Attachment for a haircare appliance

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet; and a plurality of bristles. The attachment is configured such that airflow exiting the outlet in use generates a first force to attract hair towards the curved surface and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface. The plurality of bristles are movable between a first position relative to the air outlet and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position different to the first position. A flow channel is defined between the plurality of bristles and the curved surface. The flow channel is configured to receive airflow from the air outlet when the plurality of bristles are in the first position.

Description

[0001] 1 P005160-W001

[0002] ATTACHMENT FOR A HAIRCARE APPLIANCE

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Haircare appliances are typically used to dry and style hair. Where haircare appliances are used to style hair to create a smooth appearance, the presence of shorter or broken hairs, sometimes referred to as flyaways, may impact on the desired smooth appearance.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided an attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet; and a plurality of bristles. The attachment is configured such that airflow exiting the outlet in use generates a first force to attract hair towards the curved surface and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface. The plurality of bristles are movable between a first position relative to the air outlet and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position different to the first position. A flow channel is defined between the plurality of bristles and the curved surface. The flow channel is configured to receive airflow from the air outlet when the plurality of bristles are in the first position.

[0007] The flow channel may be defined below the bristles and above the curved surface. In other words, the flow channel may be defined between the curved surface and a radially inner surface of the bristles. Essentially, the flow channel may disposed underneath the bristles.

[0008] Providing a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet may generate a negative pressure region adjacent to the curved surface which attracts long hairs toward the curved surface, with the airflow interaction with hair also pushing shorter hairs away from the curved surface. This may result in shorter hairs being pushed through the longer hairs, for example, through the longer hairs toward the side of hair facing a user’s head, such that a smooth finish is provided. 2 P005160-W001

[0009] An attachment which has a flow channel defined between the plurality of bristles and the curved surface may reduce the exposure of the bristles to airflow from the air outlet, compared to an attachment where the air outlet emits air directly across or over the bristles. In attachments where the air outlet emits air directly across or over the bristles, the bristles can cause the airflow to detach from the attachment, which is thought to lead to increased noise whilst the attachment is in use. In contrast, an attachment which has a flow channel defined between the plurality of bristles and the curved surface, i.e., the flow channel being beneath the bristle bed, can have reduced noise in use, thereby providing an improved user experience.

[0010] The attachment may be configured such that movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position reduces exposure of the flow channel to airflow from the air outlet. In other words, a greater proportion of airflow from the air outlet may flow through the flow channel when the bristles are in the first position, compared to when the bristles are in the second position. In particular, when the plurality of bristles are moved from the first position to the second position, the position of the flow channel relative to the air outlet may change, such that in use, exposure of the flow channel to airflow from the air outlet is reduced.

[0011] The plurality of bristles may be closer to the air outlet in the first position than in the second position. In the first position, the plurality of bristles may be proximal to the air outlet. In the second position, the plurality of bristles may be distal from the air outlet.

[0012] The attachment may provide increased flexibility for styling. For example, when the plurality of bristles are in the first position relative to the air outlet, the attachment may, for example, be used to brush a user’s hair. When the plurality of bristles are in the second position relative to the air outlet, the attachment, and in particular the curved surface, may be used to reduce the appearance of flyaways by pushing shorter hairs through longer hairs toward the side of hair facing a user’s head such that a smooth finish is provided. This may allow for dual functionality in a single attachment, without a user having to switch between attachments to achieve a desired styling process, thereby enhancing user experience. 3 P005160-W001

[0013] Airflow exiting the air outlet may flow over the curved surface in use, for example when the plurality of bristles are in the second position. The haircare appliance may be configured such that a negative pressure region is generated in the vicinity of the curved surface in use. The curved surface may comprise a Coanda surface, for example a convex surface along which airflow is attached as a result of the Coanda effect in use.

[0014] The plurality of bristles may extend from a bristle bed, and movement of the bristle bed between the first and second positions may move the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions. The plurality of bristles may be embedded in the bristle bed. The use of a bristle bed may ensure consistency of movement of the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions, for example relative to an arrangement where each of the plurality of bristles is individually movable between the first and second positions.

[0015] The flow channel may be defined between the bristle bed and the curved surface. In other words, the flow channel may be defined by the curved surface and a radially inner surface of the bristle bed. Essentially, this means that the flow channel may be disposed underneath the bristle bed. A flow channel between the bristle bed and the curved surface may further reduce exposure of the bristles to airflow directly emitted from the air outlet, thereby reducing noise in use.

[0016] The bristle bed comprises one or more bleed passages extending therethrough. The one or more bleed passages may be configured to receive airflow from the flow channel. The one or more bleed passages may enable a portion of the airflow from the flow channel to be emitted across the bristle bed, to improve styling performance, for example when the bristles are used to brush a user’s hair.

[0017] Each of the one of more bleed passages may comprise a respective passage inlet at a radially inner surface of the bristle bed and a respective passage outlet at a radially outer surface of the bristle bed. This may enable airflow from the flow channel to pass radially through the bristle bed. 4 P005160-W001

[0018] Each of the one or more bleed passages may comprise a reducing cross-sectional area from its respective passage inlet to its respective passage outlet. This reducing cross-sectional area may increase the velocity of the airflow as it passes through the bleed passage outlet, which may provide improved styling performance, for example when the bristles are used to brush a user’s hair.

[0019] Each passage outlet may be disposed between adjacent bristles of the plurality of bristles. By positioning the passage outlets in an alternating manner with the bristles, airflow exiting the passage outlets may be less likely to be disturbed by the presence of the bristles disposed downstream of the respective outlets.

[0020] The radially outer surface of the bristle bed may be curved. Each passage outlet may be configured to emit air substantially along the radially outer surface. Airflow exiting the passage outlets may flow over the curved radially outer surface in use. This may cause a negative pressure region to be generated in the vicinity of the curved radially outer surface in use. The curved radially outer surface of the bristle bed may comprise a Coanda surface, for example a convex surface along which airflow is attached as a result of the Coanda effect in use. This may help to attract hair towards the roots of the bristles in use, e.g., when a user is brushes their hair using the bristles. This may result in improved brushing performance.

[0021] The exit angle of each passage outlet may be configured such that airflow emitted from the passage outlet flows substantially tangentially to the curved radially outer surface of the bristle bed. For example, an exit angle of the passage outlet may be between 0° and 45° with respect to a tangent to the curved radially outer surface of the bristle bed.

[0022] The plurality of bristles may comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending bristle rows. Each of the bristle rows may be circumferentially spaced apart from one another. In such an arrangement, the bristles can be disposed with regular spacing with respect to one another.

[0023] The bristle rows may be disposed along a curvature, such that the bristle rows are spaced apart from one another along the curvature. This may enable the bristles to provide 5 P005160-W001 substantially even tension to the hair as the bristles are moved through a user’s hair whilst brushing.

[0024] One or more of the passage outlets may be disposed between adjacent rows of the plurality of bristle rows. In some examples, each of the passage outlets may be disposed between adjacent rows of the plurality of bristle rows. Having passage outlets disposed between adjacent rows of bristles may reduce the possibility of airflow exiting the passage outlets from becoming detached from the bristle bed too quickly. This arrangement may therefore provide improved brushing performance.

