Patent Application
20240122321
In a conventional contact lens package, the contact lens typically sits in a molded plastic base having a cavity (or “bowl”) that houses the contact lens in a concave-side-up orientation. As a result, the user experience for transferring a contact lens from the package to an eye generally involves the user “fishing” the contact lens out of the bowl with a finger and then flipping the lens so that it is in the correct orientation on the finger for placement on the eye. This process requires touching the lens multiple times, which can transfer contaminants or pathogens from the hand to the lens and ultimately to the eye. Not only is this handling experience unsanitary, but it is also unduly cumbersome, messy, and mechanically stressful to the lens, which can tear, rip, or distort when overly manipulated. While some packages have been designed to present the lens in a convex-side-up orientation to obviate the need for flipping the lens, they often still require the lens to be “fished” from the packaging solution or otherwise necessitate manipulation of the lens and/or multiple touches of the lens to achieve transfer of the lens to the eye.
In view of the growing awareness around ocular health and the customer demand for a more convenient experience, a need has arisen for contact lens packaging that enables a less messy and more sanitary contact lens handling process. The solution in which the lens is packaged can affect the releasability of the lens from the packaging and the finger. That is, liquid solution in the bowl makes removal of the lens from the bowl more difficult because a hydrophilic lens with excessive liquid reduces surface tension between the human finger and the lens, making adequate adhesion between the lens and the finger difficult to achieve, making it difficult to remove the lens from the package.
Among other considerations, it would be desirable for wearers to be able to drain away any packaging solution which might impact the ability of adhering the lens to the finger, as variation in the amount of packaging solution adhering to the lens and package can impact the process of placing the lens on the finger. A mechanism for efficient draining of packing solution from the lens within the package prior to taking the lens from an opened contact lens package onto a user's finger can aid in the removal and insertion process.
There remains a need for contact lens packages which provide a mechanism for consistent draining of solution away from the contact lens.
It has now been found that some or all the foregoing and related objects may be attained in a contact lens package having one or more aspects described herein. According to certain embodiments, a contact lens package can include a first cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution, and a second cavity that houses an absorbent member. As described herein, in some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in an unopened state, and the first cavity and the second cavity may be in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. In certain embodiments, the package may be configured such that at least a portion of, and in some instances, a majority of, the packaging solution flows from the first cavity into the second cavity when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In this manner, as described herein, the absorbent member may be configured for absorbing at least a portion of, and in some instances, a majority of, the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the flow of the packaging solution from the first cavity into the second cavity when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state may result in a significant amount of the packaging solution being drained away from the contact lens, thereby improving the ability to adhere the lens to the user's finger for removal from the package and placement onto the user's eye. Moreover, the inclusion of the absorbent member within the second cavity of the package may improve user experience by reducing spillage of packaging solution associated with opening the package, as a significant amount of the solution may be absorbed and contained by the absorbent member. The present disclosure provides various embodiments of contact lens packages, methods of packaging a contact lens, and methods of opening a contact lens package.
In one aspect, a contact lens package is provided. The contact lens package may include a first cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution, and a second cavity that houses an absorbent member. The first cavity and the second cavity may be in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in an unopened state.
In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured for absorbing at least a portion of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured for absorbing a majority of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the package may be configured such that at least a portion of the packaging solution flows from the first cavity into the second cavity when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the package may be configured such that a majority of the packaging solution flows from the first cavity into the second cavity when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured for transitioning between an expanded state and a compressed state, and the absorbent member may be in the expanded state when the package is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured for transitioning between an expanded state and a compressed state, the absorbent member may be in the compressed state when the package is in the unopened state, and the absorbent member may be configured for transitioning from the compressed state to the expanded when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a superabsorbent polymer.
In some embodiments, the contact lens package also may include a base and a lid connected to the base, with the first cavity being formed between the base and the lid, and with the second cavity being formed between the base and the lid. In some embodiments, the base and the lid collectively may surround the first cavity, and the base and the lid collectively may surround the second cavity. In some embodiments, the base and the lid collectively may define the first cavity, and the base and the lid collectively may define the second cavity. In some embodiments, the lid may be sealed to the base along an interface between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in the unopened state, and the seal between the lid and the base may be at least partially broken when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may be sealed to the base along an entirety of a perimeter of the first cavity, and the lid may be sealed to the base along an entirety of a perimeter of the second cavity. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the contact lens when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid may not cover the contact lens when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid may not cover the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid may extend at least partially over the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be disposed within the first cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the lid when the package is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be disposed within the first cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to a user when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be disposed within the first cavity such that a concave surface of the contact lens faces the base when the package is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be connected to the base. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be connected to the lid.
In some embodiments, the base may include a lens support that supports the contact lens within the cavity. In some embodiments, the lens support may include an internal surface having a convex shape, and the internal surface of the lens support may engage a concave surface of the contact lens. In some embodiments, the internal surface of the lens support may define a portion of the first cavity. In some embodiments, the lens support also may include an external surface disposed opposite the internal surface of the lens support and having a concave shape. In some embodiments, the concave shape of the external surface of the lens support may be configured for receiving a convex portion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating stacking of a plurality of the packages in a nested manner. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the lens support when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid may not cover the lens support when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the base also may include an absorbent-member support that supports the absorbent member within the second cavity. In some embodiments, the absorbent-member support may include an internal surface having a planar shape. In some embodiments, the internal surface of the absorbent-member support may define a portion of the second cavity. In some embodiments, the absorbent-member support also may include an external surface disposed opposite the internal surface of the absorbent-member support and having a planar shape. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be connected to the absorbent-member support. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent-member support when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid may not cover the absorbent-member support when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent-member support when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid may extend at least partially over the absorbent-member support when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent-member support may be disposed adjacent the lens support. In some embodiments, the lens support may extend above the absorbent-member support and may be configured for facilitating drainage of the packaging solution toward the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the base may be substantially rigid, and the lid may be flexible. In some embodiments, the base may be flexible, and the lid may be flexible. In some embodiments, the lid may include a foil layer.
In some embodiments, the base may include a barrier that is disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the lid may be sealed to the barrier when the package is in the unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the lid may be unsealed from the barrier when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the barrier may define an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity, the lid may block the opening when the package is in the unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in the unopened state, and the opening may be unblocked by the lid when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens package also may include a gate, the barrier may define an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity, the gate may block the opening when the package is in the unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in the unopened state, and the opening may be unblocked by the gate when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the gate may be connected to the lid and moves along with the lid when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be arranged in a concentric manner.
In another aspect, a contact lens package is provided. The contact lens package may include a base and a lid connected to the base. The base and the lid may collectively define a first cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution, and the base and the lid may collectively define a second cavity that houses an absorbent member. The first cavity and the second cavity may be in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in an unopened state.
