GB2598924A

GB2598924A - Attachment for a haircare appliance

Info

Publication number: GB2598924A
Application number: GB2014730.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Brett Coulton Robert; Edward Keane Martin; Dabbs Peter
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-18
Filing date: 2020-09-18
Publication date: 2022-03-23
Anticipated expiration: 2040-09-18
Also published as: CN116194013A; WO2022058710A1; KR20230067673A; JP2024105397A; JP7484020B2; US20240008618A1; GB202014730D0; GB2598924B; JP2023542010A; GB2624338A; EP4213684A1

Abstract

A haircare appliance (20, fig.1) has a blower (41, fig 1) and outlets (113, fig.5) through which air is discharged. One or more moveable members 140, 150 are provided and are moveable between a first position where air is discharged from the outlets 113 in a clockwise direction and a second position where air is discharged from the outlets 113 in a counterclockwise direction. Preferably there are first outlets through which air is discharged in a clockwise direction and these are occluded when a member is moved into the second position to discharge air through second outlets in a counterclockwise direction. A dial (120, fig 5) may be used to move the moveable members between the two positions. Each outlet may comprise a slot that extends longitudinally. The moveable members may comprise an inner sleeve 140 and an outer sleeve 150. They may alternatively comprise a set of louvres (210, fig. 11b); segments (310, fig. 12); pairs of blades (421, 422, fig. 13) or columns (540, fig 14; 630, fig. 15). This arrangement may be provided in an attachment for an appliance.

Description

I

ATTACHMENT FOR A HAIRCARE APPLIANCE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an attachment for a haircare appliance, and to a haircare appliance comprising the attachment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A haircare appliance may comprise an attachment around which hair is wrapped to create curls. Air may be discharged from the attachment in order to encourage the hair to wrap around the attachment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an attachment for a haircare appliance comprising: an inlet for receiving an airflow; a plurality of outlets through which the airflow is discharged; and one or more members moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the airflow is discharged from the outlets in a clockwise direction when the members are in the first position, and the airflow is discharged from the outlets in a counterclockwise direction when the members are in the second position.

The outlets may comprise first outlets through which the airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction and second outlets through which the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction, and the members may occlude the airflow to the second outlets when in the first position, and occlude the airflow to the first outlets when in the second position.

Each of the members may rotate between the first position and the second position, Each of the members may rotate about a different, respective axis Each outlet may comprise a slot that extends substantially along the length of the attachment.

The airflow may be discharged from each outlet in a direction substantially tangential to an external surface of the attachment.

The airflow discharged from each outlet may be attracted to an external surface of the attachment.

The attachment may be generally cylindrical.

The attachment may have a longitudinal axis and each outlet may comprise a slot that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis The attachment may comprise an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, the inner sleeve may comprise a plurality of openings, and outer sleeve may comprise a plurality of first openings and a plurality of second openings. The member is then one of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve and rotates relative to the other of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. When the member is in the first position, the openings of the inner sleeve align with the first openings of the outer sleeve such that the airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction. When the member is in the second position, the openings of the inner sleeve align with the second openings of the outer sleeve such that the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction.

Each moveable member comprises a louvre, and the attachment may comprise a plurality of columns. Each louvre then contacts a first column when in the first position, and contacts a second, different column when in the second position.

Each louvre may contact the first column along a first edge of the louvre and a first outlet may be created along a second edge of the louvre when in the first position. Each louvre may additionally contact the second column along the second edge and a second outlet may be created along the first edge when in the second position. The airflow is then discharged from the first outlet in a clockwise direction, and the airflow is discharged from the second outlet in a counterclockwise direction.

The attachment may comprise a user-actuated selector for moving the member between the first position and the second position.

The selector may comprise a dial that rotates to move the member between the first position and the second position.

