FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an attachment for a handheld appliance, in particular a hair care appliance such as a hot air styling device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a conventional hot air styling device, air is drawn into an inlet by a fan unit and directed towards the hair by an attachment or head. Depending on the style desired, the air may or may not be heated. The attachment often includes bristles onto which hair is wrapped and held for styling. The air is generally blown out of the attachment normal to the longitudinal surface of the attachment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus, the attachment comprising a casing having an air inlet for receiving airflow from a hair styling apparatus, a hair engaging member supported by the casing and wherein the hair engaging member comprises an array of bristles protruding from an outer surface of the hair engaging member, a first airflow outlet between the casing and the hair engaging member, a second airflow outlet, spaced from the first airflow outlet, between the casing and the hair engaging member; and wherein a distance between the array of bristles and the first airflow outlet is maximized, and a distance between the array of bristles and the second airflow outlet is maximized. Advantageously, airflow over the moveable member has a greater distance to attach to the surface of the moveable member prior to the effect of the turbulence created by the bristles.

The array preferably comprises bristles arranged in parallel rows. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment comprises two said hair engaging members supported by the casing. In a further preferred embodiment the hair engaging members are disposed side by side. In a second aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus, the attachment comprising a casing having an air inlet for receiving airflow from the hair styling apparatus, at least one air outlet in the casing, wherein the air inlet is located at one end of the casing, and the at least one air outlet extends along the length of the casing; and the casing comprises a base located opposite to the air outlet, and wherein the base comprises an inner layer and an outer layer separated by an insulating cavity and the outer layer is removable.

Preferably, an external surface of said outer layer is smooth. In a further preferred embodiment, an external surface of said outer layer is dimpled. In a yet further preferred embodiment, an external surface of said outer layer is rough. In an alternative preferred embodiment, an external surface of said outer layer comprises ribs.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus, the attachment comprising a casing having a transverse centre line, an air inlet in the casing for receiving airflow from a hair styling apparatus, the air inlet having a transverse centre line, a hair engaging member supported by the casing, a first airflow outlet between the casing and the hair engaging member, a second airflow outlet, spaced from the first airflow outlet, between the casing and the hair engaging member and the transverse centre line of the air inlet is separated from the transverse centre line of the casing.

Preferably, the separation of the transverse centre line of the air inlet and the transverse centre line of the casing is in the range of 5mm to 15mm, and more preferably 7mm. Advantageously, turbulent airflow is minimized within the attachment and consequently the audible volume of the hot air styling device with attachment is minimised in use. In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus, the attachment comprising a casing having an air inlet for receiving airflow from a hair styling apparatus, at least two hair engaging members supported by the casing and disposed side by side with a ledge of the casing positioned between adjacent hair engaging members, an airflow outlet between the ledge and one of said at least two hair engaging members respectively, and a series of central baffles positioned within the casing to direct air towards the airflow outlet, wherein a first baffle wall and a second baffle wall are positioned either side of the series of central baffles.

In a preferred embodiment, the first baffle wall and the second baffle wall contact the edges of at least one baffle within the series of central baffles. In an alternative preferred embodiment, each baffle within the series of central baffles has an open scoop shape adapted to turn the received airflow through approximately 90 degrees, towards the ledge.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus, the attachment comprising a casing having an air inlet for receiving airflow from a hair styling apparatus, a hair engaging member supported by the casing, an airflow outlet between the casing and the hair engaging member, an airflow guiding means extending over the external surface of the hair engaging member, wherein the airflow guiding means comprises a series of ribs and a series of channels defined therebetween and at least one bristle located within at least one channel. In a preferred embodiment, the series of ribs are contoured to maximize airflow attachment to the surface of the hair engaging member.

Advantageously, the channels between adjacent ribs act to guide the airflow over the surface of the moveable members and consequently, even, parallel airstreams are blown down the shaft of the user' s hair. Advantageously, the shape of bristle enables the attachment to move smoothly through the hair and minimizes tangling of the hair.

