A haircare appliance

Abstract

A haircare appliance includes an air inlet, a first air outlet and a second air outlet, the first and second air outlets selectively fluidically connectable to the air inlet, one or more occlusions for selectively occluding the first air outlet and the second air outlet, and a selection mechanism for selecting which of the first and second air outlets is occluded by the one or more occlusions. The selection mechanism is located on a first side of the haircare appliance, and the first and second air outlets are located on a second side of the haircare appliance, the second side of the haircare appliance opposite to the first side of the haircare appliance.

Description

[0001] 1 P005173-W001

[0002] A HAIRCARE APPLIANCE

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Haircare appliances are used to dry or style hair, and some haircare appliances may dry or style hair using airflow and / or heat. Haircare appliances may offer different modes of use such as variations in temperature and / or airflow velocity.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect there is provided a haircare appliance comprising: an air inlet; a first air outlet and a second air outlet, the first and second air outlets selectively fluidically connectable to the air inlet; one or more occlusions for selectively occluding the first air outlet and the second air outlet; and a selection mechanism for selecting which of the first and second air outlets is occluded by the one or more occlusions, wherein the selection mechanism is located on a first side of the haircare appliance, and the first and second air outlets are located on a second side of the haircare appliance, the second side of the haircare appliance opposite to the first side of the haircare appliance.

[0007] As the selection mechanism is located on an opposite side of the haircare appliance to the first and second air outlets, a user of the haircare appliance may be able to select which of the first and second air outlets is occluded by the one or more occlusions from a location remote from the first and second air outlets. This may remove a need for a user’s hand to be located near to, and / or in a direct flowpath from, the first air outlet and the second air outlet. This may reduce a risk of a user inadvertently interrupting a haircare procedure being performed by the haircare appliance when trying to use the selection mechanism, and may, for example, reduce a risk of harm to the user where airflow through the haircare appliance is heated. It may be understood that occluded may refer to fully or partially occluded, e.g. the airflow through the outlet is fully or partially blocked.

[0008] The selection mechanism may be an electrically unpowered selection mechanism. Use of an electrically unpowered selection mechanism may provide reduced cost and / or complexity compared to, for example, an arrangement in which a powered mechanism, such as an electric motor, is provided for selecting which of the first and second air outlets 2 P005173-W001 is occluded by the one or more occlusions. The selection mechanism may rely on manual actuation rather than pneumatic actuation.

[0009] The one or more occlusions may be configured to move between a first position in which the one or more occlusions occludes the first air outlet to a greater extent than the one or more occlusions occludes the second air outlet, and a second position in which the one or more occlusions occludes the second air outlet to a greater extent than the one or more occlusions occludes the first air outlet.

[0010] The haircare appliance may comprise an airflow generator for generating an airflow through the haircare appliance, for example from the air inlet to at least one of the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The haircare appliance may comprise a heater for heating the airflow through the haircare appliance.

[0011] At least a portion of the selection mechanism may be mechanically connected to the one or more occlusions, for example directly connected or connected via one or more intermediate mechanical components. The selection mechanism may be actuatable by manual interaction of a user with the selection mechanism.

[0012] The haircare appliance may comprise a handle that defines a longitudinal axis, and the first and second sides may be first and second sides of a plane in which the longitudinal axis lies.

[0013] At least a portion of the selection mechanism, for example a portion of the selection mechanism intended to be grasped by a user in use, may be spaced from the first air outlet and the second air outlet in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and orthogonal to the plane.

[0014] The first air outlet may be configured to provide airflow with a first characteristic, the second air outlet may be configured to provide airflow with a second characteristic, the second characteristic different to the first characteristic. This may provide improved flexibility compared to, for example, a haircare appliance having only a single outlet 3 P005173-W001 configured to provide airflow with a single characteristic, or a haircare appliance with multiple outlets configured to provide airflow with the same characteristics.

[0015] Each of the first characteristic and the second characteristic are at least one of a flow direction and a flow velocity. Thus the haircare appliance may be configured to provide different flow directions and / or different flow velocities depending on which of the first and second air outlets is selected using the selection mechanism. This may provide improved flexibility compared to, for example, a haircare appliance having only a single outlet configured to provide airflow with a single characteristic, or a haircare appliance with multiple outlets configured to provide airflow with the same characteristics.

[0016] The first air outlet may be configured to provide a divergent airflow, and the second air outlet may be configured to provide a convergent airflow. Thus a user may select whether to provide divergent or convergent airflow, as desired.

[0017] The first air outlet and the second air outlet may be shaped to provide the respective first and second characteristics. This may provide a simple mechanism for providing different flow characteristics.

[0018] The one or more occlusions may be configured such that airflow is inhibited from flowing through the first air outlet when the first air outlet is occluded by the one or more occlusions, and such that airflow is inhibited from flowing through the second air outlet when the second air outlet is occluded by the one or more occlusions. This may provide improved consistency of airflow relative to an arrangement in which air can flow relatively freely through the respective air outlet even when occluded by the one or more occlusions. The one or more occlusions may be configured such that airflow is prevented from flowing through the first air outlet when the first air outlet is occluded by the one or more occlusions, and such that airflow is prevented from flowing through the second air outlet when the second air outlet is occluded by the one or more occlusions.

[0019] The one or more occlusions may be configured to alternately occlude the first and second air outlets, such that when the first air outlet is occluded by the one or more occlusions, the 4 P005173-W001 second air outlet may be free of occlusion, and such that when the second air outlet is occluded by the one or more occlusions, the first air outlet may be free of occlusion. This may enable the air outlet which is free of occlusion to provide undisrupted airflow. Additionally, configuring the one or more occlusions to alternately occlude the first and second air outlets enables a user of the haircare appliance to select which of the first and second air outlets provides an airflow.

[0020] The one or more occlusions may be configured to selectively occlude the first and second air outlets at locations that are closer to the location of the first and second outlets than the midpoint of a flow path between the air inlet and the respective first and second air outlets. In such a manner occlusion of the first and second air outlets may occur at locations that are relatively close to the first and second air outlets. This may reduce a pressure drop within the haircare appliance compared to, for example, arrangements in which the occlusion occurs at locations closer to the air inlet.

[0021] The one or more occlusions may comprise only one occlusion, the only one occlusion configured to selectively occlude each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The only one occlusion may comprise multiple spaced occluding portions joined by a supporting member, each occluding portion configured to include a respective portion of the first and / or second air outlets. The multiple spaced occluding portions may still be considered to form only one occlusion in view of being joined by the supporting member.

[0022] The one or more occlusions may comprise a first occlusion configured to selectively occlude the first air outlet, and a second occlusion configured to selectively occlude the second air outlet. This may enable a more complex arrangement of air outlets than, for example, an arrangement in which only one occlusion is utilised, and / or may enable a simpler form of occlusion to be utilised.

