Patent Publication Number: US-11044979-B2

Title: Attachment for a hand held appliance

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the priority of United Kingdom Application Nos. 1404982.9, and 1404985.2, both filed Mar. 20, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to an attachment for a hand held appliance, in particular a hair care appliance such as a hot styling brush. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In a conventional hot styling brush, air is sucked 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 head or attachment often includes bristles onto which hair is wrapped and held for styling. The air is generally blown out of the head or attachment normal to the surface of the head. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an attachment for a hand held appliance comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the outlet comprises at least one slot extending from near an inlet end of the attachment towards a distal end of the attachment and wherein the outlet is at least partially defined by an external surface of the attachment wherein fluid emitted from the outlet is blown along the external surface. 
     Preferably, the slot extends substantially along the length of the attachment. 
     It is preferred that the outlet comprises a plurality of slots radially spaced around the attachment. 
     Preferably, fluid emitted from the outlet flows around the external surface of the attachment. It is preferred that the fluid emitted from the outlet is tangential to the external surface of the attachment. Preferably, the fluid emitted from the outlet is attracted to the surface of the attachment. 
     By having the fluid exiting the fluid outlet travelling around the outer surface of the head hair is attracted to the surface and easily wraps around to create the style. 
     It is preferred that the attachment is generally cylindrical. 
     Preferably, the outlet comprises two slots. 
     It is preferred that the attachment has a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the distal end and the at least one slot is parallel to the longitudinal axis. 
     Alternatively, the attachment has a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the distal end and the at least one slot is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis. It is preferred that the at least one slot is helical with respect to the longitudinal axis. 
     A curved slot changes the direction that fluid flows out from the fluid outlet tending to give a flow that is more normal to the surface of the attachment and this improves the hold of the hair around the attachment. 
     Preferably, the attachment further comprises a flow directing element between the inlet and the outlet. The flow directing element also changes the direction that fluid flows out from the fluid outlet tending to give a flow that is more normal to the surface of the attachment and this improves the hold of the hair around the attachment. In addition, the flow directing element reduces the velocity of the fluid within the attachment which in turn reduces the noise produced by the attachment. 
     It is preferred that the flow directing element comprises a perforated layer. Preferably, the perforated layer is formed from a mesh or weave of an elongate material. It is preferred that the elongate material is a wire. Preferably, the flow directing element extends substantially along the length of the at least one slot. It is preferred that the flow directing element extends substantially around an inner circumference of the attachment. 
     According to a second aspect, the invention provides a hand held appliance comprising a handle having a fluid flow path from an inlet to an outlet and a fan unit for drawing fluid into the fluid inlet and an attachment for attaching to the handle, the attachment comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the outlet comprises at least one slot extending from near an inlet end of the attachment towards a distal end of the attachment and wherein the outlet is at least partially defined by an external surface of the attachment and fluid emitted from the outlet is blown along the external surface. 
     According to a third embodiment, the invention provides an attachment for a hand held appliance comprising a first part and a second part, the first part comprising a first end of the attachment and at least one plate extending from the first end, the second part comprising a second end of the attachment and at least one further plate extending from the second end wherein when the first part and the second part are connected at least two slots are formed between the at least one plate and the at least one further plate, the at least two slots defining a fluid outlet for the attachment. 
     Preferably, the first end of the attachment comprises a fluid inlet into the attachment. 
     It is preferred that the first end of the attachment includes a supporting ring for supporting the at least one plate. 
     Preferably, the supporting ring comprises at least one recess for housing an end of the at least one further plate. 
     It is preferred that the supporting ring is additionally a collar for attaching the attachment to the appliance. 
     Preferably, the first part of the attachment includes a supporting scaffold located at or near a distal end to the first end of the first part of the attachment. 
     It is preferred that the supporting scaffold is attached to the at least one plate. 
     Preferably, the supporting scaffold includes a part of a fixture for fixing the first part and the second part together. 
     It is preferred that the second end of the attachment includes at least one further recess for housing an end of the at least one plate. 
     Preferably, the second end of the attachment includes another part of a fixture for fixing the first and the second part together. 
     It is preferred that one or more of the at least one plate and the at least one further plate are arcuate. 