Features described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention are equally applicable to each of the second to fifth aspects of the invention, and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an attachment;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the attachment of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the attachment of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of the attachment of Figure 1;

Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Figure 3 showing the moveable members in a first configuration;

Figure 5b is an enlargement of a section of Figure 5a showing the central baffles;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y in Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a moveable member showing an outer surface profile;

Figure 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an alternative attachment embodiment;

Figure 9a is a schematic side view of an alternative arrangement of ribs and bristles; Figure 9b is a schematic top view of a yet further alternative arrangement of ribs and bristles; Figure 10a is a cross-sectional view of a moveable member showing alternative bristles having a preferred splay angle;

Figure 11 is a schematic top view of alternative bristles positioned in the ribs; Figure 12 is a back view of the attachment and exemplary surface textures are indicated; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line U-U in Figure 3; Figure 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the attachment;

Figure 15 is a side view of an example of a hot air styling device to which the attachment may be connected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 is an external view of an attachment 10. The attachment 10 comprises an air inlet 12 for receiving an airflow from an air outlet end of a hot air styling device or similar apparatus. With reference also to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the air inlet 12 is defined by a casing which comprises a middle casing section 14, a ledge casing section 16, a central baffles casing section 18 and a coolwall 20. The air inlet 12 is generally circular in shape, to enable an air-tight connection with a generally annular outlet end of the hot air styling device. An annular collar section 22 forms a smooth edge from an external surface of the hot air styling device to the coolwall 20 of the attachment 10.

The attachment comprises at least one hair engaging member for engaging hair during the use of the hot air styling device. In this example, the attachment comprises two hair engaging members. Each hair engaging member comprises a moveable member and a set of bristles supported by the moveable member. In this example, a first moveable member 24 and a second moveable member 26 are both elongate in form and are disposed side by side. The moveable members are disposed longitudinally either side of a central ledge 28. The central ledge 28 forms part of the ledge casing section 16 which cooperates with the central baffles casing section 18. A first end of each moveable member is disposed towards the air inlet end of the attachment 10 and a second end of each moveable member is disposed towards a distal end of the attachment 10. The first moveable member 24 and the second moveable member 26 are disposed between both the ledge casing section 16 and the coolwall 20 and supported at the distal end of the attachment via a fixing plate 48 for movement relative to the casing. At the distal end of the attachment, an end wall 38 of the coolwall 20 houses a movement mechanism for moving the moveable members relative to the casing.

Each moveable member has a curved outer surface. A plurality of parallel ribs 30 are disposed on the outer surface and the ribs 30 run perpendicular to the length of the moveable member. Two adjacent ribs 30 form a channel 32 therebetween. A total area of ribs 30 on each moveable member has a rectangular form which is surrounded by a smooth peripheral surface. Each rib 30 supports a respective row of bristles 34. Each bristle has an oval transverse cross-section and the longer dimension of the oval cross- section of each bristle is aligned with the longer dimension of each rib 30 on each moveable member.

Both the first moveable member 24 and the second moveable member 26 have an inner side face 40 adjacent to the central ledge 28 and an outer side face 42 adjacent to a side wall 36 of the middle casing section 14.

The central baffles casing section 18 comprises a fixing plate 48 and an elongate first baffle wall 50 which extends from the fixing plate parallel to the orientation of the first moveable member 24 and the second moveable member 26. A first series of baffles 52 are connected at intervals to an inner side of the first baffle wall 50. A second series of baffles 52 are connected at intervals to an inner side of a second baffle wall 54. The second baffle wall 54 is connected to the ledge casing section 16 and is connected to the central ledge 28 at intervals by the second series of baffles. When the attachment is assembled, the series of baffles 52 are disposed between the first baffle wall 50 and the second baffle wall 54. In a preferred embodiment, the baffles connected to the first baffle wall 50 are alternately positioned between the baffles connected to the second baffle wall 54.

As illustrated in Figure 4, a side profile of each baffle 52 is similar and generally curved. In a preferred embodiment, eleven baffles are provided although a larger number of baffles, or a smaller number of baffles, may alternatively be provided. One or more baffles at the air inlet end of the attachment 10 may be shorter and have a smaller radius of curvature than the other baffles.

With reference to Figure 2, a base of the coolwall 20 extends between external side walls 36 and comprises a protruding air entry profile 56 and a flat section 58 adjoining the end wall 38.

A series of side vanes 60 is disposed internally on each side wall 62 of the middle casing section 14. When the moveable member is moved relative to the middle casing section 14 so that the side vanes 60 and the side wall 62 are in contact, a series of air outlets is formed between consecutive side vanes 60.