In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured for absorbing at least a portion of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured for absorbing a majority of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the package may be configured such that at least a portion of the packaging solution flows from the first cavity into the second cavity when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the package may be configured such that a majority of the packaging solution flows from the first cavity into the second cavity when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured for transitioning between an expanded state and a compressed state, and the absorbent member may be in the expanded state when the package is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured for transitioning between an expanded state and a compressed state, the absorbent member may be in the compressed state when the package is in the unopened state, and the absorbent member may be configured for transitioning from the compressed state to the expanded when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a superabsorbent polymer.
In some embodiments, the first cavity may be formed between the base and the lid, and the second cavity may be formed between the base and the lid. In some embodiments, the base and the lid collectively may surround the first cavity, and the base and the lid collectively may surround the second cavity. In some embodiments, the lid may be sealed to the base along an interface between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in the unopened state, and the seal between the lid and the base may be at least partially broken when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may be sealed to the base along an entirety of a perimeter of the first cavity, and the lid may be sealed to the base along an entirety of a perimeter of the second cavity. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the contact lens when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid may not cover the contact lens when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid may not cover the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid may extend at least partially over the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be disposed within the first cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the lid when the package is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be disposed within the first cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to a user when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be disposed within the first cavity such that a concave surface of the contact lens faces the base when the package is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be connected to the base. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be connected to the lid.
In some embodiments, the base may include a lens support that supports the contact lens within the cavity. In some embodiments, the lens support may include an internal surface having a convex shape, and the internal surface of the lens support may engage a concave surface of the contact lens. In some embodiments, the internal surface of the lens support may define a portion of the first cavity. In some embodiments, the lens support also may include an external surface disposed opposite the internal surface of the lens support and having a concave shape. In some embodiments, the concave shape of the external surface of the lens support may be configured for receiving a convex portion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating stacking of a plurality of the packages in a nested manner. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the lens support when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid may not cover the lens support when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the base also may include an absorbent-member support that supports the absorbent member within the second cavity. In some embodiments, the absorbent-member support may include an internal surface having a planar shape. In some embodiments, the internal surface of the absorbent-member support may define a portion of the second cavity. In some embodiments, the absorbent-member support also may include an external surface disposed opposite the internal surface of the absorbent-member support and having a planar shape. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be connected to the absorbent-member support. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent-member support when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid may not cover the absorbent-member support when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent-member support when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid may extend at least partially over the absorbent-member support when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent-member support may be disposed adjacent the lens support. In some embodiments, the lens support may extend above the absorbent-member support and may be configured for facilitating drainage of the packaging solution toward the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the base may be substantially rigid, and the lid may be flexible. In some embodiments, the base may be flexible, and the lid may be flexible. In some embodiments, the lid may include a foil layer.
In some embodiments, the base may include a barrier that is disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the lid may be sealed to the barrier when the package is in the unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the lid may be unsealed from the barrier when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the barrier may define an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity, the lid may block the opening when the package is in the unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in the unopened state, and the opening may be unblocked by the lid when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens package also may include a gate, the barrier may define an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity, the gate may block the opening when the package is in the unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in the unopened state, and the opening may be unblocked by the gate when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the gate may be connected to the lid and moves along with the lid when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be arranged in a concentric manner. In some embodiments, the second cavity may surround the first cavity.
In still another aspect, a method of packaging a contact lens is provided. The method may include disposing a contact lens and packaging solution within a first cavity of a package, disposing an absorbent member within a second cavity of the package, and enclosing each of the first cavity and the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in an unopened state.
In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a superabsorbent polymer. In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity may be arranged in a concentric manner. In some embodiments, the package may include a base and a lid, the first cavity may be formed between the base and the lid, the second cavity may be formed between the base and the lid, and enclosing each of the first cavity and the second cavity may include connecting the lid to the base such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another.
In another aspect, a method of opening a contact lens package is provided. The method may include holding the package, with the package including a first cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution and a second cavity that houses an absorbent member, and with the first cavity and the second cavity being in fluid isolation from one another. The method also may include at least partially opening the first cavity such that the contact lens is uncovered, and at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another.
In some embodiments, at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another may include allowing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow away from the contact lens. In some embodiments, at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another may include allowing a majority of the packaging solution to flow away from the contact lens. In some embodiments, at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another may include allowing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow to the absorbent member. In some embodiments, at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another may include allowing a majority of the packaging solution to flow to the absorbent member. In some embodiments, at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another may include allowing the absorbent member to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution. In some embodiments, at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another may include allowing the absorbent member to absorb a majority of the packaging solution. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a superabsorbent polymer. In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity may be arranged in a concentric manner. In some embodiments, the package may include a base and a lid, the first cavity may be formed between the base and the lid, the second cavity may be formed between the base and the lid, at least partially opening the first cavity may include at least partially separating the lid from the base, and at least partially opening the second cavity may include further separating the lid from the base.
These and other aspects and improvements of the present disclosure will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of certain embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein reference numerals indicate certain elements. The following descriptions are not intended to limit the myriad embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.
References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
Lens(es) or contact lens(es) refer to ophthalmic devices that reside on the eye. They have a generally hemispheric shape and can provide optical correction, cosmetic enhancement, UV blocking and visible light or glare reduction, therapeutic effect, including wound healing, delivery of drugs or neutraceuticals, diagnostic evaluation or monitoring, or any combination thereof. The term lens includes soft hydrogel contact lenses, which are generally provided to the consumer in a package in the hydrated state, and have a relatively low moduli, which allows them to conform to the cornea. Contact lenses suitable for use with the packages of the present invention include all hydrated contact lenses, including conventional and silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
A hydrogel is a hydrated crosslinked polymeric system that contains water in an equilibrium state, and may contain at least about 25%, or at least 35% water in the hydrated state. Hydrogels typically are oxygen permeable and biocompatible, making them excellent materials for producing contact lenses.
Conventional hydrogel contact lenses do not contain silicone containing components, and generally have higher water content, lower oxygen permeability, moduli, and shape memories than silicone hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels are prepared from monomeric mixtures predominantly containing hydrophilic monomers, such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (“HEMA”), N-vinyl pyrrolidone (“NVP”) or polyvinyl alcohols. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,495,313, 4,889,664 and 5,039,459 disclose the formation of conventional hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels may be ionic or non-ionic and include polymacon, etafilcon, nelfilcon, ocufilcon lenefilcon and the like. The oxygen permeability of these conventional hydrogel materials is typically below 20-30 barrers.