[0025] In other examples, the plurality of bristles may comprise a plurality of diagonally extending bristle rows. In some examples, the plurality of bristles may be disposed in a staggered arrangement across the bristle bed. In some examples, at least some of the plurality of bristles may be irregularly spaced apart across the bristle bed. Different arrangements of bristles on the bristle bed may enable different levels of tension to be provided by the bristles on a user’s hair.

[0026] One or more of the passage outlets may be configured to emit airflow towards a space between adjacent bristles disposed downstream of the passage outlet. Emitting airflow towards this space between bristles may reduce the possibility of detachment of the airflow from the bristle bed, and thereby improve brushing performance.

[0027] The bristle bed may comprise a base. Each of the bristle rows may be coupled to the base. The base may be formed as a frame, to which the bristle rows may be coupled. This may reduce manufacturing complexity of the bristle bed, as the base and the rows of bristles may be formed as separate components, which can subsequently be coupled together.

[0028] Each of the bristle rows may be detachably coupled to the base of the bristle bed. This may enable repairability of the attachment, as when one of the bristle rows becomes damaged, the bristle row alone may be replaced, rather than requiring replacement of the entire attachment. 6 P005160-W001

[0029] The bristle bed may comprise a plurality of bristle bed segments, each bristle row being formed on a respective one of the plurality of bristle bed segments. Forming the bristle bed in this manner may avoid a need for a separate base or frame component.

[0030] One or more of the bleed passages may be defined between adjacent bristle bed segments of the plurality of bristle bed segments. The bleed passages may be defined by an overlap between corresponding ends of the adjacent bristle bed segments. For example, one or more of the bleed passages may be defined between a trailing edge of one bristle bed segment and a leading edge of an adjacent bristle bed segment. This may enable the bleed passages to be formed in a simpler manner through the bristle bed.

[0031] The attachment may further comprise one or more vanes coupled between adjacent bristle bed segments. The vanes may connect the bristle bed segments together. The vanes may act as flow guides for airflow through the bleed passages.

[0032] Each bleed passage may be defined between adjacent bristle bed segments of the plurality of bristle bed segments and adjacent vanes of the one or more vanes. This may enable the bleed passages to be formed in a slot-like manner, providing substantially laminar airflow across the bristle bed.

[0033] The plurality of bristles may be detachable from the attachment, for example as a single modular unit, such that the plurality of bristles are attached to the attachment in the first position, and detached from the attachment in the second position.

[0034] The air outlet may be defined by radially inner and outer walls, and the radially outer wall may comprise a radius of curvature that decreases toward the air outlet. This may result in an increased angle of attack of airflow exiting the air outlet toward the curved surface, for example compared to an arrangement where the radially outer wall comprises a constant radius of curvature, which may result in improved attachment of airflow to the curved surface. 7 P005160-W001

[0035] The air outlet may be configured to direct airflow at the curved surface at an angle in the range of 50° to 80° relative to the air inlet, for example relative to a plane of the air inlet. The air outlet may be configured to direct airflow at the curved surface at an angle of around 70°.

[0036] A downstream portion of the flow channel may have a reduced cross-sectional area compared to a cross-sectional area of the air outlet. By having at least a downstream portion of the flow channel with a reduced cross-sectional area compared to a cross-sectional area of the air outlet, the flow channel may have a flow restriction. In some examples, this may comprise a portion of the length of the flow channel with a reduced cross section compared with the remainder of the flow channel. In some examples, the flow channel may have a reducing cross-sectional area from the air outlet to a downstream end of the flow channel. The cross-sectional area may reduce gradually, in a consistent manner, or reduce in stages. This reduction in cross-sectional area at the downstream portion may encourage a greater proportion of airflow in the flow channel to pass through the bleed passages.

[0037] The attachment may comprise a flow guide upstream of the air outlet for distributing airflow along the air outlet. The flow guide may comprise one or more ribs or fins disposed upstream of the air outlet. The flow guide may be disposed downstream of the air inlet. The flow guide may be shaped to guide airflow from the air inlet into a single column of airflow. The flow guide may help in distributing airflow along the air outlet. This may result in more even distribution of airflow along a width of the air outlet than, for example, an arrangement absent the flow guide. The flow guide may comprise a plurality of ribs spaced along a width of the air outlet, for example such that a plurality of channels are defined internally of the air outlet.

[0038] The air outlet may comprise an open cross-sectional area in the region of 140mm2to 900mm2, for example in the region of 200mm2to 500mm2, or in the region of 280mm2to 350mm2. Such an open cross-sectional area may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along the curved surface that results in a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface. 8 P005160-W001

[0039] The air outlet may comprise a width in the region of 70mm to 90mm, for example in the region of 75mm to 85mm. The air outlet may comprise a height in the region of 2mm to 10mm. The air outlet may be generally rectangular in form, for example such that airflow leaving the air outlet has a generally laminar form.

[0040] The curved surface may comprise a radius of curvature in the region of 16mm to 60mm. Such a radius of curvature may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along the curved surface that results in a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface. The curved surface may comprise a substantially constant radius of curvature.

[0041] The air outlet may comprise a fixed air outlet, for example an air outlet of fixed cross- sectional area, length and / or width. This may ensure that airflow characteristics of the attachment are constant for a given flow rate of airflow, thereby ensuring that an airflow is generated along the curved surface that results in a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface. This may also provide a simpler attachment with fewer moving parts, and hence a reduced risk of failure, compared to an attachment with a variable air outlet.

[0042] The plurality of bristles may be rotatable about a common rotation point to move between the first and second positions. This may ensure consistency of rotation of the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions, for example relative to an arrangement where each of the plurality of bristles is individually rotatable about different rotation points between the first and second positions. The common rotation point may comprise a centre of curvature of the curved surface.

[0043] The attachment may comprise a user actuable mechanism to rotate the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions. This may provide increased user control over styling conditions compared to, for example, an arrangement where the plurality of bristles are automatically moved, without user input, between the first and second conditions based on certain criteria being met. 9 P005160-W001

[0044] The user actuable mechanism may comprise a handle graspable by a user, and rotation of the handle by the user may move the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions. The handle may be positioned substantially outside of airflow from the air outlet in use. This may be particularly beneficial where, for example, the attachment receives a heated airflow from the haircare appliance in use, and may provide enhanced safety and / or user comfort relative to an attachment where the handle is located within the airflow in use.

[0045] The attachment may comprise a retention mechanism for retaining the plurality of bristles in one of the first and second positions. This may reduce a risk of the plurality of bristles accidentally moving between the first and second positions in use without user input, which could otherwise interrupt a styling process carried out by the user.

[0046] The retention mechanism may retain the plurality of positions only in the first and second positions, for example with no retention in any positions intermediate the first and second positions. This may ensure that the plurality of bristles are correctly located in only the first or second position for styling processes in use.

[0047] The attachment may comprise a contact member configured to contact the haircare appliance when the attachment is attached to the haircare appliance such that rotation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance about an axis in a plane of the air inlet is inhibited. This may, for example, inhibit separation of the attachment from the haircare appliance when a force is applied to the attachment that would typically cause pivoting about an axis in the plane of the air inlet. For example, when the plurality of bristles are located in the first position and engage with hair when moved relative to hair, a resultant force may comprise a pivoting force about an axis in the plane of the air inlet, which, in the absence of a contact member as mentioned above, could cause separation of the attachment from the haircare appliance.

