a barrel; a plurality of first outlet apertures, the first outlet apertures arranged consecutively along a first length of the barrel, each first outlet aperture having a same first open cross-sectional area; and a plurality of second outlet apertures, the second outlet apertures arranged consecutively along a second length of the barrel, each second outlet aperture having a same second open cross-sectional area different to the first open cross-sectional area, wherein the first length of the barrel is spaced from the second length of the barrel. Clause 15. A haircare appliance comprising a barrel having a plurality of outlet apertures arranged along an outlet length that is at least 25% of a length of the barrel, wherein each outlet aperture has a respective open cross-sectional area, and the open cross-sectional area of the outlet apertures decreases in a direction from an upstream end of the barrel to a downstream end of the barrel along the outlet length, and there is no increase in open cross-sectional area in the direction from the upstream end of the barrel to the downstream end of the barrel along the outlet length. Clause 16. A haircare appliance according to clause 15, wherein the outlet length is at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 80%, or at least 90%, of the length of the barrel. Clause 17. A haircare appliance according to clause 15 or clause 16, wherein the plurality of outlet apertures comprises: a plurality of first outlet apertures, the first outlet apertures arranged consecutively along the length of the barrel, each first outlet aperture having a same first open cross-sectional area; and a plurality of second outlet apertures, the second outlet apertures arranged consecutively along the length of the barrel, each second outlet aperture having a same second open cross-sectional area different to the first open cross-sectional area. Clause 18. A haircare appliance according to clause 17, wherein the second open cross-sectional area is from 0.3 to 0.6 times the first open cross-sectional area. Clause 19. A haircare appliance according to any one of clauses 15 to 18, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a main unit, and an attachment releasably attachable to the main unit, wherein the attachment comprises the barrel. Clause 20. An attachment for releasably attaching to a main unit of the haircare appliance, wherein the attachment comprises a barrel having a plurality of outlet apertures arranged along an outlet length that is at least 25% of a length of the barrel, wherein each outlet aperture has a respective open cross-sectional area, and the open cross-sectional area of the outlet apertures decreases in a direction from an upstream end of the barrel to a downstream end of the barrel along the outlet length, and there is no increase in open cross-sectional area in the direction from the upstream end of the barrel to the downstream end of the barrel along the outlet length. Clause 21. A haircare appliance comprising: an air inlet; an elongate housing; a first air outlet through the housing, the first air outlet extending longitudinally along the housing; and a second air outlet through the housing, the second air outlet extending longitudinally along the housing; wherein the first air outlet is longitudinally and circumferentially offset from the second air outlet. Clause 22. A haircare appliance according to clause 21, further comprising a plurality of hair-engaging members upstanding relative to the housing, the plurality of hair-engaging members comprising a plurality of first hair-engaging members and a plurality of second hair-engaging members; wherein the plurality of first hair-engaging members extend through the first air outlet and the plurality of second hair-engaging members extend through the second air outlet. Clause 23. A haircare appliance according to any one of clauses 21 to 22, wherein the first air outlet and / or the second air outlet comprises an undulating periphery. Clause 24. A haircare appliance according to any one of clauses 21 to 23, wherein: the first air outlet comprises a plurality of first outlet portions arranged sequentially along a length of the housing; the second air outlet comprises a plurality of second outlet portions arranged sequentially along a length of the housing; each hair-engaging member of the first plurality of hair-engaging members extends through a respective one of the first outlet portions; and each hair-engaging member of the second plurality of hair-engaging members extends through a respective one of the second outlet portions. Clause 25. A haircare appliance according to any one of clauses 21 to 24, wherein the plurality of first outlet portions and / or the plurality of second outlet portions are continuous with respect to one another. Clause 26. A haircare appliance according to any one of clauses 21 to 24, wherein the plurality of first outlet portions and / or the plurality of second outlet portions are discrete with respect to one another. Clause 27. A haircare appliance according to any one of clauses 21 to 26, wherein the first air outlet and / or the second air outlet may have a respective length which is at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the length of the housing. Clause 28. A haircare appliance according to any one of clauses 21 to 27, wherein the housing is generally cylindrical. Clause 29. A haircare appliance according to any one of clauses 21 to 28, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a main unit, and an attachment releasably attachable to the main unit, wherein the attachment comprises the housing. Clause 30. An attachment for releasably attaching to a main unit of a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising an air inlet, an elongate housing, a first air outlet through the housing, and a second air outlet through the housing; wherein the first air outlet extends longitudinally along the housing; wherein the second air outlet extends longitudinally along the housing; and the first air outlet is longitudinally and circumferentially offset from the second air outlet. Clause 31. A haircare appliance comprising: an air inlet; an elongate housing; a plurality of first air outlets arranged consecutively along a length of the housing; and a plurality of second air outlets arranged consecutively along a length of the housing; wherein each first air outlet of the plurality of first air outlets is longitudinally and circumferentially offset from each second air outlet of the plurality of second air outlets. Clause 32. A haircare appliance according to clause 31, further comprising a plurality of hair-engaging members upstanding relative to the housing, the plurality of hair-engaging members comprising a plurality of first hair-engaging members and a plurality of second hair-engaging members; wherein each first hair-engaging member extends through a respective first air outlet and the each second hair-engaging member extends through a respective second air outlet. Clause 33. A haircare appliance according to clause 31 or 32, wherein the first air outlets are disposed in a plurality of first longitudinal rows along the length of the housing; and wherein adjacent ones of the first longitudinal rows are circumferentially offset relative to one another along the housing. Clause 34. A haircare appliance according to any one of clauses 31 to 33, wherein the second air outlets are disposed in a plurality of second longitudinal rows along the length of the housing; and wherein adjacent ones of the second longitudinal rows are circumferentially offset relative to one another along the housing. Clause 35. A haircare appliance comprising a main unit, and an attachment releasably attachable to the main unit, wherein the attachment comprises the housing. Clause 36. An attachment releasably attachable to a main unit of a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising: an air inlet, an elongate housing, a plurality of first air outlets arranged consecutively along a length of the housing, and a plurality of second air outlets arranged consecutively along a length of the housing; wherein each first air outlet of the plurality of first air outlets is longitudinally and circumferentially offset from each second air outlet of the plurality of second air outlets.

