Attachment for a Haircare Appliance

The present invention relates to an attachment for a haircare appliance, and a haircare appliance.

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.

According to a first aspect of the present invention 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, wherein the attachment is configured such that airflow exiting the air outlet in use generates a first force to attract hair toward 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, and movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to airflow from the air outlet.

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.

However, it may also be desirable to provide increased flexibility for styling. By providing the plurality of bristles movable between first and second positions relative to the air outlet, where movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to airflow from the air outlet, increased flexibility in styling may be provided for the attachment compared to, for example, an arrangement where the bristles are omitted.

For example, when the plurality of bristles are in the first position relative to the air outlet, i.e. when the plurality of bristles are less exposed to airflow from 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.

When the plurality of bristles are in the second position relative to the air outlet, i.e. when the plurality of bristles are more exposed to airflow from the air outlet, the attachment may, for example, be used to brush a user's hair. 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.

Airflow exiting the air outlet may flow over the curved surface in use, for example when the plurality of bristles are in the first 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.

Movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position may decrease an extent of the curved surface across which airflow flows before engaging with the plurality of bristles.

The plurality of bristles may be embedded in 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. This 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.

Movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position may increase a number of the plurality of bristles that are exposed to airflow from the air outlet. This may, for example, enable a greater number of bristles to contact hair whilst also being in the airflow from the air outlet which may provide different styling functionality between the first and second positions.

At least one of the plurality of bristles is exposed to airflow from the air outlet in the first position. This may, for example, enable the at least one of the plurality of bristles to provide a desirable interaction with airflow from the air outlet when in the first position.

At least some of the plurality of bristles, for example the at least one of the plurality of bristles, are configured to detach airflow from the curved surface in the first position. This may, for example, inhibit airflow from the air outlet contacting a hand of a user holding the haircare appliance when the plurality of bristles are in the first position. This may be particularly beneficial where, for example, the attachment is configured to receive a heated airflow from the haircare appliance in use, and may provide enhanced user safety and/or comfort, for example relative to an arrangement where airflow is not detached from the curved surface in use.

The plurality of bristles may be positioned relative to the air outlet in the first position such that airflow detaches from the curved surface upon contact with the at least some of the plurality of bristles in use. The plurality of bristles, for example a first row of the plurality of bristles, may be no more than 180 degrees from the air outlet when in the first position.

None of the plurality of bristles may be exposed to airflow from the air outlet when the plurality of bristles are in the first position. This may, for example, increase the degree to which airflow attaches to the curved surface when the plurality of bristles are in the first position. The curved surface may comprise a projection for detaching airflow from the curved surface prior to airflow reaching the plurality of bristles when the plurality of bristles are in the first position.

The plurality of bristles may be detachable from the attachment, for example as a single modular unit, such that the plurality of bristles are detached from the attachment in the first position, and attached to the attachment in the second position. The plurality of bristles and the curved surface may comprise corresponding attachment features, for example embedded magnets or the like, to enable releasable attachment of the plurality of bristles to the curved surface.

The plurality of bristles may be retractable relative to the curved surface, for example such that tips of the plurality of bristles are flush with or below the curved surface in the first position, and raised relative to the curved surface in the second position.

The plurality of bristles may be closer to the air outlet in the second position than in the first position. This may increase exposure of the plurality of bristles to airflow from the air outlet in the second position as compared to the first position. Movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position may bring the plurality of bristles closer to the air outlet. The plurality of bristles may be spaced from the air outlet in the second position, for example such that airflow flows over the curved surface before reaching the plurality of bristles in the second position. This may reduce noise compared to, for example, an arrangement where the plurality of bristles are located directly at the air outlet in the second position.

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 center of curvature of the curved surface.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The curved surface may comprise an annular surface, the plurality of bristles may be disposed on the curved surface, and rotation of the curved surface relative to the air outlet may move the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions. This may provide a simple mechanism for moving the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions.

The bristle bed may define at least part of the curved surface. The bristle bed may be overmoulded onto the curved surface.

The bristle bed may be located below the curved surface, with the plurality of bristles extending from the bristle bed through apertures in the curved surface. This may ensure that, when the plurality of bristles are in the second position, airflow is still able to attach to the curved surface between the bristles to draw hair radially inwardly toward the curved surface through the bristles.

The curved surface may be substantially smooth between the air outlet and the plurality of bristles when the plurality of bristles are in the first position. This may facilitate generation of 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, in the manner previously described.

The plurality of bristles may be disposed on the curved surface such that a radial distance of a bristle closest to the air outlet in the second position is less than a radial distance of a bristle furthest away from the air outlet in the second position. This may facilitate attachment of airflow to the curved surface when the plurality of bristles are in the second position.

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 second 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.

The contact member may be 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 a further axis orthogonal to the plane of the air inlet is enabled. This may provide flexibility in rotational orientation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance, whilst also inhibiting separation of the attachment from the haircare appliance in the manner described above.

The contact member may comprise a spigot that extends into a bore of the haircare appliance when the attachment is attached to the haircare appliance in use. This may provide a simple form of contact member whilst also providing the functionality described above. The contact member may engage with walls of the bore to inhibit rotation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance about an axis in a plane of the air inlet, whilst enabling rotation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance about a further axis orthogonal to the plane of the air inlet.

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.

The attachment may be releasably attachable to the haircare appliance, for example releasably attachable via the fixing member.

When in the second position, a first airflow path may be defined along a first side of the plurality of bristles, and a second airflow path may be defined along a second side of the plurality of bristles. For example, the second airflow path may comprise a bleed along the second side of the plurality of bristles. Provision of the first and second airflow paths may encourage attachment of airflow along the first airflow path to the curved surface, thereby facilitating generation of 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, in the manner previously described. The first and second airflow paths may recombine downstream of the plurality of bristles.

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, particularly when the plurality of bristles are located in the second position relative to the air outlet.

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°.

The air outlet may comprise a flow guide for 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.

The plurality of bristles may be positioned in first and second rows, and at least some bristles of the first row may be linked to at least some bristles of the second row by a linking member. This may provide linked motion of the at least some bristles of the first row and the at least some bristles of the second row, which may provide a reduction in noise relative to an arrangement where unlinked bristles are provided.

The air inlet may be substantially annular in form. The air inlet may comprise a further flow guide. The attachment may comprise a further flow guide downstream of the air inlet, the further flow guide shaped to guide airflow from the annular air inlet into a single column of airflow. The further flow guide may be tapered in a direction downstream of the air inlet.

The air outlet may comprise an open cross-sectional area in the region of 140 mmto 450 mm, for example in the region of 280 mmto 350 mm. 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.

The air outlet may comprise a width in the region of 70 mm to 90 mm, for example in the region of 75 mm to 85 mm. The air outlet may comprise a height in the region of 2 mm to 5 mm. The air outlet may be generally rectangular in form, for example such that airflow leaving the air outlet has a generally laminar form.

The curved surface may comprise a radius of curvature in the region of 16 mm to 60 mm. 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.

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.

The attachment may comprise a switching member for directing airflow exiting the air outlet, the switching member switchable relative to the air outlet between a first switch position, in which airflow exiting the air outlet passes between a first side of the switching member and the curved surface and attaches to the curved surface, and a second switch position, in which airflow exiting the air outlet passes over a second, opposing side of the switching member and is directed away from the curved surface. This may enable the airflow to selectively flow over the curved surface, which may, for example, provide an alternative mode of operation where airflow is directed away from the curved surface, for example to provide a so-called “rough-dry” mode, where airflow is simply used to dry hair of a user in use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a haircare appliance comprising an attachment according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention 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, wherein the haircare appliance is configured such that airflow exiting the air outlet in use generates a first force to attract hair toward 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, and movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to airflow from the air outlet.

The haircare appliance may comprise a heater for heating the airflow. This may provide increased styling flexibility, and may, for example, enable the airflow to provide a drying function.

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. Providing the air outlet, the curved surface, and the plurality of bristles, as part of a removable attachment may allow the functionality described herein to be selectively provided by a user.

The handle unit may comprise a bore for receiving a contact member of the attachment, for example such that engagement of the contact member with a wall of the bore inhibits rotation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance about an axis in a plane of an air inlet of the attachment.

The haircare appliance may be configured such that airflow at the air outlet comprises a velocity in the region of 30 m/s to 45 m/s. Such a velocity may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along the curved surface that results in a first force that is sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the first surface whilst also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface. The air outlet may be shaped and dimensioned such that airflow at the air outlet comprises a velocity in the region of 30 m/s to 45 m/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 30 m/s to 45 m/s.