ARTICLE FOR TEMPORARILY STORING MOUTH PIECE

Abstract

An article for securing a mouth piece, comprising a first sheet of plastic or textile material; and a second sheet positioned flush against the first sheet and joined along an outer margin to form a pouch configured to be coupled to clothing or sporting equipment worn or carried by a person during physical activity, and wherein at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet is elastically deformable to expand when all or a portion of the mouth piece is introduced into an interior portion of the pouch through the opening, and to compress against the mouth piece or portion thereof situated within the interior portion of the pouch to secure the mouth piece to the article. Another article for securing a mouth piece, comprising a sheet of plastic or textile material joined to the surface of clothing or sporting equipment to form a pocket.

Description

BACKGROUND

Many persons wear a mouth piece to protect their teeth while playing sports or engaging in other forms of physical activity. There are often periods of time when the person may want to temporarily remove their mouth piece from their mouth, such as between football plays or when talking to teammates in the huddle. It is common for athletes to keep the mouth piece readily accessible during such periods by tucking the mouth piece into their sock, into the face mask of their helmet, or the like. While convenient, these methods do not secure the mouth piece very well and leave it exposed to unsanitary conditions.

Accordingly, there is a need for a convenient, secure, and sanitary way to temporarily store a mouth piece while not in use.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to an article for securing a mouth piece. The article may include a first sheet of plastic or textile material; a second sheet of plastic or textile material positioned flush against the first sheet, the first sheet and the second sheet being joined along an outer margin to form a pouch having an opening to an interior portion of the pouch; wherein an outer surface of the first sheet is configured to be coupled to clothing or sporting equipment worn or carried by a person during physical activity, and wherein at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet is elastically deformable to expand when all or a portion of the mouth piece is introduced into the interior portion of the pouch through the opening, and to compress against the mouth piece or portion thereof situated within the interior portion of the pouch to secure the mouth piece to the article.

In an embodiment, at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet may be breathable to permit at least one of saliva to wick out of the interior portion of the pouch, sweat to wick through the article, and body heat to escape through the article. In an embodiment, the first sheet may be non-porous to prevent sweat from wicking through the clothing or sporting equipment and into the interior portion of the article through the first sheet. In an embodiment, at least the second sheet may be non-porous to prevent sweat, dirt, or other materials from entering the interior portion of the pouch through the second sheet. In an embodiment, the article may further include an anti-microbial liner or coating positioned about the interior portion of the pouch.

The first sheet and the second sheet, in various embodiments, may be configured to remain in flush contact with one another when the article is not in use. The elastically deformable material of the first and/or second sheet, in an embodiment, may compress to close the opening of the pouch when the article is not in use.

The interior portion, in various embodiments, may be dimensioned to accommodate the entire mouth piece when the elastically deformable first and/or second sheet is expanded. The elastically deformable first and/or second sheet, in a embodiment, may compress to close the opening of the pouch, thereby fully enclosing the mouth piece within the interior portion. The article, in an embodiment, may further include an elastic element positioned about and configured to close the opening of the pouch.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to another article for securing a mouth piece. The article may include a sheet of plastic or textile material configured to be positioned flush against a surface of clothing or sporting equipment worn or carried by a person during physical activity, and joined to the surface along an outer margin to form a pocket having an opening to an interior portion of the pocket, wherein the sheet is elastically deformable to expand when all or a portion of the mouth piece is introduced into the interior portion of the pocket through the opening, and to compress against the mouth piece or portion thereof situated within the interior portion of the pocket to secure the mouth piece to the clothing or sporting equipment.

The sheet, in an embodiment, may be breathable to permit at least one of saliva to wick out of the interior portion of the pocket, sweat to wick through the article, and body heat to escape through the article. In an embodiment, the sheet may be coupled to or integrally formed with the surface of the clothing or sporting equipment. The sheet, in an embodiment, may be non-porous to prevent sweat, dirt, or other materials from entering the interior portion of the pocket through the sheet. The article, in an embodiment, may further include an anti-microbial liner or coating positioned about the interior portion of the pocket.