[0023] The first air outlet may be annular in form, the second air outlet may be annular in form, and the second air outlet may be arranged concentrically around the first air outlet. This may provide for a relatively simple arrangement of the first and second air outlets. The first occlusion may be annular in form, the second occlusion may be annular in form, and 5 P005173-W001 the second occlusion may be arranged concentrically around the first occlusion. Thus, when the first air outlet and the second air outlet are not occluded by the respective first and second occlusions, airflow may exit the first air outlet and the second air outlet around substantially the entirety of the annular extent of the first and second air outlets. This may, where the airflow is heated, remove relatively hot spots occurring in the airflow that exits the haircare appliance.

[0024] The haircare appliance may comprise a connection mechanism for releasably connecting to an attachment, and the connection mechanism may be located between the first air outlet and the second air outlet. This may be a space efficient arrangement that may make use of otherwise dead space between the first and second air outlets. The connection mechanism may comprise a magnet for releasably connecting to a corresponding magnet of the attachment.

[0025] The first air outlet may comprise a plurality of first air outlet portions, the second air outlet may comprise a plurality of second air outlet portions, and the first air outlet portions may be located radially inwardly from the second air outlet portions, and circumferentially spaced from the second air outlet portions. Due to the radial and circumferential spacing of the first and second air outlet portions, a single rotatable occlusion may be utilised to selectively occlude the first and second air outlet portions. Such a single rotatable occlusion may provide a relatively simple mechanism with relatively few moving parts.

[0026] The haircare appliance may comprise the airflow generator, and a user interface for controlling the airflow generator, and the user interface may be located on the first side of the haircare appliance. By placing the user interface on the first side of the haircare appliance, on the same side of the haircare appliance as the selection mechanism, the user interface may be removed from airflow from the first and second air outlets, and may provide ease of use for a user.

[0027] The selection mechanism may comprise a user actuatable portion configured to cause movement of the one or more occlusions, and the user actuatable portion may be configured such that the user actuatable portion is rotatable to cause movement of the one 6 P005173-W001 or more occlusions. Rotational movement may enable a mechanism that occupies less space than, for example, a linear movement mechanism.

[0028] The user actuatable portion may be located on the first side of the haircare appliance.

[0029] The one or more occlusions may be linearly movable within the haircare appliance between a first position in which the one or more occlusions occludes the first air outlet to a greater extent than the one or more occlusions occludes the second air outlet, and a second position in which the one or more occlusions occludes the second air outlet to a greater extent than the one or more occlusions occludes the first air outlet, and rotation of the user actuatable portion may move the one or more occlusions between the first position and the second position. Such rotational to linear motion may provide for a relatively simple mechanism for moving the one or more occlusions between the first and second positions, and may facilitate a greater open cross-sectional area of the first and second air outlets in the respective second and first positions than a rotatable mechanism alone.

[0030] The one or more occlusions may comprise a first occlusion for occluding the first air outlet, and a second occlusion for occluding the second air outlet. Use of first and second occlusions, for example first and second separate occlusions, may enable a relatively simple arrangement of the first and second air outlets, and may facilitate a greater open cross-sectional area of the first and second air outlets in the respective second and first positions than a rotatable mechanism alone.

[0031] The haircare appliance may comprise a housing defining a channel within which the one or more occlusions are disposed, the channel may comprise a longitudinal axis, the one or more occlusions may be linearly movable within the channel in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the user actuatable portion may be mounted to the housing such that the user actuatable portion is rotatable relative to the housing and fixed in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the one or more occlusions may be connected to the user actuatable portion such that rotation of the user actuatable portion causes linear movement of the one or more occlusions within the channel. Such a mechanism may occupy less linear space than, for example, a mechanism where solely linear motion is required to 7 P005173-W001 move the one or more occlusions. Linear movement of the one or more occlusions within the channel may comprise movement between the first and second positions. In some examples, the first and / or second channels have a fixed size and / or shape.

[0032] The first and second occlusions may be configured such that when the first occlusion moves toward the first air outlet the second occlusion moves away from the second air outlet, and such that when the second occlusion moves toward the second air outlet the first occlusion moves away from the first air outlet.

[0033] The one or more occlusions may be directly connected to the selection mechanism, for example to the user actuatable portion of the selection mechanism. The one or more occlusions and the user actuatable portion may comprise complementary screw threads, for example such that rotation of the user actuatable portion causes linear motion of the one or more occlusions. The one or more occlusions may comprise first and second blocking portions for blocking the respective first and second air outlets, and one or more elongate members extending through the channel and connected to the first and second blocking portions and to the user actuatable portion.

[0034] The first occlusion may comprise the first blocking portion, and the second occlusion may comprise the second blocking portion. The first occlusion may comprise a first elongate portion extending through the channel and connected to the first blocking portion and the user actuatable portion. The second occlusion may comprise a second elongate portion extending through the channel and connected to the second blocking portion and the user actuatable portion. The first elongate portion and the user actuatable portion may comprise first complementary screw threads that are one of left handed and right handed screw threads, and the second elongate portion and the user actuatable portion may comprise second complementary screw threads that are the other of right handed and left handed screw threads.

[0035] The one or more occlusions may be indirectly connected to the selection mechanism, for example with one or more intermediate portions connecting the one or more occlusions to the user actuatable portion of the selection mechanism. The one or more intermediate 8 P005173-W001 portions and the user actuatable portion may comprise complementary screw threads, for example such that rotation of the user actuatable portion causes linear motion of the one or more intermediate portions. The one or more occlusions may comprise first and second blocking portions for blocking the respective first and second air outlets, and respective first and second intermediate portions extending through the channel and connected to the first and second blocking portions and to the user actuatable portion. The first intermediate portion and the user actuatable portion may comprise first complementary screw threads that are one of left handed and right handed screw threads, and the second intermediate portion and the user actuatable portion may comprise second complementary screw threads that are the other of right handed and left handed screw threads.

[0036] The user actuatable portion may be rotatable by at least 10 degrees, for example at least 70 degrees. The user actuatable portion may be rotatable by no more than 180 degrees, for example by no more than 70 degrees. There may be a compromise to be reached between ease of use by a user, and force required to move the one or more occlusions, and the above bounds have been found to provide a relatively good compromise between these factors. In some examples, movement of the user actuatable portion by at least 10 degrees and by no more than 70 degrees may move the one or more occlusions between the first and second positions. Limiting the range of motion in this way may enhance user comfort.

