MOUTH GUARD HAVING CAVITY ADAPTED FOR THE STORAGE AND RELEASE OF A FLUID

Abstract

A mouthguard device having a cavity with a volume and functioning as a reservoir for the placement and selective retaining of a fluid. The cavity in fluid coupling with a release mechanism functioning as a valve and adapted for opening through a compressive force applied to the valve through the tongue of a wearer, wherein fluid retained within the cavity can be selectively released on demand.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/394,331 filed 14 Sep. 2016 to the above named inventor, and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to mouthguard adapted for placement within the mouth of a wearer and having a cavity adapted to receive and correspondingly release a fluid on demand by the wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When participating in sports and certain activities, participants are required to or choose to wear a mouthguard. A typical mouthguard is constructed out a resilient material and generally provided in an arcuate shape for placement into the mouth of a wearer to generally engage the teeth of the wearer to offer protection from injury. This typical mouthguard generally has a U-shaped tray portion adapted to surround the upper or lower teeth of the wearer and is retained within the oral cavity along the dental arch between the lips and gums.

One component of this activity and extended use of a mouthguard is a condition commonly referred to as dry mouth or “cotton mouth,” wherein the participant's mouth is lacking moisture, in the form of saliva, leading to an uncomfortable feeling and possibly creating a distraction to the participant. One preventative measure to prevent this uncomfortable feeling is proper hydration.

Typically, this hydration is provided in the form of a water or other liquid provided within a bottle that is consumed during breaks in the activity, such as a break between periods or shifts, or a timeout during play. However, sometimes a participant may not be able to hydrate during a break or a break for hydration is not possible depending upon the status and timing of the participation.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous for the participant to have a device that allowed for the release of a fluid for comfort and hydration when a break was not available. Still further it would be advantageous if this device was adapted for use as a mouthguard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally provides a device that functions similar to a typical mouthguard but with an included cavity and acting as a reservoir for the placement of a fluid.

The cavity of the present disclosure is generally adapted into the shape of the mouthguard in a manner that does not impact the overall protective features of the mouthguard. The cavity generally includes a first aperture in fluid communication with the cavity and adapted to receive a nozzle portion of a filling device resembling a tether, wherein the filling device nozzle is used to add a fluid to the cavity.

A second aperture is also in fluid communication with the cavity and generally utilized to allow a wearer of the device to selectively release a quantity of fluid stored within the cavity. Preferably, this second aperture is coupled to a release mechanism generally positioned on an interior portion of the mouthguard within the oral cavity during placement of the mouthguard into the mouth of the wearer and wherein a user can selectively use their tongue to operate the release mechanism. Accordingly, this release mechanism allows for the on demand release of a stored quantity of fluid retained within the cavity of the mouthguard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING (S)

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to further explain the principles of the invention. Other aspects of the invention and the advantages of the invention will be better appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the Detailed Description when considered in conjunction with accompanying drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a rear side view of a mouthguard device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a bottom side view of the mouthguard device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a front side view of the mouthguard device and a filling device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the mouthguard device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectioned side view of the mouthguard device along section line 5-5 of FIG. 1, according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectioned top view of the mouthguard device along section line 6-6 of FIG. 1, according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the mouthguard device and the filling device, according to the present invention; and

FIG. 8 shows a top view the mouthguard device and the filling device, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Before the present invention is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.

Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.

As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.

Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature and/or such joining may allow for the flow of fluids, electricity, electrical signals, or other types of signals or communication between two members. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, the present disclosure provides a device, generally referred to as mouthguard 10. The mouthguard 10 functions similar to a typical mouthguard as is found in the prior art, but with at least one cavity 101 acting as a reservoir for the placement and storage of a fluid, such as water, and adapted with a release mechanism 102 allowing for the release of the stored fluid from the cavity 101 and into the mouth of a wearer.

The mouthguard 10 of the present disclosure is generally adapted for placement within the oral cavity of the wearer to provide protection from injury and damage to the teeth of the wearer. Accordingly, the mouthguard 10 is comprised of a material or multiple materials that are generally resilient and capable of deformation and shaping to conform for placement along an upper or lower dental arch or both the upper and lower dental arch of the wearer. Accordingly, the material of the mouthguard 10 may be further manipulated through heating or boiling to allow for further customization and fit.

The mouthguard 10 comprises a body portion 100 that defines a perimeter forming an arcuate shape of the mouthguard 10 and minimally including an exterior side 103 and interior side 104. The exterior side 103 generally positioned on an exterior side of the teeth along the dental arch of the wearer and wherein the exterior side is generally positioned between the lips and gums of the wearer during placement along the dental arch of the wearer and within the oral cavity of the wearer. The interior side 104 generally positioned on the interior side of the teeth along the dental arch of the wearer and wherein the interior side is generally positioned within the oral cavity of the wearer when the mouthguard 10 is positioned for use on the dental arch in the mouth of the wearer.

The cavity 101 is adapted into the body portion 100 shape of the mouth guard in a manner that does not impact the overall protective features of the mouthguard and generally positioned within the body portion 100 between the exterior side 103 and interior side 104. The cavity 101 forming a reservoir for the placement of a fluid and having a volume, wherein fluid can be added into the cavity 101 to the volume for storage and controlled release of the fluid by the wearer. The volume of the cavity 101 can be generally adjusted during manufacturing or vary in proportion to the overall size of the mouthguard 10, but preferably is sized to allow for the storage of up to two (2) fluid ounces or approximately sixty milliliters (60 ml).

