U.S. patent application number 10/382703 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-09 for contact lens container with circulating solution system.
Invention is credited to Haggin, Aaron.
Application Number | 20040173474 10/382703 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32926948 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040173474 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haggin, Aaron |
September 9, 2004 |
Contact lens container with circulating solution system
Abstract
A portable compact contact lens storage case with an integrated
reservoir for storing a supply of contact lens treatment solution
with an internal system for applying and recirculating the contact
lens treatment solution. The portable compact lens storage case is
also characterized by its narrow width, small size and
portability.
Inventors: |
Haggin, Aaron;
(Taylorsville, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GRANT R CLAYTON
CLAYTON HOWARTH & CANNON, PC
P O BOX 1909
SANDY
UT
84091-1909
US
|
Family ID: |
32926948 |
Appl. No.: |
10/382703 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/5.1 ;
206/205 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 12/086 20130101;
A45C 11/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/005.1 ;
206/205 |
International
Class: |
A45C 011/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A compact container for holding contact lenses and a supply of
treatment solution, the compact container having a length, a width,
and a height, the compact container comprising: a fluid storage
reservoir, the reservoir being constructed from a flexible
resilient material; a base member connected to the reservoir, said
base member having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top
surface of the base member having one or more receptacles
integrated therein, each receptacle capable of holding a contact
lens and a quantity of treatment solution, each receptacle also
having a solution port; a lid attached to the base member, the lid
capable of assuming an open position and a closed position; a fluid
circulation system comprising a tube extending into the interior of
the reservoir, thereby providing direct fluid communication between
the solution ports and the interior of the reservoir; and the
length of the compact container being no greater than about five
inches, the width being no greater than about three inches, and the
height being no greater than about five inches.
2. The compact container of claim 1 wherein the overall shape of
the compact container is that of a whiskey flask.
3. The compact container of claim 1 wherein the compact container
has an oblong cross section.
4. The compact container of claim 1 wherein the length is about
four and one-half inches, the width is about one and one-half
inches, and the height is about four and one-half inches.
5. The compact container of claim 1 wherein the lens receptacles
are approximately one-half inch deep.
6. The compact container of claim 1, wherein the receptacles
comprise a textured surface.
7. The compact container of claim 1 wherein the lid comprises an
outer surface and an inner surface, and wherein the lid further
comprises a reflective material being disposed on the inner
surface.
8. The compact container of claim 1 wherein the tube has a diameter
of approximately {fraction (1/16)} of an inch.
9. The compact container of claim 1, wherein the lid is connected
to the base member by a hinge, said lid further comprising a latch,
said latch releasably interlocking with a second latch on the base
member thereby maintaining the lid in the closed position.
10. The compact container of claim 1 wherein the compact container
further includes a contoured recess to removably receive a bottle
of eye-drops.
11. The compact container of claim 1 wherein the top surface of the
reservoir further includes a bore extending into the interior of
the reservoir, said bore having a set of female threads, the base
member also having a neck extending from the bottom surface of the
base member, the neck having a set of male threads, whereby the
base member is removably connected to the reservoir by the male
threads on the neck rotatably engaging the female threads on the
bore.
12. A portable compact container for holding contact lenses and a
supply of treatment solution, the portable compact container
comprising: fluid storage means for storing the supply of the
treatment solution, the fluid storage means capable of being
compressed upon the application of a force exerted by a person, the
fluid storage means returning to its original shape upon the
removal of said force; receiving means for storing contact lenses
connected to the fluid storage means, said receiving means also
capable of holding treatment solution, the receiving means further
comprising a lid means; and recirculating means for filling the
receiving means with the treatment solution residing in the fluid
storage means, the recirculating means also capable of extracting
the treatment solution from the receiving means back into the fluid
storage means.
13. The portable compact container of claim 12 wherein the fluid
storage means is comprised of a flexible resilient material.
14. The portable compact container of claim 12 wherein the compact
container is generally whiskey flask shaped.
15. The portable compact container of claim 12 wherein the cross
section of the portable compact container is substantially oblong
in shape.
16. The portable compact container of claim 12 wherein the portable
compact container has a length, a width, and a height, the length
of the compact container being no greater than five inches, the
width no greater than three inches, and the height no greater than
five inches.
