Patent Document

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/282,643 filed Oct. 29, 2002 now abandoned entitled DISPOSABLE ORAL HYGIENE INSTRUMENT AND METHODS AND PACKAGES FOR SAME, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/339,086 filed Oct. 30, 2001, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for facilitating maintenance of good oral hygiene. More particularly, the present invention is related to novel instruments for maintaining oral hygiene, and packages and methods for storing and dispensing such instruments. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As further background, conventional oral hygiene practices are designed to protect and maintain in good health and condition three main components—the teeth, gums, and tongue. Brushing one&#39;s teeth has become a fairly routine practice in society, with medium to soft bristle brushes being recommended along with toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles on and in between the teeth and gums. Although perhaps less widely practiced, the use of dental floss to clean between the teeth and gums is also a common practice. Current recommendations include such use of dental floss at least once daily to help remove materials which may cause tooth decay and a consequent need for treatment. 
     Dental practitioners recommend the use of a regular toothbrush with paste to brush the tongue. In addition, tongue cleaners are available and are used to scrape debris from the tongue as a separate practice from regular brushing and flossing. Nonetheless, tongue cleaning is perhaps the least practiced of these oral hygiene components. It is currently estimated that only one out of ten individuals clean their tongues each day. 
     The tongue serves multiple purposes in the mouth including to taste, to transfer food between teeth during chewing, and to participate in speech. In the course of daily eating habits a distinctive layer of plaque, bacteria, tongue debris or other material builds on the tongue. Excessive plaque can interfere with taste, and cause bad breath. Mouthwash and mouth fresheners may help to reduce bad breath but they do not eliminate the root cause. Improved habits and devices are thus needed to eliminate that root cause—tongue plaque. While a substantial percentage of the population may attempt to use a toothbrush to clean their tongue, the toothbrush is not designed for this purpose. The flexible bristles on the toothbrush do not provide sufficient resistance to effectively scrape away plaque on the tongue. In addition, the motion provided by the user may not be sufficiently symmetric about the tongue to cover most of its area. Moreover, the use of a toothbrush to clean the tongue can lead to choking or gagging, especially in children and adolescents. 
     While instruments have been proposed that are especially adapted for tongue cleaning, they have typically been inconvenient to use, to clean, and to store. Thus there exist needs for improved tongue cleaning instruments which are convenient to use, store and dispense. The present invention is addressed to these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a package for dispensing devices for cleaning tongue surfaces. The package includes a container having an opening, and a plurality of devices disposed within the container, wherein the devices each include at least one edge adapted to clean tongue surfaces. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the devices are connected to one another, but are separable from one another at breakaway points in between individual ones of the devices. These devices are dispensable through the opening in the container. 
     Another embodiment of the invention provides an article of manufacture that includes a strip having a plurality of devices for cleaning tongue surfaces, wherein the devices each have at least one edge adapted to clean tongue surfaces. The devices are separable from one another at breakaway points on the strip that occur in between individual ones of the devices. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a device for cleaning tongue surfaces that includes a central portion having at least one edge adapted to clean tongue surfaces. The device includes a first grip portion at a first end of the central portion, and a second grip portion at a second end of the central portion. The first and second grip portions each have a surface having proturbences therefrom to facilitate gripping during use. The central portion of the device is in a curved condition, or is deformable to a curve condition by manipulation of the first and second grip portions. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a package for dispensing devices for cleaning tongue surfaces. The package includes a container having an opening, and a strip disposed in the container and containing a plurality of devices for cleaning tongue surfaces. Each of the devices has at least one edge adapted to clean tongue surfaces. The strip is dispensable through the opening, and the package includes a cutting element arranged for cutting the strip to separate devices from the strip. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention provides a package for dispensing devices for cleaning tongue surfaces. The package includes a container having an opening. A plurality of devices for cleaning tongue surfaces is disposed in the container, wherein each device has at least one edge adapted to clean tongue surfaces. The devices are dispensable through the opening and are arranged in the container in a fashion wherein dispensing a first device from the opening presents a second device at the opening for subsequent dispensing. 
     The present invention provides improved tongue cleaning devices, articles of manufacture, packages for dispensing tongue cleaning devices, and related methods. Additional features, advantages and embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the further descriptions herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  provides an elevational view of the face of an individual with an extended tongue typical during a cleaning process. 
