KR100979832B1 - Oral care instrument including an oral care agent - Google Patents

Abstract

The oral care instrument 1 includes at least one oral care agent. In one embodiment, the oral care agent may be provided on one or more surfaces of the oral care implement, or may be included inside the cavity 50 in the head or one or more surfaces of the head. In other embodiments, the oral care agent may be provided to a slab that is continuously bonded to the surface or may be applied as a stable coating. The oral care instrument may also include a wear indicator 120. Oral health agents may be released during single use, multiple use, or during the life of the device. Water, oral secretions, and / or chemicals in the oral cavity can act on oral health agents.

Head, joint, wear indicator, teeth, gums, periodontal disease

Description

ORAL CARE INSTRUMENT INCLUDING ORAL HEALTH PRODUCTS ORAL CARE INSTRUMENT INCLUDING AN ORAL CARE AGENT}

The present invention relates to an oral care instrument having at least one oral care agent that can be dispensed into the user's mouth to provide enhanced oral health to the user. The present invention also relates to an oral care instrument comprising a wear indicator to inform a user that an oral care agent is depleted.

People exhibit many poor forms of oral health, including tooth decay, periodontal disease, and bad odors (bad breath). Tooth decay and periodontal disease are typically caused by harmful bacteria in the oral cavity. When harmful bacteria are mixed with proteins provided in saliva, plaque films form on teeth and soft tissues. If the plaque is not removed, the plaque will attack the teeth and create a cavity. Plaques will also attack soft tissues in the oral cavity and cause gum disease, a major cause of adult tooth loss. As a result, the reduction of the amount of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity has been the goal of those working in the oral health field.

The most common way to minimize harmful bacteria in the oral cavity is to brush at least one mouthwash with a toothbrush that dispenses the oral cavity. Liquids entering the oral cavity, including oral rinses, are used to provide additional oral health in addition to those achieved during brushing. Mouthwashes are used to dispense breath cleaners into the mouth to eliminate bad breath.

Ultimately, people do not always have time to provide themselves with proper oral health. For example, busy people do not have the time or patience to complete brushing, clean with an interdental cleaning room, and / or use an oral rinse. Optionally, some people may think that they do not need anything other than brushing their teeth. For these reasons, these people leave a significant amount of harmful bacteria in their mouths after completing the oral health rooting, and these bacteria can begin to attack teeth and gums.

Also, although all useful and recommended products are used, they are less effective if they are dispensed at the same time. For example, using toothpaste and oral rinse at different times can reduce the synergistic effects that can be provided to the user when used simultaneously.

A feature of the present invention relates to an oral care implement that includes and dispenses oral care agents in the oral cavity of a user. The oral care instrument includes a head having at least a portion formed of a material forming a cavity. The plurality of cavities are provided with at least one oral health agent, which is dispensed into the user's mouth when such oral health agent (s) come into contact with liquids or chemicals in the oral cavity. According to another feature of the invention, the oral care instrument comprises a wear indicator indicating the amount of oral care agent.

Another feature of the invention relates to an oral care device formed of a polymer containing at least one oral care agent. The oral care agent (s) may be included in the oral care device for distribution into the oral cavity or on one or more surfaces of the oral care device. The oral care agent (s) may be included in the cavity at one or more surfaces of the head. Optionally, the oral care agent (s) is formed of, or transferred to, a thin slab continuously bonded to the toothbrush head, or applied onto the toothbrush head as a stable coating. Oral health agents can be released during single use or during the entire life of the device. Water, oral secretions, and / or chemicals in the oral cavity activate oral health agents.

1 is a perspective view of an oral care implement in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows one surface of the instrument of Figure 1;

3 shows the surface of the instrument of FIG. 1 taken opposite to FIG.

Figure 4 shows an enlarged portion 4-4 of the surface of the instrument of Figures 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the cavity shown in FIG. 4; FIG.

6 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the cavity shown in FIG.

7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the appliance of FIG. 2;

8 is a partial cross-sectional view of an instrument according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the mechanism of Figure 2;

10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the instrument according to the present invention.

1 shows one embodiment of an oral care instrument 1 having an elongated handle 10 and a head 20 introduced into a user's mouth or oral cavity. The oral care instrument 1 is not limited to the toothbrush as shown, but may take other forms or structures, may perform the function of dispensing oral care agents to a user, and is a non-limiting embodiment of the oral care implement. Includes a tongue washer and portable brush, toothpick combination. The instrument 1 can be discarded after one use or can be used repeatedly for a period of time. The elongated handle 10 may be formed in a variety of shapes and different structures to allow the oral care instrument 1 to be easily gripped and to be easily operated within the mouth of a user.

Head 20 includes a composite surface that is exposed to fluid in the oral cavity during use. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the head 20 comprises a first surface 22 on the first side 23 and a second surface 24 on the opposite second side. Sidewalls 26 extend between the surfaces 22, 24. The oral care element 30 extends from two surfaces 22, 24 of the head 20, which element 30 includes a tooth cleaning element 35, such as an elongated bristles or elastomeric finger, and the two surfaces 22, 24. And a soft tissue cleaning element such as a tongue cleaning member (not shown) extending from 24). The third embodiment includes a tooth cleaning element 35 extending from the first surface 22 and a tongue cleaning element (not shown) extending from the second surface 24.

The oral care element 30 described is not limited to the above. Instead, the term "oral health device" is generic; It is believed to include all types of devices that can be used in the oral cavity, and soft tissue cleaning members, gum massage members, and other types of oral health or massage members, not described above.

Regardless of the number or position of the oral care elements 30 provided in the head 20, the head 20 includes at least one oral care agent introduced into the oral cavity to perform the intended function. In one embodiment, the oral care agent (s) may be provided in a cavity 50 (see FIG. 4) formed or provided in the head 20. The oral care agent (s) may be included in a separate member 100 disposed on one or more of the surfaces 22, 24, or 26 of the head 20. This member 100 is provided instead of or with the cavity 50 inside the head 20.

The head 20 is formed of a material having a plurality of cavities 50 exposed outward, which open to their respective outer surfaces 22, 24, 26. The entire head 20 may be formed of such a material or the material may be applied over an inner core (not shown). The material used to form the head 20 may comprise one of a wide variety of commercially available polymers, such as, for example, thermoplastic polymers. In one embodiment, the oral care instrument 1 is formed of polypropylene, so that a cavity extending inwardly during manufacture may be formed. Other polymers or thermoplastic polymers, typically of different molecular weights, have different melting and coagulation properties. Thus, one skilled in the art can select a polymer suitable for a given application. Oral Health Equipment (1) is M.A. It may be formed of a polypropylene material commercialized by Industry. In one embodiment, the head 20 formed of polypropylene material is manufactured through a sintering process. The head 20 may be formed simultaneously with the rest of the oral care instrument 1 as a single continuous member. Alternatively, the head 20 may be manufactured as a part to be assembled as part of the instrument 1. The head 20 may then be attached through various techniques including ultrasonic welding, heat staking, lasers, or the like, or through mechanical methods that allow the head 20 to be removed or discarded.

The term "cavity" refers to the opening of the head 20 and is provided in the head material itself or integrally formed with the head and does not extend in all directions through the head. The term "exposed surface" is associated with a surface that defines the shape of the head 20 and generally defines the boundary between the head 20 and its periphery. The externally exposed cavity 50 may receive and support one or more disposable oral health agents. The cavity 50 may receive such health agents in powder form, in liquid form, or in powder and liquid form. In one embodiment, the cavity 50 receives and supports the oral care agent (s) until a set amount is received or until the cavity is filled. The size and shape of such cavities 50 can be varied to include larger amounts of oral health agents or oral health agents having large or different types of molecules.

