CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application no. 61/350,231 titled Interchangeable 'Mouthguard Component System', filed 1 June 2010, and also claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application no. 61/350,243 titled 'Mouthguard Fitment Tool System', filed 1 June 2010, which are both incorporated by reference herein for any purpose.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Mouthguards are typically used to protect an athlete's teeth during a sporting activity. Often, their use is required by the team or sports organization as a safety precaution. Such sports may include football, hockey, boxing, rugby, baseball, basketball, cycling and wrestling, for example. An athlete may wear a mouthguard for many hours during a sporting event. Comfort and a proper fit are often difficult to achieve.

[0003] Customization of mouthguards includes functional customization as well as visual or stylistic customization. Typically, if an athlete needed an additional function for their mouthguard, they were required to buy a new or separate mouthguard that included that new function, such as lip guard or strap, for example. Similarly, manufacturers have to maintain multiple one-piece molds for various types of mouthguards with different functional aspects. Most amateur athletes participate in more than one sport or at the least, more than one position within a sport. Each position or event possibly requiring or optimally utilizing different functional aspects of a mouthguard or mouthguards. Mouthguards found in the prior art do not allow for conversion between different functional aspects, such as between a strapped mouthguard and strapless mouthguard.

[0004] With regard to stylistic or visual customization, amateur athletes often play on many teams or are fans of multiple professional teams and currently lack the option to interchange colors or logos on their mouthguards between events. A deterrent for producing multi-piece mouthguards is the safety risk of a portion or component of the mouthguard system becoming detached during participation and creating a choking risk or other safety hazard.

[0005] Current processes for fitting a mouthguard may utilize tools that interfere with the fitting process. Many mouthguards require heating, such as in boiling water, to soften them for fitting. Once the mouthguards are softened, a user may attempt to retrieve the mouthguard with an improvised device (i.e., silverware or tongs) and position the mouthguard in the mouth with their fingers or the improvised device. Mouthguard manufacturers may also include a fitting tool, such as a tether or tray. All these methods are deficient in that they introduce an interfering object into a user's mouth that alters the proper fit of the mouthguard.

SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments relate to a method of fitting a mouthguard. The method includes contacting a mouthguard base with a rigid fitment tool, heating the mouthguard base sufficient to soften the base, contacting teeth of a user with the mouthguard base by manipulating the fitment tool for a sufficient time to fit the base, removing the mouthguard base from the teeth by manipulating the fitment tool and detaching the fitment tool from the mouthguard base without

substantially deforming any portion of the base.

[0007] Embodiments relate to a method of fitting a mouthguard including providing a mouthguard base defining a recess on a front portion of the mouthguard base, the recess defining a peripheral shape and contacting a mouthguard base with a fitment tool at the recess, at least a portion of the fitment tool positioned in contact with at least a portion of the peripheral shape of the recess and heating the mouthguard base, sufficient to soften the base and contacting teeth of a user with the mouthguard base by manipulating the fitment tool, for a sufficient time to fit the base and removing the mouthguard base from the teeth by manipulating the fitment tool and detaching the fitment tool from the mouthguard base, without substantially deforming the recess of the base. [0008] Embodiments also relate to a mouthguard fitment system, including a mouthguard base including a recess positioned within at least a front surface of the base, a releasably attachable rigid mouthguard fitment tool positioned to fit within the recess, one or more attaching posts positioned on one of the recess or fitment tool and one or more receiving holes, positioned opposite the posts on either the recess or fitment tool. The mouthguard fitment tool, when attached, allows a user to manipulate the mouthguard base during a mouthguard fitment process.

