Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~29648~
lBAC~GROU~D of the INV~HTIO~
-
21. Yield of In~ention
3The presene invention relates to a mouthguard, and more
4 psrticularly to a plisble mouthguard having an improved shoulder
or separating the upper snd lower molar-bicuspid areas, which
6 includes spaced upper and lower surfaces which are deformed by
7 the upper teeth, including the upper molar-bicuspids, and at
8 least the lower molars-second bicuspid, for allowing interdigita-
9 tion between the upper teeth, at least the lower molars-second
bicuspid and the mouthguard for stabilizing the lower teeth into
11 a position of centric rest.
12 2. Prior Art & Genèral Background
13 There are a number of differe~t type~ of mouthguards
14 p~eoe~tly available on the market, but they have deficiencies
which prevent their giving optimum protection to the wearer
16 against serious injuries to the teeth and particularly to the
17 head and neck area.
18 For example, many mouthguards consist ~imply of U-shaped
19 trough-like members of a resilient material, such as rubber or a
suitable plastic, which are shaped to fit over the upper or lower
21 teeth or both. In the case of many such mouthguards, a blow to
22 the lower jaw may result in one or more teeth penetrsting through
23 the mouthguard structure, and, more importantly, such mouthguards
24 provide little, if any, protection against head and neck
injuries.
26 It is also known in the prior art to provide a structure
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page l of 40- SPORTS ~OUTU GUARD]
,, .: ,, . .. '
. . : . ,
1296488
which allows even distribution of contact over all
the teeth. However, as will be shown later in
describing the present invention, this even
distribution of contact cannot accomplish the
beneficial results of the present invention.
It is also known to provide a rubber-like,
flexible mouthpiece, which includes a saddle to be
formed into the mouthpiece from a binary or true
ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, as taught for
example by Greenberg, U.S. Patent No. 3,411,501
issued on Nov. 19, 1968.
Also known, as taught by Zimmerman in U.S.
Patent No. 4,337,765 issued on July 6, 1982, are the
advantages of providing an increased separation
between the mandible and the glenoid fosa, which
slightly increases the separation in the case of a
flow to the chin or face guard to avoid transmission
of damaging force from the condyle of the mandible to
the temporal bone and the cranium. To accomplish
this, the bottom wall of the mouthguard is formed to
include a portion of greater thickness in the
molar-bicuspid region, and more particularly in the
region generally extended from the second molar to
the first bicuspid. The lower surface of this
thicker portion is curved and shaped to follow
approximately the normal dental Curve of Spee, as
found between the upper and lower dental arches.
However, the embodiment of Zimmerman lacks
the improvements of the present invention and cannot
accomplish the beneficial results of the present
invention. In contrast to the present invention, the
Zimmerman mouthguard does not allow for lower
,~
1296488
l tooth mating and fitted interdigitation into the mouthguard snd
2 hss a non-uniform thickne~n in the posterior region. As outlined
3 in the Zimmerman specificstion (eol. 7, line 53~), the mouthguard
4 i8 of a layered construction with a more rigid construction in
the outer shell, in comparison to the uniformity of the material
6 used in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Additionally,
7 by following the Curve of Spee, Zimmerman fails to provide a flat
8 plane for custom fitting with lower tooth interdigitation and
9 allow~ the lower teeth to be movsble on the more rigid outer
8hell, in contrast to the stabilization of the present invention.
11 Additionally, the extensions of the mouthguards are different,
12 with Zimmerman extending from the first bicuspid to the second
13 molsr, while in the preferred embodiments the mouthguard extends
14 rom the di~tal o~ the upper cuspid back to the second molar. In
dentsl terminology and in contrast to Zimmerman, the present
16 invention places the lower jaw in the most approximate area of
li centric rest position for a maximum positive Rinesiology affect,
18 along with allowing for maximum oxygenstion, along with providing
19 mandible stabilization. It is further noted that the preferred
embodiments of the invention provide a uniform thickne~s in the
21 posterior region of approximstely seven (7) millimeters (plus or
22 minus one mm.) and in the anterior area four mm. (plu~ or minus a
23 half mm.) when in its initial, pre-fitted "blank" form and
24 approximately four and a half (plus or minus one mm.) and two and
a half (plus or minus one mm.), respectively, when in its fitted
26 completed form. In contrast Zimmerman begins at the first molsr
[PstApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Psge 3 of 40- SPORT5 MOUTH GUARD]
': '" : ' '" ''; '
- i2964~38
1 with a thickne8~ of five mm. continuously decrea~ing in a curve
2 to four mm. and then to two mm. in both the posterior and the
3 snterior directions, following the Curve of Spee (col. 8, lines
4 40-50).
It iA known broadly to provide tvo generally U-shaped
6 members joined together in their posterior areas with upper snd
7 lower tooth interdigitation, see for example U;S. Patent No.
