US20140238417A1 - Therapeutic mouthguard system - Google Patents
Therapeutic mouthguard system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140238417A1 US20140238417A1 US14/191,141 US201414191141A US2014238417A1 US 20140238417 A1 US20140238417 A1 US 20140238417A1 US 201414191141 A US201414191141 A US 201414191141A US 2014238417 A1 US2014238417 A1 US 2014238417A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- mouthguard
- user
- chamber
- delivery component
- teeth
- 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
Links
- 230000001225 therapeutic effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 7
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 62
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 57
- 229940124597 therapeutic agent Drugs 0.000 claims abstract description 57
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Vinyl acetate Chemical compound CC(=O)OC=C XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011782 vitamin Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 235000013343 vitamin Nutrition 0.000 claims description 6
- 229940088594 vitamin Drugs 0.000 claims description 6
- 229930003231 vitamin Natural products 0.000 claims description 6
- 150000001720 carbohydrates Chemical class 0.000 claims description 3
- 150000003722 vitamin derivatives Chemical class 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 claims 4
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 2
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 abstract description 77
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 77
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 15
- 235000003599 food sweetener Nutrition 0.000 description 12
- 239000003765 sweetening agent Substances 0.000 description 12
- 210000003296 saliva Anatomy 0.000 description 9
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 7
- 235000019640 taste Nutrition 0.000 description 7
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 5
- 210000001519 tissue Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- RYYVLZVUVIJVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N caffeine Chemical compound CN1C(=O)N(C)C(=O)C2=C1N=CN2C RYYVLZVUVIJVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 210000000988 bone and bone Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010828 elution Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000021 stimulant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 241000282465 Canis Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000207199 Citrus Species 0.000 description 2
- LPHGQDQBBGAPDZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Isocaffeine Natural products CN1C(=O)N(C)C(=O)C2=C1N(C)C=N2 LPHGQDQBBGAPDZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004376 Sucralose Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000004763 bicuspid Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 229960001948 caffeine Drugs 0.000 description 2
- VJEONQKOZGKCAK-UHFFFAOYSA-N caffeine Natural products CN1C(=O)N(C)C(=O)C2=C1C=CN2C VJEONQKOZGKCAK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000014633 carbohydrates Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000020971 citrus fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000005038 ethylene vinyl acetate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000004283 incisor Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000006187 pill Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000029058 respiratory gaseous exchange Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000035943 smell Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000019408 sucralose Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- BAQAVOSOZGMPRM-QBMZZYIRSA-N sucralose Chemical compound O[C@@H]1[C@@H](O)[C@@H](Cl)[C@@H](CO)O[C@@H]1O[C@@]1(CCl)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](CCl)O1 BAQAVOSOZGMPRM-QBMZZYIRSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000019605 sweet taste sensations Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 210000001738 temporomandibular joint Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 244000223760 Cinnamomum zeylanicum Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000005979 Citrus limon Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000131522 Citrus pyriformis Species 0.000 description 1
- FBPFZTCFMRRESA-FSIIMWSLSA-N D-Glucitol Natural products OC[C@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)CO FBPFZTCFMRRESA-FSIIMWSLSA-N 0.000 description 1
- FBPFZTCFMRRESA-KVTDHHQDSA-N D-Mannitol Chemical compound OC[C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)CO FBPFZTCFMRRESA-KVTDHHQDSA-N 0.000 description 1
- FBPFZTCFMRRESA-JGWLITMVSA-N D-glucitol Chemical compound OC[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)CO FBPFZTCFMRRESA-JGWLITMVSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004386 Erythritol Substances 0.000 description 1
- UNXHWFMMPAWVPI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Erythritol Natural products OCC(O)C(O)CO UNXHWFMMPAWVPI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000016623 Fragaria vesca Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000009088 Fragaria x ananassa Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000011363 Fragaria x ananassa Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 206010019233 Headaches Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229930195725 Mannitol Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 239000004594 Masterbatch (MB) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000014749 Mentha crispa Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000024873 Mentha crispa Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000246386 Mentha pulegium Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000016257 Mentha pulegium Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000004357 Mentha x piperita Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000228451 Stevia rebaudiana Species 0.000 description 1
- 208000012886 Vertigo Diseases 0.000 description 1
- TVXBFESIOXBWNM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Xylitol Natural products OCCC(O)C(O)C(O)CCO TVXBFESIOXBWNM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000008122 artificial sweetener Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000021311 artificial sweeteners Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000386 athletic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000021028 berry Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- DQXBYHZEEUGOBF-UHFFFAOYSA-N but-3-enoic acid;ethene Chemical compound C=C.OC(=O)CC=C DQXBYHZEEUGOBF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003054 catalyst Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000017803 cinnamon Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000002173 dizziness Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000007176 earache Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 235000019414 erythritol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- UNXHWFMMPAWVPI-ZXZARUISSA-N erythritol Chemical compound OC[C@H](O)[C@H](O)CO UNXHWFMMPAWVPI-ZXZARUISSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229940009714 erythritol Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000000284 extract Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000869 headache Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 235000001050 hortel pimenta Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000832 lactitol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010448 lactitol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- VQHSOMBJVWLPSR-JVCRWLNRSA-N lactitol Chemical compound OC[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H]([C@H](O)CO)O[C@@H]1O[C@H](CO)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H]1O VQHSOMBJVWLPSR-JVCRWLNRSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229960003451 lactitol Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000000845 maltitol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010449 maltitol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- VQHSOMBJVWLPSR-WUJBLJFYSA-N maltitol Chemical compound OC[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H]([C@H](O)CO)O[C@H]1O[C@H](CO)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H]1O VQHSOMBJVWLPSR-WUJBLJFYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229940035436 maltitol Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000000594 mannitol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010355 mannitol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229960001855 mannitol Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 1
- HEBKCHPVOIAQTA-UHFFFAOYSA-N meso ribitol Natural products OCC(O)C(O)C(O)CO HEBKCHPVOIAQTA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000008368 mint flavor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000021096 natural sweeteners Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001200 poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- CVHZOJJKTDOEJC-UHFFFAOYSA-N saccharin Chemical compound C1=CC=C2C(=O)NS(=O)(=O)C2=C1 CVHZOJJKTDOEJC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000019204 saccharin Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229940081974 saccharin Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000000901 saccharin and its Na,K and Ca salt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000019643 salty taste Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000001953 sensory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000600 sorbitol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960002920 sorbitol Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 235000010356 sorbitol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000000346 sugar Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000005846 sugar alcohols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000008163 sugars Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000012976 tarts Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000009757 thermoplastic moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000004357 third molar Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000889 vertigo Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000811 xylitol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010447 xylitol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- HEBKCHPVOIAQTA-SCDXWVJYSA-N xylitol Chemical compound OC[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)CO HEBKCHPVOIAQTA-SCDXWVJYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229960002675 xylitol Drugs 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M31/00—Devices for introducing or retaining media, e.g. remedies, in cavities of the body
- A61M31/002—Devices for releasing a drug at a continuous and controlled rate for a prolonged period of time
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C19/00—Dental auxiliary appliances
- A61C19/06—Implements for therapeutic treatment
- A61C19/063—Medicament applicators for teeth or gums, e.g. treatment with fluorides
-
- 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
- A63B2213/00—Exercising combined with therapy
Definitions
- Mouthguards are typically used to protect the teeth, oral tissue and gums from impact and abrasion. Mouthguards can reduce the chance of shock and other injuries resulting from high impact collisions and blows during athletic competition. Failure to use a mouthguard or using an improperly fitted mouthguard when impacts, collisions, or blows occur to the jaw structure of an athlete can result in the athlete's susceptibility to headaches, earaches, ringing in the ears, clogged ears, vertigo, and dizziness, among other ill effects. Different types of mouthguards are available including non-personalized, universal, and stock model type, or are custom formed to the teeth of an individual user.
- aspects of various embodiments relate to a therapeutic mouthguard system that is configured with a delivery component to provide one or more therapeutic agents, flavor materials, or otherwise beneficial substances to the wearer of the mouthguard.
- the therapeutic mouthguard system has a mouthguard and a delivery component including a combination of therapeutic agent, flavor materials, and otherwise beneficial substances.
- the therapeutic mouthguard system includes a delivery component including a therapeutic agent or flavor material.
- the delivery component is received within the chamber or porous material, such that the therapeutic agent or flavor material is deliverable from the delivery component to the user.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 , according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of the mouthguard of FIG. 2 , according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the mouthguard of FIG. 2 including a chamber, according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional, enlarged view of the chamber of FIG. 5 , according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 7 is an anterior view of the mouthguard of FIG. 2 , according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 8 is a posterior view of the mouthguard of FIG. 2 , according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mouthguard, according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 10 is a top view of a mouthguard having saliva holes, according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the mouthguard of FIG. 10 , according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of the mouthguard of FIG. 10 , according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 13 is a raised perspective view of a mouthguard having a liner in a linear configuration, according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 14 is a raised perspective view of the mouthguard similar to that shown in FIG. 13 in a curved configuration, according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 15 is a lower perspective view of the mouthguard similar to that shown in FIG. 14 , according to some embodiments.
- the present invention pertains to a mouthguard that is formed of one or more polymeric materials.
- the mouthguard is optionally formed in one or multiple injection molding steps.
- the mouthguard includes one or more chambers that are configured to accommodate one or more delivery components, such as a dissolving pill or tablet, according to various embodiments.
- the delivery component includes a therapeutic agent, or agents, and additional materials as desired.
- therapeutic agents optionally incorporated into the therapeutic agent include electrolytes, vitamins, carbohydrates, stimulants (e.g., caffeine), medicaments, and combinations thereof, for example.
- the therapeutic agent or agents are available in solid (e.g., powder), liquid, or gel form.
- the delivery component optionally includes additional materials with the therapeutic agent or agents.
- the delivery component optionally includes flavor materials, like sweeteners or other flavorants (described in more detail herein elsewhere), timed release coatings or materials, or other materials as desired.
- the delivery component includes a flavor material and optionally a therapeutic agent.
- the therapeutic agent is combined with a carrier such as a polymer.
- the delivery component is removed and replaced once the therapeutic agent or agents have been largely eluted from the component.
- the delivery component dissipates over time when exposed to water, human saliva, or air.
