US3314423A

US3314423A - Means for protecting the mouth

Info

Publication number: US3314423A
Application number: US215938A
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul L Boatwright; Fredric E Clark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1962-08-09
Filing date: 1962-08-09
Publication date: 1967-04-18
Anticipated expiration: 1984-04-18

Description

April 18, 1967 P. BOATWRIGHT ETAL 3,

MEANS FOR PROTECTING THE MOUTH Filed Aug. 9, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet l- INVENTORS PAUL L. BOATWRIGHT BYFREDRIC E. CLARK ATTORNEY April 1957 P. L, BOATWRIGHT ETAL 3,314,423

MEANS FOR PROTECTING THE MOUTH 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug.

INVENTORS PAUL L. BOATWRIGHT B FREDRIC E. CLARK ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,314,423 MEANS FOR PROTECTING THE MOUTH Paul L. Boatwright and Fredric E. Clark, both of 4301 Huntoon, Topeka, Kans. 66604 Filed Aug. 9, 1962, Ser. No. 215,938 5 Claims. (Cl. 128136) This invention relates to means for protecting the mouth. In a more specific aspect the invention relates to protector means positionable within the mouth of the user to protect the teeth, lips, gums, bones, etc., in the mouth area from damage. In a still more specific aspect the invention relates to protector means to be worn in the mouth by athletes and others to protect the teeth, etc. from damage due to either direct or indirect trauma. In a still further more specific aspect the invention relates to means for protecting the mouth having attaching means therewith for connecting the means for protecting the mouth to a helmet, chin strap, face guard, etc. In a still more specific aspect the invention relates to means for protecting the mouth wherein the mouth protector is firmly held onto the teeth of the user and is constructed for maximum comfort to the user.

Various types of protector means are known to the art, including means for protecting the mouth. Many of the prior art mouth protector means are constructed so that when mounted in the mouth of the user they interfere with normal breathing, talking, etc. This is quite undesirable, particularly where athletes are concerned and where normal breathing and talking functions are preferably not restricted. Furthermore, many of the prior art mouth protector means are constructed so that they must be maintained in place in the mouth 'by gripping the protector with the teeth which is uncomfortable and inconvenient for the user and frequently results in loss of the protector. In addition, some of the protector means of the prior art do not include strap means there-- with whereby the protector means can be removably connected to a face guard, chin strap, helmet or the like so that should the protector means he intentionally or inadvertently removed from the mouth it is not lost. Furthermore, some of the prior art mouth protector means are constructed so that portions thereof engaging the gums and lips of the user are relatively hard and inflexible or engage the mouth tissue in such a manner as to result in irritation or skin damage. None of the mouth protector means of the prior art have proven successful.

In accordance with the present invention means for protecting the mouth are provided which include resilient base means shaped and of size to be positioned between upper and lower teeth of the user. Flange means are connected to the base means and project therefrom. The flange means have a flexible poition positioned and constructed to grip the teeth of the user when positioned in the mouth. The means for protecting the mouth is constructed and adapted to be positioned in the mouth of the user with the flange means gripping the teeth to hold same in place.

The mouth protector of the invention overcomes the difficulties and deficiencies of the.prior art structures. The protector of the invention is constructed so that when positioned in the mouth normal breathing and talking functions are not interfered with and the protector is self-retaining, that is the construction of the protector is such that it retains itself in the month by gripping the teeth and it is not necessary for the user to grip the pro- Patented Apr. 18, 1967 tector between the teeth. Furthermore, loss of the protector has been eliminated by provision of strap means connectable to portions of a helmet, etc., so that when the protector is intentionally or inadvertently removed from the mouth it is not lost. The protector of the invention is flexible and shaped to fit substantially all mouths and can be used on either the upper or lower teeth. The construction of the mouth protector of the invention and preferred materials from which same is made insures maximum comfort when worn and eliminates irritation, lacerations, etc., to the tissue.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide new means for protecting the mouth.

Another object of the invention is to provide new means for protecting the mouth wherein the means for protecting the mouth is attached to the teeth of the user when positioned in the mouth.

