Haircare device

Abstract

The haircare device is provided that comprises a main body having a fluid inlet for receiving fluid flow and a plurality of main body fluid outlets. A plurality of projections are provided which extend from the main body, wherein each projection comprises one or more projection fluid outlets. Each projection fluid outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The haircare device is configured to provide selective operation in a first mode in which fluid is discharged from the projection fluid outlets and the main body fluid outlets, and a second mode in which fluid is discharged from the projection fluid outlets and not from the main body fluid outlets.

Description

[0001] 1 P005163-W001

[0002] HAIRCARE DEVICE

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Haircare devices are generally used to treat or style hair, and some haircare devices may treat or style hair using fluid flow, for example, airflow.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] Some haircare diffusers consist of a large, perforated bowl-like structure, with protruding prongs to access hair roots for drying. On larger hair styles or curlier hair types, this type of ‘bowl’ is used to increase air velocity to improve drying speed but can lead to crushing the style flat when trying to use the prongs to access the hair roots, and can block visibility of the hair during styling, thereby making it difficult for a user to style their hair accurately. This conventional bowl style also retains heat, which can build up rapidly and cause discomfort, especially over extended periods of styling. Whilst projecting this heat towards the hair root may improve drying time, the associated thermal discomfort limits the period over which the diffuser can be used comfortably, because over time even moderate heat projected toward the scalp can result in uncomfortable scalp temperature. Thus, it has been observed that the vast majority of users have a tendency in practice to limit the performance of a conventional diffuser, by using only a slow flowrate and low heat setting, in an effort to avoid some or all of the aforementioned problems.

[0007] In an aspect, there is provided a haircare device comprising: a main body having a fluid inlet for receiving fluid flow and a plurality of main body fluid outlets, each main body fluid outlet being in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the main body. A plurality of projections are provided, which extend from the main body and are arranged about an axis that extends from the main body. Each projection comprises a tip, a base proximal to the main body, and one or more projection fluid outlets located between the tip and the base. Each projection fluid outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the main body. The haircare device is configured to provide selective operation in: a first mode in which fluid is discharged from the projection fluid outlets and the main body fluid outlets; and a second mode in which fluid is discharged from the projection fluid outlets and not from the main body fluid outlets. 2 P005163-W001

[0008] The main body may comprise a plurality of main body fluid outlets. Each main body fluid outlet may be in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the main body. Each main body fluid outlet may be configured to discharge fluid towards the tips of the projections and, for example in an axial direction. In this way, the net or bulk fluid flow from the haircare device may be in a direction parallel to the axis, thereby allowing a user to dry the hair roots more efficiently. The plurality of main body air outlets may include a set of central main body fluid outlets and a set of peripheral main body fluid outlets. The set of central main body fluid outlets may be separated from the set of peripheral main body fluid outlets by the set of central projections.

[0009] The haircare device may be configured to provide selective operation in: a first mode in which fluid is discharged from the projection fluid outlets and the main body fluid outlets; and a second mode in which fluid is discharged from the projection fluid outlets and not from the main body fluid outlets. In this way, a user may quickly dry their hair roots using the first mode (forward mode) and then switch to the second mode (reverse mode) allowing them to raise only their hair temperature (and not their scalp temperature) for overall faster drying and improved style. Alternatively, the second mode may be used from the outset which may result in slower drying of the hair roots but with improved thermal comfort as the scalp is subjected to less airflow (e.g. when drying hair, discharged airflow may have an elevated temperature).

