U.S. patent application number 11/085924 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for ophthalmic lens package.
Invention is credited to George Brock, Edward Dzwill, Stephen L. Grimes, James Peck, Roger W. Smith, Michael Tokarski, Michael Scott Ulrich, Jan B. Yates.
Application Number | 20060213783 11/085924 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36602577 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060213783 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tokarski; Michael ; et
al. |
September 28, 2006 |
Ophthalmic lens package
Abstract
An ophthalmic lens package includes a pair of shell members that
are removably attached to each other and a pair of absorbent
members sandwiched therebetween. The shell members are connected to
each other by a hinge at one of their ends, and are pivotable
relative to each other about the hinge between a closed position,
in which the shell members are attached to each other, and an open
position.
Inventors: |
Tokarski; Michael; (Ponte
Vedra, FL) ; Peck; James; (Jacksonville, FL) ;
Dzwill; Edward; (Flemington, NJ) ; Brock; George;
(St. Augustine, FL) ; Smith; Roger W.; (Grove
City, OH) ; Ulrich; Michael Scott; (Columbus, OH)
; Grimes; Stephen L.; (Westerville, OH) ; Yates;
Jan B.; (Reynoldsburg, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PHILIP S. JOHNSON;JOHNSON & JOHNSON
ONE JOHNSON & JOHNSON PLAZA
NEW BRUNSWICK
NJ
08933-7003
US
|
Family ID: |
36602577 |
Appl. No.: |
11/085924 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/5.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/005 20130101;
B65D 2585/545 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/005.1 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/04 20060101
A45C011/04 |
Claims
1. An ophthalmic lens package, comprising a first shell member
having a first end and a second end; a second shell member having a
first end and a second end, said first and second shell members
being pivotable relative to each other between a closed position,
in which said first and second shell members are removably attached
to each other, and an open position, in which said first and second
shell members are pivoted away from each other; a connecting means
for connecting said first and second members at their said first
ends; and a receptacle interposed between said first and second
shell members while they are in their said closed position, said
receptacle being adapted to receive and house an ophthalmic lens
and an amount of solution.
2. The package of claim 1, wherein said first end of said first
shell member is opposite said second end of said first shell member
and said first end of said second shell member is opposite said
second end of said second shell member.
3. The package of claim 1, further comprising means for separating
said first and second shell members from each other and for
pivoting them from their said closed position to their said open
position.
4. The package of claim 3, wherein said separating means includes a
first tab extending from said second end of said first shell member
and a second tab extending from said second end of said second
shell member, said first and second tabs being juxtaposed with one
another when said first and second shell members are in their said
closed position.
5. The package of claim 4, further comprising a first plurality of
bumps protruding from an exposed surface of said first tab and a
second plurality of bumps protruding from an exposed surface of
said second tab, said first and second plurality of bumps being
sized and shaped so as to enable manual grasping of said juxtaposed
tabs.
6. The package of claim 5, wherein said first tab includes at least
one band extending across an inner surface of said first tab
opposite said exposed surface thereof, and said second tab includes
at least one groove extending across an inner surface of said
second tab opposite said exposed surface thereof, said at least one
band being sized, shaped and positioned so as to interlock with
said at least one groove when said first and second tabs are
juxtaposed with one another.
7. The package of claim 1, wherein said connecting means includes a
hinge formed integrally with said first and second shell
members.
8. The package of claim 1, wherein each of said first and second
shell members includes a cavity and an annular flange that extends
around the periphery of said cavity, said first and second shell
members being removably attached to each other at said flanges.
9. The package of claim 8, wherein said receptacle includes a first
absorbent member fitted within said first shell member and a second
absorbent member fitted within said second shell member, each of
said first and second absorbent members having a recess, said
recesses forming a chamber for housing an ophthalmic lens and an
amount of solution when said first and second shell members are in
their said closed position.
10. The package of claim 9, wherein said first absorbent member is
fitted within and attached to an inner surface of said cavity of
said first shell member.
11. The package of claim 9, wherein said second absorbent member is
fitted within and attached to an inner surface of said cavity of
said second shell member.
12. The package of claim 9 wherein said first absorbent member is
fitted within and attached to an inner surface of said cavity of
said first shell member and said second absorbent member is fitted
within and attached to an inner surface of said cavity of said
second shell member.