     Preferably, one or more of the at least one plate and the at least one further plate extend orthogonally from a respective end. 
     Alternatively, the at least one plate and the at least one further plate curve round a longitudinal axis of the attachment. 
     Preferably, the at least one plate and the at least one further plate are helical. 
     It is preferred that the at least one plate and the at least one further plate are helical in a clockwise direction from the first end. 
     A curved slot changes the direction that fluid flows out from the fluid outlet tending to give a flow that is more normal to the surface of the attachment and this improves the hold of the hair around the attachment. 
     Preferably, a gap formed between the at least one plate and the at least one further plate is defined by a spacer. 
     It is preferred that a pair of spacers is provided longitudinally spaced along the at least one plate and the at least one further plate. 
     Any spacers maintain the gap between the two parts forming the slot or thickness of the slot. It is advantageous for these to all be substantially equal is this creates an even flow around the attachment. 
     Preferably, at least one of the at least one plate and the at least one further plate is lined with a material. 
     It is preferred that every plate is lined with material. 
     Preferably, the material absorbs sounds and/or vibrations. 
     It is preferred that the material is Kevlar or wool. 
     Preferably, the attachment further comprises a flow directing element between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The flow directing element also changes the direction that fluid flows out from the fluid outlet tending to give a flow that is more normal to the surface of the attachment and this improves the hold of the hair around the attachment. In addition, the flow directing element reduces the velocity of the fluid within the attachment which in turn reduces the noise produced by the attachment. 
     It is preferred that the flow directing element comprises a perforated layer. 
     Preferably, the perforated layer is formed from a mesh or weave of an elongate material. 
     It is preferred that the elongate material is a wire. 
     Preferably, the flow directing element extends substantially along the length of the at least one slot. 
     It is preferred that the flow directing element extends substantially around an inner circumference of the attachment. 
     According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a hand held appliance comprising a handle having a fluid flow path from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet and a fan unit for drawing fluid into the fluid inlet and an attachment for attaching to the handle, the attachment comprising a first part and a second part, the first part comprising a first end of the attachment and at least one plate extending from the first end, the second part comprising a second end of the attachment and at least one further plate extending from the second end wherein when the first part and the second part are connected at least two slots are formed between the at least one plate and the at least one further plate, the at least two slots defining a fluid outlet for the attachment. 
     In one embodiment the appliance is a hair care appliance. 
     In another embodiment the appliance is a hot styling appliance such as a hot styling appliance such as a hot styling brush. 
     The invention will now be described by example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1 a    shows an example of an appliance according to the invention; 
         FIG. 1 b    shows a cross section through the appliance shown in  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 2 a    shows an exploded view of some of the handle components of the device of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 2 b    shows an enlarged section of the fluid inlet; 
         FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b    show an isometric view and an isometric cross section through a first attachment according to the invention; 
         FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b    show a side view and a side view cross section through the first attachment; 
         FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    show cross sections through the first attachment; 
         FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    show an isometric view and a side view through a second attachment; 
         FIG. 7 a    shows an isometric view through another attachment; 
         FIGS. 7 b  and 7 c    show an isometric view and a side view through a further attachment; 
         FIG. 8 a    shows an isometric view of a fifth attachment; 
         FIG. 8 b    shows an isometric view of a sixth attachment; 
         FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b    show isometric views of a two part assembly for an attachment; 
         FIGS. 10 a  and 10 b    show an isometric view and an isometric cross section through a further attachment according to the invention; 
         FIGS. 11   a,    11   b  and  11   c  show a side view and a side view cross sections through the further attachment; 
         FIGS. 12 a  and 12 b    show cross sections through the further attachment in a first position; 
         FIGS. 13 a  and 13 b    show cross sections through the further attachment in a second position; 
         FIG. 14  shows schematically the further attachment in use; and 
         FIG. 15 a    shows an isometric view of another attachment; 
         FIG. 15 b    shows different component parts of the other attachment; 
         FIG. 15 c    shows the different component parts from the inlet end; 
         FIG. 15 d    shows a cross section through the side of the other attachment; 
         FIG. 15 e    shows a cross section through the other attachment; and 
         FIGS. 16 a  and 16 b    show an alternative sock for the other attachment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1 a  and 1 b    shows a hot styling brush  10  with a handle  20  and a detachable head or attachment  30  which is attaches at the distal end  22  of the handle  20  to the fluid inlet  40 . 
