A hair treatment apparatus

Abstract

A mechanism for defining air intake and air output from a hair treatment apparatus. The hair treatment apparatus comprises an air inlet (110), formed of an upper half (111) and a lower half (112), and one or more air outlets (120, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1120) located at one or more positions around the lower half of the air inlet (110).

Description

[0001] 2025PF00619

[0002] A HAIR TREATMENT APPARATUS

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of haircare.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Hair treatment apparatus and hair treatment devices have long been used for influencing the appearance of hair. A subset of such hair treatment devices, such as hair dryers and some stylers, employ air flow to manipulate hair in desired ways. Traditional hair dryers, for instance, direct a stream of heated air towards the hair to remove moisture and aid in styling.

[0007] US 2013 / 269205 Al discloses an apparatus comprises a hair-treatment device, a vacuum assembly and a blower assembly. The hair-treatment device includes a passage for directing a drying-air stream generated by the blower assembly toward the hair of a subject, and a passageway for directing a return-air stream away from the subject's hair under a motive force supplied by the vacuum assembly.

[0008] In the context of the present disclosure, hair treatment is considered to refer to any interaction with hair that affects its appearance, structure, or condition. This may include, but is not limited to, processes such as washing, drying, styling, cutting, coloring, straightening, curling, or applying hair care product. Hair treatment may be performed for cosmetic purposes, maintenance of hair health, or addressing specific hair-related concerns.

[0009] One challenge in the field of haircare is achieving uniform and effective treatment. A hair treatment apparatus that addresses any such challenge would improve overall hair care outcomes.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0012] In accordance with a proposed approach, there is provided a hair treatment apparatus for interacting with hair, the hair treatment apparatus comprising: an air inlet, positioned on a front side of the hair treatment apparatus, for drawing air into the hair treatment apparatus from an air intake volume; and one or more air outlets for outputting air from the hair treatment apparatus in only one or more output directions away from the air intake volume2025PF00619

[0013] for interacting with the hair, wherein the one or more air outlets are positioned on the front side of the hair treatment apparatus and at a respective one or more positions around the air inlet.

[0014] The hair treatment apparatus creates a controlled air flow pattern where air is drawn in through an inlet positioned on a front side of the apparatus, while air output is restricted to positions around only the air inlet on the same front side.

[0015] This configuration enables thermal energy reuse by allowing heated air from the one or more air outlets to warm hair strands, which are subsequently drawn back toward the inlet during suction, creating a thermal feedback loop that improves heating efficiency.

[0016] The positioning also reduces flyaways and frizz by ensuring that gathered hair strands are not blown apart by conflicting air currents, as all output air flow is directed away from the air intake volume rather than across the collected hair. This benefit is achieved even if no heated air is output from the one or more air outlets.

[0017] In particular, during downward movement of the hair treatment apparatus, the positioning of the air outlet(s) around the air inlet may prevent disruption of hair that has been gathered by suction. As the apparatus moves downward, hair strands first encounter the air flow from the one or more air outlets, which provides initial treatment effects (e.g., drying or styling). The air inlet may then subsequently draw these hair strands together through suction as the apparatus continues its downward motion. Since the one or more air outlets is positioned only around the lower half of the air inlet and directs air flow away from the air intake volume, the gathered hair strands are not subjected to conflicting air currents that could otherwise scatter or disrupt them after they have been collected by the suction effect. This arrangement allows the hair to remain in a controlled, gathered state (i.e., with reduced frizz and / or flyaways) without being blown apart by subsequent output air flow during the treatment process.

[0018] In some examples, the air inlet comprises an upper portion and a lower portion separated by a plane, and the one or more air outlets are positioned around only the lower portion of the air inlet, one or more air outlets. Positioning the air outlet(s)around only the lower portion of the air inlet reduces conflicting air currents that could scatter hair strands in multiple directions while facilitating smoother movement of the apparatus through hair with consistent directional guidance.

[0019] In some examples, the plane may be positioned such that, with increasing distance from the plane, a width of the lower portion does not increase, wherein the width of the lower portion is measured parallel to the plane. When the one or more air outlets are positioned around the lower portion, this configuration provides improved separation between the air intake and air output functions. This positioning further reduces the risk of air flow2025PF00619

[0020] interference while maintaining the sequential treatment process where hair strands encounter the output air flow before being drawn toward the air inlet during suction.

[0021] In some examples, each air outlet is positioned on a single side of the air inlet. This reduces conflicting air currents that could disrupt the suction effect and cause unwanted hair movement during treatment. In some examples, the single side may be the side of the lower portion that is furthest from the plane. This provides further improved separation between the air intake and air outlet functions.

[0022] In some examples, the air inlet takes a rectangular shape and the one or more air outlets is positioned along the single side of the rectangular shape.

[0023] The rectangular air inlet configuration accommodates wider hair sections for more efficient processing in a single pass, while positioning the one or more air outlets along a single side (e.g., a bottom side) reduces a risk of air flow interference that could disrupt the suction effect and cause unwanted hair movement during treatment.

[0024] In some examples, the air inlet lies substantially in an air inlet plane; and for each output direction, an angle between the air inlet plane and the output direction is no greater than 75°, e.g., no greater than 60°. This angular constraint reduces turbulent interactions between input and output air flows while maintaining a laminar flow environment around the hair. This improves hair alignment and reduces flyaway formation during treatment.

[0025] In some examples, for each output direction, the angle between the air inlet plane and the output direction is no greater than 20°. The more restrictive angular limit further reduces air flow interference while preserving the thermal energy reuse mechanism, ensuring that output air flow remains sufficiently separated from input flow without compromising heat transfer effectiveness.

[0026] In some examples, the one or more air outlets lie on one side of the air inlet plane and the air intake volume lies on another side of the air inlet plane. Separating the outlet(s) and intake volume on opposite sides of the inlet plane minimizes interference between incoming and outgoing air flows while reducing the likelihood of turbulence that could disrupt the controlled suction effect.

[0027] In some examples, each air outlet lies in an air outlet plane that makes a nonzero angle with respect to the air inlet plane. The angled relationship between inlet and outlet planes improves air flow dynamics by reducing potential interference between air streams while maintaining the ability for outlet air flow to interact with hair, e.g., so that thermal energy can be preserved when hair moves into the air inlet volume.2025PF00619

[0028] In some examples, the air inlet comprises a grill or mesh covering. The grill or mesh covering (i.e., protective covering) reduces the risk of hair strands being drawn too deeply into internal components of the air apparatus while maintaining the suction effect needed for effective moisture removal and hair gathering, thereby reducing a risk of hair entanglement while preserving operational benefits.

