Contact lens packaging and handling method involving sliding or tilting lens movement - Patents.com

Abstract

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

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] In conventional contact lens packaging, the contact lens is typically seated in a molded plastic base with a cavity (or "bowl") that houses the contact lens in a concave-side-up orientation. As a result, the user experience for transferring the contact lens from the package to the eye typically involves the user "pulling" the contact lens out of the bowl with their fingers and then turning the lens over so that it is oriented correctly on their fingers for placement on the eye. This process requires touching the lens multiple times, which can transfer contaminants or pathogens from the hands to the lens and ultimately to the eye. Not only is this handling experience unsanitary, it is also overly messy, tedious, and mechanically stressful for the lens, which can tear, tear, or distort if overly manipulated. Although some packages are designed to present the lens in a convex side up orientation to eliminate the need to turn the lens inside out, they often still require the lens to be "pulled" from the packaging solution or otherwise require manipulation of the lens and / or multiple contacts with the lens to accomplish delivery of the lens to the eye.

[0002] In view of the growing awareness surrounding eye health and customer desires for a more convenient experience, a need has arisen for contact lens packaging that allows for a less cumbersome and more hygienic contact lens handling process. In one respect, it would be ideal to provide contact lens wearers with "one-touch" packaging, i.e., packaging that allows the contact lens wearer to remove the lens from the lens storage package with a single touch of one of their fingers and then correctly position the lens on the eye with this single touch. With such a design, there is no need to transfer and manipulate the lens from one finger to another before placing it on the eye. Providing such one-touch packaging not only streamlines the lens preparation and insertion process, but also reduces the chances of dropping the lens and exposing it to additional bacteria on the wearer's other fingers as the lens is being prepared for orientation and insertion on the eye, and also reduces the chances of touching the side of the lens that is intended to contact the eye.

[0003] The design of a one-touch lens package faces several distinct challenges. The wearer should ideally be able to consistently position the lens so that it is tightly fitted to the finger when removed from the package. Additionally, the one-touch package should ideally not unduly increase the cost of goods over current contact lens packages, which could result in increased costs to the wearer community. The package should not make it difficult to hold the lens when removed from the package. Additionally, if the package configuration maintained or reduced the amount of solution required to package the lens, it would reduce the ecological impact of the lens package. Similarly, it would be beneficial if the package were made in whole or in part from recycled materials and / or was recyclable in whole or in part.

[0004] Additionally, it would be advantageous if the package were constructed from materials already approved by various regulatory agencies and ideally would not require any modification of the solution chemistry or lens composition, and optimally, the functionality of the package would not incorporate electronics or other electrical components where such components may adversely affect the performance of the package or lens. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, a need remains for a contact lens package that provides a convenient lens dispensing experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] It has now been found that some or all of the foregoing and related objects may be achieved in a contact lens package having one or more aspects described herein. According to certain embodiments, the contact lens package may include a base having a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution, and a lid connected to the base and extending over and covering the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state. In certain embodiments, the base may include at least one protrusion, which is at least partially disposed within the base cavity and has a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity, thereby facilitating a user to remove the contact lens from the base. In certain embodiments, the base may include a bowl, which includes a channel portion forming at least a portion of the base cavity and having a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity when the user tilts the base, thereby enabling a one-touch user experience as described herein. The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a contact lens package, a method of packaging a contact lens, and a method of opening a contact lens package.

[0007] In one aspect, a contact lens package is provided. The contact lens package can include a base and a lid connected to the base. The base can include a base cavity that contains a contact lens and a packaging solution, and at least one protrusion at least partially disposed within the base cavity. The at least one protrusion can extend along an inner surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity. The lid can extend over and cover the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state.

[0008] In some embodiments, the base cavity can accommodate a contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. In some embodiments, the base cavity can have an elongated shape that defines a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the at least one protrusion can extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion can be disposed entirely within the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion can extend from a middle region of the base cavity to an end of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion can include a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the lens engagement surface can include a concave portion and a convex portion. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion can have a height relative to the inner surface of the base, and the height can vary along the length of the at least one protrusion. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion can include a pair of protrusions spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the base cavity may have an elongated shape that defines a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the protrusions may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. In some embodiments, at least one of the protrusions may include a rib. In some embodiments, at least one of the protrusions may include a pair of ribs spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the base cavity may have an elongated shape that defines a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the ribs may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the lid may not cover the base cavity when the package is in the open state, and the contact lens is accessible to the user through the opening of the base cavity when the package is in the open state. In some embodiments, the base may be substantially rigid and the lid may be flexible.

[0009] In another aspect, a contact lens package is provided. The contact lens package can include a base and a lid connected to the base. The base can include a base cavity that contains a contact lens and a packaging solution, and at least one protrusion at least partially disposed within the base cavity. The at least one protrusion can extend along an inner surface of the base and can include a lens engaging surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity. The lid can extend over and cover the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state.

[0010] In some embodiments, the base cavity can accommodate a contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. In some embodiments, the base cavity can have an elongated shape that defines a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the at least one protrusion can extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion can be disposed entirely within the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion can extend from a mid-region of the base cavity toward an end of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion can extend from a mid-region of the base cavity to an end of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the lens-engaging surface can include a concave portion and a convex portion. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion can have a height relative to the inner surface of the base, and the height can vary along the length of the at least one protrusion. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion can include a pair of protrusions spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the base cavity may have an elongated shape that defines a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the protrusions may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. In some embodiments, at least one of the protrusions may include a rib. In some embodiments, at least one of the protrusions may include a pair of ribs spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the base cavity may have an elongated shape that defines a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the ribs may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the lid may not cover the base cavity when the package is in the open state, and the contact lens is accessible to the user through the opening of the base cavity when the package is in the open state. In some embodiments, the base may be substantially rigid and the lid may be flexible.

[0011] In yet another aspect, a method of packaging a contact lens is provided. The method may include providing a base, the base including a base cavity and at least one protrusion at least partially disposed within the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extending along an inner surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity. The method may also include disposing a contact lens and a packaging solution within the base cavity, and connecting a lid to the base such that the lid extends over and covers the base cavity. The at least one protrusion may extend along an inner surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the contact lens can be placed in the base cavity such that the convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion can include a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion can include a pair of protrusions spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion can have a height relative to the inner surface of the base, and the height can vary along the length of the at least one protrusion.

[0013] In yet another aspect, a method of opening a contact lens package is provided. The method may include holding a base of the package, the base including a base cavity containing a contact lens and a packaging solution, and at least one protrusion disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extending along an inner surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity. The method may also include at least partially removing a lid of the package from the base such that the lid does not cover the base cavity, engaging a contact lens through an opening in the base cavity, and sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity along the at least one protrusion via engagement through the opening.

[0014] In some embodiments, the contact lens may be placed in the base cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion may include a lens-engaging surface, and sliding the contact lens along the at least one protrusion may include sliding the contact lens along the lens-engaging surface out of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion may include a pair of protrusions spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion may have a height relative to the inner surface of the base, and the height may vary along a length of the at least one protrusion.

[0015] In one aspect, a contact lens package is provided. The contact lens package can include a base and a lid connected to the base. The base can include a base cavity for housing a contact lens and a packaging solution, and a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity. The bowl can include a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base. The lid can extend over and cover the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state.

[0016] In some embodiments, the base cavity can accommodate a contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an inner surface of the base. In some embodiments, the base cavity can have an elongated shape that defines a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the channel portion can extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity away from the main portion. In some embodiments, the channel portion can have a first end adjacent to the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end. In some embodiments, the second end of the channel portion can be spaced apart from the end of the base. In some embodiments, the base can also include a sloped surface disposed between the second end of the channel portion and the end of the base. In some embodiments, the depth of the channel portion can decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, the maximum depth of the channel portion can be less than the maximum depth of the main portion. In some embodiments, the width of the channel portion can decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, the maximum width of the channel portion can be less than the maximum width of the main portion. In some embodiments, the channel portion may include a lens-engaging surface configured to engage a contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity. In some embodiments, the lid may not cover the base cavity when the package is in the open state, and the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening in the base cavity when the package is in the open state. In some embodiments, the base may be substantially rigid and the lid may be flexible.

