U.S. patent application number 13/701476 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-04 for interchangeable mouthguard component system.
This patent application is currently assigned to BITE TECH, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is William Cook, Mark H. Herman. Invention is credited to William Cook, Mark H. Herman.
Application Number | 20130081640 13/701476 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44170221 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130081640 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herman; Mark H. ; et
al. |
April 4, 2013 |
INTERCHANGEABLE MOUTHGUARD COMPONENT SYSTEM
Abstract
Embodiments relate to an interchangeable mouthguard component
system. The system includes a mouthguard base with a receiving
recess positioned within at least a front surface of the base, a
securely attachable mouthguard component positioned to fit within
the recess, one or more attaching posts positioned on one of the
recess or component and one or more holes positioned opposite the
posts on either the recess or component. The mouthguard component,
when attached, is positioned sufficient to maintain a substantially
flush front surface of the base.
Inventors: |
Herman; Mark H.;
(Minneapolis, MN) ; Cook; William; (Lakeville,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Herman; Mark H.
Cook; William |
Minneapolis
Lakeville |
MN
MN |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BITE TECH, INC.
Norwalk
CT
|
Family ID: |
44170221 |
Appl. No.: |
13/701476 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
June 1, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2011/038778 |
371 Date: |
November 30, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61350231 |
Jun 1, 2010 |
|
|
|
61350243 |
Jun 1, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/861 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/085
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/861 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/08 20060101
A63B071/08 |
Claims
1. An interchangeable mouthguard component system, comprising: a
mouthguard base, defining a recess within at least a front surface
of the mouthguard base; an interchangable component, positioned
within the recess; one or more attaching posts, positioned on one
of the recess of the mouthguard base or interchangeable component;
and one or more holes, positioned opposite the posts on either the
recess of the mouthguard base or the interchangeable component,
wherein the one or more holes are configured to receive the one or
more attaching posts.
2. An interchangeable mouthguard component system, further
comprising the interchangeable component, further defining a front
surface that is substantially flush with a front surface of a
portion of the mouthguard base when the interchangeable component
is secured within the recess of the mouthguard base.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more holes or
attaching posts are cylindrically shaped, triangularly shaped,
square shaped, pentagonally shaped, oval shaped, hexagonally
shaped, irregularly shaped or a combination thereof.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more attaching posts
are of differing heights, diameters or a combination thereof.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more attaching posts
further comprise one or more ridges positioned at a distal portion
of the attaching posts.
6. The system of 1, wherein the attaching posts include varying
circumferences along the length of each attaching post.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the component comprises one or
more materials different than the mouthguard base.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the component further comprises a
display surface at least partially visible on an outer surface of
the component.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more attaching posts
and one or more holes are parallel to the front surface of the
mouthguard base.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more attaching posts
and one or more holes are perpendicular to the front surface of the
mouthguard base.
11. A component for a mouthguard, comprising: a body, including at
least an outer surface and positioned to fit within a recess of a
mouthguard base; one or more attaching posts or holes in contact
with the body, sized to securely attach with one or more oppositely
positioned one or more attaching posts or holes of the mouthguard
base; and a display surface, at least partially visible on the
outer surface of the body.
12. The component of claim 11, wherein the one or more holes or
attaching posts are cylindrically shaped, triangularly shaped,
square shaped, pentagonally shaped, oval shaped, hexagonally
shaped, irregularly shaped or a combination thereof.
13. The component of claim 11, wherein the one or more attaching
posts further comprise one or more ridges.
14. The component of claim 11, wherein the one or more attaching
posts include varying circumferences along the length of each
post.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more attaching posts
and one or more holes are parallel to the front surface of the
mouthguard base.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more attaching posts
and one or more holes are perpendicular to the front surface of the
mouthguard base.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
provisional patent application No. 61/350,231 titled
Interchangeable `Mouthguard Component System`, filed 1 Jun. 2010,
and also claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application
No. 61/350,243 titled `Mouthguard Fitment Tool System`, filed 1
Jun. 2010, which are both incorporated by reference herein for any
purpose.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Mouthguards are typically used to protect an athlete's teeth
during a sporting activity. Often, their use is required by the
team or sports organization as a safety precaution. Such sports may
include football, hockey, boxing, rugby, baseball, basketball,
cycling and wrestling, for example. An athlete may wear a
mouthguard for many hours during a sporting event. Most mouthguards
are non-customizable and made as one piece, to reduce costs and
ease of manufacturing.
[0003] Mouthguards are generally made in one color and may
optionally have the manufacturer's or licensee logo placed
somewhere on the device, but no options for other visual
customization. There are currently very limited or no options for
an athlete or team to customize the look or function of a
mouthguard.
