Player-friendly mouthguard system

Abstract

The mouthguard is a U-shaped thermoplastic material with a bottom wall, a labial front wall, a palatal front wall which is shorter than the labial front wall, buccal side walls and a series of lingual side walls as well as a thermoplastic filling.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a mouthguard for protecting the teeth and oral cavity of players participating in contact sports. Direct and indirect impacts can damage or loosen these teeth. The design of the mouthguard is more comfortable than existing guards because it provides adequate airflow for breathing. Background of the invention

[0002] Players wear mouthguards to protect their teeth and the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. Wearing a mouthguard also protects the player from concussions. Sporting events that involve deliberate collisions between players, such as football, hockey, lacrosse, ice hockey, soccer, and others, result in more frequent physical injuries. The use of a mouthguard reduces the incidence of head and neck injuries, concussions, mandibular fractures, and facial injuries that can occur in players. Mouthguards are divided into three types: standard, boil-and-bite, and custom-made. Mouthguards are available at affordable prices from sporting goods stores, retail outlets, and / or pharmacies. They are available in small, medium, and large sizes and are made of elastomer, polyvinyl chloride, or polyvinyl acetate copolymer.These mouthguards can be uncomfortable for players because they are not specifically designed for the anatomy of the user's oral cavity, making them heavy and uncomfortable. They can hinder communication and breathing, limiting their widespread use. During athletic activities, the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is important for endurance and well-being. The more carbon dioxide produced in the muscles, the more quickly it must be replaced by oxygen in the lungs. Essentially, a mouthguard should protect the teeth and allow easy communication and breathing for the player. Current innovation is a mouthguard that protects the teeth while allowing airflow through the nasal cavity. This allows an athlete to increase air movement in and out of the body and reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the muscles, which can cause fatigue and discomfort. Previously known technology

[0003] US2521039: The present invention is a guard that protects the teeth of football players and other athletes from impacts that could fracture or loosen them. It provides better protection than existing guards and adequate airflow channels to the lungs while preventing the wearer's jaw from closing.

[0004] US8205618: The latest innovation is a mouthguard designed to protect the mouth and teeth from impacts to the face and head. It features a three-layer laminate structure and is made of a thermoplastic polymer that can be softened in hot water. The mouthguard consists of two parts: an upper platform shaped like a channel with holes in the bottom of the channel, and a lower platform with posts that fit into the holes. A strap is attached to the finished mouthguard.

[0005] US20090260634A1: The combination chin guard and mouth guard protects both the wearer's teeth and chin. Designed for use with a motorcycle or motocross helmet, it includes a chin guard with opposing front and back panels and a mouth guard with a front panel optimized for lip contact. The upper and lower ends of the support are opposite each other, with the upper end of the support attached to the mouth guard and the lower end of the chin guard connecting the mouth guard to the chin guard.

[0006] US20200282639A1: This innovation relates to the field of 3D printing used to create a dental aligner for teeth straightening or a mouthguard for protecting teeth. The device is a hard polymer coating that encloses the upper, lower, or both rows of teeth to create corrective forces that realign their position. This invention describes a technique for 3D printing the aligner or mouthguard instantly from liquid photopolymer, rather than using the process of thermoforming plastic over a custom model and then cutting it to the correct size.

[0007] WO2003037444A2: A mouthguard comprising a substantially U-shaped groove body made of a first material and containing at least one inner cavity substantially filled with a second material. This invention relates to a mouthguard and a method for producing a mouthguard.

[0008] WO2006012278A3: A custom-fit mouthguard comprises a robust U-shaped body with an anterior wall that seals with the palatal tissue to improve retention and allow the wearer to speak and open their mouth while wearing it. It also has an indexed zone to support the upper teeth, lower teeth, lower jaw, and TMJ components.

[0009] US2643652: This patent relates to a mouthguard intended to be worn by persons participating in sports or other activities to protect the teeth, cheeks, or other areas of the mouth from injury, as well as to protect the temporomandibular joint and its movable capsules from displacement or injury, and to provide a mouthguard that is suitable for all jaw dimensions, regardless of tooth characteristics.

[0010] US5566684: A molded mouthguard is formed in the shape of a mandibular arch and includes a groove with a diagonal cross-sectional area and a moldable top fill extending higher than the canal on at least the anterior, posterior, and lateral sides of the groove. It is ideal for making custom impressions and is heated by immersion in water to a glass transition temperature of 60°C to 82°C. The retainer is inserted into the mouth and positioned against the upper teeth, pressing the filling against the gums and palate to provide additional protection and support.