[0017] In another aspect, a contact lens package is provided. The contact lens package can include a base and a lid connected to the base. The base can include a base cavity for housing a contact lens and a packaging solution, and a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity. The bowl can include a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion. The channel portion can include a lens engaging surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity. The lid can extend over and cover the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state.

[0018] In some embodiments, the base cavity can accommodate a contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an inner surface of the base. In some embodiments, the base cavity can have an elongated shape that defines a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the channel portion can extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity away from the main portion. In some embodiments, the channel portion can have a first end adjacent to the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end. In some embodiments, the channel portion can extend away from the main portion toward an end of the base. In some embodiments, the second end of the channel portion can be spaced apart from the end of the base. In some embodiments, the base can also include a sloped surface disposed between the second end of the channel portion and the end of the base. In some embodiments, the depth of the channel portion can decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, the maximum depth of the channel portion can be less than the maximum depth of the main portion. In some embodiments, the width of the channel portion can decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, the maximum width of the channel portion can be less than the maximum width of the main portion. In some embodiments, the lid can be uncovered over the base cavity when the package is in the open state, and the contact lens is accessible to the user through an opening in the base cavity when the package is in the open state. In some embodiments, the base can be substantially rigid and the lid can be flexible.

[0019] In yet another aspect, a method of packaging a contact lens is provided. The method can include providing a base including a base cavity and a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl including a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base. The method can also include disposing a contact lens and a packaging solution in the base cavity and connecting a lid to the base such that the lid extends over and covers the base cavity.

[0020] In some embodiments, the base cavity can accommodate a contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an inner surface of the base. In some embodiments, the channel portion can have a first end adjacent to the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end, and the second end of the channel portion can be spaced apart from the end of the base. In some embodiments, the depth of the channel portion can decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, the width of the channel portion can decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, the channel portion can include a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity.

[0021] In yet another aspect, a method of opening a contact lens package is provided. The method can include holding a base of the package, the base including a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution, and a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl including a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base. The method can also include at least partially removing a lid of the package from the base such that the lid does not cover the base cavity, and tilting the base such that the contact lens slides along the channel portion and out of the base cavity.

[0022] In some embodiments, the base cavity can accommodate a contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an inner surface of the base. In some embodiments, the channel portion can have a first end adjacent to the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end, and the second end of the channel portion can be spaced apart from the end of the base. In some embodiments, the depth of the channel portion can decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, the width of the channel portion can decrease in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. In some embodiments, the channel portion can include a lens-engaging surface, and by tilting the base, the contact lens can slide along the lens-engaging surface and out of the base cavity.

[0023] These and other aspects and improvements of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

[0024] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following more particular description of certain embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary contact lens package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the contact lens package in an unopened state. [Figure 1B] 1B is a top perspective view of the contact lens package of FIG. 1A in an opened state. [Figure 1C] FIG 1C is a cross-sectional side view of the base and contact lens of the contact lens package of FIG 1A taken along line 1C-1C in FIG 1A. FIG 1C shows a contact lens disposed within the base cavity of the base. [Figure 1D]FIG 1C is a cross-sectional side view of the base and contact lens of the contact lens package of FIG 1A taken along line 1C-1C in FIG 1A. FIG 1D shows the contact lens slid onto the protrusion of the base and out of the base cavity. [Figure 1E] FIG 1C is a cross-sectional side view of the base and contact lens of the contact lens package of FIG 1A taken along line 1C-1C in FIG 1A. FIG 1E shows the contact lens after it has slid over the protrusion and out of the base cavity. [Figure 2A] 2A is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary method of opening the contact lens package of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A shows a user holding the base of the contact lens package and at least partially removing the lid of the contact lens package from the base to expose a contact lens disposed within the base cavity of the base. [Figure 2B] 1A and 2B are perspective views illustrating an exemplary method of opening the contact lens package of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2B shows a user engaging a contact lens through an opening in the base. [Figure 2C] 1A and 2C are perspective views illustrating an exemplary method of opening the contact lens package of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2C illustrates a contact lens positioned on a user's finger after removing the contact lens from the base cavity. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary contact lens package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the contact lens package in an unopened state. [Figure 3B] 3B is a top perspective view of the contact lens package of FIG. 3A in an opened state. [Figure 3C] 3B is an exploded side perspective view of the base, lid, and contact lens of the contact lens package of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A]4A is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary method of opening the contact lens package of FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A shows a user holding the base of the contact lens package and at least partially removing the lid of the contact lens package from the base to expose a contact lens disposed within the base cavity of the base. [Figure 4B] FIG 4B is a perspective view showing an exemplary method of opening the contact lens package of FIG 3A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG 4B shows a user tilting the base so that the contact lens slides out of the base cavity and onto the user's finger. [Figure 4C] 4A and 4C are perspective views illustrating an exemplary method of opening the contact lens package of FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4C illustrates a contact lens positioned on a user's finger after removal of the contact lens from the base cavity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which reference numerals indicate particular elements. The following description is not intended to limit the myriad embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments, as defined by the appended claims.

[0027] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "an example embodiment," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not expressly described.

[0028] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings. An advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention is that they facilitate consistent, one-touch lens transfer from the package to the wearer's finger and from the finger to the wearer's eye without the lens inverting, falling off the finger, or further manipulation. The lens also desirably "sits nicely" on the finger without tipping or inverting, and is then transferred to the eye once placed there. The packages of certain embodiments can provide the desired one-touch transfer over a range of finger sizes and tap pressures. Environmental conditions such as temperature and whether the finger is wet or dry can also affect the transfer rate, with higher temperatures generally resulting in better lens transfer.

[0029] Lens or contact lens refers to an ophthalmic device that resides on the eye. They have a generally hemispherical shape and can provide optical correction, cosmetic enhancement, UV protection and visible light or glare reduction, therapeutic effects including wound healing, drug or dietary supplement delivery, diagnostic evaluation or monitoring, or any combination thereof. The term lens includes soft hydrogel contact lenses, which are generally provided to consumers in a package in a hydrated state and have a relatively low modulus of elasticity, which allows the lens to conform to the cornea. Contact lenses suitable for use with the package of the present invention include all hydrated contact lenses, including conventional contact lenses and silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

[0030] Hydrogels are hydrated crosslinked polymeric systems that contain water in an equilibrium state and may contain at least about 25%, or at least 35% water in the hydrated state. Hydrogels are typically oxygen permeable and biocompatible, making them excellent materials for making contact lenses.

[0031] Conventional hydrogel contact lenses do not contain silicone-containing components and generally have higher water content, lower oxygen permeability, elastic modulus, and shape memory than silicone hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels are prepared from monomer mixtures containing primarily hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate ("HEMA"), N-vinylpyrrolidone ("NVP"), or polyvinyl alcohol. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,495,313, 4,889,664, and 5,039,459 disclose the formation of conventional hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels may be ionic or nonionic and include polymacon, etafilcon, nelfilcon, ocufilcon, lenefilcon, and the like. The oxygen permeability of these conventional hydrogel materials is typically less than 20-30 barrers.