[0037] The haircare appliance may comprise a handle portion, and a head portion orthogonal to the handle portion, and the user actuatable portion may be positioned on the head portion such that, whilst a user grasps the handle portion with a hand, the user actuatable portion can be rotated by a thumb and / or forefinger of the same hand of the user. This may provide improved ergonomics compared to, for example, an arrangement where a user is required to use two hands to both hold the haircare appliance and actuate the selection mechanism.

[0038] The head portion may comprise a central bore extending from the first side of the haircare appliance to the second side of the haircare appliance, and the user actuatable portion may be annular about a periphery of the bore. The user actuatable portion may be rotatable about a central longitudinal axis of the head portion, for example about a central 9 P005173-W001 longitudinal axis of the bore. The user actuatable portion may be disposed on, or may define, an end surface of the head portion.

[0039] The user actuatable portion may comprise at least one protrusion, for example a plurality of protrusions, for engagement by a user. The plurality of protrusions may be disposed circumferentially about the user actuatable portion.

[0040] The haircare appliance may comprise the airflow generator, a sensor configured to sense a position of the user actuatable portion, and a controller configured to control the airflow generator based on an output of the sensor. This may enable control of the airflow generator based on which of the first and second air outlets is occluded by the occlusion, thereby enabling different flow characteristics to be achieved depending on which of the first and second air outlets is in use. The sensor may comprise a Hall effect sensor, and the user actuatable portion may comprise a magnet.

[0041] The haircare appliance may comprise a heater, and the controller may be configured to control the heater based on the output of the sensor. This may enable control of the heater based on which of the first and second air outlets is occluded by the occlusion, thereby enabling different heat characteristics to be achieved depending on which of the first and second air outlets is in use.

[0042] The haircare appliance may comprise a main unit and an attachment for releasably attaching to the main unit, wherein the main unit comprises the first air outlet and the second air outlet, the attachment comprises a first attachment air inlet for fluid communication with the first air outlet, a second attachment air inlet for fluid communication with the second air outlet, a first attachment air outlet in fluid communication with the first attachment air inlet, and a second attachment air outlet in fluid communication with the second attachment air inlet. Thus the attachment may be able to modify airflow characteristics of airflow provided from the first and second air outlets, whilst still selectively providing two airflows from the first and second attachments air outlets. 10 P005173-W001

[0043] The first attachment air outlet may be configured to provide airflow with a first attachment characteristic, and the second attachment air outlet may be configured to provide airflow with a second attachment characteristic, the second attachment characteristic different to the first attachment characteristic.

[0044] Each of the first attachment characteristic and the second attachment characteristic are at least one of a flow direction and a flow velocity.

[0045] According to a second aspect there is provided a haircare appliance comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; a housing; an airflow generator; and a movable member disposed within the housing, wherein the movable member comprises a free end, and the free end of the movable member is movable from a first position relative to the housing to a second position relative to the housing, and movement of the free end of the movable member from the first position to the second position results in a change of airflow characteristic at the outlet.

[0046] The movable member with a free end to change an airflow characteristic may allow the haircare appliance to be used in different modes depending on the position of the free end of the movable member. Additional modes may increase the versatility of the haircare appliance and provide a user with more flexibility. Use of positioning of the free end of the movable member to provide different airflow characteristics may provide a relatively simple mechanism for varying the airflow characteristics. In some examples, the movable member may be pneumatically actuated.

[0047] The airflow characteristic may be one of airflow velocity and airflow direction. Thus the haircare appliance may be configured to provide different flow directions and / or different flow velocities depending on the position of the free end of the movable member. This may provide improved flexibility compared to, for example, a haircare appliance without a movable member with a free end to change a characteristic of the airflow which is configured to provide airflow with the same characteristics. 11 P005173-W001

[0048] The free end of the movable member may be configured to move in response to a change in pressure in the airflow generated by the airflow generator. This may provide an arrangement with reduced complexity compared to, for example, an arrangement which requires a separate drive motor to move the movable member. This may also provide for automatic switching of the position of the free end of the movable member in response to the change in pressure in the airflow, which may avoid the need for a manual mechanism in which a user is manually required to move the free end of the movable member.

[0049] The free end of the movable member may be linearly movable relative to the housing. Linear motion may provide a relatively simple mechanism for moving the free end of the movable member between the first and second positions compared to rotational motion. The movable member may be configured to move linearly between the first and the second position in its entirety. Alternatively, only the free end of the movable member may move relative to the housing.

[0050] The free end of the movable member may be configured to move in a direction parallel to a bulk direction of airflow through the outlet. This may be more energy efficient than an arrangement in which the free end is configured to move against the bulk direction of the airflow.

[0051] The haircare appliance may comprise a first wall and a second wall spaced to define a channel therebetween, and the movable member may be the first wall. By configuring the movable member as a wall of the haircare appliance, a greater internal volume in the channel may be maintained compared to, for example, a haircare appliance comprising an additional component disposed in the channel. This may reduce pressure losses within the channel, which may improve efficiency of the haircare appliance.

[0052] The first wall and the second wall may be concentrically arranged. A concentric arrangement may provide a relatively simple structure, for example, compared to an arrangement in which the first and second wall are interleaved with one another. 12 P005173-W001

[0053] Movement of the first wall relative to the second wall to the first position may guide airflow down a first airflow path of the haircare appliance. Movement of the first wall relative to the second wall to the second position may guide airflow down a second airflow path of the haircare appliance. The first airflow path may be different to the second airflow path.

[0054] The first wall may have an equilibrium position at which the first wall is aligned with the second wall such that the first wall and the second wall terminate in a common plane orthogonal to a central longitudinal axis of the channel. This may provide a standard operating setting of the haircare appliance. At the equilibrium position the bulk direction of the airflow at the outlet may be parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the channel. Airflow parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the channel may be desirable as airflow in this direction may be high velocity airflow which may provide reduced drying times and styling benefits.

[0055] The free end of the movable member may be configured to move from the equilibrium position to the first position to produce airflow in a first direction away from the central longitudinal axis of the channel at the outlet.

[0056] The free end of the movable member may be configured to move from the equilibrium position to the second position to produce airflow in a second direction away from the central longitudinal axis of the channel at the outlet, the second direction may be different to the first direction. A haircare appliance configured to provide airflow in a first direction and in a second different directions may provide increased flexibility compared to a haircare appliance configured to produce airflow in only one direction. Adjusting the airflow direction may improve styling performance, reduce drying times and reduce hair damage compared to a haircare appliance configured to produce airflow in one direction.

[0057] The free end of the movable member may be moved upstream relative to the bulk direction of the airflow at the outlet to the first position, for example when the airflow has a flow rate greater than 12 litres per second. The free end of the movable member may be moved downstream relative to the bulk direction of the airflow at the outlet to the second position, 13 P005173-W001 for example when the airflow has a flow rate less than 8 litres per second. The movement of the free end of the movable member may be responsive to the airflow pressure downstream of the free end of the movable member.

