US20130291291A1 - Mouth guard retaining device - Google Patents
Mouth guard retaining device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130291291A1 US20130291291A1 US13/865,651 US201313865651A US2013291291A1 US 20130291291 A1 US20130291291 A1 US 20130291291A1 US 201313865651 A US201313865651 A US 201313865651A US 2013291291 A1 US2013291291 A1 US 2013291291A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- helmet
- retaining device
- mouth guard
- elongated member
- face mask
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/0406—Accessories for helmets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/08—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions
- A63B71/085—Mouth or teeth protectors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/08—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions
- A63B71/10—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the head
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/18—Face protection devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/14—Lacrosse
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/68—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with article holders
- A63B2225/687—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with article holders for others, e.g. keys, wallets, books
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2243/00—Specific ball sports not provided for in A63B2102/00 - A63B2102/38
- A63B2243/0066—Rugby; American football
- A63B2243/007—American football
Definitions
- Mouth guards are provided in various shapes, sizes and configurations and are formed of a wide variety of materials to provide a number of alternatives to the participant depending on the sport being played, the degree of protection desired, and the degree of comfort to the user.
- some mouth guards are formed of a synthetic rubber material and are designed for the user to bite onto the guard to provide protection to the upper and lower teeth. These guards are not necessarily fitted to the user and thus do not often provide the best fit.
- Other guards are formed of synthetic plastic material. The guards are heated to make them pliable and then the user bites into the softened material so that the guard is molded to the user's teeth to provide a custom fit.
- mouth guards are very effective at affording protection to the user's mouth, they often make it difficult for the participant to communicate with other participants. Accordingly, it is common for participants to remove their mouth guards when play is stopped. This can lead to mouth guards inadvertently being dropped onto the playing surface where they may be contaminated or lost, particularly when the mouth guard is dropped on an outdoor playing field.
- some mouth guards include an integral strap which is connected with the face mask of the helmet. When not in use, the mouth guard dangles from the helmet. When in use, the guard is placed into the user's mouth. However, the strap extends out from the mouth between the lips which can lead to discomfort. Moreover, straps are awkward for use with mouth guards of the type which afford protection to the both the upper and lower teeth.
- the present invention was developed in order to overcome these and other drawbacks by providing a helmet accessory in the form of a retaining clip which can securely hold any type of protective mouth guard when not in use by a participant in a sporting or other event.
- a primary object of the present invention to provide a retaining device for a mouth guard in the form of an elongated member having a connection device at one end of said elongated member for connecting the member with a helmet and a detent at the other end of the member.
- the detent is operable by the user to displace the member from a normal closed position adjacent the helmet to an extended open position spaced from the helmet.
- the user can arrange the mouth guard between the member and the helmet.
- the detent released by the user the member returns to its normal position and the mouth guard is securely held in place.
- the user displaces the detent to move the member to its extended position and the mouth guard can be removed from between the member and the helmet. Once removed, the detent is released and the member returns to is normal position.
- the elongated member is preferably formed of a resilient material such as synthetic plastic. It is also provided with an extended portion beyond the detent for gripping by the user to displace the detent from the normal position to the extended position.
- the elongated member is reversely folded to define a channel between the member and the reversely folded portion.
- the channel may serve multiple functions.
- the channel is configured to receive a mouth guard and may hold the mouth guard against the helmet.
- the reversely folded over portion engages the helmet and cooperates with the channel and the elongated member to provide increased flexibility to the retaining device.
- the elongated member flexes into the channel and absorbs the impact force thereby preventing the mouth guard from being dislodged from the retaining device.
- connection device is a compression fitting. More particularly, the lower end of the elongated member contains a concave recess for receiving a portion of the helmet or face mask. At least one pair of aligned openings is provided in the portions of the connection device on opposite sides of the recess. A screw passes through the openings for drawing the connection device portions of the member together. When a portion of the helmet is arranged in the recess, the compression fitting clamps the elongated member on the helmet portion or on a face mask.
- the elongated member further includes one or more notches to permit air circulation and prevent the accumulation of moisture which leads to rotation of the retaining device on the face mask.
