Athletic protective mouthpiece and lip shield apparatus

Abstract

This invention is an athletic protective mouthpiece and lip shield apparatus used in contact sports and is designed to attach to a helmet's chin strap. The mouthpiece, Air Channel, and Lip Shield structures are particularly designed to comfortably protect both upper and lower jaw of the athlete while removing unwanted impact stress from the front teeth (Incisors) and placing such stress to the stronger Cuspid and Molars regions of the athlete's dentures. This invention solves the problems of airflow restriction and impact stress of the front teeth from other athletic mouthpieces by removing the position of the Incisors from atop the breathing orifice to behind said orifice, whereby providing an improved larger non-condensing airway for the passing of unrestricted airflow. The apparatus is designed to pivot and operate by way of an attachment strap affixed to the Lip shield and fitted into an opening on the helmet's chin strap.

Claims

1. An athletic mouthpiece apparatus for use with a helmet having a chin strap, comprising: an air channel structure; a shield member disposed adjacent to or extending from the air channel structure; a first tooth pad extending from the air channel structure away from the shield member; a second tooth pad extending from the air channel structure away from the shield member; an air channel extending through the air channel structure and shield intermediate the first and second tooth pads; and a strap extending from a lower portion of the shield and having a foot at an end thereof configured for insertion into an aperture of the chin strap of the helmet.

2. The athletic mouthpiece apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second tooth pads are spaced apart from one another to form a gap therebetween generally aligned with the air channel.

3. The athletic mouthpiece apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first and second tooth pads are configured to be inserted between middle and back teeth of a user of the apparatus, and front teeth of the user are suspended in the gap between the first and second tooth pads and generally aligned with the air channel.

4. The athletic mouthpiece apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shield member is generally convex and configured to substantially cover an orbicularis oris muscle of a user of the apparatus.

5. The athletic mouthpiece apparatus of claim 1, including a flange extending from the air channel structure and configured to be disposed between lips and teeth of a user of the apparatus, wherein the flange extends generally between canine teeth of the user.

6. The athletic mouthpiece apparatus of claim 1, wherein an opening of the air channel extends substantially between the first and second tooth pads.

7. The athletic mouthpiece apparatus of claim 6, wherein the air channel comprises a single, generally unobstructed air channel.

8. The athletic mouthpiece apparatus of claim 1, including spaced apart tooth mounds extending from the surface of the tooth pads so as to be generally aligned with teeth depressions of the user.

9. An athletic mouthpiece apparatus for use with a helmet having a chin strap, comprising: an air channel structure; a shield member disposed adjacent to or extending from the air channel structure, the shield member being generally convex and configured to substantially cover an orbicularis oris muscle of a user of the apparatus; a first tooth pad extending from the air channel structure away from the shield member; a second tooth pad extending from the air channel structure away from the shield member, the second tooth pad being spaced apart from the first tooth pad so as to form a gap therebetween; a flange extending from the air channel structure and configured to be disposed between lips and teeth of a user of the apparatus; an air channel extending through the air channel structure and shield to the gap intermediate the first and second tooth pads; and a strap extending from a lower portion of the shield and having a foot at an end thereof configured for insertion into an aperture of the chin strap of the helmet; wherein an opening of the air channel extends substantially between the first and second tooth pads.

10. The athletic mouthpiece apparatus of claim 9, wherein the air channel comprises a single, generally unobstructed air channel.

11. The athletic mouthpiece apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first and second tooth pads are configured to be inserted between middle and back teeth of a user of the apparatus and front teeth of a user of the apparatus are suspended in the gap between the first and second tooth pads and generally aligned with the air channel.

12. The athletic mouthpiece apparatus of claim 9, wherein the flange extends generally between canine teeth of the user.

13. The athletic mouthpiece apparatus of claim 9, including spaced apart tooth mounds extending from the surface of the tooth pads so as to be generally aligned with teeth depressions of the user.