17. The portable compact container of claim 12 wherein the
recirculating system includes a supply tube extending from the
receiving means into the fluid storage means, the recirculating
system also comprising at least one port directed into the
receiving means.
18. The portable compact container of claim 12 further comprising a
connecting means for connecting the receiving means and the fluid
storage means.
19. The portable compact container of claim 18, wherein the
connecting means is comprised of a threaded neck extending from the
receiving means and a threaded bore extending into the fluid
storage means, the threaded neck rotatably engaging the threaded
bore.
20. The portable compact container of claim 12 wherein the
compression of the fluid storage means creates a positive pressure
whereby the treatment solution is conducted from the fluid storage
means and into the receiving means, by way of the recirculating
means.
21. The portable compact container of claim 21, wherein the
returning of the fluid storage means to its original shape after
being compressed creates a negative pressure whereby a portion of
the treatment solution is sucked from the receiving means through
the recirculating means and returned to the fluid storage
means.
22. The portable compact container of claim 12, further comprising
a second receiving means for mounting a bottle of eye-drops.
23. A compact container for holding contact lenses and a supply of
treatment solution, the compact container having a length, a width,
and a height, the compact container comprising: a fluid storage
reservoir, the reservoir comprising a flexible resilient material,
the reservoir further comprising a threaded bore; a base member
connected to the reservoir, the base member comprising a threaded
neck, said threaded neck rotatably engaged with the threaded bore,
said base member further comprising a top surface and a bottom
surface; two lens receptacles formed in the top surface of the base
member, each receptacle capable of holding a contact lens and a
quantity of treatment solution, each receptacle also having a
solution port whereby the treatment solution is both expelled into
the receptacle and sucked from the receptacle; a lid attached to
the base member by a hinge, the lid comprising an inner and an
outer surface, the inner surface comprising a reflective material,
and the lid capable of assuming an open position and a closed
position; a fluid circulation system comprising a tube extending
into the interior of the reservoir, thereby providing direct fluid
communication between the solution ports and the interior of the
reservoir, the fluid circulation system expelling treatment
solution into the receptacles when the reservoir is squeezed by a
person and sucking the treatment solution from the receptacles when
the reservoir returns to its normal position; and the length of the
compact container being no greater than about five inches, the
width being no greater than about three inches, and the height
being no greater than about five inches.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to contact lens
storage cases, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely,
to compact contact lens storage cases having an integrated fluid
storage reservoir with a recirculating system.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] Contact lenses were invented more than 100 years ago as an
alternative to eye glasses. Though they were originally made from
glass, and later hard plastic, contact lenses today are customarily
made from soft plastic. Contact lenses are small, thin disks
specially designed to be placed directly onto the surface or cornea
of the eye. While they are most commonly used to correct vision
problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism,
they may also be used to treat certain eye conditions and diseases.
For example, contacts often are used by individuals who have had
cataract surgery but did not receive lens implants. In addition,
people without vision problems occasionally wear contact lenses to
enhance or manipulate the colors of their eyes.
[0007] There are two primary types of contact lenses: hard and
soft. Hard contact lenses come in two forms: non-gas permeable and
gas permeable. Gas-permeable lenses allow oxygen to reach the
corneal surface, are more flexible than the non-gas permeable
lenses, and are the most commonly used form of hard contact lens.
Soft contact lenses also come in two forms: daily wear and extended
wear. Both types of lenses are made from thin, flexible, plastic
material. The daily-wear lenses require daily removal, cleaning and
storage. Extended-wear lenses are designed to be worn overnight;
however recent studies indicate that extended-wear lenses should be
worn for the shortest practical period, ideally for one day,
because of the increased risk of infection associated with these
lenses. This recommendation militates against overnight wear.
[0008] While contact lenses provide a great benefit to their users,
they require significantly more attentiveness than a pair of simple
eyeglasses. Mineralized deposits can form on the surface of the
contact lenses, thereby causing discomfort to the wearer. In
addition, micro-organisms can flourish on the lenses as well. Even
without the mineralized deposits and the micro-organisms, nearly
all contact lenses need to be hydrated periodically in order to
maintain their proper flexibility and comfort to the user. It
should be recognized, that contact lenses are also easily damaged
and are notoriously difficult to locate once they have been lost or
misplaced.