         FIG. 2  provides a front view of a tongue cleaning device of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  provides a cutaway view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 2B  provides a cutaway view of the device of  FIG. 2  taken along line B-B. 
         FIG. 3  provides a perspective view of a tongue cleaning device of the invention in use to clean the tongue. 
         FIG. 4  provides a front view of a strip containing a plurality of tongue cleaning devices of  FIG. 2  interconnected by breakaway tabs. 
         FIG. 4A  provides an enlarged cutaway view of the breakaway tabs as depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 5  provides a perspective view of a package for dispensing tongue cleaners in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 5A  provides a cross-sectional view of the package of  FIG. 5  (with the cap cut away) taken along the plane of line D-D and viewed in the direction of the arrows. 
         FIG. 5B  provides a cutaway view of the package of  FIG. 5  having the lid portion removed. 
         FIG. 6  provides a cutaway view of a package similar to that shown in  FIG. 5A , except having therein a stacked, folded configuration for a strip of tongue cleaning devices. 
         FIG. 6A  provides an enlarged view of the breakaway portions of the stacked tongue cleaning devices shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7  provides a perspective view of a strip of interconnected tongue cleaning devices similar to that shown in  FIG. 4  except having a substantially constant width dimension in the grip and central portions of the devices. 
         FIG. 8  shows a side view of a strip of tongue cleaning devices each having a loop structure. 
         FIG. 8A  shows a top view of the strip of tongue cleaning devices of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 9  provides a perspective view of another package for dispensing tongue cleaners of the invention. 
         FIG. 9A  shows a cross sectional view of the package of  FIG. 9  taken along the axial plane defined by line F-F and viewed in the direction of the arrows. 
         FIG. 9B  provides an enlarged cutaway view of the opening of the package of  FIG. 9  during a dispensing operation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, and alterations and modifications in the illustrated device, and further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are herein contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
     As disclosed above, the present invention provides novel tongue cleaning devices, and systems, packages and related methods for dispensing them. The devices and packages of the invention are conveniently used and allow for disposability, easy storage and portability during travel. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 1 , shown are details of an individual&#39;s face with tongue extended in a position typical of a cleaning operation. The individual includes a mouth  100  through which solid and liquid nutrients are consumed. The mouth  100  includes several anatomical sites including the tongue  200 , teeth  201 , and the gums  202 . These three parts of the mouth are the most important in terms of oral hygiene. While the shape of the tongue may vary from individual to individual, its main features include the dorsum or upper surface of the tongue body, and the cecum, from which the thyroid gland originates. The dorsum of the tongue has several types of papillae bearing numerous taste buds. These are usually arranged in a V-shape. One type of papillae, called the fungiform papillae, also contains numerous taste buds which help to identify taste, touch, pain and temperature of any materials touching the same. To optimize the sense of taste, touch, pain and temperature, the papillae must be clean and free from plaque deposits that may form during normal eating habits. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 2 , shown is a tongue cleaning device  300  of the invention. The device  300  has two ends  301  which may or may not be identical to one another. The device  300  further includes a body or central portion  302  connected to the end portions  301  by a neck region  308 . In accordance with the invention, neck region  308  can be either a sharp transition or a gentle radius as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In certain embodiments, the ends  301  are wider than the central portion of the body  302 . The ends  301  are used as handles during use of the device  300 . Further, ends  301  may have extrusions, protrusions or other proturbences  303  on either one end or on both ends  301 . The proturbences facilitate gripping by a user of the device, for example between the index finger and the thumb. Such surface gripping features assist in maintaining the user&#39;s grasp of the device during an operation wherein the body or central portion  302  is passed over the tongue in a scraping motion. In certain embodiments of the invention, typical dimensions of the device  300  and similar devices described herein are about 100 millimeters to about 125 millimeters (i.e. about four inches to about five inches) in total length, about 5 millimeters (i.e. about 0.2 inches) in breadth along the central portion  308 , and less than about 1 millimeter in width (thickness), for example about 0.5 millimeters (i.e. about 0.02 inches) in width. The breadth of the ends or handle portions  301  may be the same as, or vary from, the breadth of the central portion  302 . Preferably, the breadths of the end portions  301  will be greater than that of the central portion  302 . It will be understood that these dimensions are illustrative of preferred embodiments and that the dimensions of devices of the invention may vary as determined by ergonomics, manufacturing concerns, and other similar factors. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 2  along with  FIGS. 2A and 2B , as discussed above, the handles  301  desirably include gripping surface features such as extrusions or protrusions  303  or other proturbences. It will be understood that the depicted handles  301  and protrusions or extrusions  303  are illustrative in nature, and that they need not be symmetrical about the body or central portion  302  of the device  300  in accordance with the invention. Such extrusions can be of linear, cross-hatched, oblique or curved design, or any other pattern or configuration that provides for the grip needed between the index finger and the thumb to help in the scraping motion when the device  300  is used on the tongue. Additionally, other gripping features on handle portions of the devices may include non-skid laminations or secondary layers adhered to the handle surface, optionally using bonding agents such as medical grade glue. 