Silicon hydrogel formulations include balafilcon samfilcon, lotrafilcon A and B, delfilcon, galyfilcon, senofilcon A, B and C, narafilcon, comfilcon, formofilcon, riofilcon, fanfilcon, stenfilcon, somofilcon, kalifilcon and the like. “Silicone hydrogels” refer to polymeric networks made from at least one hydrophilic component and at least one silicone-containing component. Silicone hydrogels may have moduli in the range of 60-200, 60-150 or 80-130 psi, water contents in the range of 20 to 60%. Examples of silicone hydrogels include acquafilcon, asmofilcon, balafilcon, comfilcon, delefilcon, enfilcon, fanfilcon, formofilcon, galyfilcon, lotrafilcon, narafilcon, riofilcon, samfilcon, senofilcon, somofilcon, and stenfilcon, verofilcon, including all of their variants, as well as silicone hydrogels as prepared in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,659,782, 4,659,783, 5,244,981, 5,314,960, 5,331,067, 5,371,147, 5,998,498, 6,087,415, 5,760,100, 5,776,999, 5,789,461, 5,849,811, 5,965,631, 6,367,929, 6,822,016, 6,867,245, 6,943,203, 7,247,692, 7,249,848, 7,553,880, 7,666,921, 7,786,185, 7,956,131, 8,022,158, 8,273,802, 8,399,538, 8,470,906, 8,450,387, 8,487,058, 8,507,577, 8,637,621, 8,703,891, 8,937,110, 8,937,111, 8,940,812, 9,056,878, 9,057,821, 9,125,808, 9,140,825, 9,156,934, 9,170,349, 9,244,196, 9,244,197, 9,260,544, 9,297,928, 9,297,929 as well as WO 03/22321, WO 2008/061992, and US 2010/0048847. These patents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Silicone hydrogels may have higher shape memory than conventional contact lenses.
Hydrogel lenses are viscoelastic materials. Contact lenses can form optical distortions if the lens interacts with either the package or any air bubble in the package. The extent of the optical distortions, and the length of time needed for the distortions to relax out will vary depending on the chemistry, and to a lesser extent, geometry of the lens. Conventional lens materials, such as polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate-based lenses like etafilcon A or polymacon have low loss modulus and tan delta compared to silicone hydrogels and may form fewer and less severe optical distortions as a result of contact with packaging. The incorporation of silicones (which generally increase the bulk elastic response), wetting agents such as PVP (which generally increase the viscous response) or coatings of conventional hydrogel materials (which may lower the elastic response at the lens interface) can alter the lens viscoelastic properties. Conventional hydrogel contact lenses and silicone hydrogel contact lenses having short or stiff crosslinking agents and or stiffening agent have short shape memories and may be less susceptible to deformation during storage. As used herein, high or higher shape memory hydrogels display optical distortions from contact with an air bubble or package of at least about 0.18 after 5 weeks of accelerated aging at 55° C. Viscoelastic properties, including loss modulus and tan delta, can be measured using a dynamic mechanical analysis.
The contact lenses can be of any geometry or power, and have a generally hemispherical shape, with a concave posterior side which rests against the eye when in use and a convex anterior side which faces away from the eye and is contacted by the eyelid during blinking.
The center or apex of the lens is the center of the lens optic zone. The optic zone provides optical correction and may have a diameter between about 7 mm and about 10 mm. The lens periphery or lens edge is the edge where the anterior and posterior sides meet.
The wetted lens is the contact lens and any residual packaging solution attached to it after packaging solution drainage. Wetted contact is the aggregated contact area between the wetted lens and lens support.
Embodiments may include a lens support surrounded by a sealable cavity also interchangeably referred to as a chamber. The cavity may have any convenient form and may comprise a package base and at least a lid, each of which are described in detail below. As used herein, the phrases “the lid”, “a lid”, “the base” and “a base” encompass both the singular and plural. The lid and package base are sealed to each other to form a cavity which holds the contact lens, support and packaging solution in a sterile state during shipping and storage prior to use. The contact lens package is made from materials which are compatible with the contact lens and solution, as well as retortable and biologically inert.
“Film” or “multilayer film” are films used to seal the package and are often referred to as lidstock. Multilayer films used in conventional contact lens packages may be used in the packages of the present invention as the base, a component of the lid, or both. Multilayer films comprise a plurality of layers, including barrier layers, including foil layers, or coatings, seal layers, which seal the film to the rest of the package, and may also comprise additional layers selected from peel initiation layers, lamination layers, and layers that improve other package properties like stiffness, temperature resistance, printability, puncture resistance, barrier resistance to water or oxygen and the like. The multilayer films form a steam sterilizable (retortable) seal. The multilayer film can include PET, BON or OPP films layers to increase stiffness and temperature resistance, or to EVOH or PVDC coatings to improve barrier resistance to oxygen or moisture vapor.
An “unopened state” or “unopened” as used herein refers to a contact lens package that is closed and houses a contact lens in solution.
An “opened state” or “opened” as used herein refers to a contact lens package after the sterile seal has been broken. Depending on the context described herein, the opened state extends to the state of the package when the user has manipulated the package to cause the lens to be lifted out of the packaging solution for transfer by the user.
A “wearer” or “user” as used herein refers to a person opening a contact lens package. The user is generally referred to as the person who both opens the package and transfers the contact lens contained therein to their eye. However, the user in some contexts may be a person handling the lens package on behalf of the wearer, such an eye care provider (“ECP”) or another individual demonstrating for or assisting the wearer.
Packaging solution is any physiologically compatible solution, which is compatible with the selected lens material and packaging. Packaging solutions include buffered solutions having a physiological pH, such as buffered saline solutions. The packaging solution may contain known components, including buffers, pH and tonicity adjusting agents, lubricants, wetting agents, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, in package coating components and the like.
The package base may form the bottom of the package. It can be made from any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including plastic. The packaging lid generally resides at the upper portion the package and seals with the base to form a cavity containing at least a portion of the lens support, lens, and packaging solution. The lid may be made from any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including a molded sheet of foil or plastic, laminate films, or plastic. Packages comprising plastic for one structure and foil or laminated films as the other, or packages comprising foil or laminated films as the outer layer for the lid and base are known in the art and are examples of suitable combinations.
References throughout this description to injection molding processes and the use of materials conventionally applied to injection molding should be understood as exemplary. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other means of manufacture are possible within the scope of the appended claims, including but not limited to alternative molding processes, thermoforming, 3D printing, and the like. Likewise, references to heat seals and heat sealing are exemplary to embodiments described herein. Other means of securing packaging components will be apparent to those skilled in the art, including the use of adhesive, glue, thermal bonding, welding such as heat, ultrasonic or laser welding, or a mechanical trap, and the like.
Certain aspects of the invention may serve to reduce or prevent significant optical damage to the contact lens due to interactions with air bubbles or the interior of the lens package that may arise during storage or transit due to gravitational or other forces, such as mechanical pressure being applied from outside of the package. As used herein, significant optical damage means a root-mean-squared (RMS) value equal or greater than about 0.08 μm.
