U.S. patent application number 11/522233 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-15 for ophthalmic lens package and methods of its use.
Invention is credited to Donnie J. Duis, George Himes.
Application Number | 20070056861 11/522233 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37492236 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070056861 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duis; Donnie J. ; et
al. |
March 15, 2007 |
Ophthalmic lens package and methods of its use
Abstract
An ophthalmic lens package includes a pair of removably attached
strip members and a pair of absorbent members sandwiched
therebetween.
Inventors: |
Duis; Donnie J.;
(Jacksonville, FL) ; Himes; George; (Jacksonville,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PHILIP S. JOHNSON;JOHNSON & JOHNSON
ONE JOHNSON & JOHNSON PLAZA
NEW BRUNSWICK
NJ
08933-7003
US
|
Family ID: |
37492236 |
Appl. No.: |
11/522233 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60717493 |
Sep 15, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/5.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/005 20130101;
B65D 2585/545 20130101; B65D 75/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/005.1 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/04 20060101
A45C011/04 |
Claims
1. An ophthalmic lens package, comprising a first strip member
comprising a first side, a second side, and a first absorbent
member, wherein said first absorbent member is attached to a
portion of said first side of said first strip member; a second
strip member comprising a first side, a second side, and a second
absorbent member wherein said second absorbent member is attached
to a portion of said first side of said second strip member; said
first and second strip members being removably attached each other
when said package is closed position, said first and second
absorbent members being adapted to receive and house an ophthalmic
lens and an amount of solution when said package is closed.
2. The package of claim 1, further comprising means for separating
said first and second strip members from each other.
3. The package of claim 2, wherein the means for separating said
first and second strip members from each other comprises a first
tab extending from said first strip member and a second tab
extending from said second strip member wherein both tabs are
juxtaposed when said package is in the closed position.
4. The package of claim 1 wherein said second absorbent member
further comprises a die cut "X"
5. The package of claim 4 wherein said second side of said first
strip member further comprises a means for holding said second side
of said first strip member to an insertion aid.
6. The package of claim 1 wherein said insertion aid is a user's
finger.
7. The package of claim 1 wherein said means for holding said
second side of said first strip member is a finger sleeve.
8. The package of claim 1 wherein said means for holding said
second side of said first strip is a pressure sensitive
adhesive.
9. The package of claim 5, further comprising illustrated or
printed instructions that instruct the user to open said
package.
10. The package of claim 1 further comprising illustrated or
printed instructions that instruct the user to open said
package.
11. The package of claim 5, further comprising illustrated or
printed instructions that instruct the user to open the package and
insert ophthalmic
12. The package of claim 1 wherein the second absorbent member is
modified to enable the ophthalmic lens to adhere to the first
absorbent member when the package is opened.
13. A method of inserting an ophthalmic lens into the eye of a user
comprising opening a package comprising a first strip member
comprising a first side, a second side, and a first absorbent
member, wherein said first absorbent member is attached to a
portion of said first side of said first strip member; a second
strip member comprising a first side, a second side, and a second
absorbent member wherein said second absorbent member is attached
to a portion of said first side of said second strip member, said
first and second strip members being removably attached each other
when said package is closed position, said first and second
absorbent members being adapted to receive and house an ophthalmic
lens and an amount of solution when said package is closed, wherein
said second side of said first strip member further comprises a
means for holding said second side of said first strip member to an
insertion aid and said second absorbent member comprises a die cut
"X"; inserting user's finger between said means for holding and
said first strip member inserting the ophthalmic lens which is
removably adhered to said first absorbent member into the user's
eye.
14. A method of packaging an ophthalmic lens comprising inserting
an ophthalmic lens between a first absorbent member and a second
absorbent member of a package, said package comprises a first strip
member comprising a first side, a second side, and said first
absorbent member wherein said first absorbent member is attached to
a portion of said first side, wherein a portion of said first side
further comprises an annular sealing area which surrounds the
perimeter of said first absorbent member; a second strip member
comprising a first side, a second side, and said second absorbent
member, wherein said second absorbent member is attached to a
portion of said first side, wherein said first side further
comprises an annular sealing area which surrounds the perimeter of
said second absorbent member wherein said first and second
absorbent members receive and house an ophthalmic lens and an
amount of solution when said package is closed; and sealing said
annular sealing area of said first strip member to said annular
sealing area of said second strip member to close said package.