- the therapeutic agent is optionally provided as a solid or liquid and is mixed into a polymer or other material that dissolves over time when exposed to human saliva.
- therapeutic agents are mixed into a solvent or gel to form the replaceable delivery component of the mouthguard.
- the delivery component(s) can be an insert that is configured to be replaced by a wearer of the mouthguard when the insert loses at least a substantial portion of its therapeutic agent or flavor material.
- the insert is in dry-tablet form (e.g., an electrolyte tablet) or gel-tablet form, the tablet and mouthguard chamber each having a shape that facilitates positioning the tablet into the chamber and retaining the tablet within the chamber.
- the tablet is optionally in any of a variety of traditional pill shapes the form of a relatively flat wafer of material, such as a round, rectangular, octagonal, or other profile wafer as desired.
- the therapeutic agent is dispersed within a polymeric insert that is removable and replaceable by the wearer of the mouthguard.
- the wearer can remove the insert once the therapeutic agent or flavor material is gone, and can insert a new insert or recharge the insert with a therapeutic agent or agents.
- the therapeutic agent or flavor material is dispersed within a dissolvable insert that is replaceable by the wearer of the mouthguard. The wearer can insert a new insert after the previous insert has dissolved.
- the therapeutic agent or flavor is dispersed within a gel or less viscous liquid.
- the wearer of the mouthguard can inject the gel into the opening of the mouthguard, for example, utilizing a pre-packaged tube of material with an associated deployment nozzle (e.g., a syringe or a squeeze tube).
- the gel optionally remains in a viscous state following deployment or is configured to transition to a more viscous or solid state (e.g., by drying and/or via introduction of a catalyst).
- the therapeutic agent or flavor material from the gel can slowly elute out of the mouthguard, and can be replaced as needed by injecting additional gel into the opening of the mouthguard.
- the therapeutic agent or flavor material can be injected into a chamber that is internally disposed within the mouthguard.
- the therapeutic agent or flavor material can be in a solvent that permits the therapeutic agent to slowly elute from the chamber and out of the mouthguard.
- the therapeutic agent or flavor material can be replenished by injecting additional therapeutic agent into the chamber.
- inventive methods include injecting or otherwise adding therapeutic agents or flavor materials into different chambers and/or the same chamber to achieve a desired elution profile, including achieving a desired vitamin, electrolyte, and/or stimulant elution profile, for example.
- the mouthguard can be formed of several different polymeric materials.
- at least one of the polymeric materials can include one or more flavorants (i.e. flavor material).
- at least one of the one or more flavorants can include a sweetener.
- at least one of the polymeric materials includes one or more therapeutic agents or a combination of flavorants and therapeutic agents.
- individual flavorants are in different polymeric materials, with the polymeric materials defining different mouthguard layers as desired.
- at least one of the polymeric materials can include two or more distinct flavorants, with one of the flavorants being a sweetener.
- at least one of the polymeric materials can be free of flavorants.
- Flavors are generally defined as the sensory impression provided to the person detecting the flavor.
- the flavor detected by an individual can be a combination of taste and smell. Examples of tastes include sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and other basic tastes. Smells are limitless.
- Flavorants are substances that provide a flavor or alter the detected flavor. Flavorants can be natural or synthetic. Salts are flavorants that enhance a salty taste. Sugars and other sweeteners are flavorants that enhance a sweet taste.
- flavors that can be used in the flavored mouthguards described herein include a sweet flavor, a tart flavor, a salty flavor, a citrus flavor such as orange or lemon, a berry flavor such as strawberry, a mint flavor such as peppermint, spearmint, and the like.
- Other flavorants include cinnamon. It will be appreciated that flavorants can be combined in order to provide additional taste combinations. Two or more flavorants can be combined into a single polymer layer, or the flavorants can be separated, one in each polymer layer. In some embodiments, flavorants are disposed in separate layers to be deployed in targeted areas of the mouth. For example, a flavorant that is sweet, such as sucralose, is optionally deployed in layer toward a front region of the mouth while a different type of flavorant, such as a citrus flavorant, is optionally deployed in layer toward a back region of the mouth.
- a flavorant that is sweet such as sucralose
- a different type of flavorant such as a citrus flavorant
- flavorants can be used, including GRAS (generally regarded as safe) natural and artificial flavorants.
- particular flavorants can be selected not only to provide a desired flavor or aroma, but also to accommodate the thermal processing parameters involved in molding a particular polymer.
- Some flavorants are disposed within water soluble carriers or oil soluble carriers. It will be appreciated that in some instances, a flavorant in an oil soluble carrier may have an increased affinity for the polymer to which the flavorant is added.
- the flavorants include one or more flavorants that can provide a sweet taste, or sweetness.
- a variety of different sweeteners can be used, including GRAS natural and artificial sweeteners.
- the sweetness-providing flavorants can be selected not only to provide a desired sweetness, but also in accordance with the thermal processing parameters of the polymer to which the sweetener is to be added.
- suitable sweeteners include sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol, erythritol, and lactitol. Additional suitable sweeteners include saccharin, sucralose, and extracts from the Stevia plant.
- the sweetener can be added in any desired concentration and can be added to the polymer in any suitable form, such as a liquid or a powder that can be mixed into a liquid polymer prior to molding. In some embodiments, the sweetener can be added at a concentration of about 0.5 to about 20 weight percent of the polymer. It will be appreciated that the desired concentration level can vary, depending on the particular sweetener being used, the desired taste effect, and the specific polymer the sweetener is being added to.
- the flavorant can be added in any desired concentration.
- flavorants providing tastes other than sweet can be added at a concentration of about 3 to about 30 weight percent of the polymer.
- flavorants providing sweetness can be added at a concentration of about 0.5 to about 20 weight percent of the polymer.
- the desired concentration level can vary, depending on the particular flavorant being used, the desired taste effect, and the specific polymer the flavorant is being added to.
- the flavorant can be added to the polymer when making a master batch pellet that can subsequently be used when molding the mouthguard 200 .
- the flavorants such as flavor oils or powders can be mixed into a container of pellets that do not already include any flavorants. As a result of mixing, the pellets become coated with the flavorants and at least some of the flavorants can absorb into the pellets.
- the pellets are added to the injection molding machine in which friction and pressure melts and blends the material as it flows through the injection molding machine.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the environment in which a mouthguard 200 is used.
- a mouthguard user has a mouth 10 , generally including a rigid upper jaw 12 and a movable lower jaw 42 which are movably coupled at a temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- the rigid upper jaw 12 has gum tissue 14 within mouth 10 .
- Gum tissue 14 as well as the bone thereunder, support anterior teeth (incisors and canines) 18 which have incisal or biting surfaces.
- the gum tissue 14 and the bone thereunder also support posterior teeth (molars and bicuspids) 22 which have cusps and biting surfaces 26 .
- the movable lower jaw 42 supports a bone covered by gum tissue 44 which further supports anterior teeth (incisors and canines) 46 and posterior teeth (molars and bicuspids) 48 with occlusal surfaces 49 .
- the mouthguard 200 can be considered as being a “boil and bite” mouthguard 200 .
- a user Before use of the mouthguard 200 , a user must fit the mouthguard 200 in their mouth. To do this, the mouthguard 200 is momentarily submersed into boiling water for 16-60 seconds. Thereafter, the mouthguard 200 is immediately placed onto the teeth 18 and 22 of the upper jaw 12 .
- the U-shaped mouthguard 200 will cover the posterior teeth of the upper jaw up, including the third molar.
- the user bites down firmly and applies suction between the upper jaw 12 and the mouthguard 200 while packing the mouthguard 200 with the hands along the cheeks and gums adjacent the anterior and posterior teeth 18 and 22 of the upper jaw 12 ( FIG. 1 ).
- the posterior teeth 48 of the lower jaw 42 will properly index upon the bottom surface of the mouthguard.
- FIGS. 2 through 8 provide a variety of views of the mouthguard 200 .
- the mouthguard 200 includes a frame 210 having an inner wall 212 (e.g., inner portion), an outer wall 214 (e.g., outer portion), and a channel floor 216 (e.g., lower portion) extending between the inner wall 212 and the outer wall 214 .
- the frame 210 can be considered as forming a channel 222 having a U-shaped cross-sectional profile defined by said portions, for example.
- the channel floor 216 extends from a first end point 218 (e.g., end of a first leg) to a second end point 220 (e.g., end of a second leg).
- a moldable material 224 lines the channel 222 and provides the mouthguard 200 with the ability to be fitted to a wearer via a boil and bite process as noted above.
- the mouthguard 200 can be formed of a single polymeric material in a single layer.
- the mouthguard 200 can be formed of two, three, four, five, or more polymeric materials that are arranged in a corresponding number of layers.
- the frame 210 can be formed of an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of at least 25 weight percent, such as those available from DuPont under the ELVAXTM name.
- the frame is formed of ELVAXTM 150 , which contains about 33 weight percent vinyl acetate.
- the moldable material 224 is an EVA material having a lower Shore A hardness than that used to form the frame 210 , and a lower softening temperature.
- the mouthguard 200 includes first and second chamber 228 , 230 that are each configured to hold one or more delivery components.
- the chambers 228 , 230 are internal to the mouthguard 200 and are filled or refilled via injection of a delivery component or components into the chambers 228 , 230 .
- FIG. 3 which is taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 , illustrates a sectional view of the chamber 230 disposed internally within the frame 210 .
- two chambers 228 , 230 are shown, it should be understand that greater or fewer chambers are contemplated, where each chamber 230 optionally houses the same type of delivery component, or individual chambers house different materials.
- the chambers are optionally formed with similar or different shapes and orientations as desired.
- the chamber 230 can be filled using a syringe that can penetrate the frame 210 and reach the chamber 230 .
- the chamber 230 can be filled (and subsequently refilled, as desired) with one or more therapeutic agents, optionally dispersed within a suitable solvent.
- the therapeutic agents can slowly elute out of the chamber 230 .
- biting down on the mouthguard 200 can facilitate or accelerate elution of the therapeutic agents out of the chamber 230 and thus out of the mouthguard 200 .
- the mouthguard 200 can instead (or additionally) include one or more chambers that extend into the mouthguard 200 from an outer side thereof, and can instead (or additionally) include one or more chambers that extend into the mouthguard 200 from an inner side thereof.
