Mouth guard retaining device

Abstract

A mouth guard retaining device is provided for retaining a mouth guard against a protective helmet when the mouth guard is not in use. The device includes an elongated member having a connection device at a lower end for connection with a portion of the helmet and a detent or reversely folded portion at another end which is operable to displace the elongated member. The member is formed of synthetic plastic material which has a limited degree of flexure so that the member is displaceable between a normal closed condition where the detent engages the helmet and an open condition where the detent is spaced from the helmet to allow the user to insert or remove the mouth guard from the device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A clip for retaining a mouth guard against a helmet including a face mask, comprising
 an elongated member formed of resilient material and operable between normal and extended positions, said elongated member including   (a) a connection device at one end for clamping said member onto a portion of a helmet face mask;   (b) a reversely folded portion at another end of said elongated member; and   (c) a convex projection extending from said elongated member intermediate said connection device and said reversely folded portion to define a swale for receiving a mouth guard, whereby when said member is in the extended position, a mouth guard may be inserted or removed from said swale and when member is returned to the normal position, said member retains the mouth guard against the helmet.   
     
     
         2 . A retaining device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said elongated member is formed of synthetic plastic material. 
     
     
         3 . A retaining device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said connection device comprises a compression fitting. 
     
     
         4 . A retaining device as defined in  claim 4 , wherein said compression fitting includes a concave recess for receiving a portion of the face mask. 
     
     
         5 . A retaining device as defined in  claim 5 , wherein said compression fitting further comprises at least one pair of aligned openings within portions of said connection device on opposite sides of said recess and a screw passing through said openings for drawing said connection device portions together, whereby when a portion of the face mask is arranged in said recess, said compression fitting is operable to clamp said elongated member on the face mask portion. 
     
     
         6 . A retaining device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said reversely folded portion defines a channel for receiving a mouth guard. 
     
     
         7 . A retaining device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said connection device includes a rearward projection arranged adjacent to an edge of the helmet to prevent the retaining device from rotating about the face mask and away from the helmet. 
     
     
         8 . A retaining device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said retaining device includes at least a notch in said connection device on either side of said elongated member to enhance air circulation and prevent accumulation of moisture.