In order to provide a device 1 with a number of advantageous properties, including cavity size and shape and spacing, the use of a wide range of materials (polymer form, polymer size, grain size distribution, type of oral health agent used, oral health particles) It should be appreciated that a wide range of manufacturing / processing parameters (such as temperature and pressure, etc.) and size distributions, such as the ratio of porous polymers to oral health agents, etc. may be used. For example, the oral care instrument 1 may have a cavity 50 that dispenses the oral care agent (s) to the user's mouth in different proportions. Such a ratio may be, for example, the size of the exposed surface area of each cavity 50, the oral care agent contained in the outer surfaces 22, 24, 26 of the head, the shape of the cavity 50, the depth of the cavity 50, And / or the nature of the oral care agent (s) included.

Adjacent cavities 50 may have different sizes to accommodate different amounts of oral health agent (s) or different molecular weight size of oral health agent (s). As a result, the oral care instrument 1 can have different oral care release properties, which control when and how much each oral care is dispensed into the oral cavity. For example, in embodiments where the oral care agent (s) are released very quickly from the oral care instrument 1, a large thermoplastic grain size is selected for the head 20, and the oral health agent (s) is slow. If it is desired to be dispensed, it is preferred that a small thermoplastic grain size is chosen.

Adjacent cavities 50 within the outer surface of the head 20 may carry the same or different oral care agents. Likewise, the same voids 50 can be layered on top of each other (FIG. 5) or adjacent to each other (FIG. 6) for controlled release timing, so that they will react simultaneously when in contact with the actuator.

Active oral health agents include, for example, friction agents, mouthwashes, tooth whitening agents, vitamins, antibiotics / antibacterial agents, plaque dispersants, sensitizers, for oral cavity and teeth to provide individual or combined synergistic effects, and / Or act as a combination of these functional agents. Oral care agents may include nutrient and physical supplements, such as flavors, decorations, calcium, and the like. Calcium is given, for example, in 1 mg doses. The fragrance is released to indicate that the oral care appliance 1 is operating properly, or to indicate that the appliance 1 is exhausted or ready for placement or refilling. In addition, oral care agents remove special enzymes from the user's mouth. Ornaments applied by the oral care agent temporarily add coloring, flashing, flashing and / or signs to the user's teeth. In addition, the lack of intraoral fluid causes oral health agents, such as stimulants for salivary glands, provided inside the cavity 50. The proportions and doses of these health agents will depend on the amount required and on the approved health agents.

During manufacture of the oral care instrument 1, the oral care agent is dispensed into the cavity as a solid and / or liquid component. In one embodiment, the material of the oral care instrument 1 is immersed in the required liquid so that the oral care agent (s) in the liquid can be flowable and maintained inside the cavity 50. When dried, the oral care agent becomes stable inside the cavity 50. During manufacture, the desired oral health agent (s) may be infiltrated into the cavity 50 of a portion of the head 20. Depletion of spent oral health appliances, ie, oral health agent (s), allows the oral health agent to be well refilled by allowing it to be submerged again in the liquid carrying the desired oral health agent (s). The cavity 50 is regularly replenished and refilled daily for an appliance that provides a single dose of at least one oral care agent.

Once the cavity 50 has received its intended oral health agent (s), the head 20 is well used to dispense or release the oral health agent (s) in the oral cavity. Oral health agents will typically be filtered from their respective cavities 50 when in contact with fluids and / or chemicals in the oral cavity. According to a feature of the invention, the active oral health agent permeating the head material may be released into the oral cavity, for example, during brushing of the teeth. Water and chemicals in the user's oral cavity during brushing will contact the oral care agent (s) in the oral cavity 50 at the head 20. This creates a reaction in which the permeated oral health agent (s) will be filtered out of the cavity 50 inside the head 20. In addition, the use of different oral care agents in the cavities 50 of the same head 20 has the ability to provide beneficial synergy to the user. This is particularly useful when there are two beneficial oral health agent (s) that are separated from each other by the desired time of use in an ideal environment. In this way, the oral care instrument 1 can distribute various benefits to the user at one time.