[0009] Embodiments relate to a fitment tool for a mouthguard. The tool includes an elongated rigid handle, a body in contact with the handle including at least an outer surface and positioned to fit within a recess of a mouthguard base and one or more attaching posts or holes in contact with the body, sized to releasably attach with one or more oppositely positioned one or more posts or holes of the mouthguard base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings illustrate non- limiting example embodiments of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block flow diagram of a method of fitting a mouthguard, according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a prospective view of a mouthguard fitment tool, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a mouthguard fitment tool, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective front view of a mouthguard fitment tool, according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a mouthguard fitment tool utilizing horizontal posts, according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fitment tool and mouthguard base, according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective front view of a mouthguard fitment system, according to some embodiments. [0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective front view of a detached mouthguard fitment system, according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of a mouthguard fitment system, according to some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the side of a fitment tool, according to some embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the side of a fitment tool including horizontal posts, according to some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the front side of a mouthguard base, according to some embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the under side of a mouthguard base, according to some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the inner side of a fitment tool, according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the side of a mouthguard base, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments may be combined, other elements may be utilized or structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

[0027] All publications, patents and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated references should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

[0028] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or "one or more". In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that "A, B or C" includes "A only", "B only", "C only", "A and B", "B and C", "A and C", and "A, B and C", unless otherwise indicated. The terms "above" and "below" are used to describe two different directions in relation to the center of a composite and the terms "upper" and "lower" may be used to describe two different surfaces of a composite. In the appended aspects or claims, the terms "first", "second" and "third", etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention describe a mouthguard fitment system. The system includes a fitment tool that may be positioned to fit within a recess of a mouthguard base, providing user manipulation of the tool and base during a mouthguard fitting process that does not interfere with obtaining a proper fit. Many other products attempting to assist with a mouthguard fit actually create an obstacle to obtaining a proper, comfortable and/or safe mouthguard fit. Additionally, attachment and removal of a fitment tool can damage the mouthguard base. If a tray or other device is utilized, there may be a gap formed between the mouthguard base and a user's teeth or a gap is created by the removal of the tool. Embodiments of the present invention provide a fitment tool that releasably attaches to a front surface of a mouthguard base, which in no way interferes with the fitting process. Further, the fitment tool is rigid and yet detaches from the base in such as way as to prevent deformation of the mouthguard base, including a recess, during molding and cooling of the mouthguard base during user fitment. The fitment tool may be interchangeable with a functional or stylistic component, as described in commonly owned and co-filed PCT Serial No. , filed June 1, 2011, entitled,

"INTERCHANGEABLE MOUTHGUARD COMPONENT SYSTEM", incorporated herein by reference. [0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a block flow diagram 100 of a method of fitting a mouthguard is shown, according to some embodiments. A mouthguard base may be contacted 602 with a fitment tool. Contacting may include releasably attaching, for example. The mouthguard base may be heated 104, such as in boiling or near boiling water. The heating 104 step softens the mouthguard base material for fitting. A user may hold on to the fitment tool to position the mouthguard base during heating and then subsequently for contacting 106 the user's teeth with the base. The user may contact the mouthguard by compression and hold the position for sufficient time for the base to form a proper fit to the user's teeth. Sufficient time may be from about 10 seconds to about 30 seconds, from about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes or about 1 minute to about 3 minutes, for example.

[0031] Once a proper fit has been established, the base may be removed

604 from the teeth by manipulating the fitment tool. Manipulating may include holding, moving, turning, pulling, pushing or vibrating, for example. An optional cooling step may be performed after heating 104 or after removing 604. Cooling may be passive, such as allowing to cool to room temperature. The cooling may be active, such as contacting with cool or cold water or forcing air across the base, for example. The fitment tool may then be detached 606 from the base. During and after the detachment 606, the mouthguard base substantially maintains its shape and is not deformed.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, a prospective view 200 of a mouthguard fitment tool is shown, according to some embodiments. A fitment tool 202 may include an elongated, rigid handle 204 and one or more attaching posts 206. A side view 300 and front view 400 are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively. The attaching posts 206 may be vertically positioned (see FIG. 3) or horizontally positioned (see view 500 of FIG. 5), for example.