     The handle  20  has an outer wall  26  which is generally tubular and includes the fluid inlet  40  at and adjacent one end  24 . The fluid inlet  40  comprises a first set of apertures  44  which extend radially around the handle  20  and along the outer wall  26  of the handle from the handle end  24 . The handle end  24  is covered by an end wall  42  which is also perforated with a second set of apertures  46  that extend through the end wall  42  of the handle. Thus, the fluid inlet  40  extends around, along and across the handle  20 . The end wall  42  is orthogonal to the outer wall  26  and an inner wall  60  of the handle. 
     The handle  20  also includes a fan unit  70  which comprises a fan and a motor which drives the fan and in use, draws fluid in through the fluid inlet  40 , along a fluid flow path  50  which extends through the length of the handle  20 . The fluid is optionally heated by a heater  80  before entering an inner cavity  38  of the head  30 . A nozzle  23  may be included at distal end  22  of handle  20  to shape fluid flow as it enters the head  30 . 
     The head  30  includes a fluid outlet  100  which in this example comprises parallel slots  102  each extending towards a second end  36  of the head and radially around the head  30 . This arrangement enables fluid to exit the head all the way around the head and for the majority of the length of the head  30  maximising a hair styling region of the product. 
     In use, hair is wrapped around the head  30  whilst air or fluid exits through the slots  102  drying the hair and/or styling the hair into curls or waves. The hair wraps automatically due to the flow of air around the surface of the head  30 . The air or fluid can be heated but this is not essential. 
     Power is provided to the appliance via a power cable  47  which preferably extends from a plug or other power source through the end wall  42  of the handle  20  into the cable mount  45 . The handle  20  also houses a PCB  75  which is electrically connected to the cable  48 , the fan unit  70  and the heater  80  by internal wiring (not shown). An on/off switch  52  and control buttons  54  are provided and connected to the PCB  75  to allow the user to select one of a range of temperature and flow settings. 
       FIG. 2 a    shows an exploded view of various parts of the handle  20  in more detail. The handle  20  is tubular and the outer wall  26  of the handle  20  is a cylindrical sleeve made from for example an extruded tube or rolled sheet of metal such as aluminium, an aluminium alloy or a steel. The handle connects to a head  30  at a first end  22  and at the distal, second end  24  a fluid inlet  40  is provided. The fluid inlet  40  is a first means of filtering fluid that enters the fluid flow path  50 . 
     The fluid inlet  40  comprises a plurality of apertures extending around, along and across the handle  20 . Having an inlet that extends in three dimensions has advantages particularly when used with hair grooming appliances. Firstly, if the appliance is placed on a surface whilst switched on only a small part of the inlet surface area will be blocked or have restricted flow of fluid into the appliance. This protects the fan unit and particularly the motor of the fan unit from running with too low a flow rate as this can cause overheating of the motor and cause damage to the motor. 
     Secondly, often hair care appliances are used with a styling product such as a mousse, gel or spray. These products are typically either applied by a hand or directly to the hair as a mist. After application by a hand, some of the product will be retained on the skin which is then transferred to the appliance when held. This can block at least some of the apertures  44  that extend around and along the handle  20 . However, the apertures  46  that extend under the handle and across the end wall  42  of the handle will be unaffected. When a product is applied as a mist, it can settle on the appliance and again block or restrict at least some of the apertures of the fluid inlet  40 . However, by having apertures that extend around, along and across the handle  20  the risk of blocking the fluid inlet  40  is reduced. 
     The apertures are preferably circular with a diameter of 0.2 to 1.6 mm. The diameter of the apertures can vary along, around and across the handle  20 . It is advantageous to space the apertures regularly around, along and across the fluid inlet  40 . Not only is this visually pleasing but it also has the technical advantage that there is no weak region of the fluid inlet  40  where blockage of a portion is more likely or would have more impact on the flow into the fluid inlet  40 . The inlet is designed so that the flow into the inlet is even at least around the circumference of the handle  20 . 