The selector may be latched and has two stable positions corresponding to the first and second positions of the members The present invention further provides a haircare appliance comprising a blower for generating an airflow, a plurality of outlets through which the airflow is discharged, and one or more members moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the airflow is discharged from the outlets in a clockwise direction when the member is in the first position, and the airflow is discharged from the outlets in a counterclockwise direction when the member is in the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure I illustrates a haircare appliance, Figure 2 is a simplified section through a handle unit of the haircare appliance, Figure 3 is a block diagram of electrical components of the handle unit; Figure 4 is an exploded view of an attachment of the haircare appliance; Figure 5 is a side view of the attachment; Figure 6 is a vertical section through the attachment; Figure 7 are horizontal sections through the attachment in which the attachment is configured to discharge airflow in (a) a clockwise direction, or (b) a counterclockwise direction, Figure 8 illustrates a user changing the configuration of the attachment; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second attachment, Figure 10 is an exploded view of the second attachment, Figure 11 are horizontal sections through the second attachment in which the attachment is configured to discharge airflow in (a) a clockwise direction, or (b) a counterclockwise direction; Figure 12 are horizontal sections through a third attachment in which the attachment is configured to discharge airflow in (a) a clockwise direction, or (b) a counterclockwise direction; Figure 13 are horizontal sections through a fourth attachment in which the attachment is configured to discharge airflow in (a) a clockwise direction, or (b) a counterclockwise direction; Figure 14 are horizontal sections through a fifth attachment in which the attachment is configured to discharge airflow in (a) a clockwise direction, or (b) a counterclockwise direction; Figure 15 are horizontal sections through a sixth attachment in which the attachment is configured to discharge airflow in (a) a clockwise direction, or (b) a counterclockwise direction; and Figure 16 is a horizontal section through a lower part of the second attachment of Figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The haircare appliance 10 of Figures 1 to 3 comprises a handle unit 20 and an attachment 100 removably attachable to the handle unit 20.

The handle unit 20 comprises a housing 30, a blower 40, a heater 50 and a control unit 60 The housing 30 is tubular in shape and comprises an inlet 31 through which an airflow is drawn into the housing 30 by the blower 40, and an outlet 32 through which the airflow is discharged from the housing 30. The blower 40 is housed within the housing 30 and comprises a fan 41 driven by an electric motor 42. The heater 50 is also housed within the housing 30 and comprises heating elements 51 to optionally heat the airflow.

The control unit 60 comprises user controls 61 and a control module 62 The user controls 61 are provided on the surface of the housing 30 and are used to power on and off the haircare appliance 10, to select a flow rate (e.g. high, medium, low), and to select an air temperature (e.g. hot, warm, cold). In this example, each of the user controls 61 comprises a sliding switch. However, other forms of user control may be used such as buttons, dials or touchscreen.

The control module 62 is responsible for controlling the blower 40 and the heater 50 in response to inputs from the user controls 61. For example, in response to inputs from the user controls, the control module 62 may control the power or speed of the blower 40 in order to adjust the flow rate of the airflow, and the power of the heater 50 in order to adjust the temperature of the airflow.

Referring now to Figures 4 to 8, the attachment 100 comprises a barrel 110 and a dial 120.

The barrel 110 is cylindrical in shape, is open at one end and is closed at the other end. The open end serves as an inlet 111 to the interior 112 of the barrel 110. A plurality of outlets 113 are formed around the side the barrel. Each outlet 113 comprises a slot that extends along the length of the barrel 110, and the outlets 113 are spaced evenly around a longitudinal axis 114 of the barrel 110.

The barrel 110 comprises an inner sleeve 140, an outer sleeve 150, and a plurality of slats 160. The inner sleeve 140 and the outer sleeve 150 are each cylindrical in shape. The inner sleeve 140 sits within the outer sleeve 150 and comprises a plurality of slots 141 that extend along the length of the inner sleeve 140. In the particular example shown in the Figures, the inner sleeve 140 comprises five slots 141.

The outer sleeve 150 comprises a plurality of openings 151 arranged into columns that extend along the length of the outer sleeve 150. More particularly, the openings 151 are arranged into pairs of columns 152,153 that are spaced evenly around the outer sleeve 150. Again, in the particular example shown in the Figures, the outer sleeve 150 comprises five pairs of columns 152,153. Each pair of columns 152,153 is separated by a spine 154.