[0032] Silicone hydrogel formulations include balafilcon, samfilcon, lotrafilcon A and B, delfilcon, galyfilcon, senofilcon A, B and C, narafilcon, comfilcon, formofilcon, riofilcon, fanfilcon, stenfilcon, somofilcon, kalifilcon, and the like. "Silicone hydrogel" refers to a polymer network made from at least one hydrophilic component and at least one silicone-containing component. Silicone hydrogels can have moduli ranging from 60-200, 60-150, or 80-130 psi, and water contents ranging from 20-60%. Examples of silicone hydrogels are acquafilcon, asmofilcon, balafilcon, comfilcon, delefilcon, enfilcon, fanfilcon, formofilcon, galyfilcon, lotrafilcon, narafilcon, riofilcon, samfilcon, and samfilcon. con, senofilcon, somofilcon, and stenfilcon, verofilcon, including all variations thereof, and the compounds described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,659,782, 4,659,783, 5,244,981, 5,314,960, 5,331,067, 5,371,147, 5,998,498, 6,087,415, 5,760,100, 5,776,999, 5,789,461, 5,849,811, 5,No. 965,631, No. 6,367,929, No. 6,822,016, No. 6,867,245, No. 6,943,203, No. 7 ,247,692, 7,249,848, 7,553,880, 7,666,921, 7,786,185, 7 , 956,131, 8,022,158, 8,273,802, 8,399,538, 8,470,906, 8 ,450,387, 8,487,058, 8,507,577, 8,637,621, 8,703,891, 8 Nos. 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, and silicone hydrogels such as those prepared in WO 03 / 22321, WO 2008 / 061992, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0048847. These patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Silicone hydrogels may have greater shape memory than conventional contact lenses.

[0033] Hydrogel lenses are viscoelastic materials. Contact lenses may form optical distortions when the lens interacts with the package or with air bubbles within the package. The degree of optical distortion and the length of time required for the distortion to relax depend on the lens chemistry and, to a lesser extent, the geometry. Conventional lens materials such as polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate-based lenses such as etafilcon A or polymacon have lower loss modulus and tan delta compared to silicone hydrogels and may form fewer and less severe optical distortions as a result of contact with the packaging. The viscoelastic properties of the lens may be altered by incorporating silicones (which generally increase the bulk elastic response), wetting agents such as PVP (which generally increase the viscous response), or coatings of conventional hydrogel materials (which may decrease the elastic response at the lens interface). Conventional hydrogel contact lenses and silicone hydrogel contact lenses with short or stiff crosslinkers and / or hardeners may have a shorter shape memory and are less susceptible to deformation during storage. As used herein, a high or higher shape memory hydrogel exhibits an optical distortion due to contact with an air bubble or package of at least about 0.18 after 5 weeks of accelerated aging at 55° C. Viscoelastic properties including loss modulus and tan delta can be measured using dynamic mechanical analysis.

[0034] Contact lenses may be of any shape or power and may have a generally hemispherical shape, with a concave posterior side that contacts the eye during use and a convex anterior side that faces away from the eye and contacts the eyelid during blinking.

[0035] The center or apex of the lens is the center of the lens optic. The optic provides the optical correction and may have a diameter of about 7 mm to about 10 mm. The lens periphery or edge is the edge where the anterior and posterior sides meet.

[0036] The embodiment may include a lens support surrounded by a sealable cavity, also referred to as a chamber. The cavity may have any convenient form and may include a package base and at least a lid, each of which is described in detail below. As used herein, the terms "the lid", "a lid", "the base" and "a base" include both the singular and the plural. The lid and package base are sealed to each other to form a cavity that keeps the contact lens, support and packaging solution sterile during shipping and storage prior to use. The contact lens package is made from a material that is compatible with the contact lens and solution, retortable, and biologically inert.

[0037] A "film" or "multilayer film" is a film used to seal a package, often referred to as a lidstock. Multilayer films used in conventional contact lens packages can be used in the packages of the present invention as the base, the lid component, or both. The multilayer film includes multiple layers, including a barrier layer, including a foil layer, or a coating, a sealing layer that seals the film to the rest of the package, and may also include additional layers selected from peel-initiating layers, laminations, and layers that improve other package properties, such as stiffness, temperature resistance, printability, puncture resistance, barrier resistance to water or oxygen, and the like. The multilayer film forms a steam sterilizable (retortable) seal. The multilayer film may include a PET, BON, or OPP film layer that enhances stiffness and temperature resistance, or an EVOH or PVDC coating that improves barrier resistance to oxygen or water vapor.

[0038] As used herein, "unopened" or "unopened" refers to a contact lens package that is closed and contains a contact lens in a solution.

[0039] As used herein, "opened" or "opened" refers to a contact lens package after the sterile seal has been broken. In some contexts described herein, the opened state also extends to the state of the package when the user has manipulated the package such that the lens is lifted from the packaging solution for removal by the user.

[0040] As used herein, "wearer" or "user" refers to a person who opens a contact lens package. A user is generally considered to be a person who opens the package and carries the contact lens contained therein to an eye. However, depending on the context, a user may also be a person who handles the lens package on behalf of a wearer, such as an eye care provider ("ECP") or another individual who demonstrates for or assists the wearer.

[0041] The packaging solution may be any physiologically compatible solution that is compatible with the selected lens material and packaging. Packaging solutions include buffered solutions having a physiological pH, such as buffered saline. Packaging solutions may contain known ingredients including buffering agents, pH and tonicity adjusters, lubricants, wetting agents, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, in-package coating ingredients, and the like.

[0042] The package base may form the bottom of the package. It may be made of any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including plastic. The package base may be molded, preferably injection molded, and made of a polymer, rubber, or plastic that is compatible with the chemical and physical properties of the lens, the packaging solution, and any additives that may be included therein, as well as the sterilization requirements of contact lens manufacturing. Examples of suitable materials include polyolefins, including polypropylene, olefin copolymers, including COP (cyclic olefin polymer) and COC (cyclic olefin copolymer), and blends thereof.

[0043] The packaging lid is generally in the upper portion of the package and seals with the base to form a cavity that contains at least a portion of the lens support, the lens, and the packaging solution. The lid can be made of any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including a molded sheet of foil or plastic, a laminated film, or plastic. Packages that include plastic for one structure and foil or laminated film as the other structure, or foil or laminated film as the outer layer of the lid and base are known in the art and are examples of suitable combinations.

[0044] References throughout this description to the injection molding process and the use of materials traditionally applied for injection molding should be understood as exemplary. Those skilled in the art will understand that other means of manufacture are possible within the scope of the appended claims, including, but not limited to, alternative molding processes, thermoforming, 3D printing, and the like. Similarly, references to heat sealing and heat sealing are exemplary for the embodiments described herein. Other means of fastening packaging components will be apparent to those skilled in the art, including the use of adhesives, glues, thermal bonds, heat, welding such as ultrasonic or laser welding, or mechanical traps, and the like.

[0045] Certain embodiments of the present invention may help reduce or prevent significant optical damage to contact lenses due to air bubbles or interactions with the interior of the lens package that may occur during storage or shipping due to gravity or other forces such as mechanical pressure applied from outside the package. As used herein, significant optical damage means a root mean square (RMS) value of about 0.08 μm or greater.

[0046] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1E show an exemplary contact lens package 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described, the contact lens package 100 may include a base 110, a lid 160, a contact lens 170, and a packaging solution. The contact lens package 100 may have an unopened state as shown in FIG. 1A and an opened state as shown in FIG. 1B. When the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, the contact lens 170 and the packaging solution may be contained within a cavity formed by the base 110 and the lid 160. In this manner, the contact lens 170 may be protected within the base 110 and the lid 160 and exposed to the packaging solution until the contact lens package 100 is opened to remove the contact lens 170. When desired, a user may open the contact lens package 100 by at least partially removing the lid 160 from the base 110 to allow access to the contact lens 170. Such removal of the lid 160 allows a user to engage and slide the contact lens 170 out of the base cavity 122 of the base 110. As described below, the base 110 can include one or more protrusions 140 disposed at least partially within the base cavity 122 and extending along an inner surface 142 of the base 110, which can guide the sliding of the contact lens 170 out of the base cavity 122. In this manner, the protrusions 140 can facilitate removal of the contact lens 170 from the base 110 and avoid the shortcomings of certain existing contact lens packages, as discussed above. It should be noted that, although in the illustrated embodiment, the contact lens 170 is disposed within the package 100 in a concave-side-up orientation, the package can be (and preferably is) configured such that the lens is positioned in a convex-side-up orientation, thereby allowing the lens to be removed with a single touch upon removal.