     A foam block  48  is provided which, in use, is inserted into the second end  24  of the handle  20  and may be positioned within the handle  20  by a foam block mount  49 . The foam block  48  is a second means of filtering the fluid that passes through the primary fluid inlet  40  into the primary fluid flow path  50 . It is advantageous that the foam block  48  extends beyond or further towards the first end  22  of the handle than the primary fluid inlet  40  as this ensures that fluid that has entered the primary fluid inlet  40  has passed through the foam block  48  so has had two stages of filtration. In other words, the foam block  48  extends from the second end  24  of the handle  20  past the downstream end  44   a  of the fluid inlet. 
     The foam block  48  shown is cylindrical and substantially fills the area within the handle  20  at the primary fluid inlet  40 . This is to ensure that all fluid that enters the primary fluid inlet through first apertures  44  that extend around and along the handle and fluid that enters through second apertures  46  that extend across and through the end wall  42  of the handle  20  passes through this second stage of filtration. The foam block  48  extends longitudinally from the second end  24  of the handle  20  further than the first apertures  42  of the primary fluid inlet  40 . 
     The first apertures  44  that extend along and around the outer wall  26  are machined, punched or laser cut from the extruded tube or sheet metal that the outer wall  26  is formed from. 
     The handle  20  has an outer wall  26  and an inner wall  60 , the outer wall  26  slides over the inner wall  60  to form the finished product. The inner wall  60  is a duct which surrounds and defines a fluid flow path  50  through the appliance. The outer wall  26  includes a grippable portion and in these examples, includes the fluid inlet  40  into the fluid flow path  50 . An insulting layer of material  28  is provided within the inner wall  60 . The insulating layer is a foam or a felt and insulates the handle from noise produced by the fan unit  70 , heat produced by the operation of the appliance, vibrations caused by the fan unit and noise produced within the appliance by the flow of fluid through the fluid flow path  50 . The insulating layer absorbs energy including airborne noise. 
     The inner wall  60  provides a housing  62  in which a fan unit  70  is disposed. The housing  62  is cylindrical and has an inwardly protruding ledge  64 , 66  disposed one at each end of the housing  62  which maintain the position of the fan unit  70  within the handle  20 . The inner wall  60  is made from two parts a first part  60   a  and a second part  60   b  which is moulded separately. This enables easier assembly of the fan unit  70  within the handle  20  than a one piece inner wall. A similar pair of inwardly protruding ledges  68 ,  72  maintains the position of the heater  80  within the handle  20 . 
     Although the outer wall  26  of the handle  20  has been described as being made from an extruded tube or a rolled sheet of metal, alternatives methods of manufacture and materials could be used; these include, but are not limited to, a plastic extrusion/moulded tube or a composite tube such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic. 
     The fluid outlet  100  of the head  30  will now be described in more detail, referring in particular to  FIGS. 3 a , 3 b , 4 a , 4 b , 5 a  and 5 b   . The head  30  is essentially cylindrical and has a first end  32  for connection to a handle  20  and a second end  36  distal to the first end  32 . The head  30  extends longitudinally from the first end  32  to the second end  26  continuing a line described by the handle  20  ( FIG. 1 a   ) so is approximately the same diameter as the handle. Within the head  30  is an inner cavity  38  and fluid that has been drawn into the fluid flow path  50  within the handle  20  by the fan unit  70  enters the inner cavity  38  via an aperture  302  in the first end  32  of the head  30 . 
     The fluid outlet  100  is formed from a number of parallel slots  102  which extend along the length of the head  30  from the first end  32  to the second end  36 . The slots  102  are formed from an overlap  120  ( FIG. 5 b   ) formed between adjacent plates  110  which results in fluid being directed between a radially inner surface  104  formed from the outer surface  112  of a first plate  110   a  and a radially outer surface  106  formed from the inner surface  114  of a second plate  110   b . The fluid  122  flowing out of the slot  102  is tangential  130  to the outer surface  112  of the plate  110   a  and joins with the fluid flowing out of the other slots of the fluid outlet  100  forming a fluid flow around the circumference of the head  30 . Thus, the fluid  122  is blown out along the external surface of the head and this encourages hair to wrap around the head  30  automatically. 
