ATTACHMENT FOR A HAIRCARE APPLIANCE

Abstract

An attachment for a haircare appliance is provided. The attachment includes an air inlet, an air outlet, a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, and a plurality of bristles. The attachment is configured such that airflow exiting the air outlet generates a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface. The plurality of bristles are movable between a first position relative to the air outlet, and a second position relative to the air outlet, with the second position different to the first position. Movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to airflow from the air outlet.

Claims

1. An attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising: an air inlet, an air outlet, a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, and a plurality of bristles, wherein the attachment is configured such that airflow exiting the air outlet in use generates a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface, wherein the plurality of bristles are movable between a first position relative to the air outlet and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position different to the first position, and wherein movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to airflow from the air outlet.

2. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bristles are embedded in a bristle bed, and wherein movement of the bristle bed between the first and second positions moves the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions.

3. The attachment of claim 1, wherein movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases a number of the plurality of bristles that are exposed to airflow from the air outlet.

4. The attachment of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of bristles is exposed to airflow from the air outlet in the first position, and/or wherein the plurality of bristles are closer to the air outlet in the second position than in the first position.

5. (canceled)

6. The attachment of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of bristles are configured to detach airflow from the curved surface in the first position.

7. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bristles are rotatable about a common rotation point to move between the first and second positions.

8. The attachment of claim 7, further comprising a user actuable mechanism configured to rotate the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions.

9. The attachment of claim 1, further comprising a retention mechanism for retaining the plurality of bristles in one of the first and second positions.

10. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the curved surface comprises an annular surface, wherein the plurality of bristles are disposed on the curved surface, and wherein rotation of the curved surface relative to the air outlet is configured to move the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions.

11. The attachment of claim 10, wherein the curved surface is substantially smooth between the air outlet and the plurality of bristles when the plurality of bristles are in the first position.

12. The attachment of claim 10, wherein the plurality of bristles are disposed on the curved surface such that a radial distance of a bristle closest to the air outlet in the second position is less than a radial distance of a bristle furthest away from the air outlet in the second position.

13. The attachment of claim 1, further comprising a contact member configured to contact the haircare appliance when the attachment is attached to the haircare appliance such that rotation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance about an axis in a plane of the air inlet is inhibited.

14. The attachment of claim 13, wherein the contact member is configured to contact the haircare appliance when the attachment is attached to the haircare appliance such that rotation of the attachment relative to the haircare appliance about a further axis orthogonal to the plane of the air inlet is enabled.

15. The attachment of claim 13, wherein the contact member comprises a spigot that extends into a bore of the haircare appliance when the attachment is attached to the haircare appliance.

16. The attachment of claim 1, wherein when the plurality of bristles are in the second position, a first airflow path is defined along a first side of the plurality of bristles and a second airflow path is defined along a second side of the plurality of bristles.

17. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the air outlet is defined by radially inner and outer walls, and wherein the radially outer wall comprises a radius of curvature that decreases toward the air outlet.

18. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a flow guide for distributing airflow along the air outlet.

19. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bristles are positioned in first and second rows, and wherein at least some bristles of the first row are linked to at least some bristles of the second row by a linking member.

20. A haircare appliance comprising an attachment as claimed in claim 1.

21. A haircare appliance comprising: an air inlet, an air outlet, an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet, a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, and a plurality of bristles, wherein the haircare appliance is configured such that airflow exiting the air outlet in use generates a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface, wherein the plurality of bristles are movable between a first position relative to the air outlet and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position different to the first position, and wherein movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to airflow from the air outlet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a haircare appliance according to the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a handle unit of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1;

[0055] FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view of an attachment of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1;

[0056] FIG. 4 is a first perspective view of an inlet body of the attachment of FIG. 3 in isolation;

[0057] FIG. 5 is a first perspective view of an inlet body of the attachment of FIG. 3 in isolation;

[0058] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an upper wall of the attachment of FIG. 3 in isolation;

[0059] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a barrel of the attachment of FIG. 3 in isolation;

[0060] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an end cap of the attachment of FIG. 3 in isolation;

[0061] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a spigot of the attachment of FIG. 3 in isolation;

[0062] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the attachment of FIG. 3 with bristles in a first position;