The sheet, in an embodiment, may be configured to remain in flush contact with the surface of the clothing or sporting equipment when the article is not in use. The elastically deformable sheet, in an embodiment, may compress to close the opening of the pocket when the article is not in use.

The interior portion, in various embodiments, may be dimensioned to accommodate the entire mouth piece when the elastically deformable sheet is expanded. The elastically deformable first and/or second sheet compresses to close the opening of the pocket, thereby fully enclosing the mouth piece within the interior portion. The article, in an embodiment, may further include an elastic element positioned about and configured to close the opening of the pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative, non-limiting example embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative embodiment of an article for storing a mouth piece in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an article for storing a mouth piece on athletic shorts in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an article for storing a mouth piece on football pants in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a representative embodiment of a pouch-like article in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates how pouch article may be coupled to clothing or sporting equipment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a representative embodiment of a pocket-like article in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates how pocket article may be formed on clothing or sporting equipment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrate front and side views of a mouthpiece fully enclosed within an article for storing the mouthpiece in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B illustrate front and side views of a mouthpiece partially enclosed within an article for storing the mouthpiece in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B illustrate an elastic element for closing an opening of a pouch article and a pocket article, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to an article 100 configured for securing a mouth piece (a.k.a., mouth guard) 101 on clothing or on sporting equipment (102) worn or carried by a person during physical activity while the mouth piece 101 is not in use.

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative embodiment of article 100. Article 100, in various embodiments, is generally pouch-like or pocket-like in shape and sized to fully or partially accommodate the mouth piece 101 within an interior portion 110 of the pouch or pocket (depending on the particular embodiment, as later described in more detail). In a preferred embodiment, article 100 is large enough to fit the entire mouth piece 101 within interior portion 110. As configured, the mouth piece 101 is not exposed to dirt, mud, or other unsanitary conditions outside of the pouch or pocket when not in use. Further, by fully enveloping the mouth piece 101, it is less likely that the mouth piece 101 may become dislodged and falls to the ground, where it may become dirty or lost. In an embodiment, article 100 may be about 3.5″ by 3.5″ in size, which is generally suitable for fully accommodating most mouth pieces 101 inside. Of course, article 100 may be of any dimensions suitable for fully or partially accommodating the mouth piece 101 inside.

Article 100 may be constructed of any material(s) suitable for securing the mouth piece. In various embodiments, article 100 may be formed from a flexible material such as textile or plastic so as not to interfere with the wearer's activity or cause discomfort. In some embodiments, the material may be elastically deformable or otherwise configured to stretch, while in others it may be fairly non-elastic. Article 100 may be lined with or made from a material configured to resist the build-up of bacteria so as to maintain a substantially sanitary environment for the mouth piece. Additionally, or alternatively, the material may be breathable to allow for body heat and sweat to wick through, thereby improving comfort.

In various embodiments, article 100 may be configured for displaying a team logo, military unit insignia, or the like. In one such embodiment, an outer surface of article 100 may include a fastener for removably/non-removably receiving said logo or insignia. In another embodiment, the logo or insignia may be directly printed, embroidered, or otherwise affixed to or generated on the outer surface of article 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, article 100 may include an opening 110 through which the mouth piece 101 is inserted and removed from an interior portion 110 of the pouch or pocket. In various embodiments, a portion or portions of article 100 surrounding opening 110 may include or be made from an elastic material 160 (e.g., elastic band), as later shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, that is configured to expand when inserting or removing the mouth piece 101, and subsequently contract to secure the mouth piece 101 inside. In an embodiment, the elastic material may be configured to fully seal off opening 110 with the mouth piece 101 inside, while in another embodiment, the elastic material may only partially close opening 110 when the mouth piece 101 is inside. Either way, the elastic material helps to better secure the mouth piece 101 and protect it from dirt, mud, and other unsanitary things that may otherwise get on the mouth piece 101 if it were exposed outside of article 100. In some embodiments, the elastic material may substantially close opening 110 after removal of the mouth piece 101 so that article 100 does not get snagged or otherwise interfere with the activity of the person. Article 100 may additionally or alternatively include other means for manipulating opening 110. For example, fasteners such as hook and loop (e.g., Velcro®), magnets, or buttons may be used to open and close opening 110. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize suitable fasteners and materials suitable for manipulating the size of opening 110 to allow for securely holding the mouth piece 101 inside article 100, while also allowing for the mouth piece 101 to be inserted and removed through opening 110.

