Contact lens packages and methods of opening

Abstract

This invention relates to an improved contact lens case. The case is configured such that, upon opening by the wearer, the packaging solution is discharged from the contact lens and substantially retracted into the lid. The lens case may also include a lens support that facilitates single-touch transfer or a colored area that visually indicates to the wearer where to hold the case for opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a contact lens packaging box and a method for opening the contact lens packaging box. Prior Technology

[0002] For many years, the ideal has been to provide wearers with contact lenses in a "single-touch" case—that is, a case in which the wearer can use one finger to remove the lens from the storage case and then use that single touch to correctly place the lens on the eye. This design eliminates the need to transfer and manipulate the lens from one finger to another before placing it on the eye (as is currently common). Providing this single-touch case not only simplifies the lens preparation and insertion process; it also reduces the likelihood of the lens falling out or being exposed to additional bacteria on the wearer's other fingers (since the lens is prepared for orientation and insertion into the eye), and it also reduces the likelihood of touching the lens with the intention of touching only one side of the eye.

[0003] The design of single-touch contact lens packaging presents several challenges. Ideally, wearers should be able to consistently position the lens onto their fingers during removal from the packaging, and then consistently release it onto their eyes. Contact lenses (both reusable and daily disposable) each have their own unique surface, body, and geometry. Finger size and the force applied to the lens by the wearer during transfer can also vary. These factors can affect the process of removing the lens from the packaging to the finger and then to the eye. Among other considerations: it would be desirable for the wearer to be able to expel any packaging solution that might affect the ability to adhere the lens to the finger, as variations in the amount of packaging solution adhering to the lens and the packaging can affect the process of placing the lens on the finger. It would also be desirable for the packaging solution to be expelled in a controlled manner to avoid spillage. It would also be beneficial for the packaging solution to remain sterile and usable by the wearer after opening, allowing for rewetting or cleaning of the lens. Similarly, wearers may worry about the possibility of transferring bacteria or external products (such as cosmetics) to contact lenses; and of course, the packaging itself should be manufactured in accordance with expected industry standards recognized by the medical and commercial provider community.

[0004] Furthermore, a single-touch packaging design should ideally not lead to an excessive increase in the cost of the product relative to current contact lens packaging, as this could potentially increase costs for wearers. The packaging should not make it difficult to hold the lenses in place when removing them from the case. Additionally, maintaining the shape of the packaging or even reducing the volume of solution required to package the lenses will reduce the ecological impact of the lens packaging. Similarly, it would be beneficial if the packaging could be made wholly or partially from recycled materials and / or be wholly or partially recyclable.

[0005] Furthermore, it would be advantageous if the packaging is made of materials already approved by various regulatory agencies and ideally does not require changes to the solution chemistry or lens composition. Also, preferably, if electronic components or other electrical components could adversely affect the performance of the packaging or lens, the functionality of the packaging is better not incorporated into any such components.

[0006] There are several desired properties that have made achieving the functionality of a single-touch packaging box challenging and are often lacking in known attempts to create such boxes. These properties include, for example, the following: i) the packaging box should ideally protect the lens, i.e., it should ensure the integrity of the lens while preventing it from being crushed or damaged; ii) the lens packaging box should maintain the hydration of the lens when stored to maintain its properties; and iii) the lens in the packaging box should be configured such that when needed, the lens is fully immersed in the packaging solution, but not when the lens is ready to be transferred from the packaging box; iv) the packaging box should have a boil-resistant seal and contain both the lens and the solution; v) the packaging box should preferably maintain the lens in the wearer's desired convex orientation; vi) the lens should be correctly positioned so that it can be easily removed by the wearer; and vii) the packaging box should allow the packaging solution to be effectively drained from the lens when the packaging box is opened and before the lens is removed, making it easier to transfer to the wearer's fingers and then to the eyes.

[0007] WO2014 / 195588, WO2009 / 069265, JP6339322, and US20200229563 disclose packaging boxes that present lenses in a convex, bowl-down configuration. However, the lens support structure substantially matches the shape of the contact lens, which provides an undesirable contact area between the lens and the lens support. These references also fail to mention any mechanism for the effective drainage of solution from the lens and lens support.

[0008] US20190046353 discloses contact lens storage containers that help increase the ease of lens removal. However, the packaging requires the wearer to pour out the packaging solution and does not provide the desired consistent single-touch removal.

[0009] US20200229560 discloses a packaging box having lens supports that support the concave (anterior or front) surface of the contact lens; or a grid that supports the peripheral edge of the contact lens and allows the packaging solution to drain through the grid into the bottom chamber when the lens box is opened, wherein the solution is not readily available to the wearer.

[0010] The aforementioned defects of the aforementioned technologies are merely illustrative and not exhaustive.

[0011] Furthermore, introducing novel contact lens packaging that departs from traditional blister packs often presents a challenge for wearers. The novel shape factors and patterns may not be immediately intuitive. This often leads to frustration during the opening process and / or damage or non-sterile conditions of the lens. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide a contact lens packaging with visual or tactile cues that make the novel packaging and opening experience more intuitive.

[0012] Therefore, the requirement for contact lens packaging is that it provides a consistent, single-touch lens removal experience, effective solution management, or a combination of the aforementioned challenges or deficiencies. Summary of the Invention

[0013] It has been found that some or all of the foregoing and related objectives can be achieved in contact lens cases having one or more of the embodiments described herein. For example, a contact lens case may have a lid with a lid cavity accommodating a contact lens and a packaging solution, wherein the case is configured such that when a wearer opens the case, the packaging solution is discharged from the contact lens and substantially retracted into the lid. In some cases, the packaging solution may be retracted into the lid cavity. The contact lens case may include a lens support configured to substantially hold the contact lens outside the packaging solution when the case is in an open state, and the case may also include a gripping member configured to be held by a wearer during opening. In some embodiments, the lid is substantially rigid. In another embodiment, the lid cavity may provide a convex position for accommodating the contact lens when the case is in an unopened state. The lid may also include an opening tab, such as a handle or pull ring. In some embodiments, the lens support of the packaging case has a profile that does not substantially match the contour of the contact lens. When the packaging case is in an open state, the wetting contact area between the lens support and the contact lens may be less than about 25 mm², less than about 20 mm², less than about 18 mm², or less than about 15 mm². The cover may further include one or more lens-facing surfaces, which include at least one air inlet guide. The base of the packaging case may be configured to hinge when opened in some embodiments. In another embodiment, the gripping member may include a recessed area profiled to receive at least a portion of an opening tab when the packaging case is in an unopened state. Additionally, in some embodiments, the packaging case may include a sealing member for preventing the cover from separating from the base when the packaging case has reached an open state.

