CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This invention claims priority from Provisional Patent Application No. 60/406,466, filed in the name of the inventor Dr. Harold Katz on Aug. 28, 2002. 


   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention is concerned with a combined tongue depressor and oral spray mechanism which is used to dispense or spray a solution or fluid, such as a liquid, a gel, a gel paste or any other material so that the rear portion of the throat area, and the rear portion of the tongue, tonsil area or pharynx can be reached by the material being sprayed. 
   2. Description of Prior Art 
   Conventional oral spray devices use a spray head which just about enters the forward or opening mouth portion, and the spray or material dispensed does not reach the throat portion, tonsil area or the dorsal or rear portion of the tongue or the pharynx area. Specifically, the spray may also be blocked by the tongue raising its position in the mouth cavity. Moreover, when a conventional spray head is used, the spray portion or item dispensed spreads and contacts the posterior portion of the tongue and does not reach the rear of the mouth and the effectiveness of the oral spray, i.e. item dispensed is dissipated. It has also been found that when a conventional spray head or dispenser is used the user&#39;s tongue also tends to prevent the spray or dispensed item from reaching the pharynx, tonsil area, throat or rear portion of the mouth where the tonsils are located, and as well as the dorsal portion of the tongue. 
   To use a conventional tongue depressor, together with a dispensing mechanism or spray device, both individually would be cumbersome for a user. 
   It has also been found that heretofore conventional spray devices may be difficult to manipulate because the orientation of the spray nozzle may be difficult to adjust based on the connection between the spray nozzle and the material container. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In order to avoid the deleterious effects of conventional spray devices, I have developed a combined tongue depressor and oral spray device or dispensing device which can be used by individuals having the requirement for different angular usages. In one of the preferred embodiments, the device can be used by individuals having a different sized mouth cavity. 
   The purpose of the combined tongue depressor and oral spray is to provide for a head portion or discharge nozzle at the distal end of the mechanism so as to have or enable the oral spray which includes any product or material that is dispersed or can be dispersed through a nozzle opening to reach the intended area without having the tongue prevent the spray or dispensed product from reaching the throat portion, while the proximal end of the mechanism is close to a container containing the fluid or item to be dispensed. 
   The oral spray which is intended to be dispersed by the inventive combined tongue depressor and oral spray dispenser because the material to be dispensed is intended primarily to reach a particular area of a person&#39;s mouth and oral cavity. To be most effective, it is intended that the material reach the rear of the mouth cavity as explained. The oral spray to be dispensed or item to be dispensed is to be distinguished from other oral sprays and dispensed items wherein location or intended areas may not be as sensitive as the intended area for the dispersion of the oral spray to be dispersed with the combined tongue depressor and oral spray dispenser. 
   For the utility of the material dispensed, the rear of the mouth cavity is the most important area to be reached and the tongue has a tendency to block the opening to the rear portion of the mouth cavity. 
   The combined tongue depressor and oral spray mechanism includes a distal end portion which provides a mechanism having one or more orifices to dispense the fluid and is connected with a central portion having an inner passageway through which the material or fluid can pass from its entry portion at the proximal end of the central portion to the exit portion at the distal end. A movable connection is provided for connecting the proximal end of the central portion to a fluid container having a fluid dispensing mechanism. 
   In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the combined tongue depressor and oral spray mechanism can be adjusted for any individual mouth cavity and for any different angular control. 
   The combined tongue depressor and oral spray mechanism may have a cylindraceous or a quadrangular outer configuration with a round portion outer configuration, an oval outer configuration or at least one flat portion outer configuration adapted to engage or rest on top of the tongue portion or any other outer configuration suitable to be applied to the upper surface of the tongue portion, if necessary to prevent any part or portion of the tongue from interfering with the spray discharged from the discharge nozzle at the distal end. 
   The central portion in one embodiment for universal usage is preferably about three inches in length to enable the distal end portion with the nozzle to reach the throat cavity and the dorsal portion of the tongue. This is for an adult. For a child, the length extent may be approximately one inch. For this purpose, the present invention proposes another embodiment having an adjustable central portion. In one preferred embodiment, a telescopic arrangement is used to provide for the length adjustment. This avoids the necessity of having different sized devices for different individuals. 