[0010] The haircare device may further comprise a removable cover configured to selectively cover and uncover the main body fluid outlets. The removable cover may be attachable to the main body in a manner effective to cover the main body fluid outlets and thereby configure the haircare device for operation in the second mode. The removable cover may be removable from the main body to uncover the main body fluid outlets and thereby configure the haircare device for operation in the first mode. In some examples, a portion of the removable cover may conform to a portion of the main body on which the main body fluid outlets are disposed. The removeable cover may seal the main body fluid outlets. 3 P005163-W001

[0011] The removeable cover may be configured to overlie the main body. The removable cover may include a central portion configured to block the central main body fluid outlets and / or one or more peripheral portions (e.g. arm portions) configured to block the peripheral main body fluid outlets. Each peripheral portion may be configured to overlie a corresponding arm of the main body. Thus, each peripheral portion may include one or more openings (e.g. each configured to receive a respective projection therethrough). Each peripheral portion may also include one or more upright portions (e.g. configured to engage a respective projection e.g. peripheral projection). The removable cover may further include one or more support elements (e.g. extending between the upright portions). The one or more support elements may be spaced apart along the axis.

[0012] The fluid inlet may comprise a first portion in fluid communication with the projection fluid outlets and a second portion in fluid communication the main body fluid outlets. The first portion may be fluidically isolated from the second portion (e.g. within the main body) such that the first mode and / or the second mode are selectable by controlling fluid flow to the second portion. In this way, ease of operation may be improved because the two modes are selectable by controlling fluid flow to each portion of the fluid inlet. For example, this could be achieved via selective fluid flow generation and routing in the haircare device (e.g. which may be controlled via a user interface (e.g. one or more buttons / switches / sliders) operable by a user of the haircare device).

[0013] Each projection fluid outlet may be further configured such that the discharge is at least partially towards the base of the respective projection. In this way, fluid flow may be directed away from a user’s scalp in use (e.g. to reduce thermal discomfort).

[0014] Each projection may comprise a plurality of the projection fluid outlets. In this way, uniformity of fluid flow (e.g. perpendicular to the axis) may be improved (e.g. fluid flow may be more diffuse).

[0015] The main body may comprise a plurality of arms. Each arm may include a duct in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The projections may extend from the arms such that 4 P005163-W001 that the ducts direct fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlets. In some examples, the main body may include a central opening therethrough.

[0016] The main body air outlets may be located on the arms. Thus, when the fluid inlet includes a first portion and a second portion, each duct may include a first section connecting the first portion of the air inlet to the projection fluid outlets and a second section connecting the second portion of the fluid inlet to the main body fluid outlets. Each first section may be fluidically isolated (e.g. within the main body) from each second section.

[0017] The fluid inlet of the main body may lie in a plane perpendicular to the axis, and the centre of the fluid inlet may lie on the axis. The arms may extend radially away from the axis and / or the fluid inlet of the main body. In this way, fluid may be more evenly distributed to the arms facilitating more consistent fluid flow from the fluid outlets. Further, each arm may extend in a direction having an axial component along the axis. This may facilitate fluid flow through the arms, reduce the energy required to drive fluid through the arms, and / or reduce the energy requirements of the haircare device.

[0018] The main body may further comprise a bracing member which may extend between the arms (e.g. adjacent arms). In this way, rigidity of the main body may be improved. The bracing member may comprise one or more rings (e.g. extending around the axis). Thus, the bracing member may comprise an inner ring (e.g. radially proximal the axis) and an outer ring (e.g. radially distal the axis). One or more struts or arms may connect the inner ring to the outer ring. The bracing member may be removable.

[0019] The main body fluid outlets may be located on the bracing member. Thus, one or more main body fluid outlets may be located on the one or more rings and / or the one or more struts. Thus, the central main body fluid outlets may be located on the inner ring and the peripheral main body fluid outlets may be located on the outer ring. The main body fluid outlets may be evenly spaced (e.g. in a circumferential or toroidal direction) on the bracing member (e.g. inner ring and / or outer ring). The main body fluid outlets may be arranged in groups between adjacent arms of the main body. Thus, the groups may be evenly spaced circumferentially about the axis. 5 P005163-W001

[0020] The bracing member may include a duct in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the main body and the main body fluid outlets (e.g. to supply fluid to the main body fluid outlets). Thus, the second portion of the fluid inlet may be in fluid communication with the duct of the bracing member.