- the mouthguard 200 can include one or more chambers 226 that are open to the outer side of the mouthguard 200 and extend inwardly.
- the mouthguard 200 can include one or more chambers 228 that are open to the inner side of the mouthguard 200 and extend outwardly. While a single chamber 226 and a single chamber 228 are illustrated, it will be appreciated that the mouthguard 200 can include any desired number of chambers 226 and/or chambers 228 .
- the chambers 226 and the chambers 228 can each have openings that are about the same size as the delivery components to be added. In some embodiments, the chambers 226 and the chambers 228 can independently have openings that are smaller than the delivery components, thereby helping to hold the delivery components in place within the chambers 226 and 228 .
- the material surrounding the openings can be sufficiently flexible to permit insertion of a delivery component into the chambers 226 and 228 .
- the mouthguard 200 can include one or more porous portions 240 that can absorb and subsequently elute liquids that include one or more therapeutic agents such as electrolytes, vitamins, carbohydrates, stimulants such as caffeine, medicaments, combinations thereof, and the like.
- the porous portions 240 can absorb and subsequently elute a flavor material or a combination of therapeutic agents and flavor materials.
- the lower side of the mouthguard 200 includes a pair of porous portions 240 .
- the porous portions 240 can be formed of a different material from the rest of the frame 210 and can be secured to the mouthguard 200 using any appropriate technique.
- the porous portions 240 can be formed of the same material as the rest of the frame 210 , but is treated or processed to provide the porous portion 240 with an increased porosity with respect to the rest of the frame 210 .
- the mouthguard 200 can include one porous portion 240 , a pair of porous portions 240 (as illustrated), or three or more porous portions 240 .
- the porous portions 240 can be formed on any desired or location on the mouthguard 200 .
- the mouthguard 200 can include one or more chambers 250 .
- the chambers 250 can have a profile that facilitates securement of the delivery components within the chambers 250 .
- the chamber 250 can include a first portion 252 and a second portion 254 .
- the chamber 250 can include a first portion 252 and a second portion 254 that is recessed within a floor 256 of the first portion 252 .
- the second portion 254 can be sized or otherwise configured to accommodate a delivery component 258 within the second portion 254 .
- the delivery component 258 can be easily inserted into the first portion 252 , and can then drop into the second portion 254 to help prevent the delivery component 258 from easily falling out of the opening 250 .
- the first portion 252 extends to an outer edge of the mouthguard 200 while the second portion 254 stops short of the outer edge of the mouthguard 200 .
- the mouthguard 200 can include a delivery component 270 that is secured to a front portion 272 of the mouthguard 200 .
- the delivery component 270 can include one or more therapeutic agents such as electrolytes, stimulants, vitamins, medicaments, and the like and can be secured to the front portion 272 in any desired fashion.
- the delivery component 270 is a dissolvable component, and a wearer can place a new delivery component 270 in place once the previous delivery component 270 has largely dissolved. While the delivery component 270 is illustrated as being largely rectilinear, it will be appreciated that the delivery component 270 can have any desired shape or size.
- the mouthguard 200 can include chambers that extend anteriorly from a posterior edge of the mouthguard 200 .
- FIG. 8 shows a first chamber 280 extending inwardly from a first end point 218 (of the channel floor 216 ) and a second chamber 282 extending inwardly from a second end point 220 (of the channel floor 216 ).
- the first chamber 280 and/or the second chamber 282 can extend under the channel floor 216 and can extend a distance corresponding roughly to the portion of the mouthguard 200 that is relatively straight, i.e., the first chamber 280 and/or the second chamber 282 can terminate prior to reaching the more curved portion of the mouthguard 200 .
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mouthguard 300 , according to some embodiments.
- the mouthguard 300 can provide protection for the wearer's upper and lower lips.
- the mouthguard 300 includes a front lip protection portion 302 and a rear teeth engagement portion 304 .
- One or more breathing slots 320 extend through the mouthguard 300 and enable the wearer to breath even when clenching the mouthguard 300 between their teeth.
- the mouthguard 300 includes a chamber 310 that is configured to accommodate a delivery component. While the chamber 310 is illustrated schematically, the chamber 310 can be open to a front of the front lip protection portion 302 such that therapeutic agents can elute towards the wearer's gums.
- the chamber 310 can be open internally to one or more of the breathing slots 320 , which can permit therapeutic agents to elute towards the wearer's tongue.
- the therapeutic agent can be a polymeric insert, or a gel that is injected into an internal chamber 310 .
- FIGS. 10-12 show another mouthguard 410 , according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 10 shows the mouthguard 410 from a top view.
- the mouthguard 410 has an upper channel floor 440 , upper outer wall 412 , and an upper inner wall 416 .
- An upper moldable material 420 similar to moldable material 224 , is formed on the upper channel floor 440 .
- the upper moldable material 420 extends across the entire width of the upper channel floor 440 .
- the upper channel floor 440 includes one or more upper open regions 430 where the upper moldable material 410 is not formed.
- an upper open region 430 extends across the width of the upper channel floor 440 from the upper inner wall 416 to the upper outer wall 412 .
- an upper open region 430 extends partially across the width of the upper channel floor 440 from an upper wall 412 or 414 .
- One or more upper saliva holes 432 are formed in the upper channel floor 440 in the upper open regions 430 , and extend into mouthguard 410 .
- FIG. 11 is a bottom view of mouthguard 410 opposite the view in FIG. 10 .
- mouthguard 410 has a lower channel floor 442 , a lower outer wall 414 , and a lower inner wall 418 .
- a lower moldable material 422 similar to upper moldable material 420 , is formed on the lower channel floor 442 to form a bite pad.
- the lower moldable material 422 is an extension of upper moldable material 420 which has flowed through an opening in the channel floors 440 and 442 .
- the lower channel floor 442 includes one or more lower open regions 434 where the lower moldable material 422 is not formed.
- One or more lower saliva holes 436 are formed in the lower channel floor 442 in the lower open regions 434 , and extend into the mouthguard 410 .
- FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of mouthguard 410 .
- the upper and lower channel floors 440 and 442 define a bite region 444 in the mouthguard 410 .
- One or more chambers 438 are disposed in the bite region 444 for receiving one or more delivery components that include a therapeutic agent.
- the chambers 438 are open to one or more outer walls, such as 412 and 414 .
- the chambers 438 are open to one or more inner walls, such as 416 and 418 .
- Upper and lower saliva holes 432 and 436 extend through the bite region 444 and are in fluid communication with the chambers 438 . This configuration encourages saliva acting as a solvent to contact delivery components to elute them out of the chambers 438 .
- saliva in the mouth 10 will flow through flow through saliva holes 432 , through corresponding chambers 438 , and out corresponding holes 436 into the mouth while carrying delivery components in solution.
- FIGS. 13-15 are illustrative but non-limiting views of a mouthguard 650 .
- a mouthguard 650 has an initial linear or relaxed configuration as shown in FIG. 13 movable to a to a curved or stressed configuration and retain at least part of its curved configuration as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 .
- the initial linear (relaxed) configuration is a feature is contrasted to the pre-formed U-shaped prior art embodiments discussed above.
- such an initial substantially linear configuration is resultant of a thermoplastic molding process, in which mouthguard 650 is molded from a resin into an initial, substantially linear configuration.
- the “relaxed” configuration may be non-linear, with a central connection element 690 that is sufficiently flexible/resilient to by non-destructively manipulated into a substantially linear configuration.
- the central connection element 690 has a lower edge 694 optionally defining a general void that functions as a passageway for air to travel through while the mouthguard is gripped between the wearer's teeth.
- An exemplary mouthguard similar to mouthguard 650 can be found in the disclosure of Pub. No. US 2012/0085354, titled “MOUTHGUARD WITH LINEAR STORAGE CONFIGURATION,” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- the mouthguard 650 includes a mouthguard body 660 a first end trough region 669 and a second end trough region 679 that is spaced apart from the first end trough region 669 and fixedly attached thereto by a central connection element 690 .
- the mouthguard 650 may be placed into a user's mouth so that at least some of the user's teeth rest within the first and second trough regions, 669 and 679 respectively, as defined by the teeth receiving trays, 670 and 680 , exterior sidewalls, 673 and 683 , and interior sidewalls, 676 and 686 .
- Teeth receiving trays 670 , 680 may be configured for cooperation with any desired number of teeth, and may be spaced apart by the central connection element 690 to a desired extent to engage with any set of teeth appropriate for a given application.
- the first and second interior sidewalls, 676 and 686 each possess a cutaway section, 677 and 687 respectively.
- the mouthguard body 660 or a component, such as the first end trough region 669 , second end rough region 679 , or central connection element 690 independently includes one or more flavorants or other additives.
- portions of the mouthguard that come into contact with biting areas of a wearer's teeth are softenable and formable while other portions of the mouthguard, including an inner surface that comes into contact with outer surfaces of a wearer's teeth or the wearer's braces, is less softenable and formable.
- the first and/or second trays 670 , 680 may include upper and lower troughs or regions that are simultaneously cooperative with both maxillary and mandibular teeth, and may be fabricated from one or more materials providing a desired degree of flexibility.
- a liner layer independently includes one or more flavorants or other additives.
- the mouthguard 650 can include one or more chambers 628 , similar to chamber 228 , disposed in an interior sidewall 676 or 686 and can be open to the inner side of the mouthguard and extend outwardly.
- the mouthguard 650 can include one or more chambers 626 , similar to chamber 226 , disposed in an exterior sidewall 673 or 683 and can be open to the outer side of the mouthguard and extend inwardly.
- the mouthguard 650 can include one or more chambers 682 , similar to chambers 280 , 282 , disposed in a teeth receiving tray 670 or 680 and can be open to a posterior edge of the mouthguard and extend anteriorly.
- the mouthguard 650 can include one or more porous portions 640 , similar to portion 240 , which can absorb and subsequently elute liquids that can include one or more therapeutic agents.