   It is important to appreciate that the tongue may prevent the dispensed product from reaching the rear of the mouth as set forth above. It is important for the product or material to reach down deep into the throat portion of the individual. 
   The present invention overcomes the problem of “Gag Reflex” which happens substantially automatically when any foreign object touches a sensitive area in the back of ones throat and the rear portion of the tongue. 
   To understand the purpose of the present invention in more detail, it is necessary to consider the problems in connection with bad breath. 
   Bad breath is caused by Anaerobic Sulfur Producing Bacteria which normally live WITHIN the surface of the tongue and in the throat. These bacteria are supposed to be there, because they assist humans in digestion by breaking down proteins found in specific foods, mucous or phlegm, blood, and in diseased or “broken-down” oral tissue. Under certain conditions, these bacteria start to break down proteins at a very high rate. Proteins are made up of Amino Acids. Two of the Amino Acids, Cysteine and Methionine, are dense with sulfur. It is these Amino Acids which are not desired and can cause problems. 
   When these “beneficial” bacteria come into contact with these compounds, the odorous and “bad-tasting” sulfur compounds are released from the back or dorsal portion of the tongue and throat, as Hydrogen Sulfide, Methyl Mercaptan, and other odorous and bad tasting compounds. These “problem” compounds are often referred to as Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC), where volatile means Vaporous and Effervescent, two adjectives which accurately describe their ability to offend other people instantly. 
   An understanding of Bacteriology will explain a very important fact about these “bugs.” These are not “bad guys”—they are not infectious. Everyone in the world has the same group of bacteria in their mouth. You cannot “catch” bad breath from someone else—even by kissing. Since they are part of our normal oral flora, you cannot permanently remove them from your mouth—not by tongue scraping, not by antibiotics, and not by rinses which claim to “lift the bacteria off your tongue”. The only scientifically proven and clinically effective method of halting Halitosis is by attacking the bacteria&#39;s ability to produce VSC and by converting the VSC into non-odorous and non-tasting organic salts. 
   I have found that with present sprays and tongue scrapers the dorsal portion of the tongue and the throat cavity still harbor these bad “bugs”, and I have tried to solve the problem to eliminate the development of the VSC. 
   The anaerobic bacteria not only live on the tongue and in particular at the dorsal portion of the tongue, but are located in the rear portion of the mouth cavity. Use of a conventional spray head does not reach the rear of the mouth cavity, and therefore the entire effectiveness of the oral spray only reaches part of the intended area within the mouth cavity. Moreover, with a conventional spray head, the tongue tends to block the spray and prevent it from reaching the rear of the mouth cavity. 
   It is therefore the purpose of this invention to provide an oral spray mechanism which can reach the throat cavity for dispensing a material such as a fluid, a liquid in a mass or a gel of droplets or a gel paste or any material which may be discharged, as discharged from a pressurized container having an exit orifice. 
   Yet a further important purpose of my invention is to stop bad breath due to activity at the tonsil area, throat portion and rear portion of the tongue so as to neutralize the sulphur compounds that were created by the anaerobic bacteria that live in the deep recesses of the throat, tongue and tonsil area. 
   It is a further purpose of this invention to provide a combined tongue depressor and oral spray to permit the contents of a pressurized or non-pressurized container to have the fluid or gel contents thereof to be discharged as the oral spray in order to reach the rear of the mouth cavity without having the tongue interfere with the oral spray. 