[0004] Customization of mouthguards includes functional
customization as well as visual or stylistic customization.
Typically, if an athlete needed an additional function for their
mouthguard, they were required to buy a new or separate mouthguard
that included that new function, such as lip guard or strap, for
example. Similarly, manufacturers have to maintain multiple
one-piece molds for various types of mouthguards with different
functional aspects. Most amateur athletes participate in more than
one sport or at the least, more than one position within a sport.
Each position or event possibly requiring or optimally utilizing
different functional aspects of a mouthguard or mouthguards.
Mouthguards found in the prior art do not allow for conversion
between different functional aspects, such as between a strapped
mouthguard and strapless mouthguard.
[0005] With regard to stylistic or visual customization, amateur
athletes often play on many teams or are fans of multiple
professional teams and currently lack the option to interchange
colors or logos on their mouthguards between events. A deterrent
for producing multi-piece mouthguards is the safety risk of a
portion or component of the mouthguard system becoming detached
during participation and creating a choking risk or other safety
hazard.
[0006] There is a need for functional and stylistic customization
of mouthguards. There is a need for a mouthguard system that allows
for conversion between functional components. There is a need for
providing multiple functional or stylistic options to a customer
without requiring a manufacturer to create and maintain separate
molds for each embodiment.
SUMMARY
[0007] Embodiments relate to an interchangeable mouthguard
component system. The system includes a mouthguard base with a
receiving recess positioned within at least a front surface of the
base, a securely attachable mouthguard component positioned to fit
within the recess, one or more attaching posts positioned on one of
the recess or component and one or more holes positioned opposite
the posts on either the recess or component. The mouthguard
component, when attached, is positioned sufficient to maintain a
substantially flush front surface of the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting example
embodiments of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a prospective view of an interchangeable
mouthguard component system with the component detached, according
to some embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a prospective view of an interchangeable
mouthguard component system, according to some embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of an interchangeable mouthguard
component system, according to some embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tether attachment,
according to some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the inner side of a
component, according to some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the outer side of a
component, according to some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the side of a component,
according to some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bottom of a component,
according to some embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the top of a component,
according to some embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inner side of a
component including a component recess, according to some
embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the side of a component
including horizontal posts, according to some embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the front side of a
mouthguard base including holes, according to some embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the inner side of a
component, according to some embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the front side of a
mouthguard base including posts, according to some embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the side of a mouthguard
base including horizontal posts, according to some embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the side of a mouthguard
base including horizontal holes, according to some embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the side of a mouthguard
base including vertical posts, according to some embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the side of a mouthguard
base including horizontal posts, according to some embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the front side of a
mouthguard base, according to some embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the under side of a
mouthguard base, according to some embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the inner side of a
component, according to some embodiments.
[0030] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the side of a
mouthguard base, according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Throughout the following description, specific details are
set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the
invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these
particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been
shown or described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring the invention. The drawings show, by way of illustration,
specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These
embodiments may be combined, other elements may be utilized or
structural or logical changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and
drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a
restrictive, sense.
[0032] All publications, patents and patent documents referred to
in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the
event of inconsistent usages between this document and those
documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the
incorporated references should be considered supplementary to that
of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in
this document controls.
[0033] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is
common in patent documents, to include one or more than one,
independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or
"one or more". In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to
a nonexclusive or, such that "A, B or C" includes "A only", "B
only", "C only", "A and B", "B and C", "A and C", and "A, B and C",
unless otherwise indicated. The terms "above" and "below" are used
to describe two different directions in relation to the center of a
composite and the terms "upper" and "lower" may be used to describe
two different surfaces of a composite. However, these terms are
used merely for ease of description and are not to be understood as
fixing the orientation as embodiments of mouthguards in accordance
with the present inventions may be configured to be worn on either
the upper or lower teeth or on the upper and lower teeth
simultaneously. In the appended aspects or claims, the terms
"first", "second" and "third", etc. are used merely as labels, and
are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their
objects.
[0034] Embodiments of the present invention describe an
interchangeable mouthguard component system. The system may include
a mouthguard base and one or more interchangeable components that
are removably securable to the mouthguard base. The mouthguard base
defines a recess in its anterior portion. The interchangeable
component is configured to be secured within the recess. The
interchangeable components may include straps, lip guards and/or
protective shields, for example.
[0035] The present system provides a secure fit that reduces safety
concerns of dislodgement during activity. Typically, at least a
portion of the interchangeable component is configured to be
received within the recess to secure the interchangeable component
to the mouthguard base. The recess may include one or more holes.