- connection device includes a projection that engages an edge of the helmet to properly position the retaining device. More particularly, the projection positions the retaining device in spaced relation from the face mask and helmet and prevents the retaining device from rotating about the face mask and away from the helmet.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a football helmet having a mouth guard retaining device according to the invention connected therewith;
- FIG. 2 is a detailed front perspective view of the mouth guard retaining device according to the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the retaining device of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the retaining device of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connection device of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the mouth guard retaining device according to an alternative embodiment the invention.
- FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the retaining device of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a rear view of the retaining device of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 1 shows a conventional football helmet 2 having a face mask 4 connected therewith.
- the face mask is connected with the helmet in a known manner and includes a plurality of bars 6 which cooperate to protect the face of the wearer from injury.
- a chin strap 8 is connected with the helmet to hold the helmet onto the head of the wearer.
- a retaining device 10 is connected with an upper bar 12 of the face mask to securely hold a mouth guard 14 against the helmet 2 .
- the retaining device is displaceable relative to the helmet to secure and release the mouth guard.
- the device is formed as an elongated member 16 having a connection device 18 at its lower end for connecting the member with the helmet, and preferably with a portion of the face mask of the helmet.
- a detent 20 which is shown more clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4 , is provided at the upper end of the member. The detent is operable by the user to displace the member from a normal closed position adjacent the helmet as shown in FIG. 1 to an extended open position spaced from the helmet. When the elongated member is in the extended position, the user can place the mouth guard between the member and the helmet. With the detent released by the user, the member returns to its normal position and the mouth guard is securely held in place.
- an extension 22 is provided on the upper end of the member 16 which can be engaged by a finger of the user to pull the upper end of the retaining member away from the helmet.
- the elongated member is preferably formed of a resilient material with a limited degree of flexure.
- a suitable material is synthetic plastic. It has a normal position, but may be bent or flexed from the normal position when an external force is applied. When the force is removed, the material reverts or springs back to its normal position.
- connection device 18 is a preferably a compression fitting which is shown in detail in FIG. 5 . More particularly, the lower end of the elongated member 16 contains a concave recess 24 which extends laterally of the member. The recess thus separates two lower portions 18 a and 18 b of the connection device. A through opening 26 is provided in one portion 18 a of the connection device. A threaded opening 28 is provided in the other portion 18 b of the connection device on the opposite side of the recess 24 . The openings 26 and 28 are aligned and receive a screw 30 .
- connection device 18 contains a second through opening 32 in the portion 18 a and a second threaded opening 34 in the portion 18 b and aligned with the opening 32 for receiving a second screw 36 .
- the portions 18 a and 18 b of the connection device may be separated to allow a portion of the helmet, or preferably a bar of the face mask, to be arranged in the recess.
- the screws 30 and 36 are inserted and tightened relative to the respective threaded openings 28 and 34 to draw the portion 18 b of the connection device toward the portion 18 a to clamp the elongated member on the helmet portion via a compression fit.
- a projection 38 extends rearwardly from the elongated member 16 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the projection abuts against the helmet as does the detent when the retaining device is in the normal position. It also provides structural stability to the retaining device and acts as a guide or stop for the mouth guard when it is arranged between the retaining device and the helmet.
- the device is formed as an elongated member 116 having a connection device 118 at its lower end for connecting the member with the helmet, and preferably with a portion of the face mask of the helmet.
- the elongated member includes a reversely folded portion 122 which defines a channel 140 between the elongated member and the folded portion.
- the folded portion 122 normally engages the helmet and prevents a mouth guard from being displaced vertically as will be developed below.
- the retaining device is preferably formed of a resilient material such as synthetic plastic with a limited degree of flexure.
- connection device 118 is a preferably a compression fitting.
- the lower end of the elongated member 116 contains a lateral concave recess 124 which separates two lower portions 118 a and 118 b of the connection device.
- Through openings 126 , 132 are provided in one portion 118 a of the connection device and threaded openings 128 , 134 are provided in the other portion 118 b of the connection device on the opposite side of the recess 124 . Screws are inserted and tightened relative to the respective threaded openings 128 and 134 to draw the portion 118 b of the connection device toward the portion 118 a to clamp the elongated member on the helmet portion via a compression fit.
- the elongated member 116 is contoured to include a convex or contoured projection 138 extending generally opposite the reversely folded portion 122 as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the projection 138 defines a swale 142 intermediate the connection device 118 .
- the swale receives a mouth guard and the projection acts as a guide or stop for the mouth guard when it is arranged between the retaining device and the helmet.