The oral care instrument 1 can distribute the benefits of toothpaste, for example, by infiltrating the head material with chemicals and abrasives found in the toothpaste. In such embodiments, some of the chemical and mechanical benefits of the toothpaste may be dispensed alone through the use of the toothbrush without the toothpaste applied to the cleaning elements of the toothbrush. At least one of the dispensed oral health agents acts as a catalyst or acts as an enhancer for oral toothpaste or other health agents. In addition, the oral care instrument 1 can dispense the advantages of chemicals such as chlorohexidine and the like in a more effective manner.

The distribution member 100 as described above provides or includes the oral care agent as described above, and also acts as a wear indicator. This member 100 can be placed at any position of the head 20 and notifies the user when the oral care agent is depleted. In a non-limiting embodiment, the dispensing member 100 is shown as a strip 102 on the second surface 24. Dispensing member 100 may take any form and may be disposed on any surface (s) on instrument 1 that may be viewed by a user. In addition to indicating when the instrument 1 has been discarded or refilled, the dispensing member 100 comprises at least one of the aforementioned oral care agents and dispenses them into the oral cavity.

In one embodiment, the dispensing member 100 is removable and one or more replacement strips 102 may be applied in series or in parallel to such a device to perform the same function (s) as the dispensing member 100. The replacement strip 102 may be applied after every use of the instrument 1 or after repeated use. To distribute the individual advantages of the composite or the advantages resulting from the combined provision of different strip operations of the composite, a single strip or composite strip may be applied on the head surface. Such strips can be sold separately and applied to the user as needed. For the convenience of the user, the replacement strip 102 may be conveyed in the recess or septum of the handle 10 of the oral care instrument.

Replacement / enhancing strips 102 may be provided that perform different functions in the oral cavity. For example, the replacement / enhancement strip 102 may be designed to freshen breath, activate the salivary glands, and / or make the teeth sensitive to antigen. In this embodiment, different functional strips 102 are applied to the instrument 1, instead of or together with the strips 102 used regularly in the head 20, for example, to kill harmful bacteria in the oral cavity. Can be.

As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 7, the dispensing member 100 (and replacement strip 102, see Fig. 2) is an oral health agent (s) made of a material insoluble in water, such as resin, and dispensed into the oral cavity. It includes a first layer 110 that can support. The material insoluble in water supports the structure of the dispensing member 100 when the oral care agent is filtered and distributed to the oral cavity of the user. Layer 110 of material includes a portion of head 20 or a layer of material designed to federate a desired release rate criterion and capacity that may be secured to head 20. Dispensing member 100 may be fixed to or within at least one surface of head 20. For example, the dispensing member 1000 is secured inside a groove 118 (FIG. 8) extending along or around the head 20. This groove 118 is secured to the outer side of the head 20. As shown in FIG. It has a depth of about 1 to 2 mm.

The second layer 114 is disposed over the first layer 110. This layer consists of a material or materials that are chemically and / or mechanically altered. Chemical and / or mechanical alterations are achieved by chemical reactions, such as by dissolution or enzymatic conversion and / or friction of the layer on the surface of the oral cavity, for example, by components of saliva or water. This layer 114 is corroded due to friction in the use of the instrument 1 or is formed of a water soluble material. In one embodiment, the outer layer 114 comprises a water soluble polymer (preferably, for example) polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, or polyvinyl alcohol. However, as is known, these combinations which provide controllable solubility for non-toxic polymers, copolymers or layers can also be used. The solubility of the polymer used in the outer layer 114 is low enough to dissolve slowly for many uses. The second layer 114 includes one or more oral care agents, such as antibacterial agents. The antimicrobial agent may be any of those described above, such as chlorhexidine and the like.