[0009] Appropriate cleansing of contact lenses varies depending on
the type of lenses. But, all lenses require regular, thorough
cleaning and disinfecting. It is especially important that
daily-wear and extended-wear users follow the recommended regimen
of lens cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, enzymatic cleaning and
lens case cleaning. With all lenses, only commercially prepared
sterile solutions are recommended. Lenses that are cleaned
regularly last longer, are more comfortable and lower the risk of
eye infection.
[0010] As mentioned above, commercially available contact lens
solution has been developed to aid contact lens wearers in cleaning
and disinfecting their lenses. The contact lens solutions have also
been developed to aid in re-hydrating the lenses. The solution is
normally marketed in large bottles usually containing a supply of
solution for several weeks or up to several months.
[0011] Various types of contact lense storage cases have been
devised as a convenient means of cleaning, disinfecting and storing
the lenses. The most simple device consists of a small fluid-tight
storage compartment of sufficient size to receive one or two of the
lenses. Typically, the lenses are stored in separate compartments
so as not to reverse the lenses as they may be different. One
compartment is usually marked with an "L" denoting the left lens
and the other an "R" denoting the right lens.
[0012] Once the lenses have been removed from the eyes of the
wearer and placed into their respective storage compartments, a
small amount of solution, usually just enough to cover the contact
lens lenses, is added to the storage compartment. The lenses are
typically soaked overnight or until needed again. The soaking
process acts to clean, disinfect and re-hydrate the lenses.
[0013] One significant drawback that exists in the prior art is
that the contact lens storage container and contact lens solution
bottles are not integrated into one portable compact unit, thus,
the contact lens wearer must carry a separate storage case and
solution bottle. One attempt to overcome this drawback is found in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,905,819 and 5,127,517, both awarded to Clements et
al. These patents describe a contact lens storage case attached to
the top of a bottle of treatment solution. While the Clements et
al. patents disclose a contact lens storage case with an included
fluid container, these devices still have undue limitations. Most
importantly, the devices disclosed in the Clements et al. patents
do not lend themselves easily to the portability required by
today's active lifestyles. In particular, the shape and the size of
the devices are not conducive to easily fit in a pocket or small
purse. For example, the disclosed devices are bulky and would not
be convenient for biking, hiking, or other outdoor activities. In
addition, the devices are excessively heavy due to the size of the
treatment solution bottle.
[0014] Another problem inherent the devices disclosed in the
Clements et al. patents is the inability of the claimed devices to
re-circulate the contact lens solution. In fact, Clements et al.
teaches away from recirculating the contact lens solution and
incorporates the use of one-way duck-bill valves to prevent
recirculation. This characteristic of the inventions disclosed in
Clements et al. is problematic because without a convenient and
portable contact lens case, wearers of contact lenses tend to
forego the requisite cleaning and disinfecting if they are away
from home.
[0015] Thus, there exists a need for a truly portable contact lens
storage container with an integrated solution reservoir containing
an extended supply of contact lens treatment solution.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention comprises an all-in-one portable
contact lens storage case with an integrated storage reservoir and
recirculating solution system. The present invention is
characterized by its compact size and portability. In addition, the
recirculating solution system of the present invention allows an
effective amount of the contact lens treatment solution to be
directly injected into the contact lens receptacles. The
recirculating system also allows excess solution to be removed from
the contact lens receptacles, thereby preventing any spillage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed
description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is an perspective view of one previously available
device;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
present invention, illustrated with the lid open;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a profile view of the first embodiment of the
present invention with the lid closed;
[0021] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the first embodiment,
illustrated with the lid closed;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a top view of the first embodiment of the present
invention, illustrated with the lid open;
[0023] FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view showing the first
embodiment of the present invention in the disassembled state;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in
FIG. 4;
[0025] FIG. 7 is partial view of a second embodiment of the present
invention having a recess for an eye drop bottle; and
[0026] FIG. 8 is a view of a third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0027] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles provided in accordance with the present invention,
reference will now be made to the embodiments of the invention
illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to
describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no
limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any
alterations and further modifications of the inventive features
illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the
principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would
normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having
possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the
scope of the invention claimed.
[0028] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to "a solution" includes a mixture of
two or more of such solutions and reference to "an airtight seal"
includes reference to one or more of such seal.