     With reference particularly to  FIG. 2A , shown is a cross-sectional view of the body or central portion  302  of the device  300 . The central portion  302  presents two edges which are configured to be smooth to help prevent injury to the tongue during use of the device  300 . At the same time, at least one of these edges is radiused or otherwise adapted to present an edge that is effective in scraping debris from tongue surfaces. In one embodiment, both edges of the central portion  302  can be so adapted. 
     Generally, tongue cleaning devices of and used in packages and systems of the invention will be free of any sharp edges or corners that could cause injury to tongue or other tissues during handling and use. Tongue cleaning devices of and used in the invention can be made of any suitable biocompatible material having a ductility and yield strength sufficient to prevent breakage during use, including for example a plastic (e.g. a soft plastic such as silicone) a or metal that is not susceptible to rust. If made of plastic, devices of the invention may be manufactured in various colors and designs. Further, plastic used in tongue cleaning devices of the invention can be impregnated or coated with flavoring agents such as mint, spearmint, bubblegum, fruit flavors, etc., and/or with coloring agents, including the provision of varying color, art design, or patterns on the device, to make the device more appealing to adult, adolescent or child users. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 3 , shown is device  300  of the invention in use. In particular, device  300  is used in a scraping operation upon the tongue. Typically, the device  300  will be used to scrape the tongue in a top to bottom (or back to front) fashion as indicated by arrows  305 . The body or central portion  302  of the device  300  may be deformed to a curved condition across the tongue using the handles  301 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the tongue is extended out from the mouth in a generally flat position, which allows for more complete scraping of the tongue with the central portion  302 . One or more scraping motions from top to bottom are performed to remove debris. The number of scraping motions or repetitions required may depend upon the duration between cleaning of the tongue and the kinds of foods that the individual eats or drinks, as excessively fatty foods may build plaque quicker than other foods. It is expected that at least three such motions will at times be needed to help remove plaque buildup on the tongue. Lesser repetitions may be used if a regular tongue scraping habit is developed. The result of good scraping is evidenced by the exposure of the underlying pink tissue of the tongue and the exposure of the taste buds contained in the numerous papillae on the tongue. The device  300  of the invention can be effectively used to clean substantial portions of the tongue without choking or other difficulties such as gagging, with trial and error by the user establishing the most effective and comfortable range of tongue cleaning. For children or adolescents, some supervision may be needed until safe and comfortable habits are established. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3 , the illustration assists in understanding the effective design of the device  300 . As can be seen, central portion  302  is curved over and in contact with the tongue for effective scraping. Central portion  302  is of sufficient length to traverse the tongue and as shown is desirably sufficiently long to space handles  301  from the tongue for effective gripping by the user. After an initial scraping of the tongue, the user can rinse the invention with water, optionally soapy water, and then use the device again for continued cleaning of the tongue. In addition, the device  300  may be inverted to use the opposite edge of the central portion  302  in similar fashion for tongue cleaning. The device  300  may then be disposed of after the cleaning operation is complete. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , shown is an article of manufacture including a strip containing multiple devices  300  of the invention. The strip may contain, for example, fifteen or thirty devices  300 , which can thereby be packaged together. It will be understood that the number of devices in the strip or otherwise packaged together may vary and that systems containing two or more devices for tongue cleaning are considered as within the broader aspects of the invention. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4A , the devices  300  are attached in sequence by two or more slender filaments  307  on the end of a first device  300  and two or more slender filaments  306  on an end of a second device  300 , with the filaments made of the same material as the devices  300 . The filaments  306  and  307  extend from the end of one device handle  301  to the end of another device handle  301 . Intentional notches  309 , providing breakaway points, are made on the slender filaments  306  and  307 . The filaments  306  and  307  are designed such that there is a predetermined force to failure of the filaments at the notched area  309 . This force to failure helps the user to separate one device of the invention  300  from the remaining devices of the invention in the strip. These notched and other breakable areas that are relatively weaker against breakage than adjacent areas are contemplated for use in the present invention, including for example thinned wall areas, perforations, scores, or the like. 
