A haircare appliance

Abstract

A haircare appliance includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel therebetween, the first arm movably mounted relative to the second arm such that movement of the first arm relative to the second arm varies a width of the hair receiving channel. The haircare appliance includes an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow within the haircare appliance. The first arm includes an airflow path configured to receive the airflow from the airflow generator, and an air outlet for emitting airflow from the airflow path into the hair receiving channel. The haircare appliance includes a plurality of bleed apertures configured to receive at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel, the bleed apertures defined in a surface that has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel. The haircare appliance includes a flow guide disposed downstream of the hair receiving channel and upstream of the surface, the flow guide configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the first end of the surface.

Description

[0001] 1 P005071-W001

[0002] A HAIRCARE APPLIANCE

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Haircare appliances are generally used to treat or style hair, and some haircare appliances may treat or style hair using airflow and / or heat.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] A first aspect provides a haircare appliance comprising: a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel therebetween, the first arm movably mounted relative to the second arm such that movement of the first arm relative to the second arm varies a width of the hair receiving channel; an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow within the haircare appliance, the first arm comprising an airflow path configured to receive the airflow from the airflow generator, and an air outlet for emitting airflow from the airflow path into the hair receiving channel; a plurality of bleed apertures configured to receive at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel, the bleed apertures defined in a surface that has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel; and a flow guide disposed downstream of the hair receiving channel and upstream of the surface, the flow guide configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the first end of the surface.

[0007] By providing airflow into the hair receiving channel, hair that is received within the hair receiving channel in use may be treated and / or styled using the airflow. By providing the plurality of bleed apertures configured to receive at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel, increased flexibility in styling operations and / or increased user comfort may be provided. For example, the bleed apertures may enable airflow to be directed away from the hair receiving channel / away from a user, and / or to an alternative location that may provide increased flexibility in styling operations. 2 P005071-W001

[0008] For arrangements where the bleed apertures are defined in a surface that has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel, it has been found that absent a flow guide, uneven airflow may occur across the surface, with a greater proportion of airflow passing along the second end of the surface. This may lead to undesirable styling effects and / or decreased user comfort. By providing the flow guide configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the first end of the surface, such disadvantages may be mitigated. In particular, airflow may be distributed relatively evenly amongst the bleed apertures as a result of the flow guide.

[0009] Overall the haircare appliance may comprise increased flexibility in styling operations and / or increased user comfort relative to known haircare appliances that comprise first and second arms, such as hair straighteners.

[0010] The haircare appliance may comprise an air inlet through which the airflow generator is configured to draw the airflow from an ambient environment of the haircare appliance.

[0011] The haircare appliance may comprise a heater configured to heat the airflow generated by the airflow generator. The heater may be located within the first arm, for example within the airflow path of the first arm.

[0012] The first arm may be mounted for reciprocating motion relative to the second arm.

[0013] The airflow generator may be configured to generate an airflow at a flow rate of 11.5 L / s.

[0014] The flow guide may comprise a rib having a substantially tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape. Such a shape may divert airflow without introducing turbulence that would otherwise increase noise levels. The substantially tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape may be viewed in a direction along the first arm. A wider end of the tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape may face toward the hair receiving channel, for example such that airflow from the hair receiving channel impacts the wider end of the tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape. 3 P005071-W001

[0015] The flow guide may alternatively comprise a rib having a substantially elongate cross- sectional shape. The rib may extend along the hair receiving channel, and at an angle to the hair receiving channel, such that airflow is diverted toward the first end of the surface. The rib may bisect the hair receiving channel.

[0016] The flow guide may comprise a curved portion, and the curved portion may be located such that airflow from the hair receiving channel impacts the curved portion in use. Airflow may thereby attach to the curved portion, which may facilitate guiding of the airflow in a desired manner, for example toward the first end of the surface.

[0017] The surface may be positioned to underlie the first arm, and the curved portion of the flow guide may face an underside of the first arm. This may assist with guiding airflow over the surface in use, for example by directing the airflow over the underside of the first arm and subsequently across the surface in use.

[0018] The haircare appliance may comprise an outlet gap disposed below the hair receiving channel, and the outlet gap may be configured to discharge airflow from the haircare appliance. The outlet gap may be aligned with the hair receiving channel, for example with the outlet gap being located along the central height axis of the hair receiving channel.

[0019] The flow guide may comprise a linear portion, and the linear portion may be parallel to a central height axis of the hair receiving channel. This may aid with assisting airflow toward the second end of the surface and / or toward the outlet gap in use. The linear portion may be downstream of the curved portion. The linear portion may be contiguous with the curved portion. The linear portion may be aligned with an edge of the outlet gap, for example aligned in a width direction of the hair receiving channel.

[0020] The flow guide may be configured to split airflow from the hair receiving channel into a first airflow portion directed toward the first end of the surface, and a second airflow portion directed toward a leading edge of the appliance. The first airflow portion may be directed toward the first end of the surface through a first bleed inlet. A part of the second 4 P005071-W001 airflow portion may flow toward the second end of the surface through a second bleed inlet. A further part of the second airflow portion may flow through the outlet gap. This may assist with providing relatively even amounts of airflow over the first and second ends of the surface. Alternatively, the flow guide may be configured to split airflow from the hair receiving channel into a first airflow portion directed toward the first end of the surface, and a second airflow portion directed toward the second end of the surface.

[0021] The flow guide may extend along a length that is at least 90% of a length of the hair receiving channel. This may facilitate distributing airflow relatively evenly along the length of the surface.