     The fluid  122  exiting the slots  102  is attracted to the curved surface of the head  30  by the Coanda effect. This in turn causes hair that is presented to the head  30  to automatically wrap around the surface and then styled into curls. As air is blown down the length of the hair, wet hair is dried more quickly than conventionally and as the wrapping process occurs without the use of bristles, the hair can slide off the head  30  once it is dry or styled so there is no tangling. 
     To maintain the size of each slot  102 , spacers  108  are provided. In this example, a pair of spacers  108  is provided to maintain each slot  102  size. Each one of the pair of spacers  108  is longitudinally spaced along the slot  102  and the plate  110 . The spacers  108  join adjacent plates  110  together. 
     Advantageously, each plate  110  is lined with a felt like material  308  such as Kevlar or wool (see  FIG. 3 b   ). The material  308  does not extend over each slot  102  so the fluid exiting the fluid outlet  100  does not pass through the layer of material  308 . This layer serves to absorb some of the noise produced by the fluid flowing through the head  30  from the inlet to the head  30  at aperture  302  to the fluid outlet  100 . Such a layer of material  308  is as applicable for other heads herein described such as heads  130 ,  180  and  230 . 
       FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    show an alternative head  130 , all features identical to those previously described have the same reference numerals. The head  130  has a larger diameter than the handle  20  so is used to create larger curls. The head  130  has a first end  32  for connection to the handle  20  and this is the same diameter as the handle  20 , within a collar  132  of the head  130 , the diameter of the head  130  increases to the larger diameter prior to the fluid outlet  100  formed by slots  142  and then continues at a constant diameter to the second end  136 . An inner fluid cavity (not shown) is larger than for the head  30  of  FIG. 3 a   . In this example the number of plates  110  and slots  102  is the same i.e. six as for the head described with respect to  FIG. 3 a   . Alternatively, a larger or smaller number of plates  110  and slots  142  could be used. 
       FIG. 7 a    shows a further head  230 . This head  230  has a reduced diameter compared with the handle  20 . The first end  32  is substantially the same diameter as the handle  20  for connection thereto, and then within a collar  232  the diameter of the head  230  decreases to the reduced diameter prior to the fluid outlet  200  formed by slots  202  and continues at a constant diameter to the second end  236 . This head  230  is used to create tighter curls. 
     The slots  202  for this head extend longitudinally straight from the first end  32  to the second end  236  as was the case for slots  102  in heads  30 ,  130 . 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 7 b  and 7 c   , a further head  280  has slots  282  which curve around the head  280  forming a spiral or helical pattern around the head  230 . The slots  282  curve by an angle α of 45° from the longitudinal axis A-A of the handle  20  and head  280 . In this example the slots  282  curve in a clockwise direction from the first end  34  of the head  280  towards the second end  236  of the head. The slots  282  are formed as before between adjacent overlapping plates  210  however, in order to form the curved slots  282 , the plates  210  do not extend along the longitudinal axis of the head  280  but also curve by an angle of 45°. Using angled slots changes the profile of the fluid exiting from the head. The airflow exiting from the slots is more normal to the slot when angled slots are used. This has benefits including enabling more hair to be wrapped around the head also, the hair is retained on the head more easily leading to a potentially quicker styling process. 
     The slots can be curved in a clockwise or and anticlockwise direction from the longitudinal axis A-A of the handle  20 . Whilst an angle of 45° has been illustrated, improved wrapping is seen even at an angle of 1°. 
       FIG. 8 a    shows a head  180  which is substantially the same diameter as the handle  20 . The slots  182  are curved or spiral around the head  180  in the same manner as head  280 . 
       FIG. 8 b    shows a head  380  which has a larger diameter than the handle, and is similar to head  130  except it has curved or spiralling slots  382  around the head  380 . 
       FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b    show a way of assembling head  30 . A first part  150  is formed from the first end  32  and has a collar  152  and a first set of plates  154  which are joined to or formed integrally with the collar  152 . A second part  160  is formed from the second end  36  and has an end wall  162  and a second set of plates  164  which are joined to or formed integrally with the end wall  162 . The first set of plates  154  and second set of plates  164  each comprise non-adjacent plates  110  enabling the first part  150  and the second part  160  to be slotted together to form the head  30 . Between each of the first set of plates  154 , a recess  156  is provided in the connecting ring  152  adapted to accommodate the distal end  164   a  of the second set of plates  164  from the end wall  162 . A similar set of recesses  166  is provided in the end wall  162  and is adapted to accommodate the distal end  154   a  of the first set of plates from the collar  32 . 
