DEVICE FOR ORAL HYGIENE DESCRIPTION Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of oral hygiene. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for oral hygiene.

Background art

The importance of a correct oral hygiene is well known.

For this purpose, several devices for oral hygiene are known, e.g. toothbrushes.

Toothbrushes are commonly used in combination with toothpaste. In particular, the toothbrush acts mechanically upon the external surface of the tooth; the toothpaste acts as a carrier for the application of various active principles onto the dental surface. For example, the active principle may comprise antibacterial, whitening, desensitizing and remineralizing substances.

The Applicant has observed that, unfortunately, toothpaste becomes solubilized in an aqueous solution, and the active principle is indistinctly dispersed within the oral cavity.

For example, considering an active principle performing a remineralizing action, such as sodium fluoride, when it becomes solubilized it forms fluorine and sodium ions that are indistinctly absorbed by the soft tissues of the oral cavity.

The Applicant has observed that, disadvantageously, it is by no means possible to select the target tissue or apparatus for the release of the active principle. The active principle is dispersed and absorbed indiscriminately by the entire environment that surrounds the release region.

The Applicant has observed that the devices for oral hygiene currently available also suffer from further drawbacks.

Disadvantageously, after a toothbrush has been used, a number of bacteria may proliferate on the bristles and body thereof. Disadvantageously, bacteria and fungi coming from other sources in the bathroom may also contaminate the toothbrush. Disadvantageously, such bacteria and fungi multiply on the bristles of the toothbrush even when the toothbrush is not in use.

The bristles, and in general the outer surface of the device for oral hygiene, may be difficult to clean and may accumulate significant levels of bacterial contamination over time.

The Applicant notes that, for the above reasons, it is advisable to replace the device for oral hygiene with a certain frequency.

Such disadvantages are even more evident on portable devices for oral hygiene.

The Applicant notes that it would be desirable to provide an improved device for oral hygiene.

In particular, the Applicant notes that it would be desirable to provide an improved portable/travel device for oral hygiene.

A device for oral hygiene is known, called IkoFluoro®, which is produced by the present Applicant. Such device for oral hygiene is a portable device that provides localized release of sodium fluoride onto the dental surface.

Summary of the invention

The Applicant has tackled the problem of providing a device for oral hygiene which can overcome the above-mentioned problems.

In particular, the Applicant has tackled the problem of providing an improved device for oral hygiene.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device for oral hygiene which comprises:

a main body;

a plurality of bristles extending from said main body;

said main body and said plurality of bristles being made from a polymeric composition comprising one or more thermoplastic polymers and at least one plasticizer; said device being characterized in that said polymeric composition comprises at least one essential oil.

Further advantageous features of the present invention will be set out in the appended dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will become more apparent in the light of the following detailed description, wherein reference will be made to the annexed drawings, which are provided merely by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

Figures 1 a and 1 b are perspective views of a device for oral hygiene according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the preceding device for oral hygiene;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the device for oral hygiene of Figure 1 a;

Figure 4 is a magnified view of a detail of the device for oral hygiene of Figure 1 a;

Figure 5 is a sectional view along plane A-A shown in Figure 2 of the device for oral hygiene of Figure 1 a;

Figure 6 is a magnified view of a detail of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a simplified flow chart of a method for manufacturing a device for oral hygiene according to the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a further simplified flow chart of the method for manufacturing a device for oral hygiene according to the present invention.

In the annexed drawings, those items which are substantially equal and/or which perform substantially the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the following description, the term "device for oral hygiene" will refer to a toothbrushing device, preferably a portable and/or travel toothbrushing device.

Detailed description of some embodiments

With initial reference to Figures 1 a, 1 b, 2 and 3, the following will describe a device for oral hygiene 1 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

The device for oral hygiene 1 comprises a main body 10 and a plurality of bristles 1 1 . Preferably, the plurality of bristles 1 1 extend in a radially external direction from said main body 10. Even more preferably, the plurality of bristles 1 1 extend in a radially external direction starting from a portion of said main body 10. Preferably, the main body 10 of the device 1 develops longitudinally.

