CONTACT LENS PACKAGES WITH SLIDING OR TILTING LENS TRANSFER AND METHODS OF HANDLING

Abstract

The present invention relates to improved contact lens packages and methods of use and manufacture/assembly. A contact lens package includes a base and a lid connected to the base. The base includes a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution, and at least one projection (140) disposed at least partially within the base cavity. The at least one projection may extend along an internal surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity. The lid extends over and cover the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the base cavity is formed by a bowl comprising a main portion (236) and a channel portion (238) extending away from the main portion.

Description

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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. In one respect, it would be ideal to provide wearers of contact lenses with a “single touch” package—that is, a package whereby the wearer of contact lenses can take the lens from the lens storage package with a single touch of one of his or her fingers, and then, with this single touch, position the lens correctly on the eye. In such a design, there would be no need for transfer and manipulation of the lens from one finger to another before placing the lens on the eye. Providing such a single touch package would not only streamline the lens preparation and insertion process; it would also diminish the possibility of dropping the lens or exposing the lens to additional bacteria on a wearer's other fingers as the lens is being prepared for orientation and insertion onto the eye, and it also reduces the possibility of touching the side of the lens which is intended to contact the eye.

Design of a single touch lens package faces some distinct challenges. The wearer ideally should be able to consistently position the lens to adhere to the finger during removal from the package. Further, the single touch package ideally should not result in an inordinate increase in the cost of goods over current contact lens packages, as this could result in increased costs to the wearer community. The package should not make it difficult to hold the lens when removed from the package. Additionally, if the configuration of the package were to maintain, or even reduce the volume of solution needed to package the lens, this would reduce the ecological impact of the lens package. Similarly, it would be beneficial if all or part of the package could be made of recycled materials, and/or recyclable in whole or part.

In addition, it would be advantageous if the package were composed of materials that are already approved by the various regulatory bodies and ideally did not require a change in solution chemistry or lens composition. Optimally, as well, the functionality of the package preferably does not incorporate any electronics or other electrical components if such components could adversely affect performance of either the package or the lens.

Thus, there remains a need for contact lens packages which provide a convenient lens removal experience.

II. SUMMARY

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 base having a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution, and a lid that is connected to the base and extends over and covers the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state. In certain embodiments, the base can include at least one projection that is disposed at least partially within the base cavity and has a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity, thereby easing user removal of the contact lens from the base. In certain embodiments, the base can include a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity and includes a channel portion having a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity when a user tilts the base, thereby allowing a single-touch user experience, as described herein. 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 base and a lid connected to the base. The base may include a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution, and at least one projection disposed at least partially within the base cavity. The at least one projection may extend along an internal surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity. The lid may extend over and cover the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state.

In some embodiments, the base cavity may house the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the internal surface of the base. In some embodiments, the base cavity may have an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the at least one projection may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may be disposed entirely within the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may extend from an intermediate region of the base cavity to the end of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may include a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the lens engagement surface may include a concave portion and a convex portion. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may have a height relative to the internal surface of the base, and the height may vary along a length of the at least one projection. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may include a pair of projections spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the base cavity may have an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the projections may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may include a rib. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may include a pair of ribs spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the base cavity may have an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the ribs may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the lid may not cover the base cavity when the package is in an opened state, such that the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening of the base cavity when the package is in the opened state. In some embodiments, the base may be substantially rigid, and the lid may be flexible.

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 may include a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution, and at least one projection disposed at least partially within the base cavity. The at least one projection may extend along an internal surface of the base and may include a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity. The lid may extend over and cover the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state.

In some embodiments, the base cavity may house the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the internal surface of the base. In some embodiments, the base cavity may have an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the at least one projection may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may be disposed entirely within the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may extend from an intermediate region of the base cavity toward an end of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may extend from an intermediate region of the base cavity to an end of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the lens engagement surface may include a concave portion and a convex portion. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may have a height relative to the internal surface of the base, and the height may vary along a length of the at least one projection. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may include a pair of projections spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the base cavity may have an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the projections may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may include a rib. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may include a pair of ribs spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the base cavity may have an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the ribs may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the lid may not cover the base cavity when the package is in an opened state, such that the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening of the base cavity when the package is in the opened state. In some embodiments, the base may be substantially rigid, and the lid may be flexible.

In still another aspect, a method of packaging a contact lens is provided. The method may include providing a base including a base cavity and at least one projection disposed at least partially within the base cavity, with the at least one projection extending along an internal surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity. The method also may include disposing a contact lens and packaging solution within the base cavity, and connecting a lid to the base such that the lid extends over and covers the base cavity. The at least one projection may extend along an internal surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity.

In some embodiments, the contact lens may be disposed within the base cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the internal surface of the base. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may include a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may include a pair of projections spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may have a height relative to the internal surface of the base, and the height may vary along a length of the at least one projection.

