Attachment for a haircare appliance

Abstract

An attachment for a hair-care appliance has a first air inlet, a second air inlet, a first air outlet fluidically connected with the first air inlet through a first channel, and a second air outlet fluidically connected with the second air inlet through a second channel different to the first channel. The first air outlet is configured to provide airflow with a first characteristic, and the second air outlet is configured to provide airflow with a second characteristic, the second characteristic different to the first characteristic.

Description

[0001] 1 P005174-W001

[0002] ATTACHMENT FOR 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. Haircare appliances may include attachments which may allow a user to dry or style hair in a range of different ways. Some haircare appliances include settings which can be changed to provide different functionality.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect there is provided an attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising: a first air inlet and a second air inlet, a first air outlet fluidically connected with the first air inlet through a first channel, and a second air outlet fluidically connected with the second air inlet through a second channel different to the first channel; wherein the first air outlet is configured to provide airflow with a first characteristic, and the second air outlet is configured to provide airflow with a second characteristic, the second characteristic different to the first characteristic.

[0007] Having first and second air outlets fluidically connected to respective first and second air inlets may provide an attachment of increased flexibility and / or reduced complexity compared to, for example, an attachment having a single air inlet and a single air outlet, and / or compared to an attachment having a single air inlet connected to multiple air outlets. For example, an attachment having a single air inlet and a single air outlet may only be capable of providing airflow with a single characteristic. Having first and second air outlets may instead enable an attachment to provide airflow in different directions, and / or with different characteristics. An attachment having a single air inlet connected to multiple air outlets may require complex internal pathways, which may increase cost and / or complexity of manufacture. Having first and second air outlets fluidically connected to respective first and second air inlets may instead provide a relatively simple internal arrangement for the attachment.

[0008] The first air outlet may be configured to provide a first divergent airflow with a first angle of divergence, and the second air outlet may be configured to provide a second divergent 2 P005174-W001 airflow with a second angle of divergence, the first angle of divergence different to the second angle of divergence. This may provide improved flexibility compared to, for example, a haircare appliance having a single air outlet configured to provide airflow with one angle of divergence.

[0009] The first channel may be configured to direct at least 90% of the airflow from the first air inlet to the first air outlet. This may ensure that the majority of the airflow is received by the first air outlet from the first air inlet.

[0010] The second channel may be configured to direct at least 20% of the airflow from the second air inlet to the first air outlet. This may provide a relatively continuous stream of airflow, for example when airflow is provided by the second air inlet, airflow may be received by both the first air outlet and the second air outlet. This may provide improved drying and / or styling characteristics. The attachment may be configured such that airflow from the second air inlet flows at least partially along the first channel and the second channel in use.

[0011] Airflow from the first outlet may have a first bulk flow direction and airflow from the second outlet may have a second bulk flow direction different from the first bulk flow direction. This may provide improved flexibility compared to, for example, an attachment having only a single air outlet, or an attachment with multiple outlets which each provide airflow in the same bulk flow direction.

[0012] The first bulk flow direction may be less than 45 degrees apart from the second bulk flow direction. Alternatively, the first bulk flow direction and the second bulk flow direction may be parallel.

[0013] The first bulk flow direction may be more than 45 degrees apart from the second bulk flow direction. The first bulk flow direction may be one of away from the first and second air flow inlets of the attachment or towards the first and second airflow inlets of the attachment. The second bulk flow direction may be an opposite direction to the first bulk flow direction. 3 P005174-W001

[0014] The first and second channels may be rigid and may be shaped to redirect the airflow through the first or second flow path. This may provide a relatively simple mechanism for directing the airflow through the first flow path or the second flow path compared to, for example, an attachment comprising moving parts to redirect airflow. In some examples, the first and / or second channels have a fixed size and / or shape. The first channel may be configured to redirect airflow between the first air inlet and first air outlet. The second channel may be configured to redirect airflow between the second air inlet and second air outlet.

[0015] The first air inlet and the second air inlet may be concentric with one another. Arranging the first air inlet and the second air inlet of the attachment concentrically may provide a relatively simple structure, for example, compared to an arrangement in which the first and second air inlets are interleaved with one another at a same radial distance.