[0011] US20070151567A1: The current application relates to a mouthguard with upper and lower sections held together by at least a portion of the back of the mouthguard. The mouthguard has a large open area for easy ventilation and cilia within the chamber to ensure proper alignment. It may also contain flavorings, such as Gatorade, bubble gum flavor, and conventional flavors such as cherry, orange, and grape, which can be delivered into the user's oral canal while the mouthguard is worn, allowing them to experience the flavor during use. Problem addressed by the invention

[0012] Mouthguards are available on the market, but they have limitations and disadvantages. Certain devices lack adequate retention and can be quickly dislodged by a blow to the chin or jaw, potentially resulting in choking. The previous artwork requires a continuous bite to stay in place, which is uncomfortable for the wearer and necessitates additional breathing through the mouth. Customizing mouthguards is crucial to avoid poor fit, pain, and irritation that complicate articulation. Aim of the invention • The present invention provides a mouthguard for protecting the teeth of players in contact sports. • It offers players greater comfort in terms of communication and breathing compared to existing mouth guards. • Development of a new type of mouthguard that prevents injuries, displacements or fractures of the temporomandibular joint. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] This summary is intended to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify essential or critical inventive concepts of the invention, nor is it intended to determine the scope of the invention.

[0014] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more specific description of the invention will be given by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings represent only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. • The present invention provides a mouthguard for protecting the teeth of players in contact sports. • It offers players greater comfort in terms of communication and breathing compared to existing mouth guards. • Development of a new type of mouthguard that prevents injuries, displacements or fractures of the temporomandibular joint.

[0015] This innovation is a mouthguard for protecting teeth. It consists of a U-shaped upper section that tightly encloses the upper teeth and a lower U-shaped section connected by a fixed section. This structure allows for significant spacing between the upper and lower sections, allowing unobstructed air movement in and out of the mouth. The mouthguard is a U-shaped device with inner and outer walls connected by a base that forms a passage between the walls. The upper channel is designed to conform to the user's upper teeth, while the lower channel is intended for the lower teeth. The upper and lower U-shaped sections are connected by a hinge mechanism at the base of each side of the U-shape, resulting in a single-piece system with significant spacing in the center for easy air movement.This design allows for a significant airway between the upper and lower sections of the mouthguard, effectively isolating the tongue from the teeth. It is more flexible than the one-piece mouthguard available on the market and allows more air to flow in and out of the oral canal, allowing the athlete to breathe easily while running or exercising. It has additional features and benefits, such as ensuring stability of the temporomandibular joint, allowing unobstructed and improved air movement, improving oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, and providing access to the soft tissues of the soft palate. It is suitable for all sports activities. Further features and benefits of the device will become clearer when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter are to be understood with reference to the drawings, in which similar parts are designated by like numerals. The following description is given by way of example only and illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods consistent with the subject matter claimed herein, wherein: Fig. . Front view of the mouthguard b) Upper outer flanges c) Lower outer flanges Fig. . Side view of the mouthguard, seen from the left f) Open mouth breathing channel

[0017] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for illustrative purposes only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods depicted herein may be utilized without departing from the principles described herein. Detailed description of the invention

[0018] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described in sufficient detail to clearly convey the disclosure. However, the details provided herein are not intended to limit the expected variations of the embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0019] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not expressly described or shown, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Furthermore, all statements contained herein regarding principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to include equivalents thereof.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "include," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0021] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the mentioned functions / actions may not occur in the order shown in the figures. For example, two consecutive figures may actually be executed simultaneously, or sometimes in reverse order, depending on the functions / actions involved.

[0022] Additionally, the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like in the present invention are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be interpreted as indicating their relative importance or implying the number of technical features. Features defined as "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the example embodiments belong. It is further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly defined so herein.

[0024] Mouthguards are made of thermoplastic poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA+) and polycarbonate (PC), a durable and compliant material. They are curved and clamped between the user's upper and lower teeth, with the outer flanges 'b' and 'c' covering the outer sides and part of the adjacent gum areas. Fig. The inner flanges 'd' and 'e' are spaced from the outer flanges and have a lower height than these. Breathing channels or openings 'f' in Fig. are formed by the mesh 'a' in the front part of the mouthguard and separated from each other in the central section by an integral part of the mesh 'a'. They are sufficiently long circumferentially and wide enough axially to ensure sufficient air supply for breathing during physical exertion. In the mouthguard shown, the channels are approximately two-tenths of an inch wide and almost one inch long on the outer surface of the mouthguard.

