WO2026078521A1

WO2026078521A1 - A haircare appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2026078521A1
Application number: PCT/IB2025/060055
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kavya NAIR; Albert SWANEPOEL
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2024-10-07
Filing date: 2025-10-06
Publication date: 2026-04-16
Anticipated expiration: 2027-04-07
Also published as: GB202414693D0; GB2701316A

Abstract

A haircare appliance includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel therebetween, the first arm movably mounted relative to the second arm such that movement of the first arm relative to the second arm varies a width of the hair receiving channel. The haircare appliance includes an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow within the haircare appliance. The first arm includes an airflow path configured to receive the airflow from the airflow generator, and an air outlet for emitting airflow from the airflow path into the hair receiving channel. The haircare appliance includes a plurality of bleed apertures arranged to receive at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel, the bleed apertures defined in a surface that has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel. The bleed apertures are distributed across the surface between the first end and the second end, each bleed aperture has a respective open cross-sectional area, and the open cross-sectional areas vary between the first end and the second end.

Description

1 P005046-W001

A HAIRCARE APPLIANCE

BACKGROUND

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

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect there is provided a haircare appliance comprising: a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel therebetween, the first arm movably mounted relative to the second arm such that movement of the first arm relative to the second arm varies a width of the hair receiving channel; an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow within the haircare appliance, the first arm comprising an airflow path configured to receive the airflow from the airflow generator, and an air outlet for emitting airflow from the airflow path into the hair receiving channel; and a plurality of bleed apertures arranged to receive at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel, the bleed apertures defined in a surface that has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel, wherein the bleed apertures are distributed across the surface between the first end and the second end, each bleed aperture has a respective open cross- sectional area, and the open cross-sectional areas vary between the first end and the second end.

By providing airflow into the hair receiving channel, hair that is received within the hair receiving channel in use may be treated and/or styled using the airflow. By providing the plurality of bleed apertures arranged to receive at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel, increased flexibility in styling operations and/or increased user comfort may be provided. For example, the bleed apertures may enable airflow to be directed away from the hair receiving channel/ away from a user, and/or to an alternative location that may provide increased flexibility in styling operations. 2 P005046-W001

As the open-cross sectional areas vary between the first and second ends of the surface, distribution of airflow exiting through the bleed apertures along the surface can be set during manufacture to provide desirable airflow characteristics. For example, depending on the variation of the open-cross sectional area of the bleed apertures, airflow may be distributed relatively evenly amongst the bleed apertures, and hence along the surface, or may be distributed relatively unevenly amongst the bleed apertures, and hence along the surface, as desired.

Overall the haircare appliance may comprise increased flexibility in styling operations and/or increased user comfort relative to known haircare appliances that comprise first and second arms, such as hair straighteners.

The haircare appliance may comprise an air inlet through which the airflow generator is configured to draw the airflow from an ambient environment of the haircare appliance.

The haircare appliance may comprise a heater configured to heat the airflow generated by the airflow generator. The heater may be located within the first arm, for example within the airflow path of the first arm.

The first arm may be mounted for reciprocating motion relative to the second arm.

The airflow generator may be configured to generate an airflow at a flow rate of 11.51/s.

The open-cross sectional areas may decrease between the first end and the second end. This may provide greater uniformity of airflow through the bleed apertures than, for example, an arrangement where the bleed apertures have the same open-cross-sectional area. In particular, for arrangements where the bleed apertures are defined in a surface that has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel, it has been found that where the bleed apertures have a same open cross-sectional area between the first end of the surface and the second end of the surface, uneven airflow may occur across the surface. This may lead to undesirable styling effects and/or decreased user comfort. By providing the bleed apertures with an open cross- 3 P005046-W001 sectional area that decreases between the first end of the surface and the second end of the surface, such disadvantages may be mitigated.

The open-cross sectional areas may vary discontinuously between the first end and the second end. This may provide a relatively high degree of uniformity of airflow through the bleed apertures without requiring a continuous variation between the first end and the second end. For example, a difference in open cross-sectional area between a first pair of adjacent bleed apertures in a direction from the first end to the second end may be different than a difference in open cross-sectional area between a second pair of adjacent bleed apertures in the direction from the first end to the second end that are located closer to the second end than the first pair of adjacent bleed apertures. Additionally and/or alternatively, the open cross-sectional area of the bleed apertures may decrease in the direction from the first end to the second end, then increase in the direction from the first end to the second end.