[0029] The grill or mesh covering also provides a surface against which hair can rest or be positioned whilst being drawn in by the inward air flow through the air inlet. This increases a moisture sucking function of this inwardly drawn air.

[0030] In some examples, the air inlet defines an inlet exterior surface area through which air is drawable into the hair treatment apparatus; and the one or more air outlets define an outlet exterior surface area through which air is outputtable from the hair treatment apparatus; wherein the inlet exterior surface area is larger than the outlet exterior surface area.

[0031] The larger inlet surface area facilitates more effective air intake and greater suction effects for drawing hair together and removing moisture, while the smaller outlet surface area concentrates outgoing air flow to increase velocity and directional control.

[0032] In some examples, the hair treatment apparatus comprises a connector for removably connecting the hair treatment apparatus to a housing. The removable connection allows for detachment of the apparatus for cleaning, maintenance, or replacement with alternative attachments.

[0033] In accordance with a proposed approach, there is provided a hair treatment device comprising: the hair treatment apparatus of any preceding example; a housing connectable to the hair treatment apparatus and defining an air inlet conduit fluidically connectable to the air inlet and an air outlet conduit fluidically connectable to the one or more air outlets; and an air flow generator, positioned in the housing, configured to draw air through the air inlet conduit and output air through the air outlet conduit.

[0034] In some examples, the hair treatment device further comprises a heater fluidically connected between the air inlet conduit and the air outlet conduit and configured to heat air output through the air outlet conduit.

[0035] The integrated heater enables the thermal energy reuse mechanism by heating air before it contacts hair strands, allowing for subsequent thermal energy recovery when heated hair is drawn toward the air inlet during the suction phase of operation.

[0036] In some examples, the housing defines a handle. The handle provides a gripping surface for user operation while allowing precise control over positioning and movement of the hair treatment apparatus during hair treatment operations.2025PF00619

[0037] In some examples, the hair treatment apparatus is removably connected to the housing. In other examples, the hair treatment apparatus is fixedly connected to the housing.

[0038] There is also proposed a method of treating hair using a hair treatment apparatus, the method comprising: drawing air into the hair treatment apparatus from an air intake volume through an air inlet positioned on a front side of the hair treatment apparatus; and outputting air from the hair treatment apparatus through one or more air outlets in only one or more output directions away from the air intake volume for interacting with the hair, wherein the one or more air outlets are positioned on the front side of the hair treatment apparatus and at a respective one or more positions around the air inlet.

[0039] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment s) described hereinafter.

[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 provides a perspective view of a hair treatment apparatus; Figure 2 provides a cross-sectional view of the hair treatment apparatus;

[0043] Figure 3 provides a front view of the hair treatment apparatus;

[0044] Figure 4 provides a front view of a variant hair treatment apparatus;

[0045] Figure 5 provides a front view of another variant hair treatment apparatus; Figure 6 provides a front view of a further variant hair treatment apparatus; Figure 7 provides a front view of an additional variant hair treatment apparatus; Figure 8 provides a front view of yet another variant hair treatment apparatus; Figure 9 provides a front view of yet another variant hair treatment apparatus; Figure 10 provides a front view of yet another variant hair treatment apparatus; Figure 11 provides a front view of yet another variant hair treatment apparatus; Figure 12 provides a front view of yet another variant hair treatment apparatus; Figure 13 provides a perspective view of a hair treatment device; and Figure 14 provides a cross-sectional view of the hair treatment device.

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0047] The invention will be described with reference to the Figures.2025PF00619

[0048] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0049] The present disclosure provides a mechanism for defining air intake and air output from a hair treatment apparatus. The hair treatment apparatus comprises an air inlet, positioned on a front side of the hair treatment apparatus, and one or more air outlets located at one or more positions around the air inlet on the front side of the hair treatment apparatus.

[0050] As used herein, a direction is defined by a vector originating from a particular point and extending outward along a straight path through space, which path has a particular orientation. Different directions may differ in terms of their points of origin and / or orientation. Thus, two different directions may run parallel to one another, but have different points of origin. Similarly, two different directions may originate from a same location or point, but have different orientations.

[0051] As used herein, relative terms such as "upper," "lower," "above," "below," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "left," "right," and similar directional or positional terms are used in relation to the orientations illustrated in the Figures. These terms are used for convenience of description and are not intended to limit the invention to any particular orientation during manufacture, storage, transport, or use. Any proposed element may be oriented in any suitable manner during operation, and the relative terms should be interpreted accordingly based on the orientation shown in the relevant Figure being referenced.

[0052] More specifically, in the context of the present disclosure, the term “top”, “upper”, “bottom”, “lower”, should be interpreted as, when in use, the user moves the front side of the hair treatment apparatus 100 along hair for applying air flow to hair, an upper or top element is intended to be closer to the root of user’s hair than a bottom or lower element. Thus, in the context of the illustrated Figures, a root of user’s hair will be positioned towards a top / upper part of the Figures.

[0053] Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate a proposed hair treatment apparatus 100.

[0054] Figure 1 provides a perspective view showing the overall three-dimensional configuration of the hair treatment apparatus 100. Figure 2 provides a cross-sectional view of2025PF00619

[0055] the hair treatment apparatus 100. Figure 3 provides a front view for more clearly illustrating the spatial arrangement of some components of the hair treatment apparatus 100.

[0056] The illustrated example is in the form of an attachment for a hair care device, such as a hair dryer. This attachment may be fixedly or removably coupled to the hair care device, as later described. When the hair treatment apparatus 100 is configured as a removable attachment, the hair treatment apparatus 100 allows an operator to switch between different hair treatment functionalities. When the hair treatment apparatus 100 is configured as a fixed attachment, the hair treatment apparatus 100 provides an integrated design.

[0057] The hair treatment apparatus 100 comprises an air inlet 110 and one or more air outlets 120. The air inlet 110 and the air outlet(s) 120 work in cooperation to create a controlled air flow pattern that facilitates effective hair treatment.