[0033] A mouthguard base 602 may include a recess 604 (see view 600 of FIG. 6). The recess 604 may include one or more holes 606 for receiving one or more attaching posts positioned on the fitment tool 202. In this view, the fitment tool 202 is detached from the base 602. When the fitment tool 202 is releasably attached or fastened within the recess 604, a user may hold or manipulate the tool 202 and control the movement and positioning of the base 602 for fitment. FIG. 7 illustrates a frontal view 700 of the tool attached to the base 602 and elongated handle 204. FIG. 8 illustrates the frontal view 800 when detached. A side view 900 illustrates a handle 204 angled for user comfort (see FIG. 9). The handle 204 may be straight or angled, for example.

[0034] The fitment tool 202 may have a peripheral shape 406 that corresponds with the peripheral shape 1206 of the recess 604 (see FIGS. 4 and 12 respectively). In this configuration, aspects of the fitment tool 202 may be flush with and define a continuous surface or arc with the anterior surfaces of the mouthguard base 602 when the fitment tool 202 is fit within the recess 604. This may define a substantially flush front surface and flush incisal surface of the mouthguard base 602. When the fitment tool 202 is fitted in the recess 604. The peripheral edge 402 of the fitment tool 202 may support the peripheral edge (see upper ridge 1204 and lower lip 1202 of FIG. 12, for example) of the recess 604 to prevent deformation of the recess 604 during fitment and cooling of the mouthguard. The peripheral edge 402 of the fitment tool 202 may include a lip or flange that may be configured to be received within a peripheral groove defined within the recess 604 of the mouthguard base to secure or further secure the fitment tool 202 to the mouthguard base 602. Alternatively, the peripheral edge 402 of the fitment tool 202 may include a groove to receive a lip or flange located on the mouthguard base 602.

[0035] The mouthguard base 602 includes a tray, channel or lower surface in which a user's teeth are positioned between an outer wall and inner wall. The mouthguard base 602 includes a front surface in the direction facing outward from a user's mouth. A bottom surface may be in the direction perpendicular to the front surface and in the direction of a user's lower jaw. The mouthguard base 602 may be formed from various plastics, polymers or composites suitable for use in a user's mouth. The recess 604 may be formed in the front surface of the base 602 or a combination of the front surface and one or more of the bottom surface or side surfaces of the base 602. The recess 604 may be sized to receive a fitment tool 202 and releasably attach therewith.

[0036] The fitment tool 202 may be formed of one or more materials different than the base 602 material. The fitment tool 202 may have a higher durometer value than the base 602, for example. The tool 202 may be formed of a non-softening, thermally insulative material, such that the tool remains rigid while heated.

[0037] The fitment tool 202 allows for the positioning and removal of the mouthguard base 602 during fitment, so as to prevent interference or gaps in forming a proper and comfortable mouthguard fit. One or more attaching posts 206 may be positioned on the tool and be sized to releasably attach with the oppositely positioned one or more holes 606 on the mouthguard base 602. Conversely, the attaching posts 206 may be positioned on the base 602 and the holes 606 positioned on the fitment tool 202.

[0038] The attaching posts 206 may defined as arms, columns, male fittings, extensions, etc., such that they comprise raised portions that are sized to fit or engage with the one or more holes 606. The one or more holes 606 may be holes, depressions, grooves, female fittings, recesses, etc. The attaching posts 206 or holes 606 may be cylindrically shaped, triangularly shaped, square shaped, oval shaped, pentagonally shaped, hexagonally shaped, irregularly shaped or a combination thereof. The attaching posts 206 may be of differing heights, diameters or a combination thereof. The one or more attaching posts may further include one or more ridges 1002 (i.e., circular ridges) positioned at a distal portion of the attaching posts 206 (see view 1000 of FIG. 10). The ridges may extend circumferentially around the posts 206 or may extend around a portion of the post 206. The ridges may act as a lip or edge and surround between about 40% to about 60% the circumference of the one or more posts 206. The ridges may surround about 20%> to about 80%> or about 30%> to about 70% the circumference of the attaching posts, for example (see view 1100 of FIG. 11 for another example of a ridge 1102 or enlarged portion).