[0047] According to the illustrated example, the base 110 can have a first end 112 (which may be referred to as a "rear end" in certain embodiments) and a second end 114 (which may be referred to as a "front end" in certain embodiments) disposed opposite one another. As shown, the base 110 can have a first side 116 (which may be referred to as a "top side" in certain embodiments) and a second side 118 (which may be referred to as a "bottom side" in certain embodiments) disposed opposite one another and each extending from the first end 112 to the second end 114. The base 110 can also have a pair of side sides 120 disposed opposite one another and each extending from the first end 112 to the second end 114. The base 110 can define a base cavity 122 that contains a contact lens 170 and a packaging solution. The base cavity 122 can have an opening 124 that allows the contact lens 170 to be removed when the contact lens package 100 is in an open state. As shown, the base cavity 122 may have an elongated shape having a first end 126 (which may also be referred to as a “rear end” in certain embodiments) and a second end 128 (which may also be referred to as a “front end” in certain embodiments) disposed opposite each other along a longitudinal axis defined by the base cavity 122.

[0048] According to the illustrated embodiment, the base 110 may include multiple different portions that provide different functions. As shown, the base 110 may include a platform 130, a support 132, and a bowl 134. The platform 130 may serve as a base structure for the support 132 and the bowl 134, and for connecting the lid 160 to the base 110. In some embodiments, as shown, the platform 130 may be formed as a planar member, although other configurations may be used. The support 132 may extend downwardly from the platform 130 and may be configured to stabilize the base 110 when placed on a support surface. In some embodiments, as shown, the support 132 may be formed as a tab that extends transversely to the platform 130, although other configurations may be used. The bowl 134 may extend downwardly from the platform 130 and may be configured to receive at least a portion of the contact lens 170 and the packaging solution therein. Various shapes and configurations of the bowl 134 may be used. The bowl 134 may define at least a portion of the base cavity 122. In some embodiments, as shown, the base cavity 122 may be defined entirely by a bowl 134. It will be understood that various shapes and configurations of the base 110 and its respective portions may be used in various embodiments, and that the illustrated embodiment is merely one example. As mentioned above, the base 110 may be formed from any of a number of suitable materials, such as polymers, rubbers, or plastics, but is preferably formed from injection molded polypropylene. The base 110 is preferably substantially rigid, meaning that the material selected will not deform under typical use and storage conditions of a contact lens package.

[0049] As shown, the base 110 may include one or more protrusions 140 disposed at least partially within the base cavity 122 and extending along an inner surface 142 of the base 110. In some embodiments, the protrusions 140 may be disposed entirely within the base cavity 122. According to the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 142 may be an inner surface of the bowl 134. As shown, the base 110 may include a pair of protrusions 140 spaced apart from one another and extending toward the second end 128 of the base cavity 122. Any number of protrusions 140 may be used in various embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown, the protrusions 140 may each extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity 122. In some embodiments, as shown, the protrusions 140 may each extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity 122 from a mid-region of the base cavity 122 to the second end 128 of the base cavity 122. According to the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions 140 may be formed as ribs, although other configurations of the protrusions 140 may be used in other embodiments. As illustrated, each of the protrusions 140 may have a height relative to the inner surface 142 of the base 110, which may vary along the length of the protrusions 140. Each of the protrusions 140 may include a lens engagement surface 144 configured to engage a contact lens 170 and facilitate sliding the contact lens 170 out of the base cavity 122, as shown in Figures 1C-1E. The lens engagement surface 144 of the protrusions 140 may be contoured to facilitate such sliding of the contact lens 170 along the protrusions 140, tapering upward from an area of ​​the cavity 122 where the contact lens 170 naturally rests under gravity when the package is in a top-up orientation, upward to a second end 128 that allows the contact lens 170 to be gently slid out of the package 100. The lens engaging surface preferably is within a total of 20 mm of the surface of the contact lens at any time during use and storage. 2The bases are collectively configured to be in surface contact with the contact lens with less than a 1 mm area of ​​contact between the lens and the base. By reducing the area of ​​contact with the surface of the lens, the lens can be more easily separated from the base and avoids the lens collapsing onto the base due to surface tension.

[0050] According to the illustrated embodiment, the lens engagement surface 144 may include a concave portion 146 and a convex portion 148. Various other configurations of the lens engagement surface 144 may be used in other embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown, the contact lens 170 may be received within the base cavity 122 such that the convex surface of the contact lens 170 faces the inner surface 142 of the base 110 and thus engages the lens engagement surface 144 of each of the protrusions 140 as the contact lens 170 slides out of the base cavity 122. Various configurations and shapes of the one or more protrusions 140 may be used to facilitate removal of the contact lens 170 from the base cavity 122.

[0051] As shown, the lid 160 can extend over the respective surfaces of the base 110 and seal the contact lens 170 and packaging solution within the base cavity 122 when the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state. In this manner, the base 110 and the lid 160 can form a sealed cavity for containing the contact lens 170 and packaging solution until a user desires to open the contact lens package 100 and remove the contact lens 170 for use. In some embodiments, as shown, the lid 160 can extend over and cover the respective portions of the base cavity 122 and the platform 130 when the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state. When the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state, the respective portions of the lid 160 can be sealed to the respective adjacent portions of the base 110, such as the portions of the platform 130 surrounding the opening 124 of the base cavity 122, such that the contact lens 170 and packaging solution are contained within the cavity formed by the base 110 and the lid 160. The seal between the lid 160 and the base 110 may be at least partially broken when the contact lens package 100 is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state for removal of the contact lens 170. As mentioned above, the lid 160 may be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, as shown, the lid 160 may be flexible.

[0052] 2A-2C illustrate an exemplary method of opening a contact lens package 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the contact lens package 100 may be provided and stored in an unopened state, as shown in FIG. 1A, until a user desires to open the package 100. Once the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state, a user may hold the base 110 and at least partially remove the lid 160 from the base 110, as shown in FIG. 2A. For example, the user may grasp an end region of the lid 160 and pull the lid 160 away from the base 110. In this manner, at least a portion of the seal between the lid 160 and the base 110 may be broken. In some embodiments, as shown, the contact lens package 100 may be held in a horizontal orientation while the lid 160 is at least partially removed from the base 110. In some embodiments, as shown, the lid 160 may be removed from the base 110 such that at least a portion of the base cavity 122 is no longer covered by the lid 160 along the first side 116. In some embodiments, the lid 160 may be completely detached from the base 110 .

[0053] After at least partially removing the lid 160 from the base 110, the user can engage the contact lens 170 with one of the user's fingers (or other applicator or sanitary film, if desired) through the opening 124 of the base cavity 122 while the contact lens 170 resides within the base cavity 122, as shown in FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, as shown, the user can engage the contact lens 170 while the contact lens package 100 is held in a horizontal orientation. According to the illustrated embodiment in which the convex surface of the contact lens 170 faces the inner surface 142, the user can engage the concave surface or circumferential edge of the contact lens 170. The user can then slide the contact lens 170 along the protrusion 140 and out of the base cavity 122 via engagement through the opening 124, as shown in FIGS. 1C-1E. In particular, the user can slide the contact lens 170 along the lens-engaging surface 144 of the protrusion 140, which guides the contact lens 170 toward the second end 128 and out of the base cavity 122 while facilitating removal of the packaging solution from the contact lens 170. In this manner, the contact lens 170 can be conveniently removed from the base 110, as shown in FIG. 2C, and then positioned on the user's finger, ready to be positioned on the user's eye. In an alternative preferred embodiment in which the contact lens is positioned in a convex side up orientation within the package, transfer of the contact lens from the package to the finger, and ultimately to the eye, conveniently requires only a single touch.