Another object of the invention is to provide new mouth protector means having thin, pliable or flexible outer edge portions engageable with portions of the mouth to hold the mouth protector therein.

A further object of the invention is to provide new mouth protector means which are comfortable to wear and which do not prevent substantially normal speech or breathing by the user.

A further object of the invention is to provide new mouth protector means which are shaped and constructed to snugly engage the teeth and adjacent tissue to hold the protector in place in the mouth without causing irritation to the mouth of the user.

A further object of the invention is to provide new mouth protector means having attaching means therewith to connect same to a helmet, chin strap, face guard or the like.

A further object of the invention is to provide a relatively simple and inexpensive mouth protector for use by athletes and others whereby damage to the teeth, mouth tissue, lips, etc. resulting from direct or indirect trauma has been substantially reduced if not altogether eliminated.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred specific embodiment of the means for protecting the mouth of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a view, partially in cross section, showing a posterior portion of the mouth protector of FIG. 1 positioned in the mouth.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a portion of the skull and teeth of a human being showing the location of the mouth protector of the invention when positioned in the mouth.

FIG. 4 is a view, partially in cross section, illustrating another preferred specific embodiment of the mouth protector of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a view, partially in cross section and partially in elevation, illustrating another preferred specific embodiment of the mouth protector of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a view, partially in cross section, illustrating a still further preferred specific embodiment of the mouth protector of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view, partially in cross section, illustrating another preferred specific embodiment of the mouth protector of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view illustrating another preferred specific embodiment of the means for protecting the mouth in combination with strap means for connecting same to retaining means.

FIG. 9 is a view, partially in cross section illustrating preferred means for connecting the strap means to the protector means.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating another preferred maner of attaching the strap means to the protector means.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the connection of the strap means of FIGS. 810 to a football helmet or the like.

The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific embodiments of the new means for protecting the mouth of the invention, such being made with reference to the drawings w-hereon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. It is to be understood that such discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, a preferred specific embodiment of the means for protecting the mouth of the invention is shown generally at and is preferably an integrally formed member 22 which is made of any suitable material, preferably a deformable rubber or rubber-like material, suitable plastics, etc. Preferably, a natural rubber compound is used since the use of natural rubber results in maximum comfort and tissue toler: ance. The member 22 can be made in any suitable manner, such as by common injection molding techniques, by potting, etc. The member 22 is generally U-shaped in plan view and is also generally U-shaped in transverse cross section as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The member 22 is open at the ends thereof and has a generally flat, resilient or deformable !base portion 24 which is generally U-shaped and is of size to be positioned between and engagable by the upper teeth 26 and the lower teeth 28 of the user. Preferably the most anterior portion of base portion 24 is narrower than the posterior portions thereof to more accurately conform to teeth width.

The member 22 desirably has a flexible buccal flange 30 and a flexible lingual flange 32 which are preferably integrally formed with the base 24 and project upwardly from opposite side edges of the base and are positioned in spaced relation. Desirably the

flange portions

30 and 32 are constructed so that they taper from relatively thick

inner portions

34 and 36, respectively, to relatively thin, flexible

outer edge portions

38 and 40, respectively. The

outer edge portions

38 and 40 of the flanges 3t) and 32, respectively, are preferably curved inwardly toward each other and overlie the base portion 24 of the member 22 at the posterior portions of the member as best illustrated in FIG. 1. Preferably, the most anterior portion 42 of the lingual flange 32 is shorter than the posterior portions thereof and overlies the base portion 24, but if desired can be substantially perpendicular to the base 24.

Preferably the buccal flange portion 30 extends from the base portion 24 a distance greater than the lingual flange portion 32 and, as best illustrated in FIG. 2, is of size and shape to be positioned along and snugly engagable with the buccal aspect 44 of the posterior teeth and the alveolar mucosa 46 of the user when positioned in the mouth. The lingual flange portion32 is shaped and of size to be positionable against and snugly engage the lingual convexity 48 of the posterior teeth and desirably terminates at the junction of the teeth 26 and the palatal mucosa S0 of the user when positioned in the mouth. The base 24 and

flanges

30 and 32 define a trough-like space which is relatively wide in the posterior portions and relatively narrow in the anterior portion to receive the teeth of the user when positioned in the mouth.