8 2,590,118 is8ued to Oddo on March 25, 1952. However, in Oddo's
9 mouthpiece there is no significant spacing between the upper and
lower teeth in the molar-bicuspid regions, essentially placing
11 the teeth in centric occlusion. In contrast, the invention
1~ provides 8 u~iform, significsnt spscing of the order of five
13 millimeters ~plus or minu~ o~e mm.), which puts the jaw in a
14 centric re~t po~ition.
lPatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Pnge 4 of 40 SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
129648~
1 General, Sunmary Discussion of the In~ention
2 Accordingly> the mouthguard of the apparatus and method of
3 the present invention comprises a generally re0ilient member
4 having a ~-shape, which corre~ponds generally to the shape of the
arc of the upper j8W, and which includes a bottom portion unitary
6 with the resilient member, having ~paced sidewalls which extend
7 upwardly from the periphery of the bottom portion for forming a
8 ca~ity between the sidewalls and the bottom portion to receive
9 the upper teeth. Additionally, an upper surface unitary with the
bottom portion i8 deformable by the upper teeth, including the
Il upper molar-bicu~pids, for forming a~ impression thereof for
12 allowing interdigitation between the upper teeth and the resi-
13 lient member, and the bottom portion has a width greater than the
14 width of the lower teeth to extend laterally acros~ the full
width of the lower teeth.
16 A generally re~ilient shoulder extends unitarily downward
17 from the posterior region of the lower surface of the bottom
18 portion having a planar lower surface thereon spaced generally
19 parallel ~o the upper ~urface in the molar-bicuspid area to
uniformly separate the upper and lower molar aress. A deformable
21 surface unitary with the planar lower surface of the shoulder is
22 formed by an impression of at least the molars-second bicuspid of
23 the lower teeth, for allowing interdigita~ion between at least
24 the lower molars-second bicuspid and the resilient member, the
intertigitation between the upper teeth including the upper
26 molars, at least the lower molars-second bicu~pid and the
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 5 of 40- SPORT5 MOUTH GUARD]
, . .
. . . . . .
.... .
129648~
l resilient member, coupled with the shoulder, which provides a
2 uniform spscer means, stsbilizing the lower teeth into a position
3 of centric rest.
4 In dental terminology and in contrast to the prior art, the
present in~ention places the lower jaw in the most approximate
6 area of centric rest position for a maximum positi~e ~inesiology
7 affect, along with allowing for maximum oxygenation, along with
8 providing mandible stabilization.
9 AB may be sppreciated, the improved mouthguard of the
LO present invention provides a generally resilient shoulder of
Ll uniorm thickness in the region which engages with both molar-
12 bicuspid sections, 80 that the mouthguard provides a preferred
13 uniform spacing between the upper and at least lower molar-
14 bicuspid areas. Accordingly, whe~ coupled with interdigitation,
not only between at least the upper molar-bicuspids and the
16 mouthguard, but with the interdigitation between at least the
17 lower molars-second bicuspid aud the mouthguard, and the uniform
18 spacer means between the molar-bicuspid regions, the lower teeth
l9 are stabilized into a position of centric rest. Thus, damage i8
minimized by any force which would be transmitted in the tem-
21 poromandibular joint area. Further, because of thi~ portion of
22 constant increased thickness or separation between the molar-
23 bicuspid regions, a blow on the chin would be minimized to
24 restrain the transmission of force to the joint and the craniàl
area.
26 Further, the uniform separation in the molar-bicuspid
.
[PatApp. L.R.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 6 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
1296~
regions allows for easier breathing and speaking
while wearing the mouthguard. Accordingly, for a
further embodiment of the mouthguard having also a
lower U-shaped resilient member, which corresponds
S generally to the shape of the arc of the lower jaw,
the resilient members are provided with an improved
separation between the members, which aids the
individual in breathing and speaking, particularly
during sports activities.
As may be appreciated, the further
embodiment of the present invention provides an
additional surface for further interdigitation
between the lower teeth and the lower resilient
member for further stabilizing the lower teeth into
the position of centric rest.
As may be further appreciated, the
mouthguard is preferably provided in a ~orm which may
be fitted by the user and is of a suitable,
preferably unitary construction, so that the user may
install the mouthguard over the teeth, so as to cause
the teeth to become impressed into the material and
allow interdigitation between the teeth and the
mouthguard. However, if desired, the mouthguard can
be provided for complete customizing by a dental
professional, if so desired.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the
present invention to provide an improved protective
mouthguard of a unitary construction designed to
provide an orthopedic placement separation of the
posterior molar-bicuspid region, and more
specifically allow interdigitation, not only between
the upper teeth including the upper molar-bicuspids,
and the mouthguard, but also
.~
i29648~3
at least interdigitation between the lower molars-
second bicuspid and the mouthguard. Additionally,
the primary object includes providing in the
mouthguard an improved planar lower surface on a
generally resilient shoulder which extends unitarily
downward from the posterior region of the mouthguard
for separating the upper and lower molars-second
bicuspid regions, with the mouthguard unitarily
including a deformable surface thereon for forming an
impression of the upper teeth to conform thereto and
a deformable surface unitarily included on at least
the planar lower surface for forming an impression of
the lower molar-bicuspid region to conform thereto,
to provide the interdigitation between the upper
teeth including the upper molars, at least the lower
molars-second bicuspid and the mouthguard.