Referring now to the drawings,
According to the illustrated example, the base 110 may have a first end 112 (which also may be referred to as a “back end” in certain embodiments) and a second end 114 (which also may be referred to as a “front end” in certain embodiments) disposed opposite one another. As shown, the base 110 may have a first side 116 (which also may be referred to as a “top side” in certain embodiments) and a second side 118 (which also may be referred to as a “bottom side” in certain embodiments) disposed opposite one another and each extending from the first end 112 to the second end 114. The base 110 also may have a pair of lateral sides 120 disposed opposite one another and each extending from the first end 112 to the second end 114. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 110 may include certain portions having a planar shape and other portions having a contoured shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 110 may include a main portion having a planar shape, an absorbent-member support 140 that is recessed relative to the main portion and has a planar shape, and a lens support 130 that extends upward from the absorbent-member support 140 beyond the main portion and has a contoured shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 110 may define a first base cavity that forms a portion of the overall first cavity 122 of the contact lens package 100, and a second base cavity that forms a portion of the overall second cavity 124 of the contact lens package 100. In some embodiments, as shown, a barrier 126 of the base 110 may be disposed between the first cavity 122 and the second cavity 124. As discussed above, the base 110 may be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the base 110 may be substantially rigid. In other embodiments, the base 110 may be flexible.
The lens support 130 may at least partially define the first cavity 122 and may support the contact lens 160 in a desired position and orientation within the first cavity 122. As shown, the lens support 130 may extend upward relative to the absorbent-member support 140 and may support the contact lens 160 between the base 110 and the lid 150. In some embodiments, as shown, the lens support 130 may be integrally formed with a remainder of the base 110. In other embodiments, the lens support 130 may be separately formed and connected to the remainder of the base 110. In some embodiments, the lens support 130 may be provided as a separate component that is disposed within the first cavity 122 between the base 110 and the lid 150 and is connected to the base 110, for example, by an adhesive or other means of attachment. As shown, the lens support 130 may include an internal surface 132 (which also may be referred to as a “support surface” in certain embodiments) that engages and supports the contact lens 160 within the cavity 122. In particular, the internal surface 132 may engage the concave surface of the contact lens 160. In some embodiments, the internal surface 132 may be a convex surface, although other shapes of the internal surface 132 may be used in other embodiments. As shown, the lens support 130 may be formed as a dome extending upward from the absorbent-member support 140, and the internal surface 132 may be a convex outer surface of the dome. As shown, the lens support 130 may include an external surface 134 disposed opposite the internal surface 132 and defining an external portion of the contact lens package 100. In some embodiments, the external surface 134 may be a convex surface, with the convex shape thereof facilitating nesting of multiple contact lens packages 100 disposed adjacent one another, such as in a stack, although other shapes of the external surface 134 may be used in other embodiments. The lens support 130 may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the lens support 130 may be substantially rigid.
The absorbent-member support 140 may at least partially define the second cavity 124 and may support the absorbent member 180 in a desired position and orientation within the second cavity 124. As shown, the absorbent-member support 140 may be recessed relative to the main planar portion of the base 110 and may support the absorbent member 180 between the base 110 and the lid 150. In some embodiments, as shown, the absorbent-member support 140 may be integrally formed with a remainder of the base 110. In other embodiments, the absorbent-member support 140 may be separately formed and connected to the remainder of the base 110. In some embodiments, the absorbent-member support 140 may be provided as a separate component that is disposed within the second cavity 124 between the base 110 and the lid 150 and is connected to the base 110, for example, by an adhesive or other means of attachment. As shown, the absorbent-member support 140 may include an internal surface 142 (which also may be referred to as a “support surface” in certain embodiments) that engages and supports the absorbent member 180 within the second cavity 124. In particular, the internal surface 142 may engage a bottom surface of the absorbent member 180. In some embodiments, as shown the internal surface 142 may be a planar surface, although other contoured shapes of the internal surface 142 may be used in other embodiments. As shown, the absorbent-member support 140 may include an external surface 144 disposed opposite the internal surface 142 and defining an external portion of the contact lens package 100. In some embodiments, the external surface 144 may be a planar surface, although other shapes of the external surface 144 may be used in other embodiments. The absorbent-member support 140 may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the absorbent-member support 140 may be substantially rigid.
The lid 150 may be connected to the base 110 and may extend over at least part of the base 110. As shown, when the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, the lid 150 and the base 110 may seal the contact lens 160 and the packaging solution 170 within the first cavity 122 and may seal the absorbent member 180 within the second cavity 124. In this manner, the base 110 and the lid 150 together may form each of the sealed first cavity 122 for containing the contact lens 160 and the packaging solution 170 and the sealed second cavity 124 for containing the absorbent member 180 until a user desires to open the contact lens package 100 and remove the contact lens 160 for use. In some embodiments, as shown, when the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, the lid 150 may extend over and cover the lens support 130, the absorbent-member support 140, and other respective portions of the base 110. When the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, respective portions of the lid 150 may be sealed to respective adjacent portions of the base 110, such as the barrier 126 and portions of the main portion of the base 110 surrounding the lens support 130 and the absorbent-member support 140, such that the contact lens 160 and the packaging solution 170 are contained within the first cavity 122 formed by the base 110 and the lid 150, and such that the absorbent member 180 is contained within the second cavity 124 formed by the base 110 and the lid 150. The seal between the lid 150 and the base 110 may be at least partially broken when the contact lens package 100 is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state for removal of the contact lens 160. As discussed above, the lid 150 may be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, as shown, the lid 150 may be flexible.
The absorbent member 180 may be configured for absorbing at least a portion of the packaging solution 170 when the contact lens package 100 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state such that the first cavity 122 and the second cavity 124 are in fluid communication with one another. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be configured for absorbing a majority of the packaging solution 170 when the contact lens package 100 is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be compressible and configured for transitioning between a compressed state and an expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be biased toward the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be in the expanded state when the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be in the compressed state when the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, and the absorbent member 180 may transition from the compressed state to the expanded state when the contact lens package 100 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In this manner, when the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, the absorbent member 180 may be compressed between the base 110 and the lid 150 and maintained in the compressed state, and when the contact lens package 100 is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state, the absorbent member 180 may automatically transition from the compressed state to the expanded state. As discussed above, such transitioning of the absorbent member 180 from the compressed state to the expanded state may allow the absorbent member 180 to quickly absorb the packaging solution 170, thereby further facilitating drainage of the packaging solution 170 away from the contact lens 160. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be formed of or may include a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be formed of or may include a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be formed of or may include a superabsorbent polymer. Various other suitable configurations and materials may be used for the absorbent member 180.
According to the illustrated example, the base 210 may have a first end 212 (which also may be referred to as a “back end” in certain embodiments) and a second end 214 (which also may be referred to as a “front end” in certain embodiments) disposed opposite one another. As shown, the base 210 may have a first side 216 (which also may be referred to as a “top side” in certain embodiments) and a second side 218 (which also may be referred to as a “bottom side” in certain embodiments) disposed opposite one another and each extending from the first end 212 to the second end 214. The base 210 also may have a pair of lateral sides 220 disposed opposite one another and each extending from the first end 212 to the second end 214. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 210 may include certain portions having a planar shape and other portions having a contoured shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 210 may include a main portion having a planar shape, an absorbent-member support 240 that is recessed relative to the main portion and has a planar shape, and a lens support 230 that extends upward from the absorbent-member support 240 beyond the main portion and has a contoured shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 210 may define a first base cavity that forms a portion of the overall first cavity 222 of the contact lens package 200, and a second base cavity that forms a portion of the overall second cavity 224 of the contact lens package 200. In some embodiments, as shown, a barrier 226 of the base 210 may be disposed between the first cavity 222 and the second cavity 224, and the barrier 226 may define an opening 228 that extends therethrough from the first cavity 222 to the second cavity 224. As discussed above, the base 210 may be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the base 210 may be substantially rigid. In other embodiments, the base 210 may be flexible.