[0021] The main body may be open-backed (e.g. such that fluid can flow through the main body parallel to the axis). The main body may have an open area of at least 75% of the area bounded by adjacent arms of the plurality of arms such that fluid flows freely through the main body along or parallel to the axis via the open area. In this way, the likelihood of a user’s hair being crushed by the haircare device during styling may be further reduced, visibility through the main body may be further improved (e.g. to allow a user to more easily see and monitor styling progress in a mirror during use) and / or the weight of the device may be reduced. Improved visibility and reduced weight may facilitate more convenient use of the haircare device. The area bounded by adjacent arms may be an area closed by features of the haircare device (e.g. the adjacent arms and bracing member), or an area closed by the arms joined in the most direct route (e.g. the arms with outermost points joined by a straight line). The open area may be, for example, an area that is unobstructed by the main body in a direction along the axis.

[0022] Each projection may taper towards the tip (e.g. away from the base, e.g. away from the main body). In this way, the likelihood of a user’s hair being crushed by the haircare device during styling may be reduced. The tip of each projection may be rounded. In this way, user comfort may be improved. Thus, each projection may be configured for engagement with a user’s scalp.

[0023] Each fluid outlet may comprise an elongate slot. The elongate slot may extend around the projection (e.g. perpendicular to the axis). In this way, each fluid outlet may discharge fluid at a higher volumetric rate (e.g. thereby improving styling performance). 6 P005163-W001

[0024] In some examples, each fluid outlet may comprise an elongate slot that extends along the projection in a direction at least partially parallel to the axis. In this way, flow control may be further improved.

[0025] The haircare device may further comprise a main unit (e.g. a hairdryer). The main unit may comprise a fluid flow generator (e.g. powered fan) to supply fluid flow to the fluid inlet of the main body. Where the main body includes a central opening, the main unit may directly and / or indirectly supply fluid flow through the central opening. The main body may be attached to and / or integral with the main unit. The main body may be releasably, or fixedly, attached to the main unit. In this way, device configurability may be improved.

[0026] When the fluid inlet of the main body includes a first portion and a second portion, the main unit may be configured to selectively supply fluid to each portion. The main unit may include a user interface to allow a user to select the operation mode of the device by controlling fluid flow to each portion of the fluid inlet. The main unit may include a valve to control fluid flow to each portion of the fluid inlet. The valve may be user-actuatable or electronically-actuatable. The valve may be located in a fluid flow path between the fluid flow generator and the fluid inlet of the main body. Alternatively, or additionally, the haircare device may include multiple fluid flow generators. A first fluid flow generator may supply fluid to the first portion of the fluid inlet and a second fluid flow generator may supply fluid to the second portion of the fluid inlet. Thus, controlling the second fluid flow generator would control the operation mode of the haircare device.

[0027] In some examples, each projection fluid outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the main body and the projection fluid outlets are arranged to direct fluid flow around the axis.

[0028] In this way, a haircare device, such as a diffuser, may be provided with improved thermal evenness and a reduced crushing effect for larger hair styles or curlier hair types. It may be understood that the haircare device provides a fluid flow about the axis that reduces the net motion of the hair along the axis, for example, by entraining a user’s hair. This reduction of net motion, or entrainment, of the hair obviates the need for a covered back to hold the 7 P005163-W001 hair in place. Moreover, the increased mixing between the fluid flow and the entrained hair may improve dry time.

[0029] The terminology “fluid flow” as used herein may refer to the path taken by the bulk, net, or general fluid flow. For example, the bulk fluid flow path may be around or about the axis and / or the bulk fluid flow may have a rotational symmetry about the axis of at least 2.