[0048] The attachment may comprise a sleeve configured to couple the attachment to a haircare appliance, the sleeve configured to extend around an outlet of the haircare appliance. 10 P005160-W001

[0049] The sleeve may be an example of a contact member as described above. The sleeve may be arranged with respect to the attachment to enable rotation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance about a further axis orthogonal to the plane of the air inlet, when the sleeve is attached to the haircare appliance. In other examples, the attachment may be configured to be inserted into a bore of the outlet of the haircare appliance. In such examples, the contact member may comprise a spigot.

[0050] The attachment may comprise a fixing member for fixing the attachment relative to the haircare appliance such that rotation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance about the further axis is enabled. The fixing member may comprise a magnetic member for engaging a corresponding magnetic member of the attachment. The fixing member may comprise a plurality of magnetic members disposed annularly about the air inlet.

[0051] The attachment may be releasably attachable to the haircare appliance.

[0052] According to a second aspect, there is provided a haircare appliance comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet; and a plurality of bristles. The haircare appliance may be configured such that airflow exiting the outlet in use generates a first force to attract hair towards the curved surface and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface. The plurality of bristles are movable between a first position relative to the air outlet and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position different to the first position. A flow channel is defined between the plurality of bristles and the curved surface, the flow channel configured to receive airflow from the air outlet when the plurality of bristles are in the first position.

[0053] The haircare appliance may comprise a heater for heating the airflow.

[0054] The haircare appliance may comprise a handle unit within which the airflow generator is housed, and an attachment releasably attachable to the handle unit, the attachment comprising the air outlet, the curved surface, and the plurality of bristles. 11 P005160-W001

[0055] The handle unit may comprise an outlet portion configured to engage with a contact member of the attachment.

[0056] The haircare appliance may be configured such that airflow at the air outlet comprises a velocity in the region of 30m / s to 45m / s. The air outlet may be shaped and dimensioned such that airflow at the air outlet comprises a velocity in the region of 30m / s to 45m / s. The airflow generator may be configured to generate an airflow at a flow rate such that airflow at the air outlet comprises a velocity in the region of 30m / s to 45m / s.

[0057] The airflow generator may be configured to generate airflow at a flow rate in the region of 8L / s to 14L / s.

[0058] According to a third aspect, there is provided an attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet; and a plurality of bristles. The attachment is configured such that airflow exiting the outlet in use generates a first force to attract hair towards the curved surface and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface. The plurality of bristles are movable between a first position relative to the air outlet and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position different to the first position. The plurality of bristles extend from a bristle bed. The bristle bed comprises one or more bleed passages extending therethrough, the one or more bleed passages configured to receive airflow from the air outlet and emit airflow over the bristle bed. Movement of the bristles from the first position to the second position reduces exposure of the one or more bleed passages to airflow from the air outlet.

[0059] Providing a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet may generate a negative pressure region adjacent to the curved surface which attracts long hairs toward the curved surface, with the airflow interaction with hair also pushing shorter hairs away from the curved surface. This may result in shorter hairs being pushed through the longer hairs, for example, through the longer hairs toward the side of hair facing a user’s head, such that a smooth finish is provided. 12 P005160-W001

[0060] By providing bleed passages through the bristle bed, only a portion of airflow from the air outlet may be emitted over the bristle bed and across the bristles. This is in comparison to an attachment where the airflow from the air outlet is emitted directly across the bristles. Such an attachment may be noisy to use, due to the bristles causing the airflow to detach from the bristle bed. The attachment of the third aspect minimises this noise by minimising exposure of the bristles to the airflow. However, by providing some airflow across the bristles in the first position, the attachment may provide improved styling performance, for example by providing airflow through the bristles when a user brushes their hair with the bristles in the first position.

[0061] Movement of the bristle bed between the first and second positions may move the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions. The plurality of bristles may be embedded in the bristle bed.

[0062] The attachment may comprise a flow channel defined between the bristle bed and the curved surface. The flow channel may be configured to receive airflow from the air outlet when the plurality of bristles are in the first position. The flow channel may be defined between the bristle bed and the curved surface. In other words, the flow channel may be defined by the curved surface and a radially inner surface of the bristle bed. Essentially, this means that the flow channel may be disposed underneath the bristle bed.

[0063] The one or more bleed passages may be fluidly coupled to the flow channel and configured to receive airflow from the air outlet via the flow channel. Each of the one of more bleed passages may comprise a respective passage inlet at a radially inner surface of the bristle bed and a respective passage outlet at a radially outer surface of the bristle bed.

[0064] Each of the one or more bleed passages may comprise a reducing cross-sectional area from its respective passage inlet to its respective passage outlet.

[0065] Each passage outlet may be disposed between adjacent bristles of the plurality of bristles. 13 P005160-W001

[0066] The radially outer surface of the bristle bed may be curved. Each passage outlet may be configured to emit air substantially along the radially outer surface. Airflow exiting the passage outlets may flow over the curved radially outer surface in use.

[0067] The exit angle of each passage outlet may be configured such that airflow emitted from the passage outlet flows substantially tangentially to the curved radially outer surface of the bristle bed. For example, an exit angle of the passage outlet may be between 0° and 45° with respect to a tangent to the curved radially outer surface of the bristle bed.

[0068] The plurality of bristles may comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending bristle rows. Each of the bristle rows may be circumferentially spaced apart from one another. The bristle rows may be disposed along a curvature, such that the bristle rows are spaced apart from one another along the curvature.

[0069] One or more of the passage outlets may be disposed between adjacent rows of the plurality of bristle rows. In some examples, each of the passage outlets may be disposed between adjacent rows of the plurality of bristle rows.

[0070] In other examples, the plurality of bristles may comprise a plurality of diagonally extending bristle rows. In some examples, the plurality of bristles may be disposed in a staggered arrangement across the bristle bed. In some examples, at least some of the plurality of bristles may be irregularly spaced apart across the bristle bed.

[0071] One or more of the passage outlets may be configured to emit airflow towards a space between adjacent bristles disposed downstream of the passage outlet.

[0072] The bristle bed may comprise a base. Each of the bristle rows may be coupled to the base. The base may be formed as a frame, to which the bristle rows may be coupled. Each of the bristle rows may be detachably coupled to the base of the bristle bed.

[0073] The bristle bed may comprise a plurality of bristle bed segments, each bristle row being formed on a respective one of the plurality of bristle bed segments. 14 P005160-W001

[0074] One or more of the bleed passages may be defined between adjacent bristle bed segments of the plurality of bristle bed segments. The bleed passages may be defined by an overlap between corresponding ends of the adjacent bristle bed segments. For example, one or more of the bleed passages may be defined between a trailing edge of one bristle bed segment and a leading edge of an adjacent bristle bed segment.

[0075] The attachment may further comprise one or more vanes coupled between adjacent bristle bed segments. The vanes may connect the bristle bed segments together. The vanes may act as flow guides for airflow through the bleed passages.