The open-cross sectional areas may vary continuously between the first end and the second end. This may provide a relatively high degree of uniformity of airflow through the bleed apertures.

The air outlet may be configured to emit airflow from the airflow path into the hair receiving channel along a height of the hair receiving channel, the surface may be displaced relative to the hair receiving channel in direction parallel to the height of the hair receiving channel, and the surface may be displaced relative to the hair receiving channel in a direction parallel to the width of the hair receiving channel. For such positioning of the surface, by providing the open-cross sectional area of the bleed apertures that varies between the first and second ends of the surface, a relatively high degree of uniformity of airflow through the bleed apertures may be achieved. For example, for such a configuration of the surface, absent the variation in open cross-sectional area, airflow leaving the hair receiving channel may exhibit a tendency to flow toward bleed apertures furthest from the hair receiving channel at the second end of the surface. By providing the variation in open cross-sectional area alongside such a configuration of the surface, a greater proportion of airflow may be encouraged to pass through bleed apertures toward 4 P005046-W001 the first end of the surface, thereby leading to a relatively high degree of uniformity of airflow through the bleed apertures.

The first end of the surface may be displaced relative to a central height axis of the hair receiving channel to a first extent, the second end of the surface may be displaced relative to the central height axis of the hair receiving channel to a second extent, and the first extent may be greater than the second extent. By providing the variation in open cross- sectional area alongside such a configuration of the surface, a greater proportion of airflow may be encouraged to pass through bleed apertures toward the first end of the surface than if the bleed apertures each had a same open cross-sectional area, thereby leading to a relatively high degree of uniformity of airflow through the bleed apertures.

The surface may be curved between the first end and the second end. Use of a curved surface may enable provision of a greater number of bleed apertures than, for example, a linear surface within the same volumetric constraints. The surface may be curved about a longitudinal axis parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the hair receiving channel. The longitudinal axis may be orthogonal to the height of the hair receiving channel. The longitudinal axis may be orthogonal to the width of the hair receiving channel. The surface may have a constant curvature, for example a constant radius of curvature.

A height of the surface, measured in a direction parallel to the height of the hair receiving channel, may be from 15mm to 25mm, for example around 20mm. A width of the surface, measured in a direction parallel to the width of the hair receiving channel, may be from 5mm to 15mm, for example around 10mm.

A first bleed aperture of the plurality of bleed apertures may be located proximal to the first end of the surface, a second bleed aperture of the plurality of bleed apertures may be located proximal to the second end of the surface, the first bleed aperture may have a first open cross-sectional area, the second bleed aperture may have a second open cross- sectional area, and the first open cross-sectional area may be larger than the second open cross-sectional area. For example, the first open cross-sectional area may be at least 1.5 times the second open cross-sectional area. Such a ratio has been found to provide a 5 P005046-W001 relatively even distribution of airflow through the plurality of bleed apertures. The first open cross-sectional area may be at least 2.0 times, at least 2.5 times or at least 3.0 times, the second open cross-sectional area. The first open cross-sectional area may be no more than 4 times the second open cross-sectional area.

The first open cross-sectional area may be from 3.14mm²to 12.57mm², for example around 7.07mm². The second open cross-sectional area may be from 0.79mm² to 7.07mm², for example around 3.14mm².

The bleed apertures may be disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows along the surface, and each bleed aperture in a same longitudinal row may have a same open cross-sectional area. This may ensure relatively even distribution of airflow along the length of the surface, as well as between the first and second ends of the surface. Each longitudinal row may extend in a direction parallel to the first end of the surface, and parallel to the second end of the surface. Each longitudinal row may be located at a different respective distance from the first end of the surface, and from the second end of the surface.

For at least one pair of the plurality of longitudinal rows, a first longitudinal row of the pair may have bleed apertures of a same open cross-sectional area to bleed apertures of a second longitudinal row of the pair. This may facilitate relatively even distribution of airflow amongst the longitudinal rows, between the first end and the second end of the surface.

For any pair of the plurality of longitudinal rows, a first longitudinal row of the pair may have bleed apertures of a different open cross-sectional area to bleed apertures of a second longitudinal row of the pair. This may facilitate relatively even distribution of airflow amongst the longitudinal rows, between the first end and the second end of the surface.