[0030] The projection fluid outlets may direct fluid flow around the axis at a first radial distance from the axis to form a first fluid flow about the axis. The first fluid flow may be toroidal or vortical. For example, the projection fluid outlets may direct fluid flow around the axis to form a first fluid flow that is toroidal about the axis or vortical about the axis. A centre of this first toroidal or vortical flow may be aligned with the axis. In some examples, the first fluid flow may be in the form of a toroid or vortex. In this way, the amount of hair that can be simultaneously dried by the haircare device is increased and thermal evenness is improved.

[0031] The projection fluid outlets may direct fluid flow around the axis at a second radial distance from the axis to form a second fluid flow about the axis. The second fluid flow may be toroidal. For example, the projection fluid outlets may direct fluid flow around the axis to form a second fluid flow in the form of a toroid. It may be understood that a centre of this second flow may be aligned with the axis. In this way, the amount of hair that can be simultaneously dried by the haircare device is further increased and thermal evenness is further improved.

[0032] In some examples, a toroid is the result of moving a two-dimensional shape in three- dimensional space one full path about an axis that is coplanar with the shape. The shape may be rounded, rectangular, or spiral-like. The path may be rounded, triangular, or rectangular. The first and / or second fluid flows may be bounded by the plurality of projections. In some examples, the toroid formed by the first and / or second fluid flow may be a torus, such as a ring or horn torus. A toroidal fluid flow may form a bulk fluid flow that is doughnut-like and / or basically toroidal in shape. For example, a toroidal fluid flow may form a bulk fluid flow that is a super-toroid. 8 P005163-W001

[0033] The first fluid flow at the first radial distance and the second fluid flow at the second radial distance may be coplanar and / or separate. By aligning the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow in the same plane, the risk of hair tangling may be reduced thereby improving styling performance.

[0034] The plurality of projections may include a set of central projections outwardly flanked with respect to the axis by a set of peripheral projections. To facilitate fluid flow uniformity, each set of projections may be arranged in a circle (e.g. centred on the axis). There may be even spacing between adjacent projections in each set. Each projection in the central set may have a corresponding projection in the peripheral set. Corresponding projections may be radially aligned with respect to the axis. The projection fluid outlets of the set of central projections may direct fluid flow about the axis at the first radial distance, the second radial distance or both. The projection fluid outlets of the set of peripheral projections may direct fluid flow about the axis at the second radial distance. By distributing projections in a predetermined pattern (e.g. substantially evenly distributed) on the main body, fluid flow uniformity may be improved.

[0035] Each projection in the set of central projections may include an outer fluid outlet radially spaced further from the axis than an inner fluid outlet is spaced from the axis. Each inner fluid outlet may be configured to discharge fluid in a direction having a radially inward component (e.g. towards the axis). Thus, the inner fluid outlets may direct fluid flow about the axis at the first radial distance. Each outer fluid outlet may be configured to discharge fluid in a direction having a radially outward component (e.g. away from the axis). Thus, the outer fluid outlets may direct fluid flow about the axis at the second radial distance. In these ways, fluid flow uniformity may be increased because including both an inner and outer fluid outlet may allow a more even discharge (e.g. around the projection) of fluid from each projection in the set of central projections.

[0036] In some examples, a projection fluid outlet of a projection of the set of central projections and a projection fluid outlet of a projection of the set of peripheral projections are configured to direct fluid flow at least partially towards each other, and at least partially 9 P005163-W001 around the axis. For example, the projection fluid outlets of the central projections and peripheral projections may cooperate to provide an unobstructed fluid flow (e.g. airflow) around the axis. In this way, fluid flow velocity may be increased and drying time may be reduced.

[0037] It may be understood that directing fluid flow around the axis may mean directing fluid flow perpendicular to a notional line extending radially from the axis. For example, tangentially to the notional radial line.

[0038] The projection fluid outlets on each projection may be arranged to direct fluid flow around the axis in a first rotational direction and, optionally, to avoid neighbouring projections. In this way, circumferential fluid flow may be generated about the axis. By avoiding neighbouring projections, fluid flow uniformity may be increased (e.g. as there is less turbulence).