It is a further object of the invention to
provide an improved mouthguard which provides for
easier and better breathing and speaking while
wearing the mouthguard.
It is yet a further object of the invention
to provide a mouthguard which may be provided in a
limited number of sizes which are suitable for
fitting substantially all mouth sizes and teeth
characteristics and which may be fitted by the user
without the necessity of a custom fitting by a
dentist.
It is another object of the invention to
provide a mouthguard which may be standardized in a
limited number of sizes for commercial production and
which may be economically produced.
It is yet a further object of the present
invention to provide a mouthguard which is suitable
for all sports including
;,~,
1296~8f;
1 boxing, volleyball, softball, baseball, lacros~e, field hockey
2 (both men's and women's), hockey, wrestling, msrtial arts,
3 aerobics, basketball, weight lifting, cycling, sky diving,
4 sculling~ football/soccer, etc., for example.
In short, three major accomplishments of the present
6 invention are increased oxygenation via a larger anterior air
7 channel and air passageway; lower jaw stability via lower tooth
8 intertigitation; and spacing conformity to maximum positive
9 ~inesiology affect~, placing the jaw in centric rest.
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -P~ge 9 of 40- SPORTg MOUTN GUARDl
,~., .
129648~
.
1 B~IXF D~C~IPIION of the DB~IRGS
2 For a further understanding of the nature snd objects of the
3 present invention, reference should be had to the following
4 detailed description, taken in conjunction with the sccompanying
drswing~, in which like parts are given like reference numerals,
6 and wherein:
7 Yigure l i~ a perspective view of the upper side of the
8 initial, pre-fitted blank of a first embodiment of a mouthguard
9 according to the present invention, in which there i~ full
~idewall coverage for the upper set of teeth and interdigitation
11 with selected ones of the lower set of teeth;
12 ~igurc 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of the
13 mouthguard sccording to the pre~ent invention, ~howing the now
14 fitted mouthguard superimposed on the upper teeth and inter-
digitating with ~elected ones of the lower set of teeth;
16 Yigure 3 i8 a perspective view of the fir~t embodiment
17 of the mouthguard according to the present invention, ~howing the
18 fitted interdigitation areas for the upper teeth, including the
l9 upper molars, and the mouthguard;
~igure 4 i~ 8 bottom view of the first embodiment of
21 the mouthguard according to t~he present invention, showing the
22 fitted interdigitation areas for at lea~t the lower molar~-aecond
23 bicuspid and the mouthguard;
24 Yigure 5 i~ a perspective view of the upper side of the
initial, pre-fitted blank of a further, ~econd embodiment of a
26 mouthguard according to the pre~ent invention, iD which full
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 10 of 40- SPORTS MOUTN G~ARD]
12964~88
1 sidewall coverage i~ included for both the upper and lower teeth;
2 Figure 6 is 8 side view of the second embodiment of the
3 mouthguard according to the pre~ent invention, showing the now
4 fitted mouthguard superimposed on the upper and lower teeth;
Yigure 7 is a per~pective view of the second embodiment
6 of the mouthguard according to the present invention, showing the
7 fitted interdigitation areas for the upper teeth, including the
8 upper molars, with the mouthguard; and
9 Yigure 8 is a bottom view of the second embodiment of
the mouthguard according to the pre~ent invention, sho~ing the
11 fitted interdigitation sreas for the lower teeth, including at
12 least the lower molars-second bicu~pid, and the mouthguard.
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page ll of 40- SPORTS ~OUT~I GUARD]
., ,, ^
129648~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED,
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
- Introduction -
The nature of any potential damage
associated with blows to the chin or the faceguard
area, such as occur when utilizing for example a
helmet in football, can be better appreciated by a
brief understanding of the temporomandibular joint
formed between the condyle of the mandible or lower
jaw and the temporal bone, and the movement of the
lower jaw which is controlled by muscles.
As is known, a cartilagineous disc or pad
is disposed between the condyle and the glenoid fossa
of the temporal bone. The head of the condyle
articulates with the cartilagineous disc or pad in
the temporomandibular joint, and the cartilagineous
disc or pad glides between the condylar head of the
mandible and the articular surface of the glenoid
fossa of the temporal bone. As may be appreciated,
under ordinary circumstances with ordinary mouth-
guards, a blow to the chin or an upper blow to the
faceguard causes a transmission of force in the
direction into the temporomandibular joint and
through the temporal bone into the cranial area.
This may not only cause potential damage to the joint
itself, but the force may be transmitted to the
cranium, resulting in potential deformation in the
cranial area and damage to the brain, causing for
example a concussion.
- Details of Mouthguard M (Fig. 1-4) -
The mouthguard M of this invention, as
described in detail hereafter, tends to cause an
improved separation of the upper and
.