Description
[0001] This application is a non-provisional filing of a
provisional application, U.S. Ser. No. 60/717,493, filed on Sep.
15, 2005.
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention 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.
[0003] 1. Background of the Invention 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
[0004] 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:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a ophthalmic lens
package constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention in a closed position;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the ophthalmic lens package of
FIG. 1 in an open position;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a top plan view, of a ophthalmic lens package of
the invention in an open position; and
[0008] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of
the ophthalmic lens package shown in FIG. 1 in an open
position.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of
the ophthalmic lens package.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention includes an ophthalmic lens package,
comprising a first strip member comprising a first side, a second
side, and a first absorbent member, wherein said first absorbent
member is attached to a portion of said first side of said first
strip member; a second strip member comprising a first side, a
second side, and a second absorbent member wherein said second
absorbent member is attached to a portion of said first side of
said second strip member; said first and second strip members being
removably attached each other when said package is closed position,
said first and second absorbent members being adapted to receive
and house an ophthalmic lens and an amount of solution when said
package is closed.
[0011] 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.
[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a contact lens package 10
includes a pair of strip members 12, 14 and a pair of pillow-shaped
absorbent members 16, 18. The functions of the strip members 12, 14
and the absorbent members 16, 18 shall be described hereinafter.
The strip member 12 is a rectangular shape, and includes first side
20, and an opposed second side 22 (not shown), and tab 30 that
extends from the strip member 12. Similarly, the strip member 14 is
a rectangular shape and includes first side 24, and an opposed
second side 26 (not shown), and tab 31 that extends strip member
14. Strip members 12, 14 can be any shape, and preferably they are
identical in size and shape to each other. The tabs 30, 31 are
juxtaposed with one another when the strip 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 30, 31 shall be described
hereinafter.
[0013] Referring to FIG. 2, the absorbent member 16 is positioned
on the first side 20 of strip member 12. Absorbent member has two
surfaces 16a and an opposed surface 16b (not shown). Surface 16b is
attached to first side 20 of strip 12. Preferably, the size of
surface 16a is smaller than strip member 12. Preferably size of
surface 16a is equal to or larger than the diameter of a lens in
the flattened position. Similarly, absorbent member 18 has two
surfaces 18a and an opposed surface 18b (not shown). Surface 18b is
attached to first side 24 of strip member 14. Preferably, the size
of surface 18a is smaller than strip member 14. Preferably the size
of surface 18a is equal to or larger than the diameter of a lens in
the flattened position. Preferably absorbent members 16 and 18 are
the same size and shape and attached to their respective strip
members by an adhesive known in the art.
[0014] 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. Examples of contact
lens solution include but are not limited to saline solution, water
or buffered aqueous solutions, and the preferred solution is
aqueous saline solution. The contact lens solution is present in a
quantity sufficient to keep the contact lens 60 saturated to retain
its intended shape (i.e. convex shape) and softness when released
from package 10.
[0015] Referring now to FIG. 2, a portion of strip member 12
includes an annular area 32 that extends around the periphery of
the absorbent member 16. Similarly, a portion of strip member 14
includes an annular area 33 that extends around the periphery of
strip member 14. When package 10 is closed annular sealing areas 32
and 33 are attached to each other, preferably by heat sealing.
Alternatively, other attachment means, such as adhesives, induction
sealing or sonic welding, may be utilized to attach the annular
sealing areas 32, 33 to each other. An impermeable seal (not shown
in the Figures) is formed between areas 32, 33 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 Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the
package 10 is opened as follows. A user uses his or her finger(s)
or other means to separate the tabs 30, and 31 from their
juxtaposed position. Next, the user simultaneously pulls each of
the tabs, and peels apart the strip members 12, 14, thus breaking
the seal between the annular areas 32 and 33. When the aforesaid
seal is broken and the strip members 12, 14 are separated, the
contact lens 60 is exposed, adhered to one of the two absorbent
sponges and made accessible to the user. Additional embodiments of
the invention are depicted in the following figures.
