PRE-FILLED CONTACT LENS CASE

Abstract

A contact lens case (1) having reservoirs (5) pre-filled with contact lens cleaning solution (8). The cleaning solution is sealed in the reservoirs with plastic or foil seals (3) secured to top edges (7) of the reservoirs. The seals ensure that the cleaning solution remains sterile until use. Lids (2) may snap onto the reservoirs or screw onto the reservoirs to protect the seals from damage and to cover the reservoirs after the seals have been removed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to contact lens cases and proper hygiene of storing contact lenses, more particularly, a contact lens case that is pre-filled with cleaning solution.

Contact lenses require regular cleaning and disinfecting in order to retain clear vision and prevent discomfort and infections by various microorganisms that form a biofilm on the lens surface. The conventional method of cleaning contact lenses includes the use of a case having two reservoirs with lids that seal the reservoirs. To use the case, a user fills the reservoirs with cleaning solution from a bottle. Then the user places a contact lens in each reservoir after removing the contact lenses from his or her eyes. The user then seals the reservoirs with the lids.

One problem with conventional cases and bottles of cleaning solution is cleanliness. For example, conventional contact lens cases are not disposable and they must be cleaned and disinfected every so often with soap and water. Another example is in an eye doctor's office where patients are required to remove contact lenses prior to eye exams. In such offices, the patient's only option is to use a bottle of cleaning solution that has been handled by numerous other patients, thereby creating an opportunity for spreading germs. Another problem with conventional contact lens cases and bottles of cleaning solution is convenience. One problem arises while traveling. For example, an individual may want to travel via airplane, however due to security restrictions he or she may not be allowed to fly with an open bottle of cleaning solution. Another example is when an individual unexpectedly stays out for the night or if an individual is only going to stay out for one night, such as for a sleep over, and the individual does not want to carry a bottle of cleaning solution around all night.

Therefore, a need exists for a contact lens case that is pre-filled with cleaning solution and sealed to ensure the cleaning solution remains sterile until use and to meet security guidelines at airports.

Patent/Serial No.	Inventor	Issue/Publication Date
U.S. Patent Documents
7,819,241	Post-Smith et al.	Oct. 26, 2010
7,395,575	Webb et al.	Jul. 08, 2008
7,331,449	Pinchassi Dar et al.	Feb. 19, 2008
6,138,312	Cummings	Oct. 13, 2000
5,657,506	Pankow	Aug. 19, 1997
5,881,867	Tohill, Jr. et al.	Mar. 16, 1999
D358,028	Abrams et al.	May 09, 1995
5,383,550	Tsao	Jan. 24, 1995
5,375,698	Ewart et al.	Dec. 27, 1994
4,691,820	Martinez	Sep. 08, 1987
4,925,017	Jessen	May 15, 1990
3,768,633	Nathan	Dec. 30, 1973
3,741,377	Krellen	Jun. 26, 1973
3,414,117	Leeds	Dec. 03, 1968
3,268,068	Le Grand	Aug. 23, 1966
Foreign Patent Documents
WO2010/045677	Stevens et al.	Apr. 29, 2010

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a contact lens case that is pre-filled with cleaning solution and sealed to ensure the cleaning solution remains sterile until use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a pre-filled contact lens case that can be used by patients in eye clinics who need to remove contact lenses for eye exams.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a pre-filled contact case that removes the need to carry a bottle of contact lens cleaning solution while traveling.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a pre-filled contact lens case that will meet security guidelines at airports.

The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a contact lens case having reservoirs pre-filled with contact lens cleaning solution. The cleaning solution is sealed in the reservoirs with seals, preferably plastic or foil, secured to upper edges of the reservoirs. The seals ensure that the cleaning solution remains sterile until use and allows a user to carry the case through airport security because the liquid is sealed in the reservoirs. Lids may snap onto the reservoirs or screw onto the reservoirs to protect the seals from damage and to cover the reservoirs after the seals have been removed. To use the contact lens case, a user simply pulls the seals off of the reservoirs and places his or her contact lenses in the reservoirs. The user may then throw away the case after use or save it to use with a bottle of cleaning solution.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pre-filled contact lens case of the present invention having screw-on lids;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a pre-filled contact lens case of the present invention having a seal partially removed;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 showing a pre-filled contact lens case having screw-on lids;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a pre-filled contact lens case of the present invention having snap-on lids; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 showing a pre-filled contact lens case having snap-on lids.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the drawings is as follows:

1.  contact lens case
2.  lid
3.  seal
4.  base
5.  reservoir
6.  perimeter wall
7.  top edge
8.  cleaning solution
9.  thread
10. pull tab

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a front perspective view of a pre-filled contact lens case 1 of the present invention having screw-on lids 2, a front perspective view of a pre-filled contact lens case 1 having a seal 3 partially removed and a cross-section view along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, respectively, are shown. The contact lens case 1 comprises a base 4 having reservoirs 5 extending upward from the base 4. The reservoirs 5 comprise at least one perimeter wall 6 having a top edge 7. The reservoirs 5 are pre-filled with a predetermined amount of contact lens cleaning solution 8. The cleaning solution 8 is sealed in the reservoirs 5 with plastic or foil seals 3 secured to top edge 7 of the reservoirs 5 with an adhesive. The seals 3 ensure that the cleaning solution 8 remains sterile until use. Lids 2 screw onto the reservoirs via threads 9. The lids 2 protect the seals 3 from damage and cover the reservoirs 5 after the seals 3 have been removed from the reservoirs 5. To use the contact lens case 1, a user simply pulls the seals 3 off of the reservoirs 5 using the pull tabs 10, as shown in FIG. 2, and places his or her contact lenses in the reservoirs 5, thereby submersing the contact lenses in the cleaning solution 8. The user may then cover the reservoirs 5 with the lids 2.

Now referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a front perspective view and a cross-section view along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, respectively, of a pre-filled contact lens case of the present invention having snap-on lids are shown. The contact lens case 1 comprises a base 4 having reservoirs 5 extending upward from the base 4. The reservoirs 5 comprise at least one perimeter wall 6 having a top edge 7. The reservoirs 5 are pre-filled with a predetermined amount of contact lens cleaning solution 8. The cleaning solution 8 is sealed in the reservoirs 5 with plastic or foil seals 3 secured to top edge 7 of the reservoirs 5. Pull tabs 10 are located on the seals 3. The seals 3 ensure that the cleaning solution 8 remains sterile until use. Lids 2 snap onto the reservoirs via a pressure fit.

It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

1. A contact lens case comprising:

a base having at least one reservoir extending upward from the base;

said at least one reservoir having at least one perimeter wall having a top edge;

a predetermined amount of contact cleaning solution located in the at least one reservoir;

at least one seal secured to the top edge of each perimeter wall, thereby sealing the contact lens cleaning solution within the at least one reservoir; and

at least one lid that is removably attachable to the at least one reservoir.

2. The contact lens case of claim 1 wherein:

the at least one seal is secured to the top edge of the perimeter wall via an adhesive.

3. The contact lens case of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one lid is attach to the at least one reservoir via threads.

4. The contact lens case of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one lid is attach to the at least one reservoir via a pressure fit.

5. The contact lens case of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one seal is made of plastic.

6. The contact lens case of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one seal is made of aluminum.

7. The contact lens case of claim 1 wherein:

said at least one seal has a pull tab located thereon.

8. A contact lens case comprising:

a base having at least one reservoir extending upward from the base;

said at least one reservoir having at least one perimeter wall having a top edge;

a predetermined amount of contact cleaning solution located in the at least one reservoir;

at least one plastic seal secured to the top edge of each perimeter wall via an adhesive, thereby sealing the contact lens cleaning solution within the at least one reservoir; and

at least one lid that is removably attachable to the at least one reservoir.

9. The contact lens case of claim 8 wherein:

said at least one lid is attach to the at least one reservoir via threads.

10. The contact lens case of claim 8 wherein:

said at least one lid is attach to the at least one reservoir via a pressure fit.

11. The contact lens case of claim 8 wherein:

said at least one plastic seal has a pull tab located thereon.

12. A contact lens case comprising:

a base having at least one reservoir extending upward from the base;

said at least one reservoir having at least one perimeter wall having a top edge;

a predetermined amount of contact cleaning solution located in the at least one reservoir;

at least one aluminum foil seal secured to the top edge of each perimeter wall via an adhesive, thereby sealing the contact lens cleaning solution within the at least one reservoir; and

at least one lid that is removably attachable to the at least one reservoir.

13. The contact lens case of claim 12 wherein:

said at least one lid are attach to the at least one reservoir via threads.

14. The contact lens case of claim 12 wherein:

said at least one lid are attach to the at least one reservoir via a pressure fit.

15. The contact lens case of claim 12 wherein:

said at least one aluminum foil seal has a pull tab located thereon.