[0054] 3A-3C show another exemplary contact lens package 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described, the contact lens package 200 may include a base 210, a lid 260, a contact lens 270, and a packaging solution. The contact lens package 200 may have an unopened state as shown in FIG. 3A and an opened state as shown in FIG. 3B. When the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state, the contact lens 270 and the packaging solution may be contained within a cavity formed by the base 210 and the lid 260. In this manner, the contact lens 270 may be protected within the base 210 and the lid 260 and exposed to the packaging solution until the contact lens package 200 is opened to remove the contact lens 270. When desired, a user may open the contact lens package 200 by at least partially removing the lid 260 from the base 210 to allow access to the contact lens 270. With such removal of the lid 260, a user can remove the contact lens 270 from the base cavity 222 of the base 210 by tilting the base 210 from a horizontal orientation. As described below, the base 210 can include a bowl 234 having a channel portion 238 that guides the sliding of the contact lens 270 out of the base cavity 222. The base 210 can also include an inclined surface 250 that guides the sliding of the contact lens 270 out of the base cavity 222 and onto the user's finger. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the contact lens 270 can be received within the base 210 such that the convex side of the contact lens 270 faces the inner surface of the base 210. In this manner, as the contact lens 270 slides out of the base cavity 222, the user's finger can engage the convex side of the contact lens 270 and then place the contact lens 270 on the user's eye, allowing for a one-touch user experience and avoiding the shortcomings of certain existing contact lens packages as discussed above.

[0055] According to the illustrated example, the base 210 can have a first end 212 (which may be referred to as a "rear end" in certain embodiments) and a second end 214 (which may be referred to as a "front end" in certain embodiments) disposed opposite one another. As shown, the base 210 can have a first side 216 (which may be referred to as a "top side" in certain embodiments) and a second side 218 (which may be referred to as a "bottom side" in certain embodiments) disposed opposite one another and each extending from the first end 212 to the second end 214. The base 210 can also have a pair of side sides 220 disposed opposite one another and each extending from the first end 212 to the second end 214. The base 210 can define a base cavity 222 that contains the contact lens 270 and the packaging solution. The base cavity 222 can have an opening 224 that allows the contact lens 270 to be removed when the contact lens package 200 is in an open state. As shown, the base cavity 222 may have an elongated shape having a first end 226 (which may also be referred to as a “rear end” in certain embodiments) and a second end 228 (which may also be referred to as a “front end” in certain embodiments) disposed opposite each other along a longitudinal axis defined by the base cavity 222.

[0056] According to the illustrated embodiment, the base 210 can include a number of different portions that provide different functions. As shown, the base 210 can include a platform 230, a support 232, and a bowl 234. The platform 230 can serve as a base structure for the support 232 and the bowl 234. In some embodiments, as shown, the platform 230 can be formed as a planar member, although other configurations may be used. The support 232 can extend downwardly from the platform 230 and be configured to stabilize the base 210 when placed on a support surface. In some embodiments, as shown, the support 232 can be formed as a tab extending transversely to the platform 230, although other configurations may be used. The bowl 234 can extend downwardly from the platform 230 and be configured to receive at least a portion of the contact lens 270 and the packaging solution therein. As shown, the bowl 234 can define at least a portion of the base cavity 222.

[0057] As shown, the bowl 234 can include a main portion 236 and a channel portion 238 that extends away from the main portion 236 toward the second end 214 of the base 210. In some embodiments, the bowl 234 can have a generally teardrop shape, with the main portion 236 having a partial spherical shape and the channel portion 238 having a curved shape that tapers away from the main portion 236. In some embodiments, as shown, the channel portion 238 can extend away from the main portion 236 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity 222. The channel portion 238 can have a first end 242 adjacent the main portion 236 and a second end 244 disposed opposite the first end 242. As shown, the second end 244 of the channel portion 238 can be spaced apart from the second end 214 of the base 210 and spaced apart from the second end 228 of the base cavity 222. In some embodiments, as shown, the depth of the channel portion 238 may decrease in a direction from the first end 242 toward the second end 244. In some embodiments, as shown, the maximum depth of the channel portion 238 may be less than the maximum depth of the main portion 236. In some embodiments, as shown, the width of the channel portion 238 may decrease in a direction from the first end 242 toward the second end 244. In some embodiments, as shown, the maximum width of the channel portion 238 may be less than the maximum width of the main portion 236. As shown, the channel portion 238 may include a lens engagement surface 240 configured to engage a contact lens 270 and facilitate sliding of the contact lens 270 out of the base cavity 222. The lens engagement surface 240 may be contoured to facilitate such sliding of the contact lens 270 along the channel portion 238. According to the illustrated embodiment, the lens engagement surface 240 may have a concave shape, although various other forms of the lens engagement surface 240 may be used in other embodiments. Preferably, the concave shape of the lens engaging surface 240 supports the shape of the lens and prevents the lens from tipping or inverting during gradual withdrawal of the lens from the liquid.In some embodiments, as shown, a contact lens 270 may be received within the base cavity 222 such that a convex surface of the contact lens 270 faces the inner surface of the bowl and thus engages the lens engagement surface 240 of the channel portion 238 as the contact lens 270 slides out of the base cavity 222. Various configurations and shapes of the bowl 234 and its channel portion 238 may be used to facilitate removal of the contact lens 270 from the base cavity 222.

[0058] According to the illustrated embodiment, the base 210 may also include an end wall 246 and a pair of side walls 248. As shown, the end wall 246 may extend upward from the platform 230 along the first end 212 of the base 210. The side walls 248 may extend upward from the platform 230 along each lateral side 220 of the base 210. As shown, the end wall 246 and the side walls 248 may each define a portion of the base cavity 222. Thus, according to the illustrated embodiment, the base cavity 222 may be collectively defined by the platform 230, the bowl 234, the end wall 246, and the side walls 248. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 210 may also include an angled surface 250 disposed between the second end 244 of the channel portion 238 and the second end 214 of the base 210. As shown, the angled surface 250 may be formed along an upper side of the support 232 and may slope downwardly toward the second end 214 of the base 210. In this manner, the angled surface 250 may facilitate sliding the contact lens 270 from the base cavity 220 onto the user's finger. It will be understood that various shapes and configurations of the base 210 and its respective portions may be used in various embodiments, and that the illustrated embodiment is merely one example. As discussed above, the base 210 may be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the base 210 may be substantially rigid.

[0059] As shown, the lid 260 can extend over respective surfaces of the base 210 and seal the contact lens 270 and packaging solution within the base cavity 222 when the contact lens package 200 is in an unopened state. In this manner, the base 210 and the lid 260 can form a sealed cavity for containing the contact lens 270 and packaging solution until a user desires to open the contact lens package 200 and remove the contact lens 270 for use. In some embodiments, as shown, the lid 260 can extend over and cover respective portions of the base cavity 222 and the base 210 when the contact lens package 200 is in an unopened state. When the contact lens package 200 is in an unopened state, each portion of the lid 260 may be sealed to a respective adjacent portion of the base 210 surrounding the opening 224 of the base cavity 222, such as the support 232, the end wall 246, and a portion of the side wall 248, such that the contact lens 270 and packaging solution are contained within the cavity formed by the base 210 and the lid 260. The seal between the lid 260 and the base 210 may be at least partially broken when the contact lens package 200 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state for removal of the contact lens 270. As discussed above, the lid 260 may be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, as illustrated, the lid 260 may be flexible.

[0060] 4A-4C illustrate an exemplary method of opening a contact lens package 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the contact lens package 200 may be provided and stored in an unopened state, as shown in FIG. 3A, until a user desires to open the package 200. Once the contact lens package 200 is in an unopened state, a user may hold the base 210 and at least partially remove the lid 260 from the base 210, as shown in FIG. 4A. For example, the user may grasp an end region of the lid 260 and pull the lid 260 away from the base 210. In this manner, at least a portion of the seal between the lid 260 and the base 210 may be broken. In some embodiments, as shown, the contact lens package 200 may be held in a horizontal orientation while the lid 260 is at least partially removed from the base 210. In some embodiments, as shown, the lid 260 may be removed from the base 210 such that at least a portion of the base cavity 222 is no longer covered by the lid 260 along the first side 216. In some embodiments, the lid 260 may be completely detached from the base 210 .