The most anterior portion 52 of the buccal flange portion 30 preferably has a shallow recess 54 in the outer edge portion 38 thereof and the recess 54 is positioned and of size to accommodate the labial frenum of the user when the protector 20- is positioned in the mouth. In addition, the

intermediate portions

56 and 58 of the buccal flange portion 30 preferably each have shallow recesses 6i? and 62, respectively, in the outer edge portions thereof which are positioned at the outer edge portion 38 of the buccal flange and are of size to accommodate the buccal fren-a of the user when the protector is positioned in the mouth.

The protect-or 20 is constructed and adapted to be worn in the mouth and positioned on either the upper or lower teeth of the user to protect the users teeth, lips and other portions of the mouth from both direct and indirect trauma. When positioning the protector 20 on the teeth in the mouth as illustrated on the upper teeth in FIGS. 2 and 3 the buccal and lingual flanges 3t} and 32 are de-- sirably deformed slightly whenpositioned in the mouth from their position overlying the base 24 as illustrated in FIG. 1 to substantially vertical positions as illustrated in FIG. 2 and, as a result of this slight deformation from the molded shape, the buccal flange 30 exerts gentle pressure on the buccal and labial aspects of the teeth 26 and alveolar mucosa 46 and the lingual flange portion 32 ex erts gentle pressure on the lingual aspect 48 of the bicuspicls and molars to thereby hold the protector 20 in the desired position in the mouth. The deformation to hold the protector in place can be provided at the posterior portions only and in such instance the most anterior portion 42 of the lingual flange 32 can be substantially vertical or perpendicular to the base portion 24 of the protector. Desirably the most anterior portion 52 of the buccal flange 30 is also curved inwardly and grips the buccal portion of the front teeth and adjacent mouth tis' sue of the user. The mouth protector preferably is of size to be positioned around and protect even the most posterior'teeth as shown in FIG. 3.

Since the

outermost edge portions

38 and 40 of the buccal flange 30 and lingual flange 32 of the protector are relatively thin and flexible they will readily conform to the gum tissue or line between the teeth and the gum tissue so that little or no irritation results from use of the protector in the mouth. In addition, the lips are protected since there are no sharp or non-deformable portions on the most inner portions of the protect-or which can engage the mouth and cause injury to the teeth or to tissue adjacent the teeth. The resilient or deformable !base portion 24 cushions and substantially reduce any shock or load received by the maxillary and mandibular arches as a result of a direct or indirect blow. The pro:

tector 2%) is self-retaining by virtue of the gripping action of the buccal and

lingual flanges

30 and 32 and the wearer can talk and breathe normally without interference from the protector. Furthermore, the flexible portions of the protector permits universal use of the mouthpiece in all but the most unusual sizes and shapes of mouths and,- while the protector is shown mounted on an upper of maxillary arch, the protector can also be reversed and positioned on the mandibular arch. The protector 26 can be worn over either prosthetic replacements or orthodontic appliances without interfering with same or affecting orthodontic treatment. Applicants protector structure substantially reduces the possibility of breakage to the mandible since the mandible remains in its substantially normal physiological position in the mouth.

7 The protector can he dimensioned as desired. A base 24 of approximately 3 millimeters thickness and varying in width from approximately 1.3 to 1.5 centimeters at the posterior portions thereof to approximately 6.5 millimeters at the anterior portion and a buccal flange varying in height from approximately 1.7 to 1.85 centimeters and having a thickness at the inner portion of the flange of approximately 3 millimeters have been found satisfactory for the average person.