[0076] Each bleed passage may be defined between adjacent bristle bed segments of the plurality of bristle bed segments and adjacent vanes of the one or more vanes.

[0077] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a haircare appliance comprising an attachment as claimed in any of the first or third aspects.

[0078] The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied mutatis mutandis to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and / or combined with any other feature described herein.

[0079] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a haircare appliance according to the present invention;

[0081] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a handle unit of the haircare appliance of Figure 1;

[0082] Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view of a first example attachment of the haircare appliance of Figure 1;

[0083] Figure 4 is a first perspective view of an inlet body of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation; 15 P005160-W001

[0084] Figure 5 is a second perspective view of an inlet body of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

[0085] Figure 6 is a first perspective view of a flow guide member of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

[0086] Figure 7 is a second perspective view of a flow guide member of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

[0087] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an upper wall of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

[0088] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an end cap of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

[0089] Figure 10a is a sectional view of a bristle bed of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

[0090] Figure 10b is a first perspective view of a bristle bed of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

[0091] Figure 10c is a second perspective view of a bristle bed of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

[0092] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a sleeve of the attachment of Figure 3 in isolation;

[0093] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the attachment of Figure 3, with the bristles in the first position;

[0094] Figure 13 is a sectional view of the attachment of Figure 12;

[0095] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the attachment of Figure 3, with the bristles in the second position;

[0096] Figure 15 is a sectional view of the attachment of Figure 14;

[0097] Figure 16 is a schematic view illustrating forces generated by moving the attachment of Figure 3 relative to a tress of hair with the bristles in the second position of Figures 14 and 15;

[0098] Figure 17 is a sectional view of a second example attachment, with the bristles in the first position;

[0099] Figure 18 is a sectional view of a third example attachment, with the bristles in the first position;

[0100] Figure 19a is a sectional view of a bristle bed of a fourth example attachment in isolation; and

[0101] Figure 19b is a perspective view of a bristle bed of a fourth example attachment in isolation. 16 P005160-W001

[0102] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0103] A haircare appliance 10 is shown in Figures 1 and 2 and is in the form of a hair dryer. The haircare appliance 10 comprises a main body 20 and an attachment 100 removably attached to the main body 20. The main body 20 comprises a main power supply connection 22, a housing 30, an airflow unit 40, a heating unit 50 and a control unit 60 communicatively connected to the airflow unit 40 and the heating unit 50.

[0104] The housing 30 is tubular in shape and comprises an inlet 31 through which an airflow is drawn into the housing 30 by the airflow unit 40, and an outlet 32 through which the airflow is discharged from the housing 30. The housing 30 turns by around 90 degrees between the inlet 31 and the outlet 32 such that the airflow generated by the airflow unit 40 is discharged from the outlet 32 along a main body axis 1, which is generally normal to a longitudinal axis of a portion of the housing 20 comprising the air inlet 31.

[0105] The airflow unit 40 is housed within the housing 30 and comprises an impeller 41 driven by an electric motor 42. The heating unit 50 is also housed within the housing 30 and comprises eight heating elements 51 to heat the airflow. Arrangements with greater or fewer heating elements are also envisaged. The control unit 60 receives power via the main power supply connection 22, and controls the airflow unit 40 and the heating unit 50. More specifically, the control unit 60 controls the flow rate of the airflow unit 40 and a heat setting of the heating unit 50 by controlling an amount of power supplied to the airflow unit 40 and the heating unit 50, respectively.

[0106] The control unit 60 comprises user controls 61 and a control module 62. The user controls 61 are provided on an external surface of the housing 30 and are used to power on and off the hair styling appliance 10. The user controls 61 may also be used to select a flow rate (e.g., high, medium, low) of the airflow unit 40, and to select a heat setting (e.g., high, medium, low, off) of the heating unit 50, which the control module 62 modifies in response to inputs at the user controls 61. In this example, each of the user controls 61 comprises buttons. However, other forms of user control may be used such as slidable switches, dials or a touchscreen. 17 P005160-W001

[0107] The attachment 100 is intended to alter characteristics of the airflow generated by the haircare appliance, as will be described herein. In this example, the attachment 100 is removably attachable to the main body 20 around a periphery of the outlet 32. Accordingly, a user has different experiences using the haircare appliance 10 depending on whether the attachment 100 is attached to the outlet 32 or not.

[0108] The attachment 100 is shown in an exploded view in Figure 3. The attachment 100 comprises an inlet body 102, a bristle bed 104, a flow guide member 106, an upper wall 108, first 110 and second 112 end caps, and a sleeve 114.

[0109] The inlet body 102 is shown in isolation in Figures 4 and 5. The inlet body 102 comprises a tubular body 118, and first 120 and second 122 annular members.

[0110] The tubular body 118 is generally tubular or cylindrical in form, is hollow, and is open at a downstream end. The tubular body 118 acts as a plenum to receive airflow from the main body 20 in use. A lower wall 126 extends forwardly from the open end 124 of the tubular body 118. The lower wall 126 defines a radially inner wall of an air outlet 182. The air outlet 182 can be seen most clearly in Figures 13 and 15. An upstream end of the tubular body 118, i.e. an end that is closer to the main body 20 when the attachment 100 is attached to the main body 20 in use, is generally open. Collectively, the open upstream end of the tubular body 118 and the sleeve 114 define an air inlet 132 of the attachment 100, with the air inlet 132 generally annular in form. A plurality of magnets (not shown) are disposed annularly about the air inlet 132.

[0111] The first 120 and second 122 annular members are disposed either side of the lower wall 126, and comprise generally annular bodies 128 that define through holes 130. The through holes 130 are each shaped and dimensioned to receive annular projections 146 of the respective first 110 and second 112 end caps. Each of the first 120 and second 122 annular members comprises a respective ball plunger 134 that can act as a plunger of a retention mechanism, as will be described in more detail hereafter. 18 P005160-W001

[0112] The flow guide member 106 is shown in isolation in Figure 6. The flow guide member 106 is shaped and dimensioned to sit on top of the inlet body 102, and in particular the lower wall 126 of the inlet body 102. The flow guide member 106 comprises a pair of attachment lugs 136, one at either side of the flow guide member 106. The attachment lugs 138 enable the flow guide member to be located in position with respect to the inlet body 102. The flow guide member 106 defines a radially outer wall of the air outlet 182 of the attachment 100. The curvature of the flow guide member 106 is such that the curvature increases toward the air outlet 182. Collectively, the form of the flow guide member 106 and the lower wall 126 of the inlet body 102 give the air outlet 182 a generally slot-like or rectangular form. The air outlet # comprises an open cross-sectional area in the region of 140mm2to 900mm2, for example in the region of 200mm2to 500mm2, or in the region of 280mm2to 350mm2. The air outlet comprises a width in the region of 70mm to 90mm, for example in the region of 75mm to 85mm. The air outlet comprises a height in the region of 2mm to 10mm.

[0113] Figure 7 shows an underside view of the flow guide member 106. A radially inner surface 138 of the flow guide member 106 comprises a plurality of projections 140 that, when the flow guide member 106 is mounted to the inlet body 102, extend into the flow path in the region of the air outlet 182. These projections 140 act as flow guides in the region of the air outlet 182. The projections 140 take the form of ribs or blades which aim to guide the airflow into a more laminar form after it enters the air inlet 132. The projections 140 may take other forms which provide a similar function of guiding the airflow.