Additionally or alternatively, in various embodiments, other portions of article 100 may be elastically deformable. For example, the portion of the article surrounding interior portion 120 may be elastically deformable so as to allow the pouch or pocket to expand to accommodate all or a portion of mouth piece 101 within interior portion 120. Additionally, the elastically deformable material may compress against those portions of mouth piece 101 situated within interior portion 120 to help secure mouth piece 101 to the article 100, as later described in more detail and as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 8A-8B and FIGS. 9A-9B.

Article 100, in various embodiments, may be coupled to or formed integrally with a clothing article 102 worn by the person, such as a sports uniform. In some embodiments, article 100 may be removably coupled to the clothing article 102, while in other embodiments, article 100 may be fixedly attached or formed integrally with the clothing article 102. For example, in removable embodiments, article 100 may include one or more removable fastening components (e.g., male versions of hook and loop, snaps, magnets, or buttons) configured to couple with complementary fastening components affixed to the clothing article (e.g., female versions of hook and loop, snaps, magnets, or buttons). As configured, article 100 may be removed from the clothing article 102 for cleaning or any other reason. Further, when removably configured, if article 100 were to become snagged during the physical activity (e.g., defender's fingers grasp article 100 while tackling offensive player), article 100 may decouple from the clothing article 102 without damaging the clothing article 102 or causing injury. In non-removable embodiments, article 100 may be affixed to the clothing article 102 by any suitable means, such as sewing or iron-on adhesive. Of course, non-removable embodiments may be affixed to the clothing article 102 in a way that article 100 can still be ripped off without causing damage or injury, such as with weaker sewing thread or less strong adhesive, if desired.

It should be recognized that article 100 of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited only to placement on a clothing article 102. In some embodiments, article 100 may be configured for placement on a piece of sporting equipment 102 or other thing worn or carried by the person. For example, in one such embodiment, article 100 may be configured for coupling to a helmet (e.g., football helmet, hockey helmet, lacrosse helmet) via an adhesive or other suitable coupling mechanism or medium. Likewise, article 100 is not intended to be limited only to use by athletes. For example, article 100 may be used by military personnel for temporarily storing a mouth piece during military activities, such as during combat training or when fast-roping from a helicopter. In such applications, article 100 could be situated on the uniform, helmet, or even on the weapon of the soldier.

Whether coupled or otherwise affixed to a clothing article, equipment, or the like, article 100 may be placed in any location suitable for conveniently inserting, temporarily storing, and removing the mouth piece 101. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in various embodiments, article 100 may be located on either side of the pants or short leg. These locations are close to the wearer's hands when the arms are relaxed and hanging downwards and thereby minimize the amount of movement and effort required to access article 100. Further, as positioned, the wearer can look downwards through opening 110 which may make it easier to see and retrieve the mouth piece from inside article 100. In further embodiments, article 100 may be located on a shirt or jersey. Depending on the particular sport or application, the chest, shoulder, or upper arm may be easily accessible locations that do not interfere with the wearer's activity. In still further embodiments, article 100 may be located on a wrist, arm, or head band worn by the person, or on a helmet as previously mentioned.

FIG. 4 illustrates a representative embodiment of a pouch-like article 100 of the present disclosure. Pouch article 100 may generally include a first sheet 130 of flexible material (e.g., plastic or textile) and a second sheet 140 of flexible material (e.g., plastic or textile). The second sheet 140, in various embodiments, may be positioned flush against first sheet 130, and sheets 130, 140 may be joined along an outer margin 150 to form a pouch. The pouch may have an opening 110 and an interior portion 120, as shown.

FIG. 5 depicts how pouch article 100 may be coupled to clothing or sporting equipment 102. In particular, an outer surface 142 of sheet 140 may be positioned against clothing or sporting equipment 102 and coupled thereto as described above.