Each longitudinal row may extend along a length that is at least 90% of a length of the hair receiving channel. 6 P005046-W001

The haircare appliance may comprise an outlet gap disposed below the hair receiving channel, and the outlet gap may be configured to discharge airflow from the haircare appliance. The outlet gap may be aligned with the hair receiving channel, for example with the outlet gap being located along the central height axis of the hair receiving channel.

The haircare appliance may comprise an outer surface that overlies the surface, and the outer surface may comprise a plurality of exit apertures in fluid communication with the plurality of bleed apertures. Each of the plurality of exit apertures may have a same open cross-sectional area. Alternatively, the outer surface may also have a first end nearer the first end of the surface and a second end nearer the second end of the surface, and the open cross-sectional areas of the exit apertures may also vary (e.g., decrease either continuously or discontinuously) between the first and second ends of the outer surface. The variation of the exit apertures across the outer surface may be the same as or may be different from the variation of the bleed apertures across the surface. The haircare appliance may comprise a plurality of bristles extending outwardly from the outer surface.

The haircare appliance may comprise a plurality of further bleed apertures configured to receive at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel, the further bleed apertures defined in a further surface that has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel, wherein the further bleed apertures are distributed across the further surface between the first end and the second end, each further bleed aperture may have a respective open cross-sectional area, and the open cross-sectional areas may vary between the first end and the second end.

The plurality of further bleed apertures may comprise the same features as the plurality of bleed apertures. The further surface may comprise the same features as the surface. The surface and the further surface may be mirror images of one another, for example across the central height axis of the hair receiving channel. The further surface may be positioned to underlie the second arm. The second arm may comprise a further airflow path configured to receive the airflow from the airflow generator, and a further air outlet for emitting airflow from the further airflow path into the hair receiving channel. 7 P005046-W001

The haircare appliance may comprise a flow guide disposed downstream of the hair receiving channel and upstream of the surface, the flow guide configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the first end of the surface. Such a flow guide may provide increased uniformity of airflow through the bleed apertures compared to an arrangement in which the flow guide is not present.

The flow guide may comprise a rib having a substantially tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape. Such a shape may divert airflow without introducing unwanted turbulence. The substantially tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape may be viewed in a direction along the first arm. A wider end of the tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape may face toward the hair receiving channel, for example such that airflow from the hair receiving channel impacts the wider end of the tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape.

The flow guide may comprise a curved portion, and the curved portion may be located such that airflow from the hair receiving channel impacts the curved portion in use. Airflow may thereby attach to the curved portion, which may facilitate guiding of the airflow in a desired manner, for example toward the first end of the surface.

The surface may be positioned to underlie the first arm, and the curved portion of the flow guide may face an underside of the first arm. This may assist with guiding airflow over the surface in use, for example by directing the airflow over the underside of the first arm and subsequently across the surface in use.

The flow guide may comprise a linear portion, and the linear portion may be parallel to a central height axis of the hair receiving channel. This may aid with assisting airflow toward the second end of the surface and/or toward the outlet gap in use. The linear portion may be downstream of the curved portion. The linear portion may be contiguous with the curved portion. The linear portion may be aligned with an edge of the outlet gap, for example aligned in a width direction of the hair receiving channel. 8 P005046-W001

The flow guide may extend along a length that is at least 90% of a length of the hair receiving channel. This may facilitate distributing airflow relatively evenly along the length of the surface.

The haircare appliance may comprise a further flow guide disposed downstream of the hair receiving channel and upstream of the further surface, the further flow guide configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the first end of the further surface. Such a further flow guide may provide increased uniformity of airflow through the further bleed apertures compared to an arrangement in which the further flow guide is not present.

The flow guide and the further flow guide may be spaced apart from one another to define an airgap. The airgap may be defined by respective linear portions of the flow guide and the further flow guide. The flow guide and the further flow guide may be mirror images of one another, for example across the central height axis of the hair receiving channel. The further flow guide may be positioned to underlie the second arm.

The haircare appliance may comprise a main unit comprising the first and second arms, and an attachment comprising the surface and the plurality of bleed apertures, wherein the attachment is releasably attachable to the main unit. This may enable the functionality of the bleed apertures to be selectively provided to the haircare appliance, and may, for example, enable such functionality to be retrofitted to existing haircare appliances having a main unit comprising first and second arms. At least one of the airflow generator and the heater may be disposed in the main unit.