     As explained below, a dispensing packaging system for the devices may also include an adaptation to aid in the separation of devices  300  from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the filaments  306  and  307  are manufactured as a part of the devices  300  and in particular the handles  301 . Other methods of attachment of devices  300  to one another such as removable glue, static attachment, etc., are also contemplated as within the present invention, wherein such attachments can be similarly used in the convenient sequential dispensing or presentation of devices from packages. 
       FIG. 5  provides a perspective view of a container or package  400  providing a dispensing system for devices for cleaning tongue surfaces. The container or package  400  contains features including a lid  401 , body  402 , lid handle  403 , closure rim  408 , and standing legs  407 . Lid  401  allows the container to be opened and closed as needed, which operation is facilitated by the lid handle  403 . Lid  401  helps to prevent dust and other debris from entering and contaminating the devices  300  stored within the container  400 . Lid  401  interacts with the body  402  and in particular the closure rim  408  to create a closure seal for such purposes. The standing legs  407  may be provided in any number or configuration to allow for stable package standing during storage. At the same time, the legs  407  should not be of a size or dimension that interferes with normal and easy storage of the container  400 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5A , shown is a cross-sectional view of the device  400  of  FIG. 5  taken through the center of the container, generally along the plane defined by line D-D. Lid  401  of device  400  is also cutaway in the view of  FIG. 5A .  FIG. 5A  shows an interior mechanism by which a dispensing system functions to provide a user with devices  300  as needed. The internal mechanism includes a spindle  406  which can optionally be placed centrally within the container  400  as shown. The spindle  406  is free to move about its central axis in a rotational fashion. A strip containing a plurality of devices  300  attached together by means of thin filaments  306  and  307  (see  FIGS. 4 and 4A ) is wound around the spindle. Particularly, the dotted or phantom line indicates the strip containing about fifteen to thirty devices  300  wound around the spindle  406 . Again, it will be understood that the number of devices in the strip may vary from this number in the present invention. The winding of devices  300  around the spindle provides a reel of devices  300  that can be conveniently stored and dispensed. As discussed further herein below, the plurality of devices  300  may be stored in the package and other arrangements including stacking on top of one another or other configurations that provide a convenient, preferably sequential, presentation of the devices for use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5B , shown is a perspective view of the package of  FIG. 5 , with lid  401  cut away. An end  301  of a first device  300  is looped through the outlet opening  404  of the container  400 . The outlet opening  404  may be of optimal shape and size to allow for the easy passage of the device  300 . The outlet opening  404  may be padded with soft material if desired to prevent damage to the device  300  during removal. The location of outlet opening  404  may vary depending upon the location needed to provide efficient mechanical dispensation of devices from the container  400 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet opening  404  is located on the top right of the container body  402 . This provides convenient mechanical action since the devices  300  are wound about the spindle  406  in a counter-clockwise direction in the view presented. If the devices  300  were wound about the spindle in a clockwise direction, the outlet could conveniently be placed on the top left corner of the container body  402  in the view presented. As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the end  301  of a first device  300  is looped through the outlet opening  404  and passed through the cutting element  405 . The cutting element  405  may be made of a harder plastic material than that of the device  300 , or made of a metal such as steel that is not susceptible to rust. Cutting element  405  may optionally include a knife edge on one of its corners to help the user to separate the device  300  from other devices  300  in the strip at the breakaway notch  309  (see  FIG. 5A ). When used, the knife or other cutting edge may be placed in such a position where the user intends to separate the devices  300  at the notches  309  of filaments  306  and  307 . In this fashion, the knife edge may assist the user in applying the predetermined load to separate the devices at the notch  309  of the filaments  306  and  307 . In other embodiments, break assist elements other than knife edges may be used, including for example a cutting element having a serrated edge made, for example, of metal. The design of the cutting or other break assist element will take into