The cavity 101 is in a fluid coupling with at least one first aperture 110, wherein the first aperture 110 provides for fluid communication with the cavity 101 and is generally utilized by a wearer to place a quantity of fluid into the cavity 101. The first aperture 110 may be sealed by a cover member 1101 and wherein access to the first aperture 110 can be sealed and restricted until necessary.

Fluid may be added to the cavity 101 through the first aperture 110 with a specialized filling device 200 or it is likely that fluid may be added to the cavity 101 with a straw, bottle, or some other device capable of generally forcing water into the cavity 101. Preferably, the filling device 200 is utilized as it will have a nozzle end 201 specifically sized and shaped for receipt within the first aperture 110 and adapted for adding a fluid to the cavity 101. The filling device 200 further includes a reservoir 202 generally functioning as a bulb and adapted for compression, wherein the reservoir 202 can be squeezed to create a suction force to generally draw from a fluid source for the intake of a fluid through the nozzle 201 and into the reservoir 202. Accordingly, this retained fluid can be easily expelled from the reservoir 202 and into the cavity 101 for replenishing the fluid within the cavity 101. The filling device 200 may additionally include an attachment end 203, wherein the filling device 200 can generally be tethered to or secured to an object so it is not easily lost.

A release mechanism 102 is in fluid coupling with the cavity 101 and generally forming a valve adapted to allow a wearer to selectively release a retained fluid from within the cavity 101 at the interior side 104 and into the mouth of a wearer through a second aperture 120 during use. Preferably, this release mechanism 102 is opened through a compressive force applied to the release mechanism 102 by the tongue of the wearer.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the release mechanism 102 comprises a button 121 affixed to a shaft 122 and resilient member 123, such as a compression spring, wherein depression of the button 121 moves the shaft 122 opening the second aperture 120 and allowing for the release of fluid from within the cavity 101. After depression of the button 121, the resilient member 123 moves the shaft 122 back to a closed position sealing the second aperture 120. Accordingly, this release mechanism 102 allows for the on demand release of a stored quantity of fluid retained within the cavity of the mouthguard. The button 121 may be comprised of a silicone or silicone-like material and is preferably slightly raised to allow for activation by the tongue of the wearer.

The mouthguard 10, and particularly the placement of the cavity 101 within the body portion 100 of the mouthguard 10, allows a wearer to selectively hydrate during wearing by releasing the retained fluid from the cavity 101 when needed.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) but that the invention will include all embodiments falling with the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mouthguard adapted for placement within the oral cavity of a wearer, the mouthguard comprising:

a cavity, the cavity adapted as a reservoir to store a predetermined volume of a fluid;

a release mechanism, the release mechanism in fluid communication with the cavity and adapted to allow for the release of the fluid from the cavity by the wearer.

2. A mouthguard as in claim 1, wherein the mouthguard includes an aperture, the aperture in fluid communication with the cavity, wherein fluid can be selectively added to the cavity through the aperture.

3. A mouthguard as in claim 1, wherein the mouthguard includes a second aperture, the second aperture in fluid communication with the cavity and coupled to the release mechanism, wherein operation of the release mechanism opens the second aperture for the release of fluid from the cavity.

4. A mouth guard as in claim 1, wherein the release mechanism includes a button, the button positioned on an interior side of the mouthguard within an oral cavity of the wearer during wearing, wherein the button is adapted for manipulation by a tongue of the wearer to release fluid from the cavity.

5. A mouthguard adapted for placement within an oral cavity of a wearer for placement along a dental arch of the wearer during use, the mouthguard comprising:

a body portion, the body portion defining a perimeter of the mouth guard and having an exterior side and an interior side, the exterior side positioned between the lips and gums during wearing, the interior side positioned within the oral cavity of the wearer during wearing;

a cavity, the cavity positioned between the exterior side and the interior side, the cavity forming a reservoir for the placement of a predetermined volume of fluid; and

a release mechanism, the release mechanism in fluid communication with the cavity and adapted to release the fluid from cavity at the interior side of the body portion.

6. A mouthguard as in claim 5, wherein the mouthguard includes an aperture, the aperture in fluid communication with the cavity, wherein fluid can be selectively added to the cavity through the aperture.

7. A mouthguard as in claim 5, wherein the mouthguard includes a second aperture, the second aperture in fluid communication with the cavity and coupled to the release mechanism, wherein operation of the release mechanism opens the second aperture for the release of fluid from the cavity.

8. A mouthguard as in claim 5, wherein the release mechanism includes a button, the button positioned on the interior side, wherein the button is adapted for manipulation by a tongue of the wearer to release fluid from the cavity.

9. An apparatus adapted for the hydration of an individual, the apparatus comprising:

a mouthguard, the mouthguard adapted for placement along a dental arch of the individual, the mouthguard comprising: a cavity, the cavity adapted as a reservoir to store a predetermined volume of a fluid; an aperture, the aperture in fluid communication with the cavity; and a release mechanism, the release mechanism in fluid communication with the cavity and adapted to allow for the release of the fluid from the cavity by the individual; and

a filling device, the filling device having a nozzle end, the nozzle end sized and shaped for placement into the aperture, the filling device adapted to selectively place the fluid into the cavity.

10. An apparatus as in claim 9, wherein the mouthguard includes a second aperture, the second aperture in fluid communication with the cavity and coupled to the release mechanism, wherein operation of the release mechanism opens the second aperture for the release of fluid from the cavity.

11. An apparatus as in claim 9, wherein the release mechanism includes a button, the button positioned on the interior side, wherein the button is adapted for manipulation by a tongue of the wearer to release fluid from the cavity.