1 l~wer molar-bicuspid regions, ~o that when a blow is received to
2 the chin or faceguard, with the mouthguard ~ of this invention in
3 place, any force would hsve a significantly less damaging effect
4 on the temporomandibular joint. Moreover the separation of the
bony parts in the temporomandibuiar joint, namely the condyle of
6 the mandible and the temporal bone, prevents a damaging shock
7 wave from being transmitted through the temporomandibular joint
8 to the brain and to the other underlying structures in the
9 cranial area.
Turning to Yigure 2, there is shown a view having the
11 mouthguard ~ of the present invention shown positioned on the
12 upper teeth and interdigitated with selected one~ of the lower
13 teeth, The mouthguard ~ includes a génerally resilient member 10
14 having a U-~hape in the horizontal plane which correspond~
gonerally to the shspe of the arch of the upper jaw. The
16 mouthguard ~ includes, as best seen in ~igure~ 3 and 4, a bottom
17 portion 12 unitary with member 10, which has spaced sidewalls 14
18 extending upwardly unitarily from the periphery of the bottom
lg portion 12 for forming a cavity 16 between the sidewalls 14 and
the bottom portion 12 for receiving the upper teeth. As may be
21 appreciated, the bottom porti~n 12 usually will be of a slightly
22 thicker construction than the sidewalls 14 forming a signifi-
23 cantly thick spacer for the upper and lower rear teeth.
24 A generally resilient shoulder 18 extends downward unitarily
from the posterior region 20 of the lower surface 22 of the
26 bottom portion 12. The shoulder cover at least the cusp tip~ of
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Pnge 13 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
. .. . . . . . .
~fi~88
1 the lower molars 28, 32 and the second bicuspid 3~ and preferably
2 al80 the cusp tip 30' of the first bicuspid and extends gingi-
3 vally maximally to (that i6, not past) the occlusal one third of
4 the molars 28, 32 and the second bicuspid 34.
The shoulder 18 has a planar lower surface 24 spaced
6 generally parallel below the upper surface 26 of the bottom
7 portion 12 in the molsr-bicuspid area to uniformly separate the
8 upper and lower molar-bicuspid areas. This structure also
9 provides an essentially uniform spacer means for separating the
upper and lower molar-bicuspid regions to place the upper and
ll lower molar-bicuspid regions in a position of centric rest. As
12 may be appreciated, the lower surface 24 includes a width greater
13 than the width of the lower molars-second bicuspid, 80 as to
14 extend laterally across the full width of ~t least the lower
molars-second bicuspid.
16 This improved, uniformly greater thickness extends generally
17 from the lower second molar 28 through at least the lower second
18 bicuspid 34 and includes the first molar 32. Preferably, as
l9 illustrated, the shoulder 18 extends distal of the maxillary
(upper) cuspid and covers the cusp tip 30' of the mandibular of
21 the lower first bicuspid 30, partially covering the lower first
22 bicuspid 30 and totally eovering the second bicuspid 3~. Accord-
23 ingly, the shoulder 18 provides a portion of greater uniform
24 thickness, which extends in an anterior posterior direction from
the bottom of member 10. It may be appreciated that, laterally,
26 this thickness i8 uniform and constant. As may be seen by
[PatApp. L.R.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 14 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
- : . ~ . , .
129648~
1 referring to Figure 2, with thi6 mouthguard ~ construction, when
2 the lower jaw J has almost reached its closed position, a
3 preferred, improved separation occurs in the area of the tem-
4 poromandibular joint.
As mentioned, the mouthguard H of this invention is formed
6 in an approximate horizontal U-6hape, which corresponds generally
7 to the shape of the genersl arch of the user's upper jaw.
8 Further the mouthguard ~ includes a substantially ~-shape,
9 vertical cross-~ection, which includes the bottom portion 12 and
the inner and outer sidewalls 14, which extend upwardly from the
11 periphery of the bottom portion 12.
lZ As may be appreciated, these sidewalls ~4 are intended to
13 conform generally to the lingual snd buccal areas, respectively,
14 of ~he upper teeth and gums, snd each of the sidewalls 14 may end
in a rounded edge, which approximates the gingival tissues. The
16 sidewalls 14 may be further connected at their posterior ends by
17 transver~ely extending sidewalls, if desired, although such is
18 ~ot shown in the figures. As may be appreciated, the sidewalls
19 14 msy be notched downwardly, as indicated by 36 in the figures,
to provide a space for the superior labial fre~um. As may be
21 further appreciated, the bottom portion 12 is generally flat in a
22 lateral direction and i~ of a greater width than the witth of the
23 lower teeth, so as to extend fully across the surface of the
24 lower teeth and slightly beyond these teeth on the lingual side
and the buccal side.