   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, and to have its purposes and advantages become readily apparent, reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of one embodiment the combined tongue depressor and oral spray mechanism shown attached to a container adapted to contain a spray liquid with the mechanism shown in full outline in one position and in dashed outline displaced 180° from the full outline position; 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the combined tongue depressor and oral spray mechanism of  FIG. 1 , and showing the fluid or liquid content container, closure cap and the tongue depressor and oral spray mechanism in the one full outline situation looking down to the container shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a front view partially in section of the fluid or liquid exit discharge nozzle as shown in  FIG. 1  and the connection to the container containing the fluid or liquid contained in the container to be dispensed by the combined tongue depressor and oral spray mechanism illustrating the exit orifice; 
       FIG. 4  is a partial schematic view facing the front of the nozzle shown looking in the direction of line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  of the fluid or liquid exit from the nozzle portion of the combined tongue depressor and oral discharge; 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic view of a portion human face with the mouth portion shown in phantom and the combined tongue depressor and spray nozzle in the mouth cavity; 
       FIG. 6  is a modification of longitudinal tube  30  as shown in  FIG. 1  in its collapsed or non-extended condition; 
       FIG. 7  is another view of the modified longitudinal tube shown in  FIG. 6  in its extended condition; 
       FIG. 8  is a partial elevational view of a modification of the dispensing spray nozzle  40  as shown in  FIG. 1  and provided with an oval exit portion configuration and a plurality of exit orifices; 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the modification shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the exit portion of the outer oval shaped member attached to the longitudinal tube shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a partial elevational side view of a modification of the longitudinal tube of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of the longitudinal tube of  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic side view of a modification of the combined tongue depressor and oral spray mechanism shown in  FIG. 1  and provided with an exit portion connected to the longitudinal tube to provide universal movement in all directions and illustrating the longitudinal tube in three different positions, one of which is in full outline, and the other three in dashed outline to show movement to various different positions; 
       FIG. 15  is a top view of the modification shown in  FIG. 14  and illustrating the different positions of the extension tube for movement into different positions showing the extension tube in different positions about a vertical or central axis of the container; 
       FIG. 16  is a front view of the modification shown in  FIG. 14  and illustrating the extension tube displaced from the longitudinal axis of the fluid container; 
       FIG. 17  is a partial elevational view shown partially in section to illustrate in detail the structure for the material dispensing arrangement between the container and the tongue depressor portion so that the dispenser can be moved in all directions; 
       FIG. 18  is a sectional view taken along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 19  is a partial sectional view similar to  FIG. 17  but showing the tongue depressor portion moved from the position shown in  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 20  is a partial sectional view taken along  20 - 20  of  FIG. 17 ; and 
       FIG. 21  is another partial sectional view taken along line  21 - 21  of  FIG. 17 . 
   


   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings and in particular to  FIG. 1  which shows one embodiment of one of the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the invention, the combined tongue depressor and spray device  10  is shown attached to or associated with a fluid container  12  for containing the liquid or fluid to be dispensed and sprayed through device  10 . 
   As best seen in  FIG. 1 , the combined tongue depressor and oral spray device, device  10 , is connected with container  12  which is adapted to contain the liquid or fluid to be sprayed. Closure member  14  closes inner extension portion  16  of container  12  which is an entry portion extension from container  12  and entry-exit portion for the material contained within the container. Closure member extension portion  18  forms part of the fluid dispensing mechanism and is coupled with closure device  14  and is a guideway for pressure member  20  connected with longitudinal tube  30 . 
   Referring now more particularly to  FIG. 3  which shows extension portion  18  and pressure member  20 , extension portion  18  provides a guideway for pressure member to move both in a vertical direction relative to a central axis  22  which coincides with a central axis of container  12 , and also permits and confines rotation of pressure member about the central axis  22 . Pressure member  20  is rotatable relative to extension portion  18  and is movable axially along axis  22  relative to extension portion  18 . 
   Extension portion  18  has an outer extending portion  24  which is in contact with the outside surface of pressure member  20  and pressure member  20  has an outwardly extension portion  26  which cooperate with each other for guiding and preventing the pressure member from becoming disconnected from extension portion  18 . 
   The outwardly extension portion  26  which cooperates with outer extending portion  24  prevents pressure member  20  from becoming dislodged from closure member extension portion  18 . 
   Outwardly extension portion  26  and outwardly extending portion  24  cooperate to guide the movement of pressure member  20  relative to closure member extension portion  18  both rotationally about axis  22  and longitudinally along axis  22 . 