[0014] In some embodiments, the lens support of a contact lens case may include a lens support having a first support member and a second support member configured to support a concave side of a contact lens in a cavity when the case is in an unopened state; wherein the case is configured such that when the case is in an open state, the contact lens rests against at least a portion of the first support member, and the second support member is movable away from the lens. In one embodiment, the second support member pivots away from the first support member during opening. The first support member and the second support member are, in some embodiments, an integral assembly.

[0015] Additionally, the second support member may be securely attached to at least a portion of a base of the packaging box. The first and second support members may further have a nested configuration when the packaging box is in an unopened state. In some embodiments, when the packaging box is in an unopened state, a peripheral edge of the contact lens rests against at least a portion of the second support member. Furthermore, the first support member may have a first profile that does not substantially match the profile of the contact lens. In another embodiment, the second support member is integral with a base of the packaging box. In some cases, a discharge path may be defined along a length of the lens support member. In some cases, a hinge may be defined between the cover and a gripping member and transverse to the discharge path, wherein, upon opening, the packaging box bends along the hinge, and the packaged solution is discharged from the contact lens along the discharge path.

[0016] In some embodiments, a contact lens case includes a cavity accommodating a contact lens and a packaging solution; a lens support for holding the contact lens; and at least one lens-facing surface located within the cavity above a convex side of the contact lens. When the case is in an unopened state, the at least one lens-facing surface is configured to: i) align the contact lens above the lens support; ii) allow air to flow out into a peripheral volume of the cavity; and iii) protect the contact lens from significant optical damage caused by gravity, mechanical forces, or air-induced forces. In one embodiment, the at least one lens-facing surface may be further configured to guide air into the case above the contact lens to reduce the likelihood of the contact lens sticking to the case when opened. In another embodiment, the lens-facing surface may include a plurality of protrusions facing a convex side of the contact lens. The contactable surface area between the at least one facing lens surface and the contact lens is at least about 3% of the convex surface area of ​​the lens, and preferably more than 20%. The facing lens surface may define at least two air outlet channels that allow air to travel away from the contact lens into a peripheral volume of the cover cavity. The channels may have a width between about 1 mm and 1.5 mm or 1.5 mm and 2 mm. In another embodiment, the at least two channels may have a positive gradient toward the peripheral volume and a minimum vertical rise of at least about 2 mm. In some cases, the at least two channels may be positioned relative to each other such that when the packaging is rotated in a lateral orientation, at least one of the channels will have a central axis near the center of the cavity, which is angled relative to a plane normal to gravity.

[0017] Additionally, the contact lens case may include a gripping member and an opening tab, wherein at least one of the gripping member and the opening tab includes a colored area that visually indicates to a wearer a correct orientation or a holding position of the case when it is opened. In some embodiments, at least one of the gripping member and the opening tab further includes a substantially clear portion, wherein the colored portion and the substantially clear portion are formed by a two-shot injection molding process. At least one of the gripping member and the opening tab may also include a tactile feature and / or one of the gripping member and the opening tab includes printed or embossed product information.

[0018] In some embodiments, the contact lens case may have a substantially flat articulating base; a substantially rigid cover including a cover cavity that, when the case is in an unopened state, accommodates a packaging solution and a contact lens in a convex position; and a lens support configured to substantially support the contact lens outside the packaging solution when the case is in an open state.

[0019] The packaging box of certain embodiments of the present invention may include the following steps: holding the packaging box at one of the gripping members of the packaging box; pulling an opening tab of one of the lids of the packaging box to cause i) the packaging box to bend and cause a seal between the lid and a base of the packaging box to break, ii) the packaging solution to be discharged from the contact lens and collected in the lid, and iii) the contact lens to be presented to the wearer on a lens support; and transferring the contact lens from the packaging box. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0020] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following more detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Figures 1A to 1E illustrate the steps of opening a contact lens packaging box according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2A to 2D illustrate cross-sectional views of a contact lens packaging box according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention at various times during the opening process. [Figure 3] shows an exploded isometric view of a contact lens packaging box according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] An exploded isometric view of a contact lens packaging box according to an alternative exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5A] and [Figure 5B] respectively illustrate the lens support of the exemplary embodiment in isometric view and top view. [Figure 6] shows a perspective view of the underside of the cover and the interior of the cover cavity according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] illustrates alternative embodiments of the cover facing the lens surface in various orientations. [Figure 8] and [Figure 9] illustrate exemplary embodiments of contact lens packaging boxes including colored areas. Implementation

[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein element symbols indicate certain elements. The following description is not intended to limit the numerous embodiments to a single preferred embodiment. Rather, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined in the appended claims.

[0022] The references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, appearance, or characteristic, but each embodiment may not necessarily include that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a specific feature, structure, appearance, or characteristic is described with respect to an embodiment, the suggestion is that implementing that feature, structure, or characteristic in other embodiments is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art, whether explicitly described or not.

[0023] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings. The advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that they facilitate a consistent, single-touch lens transfer from the packaging to the wearer's finger, and then from the finger to the wearer's eye, without lens inversion, falling from the finger, or further manipulation. Consistent lens transfer includes a transfer rate of at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90% on the first touch (or "dab") of the finger. The lens also desires to "sit up" on the finger without collapsing or inverting, and then transfers to the eye while placed on the finger. The packaging of certain embodiments can provide desired single-touch transfer across a range of finger sizes and dab pressures. Environmental conditions (such as temperature and whether the finger is wet or dry) can also affect the transfer rate, with higher temperatures generally improving lens transfer.

[0024] (Multiple) lenses or (multiple) contact lenses refer to ophthalmic devices placed on the eye. They have a generally hemispherical shape and provide optical correction, cosmetic enhancement, UV blocking and visible light or glare reduction, therapeutic effects (including wound healing, drug or nutritional delivery, diagnostic assessment, or monitoring), or any combination thereof. The term "lens" includes soft hydrogel contact lenses, which are typically provided to consumers in a hydrated state in a package and have a relatively low modulus, allowing the lens to conform to the cornea. Contact lenses in the packaging of this invention include all hydrated contact lenses, including conventional and polysiloxane hydrogel contact lenses.

[0025] Hydrogels are hydrated cross-linked polymer systems containing water in equilibrium, and may contain at least about 25% or at least 35% hydrated water. Hydrogels are generally oxygen-permeable and biocompatible, making them excellent materials for the production of contact lenses.

[0026] Conventional hydrogel contact lenses do not contain polysiloxane-containing components and typically have higher water content, lower oxygen permeability, modulus, and shape memory than polysiloxane hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels are made from a mixture of monomers primarily containing hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate ("HEMA"), N-vinylpyrrolidone ("NVP"), or polyvinyl alcohol. U.S. Patents 4,495,313, 4,889,664, and 5,039,459 disclose the formation of conventional hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels can be ionic or nonionic and include those containing polymacon, etafilcon, nelfilcon, ocufilcon, lenefilcon, and the like. The oxygen permeability of these conventional hydrogel materials is generally below 20 to 30 lbs.