- the mouthguard 650 can include one or more internal chambers 630 , similar to chamber 230 , which can be filled or refilled with one or more therapeutic agents optionally dispersed within a suitable solvent.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Anesthesiology (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Compositions Of Macromolecular Compounds (AREA)
- Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
- Toys (AREA)
- Medicinal Preparation (AREA)
- Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/769,384, filed Feb. 26, 2013 and entitled, “MOUTHGUARD WITH FLAVOR INSERTS,” and Provisional Application No. 61/769,382, filed Feb. 26, 2013, and entitled, “MOUTHGUARD WITH SELECTIVE FLAVOR COMPONENTS,” the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- Mouthguards are typically used to protect the teeth, oral tissue and gums from impact and abrasion. Mouthguards can reduce the chance of shock and other injuries resulting from high impact collisions and blows during athletic competition. Failure to use a mouthguard or using an improperly fitted mouthguard when impacts, collisions, or blows occur to the jaw structure of an athlete can result in the athlete's susceptibility to headaches, earaches, ringing in the ears, clogged ears, vertigo, and dizziness, among other ill effects. Different types of mouthguards are available including non-personalized, universal, and stock model type, or are custom formed to the teeth of an individual user.
- Aspects of various embodiments relate to a therapeutic mouthguard system that is configured with a delivery component to provide one or more therapeutic agents, flavor materials, or otherwise beneficial substances to the wearer of the mouthguard. In some embodiments, the therapeutic mouthguard system has a mouthguard and a delivery component including a combination of therapeutic agent, flavor materials, and otherwise beneficial substances.
- In some embodiments, a mouthguard has an inner surface configured to face into a mouth of a user and an outer surface configured to face out from the mouth of the user. The mouthguard defines a first leg configured to reside on a first side of the mouth of the user, a second leg configured to reside on a second side of the mouth of the user, and a front portion interconnecting the first and second legs and configured to reside toward the front of the mouth of the user. The mouthguard includes an inner portion configured to be received behind teeth of a user, an outer portion configured to be received over of teeth of the user, and a lower portion configured to be received below the teeth of the user. The lower portion extends between the inner and outer portions to define a channel for receiving the teeth of the user. The mouthguard has a chamber formed within at least one of the inner portion, the outer portion, and the lower portion of the mouthguard. In alternative embodiments, the mouthguard has a porous material.
- The therapeutic mouthguard system includes a delivery component including a therapeutic agent or flavor material. The delivery component is received within the chamber or porous material, such that the therapeutic agent or flavor material is deliverable from the delivery component to the user.
- While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
-
FIG. 1 is a partial elevational view showing the jaws and mouth of a user wearing a mouthguard, according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective of a mouthguard, according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 , according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of the mouthguard ofFIG. 2 , according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the mouthguard ofFIG. 2 including a chamber, according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional, enlarged view of the chamber ofFIG. 5 , according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 7 is an anterior view of the mouthguard ofFIG. 2 , according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 8 is a posterior view of the mouthguard ofFIG. 2 , according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mouthguard, according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 10 is a top view of a mouthguard having saliva holes, according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the mouthguard ofFIG. 10 , according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of the mouthguard ofFIG. 10 , according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 13 is a raised perspective view of a mouthguard having a liner in a linear configuration, according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 14 is a raised perspective view of the mouthguard similar to that shown inFIG. 13 in a curved configuration, according to some embodiments. -
FIG. 15 is a lower perspective view of the mouthguard similar to that shown inFIG. 14 , according to some embodiments. - Some inventive embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit inventive scope of the claims to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the appended claims are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within their scope.
- The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings which show specific embodiments of the claimed invention. Although specific embodiments are shown and described, it is to be understood that additional or alternative features are employed in other embodiments. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
- In some embodiments, the present invention pertains to a mouthguard that is formed of one or more polymeric materials. For example, the mouthguard is optionally formed in one or multiple injection molding steps. As described below, the mouthguard includes one or more chambers that are configured to accommodate one or more delivery components, such as a dissolving pill or tablet, according to various embodiments. The delivery component includes a therapeutic agent, or agents, and additional materials as desired.
- Although a variety of different therapeutic agents are contemplated, some therapeutic agents optionally incorporated into the therapeutic agent include electrolytes, vitamins, carbohydrates, stimulants (e.g., caffeine), medicaments, and combinations thereof, for example. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent or agents are available in solid (e.g., powder), liquid, or gel form.
- As previously referenced, the delivery component optionally includes additional materials with the therapeutic agent or agents. For example, the delivery component optionally includes flavor materials, like sweeteners or other flavorants (described in more detail herein elsewhere), timed release coatings or materials, or other materials as desired. In alternative embodiments, the delivery component includes a flavor material and optionally a therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is combined with a carrier such as a polymer. In some methods of use, the delivery component is removed and replaced once the therapeutic agent or agents have been largely eluted from the component. In some methods of use, the delivery component dissipates over time when exposed to water, human saliva, or air. For example, the therapeutic agent is optionally provided as a solid or liquid and is mixed into a polymer or other material that dissolves over time when exposed to human saliva. In some embodiments, therapeutic agents are mixed into a solvent or gel to form the replaceable delivery component of the mouthguard.
- In some embodiments, the delivery component(s) can be an insert that is configured to be replaced by a wearer of the mouthguard when the insert loses at least a substantial portion of its therapeutic agent or flavor material. In some embodiments, the insert is in dry-tablet form (e.g., an electrolyte tablet) or gel-tablet form, the tablet and mouthguard chamber each having a shape that facilitates positioning the tablet into the chamber and retaining the tablet within the chamber. For example, the tablet is optionally in any of a variety of traditional pill shapes the form of a relatively flat wafer of material, such as a round, rectangular, octagonal, or other profile wafer as desired.
- In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is dispersed within a polymeric insert that is removable and replaceable by the wearer of the mouthguard. The wearer can remove the insert once the therapeutic agent or flavor material is gone, and can insert a new insert or recharge the insert with a therapeutic agent or agents. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent or flavor material is dispersed within a dissolvable insert that is replaceable by the wearer of the mouthguard. The wearer can insert a new insert after the previous insert has dissolved. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent or flavor is dispersed within a gel or less viscous liquid. The wearer of the mouthguard can inject the gel into the opening of the mouthguard, for example, utilizing a pre-packaged tube of material with an associated deployment nozzle (e.g., a syringe or a squeeze tube). The gel optionally remains in a viscous state following deployment or is configured to transition to a more viscous or solid state (e.g., by drying and/or via introduction of a catalyst). In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent or flavor material from the gel can slowly elute out of the mouthguard, and can be replaced as needed by injecting additional gel into the opening of the mouthguard. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent or flavor material can be injected into a chamber that is internally disposed within the mouthguard. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent or flavor material can be in a solvent that permits the therapeutic agent to slowly elute from the chamber and out of the mouthguard. The therapeutic agent or flavor material can be replenished by injecting additional therapeutic agent into the chamber. Various inventive methods include injecting or otherwise adding therapeutic agents or flavor materials into different chambers and/or the same chamber to achieve a desired elution profile, including achieving a desired vitamin, electrolyte, and/or stimulant elution profile, for example.
- In some embodiments, the mouthguard can be formed of several different polymeric materials. In some embodiments, at least one of the polymeric materials can include one or more flavorants (i.e. flavor material). In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more flavorants can include a sweetener. In some embodiments, at least one of the polymeric materials includes one or more therapeutic agents or a combination of flavorants and therapeutic agents. In some embodiments, individual flavorants are in different polymeric materials, with the polymeric materials defining different mouthguard layers as desired. In some embodiments, at least one of the polymeric materials can include two or more distinct flavorants, with one of the flavorants being a sweetener. In some embodiments, at least one of the polymeric materials can be free of flavorants.
- Flavors are generally defined as the sensory impression provided to the person detecting the flavor. The flavor detected by an individual can be a combination of taste and smell. Examples of tastes include sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and other basic tastes. Smells are limitless. Flavorants are substances that provide a flavor or alter the detected flavor. Flavorants can be natural or synthetic. Salts are flavorants that enhance a salty taste. Sugars and other sweeteners are flavorants that enhance a sweet taste.
- Illustrative but non-limiting examples of flavors that can be used in the flavored mouthguards described herein include a sweet flavor, a tart flavor, a salty flavor, a citrus flavor such as orange or lemon, a berry flavor such as strawberry, a mint flavor such as peppermint, spearmint, and the like. Other flavorants include cinnamon. It will be appreciated that flavorants can be combined in order to provide additional taste combinations. Two or more flavorants can be combined into a single polymer layer, or the flavorants can be separated, one in each polymer layer. In some embodiments, flavorants are disposed in separate layers to be deployed in targeted areas of the mouth. For example, a flavorant that is sweet, such as sucralose, is optionally deployed in layer toward a front region of the mouth while a different type of flavorant, such as a citrus flavorant, is optionally deployed in layer toward a back region of the mouth.
- A variety of flavorants can be used, including GRAS (generally regarded as safe) natural and artificial flavorants. In some embodiments, particular flavorants can be selected not only to provide a desired flavor or aroma, but also to accommodate the thermal processing parameters involved in molding a particular polymer. Some flavorants are disposed within water soluble carriers or oil soluble carriers. It will be appreciated that in some instances, a flavorant in an oil soluble carrier may have an increased affinity for the polymer to which the flavorant is added.
- In some embodiments, the flavorants include one or more flavorants that can provide a sweet taste, or sweetness. A variety of different sweeteners can be used, including GRAS natural and artificial sweeteners. The sweetness-providing flavorants can be selected not only to provide a desired sweetness, but also in accordance with the thermal processing parameters of the polymer to which the sweetener is to be added.
- Illustrative but non-limiting examples of suitable sweeteners include sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol, erythritol, and lactitol. Additional suitable sweeteners include saccharin, sucralose, and extracts from the Stevia plant. The sweetener can be added in any desired concentration and can be added to the polymer in any suitable form, such as a liquid or a powder that can be mixed into a liquid polymer prior to molding. In some embodiments, the sweetener can be added at a concentration of about 0.5 to about 20 weight percent of the polymer. It will be appreciated that the desired concentration level can vary, depending on the particular sweetener being used, the desired taste effect, and the specific polymer the sweetener is being added to.