Preferably, the main body 10 has an inner cavity 18, as shown in Figure 5. The inner cavity 18 develops longitudinally and has a mean diameter D ranging from 15 to 30 mm.

Preferably, the main body 10, when provided with an inner cavity 18, has a minimum thickness of 0.5 mm.

The main body 10 has, at a first end 12 thereof, an aperture 12'. Through the aperture 12', the device 1 can be put on a finger of a user.

Preferably, the main body has a hole at a closed second end 13 thereof, as shown in Figure 1 b.

With reference to Figure 4, the device 1 preferably comprises a fin 14. Preferably, the fin 14 extends from the closed second end 13 of the main body 10 in a radially external direction. Preferably, the fin 14 has a substantially elongated triangular cross-section. Even more preferably, the base of said fin 14 is engaged with the outer surface of the main body 10. In particular, the dimension of the fin 14 with an elongated triangular cross-section is such that it can enter the spaces between the teeth.

With reference to Figures 4 and 5, each bristle 1 1 i comprises a body 1 1 "i. Preferably, the body 1 1 "i has a substantially longitudinal development and has a free end 1 1 'i. The free end 1 1 'i is preferably conical in shape. The free end 1 1 'i is adapted to enter, at least partially, the interstices between the teeth.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the plurality of bristles 1 1 preferably extend from a first half of the main body 10. The second half of the main body 10 is preferably smooth. Alternatively, the main body 10 is provided, on its second half, with raised pads (not shown in the drawings). Such raised pads allow massaging the mucosae and the gums.

Preferably, the free ends of a group of bristles 1 1 g, belonging to the plurality of bristles 1 1 , define a concave profile C. Said concave profile C substantially corresponds to a (convex) compensation curve to increase to contact area between the group of bristles 1 1 g and the surface of the teeth while using the device 1 .

The main body 10 is made from a polymeric composition. Likewise, each bristle of the plurality of bristles 1 1 is made from a polymeric composition. Preferably, the main body 10 and the plurality of bristles 1 1 are made from the same polymeric composition.

Said polymeric composition comprises one or more thermoplastic polymers.

Said one or more thermoplastic polymers are present in an amount of at least 15% in weight of the total weight of said polymeric composition. Preferably, said one or more thermoplastic polymers are chosen among medical polymers and/or alimentary polymers. For example, said one or more thermoplastic polymers are chosen among: SEBS, SBS, PP, PPE, ABS.

Said polymeric composition comprises at least one plasticizer. Said at least one plasticizer is present in an amount of 10% to 45% in weight of the total weight of said polymeric composition.

The Applicant notes that by using the at least one plasticizer it is possible to determine the hardness/softness of the device 1 . In particular, the Applicant has verified that a hardness/softness comprised between 10 ShoreA and 80 ShoreA, and in particular between 40 ShoreA and 50 ShoreA, is preferable for the device 1 according to the invention.

Preferably, the at least one plasticizer is chosen among: liquid paraffin, butadiene and styrene.

Said polymeric composition comprises at least one essential oil. Said at least one essential oil is present in an amount of 0.1 to 10% in weight of the total weight of said polymeric composition.

Preferably, said at least one essential oil is chosen among essential oils and/or essential oils extracted from: kombu algae, mango, coriander, lotus root, linen oil, cardamom, nut oil, nigella sativa, sesame, wakame algae, cocoa butter, celeriac, lime, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, cloves, argan oil, pomegranate, oregano, geranium, ribes nigrum, hawthorn, aloe calendula, propolis, peppermint, lemon, sage, ginger, sweet orange, cedar, pink grapefruit.

Hereinafter, the expression “essential oil” will refer to an essential oil or an essential oil extracted from the corresponding aromatic vegetable material.

Preferably, said at least one essential oil comprises at least one essential oil having antibacterial properties. For example, at least one essential oil is chosen among: coriander, pomegranate, nigella sativa, oregano, peppermint, sage, ginger and pink grapefruit.

Preferably, said at least one essential oil comprises at least one essential oil having anti-inflammatory and/or pain-killing properties. For example, at least one essential oil is chosen among: coriander, nigella sativa, sunflower seeds, cloves, oregano.

