Mouthguard storage case

• US 20040244805A1
• Filed: 08/21/2003
• Published: 12/09/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Mark Herman, William A. Cook
• Original Assignee: Mark Herman, William A. Cook
• Inventors: Cook, William A., Herman, Mark
• Application Number:
  US10/646,598
• Publication Number:
  US 20040244805A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/859
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 19/02 Protective casings, e.g. boxes for instruments; Bags A61C5/44 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/08 Mouthpiece-type retainers or positioners, e.g. for both the lower and upper arch arch-shaped medicament applicators for teeth or gums A61C19/063; mouthguards for protecting the teeth of sportsmen A63B71/085
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/088 Mouth inserted protectors with tether or strap
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0036 Accessories for stowing, putting away or transporting exercise apparatus or sports equipment A63B47/00, A63B55/00, A63B60/56 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/085 Mouth or teeth protectors A63B71/081 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 43/164 and connected by interfitting hinge elements integrally with the container and the lid formed respectively

Abstract

A protective case for a mouthguard has a base, a cover hinged to the base, and a partition on the base adapted to engage the mouthguard and to prevent movement of the mouthguard within the case. Alternatively, the protective case has a pivoting mouthguard holder that is spring-biased so as to raise the mouthguard away from the base when the cove is opened.

Claims

1. A protective case for a mouthguard, comprising:

(a) a base;

(b) a cover hinged to the base; and

(c) a partition oriented substantially normal to the base, the partition being adapted to engage the mouthguard and to prevent movement of the mouthguard within the case.

2. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the partition is curved to match the shape of the mouthguard.

3. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the case is impregnated with an antimicrobial agent.

4. The protective case of claim 1, further comprising a tether adapted to secure the case to an athletic helmet.

5. A protective case for a mouthguard, comprising:

(a) a base;

(b) a cover hinged to the base;

(c) a mouthguard holder pivotally engaging the base; and

(d) a first spring biasing the mouthguard holder away from the base.

6. The protective case of claim 5, further comprising a second spring biasing the cover away from the mouthguard holder.

7. The protective case of claim 6, further comprising a stop on the cover, the stop engaging the second spring and slidingly engaging the mouthguard holder, whereby motion of the cover away from the base allows the first spring to raise the mouthguard holder, and whereby motion of the cover toward the base forces the mouthguard holder toward the base.

8. The protective case of claim 5, wherein the case is impregnated with an antimicrobial agent.

9. The protective case of claim 5, further comprising a tether adapted to secure the case to an athletic helmet.

10. The protective case of claim 5, further comprising a belt clip.

11. The protective case of claim 5, further comprising a vent aperture.