[0039] The projection fluid outlets may be configured to direct fluid with a circumferential component about the axis.

[0040] In some examples, each projection fluid outlet may be configured to discharge fluid in a respective discharge direction. For example, a respective discharge direction with a nonzero discharge angle with respect to a notional plane that is aligned along the axis and / or extends radially from the axis to the projection on which the respective projection fluid outlet is located. The non-zero discharge angle with respect to the notional plane may be the same for each projection fluid outlet. Each non-zero discharge angle may be acute.

[0041] The fluid referred to herein may be air or steam. That is, fluid flow may refer to airflow or steam flow. By way of example, the haircare device may be configured to use air as a working fluid (i.e. the fluid referred to above may be air). In this way, hair styling and / or drying may be facilitated.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a haircare device according to the first aspect. 10 P005163-W001

[0044] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the haircare device of Figure 1.

[0045] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view through section A-A labelled on Figure 2 of the haircare device of Figure 1.

[0046] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the haircare device of Figure 1 with a removable cover attached.

[0047] Figure 5 shows a plan view of the haircare device of Figure 4.

[0048] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view through section A-A labelled on Figure 5 of the haircare device of Figure 4.

[0049] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of another haircare device according to the first aspect. Figure 8 shows a plan view of the haircare device of Figure 7.

[0050] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view through section A-A labelled on Figure 8 of the haircare device of Figure 7.

[0051] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a further haircare device according to the first aspect.

[0052] Figure 11 shows a plan view of the haircare device of Figure 10.

[0053] Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view through section A-A labelled on Figure 11 of the haircare device of Figure 10.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Figs. 1 to 6 show a haircare device 100 according to the first aspect. The haircare device 100 comprises a main body 110 and a plurality of projections 120, 130 extending from the main body 110. The main body 110 has a central axis 105 and includes a fluid inlet 111 (shown in Fig. 3) for receiving fluid flow. The fluid inlet 111 is circular and aligned with the central axis 105. The projections 120, 130 are arranged about the central axis 105.

[0056] The projections include central projections 120 and peripheral projections 130. The central projections 120 are evenly spaced (i.e. equispaced) in a circumferential direction around the central axis 105 at a first radial distance from the central axis 105, and the peripheral projections 130 are evenly spaced (i.e. equispaced) in a circumferential direction around the central axis 105 at a second radial distance from the central axis 105, the second radial distance being greater than the first radial distance. 11 P005163-W001

[0057] The projections 120, 130 are aligned on eight arms 113 extending radially from the fluid inlet 111 such that each central projection 120 is associated with a corresponding peripheral projection 130. The arms 113 are evenly spaced in a circumferential direction around the central axis 105. Each of the arms 113 of the main body 110 comprises an internal duct in fluid communication with the fluid inlet 111. The projections 120, 130 extend from the arms 113 such that the internal ducts direct fluid flow from the fluid inlet 111 of the main body 110 to the projections 120, 130.

[0058] Each central projection 120 comprises a tip 121, a base 122 proximal to the main body 110, and a plurality of central projection fluid outlets 123 spaced between the tip 121 and the base 122. Each peripheral projection 130 similarly comprises a tip 131, a base 132 proximal to the main body 110, and a plurality of peripheral projection fluid outlets 133 spaced between the tip 131 and the base 132. Each projection 120, 130 tapers from its base 122, 132 to its tip 121, 131, and each tip 121, 131 is rounded to facilitate comfortable engagement with a user’s scalp. Each central projection fluid outlet 123 and each peripheral projection fluid outlet 133 is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet 111 of the main body 110 via the internal duct of the respective arm 113. Thus, in use, fluid may pass through the fluid inlet 111, along the internal duct of each arm 113, along the projections 120, 130 and out of the fluid outlets 123, 133. Each fluid outlet 123, 133 includes an elongate slot extending partially around the respective projection perpendicular to the central axis 105.