The attachment may be releasably attachable to the first arm. This may provide a relatively simple arrangement, and may enable appropriate positioning of the bleed apertures to receive airflow from the hair receiving channel.

The attachment may comprise a first magnetic attachment member and the first arm may comprise a second magnetic attachment member for releasably engaging with the first 9 P005046-W001 magnetic attachment member. The attachment may comprise a projection or recess for releasably engaging with a corresponding recess or projection of the first arm.

The attachment may comprise an end wall configured to overlie an arm end wall of the first arm when the attachment is releasably attached to the first arm.

The attachment may comprise the flow guide.

The haircare appliance may comprise a further attachment comprising the further surface and the plurality of further bleed apertures, wherein the further attachment is releasably attachable to the main unit. This may enable the functionality of the further bleed apertures to be selectively provided to the haircare appliance, and may, for example, enable such functionality to be retrofitted to existing haircare appliances having a main unit comprising first and second arms.

The further attachment may be releasably attachable to the second arm. This may provide a relatively simple arrangement, and may enable appropriate positioning of the further bleed apertures to receive airflow from the hair receiving channel.

According to a second aspect there is provided an attachment for releasably attaching to a first arm of a haircare appliance comprising the first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel therebetween, the first arm movably mounted relative to the second arm such that movement of the first arm relative to the second arm varies a width of the hair receiving channel, wherein the attachment comprises: an interface for releasably attaching the attachment to the first arm such that the attachment underlies the first arm; and a plurality of bleed apertures, the bleed apertures defined in a surface that, when the attachment is connected to the first arm, has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel, wherein the bleed apertures are distributed across the surface between the first end and the second end, each bleed aperture has a respective open cross-sectional area, and the open cross-sectional areas vary between the first end and the second end. 10 P005046-W001

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure l is a schematic view of a haircare appliance;

Figure 2 is a first schematic view of a main unit of the haircare appliance of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a second schematic view of the main unit of the haircare appliance of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a first schematic view of a first attachment of the haircare appliance of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a second schematic view of the first attachment;

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the first attachment; and Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the haircare appliance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A haircare appliance 10, in the form of a hair straightener device, is illustrated schematically in Figure 1. The haircare appliance 10 has a main unit 12, and first 14 and second 16 attachments.

The main unit 12 is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, and has a body portion 18, an airflow generator 20, a heater 21, a bellows 22, and first 24 and second 26 arms.

The body portion 18 is generally hollow and cylindrical in form, and has an air inlet 28, a user interface 30, and a locking member 32. The body portion 18 has a first end 34 and a second end 36 opposite to the first end 34. A power cable 38 extends into the body portion 18 at the first end 34.

The air inlet 28 is located at the first end 34 of the body portion 18, and has a plurality of apertures formed in an external surface of the body portion 18. In some examples, the air inlet 28 is at least partly defined by a removable filter assembly that is removably attached to a remainder of the body portion 18. 11 P005046-W001

The user interface 30 has a display 40 located on an external surface of the body portion 18 at the second end 36 of the body portion 18, and a column of buttons 42 extending away from the display 40 along the external surface of the body portion 18. The locking member 32 is disposed on the external surface of the body portion 18 at an opposite side of the body portion 18 to the column of buttons 42. The locking member 32 is slidable along the external surface of the body portion 18 to selectively actuate an internal locking mechanism (not shown) to lock the first 24 and second 26 arms in place relative to one another.

The airflow generator 20 has an electric motor 44 and an impeller 46 driven by the electric motor 44 to generate an airflow through the main unit 12. The airflow generator 20 is disposed within the body portion 18. The heater 21 is located downstream of the airflow generator 20. The bellows 22 is disposed within the body portion 18 downstream of the electric motor 20, and is positioned to receive airflow generated by the airflow generator 20 in use. The bellows 22 forks into first 48 and second 50 ducts, with each of the first 48 and second 50 ducts configured to direct airflow from the body portion 18 into a respective one of the first 24 and second 26 arms.