For example, the polymeric composition comprises the following essential oils and/or essential oils extracted from: peppermint, pomegranate, sage, lemon. In particular, the polymeric composition comprises the following essential oils:

lemon: 1 .5% in weight;

sage: 0.5% in weight;

peppermint: 2% in weight;

pomegranate: 3% in weight; and

argan oil: 3% in weight.

Note that the weight percentages refer to the total weight of the polymeric composition.

For example, the polymeric composition comprises the following essential oils and/or essentials oil extracted from: lime, nigella sativa, pomegranate, cloves, oregano. In particular, the polymeric composition comprises the following essential oils:

lime: 2% in weight;

nigella sativa: 2% in weight;

pomegranate: 3% in weight;

cloves: 1 .5% in weight;

oregano: 1 .5% in weight.

Wherein the weight percentages refer to the total weight of the polymeric composition.

Preferably, said polymeric composition comprises sodium fluoride. Preferably, sodium fluoride is present in an amount of 0.1 % to 0.15% in weight of the total weight of the polymeric composition. The Applicant notes that the maximum authorized sodium fluoride concentration for devices was established long ago by the European Directive (76/78/EC), and that no commercial product may contain more than 1 ,500 ppm or 0.15% of sodium fluoride.

In particular, the Applicant notes that the device 1 may not, in accordance with the above-mentioned directive, contain a weight percentage of sodium fluoride in excess of 0.15% of its total weight.

Alternatively, said polymeric composition comprises bamboo powder and/or white kaolin.

Preferably, bamboo powder is present in an amount of 1 % to 10% in weight of the total weight of the polymeric composition.

Preferably, white kaolin is present in an amount of 1 % to 10% in weight of the total weight of the polymeric composition.

By way of example, the device 1 is preferably made by using the following polymeric composition:

• SEBS 40% in weight - liquid paraffin 20% in weight - peppermint essential oil 10% in weight - white kaolin 5% in weight - polypropylene 25% in weight;

alternatively, the device 1 is preferably made by using the following polymeric composition:

• SEBS 40% in weight - liquid paraffin 20% in weight - polypropylene 25% in weight - bamboo powder 5% in weight - peppermint essential oil 10% in weight; alternatively, the device 1 is preferably made by using the following polymeric composition:

• SEBS 40% - liquid paraffin 20% - polypropylene 25% - sodium fluoride 0.15% - menthol powder 2% - peppermint essential oil 2% - pomegranate essential oil 5% - nigella sativa essential oil 3% - calendula essential oil 2.85%.

The above-listed weight percentages are in relation to the total weight of the polymeric composition. Note also that the total weight of the polymeric composition corresponds to the total weight of the device 1.

The following will describe a method for manufacturing the device 1 according to the present invention.

Said method essentially comprises:

a compounding phase 110;

a thermoforming phase 120; a polymeric absorption saturation phase 130.

During the compounding phase 1 10, one or more thermoplastic polymers and the at least one plasticizer are positioned inside a compounding machine to create a semifinished product of the polymeric composition of the device 1 . Optionally, it is possible to add sodium fluoride in an amount of 1 ,500 ppm.

For example, during the compounding phase 1 10 the following substances are positioned inside a hopper: SEBS, liquid paraffin, polypropylene.

The compounding phase 1 10 generates a semifinished product by melting and mixing the components inserted in said hopper.

Alternatively, during the compounding phase 1 10 white kaolin is added inside the hopper in an amount of 1 ,500 ppm.

Alternatively, during the compounding phase 1 10 bamboo powder is added inside the hopper in an amount of 1 ,500 ppm.

Preferably, a granular semifinished product 100 is obtained at the end of the compounding phase 1 10 (Figure 8). Said granular semifinished product 100 is then sent to the thermoforming phase 120.

During the thermoforming phase 120, the granular semifinished product 100 is preferably melted and thermoformed at a process temperature of 170 to 200 degrees Celsius. In particular, the semifinished product in the melted state is thermoformed under pressure by means of a mould. In other words, during the thermoforming phase 120 the semifinished product is thermoformed to produce a semifinished device T. In particular, the semifinished device T has a main body 10, an inner cavity 18, a plurality of bristles 1 1 , etc. as previously described herein.