[0058] When the free end of the first wall is at the first position, the haircare appliance may produce convergent airflow and when the first wall is at the second position the haircare appliance may produce divergent airflow. It may be desirable to provide convergent, divergent and straight vector airflow from a haircare appliance.

[0059] The free end of the movable member may comprise a surface for guiding airflow generated by the airflow generator. The surface for guiding airflow may enable control of the airflow direction at the air outlet.

[0060] The air outlet may comprise a first outlet portion and a second outlet portion, wherein the free end of the movable member may move to the first position to direct the airflow generated by the airflow generator through the first outlet portion, and the free end of the movable member may move to the second position to direct the airflow generated by the airflow generator through the second outlet portion, and the free end of the movable member may move to an equilibrium position to direct the airflow generated by the airflow generator through the first outlet portion and the second outlet portion. By offering a first and second outlet portion, the haircare appliance may provide increased flexibility compared to, for example, a haircare appliance limited to a single outlet portion.

[0061] The first outlet portion and the second outlet portion may be concentrically arranged. Arranging the first outlet portion and the second outlet portion concentrically may provide a relatively simple structure, for example, compared to an arrangement in which the first and second outlet portions are interleaved with one another at a same radial distance.

[0062] The haircare appliance may comprise a main unit and an attachment for releasably attaching to the main unit, wherein the main unit may comprise the movable member and the housing, and the attachment may comprise the first outlet portion and the second outlet portion. By situating the movable member in the main unit of the haircare appliance, the 14 P005173-W001 attachment may not require a movable member. This may reduce the complexity of the attachment compared to, for example, an attachment which includes a movable member. The movable member may at least partly define an outlet of the main unit, and the attachment may comprise a first air inlet and a second air inlet for receiving airflow from the main unit, and when the movable member is at the first position, airflow may be received by the first air inlet of the attachment, and when the movable member is at the second position airflow may be received by the second air inlet of the attachment. The airflow received by the first air inlet of the attachment may have different airflow characteristics to the airflow received by the second air inlet of the attachment. The attachment may be able to modify airflow characteristics of airflow provided from the main unit air outlet. The first air inlet may be configured such that when the movable member is at the first position, airflow is not received by the second air inlet of the attachment. The second air inlet may be configured such that when the movable member is at the second position, airflow is not received by the first air inlet of the attachment. The first air inlet and the second air inlet may be configured such that when the movable member is at the equilibrium position airflow is received by the first air inlet of the attachment and by the second air inlet of the attachment.

[0063] Optional features of aspects may be equally applied to other aspects, where appropriate.

[0064] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Figure l is a schematic view of a first example haircare appliance;

[0066] Figure 2 is a first schematic sectional view of a main unit of the haircare appliance of Figure 1;

[0067] Figure 3 is a schematic rear view of the main unit of Figure 2;

[0068] Figure 4 is a second schematic view of the of the main unit of Figure 2;

[0069] Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of a selection mechanism of the main unit of Figure 2 in a first state;

[0070] Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of the selection mechanism of the main unit of Figure 2 in a second state;

[0071] Figure 7 is a first schematic view of a first attachment of the haircare appliance of Figure 1; 15 P005173-W001

[0072] Figure 8a-b is a second schematic view of the first attachment of Figure 6 in a first state and in a second state respectively;

[0073] Figure 9 is a first schematic view of a second attachment of the haircare appliance of Figure 1;

[0074] Figure 10 is a schematic view of the second attachment of Figure 9 in a first state;

[0075] Figure 11 is a schematic view of the second attachment of Figure 9 in a second state;

[0076] Figure 12 is a schematic view of a third attachment of the haircare appliance of Figure 1;

[0077] Figure 13 is a schematic view of a first alternative selection mechanism of a main unit of a haircare appliance;

[0078] Figure 14 is an exploded view of a second alternative selection mechanism of a main unit of a haircare appliance;

[0079] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view through a head portion of the haircare appliance of Figure 14;

[0080] Figure 16 is a schematic view of a second example haircare appliance;

[0081] Figure 17a, 17b and 17c are schematic views of the haircare appliance of Figure 16 in a first, second and third state;

[0082] Figure 18a, 18b and 18c are schematic views of the haircare appliance of Figure 16 in a first, second and third state;

[0083] Figure 19 is a schematic view of a third example haircare appliance; and

[0084] Figure 20a, 20b and 20c are schematic views of the haircare appliance of Figure 19 in a first, second and third state.

[0085] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] A first example haircare appliance 10 is shown in Figure 1 and has a main unit 12, and a first attachment 14 releasably attachable to the main unit 12. The first attachment 14 is shown as detached from the main body 12 in Figure 1, for clarity.

[0087] The main unit 12 is shown in isolation in Figure 2, and has a handle portion 18, a head portion 20, an airflow generator 22, a heater 24, a control module 28 and a selection mechanism 1000. 16 P005173-W001

[0088] The handle portion 18 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form, and houses the airflow generator 22, the heater 24 and the control module 28. The handle portion 18 has an air inlet 32 in the form of a plurality of perforations at a first end 34 of the handle portion 18.

[0089] The head portion 20 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form, and is disposed at a second end 36 of the handle portion 18, with a central axis of the head portion 20 orthogonal to a central axis of the handle portion 18 such that the main unit 12 is generally T-shaped in form. The head portion 20 houses the selection mechanism 1000.

[0090] The head portion 20 has a bore 38, and a first air outlet 42 and a second air outlet 44 both situated on a first side 59 of the head portion 20. The first air outlet 42 is annular in form about a periphery of the bore 38, the second air outlet 44 is also annular in form and is arranged concentrically around the first air outlet 42.

[0091] The user actuator 46 is disposed on a second side 30 of the head portion 20, opposite to the first side 59. The user actuator 46 is rotatable and annular in form and has a plurality of protrusions 47 to provide an ergonomic grip. The head portion 20 further comprises an annular magnet 40 for releasably connecting the handle unit 12 to the attachment 14. The annular magnet 40 extends annularly between the first air outlet 42 and the second air outlet 44.

[0092] The user controls 26 are provided on both the handle portion 18 and the head portion 20, as illustrated in Figure 3. The user controls 26 have a first button 48 to power on and off the appliance 10, a second button 50 to momentarily power off the heater 24 such that the appliance 10 delivers a cold shot of air, a third button 52 to control the flow rate of the airflow, and a fourth button 54 to control the temperature of the airflow.