[0058] The air inlet 110 is or comprises an opening or aperture through which air is drawn into the hair treatment apparatus 100. Thus, the air inlet 110 is designed for drawing an inward air flow into the hair treatment apparatus. The air inlet 110 is positioned on a front side 105 of the hair treatment apparatus 100, e.g., a side for facing the hair to be treated during use of the hair treatment apparatus 100. This contrasts with the rear side 106 that faces away from the hair to be treated during use of the hair treatment apparatus.

[0059] The air inlet 110 thereby serves as the entry point for ambient air that will subsequently be processed and directed toward the hair. Airis drawn from an air intake volume 210, which represents the three-dimensional space from which the hair treatment apparatus 100 draws air during operation. This air intake volume 210 typically encompasses the region immediately surrounding the hair being treated. In particular, hair may be at least partially positioned or located in the air intake volume 210 during operation / use.

[0060] In this way, the air inlet 110 may attract hair positioned in the air intake volume 210 towards the air inlet 110, thereby drawing moisture from the hair through suction.

[0061] The one or more air outlets 120 comprise one or more openings or apertures through which air is output from the hair treatment apparatus 100. In the illustrated example, the one or more air outlets comprises or consists of a single air outlet.

[0062] The air outlet(s) are thereby configured to direct the (output) air flow to perform a desired hair treatment effect. The one or more air outlets 120 are configured for outputting air from the hair treatment apparatus 100 in only one or more output directions away from the air intake volume 210 for interacting with the hair.

[0063] In some examples, the air inlet 110 is conceptually divisible into two portions: an upper portion 111 and a lower portionll2. A plane Pl defines the boundary between the2025PF00619

[0064] upper portion 111 and the lower portion 112. In other words, the plane Pl splits or divides the air inlet 110, with the upper portion 111 lying on one side of the plane Pl and the lower portion 112 lying on the other side of the plane Pl .

[0065] In such examples, the one or more air outlets 120 may be positioned at one or more positions around only the lower portion 112 of the air inlet 110. In other words, the one or more air outlets 120 may be positioned on the same side of the plane Pl as the lower portion 112 of the air inlet 110.

[0066] In some examples, the plane Pl is positioned such that with increasing distance from the plane, a width of the lower portion does not increase, wherein the width of the lower portion is measured parallel to the plane. For instance, where the air inlet has a rectangular cross-sectional area (when viewed from the front 105), the plane Pl may bisect the air inlet, such that the upper portion comprises an upper half and the lower portion comprises a lower half. Other cross-sectionally shaped air inlets may have different positions for the plane Pl.

[0067] In some examples, a region 211, extending away from the lower portion 112 of the air inlet and bound only by the plane Pl, is devoid of any air outlets for outputting air for interacting with the hair.

[0068] The air inlet 110 may lie substantially in an air inlet plane PAI (Figure 2). The air inlet plane PAI thereby represents the general planar orientation of the air inlet 110.

[0069] When the air inlet has a non-flat (i.e., curved or contoured) shape, the air inlet plane PAI may be defined as a best-fit plane that approximates the overall orientation of the air inlet. For instance, this best-fit plane may be determined by any suitable mathematical method such as least squares fitting, where the air inlet plane PAI is positioned to minimize the sum of squared distances from all points on the air inlet. In some examples, the air inlet plane PAI may be defined as the plane that passes through the centroid of the air inlet opening and is oriented to best represent the average normal to air passing through the air inlet.

[0070] The plane Pl may bisect or divide this air inlet plane PAI, thereby dividing / bisecting the air inlet plane PAI into two portions (the upper portion 111 and the lower portion 112).

[0071] The air intake volume 210 may be bounded by the air inlet, e.g., extend substantially perpendicular to the air inlet plane, creating a three-dimensional region from which air is drawn into the hair treatment apparatus 100.

[0072] As previously mentioned, the one or more air outlets 120 are configured for outputting air from the hair treatment apparatus 100 in only one or more output directions DI,2025PF00619

[0073] D2, D3 away from the air intake volume 210. These output directions DI, D2, D3 thereby represent the directional vectors along which air flows as it exits the hair treatment apparatus 100 from the one or more air outlets 120.

[0074] In use, the air output from the one or more air outlets 120 may heat the hair during treatment. In particular, the air output from the one or more air outlets 120 may be heated by a heater of the hair treatment apparatus or a hair care device connected thereto, as later described.

[0075] In such approaches, when the hair treatment apparatus 100 is moved in a downward direction (i.e., in a direction from the plane Pl towards the one or more air outlets 120), thermal energy that has been stored in the hair will be extracted by the air inlet 110 and drawn back into the hair treatment apparatus 100. This thermal energy extraction may occur as the heated hair is drawn towards the air inlet 110.

[0076] The thermal energy extraction process contributes to more efficient heating by creating a thermal feedback loop within the hair treatment apparatus 100. As the heated air from the one or more air outlets 120 warms the hair, this thermal energy may be subsequently captured and recirculated through the air inlet 110 during the operation.

[0077] In this way, the proposed hair treatment apparatus 100 may operate based on thermal energy reuse rather than relying solely on conventional air reflow principles. The apparatus thereby facilitates the recapturing and reuse of thermal energy that has been previously stored in the hair during the treatment process. This thermal energy reuse improves the overall efficiency of the hair treatment process by recovering and recirculating heat energy that would otherwise be lost to the surrounding environment.

[0078] More particularly, the positioning of the one or more air outlets 120 around the air inlet 110 (and particularly when around only the lower portion) facilitates this thermal energy recovery mechanism. As the hair treatment apparatus 100 is moved during use, the spatial relationship between the air inlet 110 and the one or more air outlets 120 enables the heating and thermal extraction process that provides an energy-efficient approach to hair treatment.

[0079] The relative positioning of the air inlet 110 and the one or more air outlets 120 also functions to reduce a risk of flyaways or frizz during hair treatment. In particular, the air inlet 110 may draw hair together through suction, creating a more controlled and cohesive arrangement of hair strands. When the hair treatment apparatus 100 is moved in a downward direction, this gathered hair is not subsequently blown apart by any output air flow, as all output2025PF00619

[0080] air flow is directed away from the air intake volume 210 rather than across the gathered / collected hair.

[0081] During operation, as the hair treatment apparatus 100 is moved in a downward direction, a sequential hair treatment process may occur. Initially, hair strands may be contacted by the air flow output from the one or more air outlets 120. This air flow may provide heating and initial styling effects to the hair. As the hair treatment apparatus 100 continues its downward movement, the air inlet 110 may subsequently draw the hair strands together through suction. This gathering action serves to reduce flyaways by collecting the hair together, while simultaneously drawing moisture away from the hair through the suction effect. As the hair treatment apparatus 100 continues to move downward after the initial air flow contact, the gathered hair strands may not be subjected to further disruption from air outlet flow. This may occur because the one or more air outlets 120 direct air flow away from the air intake volume 210, rather than across the path of the gathered hair.