In further reference to Figure 2, components located at the distal end of the attachment 10 primarily function to enable a pivoting mechanism for the movement of the first moveable member 24 and the second moveable member 26 relative to the casing. In a preferred embodiment, a pivot pin 64 protrudes from the centre of an end face of the first end and the second end of each moveable member. These pivot pins 64 are received into the ledge casing section 16 at the first end of each moveable member, and into the fixing plate 48 of the central baffles casing section 18 at the second end of each moveable member. The central axis about which the first moveable member 24 pivots is shown in Figure 2 denoted by dashed line A. The central axis about which the second moveable member 26 pivots is denoted by dashed line B. Each moveable member has an angle of movement which is in the range from 5° to 30°. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of movement is 16°. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, a linkage arm pin 66 extends from each end of a linkage arm 68. Each linkage arm pin 66 passes through an oval hole 68 in the fixing plate 48 and is received in a hole in the end face of the second end of the respective moveable member. The linkage arm 68 functions to ensure that the first moveable member 24 and the second moveable member 26 move synchronously relative to the attachment casing.

A spring pin protrudes from an inner side of the end face of the second end of each moveable member. Each spring pin passes through an enlarged hole 70 in the fixing plate 48 and through a leg 72 of a torsion spring 74. The torsion spring 74 functions as an over-centre mechanism between a stable first position and a stable second position, ensuring that the first moveable member 24 and the second moveable member 26 can tilt between stable first position and a stable second position with a pre-determined resistance. The components located at the distal end of the attachment 10 are contained within an end wall cavity between the fixing plate 48 and the end wall 38. Advantage is found in having these components separated from the duct. Specifically, the attachment is acoustically improved, and the life of the movement mechanism is enhanced because the movement mechanism is protected from the heated fluid flow in the duct or even liquid ingress in the duct. This end wall cavity functions as an insulation gap and minimizes the temperature of the external surface of the end wall 38. Increasing the depth of this end wall cavity acts to decrease the temperature of the external surface of the end wall 38. Further, pressure gains are maintained because there are a minimum number of discontinuities in the duct. A series of raised ribs formed in the external side walls 36 of the coolwall 20 function to increase the surface area for heat radiation and provide a reduced area of contact for a user's fingers. Figure 3 is an external side view of the attachment 10 illustrating the location of transverse cross-sections labeled X-X and Y-Y, and horizontal cross-section labeled U- U.

Figure 4 is a vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view of the attachment. An internal cross-sectional area of the attachment 10 reduces in stages from the air inlet end towards the distal end of the attachment. Specifically, the base of the middle casing section 14 slopes from the air inlet 12, towards the moveable members. The coolwall 20 forms the same slope profile, referred to as the air entry profile 56, for the initial stage of the reduction of cross-sectional area. The coolwall 20 functions to reduce the temperature of the external surface of the attachment which may come into contact with the user.

The coolwall 20 comprises a separate layer of material covering the base and walls of the middle casing section 14 of the attachment 10, at a predetermined distance from the base and walls of the middle casing section 14.

Figure 5a shows the position of the first moveable member 24 and the second moveable member 26 in the first configuration when the attachment 10 is moved, in use, in a left to right direction as indicated by an arrow 76, through the hair of a user. The second moveable member 26 illustrated at the left side of Figure 5a is in a first position relative to the casing, in which an outer face 42 of the upper surface is in flush, air-tight contact with the side wall 62 of the middle casing section 14. The inner side face 40 of second moveable member 26 is disposed below, and vertically overlapping with, the central ledge 28. An inner air outlet 78 is formed between the central ledge 28 and the inner side face 40 of the second moveable member 26. The first moveable member 24, as further illustrated at the right side of Figure 5b is in a second position relative to the casing. The inner side face 40 of the first moveable member 26 has a step-profile indentation 80. The step-profile indentation 80 is complementary to the form of the central ledge 28, such that a smooth external profile results when the inner side face 40 is in air-tight contact with the central ledge 28. The first moveable member 24 has an outer side face 42 disposed below the side wall 62 of the middle casing section 14. An outer air outlet 82 is formed between the first moveable member 24 and the side wall of the middle casing section 14. When the direction of the brushing action by the user is reversed and equally the direction of the tension force in the bristles is reversed, then the moveable members move synchronously into their opposite position.

