Contact lens package having twist lever or thimble lever and handling method

Abstract

Described herein are examples of devices and methods for storing and wearing contact lenses. In some embodiments, the device includes an applicator cap including a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. The body includes at least one lever surface. The device includes a container having a reservoir configured to contain a contact lens and a packaging solution. The at least one lever surface is configured to provide at least one fulcrum for moving the applicator cap relative to the container.

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 one-touch or no-touch lens packages faces several distinct challenges. Ideally, the wearer must be able to consistently position the lens so that it is in contact with the finger when removed from the package, and then the lens must consistently release from the finger onto the eye. Each contact lens (both reusable and daily disposable varieties) has its own surface, bulk, and geometric characteristics. The size of the finger and the force that the contact lens wearer exerts on the lens during transfer of the lens can also vary. These factors can affect the process of taking the lens from the package onto the finger and then onto the surface of the eye. Among other considerations, variability in the amount of packaging solution adhering to the lens and package can affect the process of placing the lens on the finger, so it is desirable for the wearer to be able to drain the packaging solution, which may affect the ability to adhere the lens to the finger. It is also desirable for the packaging solution to be drained in a controlled manner that avoids leakage. It would also be beneficial for the packaging solution to remain sterile after opening and be accessible to the wearer to allow for rewetting or cleaning of the lens. Wearers may also be concerned about the possibility of transferring external products, such as bacteria or cosmetics, to their contact lenses; and, of course, the manufacture of the packaging itself must meet expected industry standards recognized by the medical and commercial provider community.

[0004] Additionally, one-touch or no-touch packaging should ideally not unduly increase the cost of goods over current contact lens packaging, as this may result in increased costs to the wearer community. The packaging should not make it difficult to hold the lens when removed from the package. Additionally, if the packaging configuration maintained or reduced the amount of solution required to package the lens, it would reduce the ecological impact of the lens packaging. Similarly, it would be beneficial if the packaging was made in whole or in part from recycled materials and / or was recyclable in whole or in part.

[0005] 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.

[0006] There are several desirable attributes that make the functionality of one-touch or no-touch packaging difficult to achieve and that are often lacking in known attempts to create one-touch packages. These attributes include, for example: i) the package should ideally protect the lens, i.e., ensure the integrity of the lens (e.g., the shape and optical integrity of the lens) while preventing shattering or damage to the lens; ii) the lens package should maintain hydration of the lens during storage to maintain the properties of the lens; iii) the lens within the package should preferably be configured to be fully immersed in the packaging solution when desired and to have such solution removed when ready to be removed from the package; iv) the package should generally have a retortable seal and contain both the lens and the solution; v) the package should preferably maintain the lens in a desired convex orientation relative to the wearer; vi) the lens should be positioned such that the lens may be easily removed by the wearer; vii) the package should ideally allow the packaging solution to effectively drain from the lens upon opening of the package and prior to removal of the lens, allowing it to be more easily transferred to the wearer's fingers and then to the eye.

[0007] Known packages that have attempted to provide reduce-touch, one-touch, or no-touch orientation fail to provide one-touch or no-touch packages with one or more of the desired attributes listed above. For example, WO2014 / 195588, WO2009 / 069265, and Japanese Patent No. 6339322 disclose packages that present lenses in a convex, bowl-down configuration. However, the lens support structure substantially conforms to the shape of a contact lens, which provides an undesirable contact area between the lens and the lens support. Also, these documents do not mention a mechanism for effectively draining solution from the lens and lens support.

[0008] US Patent No. 1026521 B2 discloses an eye drop applicator that facilitates the measurement and accurate and effective administration of medications such as eye drops or any type of liquid medication. However, the package does not include any mechanism for storing or holding contact lenses.

[0009] WO1999021519 A1 discloses a package that, when opened, is configured to function primarily as an applicator for carrying a contact lens during wear, having a concave surface formed complementary to the convex side of the contact lens; and a second part that is intimately joined to the first part in the unopened state of the package and together with the first part defines a chamber for storing the contact lens. However, the package does not disclose a mechanism providing a lever for operating a cap of the package.