[0027] 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 similar formulations. "Polysilicon hydrogel" refers to a polymeric network composed of at least one hydrophilic component and at least one polysilicon-containing component. Polysilicon hydrogels can have moduli in the range of 60 to 200, 60 to 150, or 80 to 130 psi, and water content in the range of 20% to 60%.Examples of polysiloxane hydrogels include acquafilcon, asmofilcon, balafilcon, comfilcon, delefilcon, enfilcon, fanfilcon, formofilcon, galyfilcon, lotrafilcon, narafilcon, riofilcon, samfilcon, senofilcon, somofilcon, and stenfilcon (including all their variations), and U.S. Patents 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, and 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, 8,507,5 Polysilicon-oxygen hydrogels prepared as described in patents 77, 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, 9156,934, 9,170,349, 9,244,196, 9,244,197, 9,260,544, 9,297,928, 9,297,929, WO 03 / 22321, WO 2008 / 061992, and US 2010 / 0048847. The entire contents of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference. Silicone hydrogels can have a higher shape memory than conventional contact lenses.

[0028] Hydrogel lenses are viscoelastic materials. Optical distortion can occur if the lens interacts with its packaging or any air bubbles within the packaging. The degree of optical distortion and the time required for the distortion to relax will vary depending on the chemistry and, to a lesser extent, the lens geometry. Conventional lens materials (such as those based on poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), like etafilcon A or polymacon) have lower loss modulus and tanδ compared to polysiloxane hydrogels, and produce less and less severe optical distortion due to contact with the packaging. The incorporation of polysiloxane (which typically increases the bulk elastic response), wetting agents (such as PVP) (which typically increases viscous response), or coatings of conventional hydrogel materials (which can reduce elastic response at the lens interface) can alter the viscoelastic properties of the lens. Conventional hydrogel contact lenses and polysiloxane hydrogel contact lenses with short or hard crosslinking agents and / or hardening agents have short shape memory and are less prone to deformation during storage. As used herein, hydrogels with high or relatively high shape memory exhibit an optical distortion of at least approximately 0.18 due to contact with air bubbles or packaging after 5 weeks of accelerated aging at 55°C. Viscoelastic properties (including loss modulus and tanδ) can be measured using dynamic mechanical analysis.

[0029] Contact lenses can have any geometry or power and are generally hemispherical in shape, having a concave back side that rests against the eye when in use and a convex front side that is away from the eye and contacts the eyelid during blinking.

[0030] The center or apex of the lens is the center of the lens's optical zone. The optical zone provides optical correction and can have a diameter between approximately 7 and approximately 10 mm. The periphery or edge of the lens is the edge where the front and back sides intersect.

[0031] Wetting lens refers to the contact lens itself and any residual packaging solution that adheres to the contact lens after the packaging solution has been discharged. Wetting contact refers to the aggregated contact area between the wetting lens and the lens support.

[0032] Embodiments may include a lens support surrounded by a sealable cavity, which may also be interchangeably referred to as a chamber. The chamber may have any convenient form and may include a packaging base and at least one cap, etc., each of which is described in detail below. As used herein, the terms "cap," "cap," "base," and "base" cover both the singular and plural. The cap and packaging base are sealed together to form a cavity that maintains the contact lens, support, and packaging solution in a sterile state during transport and storage prior to use. The contact lens packaging case is made of a retort-compatible and bio-inert material compatible with the contact lens and solution.

[0033] "Film" or "polylayer film" refers to a film used to seal packaging boxes and is often called lidstock. Multilayer films used in conventional contact lens packaging boxes can be used in the packaging boxes of this invention as a base, lid component, or both. A multilayer film comprises multiple layers, including barrier layers (including foil layers or coatings), sealing layers (sealing the film to the rest of the packaging box), and may also include additional layers selected from peel-off initiation layers, laminated layers, and layers that improve other packaging properties (such as stiffness, temperature resistance, printability, puncture resistance, resistance to water or oxygen, and the like). The multilayer film forms a steam-sterilizable (retortable) seal. The multilayer film may include PET, BON, or OPP film layers to increase stiffness and temperature resistance, or include EVOH or PVdC coatings to improve resistance to oxygen or water vapor.

[0034] As used in this article, "unopened state" or "unopened" means that the contact lens packaging is closed and the contact lenses are contained in a solution.

[0035] As used herein, "opened state" or "opened" means that the contact lens case has been opened and the contact solution has substantially been discharged from the lens and / or the lens has substantially been held or lifted away from the solution.

[0036] The packaging solution is any physiologically compatible solution that is compatible with the selected lens material and packaging. Packaging solutions include buffer solutions with a physiological pH, such as buffered saline solutions. Packaging solutions may contain known components, including buffers, pH and tension adjusters, lubricants, wetting agents, nutrients, pharmaceuticals, inner coating components, and the like.

[0037] The packaging base can form the bottom of the packaging box. It can be made of any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including flat sheets of foil or plastic, laminated films, or plastic. The bottom of the lens support can be disposed on and supported by the base surface facing the packaging cavity. The lens support can also be integral with the base. The lens support is reliably placed on the inner surface of the packaging base, which can be horizontal or angled to maintain the lens support and lens in an angled position when the bottom of the base is horizontal.

[0038] The cap is generally placed on the upper part of the packaging box and sealed to the base to form a cavity containing at least a portion of the lens support, the lens, and the packaging solution. The cap can be made of any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including molded sheets of foil or plastic, laminated films, or plastics. Packaging boxes comprising plastic for one structure and foil or laminated film for another structure, or packaging boxes comprising foil or laminated film as an outer layer of the cap and base, are examples of suitable combinations known in the art.

[0039] Throughout this specification, references to injection molding processes and the use of materials known for injection molding should be understood as illustrative. Those skilled in the art will understand that other manufacturing methods are possible within the scope of the appended claims, including but not limited to alternative molding processes, thermoforming, 3D printing, and the like. Similarly, references to heat seals and heat sealing are illustrative of certain embodiments described herein. Other means of securing packaging components will be apparent to those skilled in the art, including the use of adhesives, glues, thermal bonding, welding (such as thermal, ultrasonic, or laser welding), or a mechanical trap, and the like.

[0040] Certain embodiments of the present invention can act to reduce or prevent significant optical damage to contact lenses caused by interactions with the interior of the bubble or lens packaging, which can occur during storage or transit and is caused by gravity or other forces (such as mechanical pressure applied from outside the packaging). As used herein, significant optical damage means a root mean square (RMS) value equal to or greater than about 0.08 µm.

[0041] Referring to the figures, Figures 1A to 1E illustrate the steps of opening a contact lens case according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A shows an unopened contact lens case 100 having one of an opening tab 110, a cover 112, and a gripping member 106. In this embodiment, the opening tab 110 and the cover 112 are formed from a single piece of plastic. In the first step shown in Figure 1B, the wearer holds the unopened contact lens case 100 at the gripping member 106 and pulls the opening tab 110 of the cover 112 of the case 100. Although not necessary, the wearer can grip the case 100 with one hand and pull the opening tab 110 with the other hand. As illustrated in the step shown in Figure 1C, pulling the opening tab 110 causes the case 100 to bend and the seal between the cover 112 and the base 118 of the case 100 to break. In this embodiment, the packaging box 100 is bent by hinge along the base 118, which in this case is a multilayer film or laminated foil sealant heat-sealed to the upper part of the packaging box, which includes the gripping member 106, the cover 112, and the lens support 126 of the packaging box 100.

[0042] When the packaging box 100 is opened, the packaging solution 130 is discharged from the contact lens 122 and retrieved into the cap 112, specifically in the cap cavity 132, i.e., the cavity formed in the cap 112 that houses the contact lens 122 and the packaging solution 130 when the packaging box is in an unopened state. When the packaging box is further opened, the contact lens 122 is presented to the wearer on the lens support 126, which substantially holds the contact lens 122 outside the packaging solution 130. In this context, holding the lens means allowing the lens to rest against the support. As illustrated in Figure 1D, this allows the wearer to transfer the lens 122 from the packaging box 100. In this embodiment, the lens is conveniently presented to the wearer in a convex orientation, meaning that the convex side 122a of the lens is usable by the wearer without requiring repositioning of the lens before placing the concave side onto the wearer's eye surface. However, it will be understood that other orientations, such as the concave orientation of conventional blister packaging, are possible within the scope of this invention. Transferring the contact lens from the lens support 126 can be performed by the wearer's finger 124, by direct contact with the lens, or indirectly by an applicator film (e.g., as described in US20190046353), or by other covering applied to the finger, or by another transfer means, such as a manual or automatic applicator device. When transferring the contact lens 112 from the packaging box 100, as shown in the steps illustrated in FIG1E, the lens rests against the finger 124 (or other transfer means), with the convex side 122a of the contact lens abutting against the finger 124, and the concave side 122b of the lens oriented for direct application to the wearer's eye surface.

[0043] Turning now to Figures 2A through 2D, cross-sectional views of a contact lens case at various points during the opening process according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention are shown. Beginning in Figure 2A, a contact lens case 200 is depicted in a cross-sectional view in a sealed, unopened state. The contact lens 222 and packaging solution 230 are sealed within a cavity 232 between the base 218 and the lid 212 of the case 200. The case 200 uses a lens support 226 below the lens 222 and a lens-facing surface 234 above the lens 222 to side-position the lens 222. As discussed in more detail below, the lens-facing surface of the invention can act to align the contact lens above the lens support, minimize interaction with air bubbles in the packaging solution, and / or prevent significant optical damage to the contact lens. In some embodiments, the lens-facing surface also acts as an air inlet guide, guiding air into the packaging above the contact lens to reduce the likelihood of the contact lens sticking to the case upon opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the lens-facing surface 234 is formed by protrusions 234a and 234b extending downward toward the convex surface of the lens 222. However, other configurations are possible, for example, in which the continuous inner surface is thick enough or positioned close enough to the contact lens to provide one or more of the functions of the lens-facing surface described herein.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2B, the packaging box 200 is opened by pulling the opening tab 210, which in this embodiment takes the form of a handle / lever. As the opening tab 210 is lifted, the seal between the cap 212 and the base 218 begins to break at a point 220, where the cap 212 is sealed to a foil seal forming at least a portion of the base 218. Air then enters the packaging box 200 and the packaging solution 230 begins to move. As it moves, the packaging solution 230 is contained within the base 218 and the cap at an angle relative to the gripping member 206. The surface tension of the packaging solution contributes to its ability to remain in the space between the base 218 and the cap 212. Here, the gripping member 206 and the cap 212 meet at a hinge 240 defined by the gap between the gripping member 206 and the cap 212, which are discrete components each sealed to the base 218. As shown in Figure 2C, the packaging box 200 is further opened and the base 218 to the right of the hinge 240 moves away from the lens, causing the solution to drain from the lens 222 and the lens support 226 to hold the lens in a convex orientation when opened. As the base 218 and the cap 212 cooperate to contain the packaged solution 230 and guide it back to the cap 212 under the influence of gravity, the seal between the cap and the base 218 continues to break toward the distal end 246 of the packaging box 200. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the cap and gripping member may be formed from a single integral component (such as a single injection-molded part). In such embodiments, gaps may be absent, and the hinge or other joints may be achieved by a thin or reduced boundary between the cap and the gripping member. Similarly, while the foil seal is used as a base material in the depicted embodiment, other substantially flexible or substantially rigid materials configured to articulate, fold, or pivot / hinge in a predictable manner can achieve the same or similar functionality.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2D, when the packaging box 200 reaches an open state, the packaging solution 230 has been substantially retracted into the cap 212 and more specifically into the cap cavity 232. Advantageously, as an integral part of the opening action, the packaging solution 230 has been discharged from the contact lens 222 while maintaining the sterility of the packaging solution, which is beneficial in cases where the wearer wishes to clean and / or hydrate the lens. The lens 222 is also presented to the wearer in a convex orientation, which facilitates single-touch transfer. Although retraction into the cap cavity is preferred, it will be understood that alternative embodiments retracting into the cap are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, one or more features such as a reservoir or dam can be incorporated into the cap to achieve the same or similar functionality. In its open state, it is preferable that the upper part of the packaging box is not completely separated from the base. Maintaining the connection between the upper part and the base helps prevent the retracted packaging solution from spilling out of the packaging box. The cover lowers the base by maintaining the connection and keeps the lens away from the wearer when transferring it (e.g., by tapping it with his or her finger). Maintaining the connection between the upper portion of the case and the base after opening can be achieved in some embodiments by maintaining the open cover in a substantially horizontal position, for example, at a moment when the wearer might release one hand from the case to transfer the lens from the case to the eye. This can be achieved by providing the case with a sealing member to prevent the cover from separating from the base once the case is in the open state. Suitable sealing members include a material area integral with one or both of the cover and the base, a plastic frame, and an additional seal at the distal end of the case that separates from the reversible seal formed between the cover cavity and the base or a reinforcement (such as a plastic insert, a plastic layer, a double foil, or the like). When the end cap is an additional seal between the distal portion of the cap and the base, it comprises a flexible sheet material that can be established by any suitable component, including adhesives, glues, thermal bonding, welding (such as thermal, ultrasonic, or laser welding), or a mechanical trap, and the like.

[0046] In one embodiment, the lens support may advantageously include two or more support members. For example, as implemented in lens support 226, lens support 226 includes a primary support member 226a and a secondary support member 226b, each of which supports the contact lens 222 in the cavity 232 when the packaging is in an unopened state. As illustrated in FIG2C, after opening, the contact lens 222 rests against the first support member 226a, and the second support member 226b is moved away from the lens. More specifically, the secondary support member is hinged away from the base 218, and the packaging solution 230 is discharged into the cap 212. In this example, the primary support member primarily functions to hold the lens out of the solution and facilitate effective lens transfer, while the secondary support member protects and supports the lens (specifically, the peripheral portion of the concave surface of the lens) when the packaging is unopened. Although optional, dividing the support member into two functional support members (also referred to herein as a separate support configuration) can provide several benefits, which are discussed in more detail with reference to Figures 5A and 5B.

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the components of a contact lens packaging case 100 and an exemplary embodiment, which include: a cover 112, a lens support 126, a gripping member 106, and a base 118. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the base 118 is composed of a single layer of foil sheet. The upper portion 306 of the packaging case 100 includes the lens support 126, the cover 112, and the gripping member 106, which are formed of molded plastic and attached to the base 118 via a heat-sealed member. The cover 112 is releasably attached to the packaging case base via a boilable seal 114 surrounding a cover cavity that accommodates a contact lens 122, the lens support 126, and a packaging solution. The cover 112 includes an opening tab 110 in the form of a lifting ring pull, which is at an angle of approximately 150° relative to the base 118. The cover 112 further includes an air inlet 310 located at a point along one of the points in the seal 114, which breaks first when the opening tab 110 is grasped by the wearer. The inlet 310 is aligned with the opening tab 110. The air inlet 310 extends into the cover cavity 132 via a bevel. In other embodiments, the air inlet may have any shape other than those described above, including but not limited to circular, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, or irregular shapes. The packaging of the present invention may also forgo separate air inlets, for example by providing a distance of at least about 2 mm between the inner cover wall and the lens support at the opening tab 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the cover 112 also includes a recess or indentation 329 positioned above the center of the lens support 126 in the cover 112 to provide a volume that traps air moving into the peripheral volume within the cover cavity 132 and away from the lens 122. The depth of the indentation is selected so that when the box is sealed, the lowest point of the indentation inside the lid, or any lens-facing surface inside the lid, does not touch the apex of the lens.

[0048] The gripping member 106 includes a region 320 that is profiled to receive the portion of the opening tab 110 that overlaps with the gripping member 106 when the case is sealed / unopened. This configuration effectively positions the opening tab 110 within the gripping member 106, providing additional lateral stability and promoting a better seal between the upper portion 306 and the base 118. Compared to a relatively flat and / or thin alternative, the thickened gripping member 106, designed to accommodate the profiled region 320, provides additional structural rigidity to the gripping member 106, which advantageously establishes more leverage and a more defined hinge or bend point when the case is opened. The lens support 126 has a separate configuration in which, when the case is unopened, a primary support member 126a is located below the center of the lens, and a secondary support member 126b surrounds the primary support member below the peripheral edge of the contact lens 122 to provide support for the peripheral concave side of the lens 122 when the case is unopened.

[0049] As another example, Figure 4 illustrates an exploded isometric view of a contact lens packaging case 200 and its constituent components, which are: a cover 212, a lens support 226, a gripping member 206, and a base 218. The base 218 is composed of a single layer of foil sheet. The upper portion 406 of the packaging case 200 includes the lens support 226, the cover 212, and the gripping member 206, all formed of molded plastic and attached to the base 218 via a heat seal (or alternative attachment methods such as adhesives, ultrasonic welding, or the like). The cover 212 is releasably attached to the packaging base via a retortable seal 214 surrounding a cover cavity that houses a contact lens 222, the lens support 226, and the packaging solution. The cover 212 includes an opening tab 210 in the form of an arcuate, raised handle. The cap 212 further includes an air inlet 410 located at a point along one of the seals 114, which breaks first when the tab 110 is grasped by the wearer. The cap 212 includes a recess 429 positioned in the cap 212 above the center of the lens support 226. The lens support 226 has a separate configuration in which a primary support member 226a is located below the center of the lens when the case is not opened, and a secondary support member 226b surrounds the primary support member 226a below the peripheral edge of the contact lens 222 to provide support for the peripheral recessed side of the lens 222 when the case is not opened.

[0050] Figures 5A and 5B respectively illustrate the lens support of an exemplary embodiment in isometric and top views. During transport and storage, the lens support 126 maintains the lens in a preferred convex orientation (bowl-shaped downward relative to the base of the packaging box) and position (centered above the support). The lens support 126 also provides an opening 510 to allow the packaging solution to drain from the lens and support 126 upon opening without trapping water between the supports; and a sufficient number of contact points with the lens to reduce the likelihood of the lens collapsing onto the support, rotating off the support, or translating on the support. This allows the lens apex to be supported by the lens's own elastic stiffness, or minimizes the sinking of the lens apex while limiting the contact area between the support 126 and the lens. Excessive contact between the support 126 and the lens after solution draining, and water trapped between the support and the lens, can create surface tension between the lens and the water on and around the lens support, which is greater than the surface tension between the wearer's fingers and the lens, thereby interfering with effective lens transfer.

[0051] For lenses made of polymers with longer shape memory, the lens support can be designed to limit contact between the lens and the support during storage. Such contact can be distributed around the peripheral edge of the lens. Contact between the lens optical area, the lens support, and the inside of the cover (including any air inlet guides) can be temporary, or there may be no contact between the optical area and the support, cover, or air inlet guide. Lenses with shorter shape memory (such as conventional hydrogels) are less prone to deformation due to packaging contact and can have contact points distributed around the periphery and throughout the lens contour (including the central area of ​​the lens, approximately 9 mm or 5 mm in diameter).

[0052] The lens support of this invention preferably allows both the fingertip and the lens to deform to match each other's shape during tapping, without causing lens inversion or damage during removal due to excessive pressure during tapping. Therefore, the process of removing the lens from the packaging of this invention controls the ratio of the contact area between the finger and the lens to the area between the lens and the lens support, ensuring that the contact area between the finger and the lens exceeds the contact surface area of ​​the lens support on the underside of the lens. This ensures that the surface tension between the finger and the lens exceeds the surface tension between the lens and the lens support. Therefore, the lens adheres to the finger for lens transfer and placement on the eye.