The arrangement of the first baffle wall 50 and the second baffle wall 54 is enlarged in Figure 5b. The first baffle wall 50 and the second baffle wall 54 do not extend the entire height of the each baffle. There is an air outlet 78 between an upper end of the second baffle wall 54 and the central ledge 28 and a further air outlet 82 between an upper end of the first baffle wall 50 and the central ledge 28. The first moveable member 24 is in a second position relative to the casing, and therefore an inner side face 40 is in flush, air-tight contact with the central ledge 28. Therefore, further air outlet 82 is closed. An extended part of the inner side face 40 of the first moveable part 24 abuts the first baffle wall 50.

In an optimized attachment, internal air flow attaches to the internal surfaces within the attachment and total internal air pressure is constant throughout the attachment. Any gradual loss of internal air pressure occurs principally through viscous dissipation that is increased if the flow separates. Separation is made more likely if the velocity or mass flow fall. The two main causes for air flow separation are a mis-alignment of the central baffles with the local airflow direction, and a gradually falling mass flow along the length of the attachment with increasing distance from the air inlet end 12. Figure 6 shows cross-sectional view Y-Y through the attachment, as indicated on Figure 3. This cross-section is adjacent to the air inlet 12 and passes through a transverse support part 84 of the ledge casing section 16 and through the middle casing section 14 and the coolwall 20. In a preferred embodiment, a horizontal centre line C of the air inlet 12 is approximately 5mm to 9mm (and more preferably 7mm) apart from a horizontal centre line D of the casing section supporting the moveable members. This separation of the centre of the air inlet and the centre of the casing section supporting the moveable members functions to direct the airflow onto the widest part of the central baffles 52 and results in the greater flow attachment to the central baffles 52. Furthermore, interference of the inlet airflow with internal parts of the attachment is minimized and thus audible interference of the attachment is minimised and the lifespan of the attachment is increased. Such a minimised interference of the inlet airflow facilitates maintaining pressure along the length of the attachment 10. In use, the attachment 10 is connected to the airflow outlet end of a hot air styling device. The airflow passes from the hot air styling device through the air inlet 12 and into the attachment 10. A front side of each of the series of baffles 52 functions to change the direction of the incident airflow. Specifically, the incident airflow from the air inlet 12 is primarily parallel to a longitudinal axis of the attachment 10. The baffles alter this path through approximately 90 degrees in the direction of the central ledge 28 and towards an open inner air outlet. Both a front side 86 and a rear side 88 of each baffle 52 assists in altering the airflow direction. In cooperation with the regular indentations on the inner side face 40 of each moveable member, the series of baffles 52 form a first series of air jets exiting the attachment 10.

Additionally, the side vanes 60 function to direct airflow towards an open outer air outlet 82 and, in cooperation with the regular indentations in the outer side face 42 of each moveable member, form a second series of air jets exiting the attachment 10. Air flow exiting the attachment 10 through one of the open inner air outlet 78 and open outer air outlet 82 is directed to flow over the outer surface of an adjacent one of the moveable members by virtue of the profile of the moveable members. The form of the side vanes 60 and the baffles 52 enables the exiting airflow jets to be straight and parallel and flow evenly over the surface of the moveable members thereby attracting the hair to the surface of the moveable members. In an exemplary embodiment, the airflow velocity exiting each airflow outlet is around 30m/s.

Ambient airflow is drawn into this surface airflow as a consequence of the dimensions of the airflow outlet and the profile of each moveable member. Therefore, the airflow through the channels and along the length of the user's hair is augmented by ambient airflow. Furthermore, the form and dimensions of the channels 32 enhance flow attachment as the airflow moves over the surface of the moveable member.

When the direction of use of the attachment 10 is reversed, then the direction of airflow across the surface of each moveable member is also reversed.

Once airflow has exited the outlet slots, it is desirable that it remains attached to the surface of the moveable part for the maximum period of time possible. The attachment of airflow can be maximized by suitably modifying the features that lie in the path of the airflow. The features that may be modified include; the arc or profile of the outer surface of the moveable part, the form and size of the bristles, the arrangement and spacing of the bristles, and the form of the ribs and channels.

A cross-sectional view of a moveable member 24 is shown in Figure 7 illustrating that the outer surface profile is a circular arc 90. Whilst it is appreciated that an outer surface profile that is flat enables optimal airflow attachment, the circular arc profile of the present embodiment allows improved hair styling control.