Since the flange portions of the mouth protector are preferably relatively thin and quite flexible, and since the base portion thereof is often subjected to rather severe shock loads, it is desirable in some instances to make the flanges of different material or flexibility than the base portion thereof. Such an embodiment or modification is illustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawings where the protector is shown generally at 60 and includes a base portion 62 which is more dense or relatively hard in comparison to the buccal flange portion 64 and the lingual flange portion 66. The additional density or hardness can be achieved by known compounding procedures, by selection of rubber or rubber-like materials, plastics or the like for the various portions thereof, etc. The

flange portions

64 and 66 are firmly secured to or connected to the base portion 62 and the flanges can be of any shape, size or construction as disclosed in other embodiments of the invention.

Another preferred specific embodiment of the mouth protector of the invention is illustrated generally at 70 in FIG. 6. The protector 70 includes a base portion 72 and a lingual flange portion 74 which are of the same or similar construction to like structure of the protector 20, FIGS. 13. The protector 76 has a buccal flange shown generally at 76 which has a relatively thick inner portion 78 and a relatively thin and flexible outer edge portion 80. The buccal flange 76 has an elongated integrally formed ridge 82 which is positioned between the inner portion 78 and the outer edge portion 80 thereof and projects therefrom toward the lingual flange portion 74. The ridge 82 preferably tapers smoothly from its outermost end or edge portion toward the inner portion 78 and the outer edge portion thereof and is positioned to engage the crevice created by the junction of the teeth and the buccal alveolar mucosa of the user when the protector 70 is positioned in the mouth.

With protector structure as shown at 70 in FIG. 6 the protector more accurately conforms to the contour of the teeth and firmly grips or engages the teeth when it is positioned in the mouth of the user and is thus quite effective in retaining the protector in the desired position. The ridge 82 preferably extends at least along a major portion of the posterior portion of the buccal flange 76.

Another embodiment of the mouth protector of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 5 and shown generally at 90. The protector 90 has a base portion 92 and a buccal flange portion 94 which are preferably of the same or similar construction as that shown for the protector 20 in FIGS. 1-3. In this embodiment the lingual flange 96 has an elongated and preferably integrally formed ridge 98 which is positioned between a relatively wide inner portion 169 and a relatively thin flexible outer edge portion 162 and the ridge 98 projects from the inner surface of the lingual flange toward the buccal flange portion 94. The ridge 98 is positioned on the lingual flange 96 to engage the crevice created by the junction of the crown of the posterior teeth and the palatal mucosa when the protector 94 is positioned in the mouth of the user. The outer edge portion 162 of the lingual flange portion 96 is thin and flexible and is positionable against the palate of the user when positioned in the mouth. The ridge 98 and upper edge portion 102 of the protector 90 closely conform to the contour of the mouth and by providing the ridge 98 the protector 91) is more firmly held in position and gripped on the teeth.

Another preferred specific embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 4 of the drawings. In this embodiment the protector is shown generally at 110 and includes a base portion 112 which is shaped and constructed in the same or similar manner as the base portion 24 of protector 20. In this embodiment the lingual flange portion is shown' generally at 114 and includes a relatively thick inner portion 116 and a relatively thin and pliable or flexible outer edge portion 118. Lingual flange 114 is provided with an elongated ridge 120 which is positioned between the inner portion 116 and outer edge portion 118 of the lingual flange and projects therefrom toward the buccal flange portion 122, the ridge being positioned to engage the crevice created by the junction of the crown of the posterior teeth 26 and the palatal mucosa 50 and with the outer edge portion 118 of the lingual flange positionable against the palate of the user when mounted in the mouth.

The buccal flange portion 122 is the same or similar in construction to the buccal flange 76 of the protector 70 and includes a relatively thick inner portion 124 adjacent the base portion 112 and a thin and pliable or flexible outer edge portion 126. Buccal flange 122 has an integrally formed elongated ridge 128 positioned between the inner portion 124 and the outer edge portion 126 of the flange and projects therefrom toward the lingual flange 114. The ridge is positioned to engage the crevice between the junction of the teeth 26 and the buccal alveolar mucosa 46 of the user when positioned in the mouth. The protector is desirable for use in instances where difficulty is experienced by the user in maintaining a protector in position in the mouth since maximum gripping action is obtained by this construction.