Each of the first 24 and second 26 arms is substantially similar in form, albeit in mirror image to one another, and so only the features of the first arm 24 will be described here for the sake of brevity. The first arm 24 is elongate in form between a first end 52 and a second end 54, with the first arm 24 extending generally along a central longitudinal axis CL of the main unit 12. The first end 52 of the first arm 24 is pivotably mounted to the body portion 18, with the first arm 24 sprung toward an open position relative to the body portion 18. The first end 52 of the first arm 24 is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the external surface of the body portion 18, with the shape of the first end 52 of the first arm 24 being such that the column of buttons 42 and the locking member 32 are accessible to a user when the first arm 24 is pivoted to a closed position.

The first arm 24 has an internal plenum 56, an air outlet 58, a magnetic connection portion 60, and a clip receiving portion 62. The internal plenum 56 is in fluid communication with the first duct 48 of the bellows 22, and acts as an airflow path within the first arm 24. The 12 P005046-W001 internal plenum 56 begins approximately halfway along the first arm 24 between the first 52 and second 54 ends, and extends to the second end 54 of the first arm 24.

The air outlet 58 takes the form of a linear slot that extends along an upper region of the first arm 24 in the orientation seen in Figure 2. The air outlet 58 is positioned to direct airflow downwardly in a height direction of the first arm 24 in the orientation shown in Figure 2.

The magnetic connection portion 60 is located on an end wall 64 of the second end 54 of the first arm 24, and is configured to releasably engage with a magnetic connection portion 71 of a second end 74 of the first attachment 14, as will be discussed in further detail hereinafter. The clip receiving portion 62 is located on an external surface of the first arm 24, and has a recess shaped and dimensioned to releasably receive a clip projection 85 of a first end 72 of the first attachment 14, as will be discussed in further detail hereinafter.

The second arm 26 is also pivotably mounted to the body portion 18, with the second arm 26 sprung toward an open position relative to the body portion 18. The first 24 and second 26 arms oppose one another, with portions 25 of the first 24 and second 26 arms that do not overlie the body portion 18 spaced apart from one another, and respective inner walls 27 of those portions 25 defining a hair receiving channel 66.

Each of the first 14 and second 16 attachments is substantially similar in form, albeit in mirror image to one another, and so only the features of the first attachment 14 will be described here for the sake of brevity. Like reference numerals will be used for like components/features between the first 14 and second 16 attachments. The first attachment 14 is illustrated schematically in Figures 4 to 7.

The first attachment 14 has a channel portion 68 and an end wall 70, and has a first end 72 and a second end 74. The channel portion 68 is elongate between the first end 72 and the second end 74. 13 P005046-W001

The channel portion 68 has a frame 76, a flow guide 78, an inner curved surface 80, and an outer curved surface 82. The frame 76 has an upper portion 84 and a lower portion 86 spaced from the upper portion 84 by first and second arms 88. The upper portion 84 is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to an outer peripheral portion of a lower region of the portion 25 of the first arm 24 that defines the hair receiving channel 66. The upper portion 84 also comprises a clip projection 85 located at the first end 72 of the first attachment 14. The clip projection 85 is shaped and dimensioned to be releasably received within the clip receiving portion 62 of the first arm 24, for example via a releasable press fit or the like.

The flow guide 78 is an elongate rib that has a generally tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape, as can be seen in Figure 6. The flow guide 78 has a curved portion 90 and a linear portion 92. The curved portion 90 has a radius of curvature of 1.5mm. The flow guide 78 extends between the first and second arms 88, and is spaced from the upper 84 and lower 86 portions of the frame to define respective first 93 and second 95 bleed inlets. The flow guide 78 is angled so that the linear portion 92 is generally parallel to the first and second arms 88.

The inner curved surface 80 can be seen in Figure 4, where the outer curved surface 82 is removed for sake of clarity, and is curved from a first end 94 adjacent to the upper portion 84 of the frame 76, to a second end 96 adjacent to the lower portion 86 of the frame 76. An internal volume 81 is defined by the inner curved surface 80, and the upper 84 and lower 86 portions of the frame 76, can be considered to form part of a bleed flowpath, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. The inner curved surface 80 has a radius of curvature of around 15.8mm, and a circumferential extent, between the first end 94 and the second end 96, of around 30mm.