     In order to retain the first part  150  and the second part  160  of the head  30  in the assembled condition, a protruding screw hole  168  is provided. Near the distal end  154   a  of the first set of plates  154  a support scaffold  170  is provided and this has two functions. A first function is to support the first set of plates  154  and maintain their relative positions towards the distal end  154   a  and a second function is to provide part of the fixing mechanism. In this example, the support scaffold  170  has a central aperture  172  through which the protruding screw hole  168  passes on assembly of the head  30   a  and a screw, for example can be inserted to fix the two parts  150 ,  160  of the head together. 
       FIGS. 15 a , 15 b , 15 c , 15 d  and 15 e    show a head  400  all features identical to those previously described have the same reference numerals. This head  400  has a reduced diameter compared with the handle  20 . The slots  102  extend longitudinally from the first end  32  to the second end  236 , however the slots could be curved as described with respect to  FIGS. 7 a    and  7   b.    
     Internal of the head  400 , within the cavity  418  formed within the head  400 , an internal sock  420  is provided. This sock  420  is a mesh formed from a metal wire. The sock  420  can be in the knitted form  426  shown in  FIG. 15 b   . Alternatively as shown in  FIGS. 16 a  and 16 b    the sock  420  is a tube  424  formed from a woven mesh  422  having generally square apertures. 
     The sock  420  diffuses the fluid flowing in the cavity  418  within the head  400  and slows down the longitudinal velocity of the flow. This results in more even wrapping of hair around the head  400  as the direction of fluid exiting the head  400  is more normal to the slots  102 . The sock  420  extends along the length of the slots  102  within the head  400 . The size of the apertures in the mesh is important; if they are too small the flow becomes too restricted and there is an increased chance of them clogging over time. An aperture size of around 1.6 mm has been found to provide the benefit without undue restriction. 
       FIGS. 10 a , 10 b , 11 a -11 c    and  12  show various views of another head  300  which has a directed fluid flow. The head  300  has a first cylindrical part  310  and a second triangular part  330  that together form the fluid outlet  320 . 
     The second triangular part  330  has a first end  312  for connection to a handle  20  via a collar  328  and extends longitudinally to a second end  314  The first cylindrical part  310  has an aperture  322  extending from a first end  378  to a second end which is defined by end wall  316 . The aperture  322  is defined by a first edge  324  and a second edge  326 . An inner cavity  318  is formed within the head  300  when the second triangular part  330  is slid into the first cylindrical part  310 . The first end  278  of the first cylindrical part  310  abuts a downstream end of the collar  328  and the second end  314  of the second triangular part  330  abuts the end wall  316  when the attachment is formed. 
     The second triangular part  330  has a first end  332  and a second end  334  and is formed from a first side  336 , a second side  338  and an internal wall  340 . The second triangular part  330  fits within the aperture  322  and extends outwardly beyond the first cylindrical part  310 . 
     The second triangular part  330  is movable relative to the first cylindrical part  310 . In this example, the second triangular part  330  is fixed with respect to the handle  20  and the first cylindrical part  310  is moveable relative to both the second triangular part  330  and the handle  20 . This enables the outlet slot  342  to be partially defined by one or the other of the first edge  324  and the second edge  326 . 
     In one position, referring now to  FIGS. 12 a  and 12 b   , the first edge  324  along with a first side  336  of the second triangular part  330  define the limits of the outlet slot  342 . The second triangular part  330  moves with respect to the first cylindrical part  310  so the outlet slot  342  is alternatively defined by the second edge  326  and the second side  338  as shown in  FIGS. 13 a    and  13   b.    
     The second triangular part  330  rotates with respect to the first cylindrical part  310  in order to change the position of the outlet slot  342 . The first cylindrical part  310  is temporarily retained in a position by the use of a detent mechanism. 