[0022] The air outlet may be configured to emit airflow from the airflow path into the hair receiving channel along a height of the hair receiving channel, the surface may be displaced relative to the hair receiving channel in a direction parallel to the height of the hair receiving channel, and the surface may be displaced relative to the hair receiving channel in a direction parallel to the width of the hair receiving channel. For such positioning of the surface, by providing the flow guide configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the first end of the surface, a relatively high degree of uniformity of airflow through the bleed apertures may be achieved. For example, for such a configuration of the surface, absent the flow guide, airflow leaving the hair receiving channel may exhibit a tendency to flow toward bleed apertures furthest from the hair receiving channel at the second end of the surface. By providing the flow guide configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the first end of the surface, a greater proportion of airflow may be encouraged to pass through bleed apertures toward the first end of the surface, thereby leading to a relatively high degree of uniformity of airflow through the bleed apertures.

[0023] The first end of the surface may be displaced relative to the central height axis of the hair receiving channel to a first extent, the second end of the surface may be displaced relative to the central height axis of the hair receiving channel to a second extent, and the first extent may be greater than the second extent. By providing the flow guide alongside such a configuration of the surface, a greater proportion of airflow may be encouraged to pass 5 P005071-W001 through bleed apertures toward the first end of the surface than if the flow guide were not present, thereby leading to a relatively high degree of uniformity of airflow through the bleed apertures.

[0024] The surface may be curved between the first end and the second end. Use of a curved surface may enable provision of a greater number of bleed apertures than, for example, a linear surface within the same volumetric constraints. The surface may be curved about a longitudinal axis parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the hair receiving channel. The longitudinal axis may be orthogonal to the height of the hair receiving channel. The longitudinal axis may be orthogonal to the width of the hair receiving channel. The surface may have a constant curvature, for example a constant radius of curvature.

[0025] A height of the surface, measured in a direction parallel to the height of the hair receiving channel, may be from 15mm to 25mm, for example around 20mm. A width of the surface, measured in a direction parallel to the width of the hair receiving channel, may be from 5mm to 15mm, for example around 10mm.

[0026] A guide element may be disposed downstream of the hair receiving channel and upstream of the surface. The guide element may be configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the second end of the surface. The guide element may comprise a lip that may protrude in a direction away from the hair receiving channel.

[0027] The guide element may be arranged below the flow guide. At least a part of the guide element may overlap with the flow guide along a vertical axis that is generally parallel to the central height axis of the hair receiving channel. The guide element may further overlap with the outlet gap of the haircare appliance to divert airflow away from the outlet gap-

[0028] The guide element may be configured to split the second airflow portion directed toward the leading edge of the appliance into a third airflow portion directed toward the second end of the surface, and in some examples, a fourth airflow portion directed toward the leading edge of the appliance. The third airflow portion may be directed toward the second 6 P005071-W001 end of the surface through the second bleed inlet. In some examples, the fourth airflow portion may be directed through the outlet gap. This may assist with providing relatively even amounts of airflow over the first and second ends of the surface.

[0029] The guide element may extend along a length that is at least 90% of a length of the hair receiving channel. This may facilitate distributing airflow relatively evenly along the length of the surface.

[0030] The bleed apertures may extend across the surface between the first end and the second end, each bleed aperture may have a respective open cross-sectional area, and the open cross-sectional area of the bleed apertures may vary between the first end and the second end. As the open-cross sectional area of the bleed apertures varies between the first and second ends of the surface, distribution of airflow exiting through the bleed apertures along the surface can be set during manufacture to provide desirable airflow characteristics. For example, depending on the variation of the open-cross sectional area of the bleed apertures, airflow may be distributed relatively evenly amongst the bleed apertures, and hence along the surface, or may be distributed relatively unevenly amongst the bleed apertures, and hence along the surface, as desired.

[0031] The open-cross sectional area of the bleed apertures may decrease between the first end and the second end. This may provide greater uniformity of airflow through the bleed apertures than, for example, an arrangement where the bleed apertures have the same opencross-sectional area. In particular, for arrangements where the bleed apertures are defined in a surface that has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel, it has been found that where the bleed apertures have a same open cross-sectional area between the first end of the surface and the second end of the surface, uneven airflow may occur across the surface. This may lead to undesirable styling effects and / or decreased user comfort. By providing the bleed apertures with an open cross-sectional area that decreases between the first end of the surface and the second end of the surface, such disadvantages may be mitigated. 7 P005071-W001

[0032] The open-cross sectional area of the bleed apertures may vary discontinuously between the first end and the second end. This may provide a relatively high degree of uniformity of airflow through the bleed apertures without requiring a continuous variation between the first end and the second end. For example, a difference in open cross-sectional area between a first pair of adjacent bleed apertures in a direction from the first end to the second end may be different than a difference in open cross-sectional area between a second pair of adjacent bleed apertures in the direction from the first end to the second end that are located closer to the second end than the first pair of adjacent bleed apertures. Additionally and / or alternatively, the open cross-sectional area of the bleed apertures may decrease in the direction from the first end to the second end, then increase in the direction from the first end to the second end.

[0033] The open-cross sectional areas may vary continuously between the first end and the second end. This may provide a relatively high degree of uniformity of airflow through the bleed apertures.

[0034] A first bleed aperture of the plurality of bleed apertures may be located proximal to the first end of the surface, a second bleed aperture of the plurality of bleed apertures may be located proximal to the second end of the surface, the first bleed aperture may have a first open cross-sectional area, the second bleed aperture may have a second open cross- sectional area, and the first open cross-sectional area may be larger than the second open cross-sectional area. For example, the first open cross-sectional area may be at least 1.5 times the second open cross-sectional area. Such a ratio has been found to provide a relatively even distribution of airflow through the plurality of bleed apertures. The first open cross-sectional area may be at least 2.0 times, at least 2.5 times, or at least 3.0 times the second open cross-sectional area. The first open cross-sectional area may be no more than 4 times the second open cross-sectional area.