Non-limiting examples of antimicrobials that can be used in place of chlorhexidine digluconate include mucinases, pancreatin, fungus enzymes, protease-amylase, dextranase, moanase, gendium, As well as antiflag enzymes such as amyloglucosidase, gluco oxidase and the like; Actinoboline, chlortetracycline, tetracycline, streptomycin, kanamycin, neomycin, nidamycin, vacitracin, erythromycin, penicillin, lancemycin, gramicidine, ceramycin polymyxin B. Other conventional antimicrobial agents that can be used include phenolic components (eg, phenol, thymol, 2-phenylphenol, hexylesorcinol), listerin (thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate); Non-pyrimidine (eg, octenidene); Pyrimidine (eg hexetitin); Halogen (eg iodine, iodophores, fluoride); Quaternary ammonium salts (eg cetylpyridinium, chloride, benzetonium chloride, domiphene bromide); Oxygen generators (eg peroxides; perborate); Herbal extracts (eg sannimarin); Heavy metal salts (eg silver, mercury, zinc, copper, tin); And other bis-biguanides other than chlorhexin (eg alexidine). Of course, other chlorhexidine salts such as diacetate and dihydrochloride may be used instead of chlorhexidine digluconate.

The two layers 110, 114 may be produced from two different mixtures by conventional coextrusion or coextrusion molding techniques. Optionally, one layer may be extruded and the other layer may be thermoformed / compressed or laminated over the extruded layer. Other manufacturing methods may be used.

As the dispensing member 100 contacts water, saliva, or chemicals in the oral cavity, the outer layer 114 dissolves and the oral care agent (s) is filtered out of the area exposed by the dissolved outer layer 114. As the outer layer 114 dissolves due to repeated use, it not only exposes oral health agents supported by resin, for example, but also when the oral health agent (s) in the apparatus is depleted and needs replacement or refilling. To expose the display portion 120 indicating the wear of the mechanism 1 (FIG. 9). The display unit 120 may be a viewable color that draws the user's attention to the layer 110 and displays the remaining useful life of the instrument 1. Optionally, the display unit 120 may be a message informing the user when the oral care instrument 1 is exhausted (FIG. 9). Other communication means can be used.

In another embodiment, a hydrogel is applied on at least one surface of the instrument 1 and / or forms at least one layer of the dispensing member 100. In this embodiment the hydrogel releases the oral care agent and / or releases other health agents, bacteria and / or chemicals in the oral cavity in the instrument 1.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the instrument 1 includes any number of containers or capsules 200 that are secured to the surface of the head 20 or that are included in the head 20. Each capsule 200 may be formed of a biocompatible material and includes at least one oral care agent, such as a liquid and / or powder oral care agent. In this case, the health agent provided in the capsule is not mixed until it is in the oral cavity. This capsule 200 bursts or dissolves under pressure, releasing oral health agent (s) into the oral cavity.

In another embodiment, a single container or capsule 250 having two or more chambers 252, 254 is secured to the surface of the instrument 1. In this embodiment, thin film 255 extends between chambers 252 and 254. Over time, thin film 255 will melt or break. Such thin film damage is time-dependent and / or the result of using the instrument 1 in the oral cavity. When the thin film 255 has dissolved or broken, or worn out from the inner wall of the capsule 250, the materials in the chambers 252, 254 are in contact with each other to indicate that the oral health agent in the instrument 1 has been depleted. Cause.

As noted above, a wide range of molding techniques can be used depending on the oral care instrument, and a wide range of material specifications and variables can be used to provide the instrument with a wide range of desired properties. While various preferred shapes of the invention have been described, it will be readily appreciated that a wide variety of other shapes and sizes may be used by the present invention. Formation and size should be chosen to optimize fluid contact with the porous portion of the oral care instrument. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and substitutions of the systems and techniques described above are possible. It is to be appreciated that other embodiments may be used and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (36)