[0082] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, each air outlet 120 may be positioned on a single side 113 of the air inlet 110. The single side 113 may correspond to a portion of the perimeter of the air inlet 110.

[0083] The positioning of each air outlet 120 on only the single side 113 of the air inlet 110 may further contribute to reducing the risk of flyaways during hair treatment. In particular, this helps to reduce a risk of conflicting air currents that could otherwise scatter hair strands in multiple directions. When air is output from only the single side 113, the remaining portions of the air inlet 110 perimeter may remain free from disruptive air flows, allowing the suction effect to operate more effectively in gathering and controlling hair strands.

[0084] The single-sided air output configuration also facilitates smoother movement of the hair treatment apparatus 100 through the hair. As the apparatus moves along the hair length, the concentrated air flow from the single side 113 may provide consistent directional guidance to the hair strands, while the suction from the air inlet 110 maintains control over loose or wayward strands that might otherwise become flyaways.

[0085] In some examples, the single side may be the side of the lower portion 112 furthest from the plane Pl. When the one or more air outlets 120 is positioned on the side of the air inlet 110 that is most distant from the plane Pl separating the upper portion 111 and lower portion 112, this configuration provides improved separation between the air intake and air output functions. This positioning thereby further reduces the risk of air flow interference while maintaining the sequential treatment process where hair strands encounter the output air flow before being drawn toward the air inlet 110 during suction.

[0086] io2025PF00619

[0087] As exemplified in Figures 1 to 3, the air inlet 110 may take a rectangular shape (e.g., a rectangular cross-sectional area when viewed from the front side 105) and the one or more air outlets 120 may be positioned along the single side 113 of the rectangular shape.

[0088] The rectangular configuration of the air inlet 110 is able to accommodate a wider section of hair during treatment, allowing for more efficient processing of hair strands in a single pass. This geometric arrangement may also facilitate better alignment with natural hair fall patterns and sectioning techniques commonly used in hair styling.

[0089] When the one or more air outlets 120 are positioned along one side of the rectangular air inlet 110, this creates a linear air flow pattern that runs parallel to the length of the hair section being treated. This linear arrangement may help to guide hair strands in a consistent direction during the treatment process, contributing to smoother styling results and reduced tangling.

[0090] As perhaps best illustrated in Figure 2, in some examples, for each output direction DI, D2, D3, an angle a between the air inlet plane PAI and the output direction is no greater than 75°, e.g., no greater than 60°, e.g., no greater than 20°.

[0091] These angular constraints reduce a risk that output air flow will intersect or interact with an input air flow, improving smoothing of hair being treated. The smaller the angle, the lower the risk. In particular, when the angle a is maintained at or below 75° (and more particularly at or below 20°), then the output air flow from the one or more air outlets 120 may be directed in a manner that reduces a risk of creating turbulent interactions with the air being drawn into the air inlet 110. Such turbulent interactions could otherwise disrupt the controlled suction effect and create unpredictable air currents that may otherwise interfere with the hair smoothing process or cause flyaways.

[0092] In particular, such an angular relationship may help to define a more laminar flow environment around the hair being treated (e.g., during at least a downward movement of the hair treatment device). This provides improved hair alignment and reduced risk of flyaway or frizz formation during the treatment process.

[0093] Moreover, when the air inlet faces the hair to be treated, this orienting of the air outlets will also function to direct airflow downward or along the hair's growth direction, reducing a risk of the hair becoming disheveled (i.e., reducing flyaways or frizz).

[0094] In some examples, for each output air direction, the angle a may be in a range from 0° to 75°, e.g., from 0° to 60°, e.g., from 0° to 45°, e.g., from 0° to 30°, e.g., from 0° to 15°, e.g., from 0° to 10°, e.g., from 0° to 5°.

[0095] n2025PF00619

[0096] Experimental results indicate that lower values for the angle a (e.g., between 0° and 10° degrees and to a greater extent of from 0° to 5°) still allows sufficient airflow to effectively contact the hair while reducing disruption. Thus, the effect of reduced flyaways increases for increasingly lower angular ranges.

[0097] In some examples, the one or more air outlets 120 lies on one side SI (e.g., a first side SI) of the air inlet plane PAI and the air intake volume 210 lies on another side S2 (e.g., a second side S2) of the air inlet plane PAI.

[0098] The separation of the one or more air outlets 120 and the air intake volume 210 on opposite sides of the air inlet plane PAI helps to reduce interference between incoming and outgoing air flows. This configuration reduces the likelihood of air flow turbulence that could otherwise occur if the inlet and outlet regions were positioned on the same side of the air inlet plane PAL

[0099] In some examples, the one or more air outlets 120 lies in an air outlet plane PAO that makes a non-zero angle 9 with respect to the air inlet plane PAL It will be appreciated that non-zero angle 9 may be 90° offset from the average of the angle a of all air output directions.

[0100] The non-zero angle 9 between the air outlet plane PAO and the air inlet plane PAI improves air flow dynamics by reducing potential interference between the incoming air flow through the air inlet 110 and the outgoing air flow from the one or more air outlets 120. This reduces a risk of frizz or flyaways.

[0101] In some examples, the non-zero angle 9 may be no less than 15°, such as no less than 30°, or no less than 45°, e.g., no less than 60°, e.g., no less than 75°, e.g., no less than 80°, e.g., no less than 85°. Thus, the non-zero angle 9 may be in a range from 15° to 90°, such as from 30° to 90°, e.g., from 45° to 90°, e.g., from 60° to 90°, e.g., from 75° to 90°, e.g., from 89° to 99°, e.g., from 85° to 99°.

[0102] These angular ranges may provide a balance between effective air flow separation whilst maintaining an ability for the outlet air flow to interact with hair such that the hair is able to absorb and maintain heat before being moved into the air inlet volume.

[0103] When the non-zero angle 9 is too small (e.g., less than 19°), the air outlet plane PAO becomes nearly parallel to the air inlet plane PAI, which may result in insufficient separation between the incoming and outgoing air flows. This proximity increases a risk of air flow interference, creating turbulence that may disrupt the controlled suction effect at the air inlet 119 and cause unwanted hair movement or flyaways. Thus, the effect of reduced flyaways or frizz increases for increasingly higher angular ranges for 9.2025PF00619

[0104] As illustrated, the air inlet 110 may comprise a grill or mesh covering 115. The grill or mesh covering 115 may be positioned across the opening of the air inlet 110 to provide protection while allowing air flow to pass through.

[0105] The grill or mesh covering 115 helps to reduce a risk of any hair strands being drawn too deeply into the internal components of the hair treatment apparatus 100, while still maintaining the suction effect needed for effective moisture removal and hair gathering. This protective function thereby reduces a risk of hair entanglement within the apparatus while preserving the operational benefits of the air inlet 110.

[0106] When hair strands are positioned against the grill or mesh covering 115, they are held in close proximity to the air inlet 110 openings, creating a large contact interface between the hair and the incoming air flow. This positioning allows the suction effect to operate more directly on the hair strands, facilitating more efficient moisture extraction from the hair surface and interior structure.

[0107] The surface contact provided by the grill or mesh covering 115 also helps to stabilize hair strands during the suction process, preventing or reduce movement that might otherwise reduce the effectiveness of moisture removal. By maintaining hair strands in a relatively fixed position against the covering, the inward air flow is able to work more consistently on the same hair sections, leading to more thorough and uniform drying results.

[0108] In some examples, the grill or mesh covering 115 may comprise a plurality of openings or perforations that allow air to pass through while providing a barrier against larger objects or excessive hair penetration. The size and spacing of these openings may be configured to improve the balance between air flow efficiency and protective functionality.

[0109] Conceptually, it will be appreciated that the air inlet 110 defines an inlet exterior surface area through which air is drawable into the hair treatment apparatus 100, and the one or more air outlets 120 define an outlet exterior surface area through which air is outputtable from the hair treatment apparatus 100.

[0110] In some examples, the inlet exterior surface area may be larger than the outlet exterior surface area. The larger inlet exterior surface area may facilitate more effective air intake from the air intake volume 210, allowing for greater suction effects to help draw hair strands together and remove moisture from the hair. The relatively smaller outlet exterior surface area may concentrate the outgoing air flow, e.g., increasing the velocity and directional control of the air being output from the one or more air outlets 120.

[0111] Differently sizing the two surface areas also bolsters the thermal energy reuse mechanism described earlier. The larger inlet surface area may allow for more comprehensive2025PF00619

[0112] capture of heated air and thermal energy from the treated hair during the suction phase, while the smaller outlet surface area may provide more focused delivery of heated air during the initial treatment phase.

[0113] Figure 4 illustrates a variant hair treatment apparatus 400 comprising an inlet 410 (having an upper portion 411 and a lower portion 412) and one or more air outlets 420.

[0114] The hair treatment apparatus 400 may be configured as previously described hair treatment apparatus 100 (Figure 1), except that the one or more air outlets 420 comprises a plurality of separate air outlets 421, 422, 423. This configuration may allow for more directed treatment of hair by providing multiple discrete air flow streams rather than a single continuous outlet.

[0115] The separate air outlets 421, 422, 423 may be positioned at any suitable location around the lower portion 412 of the air inlet 410. In the illustrated example, the separate air outlets 421, 422, 423 are linearly arranged and positioned at a single side of the air inlet 410, maintaining the single-sided air output configuration described earlier while providing multiple discrete outlet points.

[0116] The plurality of separate air outlets 421, 422, 423 provides improved control over air flow distribution during hair treatment. Each separate air outlet may direct air flow in a slightly different direction or with different characteristics, allowing for more nuanced hair styling effects.

[0117] In some examples, the separate air outlets 421, 422, 423 may be spaced apart along the single side 413 of the air inlet 410, creating distinct zones of air flow output. This spacing may help to reduce interference between adjacent air streams while maintaining the overall directional control provided by the single-sided configuration.

[0118] Figure 5 illustrates a variant hair treatment apparatus 500 comprising an inlet 510 (having an upper portion 511 and a lower portion 512) and one or more air outlets 520.

[0119] The hair treatment apparatus 500 may be configured as previously described hair treatment apparatus 400 (Figure 4), except that the shape of each separate air outlet takes an oval or circular form rather than a rectangular form. This geometric configuration may help to reduce turbulence in air flow output from the one or more air outlets 520. In particular, an oval or circular configuration of the separate air outlets provides smoother air flow characteristics compared to rectangular outlets, as the curved bounds reduce the formation of sharp air flow discontinuities that can occur at the corners of rectangular outlets, thereby minimizing turbulent air flow patterns.2025PF00619

[0120] The reduced turbulence may contribute to more controlled and predictable air flow streams during hair treatment. This may result in improved hair smoothing effects and reduced risk of creating unwanted air currents that could disrupt the hair styling process or cause flyaways.

[0121] Figure 6 illustrates a variant hair treatment apparatus 600 comprising an inlet 610 (having an upper portion 611 and a lower portion 612) and one or more air outlets 620.

[0122] The hair treatment apparatus 600 is configured as previously described hair treatment apparatus 100 (Figure 1), except that the shape of the one or more air outlets 620 wraps partially around the lower portion 612 of the air inlet 610.

[0123] This partial wrapping configuration provides improved air flow coverage around a portion of the air inlet perimeter while maintaining a positioning constraint that limits the one or more air outlets 620 to the lower portion 612 only. The wrapped configuration allows for more distributed air output compared to a single-sided arrangement.

[0124] Such one or more air outlets 620 allows for more uniform air flow distribution across the width of a hair section being treated, reducing the need for multiple passes of the hair treatment apparatus 600 to achieve desired styling results. The wrapped configuration also contributes to the thermal energy reuse mechanism by providing multiple points of heated air contact with the hair before the hair is subsequently drawn toward the air inlet 610 by the suction force.

[0125] Figure 7 illustrates a variant hair treatment apparatus 700 comprising an inlet 710 (having an upper portion 711 and a lower portion 712) and one or more air outlets 720.

[0126] The hair treatment apparatus 700 is configured as previously described hair treatment apparatus 100 (Figure 1), except that the shape of air inlet 710 is substantially oval.

[0127] The oval configuration of the air inlet 710 provides improved aerodynamic characteristics compared to rectangular configurations. The curved perimeter of the oval shape reduces air flow turbulence at the inlet boundaries, creating smoother air intake patterns and reducing a risk of frizz or flyaways.