The holes are configured to receive attaching posts which extend
from a corresponding surface of the interchangeable components. The
attaching posts are typically configured to securely engage the
holes.
[0036] The interchangeable component may have a peripheral shape
that corresponds with the peripheral shape of the recess. In this
configuration, aspects of the interchangeable component may be
flush with and define a continuous surface or arc with the anterior
surfaces of the mouthguard base when the interchangeable component
is fit within the recess. This may define a substantially flush
front surface and flush incisal surface of the mouthguard base.
This may improve the comfort and aesthetic of the mouthguard by
eliminating rough edges and sharp transitions that may come into
contact with a user's anatomy. The peripheral edge of the removable
component may include a lip or flange that may be configured to be
received within a peripheral groove defined within the cavity of
the mouthguard base to secure or further secure the removable
component to the mouthguard base.
[0037] The interchangeable component can allow customization, both
functionally and cosmetically or stylistically. The interchangeable
component is securely attached while in use (i.e. during a sporting
event), yet may be removed and replaced or interchanged for another
component prior to a subsequent use. The interchangeable component
may provide an enhanced customizable function, such as greater
protection and/or alternative functionality, and in certain aspects
the interchanged components may provide alternative hardness or
durability or increased comfort. The interchangeable component may
allow the replacement of higher wear components while reducing the
waste generated from the use of the products designed in accordance
with the present inventions. The component may allow customization
by displaying colors, artwork, logo or designs on the front surface
of the mouthguard system. These may be positioned on display
surface of the component. An individual or team may utilize the
customization for their individual or team needs or desires.
Corporations or other entities may utilize the display surface of
the interchangeable components as advertising space during a
sporting event, for example.
[0038] The interchangeable mouthguard system may reduce the cost of
manufacturing a line of mouthguards by reducing the number of molds
a manufacturer would need to create and maintain to provide similar
functions in traditional mouthguards.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, a prospective view 100 of an exemplary
embodiment of an interchangeable mouthguard component system with
the interchangeable component 104 detached from the mouthguard base
102. As illustrated, the interchangeable component 104 is in the
form of a shield. The mouthguard base 102 includes a recess 108.
The recess 108 is defined on a front surface of the mouthguard base
102 and extends around into the lower surface of the mouthguard
base 102 for exemplary purposes. The recess 108 may include one or
more holes 110, shown in phantom, for receiving the one or more
attaching posts extending from the interchangeable component 104.
The interchangeable component 104 may include a display surface
106. In this view, the component 104 is detached 112 from the base
102. When the component 104 is securely attached or fastened 202
within the recess 108, a flush or substantially flush front surface
(or optionally, incisal surface as well) of the base 102 can be
formed and maintained (see view 200 of FIG. 2). A side view of the
component 104 attached to the base 102 is illustrated by view 300
in FIG. 3.
[0040] The mouthguard base 102 may define a channel or a portion of
a channel in which a set or subset of a user's teeth may be
received when worn by a user. The teeth may be positioned between
an outer wall and an inner wall defining the channel. The
mouthguard base 102 includes a front surface. The front surface
typically faces outward from a user's mouth and may be at a
location that is positioned over the incisors when worn by a user.
An incisal surface may be formed in the direction perpendicular or
toward perpendicular to the plane generally defined by the front
surface and in the direction of a user's lower jaw. The mouthguard
base 102 may be formed from various plastics, polymers or
composites suitable for use in a user's mouth. In certain aspects,
a mouthguard formed from the mouthguard base 102 may be form-fitted
by the user after increasing the temperature of the base (i.e.,
boiling in water), of a heat softenable materials positioned within
the channel or heat softenable materials forming a portion of the
channel of the mouthguard base 102. The softened material may be
formed over the user's teeth and, upon cooling, form a custom
channel fit to the user's teeth.
[0041] The recess 108 may be formed in the front surface of the
base 102 or a combination of the front surface and one or more of
the incisal surface or side surfaces of the base 102. The recess
108 may be sized to receive at least a portion of an
interchangeable component 104 and securely attach therewith. The
recess 108 may be optional, in that the component 104 may attach
directly to one or more surfaces of the base 102. The recess may
include an upper ridge 1904, lower lip 1902 or both to support
contact and integration of a component 104 (see view 1900 of FIG.
19).