- The flavorant can be added in any desired concentration. In some embodiments, flavorants providing tastes other than sweet can be added at a concentration of about 3 to about 30 weight percent of the polymer. In some embodiments, flavorants providing sweetness can be added at a concentration of about 0.5 to about 20 weight percent of the polymer. It will be appreciated that the desired concentration level can vary, depending on the particular flavorant being used, the desired taste effect, and the specific polymer the flavorant is being added to. In some embodiments, the flavorant can be added to the polymer when making a master batch pellet that can subsequently be used when molding the
mouthguard 200. - In some embodiments, the flavorants such as flavor oils or powders can be mixed into a container of pellets that do not already include any flavorants. As a result of mixing, the pellets become coated with the flavorants and at least some of the flavorants can absorb into the pellets. The pellets are added to the injection molding machine in which friction and pressure melts and blends the material as it flows through the injection molding machine.
- Additional details regarding the inclusion of flavored components within the
mouthguard 200 can be found in U.S. Provisional Application 61/769,382, titled “MOUTHGUARD WITH SELECTIVE FLAVOR COMPONENTS,” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. - Turning to the FIGS.,
FIG. 1 illustrates the environment in which amouthguard 200 is used. A mouthguard user has amouth 10, generally including a rigidupper jaw 12 and a movablelower jaw 42 which are movably coupled at a temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The rigidupper jaw 12 hasgum tissue 14 withinmouth 10.Gum tissue 14, as well as the bone thereunder, support anterior teeth (incisors and canines) 18 which have incisal or biting surfaces. Thegum tissue 14 and the bone thereunder also support posterior teeth (molars and bicuspids) 22 which have cusps and biting surfaces 26. The movablelower jaw 42 supports a bone covered bygum tissue 44 which further supports anterior teeth (incisors and canines) 46 and posterior teeth (molars and bicuspids) 48 withocclusal surfaces 49. - In some embodiments, the
mouthguard 200 can be considered as being a “boil and bite”mouthguard 200. Before use of themouthguard 200, a user must fit themouthguard 200 in their mouth. To do this, themouthguard 200 is momentarily submersed into boiling water for 16-60 seconds. Thereafter, themouthguard 200 is immediately placed onto theteeth upper jaw 12. TheU-shaped mouthguard 200 will cover the posterior teeth of the upper jaw up, including the third molar. The user bites down firmly and applies suction between theupper jaw 12 and themouthguard 200 while packing themouthguard 200 with the hands along the cheeks and gums adjacent the anterior andposterior teeth FIG. 1 ). Theposterior teeth 48 of thelower jaw 42 will properly index upon the bottom surface of the mouthguard. -
FIGS. 2 through 8 provide a variety of views of themouthguard 200. In some embodiments, as illustrated, themouthguard 200 includes aframe 210 having an inner wall 212 (e.g., inner portion), an outer wall 214 (e.g., outer portion), and a channel floor 216 (e.g., lower portion) extending between theinner wall 212 and theouter wall 214. In some embodiments, theframe 210 can be considered as forming achannel 222 having a U-shaped cross-sectional profile defined by said portions, for example. Thechannel floor 216 extends from a first end point 218 (e.g., end of a first leg) to a second end point 220 (e.g., end of a second leg). Amoldable material 224 lines thechannel 222 and provides themouthguard 200 with the ability to be fitted to a wearer via a boil and bite process as noted above. In some embodiments, themouthguard 200 can be formed of a single polymeric material in a single layer. In some embodiments, themouthguard 200 can be formed of two, three, four, five, or more polymeric materials that are arranged in a corresponding number of layers. - In some embodiments, the
frame 210 can be formed of an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of at least 25 weight percent, such as those available from DuPont under the ELVAX™ name. In some embodiments, the frame is formed of ELVAX™ 150, which contains about 33 weight percent vinyl acetate. In some embodiments, themoldable material 224 is an EVA material having a lower Shore A hardness than that used to form theframe 210, and a lower softening temperature. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , themouthguard 200 includes first andsecond chamber chambers mouthguard 200 and are filled or refilled via injection of a delivery component or components into thechambers FIG. 3 , which is taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 , illustrates a sectional view of thechamber 230 disposed internally within the frame 210., Although twochambers chamber 230 optionally houses the same type of delivery component, or individual chambers house different materials. The chambers are optionally formed with similar or different shapes and orientations as desired. - In some embodiments, the
chamber 230 can be filled using a syringe that can penetrate theframe 210 and reach thechamber 230. In some embodiments, thechamber 230 can be filled (and subsequently refilled, as desired) with one or more therapeutic agents, optionally dispersed within a suitable solvent. The therapeutic agents can slowly elute out of thechamber 230. In some embodiments, biting down on themouthguard 200 can facilitate or accelerate elution of the therapeutic agents out of thechamber 230 and thus out of themouthguard 200. - In some embodiments, the
mouthguard 200 can instead (or additionally) include one or more chambers that extend into themouthguard 200 from an outer side thereof, and can instead (or additionally) include one or more chambers that extend into themouthguard 200 from an inner side thereof. As illustrated inFIG. 2 , themouthguard 200 can include one ormore chambers 226 that are open to the outer side of themouthguard 200 and extend inwardly. In some embodiments, themouthguard 200 can include one ormore chambers 228 that are open to the inner side of themouthguard 200 and extend outwardly. While asingle chamber 226 and asingle chamber 228 are illustrated, it will be appreciated that themouthguard 200 can include any desired number ofchambers 226 and/orchambers 228. Thechambers 226 and thechambers 228 can each have openings that are about the same size as the delivery components to be added. In some embodiments, thechambers 226 and thechambers 228 can independently have openings that are smaller than the delivery components, thereby helping to hold the delivery components in place within thechambers chambers - In some embodiments, such as illustrated in
FIG. 4 , themouthguard 200 can include one or moreporous portions 240 that can absorb and subsequently elute liquids that include one or more therapeutic agents such as electrolytes, vitamins, carbohydrates, stimulants such as caffeine, medicaments, combinations thereof, and the like. In alternative embodiments, theporous portions 240 can absorb and subsequently elute a flavor material or a combination of therapeutic agents and flavor materials. As shown inFIG. 4 , the lower side of themouthguard 200 includes a pair ofporous portions 240. Theporous portions 240 can be formed of a different material from the rest of theframe 210 and can be secured to themouthguard 200 using any appropriate technique. In some embodiments, theporous portions 240 can be formed of the same material as the rest of theframe 210, but is treated or processed to provide theporous portion 240 with an increased porosity with respect to the rest of theframe 210. - While the
porous portions 240 are schematically illustrated as having a relatively rectilinear shape, it will be appreciated that theporous portions 240 can have any desired shape and size. Themouthguard 200 can include oneporous portion 240, a pair of porous portions 240 (as illustrated), or three or moreporous portions 240. In some embodiments, theporous portions 240 can be formed on any desired or location on themouthguard 200. - In some embodiments, as illustrated in
FIG. 5 , themouthguard 200 can include one ormore chambers 250. In some embodiments, thechambers 250 can have a profile that facilitates securement of the delivery components within thechambers 250. In some embodiments, thechamber 250 can include afirst portion 252 and asecond portion 254. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , which is a cross-sectional, enlarged view of thechamber 250 ofFIG. 5 , thechamber 250 can include afirst portion 252 and asecond portion 254 that is recessed within afloor 256 of thefirst portion 252. Thesecond portion 254 can be sized or otherwise configured to accommodate adelivery component 258 within thesecond portion 254. In some embodiments, thedelivery component 258 can be easily inserted into thefirst portion 252, and can then drop into thesecond portion 254 to help prevent thedelivery component 258 from easily falling out of theopening 250. In some embodiments, thefirst portion 252 extends to an outer edge of themouthguard 200 while thesecond portion 254 stops short of the outer edge of themouthguard 200. - In some embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 7 , themouthguard 200 can include adelivery component 270 that is secured to afront portion 272 of themouthguard 200. Thedelivery component 270 can include one or more therapeutic agents such as electrolytes, stimulants, vitamins, medicaments, and the like and can be secured to thefront portion 272 in any desired fashion. In some embodiments, thedelivery component 270 is a dissolvable component, and a wearer can place anew delivery component 270 in place once theprevious delivery component 270 has largely dissolved. While thedelivery component 270 is illustrated as being largely rectilinear, it will be appreciated that thedelivery component 270 can have any desired shape or size. - In some embodiments, as illustrated in