[0128] The plane Pl may be positioned at the widest part of the air inlet 710 in the illustrated example. This positioning ensures that as distance increases from the plane Pl toward the lower portion 712, the width of the lower portion does not increase beyond the width at the plane Pl itself.

[0129] In the oval configuration shown, the plane Pl may be located at the maximum width point of the oval air inlet 710, which corresponds to the widest cross-sectional dimension2025PF00619

[0130] of the oval shape. This positioning creates a lower portion 712 that tapers or maintains a constant width as it extends away from the plane Pl, rather than expanding outward.

[0131] This configuration means that, as the hair treatment apparatus 700 is moved downward in a direction away from the plane Pl towards the lower portion 712, regions of hair that were previously treated with output air from the one or more air outlets 720 will become aligned with the air intake volume 210.

[0132] Where the output air is heated, this alignment facilitates the thermal energy reuse mechanism, as hair strands that have absorbed heat from the output air flow are subsequently positioned within the air intake volume where they may be drawn toward the air inlet 710 through suction.

[0133] This alignment also contributes to hair smoothing by ensuring that hair strands that have been styled or positioned by the output air flow are subsequently drawn toward the air inlet 710 in a controlled manner. As the hair treatment apparatus 700 moves downward, hair that has been blown into a particular arrangement by the air output from the one or more air outlets 720 may then be gently pulled toward the air inlet through the suction effect.

[0134] Figure 8 illustrates a variant hair treatment apparatus 800 comprising an air inlet 810 (having an upper portion 811 and a lower portion 812) and one or more air outlets 820.

[0135] The hair treatment apparatus 800 may be configured as previously described hair treatment apparatus 700 (Figure 7), except that the shape of one or more air outlets 820 is a curved shape around the lower portion 812 of the air inlet 810. In some examples, the curved shape may take the form of an annular segment or a crescent shape (as illustrated).

[0136] The curved configuration of the one or more air outlets 820 complements the oval shape of the air inlet 810 to improve overall air flow dynamics. The curved one or more air outlets 820 functions to provide more distributed air flow coverage compared to linear arrangements, while maintaining the positioning constraint that limits the air outlet(s) to the lower portion 812 only.

[0137] In some examples, the curved one or more air outlets 820 may follow the contour of the oval air inlet 810, creating a complementary geometric arrangement that balances between air intake and air output functions.

[0138] Figure 9 illustrates a variant hair treatment apparatus 900 comprising an air inlet 910 (having an upper portion 911 and a lower portion 912) and one or more air outlets 920.

[0139] The hair treatment apparatus 900 may be configured as previously described hair treatment apparatus 800 (Figure 8), except that the shape of the air inlet 910 is pentagonal, and the air outlet(s) 920 follow around (only) a lower portion 912 of the air inlet 910.2025PF00619

[0140] This variant further demonstrates a positioning for the plane Pl to be at the widest part of the air inlet 910, which ensures that as distance increases from the plane Pl toward the lower portion 912, the width of the lower portion does not increase beyond the width at the plane Pl itself.

[0141] Figure 10 illustrates a variant hair treatment apparatus 1000 comprising an air inlet 1010 (having an upper portion 1011 and a lower portion 1012) and one or more air outlets 1020.

[0142] The hair treatment apparatus 1000 may be configured as previously described hair treatment apparatus 900 (Figure 9), except that the shape of the air inlet 1010 is a rhombus. The air outlet(s) 1020 again follow around (only) a lower portion 1012 of the air inlet 1010.

[0143] This variant further demonstrates a positioning for the plane Pl to be at the widest part of the air inlet 1010, which ensures that as distance increases from the plane Pl toward the lower portion 1012, the width of the lower portion does not increase beyond the width at the plane Pl itself.

[0144] Figure 11 illustrates a variant hair treatment apparatus 1100 comprising an air inlet 1110 (having an upper portion 1111 and a lower portion 1112) and one or more air outlets 1120.

[0145] The hair treatment apparatus 1100 may be configured as previously described hair treatment apparatus 900 (Figure 9), except that the shape of the air inlet 1110 triangular. The air outlet(s) 1120 again follow around (only) a lower portion 1112 of the air inlet 1110.

[0146] This variant further demonstrates a positioning for the plane Pl to be positioned such that as distance increases from the plane Pl toward the lower portion 1112, the width of the lower portion does not increase beyond the width at the plane Pl itself.

[0147] In some examples, any herein proposed hair treatment apparatus may comprise one or more projections for engaging with the hair during use of the hair treatment apparatus. For instance, each projection may be embodied as a tooth, bristle, prong, or similar hairengaging element configured to interact with hair strands during the treatment process.

[0148] The projections may be formed from any suitable material for hair contact, such as plastic, nylon, or another synthetic or natural material. In some examples, the projections may have rounded or smooth tips to reduce a risk of hair damage or scalp irritation during use.

[0149] The one or more projections may be positioned at one or more locations relative to the air inlet and one or more air outlets to provide additional hair treatment functionality.

[0150] In some cases, (a set of) the one or more projections may be positioned between the one or more air outlets and the air inlet. This configuration allows the projections to interact2025PF00619

[0151] with hair after it has been contacted by the heated air flow from the one or more air outlets but before it is drawn toward the air inlet during the suction phase. The projections help to detangle, smooth, or guide hair strands during this intermediate phase of the treatment process.

[0152] Alternatively, (a set of) the one or more projections may be positioned such that the one or more air outlets is between the air inlet and the (set of) one or more projections. In this arrangement, hair may first encounter the projections, which may help to separate and align hair strands before they are contacted by the heated air flow from the one or more air outlets. This sequential interaction may contribute to more effective heat distribution and styling control.

[0153] The one or more projections may be configured to work in cooperation with the air flow patterns created by the air inlet and one or more air outlets. For instance, the projections may be configured to guide hair strands into positions for air flow interaction to improve the effectiveness of both the blowing and suction phases of the treatment process.

[0154] The projections may also contribute to the thermal energy reuse mechanism by helping to maintain contact between heated hair strands and the air flow paths. By keeping hair strands properly positioned relative to the air inlet and air outlet(s), the projections may improve the efficiency of thermal energy capture and recirculation during the treatment process.