[0035] The first open cross-sectional area may be from 3.14mm2to 12.57mm2, for example around 7.07mm2. The second open cross-sectional area may be from 0.79mm2to 7.07mm2, for example around 3.14mm2. 8 P005071-W001

[0036] The plurality of bleed apertures may be disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows along the surface, and each bleed aperture in a same longitudinal row may have a same open cross-sectional area. This may ensure relatively even distribution of airflow along the length of the surface, as well as between the first and second ends of the surface. Each longitudinal row may extend in a direction parallel to the first end of the surface, and parallel to the second end of the surface. Each longitudinal row may be located at a different respective distance from the first end of the surface, and from the second end of the surface.

[0037] For at least one pair of the plurality of longitudinal rows, a first longitudinal row of the pair may have bleed apertures of a same open cross-sectional area to bleed apertures of a second longitudinal row of the pair. This may facilitate relatively even distribution of airflow amongst the longitudinal rows, between the first end and the second end of the surface.

[0038] For any pair of the plurality of longitudinal rows, a first longitudinal row of the pair may have bleed apertures of a different open cross-sectional area to bleed apertures of a second longitudinal row of the pair. This may facilitate relatively even distribution of airflow amongst the longitudinal rows, between the first end and the second end of the surface.

[0039] Each longitudinal row may extend along a length that is at least 90% of a length of the hair receiving channel.

[0040] The haircare appliance may comprise an outer surface that overlies the surface, and the outer surface may comprise a plurality of exit apertures in fluid communication with the plurality of bleed apertures. Each of the plurality of exit apertures may have a same open cross-sectional area. Alternatively, the outer surface may also have a first end nearer the first end of the surface and a second end nearer the second end of the surface, and the open cross-sectional areas of the exit apertures may also vary (e.g., decrease either continuously or discontinuously) between the first and second ends of the outer surface. The variation of the exit apertures across the outer surface may be the same as or may be different from the 9 P005071-W001 variation of the bleed apertures across the surface. The haircare appliance may comprise a plurality of bristles extending outwardly from the outer surface.

[0041] The haircare appliance may comprise a plurality of further bleed apertures configured to receive at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel, the further bleed apertures defined in a further surface that has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel; and a further flow guide disposed downstream of the hair receiving channel and upstream of the further surface, the further flow guide configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the first end of the further surface. This may provide relatively even airflow through the further bleed apertures.

[0042] The further flow guide may comprise the same structural features as the flow guide. The further flow guide may comprise the same features as the flow guide, but defined in relation to the further surface and the plurality of further bleed apertures. The flow guide and the further flow guide may be mirror images of one another, for example across the central height axis of the hair receiving channel. The further flow guide may be positioned to underlie the second arm. The second arm may comprise a further airflow path configured to receive the airflow from the airflow generator, and a further air outlet for emitting airflow from the further airflow path into the hair receiving channel. Alternatively, the flow guide and the further flow guide may include different features. For example, the flow guide may include a curved surface and the further flow guide may include a linear surface facing the curved surface.

[0043] The flow guide and the further flow guide may be spaced apart to define a flow passage. For example, respective linear portions of the flow guide and the further flow guide may be spaced apart to define the flow passage. The flow passage may be configured to guide a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the outlet gap. In some examples, the flow passage may be offset from the central height axis of the hair receiving channel.

[0044] The further bleed apertures may extend across the further surface between the first end and the second end, each further bleed aperture may have a respective open cross-sectional 10 P005071-W001 area, and the open cross-sectional area of the further bleed apertures may vary between the first end and the second end.

[0045] The plurality of further bleed apertures may comprise the same features as the plurality of bleed apertures. The further surface may comprise the same features as the surface. The surface and the further surface may be mirror images of one another, for example across the central height axis of the hair receiving channel. The further surface may be positioned to underlie the second arm. The second arm may comprise a further airflow path configured to receive the airflow from the airflow generator, and a further air outlet for emitting airflow from the further airflow path into the hair receiving channel.

[0046] The haircare appliance may comprise a main unit comprising the first and second arms, and an attachment comprising the surface, the plurality of bleed apertures, and the flow guide, wherein the attachment is releasably attachable to the main unit. This may enable the functionality of the bleed apertures and the flow guide 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 comprising first and second arms. At least one of the airflow generator and the heater may be disposed in the main unit.

[0047] The attachment may be releasably attachable to the first arm. This may provide a relatively simple arrangement, and may enable appropriate positioning of the bleed apertures to receive airflow from the hair receiving channel.

[0048] The attachment may comprise a first magnetic attachment member and the first arm may comprise a second magnetic attachment member for releasably engaging with the first magnetic attachment member. The attachment may comprise a projection or recess for releasably engaging with a corresponding recess or projection of the first arm.

[0049] The attachment may comprise an end wall configured to overlie an arm end wall of the first arm when the attachment is releasably attached to the first arm. 11 P005071-W001

[0050] The haircare appliance may comprise a further attachment comprising the further surface, the plurality of further bleed apertures, and the further flow guide, wherein the further attachment is releasably attachable to the main unit. This may enable the functionality of the further bleed 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 comprising first and second arms.