Claims

1. A haircare appliance comprising:an air inlet;a barrel;a plurality of first outlet apertures, the first outlet apertures arranged consecutively along a first length of the barrel, each first outlet aperture having a same first open cross-sectional area; anda plurality of second outlet apertures, the second outlet apertures arranged consecutively along a second length of the barrel, each second outlet aperture having a same second open cross-sectional area different to the first open cross-sectional area,wherein the first length of the barrel is spaced from the second length of the barrel.

2. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the plurality of second outlet apertures is located downstream of the plurality of first outlet apertures, and the second open cross-sectional area is less than the first open cross-sectional area.

3. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the second open cross-sectional area is from 0.3 to 0.6 times the first open cross-sectional area.

4. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a total number of the first outlet apertures is less than a total number of the second outlet apertures.

5. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a total open-cross sectional area of the plurality of first outlet apertures is greater than a total open cross-sectional area of the plurality of second outlet apertures.

6. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the total open-cross sectional area of the plurality of first outlet apertures is from 1.5 to 2.0 times the total open cross-sectional area of the plurality of second outlet apertures.

7. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second length of the barrel is greater than the first length of the barrel.

8. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first outlet apertures are arranged in a plurality of first circumferential rows, the second outlet apertures are arranged in a plurality of second circumferential rows, and a total number of the first circumferential rows is less than a total number of the second circumferential rows.

9. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrel is tapered along a length of the barrel, from an upstream end of the barrel to a downstream end of the barrel.

10. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 9, wherein a maximal external diameter of the upstream end of the barrel is from 1.01 to 1.20 times a minimal external diameter of the downstream end of the barrel.

11. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein a maximal internal diameter of the upstream end of the barrel is from 1.01 to 1.20 times a minimal internal diameter of the downstream end of the barrel.

12. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the haircare appliance comprises an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow from the air inlet to the first and second outlet apertures, and the airflow generator is configured to generate the airflow at a flow rate of from 9.1 L / s to 11.9 L / s.

13. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a main unit, and an attachment releasably attachable to the main unit, wherein the attachment comprises the barrel.

14. An attachment for releasably attaching to a main unit of the haircare appliance, wherein the attachment comprises:an air inlet for receiving an airflow from the main unit;a barrel;a plurality of first outlet apertures, the first outlet apertures arranged consecutively along a first length of the barrel, each first outlet aperture having a same first open cross-sectional area; anda plurality of second outlet apertures, the second outlet apertures arranged consecutively along a second length of the barrel, each second outlet aperture having a same second open cross-sectional area different to the first open cross-sectional area, wherein the first length of the barrel is spaced from the second length of the barrel.

15. A haircare appliance comprising a barrel having a plurality of outlet apertures arranged along an outlet length that is at least 25% of a length of the barrel, wherein each outlet aperture has a respective open cross-sectional area, and the open cross-sectional area of the outlet apertures decreases in a direction from an upstream end of the barrel to a downstream end of the barrel along the outlet length, and there is no increase in open cross-sectional area in the direction from the upstream end of the barrel to the downstream end of the barrel along the outlet length.

16. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the outlet length is at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 80%, or at least 90%, of the length of the barrel.

17. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the plurality of outlet apertures comprises:a plurality of first outlet apertures, the first outlet apertures arranged consecutively along the length of the barrel, each first outlet aperture having a same first open cross-sectional area; anda plurality of second outlet apertures, the second outlet apertures arranged consecutively along the length of the barrel, each second outlet aperture having a same second open cross-sectional area different to the first open cross-sectional area.

18. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the second open cross-sectional area is from 0.3 to 0.6 times the first open cross-sectional area.

19. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 18, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a main unit, and an attachment releasably attachable to the main unit, wherein the attachment comprises the barrel.

520. An attachment for releasably attaching to a main unit of the haircare appliance, wherein the attachment comprises a barrel having a plurality of outlet apertures arranged along an outlet length that is at least 25% of a length of the barrel, wherein each outlet aperture has a respective open cross-sectional area, and the open cross-sectional area of the 10 outlet apertures decreases in a direction from an upstream end of the barrel to a downstream end of the barrel along the outlet length, and there is no increase in open cross-sectional area in the direction from the upstream end of the barrel to the downstream end of the barrel along the outlet length.15

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