While only a portion of the protectors shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings are shown, it will be understood that other details of the construction of these embodiments are preferably the same or similar to that shown for the protector 20 in FIGS. l3.

FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings illustrate another preferred specific embodiment of the invention wherein means are provided to removably attach the mouth protector to an item of clothing or the like. In this embodiment the protector is shown generally at 130 and includes a base portion 132, lingual flange portion 134 and buccal flange portion 136 which can be of the same or similar construction with any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 16. As illustrated in the drawings the buccal flange 136 and lingual flange 134 are the same or similar in construction to the protector 20 of FIGS. 13. In this embodiment a flexible tab 138 is provided and is preferably integrally formed with the inner edge portion of the buccal flange 136 and projects anteriorly from the most anterior portion of the buccal flange. The tab 13-8 has a centrally located aperture 140 therethrough as illustrated in FIG. 8. An elongated flexible strap 142 is provided and has a projecting stud 144 on one end portion thereof. The stud 144 is preferably enlarged at the outer- 7 most end portion thereof as shown at 146 and the stud is removably positioned in the aperture 140 with the enlarged end 146 thereof desirably extending entirely through the aperture as illustrated in FIG. 9 to removably attach the strap 142 to the tab 138.

Another stud 150 is preferably provided and projects from the other end portion of the strap 142 and the stud 150 is desirably enlarged at the outermost end portion thereof as shown at 152. A slit or opening 154 is provided in the other end portion of the strap 142 and is positioned in spaced relation to the stud 150. In use the stud 150 is positioned in the slit or opening 154 by bending the end portion of strap 142 and the outermost end portion 152 of the stud 150 projects through the strap and is retained therein similar to the attachment of stud 144 to tab 138. Stud 150 and slit or opening 154 provide connecting means by which the strap 142 can be connected to wearing apparel, etc. so that the strap 142 and protector 130 are not lost should the user remove the protector from the month. For example, a football player 166, FIG. 11, having a common football helmet 162 provided with the usual chin strap 164 can have the strap 142 removably connected to the chin strap by looping the end portion thereof having the stud 150 thereon around the strap 164 and placing the stud 150 in the slot or opening 154. Strap 142 can also be attached to the helmet face guard, etc., if desired.

In some instances it will be desirable to form the strap integral with the protector. This is illustrated in FIG. 10 of the drawings where the protector having the base portion 172, buccal flange 174 and lingual flange 176 is provided with an integrally formed strap 178 which preferably projects anteriorly from the most anterior portion of the buccal flange 174 or from the base 172. Strap 178 is desirably provided with suitable fastening means on the end portion thereof, such as a stud similar to stud 150 and slot similar to slot 154 shown in FIG. 8.

While the invention has been described in connection with preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be un derstood by those skilled in the art that such is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims.

We claim:

1. A mouth protector comprising, in combination, an integrally formed deformable member made from a natural rubber compound, said member being generally U- shaped in plan view and generally U-shaped in transverse cross section, said member being open at the ends thereof and having a generally flat resilient base portion shaped and of size to be positioned between and engageable by the upper and lower teeth of the user and flexible buccal and lingual flange portions projecting from opposite side edges of said base portion in spaced relation, said flange portions tapering from relatively thick inner portions at said base portion to thin outer edge portions with said outer edge portions being curved inwardly toward each other and overlying said base portion at the posterior portions thereof, said buccal flange portion extending from said base portion a distance greater than said lingual flange portion and adapted to snugly engage the buccal aspect of the posterior teeth and the alveolar mucosa of the user when positioned in the mouth, said lingual flange portion adapted to snugly engage the lingual convexity of the posterior teeth and terminating at the junction of the teeth and the palatal mucosa of the user when positioned in the mouth, the most anterior portion of said buccal flange portion having a shallow recess in said outer edge portion thereof positioned and of size to accommodate the labial frenum of the user when positioned in the mouth, the intermediate portions of the posterior portions of said buccal flange portion each having a shallow recess therein positioned and of size to accommodate the buccal frena of the user when positioned in the mouth, an integral flexible tab projecting anteriorly from the most anterior portion of said inner portion of said buccal flange portion, said tab having a centrally located aperture therethrough, an elongated flexible strap having a projecting stud on one end portion thereof with said stud being enlarged at the outermost end portion thereof and with said stud removably positioned in said aperture in said tab to attach said strap to said member, another stud projecting from the other end portion of said strap with said lastnamed stud being enlarged at the outermost end portion thereof, a slit in said other end portion of said strap in spaced relation to said last-named stud with said other end portion of said strap being positionable around a chin strap or the like and with said last-named stud being removably received by said slit to attach said first-named strap to said chin strap, said mouth protector being constructed and adapted to be worn in the mouth on the teeth to protect the users teeth and lips from direct and indirect trauma with said buccal and lingual flange portions being deformed slightly when positioned in the mouth of the user so that said buccal flange portion exerts gentle pressure on the buccal and labial aspects of the teeth and alveolar mucosa and said lingual flange portion exerts gentle pressure on the lingual aspect of the bicuspids and molars to thereby hold said protector in position in the mouth.

2. The mouth protector as defined in claim 1 wherein said buccal flange portion has an elongated integral ridge positioned between said inner portion and said outer edge portion thereof and projecting therefrom toward said lingual flange portion, said ridge being positioned to engage the crevice created by the junction of the teeth and the buccal alveolar mucosa of the user when mouth.

3. The mouth protector of claim 1 wherein said base portion of said member is more dense than said flange portions.

4. A mouth protector comprising, in combination, an integrally formed deformable member made from a natural rubber compound, said member being generally U- shaped in plan view and generally U-shaped in transverse cross section, said member being open at the ends thereof and having a generallyy flat resilient base portion shaped and of size to be positioned between and engaged by the upper and lower teeth of the user and flexible buccal and lingual flange portions projecting from opposite side edges of said base portion in spaced relation, said flange portions narrowing from a relatively thick inner portion at said positioned in the base portion to thin outer edge portions with said outer edge portions being curved inwardly toward each other and overlying said base portion at the posterior portions thereof, said buccal flange portion extending from said base portion a distance greater than said lingual flange portion and positioned along and adapted to snugly engage the buccal aspect of the posterior teeth and the alveolar mucosa of the user when positioned in the mouth, said lingual flange portion having an elongated integral ridge positioned between said inner portion and said outer edge portion thereof and projecting therefrom toward said buccal flange portion, said ridge being positioned to engage the crevice created by the junction of the crown of the posterior teeth and the palatal mucosa and with said outer edge portion of said lingual flange portion being thin and pliable and positionable against the palate of the user when positioned in the mouth, the most anterior portion of said buccal flange portion having a shallow recess in said outer edge portion thereof positioned and of size to accommodate the labial frenum of the user when positioned in the mouth, the intermediate portions of the posterior portions of said buccal flange portion each having a shallow recess therein positioned and of size to accommodate the buccal frena of the-user when positioned in the month, an integral flexible tab projecting anteriorly from the most anterior portion of said inner portion of said buccal flange portion, said tab having a centrally located aperture therethrough, an elongated flexible strap having a projecting stud on one end portion thereof with said stud being enlarged at the outermost end portion thereof and removably positioned in said aperture in said tab to attach said strap to said member, another stud projecting from the other end portion of said strap with said last-named stud being enlarged at the outermost end thereof, a slit in said other end portion of said strap in spaced relation to said lastnamed stud with said other end portion of said strap being positionable around a chin strap or the like of a helmet or the like and with said last-named stud being removably received by said slit to attach said first-named strap to said chin strap, said mouth protector being constructed and adapted to be worn in the mouth on the teeth to protect the users teeth and lips from direct and indirect trauma with said buccal and lingual flange portions being deformed slightly when positioned in the month of the user so that said buccal flange exerts general pressure on the buccal and labial aspects of the teeth and alveolar mucosa and with said lingual flange portion exerting general pressure on the lingual aspect of the bicuspids and molars with said ridge thereon positioned at the junction of the crown of the posterior teeth and the palatal mucosa to thereby hold said protector in position in the mouth.