[0051] The further attachment may be releasably attachable to the second arm. This may provide a relatively simple arrangement, and may enable appropriate positioning of the further bleed apertures to receive airflow from the hair receiving channel.

[0052] A second aspect provides an attachment for releasably attaching to a first arm of a haircare appliance comprising the first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel therebetween, the first arm movably mounted relative to the second arm such that movement of the first arm relative to the second arm varies a width of the hair receiving channel, wherein the attachment comprises: an interface for releasably attaching the attachment to the first arm such that the attachment underlies the first arm; a plurality of bleed apertures, the bleed apertures defined in a surface that, when the attachment is connected to the first arm, has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel; and a flow guide disposed such that when the attachment is connected to the first arm, the flow guide is located downstream of the hair receiving channel and upstream of the surface, the flow guide configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the first end of the surface in use.

[0053] According to a third aspect, there is provided a haircare appliance comprising a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel therebetween, the first arm movably mounted relative to the second arm such that movement of the first arm relative to the second arm varies a width of the hair receiving channel; an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow within the haircare appliance, the first arm comprising an airflow path configured to receive the airflow from the airflow generator, and an air outlet for emitting airflow from the airflow path into the 12 P005071-W001 hair receiving channel; and a flow guide disposed downstream of the hair receiving channel and configured to direct at least a portion of airflow away from the hair receiving channel, where the flow guide includes a rib having a substantially tear-drop shaped cross- sectional shape.

[0054] Diverting the airflow away from the hair receiving channel reduces the amount of hot air reaching the end of the hair receiving channel (hence, reduces the amount of hot air reaching the user) when the haircare appliance is in use. The shape of the flow guide according to the third aspect may divert airflow without introducing unwanted turbulence. The substantially tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape may be viewed in a direction along the first arm. A wider end of the tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape may face toward the hair receiving channel, for example such that airflow from the hair receiving channel impacts the wider end of the tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0055] The flow guide may comprise a curved portion, and the curved portion may be located such that airflow from the hair receiving channel impacts the curved portion in use. Airflow may thereby attach to the curved portion, which may facilitate guiding of the airflow in a desired manner. For example, the curved portion of the flow guide may face an underside of the first arm.

[0056] The flow guide may comprise a linear portion, and the linear portion may be parallel to a central height axis of the hair receiving channel. The linear portion may be downstream of the curved portion. The linear portion may be contiguous with the curved portion. The linear portion may be aligned in a width direction of the hair receiving channel.

[0057] The flow guide may extend along a length that is at least 90% of a length of the hair receiving channel. This may facilitate distributing airflow relatively evenly along the length of the surface.

[0058] The haircare appliance may comprise a main unit comprising the first and second arms, and an attachment comprising the flow guide, wherein the attachment is releasably attachable to the main unit. 13 P005071-W001

[0059] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided an attachment for releasably attaching to a first arm of a haircare appliance comprising the first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel therebetween, the first arm movably mounted relative to the second arm such that movement of the first arm relative to the second arm varies a width of the hair receiving channel, wherein the attachment comprises: an interface for releasably attaching the attachment to the first arm such that the attachment underlies the first arm, and a flow guide disposed such that when the attachment is connected to the first arm, the flow guide is located downstream of the hair receiving channel and configured to direct at least a portion of airflow away from the hair receiving channel. The flow guide may include a rib having a substantially tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0060] Optional features of aspects may be equally applied to other aspects, where appropriate.

[0061] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Figure l is a schematic view of a haircare appliance;

[0063] Figure 2 is a first schematic view of a main unit of the haircare appliance of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a second schematic view of the main unit of the haircare appliance of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a first schematic view of a first attachment of the haircare appliance of Figure 1;

[0064] Figure 5 is a second schematic view of the first attachment;

[0065] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the first attachment;

[0066] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the haircare appliance;

[0067] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the haircare appliance according to another example;

[0068] Figure 9 is a schematic view of a first attachment of the haircare appliance of Figure 8; and Figure 10 is a schematic view of a second attachment of the haircare appliance of Figure 8. 14 P005071-W001

[0069] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] A haircare appliance 10, in the form of a hair straightener device, is illustrated schematically in Figure 1. The haircare appliance 10 has a main unit 12, and first 14 and second 16 attachments.

[0071] The main unit 12 is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, and has a body portion 18, an airflow generator 20, a heater 21, a bellows 22, and first 24 and second 26 arms.

[0072] The body portion 18 is generally hollow and cylindrical in form, and has an air inlet 28, a user interface 30, and a locking member 32. The body portion 18 has a first end 34 and a second end 36 opposite to the first end 34. A power cable 38 extends into the body portion 18 at the first end 34.

[0073] The air inlet 28 is located at the first end 34 of the body portion 18, and has a plurality of apertures formed in an external surface of the body portion 18. In some examples, the air inlet 28 is at least partly defined by a removable filter assembly that is removably attached to a remainder of the body portion 18.

[0074] The user interface 30 has a display 40 located on an external surface of the body portion 18 at the second end 36 of the body portion 18, and a column of buttons 42 extending away from the display 40 along the external surface of the body portion 18. The locking member 32 is disposed on the external surface of the body portion 18 at an opposite side of the body portion 18 to the column of buttons 42. The locking member 32 is slidable along the external surface of the body portion 18 to selectively actuate an internal locking mechanism (not shown) to lock the first 24 and second 26 arms in place relative to one another.