   Closure member  20  includes a central tubular member  28  which communicates with longitudinal tube  30  and container  12  so that pressure created by pumping action of pressure member  20  causes the contents of container to enter into central opening  32  of longitudinal tube  30 . 
   Extension portion  18  is connected with member  14  to permit movement of pressure member  20  relative to extension portion  18 . Pressure member  20  is rotatable relative to extension portion  18  and is movable axially related to the longitudinal axis of container  12  during both the pumping action and non-pumping action of pressure member  20 . Extension portion  18  of the dispensing mechanism is connected with closure  14  and permits rotation of pressure member  20  through an arc of 360° about the longitudinal axis of container  12 . Pressure member  20  is coupled with extension portion  18  and is used to cause the contents in the in container to be expelled by vertically pushing pressure member  20  relative to closure member  14  and extension portion  18 . 
   Tongue depressor and oral spray device  10  is swively connected to pressure member  20  and is rotatable through an arc of 360° about an axis perpendicular to longitudinal axis  22  of pressure member  20 . The spray device  10  may also be considered to be swively connected with pressure member  20 . 
   The combined movements of the tongue depressor and oral spray device  10  and pressure member  20  relative to container  12  which is hand-held permits sufficient movement of device  10  relative to container  12  so that the rear portion of the mouth can be sprayed with ease. 
   As best seen in  FIG. 3  which schematically shows the plunger mechanism which includes pressure member  20  and is shown partially in section and includes an inner rim member defined by outwardly extending portion  26 . Pressure member  20  cooperates with closure member extension portion  18  which is provided with outer extending portion  24  facing towards the central axis  22 . Portion  26  is pressure fitted within the inner portion of outwardly extension portion  26  and is held by frictional engagement with inner rim member  50  of closure member extension portion  18 , and outwardly extending portion  24  is in engagement with outer surface  52  of pressure member  20 . 
   Pressure member  20  includes a roof portion  48  having internally thereof an L-shaped fluid guide member  34  extending therefrom which directs the material from central tubular member  28  to longitudinal tube  30 . Fluid guide member  34  surrounds central tubular member  28  and has an opening or orifice  54  forming an outer tubular exit member from fluid guide member  34 . Exit member or exit portion  56  of closure member  18  opens into central tubular member  28 . Movement of pressure member vertically and axially about the central axis  22  of container  12  causes material to be expelled from the container  12 . 
   Pressure member  20  as schematically shown is provided with an exit opening or orifice member  58  for communication with opening  54  of tubular member  28 . Fluid guide member  34  is an L-shaped which has one leg  34   a  provided with an opening  62  surrounding orifice member  58  so that the material from container  12  and passing through central tubular member  28  can be expelled through the orifice  58  into longitudinal tube  30 . Tubular member  28  is surrounded by the other leg  34   b  of L-shaped fluid guide member  34   
   L-shaped fluid guide shaped member  34  has its opening  58  opening into central opening  32  of longitudinal tube  30 . Central opening  32  has one end opening into and communicating with exit orifice member  58 . 
   Tongue depressor and oral spray device  10  generally includes an L-shaped rotatable coupling member  36  at one end of tube  30  which is swively connected with pressure member  20  so as to permit longitudinal tube  30  to be universally movable relative to pressure member  20  and container  12 , and for this purpose longitudinal tube  30  is shown in one position in solid outline and in a position displaced 180° in dashed outline, but it should be noted that it can assume any number of conventional positions for its intended use as best seen in  FIGS. 44 to 21 . 
   Longitudinal tube  30  can have various cross-sectional configurations, and as noted in the first embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 5 , has a circular outer configuration when a transverse section is taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis thereof, and as shown in  FIGS. 11 to 13 . In a similar manner, the outer configuration can have a square or rectangular or oval configuration when a transverse section is taken orthogonally to the longitudinal or central axis  44  of tube  30 , an example of which is shown in  FIGS. 8 to 10 . 