26 Thus, the unitary construction of the preferred exemplary,
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 15 of 40- SPORTS HOUTH GUARD]
,:
~296~8~
1 embodiment of the pre8ent invention, being of a suitable
2 ~aterial, psovide~ an upper surface 26 unitary with bottom
3 portion 12 which i8 deformed by the upper teeth including a
4 portion of the CU8pB of the upper molar-bicuspid~ for forming an
impression to conform thereto thereon, a~ best shown in ~igure 3,
6 for allowing interdigitation between the upper teeth, including
7 the upper molar~, and resilient member 10. Further the planar
8 lower surface 24 provides a deformable ~urface unitary with the
9 bottom surface of ~houlder 18 which is deformed by a portion of
the CUBpB of at leaat the lower molars-second bicuspid and
11 preferably the CU8p tip of the first bicuspid, as shown in ~igure
12 4, for allowing interdigitation between at least the lower
13 mol8r~-second bicu~pid and resilient member 10. As msy be
14 appreciated, the interdigitation between the upper teeth includ-
ing the upper molar, the lower molar-bicuspid regions and
16 resilient member 10 coupled with the spacer means provided by
17 ~houlder 18 stsbilize the lower teeth in the po~ition of centric
18 rest.
19 - Details of Mouthguard H' (Figs. 5-8) -
As shown in Yigure 6, a further, second exemplary, preferred
21 embodiment of the mouthguard H' is shown. The mouthguard ~'
22 includes an upper, generally resilient member lO' [similar to
23 member 10). A generally reailient shoulder 18' (~imilar to
24 shoulder 18) extends downward unitarily from member 10' in the
posterior region 20' of the mouthguard ~' in e~ch of the molara-
26 ~econd bicu~pid regions and separates the upper and lower molar-
lPatApp. L.R.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 16 of 40- SPORTS MOUTN GUARD]
12964~
1 bicuspid sress to provide an improved, es~entially uniform spacer
2 means for separating the upper and lower molar-bicuspid regions
3 snd place the upper and lower molar-bicuspid regions in a
4 position of centric rest.
Also included with the mouthguard M' iB a bottom portion 12'
6 (similar to bottom portion 12) and sidewall~ 14' (similar to
7 sidewalls 14), which extend likewise unitarily upward from the
8 periphery of bottom portion 12' for forming a cavity 16' (similar
9 to cavity 16) for recei~ing the upper teeth. A lower surfsce 22'
(similar to surface 22), which is unitary with bottom portion 12'
11 snd which is preferably planar, i6 further included. A plansr
12 lower surface 24' (similar to surface 24) along the bottom of
13 shoulter 18', which in a likewi~e manner iB spaced generally
14 parallel below upper surface 26' and has a width greater than the
width of the lower molars-second bicuspid 80 as to extend
16 laterally across the full width of the lower molars-second
17 bicuspid in the molar-bicuspid area, is also included. As may be
18 appreciated, the bottom portion 12' is likewise generally flat in
19 a lateral direction snd i8 of a greater width than the width of
the lower teeth~ 80 as to extend fully across the surface of the
21 lower teeth and slightly bey~nd these teeth on the lingual side
22 and the buccal side.
23 Likewi.se, the unitary construction of the further embodiment
24 of the present invention is of a suitable material which provides
an upper 6urface 26' unitary with bottom portion 12', which is
26 teformed by the upper teeth, including a portion of the cusps of
-
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 17 of 40- SPORT8 MOUTH GUARD]
~ 29fi4~
1 the upper molar-bicuspids, for forming an impres6ion to conform
2 thereto, as best shown in Pigure 7, for allowing fitted inter-
3 digitation between the upper teeth including the upper molar~ and
4 resilient member 10'. Further the planar lower surface 24'
provides a deformable surface unitary with the bottom 6urface of
6 shoulder 18', which is deformed by a portion of the cusps of at
7 least the lower molars-second bicuspid in a ~imilar manner, as
8 shown in Yigure 4, a~ indicated in the rearward portion of Yigure
9 8, for allowing fitted i~terdigitation between the lower molsr~-
~econd bicuspid and resilient member 10'. As will be discussed11 later, the mouthgusrd ~' provides additional interdigitation
12 between the lower teeth and ~ember 10'.
13 Extending in a~ anterior direction from shoulder 18' is a
14 second, lower, U-shsped, generally resilient member 38 which
corre0ponds generally to the ~hape of the dental arch of the
16 lower jaw J. The ~econd U-shaped member 38 includes also a
17 substantially U-shape cross-section in the vertical plane and
18 includes a top portion 40 unitary with member 38, and lower
19 sidewall~ 42 extending unitarily downwardly from the periphery of
the top portion 40. A8 may be appreciated, the ~idewalls 42 of
21 the lower U-6haped member 38 comprise inner and outer spaced
22 ~idewalls, if desired, which are intended to conform generally to
23 the lingual and buccal areas, respectively, of the lower teeth
24 and gums, and each of the ~idewalls 42 ends in a rou~ded edge for
approximating the gingiv81 tissùes. A~ may be further appreci-
26 ated, the sidewalls 42 may be connected at their posterior end~
lPatApp. L.~.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Psge 18 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
., -~ . . . . .
, ~
129648~
by transversely extending sidewalls, although such is
not shown in the figures.
The top portion 40 and the sidewalls 42,
which extend downwardly from the periphery of the top
portion 40, form a cavity 44 between the sidewalls 42
and the top portion 40 for receiving the lower teeth.