[0075] The airflow generator 20 has an electric motor 44 and an impeller 46 driven by the electric motor 44 to generate an airflow through the main unit 12. The airflow generator 20 is disposed within the body portion 18. The heater 21 is located downstream of the airflow generator 20. The bellows 22 is disposed within the body portion 18 downstream of the 15 P005071-W001 electric motor 20, and is positioned to receive airflow generated by the airflow generator 20 in use. The bellows 22 forks into first 48 and second 50 ducts, with each of the first 48 and second 50 ducts configured to direct airflow from the body portion 18 into a respective one of the first 24 and second 26 arms.

[0076] Each of the first 24 and second 26 arms is substantially similar in form, albeit in mirror image to one another, and so only the features of the first arm 24 will be described here for the sake of brevity. The first arm 24 is elongate in form between a first end 52 and a second end 54, with the first arm 24 extending generally along a central longitudinal axis CL of the main unit 12. The first end 52 of the first arm 24 is pivotably mounted to the body portion 18, with the first arm 24 sprung toward an open position relative to the body portion 18. The first end 52 of the first arm 24 is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the external surface of the body portion 18, with the shape of the first end 52 of the first arm 24 being such that the column of buttons 42 and the locking member 32 are accessible to a user when the first arm 24 is pivoted to a closed position.

[0077] The first arm 24 has an internal plenum 56, an air outlet 58, a magnetic connection portion 60, and a clip receiving portion 62. The internal plenum 56 is in fluid communication with the first duct 48 of the bellows 22, and acts as an airflow path within the first arm 24. The internal plenum 56 begins approximately halfway along the first arm 24 between the first 52 and second 54 ends, and extends to the second end 54 of the first arm 24.

[0078] The air outlet 58 takes the form of a linear slot that extends along an upper region of the first arm 24 in the orientation seen in Figure 2. The air outlet 58 is positioned to direct airflow downwardly in a height direction of the first arm 24 in the orientation shown in Figure 2.

[0079] The magnetic connection portion 60 is located on an end wall 64 of the second end 54 of the first arm 24, and is configured to releasably engage with a magnetic connection portion 71 of a second end 74 of the first attachment 14, as will be discussed in further detail hereinafter. The clip receiving portion 62 is located on an external surface of the first arm 16 P005071-W001

[0080] 24, and has a recess shaped and dimensioned to releasably receive a clip projection 85 of a first end 72 of the first attachment 14, as will be discussed in further detail hereinafter.

[0081] The second arm 26 is also pivotably mounted to the body portion 18, with the second arm 26 sprung toward an open position relative to the body portion 18. The first 24 and second

[0082] 26 arms oppose one another, with portions 25 of the first 24 and second 26 arms that do not overlie the body portion 18 spaced apart from one another, and respective inner walls

[0083] 27 of those portions 25 defining a hair receiving channel 66.

[0084] Each of the first 14 and second 16 attachments is substantially similar in form, albeit in mirror image to one another, and so only the features of the first attachment 14 will be described here for the sake of brevity. Like reference numerals will be used for like components / features between the first 14 and second 16 attachments. The first attachment 14 is illustrated schematically in Figures 4 to 7.

[0085] The first attachment 14 has a channel portion 68 and an end wall 70, and has a first end 72 and a second end 74. The channel portion 68 is elongate between the first end 72 and the second end 74.

[0086] The channel portion 68 has a frame 76, a flow guide 78, an inner curved surface 80, and an outer curved surface 82. The frame 76 has an upper portion 84 and a lower portion 86 spaced from the upper portion 84 by first and second arms 88. The upper portion 84 is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to an outer peripheral portion of a lower region of the portion 25 of the first arm 24 that defines the hair receiving channel 66. The upper portion 84 also comprises a clip projection 85 located at the first end 72 of the first attachment 14. The clip projection 85 is shaped and dimensioned to be releasably received within the clip receiving portion 62 of the first arm 24, for example via a releasable press fit or the like.

[0087] The flow guide 78 is a rib that has a generally tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape, as can be seen in Figure 6. The flow guide 78 has a curved portion 90 and a linear portion 92. The curved portion 90 has a radius of curvature of 1.5mm. The flow guide 78 extends 17 P005071-W001 between the first and second arms 88, and is spaced from the upper 84 and lower 86 portions of the frame to define respective first 93 and second bleed inlets 95. The flow guide 78 is angled so that the linear portion 92 is generally parallel to the first and second arms 88.

[0088] A guide element 79 comprises a lip 91 formed on the lower portion 86 of the frame. The guide element 79 extends between the first and second arms 88, and is spaced from the flow guide 78 to define the second bleed inlet 95. The lower portion 86 of the frame has a length of 11.65mm. The lip 91 protrudes in a direction generally away from the hair receiving channel and toward the bleed outlets.

[0089] The inner curved surface 80 can be seen in Figure 4, where the outer curved surface 82 is removed for sake of clarity, and is curved from a first end 94 adjacent to the upper portion 84 of the frame 76, to a second end 96 adjacent to the lower portion 86 of the frame 76. An internal volume 81 is defined by the inner curved surface 80, and the upper 84 and lower 86 portions of the frame 76, can be considered to form part of a bleed flowpath, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. The inner curved surface 80 has a radius of curvature of around 15.8mm, and a circumferential extent, between the first end 94 and the second end 96, of around 30mm.