FIG. 8 , themouthguard 200 can include chambers that extend anteriorly from a posterior edge of themouthguard 200.FIG. 8 shows afirst chamber 280 extending inwardly from a first end point 218 (of the channel floor 216) and asecond chamber 282 extending inwardly from a second end point 220 (of the channel floor 216). In some embodiments, thefirst chamber 280 and/or thesecond chamber 282 can extend under thechannel floor 216 and can extend a distance corresponding roughly to the portion of themouthguard 200 that is relatively straight, i.e., thefirst chamber 280 and/or thesecond chamber 282 can terminate prior to reaching the more curved portion of themouthguard 200. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of amouthguard 300, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, themouthguard 300 can provide protection for the wearer's upper and lower lips. Themouthguard 300 includes a frontlip protection portion 302 and a rearteeth engagement portion 304. One ormore breathing slots 320 extend through themouthguard 300 and enable the wearer to breath even when clenching themouthguard 300 between their teeth. In some embodiments, as illustrated, themouthguard 300 includes achamber 310 that is configured to accommodate a delivery component. While thechamber 310 is illustrated schematically, thechamber 310 can be open to a front of the frontlip protection portion 302 such that therapeutic agents can elute towards the wearer's gums. Thechamber 310 can be open internally to one or more of thebreathing slots 320, which can permit therapeutic agents to elute towards the wearer's tongue. The therapeutic agent can be a polymeric insert, or a gel that is injected into aninternal chamber 310. -
FIGS. 10-12 show anothermouthguard 410, according to some embodiments.FIG. 10 shows themouthguard 410 from a top view. As shown, themouthguard 410 has anupper channel floor 440, upperouter wall 412, and an upperinner wall 416. An uppermoldable material 420, similar tomoldable material 224, is formed on theupper channel floor 440. In some embodiments, the uppermoldable material 420 extends across the entire width of theupper channel floor 440. Theupper channel floor 440 includes one or more upperopen regions 430 where the uppermoldable material 410 is not formed. In some embodiments, an upperopen region 430 extends across the width of theupper channel floor 440 from the upperinner wall 416 to the upperouter wall 412. In some embodiments, an upperopen region 430 extends partially across the width of theupper channel floor 440 from anupper wall upper channel floor 440 in the upperopen regions 430, and extend intomouthguard 410. -
FIG. 11 is a bottom view ofmouthguard 410 opposite the view inFIG. 10 . In some embodiments,mouthguard 410 has alower channel floor 442, a lowerouter wall 414, and a lowerinner wall 418. A lowermoldable material 422, similar to uppermoldable material 420, is formed on thelower channel floor 442 to form a bite pad. In some embodiments, the lowermoldable material 422 is an extension of uppermoldable material 420 which has flowed through an opening in thechannel floors lower channel floor 442 includes one or more lower open regions 434 where the lowermoldable material 422 is not formed. One or morelower saliva holes 436 are formed in thelower channel floor 442 in the lower open regions 434, and extend into themouthguard 410. -
FIG. 12 is a schematic side view ofmouthguard 410. The upper andlower channel floors bite region 444 in themouthguard 410. One ormore chambers 438 are disposed in thebite region 444 for receiving one or more delivery components that include a therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, thechambers 438 are open to one or more outer walls, such as 412 and 414. In some embodiments (not shown), thechambers 438 are open to one or more inner walls, such as 416 and 418. Upper andlower saliva holes bite region 444 and are in fluid communication with thechambers 438. This configuration encourages saliva acting as a solvent to contact delivery components to elute them out of thechambers 438. For example, in use, saliva in themouth 10 will flow through flow throughsaliva holes 432, through correspondingchambers 438, and out correspondingholes 436 into the mouth while carrying delivery components in solution. -
FIGS. 13-15 are illustrative but non-limiting views of amouthguard 650. In some embodiments, amouthguard 650 has an initial linear or relaxed configuration as shown inFIG. 13 movable to a to a curved or stressed configuration and retain at least part of its curved configuration as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 . The initial linear (relaxed) configuration is a feature is contrasted to the pre-formed U-shaped prior art embodiments discussed above. In some embodiments, such an initial substantially linear configuration is resultant of a thermoplastic molding process, in which mouthguard 650 is molded from a resin into an initial, substantially linear configuration. In other embodiments, the “relaxed” configuration may be non-linear, with acentral connection element 690 that is sufficiently flexible/resilient to by non-destructively manipulated into a substantially linear configuration. Thecentral connection element 690 has alower edge 694 optionally defining a general void that functions as a passageway for air to travel through while the mouthguard is gripped between the wearer's teeth. An exemplary mouthguard similar tomouthguard 650 can be found in the disclosure of Pub. No. US 2012/0085354, titled “MOUTHGUARD WITH LINEAR STORAGE CONFIGURATION,” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. - The
mouthguard 650 includes a mouthguard body 660 a firstend trough region 669 and a secondend trough region 679 that is spaced apart from the firstend trough region 669 and fixedly attached thereto by acentral connection element 690. In use, themouthguard 650 may be placed into a user's mouth so that at least some of the user's teeth rest within the first and second trough regions, 669 and 679 respectively, as defined by the teeth receiving trays, 670 and 680, exterior sidewalls, 673 and 683, and interior sidewalls, 676 and 686.Teeth receiving trays central connection element 690 to a desired extent to engage with any set of teeth appropriate for a given application. In some embodiments, the first and second interior sidewalls, 676 and 686, each possess a cutaway section, 677 and 687 respectively. In some embodiments, themouthguard body 660 or a component, such as the firstend trough region 669, second endrough region 679, orcentral connection element 690, independently includes one or more flavorants or other additives. - In some embodiments, portions of the mouthguard that come into contact with biting areas of a wearer's teeth, such as a liner, are softenable and formable while other portions of the mouthguard, including an inner surface that comes into contact with outer surfaces of a wearer's teeth or the wearer's braces, is less softenable and formable. In some embodiments, the first and/or
second trays - In some embodiments, the
mouthguard 650 can include one ormore chambers 628, similar tochamber 228, disposed in aninterior sidewall mouthguard 650 can include one ormore chambers 626, similar tochamber 226, disposed in anexterior sidewall mouthguard 650 can include one ormore chambers 682, similar tochambers teeth receiving tray - In some embodiments, the
mouthguard 650 can include one or moreporous portions 640, similar toportion 240, which can absorb and subsequently elute liquids that can include one or more therapeutic agents. In some embodiments, themouthguard 650 can include one or moreinternal chambers 630, similar tochamber 230, which can be filled or refilled with one or more therapeutic agents optionally dispersed within a suitable solvent. - It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. For example, it is contemplated that features described in association with one embodiment are employed in addition, or as alternatives to features described in association with other embodiments. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/191,141 US20140238417A1 (en) | 2013-02-26 | 2014-02-26 | Therapeutic mouthguard system |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361769382P | 2013-02-26 | 2013-02-26 | |
US201361769384P | 2013-02-26 | 2013-02-26 | |
US14/191,141 US20140238417A1 (en) | 2013-02-26 | 2014-02-26 | Therapeutic mouthguard system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140238417A1 true US20140238417A1 (en) | 2014-08-28 |
Family
ID=51386868
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/191,149 Active 2034-10-31 US10661062B2 (en) | 2013-02-26 | 2014-02-26 | Mouthguard with selective flavor components |
US14/191,141 Abandoned US20140238417A1 (en) | 2013-02-26 | 2014-02-26 | Therapeutic mouthguard system |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/191,149 Active 2034-10-31 US10661062B2 (en) | 2013-02-26 | 2014-02-26 | Mouthguard with selective flavor components |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US10661062B2 (en) |
EP (2) | EP2961342A4 (en) |
AU (4) | AU2014223544B2 (en) |
CA (2) | CA2902919A1 (en) |
WO (2) | WO2014134198A1 (en) |
Cited By (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2537581A (en) * | 2015-02-03 | 2016-10-26 | Smith Michael | Mouth guard |
US9770643B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2017-09-26 | Vj Designs, Llc | Supplement dispensing mouthguard |
US20180116862A1 (en) * | 2016-11-02 | 2018-05-03 | Jean Feldman | Pre-formed partial coverage occlusal splint |
USD830002S1 (en) | 2016-09-27 | 2018-10-02 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
USD830001S1 (en) | 2016-09-27 | 2018-10-02 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
USD834258S1 (en) | 2016-09-30 | 2018-11-20 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
USD839485S1 (en) | 2017-07-14 | 2019-01-29 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
USD841257S1 (en) | 2017-07-14 | 2019-02-19 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
USD849956S1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2019-05-28 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care device |
WO2019139863A1 (en) | 2018-01-09 | 2019-07-18 | E2Bio Life Sciences, Llc | Method and device for the enhancement of topical treatments for oral mucositis and other oral conditions |
USD854753S1 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2019-07-23 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
USD857301S1 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2019-08-20 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouth guard |
US10661062B2 (en) | 2013-02-26 | 2020-05-26 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard with selective flavor components |
WO2020145996A1 (en) * | 2019-01-08 | 2020-07-16 | Ares Enterprises, Llc | Mouthpiece configured for engaging a snorkel or scuba regulator and delivering a fluid or gel into the user's mouth |
CN112168385A (en) * | 2020-11-06 | 2021-01-05 | 王留宏 | Special protective device for oral clinical tooth preparation |
US20210267739A1 (en) * | 2013-11-05 | 2021-09-02 | Synagile Corporation | Devices and methods for continuous drug delivery via the mouth |
US11154459B2 (en) * | 2018-03-16 | 2021-10-26 | Regents Of The University Of Minnesota | Intraoral device and method for the use thereof |
US11179622B2 (en) | 2018-01-10 | 2021-11-23 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard with tapered breathing channel |