13. The package of claim 8, wherein said receptacle includes an
absorbent member having a first surface attached to said cavity of
said first shell member, a second surface attached to said cavity
of said second shell member, and a chamber for housing an
ophthalmic lens and an amount of solution when said first and
second shell members are in their said closed position, said
absorbent member being capable of splitting apart when said first
and second shell members pivot from their said closed position to
their said open position, thereby opening said chamber and exposing
the ophthalmic lens.
14. The package of claim 12 further comprising a contact lens and
about 500 .mu.L to about 1500 .mu.L of solution.
15. The package of claim 14, further comprising means for
separating said first and second shell members from each other and
for pivoting them from their said closed position to their said
open position.
16. The package claim 15, wherein said separating means includes a
first tab extending from said second end of said first shell member
and a second tab extending from said second end of said second
shell member, said first and second tabs being juxtaposed with one
another when said first and second shell members are in their said
closed position.
17. The package claim 16, further comprising a first plurality of
bumps protruding from an exposed surface of said first tab and a
second plurality of bumps protruding from an exposed surface of
said second tab, said first and second plurality of bumps being
sized and shaped so as to enable manual grasping of said juxtaposed
tabs.
18. The package of claim 17, wherein said first tab includes at
least one band extending across an inner surface of said first tab
opposite said exposed surface thereof, and said second tab includes
at least one groove extending across an inner surface of said
second tab opposite said exposed surface thereof, said at least one
band being sized, shaped and positioned so as to interlock with
said at least one groove when said first and second tabs are
juxtaposed with one another.
19. The package of claim 12, wherein said connecting means includes
a hinge formed integrally with said first and second shell
members.
20. The package of claim 12, wherein each of said first and second
shell members includes a cavity and an annular flange that extends
around the periphery of said cavity, said first and second shell
members being removably attached to each other at said flanges.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an ophthalmic lens package
and, more particularly, to an ophthalmic lens package adapted for
improved accessibility to the contents thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Ophthalmic lenses, including contact lenses, intra-ocular
lenses and overlay lenses and particularly disposable contact
lenses, have been conventionally packaged in "blister packs." In
general, a blister pack comprises a rigid plastic (e.g.,
polypropylene), concave-shaped receptacle for receiving an
ophthalmic lens and a flexible cover, typically made from a
laminate material (such as metal foil), which is removably attached
to the receptacle for enclosing the lens therein. Within each
blister pack are a single ophthalmic lens and a sufficient amount
of contact lens solution to prevent drying of the ophthalmic lens
and to maintain the ophthalmic lens readily available for use.
While conventional blister packs provide many users with a
convenient means for shipping and storing ophthalmic lenses, some
users have difficulty grasping the cover portion of the blister
package and are frustrated by the process. This frustration can
encourage those users to use sharp instruments to open their
packages which can damage both the user and the lens. Accordingly,
there is a need for an ophthalmic lens package that provides easy
access to its contents (i.e., contact lens and contact lens
solution) on a consistent basis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following detailed description of an
exemplary embodiment considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a contact lens package
constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention in a closed position;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of the contact lens package
of FIG. 1;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken along section line
3-3 and looking in the direction of the arrows, of the contact lens
package shown in FIG. 1; and
[0007] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the contact lens package
shown in FIG. 1 in an open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention includes an ophthalmic lens package,
comprising a first shell member having a first end and a second
end; a second shell member having a first end and a second end,
said first and second shell members being pivotable relative to
each other between a closed position, in which said first and
second shell members are removably attached to each other, and an
open position, in which said first and second shell members are
pivoted away from each other; a connecting means for connecting
said first and second members at their said first ends; and a
receptacle interposed between said first and second shell members
while they are in their said closed position, said receptacle being
adapted to receive and house an ophthalmic lens and an amount of
solution. As used herein, "ophthalmic lens" refer to a device that
resides on the eye, including but not limited to soft contact,
lenses, hard contact lenses, intraocular lenses, overlay lenses,
preferably soft contact lenses.
[0009] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a contact lens package 10
includes a pair of shell members 12, 14 and a pair of
semi-spherical-shaped absorbent members 16, 18. The functions of
the shell members 12, 14 and the absorbent members 16, 18 shall be
described hereinafter. The shell member 12 includes a
circular-shaped body 20 and a semi-circular-shaped tab 22 that
radially extends from the body 20, thereby forming a pear shape.