[0155] In some variants of any herein described hair treatment apparatus, the air inlet may be formed from a plurality of sub-inlets that collectively define the overall air inlet structure. Each sub-inlet may comprise a separate opening or aperture that contributes to the total air intake capacity of the hair treatment apparatus. The plurality of sub-inlets may be arranged in any suitable pattern or configuration within the boundaries of the upper portion and lower portion divisions described earlier.

[0156] In particular, the sub-inlets may be distributed across the air inlet area to provide more uniform air intake distribution. The sub-inlets may be separated by structural elements or barriers that help to maintain the integrity of the overall air inlet while allowing for the distributed air intake functionality.

[0157] When a grill or mesh covering is provided over the air inlet, this covering may extend across all of the plurality of sub-inlets, providing uniform protection while maintaining the air flow benefits of the distributed inlet configuration. Alternatively, individual grill or mesh sections may be provided for each sub-inlet (or for each of a plurality of groups of subinlets).2025PF00619

[0158] Figure 12 illustrates a proposed method 1200 of treating hair using a hair treatment apparatus, such as any herein described hair treatment apparatus.

[0159] The method 1200 comprises: drawing air into the hair treatment apparatus from an air intake volume through an air inlet positioned on a front side of the hair treatment apparatus.

[0160] The method 1200 also comprises outputting air from the hair treatment apparatus through one or more air outlets in only one or more output directions away from the air intake volume for interacting with the hair. The one or more air outlets are positioned on the front side of the hair treatment apparatus and at a respective one or more positions around the air inlet.

[0161] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a proposed hair treatment device 1300 comprising a proposed hair treatment apparatus 140. Figure 13 provides a perspective view of the hair treatment device 1300 and Figure 14 provides a cross-sectional view of the hair treatment device 1300.

[0162] The hair treatment device 1300 comprises a housing 1310. The housing 1310 defines an air inlet conduit 1431 and an air outlet conduit 1432 that facilitate air flow through the device during operation.

[0163] The air inlet conduit 1431 thereby provides or defines a fluid pathway within the housing 1310 that channels or carries air from the air inlet 110 of the hair treatment apparatus 140 to internal components of the hair treatment device 1300. This conduit may be formed as an internal passage, tube, or channel within the housing structure, and is dimensioned to accommodate the air flow volumes during operation.

[0164] Similarly, the air outlet conduit 1432 provides or defines a fluid pathway within the housing 1310 that channels or carries air from internal components of the hair treatment device 1300 to the one or more air outlets 120 of the hair treatment apparatus 140. The air outlet conduit 1432 works in cooperation with the air inlet conduit 1431 to create a complete air circulation system within the hair treatment device 1300.

[0165] The air inlet conduit 1431 and air outlet conduit 1432 may be configured with appropriate cross-sectional areas and / or geometries to provide desired air flow characteristics and reduce pressure losses during operation. The conduits 1431, 1432 may be formed integrally with the housing 1310 during manufacturing, or may comprise separate tubular components that are assembled within the housing structure.

[0166] The hair treatment apparatus 140 comprises a connector 1315 for connecting the hair treatment apparatus to the housing 1310. The connector 1315 may be configured to2025PF00619

[0167] provide either a removable connection or a fixed connection between the hair treatment apparatus 140 and the housing 1310.

[0168] In examples where the connector 1315 provides a removable connection, the hair treatment apparatus 140 may be detached (i.e., is detachable) from the housing 1310 to allow for cleaning, maintenance, or replacement with alternative attachments. The connector (in such a removable configuration variant) may comprise one or more mechanical fastening mechanisms (such as magnetic connections, twist-lock connections, snap-fit arrangements, or bayonet-style couplings) that allow for secure but removable attachment. Other examples are known in the art.

[0169] There is therefore proposed a hair treatment apparatus 140 comprising a connector 1315 for removably connecting the hair treatment apparatus to a housing 1310. The connector may comprise one or more mechanical fastening mechanisms, such as those previously identified. The hair treatment apparatus 140 may comprise any feature of any previously described hair treatment apparatus or in line with any herein described variant of the hair treatment apparatus. There is, of course, proposed a hair treatment device 1300 comprising such a hair treatment apparatus.

[0170] The housing 1310 may comprise a complementary receiving mechanism that corresponds to the connector 1315 of the hair treatment apparatus 140. This complementary receiving mechanism may be configured to engage with the connector 1315 to establish the connection between the hair treatment apparatus 140 and the housing 1310. For instance, where the connector 1315 comprises one or more magnetic elements, the complementary receiving mechanism may include one or more corresponding magnetic elements or ferromagnetic materials positioned within the housing 1310 to create the magnetic attraction needed for attachment. Similarly, where the connector 1315 comprises a twist-lock mechanism, the complementary receiving mechanism may comprise corresponding threaded or cam-lock features that engage with the connector during a rotational attachment motion. Other variants for other forms of mechanical fastening mechanisms will be readily apparent to the skilled person.

[0171] Alternatively, in examples where the connector 1315 provides a fixed connection, the hair treatment apparatus 140 may be permanently attached to the housing 1310 during manufacturing. This fixed configuration provides structural integrity and reduces a risk of potential air leakage that could otherwise occur at the connection interface. For instance, the body of the hair treatment apparatus may be formed as part of the housing or be integrally formed therewith. In this example, the connector 1315 is not clearly distinguishable from the2025PF00619

[0172] housing and the hair treatment apparatus. The hair treatment apparatus is thereby integrally formed as part of the hair treatment device.

[0173] When the hair treatment apparatus 140 is connected to the housing 1310 via the connector 1315 (whether fixedly or removably), the air inlet conduit 1431 is / becomes fluidically connected to the air inlet 110 of the hair treatment apparatus, and the air outlet conduit 1432 is / becomes fluidically connected to the one or more air outlets 120. This fluidic connection allows air to flow from the housing 1310 through the hair treatment apparatus 140 and back to the housing 1310, creating a continuous air circulation path.

[0174] The hair treatment device 1300 further comprises an air flow generator 1410 positioned within the housing 1310. The air flow generator 1410 is fluidically connected between the air inlet conduit 1431 and the air outlet conduit 1432, and therefore between the corresponding air inlet 110 and one or more air outlets 120 of the hair treatment apparatus 140 when the hair treatment apparatus is connected to the housing 1310.

[0175] The air flow generator 1410 may comprise a fan, blower, or similar device configured to create the necessary air pressure differential to draw air through the air inlet conduit 1431 and output air through the air outlet conduit 1432.

