HAIRCARE APPLIANCE

Abstract

Disclosed is an attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment including: an air inlet for receiving an airflow; an air outlet for emitting the airflow; and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet. The hair treatment chamber includes a wall, an opening through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall, the air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the aperture in use.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Haircare appliances are generally used to treat or style hair, and some haircare appliances may treat or style hair using airflow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising: an air inlet for receiving an airflow; an air outlet for emitting the airflow; and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet; wherein the hair treatment chamber comprises a wall, an opening through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall, the air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the aperture in use.

The hair treatment chamber may hold the user's hair in place during use such that the user's hair is less likely to be disrupted by the flow of air into the hair treatment chamber. As such, relatively high flow rates of air can be used without significantly disrupting the user's hair. The flow rate may be at least 6 litres per second, at least 10 litres per second, or at least 13 litres per second.

As hair is inserted through the opening, and airflow is directed away from the opening, airflow may be directed away from the roots of the hair. In use, the user may place their hair in the hair treatment chamber and place a periphery of the opening against their head.

Airflow within the hair treatment chamber is directed away from the opening toward the aperture. As such, the airflow may initially be directed away from the head of the user in use. This may reduce an amount of direct heat being applied to the user's head which may increase the comfort of using the haircare appliance, particularly over an extended period of time.

The opening of the hair treatment chamber may be provided in a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber, for example a central longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber, and the aperture may be disposed radially from the longitudinal axis. In use, airflow may be directed from or proximate the air outlet in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber. The aperture may extend about the longitudinal axis, for example with the longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber passing through a centre point of the opening.

The air outlet may be configured to direct airflow substantially along a surface of the wall in use. The wall of the hair treatment chamber may be shaped to further direct the airflow in use. For example, the wall may be curved and the airflow may be directed to follow the curve of the wall. This may cause the airflow to remain in contact with the wall and be further directed away from the opening. Airflow may flow from the air outlet into an interior of the hair treatment chamber in use.

The hair treatment chamber, for example the wall of the hair treatment chamber, may be shaped to define a hemi-spherical interior.

The wall of the hair treatment chamber may comprise a porous material. The porous material may define the aperture. The porous material may be, for example, a mesh. The porous material may be air permeable such that air can flow through the permeable material. The porous material may help to retain the hair of a user within the hair treatment chamber while also confining the air in the hair treatment chamber. As such, air in the hair treatment chamber may heat to higher temperatures to increase the efficiency and/or speed of drying the user's hair.

The wall of the hair treatment chamber may compromise a plurality of apertures. For example, there may be two, four, six, eight, ten, 100, 1000 or 10,000 apertures. The plurality of apertures may be spaced about a periphery of the hair treatment chamber. Providing a plurality of apertures may provide more diffuse air flow from the hair treatment chamber in use.

The air outlet may extend about at least a part of the periphery of the hair treatment chamber. The air outlet may extend about the entire periphery of the hair treatment chamber. The air outlet may be an annular slot provided about at least a part of the periphery of the hair treatment chamber. The hair treatment chamber may comprise a rim which defines the opening and the air outlet may be located on the rim such that airflow is directed away from a periphery of the opening in use. The rim may be formed by a projection on the wall of the hair treatment chamber and the air outlet may be formed in the projection.

A width of the air outlet may vary about the periphery of the hair treatment chamber. Advantageously, this may enable the airflow rate to remain consistent about the entire air outlet, irrespective of distance from an airflow generator. The width of the air outlet may be largest at the furthest point of the hair treatment chamber from the airflow generator.

The attachment may comprise a conduit located at a first side of the hair treatment chamber. The conduit may provide a flow path from the air inlet to the air outlet. The air outlet may have a maximal width at a second side of the hair treatment chamber opposite to the first side. The first and second sides may be disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber.

The attachment may comprise a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a property of hair within the hair treatment chamber in use. This signal may be indicative of the user's hair being sufficiently dry and, for example, the user may be provided with an indication to stop using a haircare appliance based on the signal. For example, the user may be provided with a visual indicator, such as a light, when the signal indicates that their hair is sufficiently dry. An airflow generator may be configured to modify the airflow when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry. For example, the airflow generator may be configured to reduce the flow rate, or stop the generation of airflow, in response to the signal. Alternatively or additionally, a heater may be configured to modify the amount of heat provided to the airflow in response to the signal.