14. An athletic mouthpiece apparatus for use with a helmet having a chin strap, comprising: an air channel structure; a shield member disposed adjacent to or extending from the air channel structure, the shield member being generally convex and configured to substantially cover an orbicularis oris muscle of a user of the apparatus; a first tooth pad extending from the air channel structure away from the shield member; a second tooth pad extending from the air channel structure away from the shield member, the second tooth pad being spaced apart from the first tooth pad so as to form a gap therebetween; spaced apart generally circular tooth mounds extending from the surface of the tooth pads so as to be generally aligned with teeth depressions of the user; a flange extending from the air channel structure and configured to be disposed between lips and teeth of a user of the apparatus and extend generally between canine teeth of the user; an air channel extending through the air channel structure and shield to the gap intermediate the first and second tooth pads; and a strap extending from a lower portion of the shield and having a foot at an end thereof configured for insertion into an aperture of the chin strap of the helmet; wherein an opening of the air channel extends substantially between the first and second tooth pads; wherein the air channel comprises a single, generally unobstructed air channel; and wherein the first and second tooth pads are configured to be inserted between middle and back teeth of a user of the apparatus, and front teeth of a user of the apparatus are suspended in the gap between the first and second tooth pads and generally aligned with the air channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a three-quarter frontal perspective view of the present Athletic Protective Mouthpiece and Lip Shield Apparatus illustrating the structures that make up the preferred embodiments;

(2) FIG. 2 is a three-quarter rear perspective view of the present protective mouthpiece and lip shield as shown in FIG. 1;

(3) FIG. 3 is a front view representing the present invention as shown in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 4 is a profile left side view representing the present invention as shown in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 5 is a top plan view representing the preferred embodiment of present invention as shown in FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 6 is a back view representing the present invention as shown in FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 7 is a profile right side view representing the present invention as shown in FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 8 is bottom view representing the present invention as shown in FIG. 1;

(9) FIG. 9 is an illustrated example of how the present invention might appear when in use by an athlete in American Football; thus demonstrating how the attachment Foot structure would insert into a hole on the Helmet's chin strap and create a pivot point from which the protective Mouthpiece and Lip Shield, shown in FIG. 1, would enter and exit the player's mouth;

(10) FIG. 10 is a front view illustration demonstrating how the present invention might be attached to helmet's hard shell chin strap;

(11) FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention of FIG. 1 in a profile side view image of an anatomical illustration demonstrating the correct position of the protective Mouthpiece and Lip Shield apparatus while inserted within a player's mouth; and

(12) FIG. 12 is a profile side view rendering illustrating the protective features of the present invention, shown in FIG. 1, upon the anatomical structures of the player's lips, dentures, and lower jaw while in position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

(13) Overview: In FIG. 1 a preferred form of the athletic protective mouthpiece and lip shield embodying the present invention, generally designated 10, includes a circular midsection or Air Channel structure 20, connected to a protective Lip Shield 30, similarly, connected to the Air Channel structure, extends two protective mouthpiece Tooth Pads 40, with a short strap leg extending downward 50 that will connect and pivot P with the helmet's chin strap, as is shown in FIG. 9; the athletic protective Mouthpiece and Lip Shield 10 should be constructed or molded, preferably, from a firm but flexible FDA approved compounding material.

(14) Structures: Referring now in detail to the drawings of the preferred embodiment of the mouthpiece 10, as best shown in FIGS. 1-8 as constructed or more particularly molded around the Air Channel Structure 20 containing a singular large breathing orifice 22, in which the preferred shape of this orifice is rectangular in design, but not limited to said shape. This orifice originates and follows the curvature of the front of the Lip Shield 30, and continues inward surrounded by the circular Air Channel structure 20 of FIG. 2, which the athlete's lips contact and rest upon when in use by a player, as best illustrated in FIG. 9, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. additionally, part of the Air Channel's structure is a protective lip flange structure 24 which helps to protect the front teeth and gums from the rear side of said lip flange structure 24, as well as support and stabilize the mouthpiece's Tooth Pads 40 as they connect and extend outward from said Air Channel, as represented in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 and FIG. 8. finally, the thickness of the Air Channel should be enough that it would not restrict airflow in anyway when an athlete's lips create downward pressure while in use, as shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.

(15) The Lip Shield structure 30 curves convexly around the athlete's mouth and lips protecting the anatomy of the Orbicularis Oris muscle from direct contact, as shown in FIG. 11, additionally, the Lip Shield 30 curves slightly longitudinally 32 to conform to the tooth cylinder of the skull, as best demonstrated in FIG. 11, FIG. 4, FIG. 7; the preferred shape of the Shield 30 is generally oval, but not limited to said shape, with curved angles at it's left and right outside edges, as might be seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG. 7, the shield 30 is fairly thin in nature, approximately to in thickness, tapering to it's ends FIG. 2. The exterior portion of the Lip Shield 30, as best illustrated in frontal views like examples FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, contains the breathing orifice or Air Channel 22 and at the bottom central point of the shield connects the short extending Strap Leg 50 ending with an attachment foot 52. The interior portion of the shield 30 covers and wraps around the corners of the mouth 32 ending below the nostrils and chin areas of the athlete, as shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. The Lip Shield 30 is the most notable visible attribute of the preferred embodiment of the present invention 10 and should be constructed or more particularly molded with a firm yet flexible cushioning material compounding.