US11224500B2 (en) | 2018-03-14 | 2022-01-18 | James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc. | Oral device, manufacturing apparatus and methods of making the same |
US11273360B2 (en) | 2016-09-30 | 2022-03-15 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard including a protection portion having heating and softening features |
WO2022076949A1 (en) * | 2020-10-11 | 2022-04-14 | Sanders Ashlyn | Oral device and methods to protect the mouth of a user |
USD963950S1 (en) | 2020-01-28 | 2022-09-13 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
US20220287812A1 (en) * | 2021-03-10 | 2022-09-15 | Nottingham Spirk Design Associates | Dental treatment tray |
US11458002B2 (en) * | 2020-03-12 | 2022-10-04 | Gertruda Hubertina Westrupp | Oral applicator device |
US11819752B1 (en) | 2017-01-19 | 2023-11-21 | Neurovice, L.L.C. | Oral device to protect the tongue of a user, and methods of use |
US12011344B1 (en) * | 2023-02-13 | 2024-06-18 | Michael A. Tartaglione | Drool guard |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10945818B1 (en) * | 2016-10-03 | 2021-03-16 | Myohealth Technologies LLC | Dental appliance and method for adjusting and holding the position of a user's jaw to a relaxed position of the jaw |
US20190380855A1 (en) * | 2016-10-12 | 2019-12-19 | Kendall Ann Whitney | Appetite control device |
US11229545B2 (en) * | 2017-06-02 | 2022-01-25 | Brown Innovation, Llc | Custom-fit dental guard |
US11045344B2 (en) | 2019-03-22 | 2021-06-29 | Gregg Edward Ueckert | User-customizable orthopedic alignment device with alignment gap |
USD908972S1 (en) * | 2019-06-24 | 2021-01-26 | Akervall Technologies, Inc. | Mouthguard |
AU2021261375A1 (en) * | 2020-04-23 | 2022-11-17 | Gregg Edward Ueckert | User-customizable orthopedic alignment device with alignment gap |
USD990057S1 (en) * | 2021-02-19 | 2023-06-20 | Derek J Sine | Mouthguard film liner |
EP4327899A1 (en) * | 2022-08-22 | 2024-02-28 | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) | Customized modular multi-material mouthguard and method of making the same |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5406963A (en) * | 1989-03-27 | 1995-04-18 | Adell; Loren S. | Mouthguard |
US5826581A (en) * | 1996-08-08 | 1998-10-27 | Yoshida; Nobutaka | Athlete's molar protector |
US5842860A (en) * | 1997-09-05 | 1998-12-01 | Funt; Lawrence A. | Medical reservoir system |
US20060021622A1 (en) * | 2004-07-30 | 2006-02-02 | Buffington Robert T | Bruxism appliance |
US7954496B2 (en) * | 2006-12-08 | 2011-06-07 | Dentek Oral Care, Inc. | Dental guard |
US20120017922A1 (en) * | 2010-07-23 | 2012-01-26 | Jr286 Technologies, Inc. | Mouthguard having breathing cavities and breathing holes incorporated into the body of the mouthguard |
US20130087157A1 (en) * | 2011-10-07 | 2013-04-11 | Gretta Hawkins | Supplement dispensing mouthguard |
Family Cites Families (72)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1146264A (en) | 1914-07-08 | 1915-07-13 | Will S Kelly | Dental splint. |
US2444294A (en) | 1947-03-04 | 1948-06-29 | Robert F Edwards | Dental plate container |
US2521039A (en) | 1949-03-16 | 1950-09-05 | Victor H Carpenter | Tooth guard |
US2827899A (en) | 1954-12-06 | 1958-03-25 | Altieri Domenico James | Tooth guard and jaw protector |
US3089487A (en) | 1960-10-20 | 1963-05-14 | Enicks | Protective mouthpiece |
US3103217A (en) | 1961-05-18 | 1963-09-10 | William Getz Corp | Mouthpiece |
US3333582A (en) | 1964-03-23 | 1967-08-01 | Shur Fit Corp | Custom fittable mouth protector |
US3505995A (en) * | 1967-08-21 | 1970-04-14 | Samuel Greenberg | Mouthguard with compressible chamber in outer flange |
USRE28667E (en) | 1969-09-09 | 1975-12-30 | Double tray dental apparatus | |
US3788314A (en) | 1971-02-11 | 1974-01-29 | D Noreen | Combination athletic garment |
US3768465A (en) | 1972-01-31 | 1973-10-30 | N Helmer | Athletic mouth protector apparatus |
US4043329A (en) | 1976-06-16 | 1977-08-23 | Caspel Industries | Protective device |
US4495945A (en) | 1982-03-29 | 1985-01-29 | Liegner Kenneth B | Bite block |
US4568280A (en) | 1983-06-13 | 1986-02-04 | Ahlin Jeffrey H | Craniomandibular appliance |
USD328965S (en) | 1989-07-10 | 1992-09-01 | Ewing Hugh J | Heel pad |
US5063940A (en) | 1989-10-26 | 1991-11-12 | Adell Loren S | Mouthguard packaging |
US4977905A (en) | 1989-10-31 | 1990-12-18 | Kittelsen Jon D | Protective mouthguard assembly |
US5031638A (en) * | 1990-03-13 | 1991-07-16 | Roll-A-Puck Limited | Direct-formed mouthguard, a blank for use in making the mouthguard and a method of making the mouthguard |
US5165424A (en) | 1990-08-09 | 1992-11-24 | Silverman Harvey N | Method and system for whitening teeth |
USD328494S (en) | 1990-10-26 | 1992-08-04 | Schwendeman Allison J | Dental treatment tray |
US5117816A (en) | 1991-01-03 | 1992-06-02 | Shapiro Norman A | Anti-snore device |
US5293880A (en) | 1991-10-02 | 1994-03-15 | Levitt Steven J | Athletic mouthguard |
US5277203A (en) | 1992-08-31 | 1994-01-11 | Mb Hays, Inc. | Bite plate |
US5339832A (en) * | 1993-05-24 | 1994-08-23 | E-Z Gard Industries, Inc. | Thermoplastic mouthguard with integral shock absorbing framework |
US5427117A (en) | 1993-09-29 | 1995-06-27 | Thornton; W. Keith | Apparatus for prevention of snoring and improved breathing during sleep |
AUPM405594A0 (en) | 1994-02-23 | 1994-03-17 | Fastcote Pty. Ltd. | Improved material for mouthguards |
US5924863A (en) * | 1995-04-18 | 1999-07-20 | Jacobs; Allison J. | Delivery system |
USD382965S (en) | 1995-10-26 | 1997-08-26 | Dental Concepts Inc. | Mouthguard |
US5642737A (en) | 1996-05-06 | 1997-07-01 | Parks; Scotty M. | Device for alleviating snoring |
US5692523A (en) | 1996-10-15 | 1997-12-02 | Theodore P. Croll | Two-piece mouthguard |
US5970981A (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1999-10-26 | Ochel; George M. | Mouthguard made at least partially from an edible candy |
US6068475A (en) | 1999-02-11 | 2000-05-30 | Stoyka, Jr.; Frank S. | Flavored and medicated therapeutic mouthpiece |
US6082363A (en) * | 1999-10-28 | 2000-07-04 | E-Z Gard Industries, Inc. | Triple layer mouthguard having integral shock absorbing framework |
US6405729B1 (en) | 2000-04-05 | 2002-06-18 | W. Keith Thornton | Oral appliance for improving breathing and method of constructing same |
USD452011S1 (en) | 2001-02-19 | 2001-12-11 | Daniel J. Redhage | Single airway mouth guard |
US6691710B2 (en) * | 2001-04-06 | 2004-02-17 | Bite Tech, Inc. | Composite mouthguard |
US7299804B2 (en) * | 2001-04-06 | 2007-11-27 | Kittelsen Jon D | Three part composite performance enhancing mouthguard |
US6584978B1 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2003-07-01 | Sportsguard Laboratories, Inc. | Mouthguard and method of making |
US20030075184A1 (en) * | 2001-10-19 | 2003-04-24 | Persichetti Stephen J. | Disposable mouthguard |
US7328706B2 (en) * | 2002-05-06 | 2008-02-12 | Dynamic Mouth Devices Llc | Therapeutic and protective dental device useful as an intra-oral delivery system |
USD530863S1 (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2006-10-24 | Brain-Pad, Inc. | Mouthguard |
DE20221721U1 (en) | 2002-08-28 | 2007-03-29 | Sabbagh, Aladin, Dr. | Apparatus for the treatment of the temporomandibular joint |
US7210483B1 (en) | 2003-07-25 | 2007-05-01 | Medtech Products, Inc. | Sporting prophylaxis |
CA2492371C (en) | 2004-01-12 | 2012-08-07 | E-Z Gard Industries, Inc. | Jock support short |
USD541481S1 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2007-04-24 | Christopher John Farrell | Mouthguard |
US20070084471A1 (en) | 2005-10-14 | 2007-04-19 | Salvatore Napoli | Shock absorbing dental device |
US20070151567A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 | 2007-07-05 | John Maurello | Easy breathing mouthguard |
US8235052B2 (en) * | 2006-01-05 | 2012-08-07 | John Maurello | Mouthguard |
US20070235039A1 (en) * | 2006-04-10 | 2007-10-11 | Gottsch Sheila L | Flavored mouthguard |
US7658193B2 (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2010-02-09 | Hayloft Enterprises, Inc. | Interocclusal appliance and method |
US9517400B2 (en) | 2007-08-09 | 2016-12-13 | Akervall Technologies, Inc. | Custom-formable mouth guard and method of fabrication |
EP2190886A1 (en) * | 2007-09-19 | 2010-06-02 | The Regents of the University of Colorado | Polymer impression materials |
USD614304S1 (en) | 2007-12-21 | 2010-04-20 | Dentek Oral Care, Inc. | Low profile mouthguard |
EP2300808B1 (en) | 2008-07-24 | 2014-03-26 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Systems and methods for imaging using absorption |
CA2735503C (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2017-05-16 | A. Schulman, Inc. | Optimized flavored polymeric compositions |
US20110230587A1 (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2011-09-22 | A. Schulman, Inc. | Flavored polymeric articles |
US8667972B2 (en) | 2009-08-07 | 2014-03-11 | 3162212 Nova Scotia Limited | Methods of preparing customized, neuromuscular mouthpieces for enhancing athletic performance |
US8033392B1 (en) | 2009-12-29 | 2011-10-11 | Todd Gehner | Mouth guard holding assembly and method |
US8689796B2 (en) | 2010-05-17 | 2014-04-08 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard with linear storage configuration |
USD641478S1 (en) | 2010-06-01 | 2011-07-12 | Paul Belvedere | Oral appliance |
USD663485S1 (en) | 2010-06-02 | 2012-07-10 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Custom mouthguard |
CA2742037C (en) * | 2010-06-02 | 2013-09-10 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Custom mouthguard |
USD663486S1 (en) | 2010-06-02 | 2012-07-10 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Custom mouthguard |
US20110114100A1 (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2011-05-19 | Ramiro Michael Alvarez | P3 Personal Power and Performance Mouthpiece |
US20120090625A1 (en) | 2010-10-19 | 2012-04-19 | C&E Sports, L.L.C. | Mouth guard |
USD688832S1 (en) | 2011-05-17 | 2013-08-27 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
GB2491183A (en) | 2011-05-27 | 2012-11-28 | Paul Richard Brady | A gum shield with nutrimental compartment |
US8931488B2 (en) | 2011-11-01 | 2015-01-13 | Battle Sports Science, Llc | Mouth guard with breathing and drinking aperture |
US20140090655A1 (en) * | 2012-10-02 | 2014-04-03 | Yvette Robinson | Flavored Boil and Bite Mouthguard |
WO2014093850A1 (en) * | 2012-12-13 | 2014-06-19 | Robert Davidson | Mouthguard for the delivery of active ingredients |
EP2961342A4 (en) | 2013-02-26 | 2016-11-30 | Shock Doctor Inc | Therapeutic mouthguard system |
US20140261465A1 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2014-09-18 | Shock Doctor Inc. | Mouthguard system for protecting soft tissue |
-
2014