   L-shaped member  36  as shown partially in section includes an extension portion  62  which is on the inside of pressure member  20  and adjacent to the outer rim portion of exit opening  58 , so that it is rotatably connected with pressure member  20  of orifice member  56 , and as seen in more detail in  FIGS. 17 to 21 , which shows a modification to provide L-shaped member  36  at one end thereof includes an undercut portion  64  which forms a rotable and connection with the edge of orifice member of pressure member  20  for a universal movement of longitudinal tube  30 B so that tube  30  can be rotated through an angle of 360° relative to container  14 . The inner portion of extension  62  includes an opening which communicates with opening  32 . 
   Coupled to the other end of tube  30  is a dispenser spray nozzle  40  as best seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Dispenser nozzle  40  is provided with openings  42  peripherally arranged about the central axis  44  coaxial with central opening  32 . 
   Spray nozzle  40  may also be provided with a central opening  46  aligned with opening  32  for the discharge of the material from container  12 . 
   As best shown in  FIG. 1 , the nozzle  40  may be provided with a cover  40 A which is shown proximate to nozzle  40  and provides a cover therefore. 
   Referring now more particularly to  FIG. 5  which schematically shows the face of a human in phantom with the mouth orifice open and one embodiment of the combined tongue depressor and spray device positioned inside the mouth M with the combined spray device and tongue depressor above the tongue to prevent the tongue from moving into the way of the spray nozzle. 
   The tongue depressor positions itself in such a manner to prevent the tongue from moving into engagement with the upper pallet of the mouth so as to prevent the spray or fluid or material as it exits from the dispensing nozzle  40  from reaching the throat and discharging fluid or material or spray towards the throat portion and the rear portion of the tongue. By preventing the material from reaching the throat portion, the intended use of the oral spray which has to reach the throat portion is destroyed. 
   The tongue depressor central portion  30  has its proximal end attached to the L-shaped rotatable connector  36  for coupling with the pressure member  20 . 
   The tongue depressor as shown in the first embodiment while having a circular configuration has a sufficient diametrical extent to depress the tongue. 
   Reference is made to  FIGS. 6 and 7  which show a modification of the tongue depressor and oral spray  30  of  FIG. 1  and designated  30 A, and in which like parts have the same reference numeral throughout and the modified parts have a different or related reference numeral. 
   In  FIGS. 6 and 7 , tubular portion  30 A is shown as comprising a telescopic arrangement  66  comprising L-shaped member  36 A forming an outer telescopic member and the inner tube forms an inner telescopic member  30 A. A telescopic arrangement is provided as another embodiment because the mouth portions of an individual can vary, and it is important to reach the rear throat area of the individual user. In particular, when use is intended for a youngster, the length of tubular member  30 A is desirably smaller than a connectional size for an adult and the possibility to reduce the longitudinal length is desirable. Double headed arrow  82  shows axial movement of longitudinal tube  30 A relative to L-shaped rotatable coupling  36 A. 
     FIG. 6  shows the retracted position and  FIG. 7  shows the extended position of the telescopic arrangement. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 8 to 10  which show a front view, a side view and a bottom view of a modification of dispensing nozzle  40  and is designated  40 A and which shows the nozzle  40 A with an oval transverse cross-section having a flat bottom or underside portion  80  which is adapted to rest on top of the tongue and provided with openings  42 A. Longitudinal tube  30 A which also is provided with a flat portion, so as to have it rest on top of the tongue. While in this view reference is made to longitudinal tube  30 A, longitudinal tube,  30  in a non-telescopic arrangement can also be used. 
   Referring now more particularly to  FIGS. 11 to 13 , which shows a front view of dispenser or spray nozzle  40 B having a dispensing opening  42 B. In this embodiment, the cross-section of tubular member  40 B is substantially circular. 
   Referring now more particularly to  FIGS. 14 to 16  and to  FIGS. 17 to 21  which show a detail of  FIGS. 14 to 16 . Tubular member  30 B is coupled with pressure member  20  by means of universal coupler  84  and includes a substantially cylindrical member  86  forming part of universal coupler  84  and connected with tubular member  30 C. 
