Ophthalmic lens package
An ophthalmic lens package includes a pair of shell members that are removably attached to each other and a pair of absorbent members sandwiched therebetween. The shell members are connected to each other by a hinge at one of their ends, and are pivotable relative to each other about the hinge between a closed position, in which the shell members are attached to each other, and an open position.
The present invention relates to an ophthalmic lens package and, more particularly, to an ophthalmic lens package adapted for improved accessibility to the contents thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONOphthalmic lenses, including contact lenses, intra-ocular lenses and overlay lenses and particularly disposable contact lenses, have been conventionally packaged in “blister packs.” In general, a blister pack comprises a rigid plastic (e.g., polypropylene), concave-shaped receptacle for receiving an ophthalmic lens and a flexible cover, typically made from a laminate material (such as metal foil), which is removably attached to the receptacle for enclosing the lens therein. Within each blister pack are a single ophthalmic lens and a sufficient amount of contact lens solution to prevent drying of the ophthalmic lens and to maintain the ophthalmic lens readily available for use. While conventional blister packs provide many users with a convenient means for shipping and storing ophthalmic lenses, some users have difficulty grasping the cover portion of the blister package and are frustrated by the process. This frustration can encourage those users to use sharp instruments to open their packages which can damage both the user and the lens. Accordingly, there is a need for an ophthalmic lens package that provides easy access to its contents (i.e., contact lens and contact lens solution) on a consistent basis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFor a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The invention includes an ophthalmic lens package, comprising a first shell member having a first end and a second end; a second shell member having a first end and a second end, said first and second shell members being pivotable relative to each other between a closed position, in which said first and second shell members are removably attached to each other, and an open position, in which said first and second shell members are pivoted away from each other; a connecting means for connecting said first and second members at their said first ends; and a receptacle interposed between said first and second shell members while they are in their said closed position, said receptacle being adapted to receive and house an ophthalmic lens and an amount of solution. As used herein, “ophthalmic lens” refer to a device that resides on the eye, including but not limited to soft contact, lenses, hard contact lenses, intraocular lenses, overlay lenses, preferably soft contact lenses.
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While the body 20 and the cavity 28 of the shell member 12 and the body 24 and the cavity 32 of the shell member 14 are each preferably semi-circular in shape, it should be noted that each can consist of other shapes and sizes. Also, each of the tabs 22, 26 is, preferably, semi-circular in shape, but each can consist of other shapes and sizes. Similarly, each of the absorbent members 16, 18 is, preferably, semi-circular in shape, but it can consist of other shapes and sizes. Also, each of the recesses 66, 70 of the absorbent member 16, 18 is, preferably, circular in shape, but each can consist of other shapes and sizes.
The shell members 12, 14 are each, preferably, manufactured from a foil/polymer laminate or coextrusion, comprising a metal layer, such as aluminum, and a polymer layer, such as polypropylene, coating the metal layer. Alternatively, the shell members 12, 14 can be manufactured from other materials, such as a combination of polymers with various barrier and sealing characteristics formed into a laminate or coextrusion. Each of the absorbent members 16, 18 is preferably manufactured from an absorbent sponge material, such as MEROCEL® brand polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge, manufactured by Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Each of the absorbent members may be manufactured from other materials. The material of the absorbent member should be should be able to absorb about 500 μL to about 1500 μL of solution, more preferably about 900 μL to about 1,000 μL.
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As previously mentioned, the absorbent members 16, 18 are, preferably, separate and distinct members. Alternatively, the package 10 may include a single frangible absorbent member capable of being torn apart at a weakened section along its medial axis (not shown in the Figures) when the package 10 is opened in the manner previously described.
It will be understood that the embodiment described herein is merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically, the present invention has been adapted for use in housing a single ophthalmic lens and an amount of solution. However, the present invention can be utilized to house a plurality of ophthalmic lenses and an amount of solution therefor. Further features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on a reading of the detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which is given below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. An ophthalmic lens package, comprising a first shell member having a first end and a second end; a second shell member having a first end and a second end, said first and second shell members being pivotable relative to each other between a closed position, in which said first and second shell members are removably attached to each other, and an open position, in which said first and second shell members are pivoted away from each other; a connecting means for connecting said first and second members at their said first ends; and a receptacle interposed between said first and second shell members while they are in their said closed position, said receptacle being adapted to receive and house an ophthalmic lens and an amount of solution.
2. The package of claim 1, wherein said first end of said first shell member is opposite said second end of said first shell member and said first end of said second shell member is opposite said second end of said second shell member.
3. The package of claim 1, further comprising means for separating said first and second shell members from each other and for pivoting them from their said closed position to their said open position.
4. The package of claim 3, wherein said separating means includes a first tab extending from said second end of said first shell member and a second tab extending from said second end of said second shell member, said first and second tabs being juxtaposed with one another when said first and second shell members are in their said closed position.
5. The package of claim 4, further comprising a first plurality of bumps protruding from an exposed surface of said first tab and a second plurality of bumps protruding from an exposed surface of said second tab, said first and second plurality of bumps being sized and shaped so as to enable manual grasping of said juxtaposed tabs.
6. The package of claim 5, wherein said first tab includes at least one band extending across an inner surface of said first tab opposite said exposed surface thereof, and said second tab includes at least one groove extending across an inner surface of said second tab opposite said exposed surface thereof, said at least one band being sized, shaped and positioned so as to interlock with said at least one groove when said first and second tabs are juxtaposed with one another.
7. The package of claim 1, wherein said connecting means includes a hinge formed integrally with said first and second shell members.
8. The package of claim 1, wherein each of said first and second shell members includes a cavity and an annular flange that extends around the periphery of said cavity, said first and second shell members being removably attached to each other at said flanges.
9. The package of claim 8, wherein said receptacle includes a first absorbent member fitted within said first shell member and a second absorbent member fitted within said second shell member, each of said first and second absorbent members having a recess, said recesses forming a chamber for housing an ophthalmic lens and an amount of solution when said first and second shell members are in their said closed position.
10. The package of claim 9, wherein said first absorbent member is fitted within and attached to an inner surface of said cavity of said first shell member.
11. The package of claim 9, wherein said second absorbent member is fitted within and attached to an inner surface of said cavity of said second shell member.
12. The package of claim 9 wherein said first absorbent member is fitted within and attached to an inner surface of said cavity of said first shell member and said second absorbent member is fitted within and attached to an inner surface of said cavity of said second shell member.
13. The package of claim 8, wherein said receptacle includes an absorbent member having a first surface attached to said cavity of said first shell member, a second surface attached to said cavity of said second shell member, and a chamber for housing an ophthalmic lens and an amount of solution when said first and second shell members are in their said closed position, said absorbent member being capable of splitting apart when said first and second shell members pivot from their said closed position to their said open position, thereby opening said chamber and exposing the ophthalmic lens.
14. The package of claim 12 further comprising a contact lens and about 500 μL to about 1500 μL of solution.
15. The package of claim 14, further comprising means for separating said first and second shell members from each other and for pivoting them from their said closed position to their said open position.
16. The package claim 15, wherein said separating means includes a first tab extending from said second end of said first shell member and a second tab extending from said second end of said second shell member, said first and second tabs being juxtaposed with one another when said first and second shell members are in their said closed position.
17. The package claim 16, further comprising a first plurality of bumps protruding from an exposed surface of said first tab and a second plurality of bumps protruding from an exposed surface of said second tab, said first and second plurality of bumps being sized and shaped so as to enable manual grasping of said juxtaposed tabs.
18. The package of claim 17, wherein said first tab includes at least one band extending across an inner surface of said first tab opposite said exposed surface thereof, and said second tab includes at least one groove extending across an inner surface of said second tab opposite said exposed surface thereof, said at least one band being sized, shaped and positioned so as to interlock with said at least one groove when said first and second tabs are juxtaposed with one another.
19. The package of claim 12, wherein said connecting means includes a hinge formed integrally with said first and second shell members.
20. The package of claim 12, wherein each of said first and second shell members includes a cavity and an annular flange that extends around the periphery of said cavity, said first and second shell members being removably attached to each other at said flanges.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 22, 2005
Publication Date: Sep 28, 2006
Inventors: Michael Tokarski (Ponte Vedra, FL), James Peck (Jacksonville, FL), Edward Dzwill (Flemington, NJ), George Brock (St. Augustine, FL), Roger Smith (Grove City, OH), Michael Ulrich (Columbus, OH), Stephen Grimes (Westerville, OH), Jan Yates (Reynoldsburg, OH)
Application Number: 11/085,924
International Classification: A45C 11/04 (20060101);