[0093] The control module 28 is responsible for controlling the airflow generator 22 and the heater 24 in response to inputs from the user controls 26. For example, in response to inputs from the user controls 26, the control module 28 may power on and off the airflow generator 22 and / or the heater 24. Additionally, the control module 28 may control the power or speed of the airflow generator 22 in order to vary the flow rate of the airflow. 17 P005173-W001

[0094] For example, repeatedly pressing the third button 48 may cause the control module 28 to cycle through different flow rates (e.g., low, medium and high). Similarly, the control module 28 may control the power of the heater 24 in order to vary the temperature of the airflow. For example, repeatedly pressing the fourth button 50 may cause the control module 28 to cycle through different temperature settings (e.g., cold, warm, hot).

[0095] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the selection mechanism 1000 for selecting one of the first air outlet 42 or the second air outlet 44 to occlude. The selection mechanism 1000 comprises the user actuator 46, first and second screw threads 60 and 70, first through fourth protrusions 56, 58, 67 and 68, first through fourth rods 62, 64, 72 and 74 and first and second blocking portions 66 and 76. The first 60 and second 70 screw threads are different handed screw threads. The first and fourth protrusions 56 and 68 are attached to the first screw thread 60 on diametrically opposing sides of the first screw thread 60. The first through fourth rods 62, 64, 72 and 74 are uniform in size and shape and extend parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the bore 38. The first rod 62 connects the second protrusion 58 to the first blocking portion 66 and the second rod 64 connects the first protrusion 56 to the second blocking portion 76. Similarly, the second and third protrusions 56 and 67 are attached to the second screw thread 70 on diametrically opposing sides of the second screw thread 70. The third rod 72 connects the fourth protrusion 68 to the first blocking portion 66 and the fourth rod 74 connects the third protrusion 67 to the second blocking portion 76. The first and second blocking portions 66 and 76 are generally annular in form, and are situated towards the first side 59 of the head portion 20.

[0096] The first attachment 14 is shown in isolation in Figures 7 and 8. The first attachment 14 is a concentrator attachment and has a first air inlet 86, a second air inlet 88, a first air outlet 90 and a second air outlet 92.

[0097] The first attachment 14 is formed of a first portion 82 and a second portion 84. The first portion 82 is generally conical in form, and the second portion 84 forms a nozzle. The first air inlet 86 is substantially annular in form, and is situated on the attachment 14 such that when the attachment 14 is attached to the main unit 12, the first air inlet 86 of the attachment overlies and is in fluid communication with the first air outlet 42 of the main 18 P005173-W001 unit 12. Similarly, the second air inlet 88 is substantially annular in form, and is situated on the attachment 14 such that when the attachment 14 is attached to the main unit 12, the second air inlet 88 of the attachment overlies and is in fluid communication with the second air outlet 44 of the main unit 12. The second air inlet 88 is arranged concentrically around the first air inlet 86 on a first side of the first portion 82.

[0098] The second portion 84 extends from the first portion 82 and comprises a first curved wall 94, a second curved wall 96 and an inner wall 98. The first curved wall 94 and the second curved wall 96 are identical in form and extend parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the attachment 14 from opposing sides of the first portion 82, terminating in a common plane to the first air outlet 90. The inner wall 98 is situated internally of the first and second curved walls 94, 96 and has a uniform discorectangle cross sectional shape. The inner wall 98 forms a first channel 100 and comprises a gap 104 which connects the first channel 100 to a second channel 104. The first air outlet 90 is formed at the end of the inner wall 98. The second air outlet 92 is formed within the cavity between the first portion 82 and the second portion 84 on the first attachment 14.

[0099] A user can use the haircare appliance 10 without the attachment 14, such that airflow is provided via the main unit 12. In response to inputs from the user controls 26, the control module 28 provides power to the airflow generator 22. Air is drawn through the air inlet 32, along the handle portion 18, over the heater 24, and towards the head portion 20. Air flows through the bore 38, and towards the first and second air outlets 42, 44. A first state is shown in Figure 5, where the first blocking portion 76 occludes the second outlet 44. Airflow leaves the main unit 12 through the first air outlet 42. Airflow leaving the first air outlet 42 is convergent compared to airflow leaving the main unit 12 through the second air outlet 44, due to the respective shapes of the first and second air outlets 42, 44.

[0100] In use, a user can use the user controls 26 to set flow and / or heat settings, for example modes of operation, of the haircare appliance 10, and the control module 28 controls the airflow generator 22 and heater 24 accordingly. 19 P005173-W001

[0101] In operation a user may grasp the handle 18 and use a finger or a thumb to rotate the user actuator 46 by 10 to 70 degrees clockwise. Rotation of the user actuator 46 rotates complementary first and second screw threads 60 and 70, resulting in linear motion of the first through fourth protrusions 56, 58, 67 and 68. Clockwise rotation of the first and second screw threads 60 and 70 causes the second and fourth protrusions 58 and 68 to move linearly relative to the bore 38, towards the first and second air outlets 42, 44. The first and third rods 62 and 72 move parallel to the walls of the bore 38, which in turn causes the first blocking portion 66 to move towards the first side 59 of the main unit 12. The first blocking portion 66 comes to a rest to occlude the first air outlet 42. At the same time, the rotation of the user actuator 46 and the first and second screw threads 60 and 70 causes the first and third protrusions 56 and 67 to move linearly relative to the bore 38, towards the second side 30 of the main unit 12. The second and fourth rods 64 and 74 move in the opposite direction to the movement of the first and third rods 62 and 72. The second and fourth rods 64 and 74 move parallel to the walls of the bore 38 towards the second side 30 of the main unit 12. This in turn pulls the second blocking portion 76 in the same direction towards the first side 30 of the main unit 12. The second blocking portion 76 is positioned such that the second air outlet 44 is in fluid communication with the air inlet 32. Airflow produced by the generator 22 leaves the main unit 12 through the second air outlet 44.

[0102] Following the clockwise rotation of the user actuator 46, the main unit 12 is in the second state as shown in Figure 6. In this second state airflow is more divergent than in the first state.

[0103] From the second state described above, the user actuator 46 may be rotated anti-clockwise by 10 to 70 degrees by the finger or thumb of a user during operation to return the main unit 12 to the first state as shown in Figure 5. In the first state, air leaves the main unit 12 through the first air outlet 42. The first air outlet 42 provides more convergent airflow than the second air outlet 44.

[0104] This may enable a user of the haircare appliance 10 to switch between a first and a second mode during operation. The selection mechanism 1000 described is electrically 20 P005173-W001 unpowered, which may offer reduced complexity. Additionally, the first state may produce high velocity convergent airflow, thereby decreasing hair dry time and providing styling benefits. The second state may provide a more diffused air flow which may be desirable for curly hairstyles or for an inexperienced user of the haircare appliance 10.