[0025] The mesh 'a' tapers in thickness from the central or front portion of the mouthguard to the rear ends of both sides, the thickness at the ridge being approximately 26 hundredths of an inch. The rear ends extend far enough to get between a man's premolars and first molars, thereby preventing the teeth from closing tightly. The increasing taper of the mesh toward the central portion and the ridge combine to prevent the wearer from deforming the mouthguard so as to close the openings 'f'. By pulling the lips apart when biting down on the mesh, the wearer is assured of adequate airflow for breathing while still retaining all the benefits of clenching the jaws.

[0026] The inner flanges 'd' and 'e' are separated from the outer flanges 'b' and 'c' by a sufficient distance to create channels wide enough to accommodate the teeth of different players. These inner flanges help center the mouthguard with the wearer's teeth and ensure that the mesh is positioned and held between the teeth of the upper and lower jaws. The outer flanges cushion blows to the teeth, while the mesh distributes the force of impact. The edges of the outer flanges can be trimmed if they are too high, and the rear ends can be cut off if they protrude too far. The current innovation device has additional features and advantages, such as stabilizing the temporomandibular joint, allowing greater oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, and restoring the soft tissues of the mouth.It can be used in sports, military, motorsports, automotive and personal propulsion, dentistry for TMD and sleep apnea or snoring, and can also function as a dental night guard. It can be modified by incorporating reinforcement components such as titanium wire and / or other structural support materials.

[0027] Reference: Mouthguards are made of thermoplastic poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA+) and polycarbonate (PC), a durable and compliant material. They are curved and clamped between the user's upper and lower teeth, with the outer flanges 'b' and 'c' covering the outer sides and part of the adjacent gum areas. Fig. The inner flanges 'd' and 'e' are spaced from the outer flanges and have a lower height than these. Breathing channels or openings 'f' in Fig.are formed by the mesh 'a' in the front part of the mouthguard and separated from each other in the central section by an integral part of the mesh 'a'. They are sufficiently long circumferentially and wide enough axially to ensure sufficient air supply for breathing during physical exertion. In the mouthguard shown, the channels are approximately two-tenths of an inch wide and almost one inch long on the outer surface of the mouthguard.

[0028] The mesh 'a' tapers in thickness from the central or front portion of the mouthguard to the rear ends of both sides, the thickness at the ridge being approximately 26 hundredths of an inch. The rear ends extend far enough to get between a man's premolars and first molars, thereby preventing the teeth from closing tightly. The increasing taper of the mesh toward the central portion and the ridge combine to prevent the wearer from deforming the mouthguard so as to close the openings 'f'. By pulling the lips apart when biting down on the mesh, the wearer is assured of adequate airflow for breathing while still retaining all the benefits of clenching the jaws.