For example, the heater may be configured to reduce the amount of heat provided to the airflow, or stop heating the airflow, in response to the signal. This may help to prevent damage to the user's hair which may be caused by excessive or unnecessary drying and/or heating.

The sensor may be in located within or adjacent to the hair treatment chamber. Multiple sensors may be provided to provide redundancy in the event of a sensor failing.

The sensor may comprise any of a humidity sensor, a sensor capable of spectral analysis, an infrared or temperature sensor, a proximity sensor or a sensor capable of capacitive sensing for moisture.

A portion of the wall spaced from the air outlet may be shaped to direct airflow within the hair treatment chamber toward the opening. For example, a portion of the wall may project toward the opening such that the hair treatment chamber comprises a substantially toroidal interior shape. This may enable airflow to be directed toward roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber in use, for example with hot air escaping the air outlet being initially directed away from roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber, before cooling slightly and then being directed toward roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber.

The attachment may comprise a further air outlet configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by the air outlet. This may provide increased flexibility for drying different portions of hair compared to, for example, an attachment only comprising a single air outlet configured to direct airflow in a single direction.

The further air outlet may be configured to direct airflow in a direction orthogonal to, or opposite to, a direction in which airflow is directed by the air outlet. This may allow direction of airflow away from portions of hair adjacent to the wall within the hair treatment chamber, which may enable targeted drying and increased drying efficiency.

The further air outlet may be configured to direct airflow in a direction through the aperture and toward the opening. This may allow the aperture to diffuse air from the further air outlet toward the opening.

Where the hair treatment chamber comprises a rim which defines the opening, the air outlet may be located on the rim such that airflow is directed away from a periphery of the opening into the hair treatment chamber, and the further air outlet may be located on the rim such that airflow is directed away from a periphery of the opening and away from the hair treatment chamber. This may enable drying of portions of hair not located within the hair treatment chamber, for example of roots of hair located within the hair treatment chamber.

The attachment may comprise a projection extending in a direction away from the opening, and the further air outlet may be located on the projection. This may position the further air outlet at a location spaced from the hair treatment chamber in use, which may enable drying to take place at multiple locations.

The projection may be fixed relative to the rim, which may enable enhanced styling capability via engagement of the projection with hair in use. The projection may be movable relative to the rim, for example movable between an extended position and a retracted position. This may, for example, allow for provision of airflow through the further air outlet in the extended position, but not in the retracted position, and may, for example, allow for selective drying of roots of hair in use.

The attachment may comprise a plurality of further air outlets spaced about a periphery of the opening, each of the plurality of further air outlets configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by the air outlet. This may allow for even distribution of airflow about the periphery of the air outlet, which may enable greater predictability for drying hair.

The attachment may comprise a first configuration in which airflow through the air outlet is unrestricted and airflow through the further air outlet is restricted and a second configuration in which airflow through the air outlet is restricted and airflow through the further air outlet is unrestricted. This may allow for selective provision of airflow through the air outlet and the further air outlet, which may provide greater flexibility for drying.

The attachment may comprise a valve for switching between the first and second configurations. A valve may provide a simple mechanism for switching airflow from the air outlet to the further air outlet, or vice versa. The valve may be user actuated, for example enabling a user to switch the haircare appliance between the first and second configurations.

The attachment may be switchable between the first configuration and the second configuration by rotating a first part of the attachment relative to a second part of the attachment. This may allow a user to relatively easily switch the attachment between the first and second configurations.

Where the projection comprises the further air outlet, and the projection is movable relative to the rim, movement of the projection from the retracted position to the extend position may move the attachment from the first configuration to the second configuration, and vice versa. Movement of the projection may be controlled by any of airflow or a user applied force. Movement of the projection may also be controlled by a motor, the operation of which is automated. The motor may be operated in response to a signal received from a sensor. For example, the signal from the sensor may be indicative of the proximity of the user's head to the attachment and the motor may operate in response to this signal to move the projections.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a haircare appliance comprising: the attachment according to the first aspect; and an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet.