- the flexure of the reversely folded portion absorbs and dissipates impact forces against the retaining device to prevent the mouth guard from being unintentionally dislodged.
- the free end 122 a of the reversely folded portion further limits vertical displacement of a mouth guard arranged in the swale.
- the biasing force of the retaining device presses the elongated member and the projection against the mouth guard to pin the mouth guard against the helmet and store it during a stoppage in play.
- the upper end 122 b of the reversely folded portion is pulled away from the helmet and the user pulls the mouth guard from between the retaining device and the helmet.
- the retaining device of FIGS. 6-8 may be used to retain a mouth guard within the channel 140 .
- the user can grasp the upper end of the elongated member, pull it away from the helmet, and wedge a mouth guard into the channel.
- the natural tendency of the gripping device to return to its normal position causes the reversely folded portion 122 to retain the mouth guard within the channel because of the pressure created by the reversely folded portion against the elongated member.
- the entire assembly holds the mouth guard—which is in the channel—against the helmet because of the force exerted by the extended member in the direction of the helmet as it returns to its normal position.
- the retaining device further includes a plurality of notches 144 , 146 which serve two functions. The first is to enhance the flexibility of the device during installation, when extending and releasing the elongated member 116 and in the event of impact to the device. The second is to allow for the flow of air which aids in the reduction of any accumulated moisture between the retaining device and the face mask. An accumulation of moisture may cause the retaining device to rotate on the face mask.
- one of the lower portions of the connection device 118 b includes a projection 144 having a general T-shaped configuration, although other configurations may be provided.
- the upper surface of the projection engages an edge of the helmet and operates to prevent the retaining device from rotating about the face mask and away from the helmet.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
Abstract
A mouth guard retaining device is provided for retaining a mouth guard against a protective helmet when the mouth guard is not in use. The device includes an elongated member having a connection device at a lower end for connection with a portion of the helmet and a detent or reversely folded portion at another end which is operable to displace the elongated member. The member is formed of synthetic plastic material which has a limited degree of flexure so that the member is displaceable between a normal closed condition where the detent engages the helmet and an open condition where the detent is spaced from the helmet to allow the user to insert or remove the mouth guard from the device.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/206,927 filed Aug. 10, 2011.
- In many sporting competitions, the participants either elect or are required to wear mouth guards to protect the teeth, jaw, and tongue of the participant. Mouth guards are provided in various shapes, sizes and configurations and are formed of a wide variety of materials to provide a number of alternatives to the participant depending on the sport being played, the degree of protection desired, and the degree of comfort to the user. For example, some mouth guards are formed of a synthetic rubber material and are designed for the user to bite onto the guard to provide protection to the upper and lower teeth. These guards are not necessarily fitted to the user and thus do not often provide the best fit. Other guards are formed of synthetic plastic material. The guards are heated to make them pliable and then the user bites into the softened material so that the guard is molded to the user's teeth to provide a custom fit.
- While mouth guards are very effective at affording protection to the user's mouth, they often make it difficult for the participant to communicate with other participants. Accordingly, it is common for participants to remove their mouth guards when play is stopped. This can lead to mouth guards inadvertently being dropped onto the playing surface where they may be contaminated or lost, particularly when the mouth guard is dropped on an outdoor playing field.
- Many sports, such as football and lacrosse, require participants to wear a helmet which includes a face mask. Participants often wedge their mouth guards between the bars of the face mask in order to free their hands to call plays or to hold a ball or stick. If the participant is wearing a helmet including a face mask, such as a football helmet or lacrosse helmet, it is common practice for the user to wedge the mouth guard between the bars of the mask. However, the mouth guard often becomes dislodged from the mask and falls to the ground, sometimes without the user's knowledge.
- Various devices are known in the art to retain a mouth guard on a helmet. For example, some mouth guards include an integral strap which is connected with the face mask of the helmet. When not in use, the mouth guard dangles from the helmet. When in use, the guard is placed into the user's mouth. However, the strap extends out from the mouth between the lips which can lead to discomfort. Moreover, straps are awkward for use with mouth guards of the type which afford protection to the both the upper and lower teeth.
- The present invention was developed in order to overcome these and other drawbacks by providing a helmet accessory in the form of a retaining clip which can securely hold any type of protective mouth guard when not in use by a participant in a sporting or other event.
- Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a retaining device for a mouth guard in the form of an elongated member having a connection device at one end of said elongated member for connecting the member with a helmet and a detent at the other end of the member. The detent is operable by the user to displace the member from a normal closed position adjacent the helmet to an extended open position spaced from the helmet. When in the extended position, the user can arrange the mouth guard between the member and the helmet. With the detent released by the user, the member returns to its normal position and the mouth guard is securely held in place. When the user desires to remove the mouth guard from the member, the user displaces the detent to move the member to its extended position and the mouth guard can be removed from between the member and the helmet. Once removed, the detent is released and the member returns to is normal position.
- The elongated member is preferably formed of a resilient material such as synthetic plastic. It is also provided with an extended portion beyond the detent for gripping by the user to displace the detent from the normal position to the extended position.
- In an alternative embodiment, the elongated member is reversely folded to define a channel between the member and the reversely folded portion. The channel may serve multiple functions. First, the channel is configured to receive a mouth guard and may hold the mouth guard against the helmet. Alternatively, the reversely folded over portion engages the helmet and cooperates with the channel and the elongated member to provide increased flexibility to the retaining device. In the event of impact to the retaining device, the elongated member flexes into the channel and absorbs the impact force thereby preventing the mouth guard from being dislodged from the retaining device.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the connection device is a compression fitting. More particularly, the lower end of the elongated member contains a concave recess for receiving a portion of the helmet or face mask. At least one pair of aligned openings is provided in the portions of the connection device on opposite sides of the recess. A screw passes through the openings for drawing the connection device portions of the member together. When a portion of the helmet is arranged in the recess, the compression fitting clamps the elongated member on the helmet portion or on a face mask.
- In a further embodiment, the elongated member further includes one or more notches to permit air circulation and prevent the accumulation of moisture which leads to rotation of the retaining device on the face mask.
- According to another embodiment, the connection device includes a projection that engages an edge of the helmet to properly position the retaining device. More particularly, the projection positions the retaining device in spaced relation from the face mask and helmet and prevents the retaining device from rotating about the face mask and away from the helmet.
- Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification when viewed in the light of the accompanying drawing, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a football helmet having a mouth guard retaining device according to the invention connected therewith; -
FIG. 2 is a detailed front perspective view of the mouth guard retaining device according to the invention; -
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the retaining device ofFIG. 2 ; and -
FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the retaining device ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connection device ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the mouth guard retaining device according to an alternative embodiment the invention; -
FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the retaining device ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a rear view of the retaining device ofFIG. 6 ; - The mouth guard retaining device according to the invention will first be described with reference to
FIG. 1 which shows aconventional football helmet 2 having aface mask 4 connected therewith. The face mask is connected with the helmet in a known manner and includes a plurality ofbars 6 which cooperate to protect the face of the wearer from injury. Achin strap 8 is connected with the helmet to hold the helmet onto the head of the wearer. - A
retaining device 10 according to the invention is connected with anupper bar 12 of the face mask to securely hold amouth guard 14 against thehelmet 2. As will be developed in greater detail below, the retaining device is displaceable relative to the helmet to secure and release the mouth guard. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2-4 , theretaining device 12 will be described in greater detail. The device is formed as anelongated member 16 having aconnection device 18 at its lower end for connecting the member with the helmet, and preferably with a portion of the face mask of the helmet. A detent 20, which is shown more clearly inFIGS. 3 and 4 , is provided at the upper end of the member. The detent is operable by the user to displace the member from a normal closed position adjacent the helmet as shown inFIG. 1 to an extended open position spaced from the helmet. When the elongated member is in the extended position, the user can place the mouth guard between the member and the helmet. With the detent released by the user, the member returns to its normal position and the mouth guard is securely held in place. When the user desires to remove the mouth guard from the member, the user displaces the detent to move the member to its extended position and the mouth guard can be removed from between the member and the helmet. Once removed, the detent is released and the member returns to is normal position. To assist with displacing the detent, anextension 22 is provided on the upper end of themember 16 which can be engaged by a finger of the user to pull the upper end of the retaining member away from the helmet. - The elongated member is preferably formed of a resilient material with a limited degree of flexure. A suitable material is synthetic plastic. It has a normal position, but may be bent or flexed from the normal position when an external force is applied. When the force is removed, the material reverts or springs back to its normal position.