[0010] US Patent No. 6,572,165 B2 discloses a manipulator for inserting and removing a contact lens into and from a user's eye, but the manipulator does not disclose a surface configured to rotate the cap about an axis.

[0011] US Patent No. 5,941,583 A discloses a contact lens insertion and manipulation assembly. The manipulator device allows a user to remove a contact lens from a storage container without touching the contact lens. However, the insertion and manipulation assembly does not disclose a curved or surface configured to rotate the cap about an axis.

[0012] The above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art are merely illustrative and not exhaustive.

[0013] Furthermore, the introduction of new contact lens packaging that deviates from traditional blister packaging often presents challenges to the wearer. New form factors and styles may not be immediately intuitive. This often results in frustration and / or lens damage or contamination during the opening process. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide the contact lens package with visual or tactile cues that make the new contact lens package and opening experience more intuitive. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] Thus, a need remains for a contact lens package that provides a consistent one-touch or zero-touch lens dispensing experience, effective solution management, or that addresses one or a combination of the aforementioned challenges or deficiencies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] It has now been found that some or all of the foregoing and related objects may be accomplished in a contact lens package having one or more embodiments described herein.

[0016] Various embodiments include a device for storing and wearing contact lenses. In some embodiments, the device includes an applicator cap including a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. The body includes at least one lever surface. The device includes a container having a reservoir configured to contain a contact lens and a packaging solution. The at least one lever surface is configured to provide at least one fulcrum for moving the applicator cap relative to the container. The second end is configured to contact a convex surface of the contact lens to form a seal.

[0017] In some embodiments, the device includes a sealing wrap disposed around the applicator cap and the container, the sealing wrap configured to secure the applicator cap and the container together.

[0018] In some embodiments, the container comprises at least one sealing surface that abuts the applicator cap when the device is in the closed configuration.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least one sealing surface of the container comprises an angular platform.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one sealing surface of the container further comprises threads configured to engage with corresponding grooves in the applicator cap.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least one sealing surface of the container comprises a plurality of concentric seals.

[0022] In some embodiments, the container comprises polypropylene.

[0023] In some embodiments, the applicator cap includes a convex surface opposite and spaced away from the handle.

[0024] In some embodiments, the applicator cap further includes a plurality of fins defining a plurality of reservoir channels within the convex surface of the applicator cap. The reservoir channels are configured to hold the packaging solution.

[0025] In some embodiments, the applicator cap includes at least one sealing surface that abuts the container when the device is in the closed configuration.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least one sealing surface of the applicator cap includes a plurality of concentric seals.

[0027] In some embodiments, at least one sealing surface of the applicator cap includes threads configured to engage a corresponding groove on the container.

[0028] In some embodiments, at least one sealing surface of the applicator cap is configured to fluidly seal against the container.

[0029] In some embodiments, the applicator cap comprises polypropylene.

[0030] In some embodiments, the applicator cap and the container are made of a homogenous material.

[0031] In some embodiments, at least one lever surface is configured to rotate the applicator cap about an edge of the container.

[0032] In some embodiments, the handle portion includes a curved first surface and a curved second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first curved surface, one of the first and second curved surfaces defining a finger rest.

[0033] In some embodiments, the applicator cap includes a recess extending away from the handle portion.

[0034] In some embodiments, the at least one lever surface is a rotating lever configured to rotate the applicator cap in a first direction about a central axis of the container.

[0035] In some embodiments, the handle portion includes a helical first surface and a helical second surface opposite the helical first surface and spaced apart from the helical first surface.

[0036] In some embodiments, the container includes a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. The body includes at least one lever surface. The at least one lever surface is a rotating lever configured to rotate the container about a central axis of the applicator cap in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0037] In some embodiments, the handle portion of the container includes a helical first surface and a helical second surface opposite the helical first surface and spaced apart from the helical first surface.

[0038] In some embodiments, the handle portion of the applicator cap and the handle portion of the container are each configured to provide opposing rotational forces relative to one another.

[0039] In some embodiments, the container includes a concave surface that defines a reservoir.