[0090] A plurality of bleed apertures 98 are defined in the inner curved surface 80 and are arranged in first to sixth longitudinal rows 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110. The bleed apertures 98 each have a generally circular cross-sectional shape, although it will be appreciated that other shapes are also envisaged. For example, the bleed apertures in some examples can be longitudinal slots, or in some examples, each row of bleed apertures 98 can instead be a single longitudinal slot. The first longitudinal row 100 is located closest to the first end 94 of the inner curved surface 80, and the sixth longitudinal row 110 is located closest to the second end 96 of the inner curved surface 80. The second 102 through fifth 108 longitudinal rows are then each positioned at a different circumferential extent along the inner curved surface 80. Thus it can be said that the bleed apertures 98 are distributed across the inner curved surface 80 between the first end 94 and the second end

[0091] 96. 18 P005071-W001

[0092] Each bleed aperture 98 within the first 100 and second 102 longitudinal rows has a same open cross-sectional area of around 7mm2. Open cross-sectional areas of from 3.14mm2to 12.57mm2are also envisaged. Each bleed aperture 98 within the third 104 and fourth 106 longitudinal rows has a same open cross-sectional area of around 5mm2. Open cross- sectional areas of from 3.5mm2to 5.5mm2are also envisaged. Each bleed aperture 98 within the fifth 108 and sixth 110 longitudinal rows has a same open cross-sectional area of around 3mm2. Open cross-sectional areas of from 0.79mm2to 7.07mm2are also envisaged. Thus the open cross-sectional areas of the bleed apertures 98 varies between the first end 94 and the second end 96 of the inner curved surface 80, with bleed apertures 98 in the first longitudinal row 100 having an open cross-sectional area that is around 2.3 times the open cross-sectional area of bleed apertures 98 in the sixth longitudinal row. Ratios of from 1.5 to 4 are also envisaged, as are arrangements where the open cross- sectional area of the bleed apertures 98 is different between any two of the first through sixth longitudinal rows 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110.

[0093] The outer curved surface 82 overlies the inner curved surface 80, and is held in place by slots formed in the upper portion 84 and the lower portion 86 of the frame 76. The outer curved surface 82 has a plurality of holes (exit apertures) 112 formed therein, with each hole larger than, and positioned to overlie, a corresponding underlying one of the bleed apertures 98. Although not shown in the figures for sake of clarity, in some examples a bristle extends from the outer curved surface 82, with bristles in some examples extending through a respective one of the holes 112.

[0094] The end wall 70 of the first attachment 14 is upstanding from the channel portion 68 at the second end 74 of the first attachment 14. The end wall 70 is shaped and dimensioned to overlie the end wall 64 of the first arm 24 when the attachment 14 is connected to the first arm 24. An inner surface of the end wall 70 of the first attachment 14 comprises a magnetic connection portion 71 that is configured to releasably engage with the magnetic connection portion 60 of the first arm 24. 19 P005071-W001

[0095] With the first attachment 14 attached to the first arm 24, the channel portion 68 of the first attachment 14 underlies the first arm 24. The flow guide 78 is positioned downstream of the hair receiving channel 66, and upstream of the inner curved surface 80. The flow guide 78 partly underlies the hair receiving channel 66, and partly underlies the first arm 24, with the curved portion 90 both underlying the hair receiving channel 66, and facing toward an underside of the first arm 24. The linear portion 92 of the flow guide 78 extends along an axis that is generally parallel to a central height axis CH of the hair receiving channel 66.

[0096] The inner curved surface 80 is positioned so that the first end 94 of the inner curved surface 80 is located upstream of the second end 96 of the inner curved surface 80, with the first end 94 proximal to the hair receiving channel 66 and the second end 96 distal to the hair receiving channel 66. The inner curved surface 80 is displaced from the hair receiving channel 66 in a direction parallel to a width axis W of the hair receiving channel 66, with the first end 94 of the inner curved surface 80 located further from the central height axis CH of the hair receiving channel 66 than the second end 96 of the inner curved surface 80.

[0097] The second attachment 16 is similarly orientated with respect to the second arm 26. The flow guides 78 of the first 14 and second 16 attachments are spaced apart to define a flow passage 114, and the lower portions 86 of the frames 76 of the first 14 and second 16 attachments are spaced apart to define an outlet gap 116.

[0098] In use, with the first 14 and second 16 attachments attached to the respective first 24 and second 26 arms, a user operates one of the buttons 42 to turn on the haircare appliance 10, and in particular to turn on the electric motor 44. Either prior to this, or after this, a user can locate a tress of hair within the hair receiving channel 66, and can apply a force to the first 24 and second 26 arms to decrease a width of the hair receiving channel 66, in a manner similar to known hair straighteners, such that the first 24 and second 26 arms are positioned in a closed configuration. The electric motor 44 drives rotation of the impeller 46 to generate an airflow that passes through the air inlet 28 into the body portion 18. The airflow passes through the first 48 and second 50 ducts of the bellows 22, and into the respective internal plenums 56 of the first 24 and second 26 arms. Airflow exits the first 20 P005071-W001

[0099] 24 and second 26 arms via the respective air outlets 58, and is directed downwardly along a height direction of the hair receiving channel 66, as shown schematically in Figure 7.

[0100] As airflow passes down the hair receiving channel 66, airflow contacts the curved portions 90 of the flow guides 78. Some of this airflow (i.e. a first airflow portion Fl) is directed along the underside of the respective first 24 and second 26 arms and through the first bleed inlets 93 toward the first ends 94 of the inner curved surfaces 80. The remaining airflow (i.e. a second airflow portion F2) passes through the flow passage 114 defined by the linear portions 92 of the flow guides 78, and towards the outlet gap 116. As this airflow is flowing toward the outlet gap 116, some airflow bleeds through the second bleed inlets 95 toward the second ends 96 of the inner curved surfaces 80.

[0101] Airflow flowing toward outlet gap 116 contacts the lips 91 of the guide elements 79 to direct more of the airflow (i.e. a third airflow portion F3) through the second bleed inlets 95 toward the second ends 96 of the inner curved surfaces 80.