[0063] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of FIG. 3 with bristles in the first position;

[0064] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the attachment of FIG. 3 with bristles in a second position;

[0065] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of FIG. 3 with bristles in the second position;

[0066] FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating forces generated by airflow through the attachment of FIG. 3 in use;

[0067] FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating forces generated by moving the attachment of FIG. 3 relative to a tress of hair with the bristles in the second position of FIGS. 12 and 13;

[0068] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a first alternative barrel for the attachment of FIG. 3;

[0069] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a second alternative barrel for the attachment of FIG. 3;

[0070] FIG. 18 is a schematic view illustrating rows of linked bristles for the attachment of FIG. 3;

[0071] FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a third alternative barrel for the attachment of FIG. 3;

[0072] FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a fourth alternative barrel for the attachment of FIG. 3;

[0073] FIG. 21 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of an attachment for use with the haircare appliance of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0074] A haircare appliance 10 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically in FIG. 1.

[0075] The haircare appliance 10 comprises a handle unit 12 and an attachment 14.

[0076] The handle unit 12 is shown schematically in isolation in FIG. 2, and comprises a handle portion 16, a head portion 18, an airflow generator 20 and a heater 22.

[0077] The handle portion 16 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form, and houses the airflow generator 20. The handle portion 16 has an air inlet 24 in the form of a plurality of perforations at a first end 26 of the handle portion 16.

[0078] The head portion 18 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form, and is disposed at a second end 27 of the handle portion 16, with a central axis of the head portion 18 orthogonal to a central axis of the handle portion 16 such that the handle unit 12 is generally T-shaped in form. The head portion 18 houses the heater 22. The head portion 18 comprises a bore 28 through which air is entrained, and an air outlet 30. The air outlet 30 is generally annular in form about a periphery of the bore 28. The head portion 18 further comprises an annular magnet (not shown) for releasably connecting the handle unit 12 to the attachment 14. The annular magnet extends annularly about the air outlet 30.

[0079] The attachment 14 is shown in an exploded view in FIG. 3. The attachment 14 comprises an inlet body 32, an upper wall 34, a barrel 36, first 38 and second 40 end caps, and a spigot 42.

[0080] The inlet body 32 is shown in isolation in FIGS. 4 and 5. The inlet body 32 comprises a conical body 44, and first 50 and second 52 annular members.

[0081] The conical body 44 is generally conical in form, is hollow, and is open at a downstream end. The conical body 44 acts as a plenum to receive airflow from the handle unit 12 in use. Lower 56 and upper 58 walls extend forwardly from the open end of the conical body 44. The lower wall 56 of the conical body 44 extends further forwards than the upper wall 58 of the conical body 44, with the lower wall 56 defining a radially inner wall of an air outlet 54 of the attachment 14. The air outlet 54 is seen most clearly in FIGS. 11 and 13. An upstream end of the conical body 44, i.e. an end that is closer to the handle unit 12 when the attachment 14 is attached to the handle unit 12 in use, is generally open.

[0082] Collectively, the open upstream end of the conical body 44 and the spigot 42 define an air inlet 60 of the attachment, with the air inlet 60 generally annular in form. A plurality of magnets (not shown) are disposed annularly about the air inlet 60.

[0083] The first 50 and second 52 annular members are disposed either side of the lower 56 and upper 58 walls, and comprise generally annular bodies 62 that define through-holes 64. The through-holes 64 are shaped and dimensioned to receive radially inner annular projections 86 of the respective first 38 and second 40 end caps. Each of the first 50 and second 52 annular members comprises a respective ball plunger 66 that can act as plunger of a retention mechanism, as will be described in more detail hereafter.

[0084] The upper wall 34 is shown in isolation in FIG. 6. The upper wall 34 is shaped and dimensioned to sit on top of the inlet body 32, and in particular on top of the conical body 44 and the associated upper wall 58 of the conical body 44. The upper wall 34 defines a radially outer wall of the air outlet 54 of the attachment 14. The curvature of the upper wall 34 is such that the curvature increases toward the air outlet 54. Collectively the form of the upper wall 34 and the lower wall 56 of the conical body 44 give the air outlet 54 a generally slot-like form. The air outlet 54 comprises an open cross-sectional area in the region of 140 mm.sup.2 to 450 mm.sup.2, for example in the region of 280 mm.sup.2 to 350 mm.sup.2. The air outlet comprises a width in the region of 70 mm to 90 mm, for example in the region of 75 mm to 85 mm. The air outlet comprises a height in the region of 2 mm to 5 mm.