[0105] The user can also use the haircare appliance 10 when the first attachment 14 is attached to the main unit 12. The main unit 12 operates as described above, and in the first state, air leaves the main unit 12 through the first air outlet 42 of the main unit, and enters the attachment 14 through the first air inlet 86. Air flows through the channel 100 from the first air inlet 86 toward the first air outlet 90, guided by an internal surface of the inner wall 98.

[0106] When air leaves the main unit 12 through the second air outlet 44, the airflow enters the attachment 14 through the second air inlet 88. Airflow is guided down the channel 102. As airflow passes over the gap 104, airflow enters the channel 100 and leaves the attachment 14 from the first air outlet 90 and the second air outlet 92 of the attachment 14.

[0107] A second attachment 140 for attachment to the main unit 12 is shown in Figure 10. The second attachment 140 is a diffuser bowl attachment and comprises a first air inlet 186 and a second air inlet 188, a first air outlet 190, a hair treatment bowl 194, a neck 226, an annular collar 228, a first set of manifolds 222 and a second set of manifolds 224.

[0108] The first set of three manifolds 222 are distributed uniformly around a periphery of the hair treatment bowl 194, and the second set of three manifolds 224 are alternately arranged around the periphery of the hair treatment bowl 194.

[0109] The neck 226 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form and comprises the first air inlet 186 and the second air inlet 188 of the second attachment 140. The first air inlet 186 of the attachment 140 is identical in form to the first air inlet 86 of the attachment 14. The second air inlet 188 of the attachment 140 is identical in form to the second air inlet 88 of the attachment 14. This enables the second attachment 140 to be attached to the main unit

[0110] 12. 21 P005173-W001

[0111] The first set of manifolds 222 extend away from the annular collar 228 toward an annular connecting portion 230. Each manifold of the first set of manifolds 222 is substantially hollow in form, and is open at an end distal from the annular collar 228. The open end of each of the first set of manifolds 222 opens into the connecting portion 230, which is capped by an annular rim 232. The connecting portion 230 is in the form of an annular channel extending around a periphery of the hair treatment bowl 194. The first air outlet 190 is annular in form and is defined by a gap between an inner edge of the annular rim 232 and an inner edge of the connecting portion 230, as best shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0112] The hair treatment bowl 194 comprises a wall 240 with a plurality of apertures 242 formed therein. The wall 240 depends from the inner edge of the connecting portion 230, and the first air outlet 190 provides an opening that fluidly connects the first set of manifolds 222 to the hair treatment bowl 194.

[0113] The second set of manifolds 224 extend away from the annular collar 228 toward the connecting portion 230, but have a height shorter than a corresponding height of the first set of manifolds 222, such that the second set of manifolds 224 do not reach the annular connecting portion 230. Each manifold of the second set of manifolds 224 is hollow in form, and comprises a plurality of apertures 246 that are directed toward the wall 240 of the hair treatment bowl 194, as best shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0114] When the airflow leaves the main unit 12 through the first air outlet 42 of the main unit 12, airflow enters the second attachment 140 through the first air inlet 186. Airflow entering the second attachment 140 through the first inlet passes through the first set of manifolds 222 and enters the hair treatment bowl 194 via the first air outlet 190. The shape of the annular rim 232 directs the airflow into the bowl, towards the neck 226. The airflow exits the hair treatment bowl 194 via the apertures 242 in the wall 240 of the hair treatment bowl 194.

[0115] When airflow leaves the main unit 12 through the second air outlet 44 of the main unit 12, airflow enters the attachment 140 through the second air inlet 188. Airflow entering the second attachment 140 through the second air inlet 188 is directed into the second set of 22 P005173-W001 manifolds 224 and enters the hair treatment bowl 194 via the apertures 246. The airflow enters the hair treatment bowl 194 in a direction away from the neck 226.

[0116] Thus, airflow exits the hair treatment bowl 194 in opposing directions when the air enters the second attachment 140 through the first 186 and second 188 air inlets.

[0117] The different directionality of airflow being emitted from the second attachment 140 allows a user to use a single attachment 140 to switch between different drying and / or styling operations with the simple action of rotation of the user actuator 146.

[0118] A third attachment 240 for attachment to the main unit 12 is shown in Figure 12. The third attachment 240 comprises a main body 296 arranged to receive air flow from a first air inlet and a second air inlet (first and second air inlets not shown here for sake of clarity), a plurality of protrusions 294 a-e and 295a-f extending from the main body 296 forming a comb like structure, a first air outlet 290 a second air outlet 292, and an annular magnet (not shown) for connecting to the main unit 12.

[0119] The first air inlet of the third attachment 240 is identical in form to the first air inlet 86 of the first attachment 14, and the second air inlet of the attachment 240 is identical in form to the second air inlet 88 of the first attachment 14.

[0120] Some of the protrusions 294a-e are hollow and comprise a plurality of perforations that define the first air outlet 290. The second air outlet 292 is situated in the cavity formed between the base of the protrusions 295a-f and 294a-e and the main body 296. In use, hair is received between the protrusions 294a-e, 295a-f.

[0121] When air leaves the main unit 12 through the first air outlet 42, airflow enters the third attachment 240 through the first air inlet. Airflow is guided by an internal channel within the main body 296 to the hollow protrusions 294a-e and leaves the third attachment 240 through the first air outlet 290. Airflow leaving through the outlet 290 is directed at an oblique angle from the length of the protrusions 294a-e. By providing airflow at an oblique angle relative to the length of the hollow protrusion, directional airflow can be applied to 23 P005173-W001 blow the hair, for example in the direction in which it is being combed, which can improve user style control.

[0122] When air leaves the main unit 12 through the second air outlet 44, airflow enters the third attachment 240 through the second air inlet. Airflow is guided through another internal channel of the main body 296 and leaves the third attachment 240 through the second air outlet 292. Airflow leaving the third attachment 240 through the second air outlet 292 is directed towards the roots of the hair to provide a root lift.

[0123] An alternative main unit 120 of a haircare appliance is illustrated schematically in Figure 13. Similar to the main unit 12 described above, the alternative main unit 120 of Figure 13 has a first air outlet 142 and a second air outlet 144 and rotatable user actuator 146.

[0124] The alternative main unit 120 has a first alternative selection mechanism that is formed of complementary screw threads 160 and 170, and a user actuator 146 on a first side 130 of the main unit 120. The screw thread 160 is a left-handed screw thread and the screw thread 170 is a right-handed screw thread. The first alternative selection mechanism also has a first component 122 and a second 124 component. The first component 122 is formed of a first screw thread 168, a first intermediate portion 162 and a first blocking portion 166. The second component 124 is formed of a second screw thread 176, a second intermediate portion 164 and a second blocking portion 177. The first blocking portion 166 is linearly movable within a channel 138 to occlude the first air outlet 142 and the second blocking portion 177 is linearly movable in the channel 138 to occlude the second air outlet 144. Rotation of the user actuator 146 by a finger or thumb of a user rotates the complementary screw threads 160 and 170 causing linear motion of the first and second blocking portions 166 and 176.

[0125] In all of the configurations described above, rotation of the user actuator causes linear motion of the occlusions within the main unit to occlude a first or second air outlet. In addition to the configurations to convert the rotational motion of the user actuator into linear motion of occlusions described above, use of a cam track and follower arrangement is envisaged. Alternatively, the user actuator may be linearly movable such that the user 24 P005173-W001 actuator is pushed in to displace the occlusions disposed within the bore of the main unit of the haircare appliance.

[0126] A further alternative main unit 220 is illustrated schematically in Figures 14 and 15. The further alternative main unit 220 of Figure 13 has first 242 and second 244 air outlets and a rotatable user actuator 246.

[0127] The further alternative main unit 220 comprises a rotatable occlusion 230, the first air outlet 242 comprises a plurality of first air outlet portions 232, and the second air outlet 244 comprises a plurality of second air outlet portions 234. The rotatable occlusion is shaped such that it occludes the first air outlet portions 232 whilst leaving the second air outlet portions 234 open, and vice versa. The first air outlet portions 232 are located radially inwardly from the second air outlet portions 234, and circumferentially spaced from the second air outlet portions 234.

[0128] In use, rotation of the user actuator 246 rotates occlusion 230, the occlusion 230 aligns with the plurality of second air outlet portions 234 to occlude the second air outlet 244 in a first state, such that air leaves the further alternative main unit 220 through the first air outlet 242. In a second state of the further alternative main unit 220, the occlusion 230 aligns with the plurality of first air outlet portions 232 to occlude the first air outlet 242, such that air leaves the further alternative main unit 220 through the second air outlet 244.

[0129] This provides a relatively simple mechanism with relatively few moving parts to occlude a first or second outlet of the haircare appliance during operation of the haircare appliance.

[0130] A second example haircare appliance 320 is illustrated schematically in Figures 16, 17a-c and 18a-c. The haircare appliance 320 of this embodiment comprises an outer wall 322 and an inner wall 324 defining a channel 326 therebetween. The inner wall 324 and the outer wall 322 are substantially annular in form. The inner wall 324 comprises a free end 328, the free end 328 is movable relative to the outer wall 322. The free end 328 comprises a Coanda surface for guiding airflow. An outlet 342 is formed between the inner 324 and outer 322 wall. 25 P005173-W001

[0131] In operation, air is drawn into the second example haircare appliance 320, as described in the first example of the main unit 12 of the haircare appliance 10.

[0132] Figures 17a-c show a slice through an upper portion of an annulus of the haircare appliance 320, illustrating airflow through the outlet 342 in use. At an airflow rate of 8 litres per second the free end 328 is at an equilibrium position as illustrated in Figure 17a and Figure 18a. At the equilibrium position the free end of the inner wall 328 is aligned with the outer wall 322 such that they terminate in a common plane orthogonal to a central longitudinal axis of the channel. In this configuration the bulk direction of the airflow at the outlet 342 is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the channel 326. This airflow may be relatively high in velocity.

[0133] At an airflow rate of 12 litres per second pressure downstream of the free end 328 is increased to a threshold value of 2 kPa. This pressure rise causes movement of the free end 328 in a direction upstream relative to the bulk direction of the airflow through the air outlet 342 to a first position. At the first position the free end 328 extends beyond the outer wall, as illustrated in Figures 17b and 18b, by a distance of 5mm. In this configuration, airflow is guided between the outer wall 322 and the inner wall 324 through the channel 326, the airflow leaving the air outlet 342 is convergent.

[0134] At an airflow rate of 8 litres per second pressure downstream of the free end 328 is decreased to a threshold value of 1 kPa. This pressure drop causes movement of the free end 328 in a direction downstream relative to the bulk direction of the airflow through the air outlet 342 to a second position. At the second position the free end 328 is retracted behind the outer wall, as illustrated in Figures 17c and 18c, by a distance of 5 mm. In this configuration, airflow is guided between the outer wall 322 and the inner wall 324 through the channel 326, the bulk direction of the airflow leaving the air outlet 342 is divergent.

[0135] A third example haircare appliance 420 is shown in Figures 19 and 20a-c. A slice through an upper part of an annulus of the haircare appliance 420 is illustrated in Figures 20a-c. The haircare appliance 420 has an inner wall 424 with a curved free end 428. The main unit 420 further comprises a first air outlet 490 and a second air outlet 492. The free end 26 P005173-W001

[0136] 428 is movable relative to an outer wall 422. The free end 428 may move to a first position to redirect air to the first air outlet 490 and to a second position to redirect air to the second air outlet 492. The free end 428 is shaped such that in the first position, air is directed away from the second air outlet 492, and the majority of airflow leaves the haircare appliance 420 through the first air inlet 490. Similarly, when the free end 428 is in the second position, air is directed away from the first air outlet 490 such that the majority of airflow leaves the haircare appliance 420 through the second air inlet 492.

[0137] In practice, it will be appreciated that the first 490 and second 492 air outlets may form part of an attachment that is attached to the second example haircare appliance of Figures 16, 17a-c and 18a-c.

[0138] It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

[0139] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. For the avoidance of doubt, this disclosure includes the following numbered clauses.

[0140] Clause 1. A haircare appliance comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; a housing; an airflow generator; and a movable member disposed within the housing, wherein the movable member comprises a free end, and the free end of the movable member is movable from a first position relative to the housing to a second position relative to the housing, and movement of the free end of the movable member from the first position to the second position results in a change of airflow characteristic at the air outlet.

[0141] Clause 2. The haircare appliance of Clause 1, wherein the free end of the movable member is configured to move in response to a change in pressure in the airflow generated by the airflow generator. 27 P005173-W001

[0142] Clause 3. The haircare appliance of any one of Clauses 1 or 2, wherein the free end of the movable member is linearly movable relative to the housing.

[0143] Clause 4. The haircare appliance of Clause 3, wherein the free end of the movable member is configured to move in a direction parallel to a bulk direction of the airflow through the air outlet.

[0144] Clause 5. The haircare appliance of any one of Clauses 1 to 4, comprising a first wall and a second wall spaced to define a channel therebetween, wherein the movable member is the first wall.

[0145] Clause 6. The haircare appliance of Clause 5, wherein the first wall and the second wall are concentrically arranged.

[0146] Clause 7. The haircare appliance of any one of Clauses 5 to 6, wherein the first wall has an equilibrium position at which the first wall is aligned with the second wall such that the first wall and the second wall terminate in a common plane orthogonal to a central longitudinal axis of the channel.

[0147] Clause 8. The haircare appliance of Clause 7, wherein the free end of the movable member is configured to move from the equilibrium position to the first position to produce airflow in a first direction away from the central longitudinal axis of the channel at the outlet.

[0148] Clause 9. The haircare appliance of any one of Clauses 7 or 8, wherein the free end of the movable member is configured to move from the equilibrium position to the second position to produce airflow in a second direction away from the central longitudinal axis of the channel at the outlet, the second direction different to the first direction.

[0149] Clause 10. The haircare appliance of any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the free end of the movable member comprises a surface for guiding airflow generated by the airflow generator. 28 P005173-W001

[0150] Clause 11. The haircare appliance of any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the air outlet comprises a first outlet portion and a second outlet portion, and the free end of the movable member moves to the first position to direct the airflow generated by the airflow generator through the first outlet portion, and the free end of the movable member moves to the second position to direct the airflow generated by the airflow generator through the second outlet portion, and the free end of the movable member moves to an equilibrium position to direct the airflow generated by the airflow generator through the first outlet portion and the second outlet portion. Clause 12. The haircare appliance of Clause 11, wherein the first outlet portion and the second outlet portion are concentrically arranged.

[0151] Clause 13. The haircare appliance of any one of Clauses 11 and 12, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a main unit and an attachment for releasably attaching to the main unit, wherein the main unit comprises the movable member and the housing, and the attachment comprises the first outlet portion and the second outlet portion.

Claims

29 P005173-W001CLAIMS1. A haircare appliance comprising: an air inlet; a first air outlet and a second air outlet, the first and second air outlets selectively fluidically connectable to the air inlet; one or more occlusions for selectively occluding the first air outlet and the second air outlet; and a selection mechanism for selecting which of the first and second air outlets is occluded by the one or more occlusions, wherein the selection mechanism is located on a first side of the haircare appliance, and the first and second air outlets are located on a second side of the haircare appliance, the second side of the haircare appliance opposite to the first side of the haircare appliance.

2. The haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the selection mechanism is an electrically unpowered selection mechanism.

3. The haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first air outlet is configured to provide airflow with a first characteristic, the second air outlet is configured to provide airflow with a second characteristic, the second characteristic different to the first characteristic.

4. The haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 3, wherein each of the first characteristic and the second characteristic are at least one of a flow direction and a flow velocity.

5. The haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first air outlet is configured to provide a divergent airflow, and the second air outlet is configured to provide a convergent airflow.30 P005173-W0016. The haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more occlusions are configured such that airflow is inhibited from flowing through the first air outlet when the first air outlet is occluded by the one or more occlusions, and such that airflow is inhibited from flowing through the second air outlet when the second air outlet is occluded by the one or more occlusions.

7. The haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the one or more occlusions are configured to alternately occlude the first and second air outlets, such that when the first air outlet is occluded by the one or more occlusions, the second air outlet is free of occlusion, and such that when the second air outlet is occluded by the one or more occlusions, the first air outlet is free of occlusion.

8. The haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more occlusions are configured to selectively occlude the first and second air outlets at locations that are closer to the location of the first and second outlet than the midpoint of a flow path between the air inlet and the respective first and second air outlets.

9. The haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more occlusions comprises a first occlusion configured to selectively occlude the first air outlet, and a second occlusion configured to selectively occlude the second air outlet.

10. The haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first air outlet is annular in form, the second air outlet is annular in form, and the second air outlet is arranged concentrically around the first air outlet.

11. The haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a connection mechanism for releasably connecting to an attachment, and the connection mechanism is located between the first air outlet and the second air outlet.

12. The haircare appliance as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the first air outlet comprises a plurality of first air outlet portions, the second air outlet comprises a31 P005173-W001 plurality of second air outlet portions, and the first air outlet portions are located radially inwardly from the second air outlet portions, and circumferentially spaced from the second air outlet portions.

13. The haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the haircare appliance comprises an airflow generator, and a user interface for controlling the airflow generator, and the user interface is located on the first side of the haircare appliance.

14. The haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the selection mechanism comprises a user actuatable portion configured to cause movement of the one or more occlusions, and the user actuatable portion is configured such that the user actuatable portion is rotatable to cause movement of the one or more occlusions.

15. The haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the one or more occlusions are linearly movable within the haircare appliance between a first position in which the one or more occlusions occludes the first air outlet to a greater extent than the one or more occlusions occludes the second air outlet, and a second position in which the one or more occlusions occludes the second air outlet to a greater extent than the one or more occlusions occludes the first air outlet, and rotation of the user actuatable portion moves the one or more occlusions between the first position and the second position.

16. The haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the one or more occlusions comprises a first occlusion for occluding the first air outlet, and a second occlusion for occluding the second air outlet.

17. The haircare appliance as claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 16, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a housing defining a channel within which the one or more occlusions are disposed, the channel comprises a longitudinal axis, the one or more occlusions are linearly movable within the channel in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the user actuatable portion is mounted to the housing such that the user actuatable portion is rotatable relative to the housing and fixed in the direction parallel to32 P005173-W001 the longitudinal axis, and the one or more occlusions are connected to the user actuatable portion such that rotation of the user actuatable portion causes linear movement of the one or more occlusions within the channel.

18. The haircare appliance as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 17, wherein the user actuatable portion is rotatable by at least 7 degrees, and by no more than 70 degrees.

19. The haircare appliance as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 18, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a handle portion, and a head portion orthogonal to the handle portion, and the user actuatable portion is positioned on the head portion such that, whilst a user grasps the handle portion with a hand, the user actuatable portion can be rotated by a thumb and / or forefinger of the same hand of the user.

20. The haircare appliance as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 19, wherein the haircare appliance comprises an airflow generator, a sensor configured to sense a position of the user actuatable portion, and a controller configured to control the airflow generator based on an output of the sensor.

21. The haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a main unit and an attachment for releasably attaching to the main unit, wherein the main unit comprises the first air outlet and the second air outlet, the attachment comprises a first attachment air inlet for fluid communication with the first air outlet, a second attachment air inlet for fluid communication with the second air outlet, a first attachment air outlet in fluid communication with the first attachment air inlet, and a second attachment air outlet in fluid communication with the second attachment air inlet.

22. The haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the first attachment air outlet is configured to provide airflow with a first attachment characteristic, and the second attachment air outlet is configured to provide airflow with a second attachment characteristic, the second attachment characteristic different to the first attachment characteristic.

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