The lens support 230 may at least partially define the first cavity 222 and may support the contact lens 260 in a desired position and orientation within the first cavity 222. As shown, the lens support 230 may extend upward relative to the absorbent-member support 240 and may support the contact lens 260 between the base 210 and the lid 250. In some embodiments, as shown, the lens support 230 may be integrally formed with a remainder of the base 210. In other embodiments, the lens support 230 may be separately formed and connected to the remainder of the base 210. In some embodiments, the lens support 230 may be provided as a separate component that is disposed within the first cavity 222 between the base 210 and the lid 250 and is connected to the base 210, for example, by an adhesive or other means of attachment. As shown, the lens support 230 may include an internal surface 232 (which also may be referred to as a “support surface” in certain embodiments) that engages and supports the contact lens 260 within the first cavity 222. In particular, the internal surface 232 may engage the concave surface of the contact lens 260. In some embodiments, the internal surface 232 may be a convex surface, although other shapes of the internal surface 232 may be used in other embodiments. As shown, the lens support 230 may be formed as a dome extending upward from the absorbent-member support 240, and the internal surface 232 may be a convex outer surface of the dome. As shown, the lens support 230 may include an external surface 234 disposed opposite the internal surface 232 and defining an external portion of the contact lens package 200. In some embodiments, the external surface 234 may be a convex surface, with the convex shape thereof facilitating nesting of multiple contact lens packages 200 disposed adjacent one another, such as in a stack, although other shapes of the external surface 234 may be used in other embodiments. The lens support 230 may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the lens support 230 may be substantially rigid.
The absorbent-member support 240 may at least partially define the second cavity 224 and may support the absorbent member 280 in a desired position and orientation within the second cavity 224. As shown, the absorbent-member support 240 may be recessed relative to the main planar portion of the base 210 and may support the absorbent member 280 between the base 210 and the lid 250. In some embodiments, as shown, the absorbent-member support 240 may be integrally formed with a remainder of the base 210. In other embodiments, the absorbent-member support 240 may be separately formed and connected to the remainder of the base 210. In some embodiments, the absorbent-member support 240 may be provided as a separate component that is disposed within the second cavity 224 between the base 210 and the lid 250 and is connected to the base 210, for example, by an adhesive or other means of attachment. As shown, the absorbent-member support 240 may include an internal surface 242 (which also may be referred to as a “support surface” in certain embodiments) that engages and supports the absorbent member 280 within the second cavity 224. In particular, the internal surface 242 may engage a bottom surface of the absorbent member 280. In some embodiments, as shown the internal surface 242 may be a planar surface, although other contoured shapes of the internal surface 242 may be used in other embodiments. As shown, the absorbent-member support 240 may include an external surface 244 disposed opposite the internal surface 242 and defining an external portion of the contact lens package 200. In some embodiments, the external surface 244 may be a planar surface, although other shapes of the external surface 244 may be used in other embodiments. The absorbent-member support 240 may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the absorbent-member support 240 may be substantially rigid.
The lid 250 may be connected to the base 210 and may extend over at least part of the base 210. As shown, when the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state, the lid 250 and the base 210 may seal the contact lens 260 and the packaging solution 270 within the first cavity 222 and may seal the absorbent member 280 within the second cavity 224. In this manner, the base 210 and the lid 250 together may form each of the sealed first cavity 222 for containing the contact lens 260 and the packaging solution 270 and the sealed second cavity 224 for containing the absorbent member 280 until a user desires to open the contact lens package 200 and remove the contact lens 260 for use. In some embodiments, as shown, when the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state, the lid 250 may extend over and cover the lens support 230, the absorbent-member support 240, and other respective portions of the base 210. When the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state, respective portions of the lid 250 may be sealed to respective adjacent portions of the base 210, such as portions of the barrier 226 and portions of the main portion of the base 210 surrounding the lens support 230 and the absorbent-member support 240, such that the contact lens 260 and the packaging solution 270 are contained within the first cavity 222 formed by the base 210 and the lid 250, and such that the absorbent member 280 is contained within the second cavity 224 formed by the base 210 and the lid 250. The seal between the lid 250 and the base 210 may be at least partially broken when the contact lens package 200 is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state for removal of the contact lens 260. As discussed above, the lid 250 may be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, as shown, the lid 250 may be flexible.
The gate 252 may be connected to the lid 150 and configured for moving therewith when the contact lens package 200 is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state for removal of the contact lens 260. As shown, the gate 252 may be configured for blocking the opening 228 of the barrier 226 when the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state. In particular, the gate 252 may be configured for filling the opening 228 of the barrier 226 and sealing against adjacent surfaces of the base 210, including the barrier 226 thereof, when the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state. When the contact lens package 100 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state, the gate 252 may move along with the lid 250 and out of the opening 228 such that the first cavity 222 and the second cavity 224 are in fluid communication with one another via the opening 228, thereby allowing the packaging solution 270 to flow from the first cavity 222 into the second cavity 224. The gate 252 may be formed of any suitable material.
The absorbent member 280 may be configured for absorbing at least a portion of the packaging solution 270 when the contact lens package 200 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state such that the first cavity 222 and the second cavity 224 are in fluid communication with one another. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be configured for absorbing a majority of the packaging solution 270 when the contact lens package 200 is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be compressible and configured for transitioning between a compressed state and an expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be biased toward the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be in the expanded state when the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be in the compressed state when the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state, and the absorbent member 280 may transition from the compressed state to the expanded state when the contact lens package 200 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In this manner, when the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state, the absorbent member 280 may be compressed between the base 210 and the lid 250 and maintained in the compressed state, and when the contact lens package 200 is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state, the absorbent member 280 may automatically transition from the compressed state to the expanded state. As discussed above, such transitioning of the absorbent member 280 from the compressed state to the expanded state may allow the absorbent member 280 to quickly absorb the packaging solution 270, thereby further facilitating drainage of the packaging solution 270 away from the contact lens 260. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be formed of or may include a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be formed of or may include a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be formed of or may include a superabsorbent polymer. Various other suitable configurations and materials may be used for the absorbent member 280.