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, surface 18a of absorbent member
18 contains a die cut "X". With this modification when the package
is opened, the contact lens adheres to surface 16a of absorbent
sponge 16. Aside from the "X" there are other methods of modifying
the absorbent member to have the ophthalmic lens adhere
preferentially to one member. Such modifications include increasing
the surface roughness of one absorbent member, cutting different
figures into one absorbent member, and other methods known to those
of reasonable skill. The embodiment includes finger sleeve 40 which
is attached to second side 22 of strip member 12. Finger sleeve 40
is attached to second side 22 of strip 12 along end 61 and sides 70
and 71. Finger sleeve 40 is not attached at end 62 of strip 12.
Finger sleeve 40 allows users to insert a finger 63 or other
objects between second side 22 and finger sleeve 40. When this
embodiment is opened, contact lens 60 adheres to absorbent sponge
16. The user may insert an insertion aid such as a rubber rod, or
his or her finger between the finger sleeve 40 and second side 22.
Subsequently the use may use the strip member 12 to assist in the
insertion of lens 60 into his or her eye.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention.
Second side 22 contains a pressure sensitive adhesive (not shown)
at a location along the strip in the vicinity of absorbent pad 16,
(attached to first side 20 of strip 12). Side 22 may contain an
illustration that instructs a user to place an insertion aid
(i.e.his/her finger) on the pressure sensitive adhesive in order to
aid the user in the placement of lens 60 in his/her eye.
[0018] The strip 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 strip
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. Finger
sleeve 40 and 41 (described below) may be manufactured from the
same materials as strip member 12 and 14, or from other flexible
materials such as polymers or foils that are not laminates or
coextrusion products. 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] The invention includes a method of packaging an ophthalmic
lens comprising inserting an ophthalmic lens between a first
absorbent member and [0021] a second absorbent member of a package,
said package comprises a first strip member comprising a first
side, a second side, and said first absorbent member wherein said
first absorbent member is attached to a portion of said first side,
wherein a portion of said first side further comprises an annular
sealing area which surrounds the perimeter of said first absorbent
member; [0022] a second strip member comprising a first side, a
second side, and said second absorbent member, wherein said second
absorbent member is attached to a portion of said first side,
wherein said first side further comprises an annular sealing area
which surrounds the perimeter of said second absorbent member
wherein said first and second absorbent members receive and house
an ophthalmic lens and an amount of solution when said package is
closed; and [0023] sealing said annular sealing area of said first
strip member to said annular sealing area of said second strip
member to close said package.
[0024] Further the invention includes ophthalmic lens package,
comprising a first strip member comprising a first side, a second
side, and a first absorbent member, wherein said first absorbent
member is attached to a portion of said first side of said first
strip member; [0025] a second strip member comprising a first side,
a second side, and a second absorbent member wherein said second
absorbent member is attached to a portion of said first side of
said second strip member; [0026] said first and second strip
members being removably attached each other when said package is
closed position, said first and second absorbent members being
adapted to receive and house an ophthalmic lens and an amount of
solution when said package is closed, [0027] wherein said second
side of said first strip member further comprises a means for
holding said second side of said first strip member to an insertion
aid.
[0028] Still further the invention includes a method of inserting
an ophthalmic lens into the eye of a user comprising opening a
package comprising a first strip member comprising a first side, a
second side, and a first absorbent member, wherein said first
absorbent member is attached to a portion of said first side of
said first strip member; [0029] a second strip member comprising a
first side, a second side, and a second absorbent member wherein
said second absorbent member is attached to a portion of said first
side of said second strip member, [0030] said first and second
strip members being removably attached each other when said package
is closed position, said first and second absorbent members being
adapted to receive .and house an ophthalmic lens and an amount of
solution when said package is closed, [0031] wherein said second
side of said first strip member further comprises a means for
holding said second side of said first strip member to an insertion
aid and said second absorbent member comprises a die cut "X";
[0032] inserting user's finger between said means for holding and
said first strip member [0033] inserting the ophthalmic lens which
is removably adhered to said first absorbent member into the user's
eye.
[0034] It will be understood that the embodiments 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.
* * * * *