It is noted that bristles significantly impair the attachment of the fluid flow to the outer surface of the moveable members because bristles increase drag on the outer surface which creates turbulence in the emitted airflow. However, bristles are required to provide mechanical tension in the hair of the user to enable the hair to take on a shape as it dries in the air flow. The relative position of the bristles to the slots and angle of the associated emitted fluid flow, enable hair fibres drawn through the bristles to be aligned with the emitted fluid flow from the respective outlet. Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of the attachment which has a maximised distance between each edge of a moveable part 24, 26 and the bristles 34 on the outer surface. Thus, the bristles are disposed within a minimised area (in comparison with the embodiment of Figure 5a) at the centre of the outer surface of each moveable part. Whilst this embodiment is illustrated with three longitudinal rows of bristles on each moveable part, one, two or more rows of bristles would also perform the required function.

In a preferred embodiment, two rows of bristles extend longitudinally along each moveable member. Such an arrangement has improved fluid flow attachment in comparison to three rows of bristles on each moveable member, as illustrated in the figures. Further, an increased distance between the fluid outlet slot and the initial row of bristles 34, results in an improved fluid flow attachment to the surface of the moveable member. Fluid is emitted, although not simultaneously, from the elongate slots on either side of the moveable member. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the bristles are disposed only on a central portion of the moveable member as shown in Figure 8, thereby leaving a maximum length between the longitudinal edge of the moveable member and the initial row of bristles 34.

The following bristle features have the greatest effect on the attachment of the fluid flow to the surface of the attachment; the spacing of the bristles, the oval cross-section form of each bristle, and the cross-sectional area of each bristle.

In a preferred embodiment, a transverse cross-section of the attachment has an aspect ratio of approximately 28:58. Such an aspect ratio, and similar aspect ratios, advantageously enable a maximum interface period between the airflow and the user's hair. Also, such aspect ratios enable a user to create root lift when styling their hair with the attachment. In contrast, a circular transverse cross-section would allow a minimised distance, and also period, in which the user's hair interacts with the emitted airflow.

In the preferred embodiment of the attachment as illustrated in Figure 1, each bristle 34 is located on a rib 30. In an alternative configuration of bristles 34 and ribs 30, illustrated in Figure 9a, the rows of bristles are disposed within the channels. Figure 9b shows a further configuration of ribs 30 wherein the ribs 30 have a curving form with the bristles 34 supported within the ribs 30. The curving path of the ribs 30 may be regular or irregular and the height of each rib 34 may be constant or vary along the length of the rib. Such variation in a plurality of rib dimensions forms a "contouring" around the base of each bristle. This contouring is formed to mimimize local pressure gradients and to maximize the attachment of the outlet airflow to the outer surface of the moveable part through minimized boundary layer separation. Boundary layer separation is the process where a flow transitions from being attached to being separated.

Figure 9b also illustrates successive bristles along a rib offset by half a bristle pitch from the previous bristle.

Bristle form and bristle position both have an effect on fluid attachment to the outer surface of the attachment. Increasing fluid attachment to the bristles improves the styling function of the attachment on the hair of the user. Specifically, bristles having a length of approximately 15mm or less, are found to have a minimised drag on fluid flow and consequently an enhanced fluid attachment. An oval or elliptical bristle cross- section at the base of a bristle provides enhanced fluid attachment in comparison to a circular cross-section. The base of each bristle may have a cross-sectional area of 6mm ² . Fluid attachment to the surface of the movable member reduces as the base area of each bristle is increased.

Figure 10 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the bristles, positioned on a moveable member 24. The bristles 116 have a broad, blade-like form with a smooth, rounded tip. Optionally, the base of adjacent bristles may be in contact. Figure 11 shows a plan view of three ribs 30 on a moveable member (not shown) having two such alternative bristles 116 positioned on each rib 30. Advantageously, such bristles minimize turbulent flow across the surface of the moveable member and function satisfactorily as a brush to untangle a user's hair.

The exploded view of the moveable member, shown in Figure 2, illustrates the stages of the assembly process of the moveable part. In this embodiment, three rows of bristles are formed as a single bristle unit from a low glass-filled nylon material. The bristle unit is inserted through a base section made of a high glass-filled nylon material.