5. The mouth protector as defined in claim 4 wherein said buccal flange portion has an elongated integral ridge positioned between said inner portion and said outer edge portion thereof and projecting therefrom toward said lingual flange portion, said ridge being positioned to engage the crevice created by the junction of the teeth and the buccal alveolar mucosa of the user when positioned in the mouth.

(References on following page) References Cited by the Exzlmiuer UNITED STATES PATENTS Miller 128136 Helmer et a1 128136 Cathcart et a1 128--136 Zubren 128-136 Greenblum 128136 Moffett 128136 10 3,211,143 10/1965 Grassberg 128136 FOREIGN PATENTS 24,867 1899 Great Britain.

, 0 RICHARD A. GAUDET, Primary Examiner.

R. J. HOFFMAN, Examiner.

L. W. TRAPP, H. REZZNER, Assistant Examiners.

Claims

1. A MOUTH PROTECTOR COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, AN INTEGRALLY FORMED DEFORMABLE MEMBER MADE FROM A NATURAL RUBBER COMPOUND, SAID MEMBER BEING GENERALLY USHAPED IN PLAN VIEW AND GENERALLY U-SHAPED IN TRANSVERSE CROSS SECTION, SAID MEMBER BEING OPEN AT THE ENDS THEREOF AND HAVING A GENERALLY FLAT RESILIENT BASE PORTION SHAPED AND OF SIZE TO BE POSITIONED BETWEEN AND ENGAGEABLE BY THE UPPER AND LOWER TEETH OF THE USER AND FLEXIBLE BUCCAL AND LINGUAL FLANGE PORTIONS PROJECTING FROM OPPOSITE SIDE EDGES OF SAID BASE PORTION IN SPACED RELATION, SAID FLANGE PORTIONS TAPERING FROM RELATIVELY THICK INNER PORTIONS AT SAID BASE PORTION TO THIN OUTER EDGE PORTIONS WITH SAID OUTER EDGE PORTIONS BEING CURVED INWARDLY TOWARD EACH OTHER AND OVERLYING SAID BASE PORTION AT THE POSTERIOR PORTIONS THEREOF, SAID BUCCAL FLANGE PORTION EXTENDING FROM SAID BASE PORTION A DISTANCE GREATER THN SAID LINGUAL FLANGE PORTION AND ADAPTED TO SNUGLY ENGAGE THE BUCCAL ASPECT OF THE POSTERIOR TEETH AND THE ALVEOLAR MUCOSA OF THE USER WHEN POSITIONED IN THE MOUTH, SAID LINGUAL FLANGE PORTION ADAPTED TO SNUGLY ENGAGE THE LINGUAL CONVEXITY OF THE POSTERIOR TEETH AND TERMINATING AT THE JUNCTION OF THE TEETH AND THE PALATAL MUCOSA OF THE USER WHEN POSITIONED IN THE MOUTH, THE MOST ANTERIOR PORTION OF SAID BUCCAL FLANGE PORTION HAVING A SHALLOW RECESS IN SAID OUTER EDGE PORTION THEREOF POSITIONED AND OF SIZE TO ACCOMMODATE THE LABIAL FRENUM OF THE USER WHEN POSITIONED IN THE MOUTH, THE INTERMEDIATE PORTIONS OF THE POSTERIOR PORTIONS OF SAID BUCCAL FLANGE PORTION EACH HAVING A SHALLOW RECESS THEREIN POSITIONED AND OF SIZE TO ACCOMMODATE THE BUCCAL FRENA OF THE USER WHEN POSITIONED IN THE MOUTH, AN INTEGRAL FLEXIBLE TAB PROJECTING ANTERIORLY FROM THE MOST ANTERIOR PORTION OF SAID INNER PORTION OF SAID BUCCAL FLANGE