Abstract:
A mouthguard has an initial, substantially linear configuration and may be worn in a variety of applications including to protect a person&#39;s teeth when the person is engaged in a sports activity such as football, lacrosse, and other contact sports, as well as for concussion protection, user performance enhancement and so forth. The mouthguard includes a first end trough region generally shaped to cooperatively enclose one or more teeth on a first side of a mouth, a second end trough region generally shaped to cooperatively enclose one or more teeth on a second side of the mouth and a connection region spanning between the first end trough region and the second trough region. The connection may include a shaping element for reversibly forming a second, generally non-linear configuration.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/345,331 filed May 17, 2010 entitled “MOUTH GUARD,” which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure pertains generally to mouthguards. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In general, mouthguards are used to protect an athlete&#39;s teeth while engaged in a sporting activity. Several prior art mouthguards include a V-shaped base member with inner and outer flanges that extend upwardly to surround the wearer&#39;s upper and/or lower teeth. Such mouthguards cushion the impact of the upper and/or lower teeth and protect the teeth in response to jarring action or impact. 
     One typical type of mouthguard is a dental tray which is generally pre-formed to mimic the shaped of a person&#39;s mandibular/maxillary arch configurations. Several prior art mouthguards are made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), which is a softenable thermoplastic. EVA&#39;s softening point is less than the temperature of boiling water. Therefore, such a mouthguard may be formed, or custom fit, to the wearer&#39;s mouth by placing the mouthguard in hot water until it becomes soft, and then placing it in the wearer&#39;s mouth. Such a mouthguard retains the shape of the wearer&#39;s teeth and mouth upon cooling. These traditional mouthguards can provide excellent protection, but often times are ill-fitting and uncomfortable. 
     Conventional mouthguards may be fabricated from a variety of thermoplastic materials, and are typically molded into a shape that is similar to one or both of the mandibular or maxillary arches. For the purposes of this application, such conventional mouthguard configuration is referred to as “tray-style” mouthguards. Traditional tray style mouthguards do not possess the ability to comfortably adjust to widely varying tooth shape or mandibular/maxillary arch configurations and can be ill-fitting and uncomfortable. Individuals with wide upper or lower jaws often have difficulty finding mouthguards that fit without modifying the structure of the mouthguard. 
     A traditional mouthguard for individuals with braces is simply placed in the wearer&#39;s mouth. Currently marketed mouthguards for braces or other dental appliances are composed of medical grade silicone, or other high temperature materials that cannot be heated or boiled for fitting around the teeth and gums. Because such traditional mouthguards cannot be fitted, they tend to move around in the mouth, making it difficult to breathe and speak, and they fail to provide adequate protection, depending at least in part upon the position at the time of impact. However, if EVA or a similar low temperature melting plastic were used, for example, the softer plastic could easily become entangled with the braces and cause damage or inconvenience such as shifting or pulling wires. Because every mouth has a different shape, a non-fitted mouthguard is inadequate for a great number of wearers. in addition, impact absorption increases with improved fit. 
     Traditional tray-style mouthguards also inhibit the wearer&#39;s ability to communicate while the device is within the mouth. Thus, many traditional mouthguards are frequently removed to allow the athlete to better communicate and is either carried in the person&#39;s hand, pressed into a portion of the helmet, or left dangle from a strap attachment fastening the mouthguard to a sports helmet. The device is then reinserted into the mouth after communications are completed and prior to the next play. 
     Traditional pre-formed tray-style mouthguards require packaging that is bulky and inefficient for shipping and storage. The generally U-shaped mouthguards are ill suited for tight efficient packing for shipping, storage, or merchandise display. There is a significant need for an improved mouthguard which enables a user to breathe through his/her mouth while wearing the mouthguard. 
     Therefore, there remains a need for new mouthguard configurations that accommodate a wide variety of mandibular/maxillary arch and tooth configurations, reduce the necessity to remove the mouthguard in an effort to communicate, allow the wearer to breathe more naturally through their mouth while the mouthguard is gripped between their teeth, and are suited for efficient shipping, storage, and merchandise display. 
     SUMMARY 
     In some embodiments, the present invention pertains to a mouthguard having a generally linear, initial configuration that addresses issues found in prior art mouthguard configurations. 
     In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a mouthguard that includes a first trough region that is generally shaped to receive enclose one or more teeth on a first side of a mouth and a second trough region that is generally shaped to receive one or more teeth on a second side of the mouth. A connection element fixedly attaches the first trough region to the second trough region. The mouthguard is biased into a generally linear or straight initial configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a mouthguard system that includes an elongate hollow mouthguard storage container as well as a mouthguard that is disposable within the elongate hollow mouthguard storage container. The mouthguard has a generally straight storage configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a method of using a mouthguard that has a first trough region, a second trough region, a connection element spanning therebetween, and a generally straight initial configuration. The mouthguard may be removed from an elongate hollow mouthguard storage container and may be bent into a curved configuration. The mouthguard may then be placed in the wearer&#39;s mouth such the first trough region receives one or more teeth on a first side of the mouth and the second trough region receives one or more teeth on a second side of the mouth. 