A lower surface 46 is included on the top portion 40,
which extends co-planar with the lower surface 24' of
the shoulder 18'. The lower surface 46 is deformed
by the lower teeth for forming an impression to
conform thereto and allow further fitted
interdigitation, as shown in Figure 8, between the
lower teeth and the resilient member 10'. Also
included with the top portion 40 is an upper surface
48 thereon, which is preferably planar having a width
greater than the width of the upper teeth, so as to
extend laterally across the full width of the upper
teeth. As may be appreciated, the further
interdigitation, and the inclusion of the inter-
digitation between the upper teeth and at least the
lower molar-bicuspid region as discussed above,
coupled with the spacer means provided by shoulder
18'; further stabilizes the lower teeth in the
position of centric rest.
As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the upper
and lower U-shape members 10 and 38 are substantially
spaced and separated, as indicated by 60, to a point
adjacent to both the distal of the first bicuspid
regions and are integrally joined rearwardly, as
indicated at 32, by shoulder 18' beyond that point.
This permits the lower portion 38 to effectively be
hinged downwardly by
-- 19 --
~i
~2964~
l flexing for opening and clo8ing of the mouth to breathe or talk
2 without dislodging the mouthgusrd ~'. A6 6hown in the figures,
3 the posterior ends 54 of lower ~urface 22' and spaced upper
4 ~urface 48 sre joined by a portion 56, which may be curved to
provide the spacing between surfaces 22' and 48.
6 Portion 56 allows the members 10 and 38 to be uniformly
7 spaced to provide 8~ improved separation between the upper and
8 lower members 10 snd 38 for providing a mouthguard ~ which
9 includes opening 60 allowing free breathing through the mouth and
easier speaking. Further the improved spacing coupled with the
11 improved uniform separation in the molar-bicuspid regions allows
12 maximum air exchange. An exemplary size for the h-eight opening
13 60 i~ five and a half millimeters (plus or minus one mm.) high,
14 with the width of being determined by the size of tbe jaw and the
cize of mouthguard u~ed.
16 In the past, the lack of adequate air exchange hac been a
17 major sctor in boxing and other contact sports, as the ability
18 o the participant0 with prior art mouthguard~ to have adequate
19 air exchange for good oxygenation of the participant'R total
system has generally been poor. Accordingly, the present
21 invention with the improved~ uniform separation in the molar-
22 bicuspid region, coupled with the sub~tantial spacing between
23 memberu 10 and 38 of the mouthguard ~', to form opening 60,
24 provide a ~ub~tantial benefit to the participa~t, with the
preRent invention having been found extremely useful, not only in
26 boxing snd wrestling, but also in other sport~ such as hockey,
-
[PatApp. L.K.8COTT, D~D.S. -Page 20 of 40- SPORTS ~OUTH GUARD¦
"' . '
129648~
~ field hocXey, msrtial arts and other sports, where large volumes
2 of air exchange are needed, 810ng with maximum jaw stabilization
3 and dental arch protection.
4 As may be appreciated, the deformed surface 22 or 22'
unitary with the bottom of ~houlder 18 or 18' and the deformed
6 surface 26 or 26' unitary with the top of bottom portion 12 or
7 12' 8110w interdigitation between the teeth of the upper and
8 lower molar areas and the resilient member 10 or lO'. The fitted
9 interdigitation between the teeth of the upper and lower molar-
bicuspid areas and the resilient member lO or lO' and the
11 shoulder 18 or 18' stsbilize the lower teeth into a position of
12 centric rest. AA may be further appreciated, the lower U-shaped
13 resilient member 38 8110w~ further, additional interdigitation
14 betwee~ the lower teeth ~nd the re~ilient member 38, for further
stsbilizing thé lower teeth into the position of centric rest.
16 As may be appreciated, the uniform thickness of the shoulder
17 18 or 18' may be i~ the range of three and a half to four and a
18 half millimeters, with the thickness of the bottom portion 12 and
19 the top portion 40 being generally in the one and one half to two
and one hslf millimeter range, with the total thickness of
21 approximately eight millimeters (plus or minus two mm.).
22 Accordingly, when the lower jaw J is closed with the mouthguard
23 or H' in place, at least the lower molar~-second bicuspid engage
24 the uniformly thick shoulder 18 or 18' of the mouthguard H or
approximately at the distal of the cu~pid or the first bicuspit,
26 thereby effecting a preferred uniform separatioD in the tem-
-
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 21 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
.. ..
129648R
poromandibular joint. As may be further
appreciated, this allows the force between the
mouthguard M, M' and the lower teeth to be distri-
buted relatively evenly laterally over the molars
and over the bicuspids, and not concentrated on any
limited area of any one of these teeth.
Because of the improved preferred uniform
separation in the molar-bicuspid region as provided
by the present invention, any force of a blow
upwards would not result in transmission of shock
waves through the temporomandibular joint to the
brain and cranial area, because of the improved,
preferred uniform separation in the molar area.
