(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2015/0265022 A1
`MACLANE
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Sep. 24, 2015
`
`US 20150265022A1
`
`(54) ATTACHMENT FOR A HAND HELD
`APPLIANCE
`(71) Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited, Wiltshire
`(GB)
`(72) Inventor: Alasdair Michael MACLAINE,
`London (GB)
`
`-
`
`0
`
`-
`
`(73) Assignee: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED,
`Wiltshire (GB)
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/656,375
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Mar 12, 2015
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Mar. 20, 2014 (GB) ................................... 1404986.0
`
`
`
`Publication Classification
`
`A45D 20/0
`
`2006.O1
`
`30.8
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`A45D 20/50
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ................ A45D 20/10 (2013.01); titles
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`An attachment for a hand held appliance comprising a body
`having a first wall; a second wall; and a slot formed along at
`least part of the length of the attachment, wherein the slot is
`defined on a first side by a surface of the first wall and on a
`second side by a surface of the second wall. The first wall may
`be generally tubular. The surface of the second wall may be
`substantially linear. The second wall may extend out from the
`first wall. The second wall may be moveable or rotatable
`relative to the first wall. The second wall may be generally
`triangular. The second wall may have a first indexed position
`defining a first slot position. The second wall may have a
`second indexed position defining a second slot position. An
`indexed position may be defined by a detent mechanism.
`
`354
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`FIG. 15b
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`422
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`FIG. 16a
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`FIG. 16b
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`US 2015/0265022 A1
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`Sep. 24, 2015
`
`ATTACHMENT FOR A HAND HELD
`APPLIANCE
`
`REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`0001. This application claims the priority of United King
`dom Application No. 1404986.0, filed Mar. 20, 2014, the
`entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`0002. This invention relates to an attachment for a hand
`held appliance, in particulara hair care appliance Such as a hot
`styling brush.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0003. 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 attach
`ment normal to the surface of the head.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0004. The present invention provides an attachment for a
`hand held appliance comprising a body having a first wall; a
`second wall; and a slot formed along at least part of the length
`of the attachment, wherein the slot is defined on a first side by
`a surface of the first wall and on a second side by a surface of
`the second wall.
`0005 Preferably, the first wall is generally tubular.
`0006. It is preferred that the surface of the second wall is
`Substantially linear.
`0007 Preferably, the secondwall extends out from the first
`wall. Fluid that exits from the outlet will flow along the
`second wall and pull hair towards the second wall increasing
`drying speed and helping to align the individual hair strands.
`0008. It is preferred that the second wall is moveable rela
`tive to the first wall. Preferably, the second wall is rotatable
`with respect to the first wall.
`0009. It is preferred that the second wall is generally tri
`angular.
`0010 Preferably, two slots are provided and the second
`wall separates the two slots.
`0011. It is preferred that the second wall divides the slot
`into two. It is preferred that a slot is provided either side of the
`second wall.
`0012. Alternatively, the slot is formed on one side of the
`second wall or the other side of the second wall.
`0013 Preferably, the second wall has a first indexed posi
`tion defining a first slot position.
`0014. It is preferred that the second wall has a second
`indexed position defining a second slot position.
`00.15
`Preferably, an indexed position is defined by a
`detent mechanism. It is preferred that the detent mechanism
`includes an actuator biased into a recess. Preferably, the
`actuator is a ball bearing. It is preferred that the actuator is
`biased by a spring.
`0016 Preferably, an external surface of the attachment
`includes at least one row of bristles. It is preferred that the
`external surface is an external surface of the first wall. Pref
`erably, the external surface comprises a first set of bristles
`comprising at least one row of bristles and a second set of
`bristles comprising at least one row of bristles.
`
`(0017. It is preferred that the first set of bristles and the
`second set of bristles are spaced apart on the external Surface.
`Preferably, the external surface is forms at least part of the
`circumference of a circle and the first set of bristles is radially
`spaced from the second set of bristles.