[0040] Various embodiments also include a method of placing a contact lens on a wearer's eye, the contact lens being stored in a package, the package including: an applicator cap including a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the body including at least one lever surface; and a container having a reservoir configured to contain a contact lens and a packaging solution, the at least one lever surface configured to provide at least one fulcrum for moving the applicator cap relative to the container, the second end configured to contact a convex surface of the contact lens to form a seal. The method includes rotating the handle portion with the fulcrum, breaking the seal between the convex surface of the contact lens and the second end of the applicator cap, removing the contact lens from the convex surface, and placing the contact lens on the wearer's eye.

[0041] In some embodiments, rotating the handle portion includes rotating the handle portion about an edge of the container.

[0042] In some embodiments, rotating the handle portion comprises rotating the handle portion about a central axis of the container.

[0043] Various embodiments also include a method of packaging a contact lens, the method including providing a packaging solution into a container, providing a cap with a convex surface sealable with the container, providing a contact lens in a convex-side up orientation within the convex surface that forms a seal, and sealing the container by pressing a lid onto the container.

[0044] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a contact lens package in a closed configuration, according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates a cutaway exploded perspective view of the contact lens package shown in FIG. 1 in a closed configuration. [Diagram 3] 2 shows a perspective view of a cap of the contact lens package shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 shows a perspective view of the container of the contact lens package shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5A] 5A illustrates the contact lens package of FIG 1 and steps for opening the contact lens package to remove the contact lens according to one embodiment. FIG 5A illustrates how the cap and container are twisted to open the container. [Figure 5B] 5A shows the contact lens package of FIG 1 and steps for opening the contact lens package to remove the contact lens according to one embodiment. FIG 5B shows how the contact lens is placed on the cap once the package is opened. [Figure 5C] 1 and steps of opening the contact lens package to remove the contact lens according to one embodiment. FIG 5C shows how a user removes the contact lens from the cap. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a contact lens package in a closed configuration according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 illustrates a cutaway perspective view of the contact lens package shown in FIG. 6 in a closed configuration. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the cap of the contact lens package shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the container of the contact lens package shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 10A]10A illustrates the contact lens package of FIG 6 and steps for opening the contact lens package to remove the contact lens, according to one embodiment. FIG 10A illustrates how the cap is rotated to open the container. [Figure 10B] 10A illustrates the contact lens package of FIG 6 and steps of opening the contact lens package to remove the contact lens, according to one embodiment. FIG 10B illustrates how the cap is separated from the container. [Figure 10C] 10A illustrates the contact lens package of FIG 6 and steps of opening the contact lens package to remove the contact lens, according to one embodiment. FIG 10C illustrates how a user puts on the contact lens using the cap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] A wetted lens is a contact lens and any residual packing solution that adheres to the contact lens after the packing solution has been expelled. Wetted contact is the total contact area between the wetted lens and the lens support.

[0056] The embodiment may include a lens support (e.g., a platform as described herein) surrounded by a sealable cavity, also referred to as a chamber. The cavity may have any convenient form and may include a package base (also referred to as a container) 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] As used herein, "unopened" or "unopened" refers to a contact lens package that is closed and contains a contact lens in a solution.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The package base may form the bottom of the package. It may be made of any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including plastic. Suitable materials include polyolefins, including polypropylene, olefin copolymers, including COP (cyclic olefin polymer) and COC (cyclic olefin copolymer), and blends thereof. The package lid is generally in the upper part of the package and seals with the base to form a cavity that contains at least a part of the lens support, the lens, and the packaging solution. The lid may be made of any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including a molded sheet of foil or plastic, a laminated film, or a 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a contact lens package 100. The package 100 is configured to provide one-touch application by a user, such that a contact lens 101 stored within the package 100 can be removed from and applied with only one touch by the user. Additionally, the package 100 provides a lever for easily twisting and opening the package 100. FIG. 1 shows the contact lens package 100 including an applicator cap 102 and a container 104 pivotally coupled to the cap 102. The applicator cap 102 and the container 104 are hermetically coupled together to provide a sterile internal environment between the applicator cap 102 and the container 104.