[0029] As used herein, "comprising," "including," "containing,"
"characterized by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are
inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional,
unrecited structural elements or method steps.
[0030] The previously available devices are characterized by large
and bulky contact lens holders that are impracticable for
away-from-home use due to their relatively heavy weight, especially
if the user is participating in an outdoor activity such as skiing,
biking or hiking. In particular, the previously available devices
lack an all-in-one portable contact lens case with an integrated
container for storing contact lens solution.
[0031] An example of one previously available device is illustrated
in FIG. 1. The contact lens holder 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is
comprised of a contact lens case 11 connected to the top of a
solution bottle 16. The solution bottle 16 contains treatment
solution for cleaning the contact lenses (not shown) placed in the
recessed chambers 12. The contact lens case 11 is designed to fit
on a wide range of commercially available containers. Thus, when
empty, the solution bottle 16, may be replaced with another
purchased at a retail site, or it may be refilled. In general, the
solution bottle 16, when full, is heavy and contains a supply of
treatment solution which may last several months.
[0032] The contact lens case 11 of FIG. 1 has two recessed chambers
12 for storing contact lenses. A lid 18 closes over the recessed
chambers 12. A distributor head 20 is used to fill the recessed
chambers 12 with the treatment solution. When the lid 18 is closed,
the distributor head 20 cannot squirt solution into the recessed
chambers 12. Further, the distributor head 20 cannot suck excess
treatment solution from the recessed chambers 12. In addition, the
distributor head 20 cannot recirculate the treatment solution once
it has been squirted into the recessed chambers 12. As discussed
above in connection with the device shown in FIG. 1, the overall
length, width, height and cylindrical shape of the device make it
impracticable to place into a pocket or small purse. While the
contact lens holder 10 is portable in the sense that it can be
taken from place to place, it is not convenient to be constantly
carried by a user, especially when outdoors or at work.
[0033] As will be seen and described below, the illustrative
embodiments of the present invention are compact and extremely
portable, unlike the previously available devices, making it
extremely useful to contact wearers.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 2-7, generally, the illustrative
embodiments of the present invention are directed to a portable
light-weight contact lens container, generally designated at 100,
which includes its own integrated supply reservoir 112, with an
internally situated system for recirculating the contact lens
solution. A front perspective view of the first embodiment of the
present invention is shown in FIG. 2, with a lid 104 assuming an
open position.
[0035] The contact lens container 100 comprises a base member 110
integrated with the reservoir 112 as shown in FIG. 2. The base
member 110 has two lens receptacles 116 recessed in its top surface
118 for holding contact lenses. The base member 110 and the lens
receptacles 116, are one example of a means for receiving and
holding contact lenses. The receiving means can refer to any
storage case designed to receive and hold contact lenses. It will
be appreciated that the means for receiving is merely one example
of accomplishing the storage of the contact lenses, other suitable
arrangements known or readily ascertainable, to those skilled in
the art, may be used and are within the scope of the present
invention.
[0036] The receiving means can refer to any storage case designed
to receive and hold two contact lenses. The lens receptacles 116
should be of sufficient depth to receive a contact lens (not shown)
and hold a effective amount of contact lens solution to clean,
disinfect and hydrate the lenses. The lens receptacles 116 are
preferably cupped shaped with a circular opening, but may be any
shape as long as it is of sufficient volume to hold a contact lens.
Each of the two receptacles 116 is provided with one of two
solution ports 108 located below the respective rims 119 of the
receptacles 116, whose purpose an function will be further
explained below. The lens receptacles 116 may optionally have a
textured surface 117 as shown best in FIG. 4, and explained in
connection therewith. The textured surface aids in cleaning the
contact lenses when the lenses make contact with the surface.
[0037] Referring again to FIG. 2, the reservoir 112 is preferably
comprised of a flexible resilient material, such as plastic or the
like, and should be capable of storing a supply of treatment
solution. The reservoir 112 should be of sufficient internal volume
to store a supply of treatment solution for up to several days or
weeks, depending on the recommended usage and needs of the user.