A plurality of bleed apertures 98 are defined in the inner curved surface 80, and are arranged in first to sixth longitudinal rows 100,102,104,106,108,110. The bleed apertures 98 each have a generally circular cross-sectional shape, although it will be appreciated that other shapes are also envisaged. For example, the bleed apertures in some examples can be longitudinal slots, or in some examples, each row of bleed apertures 98 can instead be a 14 P005046-W001 single longitudinal slot. The first longitudinal row 100 is located closest to the first end 94 of the inner curved surface 80, and the sixth longitudinal row 110 is located closest to the second end 96 of the inner curved surface 80. The second 102 through fifth 108 longitudinal rows are then each positioned at a different circumferential extent along the inner curved surface 80. Thus it can be said that the bleed apertures 98 are distributed across the inner curved surface 80 between the first end 94 and the second end 96.

Each bleed aperture 98 within the first 100 and second 102 longitudinal rows has a same open cross-sectional area of around 7mm². Open cross-sectional areas of from 3.14mm² to 12.57mm² are also envisaged. Each bleed aperture 98 within the third 104 and fourth 106 longitudinal rows has a same open cross-sectional area of around 5mm². Open cross- sectional areas of from 3.5mm² to 5.5mm² are also envisaged. Each bleed aperture 98 within the fifth 108 and sixth 110 longitudinal rows has a same open cross-sectional area of around 3mm². Open cross-sectional areas of from 0.79mm² to 7.07mm² are also envisaged. Thus the open cross-sectional areas of the bleed apertures 98 varies between the first end 94 and the second end 96 of the inner curved surface 80, with bleed apertures 98 in the first longitudinal row 100 having an open cross-sectional area that is around 2.3 times the open cross-sectional area of bleed apertures 98 in the sixth longitudinal row. Ratios of from 1.5 to 4 are also envisaged, as are arrangements where the open cross- sectional area of the bleed apertures 98 is different between any two of the first through sixth longitudinal rows 100,102,104,106,108,110.

The outer curved surface 82 overlies the inner curved surface 80, and is held in place by slots formed in the upper portion 84 and the lower portion 86 of the frame 76. The outer curved surface 82 has a plurality of holes (exit apertures) 112 formed therein, with each hole larger than, and positioned to overlie, a corresponding underlying one of the bleed apertures 98. Although not shown in the figures for sake of clarity, in some examples a bristle extends from the outer curved surface 82, with bristles in some examples extending through a respective one of the holes 112.

The end wall 70 of the first attachment 14 is upstanding from the channel portion 68 at the second end 74 of the first attachment 14. The end wall 70 is shaped and dimensioned to 15 P005046-W001 overlie the end wall 64 of the first arm 24 when the attachment 14 is connected to the first arm 24. An inner surface of the end wall 70 of the first attachment 14 comprises a magnetic connection portion 71 that is configured to releasably engage with the magnetic connection portion 60 of the first arm 24.

With the first attachment 14 attached to the first arm 24, the channel portion 68 of the first attachment 14 underlies the first arm 24. The flow guide 78 is positioned downstream of the hair receiving channel 66, and upstream of the inner curved surface 80. The flow guide 78 partly underlies the hair receiving channel 66, and partly underlies the first arm 24, with the curved portion 90 both underlying the hair receiving channel 66, and facing toward an underside of the first arm 24. The linear portion 92 of the flow guide 78 extends along an axis that is generally parallel to a central height axis CH of the hair receiving channel 66.

The inner curved surface 80 is positioned so that the first end 94 of the inner curved surface 80 is located upstream of the second end 96 of the inner curved surface 80, with the first end 94 proximal to the hair receiving channel 66 and the second end 96 distal to the hair receiving channel 66. The inner curved surface 80 is displaced from the hair receiving channel 66 in a direction parallel to a width axis W of the hair receiving channel 66, with the first end 94 of the inner curved surface 80 located further from the central height axis CH of the hair receiving channel 66 than the second end 96 of the inner curved surface 80.

The second attachment 16 is similarly orientated with respect to the second arm 26. The flow guides 78 of the first 14 and second 16 attachments are spaced apart to define a flow passage 114, and the lower portions 86 of the frames 76 of the first 14 and second 16 attachments are spaced apart to define an outlet gap 116.