(16) The preferred embodiment of the present invention 10 constructed around the Air Channel Structure 20 which is connected to a protective Lip Shield 30 wherein a mouthpiece in U-shaped appearance as to correspond to the curvature of the mouth 40 extending outwardly from the outer ends of the rear side of the lip flange 24 of previously mentioned Air Channel structure 20 with two protective Tooth Pads 40 which contain small round shaped individualized tooth structures 42 for added comfort and impact absorption, but not solely limited to this shaped design, as well as internal tooth ridge structures 44 in which help keep teeth in place and properly aligned while in use, as best shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 5, and FIG. 8. The inventive nature of this mouthpiece's structure 40 and Air Channel structural design 20 is such as to allow the athlete's front teeth to suspend freely, relaxed, and in a protective position, behind the Air Channel lip flange structure 24 thus allowing the middle and back rows of dentures to carry the stress load while contacting the Tooth Pads 40 during competition, as illustrated in FIG. 11. More notably, the front teeth, both top and bottom, fit up to and most likely against the lip flange 24 of the Air Channel, as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 as a result, the mouthpiece structure or Tooth Pads 40 should be molded with a more firm than a more flexible compounding material as to not allow the Tooth Pads 40 to contract, when bitten down upon, wherein not allow the front teeth to contact each other. Therefore, it is preferred that the present invention 10 with said mouthpiece structure 40 be represented as a Ready Made or Non-Moldable mouthpiece, as in FIG. 2. However it could be recommended, if more beneficial, to form a moldable structure on top of this more permanent substructure 40 which may allow a more custom fit by the user.

(17) Methods of attachment: The connective member 50 of the protective Mouthpiece and Lip Shield of the present invention 10 is a short Strap Leg extending from the bottom of the Lip Shield 30 ending with an attachment Foot 52 which is designed to fit into an opening P on the helmet's chin strap, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. Within the various views illustrated in the art of the present invention 10 has visualized the preferred embodiment of the attaching Strap Leg mechanism, as represented in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8. Including a rectangular component 56 containing a circular opening 58 which is designed to offer alternative attachment methods, if so desired by an athlete, in which another strap or string could be use to attach present invention 10 through the opening 58 to the face mask of the helmet; likewise, component 56 could be used as a looping structure through which the Leg Strap 50 is bent down and around into the chin strap and then back upwardly towards component 58 attaching where the Foot structure 52 could be fitted into and through component 58's opening. The short thin flexible Leg Strap 50 which is represented originating from the bottom of the Lip Shield 30, but not limited to said position, downwardly towards the Chin Strap ending with a small cylindrical structure 54 and attachment Foot 52, the rear side of said structure 50 is one of being more smooth of surface descending continuously from the rear of the Lip Shield 30 above; thus allowing little friction with user's chin or chin strap, as FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 will illustrate. The intent of such a method of attachment is create a pivot point P as shown in FIG. 9 in which the present invention 10 will be allowed to most advantageously enter and exit the mouth freely, as further illustrated in FIG. 9, without hindrance or restriction, thus being of great benefit to player not having to switch his or her focus to the apparatus verse concentrating on the game at hand. Conversely, all other mouthpieces and protectors on the market today are design with no straps, meaning to be hand held when exited the mouth, or are constructed for attachment to fit around and hang from the helmet's face mask.

(18) Method of Manufacture: In the preferred embodiment of the present invention 10 the entire mouthpiece and lip shield is a one piece molding of an elastomer such as rubber or plastic having a Durometer reading of between approximately 55 and 65 with a Shore A hardness. However, it is believed that a Durometer in the range of 40 to 70 will provide an acceptable mouthpiece. A preferred FDA approved compounding material for production, one that is safe in material, firm and flexible in nature for contact, yet comfortable for use by the athlete.

(19) While the present invention has been described in connection with particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications which come within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

(20) Having described and illustrated by word and image the preferred embodiment of the present invention,