[0085] A lower surface of the upper wall 34 comprises a plurality of projections 70 that, when the upper wall 34 is mounted to the inlet body 32, extend into the flow path in the region of the air outlet 54. Such projections 70 act as flow guides in the region of the air outlet 54. Only one projection 70 is visible in FIG. 6.

[0086] The barrel 36 is shown in isolation in FIG. 7, and comprises a cylindrical body 72, a bristle bed 74, a ramp 76, and snap-fit recesses 78. The cylindrical body 72 is generally cylindrical in form, and defines a substantially smooth and uninterrupted surface over a majority of its circumferential extent. The cylindrical body 72 defines a curved surface downstream of the air outlet 54 of the attachment 14 when the attachment 14 is assembled. The cylindrical body 72 has a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the through-holes 64 of the first 50 and second 52 annular members.

[0087] The bristle bed 74 is overmoulded onto the cylindrical body 72, and comprises a plurality of upstanding bristles 80. The ramp 76 is positioned adjacent to the bristle bed 76 such that the ramp 76 is located upstream of the plurality of bristles 80 when the attachment is assembled. The ramp 76 is generally triangular in cross-sectional shape, and is positioned such that a flat surface is presented in an upstream direction, i.e. a direction that faces the air outlet 54 of the attachment 14 when the attachment 14 is assembled. The ramp 76 can be integrally formed with the cylindrical body 72, or can be a separate component attached to the cylindrical body 72. The ramp 76 has a width substantially corresponding to a width of the bristle bed 74.

[0088] The snap-fit recesses 78 are disposed toward outer edges of the cylindrical body 72, and are spaced about the circumference of the cylindrical body 78. The snap-fit recesses 78 are shaped and dimensioned to receive corresponding snap-fit projections 88 of the first 38 and second 40 end caps. The snap-fit recesses 78 are positioned such that they are not located within an airflow from the attachment 14 when the attachment 14 is in use.

[0089] The first end cap 38 is shown in isolation in FIG. 8. It will be appreciated that the second end cap 40 comprises substantially the same form as the first end cap 38, and so is not described here for sake of brevity.

[0090] The first end cap 38 comprises a circular base 82, and radially outer 84 and radially inner 86 annular projections extending from the circular base 82. The spacing between the radially outer 84 and radially inner 86 annular projections, and the depth of the radially outer 84 and radially inner 86 annular projections, is such that the first end cap 38 is able to overlie the first annular member 50, with the radially inner annular projection 86 extending through the through-hole 64 of the first annular member 50, and the first end cap 38 being rotatable relative to the first annular member 50.

[0091] The radially inner annular projection 86 comprises a number of snap-fit projections 88 shaped and dimensioned to engage with the corresponding snap-fit recesses 78 of the barrel 36.

[0092] An inwardly facing surface of the circular base 82 comprises first 92 and second (not shown) pairs of ramped projections, with each pair of ramped projections comprising a notch 96 located between the respective ramped projections. The notches 96 are shaped and dimensioned to receive the ball plunger 66 of the first annular member 50, such that the first end cap 38 can be retained in one of two rotational positions relative to the first annular member 50. An external surface 98 of the radially outer projection defines a graspable surface by which a user can grasp the first end cap 38 and rotate the first end cap 38 relative to the first annular member 50 between the two rotational positions.

[0093] The spigot 42 is shown in isolation in FIG. 9 and comprises a first spigot portion 102 and a second spigot portion 104. The first spigot portion 102 is duckbill shaped, and is dimensioned to sit substantially within the conical body 44 of the inlet body 32. Collectively, the first spigot portion 102 and the conical body 44 define the air inlet 60 of the attachment, as discussed previously. The first spigot portion 102, and particularly the duckbill region of the first spigot potion 102, act as a flow guide for air entering the air inlet 60. The second spigot portion 104 is generally cylindrical in form, albeit with an annular channel 106 for receiving an o-ring (not shown). The second spigot portion 104 extends rearwardly from the attachment 14, in an upstream direction, when the attachment is assembled. The second spigot portion 104 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within the bore 28 of the head portion 18 of the handle unit 12 when the attachment 14 is attached to the handle unit 12. The second spigot portion 104 has a length of around 38 mm, although lengths of at least 20 mm are envisaged.