`0018. According to a second aspect, the invention pro
`vides 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 body
`having a first wall; a second wall; and a slot formed along at
`least part of the length of the attachment, wherein the slot is
`defined on a first side by a surface of the first wall and on a
`second side by a surface of the second wall.
`0019. In one embodiment the appliance is a hair care
`appliance.
`0020. In another embodiment the appliance is a hot styling
`appliance Such as a hot styling brush.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0021. The invention will now be described by example,
`with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
`0022 FIG. 1a shows an example of an appliance accord
`ing to the invention;
`0023 FIG.1b shows a cross section through the appliance
`shown in FIG. 1a,
`0024 FIG. 2a shows an exploded view of some of the
`handle components of the device of FIG. 1a,
`(0025 FIG.2b shows an enlarged section of the fluid inlet;
`0026 FIGS. 3a and 3b show an isometric view and an
`isometric cross section through a first attachment according
`to the invention;
`0027 FIGS. 4a and 4b show a side view and a side view
`cross section through the first attachment;
`0028 FIGS. 5a and 5b show cross sections through the
`first attachment;
`0029 FIGS. 6a and 6b show an isometric view and a side
`view through a second attachment;
`0030 FIG. 7a shows an isometric view through another
`attachment;
`0031
`FIGS. 7b and 7c show an isometric view and a side
`view through a further attachment;
`0032 FIG. 8a shows an isometric view of a fifth attach
`ment;
`0033 FIG. 8b shows an isometric view of a sixth attach
`ment;
`0034 FIGS. 9a and 9b show isometric views of a two part
`assembly for an attachment;
`0035 FIGS. 10a and 10b show an isometric view and an
`isometric cross section through a further attachment accord
`ing to the invention;
`0036 FIGS. 11a, 11b and 11c show a side view and a side
`view cross sections through the further attachment;
`0037 FIGS. 12a and 12b show cross sections through the
`further attachment in a first position;
`0038 FIGS. 13a and 13b show cross sections through the
`further attachment in a second position;
`0039 FIG. 14 shows schematically the further attachment
`in use; and
`0040 FIG. 15a shows an isometric view of another attach
`ment;
`FIG. 15b shows different component parts of the
`0041
`other attachment;
`
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`0042 FIG. 15c shows the different component parts from
`the inlet end;
`0043 FIG. 15d shows a cross section through the side of
`the other attachment;
`0044 FIG. 15e shows a cross section through the other
`attachment; and
`004.5 FIGS. 16a and 16b show an alternative sock for the
`other attachment.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`0046 FIGS. 1a and 1b 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.
`0047. The handle 20 has an outer wall 26 which is gener
`ally 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.
`0048. 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 heater by a heater 80 before entering an
`inner cavity 38 of the head 30.
`0049. 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.
`0050. 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 automati
`cally 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.
`0051 Power is provided to the appliance via a power cable
`48 which preferably extends from a plug or other power
`source through the end wall 42 of the handle 20. The handle
`20 also houses a PCB75 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.
`0052 FIG.2a 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.
`0053. 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 particu
`larly 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.
`0054 Secondly, often hair care appliances are used with a
`styling product such as amousse, 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 appli
`ance 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.
`0055 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.
`0056. The apertures are preferably circular with a diam
`eter 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.
`0057. A foam block 48 is provided which in use is inserted
`into the second end 24 of the handle 20. 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 fur
`ther 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 offiltration. In other words, the foam block
`48 extends from the second end 24 of the handle 20 past the
`downstream end 44a of the fluid inlet.
`0058. The foam block 48 shown is cylindrical and substan
`tially 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 aper
`tures 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.
`0059. 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.
`0060. 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 appli
`
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`ance by the flow of fluid through the fluid flow path 50. The
`insulating layer absorbs energy including airborne noise.
`0061 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 60a and a second part 60b which is moulded
`separately. This enables easier assembly of the fan unit 70
`within the handle 20thana one piece inner wall. A similar pair
`of inwardly protruding ledges 68,72 maintains the position of
`the heater 80 within the handle 20.