[0066] The applicator cap 102 is a substantially rigid cap 102 that provides a sterile enclosure when coupled to the container 104. The cap 102 also provides a handle (in this particular embodiment, a helical shaped handle) configured to allow the cap 102 to be twisted and rotated at least about the central axis 111 of the container such that a user can at least partially open the package 100 by twisting the cap 102. The handle also provides an interface for the user to manipulate the lens 101 without touching it. The cap 102 also provides a contact surface for the concave surface of the contact lens 101, and the contact lens 101 is held on the cap 102 at least in part by surface tension. As described in more detail below, the cap 102 includes a plurality of fins 103 and a plurality of reservoir channels 105. The fins 103 are configured to contact the concave surface of the lens 101, and the channels 105 are configured to hold a solution. The present disclosure contemplates that the size and / or shape of the fins 103 may be selected to provide a desired amount of surface tension to hold the lens 101. The surface tension between the finger and the lens is approximately equal to (or slightly less than) the weight of the lens. As shown herein (e.g., FIG. 5B), if the lens is tapped upside down and falls off the support, the wet contact area that the lens can tolerate is roughly doubled compared to a lens support used with the lens "right side up" due to the attraction of gravity. In either case, to allow for one-touch transfer, the fins must be configured such that the surface tension created by the wet contact area between the lens support and the lens is less than the surface tension created between the finger and the lens during the tap. Additionally, the channel 105 reduces the surface tension, which facilitates the transfer of the lens 101 from the cap 102 to the user's finger. The channel 105 should preferably be wide enough so as not to trap solution behind the lens 102, i.e., at least about 1 mm wide, and also tall enough so that it is self-draining during opening, thereby drawing fluid away from the lens 101.Preferably, the channel is at least 2 mm high below the apex of the lens. The cap 102 includes a handle portion 106a having a first end 108a, a second end 110a, and a body 112a extending between the first end 108a and the second end 110a. The body 112a includes a first lever surface 114a and a second lever surface 116a opposite and spaced apart from the first lever surface 114a. Each lever surface 114a, 116a is configured to provide at least one fulcrum of leverage for moving the applicator cap 102 relative to the container 104.

[0067] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the cap 102 also includes a spherical dome having a convex surface 113 disposed at the second end 110 of the handle portion. The convex surface 113 provides a dome-shaped surface configured to abut the concave surface of the contact lens 101. Surface tension between the dome-shaped surface provided by the convex surface 113 and the concave surface of the lens 101 holds the lens 101 in place. In some embodiments, the convex surface 113 includes a depression (not shown) in the center of the dome to provide a contoured recess for a finger during tapping. The cap 102 also includes fins 103 that define reservoir channels 105 within the convex surface 113 of the cap 102. In FIG. 2, the fins 103 and the channels 105 are equally sized and spaced apart from one another. It should be understood that this arrangement is provided by way of example only. The present disclosure contemplates that the number, size, and / or shape of the fins 103 and the channels 105 may differ from that shown in FIG. 2. In particular, the number, size, and / or shape of the fins 103 and channels 105 may be selected to provide a desired amount of surface tension between the lens 101 and the cap 102 to facilitate transfer of the lens 101 from the cap 102 to the user's finger. The reservoir channel 105 is provided to hold a packaging solution. The fins 103 each include a fin surface that extends away from the handle portion 106 and forms the dome-like surface described above. The fins 103 are angled away from the center of the convex surface 113 and extend to decrease in length toward the edge of the convex surface. For example, the fins 103 that extend at the edge of the convex surface 113 are shorter than the fins 103 that extend from the center of the convex surface 113.