- The
connection device 18 is a preferably a compression fitting which is shown in detail inFIG. 5 . More particularly, the lower end of theelongated member 16 contains aconcave recess 24 which extends laterally of the member. The recess thus separates twolower portions opening 26 is provided in oneportion 18 a of the connection device. A threadedopening 28 is provided in theother portion 18 b of the connection device on the opposite side of therecess 24. Theopenings screw 30. If desired, theconnection device 18 contains a second through opening 32 in theportion 18 a and a second threadedopening 34 in theportion 18 b and aligned with theopening 32 for receiving asecond screw 36. With the screws removed, theportions screws openings portion 18 b of the connection device toward theportion 18 a to clamp the elongated member on the helmet portion via a compression fit. - A
projection 38 extends rearwardly from theelongated member 16 as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 . The projection abuts against the helmet as does the detent when the retaining device is in the normal position. It also provides structural stability to the retaining device and acts as a guide or stop for the mouth guard when it is arranged between the retaining device and the helmet. - Referring now to
FIGS. 6-8 , an alternative embodiment of the retainingdevice 110 according to the invention will now be described. The device is formed as anelongated member 116 having aconnection device 118 at its lower end for connecting the member with the helmet, and preferably with a portion of the face mask of the helmet. The elongated member includes a reversely foldedportion 122 which defines achannel 140 between the elongated member and the folded portion. The foldedportion 122 normally engages the helmet and prevents a mouth guard from being displaced vertically as will be developed below. - As in the embodiment of
FIGS. 2-5 , the retaining device is preferably formed of a resilient material such as synthetic plastic with a limited degree of flexure. - The
connection device 118 is a preferably a compression fitting. The lower end of theelongated member 116 contains a lateralconcave recess 124 which separates twolower portions openings portion 118 a of the connection device and threadedopenings other portion 118 b of the connection device on the opposite side of therecess 124. Screws are inserted and tightened relative to the respective threadedopenings portion 118 b of the connection device toward theportion 118 a to clamp the elongated member on the helmet portion via a compression fit. - The
elongated member 116 is contoured to include a convex orcontoured projection 138 extending generally opposite the reversely foldedportion 122 as shown inFIG. 7 . Theprojection 138 defines aswale 142 intermediate theconnection device 118. The swale receives a mouth guard and the projection acts as a guide or stop for the mouth guard when it is arranged between the retaining device and the helmet. The flexure of the reversely folded portion absorbs and dissipates impact forces against the retaining device to prevent the mouth guard from being unintentionally dislodged. In addition, thefree end 122 a of the reversely folded portion further limits vertical displacement of a mouth guard arranged in the swale. The biasing force of the retaining device presses the elongated member and the projection against the mouth guard to pin the mouth guard against the helmet and store it during a stoppage in play. In order to remove the mouth guard, theupper end 122 b of the reversely folded portion is pulled away from the helmet and the user pulls the mouth guard from between the retaining device and the helmet. - Depending on the width of the
channel 140, the retaining device ofFIGS. 6-8 may be used to retain a mouth guard within thechannel 140. Because of the resiliency of the gripping device, the user can grasp the upper end of the elongated member, pull it away from the helmet, and wedge a mouth guard into the channel. The natural tendency of the gripping device to return to its normal position causes the reversely foldedportion 122 to retain the mouth guard within the channel because of the pressure created by the reversely folded portion against the elongated member. Similarly, the entire assembly holds the mouth guard—which is in the channel—against the helmet because of the force exerted by the extended member in the direction of the helmet as it returns to its normal position. - The retaining device further includes a plurality of
notches elongated member 116 and in the event of impact to the device. The second is to allow for the flow of air which aids in the reduction of any accumulated moisture between the retaining device and the face mask. An accumulation of moisture may cause the retaining device to rotate on the face mask. - As shown more particularly in
FIGS. 7 and 8 , one of the lower portions of theconnection device 118 b includes aprojection 144 having a general T-shaped configuration, although other configurations may be provided. When the retaining device is clamped on the facemask, the upper surface of the projection engages an edge of the helmet and operates to prevent the retaining device from rotating about the face mask and away from the helmet. - While the preferred forms and embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without deviating from the inventive concepts set forth above.