The haircare appliance may comprise a heater for heating hair received in the hair treatment chamber. For example, the heater may be for heating the airflow. Advantageously, as the hair treatment chamber defines a confined space, as hot air passes into the confined space the ambient temperature within the hair treatment chamber rises. This may help to increase the efficiency and/or speed of drying the hair of the user.

The haircare appliance may comprise a handle unit within which the airflow generator is disposed, and an attachment according to the first aspect may be removably attachable to the handle unit. Providing the air inlet, hair treatment chamber, and air outlet described above as part of a removable attachment may allow the functionality described herein to be selectively provided by a user.

The attachment may communicate with the handle unit to modify operation of the haircare appliance. For example, the attachment may communicate with the airflow generator to modify the airflow provided to the attachment. The attachment may communicate with the haircare appliance to transfer information indicative of a desired air flow rate. The airflow generator may be operated on the basis of the information to provide the desired air flow rate. The attachment may comprise an RFID tag which includes information indicative of the air flow rate desired for the attachment. This information may be read from the RFID tag and transmitted to the airflow generator to cause the airflow generator to generate airflow with the desired flow rate. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment may communicate with the haircare appliance by Bluetooth™ or other suitable wireless communication standard, and/or by a wired connection.

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; and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet; wherein the hair treatment chamber comprises a wall, an opening through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall, the air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the aperture in use.

Optional features of aspects of the present invention may be equally applied to other aspects of the present invention, where appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a haircare appliance according to an example;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a handle unit of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of FIG. 8

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 11a and 11b illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of the attachment of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate schematic views of the attachment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic view of an attachment of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic view of the attachment of FIG. 13; and

FIGS. 15a and 15b illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of the attachment of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A haircare appliance according to the present invention, generally designated 10, is shown schematically in FIG. 1.

The haircare appliance 10 comprises a handle unit 12, and an attachment 100 removably attachable to the handle unit 12.

The handle unit 12 comprises a housing 14, an airflow generator 16, a heater 18, and a control unit 20, as can be seen schematically in FIG. 2.

The housing 14 is tubular in shape, and comprises an air inlet 22 through which an airflow is drawn into the housing 14 by the airflow generator 16, and an air outlet 24 through which the airflow is discharged from the housing 14. The airflow generator 16 is housed within the housing 14, and comprises an impeller 26 driven by an electric motor 28. The heater 18 is also housed within the housing 14, and comprises heating elements 30 to optionally heat the airflow.

The control unit 20 comprises electronic circuitry for a user interface 32, a control module 34 and an RFID reader 24. The user interface 32 is provided on an outer surface of the housing 14, and is used to power on and off the haircare appliance 10, to select a flow rate (for example high, medium and low), and to select an airflow temperature (for example hot, medium or cold). In the example of FIG. 1, the user interface comprises a plurality of sliding switches, but other forms of user interface 32, for example buttons, dials or touchscreens, are also envisaged. The RFID reader 24 is to interrogate an RFID tag that forms part of the attachment 100. Although RFID has been discussed here, other forms of wireless or wired communication may be used.

The control module 34 is responsible for controlling the airflow generator 16, and the heater 18 in response to inputs from the user interface 32. For example, in response to inputs from the user interface 32, the control module 34 may control the power or the speed of the airflow generator 16 in order to adjust the airflow rate of the airflow, and the power of the heater 18 in order to adjust the temperature of the airflow.

Examples of the attachment 100 are shown schematically in FIGS. 3 and 4. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the attachment 100 comprises an air inlet 101, an air outlet 102 and a hair treatment chamber 103. The hair treatment chamber 103 is for receiving hair and is in fluid communication with the air outlet 102. The hair treatment chamber 103 comprises a wall 104, an opening 105 through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber 103, and an aperture 106 formed in the wall 104. The air outlet 102 is configured to direct airflow away from the opening 105 and toward the aperture 106 in use.

The hair treatment chamber 103 defines a confined space into which the user's hair is placed. As hot air passes into the confined space, the ambient temperature within the hair treatment chamber 103 rises, which can help dry the hair of the user. Moreover, as the hair treatment chamber 103 holds the user's hair in place during use, the user's hair is less likely to be disrupted by the flow of air into the hair treatment chamber 103. As such, relatively high flow rates of air can be used without significantly disrupting the user's hair, which may increase the efficiency and/or speed of drying the user's hair and may improve the user's final hair style. The flow rate may be at least 6 litres per second, at least 10 litres per second, or at least 13 litres per second.

In the example of FIGS. 3 and 4 in combination with FIG. 1, the air inlet 101 and the air outlet 102 of the attachment 100 are provided at a first end of the housing 14. The air inlet 101 is therefore disposed in an airflow path between the airflow generator 16 and the air outlet 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the handle unit 12 also has its own air inlet 22 into the housing 14. The airflow generator 16 is configured to generate an airflow from the air inlet 22 of the handle unit 12, through the air inlet 101 of the attachment 100 and to the air outlet 102 in use.

The opening 105 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is generally circular in shape, however other forms and shapes of opening are envisaged. For example, the opening 105 may be substantially oval or semi-circular shaped. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the hair treatment chamber 103 is shaped to define a hemi-spherical interior. In other examples, the hair treatment chamber 103 is shaped to define any other suitable hollow interior in which hair can be received.

The hair treatment chamber 103 comprises a rim 116 which defines the opening 105. The air outlet 102 is located on the rim 116 such that airflow is directed away from a periphery 117 of the opening 105 into the hair treatment chamber 103.

As hair is inserted through the opening 105, and airflow is directed away from the opening 105, airflow may be directed away from the roots of the hair that is located within the hair treatment chamber 103 in use. For example, in use the user may place their hair in the hair treatment chamber 103 and place the rim 116 against their head, such that the periphery 117 of the opening 105 is located adjacent to roots of hair contained within the hair treatment chamber 103. As airflow within the hair treatment chamber 103 is directed away from the opening 105 toward the aperture 106, airflow may initially be directed away from the head of the user in use. This may reduce an amount of direct heat being applied to the user's head which may increase the comfort of using the haircare appliance 10, particularly over an extended period of time.

The air outlet 102 is configured to direct airflow along a surface 107 of the wall 104 in use, as shown by arrow 114. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 is curved. The air outlet 102 directs airflow along the curved wall 104 toward the apex of the hair treatment chamber 103.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 comprises a plurality of apertures 106. The plurality of apertures 106 are evenly spaced in the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103.

The wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 comprises a porous material 119. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a porous material 119 is disposed in the aperture 106 such that collectively the wall 104, which is non-porous, and the porous material 119, define a boundary wall of the hair treatment chamber 103. In FIG. 3, the porous material 119 in shown in a single aperture 106. In some examples, the porous material 119 is disposed in all of the apertures 106. Alternatively, the porous material 119 is disposed in a select number of apertures 106. Pores of the porous material 119 define further apertures in the wall 104. In the example of FIGS. 3 and 4, the porous material 119 is a mesh. Alternatively, any other suitably porous material can be used.

The porous material 119 helps to retain the hair of a user within the hair treatment chamber 103 while also confining the air in the hair treatment chamber 103. As such, air in the hair treatment chamber 103 may heat to higher temperatures to increase the efficiency and/or speed of drying the user's hair.

In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the air outlet 102 extends about an entire periphery 108 of the hair treatment chamber 103. In other examples, the air outlet 102 extends about a part of the periphery 108 of the hair treatment chamber 103.

A width of the air outlet 102 varies about the periphery 108 of the hair treatment chamber 103. This may enable to airflow rate to remain consistent about the entire air outlet 102, irrespective of distance from the airflow generator 16. A conduit 109 is located at a first side 110 of the hair treatment chamber 103. The conduit 109 provides a flow path 111 from the air inlet 101 to the air outlet 102. The air outlet 102 has a maximal width at a second side 112 of the hair treatment chamber 103 opposite the first side 110. In some examples, the air outlet 102 has a uniform width around the entire periphery 108 of the hair treatment chamber 103.

The attachment 100 comprises a sensor 113 configured to output a signal indicative of a property of hair within the hair treatment chamber 103 in use. The sensor 113 shown in FIG. 4 is a moisture sensor. In other examples, the sensor 113 is a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. The signal output by the sensor 113 is received by the control module 34 which is configured to control the haircare appliance 10 in response to the signal from the sensor 113. In some examples, the sensor 113 comprises an RFID tag to transmit information via RFID to the RFID reader 24. In some examples, it is envisaged that other forms of communication, including, for example Bluetooth™ or near-field communication (NFC), may be utilised.

Similarly, although thus far wireless methods of communicating between the sensor 113 and the control module 34 have been discussed, it will be appreciated that examples that utilise physical communications connections are also envisaged. For example, the handle unit 12 and the attachment 100 may comprise corresponding contacts which, when connected when the attachment 100 is connected to the handle unit 12, define a communications pathway.

In some examples, the signal from the sensor 113 is indicative of the user's hair being sufficiently dry and the user is provided with an indication to stop using the haircare appliance 10 based on the signal. For example, the user is provided with a visual indicator, such as a light, when the signal indicates that their hair is sufficiently dry. In some examples, the airflow generator 16 is configured to modify the airflow when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry. For example, the airflow generator 16 is configured to reduce the flow rate, or stop the generation of airflow, in response to the signal. In some examples, the heater 18 is configured to modify the amount of heat provided to the airflow in response to the signal. For example, the heater 18 may be configured to reduce the amount of heat provided to the airflow, or stop heating the airflow, in response to the signal. This may help to prevent damage to the user's hair which may be caused by excessive or unnecessary drying and/or heating.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example attachment 200. The attachment 100 of FIG. 5 is substantially the same as the attachment 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and like features are indicated with like reference numerals. A portion of the wall 104 of the attachment 200 of FIG. 5 is shaped to direct airflow within the hair treatment chamber 103 toward the opening 105. As shown in FIG. 5, the wall 104 is shaped to have a peak 201 which extends within the interior of the hair treatment chamber 103 toward the opening 105. As such, airflow from the air outlet 102 follows a surface of the wall 104 and is directed toward the opening 105 by the peak 201 of the wall 104.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the portion of the wall 104 projects toward the opening 105 such that the hair treatment chamber 103 comprises a substantially toroidal interior shape. This may enable airflow to be directed toward roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber 103 in use, for example with hot air escaping the air outlet 102 being initially directed away from roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber 103, before cooling slightly and then being directed toward roots of hair within the hair treatment chamber 103.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a further example of another attachment 300. Like features compared to the attachment 100 of FIGS. 3 and 4 are indicated with like reference numerals. The attachment 300 comprises a further air outlet 301 configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by the air outlet 102. This may provide increased flexibility for drying different portions of hair compared to, for example, a haircare appliance 20 only comprising a single air outlet 102 configured to direct airflow in a single direction.

In the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the further air outlet 301 is configured to direct airflow in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which airflow is directed by the air outlet 102. In other examples, the further air outlet 301 is configured to direct airflow in a direction opposite to the direction in which airflow is directed by the air outlet 102.

This may allow direction of airflow away from portions of hair adjacent to the wall 104 within the hair treatment chamber 103, which may enable targeted drying and increased drying efficiency.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the further air outlet 301 is located on the rim 116 such that airflow is directed away from the periphery 117 of the opening 105 and away from the hair treatment chamber 103. This may enable drying of portions of hair not located within the hair treatment chamber 103, for example of roots of hair

The attachment 300 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 comprises a projection 302 extending in a direction away from the opening 105. The further air outlet 301 is located on the projection 302. This may position the further air outlet at a location spaced from the hair treatment chamber 103 in use, which may enable drying to take place at multiple locations. In the example of FIGS. 6 and 7, the projections 302 are fixed relative to the rim 116. In some examples, the projections 302 are configured to be moveable such that the projections 302 are able to retract into the rim 116.

The attachment 300 comprises a plurality of further air outlets 301 spaced about a periphery of the opening 105. Each of the plurality of further air outlets 301 is configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by the air outlet 102. This may allow for even distribution of airflow about the periphery of the air outlet 102, which may enable greater predictability for drying hair.

The attachment 300 of FIGS. 6 and 7 can have a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, airflow through the air outlet 102 is unrestricted and airflow through the further air outlet 301 is restricted. In the second configuration, airflow through the air outlet 102 is restricted and airflow through the further air outlet is unrestricted. The air outlet 102 or further air outlet 301 is obstructed in the respective first or second configuration to restrict airflow through the respective one of the air outlet 102 or further air outlet 301. This may allow for selective provision of airflow through the air outlet 102 and the further air outlet 301, which may provide greater flexibility for drying.

In some examples, the projections 302 are moveable to obstruct the further air outlet 301 in the first configuration. Alternatively or additionally, a valve is provided in the attachment 300 to direct airflow to one of the air outlet 102 or further outlet 301 in the respective one of the first or second configurations. In some examples, the attachment 300 is configured to operate in one of the first or second configurations upon receipt of an input via the user interface 32 on the handle unit 12. In other examples, the attachment 300 is configured to operate in one of the first or second configurations in response to a signal from the sensor 113.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a further example of an attachment 400 for the haircare appliance of FIG. 1. Like features to the attachment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 are indicated with like reference numerals. The attachment 400 comprises two apertures 106 provided in the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103. In some examples a porous material (not shown), for example a mesh, is disposed in the apertures 106.

In the attachment 400 illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 comprises an airflow path 120 between the air inlet 101 and the air outlet 102. The attachment 400 comprises a rim 116 which is shaped to direct airflow through the air outlet 102 in a direction towards the air inlet 101.

FIG. 10 illustrates a further example of an attachment 500 for the haircare appliance 10 of FIG. 1. Like features to the attachment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 are indicated with like reference numbers. The attachment 500 comprises a plurality of manifolds 501 which extend between an air inlet 101 and an air outlet 102 (shown in more detail in FIGS. 11a and 11b). Although three manifolds 501 are shown in FIG. 10, in other examples, a greater or fewer number of manifolds 501 may be provided. For example, in some examples (similar to the example of FIGS. 8 and 9) two manifolds 501 are provided. In other examples, four, five or six manifolds 501 may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of apertures 106 or holes are formed in the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103. The plurality of apertures 106 may help to increase/improve diffusion of air from the air outlet 102. The wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 in FIG. 10 is integrally formed as part of the attachment 500. In other examples, the wall 104 may be formed separately such that the wall 104 is removable from the attachment 500. This may allow for the wall 104 to be removed for cleaning or replacement.

The air outlet 102 of the attachment of FIG. 10 extends about the entire periphery of the hair treatment chamber 103. To help to ensure consistent airflow from the air outlet 102 around the entire periphery, air directing members may be provided between the manifolds 501 and the air outlet 102 to direct airflow from the manifolds 501 around the periphery of the hair treatment chamber 103. This may help to improve the consistency of drying and/or styling the user's hair irrespective of the location of the user's hair in the hair treatment chamber 103. In other examples, this may be achieved by alternatively or additionally altering the geometry (e.g. the width) of the air outlet 102 around the periphery of the hair treatment chamber 103.

The attachment 500 of FIG. 10 comprises a first configuration and a second configuration. The first and second configurations are described in more detail below in reference to FIGS. 12a and 12b. FIG. 11a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the attachment 500 of FIG. 10 in the first configuration. As shown by arrow X1, in the first configuration, airflow from the air inlet 101 flows through a passage 505 in the manifolds 501 towards the air outlet 102. The air outlet 102 is configured to direct airflow away from the opening 105 and toward the apertures 106. FIG. 11b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the attachment 500 of FIG. 10 in the second configuration. The wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 is not shown in FIG. 11b to aid readability. As shown by arrow X2 in FIG. 11b, in the second configuration airflow is configured to flow from the air inlet 101 through the passage 505 and to a further air outlet 502. In this example, the further air outlet 502 is configured to direct airflow in a direction through the apertures 106 and toward the opening 105 of the attachment 500 in the second configuration. This may allow the apertures 106 to diffuse airflow from the further air outlet 502.