     The end wall  316  of the first cylindrical part  310  includes a first recess  340  and a second recess  350  each of which adapted to partially accommodate a ball bearing  360 . The ball bearing  360  is biased towards the end wall  316  by a spring  362  (see  FIG. 11 b   ). There are a number of suitable alternatives that could be used instead of this method of retaining one part with respect to the other part such as a plastic bump feature or a piece of sprung metal. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12 a  and 12 b   , when the second triangular part  330  is in a first position with respect to the first cylindrical part  310 , the outlet slot  342  is formed from first side  336  and first edge  324  and the ball bearing  360  is accommodated by the first recess. By manually rotating the second triangular part  330  with respect to the first cylindrical part  310  the force of the spring  362  retaining the ball bearing  360  within the first recess  340  is overcome and the second triangular part  330  can be rotated with respect to the first cylindrical part  310  to move the ball bearing  360  into the second recess  350  and changing the position of the outlet slot  328  so it is now formed from the second edge  326  and the second side  338 . 
     The first cylindrical part  310  includes bristles  350  arranged in this example in parallel rows  352  on either side of the aperture  322 . The rows  352  of bristles  350  extend from near the outlet slot  342  around the head  300  but in this example the bristles  350  do not extend all the way around the head  300 , there is a gap in the rows  352  diametrically opposite the outlet slot  320 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , when hair  354  is being styled, the action of drawing the bristles  350  down through the hair  354  opens the outlet slot  342  on the side next to the hair  354 . The position of the outlet slot  342  is movable by hand or by the friction or force of combing through the hair. 
     The use of a combination of a directed outlet slot  342  and bristles  350  means that the hair is dried and/or styled more quickly than conventionally as the fluid exiting from the outlet slot  342  is blown down the hair  354 . The fluid exiting the outlet slot  342  is attracted to the surface of the second triangular part  330  which in turn attracts the hair  354  to the second triangular part  330 . The bristles  350  separate and detangle individual strands of the hair  354  and this combination gives fast drying and a smother result. 
     In use as shown in  FIG. 14 , this head is designed to be pulled through the hair with the slot  328  adjacent the hair  354 . Fluid is blown out of the slot  328  as the appliance is moved along the hair  354  so the hair is both heated and brushed. Having the slot  328  on either side of the head  356  means that the same head  300  can be used for both sides of the head and both the underside and the topside of the hair  354 . 
     In each of the examples given, the head  30 ,  130 ,  180 ,  230 ,  300  in connected to handle  20  via a collar and a twist lock joint. Referring to  FIG. 7 b   , three protrusions  234  are provided on the internal surface of the collar  232  (one not shown). The protrusions  234  are adapted to engage a slot  90  (see  FIG. 1 b   ) or three separate slots provided near the distal end  22  of the handle  20 . The slot  90  extends at least partially around an outer surface of the inner wall  60  and is helical so both a rotational and longitudinal movement is required to attach or remove the head from the handle  20 . This is one example of a fixing mechanism, it will be apparent to the skilled person that other equally acceptable alternative mechanisms could be used. 
     The heads  30 ,  130 ,  180  and  230  described with respect to  FIGS. 3 a  to 9 b    could be provided with bristles. For these heads  30 ,  130 ,  180  and  230  as the slots are arranged all the way around the head, any bristles would be arranged all the way around the head. An example would be to have one or more rows of bristles at least located on every other plate  110 ,  210 . 
     The invention has been described in detail with respect to a hot styling brush however, it is applicable to any appliance that draws in a fluid and directs the outflow of that fluid from the appliance including a hairdryer. 
     The appliance can be used with or without a heater; the action of the outflow of fluid at high velocity has a drying effect. 
     The heads have been described as being manufactured by attaching a first part to the second part using a screw however, as the skilled person will be aware, a number of different fixing methods can be used such as, but not limited to gluing or using ultrasonic welding. 
     The fluid that flows through the appliance is generally air, but may be a different combination of gases or gas and can include additives to improve performance of the appliance or the impact the appliance has on an object the output is directed at for example, hair and the styling of that hair. Such additives include but are not limited to hairspray and serums for example. 
     The heads  30 ,  130 ,  230  are all generally cylindrical in shape, however as the skilled person would realise, alternative shapes could be used such as ovals. 
     The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above. Variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.