[0068] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the cap 102 also includes a plurality of sealing surfaces 118a. The sealing surfaces 118a correspond to the sealing surfaces 118b (described below) of the container 104. The sealing surfaces 118a are adapted to abut against the container 104 to form a sterile seal when the package 100 is in a closed configuration. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the sealing surfaces 118a are five concentric layered surfaces that extend further away from the handle portion 106 toward the center of the cap 102. However, in other embodiments, the sealing surfaces 118 can be of any other shape or number suitable for abutting against the container 104 to form a sterile seal. In some embodiments, the sealing surfaces 118a are threads configured to interact with corresponding grooves on the container 104 to form a fluid seal. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a sealing wrap 120 formed from aluminum foil is disposed around the circumference of the cap 102 and the container 104 to form a mechanical and fluid seal between the cap 102 and the container 104. The wrap 120 is anisotropic such that it has a weaker shear strength in either of its longer dimensions, resulting in the wrap 120 tearing in response to twisting the cap 102 relative to the container 104. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cap 102 is made of polypropylene. However, in other embodiments, the cap can be made of any other material suitable for enclosing the contact lens 101 in a sterile environment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the seal 120 disposed around the circumference of the cap 102 is aluminum foil. However, in other embodiments, the seal disposed around the circumference of the cap is wax paper, polyester sheeting, or any other material suitable for sealing the cap and container together to form a sterile environment.

[0069] The container 104 is a substantially rigid container 104 that, when coupled to the cap 102, is provided to enclose and hold the contact lens 101 and the packaging solution in a sterile environment. The container 104 also provides a helical shaped operable handle for twisting and rotating the container 104 so that a user can at least partially open the package 100 by twisting the container 104. As shown in FIG. 4, the container 104 includes a reservoir 115 that can contain the contact lens 101 and the packaging solution. The container 104 includes a handle portion 106b and a cylindrical portion having a concave dome shaped inner surface 107 extending away from the handle portion 106b. Preferably, the inner surface 107 includes a concave area (e.g., ribs or channels (not shown)) to reduce the surface area between the inner surface 107 and the lens 101 such that the lens preferentially adheres to the convex surface 113. If the difference in surface area is large enough, the pack can be opened in any orientation. Similar to the handle portion 106a of the cap 102, the handle portion 106b of the container 104 has a first end 108b, a second end 110b, and a body 112b extending between the first end 108b and the second end 110b. The body 112b includes a first lever surface 114b and a second lever surface 116b opposite and spaced apart from the first lever surface 114b. Each lever surface 114b, 116b is configured to provide at least one fulcrum of leverage for moving the container 104 relative to the applicator cap 102.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the container 104 also includes a plurality of sealing surfaces 118b surrounding the dome-shaped inner surface 107. The sealing surfaces 118b are adapted to abut against the cap 102 to form a sterile seal when the package 100 is in a closed configuration. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the sealing surfaces 118b are five concentric layered surfaces spaced axially along the dome-shaped inner surface 107. However, in other embodiments, the sealing surfaces can be any other shape or number suitable for abutting against the container 104 to form a sterile seal. In some embodiments, the sealing surfaces are threads configured to interact with corresponding grooves on the container 104 to form a fluid seal. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the container 104 is made of polypropylene. In some embodiments, the cap 102 and the container 104 each include layered surfaces that abut against one another. In some other embodiments, the cap 102 and the container 104 each include interlocking threads. In some embodiments, the cap 102 and the container 104 are made of a homogenous material, while in other embodiments, the cap 102 and the container 104 are each formed of a separate material.

[0071] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the handle portions 106a and 106b of the cap 102 and the container 104 are helical. However, in other embodiments, the handle portions 106a and 106b are curved or shaped differently to provide a lever for rotating the cap 102 and the container 104 relative to one another. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the cap 102 and the container 104 each have a handle portion 106a and 106b, while in other embodiments, only one of the cap 102 or the container 104 includes a handle portion. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the handle portion 106a of the cap 102 and the handle portion 106b of the container 104 each have the same shape, while in other embodiments, the handle portion 106a of the cap 102 is a different shape than the handle portion 106b of the container 104. The cap 102 and the container 104 are each formed from a uniform material, such as polypropylene. However, in other embodiments, the cap 102 and the container 104 are formed from any other material suitable for supporting a contact lens 101 in a sterile environment. In some further embodiments, the cap 102 and the container 104 are formed from different materials, with the cap 102 being formed from a first material and the container 104 being formed from a second material. The components described herein may be formed by injection molding, extrusion, 3D printing, or any other manufacturing method suitable for forming a sterile contact lens package 100.