[0042] The interchangeable component 104 may provide additional
functionality, stylistic customization or both, to the mouthguard
base 102. Increased functionality may include increased hardness,
durability, protection and safety. This may be accomplished by
forming the component 104 of one or more materials different than
the base material. The component 104 may have a higher durometer
value than the base 102, for example. Further functionality may
include the addition of one or more of cameras, sensors or GPS
devices, for example. The component 104 may include a camera for
on-field video or picture capture, sensors for detecting body
temperature or impact speeds or GPS for tracking total distance
covered or movement speed analysis. The component 104 may include
or be attached to further accessories, such as straps or tethers
404 (see view 400 of FIG. 4), protective shields or lip guards, for
example.
[0043] The interchangeable component 104 may increase the
customization of the mouthguard base 102 by providing a visual
distinction over a generic mouthguard system. The interchangeable
components 104 may be different colors from each other or the
mouthguard base 102. The component 104 may include a display
surface 106 in which a team or corporate logo is displayed. The
artwork 106 may include pictures, numbers, designs or patterns, for
example. The artwork 106 may be visible, not only on the front
surface of the base 102 (and outer surface of the component 104),
but may extend to one or more additional surfaces of the mouthguard
base 102.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view 400 of a mouthguard
base 104 and an interchangeable component in the form of tether
attachment is shown, according to some embodiments. As discussed
above, the component 104 may form or be attached to functional
accessories, such as the illustrated tether 404. One or more
attaching posts 402 may be positioned on the component and be sized
to securely attach with the oppositely positioned one or more holes
110 on the mouthguard base 102. Conversely, the attaching posts 402
may be positioned on the base 102 and the holes 110 positioned on
the component 104.
[0045] The attaching posts 402 may be formed from a material that
is harder than the material of the mouthguard base to permit the
attaching posts 402 to be more readily pushed through the holes
without substantial deformation which might cause them to bind. The
attaching posts 402 may arms, columns, male fittings, extensions,
etc. that may secured to or integral with the interchangeable
component 104. The attaching posts 402 may have a constant,
increasing or decreasing width or diameter as they extend from the
interchangeable component 104. Alternatively, the attaching posts
402 may have a size and or shape that varies along their length.
The attaching posts 402 are typically sized to fit or engage with
the one or more holes 110. The one or more holes 110 may be holes,
depressions, grooves, female fittings, recesses, etc. defined
within the mouthguard base or defined within components secured to
the mouthguard base. The attaching posts 402 may be shaped to
correspond to the shape of the holes 110 or may be otherwise shaped
to permit the attaching posts 402 to be engaged within the holes
110. For example, the attaching posts 402 or holes 110 may be
cylindrically shaped, oval shaped, triangularly shaped, square
shaped, pentagonally shaped, hexagonally shaped, irregularly shaped
or a combination thereof. The posts 402 may be of differing
heights, diameters or a combination thereof. The one or more
attaching posts 402 may further include one or more ridges
positioned along their length. In certain aspects, the ridges may
be positioned at a distal portion of the posts 402. The ridges may
extend circumferentially around the attaching posts 402 or may
extend around only a portion of the portion of the attaching posts
402. The ridges may act as a lip or edge to engage aspects of the
holes 110. The ridges and holes 110 may be configured to create a
positive tactile sensation or audible noise when the attaching
posts 402 are fully engaged within the holes 110. In certain
aspects, the ridges may extend around between about 40% to about
60% the circumference of the one or more attaching posts 402. In
other aspects, the ridges may surround about 20% to about 80% or
about 30% to about 70% the circumference of the attaching posts,
for example. A ridge extending around only a portion of the
attaching posts 402 may also or alternatively prevent a buildup of
pressure within the cavity during insertion and may inhibit the
formation of a vacuum between an attaching post 402 and hole
110.
[0046] The holes 110 are generally configured to receive and secure
one or more of the attaching posts 402. The holes 110 may be formed
in the mouthguard base 102 in a location that is anterior or
forward of the channel for receiving the teeth. The holes 110 may
include a larger distal cavity 2202 to receive and secure an
attaching post 402 that includes an enlarged distal end or ridge
(see view 2200 of FIG. 22) or may be otherwise shaped to conform or
not to conform with the attaching posts 402. As a component is
inserted (in direction of arrow 2204, generally vertical in this
embodiment), a vacuum or back pressure may resist the insertion. A
relief channel 2002 (see view 2000 of FIG. 20) may be provided to
allow for the escape of air or pressure (shown by arrow 2206)
and/or to function as a strain relief feature to allow for the hole
110 to deform when receiving the attaching post 402 or to deform
when the attaching post 402 is being removed. The relief channel
2002 may extend from an outer surface of the mouthguard base to an
inner surface of the mouthguard base that defines the holes 110.
The relief channel may alternatively be formed internally within
the inner surface defining the hole 110. One or more of the holes
110 may include a relief channel 2002, such as a slit, lateral
channel or vertical channel, for example.