[0053] The lens support 126 is illustrated in a configuration associated with the packaging box in an unopened state. In this embodiment, the lens support 126 has a separate configuration, with one support member 126a (also referred to herein as the primary support member) in an internal position and another support member 126b (also referred to herein as the secondary support member) surrounding the primary member 126a to form a nested configuration. The primary support member 126a is positioned below at least a portion of the concave side of the contact lens 122 in an area outside the optical zone of the peripheral edge of the lens, to provide support for the peripheral concave side of the lens 122 when the packaging box is unopened. As used herein, "support" for a contact lens describes the support function of the lens when the packaging box is unopened and does not imply close contact with the lens. Rather, the packaging box of the present invention preferably minimizes contact with the contact lens when the packaging box is closed, and the lens is suspended in the packaging solution. Ideally, the optical zone of the lens is free-floating, and its contact with the lens support is temporary or nonexistent during storage. However, gravity and the forces of air bubbles in the packaging solution can create undesirable interactions between the lens and the packaging. If not counteracted, these interactions can lead to significant optical damage. Therefore, the inventors have recognized that when the lens is "loaded" (i.e., forced against the interior of the packaging due to gravity and / or air bubbles), the lens support should ideally provide support for the lens in the solution. In the manner described with reference to the exemplary opening method in FIG2C, the primary support member 126a is configured such that when the packaging is in an open state, the contact lens rests against the primary support member 126a, and the secondary support member 126b moves away from the lens, along with the packaging solution, discharging away from the lens, thereby leaving the lens (preferably but optionally) sufficiently unwetted on the central support member to allow for single-touch transfer by the wearer.

[0054] In this embodiment, the main support member 126a includes a central support portion having a plurality of central support arms 126a' and peripheral support arms 126a''. When the packaging box is opened, the lens is concentrated and ultimately rests against these central and peripheral support arms. The central support arms 126a' are raised relative to the peripheral support arms 126a'' and the secondary support members 126b via a pillar 520. Upon opening, the periphery of the contact lens rests against the peripheral support members 126a'', and the lens can additionally rest against the central support arms 126a''. The design of the main support member 126a represents one of numerous examples of support member profiles and does not substantially match the lens profile. Compared to known lens supports that substantially match the contour of the lens, the non-matching contour of the main support in certain embodiments of the present invention (wherein only one of the depicted embodiments is shown) facilitates lens transfer by (among other things) reducing the wetting contact area between the main lens support and the lens to less than about 25 mm2, less than about 20 mm2, less than about 18 mm2, or less than about 15 mm2. Furthermore, the main lens support preferably includes a plurality of peripheral supports having a distal end that extends at least 1 mm beyond the peripheral edge of the contact lens and provides at least 3, 3 to 14, 4 to 14, 3 to 8, or 4 to 8, 4 to 6, or 6 points along the peripheral supports that contact the edge of the contact lens. After the packaging box has been opened and the packaging solution has been guided away from the lens and the support, the wetting contact between the support and the lens is less than about 25 mm², less than about 20 mm², less than about 18 mm², or less than about 15 mm².

[0055] In this embodiment, the primary lens support 126a and the secondary lens support 126b are formed as a single molded plastic integral assembly. The primary support 126a and the secondary support 126b are respectively attached to a connector 550 via a primary cantilever 530 and a secondary cantilever 540. The connector 550 is then attached to the base of the packaging box. While the connector 550 serves as a single attachment point between the primary support 126a and the packaging base, the secondary support 126b is additionally and securely attached to a portion of the base that pivots away during opening via an additional intermediate heat seal (not shown). Thus, the secondary support 126b pivots away from that portion of the base during opening, and subsequently, packaging solution is discharged from the lens and the primary support 126a, while the primary support remains spatially relatively fixed when the packaging box is hinged open, or is lifted at an angle relative to the horizontal (as described more illustratively above with reference to Figures 2C and 2D). The pivoting of the base (also known as hinge action, or more commonly as articulation) establishes a hinge line along which the secondary cantilever 540 bends as it pivots away when opened, and the primary cantilever 530 remains relatively upright across the hinge line.

[0056] The primary cantilever 530 and secondary cantilever 540 provide an additional benefit by facilitating the guidance of the packaging solution within the cap cavity from around the lens along a discharge path (discussed more generally with respect to Figures 2A-2D), and preferably towards retraction into the cap. More specifically, cantilevers 530 and 540 can function as a discharge channel that establishes a temporary film of the packaging solution flowing away from the lens along a general discharge path, aided by gravity to expel the film. In this way, the discharge channel helps minimize the pooling of packaging solution between the back of the lens and the lens support structure when the packaging is opened and the lens support is secured outside the packaging solution. In some embodiments, the discharge channel may be contained in the gap between two adjacent members (e.g., cantilevers), or in a slit within a single member when using a single member. For a lens support without peripheral support members, the discharge channel gap may begin at any point within the lens periphery. For a support with peripheral support members, the discharge channel gap may begin at the inner edge of the peripheral member, or at any point within the lens periphery.

[0057] In another embodiment, the secondary support member 126b has a convex, partially domed profile 570 that partially mirrors the outline of the contact lens. The secondary support member 126b moves away from the lens's separation configuration upon opening, ensuring that the secondary support member does not physically contact the lens when the packaging is opened and the lens is presented for transfer. This avoids excessive wetting between the lens and the lens support in other cases, while maintaining the benefit of support that mirrors the lens's outline to a certain extent (i.e., provides additional support and protection) when the packaging is not opened (e.g., during storage, transport, and handling).

[0058] Separate lens support configurations (such as those illustrated herein) offer several benefits, including the secondary support 126 filling a larger volume within the cavity, thereby reducing the amount of solution required for hydration of the lens; reducing the likelihood of the lens sticking to the cap during opening by increasing the surface area of ​​the lens on the lens support due to increased contact with the lens when air enters the packaging; and reducing lens damage by limiting air bubble movement and lens inversion. In achieving some or all of these benefits, preferably but optionally, the lens support (whether singular or separate from the secondary and primary components and possibly other components) fills as much of the space below the contact lens and below the peripheral edge of the lens as possible.

[0059] It must be emphasized that the lens support embodiments illustrated and described herein are one of numerous embodiments of lens supports within the scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims. It will be understood that other embodiments are possible, including those with a single support (e.g., a primary support but no secondary support), or lens supports having primary and secondary supports formed as separate components. Furthermore, while the secondary support member 126b is formed as the same component as the primary support member 126a, in other embodiments, the secondary support member may be a separately formed (i.e., discrete) component, and / or may be integrally formed with the packaging base. Moreover, it is possible to achieve the functionality and benefits of the lens support within the scope of the appended claims in other alternative designs, such as a primary support member surrounding a secondary support member, or a configuration in which the support member moves away from or detaches from the lens when opened, and may be situated inside and outside the primary lens support member.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of the underside of the cover 112 and the interior of the cover cavity 132 according to an embodiment is shown. The cover 112 includes a cover cavity 132 configured to be positioned above the contact lens in a convex position within the cover cavity 132 when the packaging is not opened. The cover 112 includes a plurality of lens-facing surfaces 610, which in this embodiment are formed as protrusions extending downward toward the convex surface of the lens. The lens-facing surfaces 610 are generally shaped to mirror the convex lens surface of the contact lens to be housed in the cover cavity 132. In this case, the lens-facing surfaces 610 function to i) align the contact lens with the lens support; ii) facilitate airflow to a peripheral volume of the cavity; and iii) protect the contact lens from significant optical damage caused by gravity or air-introduced forces. The lens surface 610 also functions as an air inlet guide, which guides air into the cover cavity above the contact lens with the help of the air inlet hole 114, thereby reducing the likelihood of the contact lens sticking to the cover when opened.

[0061] As described above, if not properly counteracted, the forces of gravity and air bubbles in the packaging solution can cause optical damage. The lens-facing surface of the present invention can be designed to support the lens when pressurized by these forces to avoid or reduce significant optical damage. In one embodiment, the lens-facing surface (such as lens-facing surface 610 in the illustrated embodiment) includes at least about 3% and preferably at least about 20% or as large as possible a relatively large accessible surface area, while still accommodating any desired air outlet passage. Accessible surface area is understood to mean the contact area between the lens and the lens-facing surface when the lens is pressurized (i.e., placed into contact under an applied force (such as, but not limited to, gravity or air bubble interaction)). When pressurized / if pressurized, the accessible surface area determines the pressure applied to the lens area. The larger this area, the greater the pressure reduction. In the illustrated embodiment, lens-facing surface 610 has 22% accessible surface area relative to a conventional contact lens having a surface area of ​​approximately 225 mm².

[0062] The lens surface 610 is also spaced to define a plurality of air outlet channels, which allow air (specifically, air bubbles in the packaging solution) to travel away from the contact lens into the peripheral volume 618 of the cover cavity 132. It is advantageous for the air outlet channels to have a positive gradient toward the peripheral volume and a vertical rise of at least about 2 mm. In embodiments such as the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein, the minimal top space above the lens created by the indentation 329 (shown in FIG. 3), combined with the presence of the peripheral volume 618, generally results in any large air bubbles (e.g., bubbles larger than 2 mm in diameter) being located above the lens. Therefore, the air outlet channels, when the packaging is in certain orientations, are generally primarily concerned with allowing smaller air bubbles to escape from the area around the lens surface while preventing larger air bubbles from entering the space around the lens from the peripheral volume. For this purpose, a preferred embodiment includes at least two air outlet channels, each having a width between about 1 mm and 1.5 mm, or preferably between 1.5 mm and 2 mm. In one configuration, the air outlet channels 614 are advantageously positioned relative to each other such that when the package is rotated in one orientation, at least one of the channels 614 will have a central axis from near the center of the cavity, which is angled relative to the plane normal to gravity. This design utilizes buoyancy to allow air bubbles to escape from the lens regardless of the orientation of the lens package, thus reducing optical damage that could otherwise be caused, for example, by air bubbles forced into the lens support. In this embodiment, the channels 614 are also positioned and sized to allow an undisturbed path between the lid and the peripheral spokes 126a'' (shown in FIG. 5B) when the package is opened.

[0063] Referring again to Figure 6, a sealing member in the form of an attachment surface 620 can also be observed at the distal end of the cap 112. This heat seal 620 acts as an additional seal to the boilable seal 114 on the surface surrounding the periphery of the cap cavity 132. In this way, the cap 110 is less likely to completely separate from the base when the resealable seal 114 has begun to break and move distally near the air inlet 114 when the opening tab 110 is engaged. After opening and preferably after the packaged solution has been returned to the cap, the heat seal 620 then holds the cap cavity in a relatively horizontal orientation, which helps prevent the solution in the cap cavity 132 from spilling out of the packaging box.

[0064] The lens surface 610 is typically shaped to mirror the convex lens surface of the contact lens to be housed in the cover cavity 132, and angled from its periphery toward the lowest point of the indentation 329 inside the cover cavity 132, to create a minimal top space above the lens apex when the packaging is sealed and the contact lens is suspended in the packaging solution. Therefore, significant air bubbles cannot be positioned at or near the lens apex (and optical zone), thus minimizing harmful bubble interactions.

[0065] Referring now to Figure 7, alternative embodiments of the cover 712 facing the lens surface are illustrated in various orientations. The air outlet channels 614 are advantageously positioned relative to each other such that, when the package is rotated in one orientation, at least one of the channels 614 will have a central axis from the center of the cavity, which is angled relative to the plane 720 normal to gravity. As described above, this design utilizes buoyancy to allow air bubbles to escape from the lens, regardless of the orientation of the lens package, thus reducing optical damage that could otherwise be caused, for example, by air bubbles forced into the lens support. Again, it should be understood that the cover (and other components specifically described and illustrated herein) can be mixed and combined to form numerous arrangements, and, for example, various lens supports (including integral supports relative to separate supports) can be used.

[0066] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate exemplary embodiments of contact lens cases including colored areas and / or tactile features. In Figure 8, the contact lens case 800 includes a gripping member 806 and an opening tab 810. In this embodiment, the cover 812 includes an opening tab 810 in the form of a handle. The cover is composed of a one-piece molded plastic part formed together with the cover cavity 832, the seal, and the surrounding area by a two-shot injection molding process. Except for the opening tab 810, the part is substantially transparent, and the opening tab 810 is colored (e.g., blue, green, red, or any other color, preferably a Pantone color easily distinguishable by the wearer) to differentiate it from the rest of the cover (which also includes a gripping portion in this embodiment). The color can be opaque, translucent, or completely transparent as needed. In this way, the colored handle serves as a visual indicator for the wearer to correctly orient the packaging for opening, and for the box to be opened by grasping the opening tab.

[0067] Two-color injection molding is known in the art and is commonly referred to as 2K molding or double injection. This process allows the use of two different but compatible injection molding materials, or the same material with different colors, to form a single injection-molded part. In this embodiment, polypropylene plastic is used; however, other materials can be used, including any substantially rigid plastic suitable for injection-molded small parts, such as polypropylene homopolymer. Two-color molding equipment can be programmed to perform two injections in one cycle. In the first cycle, a nozzle injects plastic into a mold. The mold then rotates automatically, and a second plastic is injected from a second nozzle into the mold. The molding equipment copolymerizes the two plastics to form molecular bonds between them, resulting in a single, monolithic part.

[0068] The gripping member 806 of the lens packaging case 800 further includes a tactile feature 820 in the form of a recessed area, which performs multiple functions, including providing tactile feedback to indicate to the wearer that their hand is correctly positioned for opening the packaging case and / or creating a more non-slip grip between the wearer's hand and the packaging case. The tactile feature 820 is colored, while the remainder of the gripping member 806 is substantially transparent, thus visually distinguishing the tactile feature 820. The gripping feature can be formed by the aforementioned two-color injection molding process. Any form, placement, shape, or element is possible for the tactile feature. For example, in some embodiments, the tactile feature may be raised rather than recessed, and may be any shape, logo, or other branding, or may be raised or recessed text or numbering. The opening tab (handle) 810 also provides printed product information, particularly prescription information for the contact lenses contained within the packaging case. Printing can be performed by any means suitable for plastic parts, including digital inkjet printing, screen printing, flexographic printing, pad printing, laser printing, or similar methods.

[0069] As illustrated in Figure 9, the contact lens case 900 includes a gripping member 906 and an opening tab 910. In this embodiment, the cover 912 includes an opening tab 910 in the form of a handle. The cover 912 and the integral handle 910 are composed of a single, substantially transparent molded plastic component. The gripping member 906 has a color to distinguish it from the cover and the rest of the lens case 800. The gripping member 906 further includes a tactile feature 920 in the form of a recessed area, which can perform multiple functions, including instructing the wearer to correctly place at least a portion of their hand for opening the case and / or creating a more non-slip grip between the wearer's hand and the case through tactile feedback. In this embodiment, the tactile feature 920 has the same color as the rest of the gripping portion. The gripping portion 906 includes a brand, which may be formed by molding, embossing, or the like, and may provide further tactile feedback. The handle 901 also provides printed product information, such as prescription information for contact lenses contained in the packaging. Numerous combinations of color and tactile features are possible within the scope of the patent application.

[0070] The visual and tactile cues disclosed herein are particularly important for the novel contact lens packaging of this invention, as they significantly depart from the form and opening method of conventional contact lens packaging. In conventional packaging, the contact lens rests in a molded plastic base having a bowl-shaped, upward-facing position to receive the lens. The present invention, as described and illustrated in the figures herein, subverts these conventional techniques in one or a combination of ways, such as by presenting the lens in a convex orientation; by placing the lens cavity on the top of the packaging rather than the bottom; by opening a substantially rigid side rather than a flat foil; and / or by retracting the packaging solution from the cap. Adding visual or tactile features can create a more intuitive opening experience for the wearer.

[0071] The foregoing description uses specific nomenclature for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that implementing the embodiments does not require many specific details. Therefore, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments described herein is for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings.

[0072] The summary and abstract paragraphs may set forth one or more, but not all, of the invention as conceived by the inventors, and are therefore not intended to limit the invention and the scope of the appended claims in any way.

[0073] The foregoing description of specific embodiments fully reveals the general nature of the invention, enabling others to easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various applications by applying knowledge within the art, without excessive experimentation or departing from the general concept of the invention. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance presented herein, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes and not limiting, and that the terminology used in this specification should be interpreted by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings and guidance.

[0074] The packaging box of this invention can be manufactured using known materials and processes. The packaging material can be virgin, recycled, or a combination thereof. The volume within the packaging cavity can vary depending on the chosen design.

[0075] Not all features described herein need to be incorporated into every packaging box, and those skilled in the art can combine these features using the teachings herein to provide a wide variety of improved contact lens packaging boxes. In summary, the contact lens packaging boxes of the present invention incorporate several novel functionalities that can be combined in various combinations as described herein to provide the desired improved and / or single-touch packaging boxes. The breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should only be defined according to the following claims and their equivalents.

[0076] 100: Contact lens packaging box 106: Grab Components 110: Open the tabs and cover 112: Cover 114: Seals, boilable seals, reversible seals, air inlet holes 118: Base 122: Contact lenses, contact lenses 122a: Convex side 122b: Concave side 124: fingers 126: Lens support 126a: Main supporting components 126a': Central support arm 126a'': Peripheral support arm, peripheral radial components 126b: Secondary support component 130: Packaging solution 132: Covering the cavity 200: Contact lens packaging boxes, packaging boxes 206: Grab Components 210: Open the lamina 212: Cover 214: Boiling-safe sealing element 218: Base 220: points 222: Contact Lenses 226: Lens support 226a: Main supporting components 226b: Secondary support components 230: Packaging solution 232: Cavity 234: Facing the lens surface 234a: Protrusion 234b: Protrusion 240: Hinged joint 246: Remote 306: Upper Part 310: Air inlet hole 320: Outlined area; region 329: Recessed or dented portion 406: Upper Part 410: Air inlet hole 429: Indentation 510: Open Space 520: column 530: Main cantilever 540: Secondary cantilever 550: Assembly 570: Convex, partially dome-shaped profile 610: Facing the lens surface 614: Channel 618: Surrounding volume 620: Attached surfaces, heat-sealed components 712: Cover 714: Air Exit Channel 720: Plane 800: Contact lens packaging boxes, lens packaging boxes 806: Grab Components 810: Open the lamina 812: Cover 820: Tactile Features 832: Covering the cavity 900: Contact lens packaging box 906: Grab components, grab parts 910: Open the tabs, overall handle 912: Cover

Claims

1. A contact lens packaging case, comprising: a lens support member including a first support member and a second support member configured to support a concave side of a contact lens housed in a cavity when the packaging case is in an unopened state; wherein the packaging case is configured such that when the packaging case is in an open state, the contact lens rests against at least a portion of the first support member, and the second support member is movable away from the contact lens.

2. The contact lens case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second support member pivots away from the first support member during opening.

3. The contact lens packaging box as described in claim 1, wherein the first support member and the second support member are an integral assembly.

4. The contact lens case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second support member is fixedly attached to at least a portion of a base of the case.

5. The contact lens packaging box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first support member and the second support member have a nested configuration when the packaging box is in an unopened state.

6. The contact lens case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second support member is configured such that when the case is in an unopened state, a peripheral edge of the contact lens rests against at least a portion of the second support member.

7. A contact lens case as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first support member has a first profile that does not substantially match the profile of the contact lens.

8. The contact lens case as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second support member is integral with a base of the case.

9. The contact lens packaging as described in claim 1, further comprising an arrangement path defined along the length of one of the lens supports.

10. The contact lens packaging case as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a hinge defined between a cover and a gripping member and transverse to the discharge path, wherein, upon opening, the packaging case bends along the hinge and the packaging solution is discharged from the contact lens along the discharge path.

11. The contact lens case as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the case is in an open state, the wetted contact area between the lens support and the contact lens is less than about 25 mm2, less than about 20 mm2, less than about 18 mm2, or less than about 15 mm2.

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