[0016] The first air inlet may be annular. The first air inlet may have an outer diameter of 38- 128mm measured between outermost sides of the first air inlet. The first air inlet may have an inner diameter of 37-127mm measured between opposite sides of an inner wall of the first air inlet. A width of the first air inlet, for example measured between the inner wall and an outer wall of the first air inlet, may be 0.5-40mm. The second air inlet may be concentric around the first air inlet. The second air inlet may be annular. The second air inlet may have an outer diameter of 40- 130mm measured between outermost sides of the second air inlet. The second air inlet may have an inner diameter of 39 - 129mm measured between opposite sides of an inner wall of the second air inlet. A width of the second air inlet, for example measured between the inner wall and an outer wall of the second air inlet, may be 0.5 to 40mm. The first air inlet may be spaced from the second air inlet by a distance of l-60mm, for example in a direction measured orthogonally between an outer side of the first air inlet and an inner side of the second air inlet.

[0017] The first air outlet may have a substantially discorectangle cross-sectional shape. The first air outlet may have a dimension of 30- 150mm across its central longitudinal axis. The first air inlet may be at a distance of 30 - 150mm from the first air outlet, for example 4 P005174-W001 measured between an outer wall of the first air inlet and an outer wall of the first air outlet in a parallel direction. The second air inlet may be at a distance of 30 150mm from the second air outlet, for example measured between an outer wall of the second air inlet and an outer wall of the second air outlet in a parallel direction.

[0018] A first airflow path may be formed between the first air inlet and the first air outlet, and a second airflow path may be formed between the second air inlet and the second air outlet. The second airflow path may be outwardly of the first airflow path, for example with the first air inlet located inwardly of the second air inlet, and the first air outlet located inwardly of the second air outlet.

[0019] The first air outlet may have a first outlet area, and the second air outlet may have a second outlet area, the second outlet area different to the first outlet area. This may be a relatively simple way for the first and second air outlets to provide airflow having different characteristics.

[0020] The first air outlet and the second air outlet may be shaped to provide respective first and second characteristics. This may provide a simple mechanism for providing different flow characteristics.

[0021] The second air outlet may be generally annular in form, and the second air outlet may be arranged concentrically around the first air outlet. Arranging the air first outlet and the second air outlet of the attachment concentrically may provide a relatively simple structure, for example, compared to an arrangement in which the first and second air outlets are interleaved with one another at a same radial distance. Arranging the air first outlet and the second air outlet of the attachment concentrically may produce annular airflow from the first air outlet and from the second air outlet, which may be preferable over discrete blocks of airflow that may occur if the first and second air outlets were interleaved at a same radial distance.

[0022] The attachment may comprise a connection mechanism for releasably connecting the attachment to a main unit of the haircare appliance, wherein the main unit comprises a first 5 P005174-W001 main unit air outlet and a second main unit air outlet, and the connection mechanism may be configured to connect the attachment to the main unit such that the first air inlet is fluidically connected to the main unit first air outlet and the second air inlet is fluidically connected to the main unit second air outlet. By fluidically connecting the first air outlet of the main unit to the first air inlet of the attachment and fluidically connecting the second air outlet of the main unit to the second air inlet of the attachment, the first and second air inlets of the attachment are aligned with the respective first and second main unit air outlets. This may create a first airflow path and a second airflow path between the main unit and the attachment. This may provide improved flexibility compared to, for example, an attachment connected to a main unit having only a single airflow path.

[0023] The connection mechanism may be located between the first air inlet and the second air inlet. This may make use of spacing between the first air inlet and the second air inlet, and may enable a relatively compact arrangement compared to an attachment in which the connection mechanism is located outside the second air inlet. The connection mechanism may also inhibit airflow from leaking between the first air inlet and the second air inlet when the attachment is attached to the main unit.

[0024] The connection mechanism may comprise a magnet for releasably connecting to a corresponding magnet of the main unit. This may provide a stable and secure connection of the attachment to a main unit, preventing the attachment from becoming inadvertently separated from the main unit during use. A magnet may provide a relatively simple and inexpensive connection mechanism

[0025] The attachment may comprise a protrusion receivable within a bore of the main unit. The protrusion may increase a security of connection between the attachment and the main unit, and may resist relative pivoting of the attachment to the main unit in radial directions of the bore.