The internal and external surfaces of the attachment may have various textures or finishes, such as a dimpled surface, or a rough or smooth surface, as shown in Figure 12. The function of each surface may determine the nature of the surface finish. For example, a dimpled surface (illustrated as iii) in Figure 12) may be suitable for an outside surface of the coolwall 20 to further minimize heat transfer to the user's casing, should contact be made between the coolwall 20 and the user. A rough surface texture and a smooth surface texture (shown as i) and ii) in Figure 12, respectively) may have specific advantages at various locations of the attachment 10. For example, a smooth texture on the peripheral area around the ribs on the outer surface of a moveable member may minimize turbulent airflow. Further, a rubberized surface texture enhances grip, so that a hair tress in contact with such a surface may have increased tension and thereby aid styling.

A cross-sectional view taken along line U-U of Figure 3 is shown in Figure 13. A contoured middle casing section air entry profile 102 extends from the air inlet 12 to the centre of the middle casing section 14. The coolwall air entry profile 56 closely surrounds the middle casing section air entry profile 102. As a consequence of the middle casing section air entry profile 102 the cross-sectional area of the duct gradually decreases from the air inlet 12 towards the distal end of the attachment. A middle casing section distal end profile 104 covers an approximately elliptical area and functions to further reduces the cross-sectional area of the duct to provide a constant air pressure outlet from the inner air outlets 78 and the outer air outlets 82.

Figure 14 shows an alternative embodiment of the attachment illustrated in Figure 1. The coolwall 20, extending longitudinally between the inlet end of the attachment and the distal end of the attachment on both sides of the attachment, comprises a series of regular protrusions 107 forming a castellated profile. These protrusions 107 extend parallel to one another and perpendicular to the length of the coolwall 20. The height of each protrusion may be between 0.5mm and 6mm, and preferably approximately 2mm. These protrusions function to further minimize the temperature of the surface of the coolwall which contacts the user's fingers if they clasp the attachment. Specifically, it is likely that each of the user's fingers would contact only the end section of several adjacent protrusions. Figure 15 shows an example of a hot air styling device 108 to which the attachment 10 may be connected. The hot air styling device comprises a generally tubular handle 110 having an air inlet 112 and an air outlet 114 at opposing ends. At the air inlet end of the handle 110, an array of apertures extending around and partially along the handle, provides an air inlet. A fan unit within the handle comprises a fan and a motor. In use, the motor drives the fan and air is drawn in through the air inlet, along an air flow path which extends through the length of the handle. The airflow is optionally heated by a heater before exiting the hot air styling device at the air outlet 114.

Airflow emitted from the hot air styling device and entering the attachment is a relatively high pressure airflow of approximately lOOOPa. Further, airflow in the range of 400Pa to 5kPa would provide a beneficial result. Such controlled high pressure flow is important for the effective styling of the hair of the user. It is observed that a high flow rate alone, is not beneficial for styling the hair of the user. During the assembly process for the attachment 10, the middle casing section 14, the ledge casing section 16, and the central baffles casing section 18 are connected together by screws and the coolwall 20 is securely attached via two clips 106. It will be apparent to the skilled person that the biasing function of the torsion spring may be realized in several alternative ways. For example, a magnetic latch or weighted moveable members or integrated ball bearings in a detent mechanism may be used. Alternatively, the attachment may be configured, for example via a knob at the distal end of the attachment, so that the user can move the moveable parts manually.

Whilst the air inlet 12 shown in the preferred embodiment of the attachment is circular in shape, any other shape which enables an air-tight connection with a specific form of an outlet end of a hot air styling device or hairdryer, may also be used. Furthermore, the attachment may alternatively comprise three or more hair engaging members disposed side by side for engaging hair during the use of the hot air styling device or hairdryer.

Whilst the hair engaging members shown in the preferred embodiment of the attachment are generally rectangular in shape, any other shape having symmetry along the pivoting axis A, B may also be used. Consequent to such alternative embodiments of the hair engaging members, the attachment may have a width greater than or equal to the dimension from the air inlet 12 to the end wall 38. Furthermore, whilst the air inlet 12 shown in the preferred embodiment of the attachment is located in a side wall of the attachment, the air inlet may instead be located in the base of the attachment.

In the preferred embodiment, each moveable member has a curved outer surface. In an alternative embodiment, each moveable member may have a generally flat outer surface supporting the ribs 30. Further, the oval transverse cross-section of each bristle may have the form of an extended oval, as illustrated in Figure 10. The attachment may be fabricated from any suitable heat resistant materials, and in a preferred embodiment the casing and moveable members are fabricated from glass- filled nylon. The highest preferred operating temperature of such an attachment connected to a hot air styling device is approximately 130°C.

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