The attachment 500 is changeable between the first and second configurations by the user. This may allow the user to select whether they want forward flow (e.g. from the further airflow outlet 502 towards the opening 105) or reverse flow (e.g. from the airflow outlet 102 towards the apertures 106) depending on their requirement (e.g. depending on how the user wishes to style their hair).

As shown in FIG. 11b, the further air outlet 502 comprises a plurality of elongate air outlets. The wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 is spaced from the further air outlet 502 such that the apertures 106 formed in the wall 104 may help to diffuse airflow from the further air outlet 502. This may help to improve the quality of drying and/or styling the user's hair in use.

FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate a schematic plan view of the attachment 500 of FIG. 10. FIG. 12a illustrates the attachment 500 in the first configuration and FIG. 12b illustrates the attachment 500 in the second configuration.

As shown in FIG. 12a, in the first configuration, the further air outlet 502 is substantially blocked such that airflow through the further air outlet 502 is restricted. In the second configuration, airflow through the further air outlet 502 is unrestricted. Although in the example shown in FIG. 12a, airflow through the air outlet 102 is unrestricted in the second configuration, in other examples airflow through the air outlet 102 is restricted in the second configuration. This may help to ensure that airflow only flows through the air outlet 102 in the first configuration and only through the further air outlet 502 in the second configuration, which may help to improve the drying and/or styling of the user's hair.

In this example, the attachment 500 is changeable between the first configuration and the second configuration through rotation of a first part 503 of the attachment 500 relative to a second part 504 of the attachment 500. When part of the haircare appliance 10 of FIG. 1, the second part 504 is secured to the handle unit 12, such that the first part 503 is rotatable relative to the handle unit 12. This may allow the user to more easily hold the second part 504 in place while rotating the first part 503. In other examples, the second part 504 is not secured to the handle unit 12 and can freely rotate relative to the handle unit 12.

In other examples, the attachment 500 is changeable between the first configuration and the second configuration in any other suitable way. For example, the attachment 500 may be changeable through linear movement of the first part 503 of the attachment 500 relative to the second part 504 of the attachment 500. In other examples, the attachment 500 may be changeable between the first and second configurations through the use of an actuator, for example a linear actuator, controllable by the user. The attachment 500 may be changeable from the first configuration to the second configuration movement in response to the user pressing a portion of the attachment 500, for example the rim 116, against their head. This may allow the user to easily change the attachment 500 between the first and second configurations during use. For example, a protrusion may extend from the rim 116 such that upon force being applied to the protrusion, the attachment 500 is configured to switch between the first and second configurations. In other examples, the rim 116 may be moveable such that a force being applied to the rim 116 causes the attachment 500 to switch between the first and second configurations. In other examples, a sensor (e.g. a strain gauge) may be provided on a part of the attachment 500 and may be configured to detect a force applied to the rim 116. In response to detection of a force applied to the rim 116, the sensor may communicate with an actuator to cause the attachment 500 to switch between the first and the second configurations.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a further example of an attachment 600 for the haircare appliance 10 of FIG. 1. Like features to the attachment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 are indicated with like reference numbers. The attachment 600 comprises a plurality of first manifolds 601 (in this example three first manifolds) and a plurality of second manifolds 602 (in this example three second manifolds). The first manifolds 601 extend from the air inlet 101 to a rim 116 of the attachment 600. The second manifolds 502 extend from the air inlet 101 toward the rim 116, but do not extend to the rim 116. As shown in FIG. 14, each of the second manifolds 602 comprises a further air outlet 603. In some examples, the second manifolds 502 also extend to the rim 116 of the attachment 600. In such examples, airflow is prevented from flowing from the second manifolds 502 to the air outlet 102, for example by sealing the second manifolds 502 from the air outlet 102.

FIGS. 15a and 15b illustrate a cross-sectional view of the attachment 600 of FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 15a illustrates the attachment 600 in a first configuration and FIG. 15b illustrates the attachment 600 in a second configuration. In the first configuration, airflow is directed from the air inlet 101, through a passage 606 of the first manifolds 601 and out of the air outlet 102. In the second configuration, airflow is directed from the air inlet 101, through a passage 607 of the second manifolds 602 and out of the further air outlet 603. As with the attachment of FIG. 10, in the first configuration, airflow through the air outlet 102 is unrestricted and airflow through the further air outlet 603 is restricted, and in the second configuration, airflow through the further air outlet 603 is unrestricted and airflow through the air outlet 102 is restricted.

As shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b, the attachment 600 is switchable between the first and second configurations through rotation of a first part 604 of the attachment 600 relative to a second part 605 of the attachment. As shown in FIG. 15a, in the first configuration the first part 604 is rotated such that airflow into the second manifolds 602 is restricted and airflow into the first manifolds 601 (shown by arrow X3) is unrestricted. In the second configuration (shown in FIG. 15b), the first part 604 is rotated such that airflow into the first manifolds 601 is restricted and airflow into the second manifolds 602 (shown by arrow X4) is unrestricted. The first part 604 and the second part 605 may be rotatable or otherwise moveable relative to each another in the same way as described in relation to the attachment 500 of FIGS. 12a and 12b. Moreover, the attachment 600 of FIG. 13 may be switchable between the first and second configurations in any of the ways as described in relation to the attachment 500 of FIGS. 12a and 12b.

Examples are also envisaged where, rather than the haircare appliance 10 comprising a handle unit 12 and an attachment 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, the haircare appliance 10 is a single-piece unit, for example taking the form of the combined handle unit 12 and attachment 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 previously described.

Claims

1. An attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising:

an air inlet for receiving an airflow;

an air outlet for emitting the airflow; and

a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet; wherein the hair treatment chamber comprises a wall, an opening through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall, the air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the aperture in use.

2. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air outlet is configured to direct airflow along a surface of the wall in use.

3. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a porous material.

4. The attachment as claimed in claim 3, wherein the porous material defines the aperture.

5. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment comprises a plurality of apertures formed in the wall.

6. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air outlet extends about at least a part of a periphery of the hair treatment chamber.

7. The attachment as claimed in claim 6, wherein the air outlet extends about the entire periphery of the hair treatment chamber.

8. The attachment as claimed in claim 6, wherein a width of the air outlet varies about the periphery of the hair treatment chamber.

9. The attachment as claimed in claim 8, wherein the attachment comprises a conduit located at a first side of the hair treatment chamber, the conduit providing a flow path from the air inlet to the air outlet, and the air outlet has a maximal width at a second side of the hair treatment chamber opposite to the first side.

10. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment comprises a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a property of hair within the hair treatment chamber in use.

11. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of the wall spaced from the air outlet is shaped to direct airflow within the hair treatment chamber toward the opening.

12. The attachment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment comprises a further air outlet configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by the air outlet.

13. The attachment as claimed in claim 12, wherein the further air outlet is configured to direct airflow in a direction orthogonal to, or opposite to, a direction in which airflow is directed by the air outlet.

14. The attachment as claimed in claim 12, wherein the hair treatment chamber comprises a rim which defines the opening, the air outlet is located on the rim such that airflow is directed away from a periphery of the opening into the hair treatment chamber, and the further air outlet is located on the rim such that airflow is directed away from the periphery of the opening and away from the hair treatment chamber.

15. The attachment as claimed in claim 12, wherein the attachment comprises a projection extending in a direction away from the opening, and the further air outlet is located on the projection.

16. The attachment as claimed in claim 12, wherein the attachment comprises a plurality of further air outlets spaced about a periphery of the opening, each of the plurality of further air outlets configured to direct airflow in a different direction to airflow directed by the air outlet.

17. The attachment as claimed in claim 12, wherein the attachment comprises a first configuration in which airflow through the air outlet is unrestricted and airflow through the further air outlet is restricted and a second configuration in which airflow through the air outlet is restricted and airflow through the further air outlet is unrestricted.

18. A haircare appliance comprising:

the attachment as claimed in claim 1; and

an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet.

19. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 18, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a handle unit within which the airflow generator is disposed, and the attachment is removably attachable to the handle unit.

20. 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; and

a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber in fluid communication with the air outlet;

wherein the hair treatment chamber comprises a wall, an opening through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall, the air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the aperture in use.