[0102] Airflow that passes through the first and second bleed outlets 93, 95 passes through the bleed apertures 98, and through the holes 112, to leave the first 14 and second 16 attachments. The remaining airflow (i.e. a fourth airflow portion F4) passes through the outlet gap 116 in a direction generally parallel to the central height axis CH of the hair receiving channel 66.

[0103] As a user passes the haircare appliance over a length of the tress of hair located within the hair receiving channel 66, the bristles, when present, can act to brush the tress of hair, and the user can use the curved nature of the outer curved surfaces 82 of the first 14 and second 16 attachments to style the tress of hair, for example by imparting a curl or flick to the hair.

[0104] With the haircare appliance 10 described above, a relatively even airflow can be achieved across the outer curved surfaces 82 by causing provision of a relatively even airflow through the bleed apertures 98, between the first 94 and second 96 ends of the inner curved surfaces. In particular, in arrangements absent the flow guides 78 and where the bleed apertures 98 are all the same size, it has been found that uneven airflow across the inner 21 P005071-W001 curved surfaces 80 may occur, with a greater volume of airflow present at the second ends 96 of the inner curved surfaces 80 than at the first ends 94. By providing the flow guides 78 and the guide elements 79, and by the bleed apertures 98 located closest to the first ends 94 having a larger open cross-sectional area than the bleed apertures 98 located closest to the second ends 96, airflow is encouraged toward the first ends 94, resulting in a relatively even distribution of airflow through the bleed apertures 98.

[0105] In an alternative mode of operation, the user can lock the first 24 and second 26 arms in a closed position, with the hair receiving channel 66 having minimal width, without a tress of hair located within the hair receiving channel 66. The user can then brush their hair using the bristles, and if desired can wrap their hair around the outer curved surfaces 82 of the first 14 and second 16 attachments.

[0106] Operation here is described with the first attachment 14 attached to the first arm 24 and the second attachment 16 attached to the second arm 26. In practice, the haircare appliance 10 can be utilised with only the first attachment 14 attached to the first arm 24, or only the second attachment 16 attached to the second arm 26. Similarly, an alternative attachment can be attached to the second arm 26 whilst the first attachment 14 is attached to the first arm 24, or vice versa, for example with such a further attachment also comprising a bleed flowpath.

[0107] It will be appreciated that alternatives to the configuration of the first attachment 14 and the second attachment 16 described above are also envisaged. For example, at least one of the first attachment 14 and the second attachment 16 may be provided with the flow guide 78 but with each bleed aperture 98 having a same open cross-sectional area. Similarly, at least one of the first attachment 14 and the second attachment 16 may be provided with bleed apertures 98 of varying open cross-sectional area, but without the flow guides 78. In some examples, the bleed apertures 98 can be provided with open cross-sectional areas to deliberately provide uneven airflow across the internal curved surfaces 80. In some examples, at least one of the first attachment 14 and the second attachment 16 may be provided with the flow guide 78 but without the surfaces 80, 82. In some examples, the 22 P005071-W001 attachment 14, 16 may be a fixed part of the respective arm 14, 16, and may not be detachable from the arm 14, 16.

[0108] It will further be appreciated that embodiments in which the attachment and the main unit are integrally formed are also envisaged.

[0109] 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.

[0110] For example, the flow guide may have a different shape from that shown in the figures. While the figures show the flow guide having a linear portion for directing part of the airflow toward the leading edge of the appliance, the flow guide may alternatively be configured to split the airflow into a portion directed toward the first end of the surface and another portion directed toward the second end of the surface (instead of toward the leading edge of the appliance). Further, in some examples, the guide element may be absent.

[0111] Figures 8 to 10 show another example of a haircare appliance, where the haircare appliance has first 814 and second 816 attachments. The attachments 814, 816 include flow guides 178, 278 different from the flow guide 78.

[0112] The flow guide 178 of the first attachment 814 is a rib that has a curved and elongate cross- sectional shape with curved upper and lower portions. The flow guide 178 extends along the hair receiving channel 166 at an angle to the hair receiving channel 166. At least a part of the flow guide 178 extends beyond the central height axis CH, so the flow guide 178 bisects the hair receiving channel 166.

[0113] The flow guide 278 of the second attachment 816 is a rib that has a linear and elongate cross-sectional shape with curved upper and lower portions. The flow guide 278 also extends along the hair receiving channel 166 at an angle to the hair receiving channel 166. The flow guide 278 is recessed from the central height axis CH, so that it is spaced from 23 P005071-W001 the flow guide 178. Therefore, the flow passage between the flow guides 178 and 278 is offset from the central height axis CH of the hair receiving channel.

[0114] The flow guide 178 of the first attachment 814 extends nearer toward the hair receiving channel 166 than the flow guide 278 of the second attachment 816. The flow guide 178 includes a curved surface 178a and the flow guide 278 includes a linear surface 278a facing the curved surface 178a.

[0115] When airflow passing down the hair receiving channel 166 contacts the flow guide 178, some of this airflow (i.e. a first airflow portion Fl A) is directed along the underside of the first arm 124 and through a first bleed inlet 193 toward a first end 194 of an inner curved surface 180. The remaining airflow (i.e. a second airflow portion F2A) is directed around the curved upper portion of the flow guide 178 toward the flow guide 278.