     In some embodiments, the inventive mouthguard and mouthguard packaging provide advantages and benefits not found in the prior art. In some embodiments, the connection region provides a passageway for air to travel while the mouthguard is gripped between the wearer&#39;s teeth and thus the wearer is able to easily breathe while wearing the mouthguard. In some embodiments, the inventive mouthguard is configured to accommodate a person wearing braces or other dental appliances while providing both comfort and protection. In some embodiments, portions of the mouthguard that come into contact with biting areas of a wearer&#39;s teeth are softenable and formable while other portions of the mouthguard, including an inner surface that comes into contact with outer surfaces of a wearer&#39;s teeth or the wearer&#39;s braces, is less softenable and formable. 
     Further novel features and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, discussion and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is an end perspective view of an embodiment of the mouthguard. 
         FIG. 2   a  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the mouthguard. 
         FIG. 2   b  is a cross-sectional, rear perspective view of an embodiment of the mouthguard. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of an embodiment of the mouthguard. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of an embodiment of the mouthguard. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of an embodiment of the mouthguard. 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the mouthguard in a non-linear configuration. 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the mouthguard in a non-linear configuration. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of an embodiment of the mouthguard in a non-linear configuration. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the mouthguard within a generally tubular storage container. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of an embodiment of the mouthguard within an elongate hollow storage container. 
         FIG. 11  is an end view of the elongate hollow storage container. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     At the outset, it should be understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “interior” and “exterior” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. 
     Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art, after presentation of the inventive concepts disclosed herein, are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the present invention as further defined in the appended claims. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 9  there are illustrated embodiments of the inventive mouthguard and combination mouthguard and storage container. In some embodiments, the present invention pertains to a mouthguard  50  with an initial linear or relaxed configuration. This initial linear (relaxed) configuration is a unique feature of the present invention as opposed to the pre-formed U-shaped prior art embodiments discussed above. In some embodiments, such an initial substantially linear configuration is resultant of a thermoplastic molding process, in which mouthguard  50  is molded from a resin into an initial, substantially linear configuration. 
     The mouthguard  50  includes a mouthguard body  60 , having an initial linear configuration, a first end trough region  69  and a second end trough region  79  that is spaced apart from the first end trough region  69  and fixedly attached thereto by a central connection element  90 . In some embodiments, as illustrated for example in  FIG. 5 , the first and second trough regions,  69  and  79 , gradually flare as the trough progresses from the central connection element  90  toward the distal ends of the trough regions. 
     In some embodiments, the initial substantially linear configuration represents a relaxed, unstressed condition for mouthguard  50 . The central connection element  90 , in cross-section, may be formed in a variety of shapes, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, or any combination or modification thereof. In some embodiments, the central connection element  90  may include, in cross-section, rounded edges, reduced thicknesses and/or curved surfaces to avoid shapes or surfaces that may irritate the interior tissues of the mouth. In some embodiments, the cross-section may also be configured with a variety of longitudinal widths to increase or decrease the flexibility of the central connection element  90 . 
     In use, the mouthguard  50  may be placed into a user&#39;s mouth so that at least some of the user&#39;s teeth rest within the first and second trough regions,  69  and  79  respectively, as defined by the teeth receiving trays,  70  and  80 , exterior sidewalls,  73  and  83 , and interior sidewalls,  76  and  86 . Teeth receiving trays  70 ,  80  may be configured for cooperation with any desired number of teeth, and may be spaced apart by the central connection element  90  to a desired extent to engage with any set of teeth appropriate for a given application. In some embodiments, the first and/or second trays  70 ,  80  may include upper and lower troughs or regions that are simultaneously cooperative with both maxillary and mandibular teeth, and may be fabricated from one or more materials providing a desired degree of flexibility. 
     In some embodiments, the configuration of the first end trough region  69  in combination with the generally narrower central connection element  90  fixedly spacing the second end trough region  79 , provides a passageway for air to travel through while the mouthguard is gripped between the wearer&#39;s teeth. By reducing the profile height on the central connection element  90  as compared to conventional tray style mouthguards, the wearer is able to breathe through the wearer&#39;s mouth while gripping the mouthguard between the wearer&#39;s teeth. In addition, the relatively narrow central connection element  90  allows speech to a much greater extent than conventional mouthguard designs. 