[0094] To assemble the attachment 14, the upper wall 34 is ultrasonically welded to the inlet body 32. The first 102 and second 104 spigot portions are fixed together via a screw, and are attached to the inlet body 32 via two screws received in screw bosses formed on the inlet body 32. The barrel 36 is located between the first 50 and second 52 annular members of the inlet body 32, and the first 38 and second 40 endcaps are aligned with both the barrel 36 and the respective first 50 and second 52 annular members, before the snap-fit projections 88 of the first 38 and second 40 endcaps engage with the corresponding snap-fit recesses 78 of the barrel 36. Thus the barrel 36 is held between the first 50 and second 52 annular members, with the barrel 36 downstream of the air outlet 54 of the attachment 14. The notches 96 of the first 38 and second 40 end caps receive the ball plungers 66 of the respective first 50 and second 52 annular members, such that the first 38 and second 40 end caps, and hence the barrel 36, can be retained in one of two rotational positions relative to the first 50 and second 52 annular members.

[0095] In particular, the barrel 36 can be rotated by a user of the attachment 14 between a first position, shown schematically in FIGS. 10 and 11, and a second position shown schematically in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0096] In the first position of FIGS. 10 and 11, the substantially smooth and uninterrupted surface of the cylindrical body 72 is located adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet 54 of the attachment 14. The plurality of bristles 80 are located more than 90 from the air outlet 54, with the ramp 76 located upstream of the plurality of bristles. Angular positions of the bristles 80 relative to the air outlet 54 of between 30 and 120 are also envisaged.

[0097] In the second position of FIGS. 12 and 13, the ramp 76 is engaged with the lower wall 56 of the inlet body 32 and the plurality of bristles 80 are located adjacent to, although paced from, the air outlet 54. In other words, the plurality of bristles 80 are located closer to the air outlet 54 in the second position of FIGS. 12 and 13 than they are when in the first position of FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0098] In use, the attachment 14 is attached to the handle unit 12 via the corresponding magnets, as previously described, with the second spigot portion 104 extending into the bore 28 of the head portion 18 of the handle unit 12. The airflow generator 20 generates an airflow from the air inlet 24 to the air outlet 30 of the handle unit, with the heater 22 optionally being used to heat the generated airflow

[0099] Airflow enters the attachment via the air inlet 60, and is guided by the first spigot portion 102 toward the air outlet 54. The plurality of projections 70 of the upper wall 34 extend into the flow path in the region of the air outlet 54, and act as flow guides in the region of the air outlet 54 to distribute airflow across the width of the air outlet 54. The airflow generator 20 is configured to generate airflow in the region of 8 L/s to 14 L/s, and this, combined with the form of the air outlet 54, results in airflow at the air outlet having a velocity in the region of 30 m/s to 45 m/s. When the barrel 36, and hence the plurality of bristles 80, are in the first position of FIGS. 10 and 11, the substantially smooth and uninterrupted surface of the cylindrical body 72 defines a curved surface located adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet 54. Airflow leaving the air outlet 54 flows over this curved surface attaches to the curved surface via the Coanda effect. When a tress of hair is brought into the vicinity of the attachment 14, long hairs of the tress are attracted to, and at least partially wrapped about, the curved surface, as a result of a negative pressure region generated by the airflow over the curved surface. However, the pressure gradient across the tress also results in a force which causes some airflow to pass directly through the tress. Due to the location of this force relative to the curved surface and the rest of the tress, shorter hairs are only held loosely at this point compared to longer hairs which are held in place on the curved surface. The shorter hairs are blown through the tress toward a user's head, whilst the longer hairs remain in place on the outside of the tress, ie the portion of the tress facing away from the user's head. This provides a smooth finish for hair following interaction with the haircare appliance 10.

[0100] The forces described above are illustrated schematically in FIG. 14.