In the oral care appliance, And a head, wherein at least a portion of the head has at least one oral health agent, the head further comprising at least one biocompatible capsule comprising an oral health agent. The oral care instrument of claim 1, wherein the head is formed of a material comprising cavities, and the plurality of cavities comprises at least one oral care agent. The oral care instrument of claim 2, wherein adjacent cavities comprise different oral care agents. 4. The oral care instrument of claim 3, wherein the different oral care agents are released at different rates. The oral care instrument of claim 2, wherein at least one of the cavities comprises different oral care agents. 6. The oral care instrument of claim 5, wherein the different oral care agents are layered on top of each other. 6. The oral care instrument of claim 5, wherein the different oral care agents are adjacent to each other. The oral care instrument of claim 1, wherein the at least one oral care agent is depleted after one use of the oral care agent. The oral care instrument of claim 1, wherein the at least one oral care agent is dispensed during repeated use of the oral care instrument. The oral care instrument of claim 2, wherein the cavity comprises additional oral care agents that are dispensed in different proportions. 3. The oral care instrument of claim 2, wherein the cavity is disposed on an outer surface of the head. 3. The oral care instrument of claim 2, wherein the cavity is disposed on a plurality of outer surfaces of the head. The oral care instrument of claim 1, further comprising a wear indicator. 14. The oral care instrument of claim 13, wherein the wear indicator comprises a first layer and a second layer that is chemically or mechanically modified to expose the first layer. 15. The oral care instrument of claim 14, wherein the first layer represents when the oral care instrument is disposed of or filled with an additional oral care agent. The oral care instrument of claim 14, wherein at least one of the layers comprises an oral care agent. 15. The oral care instrument of claim 14, wherein said first layer is secured to a head. The oral care instrument of claim 1, wherein the at least one oral care agent is provided in a removable member fixed to the head. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one oral care agent is an antibacterial agent, a tooth cleaner, a tooth whitening agent, a respiratory cleaner, a friction agent, a plaque dispersant, a vitamin, a sensitizer, a antiperspirant, a fragrance, a fragrance, a decoration, An oral care instrument comprising a nutritional supplement and a physical supplement or a combination thereof. 2. The oral care instrument of claim 1, wherein the oral care instrument comprises a toothbrush having a cleaning element extending outwardly. In the oral care appliance, At least one oral health agent, With wear indicator, A capsule on at least one surface of the oral care instrument, The capsule oral care device, characterized in that it comprises at least one oral care agent. 22. The oral care instrument of claim 21, wherein the wear indicator visually communicates the presence of at least one oral care agent. 22. The wear indicator of claim 21, wherein the wear indicator comprises a first layer and a second layer, the second layer having an exposed portion, one of the layers comprising at least one oral care agent. Oral Health Organization. 24. The oral care instrument of claim 23, wherein the second layer comprises a material having a cavity with at least one oral care agent. The oral care instrument of claim 24, wherein the substance forms at least a portion of a head of the oral care instrument. The oral care instrument of claim 23, wherein the second layer is removably secured to a portion of the head of the oral care instrument. 27. The oral care instrument of claim 26, wherein the second layer is secured in a concave portion of the head. 22. The oral care instrument of claim 21, wherein the wear indicator comprises a plurality of different materials indicating that at least one oral care agent is depleted upon contact. 29. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising a first layer and a second layer disposed over the first layer; And the second layer is soluble in contact with a plurality of different materials. The oral care instrument of claim 21, wherein the capsule can be dissolved to release at least one oral care agent. 22. The oral care instrument of claim 21, further comprising a head having a plurality of outwardly open cavities having at least one oral care agent. 32. The oral care instrument of claim 31, wherein the adjacent cavities comprise different oral care agents. 33. The oral care instrument of claim 32, wherein the different oral care agents are released at different rates. 32. The oral care instrument of claim 31, wherein at least one of the cavities comprises different oral care agents, wherein the different oral care agents are layered on top of each other. 32. The oral care instrument of claim 31, wherein at least one of the cavities comprises at least different oral care agents, and wherein the different oral care agents are adjacent to each other. 22. The oral care instrument of claim 21, further comprising a head having a plurality of cavities, the cavities comprising additional oral care agents dispensed at different rates.

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