[0039] The holes 606 may include a larger distal cavity 1502 to receive and secure an attaching post 206 that includes an enlarged distal end or ridge (see view 1500 of FIG. 15). As a component is inserted (in direction of arrow 1504, generally vertical in this embodiment), a vacuum or back pressure may resist the insertion. A relief channel 1302 (see view 1300 of FIG. 13) allows for the escape of air or pressure (shown by arrow 1506). One or more of the holes 606 may include a relief channel 1302, such as a slit, lateral channel or vertical channel, for example. [0040] The attaching posts 206 may be positioned vertically on the component, such that one or more attaching posts 206 and one or more holes 606 are parallel to the front surface of the mouthguard base. The holes 606 and attaching posts 206 are generally positioned in front of the teeth channel and do not pass completely through the mouthguard base 602. Alternatively or in addition, the attaching posts 206 may be horizontally positioned on the tool 202, such that the one or more attaching posts 206 and one or more holes 606 are perpendicular to the front surface of the mouthguard base. In this embodiment, the holes 606 and attaching posts 206 may be positioned in front of or under the teeth channel and do not pass completely through the mouthguard base 602. The attaching posts 206 and optional holes 606 may be positioned at an angle more or less than parallel or perpendicular to the front surface or bottom surface of the mouthguard base 602. The attaching posts 206 may include varying circumferences along the length of each attaching post, such as a cone shape or a bulb shape, for example. Attaching posts 206 may include ridges or edges 1002 or points 1402 and the like to increase attachment and compression forces (see view 1400 of FIG. 14).

[0041] The attaching posts 206 are of sufficient hardness or stiffness to remain substantial rigid during insertion to allow for a proper fit with holes 606. Similarly, the mouthguard base 602 is of sufficient hardness, or at least the portion supporting the holes, to substantially receive the attaching posts 206.

[0042] Attaching posts 206 may extend above the upper surface of the fitment tool 202 or be flush or shorter than the upper surface of the fitment tool 202. Attaching posts 206 may include a partial ridge, edge or flange and additionally be in contact with a fitting feature. Fitting features include features on the tool that assist in fitting the tool to the base, other than posts. Examples of fitting features include recesses, grooves or cut-outs, for example. The attaching posts 206 may be angled toward the back of a user's mouth, such as between an angle of about 85 degrees and about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees and 55 degrees, about 65 degrees and 45 degrees or less than about 45 degrees, for example.

[0043] The recess 604 may be formed in the front surface of the base 602 or a combination of the front surface and one or more of the bottom surface or side surfaces of the base 602. The recess 604 may be sized to receive at least a portion of the fitment tool 202 and securely attach therewith. The recess 604 may be optional, in that the tool 202 may attach directly to one or more surfaces of the base 602. The recess may include an upper ridge 1204, lower lip 1202 or both to support contact and integration of a component 104 (see view 1200 of FIG. 12).

[0044] The recess 604 of a mouthguard base 602 may include holes 606 either on a front surface of the recess 604 or on an upper surface, for example. Holes 606 and attaching posts 206 are generally aligned oppositely between the fitment tool 202 and mouthguard base 602 and may be attached by compression, friction, mechanical fastening (such as utilizing an edge or lip to secure the post with a hole), material interactions (weak chemical attractions, for example) or some combination thereof. Attaching posts 206 may be rectangular in shape and be oppositely positioned with holes 606 that are sized or configured to substantially match the shape of the post.

[0045] Additionally, the recess 604 of base 602 may be completely enclosed and defined with a front surface of a mouthguard base 602. Alternatively, the recess 604 may be defined, not only in the frontal surface of the base 602, but into one or more of the side surfaces or bottom surface of the base 602. Attaching posts 206 may be horizontally positioned, vertically positioned or positioned at some angle between the two positions on either the fitment tool 202 or base 602.

[0046] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.