consideration the safety of the user to prevent injuries during a separation of device  300  from the strip in which it is contained. In addition, where cutting element  405  is adapted to sever a plastic or other material susceptible to cutting, a plurality of devices may be provided in the strip even where the strip is a continuous or uninterrupted web of material of sufficient length to provide multiple tongue cleaning elements. Thus, breakaway portions or other weakened areas are not necessary in such embodiments of the invention. Preferably, the cutting element is an integral part of the container body  402 . In addition, the outlet opening  404  may include an anti-slip mechanism that restricts the device  300  and devices within the container from unintentionally retracting into the body of container  402  whereby they would be inaccessible or only difficulty accessible to the user. Such an anti-slip mechanism may include the creation of friction between the walls or edges of the outlet opening  400  and the strip of devices  300 , or other similar friction mechanisms. Further, the spindle mechanism  406  may include a spring mechanism to provide tension on the strip of devices  300  to help in the ease of dispensing and/or preventing retraction of the devices by the user. Suitable spring mechanisms for these purposes are known to those skilled in the art. Where the width of device  300  varies along its length, the design of the outlet and cutting element will take this into account. Further, anti-slip and tension springs on the spindle  406  may help in accommodating such variations while achieving a smooth and convenient dispensing operation. 
     As discussed above, the lid tab  403  is used to help the user open the lid and to expose the dispensing mechanism. Once the user has successfully removed a device  300 , the lid  401  can be closed to protect the remaining devices  300 . If desired, the dispensing container or package  400  can be completely or partially made of transparent material to expose the mechanisms of the dispensing system. This may assist the user in determining the quantity of devices remaining for use and whether replenishment is necessary. A closure rim  408  that cooperates with the lid  401  to create a seal, as discussed above, is optional and especially useful in environments that are more susceptible to dust and debris. The lid  401  is optionally hinged to the body  402  and can be hinged either along the long or short axis of the container, as defined by ergonomic or manufacturing needs. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 6 , shown is a cross-sectional view of an alternate package  500  for dispensing tongue cleaners of the invention. Package  500  includes a container having an opening and cutting element similar to that of package  400  described hereinabove. However, within package  500  there is contained a strip containing a plurality of devices  300  in a stacked configuration, rather than a wound configuration. In particular, a plurality of devices  300  are interconnected at their ends to one another and stacked in a zigzag or alternating direction fashion within a container  501 . To accomplish this stacking, the devices are folded over one another, with the fold-point residing in the filaments  506  and  507  and at the notched area  509 . Optionally, filaments  506  and  507  can be manufactured as non-linear elements having a bend or corner therein, as illustrated, to assist in the fold and stacking of the device  300  (see  FIG. 6A ). It will be understood that package  500  can otherwise contain elements similar to those of package  400 , including lids, closures, standing legs, etc. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 7 , shown is another embodiment of the invention in which a strip containing a plurality of tongue cleaning devices presents devices  510  having a substantially constant height along their length, thus having a substantially constant height among their central portions  511  and handle portions  512 . Devices  510  also include proturbences such as protrusions or extrusions  513  on handle portions  512 , on at least one face and optionally both faces of the device  510 . As shown, devices  510  are interconnected with notched filaments as in previously-described and depicted embodiments. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , shown is another embodiment of the invention in which a strip of tongue cleaning devices presents a plurality of devices  520  each having a scraping body portion  521  and handle body portion  522  connected to one another at the ends thereof. Scraping body portion  521  includes at least one edge adapted to scrap debris from tongue surfaces, optionally two edges (one on each side), and handle body portion  522  is adapted to serve as a handle during a top to bottom scraping motion of the body portion  521  across the tongue. Body portions  521  and  522  are connected for example by welding or other means at locations such as those depicted at  523 , and are also optionally heat welded or otherwise connected to one another along filaments  524  and  525  in which breakaway notch  526  is located. 