[0061] After at least partially removing the lid 260 from the base 210, the user can tilt the base 210 from a horizontal orientation toward a vertical orientation such that the contact lens 270 slides along the channel portion 238 and out of the base cavity 222, as shown in FIG. 4B. Specifically, the contact lens 270 can slide along the lens engagement surface 240 of the channel portion 238, which guides the contact lens 270 out of the base cavity 222 toward the second end 228. The tilting action of the package 200 can cause the contact lens 270 to slide toward the second end 228 at the same time that the packaging solution (not shown) is expelled from the cavity 222. In some embodiments, the user can place the user's finger adjacent to the second end 228 of the base cavity 222 such that the contact lens 270 slides out of the base cavity 222 and onto the user's finger. In some embodiments, a user can place the user's finger adjacent the second end 214 of the base 210 such that the contact lens 270 slides out of the base cavity 222, along the angled surface 250, and rests on the user's finger. In this manner, with a single touch, the contact lens 270 is conveniently removed from the base 210 and held on the user's finger in a desired concave-side-up orientation, ready to be positioned on the user's eye.

[0062] In the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature was used to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many of the specific details are not required to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

[0063] The Overview and Abstract sections may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of the invention as contemplated by the inventors, and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0064] The foregoing description of specific embodiments fully reveals the general nature of the present invention, so that others can easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various applications without undue experimentation by applying knowledge within the skill of those skilled in the art without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It should be understood that the expressions or terms used herein are for the purpose of explanation and not for the purpose of limitation, and that the terms or terms used herein should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in light of the teaching and guidance.

[0065] The packages of the present invention may be manufactured using known materials and processes. The packaging materials may be virgin materials, recycled materials, or a combination thereof. The volume within the package cavity may vary depending on the design selected.

[0066] Aspects of the embodiments are further described according to the following clauses: 1. A contact lens package comprising: The base is a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; at least one protrusion disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extending along an inner surface of the base toward an edge of the base cavity; A base, a lid connected to the base, the lid extending over and covering the base cavity when the package is in an unopened condition; 1. A contact lens package comprising: 2. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein the base cavity accommodates a contact lens such that the convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. 3. A contact lens package as described in clause 1, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the at least one protrusion extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. 4. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein at least one protrusion is disposed entirely within the base cavity. 5. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein at least one protrusion extends from a middle region of the base cavity to an end of the base cavity. 6. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein at least one protrusion includes a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity. 7. The contact lens package of clause 6, wherein the lens-engaging surface includes a concave portion and a convex portion. 8. The contact lens package of clause 6, wherein the at least one protrusion has a height relative to an inner surface of the base, the height varying along a length of the at least one protrusion. 9. The contact lens package of clause 8, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a pair of protrusions spaced apart from one another. 10. The contact lens package of clause 9, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the protrusions extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.

[0067] 11. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a rib. 12. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein at least one protrusion includes a pair of ribs spaced apart from one another. 13. The contact lens package of clause 12, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein each of the ribs extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. 14. A contact lens package as described in clause 1, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the package is in the open state, and the contact lens is accessible to a user through the opening in the base cavity when the package is in the open state. 15. The contact lens package of clause 1, wherein the base is substantially rigid and the lid is flexible. 16. A contact lens package comprising: The base is a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; at least one protrusion disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extending along an inner surface of the base and including a lens engaging surface configured to engage a contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity; A base, a lid connected to the base, the lid extending over and covering the base cavity when the package is in an unopened condition; 1. A contact lens package comprising: 17. The contact lens package of clause 16, wherein the base cavity receives the contact lens such that the convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. 18. The contact lens package of clause 16, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the at least one protrusion extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. 19. The contact lens package of clause 18, wherein the at least one protrusion is disposed entirely within the base cavity. 20. The contact lens package of clause 19, wherein the at least one protrusion extends from a middle region of the base cavity toward an end of the base cavity.

[0068] 21. The contact lens package of clause 16, wherein the at least one protrusion extends from a middle region of the base cavity to an end of the base cavity. 22. The contact lens package of clause 16, wherein the lens-engaging surface includes a concave portion and a convex portion. 23. The contact lens package of clause 22, wherein the at least one protrusion has a height relative to an inner surface of the base, the height varying along a length of the at least one protrusion. 24. The contact lens package of clause 23, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a pair of protrusions spaced apart from each other. 25. The contact lens package of clause 24, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein each of the protrusions extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. 26. The contact lens package of clause 25, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a rib. 27. The contact lens package of clause 25, wherein at least one protrusion includes a pair of ribs spaced apart from one another. 28. The contact lens package of clause 27, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the ribs extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. 29. A contact lens package as described in clause 28, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the package is in the open state, and the contact lens is accessible to a user through the opening in the base cavity when the package is in the open state. 30. The contact lens package of clause 28, wherein the base is substantially rigid and the lid is flexible.

[0069] 31. A method for packaging contact lenses, comprising: providing a base including a base cavity and at least one protrusion disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extending along an inner surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity; disposing a contact lens and a packaging solution within the base cavity; connecting a lid to the base such that the lid extends over and covers the base cavity; A method comprising: 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the contact lens is positioned within the base cavity such that the convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. 33. The method of clause 31, wherein at least one protrusion includes a lens engaging surface configured to engage a contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity. 34. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of protrusions spaced apart from each other. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the at least one projection has a height relative to an inner surface of the base, the height varying along a length of the at least one projection. 36. A method for opening a contact lens package, comprising: and holding a base of the package, the base comprising: a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; at least one protrusion disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extending along an inner surface of the base toward an edge of the base cavity; and removing a lid of the package at least partially from the base such that the lid does not cover the base cavity; engaging a contact lens through an opening in the base cavity; sliding the contact lens along the at least one protrusion and out of the base cavity via engagement through the opening; A method comprising: 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the contact lens is positioned within the base cavity such that the convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. 38. The method of clause 36, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a lens-engaging surface, and sliding the contact lens along the at least one protrusion includes sliding the contact lens along the lens-engaging surface and out of the base cavity. 39. The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of protrusions spaced apart from each other. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least one projection has a height relative to an inner surface of the base, the height varying along a length of the at least one projection.

[0070] 41. A contact lens package comprising: The base is a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl including a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base; A base, a lid connected to the base, the lid extending over and covering the base cavity when the package is in an unopened condition; 1. A contact lens package comprising: 42. The contact lens package of clause 41, wherein the base cavity receives the contact lens such that the convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. 43. A contact lens package as described in clause 41, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the channel portion extends away from the main portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. 44. The contact lens package of clause 41, wherein the channel portion has a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end. 45. The contact lens package of clause 44, wherein the second end of the channel portion is spaced from the end of the base. 46. ​​The contact lens package of clause 45, wherein the base further includes an inclined surface disposed between the second end of the channel portion and the end of the base. 47. The contact lens package of clause 44, wherein a depth of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion. 48. The contact lens package of clause 47, wherein a maximum depth of the channel portion is less than a maximum depth of the main portion. 49. The contact lens package of clause 44, wherein a width of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. 50. The contact lens package of clause 49, wherein a maximum width of the channel portion is less than a maximum width of the main portion.

[0071] 51. The contact lens package of clause 50, wherein the channel portion includes a lens engaging surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity. 52. A contact lens package as described in clause 51, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the package is in the open state, and the contact lens is accessible to a user through the opening in the base cavity when the package is in the open state. 53. The contact lens package of clause 52, wherein the base is substantially rigid and the lid is flexible. 54. A contact lens package comprising: The base is a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl including a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion, the channel portion including a lens engaging surface configured to engage a contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity; A base, a lid connected to the base, the lid extending over and covering the base cavity when the package is in an unopened condition; 1. A contact lens package comprising: 55. The contact lens package of clause 54, wherein the base cavity receives the contact lens such that the convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. 56. A contact lens package as described in clause 54, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the channel portion extends away from the main portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. 57. The contact lens package of clause 54, wherein the channel portion has a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end. 58. A contact lens package as described in clause 54, wherein the channel portion extends away from the main portion toward an end of the base. 59. A contact lens package as described in clause 58, wherein the second end of the channel portion is spaced from the end of the base. 60. The contact lens package of clause 59, wherein the base further includes an inclined surface disposed between the second end of the channel portion and the end of the base.

[0072] 61. The contact lens package of clause 57, wherein a depth of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion toward the second end of the channel portion. 62. The contact lens package of clause 61, wherein a maximum depth of the channel portion is less than a maximum depth of the main portion. 63. The contact lens package of clause 62, wherein a width of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. 64. The contact lens package of clause 63, wherein a maximum width of the channel portion is less than a maximum width of the main portion. 65. A contact lens package as described in clause 64, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the package is in the open state, and the contact lens is accessible to a user through the opening in the base cavity when the package is in the open state. 66. The contact lens package of clause 65, wherein the base is substantially rigid and the lid is flexible. 67. A method for packaging contact lenses, comprising the steps of: providing a base including a base cavity and a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl including a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base; disposing a contact lens and a packaging solution within the base cavity; connecting a lid to the base such that the lid extends over and covers the base cavity; A method comprising: 68. The method of claim 67, wherein the base cavity accommodates the contact lens such that the convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. 69. The method of claim 67, wherein the channel portion has a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end, the second end of the channel portion being spaced apart from the end of the base. 70. The method of clause 69, wherein the depth of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion towards the second end of the channel portion.

[0073] 71. The method of clause 69, wherein the width of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. 72. The method of clause 71, wherein the channel portion includes a lens engaging surface configured to engage a contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity. 73. A method for opening a contact lens package, comprising: and holding a base of the package, the base comprising: a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl including a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base; and removing a lid of the package at least partially from the base such that the lid does not cover the base cavity; tilting the base so that the contact lens slides along the channel portion and out of the base cavity; A method comprising: 74. The method of claim 73, wherein the base cavity accommodates the contact lens such that the convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. 75. The method of claim 73, wherein the channel portion has a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end, the second end of the channel portion being spaced apart from the end of the base. 76. The method of clause 75, wherein the depth of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion towards the second end of the channel portion. 77. The method of clause 75, wherein the width of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. 78. The method of clause 77, wherein the channel portion includes a lens-engaging surface, and tilting the base causes the contact lens to slide along the lens-engaging surface and out of the base cavity.

[0074] Not all features described herein need to be incorporated into every package, and one of ordinary skill in the art can use the teachings herein to combine features to provide a wide variety of improved contact lens packages. In short, the contact lens packages of the present invention incorporate several novel functionalities that can be combined in a wide variety of combinations as described herein to provide the desired improved and / or one-touch packaging. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0075] [Embodiment] (1) A contact lens package comprising: The base is a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; at least one protrusion disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extending along an inner surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity; A base, a lid connected to the base, the lid extending over and covering the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state; and 1. A contact lens package comprising: (2) The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the base cavity accommodates the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. (3) A contact lens package as described in embodiment 1, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the at least one protrusion extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. (4) The contact lens package of embodiment 1, wherein the at least one protrusion is disposed entirely within the base cavity. (5) The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion extends from a middle region of the base cavity to the end of the base cavity.

[0076] (6) The contact lens package of embodiment 1, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity. (7) The contact lens package of embodiment 6, wherein the lens engaging surface includes a concave portion and a convex portion. (8) The contact lens package of claim 6, wherein the at least one protrusion has a height relative to the inner surface of the base, the height varying along a length of the at least one protrusion. (9) The contact lens package of embodiment 8, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of protrusions spaced apart from each other. (10) The contact lens package of embodiment 9, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the protrusions extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.

[0077] (11) The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a rib. (12) The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of ribs spaced apart from each other. (13) The contact lens package of embodiment 12, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the ribs extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. (14) The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the package is in the open state, and the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening in the base cavity when the package is in the open state. (15) The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the base is substantially rigid and the lid is flexible.

[0078] (16) A contact lens package comprising: The base is a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; at least one protrusion disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extending along an inner surface of the base and including a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity; A base, a lid connected to the base, the lid extending over and covering the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state; and 1. A contact lens package comprising: (17) The contact lens package of claim 16, wherein the base cavity accommodates the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. (18) The contact lens package of embodiment 16, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the at least one protrusion extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. (19) The contact lens package of embodiment 18, wherein the at least one protrusion is disposed entirely within the base cavity. (20) The contact lens package of embodiment 19, wherein the at least one protrusion extends from a middle region of the base cavity toward an end of the base cavity.

[0079] (21) The contact lens package of embodiment 16, wherein the at least one protrusion extends from a middle region of the base cavity to an end of the base cavity. (22) The contact lens package of embodiment 16, wherein the lens engaging surface includes a concave portion and a convex portion. (23) The contact lens package of claim 22, wherein the at least one protrusion has a height relative to the inner surface of the base, the height varying along a length of the at least one protrusion. (24) The contact lens package of embodiment 23, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of protrusions spaced apart from each other. (25) The contact lens package of embodiment 24, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the protrusions extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.

[0080] (26) The contact lens package of embodiment 25, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a rib. (27) The contact lens package of embodiment 25, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of ribs spaced apart from each other. (28) The contact lens package of embodiment 27, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the ribs extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. (29) The contact lens package of embodiment 28, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the package is in the open state, and the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening in the base cavity when the package is in the open state. (30) The contact lens package of embodiment 28, wherein the base is substantially rigid and the lid is flexible.

[0081] (31) A method for packaging contact lenses, comprising the steps of: providing a base including a base cavity and at least one protrusion disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extending along an inner surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity; disposing a contact lens and a packaging solution within the base cavity; connecting a lid to the base such that the lid extends over and covers the base cavity; A method comprising: 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the contact lens is positioned within the base cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. 33. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity. (34) The method of embodiment 31, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of protrusions spaced apart from each other. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the at least one protrusion has a height relative to the inner surface of the base, the height varying along a length of the at least one protrusion.

[0082] (36) A method for opening a contact lens package, comprising: and holding a base of the package, the base comprising: a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; at least one protrusion disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extending along an inner surface of the base toward an end of the base cavity; and removing a lid of the package at least partially from the base such that the lid does not cover the base cavity; engaging the contact lens through an opening in the base cavity; sliding the contact lens along the at least one protrusion and out of the base cavity via the engagement through the opening; A method comprising: 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the contact lens is positioned within the base cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base. (38) The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a lens engagement surface, and sliding the contact lens along the at least one protrusion includes sliding the contact lens along the lens engagement surface and out of the base cavity. (39) The method of embodiment 36, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of protrusions spaced apart from each other. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least one protrusion has a height relative to the inner surface of the base, the height varying along a length of the at least one protrusion.

[0083] (41) A contact lens package comprising: The base is a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl including a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base; A base, a lid connected to the base, the lid extending over and covering the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state; 1. A contact lens package comprising: (42) The contact lens package of embodiment 41, wherein the base cavity accommodates the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an inner surface of the base. (43) The contact lens package of embodiment 41, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the channel portion extends away from the main portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. (44) The contact lens package of embodiment 41, wherein the channel portion has a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end. (45) The contact lens package of embodiment 44, wherein the second end of the channel portion is spaced from the end of the base.