Referring now to the drawings,
According to the illustrated example, the base 310 may have a first end 312 (which also may be referred to as a “back end” in certain embodiments) and a second end 314 (which also may be referred to as a “front end” in certain embodiments) disposed opposite one another. As shown, the base 310 may have a first side 316 (which also may be referred to as a “top side” in certain embodiments) and a second side 318 (which also may be referred to as a “bottom side” in certain embodiments) disposed opposite one another and each extending from the first end 312 to the second end 314. The base 310 also may have a pair of lateral sides 320 disposed opposite one another and each extending from the first end 312 to the second end 314. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 310 may include certain portions having a planar shape and other portions having a contoured shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 310 may include a main portion having a planar shape, an absorbent-member support 340 that is recessed relative to the main portion and has a planar shape, and a lens support 330 that extends upward relative to the absorbent-member support 340 beyond the main portion and has a contoured shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 310 may define a first base cavity that forms a portion of the overall first cavity 322 of the contact lens package 300, and a second base cavity that forms a portion of the overall second cavity 324 of the contact lens package 300. In some embodiments, as shown, a barrier 326 of the base 310 may be disposed between the first cavity 322 and the second cavity 324. As discussed above, the base 310 may be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the base 310 may be substantially rigid. In other embodiments, the base 310 may be flexible.
The lens support 330 may at least partially define the first cavity 322 and may support the contact lens 360 in a desired position and orientation within the first cavity 322. As shown, the lens support 330 may extend upward relative to the absorbent-member support 340 and may support the contact lens 360 between the base 310 and the lid 350. In some embodiments, as shown, the lens support 330 may be integrally formed with a remainder of the base 310. In other embodiments, the lens support 330 may be separately formed and connected to the remainder of the base 310. In some embodiments, the lens support 330 may be provided as a separate component that is disposed within the first cavity 322 between the base 310 and the lid 350 and is connected to the base 310, for example, by an adhesive or other means of attachment. As shown, the lens support 330 may include an internal surface 332 (which also may be referred to as a “support surface” in certain embodiments) that engages and supports the contact lens 360 within the cavity 322. In particular, the internal surface 332 may engage the concave surface of the contact lens 360. In some embodiments, the internal surface 332 may be a convex surface, although other shapes of the internal surface 332 may be used in other embodiments. As shown, the lens support 330 may be formed as a dome extending upward from the absorbent-member support 340, and the internal surface 332 may be a convex outer surface of the dome. As shown, the lens support 330 may include an external surface 334 disposed opposite the internal surface 332 and defining an external portion of the contact lens package 300. In some embodiments, the external surface 334 may be a convex surface, with the convex shape thereof facilitating nesting of multiple contact lens packages 300 disposed adjacent one another, such as in a stack, although other shapes of the external surface 334 may be used in other embodiments. The lens support 330 may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the lens support 330 may be substantially rigid.
The absorbent-member support 340 may at least partially define the second cavity 324 and may support the absorbent member 380 in a desired position and orientation within the second cavity 324. As shown, the absorbent-member support 340 may be recessed relative to the main planar portion of the base 310 and may support the absorbent member 380 between the base 310 and the lid 350. In some embodiments, as shown, the absorbent-member support 340 may be integrally formed with a remainder of the base 310. In other embodiments, the absorbent-member support 340 may be separately formed and connected to the remainder of the base 310. In some embodiments, the absorbent-member support 340 may be provided as a separate component that is disposed within the second cavity 324 between the base 310 and the lid 350 and is connected to the base 310, for example, by an adhesive or other means of attachment. As shown, the absorbent-member support 340 may include an internal surface 342 (which also may be referred to as a “support surface” in certain embodiments) that engages and supports the absorbent member 380 within the second cavity 324. In particular, the internal surface 342 may engage a bottom surface of the absorbent member 380. In some embodiments, as shown the internal surface 342 may be a planar surface, although other contoured shapes of the internal surface 342 may be used in other embodiments. As shown, the absorbent-member support 340 may include an external surface 344 disposed opposite the internal surface 342 and defining an external portion of the contact lens package 300. In some embodiments, the external surface 344 may be a planar surface, although other shapes of the external surface 344 may be used in other embodiments. The absorbent-member support 340 may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the absorbent-member support 340 may be substantially rigid.
The lid 350 may be connected to the base 310 and may extend over at least part of the base 310. As shown, when the contact lens package 300 is in the unopened state, the lid 350 and the base 310 may seal the contact lens 360 and the packaging solution 370 within the first cavity 322 and may seal the absorbent member 380 within the second cavity 324. In this manner, the base 310 and the lid 350 together may form each of the sealed first cavity 322 for containing the contact lens 360 and the packaging solution 370 and the sealed second cavity 324 for containing the absorbent member 380 until a user desires to open the contact lens package 300 and remove the contact lens 360 for use. In some embodiments, as shown, when the contact lens package 300 is in the unopened state, the lid 350 may extend over and cover the lens support 330, the absorbent-member support 340, and other respective portions of the base 310. When the contact lens package 300 is in the unopened state, respective portions of the lid 350 may be sealed to respective adjacent portions of the base 310, such as the barrier 326 and portions of the main portion of the base 310 surrounding the lens support 330 and the absorbent-member support 340, such that the contact lens 360 and the packaging solution 370 are contained within the first cavity 322 formed by the base 310 and the lid 350, and such that the absorbent member 380 is contained within the second cavity 324 formed by the base 310 and the lid 350. The seal between the lid 350 and the base 310 may be at least partially broken when the contact lens package 300 is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state for removal of the contact lens 360. As discussed above, the lid 350 may be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, as shown, the lid 350 may be flexible.
The absorbent member 380 may be configured for absorbing at least a portion of the packaging solution 370 when the contact lens package 300 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state such that the first cavity 322 and the second cavity 324 are in fluid communication with one another. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be configured for absorbing a majority of the packaging solution 370 when the contact lens package 300 is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be compressible and configured for transitioning between a compressed state and an expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be biased toward the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be in the expanded state when the contact lens package 300 is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be in the compressed state when the contact lens package 300 is in the unopened state, and the absorbent member 380 may transition from the compressed state to the expanded state when the contact lens package 300 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In this manner, when the contact lens package 300 is in the unopened state, the absorbent member 380 may be compressed between the base 310 and the lid 350 and maintained in the compressed state, and when the contact lens package 300 is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state, the absorbent member 380 may automatically transition from the compressed state to the expanded state. As discussed above, such transitioning of the absorbent member 380 from the compressed state to the expanded state may allow the absorbent member 380 to quickly absorb the packaging solution 370, thereby further facilitating drainage of the packaging solution 370 away from the contact lens 360. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be formed of or may include a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be formed of or may include a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be formed of or may include a superabsorbent polymer. Various other suitable configurations and materials may be used for the absorbent member 380.
Some aspect of the invention may be further understood with reference to the following examples:
Example 1. A contact lens package comprising:
Example 2. The contact lens package of example 1, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state.
Example 3. The contact lens package of example 1 or example 2, wherein the absorbent member is configured for absorbing at least a portion of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state.
Example 4. The contact lens package of any one of examples 1-3, wherein the absorbent member is configured for absorbing a majority of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state.
Example 5. The contact lens package of any one of examples 1-4, wherein the package is configured such that at least a portion of the packaging solution flows from the first cavity into the second cavity when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state.