Claims (8)
1. A clip for retaining a mouth guard against a helmet including a face mask, comprising
an elongated member formed of resilient material and operable between normal and extended positions, said elongated member including
(a) a connection device at one end for clamping said member onto a portion of a helmet face mask;
(b) a reversely folded portion at another end of said elongated member; and
(c) a convex projection extending from said elongated member intermediate said connection device and said reversely folded portion to define a swale for receiving a mouth guard, whereby when said member is in the extended position, a mouth guard may be inserted or removed from said swale and when member is returned to the normal position, said member retains the mouth guard against the helmet.
2. A retaining device as defined in claim 1 , wherein said elongated member is formed of synthetic plastic material.
3. A retaining device as defined in claim 2 , wherein said connection device comprises a compression fitting.
4. A retaining device as defined in claim 4 , wherein said compression fitting includes a concave recess for receiving a portion of the face mask.
5. A retaining device as defined in claim 5 , wherein said compression fitting further comprises at least one pair of aligned openings within portions of said connection device on opposite sides of said recess and a screw passing through said openings for drawing said connection device portions together, whereby when a portion of the face mask is arranged in said recess, said compression fitting is operable to clamp said elongated member on the face mask portion.
6. A retaining device as defined in claim 1 , wherein said reversely folded portion defines a channel for receiving a mouth guard.
7. A retaining device as defined in claim 1 , wherein said connection device includes a rearward projection arranged adjacent to an edge of the helmet to prevent the retaining device from rotating about the face mask and away from the helmet.
8. A retaining device as defined in claim 1 , wherein said retaining device includes at least a notch in said connection device on either side of said elongated member to enhance air circulation and prevent accumulation of moisture.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/865,651 US20130291291A1 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2013-04-18 | Mouth guard retaining device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/206,927 US20130036533A1 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2011-08-10 | Mouth guard retaining device |
US13/865,651 US20130291291A1 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2013-04-18 | Mouth guard retaining device |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/206,927 Continuation-In-Part US20130036533A1 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2011-08-10 | Mouth guard retaining device |
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US20130291291A1 true US20130291291A1 (en) | 2013-11-07 |
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US13/865,651 Abandoned US20130291291A1 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2013-04-18 | Mouth guard retaining device |
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Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170295879A1 (en) * | 2016-04-19 | 2017-10-19 | Pat Fancher | Helmet-mounted mouth guard retainer |
WO2018093994A1 (en) * | 2016-11-16 | 2018-05-24 | Clifford Tubbs | Athletic helmet-facemasks system |
USD822375S1 (en) * | 2016-03-12 | 2018-07-10 | Nelson Washington | Mouth guard holder |
US10820654B1 (en) * | 2019-05-23 | 2020-11-03 | Bryant Kevin Gentry | Mouthguard retaining device |
USD916385S1 (en) * | 2011-05-02 | 2021-04-13 | Riddell, Inc. | Football helmet |
US20210354025A1 (en) * | 2020-05-15 | 2021-11-18 | Paul Hix | Hands-free sanitary mouthguard |
US11910859B2 (en) | 2013-02-12 | 2024-02-27 | Riddell, Inc. | Football helmet with impact attenuation system |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100251464A1 (en) * | 2009-04-06 | 2010-10-07 | Parisi Brian M | Quick Release Faceguard Attachment |
-
2013
- 2013-04-18 US US13/865,651 patent/US20130291291A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100251464A1 (en) * | 2009-04-06 | 2010-10-07 | Parisi Brian M | Quick Release Faceguard Attachment |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD916385S1 (en) * | 2011-05-02 | 2021-04-13 | Riddell, Inc. | Football helmet |
US11910859B2 (en) | 2013-02-12 | 2024-02-27 | Riddell, Inc. | Football helmet with impact attenuation system |
USD822375S1 (en) * | 2016-03-12 | 2018-07-10 | Nelson Washington | Mouth guard holder |
US20170295879A1 (en) * | 2016-04-19 | 2017-10-19 | Pat Fancher | Helmet-mounted mouth guard retainer |
WO2018093994A1 (en) * | 2016-11-16 | 2018-05-24 | Clifford Tubbs | Athletic helmet-facemasks system |
US10820654B1 (en) * | 2019-05-23 | 2020-11-03 | Bryant Kevin Gentry | Mouthguard retaining device |
US20210354025A1 (en) * | 2020-05-15 | 2021-11-18 | Paul Hix | Hands-free sanitary mouthguard |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |