The present invention relates to contact lens cases and the various solutions and associated bottles and containers used in connection with the cleaning, disinfection, rinsing and storage of contact lenses. More specifically, the present invention relates to an integrated solution container and dispensing bottle having stackable and removable contact lens cases and covers that can be separated from each other when desired.
Contact lenses are corrective, cosmetic, or therapeutic lenses usually placed on the cornea of the eye. Most commonly, contact lenses are used to improve vision. Based upon various characteristics relating to the contact lenses and their usage, including the material of construction of the lenses, frequency of use and replacement, and wear time, contact lenses require cleaning to disinfect the lenses, remove bacteria and fungi, and to prevent discomfort and infections.
Various types of cleaning, disinfecting and rinsing solutions and methods are known and available for cleaning contact lenses. For example, a multipurpose solution is likely the most popular. A multipurpose solution is used for rinsing, disinfecting, cleaning and storing contact lenses. When the contact lenses are stored in the multipurpose solution, the cleaning enzymes work more effectively to remove bacteria. A multipurpose solution typically eliminates the need for protein removal enzyme tablets.
Another type of solution called Saline solution is used for rinsing contact lenses, sometimes after cleaning with other solutions, prior to insertion of a contact lens onto one's eye. Saline solutions do not disinfect the lenses. Rather, Saline solutions are used to rinse any cleaning solutions (and accompanying bacteria) off of the contact lenses and to prepare the contact lenses for application onto the eye. Saline solutions are typically safe for application onto the eye.
A daily cleaner is used to clean contact lenses each day. A few drops of cleaner are applied to the contact lens while it rests in the palm of the hand and the contact lens is rubbed for about twenty seconds with the fingertip. Saline solution is then used to rinse the contact lens.
Hydrogen peroxide solution is a type of disinfection solution/cleaner available as one-step or two-step systems. A high degree of care must be taken to ensure that the contact lenses taken out of the hydrogen peroxide are neutralized using Saline solution, before placement onto the eye, to rinse away the peroxide.
Enzymatic cleaner is typically used on a weekly basis for cleaning protein deposits off of contact lenses when a daily cleaner is insufficient. Enzymatic cleaners are usually manufactured in tablet form and are dissolved within another solution, typically Saline, before the contact lenses are immersed into the solution.
Contact lens solution bottles/containers are usually comprised of a pre-filled disposable squirt-type bottle that holds a predetermined amount of liquid solution.
Inevitably, contact lens wearers carry at least one type of solution with them when traveling outside the home in case of a problem (e.g., some foreign matter is in one's eyes, a contact falls out or gets dirty) or in order to have all of the required solutions for proper maintenance. While it may be possible to purchase the requisite solution at a local store when outside the home, it is cost prohibitive to continuously purchase solution(s), a contact lens could dry out and become unusable if solution is not readily available, it is often an inconvenience to have to leave a location to go get solution, and depending upon the hour of the day and the location, a store with solution may not be open or accessible. In particular when traveling, it is desirable to have the solution(s) on hand when at bus stations, train stations, airports, etc., when traveling in an automobile, boat, bus, train, and plane, when staying overnight outside the home, such as at a hotel or resort, and when hiking or walking.
In addition to the solution(s), contact lens wearers also typically carry contact lens cases or holders. The most common contact lens case has two compartments with either screw-on/threaded caps, or snap-down caps, typically labeled “L” and “R” for left and right. The contact lens cases provide for storage of the contact lenses when not worn, either temporarily (e.g., when a wearer of contact lenses feels the need to remove the contact lenses due to irritation or soreness) or for prolonged storage during cleaning (e.g., overnight).
Accordingly, contact lens wearers typically travel outside the home with at least one container containing solution and at least one contact lens case/holder. Some wearers also travel with a compact mirror to help with the removal and placement of a contact in one's eye. The numerous items that need to be carried create a burden to users. They are sometimes forgotten or misplaced, users need to keep track of and remember to take them, they typically require a significant amount of storage space (especially for the larger solution bottles), sometimes result in storage and transportation of the solution containers in different locations than the contact lens case, and when traveling on airplanes the solution containers are sometimes confiscated because they exceed the United States Transportation Security Administration's rules (or comparable rules in other countries) for acceptable sizes and volumes of liquids, aerosols and gels that can be brought onboard aircraft. According to the current U.S. TSA rules, the maximum sizes container that can be brought onboard an aircraft is 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces).
Having separate and distinct solution bottles and contact lens cases is practical when using the devices because when a user wants to introduce solution for the care of the contact lens(es) into the contact lens case, it would not be possible to do so if the case and container were connected to each other. It is easier and more convenient to be able to hold the solution bottle in one hand and the case in the other and to squirt the solution. Being separable, the case may also be set on a counter or flat surface and the solution dispensed into the case. Either way that the components are used together, it is preferred to have the case separate from the bottle during use. Once a contact lens case is filled and the lens is placed therein, caps or lids are placed on the case to keep the solution inside.
While separate cases and containers are desired during usage, it is inconvenient to carry, and oftentimes difficult to remember to take, all the components for proper maintenance of the contact lens, e.g., solution bottles, contact lens cases and mirror.
Accordingly, there is a need for a device that provides for both convenient storage and transport of solution(s), and lens case(s), and also a mirror, in a single integrated unit, or at least provides a user with the ability to do so, if desired, and also provides for separation of the solution bottle from the contact lens case and/or from the mirror during use.
There is also a need for a device capable of storing and dispensing multiple solutions in a single integrated unit, or at least provides a user with the ability to do so if desired, and also provides for separation of the multiple solution bottles from each other and from the contact lens case(s).
There is also a need for a device that is compact to minimize the weight and size during transport yet large enough to provide the desired amount of solution(s) needed during use.
There is also a need for a device that complies with TSA rules regarding liquids that can be carried onboard aircraft while also providing larger total fluid storage capacity when the device components are integrated into a single unit.
Some attempts have been made to integrate contact lens cases/holders with containers carrying the solutions. Those attempts, however, result in devices where 1) the contact lens case/holder is attached to the bottle of solution container and not configured for use separated from the bottle or 2) devices where bottles and contact lens cases are separately stored within larger carrying cases resulting in more space consumption thereby making transportation more inconvenient and creating the chance to misplace pieces of the kits or for them to separate.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,517 discloses one such system incapable of utilizing the contact lens case separate from the bottle. A contact lens holder and fluid container are incorporated into a unitary body but are not separable for use independently, particularly the contact lens holder. The device according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,517 is configured to dispense fluid into a fluid conduit through the contact lens holder and to fill the contact lens holder with the fluid. The contact lens holder, fluid conduit, and fluid container may all be incorporated in a unitary body, or fluid container and/or the fluid conduit can be selectively attachable to the contact lens holder so that different fluid containers can be interchangeable with the contact lens holder. The device according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,517 is also much bulkier than desired.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0229999 discloses a device that combines a contact lens container with a circulating solution system but again, the contact lens storage case portion of the device is not separable from the remainder of the device for use individually on flat surfaces and the contact lens case is bulky and inconvenient.
As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,017 discloses a temporary storage contact lens cleaning kit comprising: a storage case having a base with a bottle storage area upon which at least one removably mounted bottle containing contact lens cleaning and storage fluid is mounted; and a lens storage area upon which a pair of open topped storage cups are attached and structured to accommodate and hold a pair of contact lenses, and a pair of removable caps attached to the base and sized to secure and fluid seal the opening of each respective storage cup to hold within said cup a contact lens and various types of lens cleaning and storage contact lens solutions. The device according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,017 is also bulky and requires storage of individual components within a larger case.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,867 discloses another contact lens storage container having a hinged top cover for its main storage compartment. The main compartment is used for storage of a mirror and two bottles with lens care fluids may be stored. Exterior of the main compartment are two screw-on lens compartments for contacts. A clip on the container allows attachment to a user's clothing much like a phone or pager. Again, much like the U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,017, the device according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,867 is also bulky and requires storage of individual components within a larger case.
There also exist devices designed to store individual contact lenses prior to sale. Some of those storage containers, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0020634, although stackable, are not reusable, would fall apart if lifted from one end of a stacked pile, and does not include any bottle for the solution.
None of the aforementioned patents or devices provides for a highly compact, stackable contact lens solution and carry case device suitable for travel as a single unit, in a stable and sealed manner, and also capable of being separated into component parts during intended use of the solution and the contact lens cases. Accordingly, none of the aforementioned patents or devices provide for an effective integrated traveling device for contact lens solutions and cases. In addition, none of the aforementioned patents or devices provide for a reusable contact lens carry case for a single contact lens.
There exists a need for a simple, compact, stackable, integrated, re-useable, contact lens solution container and carry case device, incorporating a mirror if desired, that provides a high degree of user convenience when traveling, provides ease of use when dispensing and using the solution on contact lenses, and is also useful for storing contact lenses.
The present invention overcomes the foregoing and other shortcomings and drawbacks associated with contact lens solution containers and related fluid storage devices and contact lens cases/holders. While the invention will be described in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to those embodiments. To the contrary, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The present invention relates generally to a compact, stackable, integrated, and re-useable contact lens case and contact lens solution bottle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a reusable, squeezable, solution bottle with a removable top thereby providing for filling and refilling as desired. Preferably, the bottle is tubular or cylindrical shaped, most preferably a little larger in diameter than the size of a contact lens. The upper portion of the bottle includes an aperture or opening and also includes a male connector with threads (or a snap fit connection or other comparable fastening means for a cap, cover or lid) for secure attachment with a removably attached cap for the bottle. Preferably, the bottom end of the cap that attaches to the top of the bottle includes an aperture or opening forming a female connector with threads for a screw type connection with the male type connector and threads on the top of the bottle. The bottle cap preferably includes a nozzle on the top side that creates a stream of the solution when the bottle is squeezed, preferably when the bottle is tilted or turned upside down. To prevent the bottle from unintentionally leaking or dispensing solution, a removable nozzle lid is included on the device.
The bottle cap further includes a male connector extending upwardly from the top of the cap with threads for secure attachment of a removable contact lens case or a contact lens cover for storage of one contact lens. Each contact lens case includes an aperture or opening on the bottom end forming a female connector with threads and a male connector with threads on the top end. Multiple contact lens cases are securely stackable on each other and are also removably attachable to each other and/or the bottle cap using the threaded connectors. Preferably, each contact lens case is cylindrical and about the same diameter as the bottle, most preferably a little larger in diameter than the diameter of the bottle.
The device of the present invention also includes a contact lens cover that may be removably used on any of the contact lens cases and/or the bottle depending upon the desired usage and configuration for the device. The lower portion or bottom of the contact lens cover includes an aperture or opening with a female connector containing threads. In the preferred embodiment, the top side of the contact lens cover includes an “L” or and “R,” or other readily identifiable indicia, to assist the user with keeping track of the location of the left and the right contact lens. Alternatively, the top side of the contact lens cover could include a mirror. In yet another embodiment, the top side of the contact lens cover includes a male connector with threads and a mirror.
When preparing the integrated contact lens bottle and case device for use, the user places solution into the bottle and fastens (e.g., screws or snaps or other equivalent fastening means) the bottle cap having an opening or nozzle thereon onto the top of the bottle. The removable nozzle lid is placed on the nozzle or opening on the bottle cap to prevent the solution from undesirably or unintentionally leaking or dispensing out of the bottle. One contact lens case is then fastened (e.g., screwed or snapped) onto the bottle cap and as many additional contact lens cases as desired are removably fastened on top of the first positioned fastened contact lens case and then subsequent contact lens cases. A contact lens cover is then placed on the highest or uppermost positioned contact lens case to seal or close the uppermost component, each of the intermediary contact lens cases being sealed by the contact lens case immediately above it. All components of the integrated contact lens bottle and case device are therefore integrated into a single compact device that can be readily transported as a single unit. The integrated device can be conveniently carried as a single unit or as component parts in a purse, briefcase, cosmetics bag, toiletry bag or case, luggage, etc. When the user needs to use the device such as, for example, when at the office, the user could take the integrated device as one unit out onto the desk or into the bathroom thus avoiding the need to look for and carry more than one device, e.g., bottle, contact lens case and mirror.
Further, when the user wants to dispense the solution, the contact lens case(s) attached to the bottle cap is/are removed (either one at a time or all together), the user lifts the nozzle lid off the nozzle, tilts or rotates the bottle, and squeezes the bottle thereby dispensing the solution, most likely into the users hand for cleaning or rinsing of a contact lens. If the user wants to remove his/her contact lens(es) and store them for cleaning or for usage at a later time, the user removes (e.g. unscrews) the contact lens cover from the uppermost contact lens case and/or separates one of the contact lens cases from the stacked configuration, places the contact into the contact lens case and then dispenses solution into the contact case using the bottle. Removability of the contact lens case(s) from the bottle is one advantage of the invention, particularly when using the solution and/or cleaning and/or preparing the contacts for storage in the contact lens cases.
The bottom surface of the bottle, such as the entire diameter or the circumference of the outside diameter, is substantially flat for stability when the bottle is placed on a flat surface such as, for example, a counter.
In another embodiment of the invention, the bottom of the bottle further includes a male connecter with threads for removable attachment to another contact lens cover. The inclusion of a second contact lens cover provides the user with many additional configurations and uses for the components of the device. For example, a contact lens cover can be used on any of the contact lens cases (particularly useful when maintaining the components of the device, especially more than one contact lens case, separate from each other) and a contact lens cover can be used to cover the bottle as an added precaution for leakage of the solution out of the bottle.
Alternatively, with a male connector with threads on the bottom of the bottle, any of the contact lens cases and/or additional contact lens cases can be removably secured to the lower portion of the bottle utilizing the female connector with threads on the bottom of the contact lens case(s).
In yet another embodiment, the bottom of the bottle includes a female connector with threads providing for a means for removable attachment of the top of a contact lens case having a male connector with threads and/or a cover having a male connector with threads. Utilizing the female connector with threads on the bottom of a first bottle, a second bottle may also be integrated into the device. The male connector with threads on the top of the second bottle can be screwed onto the female connector with threads of the bottom of the first bottle. Using a multiple bottle configuration, different solutions can be stored and transported in an integrated single device when the bottles are connected to each other.
Yet another embodiment of the invention integrates a mirror into the device in one or more locations. The mirror may be positioned within one or more of the connectors on the contact lens case(s), the cover(s), and/or the bottom of the bottle. In the preferred embodiment, a mirror is securely positioned and attached to the top of one or more covers using a snap-in type fitting comprising a rim around the inside circumference of an aperture in the top of the cover.
Although not necessary for all embodiments, in one embodiment, the volume of each bottle may be configured to be no more than 100 milliliters. When boarding aircraft, the bottles of such size can be separated from each other for compliance with TSA rules. Once onboard the aircraft, the bottles and other components including one or more contact lens cases can be secured into a single, integrated unit, preferably having a cylindrical configuration.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means, device and system for storing, transporting and using contact lens solutions and contact lenses that overcomes or solves the problems and deficiencies in the prior art.
It is another object of the invention to provide a device, system and apparatus for a compact, stackable, integrated, and re-useable contact lens case, mirror, and contact lens solution bottle.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a device, system and apparatus as described above which allows for the integration of all components into a single unit.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a device, system and apparatus as described above which allows for the separation of the components of the integrated unit as desired.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device, system and apparatus for secure, sealable, and easy placement and storage of contact lenses and contact lens solutions.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device, system and apparatus for convenient storage, transportation, and use of contact lenses, mirrors, and contact lens solutions.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device, system and apparatus that is compliant with TSA requirements for carryon containers for aircraft.
A further object of the invention is to provide a device, system and apparatus for convenient storage, transportation, and use of contact lenses, mirrors and contact lens solutions that includes more than one contact lens case.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device, system and apparatus for convenient storage, transportation, and use of contact lenses, mirrors, and contact lens solutions that includes contact lens cases for a single contact lens.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device, system and apparatus for convenient storage, transportation, and use of contact lenses, mirrors, and contact lens solutions that includes contact lens cases for one or more contact lenses.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device, system and apparatus for convenient storage, transportation, and use of contact lenses and contact lens solutions that includes contact lens cases for more than two contact lenses.
The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of an embodiment given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.
a-e are perspective views of the bottle, bottle cap, nozzle lid, and contact lens cover for the embodiment shown in
a-e are perspective views of the bottle, bottle cap, nozzle lid, and one cover for the embodiment shown in
Referring to the figures,
After solution is placed into the bottle 110, bottle cap 120 is removably secured on bottle 110 using the threads on male connector 118 on bottle 110 and the threads on female connector 119 on bottle cap 120. It is understood that the invention is not limited to threaded fastening means and may include other removable fastening mean, such as, for example, snap connectors and press fittings.
The top or upper portion of bottle cap 120 further includes nozzle 122 and male connector 118 with threads. Nozzle lid 125 is removably secured onto nozzle 122 using a snap type connector, it being understood that other types of fittings are possible including screwed/threaded connectors. Example materials of construction for nozzle lid 125 include but are not limited to plastic and rubber.
Contact lens cases 130 each include male connector 118 with threads on the upper portion and female connector 119 with threads on the lower portion thereof. Each contact lens case 130 includes a recess 135, preferably cupped or bowl-shaped, but not limited to a cupped or bowl shape, for holding solution and/or contact lenses or other ophthalmic devices. Preferably, the diameter of a contact lens case 130 is about the same as the diameter of bottle 110 to minimize the size of the device. Most preferably, the outside diameter of each contact lens case 130 is between about 0.75 to 2 inches, most preferably about 1 to 1.25 inches.
The embodiment shown in
The sizing of the threads for compatibility on the multiple component parts of the device 100 allows the user to organize and interchange the positions of the various components of the device 100. There need not be any particular order for stacking multiple contact lens cases 130 and any contact lens case 130 can be attached to bottle 110. Alternatively, the thread sizing and/or other mechanisms or means can be utilized to modify the compatibility of the components to each other to dictate the specific ordering of the component parts of the device. Other methods for ordering the component parts using colors or indicia on the exterior of the component parts are possible and within the scope of the invention.
The invention according to the embodiment shown in
Both embodiments shown in
Another embodiment of the device in accordance with the principles of the present invention in multiple positions and configurations is shown in
After solution is placed into the bottle 111, bottle cap 120 is removably secured on bottle 111 using the threads on male connector 118 on bottle 111 and the threads on female connector 119 on bottle cap 120. It is understood that the invention is not limited to threaded fastening means and may include other removable fastening means.
Bottle cap 120 further includes nozzle 122 and male connector 118 with threads on the upper portion thereof. Nozzle lid 125 is removably secured onto nozzle 122 using a snap type connector, it being understood that other types of fittings are possible including screwed and threaded connectors. Example materials of construction for nozzle lid 125 include plastic and rubber.
Contact lens cases 130 each include male connector 118 with threads on the upper portion and female connector 119 with threads on the lower portion thereof. Each contact lens case 130 includes a recess 135, preferably cupped or bowl-shaped, but not limited to a cupped or bowl shape, for holding solution and/or contact lenses or other ophthalmic devices. The diameter of a contact lens case 130 is slightly smaller than the diameter of bottle 111 to minimize the size of the device. Most preferably, the outside of diameter of each contact lens case 130 is between about 0.75 to 2 inches, most preferably about 1 to 1.25 inches.
The embodiment shown in
The sizing of the threads for compatibility on the multiple component parts of the device 101 allows the user to organize and interchange the positions of the various components of the device 101. There need not be any particular order for stacking multiple contact lens cases 130 and any contact lens case 130 can be attached to bottle 111. Alternatively, the thread sizing and/or other mechanisms or means can be utilized to modify the compatibility of the components to each other to dictate the specific ordering of the component parts of the device. Other methods for ordering the component parts using colors or indicia on the exterior of the component parts are possible and within the scope of the invention.
The invention according to the embodiment shown in
Yet another embodiment of the device in accordance with the principles of the present invention in multiple positions and configurations is shown in
After solution is placed into the bottle 113, bottle cap 120 is removably secured on bottle 113 using the threads on male connector 118 on bottle 113 and the threads on female connector 119 on bottle cap 120.
Bottle cap 120 further includes nozzle 122 and male connector 118 with threads on the upper portion thereof. Nozzle lid 125 is removably secured onto nozzle 122 using a snap type connector.
Contact lens cases 130 each include male connector 118 with threads on the upper portion and female connector 119 with threads on the lower portion thereof. Each contact lens case 130 includes a recess 135, preferably cupped or bowl-shaped, but not limited to a cupped or bowl shape, for holding solution and/or contact lenses or other ophthalmic devices. Preferably, the diameter of a contact lens case 130 is about the same as the diameter of bottle 113 to minimize the size of the device. Most preferably, the outside diameter of each contact lens case 130 is between about 0.75 to 2 inches, most preferably about 1 to 1.25 inches.
The embodiment shown in
Covers 141 and 142 include female connectors 119 with threads on the lower portion thereof and male connector 118 with threads on the upper portion. On the top of one or more of covers 141 is indicator 145 to assist the user with keeping track of the location of the left and the right contact lenses, such as, for example, “R” for right. With this cover configuration, additional covers may also be added to the device in the stacked configuration.
The sizing of the threads for compatibility on the multiple component parts of the device 102 allows the user to organize and interchange the positions of the various components of the device 102. There need not be any particular order for stacking multiple contact lens cases 130 and any contact lens case 130 can be attached to bottle 113. Alternatively, the thread sizing and/or other mechanisms or means can be utilized to modify the compatibility of the components to each other to dictate the specific ordering of the component parts of the device. Other methods for ordering the component parts using colors or indicia on the exterior of the component parts are possible and within the scope of the invention.
In the embodiment shown in
Many locations for mirror 170 on a cover are possible. For example, as shown in
Preferably, the configuration of the device is as compact as possible for traveling convenience. Accordingly, the most preferred diameter of the overall device is slightly bigger than the diameter of a contact lens. Larger diameters are possible and may be desired for larger solution storage.
It is understood that the device of the present invention need not be limited to use for contact lenses and related solutions. The device has many other applications, concurrently or separately, including use as a beverage and pill container, such as, for example, for water and medication.
While the above description and illustrations constitute preferred or alternate embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that numerous variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.