Each of the slats 160 is attached to one of the spines 154 of the outer sleeve 150, e.g. by snap fit. Each slat 160 extends either side of the spine 154 and overlies each of the columns of openings 152,153. The edges of the slat 160 are spaced radially from the outer sleeve 150 to create two slots 113a,113b between the slat 160 and the outer sleeve 150 that extend along the length of the barrel 110. Each of the slots 113a,113b defines an outlet 113 of the barrel 110.

The inner sleeve 140 is moveable relative to the outer sleeve 150. More particularly, the inner sleeve 140 rotates relative to the outer sleeve 150 about the longitudinal axis 114 of the barrel 110. The inner sleeve 140 is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, shown in Figure 7(a), each of the slots 141 in the inner sleeve 140 is aligned with a first column of openings 152 in the outer sleeve 140. In the second position, should in Figure 7(b), each of the slots 141 in the inner sleeve 140 is aligned with a second column of openings 153 in the outer sleeve 140.

During use, when the attachment 100 is attached to the handle unit 20, the airflow generated by the handle unit 20 enters the interior 112 of the barrel 110 via the inlet 111.

From there, the airflow moves radially outward through the slots 141 in the inner sleeve 140. The airflow then passes through the openings 151 in the outer sleeve 150. More particularly, the airflow passes through either the first columns of openings 152 or the second columns of openings 153 in the outer sleeve 150, according to the position of the inner sleeve 140. When the inner sleeve 140 is in the first position (Figure 7(a)), the airflow passes through each first column of openings 152. The airflow is then turned by the slats 160 in a clockwise direction. As a result, the airflow is discharged from the barrel 110 in a clockwise direction. When the inner sleeve 150 is in the second position (Figure 7(b)), the airflow passes through each second column of openings 153. The airflow is then turned by the slats 160 in a counterclockwise direction, and the airflow is discharged from the barrel 110 in a counterclockwise direction. Accordingly, by changing the position of the inner sleeve 150, the direction of the airflow discharged from the barrel 110 may be changed from clockwise to counterclockwise.

The dial 120 is provided at the top of the barrel 110 and is attached to the inner sleeve (in this example, by means of a screw 170). The dial 120 may be used to move the inner sleeve 140 between the first and second positions For example, as illustrated in Figure 8, a user may grip and twist or rotate the dial 120 so as to move the inner sleeve between the two positions. As a result, a user is able to change the direction in which the airflow is discharged from the barrel 110. More particularly, a user is able to select whether the airflow is discharged in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

With the haircare appliance 10 described above, a user is able to change the direction of the airflow discharged from the attachment 100. In particular, by rotating the dial 120 at the top of the attachment 100, a user is able to select either clockwise or counterclockwise airflow. The direction of the airflow may therefore be changed without having to switch or change attachments.

The airflow discharged from the outlets 113 is attracted to the curved surface of the barrel 110 by the Coanda effect. As a result, hair presented to the attachment 100 is attracted to and wraps around the barrel 110. The haircare appliance 10 may therefore be used to curl hair, with the direction of the curl being determined by the direction of the airflow. By providing a single attachment 100 that is capable of delivering both clockwise and counterclockwise airflow, a user is able to quickly and conveniently change the direction in which curls are formed.

Changes in the direction of the airflow are brought about by the movement of the inner sleeve 140 relative to the outer sleeve 150. However, as will now be explained, changes in the direction of the airflow may be brought about by other means.

Figures 9 to 11 illustrate a further attachment 200 which, like the attachment of Figures 4 to 7, comprises a barrel 210 and a dial 220.

The barrel 210 is again generally cylindrical in shape, is open at one end and is closed at the other end. The open end serves as an inlet 211 to the interior 212 of the barrel 210, and a plurality of outlets 213 are formed along the side the barrel 210. Each outlet 213 comprises a slot, and the outlets 213 are spaced evenly around the longitudinal axis of the barrel 210.

The barrel 210 comprises an inner sleeve 240, a plurality of louvres 250, and a knob 260.

The inner sleeve 240 is generally cylindrical in shape, is open at a bottom end and closed at a top end. A plurality of slots 241 extend along the length of the sleeve 240. The slots 241 are relatively wide and thus the inner sleeve 240 may be regarded as having columns 242 that extend upwards from the bottom to the top of the sleeve 240. In the particular example shown in the Figures, the inner sleeve comprises five slots 241 and five columns 242.

Each of the louvres 250 covers a respective slot 241 in the inner sleeve 240. A top end of each louvre 250 is pivotally attached to the top of the inner sleeve 240. A bottom end of each louvre comprises pins or legs 251 that are received within slots 221 in the dial 220. Each of the louvres 250 pivots between a first position and a second position. The pivot point of each louvre 250 is offset from the longitudinal axis 214 of the barrel 210. This is perhaps best appreciated in Figure 10, in which it can be seen that each louvre 250 is pivotally connected to the inner sleeve 240 at positions 243 that are offset from the centre. Consequently, when in the first position, as shown in Figure 11(a), each louvre 250 contacts a first column 242a of the sleeve 240 along a first edge 250a of the louvre 250. A gap or slot 213a is then created between the louvre 250 and the inner sleeve 240 along a second edge 250b of the louvre 250. When in the second position, as shown in Figure 11(b), each louvre 250 contacts a second column 242b of the sleeve 240 along the second edge 250b of the louvre 250, and a gap or slot 213b is created between the louvre 250 and the inner sleeve 240 along the first edge 250a. Each of the slots 213a,213b defines an outlet 213 of the barrel 210. As can be seen in Figure 11, when the louvres 250 are in the first position (Figure 11(a)), the airflow is discharged from the barrel 210 in a clockwise direction and when the louvres 250 are in the second position (Figure 11(b)), the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction.

Each column 242 may comprise a sealing el ement(s) that engages with the first edge 250a of a louvre 250 when the louvres are in the first position, and engages with the second edge 250b of a louvre 250 when the louvres are in the second position. As a result, the airflow is impeded from leaking between the edges 250a,250b of the louvres 250 and the columns 242. The sealing element may comprise a compressible material, which then enables the sealing element to deform to provide an effective seal between the column 242 and the louvres 250.

Each of the louvres 250 comprises vanes 252 that extend circumferentially around the inner surface of the louvre 250. As the airflow moves from the inlet 211 of the barrel 210 to each of the outlets 213, the vanes 252 turn the airflow from a generally vertical direction (i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel) to a generally horizontal direction (ie normal to the longitudinal axis of the barrel). As a result, the airflow is discharged from the outlets 213 in a generally circumferential direction This then better encourages the airflow to wrap around the barrel 210.

The dial 220 resembles a star-shaped wheel that surrounds the bottom of the inner sleeve 240. The dial 220 comprises slots 221 into which the legs 251 of the louvres 250 are received. The dial 220 is rotatable relative to the inner sleeve 250. More particularly, the dial 220 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the barrel 210. Rotating the dial 220 clockwise and counterclockwise causes each of the louvres 250 to pivot between the first position and the second position. Consequently, the dial 220 may be used to change the direction in which the airflow is discharged from the barrel 210.

The knob 260 is attached to the top of the inner sleeve 240 and is isolated from the airflow moving within the barrel 210. The knob 260 therefore provides a relatively cool area of the barrel 210 which a user may grip when manipulating the haircare appliance 10.

The attachments 100,200 described above change the direction of the airflow in different ways. However, common to each is the presence of a member(s) (e.g. the inner sleeve of Figures 4 to 7 or the louvres 250 of Figures 9 to H) that moves between a first position and a second position. The airflow is then discharged from the attachment in a clockwise direction when the member(s) is in the first position, and the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction when the member(s) is in the second position. Moreover, each of the attachments 100,200 may be said to have first outlets 113a,213a through which the airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction and second outlets 113b,213b through which the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction. The member(s) 140,250 then occludes the airflow to the second outlets 113b,2113b when in the first position, and occludes the airflow to the first outlets 113a,213a when in the second position. For example, with the attachment 100 of Figures 4 to 7, the barrel 110 may be said to have a first outlets 113a and second outlets 113b formed between the slats and the outer sleeve 150. The airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction through the first outlets 113a (Figure 7(a)) and in a counterclockwise direction through the second outlets 113b (Figure 7(b)). The inner sleeve 150 (i.e. the member) is moveable from a first position in which the sleeve 150 occludes the path of the airflow to the second outlets 113b (Figure 7(a)) to a second position in which the sleeve 150 occludes the path of the airflow to the first outlets Ina (Figure 7(b)).

Figures 12 to 15 illustrate further arrangements for achieving a change in the direction of the airflow. Figure 12 illustrates a third arrangement for an attachment 300 in which the barrel 310 comprises four segments 320. Each segment 320 pivots about an axis 325 that is offset from the longitudinal axis of the barrel 310. Each segment 320 pivots between a first position (Figure 12(a)) and a second position (Figure 12(b)). In the first position, a first edge of an outer wall 321 of the segment abuts an inner wall 322 of an adjacent segment, and a second edge of the outer wall 321 is spaced radially beyond the outer wall of another adjacent segment. Thus, a seal is formed on one side of each segment 320 and an outlet is formed on the other side. The four segments 320 pivot in unison such that outlets are formed on the same side of each segment 320 simultaneously. When the segments 320 are in the first position (Figure 12 (a)), the airflow is discharged from first outlets 313a in a clockwise direction. And when the segments are in the second position (Figure 12(b)), the airflow is discharged from second outlets 313b in a counterclockwise direction, Figure 13 illustrates a fourth arrangement for an attachment 400 in which the barrel 410 comprises four pairs of blades 421,422. Each pair of blades 421,422 pivot about an axis 423 located midway between the two blades. Each first blade 421 of a pair is connected along an edge to an edge of a second blade 422 of an adjacent pair by an elastic element 430. The four pairs of blades pivot in unison between a first position (Figure 13(a)) and a second position (Figure 13(b)). When in the first position, the first blade 421 of each pair is on the outside, and the second blade 422 of each pair is on the inside. Conversely, when in the second position, the first blade 421 is on the inside, and the second blade 422 is on the outside. As viewed in Figure 13, each pair of blades 421,422 pivots in a counterclockwise direction when moving from the first position (Figure 13(a)) to the second position (Figure 13(b)). When in the first position, the elastic element 430 is stretched around the exterior of the first blade 421 of each pair of blades and is pulled taught. Airflow is then discharged from first outlets 413a in a clockwise direction via channels 424 between each pair of blades. When moved to the second position, the elastic member 430 is instead stretched around the exterior of the second blade 422 of each pair of blades. Air is then discharged from second outlets 413b in a counterclockwise direction via the channels 424.

Figure 14 illustrates a fifth arrangement for an attachment 500 in which the barrel 510 comprises an inner sleeve 520, an outer sleeve 530, and a plurality of columns 540. Each column 540 pivots or rotates about its respective center between a first position (Figure 14(a)) and a second position (Figure 14(b)). The inner sleeve 520 and the outer sleeve 530 define pairs of channels 551,552. When in the first position, each column 540 opens a first channel 551 of the pair of channels and closes a second channel 552. The airflow is then discharged through first outlets 513a in a clockwise direction (Figure 14(a)). When in the second position, each column 540 closes the first channel 551 and opens a second channel 552. The airflow is then discharged through second outlets 513b in a counterclockwise direction (Figure 14(b)). All five columns 540 are arranged to move in unison such that the airflow is discharged in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction over the outer surface of the barrel 510. The provision of the inner sleeve 520 encourages the airflow to move circumferentially before being discharged from the outlets. This then 1.3 improves the attraction of the exiting airflow to the surface of the barrel 510, i.e. the Coanda effect. Nevertheless, the inner sleeve 520 could conceivably be omitted.

Figure 15 illustrates a sixth arrangement for an attachment 600 in which the barrel 610 comprises a plurality of columns 620, and a plurality of moving elements 630. Each moving element 630 is positioned between a pair of columns 620. The moving elements 630 rotate collectively about the longitudinal axis of the barrel between a first position (Figure 15(a)) and a second position (Figure 15(b)). Each moving element 630 is narrower than the circumferential gap between adjacent columns. As a result, an outlet is created between each moving element 630 and the columns 620. More particularly, when the moving elements 630 are in the first position (Figure 15(a)), first outlets 613a are created through which the airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction. When the moving elements 630 are in the second position (Figure 15(b)), second outlets 613b are created through which the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction.

In the examples described above, each attachment has a first configuration in which the airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction and a second configuration in which the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction. Within each configuration, the airflow is discharged from the outlets in a direction substantially tangential to the external surface of the barrel. As a result, the airflow discharged from the outlets is attracted to the external surface by the Coanda effect. This then has the benefit that hair presented to the attachment is attracted to and wraps around the barrel. In other examples, the attachment may have additional configurations in which the airflow discharged from the outlets is not tangential to the external surface of the barrel. For example, the attachment may have a third configuration in which the airflow is discharged from the outlets in a direction substantially perpendicular to the external surface of the barrel. This may be useful to provide the user with a diffuser-type option, for example, once the hair has been wrapped and the user would like to dry the hair.

The attachments described above each comprise a dial for selecting clockwise or counterclockwise airflow, The provision of a dial, which rotates about the longitudinal axis of the attachment, provides the user with a relatively intuitive way for changing the direction of the airflow. In particular, the user may rotate the dial clockwise and counterclockwise in order to select respectively clockwise and counterclockwise airflow. In spite of the aforementioned advantages, the haircare appliance may comprise an alternative type of selector that may be actuated by a user in order to select clockwise or counterclockwise airflow.

The dial or other user-actuated selector may be latched and may have two stable positions corresponding to the first and second positions of the moveable member(s). This then has the advantage that the dial, and thus the moveable member(s), are less likely to be moved inadvertently during use of the haircare appliance. Additionally, the moveable member(s) are more likely to be in the correct position since the dial may be automatically latched into position upon rotation The user is not therefore required to accurately position the dial during use By way of example, the dial 120 of the attachment 100 of Figures 4 to 7 may be locked when in the first position and in the second position. In order to move the dial 120 between the first and second positions, the dial 120 may be depressed in order to release the dial 120 from the locked position. With the dial 120 depressed, the dial may be rotated between the first position and the second position. Once in position, the dial 120 may be released and the dial 120 may be automatically guided and returned to the locked position, e.g. by a biasing spring and guide features.

Figure 16 shows a further example in which the dial 220 of the attachment 200 of Figures 9 to 11 comprises a latching mechanism 1000. The latching mechanism 1000 comprises a spring 1004 slid over a U-shaped clip 1002. A first pin 1006a is located on the dial 220. The first pin 1006a is sandwiched between the U-shaped end 1002a of the clip 1002 and one end of the spring 1004. Another pin 1006b is located on the barrel 210. Two unconnected ends 1002b of the U-shaped clip 1002 slot around the pin 1006b and another end of the spring is biased against the pin 1006b.

As the dial 220 is rotated clockwise, the pins 1006a, 1006b are brought closer together. The spring is held between the two pins 1006a, 1006b by the clip 1002. Thus, the spring is forced to contract. When the spring is in a contracted state the latching mechanism is in an unstable state as there is potential energy stored in the compressed spring 1004. The stored elastic potential energy in the compressed spring 1004 applies a force back to one of the stable positions is the latching mechanism, i.e. the position wherein the spring is most relaxed. A first stable position of the latching mechanism 1000 is to the right of line Y-Y. Up the line Y-Y, from the right, the latching mechanism 1000 will encourage the louvres 250 (i.e. the moveable members) back towards the first stable position which is equivalent to the first position of the louvres 250. Beyond the line Y-Y, towards the left, the latching mechanism 1000 will bias the louvres 250 towards the second stable position. In this way, the attachment 200 is more likely to be in the correct position during use since the latching mechanism automatically snaps the louvres 250 into position upon rotation of the dial 220.

Each of the attachments is removably attached to a handle unit. This then has the advantage that the handle unit may be used with other types of attachment, such as a styling brush or hair dryer nozzle. Nevertheless, the haircare appliance could conceivably comprise an attachment that is permanently attached to the handle unit.

Each slat may comprise a sealing element configured to engage with the first edge of each blade when the blades are in the first configuration and to engage with the second edge of each blade when the blades are in the second configuration. Thus, fluid is further impeded from leaking out through gaps between the edge of the blade and the column.

The sealing element may comprise a compressible material. This enables the sealing element to deform to receive the edge of the blade to improve the seal.

The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above. Variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An attachment for a haircare appliance comprising: an inlet for receiving an airflow; a plurality of outlets through which the airflow is discharged; and one or more members moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the airflow is discharged from the outlets in a clockwise direction when the members are in the first position, and the airflow is discharged from the outlets in a counterclockwise direction when the members are in the second position.
2. An attachment according to claim 1, wherein the outlets comprise first outlets through which the airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction and second outlets through which the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction, the members occlude the airflow to the second outlets when in the first position, and the members occlude the airflow to the first outlets when in the second position.
3. An attachment according to claim 1, wherein each of the members rotates between the first position and the second position 4 An attachment as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the members rotates about a different, respective axis.An attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein each outlet comprises a slot that extends substantially along the length of the attachment.6. An attachment according to any preceding claims, wherein the airflow is discharged from each outlet in a direction substantially tangential to an external surface of the attachment 7. An attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the airflow discharged from each outlet is attracted to an external surface of the attachment.7. An attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment is generally cylindrical.8. An attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment has a longitudinal axis and each outlet comprises a slot that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis.9. An attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein: the attachment comprises an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve; the inner sleeve comprises a plurality of openings; the outer sleeve comprises a plurality of first openings and a plurality of second openings; the member is one of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve and rotates relative to the other of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve; when the member is in the first position, the openings of the inner sleeve align with the first openings of the outer sleeve such that the airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction; and when the member is in the second position, the openings of the inner sleeve align with the second openings of the outer sleeve such that the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction.10. An attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each moveable member comprises a louvre, the attachment comprises a plurality of columns, and each louvre contacts a first column when in the first position, and contacts a second, different column when in the second position.11. An attachment as claimed in claim 10, wherein each louvre contacts the first column along a first edge of the louvre and a first outlet is created along a second edge of the louvre when in the first position, each louvre contacts the second column along the second edge and a second outlet is created along the first edge when in the second position, the airflow is discharged from the first outlet in a clockwise direction, and the airflow is discharged from the second outlet in a counterclockwise direction.12. An attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment comprises a user-actuated selector for moving the member between the first position and the second position.13. An attachment according to claim 12, wherein the selector comprises a dial that rotates to move the member between the first position and the second position.14. An attachment according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the selector is latched and has two stable positions corresponding to the first and second positions of the members.15. A haircare appliance comprising a blower for generating an airflow, a plurality of outlets through which the airflow is discharged, and one or more members moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the airflow is discharged from the outlets in a clockwise direction when the member is in the first position, and the airflow is discharged from the outlets in a counterclockwise direction when the member is in the second position 16. A haircare appliance according to claim 15, wherein the outlets comprise first outlets through which the airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction and second outlets through which the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction, the members occlude the airflow to the second outlets when in the first position, and the members occlude the airflow to the first outlets when in the second position.