- 2014-02-26 EP EP14757382.8A patent/EP2961342A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-02-26 CA CA2902919A patent/CA2902919A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-02-26 WO PCT/US2014/018755 patent/WO2014134198A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-02-26 CA CA2902923A patent/CA2902923C/en active Active
- 2014-02-26 AU AU2014223544A patent/AU2014223544B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2014-02-26 WO PCT/US2014/018756 patent/WO2014134199A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-02-26 AU AU2014223545A patent/AU2014223545B2/en active Active
- 2014-02-26 US US14/191,149 patent/US10661062B2/en active Active
- 2014-02-26 EP EP14756802.6A patent/EP2961341B1/en active Active
- 2014-02-26 US US14/191,141 patent/US20140238417A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2018
- 2018-03-06 AU AU2018201606A patent/AU2018201606B2/en active Active
- 2018-03-20 AU AU2018201968A patent/AU2018201968B2/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5406963A (en) * | 1989-03-27 | 1995-04-18 | Adell; Loren S. | Mouthguard |
US5826581A (en) * | 1996-08-08 | 1998-10-27 | Yoshida; Nobutaka | Athlete's molar protector |
US5842860A (en) * | 1997-09-05 | 1998-12-01 | Funt; Lawrence A. | Medical reservoir system |
US20060021622A1 (en) * | 2004-07-30 | 2006-02-02 | Buffington Robert T | Bruxism appliance |
US7954496B2 (en) * | 2006-12-08 | 2011-06-07 | Dentek Oral Care, Inc. | Dental guard |
US20120017922A1 (en) * | 2010-07-23 | 2012-01-26 | Jr286 Technologies, Inc. | Mouthguard having breathing cavities and breathing holes incorporated into the body of the mouthguard |
US20130087157A1 (en) * | 2011-10-07 | 2013-04-11 | Gretta Hawkins | Supplement dispensing mouthguard |
Cited By (41)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9770643B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2017-09-26 | Vj Designs, Llc | Supplement dispensing mouthguard |
US10661062B2 (en) | 2013-02-26 | 2020-05-26 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard with selective flavor components |
US20210267739A1 (en) * | 2013-11-05 | 2021-09-02 | Synagile Corporation | Devices and methods for continuous drug delivery via the mouth |
GB2537581A (en) * | 2015-02-03 | 2016-10-26 | Smith Michael | Mouth guard |
USD830002S1 (en) | 2016-09-27 | 2018-10-02 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
USD830001S1 (en) | 2016-09-27 | 2018-10-02 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
USD916382S1 (en) | 2016-09-27 | 2021-04-13 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
USD917102S1 (en) | 2016-09-30 | 2021-04-20 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
US11273360B2 (en) | 2016-09-30 | 2022-03-15 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard including a protection portion having heating and softening features |
US11878232B2 (en) | 2016-09-30 | 2024-01-23 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard including a protection portion having heating and softening features |
USD834258S1 (en) | 2016-09-30 | 2018-11-20 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
US20180116862A1 (en) * | 2016-11-02 | 2018-05-03 | Jean Feldman | Pre-formed partial coverage occlusal splint |
US11819752B1 (en) | 2017-01-19 | 2023-11-21 | Neurovice, L.L.C. | Oral device to protect the tongue of a user, and methods of use |
USD849956S1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2019-05-28 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care device |
USD1001290S1 (en) | 2017-07-12 | 2023-10-10 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care device |
USD940328S1 (en) | 2017-07-12 | 2022-01-04 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care device |
USD908890S1 (en) | 2017-07-12 | 2021-01-26 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care device |
USD841257S1 (en) | 2017-07-14 | 2019-02-19 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
USD839485S1 (en) | 2017-07-14 | 2019-01-29 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
USD854753S1 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2019-07-23 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
USD869774S1 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2019-12-10 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
USRE48988E1 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2022-03-29 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
USD857301S1 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2019-08-20 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouth guard |
USD867673S1 (en) | 2017-12-15 | 2019-11-19 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
CN111836600A (en) * | 2018-01-09 | 2020-10-27 | E2生物生命科学有限责任公司 | Methods and devices for enhancing topical treatment of oral mucositis and other oral conditions |
EP3737333A4 (en) * | 2018-01-09 | 2021-11-03 | E2Bio Life Sciences, Llc | Method and device for the enhancement of topical treatments for oral mucositis and other oral conditions |
WO2019139863A1 (en) | 2018-01-09 | 2019-07-18 | E2Bio Life Sciences, Llc | Method and device for the enhancement of topical treatments for oral mucositis and other oral conditions |
US11701568B2 (en) | 2018-01-10 | 2023-07-18 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard with tapered breathing channel |
US11179622B2 (en) | 2018-01-10 | 2021-11-23 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard with tapered breathing channel |
US11918428B2 (en) | 2018-03-14 | 2024-03-05 | James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc. | Oral device, manufacturing apparatus and methods of making the same |
US11224500B2 (en) | 2018-03-14 | 2022-01-18 | James R. Glidewell Dental Ceramics, Inc. | Oral device, manufacturing apparatus and methods of making the same |
US11154459B2 (en) * | 2018-03-16 | 2021-10-26 | Regents Of The University Of Minnesota | Intraoral device and method for the use thereof |
WO2020145996A1 (en) * | 2019-01-08 | 2020-07-16 | Ares Enterprises, Llc | Mouthpiece configured for engaging a snorkel or scuba regulator and delivering a fluid or gel into the user's mouth |
USD963950S1 (en) | 2020-01-28 | 2022-09-13 | Shock Doctor, Inc. | Mouthguard |
US11458002B2 (en) * | 2020-03-12 | 2022-10-04 | Gertruda Hubertina Westrupp | Oral applicator device |
WO2022076949A1 (en) * | 2020-10-11 | 2022-04-14 | Sanders Ashlyn | Oral device and methods to protect the mouth of a user |
EP4225231A4 (en) * | 2020-10-11 | 2024-09-11 | Neurovice L L C | Oral device and methods to protect the mouth of a user |
CN112168385A (en) * | 2020-11-06 | 2021-01-05 | 王留宏 | Special protective device for oral clinical tooth preparation |
US20220287812A1 (en) * | 2021-03-10 | 2022-09-15 | Nottingham Spirk Design Associates | Dental treatment tray |
US12064308B2 (en) * | 2021-03-10 | 2024-08-20 | Nottingham Spirk Design Associates | Dental treatment tray |
US12011344B1 (en) * | 2023-02-13 | 2024-06-18 | Michael A. Tartaglione | Drool guard |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2014223545B2 (en) | 2017-12-07 |
EP2961342A1 (en) | 2016-01-06 |
CA2902919A1 (en) | 2014-09-04 |
AU2014223545A1 (en) | 2015-09-24 |
WO2014134198A1 (en) | 2014-09-04 |
EP2961341B1 (en) | 2020-09-30 |
CA2902923C (en) | 2021-04-27 |
AU2018201968B2 (en) | 2019-08-01 |
CA2902923A1 (en) | 2014-09-04 |
AU2014223544B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 |
WO2014134199A1 (en) | 2014-09-04 |
US20140238418A1 (en) | 2014-08-28 |
AU2018201968A1 (en) | 2018-04-12 |
EP2961341A1 (en) | 2016-01-06 |
EP2961341A4 (en) | 2016-11-30 |
AU2018201606A1 (en) | 2018-03-29 |
EP2961342A4 (en) | 2016-11-30 |
US10661062B2 (en) | 2020-05-26 |
AU2018201606B2 (en) | 2019-10-31 |
AU2014223544A1 (en) | 2015-09-24 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
AU2018201968B2 (en) | Therapeutic mouthguard system | |
US20140261465A1 (en) | Mouthguard system for protecting soft tissue | |
US7328706B2 (en) | Therapeutic and protective dental device useful as an intra-oral delivery system | |
US9770643B2 (en) | Supplement dispensing mouthguard | |
US20070235039A1 (en) | Flavored mouthguard | |
US5732715A (en) | Mouthpiece | |
US9737377B2 (en) | Mouthpiece | |
US20110230587A1 (en) | Flavored polymeric articles | |
US20080044797A1 (en) | Inserts for use with oral appliances | |
US3247844A (en) | Mouth guard | |
US5385155A (en) | Mouthguard sizing kit | |
US20150004555A1 (en) | Composition for mouthguard | |
US20140090655A1 (en) | Flavored Boil and Bite Mouthguard | |
US10085821B2 (en) | Guard for mouth | |
WO2016191826A1 (en) | Dental trays or mouthguards | |
US20140224260A1 (en) | Guard for mouth |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SHOCK DOCTOR, INC., MINNESOTA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TURKBAS, JAY;REEL/FRAME:032942/0026 Effective date: 20130530 Owner name: SHOCK DOCTOR, INC., MINNESOTA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TURKBAS, JAY;REEL/FRAME:032942/0400 Effective date: 20130530 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SHOCK DOCTOR, INC., MINNESOTA Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE APPLICATION NUMBER PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 032942 FRAME 0026. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE THE APPLICATION NUMBER SHOULD BE 14/191,141 INSTEAD OF 61/769,382;ASSIGNOR:TURKBAS, JAY;REEL/FRAME:033144/0505 Effective date: 20130530 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., ILLINOIS Free format text: FIRST LIEN PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:SHOCK DOCTOR, INC.;MCDAVID, INC.;REEL/FRAME:035490/0568 Effective date: 20150422 Owner name: ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION, NEW YORK Free format text: SECOND LIEN PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:SHOCK DOCTOR, INC.;MCDAVID, INC.;REEL/FRAME:035494/0932 Effective date: 20150422 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DASHAMERICA, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BMO BANK N.A., FORMERLY KNOWN AS BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:065662/0294 Effective date: 20231120 Owner name: MCDAVID, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BMO BANK N.A., FORMERLY KNOWN AS BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:065662/0294 Effective date: 20231120 Owner name: SHOCK DOCTOR, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BMO BANK N.A., FORMERLY KNOWN AS BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:065662/0294 Effective date: 20231120 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MCDAVID, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CORTLAND CAPITAL MARKET SERVICES LLC (AS SUCCESSOR TO ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION);REEL/FRAME:065724/0980 Effective date: 20231120 Owner name: SHOCK DOCTOR, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CORTLAND CAPITAL MARKET SERVICES LLC (AS SUCCESSOR TO ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION);REEL/FRAME:065724/0980 Effective date: 20231120 |