[0026] The attachment may comprise an identifier readable by a sensor of a main unit of the haircare appliance. This may enable the main unit to sense the attachment connected to the main unit, which may be desirable for altering settings of the main unit such as air flow 6 P005174-W001 rate and air flow temperature. This may improve the efficiency of the main unit and improve user experience. The identifier may be in the form of a radio frequency identification tag.

[0027] According to a second aspect there is provided a haircare appliance comprising a main unit and an attachment according to the first aspect, the attachment releasably attachable to the main unit. This may enable the attachment to be selectively utilised by a user, and may, in some examples, enable the attachment to be retrofitted to existing main units of haircare appliances.

[0028] The main unit may comprise a first main unit air outlet, and a second main unit air outlet. The first and second main unit air outlet may be concentric with one another. The first main unit air outlet may be complementary to the first air inlet of the attachment, for example, the first main unit air outlet may be the same size and shape as the first air inlet of the attachment. The second main unit air outlet may be complementary to the second air inlet of the attachment, for example, the second main unit air outlet may be the same size and shape as the second air inlet of the attachment. The attachment may be able to modify airflow characteristics of airflow provided from the first and second main unit air outlets, whilst still selectively providing two airflows from the first and second air outlets of the attachment.

[0029] The haircare appliance may comprise an airflow generator, the first main unit air outlet and the second main unit air outlet may be selectively fluidically connectable to the airflow generator, and the haircare appliance may comprise a selection mechanism to select which of the first main unit air outlet and the second main unit air outlet is in fluid communication with the airflow generator. This may enable selective provision of airflow from the first and / or second air outlets of the attachment.

[0030] The selection mechanism may be disposed on and / or in the main unit of the haircare appliance. By situating the selection mechanism on and / or in the main unit of the haircare appliance, the attachment may not require a selection mechanism. This may reduce a 7 P005174-W001 complexity of the attachment compared to, for example, an attachment which includes a selection mechanism.

[0031] 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 main unit air outlet and the second main unit air outlet is in fluid communication with the airflow generator.

[0032] Optional features of aspects may be equally applied to other aspects, where appropriate.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure l is a schematic view of a first example haircare appliance;

[0035] Figure 2 is a first schematic sectional view of a main unit of the haircare appliance of Figure 1;

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic rear view of the main unit of Figure 2;

[0037] Figure 4 is a second schematic view of the of the main unit of Figure 2;

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of a selection mechanism of the main unit of Figure 2 in a first state;

[0039] Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of the selection mechanism of the main unit of Figure 2 in a second state;

[0040] Figure 7 is a first schematic view of a first attachment of the haircare appliance of Figure 1;

[0041] 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;

[0042] Figure 9 is a first schematic view of a second attachment of the haircare appliance of Figure 1;

[0043] Figure 10 is a schematic view of the second attachment of Figure 9 in a first state;

[0044] Figure 11 is a schematic view of the second attachment of Figure 9 in a second state;

[0045] Figure 12 is a schematic view of a third attachment of the haircare appliance of Figure 1;

[0046] Figure 13 is a schematic view of a first alternative selection mechanism of a main unit of a haircare appliance; 8 P005174-W001

[0047] Figure 14 is an exploded view of a second alternative selection mechanism of a main unit of a haircare appliance;

[0048] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view through a head portion of the haircare appliance of Figure 14;

[0049] Figure 16 is a schematic view of a second example haircare appliance;

[0050] Figure 17a, 17b and 17c are schematic views of the haircare appliance of Figure 16 in a first, second and third state;

[0051] Figure 18a, 18b and 18c are schematic views of the haircare appliance of Figure 16 in a first, second and third state;

[0052] Figure 19 is a schematic view of a third example haircare appliance; and

[0053] Figure 20a, 20b and 20c are schematic views of the haircare appliance of Figure 19 in a first, second and third state.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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. 9 P005174-W001

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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. 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).

[0063] 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 10 P005174-W001 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.

[0064] 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. The first air outlet 90 provides an airflow 90a with a first characteristic. The second air outlet 92 provides an airflow 92a with a second characteristic.

[0065] 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 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.

[0066] 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 11 P005174-W001 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 12 P005174-W001 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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 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.