At the end of the thermoforming phase 120, the semifinished device T is allowed to cool. Preferably, at the end of the thermoforming phase 120 the semifinished device 1’ is left to cool for a time of at least 10 hours, preferably for a period of 10 to 72 hours.

After the cooling period, the semifinished device T is subjected to the polymeric absorption saturation phase 130.

For example, during the polymeric absorption saturation phase 130 an essential oil is selected (e.g. an essential oil extracted from peppermint) and, by means of any known technique, a layer of the selected essential oil is applied onto the surface of the semifinished device V.

Preferably, the polymeric absorption saturation phase 130 comprises an aerography phase 130'. In particular, during the aerography phase 130' an aerograph is used in order to apply a selected essential oil onto the surface of the semifinished device 1’ , by using a specific container. In particular, the desired weight percentage of the essential oil to be applied onto the outer surface of the semifinished device 1’ is loaded into the tank of the aerograph. Once the surface layer of essential oil has been applied, the semifinished device 1’ is allowed to rest for at least 72 hours, so that the surface layer of essential oil can be absorbed by the semifinished device V.

Preferably, when two or more essential oils have been selected, the phase 130 comprises several aerography phases 130'. In particular, the phase 130 comprises one aerography phase 130' for each essential oil selected. Preferably, between successive aerography phases 130' there is a pause of at least 72 hours, so that the surface layer of essential oil applied during the first one of the two successive aerography phases can be absorbed by the semifinished device V.

At the end of the polymeric absorption saturation phase 130, the finished device 1 is obtained.

The device 1 according to the present invention offers some important advantages.

In particular, when essential oils having antibacterial properties are used, the device 1 has, advantageously, an antibacterial surface.

Advantageously, when essential oils having anti-inflammatory properties are used, the device 1 is suitable for users having sensitive teeth.

Advantageously, the device 1 may have substantially different characteristics depending on the essential oils (selected during the polymeric absorption saturation phase 130) added to the device 1 itself.

Advantageously, the device 1 has small dimensions, so that it can be used as a portable and/or travel device for oral hygiene.

According to one embodiment thereof, the present invention provides a device 1 for oral hygiene which comprises: a main body 10;

a plurality of bristles 11 extending from said main body 10;

said main body 10 and said plurality of bristles 11 being made from a polymeric composition comprising one or more thermoplastic polymers and at least one plasticizer;

wherein said main body 10 is provided with an aperture 12 and an inner cavity 18 suitable for putting said device 1 on a finger of a user;

said device 1 being characterized in that said polymeric composition comprises at least one essential oil.

According to a further aspect, with reference to Figure 8, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a device 1 for oral hygiene which comprises: starting a compounding phase 110 by melting and mixing:

- thermoplastic polymers in an amount of 20% to 60% in weight of the total weight;

- plasticizer in an amount of 10% to 45% in weight of the total weight;

- polypropylene in an amount of 20% to 60% in weight of the total weight; thereby obtaining a granular semifinished product 100;

starting a thermoforming phase 120 to thermoform said granular semifinished product 100 in its melted state, thereby obtaining a semifinished device 1’ comprising:

a main body 10 provided with an aperture 12 and an inner cavity 18 suitable for putting said semifinished device on a finger of a user; a plurality of bristles 11 extending from said main body 10;

starting a polymeric absorption saturation phase 130 by applying at least one layer of essential oil onto the outer surface of said semifinished device 1’, thereby obtaining said device 1 for oral hygiene.

Preferably, said thermoforming phase 120 is carried out at a process temperature of 170 to 200 degrees Celsius.

Preferably, at the end of said thermoforming phase 120 the semifinished device 1’ is allowed to cool for a period of at least 10 hours.

Preferably, said polymeric absorption saturation phase 130 comprises an aerography phase 130'. Preferably, said aerography phase 130' comprises:

spraying a surface layer of essential oil onto the surface of said semifinished device 1’; and

allowing said semifinished device V to rest for at least 72 hours.

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