     The mouthguard  50  may be formed from a variety of well known thermoplastic or other materials, and may include one or more materials in a single mouthguard. The natural tendency of a resilient molded thermoplastic material enables the structural body to recover its “relaxed” configuration following deformation. In this case, the mouthguard may optionally be sufficiently resilient to recover to a generally linear relaxed configuration upon removal from the mouth (the operating configuration being a “stressed” condition). In this way, the linear configuration is not only the “initial” but also the “unstressed” configuration. In other embodiments, the “relaxed” configuration may be non-linear, with a central connection element  90  that is sufficiently flexible/resilient to by non-destructively manipulated into a substantially linear configuration. 
     In use, the mouthguard  50  is manipulated from its unstressed, substantially linear configuration, and placed into a user&#39;s mouth so that at least some of the user&#39;s teeth rest within the first and second trough regions,  69  and  79  respectively, as defined by the teeth receiving trays,  70  and  80 , exterior sidewalls,  73  and  83 , and interior sidewalls,  76  and  86 . 
     In some embodiments as illustrated in  FIG. 2   b , the central connection element  90  may be configured to be moved from a generally straight configuration to a curved configuration and retain at least part of its curved configuration. The central connection element  90  may include a retaining reinforcement element  91  that allows the user to create a generally U-shaped second configuration that mimics the shape of a person&#39;s mandibular/maxillary arch configuration. This retaining material may include wire or other suitable materials to maintain a second, stressed configuration of mouthguard  50 . 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the mouthguard body  60  may be configured to improve the wearer&#39;s comfort.  FIG. 3  is a rear view of the mouthguard&#39;s  50  initial linear/relaxed configuration, showing that the first and second interior sidewalls,  76  and  86 , each possess a cutaway section,  77  and  87  respectively. These cutaway sections,  77  and  87 , provide for a comfortable transition of the interior sidewalls,  76  and  86 , into the teeth receiving trays,  70  and  80 , without irritation to the wearer&#39;s tongue. In use, the cutaways,  77  and  87 , also aid in creating the passageway for air to travel through while the mouthguard is gripped between the wearer&#39;s teeth by reducing the quantity of the mouthguard material within the mouth cavity. 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a lower edge  94  of the generally narrow shape of the central connection element  90  defines a general void that creates the passageway for air to travel through while the mouthguard is gripped between the wearer&#39;s teeth. In some embodiments, the latitudinal length of the central connection region  90 , between the first end trough region  69  and the second end trough region  79 , may be adjusted to create a mouthguard so sized to accommodate a variety of mouth shapes and sizes for persons of all ages from children to adults. Traditional tray style mouthguards do not possess the ability to comfortably adjust to widely varying tooth shape or placement configurations. In some cases, individuals with wide upper or lower jaws often find it difficult to find mouthguards that fit. 
     The latitudinal length of the central connection region  90  may also be selected to provide protection for specific teeth within the mouth or to remove pressure from selected teeth within the mouth. For example, longer central connection regions  90  will move the first and second trough regions,  69  and  79  back into the mouth, while shorter central connection regions  90  will move the first and second trough regions,  69  and  79  toward the front of the mouth. Thus, it may be possible to reduce or eliminate pressure on selected teeth. 
       FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the mouthguard  50  depicted within a generally hollow, tubular storage container  100 , defined by a container wall  101  that defines an internal enclosure volume  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, storage container  100  substantially reduces the volume required to store a mouthguard in comparison to storage containers of conventional tray-style mouthguards. As a result, it will be appreciated that a mouthguard display assembly may permit display of a greater number of mouthguards in a given space. Such a reduction is facilitated, for example, by the substantially linear unstressed configuration of mouthguard  50 , so as to be enclosable within a substantially linear tubular container.  FIG. 10  is a rear view of the mouthguard  50  depicted within a generally hollow, cylindrical storage container  100 , defined by a container wall  101 , comprising: a container sidewall  103 . The container wall  101  defines an internal enclosure volume  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the generally hollow, tubular storage container  100  includes an end cap  115  and a reversibly attached closure end cap  119 .  FIG. 11  is a front view of the reversibly attached closure end cap  119 , with closure grip tab  125 . The reversibly attached closure end cap  119  may be of a variety of well know reversibly locking caps such as a threaded cap or a snap fit locking cap. The reversibly attached closure end cap  119 , of the current embodiment, depicts a closure grip tab  125 . The closure grip tab  125  provides two functions. First, it acts as a means for gripping the closure cap. Second, it acts as a hanging tab for the container used in conjunction with a sales display in a commercial setting. 
     The unique initial linear/relaxed configuration allows for the use of the generally hollow, tubular storage container  100 . The substantially linear storage container of the present invention overcomes the traditional requirement for bulky packaging to accommodate the typical U-shape of the tray-type mouthguards. The tubular storage container is efficient for shipping and storage needs because it allows for tight, compact and orderly packing, substantially more so than containers for conventional mouthguards.