[0047] The attaching posts 402 may be positioned substantially
vertically or vertically on the component to allow one or more of
the attaching posts 402 to be positioned anterior to the teeth in
the mouthguard base 102. In certain aspects, the attaching posts
402 are positioned such that one or more attaching posts 402 and
one or more holes 110 are substantially parallel or parallel to the
front surface of the mouthguard base when the interchangeable
component 104 is secured to the mouthguard base 102. The holes 110
and attaching posts 402 are generally positioned in front of the
teeth channel and may not pass completely through the mouthguard
base 102. Alternatively or in addition, the posts 402 may be
substantially horizontally positioned on the component 104, such
that the one or more attaching posts 402 and one or more holes 110
are perpendicular to the front surface of the mouthguard base. In
this embodiment, the holes 110 and attaching posts 402 may be
positioned in front of or under the teeth channel and do not pass
completely through the mouthguard base 102. The attaching posts 402
and optionally holes 110 may be positioned at an angle more or less
than parallel or perpendicular to the front surface or incisal
surface of the mouthguard base 102. The attaching posts 402 may
include varying circumferences along the length of each post, such
as a cone shape or a bulb shape, for example.
[0048] The attaching posts 402 are of sufficient hardness or
stiffness to remain substantial rigid during insertion to allow for
a proper fit with holes 110. Similarly, the mouthguard base 102 is
of sufficient hardness, or at least the portion supporting the
holes, to substantially receive the posts 402.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view 500 of the inner
side of a component is shown, according to some embodiments. The
attaching posts 402 may be generally vertical in position and be
positioned on a fitting feature 506 of the component 104. Fitting
features 506 may provide further surface area or function in
securely attaching the component 104 to mouthguard base 102. An
example of a fitting feature 506 may be a component recess 504.
Attaching posts 402 may include ridges or edges 502 or points 2102
and the like to increase attachment and compression forces (see
view 2100 of FIG. 21).
[0050] Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view 600 of the outer
surface of a component is shown, according to some embodiments.
Attaching posts 402 may extend above the upper surface of the
component 104 (as shown) or be flush or shorter than the upper
surface of the component 104. A display surface 106 may be visible
on at least an outer or front surface of the component 104.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view 700 of the side of a
component is shown, according to some embodiments. Attaching posts
402 may include a partial ridge, edge or flange 502 and
additionally be in contact with a fitting feature 506. The
attaching posts 402 may be angled toward the back of a user's
mouth, such as between an angle of about 85 degrees and about 70
degrees, about 75 degrees and 55 degrees, about 65 degrees and 45
degrees or less than about 45 degrees, for example. A bottom view
800 of the component 104 is illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 9-10, perspective views 900, 1000 of the
top (FIG. 9) and inner side (FIG. 10) of a component are shown,
according to some embodiments. Attaching posts 402 may be
positioned on or near fitting features 506 and be of differing
heights or positioned within a component recess 504, for
example.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 11, a perspective view 1100 of the side of
a component including horizontal attaching posts 402 is shown,
according to some embodiments. Horizontal or substantially
horizontally positioned attaching posts 402 may be included on a
component 104. A display surface 106 may be visible on the side
surfaces of the component, in addition to the front surface for
example.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 12, a perspective view 1200 of the front
side of a mouthguard base 102 including holes 110 is shown,
according to some embodiments. The recess 108 of a mouthguard base
102 may include holes 110 either on a front surface of the recess
108 or on an upper surface, for example. Holes 110 and attaching
posts 402 are generally aligned oppositely between the component
104 and mouthguard base 102 and may be attached by compression,
friction, mechanical fastening (such as utilizing an edge or lip to
secure the post with a hole), material interactions (weak chemical
attractions, for example) or some combination thereof.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 13, a perspective view 1300 of the inner
side of a component is shown, according to some embodiments.
Attaching posts 402 may be rectangular in shape and be oppositely
positioned with holes 110 that are sized or configured to
substantially match the shape of the attaching post 402 (see view
1400 of FIG. 14).
[0056] Additionally, the recess 108 of base 102 may be completely
enclosed and defined with a front surface of a mouthguard base 102
(see views 1600 and 1900 of FIGS. 16 and 18, respectively).
Alternatively, the recess 108 may be defined, not only in the
frontal surface of the base 102, but into one or more of the side
surfaces or incisal surface of the base 102 (see views 1500 and
1700 of FIGS. 15 and 17, respectively). Attaching posts 402 may be
horizontally positioned, vertically positioned or positioned at
some angle between the two positions on either the component 104 or
base 102. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.
.sctn.1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature
of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding
that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning
of the claims.
* * * * *