[0029] The inner flanges 'd' and 'e' are separated from the outer flanges 'b' and 'c' by a sufficient distance to create channels wide enough to accommodate the teeth of different players. These inner flanges help center the mouthguard with the wearer's teeth and ensure that the mesh is positioned and held between the teeth of the upper and lower jaws. The outer flanges cushion blows to the teeth, while the mesh distributes the force of impact. The edges of the outer flanges can be trimmed if they are too high, and the rear ends can be cut off if they protrude too far. The current innovation device has additional features and advantages, such as stabilizing the temporomandibular joint, allowing greater oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, and restoring the soft tissues of the mouth.It can be used in sports, military, motorsports, automotive and personal propulsion, dentistry for TMD and sleep apnea or snoring, and can also function as a dental night guard. It can be modified by incorporating reinforcement components such as titanium wire and / or other structural support materials. 1. Yao, T., Deng, Z., Zhang, K., & Li, S. (2019, April). A method for predicting the tensile strength of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) materials with different printing orientations. Composites Part B: Engineering, 163, 393–402. https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / j.compositesb.2019.01.025 2. Tribst, J.P.M., Dal Piva, AMDO, Ausiello, P., De Benedictis, A., Bottino, M.A., & Borges, A.S. (2020, December 9). Biomechanical analysis of a custom-made mouthguard reinforced with different laminates with different elastic moduli during simulated maxillofacial trauma. Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction, 14(3), 254–260. https: / / doi.org / 10.1177 / 1943387520980237 3. Kalman, L., Dal Piva, AMDO, de Queiroz, T.S., & Tribst, J.P.M. (2021, October 19). Evaluation of the biomechanical behavior of a novel hybrid occlusal splint-mouthguard for contact sports: 3D FEA. https: / / doi.org / 10.20944 / preprints202110.0277.v1 4. Maeda, Y., Kumamoto, D., Yagi, K., & Ikebe, K. (2009, November 10). Effectiveness and fabrication of mouthguards. Dental Traumatology, 25(6), 556-564. https: / / doi.org / 10.1111 / i.1600-9657.2009.00822.x 5. Miro, A., Buscà, B., Solana-Tramunt, M., Aguilera-Castells, J., Arboix-Alió, J., Vergnoux, F., & Arellano, R. (2021, October). Effects of wearing a custom-made, bite-aligning mouthguard on powerful actions in highly trained swimmers. Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, 19(4), 259-268. https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / i.jesf2021.09.003 6. Verissimo, C., Costa, P.V.M., Santos-Filho, P.C.F., Fernandes-Neto, A.J., Tantbirojn, D., Versluis, A., & Soares, C.J. (2015, July 3). Evaluation of a dentoalveolar model for testing mouthguards: Stress and deformation analyses. Dental Traumatology, 32(1), 4–13. https: / / doi.org / 10.1111 / edt.12197 7. Lunt, DR, Mendel, DA, Brantley, WA, Michael Beck, F., Huja, S., Schriever, SD, Grentzer, TH, & Alapati, SB (2010, February). Impact energy absorption of three mouthguard materials in three environments. Dental Traumatology, 26(1), 23–29. https: / / doi.org / 10.1111 / i.1600-9657.2009.00848.x 8. Moreira, M., Ramos, J.C., Messias, A., Neto, M.A., Amaro, A.P., & Reis, P.N. (2021, June 22). Impact response of different sports mouthguard materials. Frattura Ed Integritä Strutturale, 15(57), 63–69. https: / / doi.org / 10.3221 / igf-esis.57.06 9. Tribst, J.P.M., de Oliveira Dal Piva, A.M., Borges, A.S., & Bottino, M.A. (2018, September 21). Influence of the thickness of custom-made and standard mouthguards on the biomechanical response to a simulated impact. Dental Traumatology, 34(6), 429–437. https: / / doi.org / 10.1111 / edt.12432 10. Otani, T., Kobayashi, M., Nozaki, K., Gonda, T., Maeda, Y., & Tanaka, M. (2018, March 9). Influence of mouthguards and their palatal design on the stress state of the tooth-periodontal ligament-bone complex under static loading. Dental Traumatology, 34(3), 208-213. https: / / doi.org / 10.1111 / edt.12386 11. Borges, A.S., Dal Piva, A.M.D.O., Concílio, L.R.D.S., Paes-Junior, T.J.D.A., & Tribst, J.P.M. (2020, November 20). Effect of wearing a mouthguard on the biomechanical response of an ankylosed maxillary central incisor during a traumatic impact: A three-dimensional finite element analysis. Life, 10(11), 294. https: / / doi.org / 10.3390 / life10110294 12. Sliwkanich, L., & Ouanounou, A. (2021, May 21). Mouthguards in dentistry: Current recommendations for dentists. Dental Traumatology, 37(5), 661–671. https: / / doi.org / 10.1111 / edt.12686 13. Zaman, I., Rozlan, S.A.M., Manshoor, B., Ngali, M.Z., Khalid, A., & Amin, N.A.M. (2017, August). Investigation of mouthguard design for endurance and airflow capture. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 226, 012007. https: / / doi.org / 10.1088 / 1757-899x / 226 / 1 / 012007 QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2521039

[0003] US 8205618

[0004] US 20090260634A1

[0005] US 20200282639A1

[0006] WO 2003037444A2

[0007] WO 2006012278A3

[0008] US 2643652

[0009] US 5566684

[0010] US 20070151567A1

[0011] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] Yao, T., Deng, Z., Zhang, K., & Li, S. (2019, April). A method for predicting the tensile strength of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) materials with different printing orientations. Composites Part B: Engineering, 163, 393–402. https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / j.compositesb.2019.01.025

[0029] Tribst, J.P.M., Dal Piva, AMDO, Ausiello, P., De Benedictis, A., Bottino, M.A., & Borges, A.S. (2020, December 9). Biomechanical analysis of a custom-made mouthguard reinforced with different laminates with different elastic moduli during simulated maxillofacial trauma. Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction, 14(3), 254–260. https: / / doi.org / 10.1177 / 1943387520980237