     Handle portion  522  and scraping body portion  521  are designed as flexible elements, wherein handle body portion  522  can be bowed outwardly during a scraping motion, thus increasing the level of curvature in scraping body portion  521  during the scraping motion. As depicted, the periphery of scraping body portion  521  defines a scraping edge  527  that is arcuate. This arcuate edge  527  assists in maintaining contact with the tongue surface across its lateral dimension during the scraping motion. Thus, scraping edge  527  can be adapted to facilitate following the contours of the generally rounded tongue surface to improve the removal of debris from the surface. As illustrated, devices  520  are arranged sequentially and interconnected on the strip. In this fashion, devices  520  can be dispensed from wound or stacked configurations such as those depicted in the prior figures for packages  400  and  500 . Strips containing devices  520  can be manufactured in any convenient fashion. In one fashion, separate strips containing a plurality of scraping body portions  521  and handle body portions  522  can be aligned with one another and appropriate connections such as welds made along their length to form a plurality of interconnected devices  520 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 8 , tongue cleaning device of the invention  520  can also be adapted and used as a double-edged tongue scraper, in which body portions  521  and  522  each have at least one edge (and optionally both edges) adapted to scrape tongue surfaces, and the user grips the device  520  at handle portions presented at  523 , which handle portions may have surface gripping features as described herein. Body portion  521  would then trail body portion  522  across the tongue during the scraping motion, providing a double scraping function with a single back-to-front pass of the device  520 . In this fashion, a more rapid, effective cleaning of tongue surfaces is facilitated. It will be understood that more than two such body portions could also be provided, for example three or four such body portions, to provide more scraping functions per pass of the device. Thus, in general, another embodiment of the invention provides tongue cleaning devices having two or more scraping edges adapted to pass in concert over the tongue during a single pass of the device. Such multi-edge tongue cleaning devices of the invention are desirably, but not necessarily, presented in multiple-device strip form, or in convenient dispensing packages as described herein. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9 ,  9 A and  9 B shown is another package  600  for dispensing tongue cleaning devices of the invention. Package  600  includes a container  601  having a generally rectangular shape. A plurality of tongue cleaning devices  610  are contained within container  601 . Devices  610  are similar to those devices depicted in  FIG. 7  as  510 , except devices  610  are in individual rather than strip form, and do not contain filaments interconnecting them. Container  601  includes an opening  602  for dispensing the tongue cleaning devices  610 . Container also includes therein a spring device  603  positioned beneath a stack of devices  610  and adapted to bias the stack upwardly in the container  601 . Container  601  has an inner chamber containing the devices  610 . The walls of such inner chamber are sufficiently correlated to the dimensions of the exterior perimeter of devices  610  to maintain a relatively orderly stack of devices  610  for dispensing. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9B , the dispensing adaptations and operation of the package  600  will be more particularly described. Opening  602  includes a first position  604  presenting through the upper surface of container  601  and a second portion  605  presenting through a side wall of container  601 . In this fashion, the user may employ a thumb, finger or other implement to initiate contact with the presented device  610  (the uppermost device in the stack in the illustrated embodiment), and apply lateral force to the device  610  to dispense the device  610  laterally through the second (side wall) portion  605  of opening  602 . An upper surface  607  of the chamber defined in container  601  is provided at a height which presents the uppermost tongue cleaning device  610  having its lower surface positioned at a level such that lateral dispensing from the container through second (side wall) opening  605  is possible. At the same time, upper surface  607 , along with the uppermost device  610 , retain the next underlying device  610  at a level wherein an inner surface  606  of a side wall of container  601  protects against any ejection of the underlying device  610  as the uppermost device  610  is dispensed. In the illustrated embodiment, devices  610  contain extrusions, protrusions or other proturbences  611 , as in prior-described tongue cleaning devices. These protrusions  611  serve not only for gripping during tongue scraping, but also serve as a friction enhancement during lateral dispensing of the uppermost device  610 , and as an effective spacer between devices  610  to improve assurance that underlying devices  610  are positioned sufficiently beneath the uppermost device  610  to contact inner wall surface  606  and thus prevent ejection or dispensing of the underlying device  610  as the uppermost device  610  is dispensed. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Technology Category: a