[0059] In use, the central projection fluid outlets 123 direct fluid flow around the central axis 105 at a first radial distance from the central axis 105 to form a first fluid flow about the central axis 105 in the form of a toroid. In use, the peripheral fluid outlets 133 direct fluid flow around the central axis 105 at a second radial distance from the central axis 105 to form a second fluid flow about the central axis 105 in the form of a toroid. Collectively, the first and second fluid flows are coplanar to produce a vortex of fluid flow about the central axis 105 in a first rotational direction that results in improved uniformity of airflow.

[0060] Each central projection fluid outlet 123 and each peripheral projection fluid outlet 133 is configured to discharge fluid in a respective discharge direction having a circumferential 12 P005163-W001 component with respect to the central axis 105 and an axial component towards the base of the respective projection. In other words, each respective discharge direction has the same acute discharge angle with respect to a notional plane extending radially from the respective projection to the central axis 105.

[0061] The main body 110 comprises a plurality of main body fluid outlets 150, 160. The main body fluid outlets comprise central main body fluid outlets 150 and peripheral main body fluid outlets 160. The peripheral main body fluid outlets 160 are located on the arms 113 of the main body 110 and separated from the central main body fluid outlets 150 by the central projections 120.

[0062] Each central main body fluid outlet 150 and each peripheral main body fluid outlet 160 is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet 111 of the main body 110 via the internal duct of the respective arm 113, and is configured to discharge fluid in an axial direction towards the tips 121, 131 of the projections 120, 130.

[0063] By virtue of the arrangement of spaced apart radial arms 113, the main body 110 is open- backed such that fluid can flow through the main body 110 parallel to the central axis 105. It may be understood that the main body fluid outlets 150 and / or the main body fluid outlets 160 are configured to eject fluid towards the front of the device.

[0064] The haircare device 100 further comprises a bracing member 140 attached to the main body 110. The bracing member 140 includes a first support ring 141 that engages the arms 113 of the main body 110 at a first radial distance from the central axis 105 and a second support ring 142 that engages the arms 113 of the main body 110 at a second, greater radial distance from the central axis. Each support ring 141, 142 is circular and extends between adjacent arms 113 to structurally support the arms 113.

[0065] Although not illustrated, the haircare device 100 may further comprise a main unit comprising a fluid flow generator to supply fluid flow to the fluid inlet 111. The main body 110 is releasably attachable to the main unit via an annular channel 112 within the fluid inlet 111. 13 P005163-W001

[0066] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the haircare device 100 is operable in a first mode in which fluid can be discharged from the projection fluid outlets 123, 133 and the main body fluid outlets 150, 160. As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the haircare device 100 further comprises a removable cover 170 attached to the main body 110 such that the haircare device 100 is operable in a second mode in which fluid can be discharged only from the projection fluid outlets 123, 133 and not from the main body fluid outlets 150, 160.

[0067] Switching between the above-noted modes of operation can be achieved by selectively covering and uncovering the main body fluid outlets 150 with the removable cover 170. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the removable cover 170 is removable from the main body 120 to uncover the main body fluid outlets 150, 160 and thereby configure the haircare device 100 for operation in the first mode. As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the removable cover 170 is attachable to the main body 120 in a manner effective to cover the main body fluid outlets 150, 160 and thereby configure the haircare device 100 for operation in the second mode.

[0068] The removable cover 170 includes a central portion 171 that is configured to cover the central main body outlets 150 and a several arm portions 172 that are configured to cover the peripheral main body outlets 160. The arm portions 172 include openings through which the projections 120, 130 are received when the removable cover 170 is attached to the main body 110. At the end of each arm portion 172, the removable cover 170 includes upright portions 174 configured to engage with the peripheral projections 130. Two peripheral reinforcing members 175 interconnect the upright portions 174.