Example 6. The contact lens package of any one of examples 1-5, wherein the package is configured such that a majority of the packaging solution flows from the first cavity into the second cavity when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state.
Example 7. The contact lens package of any one of examples 1-6, wherein the absorbent member is configured for transitioning between an expanded state and a compressed state, and wherein the absorbent member is in the expanded state when the package is in the unopened state.
Example 8. The contact lens package of any one of examples 1-6, wherein the absorbent member is configured for transitioning between an expanded state and a compressed state, wherein the absorbent member is in the compressed state when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the absorbent member is configured for transitioning from the compressed state to the expanded when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to opened state.
Example 9. The contact lens package of any one of examples 1-8, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.
Example 10. The contact lens package of any one of examples 1-8, wherein the absorbent member comprises a foam.
Example 11. The contact lens package of any one of examples 1-8, wherein the absorbent member comprises a superabsorbent polymer.
Example 12. The contact lens package of any one of examples 1-11, further comprising a base and a lid connected to the base, wherein the first cavity is formed between the base and the lid, and wherein the second cavity is formed between the base and the lid.
Example 13. The contact lens package of example 12, wherein the base and the lid collectively surround the first cavity, and wherein the base and the lid collectively surround the second cavity.
Example 14. The contact lens package of example 12 or example 13, wherein the base and the lid collectively define the first cavity, and wherein the base and the lid collectively define the second cavity.
Example 15. The contact lens package of any one of examples 12-14, wherein the lid is sealed to the base along an interface between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the seal between the lid and the base is at least partially broken when the package is in an opened state.
Example 16. The contact lens package of example 15, wherein the lid is sealed to the base along an entirety of a perimeter of the first cavity, and wherein the lid is sealed to the base along an entirety of a perimeter of the second cavity.
Example 17. The contact lens package of any one of examples 12-16, wherein the lid extends over and covers the contact lens when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid does not cover the contact lens when the package is in an opened state.
Example 18. The contact lens package of any one of examples 12-17, wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid does not cover the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state.
Example 19. The contact lens package of any one of examples 12-17, wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid extends at least partially over the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state.
Example 20. The contact lens package of any one of examples 12-19, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the first cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the lid when the package is in the unopened state.
Example 21. The contact lens package of any one of examples 12-20, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the first cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to a user when the package is in an opened state.
Example 22. The contact lens package of any one of examples 12-21, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the first cavity such that a concave surface of the contact lens faces the base when the package is in the unopened state.
Example 23. The contact lens package of any one of examples 12-22, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the base.
Example 24. The contact lens package of any one of examples 12-22, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the lid.
Example 25. The contact lens package of any one of examples 12-24, wherein the base comprises a lens support that supports the contact lens within the cavity.
Example 26. The contact lens package of example 25, wherein the lens support comprises an internal surface having a convex shape, and wherein the internal surface of the lens support engages a concave surface of the contact lens.
Example 27. The contact lens package of example 26, wherein the internal surface of the lens support defines a portion of the first cavity.
Example 28. The contact lens package of example 26 or example 27, wherein the lens support further comprises an external surface disposed opposite the internal surface of the lens support and having a concave shape.
Example 29. The contact lens package of example 28, wherein the concave shape of the external surface of the lens support is configured for receiving a convex portion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating stacking of a plurality of the packages in a nested manner.
Example 30. The contact lens package of any one of examples 25-29, wherein the lid extends over and covers the lens support when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid does not cover the lens support when the package is in an opened state.
Example 31. The contact lens package of any one of examples 25-30, wherein the base further comprises an absorbent-member support that supports the absorbent member within the second cavity.
Example 32. The contact lens package of example 31, wherein the absorbent-member support comprises an internal surface having a planar shape.
Example 33. The contact lens package of example 32, wherein the internal surface of the absorbent-member support defines a portion of the second cavity.
Example 34. The contact lens package of example 32 or example 33, wherein the absorbent-member support further comprises an external surface disposed opposite the internal surface of the absorbent-member support and having a planar shape.
Example 35. The contact lens package of any one of examples 32-34, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the absorbent-member support.
Example 36. The contact lens package of any one of examples 32-35, wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent-member support when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid does not cover the absorbent-member support when the package is in an opened state.
Example 37. The contact lens package of any one of examples 32-35, wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent-member support when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid extends at least partially over the absorbent-member support when the package is in an opened state.
Example 38. The contact lens package of any one of examples 32-37, wherein the absorbent-member support is disposed adjacent the lens support.
Example 39. The contact lens package of any one of examples 32-38, wherein the lens support extends above the absorbent-member support and is configured for facilitating drainage of the packaging solution toward the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state.
Example 40. The contact lens package of any one of examples 12-39, wherein the base is substantially rigid, and wherein the lid is flexible.
Example 41. The contact lens package of any one of examples 12-39, wherein the base is flexible, and wherein the lid is flexible.
Example 42. The contact lens package of any one of examples 12-41, wherein the lid comprises a foil layer.
Example 43. The contact lens package of any one of examples 12-42, wherein the base comprises a barrier that is disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in the unopened state.
Example 44. The contact lens package of example 43, wherein the lid is sealed to the barrier when the package is in the unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in the unopened state.
Example 45. The contact lens package of example 44, wherein the lid is unsealed from the barrier when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.
Example 46. The contact lens package of example 43, wherein the barrier defines an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity, wherein the lid blocks the opening when the package is in the unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the opening is unblocked by the lid when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.
Example 47. The contact lens package of example 43, further comprising a gate, wherein the barrier defines an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity, wherein the gate blocks the opening when the package is in the unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the opening is unblocked by the gate when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.
Example 48. The contact lens package of example 47, wherein the gate is connected to the lid and moves along with the lid when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.
Example 49. The contact lens package of any one of examples 1-48, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are spaced apart from one another.
Example 50. The contact lens package of any one of examples 1-49, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are arranged in a concentric manner.
Example 51. A contact lens package comprising:
Example 52. The contact lens package of example 51, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state.
Example 53. The contact lens package of example 51 or example 52, wherein the absorbent member is configured for absorbing at least a portion of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state.
Example 54. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-53, wherein the absorbent member is configured for absorbing a majority of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state.
Example 55. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-54, wherein the package is configured such that at least a portion of the packaging solution flows from the first cavity into the second cavity when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state.
Example 56. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-55, wherein the package is configured such that a majority of the packaging solution flows from the first cavity into the second cavity when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state.
Example 57. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-56, wherein the absorbent member is configured for transitioning between an expanded state and a compressed state, and wherein the absorbent member is in the expanded state when the package is in the unopened state.
Example 58. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-56, wherein the absorbent member is configured for transitioning between an expanded state and a compressed state, wherein the absorbent member is in the compressed state when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the absorbent member is configured for transitioning from the compressed state to the expanded when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to opened state.
Example 59. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-58, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.
Example 60. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-58, wherein the absorbent member comprises a foam.