For example, one illustrative volume for the reservoir 112 is in
the range from about 150 ml to about 400 ml while another
illustrative volume is 250 ml to about 750 ml. The reservoir 112
can be replenished with treatment solution from a larger
commercially available product, normally sold in a bulk amount and
in a cylindrical type container. The reservoir 112 should also be
of sufficient durability to withstand the rigors of outdoor
activity such as backpacking, skiing or biking. The oblong shape of
the reservoir 112, as particularly shown in FIG. 4 also promotes
efficient squeezing. The reservoir 112, is one example of a fluid
storage means for storing a supply of treatment solution. Other
suitable arrangements known or readily ascertainable, to those
skilled in the art, may be used and are within the scope of the
present invention.
[0038] Pivotally mounted on the rear of the base member 110 with a
hinge 120 is a lid 104 having a lid lock 102. The hinge 120
comprises a pin connecting the lid 102 to the base member 110.
Other suitable arrangements known or readily ascertainable, to
those skilled in the art, may be used and are within the scope of
the present invention, i.e., a composite lid 104 and base member
110 having a flexible connection allowing the lid 104 to assume an
open position and a closed position. Further, the lid lock 102 may
be substituted for by any number of equivalent structures known or
readily ascertainable, to those skilled in the art, such as a clasp
or elastic member. In short, any means whereby the lid is held
shut. The bottom surface of the lid 104 optionally having a
reflective surface 106, such as a mirror, attached thereto to
assist the lens wearer in inserting and removing the lenses from
his or her eyes.
[0039] The front of the base member 110 further having a second lid
latch 114 to releasably receive the lid lock 102 when the lid 104
is closed. When the lid 104 is closed, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 3A, a
substantially fluid tight seal should be formed between the lid 104
and the top surface 118 of the base member 110 thereby preventing
any contact lens solution from leaking from the lens receptacles
116. A gasket or other sealing material may be used to create the
fluid tight seal between the top surface 118 and the lid 104. A
raised ridge or flange may also be used to form the seal. The lid
104 in the closed position also serves to maintain the lenses in
the lens receptacles 116.
[0040] The lid 104 is one example of a lid means for forming a
fluid tight seal. It will be appreciated that the lid means
disclosed herein is merely one example of accomplishing the fluid
tight seal, other suitable arrangements known or readily
ascertainable, to those skilled in the art, may be used and are
within the scope of the present invention, i.e., a separate lid for
each of the lens receptacles 116. Further, one skilled in the art
can design other lid means to create a fluid type seal, that would
be encompassed by the scope of the present invention.
[0041] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 3, 3A, and 4, the
contact lens container 100 is illustrated showing one overall
illustrative shape. FIGS. 3 and 3A show the contact lens container
100 with its lid 104 closed in a profile view and front view,
respectively. The length 140 and height 144 of the present
invention are no greater than five inches as shown in FIGS. 3 and
3A. The width 142, as illustrated in FIG. 3, of the illustrated
embodiment is typically no greater than three inches. The length,
width and height may be smaller than the above indicated
measurements thereby making it more convenient to carry.
[0042] In one embodiment, the general shape of the contact lens
container 100 can be compared to that of a whiskey flask, but is by
no means limited to that shape. A whiskey flask is characterized by
its thin profile and curved body. The curvature allows the whiskey
flask to conform to a part of the human body, such as a hip. A
cross-sectional view of the contact lens container 100 is oblong as
can be seen in FIG. 4. In a separate embodiment, the invention is
approximately the size and shape of a pack of cigarettes.
[0043] The contact lens container 100 is compact and portable, and
its size should allow the user to easily store it in a pocket or a
purse out of view. It will be appreciated that one advantage of the
present invention is its narrow profile. It would be undesirable to
have a contact lens case that is cylindrical in shape, as
represented in FIG. 1, since it would be difficult to store in a
small pocket or purse.
[0044] The embodiment of the present invention represented in FIGS.
2, 3, 3A and 4 is shown disassembled in FIG. 5. Disassembly allows
the reservoir 112 to be filled with treatment solution. In the
embodiment represented in FIG. 5, the base member 110 has a
threaded neck 122 extending from its bottom surface (not explicitly
represented in FIG. 5). The reservoir 112 has a threaded bore 124
adapted to receive the threaded neck 122 of the base member 110.