   Referring now more particularly to  FIGS. 17 to 21  which shows the details of the connection of the L-shaped fluid guide member  34 . In this embodiment, L-shaped member  34  is angularly arranged with respect to pressure member  20  so that all different possible angular movement of L-shaped member  34  relative to pressure member  20  is made possible. 
   Pressure member  2  is provided with a substantially cylindrical housing  74  for receiving a cylindrical member  20 . In  FIG. 17 , L-shaped guide member  34  is shown in a center position and is movable in either direction as shown as arrows  78 A,  78 B, and in  FIG. 19 , arrow  79 C shows the movement in both directions. Tube  30 B is rotatable in all directions. 
   The tongue depressor as shown can have a rectangular cross-sectional configuration or a square cross-sectional configuration having a flat portion similar to flat portion  80  which is adapted to rest on top of the tongue if necessary. 
   The device is made from a readily available synthetic material which has no deleterious effect on the mouth cavity. 
   The combined tongue depressor spray nozzle is utilized together with the container by a user who holds the container in their hand and places the tongue depressor spray nozzle into the mouth cavity with the nozzle towards the rear of the mouth and back of the tongue. It is well known that bacteria embeds itself on the tongue and that the rear or dorsal portion of the tongue is difficult to reach. 
   Closure member  14  is provided with an outer surface having a gripping surface so that the closure  14  can be easily opened and removed from container  12 . 
   The entire tongue depressor and oral spray device is quite compact for ease of carrying with the container, as well as ease of use. The central portion  12  is typically and preferably about 3 inches long so that the rear portion of the throat and the dorsal portion of the tongue can be reached. 
   The universal coupler  84  comprises a canter levered pulley  86  in the form of a circular lug connected to the vertical wall  20 A of the pressure member  20  in a manner that pulley  86  can only be rotated about axis X-X, designated  86 . Cylindrical member  88  is a hollow ball provided with a projection  90  directed to and approximately at the center of the ball or cylindrical member  88 . 
   Projection  90  is provided with two material flow paths  90 A and  90 B which merge into a single flow path  90 C at the right end. At the right end, as viewed in the drawing, both paths which merge communicate with L-shaped fluid or material guide member  34 . 
   At the left end, both paths  90 A and  90 B merge into a single flow path  90 D as viewed in the drawing in  FIG. 18 . At the left end, path  90 D is connected with central opening  32  in tube  30 B. 
   As shown, circular lug  76  is rotatable about axis X-X in wall  20 A and both tube  30 B and cylindrical member  72  are rotatable together about axis X-X ( FIG. 18 ). Tube  30 B and cylindrical member  72  together they provide a hinge joint and allow rotation of canterlevered pulley  76  about axis Z-Z, see  FIGS. 17 and 18 . In this manner, the cylindrical member  76  and tubular member  30 B can rotate or swivel or move in all directions to facilitate ease of holding container  12  and application of the combined tongue depressor and spray device. 
   It will be readily appreciated that the tongue depressor and oral spray provides a unique mechanism in order to reach all portions of the tongue as well as the throat cavity. For this purpose, it is preferred that device  10  have a length of approximately one inch to three inches so that the rear portion of the tongue, throat portion and tonsil area can be reached. The smaller extent is desired for a child where the length from the front of the mouth to the throat area is of a lesser extent. 
   It is to be understood that the detailed descriptions of the various embodiment of the inventions are provided merely by way of example, and it will be further appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
A combined tongue depressor and oral spray adapted to be connectable to a container containing an oral spray material to enable material contents contained within the container to be dispensed through the tongue depressor and oral spray to reach a throat cavity and a rear portion of the tongue, including a universally moveable longitudinal tube member having an inner passageway extending from a proximal and thereof to a distal end thereof; the proximal end being connected to the container for permitting universal movement of the longitudinal tube relative to the container; and a material exit associated with the distal end of the longitudinal tube for permitting material contained in the container to exit from the container and pass through the tube and out of the tube to reach the rear of the tongue and the throat cavity and the rear of the mouth.