[0029] Kalman, L., Dal Piva, AMDO, de Queiroz, T.S., & Tribst, J.P.M. (2021, October 19). Evaluation of the biomechanical behavior of a novel hybrid occlusal splint-mouthguard for contact sports: 3D FEA. https: / / doi.org / 10.20944 / preprints202110.0277.v1

[0029] Maeda, Y., Kumamoto, D., Yagi, K., & Ikebe, K. (2009, November 10). Effectiveness and fabrication of mouthguards. Dental Traumatology, 25(6), 556-564. https: / / doi.org / 10.1111 / i.1600-9657.2009.00822.x

[0029] Miro, A., Buscà, B., Solana-Tramunt, M., Aguilera-Castells, J., Arboix-Alió, J., Vergnoux, F., & Arellano, R. (2021, October). Effects of wearing a custom-made, bite-aligning mouthguard on powerful actions in highly trained swimmers. Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, 19(4), 259-268. https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / i.jesf2021.09.003

[0029] Verissimo, C., Costa, P.V.M., Santos-Filho, P.C.F., Fernandes-Neto, A.J., Tantbirojn, D., Versluis, A., & Soares, C.J. (2015, July 3). Evaluation of a dentoalveolar model for testing mouthguards: Stress and deformation analyses. Dental Traumatology, 32(1), 4–13. https: / / doi.org / 10.1111 / edt.12197

[0029] Lunt, DR, Mendel, DA, Brantley, WA, Michael Beck, F., Huja, S., Schriever, SD, Grentzer, TH, & Alapati, SB (2010, February). Impact energy absorption of three mouthguard materials in three environments. Dental Traumatology, 26(1), 23–29. https: / / doi.org / 10.1111 / i.1600-9657.2009.00848.x

[0029] Moreira, M., Ramos, J.C., Messias, A., Neto, M.A., Amaro, A.P., & Reis, P.N. (2021, June 22). Impact response of different sports mouthguard materials. Frattura Ed Integritä Strutturale, 15(57), 63–69. https: / / doi.org / 10.3221 / igf-esis.57.06

[0029] Tribst, JPM, de Oliveira Dal Piva, AM, Borges, ALS, & Bottino, MA (2018, September 21

[0029] Dental Traumatology, 34(6), 429-437. https: / / doi.org / 10.1111 / edt.12432

[0029] Otani, T., Kobayashi, M., Nozaki, K., Gonda, T., Maeda, Y., & Tanaka, M. (2018, March 9). Influence of mouthguards and their palatal design on the stress state of the tooth-periodontal ligament-bone complex under static loading. Dental Traumatology, 34(3), 208-213. https: / / doi.org / 10.1111 / edt.12386

[0029] Borges, A.S., Dal Piva, A.M.D.O., Concílio, L.R.D.S., Paes-Junior, T.J.D.A., & Tribst, J.P.M. (2020, November 20). Effect of wearing a mouthguard on the biomechanical response of an ankylosed maxillary central incisor during a traumatic impact: A three-dimensional finite element analysis. Life, 10(11), 294. https: / / doi.org / 10.3390 / life10110294

[0029] Sliwkanich, L., & Ouanounou, A. (2021, May 21). Mouthguards in dentistry: Current recommendations for dentists. Dental Traumatology, 37(5), 661-671. https: / / doi.org / 10.1111 / edt.12686

[0029] Zaman, I., Rozlan, S.A., Manshoor, B., Ngali, M.Z., Khalid, A., & Amin, N.A.M. (2017, August). Investigation of mouthguard design for endurance and airflow capture. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 226, 012007. https: / / doi.org / 10.1088 / 1757-899x / 226 / 1 / 012007

[0029]

Claims

[1] The mouthguard is a U-shaped thermoplastic material with a bottom wall, a labial anterior wall, a palatal anterior wall that is shorter than the labial anterior wall, buccal side walls and a series of lingual side walls, and a thermoplastic filling. [2] Mouthguard according to claim 1 consisting of three parts: a first section designed to accommodate the upper row of teeth, a second section allowing airflow to assist breathing, and a third component designed to accommodate the lower row of teeth. [3] A mouthguard according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation slots are separated by an inherent part in the central axis of the guard which acts as a central support or mesh to prevent the ventilation slots from collapsing under the pressure of the wearer's teeth.

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