[0073] 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 13 P005174-W001 first air inlet 86 toward the first air outlet 90, guided by an internal surface of the inner wall 98.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 12.

[0078] 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. 14 P005174-W001

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 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.

[0083] 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. 15 P005174-W001

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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 first 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 blow the hair, for example in the direction in which it is being combed, which may improve root drying and root lifting performance.

[0089] 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 16 P005174-W001 outlet 292. Airflow leaving the third attachment 240 through the second air outlet 292 is directed towards the hair to provide bulk drying of the user’s hair and improve user style control.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 actuator is pushed in to displace the occlusions disposed within the bore of the main unit of the haircare appliance. 17 P005174-W001

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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. 18 P005174-W001

[0099] 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 5 to 15 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.

[0100] At an airflow rate of between 5 to 15 litres per second, pressure downstream of the free end 328 is increased above a predetermined threshold value e.g. lOO-lOOOpa. 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. 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.

[0101] At an airflow rate of between 5 to 15 litres per second, pressure downstream of the free end 328 is decreased below a predetermined threshold value, e.g. lOO-lOOOpa. 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. 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.

[0102] 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 428 is movable relative to an outer wall 422. The free end 428 may move to a first 19 P005174-W001 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

Claims

20 P005174-W001CLAIMS1. An attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising: a first air inlet; a second air inlet; a first air outlet fluidically connected with the first air inlet through a first channel; and a second air outlet fluidically connected with the second air inlet through a second channel different to the first channel, wherein the first air outlet is configured to provide airflow with a first characteristic, and the second air outlet is configured to provide airflow with a second characteristic, the second characteristic different to the first characteristic.

2. The attachment as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first air outlet is configured to provide a first divergent airflow with a first angle of divergence, and the second air outlet is configured to provide a second divergent airflow with a second angle of divergence, the first angle of divergence different to the second angle of divergence.

3. The attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first channel is configured to direct at least 90% of the airflow from the first air inlet to the first air outlet.

4. The attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second channel is configured to direct at least 20% of the airflow from the second air inlet to the first air outlet.

5. The attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein airflow from the first outlet has a first bulk flow direction and airflow from the second outlet has a second bulk flow direction different from the first bulk flow direction.

6. The attachment as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the first bulk flow direction is less than 45 degrees apart from the second bulk flow direction.21 P005174-W0017. The attachment as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the first bulk flow direction and the second bulk flow direction are parallel.

8. The attachment as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the first bulk flow direction is more than 45 degrees apart from the second bulk flow direction.

9. The attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second channels are rigid and are shaped to redirect the airflow through the first or second flow path.

10. The attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first air inlet and the second air inlet are concentric with one another.

11. The attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first air outlet has a first outlet area, and the second air outlet has a second outlet area, the second outlet area different to the first outlet area.

12. The attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first air outlet and the second air outlet are concentric with one another.

13. The attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment comprises a connection mechanism for releasably connecting the attachment to a main unit of the haircare appliance, wherein the main unit comprises a first main unit air outlet and a second main unit air outlet, and the connection mechanism is configured to connect the attachment to the main unit such that the first air inlet is fluidically connected to the main unit first air outlet and the second air inlet is fluidically connected to the main unit second air outlet.

14. The attachment as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the connection mechanism is located between the first air inlet and the second air inlet.22 P005174-W00115. The attachment as claimed in Claim 13 or Claim 14, wherein the connection mechanism comprises a magnet located between the first air inlet and the second air inlet.

16. The attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising an identifier readable by a sensor of a main unit of the haircare appliance.

17. A haircare appliance comprising a main unit and an attachment according to any one of the preceding claims, the attachment releasably attachable to the main unit.

18. The haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a first main unit air outlet, and a second main unit air outlet, the first main unit air outlet and the second main unit air outlet concentric with one another.

19. The haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 18, wherein the haircare appliance comprises an airflow generator, the first main unit air outlet and the second main unit air outlet are selectively fluidically connectable to the airflow generator, and the haircare appliance comprises a selection mechanism to select which of the first main unit air outlet and the second main unit air outlet is in fluid communication with the airflow generator.

20. The haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the selection mechanism is disposed on and / or in the main unit.

21. The haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 19 or Claim 20, wherein the selection mechanism is an electrically unpowered selection mechanism.

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