In use, with the first 14 and second 16 attachments attached to the respective first 24 and second 26 arms, a user operates one of the buttons 42 to turn on the haircare appliance 10, and in particular to turn on the electric motor 44. Either prior to this, or after this, a user can locate a tress of hair within the hair receiving channel 66, and can apply a force to the first 24 and second 26 arms to decrease a width of the hair receiving channel 66, in a manner similar to known hair straighteners, such that the first 24 and second 26 arms are 16 P005046-W001 positioned in a closed configuration. The electric motor 44 drives rotation of the impeller 46 to generate an airflow that passes through the air inlet 28 into the body portion 18. The airflow passes through the first 48 and second 50 ducts of the bellows 22, and into the respective internal plenums 56 of the first 24 and second 26 arms. Airflow exits the first 24 and second 26 arms via the respective air outlets 58, and is directed downwardly along a height direction of the hair receiving channel 66, as shown schematically in Figure 7.

As airflow passes down the hair receiving channel 66, airflow contacts the curved portions 90 of the flow guides 78. Some of this airflow is directed along the underside of the respective first 24 and second 26 arms and through the first bleed inlets 93 toward the first ends 94 of the inner curved surfaces 80. The remaining airflow passes through the flow passage 114 defined by the linear portions 92 of the flow guides 78, and towards the outlet gap 116. As this airflow is flowing toward the outlet gap, some airflow bleeds through the second bleed inlets 95 toward the second ends 96 of the inner curved surfaces 80.

Airflow that passes through the first 93 and second 95 bleed outlets passes through the bleed apertures 98, and through the holes 112, to leave the first 14 and second 16 attachments. The remaining airflow passes through the outlet gap 116 in a direction generally parallel to the central height axis CH of the hair receiving channel 66.

As a user passes the haircare appliance over a length of the tress of hair located within the hair receiving channel 66, the bristles, when present, can act to brush the tress of hair, and the user can use the curved nature of the outer curved surfaces 82 of the first 14 and second 16 attachments to style the tress of hair, for example by imparting a curl or flick to the hair.

With the haircare appliance 10 described above, a relatively even airflow can be achieved across the outer curved surfaces 82 by causing provision of a relatively even airflow through the bleed apertures 98, between the first 94 and second 96 ends of the inner curved surfaces. In particular, in arrangements absent the flow guides 78 and where the bleed apertures 98 are all the same size, it has been found that uneven airflow across the inner curved surfaces 80 may occur, with a greater volume of airflow present at the second ends 96 of the inner curved surfaces 80 than at the first ends 94. By providing the flow guides 17 P005046-W001

78, and by the bleed apertures 98 located closest to the first ends 94 having a larger open cross-sectional area than the bleed apertures 98 located closest to the second ends 96, airflow is encouraged toward the first ends 94, resulting in a relatively even distribution of airflow through the bleed apertures 98.

In an alternative mode of operation, the user can lock the first 24 and second 26 arms in a closed position, with the hair receiving channel 66 having minimal width, without a tress of hair located within the hair receiving channel 66. The user can then brush their hair using the bristles, and if desired can wrap their hair around the outer curved surfaces 82 of the first 14 and second 16 attachments.

Operation here is described with the first attachment 14 attached to the first arm 24 and the second attachment 16 attached to the second arm 26. In practice, the haircare appliance 10 can be utilised with only the first attachment 14 attached to the first arm 24, or only the second attachment 16 attached to the second arm 26. Similarly, an alternative attachment can be attached to the second arm 26 whilst the first attachment 14 is attached to the first arm 24, or vice versa, for example with such a further attachment also comprising a bleed flowpath.

It will be appreciated that alternatives to the configuration of the first attachment 14 and the second attachment 16 described above are also envisaged. For example, at least one of the first attachment 14 and the second attachment 16 may be provided with the flow guide 78 but with each bleed aperture 98 having a same open cross-sectional area. Similarly, at least one of the first attachment 14 and the second attachment 16 may be provided with bleed apertures 98 of varying open cross-sectional area, but without the flow guides 78. In some examples, the bleed apertures 98 can be provided with open cross-sectional areas to deliberately provide uneven airflow across the internal curved surfaces 80. In some examples, at least one of the first attachment 14 and the second attachment 16 may be provided with the flow guide 78 but without the surfaces 80, 82. In some examples, the attachment 14, 16 may be a fixed part of the respective arm 14, 16, and may not be detachable from the arm 14, 16. 18 P005046-W001

It will further be appreciated that embodiments in which the attachment and the main unit are integrally formed are also envisaged.