[0069] Figs. 7 to 9 show another haircare device 200 according to the first aspect. The haircare device 200 is identical to the haircare device 100 described above with reference to and shown in Figs. 1 to 6 (such that like features have like reference numerals) apart from the fact that, instead of the projection fluid outlets 123, each central projection 220 of the haircare device 200 includes a plurality of inner fluid outlets 223a radially inward of a plurality of outer fluid outlets 223b. 14 P005163-W001

[0070] The central projection inner fluid outlets 223a are configured to discharge fluid in a direction having a radially inward component. The central projection outer fluid outlets 223b are configured to discharge fluid in a direction having a radially outward component. This feature is most clearly illustrated in Fig. 8 where the discharge directions of the fluid outlets 223a, 223b, have been labelled on inner projection 220a. Each fluid outlet 223a, 223b comprises an elongate slot extending partially around the respective projection perpendicular to the central axis 205.

[0071] Fig. 10 to 12 show a further haircare device 300 according to the first aspect. The haircare device 300 is substantively similar to the haircare device 100 described above with reference to and as shown in Figs. 1 to 6 (such that like features have like reference numerals) apart from the differences identified hereinafter.

[0072] In this example, the main body 310 also includes a central opening 301 parallel to the central axis 305. The fluid inlet 311 radially surrounds the central opening 301 and includes a first portion 314 and a second portion 315, both are annular with the second portion 315 surrounding the first portion 314. The main body fluid outlets 150, 160 are located on the bracing member 340. The central main body fluid outlets 350 are located between adjacent arms 313 on the inner ring 341 and the peripheral body fluid outlets 360 are located between adjacent arms 313 on the outer ring 342.

[0073] In order to discharge fluid from the haircare device 300, the first portion 314 of the fluid inlet 311 is fluidly connected to the projection fluid outlets 323, 333 and the second portion 315 of the fluid inlet 311 is fluidly connected to the main body fluid outlets 350, 360. The first portion 314 is fluidly isolated from the second portion 315 such the first mode or the second mode are selectable by controlling fluid flow to the second portion 315 of the fluid inlet 311. For example, the haircare device 300 may include a main unit comprising a fluid flow generator in the form of a powered fan to supply fluid flow to the fluid inlet 311 of the main body 310. The main unit includes a first outlet to supply fluid to the first portion 314 of the fluid inlet 311 and a second outlet to supply fluid to the second portion 315 of the fluid inlet 311. The main unit can be controlled to selectively discharge fluid through each of the outlets thus allowing the first or second mode to be selected. 15 P005163-W001

[0074] Although not illustrated, in examples the haircare device 100 of Figs. 1 to 12 may be provided with a single central projection fluid outlet and / or a single peripheral projection fluid outlet on each respective projection.

[0075] Although not illustrated, in examples the plurality of inner fluid outlets 223a may be replaced by a single outlet and / or the plurality of outer fluid outlets 223b may be replaced by a single outlet.

[0076] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0077] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

16 P005163-W001CLAIMS1. A haircare device comprising: a main body having a fluid inlet for receiving fluid flow and a plurality of main body fluid outlets, each main body fluid outlet being in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the main body; and a plurality of projections which extend from the main body and are arranged about an axis that extends from the main body, wherein: each projection comprises a tip, a base proximal to the main body, and one or more projection fluid outlets located between the tip and the base; each projection fluid outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the main body, wherein the haircare device is configured to provide selective operation in: a first mode in which fluid is discharged from the projection fluid outlets and the main body fluid outlets; and a second mode in which fluid is discharged from the projection fluid outlets and not from the main body fluid outlets.

2. The haircare device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the main body fluid outlets are configured to discharge fluid at least partially towards the tips of the projections.