[0084] (46) The contact lens package of embodiment 45, wherein the base further includes an inclined surface disposed between the second end of the channel portion and the end of the base. (47) The contact lens package of embodiment 44, wherein a depth of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. (48) The contact lens package of embodiment 47, wherein the maximum depth of the channel portion is less than the maximum depth of the main portion. (49) The contact lens package of embodiment 44, wherein a width of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. (50) The contact lens package of embodiment 49, wherein the maximum width of the channel portion is less than the maximum width of the main portion.

[0085] (51) The contact lens package of embodiment 50, wherein the channel portion includes a lens engagement surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity. (52) The contact lens package of embodiment 51, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the package is in the open state, and the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening in the base cavity when the package is in the open state. (53) The contact lens package of embodiment 52, wherein the base is substantially rigid and the lid is flexible. (54) A contact lens package comprising: The base is a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl including a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion, the channel portion including a lens engaging surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity; A base, a lid connected to the base, the lid extending over and covering the base cavity when the package is in an unopened state; and 1. A contact lens package comprising: (55) The contact lens package of embodiment 54, wherein the base cavity accommodates the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an inner surface of the base.

[0086] (56) The contact lens package of embodiment 54, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the channel portion extends away from the main portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. (57) The contact lens package of embodiment 54, wherein the channel portion has a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end. (58) The contact lens package of embodiment 54, wherein the channel portion extends away from the main portion toward an end of the base. (59) The contact lens package of embodiment 58, wherein the second end of the channel portion is spaced from the end of the base. (60) The contact lens package of embodiment 59, wherein the base further includes an inclined surface disposed between the second end of the channel portion and the end of the base.

[0087] (61) The contact lens package of embodiment 57, wherein a depth of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. (62) The contact lens package of embodiment 61, wherein the maximum depth of the channel portion is less than the maximum depth of the main portion. (63) The contact lens package of embodiment 62, wherein a width of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. (64) The contact lens package of embodiment 63, wherein the maximum width of the channel portion is less than the maximum width of the main portion. (65) The contact lens package of embodiment 64, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the package is in the open state, and the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening in the base cavity when the package is in the open state.

[0088] (66) The contact lens package of embodiment 65, wherein the base is substantially rigid and the lid is flexible. (67) A method for packaging contact lenses, comprising the steps of: providing a base including a base cavity and a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl including a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base; disposing a contact lens and a packaging solution within the base cavity; connecting a lid to the base such that the lid extends over and covers the base cavity; A method comprising: (68) The method of embodiment 67, wherein the base cavity accommodates the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an inner surface of the base. 69. The method of claim 67, wherein the channel portion has a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end, the second end of the channel portion being spaced apart from the end of the base. 70. The method of claim 69, wherein a depth of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion.

[0089] 71. The method of claim 69, wherein a width of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. (72) The method of embodiment 71, wherein the channel portion includes a lens engaging surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity. (73) A method for opening a contact lens package, comprising: and holding a base of the package, the base comprising: a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, the bowl including a main portion and a channel portion extending away from the main portion toward an end of the base; and removing a lid of the package at least partially from the base such that the lid does not cover the base cavity; tilting the base so that the contact lens slides along the channel portion and out of the base cavity; A method comprising: (74) The method of claim 73, wherein the base cavity accommodates the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces an inner surface of the base. 75. The method of claim 73, wherein the channel portion has a first end adjacent the main portion and a second end disposed opposite the first end, the second end of the channel portion being spaced apart from the end of the base.

[0090] 76. The method of claim 75, wherein a depth of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. (77) The method of embodiment 75, wherein a width of the channel portion decreases in a direction from the first end of the channel portion to the second end of the channel portion. (78) The method of claim 77, wherein the channel portion includes a lens engagement surface, and tilting the base causes the contact lens to slide along the lens engagement surface and out of the base cavity.

Claims

1. A contact lens package (100), comprising: A base (110), a base cavity (122) for containing a contact lens (170) and a packaging solution; at least one protrusion (140) disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extending along an inner surface (142) of the base toward an end of the base cavity; a base, a lid (160) connected to the base, the lid extending over and covering the base cavity when the contact lens package is in an unopened state; A contact lens package comprising:

2. A contact lens package (100), A base (110), a base cavity (122) for containing a contact lens (170) and a packaging solution; at least one protrusion (140) at least partially disposed within the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extending along an inner surface (142) of the base and including a lens engaging surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity; a base, a lid (160) connected to the base, the lid extending over and covering the base cavity when the contact lens package is in an unopened state; A contact lens package comprising:

3. 3. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and the at least one protrusion extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.

4. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein the at least one protrusion is disposed entirely within the base cavity.

5. A contact lens package as described in claim 2, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base cavity, the at least one protrusion is entirely disposed within the base cavity, and optionally, the at least one protrusion extends from an intermediate region of the base cavity toward an end of the base cavity.

6. 3. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion extends from a middle region of the base cavity to an end of the base cavity.

7. 10. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a lens engaging surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity.

8. 8. The contact lens package of claim 2 or 7, wherein the lens-engaging surface includes a recess (146) and a protrusion (148).

9. the at least one protrusion has a height relative to the inner surface of the base, the height varying along a length of the at least one protrusion; Optionally, the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of protrusions spaced apart from one another; 8. The contact lens package of claim 7, further optionally, wherein the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and wherein each of the protrusions extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity. (i) the at least one protrusion includes a rib; or 2. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein (ii) the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of ribs spaced apart from each other, and optionally the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the ribs extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity.

11. 2. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the lid does not cover the base cavity when the contact lens package is in the opened state, and the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening in the base cavity when the contact lens package is in the opened state.

12. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein the base is substantially rigid and the lid is flexible.

13. the lens-engaging surface includes a recess (146) and a protrusion (148), the at least one protrusion having a height relative to the inner surface of the base, the height varying along a length of the at least one protrusion; Optionally, the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of protrusions spaced apart from one another; Further optionally, the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, and each of the protrusions extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity; Further optionally, (i) the at least one protrusion comprises a rib, or (ii) the at least one protrusion includes a pair of ribs spaced apart from one another, and further optionally, the base cavity has an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis of the base cavity, each of the ribs extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base cavity; Further optionally, (a) the lid does not cover the base cavity when the contact lens package is in the opened state, and the contact lens is accessible to a user through an opening in the base cavity when the contact lens package is in the opened state; or 3. The contact lens package of claim 2, wherein (b) the base is substantially rigid and the lid is flexible.

14. 1. A method for packaging contact lenses, comprising: providing a base (110) including a base cavity (122) and at least one protrusion (140) at least partially disposed within the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extending along an inner surface (142) of the base toward an end of the base cavity; placing the contact lens (170) and a packaging solution within the base cavity; connecting a lid (160) to the base such that the lid extends over and covers the base cavity; A method comprising:

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a lens engaging surface configured to engage the contact lens and facilitate sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity.

16. 1. A method of opening a contact lens package, comprising: and holding a base (110) of the contact lens package (100), the base comprising: a base cavity (122) for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; at least one protrusion (140) disposed at least partially within the base cavity, the at least one protrusion extending along an inner surface (142) of the base toward an end of the base cavity; and removing a lid (160) of the contact lens package at least partially from the base so that the lid does not cover the base cavity; engaging the contact lens through an opening in the base cavity; sliding the contact lens along the at least one protrusion and out of the base cavity via the engagement through the opening; A method comprising:

17. A contact lens package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base cavity accommodates the contact lens such that the convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base; or 17. The method of claim 14 or 16, wherein the contact lens is placed in the base cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the inner surface of the base.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a lens-engaging surface, and sliding the contact lens along the at least one protrusion comprises sliding the contact lens along the lens-engaging surface and out of the base cavity.

19. 17. The method of claim 14 or 16, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of protrusions spaced apart from one another, and optionally the at least one protrusion has a height relative to the inner surface of the base, the height varying along a length of the at least one protrusion.

Images