Similarly, the shell member 14 includes a circular-shaped body 24
and a semi-circular-shaped tab 26 that radially extends from the
body 24, thereby forming a pear shape. Preferably, the shell
members 12, 14 are identical in size and shape to each other. The
tabs 22, 26 are juxtaposed with one another when the shell members
12, 14 are attached to each other (i.e., when the package 10 is in
a closed position), which will be described in more detail
hereinafter. Also, the functions of the tabs 22, 26 shall be
described hereinafter.
[0010] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the body 20 of the
shell member 12 includes a circular-shaped, concave cavity 28 and
an annular flange 30 that extends around the periphery of the body
20 (see FIG. 4). Similarly, the body 24 of the shell member 14
includes a circular-shaped, concave cavity 32 and an annular flange
34 that extends around the periphery of the body 24. The shell
members 12, 14 are removably attached to each other at the flanges
30, 34, preferably by heat sealing. Alternatively, other attachment
means, such as adhesives, induction sealing or sonic welding, may
be utilized to attach the shell members 12, 14 to each other at
their flanges 30, 34. An impermeable seal (not shown in the
Figures) is formed between the flanges 30, 34 in order to prevent
the loss or evaporation of the solution from the package 10 and to
prevent contamination of the contents thereof from foreign objects
such as debris and dirt particles. The flange 30 is truncated at an
end 36 of the body 20, while the flange 34 is truncated at an end
38 of the body 24, thereby forming a living hinge 40. The function
of the hinge 40 shall be described hereinafter. As depicted ends 36
and 38 are opposite tabs 22 and 26, respectively and that is the
preferred location of the ends 36 and 38. However the invention
contemplates positioning ends 36 and 38 in other positions on
flanges 30 and 34
[0011] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the tab 22 of the shell
member 12 includes a plurality of circular-shaped bumps 42, each of
which protrudes from an outer surface 44 of the tab 22. Similarly,
the tab 26 of the shell member 14 includes a plurality of
circular-shaped bumps 46, each of which protrudes from an outer
surface 48 of the tab 26. Preferably, the pattern of the bumps 42
is congruent with the pattern of the bumps when the tabs 22, 26 are
juxtaposed with one another. The functions of the bumps 42, 46
shall be described hereinafter. Alternatively, the package 10 need
not include the bumps 42, 46.
[0012] Referring now to FIG. 4, the tab 22 includes a pair of
arc-shaped, convex bands 50, 52 each of which transversely extends
across an inner surface 54 of the tab 22. The tab 26 includes a
pair of arc-shaped, concave grooves 56, 58 each of which
transversely extends across an inner surface 60 of the tab 26. The
band 50 and the groove 56 are sized and shaped to interlock with
one another when the tabs 22, 26 are juxtaposed with one another.
Similarly, the band 52 and the groove 58 are sized and shaped to
interlock with one another when the tabs 22, 26 are juxtaposed with
one another. Preferably, the band 50 and the groove 56 are
maintained in an interlocking configuration by heat sealing.
Similarly, the band 52 and the groove 56 are maintained in an
interlocking configuration by heat sealing. Alternatively, other
attachment means, such as adhesives, induction sealing or sonic
welding, may be utilized. Preferably, the tab 22 includes the two
bands 50, 52, but it may include a greater of lesser number than
two. Similarly, the tab 26, preferably, includes the two grooves
56, 58, but it may include a greater or lesser number than two.
Alternatively, the package 10 need not include the bands 50, 52 and
the grooves 56, 58.
[0013] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the absorbent member 16 is
positioned within the cavity 28, while the absorbent member 18 is
positioned within the cavity 32. Preferably, the size and shape of
the absorbent member 16 are substantially similar to the size and
shape of the cavity 28 in order to allow the absorbent member 16 to
firmly fit therein. Similarly, the size and shape of the absorbent
member 18 are, preferably, substantially similar to the size and
shape of the cavity 32 in order to allow the absorbent member 18 to
firmly fit therein. It is also noted that the size and shape of
each of the absorbent members 16, 18 maintains the shape of the
package 10. In particular, the absorbent member 16 maintains the
size and shape of the body 20 of the shell member 12, while the
absorbent member 18 maintains the size and shape of the body 24 of
the shell member 14. The absorbent member 16 is attached to an
inner surface 62 of the cavity 28, preferably by an adhesive known
in the art. Similarly, the absorbent member 18 is attached to an
inner surface 64 of the cavity 32, preferably by an adhesive known
in the art. Alternatively, each of the absorbent members 16, 18
need not be attached to respective cavities 28, 32. Preferably, the
absorbent members 16, 18 are separate and distinct. Alternatively,
the package 10 may include a single frangible absorbent member (not
shown in the Figures) which will be described in more detail
hereinafter.
[0014] Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the absorbent member 16
includes a circular-shaped recess 66 centrally formed in an exposed
surface 68 thereof. Similarly, the absorbent member 18 includes a
circular shaped recess 70 centrally formed in an exposed surface 72
thereof. When the shell members 12, 14 are attached to each other
(i.e., when the package 10 is in a closed position), the recesses
66, 70 form a central chamber 74 (see FIG. 3) which houses a
contact lens 76 (see FIG. 4). The absorbent members 16, 18 are
saturated with contact lens solution (not shown in the Figures),
which can be any known solution useful for storing contact lenses,
such as saline solution, water or buffered aqueous solutions,
thereby keeping the contact lens 76 saturated. It is preferred that
the solution is an aqueous saline solution. The chamber 74 may be
partially or fully filled with contact lens solution (not shown in
the Figures). It is noted that the preferred interior volume of the
chamber 74 is one that is sufficient to house the contact lens 76
and enough contact lens solution to keep it saturated and retain
the intended shape and softness of the lens 76 (i.e., a
convex-shape).
[0015] While the body 20 and the cavity 28 of the shell member 12
and the body 24 and the cavity 32 of the shell member 14 are each
preferably semi-circular in shape, it should be noted that each can
consist of other shapes and sizes. Also, each of the tabs 22, 26
is, preferably, semi-circular in shape, but each can consist of
other shapes and sizes. Similarly, each of the absorbent members
16, 18 is, preferably, semi-circular in shape, but it can consist
of other shapes and sizes. Also, each of the recesses 66, 70 of the
absorbent member 16, 18 is, preferably, circular in shape, but each
can consist of other shapes and sizes.
[0016] The shell members 12, 14 are each, preferably, manufactured
from a foil/polymer laminate or coextrusion, comprising a metal
layer, such as aluminum, and a polymer layer, such as
polypropylene, coating the metal layer. Alternatively, the shell
members 12, 14 can be manufactured from other materials, such as a
combination of polymers with various barrier and sealing
characteristics formed into a laminate or coextrusion. Each of the
absorbent members 16, 18 is preferably manufactured from an
absorbent sponge material, such as MEROCEL.RTM. brand polyvinyl
alcohol (PVA) sponge, manufactured by Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Each of
the absorbent members may be manufactured from other materials. The
material of the absorbent member should be should be able to absorb
about 500 .mu.L to about 1500 .mu.L of solution, more preferably
about 900 .mu.L to about 1,000 .mu.L.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 4, the package 10 is opened as follows. A
user uses his or her finger(s) or other means to separate the tabs
22, 26 from their juxtaposed position. The bumps 42, 46 allow the
user to maintain a better grip when separating the tabs 22, 26.
Next, the user simultaneously pulls each of the tabs 22, 26 and
peels apart the shell members 12, 14, which pivot at the hinge 40,
thus breaking the seals between the bands 50, 52 and the grooves
56, 58 and the seal between the flanges 30, 34. The seals between
the bands 50, 52 and the grooves 56, 58 prevent inadvertent opening
of the package 10 when it is in a closed position. It is noteworthy
that the shell members 12, 14 are sufficiently flexible to enable a
user to easily peel them apart from one another. It is also
noteworthy that the strength of the seal between the shell members
12, 14 is weak enough to allow a user to easily peel them apart
from one another, but strong enough for the package 10 to retain a
liquid-tight seal so as to prevent any evaporation of the contact
lens solution therefrom or any contamination of the contact lens 76
and the contact lens solution from foreign materials. When the
aforesaid seals are broken and the shell members 12, 14 are
separated, the contact lens 76 is exposed and made accessible to
the user.
[0018] As previously mentioned, the absorbent members 16, 18 are,
preferably, separate and distinct members. Alternatively, the
package 10 may include a single frangible absorbent member capable
of being torn apart at a weakened section along its medial axis
(not shown in the Figures) when the package 10 is opened in the
manner previously described.
[0019] It will be understood that the embodiment described herein
is merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make
many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Specifically, the present invention has
been adapted for use in housing a single ophthalmic lens and an
amount of solution. However, the present invention can be utilized
to house a plurality of ophthalmic lenses and an amount of solution
therefor. Further features and advantages of the invention will
appear more clearly on a reading of the detailed description of an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, which is given below by way
of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. All
such variations and modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims.
* * * * *