[0114] Figure 8 shows the upper wall 108 in isolation. The upper wall 108 is shaped and dimensioned to sit on top of the inlet body 102, and in particular on top of the flow guide member 106. The upper wall 108 defines an upper outer wall of the attachment 100. In use, air does not flow along an inner surface of the upper wall 108. This may be beneficial particularly when the attachment is receiving a heated airflow, as the upper wall will remain cool to touch for the user.

[0115] Figure 9 shows the first end cap 110 in isolation. It will be appreciated that the second end cap 112 comprises substantially the same form as the first end cap 110, and so is not described here for sake of brevity. 19 P005160-W001

[0116] The first end cap 110 comprises a circular base 143, a radially outer annular projection 144 extending from the circular base 143 and a radially inner annular projection 146 extending from the circular base 143. The spacing between the radially outer 144 and radially inner 146 annular projections, and the depth of the radially outer 144 and radially inner 146 annular projections is such that the first end cap 110 is able to overlie the first annular member 120, with the radially inner annular projection 146 extending through the through hole 130 of the first annular member 120. The first end cap 110 is rotatable relative to the first annular member 120.

[0117] The radially inner annular projection 146 is substantially elongate, having a barrel-like form. When the first end cap 110 is assembled to the inlet body 102, with the radially inner annular projection 146 extending through the through hole 130 of the first annular member 120, the radially inner annular projection 146 extends substantially halfway along the distance between the first and second annular members 120, 122. Similarly, the respective radially inner annular projection of the second end cap 112 extends through the through hole 130 of the second annular member 122, such that the radially inner annular projection of the second end cap extends substantially halfway along the distance between the first and second annular members 120, 122, in an opposite direction to the radially inner annular projection 146 of the first end cap 110. Accordingly, the distal ends of the respective radially inner annular projections of the first and second end caps 110, 112 meet at substantially the halfway point along the distance between the first and second annular members 120, 122. The distal ends of the respective radially inner annular projections of the first and second end caps 110, 112 may, in some examples, have corresponding engagement features to enable the distal ends to be connected together. It will be appreciated that in some examples, the respective radially inner annular projections of the first and second annular members 120, 122 could extend to different extents along the distance between the first and second annular member 120, 122.

[0118] The first end cap 110 further comprises a curved recess 152 extending from an inwardly facing surface of the circular base 143 and extending radially inward from the radially outer 20 P005160-W001 annular projection 144. The curved recess 152 is shaped and dimensioned to engage with corresponding projections of the bristle bed 104.

[0119] The inwardly facing surface of the circular base 143 comprises first 154a, 154b and second 156a, 156b pairs of ramped projections, with each pair of ramped projections comprising a notch 155, 157 located between the respective ramped projections. The notches 155, 157 are shaped and dimensioned to receive the ball plunger 134 of the first annular member 120, such that the first end cap 110 can be retained in one of two rotational positions relative to the first annular member 120. An external surface 158 of the radially outer projection 144 defines a graspable surface by which a user can grasp the first end cap 110 and rotate the first end cap 110 relative to the first annular member 120 between the two rotational positions.

[0120] The end caps 110, 112 also comprise snap fit projections (not shown) configured to engage with snap fit recesses (not shown) on the respective annular members 120, 122 of the inlet body 102.

[0121] Figures 10a- 10c show the bristle bed 104 in isolation. The bristle bed 104 comprises a plurality of bristles 162 extending radially outward from a frame 166 of the bristle bed 104. The bristles 162 are formed as looped bristles, having a loop at an end of the bristle 162 distal from the frame 166. Looped bristles may provide improved comfort to a user when a user brushes their hair using the bristles. It will be appreciated that in other examples, other types of bristles could be used, for example straight or hooked bristles.

[0122] The plurality of bristles 162 comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending bristle rows 160a-160d. In the present example, four bristle rows 160a-160-d are present. However, in other examples, two or more bristle rows could be present. Each of the bristle rows 160a-d comprises a respective base portion 163. The bristles of each bristle row 160a-d extend outwards from its respective base portion 163. Each of the bristle rows 160a-d comprises a projection 170 at each longitudinal end of its respective base portion 163. The projections 170 are configured to be received within the curved recess 152 of the first 110 and second 112 end caps. Each base portion 163 comprises an aerofoil-like shape, having a convex 21 P005160-W001 radially outer surface 171 and a concave radially inner surface 173. A trailing edge 177 of each bristle row 160a-d comprises a series of notches or grooves 164. In this way, the trailing edge 177 of each bristle row 160a-d has an undulating or wavy profile. The bristle rows 160a-d are attached to the frame 166, as will be described in more detail below.

[0123] The frame 166 is formed as a curved plate. The frame 166 has a generally concave radially inner surface 167. A radially outer surface 169 of the base comprises a plurality of snap-fit projections 176 upstanding thereon. Each of the bristle rows 160a-d comprises a corresponding snap-fit recess 178, which is configured to receive one or more of the snap- fit projections 176, so as to attach each bristle row 160a-d to the frame 166. The frame 166 further comprises a plurality of openings 168 extending therethrough. The frame 166 further comprises an elongate protrusion 165 formed at its downstream end.

[0124] When the bristle rows 160a-d are attached to the frame 166, a trailing edge 177 of one bristle row 160a-d overlies a leading edge of 179 of an adjacent, downstream bristle row 160a-d to define a plurality of bleed passages 172 therebetween. In addition, the trailing edge 177 of the lowermost bristle row 160d overlies the elongate protrusion 165 at the downstream end of the frame 166, so as to define a plurality of bleed passages 172 therebetween. Each bleed passage 172 extends between a passage inlet 168, formed by an opening 168 through the frame 166, and a passage outlet 174. For the bleed passages 172 formed between adjacent bristle rows 160a-d, each passage outlet 174 is defined between a notch 164 at the trailing edge of the bristle row 160a-d and the leading edge 179 of the adjacent, downstream bristle row 160a-d. For the bleed passages 172 formed between the lowermost bristle row 160d and the elongate protrusion 165, each passage outlet 174 is defined by a notch 164 at the trailing edge of the lowermost bristle row 160d and the elongate protrusion 165. The passage outlets 174 are configured to direct airflow substantially tangentially with respect to the curvature of the bristle bed 104. In addition, when the bristle rows 160a-d are attached to the frame 166, the convex radially outer surface 171 of each base portion 163 enables the bristle bed 104 to have a generally curved or convex radially outer surface 181.

[0125] The bleed passages 172 are arranged in a manner so as to enable airflow to be emitted towards a space between two adjacent bristles 162 on the bristle row 160a-d disposed directly 22 P005160-W001 downstream of the bleed passage outlet 174. This enables airflow to be emitted between the bristles 162, rather than in-line with the bristles 162.