Thus possible damage to the temporomandibular joint
lS itself from such a blow would be minimized. As may
be appreciated, the thicker material having a
constant uniform thickness in this region further
acts as a cushion and helps absorb force transmitted
in a vertical direction, that is, along the long0 axis of the ramus and condyle of the mandible.
- Method of Fitting Mouthguards M, M' -
It is contemplated that the mouthguard M,M' of this invention will be provided in a "~lank"
form, as shown in Figure 1 and 5, which is suitable
for being fitted by the user without the necessity
of being custom fitted by a dentist. Accordingly,
the mouthguard M, M' preferably is of a unitary
construction and made of a suitable material which
is compatible with oral tissues. An example of such
a material is ethylene vinyl acetate, such as
ElvaxTM , as provided by DuPont, which can be
- 22 -
129648~
1 softened adequstely by immersing in water at a boiling tempera-
2 ture and which i8 of a sufficient durability and density to
3 maintain its form and function, while having a suitable resil-
4 iency to provide the necessary cushioning effect.
Further, it is contemplated that the mouthguard ~ would be
6 made available commercially in a suitable number of 6ize~, for
7 example small, medium and large for mouthguard ~ and medium and
8 large for mouthguard ~ , which would be sufficient to fit, with
9 adequate accuracy, essentially all mouths. Additionally, the
selected sizes are based on comprehensive studies by the dental
11 proession of jaw and dental arch shapes and sizes occurring in a
12 substantial number of individuals adequately repre~eneative of
13 the populstion as a whole.
14 ~urthe~ the user, having selected the mouthguard H of the
proper "blank" ~ize, as shown in Yigure 1, would soften the
16 mouthguard "blank" ~ by immersing the mouthguard ~ in boiling
17 water for a suitable length of time, such as for example thirty
18 seconds, and then after a suitable cooling period, such as
19 cooling the mouthguard N in chilled water for one second, would
quickly fit the mouthguard ~ with the softened surface 26 over
21 the upper teeth including the-upper molars, in the position 6hown
22 in the ~igure 2, with the planar surfaces 24 contacting both
23 lower molar-bicu~pid regions. The mouthguard ~ may then be
24 molded by biting down lightly against the upper and lower teeth
and gums, while using tongue pressure to push the mouthguard N
26 against the backside of the teeth, and closing the teeth until
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 23 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GUARD]
:,, . ~ ", ' '
129648~
1 the jaw J feels comfortable, allowing the teeth, including a
2 portion of the cusps o~ the upper and at least lower molars-
3 second bicuspid, to be impressed into ~oftened surfaces 26 and
4 24.
The mouthguard ~ may then be removed from the mouth and re-
6 softeDed by reinHerting into boiling water for about three
7 seconds, after which the water should be carefully shaken off,
8 and the mouthguard H carefully reinserted back in~o the mouthJ
9 where the indentations have been made. The teeth are again re-
closed, and the sidewalls 14 are remolded under the cheek and
11 roof of the mouth areas. The material would then be allowed to
12 cool by, for example, dipping the mouthguard M in chilled water,
13 for setting in its final form~
14 In a similar fashion, with the further, second embodiment
shown in ~igure 5, the u~er, having selected the mouthguard M' of
16 the proper size, would soften the mouthguard ~' as above by
17 immersing the mouthguard ~' in boiling water for a suitable
18 length of time, such as thirty seconds, and then after a suitable
19 cooling period, such as cooling the mouthguard M' in chilled
water for one second, would quickly fit the mouthguard ~ with
21 the softened surface 26' over the upper teeth, including the
22 upper molars, and with a softened ~urface 46 over the lower teeth
23 in the position shown in ~igure 6, with the planar surfaces 24'
24 contacting both lower molar-bicuspid regions. The mouthguard H'
msy then be molded by biting down lightly against the upper and
26 lower teeth and gums, while using tongue pressure to pu~h the
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Psge 24 of 40- SPORTg MOUTH GUAR~]
~. - , .,, . i, - .
129648~
1 mouthguard ~' agaiDgt the backside of the teeth, and closing the
2 teeth until the jaw J feels comfortsble, allowing the teeth,
3 including a portion of the cusps of the upper and at least lower
4 molars-second bicuspid, to be impre~sed into the softened
~urfsces 26', 46 and 24'.
6 The mouthguard H' may then be remo~ed from the mouth and re-
7 softened by reinserting into boiling water for about three
8 seconds, after which the water is shaken off carefully and the
9 mouthguard H' is carefully reinserted back into ~he mouth, where
the indentations hs~e been made. The teeth are again re-closed,
11 snd the sidewalls 14' and 42 of the mouthguard ~' are remolded
12 under the cheek and roof of the mouth areas. The material would
13 then be allowed to cool by, for example, dipping the mouthguard
14 11' in chilled water, for ~e~ting in itq f inal form.