When assembled, the threaded bore 124 and threaded neck 122 form a
fluid tight seal. The threaded bore 124 also serves as a means to
fill and empty the reservoir 112 with contact lens treatment
solution or other fluid. It will be appreciated that the threaded
bore 124 disclosed herein is merely one example of accomplishing
the means to fill and empty the reservoir 112, other suitable
arrangements known or readily ascertainable, to those skilled in
the art, may be used and are within the scope of the present
invention.
[0045] Directional arrows 128 show the respective engagement of the
base member 110 and reservoir 112. Also shown is a supply tube 126,
extending below the threaded neck 122.
[0046] When the base member 110 and reservoir 112 are assembled by
rotatably engaging the threaded neck 122 within the threaded bore
124, the supply tube 126 should extend into the reservoir 112 as
shown in FIG. 6. The free end of the supply tube 126 should be of
sufficient length to reach the bottom of the reservoir 112 or close
thereto. It will be appreciated that the supply tube 126 thereby
serves as a means for carrying the contact lens solution from the
reservoir 112 to the lens receptacles 116 by way of the solution
ports 108.
[0047] The lens receptacles 116 can be filled with contact lens
solution by compressing the reservoir 112 by, for example,
simultaneously squeezing the front and back of the reservoir 112.
This compression action reduces the internal volume of the
reservoir 112 and thereby increases the pressure in the interior of
the reservoir 112. The increase in pressure forces the treatment
solution stored in the reservoir 112 into the supply tube 126. The
solution then exits the supply tube 126 through the solution ports
108 and into the lens receptacles 116. It will be appreciated that
the solution ports 108 can also serve to remove the treatment
solution from the receptacles 116. Upon removing the compression
force on the reservoir 112, the reservoir 112 returns to its
original shape due to its resilient nature thereby causing the
formation of a negative pressure in the reservoir 112. This
negative pressure acts to suck some portion of the treatment
solution from the lens receptacles 116 and back into the reservoir
112. The negative pressure can also serve to remove excess solution
from the lens receptacles 116. It is advantageous not to have a
one-way valve, such as a duck-billed valve, as it allows the
treatment solution to be recirculated. The above described
structure and structure illustrate on type of recirculating means.
It is within the scope of the present invention that any system
using positive and negative pressure to fill and empty the
receptacles 116 is within the scope of this invention, whether
presently known or unknown.
[0048] It will be appreciated that the base member 110 and
reservoir 112 may be coupled by a variety of different methods
known to one skilled in the art other than the threaded bore 124
and threaded neck 122 as illustrated in FIG. 5, such as, a snap-on
method. The base member 110 and reservoir 112 may also be
hermetically sealed together, with the reservoir 112 being filled
through a separate orifice having its own cap. It will be further
appreciated that any liquid with beneficial properties may be used
for the treatment solution. Typically, however, it is anticipated
that the treatment solution will be a commercially available
contact lens solution.
[0049] FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
The reservoir 112A is essentially identical to reservoir 112 as
described previously, but reservoir 112A has been modified to
accept and hold a bottle 132 of eye-drops. The modification
includes forming a contoured recess 134 on the bottom 130 of the
reservoir 112 adapted to completely contain the bottle 132. When
placed in the bottom 130 of the reservoir 112, the bottle 132
should not impede the contact lens container 100 from standing
upright on a flat surface. The bottle 132 is illustratively held in
place by a tight fit in the contoured recess 134 on the bottom 130
of the reservoir 112.
[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates a third embodiment of the present
invention. A base member 110A is similar to the base member 110
except that it comprises a sealing wall 150 extending from the top
surface 188. The sealing wall 150 fitting into a channel 151 on a
lid 104A when the lid 104A is in the closed position to thereby
form a fluid tight seal to prevent any treatment solution from
leaking. Additionally, the base member 110A further comprises two
lid latches 154 to receive two lid locks 152 extending from the lid
104A. The two lid latches 154 ensure a more secure lock between the
lid 104A and the base member 110A. The lid 104A may optional
comprise a reflective surface 106. Further the base member 110A is
attached to the reservoir 112.
[0051] It will be appreciated that the present invention provides a
portable compact contact lens case with an integrated fluid
reservoir with an internal recirculating system.
[0052] It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements
are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the
present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative
arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and
the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and
arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been shown in
the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that
numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations
in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation,
assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles
and concepts set forth herein.
* * * * *