[0126] Referring now to Figure 11, the sleeve 114 comprises an attachment portion 118 and a sealing member 116. The attachment portion 118 is shaped and dimensioned to fit over an outlet portion 32 of the main body. The attachment portion 118 comprises a pair of recesses 180 configured to engage with corresponding protrusions on the main body, to retain the sleeve 114 in position. The sealing member 116 is disposed between the attachment portion 118 and the inlet body 102. The attachment portion 118 is rotatably mounted to the inlet body 102, so that relative rotation between the sleeve 114 and the rest of the attachment is possible.

[0127] To assemble the attachment 100, the flow guide member 106 is positioned on the inlet body 102 using the lugs 136, and then attached to the inlet body 102 via a pair of screws. The air outlet 182 is formed by the downstream ends of the lower wall 126 and the flow guide member 106. The upper wall 108 is ultrasonically welded to the inlet body 102, on top of the flow guide member 106. The sleeve 114 is attached to the inlet body 102 via a snap fit attachment. The bristle rows 160a-d are attached to the frame 166 via the snap fit projections 176 and recesses 178, to form the bristle bed 104. The radially inner annular projections of the first 110 and second 112 endcaps are inserted into the first 120 and second 122 annular members, respectively. The longitudinal projections 170 of the bristle bed are inserted into the curved recesses 152 of the first 110 and second 112 end caps, whilst the end caps 110, 112 are inserted into the first 120 and second 122 annular members. This serves to secure the bristle bed 104 in position, between the first 120 and second 120 annular members. Once the bristle bed is located in position, the snap fit projections and recesses of the end caps 110, 112 and the annular members 120, 122 are brought into engagement. Thus, the radially inner annular projections 146 of each end cap 110, 112 meet to form an annular barrel 184 between the first 120 and second 122 annular members, with the barrel 184 downstream of the air outlet 182 of the attachment 100. The barrel 184 has a curved radially outer surface 186. The notches 155, 157 of the first 110 and second 112 end caps receive the ball plungers 134 of the respective first 120 and second 122 annular members, such that the first 110 and 23 P005160-W001 second 110 end caps, and hence the bristle bed 104, can be retained in one of two rotational positions relative to the first 120 and second 122 annular members.

[0128] In particular, the bristle bed 104 can be rotated by a user of the attachment 100 between a first position, shown schematically in Figures 12 and 13, and a second position shown schematically in Figures 14 and 15.

[0129] In the first position of Figures 12 and 13, the bristle bed 104, and therefore, the bristles 162, are located adjacent to and proximal to the air outlet 182. The curved surface 186 of the barrel 184 is disposed downstream of the air outlet 182. A flow channel 188 is defined between the bristles 162 and the curved surface 186. In particular, the flow channel 188 is defined between the curved surface 186 and the radially inner surface 167 of the bristle bed 104. In use, the flow channel 188 is configured to receive airflow 192 from the air outlet 192. Essentially, the flow channel is configured to carry airflow 192 underneath the bristle bed 104, and therefore, underneath the bristles 162. The bleed passages 172 through the bristle bed are in fluid communication with the flow channel 188 and are configured to receive airflow from the flow channel 188 in use.

[0130] In the second position of Figures 14 and 15, the bristle bed 104, and therefore, the bristles 162, are located distal or spaced from the air outlet 182. The bristle bed 104 is located more than 90° from the air outlet 182. Angular positions of the bristle bed relative to the outlet of between 30° and 200° are also envisaged. In other words, the bristles 162 are located further away from the air outlet 182 in the second position than when in the first position.

[0131] In use, the attachment 100 is attached to the main body 20 via the sleeve 118. The airflow unit 40 generates an airflow from the air inlet 31 of the main body 20 to the air outlet 32 of the main body 20, with the heating unit 50 optionally being used to heat the generated airflow.

[0132] Airflow enters the attachment via the air inlet 190 and is guided by the flow guide member 106 towards the air outlet 182. The plurality of projections 140 of the flow guide member 106 extend into the flow path in the region upstream of the air outlet 182, and act to guide 24 P005160-W001 airflow towards the air outlet 182. In particular, the projections 140 help to distribute airflow across the width of the air outlet 182. The airflow unit 40 is configured to generate airflow in the region of 8L / s to 14L / s, and this, combined with the form of the air outlet 182, results in airflow 192 at the air outlet 182 having a velocity in the region of 30m / s to 45m / s.

[0133] When the bristle bed 104, and hence the plurality of bristles 162, are in the first position as shown in Figures 12 and 13, airflow 192 exiting the air outlet 182 enters the flow passage 188 adjacent to and directly downstream of the air outlet 182. This airflow 192 flows over the curved surface 186 located adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet 182. Airflow flowing over this curved surface 186 attaches to the curved surface via the Coanda effect. In addition, a portion 194 of the airflow 192 flows through the plurality of bleed passages 172 extending through the bristle bed 104. The airflow 194 enters the bleed passages 172 via their respective bleed passage inlet 168 formed on the radially inner surface 167 of the frame 166 of the bristle bed 104. The airflow 194 exits the bleed passages 172 via their respective bleed passage outlet 174 formed at the radially outer surface of the bristle bed 104. The bleed passages 172 have a reducing cross-sectional area from their bleed passage inlet 168 to their bleed passage outlet 174. This reducing cross-sectional area enables the velocity of the airflow 194 to be increased as it passes through the bleed passages 172. The bleed passages 172 are configured to emit or direct airflow substantially tangentially to the external surface of the bristle bed. In examples, an exit angle of the bleed passage outlets 174 may be between 0° and 45° with respect to a tangent to the curved outer surface 181 of the bristle bed 104. As described previously, at least some of the bleed passages 172 are created by an overlie or overlap between adjacent bristle rows 160a-d. For these bleed passages 172, the overlap is created between a trailing edge of one bristle row 160a and a leading edge of the adjacent bristle row 160b. Furthermore, as described previously, the radially outer surface 181 of the bristle bed 104 is curved. Thus, airflow emitted from the bleed passage outlets 174 flows over the curved radially outer surface 181 and attaches to the curved surface 181 via the Coanda effect. As described above, the positions of the bleed passage outlets 174 alternate with the positions of the bristles 162 on the bristle row 160a-d which is directly downstream of the bleed passage outlets 174. This means that the airflow 194 emitted from each bleed passage outlet 174 passes between two adjacent bristles 162 on the bristle row 160a-d which is directly downstream of the bleed passage outlet 174. Thus, 25 P005160-W001 airflow which attaches to the curved surface 181 is not readily disturbed by the presence of the bristles 162, and therefore remains attached to the curved surface 181 for a longer period of time as compared to an arrangement where the bleed passage outlets emit airflow in-line with the bristles 162.

[0134] In this first position, a user can use the bristles 162 to style their hair. For example, the user may use the bristles 162 to brush the user’s hair, whilst also drying the user’s hair via the airflow. Due to the airflow emitted towards the curved outer surface 181 of the bristle bed, airflow attaches to the curved surface 181 and may attract airflow toward the roots of the bristles 162. This may aid in attracting hair towards the roots of the bristles 162 in use.

[0135] The user can move the bristle bed 104 from the first position to the second position by grasping one of the first 110 and second 112 end caps, and rotating them. As the bristle bed 104 is coupled to the end caps 110, 112, this rotation causes corresponding rotation of the bristle bed 104, and hence, the plurality of bristles 162, to the second position.

[0136] When the bristle bed 104, and hence the plurality of bristles 162, are in the second position as shown in Figures 14 and 15, airflow 192 exiting the air outlet 182 flows over the curved surface 186 of the barrel, which is disposed directly downstream of the air outlet 182. The airflow 192 flowing over the curved surface 186 attaches to this curved surface 186 via the Coanda effect. When a tress of hair is brought into the vicinity of the attachment 100, long hairs of the tress are attracted to, and at least partially wrapped about, the curved surface 186, as a result of a negative pressure region generated by the airflow 192 over the curved surface 186. However, the pressure gradient across the tress also results in a force which causes some airflow to pass directly through the tress. Due to the location of this force relative to the curved surface 186 and the rest of the tress, shorter hairs are only held loosely at this point compared to longer hairs which are held in place on the curved surface 186. The shorter hairs are blown through the tress toward a user’s head, whilst the longer hairs remain in place on the outside of the tress, i.e., the portion of the tress facing away from the user’s head. This provides a smooth finish for hair following interaction with the haircare appliance 100. The forces described above are illustrated schematically in Figure 16. 26 P005160-W001

[0137] In this second position, a negligible amount of airflow passes through the bleed passage outlets 172 compared to the first position. This is because the bristle bed 104 is distal from the air outlet 182 in the second position.

[0138] It will of course be appreciated that a user may wish instead to use the haircare appliance 10 in the opposite order to that described above, for example by using the attachment 100 with the bristles 162 in the second position initially to smooth their hair, before switching the bristles to the first position to subsequently brush their hair.

[0139] Figure 17 shows a second example attachment 200. The second example attachment 200 is substantially similar to the first example attachment 100, different only with respect to the bristle bed 204. The remaining features are substantially similar to the first example attachment 100 and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0140] The bristle bed 204 of the second example attachment 200 comprises a flow restrictor 201 at its downstream end. The flow restrictor 201 comprises a bulbous protrusion which extends longitudinally along the bristle bed 204. When the bristle bed 204 is installed in the attachment 200, the flow restrictor 201 is configured to extend radially inwards, so as to extend into the flow passage 288 between the curved surface 286 of the barrel and the radially inner surface of the bristle bed 204. This results in the width of the flow passage 288 at its downstream end (adjacent to the flow restrictor 201) to be less than the width of the flow passage 288 at the air outlet 282. In turn, this means that the cross-sectional area A2 of the flow passage 288 at its downstream end is less than the cross-sectional area Al of the flow passage 288 at the air outlet 282. This reduction in cross-sectional area in the flow passage 288 increases the air pressure towards the downstream end of the flow passage 288. This may enable a greater proportion of the airflow emitted from the air outlet 282 to pass through the bleed passages in the bristle bed 204.

[0141] Figure 18 shows a third example attachment 300. The third example attachment 300 is substantially similar to the first example attachment 100, different only with respect to the bristle bed 304. The remaining features are substantially similar to the first example attachment 100 and therefore will not be described in further detail. 27 P005160-W001

[0142] In a similar manner to the second example attachment 200, the third example attachment 300 comprises a flow restrictor 301. However, in the third example attachment 300, the flow restrictor 301 comprises the frame of the bristle bed 304 having a larger thickness at its downstream end. In particular, the bristle bed 304 increases gradually in thickness towards its downstream end. This results in the width of the flow passage 388 gradually reducing from the air outlet 383 to its downstream end. In turn, this means that the cross-sectional area A2 of the flow passage 388 at its downstream end is less than the cross-sectional area Al of the flow passage 388 at the air outlet 382. This reduction in cross-sectional area in the flow passage 388 increases the air pressure towards the downstream end of the flow passage 388. This may enable a greater proportion of the airflow emitted from the air outlet 382 to pass through the bleed passages in the bristle bed 304.

[0143] Figures 19a and 19b show a fourth example bristle bed 404. The fourth example bristle bed 404 comprises similar features to first example bristle bed 104, but differs in that the fourth example bristle bed 404 does not comprise a frame.

[0144] The bristle bed 404 comprises a plurality of bristle bed segments 460a-d, each comprising a plurality of bristles 462. Each bristle bed segment 460a-d carries a longitudinal row of bristles 462. The bristle bed segments 460a-d are spaced apart along a curvature of the bristle bed 404. Each of the bristle bed segments 460a-d are also angularly offset from one another. Each of the bristle bed segments 460a-d comprises an aerofoil-like shape, having a concave radially inner surface and a convex radially outer surface. Each of the bristle bed segments 460a-d extends between a respective leading edge 479 and a respective trailing edge 477. The arrangement of the bristle bed segments 460a-d causes the bristle bed 404 to have a generally curved radially outer surface 481.

[0145] Each of the bristle bed segments 160a-d are connected to adjacent bristle bed segments 460a- d via a series of vanes or ribs 461. Between adjacent bristle bed segments 460a-d, the vanes 461 are spaced apart along a longitudinal direction of the bristle bed 404. Each of the vanes 461 are co-planar with the bristles 462 disposed downstream of the vanes 461. That is, each 28 P005160-W001 of the vanes 461 are disposed in line with the bristles 462 disposed downstream of the vanes 461.

[0146] For adjacent bristle bed segments 460a-d, a trailing edge 477 of one bristle segment 460a-d overlies a leading edge 479 of an adjacent, downstream bristle segment 460a-d to define a plurality of bleed passages 472 therebetween. Each bleed passage 472 extends between a passage inlet 468 on a radially inner side of the bristle bed 404, and a passage outlet 474 on a radially outer side of the bristle bed 404. The vanes 461 act as divisions for the passage outlets 474 along their longitudinal direction. The positions of the vanes 461 with respect to the downstream bristles 462 enable airflow to be emitted towards a space between two adjacent bristles 462 on the bristle segment 460a-d disposed directly downstream of the bleed passage outlet 474. This enables airflow to be emitted between the bristles 462, rather than in-line with the bristles 462.

[0147] The bristle bed segments 460a-d further comprise ribs or protrusions 470 at their longitudinal ends. The ribs 470 are configured to engage with recesses on the first and second endcaps, in a similar manner as described for the first example attachment 100.

[0148] In use, the bristle bed 404 of the fourth example attachment 400 functions in a similar manner to the first example attachment 100. When the bristle bed 404, and therefore the bristles 462 are in the first position, airflow from the air outlet is directed into the flow channel disposed between the bristle bed 404 and the curved surface of the barrel. The bleed passages 472 are in fluid communication with the flow channel and are configured to receive airflow from the flow channel.