In yet another aspect, a method of opening a contact lens package is provided. The method may include holding a base of the package, the base including a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution and at least one projection disposed at least partially within the base cavity, with the at least one projection extending along an internal surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity. The method also may include at least partially removing a lid of the package from the base such that the lid does not cover the base cavity, engaging the contact lens through an opening of the base cavity, and sliding the contact lens along the at least one projection and out of the base cavity via the engagement through the opening.

In some embodiments, the contact lens may be disposed within the base cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the internal surface of the base. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may include a lens engagement surface, and sliding the contact lens along the at least one projection may include sliding the contact lens along the lens engagement surface and out of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may include a pair of projections spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the at least one projection may have a height relative to the internal surface of the base, and the height may vary along a length of the at least one projection.

In one aspect, a contact lens package is provided. The contact lens package may include a base and a lid connected to the base. The base may include a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution, and a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity. The bowl may include a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base. The lid may extend over and cover the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state.

In some embodiments, the base cavity may house the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an internal surface of the base. In some embodiments, the base cavity may have an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the channel portion may extend away from the main portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the channel portion may have a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end. In some embodiments, the second end of the channel portion may be spaced apart from the end of the base. In some embodiments, the base also may include a ramp disposed between the second end of the channel portion and the end of the base. In some embodiments, a depth of the channel portion may decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, a maximum depth of the channel portion may be less than a maximum depth of the main portion. In some embodiments, a width of the channel portion may decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, a maximum width of the channel portion may be less than a maximum width of the main portion. In some embodiments, the channel portion may include a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the lid may not cover the base cavity when the package is in an opened state, such that the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening of the base cavity when the package is in the opened state. In some embodiments, the base may be substantially rigid, and the lid may be flexible.

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 may include a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution, and a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity. The bowl may include a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion. The channel portion may include a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity. The lid may extend over and cover the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state.

In some embodiments, the base cavity may house the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an internal surface of the base. In some embodiments, the base cavity may have an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the channel portion may extend away from the main portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the channel portion may have a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end. In some embodiments, the channel portion may extend away from the main portion toward an end of the base. In some embodiments, the second end of the channel portion may be spaced apart from the end of the base. In some embodiments, the base also may include a ramp disposed between the second end of the channel portion and the end of the base. In some embodiments, a depth of the channel portion may decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, a maximum depth of the channel portion may be less than a maximum depth of the main portion. In some embodiments, a width of the channel portion may decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, a maximum width of the channel portion may be less than a maximum width of the main portion. In some embodiments, the lid may not cover the base cavity when the package is in an opened state, such that the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening of the base cavity when the package is in the opened state. In some embodiments, the base may be substantially rigid, and the lid may be flexible.

In still another aspect, a method of packaging a contact lens is provided. The method may include providing a base including a base cavity and a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity, with the bowl including a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base. The method also may include disposing a contact lens and packaging solution within the base cavity, and connecting a lid to the base such that the lid extends over and covers the base cavity.

In some embodiments, the base cavity may house the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an internal surface of the base. In some embodiments, the channel portion may have a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end, and the second end of the channel portion may be spaced apart from the end of the base. In some embodiments, a depth of the channel portion may decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, a width of the channel portion may decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, the channel portion may include a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity.

In yet another aspect, a method of opening a contact lens package is provided. The method may include holding a base of the package, the base including a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution and a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity, with the bowl including a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base. The method also may include at least partially removing a lid of the package from the base such that the lid does not cover the base cavity, and tilting the base such that the contact lens slides along the channel portion and out of the base cavity.

In some embodiments, the base cavity may house the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an internal surface of the base. In some embodiments, the channel portion may have a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end, and the second end of the channel portion may be spaced apart from the end of the base. In some embodiments, a depth of the channel portion may decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, a width of the channel portion may decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, the channel portion may include a lens engagement surface, and tilting the base may cause the contact lens to slide along the lens engagement surface and out of the base cavity.

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.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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.

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an example contact lens package in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, showing the contact lens package in an unopened state.

FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of the contact lens package of FIG. 1A in an opened state.

FIGS. 1C-1E are cross-sectional side views of a base and a contact lens of the contact lens package of FIG. 1A, taken along line 1C-1C of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C shows the contact lens disposed within a base cavity of the base. FIG. 1D shows the contact lens sliding up a projection of the base and out of the base cavity. FIG. 1E shows the contact lens after sliding up the projection and out of the base cavity.

FIGS. 2A-2C are perspective views illustrating an example method of opening the contact lens package of FIG. 1A in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 2A shows a user holding a base of the contact lens package and at least partially removing a lid of the contact lens package from the base to expose a contact lens disposed within a base cavity of the base. FIG. 2B shows the user engaging the contact lens through an opening of the base. FIG. 2C shows the contact lens positioned on the user's finger after removal of the contact lens from the base cavity.

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of an example contact lens package in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, showing the contact lens package in an unopened state.

FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of the contact lens package of FIG. 3A in an opened state.

FIG. 3C is an exploded side perspective view of a base, a lid, and a contact lens of the contact lens package of FIG. 3A.