[0176] As illustrated by flow 1450, in use, air circulates through the housing 1310 in a defined path during operation. The dashed line representing the air flow 1450 shows how air is drawn into the system, processed within the housing 1310, and then directed through the hair treatment apparatus 140 for hair treatment purposes. The flow 1450 is generated by the air flow generator 1410 during operation of the hair treatment device 1300.

[0177] The hair treatment device 1300 may further comprise a heater 1420 positioned within the housing 1310 (e.g., within the flow 1450 of air). The heater 1420 may comprise a heating element, examples of which are known in the art, such as a ceramic heating component, resistive heating wire, or similar heating technology.

[0178] The heater 1420 is fluidically connected between the air inlet conduit 1431 and the air outlet conduit 1432, allowing it to heat the air as it flows through the system before being output through the one or more air outlets 120 of the hair treatment apparatus 140.

[0179] The presence of the heater 1420 is particularly useful in the context of the proposed hair treatment apparatus configuration. When heated air is output from the one or more air outlets 120, this heated air transfers thermal energy to the hair strands during the initial phase of the treatment process. As the hair treatment apparatus 140 is subsequently moved in a downward direction during use, the hair strands that have absorbed this thermal energy are then drawn toward the air inlet 110 through the suction effect.2025PF00619

[0180] The housing 1310 may define a handle 1320 that facilitates or increases an ease of user operation of the hair treatment device 1300. The handle 1320 may extend away from a main body 1311 of the housing 1310, providing an ergonomic gripping surface for an operator or user. This configuration allows the user to comfortably hold and maneuver the hair treatment device 1300 during hair treatment operations while maintaining control over the positioning and movement of the hair treatment apparatus 140.

[0181] The hair treatment device may further comprise one or more features or elements usable in a hair treatment device.

[0182] For instance, the hair treatment device 1300 may further comprise a control unit positioned within the housing 1310 for managing operation of the air flow generator 1410 and heater 1420 (if present). By way of example, the control unit may include processing circuitry configured to regulate air flow rates, temperature settings, and operational modes based on user inputs or predetermined programs.

[0183] In some examples, the hair treatment device 1300 further comprises a user interface (e.g., positioned on the housing 1310). The user interface may comprise one or more user input elements such as buttons, switches, or touch-sensitive elements that allow the user or operator to adjust one or more device settings during operation (e.g., air flow rate, temperature, operational modes and so on). In some examples, the user interface comprises one or more output elements, such as LED lights or displays, to provide feedback on the one or more device settings.

[0184] The hair treatment device 1300 may further comprise power circuitry, e.g., integrated within the housing 1310, to supply electrical power to the various components (such as the air flow generator and / or the heater if present). The power circuitry may comprise one or more: power conversion circuits, voltage regulation components and / or safety features (e.g., overvoltage protection, surge protection or thermal protection). The power circuitry may be configured to receive power from an external source, such as a mains supply, via a power cord or from internal battery components for cordless operation.

[0185] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0186] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.2025PF00619

[0187] If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "arrangement" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa.

[0188] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

2025PF00619CLAIMS:

1. A hair treatment apparatus (100, 400, 600, 700, 800) for interacting with hair, the hair treatment apparatus comprising:an air inlet (110, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810), positioned on a front side of the hair treatment apparatus, for drawing air into the hair treatment apparatus from an air intake volume (210); andone or more air outlets (120, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) for outputting air from the hair treatment apparatus in only one or more output directions (DI, D2, D3) away from the air intake volume (210) for interacting with the hair, wherein the one or more air outlets are positioned on the front side of the hair treatment apparatus and at a respective one or more positions around the air inlet (110, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810).

2. The hair treatment apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the air inlet comprises an upper portion and a lower portion separated by a plane, and the one or more air outlets are positioned around only the lower portion of the air inlet.

3. The hair treatment apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plane is positioned such that, with increasing distance from the plane, a width of the lower portion does not increase, wherein the width of the lower portion is measured parallel to the plane.

4. The hair treatment apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein a region, extending away from the lower portion of the air inlet and bound only by the plane is devoid of any air outlets for outputting air for interacting with the hair.

5. The hair treatment apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each air outlet is positioned on a single side (113, 413) of the air inlet.

6. The hair treatment apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:the air inlet (110, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) lies substantially in an air inlet plane (PAI); and2025PF00619for each output direction (DI, D2, D3), an angle (a) between the air inlet plane and the output direction is no greater than 75°.

7. The hair treatment apparatus of claim 6, wherein, for each output direction (DI, D2, D3), the angle (a) between the air inlet plane and the output direction is no greater than 20°.

8. The hair treatment apparatus of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the one or more air outlets(120, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) lies on one side (SI) of the air inlet plane (PAI) and the air intake volume (210) lies on another side (S2) of the air inlet plane.

9. The hair treatment apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein each air outlet lies in a respective air outlet plane (PAO) that makes a non-zero angle (0) with respect to the air inlet plane (PAI).

10. The hair treatment apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the air inlet comprises a grill or mesh covering (115).

11. The hair treatment apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the hair treatment apparatus comprises a connector (915) for removably connecting the hair treatment apparatus to a housing (910).

12. A hair treatment device (900) comprising:the hair treatment apparatus (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10;a housing (910) connectable to the hair treatment apparatus and defining an air inlet conduit (1031) fluidically connectable to the air inlet and an air outlet conduit (1032) fluidically connectable to the one or more air outlets; andan air flow generator (1010), positioned in the housing, configured to draw air through the air inlet conduit and output air through the air outlet conduit.

13. The hair treatment device (900) of claim 12, further comprising a heater (1020) fluidically connected between the air inlet conduit (1031) and the air outlet conduit (1032) and configured to heat air output through the air outlet conduit.2025PF0061914. The hair treatment device of any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the hair treatment apparatus is fixedly connected to the housing.

15. A method of treating hair using a hair treatment apparatus (100, 400, 600, 700, 800), the method comprising:drawing air into the hair treatment apparatus from an air intake volume (210) through an air inlet (110, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810) positioned on a front side of the hair treatment apparatus; andoutputting air from the hair treatment apparatus through one or more air outlets (120, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820) in only one or more output directions (DI, D2, D3) away from the air intake volume for interacting with the hair, wherein the one or more air outlets are positioned on the front side of the hair treatment apparatus and at a respective one or more positions around the air inlet.

Images