Example 61. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-58, wherein the absorbent member comprises a superabsorbent polymer.
Example 62. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-61, wherein the first cavity is formed between the base and the lid, and wherein the second cavity is formed between the base and the lid.
Example 63. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-62, wherein the base and the lid collectively surround the first cavity, and wherein the base and the lid collectively surround the second cavity.
Example 64. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-63, wherein the lid is sealed to the base along an interface between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the seal between the lid and the base is at least partially broken when the package is in an opened state.
Example 65. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-64, wherein the lid is sealed to the base along an entirety of a perimeter of the first cavity, and wherein the lid is sealed to the base along an entirety of a perimeter of the second cavity.
Example 66. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-65, wherein the lid extends over and covers the contact lens when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid does not cover the contact lens when the package is in an opened state.
Example 67. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-66, wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid does not cover the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state.
Example 68. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-66, wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid extends at least partially over the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state.
Example 69. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-68, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the first cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the lid when the package is in the unopened state.
Example 70. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-69, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the first cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to a user when the package is in an opened state.
Example 71. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-70, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the first cavity such that a concave surface of the contact lens faces the base when the package is in the unopened state.
Example 72. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-71, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the base.
Example 73. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-71, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the lid.
Example 74. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-73, wherein the base comprises a lens support that supports the contact lens within the cavity.
Example 75. The contact lens package of example 74, wherein the lens support comprises an internal surface having a convex shape, and wherein the internal surface of the lens support engages a concave surface of the contact lens.
Example 76. The contact lens package of example 75, wherein the internal surface of the lens support defines a portion of the first cavity.
Example 77. The contact lens package of example 75 or example 76, wherein the lens support further comprises an external surface disposed opposite the internal surface of the lens support and having a concave shape.
Example 78. The contact lens package of example 77, wherein the concave shape of the external surface of the lens support is configured for receiving a convex portion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating stacking of a plurality of the packages in a nested manner.
Example 79. The contact lens package of any one of examples 74-78, wherein the lid extends over and covers the lens support when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid does not cover the lens support when the package is in an opened state.
Example 80. The contact lens package of any one of examples 74-79, wherein the base further comprises an absorbent-member support that supports the absorbent member within the second cavity.
Example 81. The contact lens package of example 80, wherein the absorbent-member support comprises an internal surface having a planar shape.
Example 82. The contact lens package of example 81, wherein the internal surface of the absorbent-member support defines a portion of the second cavity.
Example 83. The contact lens package of example 81 or example 82, wherein the absorbent-member support further comprises an external surface disposed opposite the internal surface of the absorbent-member support and having a planar shape.
Example 84. The contact lens package of any one of examples 80-83, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the absorbent-member support.
Example 85. The contact lens package of any one of examples 80-84, wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent-member support when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid does not cover the absorbent-member support when the package is in an opened state.
Example 86. The contact lens package of any one of examples 80-84, wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent-member support when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid extends at least partially over the absorbent-member support when the package is in an opened state.
Example 87. The contact lens package of any one of examples 80-86, wherein the absorbent-member support is disposed adjacent the lens support.
Example 88. The contact lens package of any one of examples 80-87, wherein the lens support extends above the absorbent-member support and is configured for facilitating drainage of the packaging solution toward the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state.
Example 89. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-88, wherein the base is substantially rigid, and wherein the lid is flexible.
Example 90. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-88, wherein the base is flexible, and wherein the lid is flexible.
Example 91. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-90, wherein the lid comprises a foil layer.
Example 92. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-91, wherein the base comprises a barrier that is disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in the unopened state.
Example 93. The contact lens package of example 92, wherein the lid is sealed to the barrier when the package is in the unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in the unopened state.
Example 94. The contact lens package of example 93, wherein the lid is unsealed from the barrier when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.
Example 95. The contact lens package of example 92, wherein the barrier defines an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity, wherein the lid blocks the opening when the package is in the unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the opening is unblocked by the lid when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.
Example 96. The contact lens package of example 92, further comprising a gate, wherein the barrier defines an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity, wherein the gate blocks the opening when the package is in the unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the opening is unblocked by the gate when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.
Example 97. The contact lens package of example 96, wherein the gate is connected to the lid and moves along with the lid when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.
Example 98. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-97, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are spaced apart from one another.
Example 99. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-98, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are arranged in a concentric manner.
Example 100. The contact lens package of any one of examples 51-99, wherein the second cavity surrounds the first cavity.
Example 101. A method of packaging a contact lens, the method comprising:
Example 102. The method of example 101, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.
Example 103. The method of example 101, wherein the absorbent member comprises a foam.
Example 104. The method of example 101, wherein the absorbent member comprises a superabsorbent polymer.
Example 105. The method of any one of examples 101-104, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are spaced apart from one another.
Example 106. The method of any one of examples 101-105, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are arranged in a concentric manner.
Example 107. The method of any one of examples 101-106, wherein the package comprises a base and a lid, wherein the first cavity is formed between the base and the lid, wherein the second cavity is formed between the base and the lid, and wherein enclosing each of the first cavity and the second cavity comprises connecting the lid to the base such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another.
Example 108. A method of opening a contact lens package, the method comprising:
Example 109. The method of example 108, wherein at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another comprises allowing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow away from the contact lens.
Example 110. The method of example 108, wherein at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another comprises allowing a majority of the packaging solution to flow away from the contact lens.
Example 111. The method of any one of examples 108-110, wherein at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another comprises allowing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow to the absorbent member.
Example 112. The method of any one of examples 108-110, wherein at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another comprises allowing a majority of the packaging solution to flow to the absorbent member.
Example 113. The method of any one of examples 108-112, wherein at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another comprises allowing the absorbent member to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution.
Example 114. The method of any one of examples 108-112, wherein at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another comprises allowing the absorbent member to absorb a majority of the packaging solution.
Example 115. The method of any one of examples 108-114, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.
Example 116. The method of any one of examples 108-114, wherein the absorbent member comprises a foam.
Example 117. The method of any one of examples 108-114, wherein the absorbent member comprises a superabsorbent polymer.
Example 118. The method of any one of examples 108-117, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are spaced apart from one another.
Example 119. The method of any one of examples 108-118, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are arranged in a concentric manner.
Example 120. The method of any one of examples 108-119, wherein the package comprises a base and a lid, wherein the first cavity is formed between the base and the lid, wherein the second cavity is formed between the base and the lid, wherein at least partially opening the first cavity comprises
The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many of the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.
The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventors, and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.
The packages of the present invention may be manufactured using known materials and processes. The packaging materials may be virgin, recycled or a combination thereof. The volume within the package cavity can vary depending on the design selected.
Not all the features described herein need to be incorporated into every package, and those of skill in the art, using the teachings herein, can combine the features to provide a wide variety of improved contact lens packages. In summary, the contact lens packages of the present invention incorporate several novel functionalities which may be combined in a wide variety of combinations as described herein to provide the desired improved and/or single touch packaging. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