FIGS. 4A-4C are perspective views illustrating an example method of opening the contact lens package of FIG. 3A in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 4A shows a user holding a base of the contact lens package and at least partially removing a lid of the contact lens package from the base to expose a contact lens disposed within a base cavity of the base. FIG. 4B shows the user tilting the base such that the contact lens slides out of the base cavity and onto the user's finger. FIG. 4C shows the contact lens positioned on the user's finger after removal of the contact lens from the base cavity.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meaning. A benefit of the certain embodiments the present invention is that they facilitate consistent single-touch lens transfer from the package to a wearer's finger, and then from the finger to the wearer's eye without the lens inverting, falling off the finger or further manipulation. The lens also desirably “sits up” on the finger without collapsing or inverting and then transfers to the eye when placed there. Packages of certain embodiments may provide the desired single-touch transfer across a range of finger sizes, and dab pressures. Environmental conditions such as the temperature and whether the finger is wet or dry may also impact transfer rate, with higher temperatures generally improving lens transfer.

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.

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 package base may be made from selected from polymers, rubbers, or plastics that can molded and preferably be injection molded and are compatible with the chemical and physical properties of the lens, packing solution and any additives which may be included therein and sterilization requirements of contact lens manufacture. Examples of suitable materials include polyolefins including polypropylene, and olefin co-polymers, including COPs (Cyclic Olefin Polymer) and COCs, (Cyclic Olefin Co-polymers), and blends thereof.

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, FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate an example contact lens package 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As described, the contact lens package 100 may include a base 110, a lid 160, a contact lens 170, and packaging solution. The contact lens package 100 may have an unopened state, as shown in FIG. 1A, and an opened state, as shown in FIG. 1B. When the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, the contact lens 170 and the packaging solution may be housed within a cavity formed by the base 110 and the lid 160. In this manner, the contact lens 170 may be protected within the base 110 and the lid 160 and exposed to the packaging solution until the contact lens package 100 is opened for removal of the contact lens 170. When desired, a user may open the contact lens package 100 by at least partially removing the lid 160 from the base 110 to allow access to the contact lens 170. Such removal of the lid 160 may allow the user to engage and slide the contact lens 170 out of a base cavity 122 of the base 110. As described below, the base 110 may include one or more projections 140 disposed at least partially within the base cavity 122 and extending along an internal surface 142 of the base 110, and the projections 140 may guide sliding of the contact lens 170 out of the base cavity 122. In this manner, the projections 140 may ease removal of the contact lens 170 from the base 110, avoiding the drawbacks of certain existing contact lens packages as discussed above. It is noted that, while in the embodiment illustrated contact lens 170 is disposed in the package 100 in a concave-up orientation, the package could be (and preferably is) configured such that the lens is positioned in a convex-up orientation so that upon removal the lens may be transferred with a single touch.

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. The base 110 may define a base cavity 122 that houses the contact lens 170 and packaging solution. The base cavity 122 may have an opening 124 that allows for removal of the contact lens 170 when the contact lens package 100 is in the opened state. As shown, the base cavity 122 may have an elongated shape with a first end 126 (which also may be referred to as a “back end” in certain embodiments) and a second end 128 (which also may be referred to as a “front end” in certain embodiments) disposed opposite one another along a longitudinal axis defined by the base cavity 122.

According to the illustrated example, the base 110 may include multiple different portions that provide different functions. As shown, the base 110 may include a platform 130, a support 132, and a bowl 134. The platform 130 may serve as a base structure for the support 132 and the bowl 134 and for connection of the lid 160 to the base 110. In some embodiments, as shown, the platform 130 may be formed as a planar member, although other configurations may be used. The support 132 may extend downward from the platform 130 and be configured to stabilize the base 110 when placed on a support surface. In some embodiments, as shown, the support 132 may be formed as a tab extending transverse to the platform 130, although other configurations may be used. The bowl 134 may extend downward from the platform 130 and be configured to receive at least a portion of the contact lens 170 and the packaging solution therein. Various shapes and configurations of the bowl 134 may be used. The bowl 134 may define at least a portion of the base cavity 122. In some embodiments, as shown, the base cavity 122 may be defined entirely by the bowl 134. It will be appreciated that various shapes and configurations of the base 110 and respective portions thereof may be used in different embodiments, and that the illustrated embodiment is merely one example. As discussed above, the base 110 may be formed of any of numerous suitable materials, such as polymers, rubbers, or plastics, but preferably is formed from an injection molded polypropylene. The base 110 preferably is substantially rigid, meaning that the selected material does not deform under typical usage and storage conditions for contact lens packages.

As shown, the base 110 may include one or more projections 140 disposed at least partially within the base cavity 122 and extending along an internal surface 142 of the base 110. In some embodiments, the projections 140 may be disposed entirely within the base cavity 122. According to the illustrated embodiment, the internal surface 142 may be an internal surface of the bowl 134. As shown, the base 110 may include a pair of projections 140 spaced apart from one another and extending toward the second end 128 of the base cavity 122. Any number of the projections 140 may be used in various embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown, each of the projections 140 may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity 122. In some embodiments, as shown, each of the projections 140 may extend from an intermediate region of the base cavity 122 to the second end 128 of the base cavity 122 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity 122. According to the illustrated embodiment, the projections 140 may be formed as ribs, although other forms of the projections 140 may be used in other embodiments. As shown, each of the projections 140 may have a height relative to the internal surface 142 of the base 110, and the height may vary along the length of the projection 140. Each of the projections 140 may include a lens engagement surface 144 that is configured to engage the contact lens 170 and facilitate sliding of the contact lens 170 out of the base cavity 122, as shown in FIGS. 1C-1E. The lens engagement surface 144 of projections 140 may be contoured to facilitate such sliding of the contact lens 170 along the projections 140 where the contour tapers upward starting from the region of the cavity 122 where the contact lens 170 naturally rests under the force of gravity when the package is in a top-up orientation to upward to the second end 128 to allow the contact lens 170 to be gently slid out of the package 100. The lens engagement surface(s) preferably are configured collectively to make surface contact with the contact lens at less than a total of 20 mm² of the surface of the contact lens at any time during use and storage. Reducing the area in contact with the surface of the lens, allows the lens to detach from the base more easily and avoid the lens collapsing onto the base due to surface tension forces.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the lens engagement surface 144 may include a concave portion 146 and a convex portion 148. Various other forms of the lens engagement surface 144 may be used in other embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown, the contact lens 170 may be housed within the base cavity 122 such that the convex surface of the contact lens 170 faces the internal surface 142 of the base 110 and thus engages the lens engagement surface 144 of each of the projections 140 as the contact lens 170 slides out of the base cavity 122. Various configurations and shapes of one or more projections 140 may be used to ease removal of the contact lens 170 from the base cavity 122.

As shown, the lid 160 may extend over respective surfaces of the base 110 and seal the contact lens 170 and the packaging solution within the base cavity 122 when the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state. In this manner, the base 110 and the lid 160 together may form a sealed cavity for containing the contact lens 170 and the packaging solution until a user desires to open the contact lens package 100 and remove the contact lens 170 for use. In some embodiments, as shown, when the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, the lid 160 may extend over and cover the base cavity 122 and respective portions of the platform 130. When the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, respective portions of the lid 160 may be sealed to respective adjacent portions of the base 110, such as portions of the platform 130 surrounding the opening 124 of the base cavity 122, such that the contact lens 170 and the packaging solution are contained within the cavity formed by the base 110 and the lid 160. The seal between the lid 160 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 170. As discussed above, the lid 160 may be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, as shown, the lid 160 may be flexible.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an example method of opening the contact lens package 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As noted above, the contact lens package 100 may be provided and stored in the unopened state, as shown in FIG. 1A, until a user desires to open the package 100. With the contact lens package 100 in the unopened state, the user may hold the base 110 and at least partially remove the lid 160 from the base 110, as shown in FIG. 2A. For example, the user may grasp an end region of the lid 160 and pull the lid 160 away from the base 110. In this manner, at least a portion of the seal between the lid 160 and the base 110 may be broken. In some embodiments, as shown, the contact lens package 100 may be held in a horizontal orientation while the lid 160 is at least partially removed from the base 110. In some embodiments, as shown, the lid 160 may be removed from the base 110 such that at least a portion of the base cavity 122 is no longer covered by the lid 160 along the first side 116. In some embodiments, the lid 160 may be entirely removed from the base 110.

After at least partially removing the lid 160 from the base 110, the user may engage the contact lens 170 through the opening 124 of the base cavity 122 with one of the user's fingers (or other applicator or sanitary film, if desired) while the contact lens 170 resides within the base cavity 122, as shown in FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, as shown, the user may engage the contact lens 170 while the contact lens package 100 is held in the horizontal orientation. According to the illustrated embodiment in which the convex surface of the contact lens 170 faces the internal surface 142, the user may engage the concave surface or the circumferential edge of the contact lens 170. The user then may slide the contact lens 170 along the projections 140 and out of the base cavity 122 via the engagement through the opening 124, as shown in FIGS. 1C-1E. In particular, the user may slide the contact lens 170 along the lens engagement surfaces 144 of the projections 140, which guide the contact lens 170 toward the second end 128 and out of the base cavity 122 while also facilitating removal of the packaging solution from the contact lens 170. In this manner, the contact lens 170 may be conveniently removed from the base 110 and then positioned on the user's finger, as shown in FIG. 2C, ready for positioning on the user's eye. In alternative preferred embodiments where the contact lens is positioned in the package in a convex-up orientation, transfer of the contact lens from the package to the finger and ultimately to the eye conveniently requires only a single touch.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate another example contact lens package 200 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As described, the contact lens package 200 may include a base 210, a lid 260, a contact lens 270, and packaging solution. The contact lens package 200 may have an unopened state, as shown in FIG. 3A, and an opened state, as shown in FIG. 3B. When the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state, the contact lens 270 and the packaging solution may be housed within a cavity formed by the base 210 and the lid 260. In this manner, the contact lens 270 may be protected within the base 210 and the lid 260 and exposed to the packaging solution until the contact lens package 200 is opened for removal of the contact lens 270. When desired, a user may open the contact lens package 200 by at least partially removing the lid 260 from the base 210 to allow access to the contact lens 270. Such removal of the lid 260 may allow the user to remove the contact lens 270 from a base cavity 222 of the base 210 by tilting the base 210 from a horizontal orientation. As described below, the base 210 may include a bowl 234 having a channel portion 238 that guides sliding of the contact lens 270 out of the base cavity 222. The base 210 also may include a ramp 250 that guides sliding of the contact lens 270 from the base cavity 222 onto the user's finger. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the contact lens 270 may be housed within the base 210 such that a convex side of the contact lens 270 faces an internal surface of the base 210. In this manner, as the contact lens 270 slides out of the base cavity 222, the user's finger may engage the convex side of the contact lens 270 for subsequent placement of the contact lens 270 on the user's eye, enabling a single-touch user experience and avoiding the drawbacks of certain existing contact lens packages as discussed above.

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. The base 210 may define a base cavity 222 that houses the contact lens 270 and packaging solution. The base cavity 222 may have an opening 224 that allows for removal of the contact lens 270 when the contact lens package 200 is in the opened state. As shown, the base cavity 222 may have an elongated shape with a first end 226 (which also may be referred to as a “back end” in certain embodiments) and a second end 228 (which also may be referred to as a “front end” in certain embodiments) disposed opposite one another along a longitudinal axis defined by the base cavity 222.

According to the illustrated example, the base 210 may include multiple different portions that provide different functions. As shown, the base 210 may include a platform 230, a support 232, and a bowl 234. The platform 230 may serve as a base structure for the support 232 and the bowl 234. In some embodiments, as shown, the platform 230 may be formed as a planar member, although other configurations may be used. The support 232 may extend downward from the platform 230 and be configured to stabilize the base 210 when placed on a support surface. In some embodiments, as shown, the support 232 may be formed as a tab extending transverse to the platform 230, although other configurations may be used. The bowl 234 may extend downward from the platform 230 and be configured to receive at least a portion of the contact lens 270 and the packaging solution therein. As shown, the bowl 234 may define at least a portion of the base cavity 222.

As shown, the bowl 234 may include a main portion 236 and a channel portion 238 extending away from the main portion 236 toward the second end 214 of the base 210. In some embodiments, the bowl 234 may have a generally teardrop shape, with the main portion 236 having a partial spherical shape and the channel portion 238 having a contoured shape tapering away from the main portion 236. In some embodiments, as shown, the channel portion 238 may extend away from the main portion 236 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity 222. The channel portion 238 may have a first end 242 adjacent the main portion 236 and a second end 244 disposed opposite the first end 242. As shown, the second end 244 of the channel portion 238 may be spaced apart from the second end 214 of the base 210 and spaced apart from the second end 228 of the base cavity 222. In some embodiments, as shown, a depth of the channel portion 238 may decrease in the direction from the first end 242 toward the second end 244. In some embodiments, as shown, a maximum depth of the channel portion 238 may be less than a maximum depth of the main portion 236. In some embodiments, as shown, a width of the channel portion 238 may decrease in the direction from the first end 242 toward the second end 244. In some embodiments, as shown, a maximum width of the channel portion 238 may be less than a maximum width of the main portion 236. As shown, the channel portion 238 may include a lens engagement surface 240 that is configured to engage the contact lens 270 and facilitate sliding of the contact lens 270 out of the base cavity 222. The lens engagement surface 240 may be contoured to facilitate such sliding of the contact lens 270 along the channel portion 238. According to the illustrated embodiment, the lens engagement surface 240 may have a concave shape, although various other forms of the lens engagement surface 240 may be used in other embodiments. Preferably, the concave shape of lens engagement surface 240 supports the shape of the lens and stopping it from collapsing or inverting while gradually moving it away from the liquid. In some embodiments, as shown, the contact lens 270 may be housed within the base cavity 222 such that the convex surface of the contact lens 270 faces an internal surface of the bowl and thus engages the lens engagement surface 240 of the channel portion 238 as the contact lens 270 slides out of the base cavity 222. Various configurations and shapes of the bowl 234 and the channel portion 238 thereof may be used to ease removal of the contact lens 270 from the base cavity 222.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the base 210 also may include an end wall 246 and a pair of sidewalls 248. As shown, the end wall 246 may extend upward from the platform 230 and along the first end 212 of the base 210. The sidewalls 248 may extend upward from the platform 230 and along the respective lateral sides 220 of the base 210. As shown, the end wall 246 and the sidewalls 248 each may define a portion of the base cavity 222. In this manner, according to the illustrated embodiment, the base cavity 222 may be collectively defined by the platform 230, the bowl 234, the end wall 246, and the sidewalls 248. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 210 also may include a ramp 250 disposed between the second end 244 of the channel portion 238 and the second end 214 of the base 210. As shown, the ramp 250 may be formed along the top side of the support 232 and may slope downward toward the second end 214 of the base 210. In this manner, the ramp 250 may facilitate sliding of the contact lens 270 from the base cavity 220 onto the user's finger. It will be appreciated that various shapes and configurations of the base 210 and respective portions thereof may be used in different embodiments, and that the illustrated embodiment is merely one example. As discussed above, the base 210 may be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the base 210 may be substantially rigid.

As shown, the lid 260 may extend over respective surfaces of the base 210 and seal the contact lens 270 and the packaging solution within the base cavity 222 when the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state. In this manner, the base 210 and the lid 260 together may form a sealed cavity for containing the contact lens 270 and the packaging solution until a user desires to open the contact lens package 200 and remove the contact lens 270 for use. In some embodiments, as shown, when the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state, the lid 260 may extend over and cover the base cavity 222 and respective portions of the base 210. When the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state, respective portions of the lid 260 may be sealed to respective adjacent portions of the base 210 surrounding the opening 224 of the base cavity 222, such as portions of the support 232, the end wall 246, and the sidewalls 248, such that the contact lens 270 and the packaging solution are contained within the cavity formed by the base 210 and the lid 260. The seal between the lid 260 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 270. As discussed above, the lid 260 may be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, as shown, the lid 260 may be flexible.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an example method of opening the contact lens package 200 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As noted above, the contact lens package 200 may be provided and stored in the unopened state, as shown in FIG. 3A, until a user desires to open the package 200. With the contact lens package 200 in the unopened state, the user may hold the base 210 and at least partially remove the lid 260 from the base 210, as shown in FIG. 4A. For example, the user may grasp an end region of the lid 260 and pull the lid 260 away from the base 210. In this manner, at least a portion of the seal between the lid 260 and the base 210 may be broken. In some embodiments, as shown, the contact lens package 200 may be held in a horizontal orientation while the lid 260 is at least partially removed from the base 210. In some embodiments, as shown, the lid 260 may be removed from the base 210 such that at least a portion of the base cavity 222 is no longer covered by the lid 260 along the first side 216. In some embodiments, the lid 260 may be entirely removed from the base 210.

After at least partially removing the lid 260 from the base 210, the user may tilt the base 210 from the horizontal orientation toward a vertical orientation such that the contact lens 270 slides along the channel portion 238 and out of the base cavity 222, as shown in FIG. 4B. In particular, the contact lens 270 may slide along the lens engagement surface 240 of the channel portion 238, which guides the contact lens 270 toward the second end 228 and out of the base cavity 222. The tilting action of the package 200 allows packaging solution (not illustrated) to drain out of the cavity 222 while simultaneously allowing the contact lens 270 to slide toward the second end 228. In some embodiments, the user may place the user's finger adjacent the second end 228 of the base cavity 222 such that the contact lens 270 slides from the base cavity 222 onto the user's finger. In some embodiments, the user may place the user's finger adjacent the second end 214 of the base 210 such that the contact lens 270 slides from the base cavity 222, along the ramp 250, and onto the user's finger. In this manner, with a single touch, the contact lens 270 may be conveniently removed from the base 210 and held on the user's finger in the desired concave-side-up orientation, ready for positioning on the user's eye.

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.

Aspects of embodiments are further described in accordance with the following clauses:

• • 1. A contact lens package comprising:
  • a base comprising:
  • a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution; and
  • at least one projection disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one projection extending along an internal surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity; and
  • a lid connected to the base, wherein the lid extends over and covers the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state.
  • 2. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein the base cavity houses the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the internal surface of the base.
  • 3. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein the at least one projection extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.
  • 4. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein the at least one projection is disposed entirely within the base cavity.
  • 5. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein the at least one projection extends from an intermediate region of the base cavity to the end of the base cavity.
  • 6. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein the at least one projection comprises a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity.
  • 7. The contact lens package of clause 6, wherein the lens engagement surface comprises a concave portion and a convex portion.
  • 8. The contact lens package of clause 6, wherein the at least one projection has a height relative to the internal surface of the base, and wherein the height varies along a length of the at least one projection.
  • 9. The contact lens package of clause 8, wherein the at least one projection comprises a pair of projections spaced apart from one another.
  • 10. The contact lens package of clause 9, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein each of the projections extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.
  • 11. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein the at least one projection comprises a rib.
  • 12. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein the at least one projection comprises a pair of ribs spaced apart from one another.
  • 13. The contact lens package of clause 12, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein each of the ribs extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.
  • 14. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the package is in an opened state, such that the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening of the base cavity when the package is in the opened state.
  • 15. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein the base is substantially rigid, and wherein the lid is flexible.
  • 16. A contact lens package comprising:
  • a base comprising:
  • a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution; and
  • at least one projection disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one projection extending along an internal surface of the base and comprising a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity; and
  • a lid connected to the base, wherein the lid extends over and covers the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state.
  • 17. The contact lens package of clause 16, wherein the base cavity houses the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the internal surface of the base.
  • 18. The contact lens package of clause 16, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein the at least one projection extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.
  • 19. The contact lens package of clause 18, wherein the at least one projection is disposed entirely within the base cavity.
  • 20. The contact lens package of clause 19, wherein the at least one projection extends from an intermediate region of the base cavity toward an end of the base cavity.
  • 21. The contact lens package of clause 16, wherein the at least one projection extends from an intermediate region of the base cavity to an end of the base cavity.
  • 22. The contact lens package of clause 16, wherein the lens engagement surface comprises a concave portion and a convex portion.
  • 23. The contact lens package of clause 22, wherein the at least one projection has a height relative to the internal surface of the base, and wherein the height varies along a length of the at least one projection.
  • 24. The contact lens package of clause 23, wherein the at least one projection comprises a pair of projections spaced apart from one another.
  • 25. The contact lens package of clause 24, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein each of the projections extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.
  • 26. The contact lens package of clause 25, wherein the at least one projection comprises a rib.
  • 27. The contact lens package of clause 25, wherein the at least one projection comprises a pair of ribs spaced apart from one another.
  • 28. The contact lens package of clause 27, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein each of the ribs extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.
  • 29. The contact lens package of clause 28, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the package is in an opened state, such that the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening of the base cavity when the package is in the opened state.
  • 30. The contact lens package of clause 28, wherein the base is substantially rigid, and wherein the lid is flexible.
  • 31. A method of packaging a contact lens, the method comprising:
  • providing a base comprising a base cavity and at least one projection disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one projection extending along an internal surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity;
  • disposing a contact lens and packaging solution within the base cavity; and
  • connecting a lid to the base such that the lid extends over and covers the base cavity.
  • 32. The method of clause 31, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the base cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the internal surface of the base.
  • 33. The method of clause 31, wherein the at least one projection comprises a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity.
  • 34. The method of clause 31, wherein the at least one projection comprises a pair of projections spaced apart from one another.
  • 35. The method of clause 34, wherein the at least one projection has a height relative to the internal surface of the base, and wherein the height varies along a length of the at least one projection.
  • 36. A method of opening a contact lens package, the method comprising:
  • holding a base of the package, the base comprising:
  • a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution; and
  • at least one projection disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one projection extending along an internal surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity;
  • at least partially removing a lid of the package from the base such that the lid does not cover the base cavity;
  • engaging the contact lens through an opening of the base cavity; and
  • sliding the contact lens along the at least one projection and out of the base cavity via the engagement through the opening.
  • 37. The method of clause 36, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the base cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the internal surface of the base.
  • 38. The method of clause 36, wherein the at least one projection comprises a lens engagement surface, and wherein sliding the contact lens along the at least one projection comprises sliding the contact lens along the lens engagement surface and out of the base cavity.
  • 39. The method of clause 36, wherein the at least one projection comprises a pair of projections spaced apart from one another.
  • 40. The method of clause 39, wherein the at least one projection has a height relative to the internal surface of the base, and wherein the height varies along a length of the at least one projection.
  • 41. A contact lens package comprising:
  • a base comprising:
  • a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution; and
  • a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl comprising a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base; and
  • a lid connected to the base, wherein the lid extends over and covers the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state.
  • 42. The contact lens package of clause 41, wherein the base cavity houses the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an internal surface of the base.
  • 43. The contact lens package of clause 41, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein the channel portion extends away from the main portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.
  • 44. The contact lens package of clause 41, wherein the channel portion has a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end.
  • 45. The contact lens package of clause 44, wherein the second end of the channel portion is spaced apart from the end of the base.
  • 46. The contact lens package of clause 45, wherein the base further comprises a ramp disposed between the second end of the channel portion and the end of the base.
  • 47. The contact lens package clause 44, wherein a depth of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion.
  • 48. The contact lens package of clause 47, wherein a maximum depth of the channel portion is less than a maximum depth of the main portion.
  • 49. The contact lens package of clause 44, wherein a width of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion.
  • 50. The contact lens package of clause 49, wherein a maximum width of the channel portion is less than a maximum width of the main portion.
  • 51. The contact lens package of clause 50, wherein the channel portion comprises a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity.
  • 52. The contact lens package of clause 51, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the package is in an opened state, such that the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening of the base cavity when the package is in the opened state.
  • 53. The contact lens package of clause 52, wherein the base is substantially rigid, and wherein the lid is flexible.
  • 54. A contact lens package comprising:
  • a base comprising:
  • a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution; and
  • a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl comprising a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion, the channel portion comprising a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity; and
  • a lid connected to the base, wherein the lid extends over and covers the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state.
  • 55. The contact lens package of clause 54, wherein the base cavity houses the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an internal surface of the base.
  • 56. The contact lens package of clause 54, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein the channel portion extends away from the main portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.
  • 57. The contact lens package of clause 54, wherein the channel portion has a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end.
  • 58. The contact lens package of clause 54, wherein the channel portion extends away from the main portion toward an end of the base.
  • 59. The contact lens package of clause 58, wherein the second end of the channel portion is spaced apart from the end of the base.
  • 60. The contact lens package of clause 59, wherein the base further comprises a ramp disposed between the second end of the channel portion and the end of the base.
  • 61. The contact lens package of clause 57, wherein a depth of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion.
  • 62. The contact lens package of clause 61, wherein a maximum depth of the channel portion is less than a maximum depth of the main portion.
  • 63. The contact lens package of clause 62, wherein a width of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion.
  • 64. The contact lens package of clause 63, wherein a maximum width of the channel portion is less than a maximum width of the main portion.
  • 65. The contact lens package of clause 64, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the package is in an opened state, such that the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening of the base cavity when the package is in the opened state.
  • 66. The contact lens package of clause 65, wherein the base is substantially rigid, and wherein the lid is flexible.
  • 67. A method of packaging a contact lens, the method comprising:
  • providing a base comprising a base cavity and a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl comprising a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base;
  • disposing a contact lens and packaging solution within the base cavity; and
  • connecting a lid to the base such that the lid extends over and covers the base cavity.
  • 68. The method of clause 67, wherein the base cavity houses the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an internal surface of the base.
  • 69. The method of clause 67, wherein the channel portion has a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end, and wherein the second end of the channel portion is spaced apart from the end of the base.
  • 70. The method of clause 69, wherein a depth of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion.
  • 71. The method of clause 69, wherein a width of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion.
  • 72. The method of clause 71, wherein the channel portion comprises a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity.
  • 73. A method of opening a contact lens package, the method comprising:
  • holding a base of the package, the base comprising:
  • a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution; and
  • a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl comprising a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base;
  • at least partially removing a lid of the package from the base such that the lid does not cover the base cavity; and
  • tilting the base such that the contact lens slides along the channel portion and out of the base cavity.
  • 74. The method of clause 73, wherein the base cavity houses the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an internal surface of the base.
  • 75. The method of clause 73, wherein the channel portion has a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end, and wherein the second end of the channel portion is spaced apart from the end of the base.
  • 76. The method of clause 75, wherein a depth of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion.
  • 77. The method of clause 75, wherein a width of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion.
  • 78. The method of clause 77, wherein the channel portion comprises a lens engagement surface, and wherein tilting the base causes the contact lens to slide along the lens engagement surface and out of the base cavity.

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.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. A contact lens package comprising:

a base comprising: a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution; and at least one projection disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one projection extending along an internal surface of the base and comprising a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity; and

a lid connected to the base, wherein the lid extends over and covers the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state.

17. The contact lens package of claim 16, wherein the base cavity houses the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the internal surface of the base.

18. The contact lens package of claim 16, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein the at least one projection extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.

19. The contact lens package of claim 18, wherein the at least one projection is disposed entirely within the base cavity.

20. The contact lens package of claim 19, wherein the at least one projection extends from an intermediate region of the base cavity toward an end of the base cavity.

21. The contact lens package of claim 16, wherein the at least one projection extends from an intermediate region of the base cavity to an end of the base cavity.

22. The contact lens package of claim 16, wherein the lens engagement surface comprises a concave portion and a convex portion.

23. The contact lens package of claim 22, wherein the at least one projection has a height relative to the internal surface of the base, and wherein the height varies along a length of the at least one projection.

24. The contact lens package of claim 23, wherein the at least one projection comprises a pair of projections spaced apart from one another.

25. The contact lens package of claim 24, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein each of the projections extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.

26. The contact lens package of claim 25, wherein the at least one projection comprises a rib.

27. The contact lens package of claim 25, wherein the at least one projection comprises a pair of ribs spaced apart from one another.

28. The contact lens package of claim 27, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein each of the ribs extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.

29. The contact lens package of claim 28, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the package is in an opened state, such that the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening of the base cavity when the package is in the opened state.

30. The contact lens package of claim 28, wherein the base is substantially rigid, and wherein the lid is flexible.

31.-53. (canceled)

54. A contact lens package comprising:

a base comprising: a base cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution; and a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl comprising a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion, the channel portion comprising a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding of the contact lens out of the base cavity; and

a lid connected to the base, wherein the lid extends over and covers the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state.

55. The contact lens package of claim 54, wherein the base cavity houses the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an internal surface of the base.

56. The contact lens package of claim 54, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein the channel portion extends away from the main portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.

57. The contact lens package of claim 54, wherein the channel portion has a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end.

58. The contact lens package of claim 54, wherein the channel portion extends away from the main portion toward an end of the base.

59. The contact lens package of claim 58, wherein the second end of the channel portion is spaced apart from the end of the base.

60. The contact lens package of claim 59, wherein the base further comprises a ramp disposed between the second end of the channel portion and the end of the base.

61. The contact lens package of claim 57, wherein a depth of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion.

62. The contact lens package of claim 61, wherein a maximum depth of the channel portion is less than a maximum depth of the main portion.

63. The contact lens package of claim 62, wherein a width of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion.

64. The contact lens package of claim 63, wherein a maximum width of the channel portion is less than a maximum width of the main portion.

65. The contact lens package of claim 64, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the package is in an opened state, such that the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening of the base cavity when the package is in the opened state.

66. The contact lens package of claim 65, wherein the base is substantially rigid, and wherein the lid is flexible.

67.-78. (canceled)