[0101] The ramp 76 causes airflow to detach from the curved surface prior to airflow reaching the bristles 80, although it will be appreciated that some airflow may contact at least the initial rows of bristles in practice. Other embodiments in which the ramp 76 is omitted are also envisaged, and in such embodiments the bristles 80 can similarly cause detachment of airflow for the curved surface. Either way, airflow is detached from the curved surface prior to the airflow being directed at a hand of a user grasping the handle portion 16 of the haircare appliance, which may be particularly beneficial where the airflow is heated.

[0102] If a user instead wishes to utilise the bristles 80 to style their hair, the user can grasp one of the first 38 and second 40 end caps, and via rotation of the end cap 38,40 cause rotation of the barrel 36, and hence the plurality of bristles 80, to the second position of FIGS. 12 and 13. In such a position, the ramp 76 contacts the lower wall 56 of the air outlet, and the bristles 80 are located closer to the air outlet 54, with the majority, if not all, of the bristles 80 being exposed to airflow from the air outlet 54. The bristles 80 can then be used to, for example, brush the user's hair whilst also drying the user's hair via the heated airflow. It will be appreciated that, as the bristles 80 are also disposed on a curved surface, airflow may still attach to the curved surface when the bristles 80 are in the second position, and may attract airflow toward the roots of the bristles 80 in the manner previously described. However, the bristles 80 may result in such an attractive force being lower than, for example, that experienced in the first position previously described. This force can be optimised by, for example, modifying the angle of attack of the air outlet 54 relative to the curved surface, and an angle of attack of 70 has been found to be beneficial in some examples.

[0103] It will of course be appreciated that a user may wish instead to use the haircare appliance 10 in the opposite order to that described above, for example by using the attachment with the bristles 80 in the second position initially to brush and/or dry their hair, before switching the bristles to the first position to subsequently achieve a smooth finish.

[0104] When a user drags the bristles 80 through a tress of hair, resultant forces may be such that pivoting of the attachment 14 relative to the handle unit 12 can occur, and, given that the magnetic attachment strength between the attachment 14 and the handle unit 12 needs to be relatively small in order to enable ease of removal by a user, such forces can result in inadvertent separation of the attachment 14 from the handle unit 12. However, as the second spigot portion 104 extends into the bore 28, particularly to an extent of 38 mm, the second spigot portion 104 can contact the wall of the bore 28 such that only minimal pivoting of the attachment 14 relative to axes in the plane of the air inlet 60 of the attachment 14 is allowed. This may inhibit inadvertent separation of the attachment 14 from the handle unit 12. Furthermore, the nature of the magnetic fixing of the attachment 14 to the handle unit 12, and the interaction of the second spigot portion 104 with the bore 28, can enable the attachment 14 to rotate relative to the handle unit 12 about an axis orthogonal to the plane of the air inlet 60 of the attachment 14, This provides flexibility in rotational orientation of the attachment 14 relative to the handle unit 12, whilst providing the reduced risk of inhibit inadvertent separation of the attachment 14 from the handle unit 12 mentioned above. The above is illustrated schematically in FIG. 15.

[0105] As noted above, airflow may still attach to the curved surface when the bristles 80 are in the second position, and may attract airflow toward the roots of the bristles 80 in the manner previously described. However, the bristles 80 may result in such an attractive force being lower than, for example, that experienced in the first position previously described.

[0106] A second embodiment of a barrel 200 that may help with increasing the attractive force when the bristles 80 are in the second position is illustrated schematically in FIG. 16, where like reference numerals are used for sake of clarity.

[0107] Here the cylindrical body 202 of the barrel 200 comprises an area 204 of increased cross-sectional thickness relative to the remainder of the cylindrical body, with the bristles 80 disposed in the area 204 of increased cross-sectional thickness. The area 20 of increased cross-sectional thickness gradually increases in thickness, before falling back sharply to the thickness of the remainder of the cylindrical body 202. Given that each of the bristles 80 has the same length, this results in bristles 80 further downstream being located at slightly increased radial distances relative to those bristles 80 located upstream. This may provide an enhanced coanda effect on the curved surface on which the bristles 80 are disposed in the second position.

[0108] A third embodiment of a barrel 300 that may help with increasing the attractive force when the bristles 80 are in the second position is illustrated schematically in FIG. 17, where like reference numerals are used for sake of clarity.