3. The haircare device of any one of the preceding claims comprising a removable cover configured to selectively cover and uncover the main body fluid outlets, wherein the removable cover is: attachable to the main body in a manner effective to cover the main body fluid outlets and thereby configure the haircare device for operation in the second mode; and removable from the main body to uncover the main body fluid outlets and thereby configure the haircare device for operation in the first mode.17 P005163-W0014. The haircare device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid inlet comprises: a first duct in fluid communication with the projection fluid outlets; and a second duct in fluid communication with the main body fluid outlets, wherein the first duct is fluidically isolated from the second duct inside the main body such that the first mode and the second mode are selectable by controlling fluid flow to the second duct.

5. The haircare attachment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the plurality of main body fluid outlets includes a set of central main body fluid outlets and a set of peripheral main body fluid outlets; and the set of central main body fluid outlets are separated from the set of peripheral main body fluid outlets by a set of central projections.

6. The haircare device of any preceding claim, wherein each projection fluid outlet is configured to discharge fluid in a respective discharge direction, said discharge direction being at least partially towards the base of the respective projection.

7. The haircare device of any preceding claim, wherein each projection comprises a plurality of said projection fluid outlets.

8. The haircare device of any preceding claim, wherein the main body comprises a plurality of arms each comprising a duct in fluid communication with the fluid inlet; and the projections extend from the arms such that that the ducts direct fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the projection fluid outlets.

9. The haircare device of claim 8, wherein the arms extend radially away from the axis.

10. The haircare device of any one of claim 8 or 9, comprising a bracing member which extends between adjacent arms.18 P005163-W00111. The haircare device of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the main body has an open area of at least 75% of the area bounded by adjacent arms of the plurality of arms such that fluid flows freely through the main body parallel to the axis.

12. The haircare device of any preceding claim, wherein each projection fluid outlet includes an elongate slot extending around the projection perpendicular to the axis.

13. The haircare device of any preceding claim, comprising a main unit comprising an airflow generator to supply fluid flow to the fluid inlet, wherein the main body is attached to the main unit, and wherein optionally the main body is releasably attached to the main unit.

14. The haircare device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection fluid outlets are arranged to direct fluid flow around the axis at a first radial distance from the axis to form a first fluid flow about the axis, wherein the first fluid flow is toroidal or vortical.

15. The haircare device of claim 14, wherein the projection fluid outlets direct fluid flow around the axis at a second radial distance from the axis to form a second fluid flow about the axis, wherein the second fluid flow is toroidal.

16. The haircare device of claim 15, wherein the first and second fluid flows are coplanar and separate.

17. The haircare device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of projections includes the set of central projections outwardly flanked with respect to said axis by a set of peripheral projections, the projection fluid outlets of the set of central projections directing fluid flow about the axis at the first radial distance and the projection fluid outlets of the set of peripheral projections directing fluid flow about the axis at the second radial distance.19 P005163-W00118. The haircare device of claim 17, wherein each projection in the set of central projections includes an outer fluid outlet spaced further from the axis than an inner fluid outlet is spaced from the axis.

19. The haircare device of claim 18, wherein each inner fluid outlet is configured to discharge fluid in a direction having a radially inward component towards the axis, and each outer fluid outlet is configured to discharge fluid in a direction having a radially outward component away from the axis.

20. The haircare device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein all the projection fluid outlets of each projection of the plurality of projections are arranged to direct fluid flow around the axis in a first rotational direction and to avoid neighbouring projections.

21. The haircare device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection fluid outlets are configured to direct fluid with a circumferential component about the axis.

22. The haircare device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each projection fluid outlet is configured to discharge fluid in a respective discharge direction having a non-zero discharge angle with respect to a notional plane aligned along the axis and extending radially from the axis to the projection on which the respective projection fluid outlet is located.

23. The haircare device of claim 22, wherein the non-zero discharge angle with respect to the notional plane is the same for each projection fluid outlet.

24. The haircare device of one of claims 22 or 23, wherein each non-zero discharge angle is acute.

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