FIG. 6 illustrates a representative embodiment of a pocket-like article 100 of the present disclosure. Pocket article 100 may generally include a sheet 130 of flexible material (e.g., plastic or textile) which, in various embodiments, may be positioned flush against a surface of clothing or sporting equipment 102, and joined along an outer margin 150 to form a pocket. The pouch may have an opening 110 and an interior portion 120, as shown.

FIG.7 depicts how pocket article 100 may be formed on clothing or sporting equipment 102. In particular, rear surface 132 of sheet 130 may be positioned against clothing or sporting equipment 102 and its outer margin 150 coupled thereto, as described above.

Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

Claims

1. An article for securing a mouth piece, comprising: a first sheet of plastic or textile material; anda second sheet of plastic or textile material positioned flush against the first sheet, the first sheet and the second sheet being joined along an outer margin to form a pouch having an opening to an interior portion of the pouch;wherein an outer surface of the first sheet is configured to be coupled to clothing or sporting equipment worn or carried by a person during physical activity, andwherein at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet is elastically deformable to expand when all or a portion of the mouth piece is introduced into the interior portion of the pouch through the opening, and to compress against the mouth piece or portion thereof situated within the interior portion of the pouch to secure the mouth piece to the article.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet is breathable to permit at least one of saliva to wick out of the interior portion of the pouch, sweat to wick through the article, and body heat to escape through the article.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein the first sheet is non-porous to prevent sweat from wicking through the clothing or sporting equipment and into the interior portion of the article through the first sheet.

4. The article of claim 1, wherein at least the second sheet is non-porous to prevent sweat, dirt, or other materials from entering the interior portion of the pouch through the second sheet.

5. The article of claim 1, further including an anti-microbial liner or coating positioned about the interior portion of the pouch.

6. The article of claim 1, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are configured to remain in flush contact with one another when the article is not in use.

7. The article of claim 6, wherein the elastically deformable material of the first and/or second sheet compresses to close the opening of the pouch when the article is not in use.

8. The article of claim 1, wherein the interior portion is dimensioned to accommodate the entire mouth piece when the elastically deformable first and/or second sheet is expanded.

9. The article of claim 8, wherein the elastically deformable first and/or second sheet compresses to close the opening of the pouch, thereby fully enclosing the mouth piece within the interior portion.

10. The article of claim 1, further including an elastic element positioned about and configured to close the opening of the pouch.

11. An article for securing a mouth piece, comprising: a sheet of plastic or textile material configured to be positioned flush against a surface of clothing or sporting equipment worn or carried by a person during physical activity, and joined to the surface along an outer margin to form a pocket having an opening to an interior portion of the pocket,wherein the sheet is elastically deformable to expand when all or a portion of the mouth piece is introduced into the interior portion of the pocket through the opening, and to compress against the mouth piece or portion thereof situated within the interior portion of the pocket to secure the mouth piece to the clothing or sporting equipment.

12. The article of claim 11, wherein the sheet is breathable to permit at least one of saliva to wick out of the interior portion of the pocket, sweat to wick through the article, and body heat to escape through the article.

13. The article of claim 11, wherein the sheet is coupled to or integrally formed with the surface of the clothing or sporting equipment.

14. The article of claim 11, wherein the sheet is non-porous to prevent sweat, dirt, or other materials from entering the interior portion of the pocket through the sheet.

15. The article of claim 11, further including an anti-microbial liner or coating positioned about the interior portion of the pocket.

16. The article of claim 11, wherein the sheet is configured to remain in flush contact with the surface of the clothing or sporting equipment when the article is not in use.

17. The article of claim 16, wherein the elastically deformable sheet compresses to close the opening of the pocket when the article is not in use.

18. The article of claim 11, wherein the interior portion is dimensioned to accommodate the entire mouth piece when the elastically deformable sheet is expanded.

19. The article of claim 18, wherein the elastically deformable sheet compresses to close the opening of the pocket, thereby fully enclosing the mouth piece within the interior portion.

20. The article of claim 11, further including an elastic element positioned about and configured to close the opening of the pocket.