`0062 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.
`0063. The fluid outlet 100 of the head 30 will now be
`described in more detail, referring in particular to FIGS. 3a,
`3b, 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b. 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. 1a) 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.
`0064. The fluid outlet 100 is formed from a number of
`parallel slots 102 which extendalong 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.5b) formed between adja
`cent plates 110 which results in fluid being directed between
`a radially inner surface 104 formed from the outer surface 112
`of a first plate 110a and a radially outer surface 106 formed
`from the inner surface 114 of a second plate 110b. The fluid
`122 flowing out of the slot 102 is tangential 130 to the outer
`surface 112 of the plate 110a 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 automati
`cally.
`0065. 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 automati
`cally 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.
`0066. 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.
`0067. Advantageously, each plate 110 is lined with a felt
`like material 308 such as Kevlar or wool (see FIG. 3b). 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.
`0068 FIGS. 6a and 6b 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.3a. 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.3a. Alternatively, a larger or smaller number of plates
`110 and slots 142 could be used.
`0069 FIG. 7a 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 con
`stant diameter to the second end 236. This head 230 is used to
`create tighter curls.
`(0070. 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.
`(0071. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7b and
`7c, 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 C. 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 poten
`tially quicker styling process.
`0072 The slots can be curved in a clockwise or and anti
`clockwise 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.
`(0073 FIG. 8a 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.
`(0074 FIG. 8b shows a head 380 which has a larger diam
`eter than the handle, and is similar to head 130 except it has
`curved or spiralling slots 382 around the head 380.
`(0075 FIGS. 9a and 9b show away 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
`
`SharkNinja Ex. 1007
`SharkNinja et al. v. Dyson Technology Limited,
`IPR2024-00219 Page 21 of 23
`
`

`

`US 2015/0265022 A1
`
`Sep. 24, 2015
`
`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 164a 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 154a of the first set of plates from the collar32.
`0076. In order to retain the first part 150 and the second
`part 160 of the head 30 in the assembled condition, a protrud
`ing screw hole 168 is provided. Near the distal end 154a 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 154a 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 30a and a screw, for
`example can be inserted to fix the two parts 150, 160 of the
`head together.
`0.077 FIGS. 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d and 15e show a head 400
`all features identical to those previously described have the
`same reference numerals. This head 400 has a reduced diam
`eter compared with the handle 20. The slots 102 extend lon
`gitudinally from the first end 32 to the second end 236, how
`ever the slots could be curved as described with respect to
`FIGS. 7a and 7b.
`0078 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. 15b. Alter
`natively as shown in FIGS. 16a and 16b the sock 420 is a tube
`424 formed from a woven mesh 422 having generally square
`apertures.
`0079. 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.
`0080 FIGS. 10a, 10b, 11a–11c 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.
`I0081. The first cylindrical part 310 has a first end 312 for
`connection to a handle 20 via a collar 328 and extends longi
`tudinally to a second end 314 which comprises an end wall
`316. An inner cavity 318 is formed within the first cylindrical
`part 310. The first cylindrical part 310 has an aperture 322
`extending from the collar 328 to the second end 314. The
`aperture 322 is defined by a first edge 324 and a second edge
`326.
`I0082. The second triangular part 330 has a first end 332
`and a second end 334 and if formed from a first side 336, a
`second side 338 and an internal wall 340. The second trian
`gular part 330 fits within the aperture 322 and extends out
`wardly beyond the first cylindrical part 310.
`0083. 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 30 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.
`I0084. In one position, referring now to FIGS.12a and 12b,
`the first edge 324 along with a first side 336 of the second
`triangular part 330 define the limits of the outlet slot342. 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. 13a and 13b.
`I0085. 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 tempo
`rarily retained in a position by the use of a detent mechanism.
`I0086. 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. 11b). 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.
`I0087. Referring now to FIGS. 12a and 12b, when the
`second triangular part 330 is in a first position with respect to
`the first cylindrical part 310, the outlet slot342 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.
`I0088. The first