More generally, whilst particular examples have been described, it should be understood that these are illustrative examples only and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

19 P005046-W001 CLAIMS

1. A haircare appliance comprising: a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel therebetween, the first arm movably mounted relative to the second arm such that movement of the first arm relative to the second arm varies a width of the hair receiving channel; an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow within the haircare appliance, the first arm comprising an airflow path configured to receive the airflow from the airflow generator, and an air outlet for emitting airflow from the airflow path into the hair receiving channel; and a plurality of bleed apertures arranged to receive at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel, the bleed apertures defined in a surface that has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel, wherein the bleed apertures are distributed across the surface between the first end and the second end, each bleed aperture has a respective open cross-sectional area, and the open cross-sectional areas vary between the first end and the second end.

2. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the open-cross sectional areas decrease between the first end and the second end.

3. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the open-cross sectional areas vary discontinuously between the first end and the second end.

4. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air outlet is configured to emit airflow from the airflow path into the hair receiving channel along a height of the hair receiving channel, the surface is displaced relative to the hair receiving channel in a direction parallel to the height of the hair receiving channel, and the surface is displaced relative to the hair receiving channel in a direction parallel to the width of the hair receiving channel. 20 P005046-W001

5. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the first end of the surface is displaced relative to a central height axis of the hair receiving channel to a first extent, the second end of the surface is displaced relative to the central height axis of the hair receiving channel to a second extent, and the first extent is greater than the second extent.

6. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface is curved between the first end and the second end.

7. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first bleed aperture of the plurality of bleed apertures is located proximal to the first end of the surface, a second bleed aperture of the plurality of bleed apertures is located proximal to the second end of the surface, the first bleed aperture has a first open cross-sectional area, the second bleed aperture has a second open cross-sectional area, and the first open cross- sectional area is larger than the second open cross-sectional area.

8. A haircare appliance as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first open cross-sectional area is at least 1.5 times the second open cross-sectional area.

9. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bleed apertures are disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows along the surface, and each bleed aperture in a same longitudinal row has a same open cross-sectional area.

10. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 9, wherein for at least one pair of the plurality of longitudinal rows, a first longitudinal row of the pair has bleed apertures of a same open cross-sectional area to bleed apertures of a second longitudinal row of the pair.

11. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a plurality of further bleed apertures arranged to receive at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel, the further bleed apertures defined in a further surface that has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel, wherein the further bleed apertures are distributed across the further surface between the first end and the second end, each further 21 P005046-W001 bleed aperture has a respective open cross-sectional area, and the open cross-sectional areas vary between the first end and the second end.

12. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a flow guide disposed downstream of the hair receiving channel and upstream of the surface, the flow guide configured to direct at least a portion of airflow from the hair receiving channel toward the first end of the surface.

13. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the flow guide comprises a rib having a substantially tear-drop shaped cross-sectional shape.

14. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 12 or Claim 13, wherein the flow guide comprises a curved portion, and the curved portion is located such that airflow from the hair receiving channel impacts the curved surface in use.

15. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of Claims 12 to 14, wherein the surface is positioned to underlie the first arm, and the curved portion of the flow guide faces an underside of the first arm.

16. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of Claims 12 to 15, wherein the flow guide comprises a linear portion, and the linear portion is parallel to a central height axis of the hair receiving channel.

17. A haircare appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a main unit comprising the first and second arms, and an attachment comprising the surface and the plurality of bleed apertures, wherein the attachment is releasably attachable to the main unit.

18. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the attachment is releasably attachable to the first arm. 22 P005046-W001

19. An attachment for releasably attaching to a first arm of a haircare appliance comprising the first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm spaced apart to define a hair receiving channel therebetween, the first arm movably mounted relative to the second arm such that movement of the first arm relative to the second arm varies a width of the hair receiving channel, wherein the attachment comprises: an interface for releasably attaching the attachment to the first arm such that the attachment underlies the first arm; and a plurality of bleed apertures, the bleed apertures defined in a surface that, when the attachment is connected to the first arm, has a first end proximal to the hair receiving channel and a second end distal to the hair receiving channel, wherein the bleed apertures are distributed across the surface between the first end and the second end, each bleed aperture has a respective open cross-sectional area, and the open cross-sectional areas vary between the first end and the second end.