The mouthguard H/~' may now be trimmed bg the u~er with
16 chasp ~cissors, for example, or a single edge razor blade, where
17 there i8 excessi~e material. The mouthguard Ht~' may now be
18 installed i~ the mouth for regular use with the upper teeth
19 including the upper molars; and at least the lower molars-second
ZO bicuspid for the first mouthguard H; or the lower teeth at least
21 lncluding the lower molars-second bicuspid for the further
22 mouthguard ~' being received in the formed impressions therein to
23 hold the lower teeth in a position of centric rest.
24 For a fully customized, profes~ional job, the mouthguard
or H' may be prepared in the dentist's office by prepasing an
26 alginate or irreversible hydrocolloid impre~sion of the maxillary
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Psge 25 of 40- SPORTS MOUTH GU~RDl
129648~
arch and the mandibular arch, and a die stone or other thick
2 dense, normal dental stone would be poured into the impressions
3 to form the upper and lower ca6ts. Next, the casts are removed
4 from the impression trays and fabrication of the mouthguard N or
5 ~' may now be undertaken. Taking the cast, it is marked with an
6 indelible ink pencil to just above the free gingiva on the buccal
7 surface and approximately three to seven millimeters onto the
8 palatal muc08a. Using a softened rubber bite splint form and the
9 "omni-vac" technique, as known to the art, the maxillary and
10 mandibular arch each have their respective soft rubber bite
11 splints fabricated. Accordingly, the excessive soft rubber
12 occlusal sheet i8 trimmed back to the margins as marked on the
13 stone cast. With the completion of both the maxillary and
14 3andibul8r soft rubber ~outhguards, appro~imately three thick-
15 nes~es of the softened rubber bite plane material are used to '
16 stabilize the upper and lower portions together to form a "hinge"
17 axis opening position. Alternatively, three thicknesses of
18 occlusal sheeting may be placed on the posterior teeth before the
l9 "omni-vac" technique, which will develop the same maxillary-
20 mandibular relationship.
21 In an alternate preparation of the mouthguard ~, an alginate
22 or irreversible hydrocolloid impression would be taken of the
23 maxillary arch, and likewise a die stone or other thick dense
24 normal stone poured into the impre~sion to form a cast. The cast
25 would then be removed from the impression tray and, with an
26 in~elible ink pen, a line would be drawn approximately one to
[PatApp. L.~.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 26 of 40- SPORTS ~IOUTN GUARD]
' , ,. ,;~'' '
~29648fl
three millimeters onto the attached gingiva on the
buccal surface and approximately three to seven
millimeters on the palatal mucosa. Using a rubber
bite splint sheet and an "OMNI-VACTM", the mouthguard
M of the present invention may be fabricated. With
the mouthguard M removed from the mold, the
mouthguard M may now be trimmed to the line marked on
the cast for extension of the mouthguard M for
protection of the maxillary dental arch. It may be
appreciated that approximately three thicknesses of
softened occlusal bite sheet material would be
attached to the occlusal surface of the maxillary
arch.
With either method, the mouthguard M or M'
would then be heated and placed in the user's mouth
for the user to interdigitate his teeth into, in a
manner as described above, so that the occlusal
surfaces of the mandibular teeth may be recorded in
the softened material attached to the maxillary
splint.
It can be appreciated from the above
description of the construction and usage of the
mouthguard N/M' of the present invention, that it
possesses a number of particular advantages. It
provides a constant separation in at least the
molars-second bicuspid area and provides
interdigitation between the upper molars and the
lower molars and the mouthguard M/M' to stabilize the
lower teeth into a position of centric rest, still
allowing for easier and better breathing with maximum
oxygenation, along with providing mandible
stabilization.
Finally, the mouthguard M/M' readily adapts
itself to irregularities in the mouth and to
asymmetries of the dental arch
.~
1296488
1 by its unitary con8truction, which allow6 the mouthguard ~/H' to
2 be formed to the shape of the individual ~ mouth.
3 A forwardly extending, flexible elongated tie member 58,
4 which i8 formed integrsl with the front surfa~e of member lO or
lO' and protrudes from the occlusal surface of the upper teeth
6 region a distance sufficient to bend around, for example, a face
7 guard of a helmet (not illustrated in the figures), may be
8 included for sttaching mouthguard ~ or ~' to, for example, a
9 helmet in a manner known to the art. The tie member ~8 is
preferably formed integral with the mouthguard H or n' but may
11 also be attached separately thereto, if 80 desired. When formed
12 integral with member 10 or 10', the tie member 58 is preferably
13 made of the aforementioned blend of "Elvax," although for a
14 separate tie mem~er 58, 8 suitable material such as vinyl may
also be used.
16 Thus, the embodiments described herein in detail for
17 exemplary purpose~ are of course subject to many different
18 variation~ in structure, de~ign, spplication and methodology.
19 Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within
the scope of the inventive concepts herein taught, and because
21 many modific~tions may be made in tfie embodiments herein detailed
22 in accordance with the de~criptive requirements of the law, it is
23 to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as
24 illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[PatApp. L.K.SCOTT, D.D.S. -Page 28 of 40- SPORTS MOUTN GUARD]