[0109] Here cylindrical body 302 of the barrel 300 comprises first 304 and second 306 slots formed either side of the bristles 80, with the first 304 and second 306 slots forming a second airflow path, e.g. a bleed, behind the bristles 80. The presence of the second airflow path may encourage airflow flowing through the bristles 80 to remain attached to the curved surface on which the bristles are disposed, for example by entraining the airflow through the bristles by virtue of the airflow from the second airflow path emerging downstream of the bristles 80.

[0110] When the bristles 80 are located in the second position, the bristles 80 are closer to the air outlet 54, and more exposed to airflow from the air outlet 54, than when in the first position. This can, however, increase noise levels via increased interaction of the bristles 80 with the airflow. In some examples, individual rows of bristles 80 are linked, as shown schematically in FIG. 18, which has been found to reduce noise levels associated with the attachment 14. As illustrated in FIG. 18, only first 400 and second 402 rows of bristles are linked by a linking member 406, although it will be appreciated that embodiments where further rows of bristles 80 are linked are also envisaged. Embodiments where only certain columns of bristles within a row are linked are also envisaged.

[0111] In the embodiments previously described, movement of the bristles 80 between the first and second positions is achieved via rotation of the barrel 36 between its first and second positions. Other mechanisms for increasing exposure of the bristles 80 to the airflow from the air outlet are also envisaged.

[0112] In the example of FIG. 19, where like reference numerals are used for sake of clarity, the bristles 80 are formed as part of a detachable bristle bed 500, which comprises attachment features 502, in the form of magnets, for attachment to corresponding attachment features 504 formed on either the curved surface of the barrel 36, or the first 50 and second 52 annular members. It will be appreciated that the barrel 36 need not be rotatable in such an embodiment. Here a user can selectively attach the detachable bristle bed 500 to achieve the functionality previously described herein, with the bristles 80 not located in the airflow from the air outlet 54 when detached from the attachment 14, but located within, and hence more exposed to, the airflow from the air outlet 54 when attached to the attachment 14.

[0113] In the example of FIG. 20, the bristles 80 are instead retractable relative to the barrel via movement of a slider 600 located on an outwardly facing surface of the second annular member 54. As above, it will be appreciated that the barrel 36 need not be rotatable in such an embodiment. Here a user can selectively retract the bristles 80 by moving the slider 600 to achieve the functionality previously described herein, with the bristles 80 not located in the airflow from the air outlet 54 when retracted, but located within, and hence more exposed to, the airflow from the air outlet 54 when deployed.

[0114] A further embodiment of an attachment 700 in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated schematically in FIG. 21. The attachment 700 is substantially the same as the attachment 14 of FIG. 3, and differs only in the presence of a switching member 702 for directing airflow exiting the air outlet 54. The switching member 702 is switchable between a first switch position and a second switch position (illustrate in dashed lines in FIG. 21). Here the switching member 702 comprises a pivotable section of the upper wall 34, and in some examples a switch or dial may be provided to move the switching member 702 between the first and second positions.

[0115] In the first switch position, airflow exiting the air outlet 54 passes between a first side of the switching member 702 and the curved surface and attaches to the curved surface. In the second switch position, airflow exiting the air outlet 54 passes over a second, opposing, side of the switching member 702 and is directed away from the curved surface.

[0116] The attachment 700 therefore has three modes of operation, one in which airflow is directed away from the curved surface with the switching member 702 in its second position, one in which the switching member 702 is in its first position and the bristles 80 are in their first position, and one in which the switching member 702 is in its first position and the bristles 80 are in their second position. Providing multi-functionality in a single attachment may provide increased flexibility compared to, for example, an arrangement where a user has to switch between attachments to provide the same functionality.

[0117] In each example herein, providing bristles 80 movable between first and second positions relative to the air outlet 54, where movement of the bristles 80 from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the bristles 80 to airflow from the air outlet 54, increased flexibility in styling may be provided for the attachment 14 compared to, for example, an arrangement where the bristles are omitted.

[0118] Although described herein as embodiment with releasable attachments, embodiments are also envisaged where, rather than the haircare appliance comprising a handle unit and an attachment the haircare appliance is a single-piece unit, for example taking the form of the combined handle unit and attachment previously described.