[0149] In particular, a portion 494 of the airflow flows through the plurality of bleed passages 472 extending through the bristle bed 404. The airflow 494 enters the bleed passages 472 via their respective bleed passage inlet 468 formed on the radially inner surface 467 of the bristle bed 404. The airflow 494 exits the bleed passages 472 via their respective bleed passage outlet 474 formed at the radially outer surface of the bristle bed 404. The bleed passages 472 have a reducing cross-sectional area from their bleed passage inlet 468 to their bleed passage outlet 474, which enables the velocity of the airflow 494 to be increased as it passes 29 P005160-W001 through the bleed passages 472. The bleed passages 472 are configured to emit or direct airflow substantially tangentially to the external surface of the bristle bed. In examples, an exit angle of the bleed passage outlets 474 may be between 0° and 45° with respect to a tangent to the curved outer surface 481 of the bristle bed 404. As described previously, the bleed passages 472 are created by an overlie or overlap between adjacent bristle segments 460a-d, in particular by an overlap between a trailing edge 477 of one bristle segment 460a- d and a leading edge 479 of the adjacent bristle row 460a-b. Furthermore, as described previously, the radially outer surface 481 of the bristle bed 104 is generally curved. Thus, airflow emitted from the bleed passage outlets 474 flows over the curved radially outer surface 481 and attaches to the curved surface 481 via the Coanda effect. As described above, the positions of each of the bleed passage outlets 174 with respect to the downstream bristles 462 result in the airflow emitted from each bleed passage outlet 174 passing between two adjacent bristles 462 on the bristle segment 460a-d which is directly downstream of the bleed passage outlet 474. Thus, airflow which attaches to the curved surface 481 is not readily disturbed by the presence of the bristles 462, and therefore remains attached to the curved surface 481 for a longer period of time as compared to an arrangement where the bleed passage outlets emit airflow in-line with the bristles 462. Without wishing to be bound by theory, this may create a less turbulent airflow. This may reduce the likelihood of the user’s hair style being disturbed by the airflow whilst the attachment is used in its first position. The function of the fourth example attachment in the second position is substantially similar to that of the first example attachment, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0150] Whilst in the above examples it has been described that the bristle bed is formed form separate rows or segments of bristles, it will be appreciated that in other examples, the bristle bed may comprise a single base portion with a plurality of bristles extending therefrom and fixed thereto. In some of those examples, the bristles may be integrally formed with the base. Equally, in further examples, instead of the bristles being attached to the base or frame as rows, at least some of the bristles may be individually attached to the frame.

[0151] Whilst in the above examples it has been described that the bleed passage outlets are disposed between adjacent rows of the plurality of bristle rows, it will be appreciated that in 30 P005160-W001 other examples, one or more bleed passage outlets may be disposed between adjacent bristles of the same row of bristles. In such examples, these bleed passage outlets would still be configured to emit airflow between a space between adjacent bristles of a downstream row of bristles, in a similar manner to the examples previously described.

[0152] Whilst in the above examples it has been described that the bristles are formed as longitudinally extending bristle rows, it is envisaged that in other examples, the bristles could be formed in other arrangements. For example, the bristles could extend diagonally across the bristle bed, or be arranged in a staggered arrangement across the bristle bed. In further examples, at least a subset of the bristles may be irregularly spaced apart from one another.

[0153] Whilst in the above examples, it has been described that the bristles are fixed with respect to the bristle bed, it will be appreciated that in other examples, the bristles may be retractable with respect to the bristle bed. In some examples, the bristles may be detachable from the bristle bed, for example when the attachment is in the second position.

[0154] Whilst in the above examples it has been described that the bristles are movable between a first position and a second position, it will be appreciated that in other examples, it may be possible to retain the bristles in one or more positions between the first position and the second position.

[0155] Although described herein are examples comprising releasable attachments, other examples are also envisaged where, rather than the haircare appliance comprising a main body and an attachment, the haircare appliance is a single-piece unit, for example taking the form of the combined handle unit and attachment previously described.

Claims

31 P005160-W001CLAIMS1. An attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet; and a plurality of bristles; wherein the attachment is configured such that airflow exiting the outlet in use generates a first force to attract hair towards the curved surface and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface; wherein the plurality of bristles are movable between a first position relative to the air outlet and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position different to the first position; and wherein a flow channel is defined between the plurality of bristles and the curved surface, the flow channel configured to receive airflow from the air outlet when the plurality of bristles are in the first position.

2. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein the attachment is configured such that movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position reduces exposure of the flow channel to airflow from the air outlet.

3. The attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of bristles are closer to the air outlet in the first position than in the second position.

4. The attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of bristles extend from a bristle bed, and movement of the bristle bed between the first and second positions moves the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions.

5. The attachment of claim 4, wherein the flow channel is defined between the bristle bed and the curved surface.32 P005160-W0016. The attachment of claim 4 or 5, wherein the bristle bed comprises one or more bleed passages extending therethrough, the one or more bleed passages configured to receive airflow from the flow channel.

7. The attachment of claim 6, wherein each of the one of more bleed passages comprises a respective passage inlet at a radially inner surface of the bristle bed and a respective passage outlet at a radially outer surface of the bristle bed.

8. The attachment of claim 7, wherein each of the one or more bleed passages comprises a reducing cross-sectional area from its respective passage inlet to its respective passage outlet.

9. The attachment of claim 7 or 8, wherein each passage outlet is disposed between adjacent bristles of the plurality of bristles.

10. The attachment of any of claims 7-9, wherein the radially outer surface of the bristle bed is curved, and wherein each passage outlet is configured to emit air substantially along the radially outer surface.

11. The attachment of any of claims 7-10, wherein the plurality of bristles comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending bristle rows, each of the bristle rows being circumferentially spaced apart from one another.

12. The attachment of claim 11, wherein one or more of the passage outlets are disposed between adjacent rows of the plurality of bristle rows.

13. The attachment of claim 12, wherein one or more of the passage outlets is configured to emit airflow towards a space between adjacent bristles disposed downstream of the passage outlet.

14. The attachment of any of claims 11-13, wherein the bristle bed comprises a base, and wherein each of the bristle rows is coupled to the base.33 P005160-W00115. The attachment of any of claims 11-13, wherein the bristle bed comprises a plurality of bristle bed segments, each bristle row being formed on a respective one of the plurality of bristle bed segments.

16. The attachment of claim 15, wherein one or more of the bleed passages is defined between adjacent bristle bed segments of the plurality of bristle bed segments.

17. The attachment of claim 16, the attachment further comprising one or more vanes coupled between adjacent bristle bed segments.

18. The attachment of any preceding claim, wherein a downstream portion of the flow channel has a reduced cross-sectional area compared to a cross-sectional area of the air outlet.

19. The attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the attachment comprises a flow guide upstream of the air outlet for distributing airflow along the air outlet.

20. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of bristles are rotatable about a common rotation point to move between the first and second positions.

21. An attachment as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the attachment comprises a user actuable mechanism to rotate the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions.

22. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the attachment comprises a retention mechanism for retaining the plurality of bristles in one of the first and second positions.

23. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a sleeve configured to couple the attachment to a haircare appliance, the sleeve configured to extend around an outlet of the haircare appliance.34 P005160-W00124. A haircare appliance comprising an attachment as claimed in any preceding claim.

25. A haircare appliance comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet; and a plurality of bristles; wherein the haircare appliance is configured such that airflow exiting the outlet in use generates a first force to attract hair towards the curved surface and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface; wherein the plurality of bristles are movable between a first position relative to the air outlet and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position different to the first position; and wherein a flow channel is defined between the plurality of bristles and the curved surface, the flow channel configured to receive airflow from the air outlet when the plurality of bristles are in the first position.

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