[0116] Some of the second airflow portion F2A may then be directed by the flow guide 278 toward a first end 294 of a further surface 280 (e.g. located on the second arm 126). The remaining part of the second airflow portion F2A continues to flow down toward a leading edge of the appliance. Due to the curved surface 178a of the flow guide 178 and the opposing linear surface 278a of the flow guide 278, this part of the second airflow portion F2A flows along a curved trajectory toward the central height axis CH of the hair receiving channel.

[0117] The second attachment 816 also includes a guide element 179 having a rounded end 179a. The guide element 179 extends beyond the central height axis CH and is arranged below the flow guide 178. At least a part of the guide element 179 overlaps with the flow guide 178 along a vertical axis. Airflow flowing toward the leading edge contacts the guide element 179 and a portion of the airflow (i.e. a third airflow portion F3A) is directed by the rounded end 179a through the second bleed inlet 195 toward a second end 196 of the inner curved surface 180. 24 P005071-W001

[0118] The remaining airflow (i.e. a fourth airflow portion F4A) is directed toward a second end 296 of the further surface 280. As shown in Figure 8, the guide element 179 overlaps with the outlet gap 1116, diverting the airflow away from the outlet gap 1116. Airflow that passes through the first and second bleed outlets 193, 195 passes through the bleed apertures 198 in a similar manner as described above with respect to bleed apertures 98.

Claims

25 P005071-W001CLAIMS1. A haircare appliance comprising: a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel therebetween, the first arm movably mounted relative to the second arm such that movement of the first arm relative to the second arm varies a width of the hair receiving channel; an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow within the haircare appliance, the first arm comprising an airflow path configured to receive the airflow from the airflow generator, and an air outlet for emitting airflow from the airflow path into the hair receiving channel; a plurality of bleed apertures configured to receive at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel, the bleed apertures defined in a surface that has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel; and a flow guide disposed downstream of the hair receiving channel and upstream of the surface, the flow guide configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the first end of the surface.

2. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the flow guide comprises a rib having a substantially tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape.

3. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the flow guide comprises a rib having a substantially elongate cross-sectional shape.

4. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow guide comprises a curved portion, and the curved portion is located such that airflow from the hair receiving channel impacts the curved surface in use.26 P005071-W0015. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface is positioned to underlie the first arm, and the curved portion of the flow guide faces an underside of the first arm.

6. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow guide comprises a linear portion, and the linear portion is parallel to a central height axis of the hair receiving channel.

7. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow guide is configured to split airflow from the hair receiving channel into a first airflow portion directed toward the first end of the surface, and a second airflow portion directed toward a leading edge of the appliance.

8. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow guide extends along a length that is at least 90% of a length of the hair receiving channel.

9. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air outlet is configured to emit airflow from the airflow path into the hair receiving channel along a height of the hair receiving channel, the surface is displaced relative to the hair receiving channel in a direction parallel to the height of the hair receiving channel, and the surface is displaced relative to the hair receiving channel in a direction parallel to the width of the hair receiving channel.

10. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the first end of the surface is displaced relative to a central height axis of the hair receiving channel to a first extent, the second end of the surface is displaced relative to the central height axis of the hair receiving channel to a second extent, and the first extent is greater than the second extent.

11. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface is curved between the first end and the second end.27 P005071-W00112. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a guide element disposed downstream of the hair receiving channel and upstream of the surface, the guide element configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the second end of the surface.

13. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the guide element comprises a lip protruding away from the hair receiving channel.

14. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bleed apertures extend across the surface between the first end and the second end, each bleed aperture has a respective open cross-sectional area, and the open cross-sectional area of the bleed apertures varies between the first end and the second end.

15. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the open-cross sectional area of the bleed apertures decreases between the first end and the second end.

16. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 14 or Claim 15, wherein the open-cross sectional area of the bleed apertures varies discontinuously between the first end and the second end.

17. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 16, wherein a first bleed aperture of the plurality of bleed apertures is located proximal to the first end of the surface, a second bleed aperture of the plurality of bleed apertures is located proximal to the second end of the surface, the first bleed aperture has a first open cross-sectional area, the second bleed aperture has a second open cross-sectional area, and the first open cross- sectional area is at least 1.5 times the second open cross-sectional area.

18. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 17, wherein the plurality of bleed apertures are disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows along the surface, and each bleed aperture in a same longitudinal row has a same open cross- sectional area.28 P005071-W00119. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 18, wherein for at least one pair of the plurality of longitudinal rows, a first longitudinal row of the pair has bleed apertures of a same open cross-sectional area to bleed apertures of a second longitudinal row of the pair.

20. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the haircare appliance comprises: a plurality of further bleed apertures configured to receive at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel, the further bleed apertures defined in a further surface that has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel; and a further flow guide disposed downstream of the hair receiving channel and upstream of the further surface, the further flow guide configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the first end of the further surface.

21. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a main unit comprising the first and second arms, and an attachment comprising the surface, the plurality of bleed apertures, and the flow guide, wherein the attachment is releasably attachable to the main unit.

22. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the attachment is releasably attachable to the first arm.

23. An attachment for releasably attaching to a first arm of a haircare appliance comprising the first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel therebetween, the first arm movably mounted relative to the second arm such that movement of the first arm relative to the second arm varies a width of the hair receiving channel, wherein the attachment comprises: an interface for releasably attaching the attachment to the first arm such that the attachment underlies the first arm; a plurality of bleed apertures, the bleed apertures defined in a surface that, when the attachment is connected to the first arm, has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel; and29 P005071-W001 a flow guide disposed such that when the attachment is connected to the first arm the flow guide is located downstream of the hair receiving channel and upstream of the surface, the flow guide configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the first end of the surface in use.

Images