[0072] FIG. 5A illustrates a user opening the package 100 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 5A illustrates how the user opens the package 100 by gripping the first lever surface 114a and the second lever surface 116a of the cap 102 and gripping the first lever surface 114b and the second lever surface 116b of the container 104, twisting the container 104 relative to the cap 102. For example, the user grips one of the first lever surface 114a of the cap 102 and the first lever surface 114b of the container 104 with their index finger, and the user grips one of the second lever surface 116a of the cap 102 and the second lever surface 116b of the container 104 with their thumb. The user twists the handle portion 106a of the cap 102 and the handle portion 106b of the container 104 to break the seal between the cap 102 and the container 104. FIG. 5B shows the contact lens 101 attached to the cap 102 by surface tension between the convex surface of the cap 102 and the concave surface of the lens 101. The lens 101 is presented on a surface that allows the lens to be transferred to a user's finger with one touch. FIG. 5C shows a user using one finger to unscrew the cap 102 and remove the contact lens 101 from the cap 102 with one touch. The lens 101 is precisely positioned on the user's finger in the correct orientation to be inserted into the eye. The lens 101 can remain in the same orientation relative to the user's finger and is placed on the user's eye so that the user has one point of contact with the lens 101.

[0073] The concave portion of the lens shown in this example preferably allows both the fingertip and the lens to deform to match each other's shape upon tapping, and does not cause lens inversion or damage during removal due to excessive pressure during tapping. Therefore, one aspect of removing the lens from the package is to control the ratio of the contact area between the finger and the lens compared to the area between the lens and the lens support, such that the contact area between the finger and the lens exceeds the contact surface area of ​​the lens support at the lower surface of the lens. This ensures that the surface tension between the finger and the lens exceeds the surface tension between the lens and the lens support. Thus, the lens adheres to the finger for transferring and placing the lens on the eye.

[0074] Referring to the figures, Figures 6-8 show a contact lens package 600. The package 600 is configured to provide a no-touch application by a user. Thus, a user can directly apply the contact lens 101 to an eye by manipulating the package 600. Figure 6 shows the contact lens package 600 including an applicator cap 602 and a container 604 pivotally coupled to the cap 602.

[0075] The applicator cap 602 is a substantially rigid cap 602 that provides a sterile enclosure when coupled to the container 604. The cap 602 also provides a manipulable handle for twisting and rotating the container 604 such that a user can twist the container 604 at least in part by twisting the cap 602. The handle also provides an interface for a user to manipulate the lens without touching the lens, as described above. The cap 602 further provides a sealing surface against the concave surface of the contact lens 101, the lens 101 being held on the cap 602 at least in part by surface tension between the cap 602 and the lens 101. The cap 602 includes a handle portion 606 having a first end 608, a second end 610, and a body 612 extending between the first end 608 and the second end 610. The cap 602 also includes a concave circular surface 615 opposite and spaced from the handle portion 606, which is disposed on the lens platform 601. The handle portion 606 is an elongated body having a substantially curved cross-section. For example, the body 612 of the handle portion 606 extends between a first end 608 and a second end 610. The body 612 of the handle portion 606 includes a curved first surface 614 and a curved second surface 616 opposite and spaced apart from the curved first surface 614, defining a finger rest 611. The finger rest 611 is an elongated curved opening extending along the handle portion 606 that at least partially encases a finger used to rotate the cap 602 relative to the container 604. The curved first surface 614 and the curved second surface 616 are each configured to provide at least one fulcrum of leverage for moving the applicator cap 602 relative to the container 604 and for manipulating the cap 602 during fitting of the contact lens 101. The cap 602 also includes a recess 605 that extends away from the handle portion 606 .The recess 605 is a recess in the cap 602 designed to receive at least a portion of the user's fingertip, allowing the user to position the finger firmly within the cap 602 to properly place the contact lens 101 on the eye.

[0076] The lens platform 601 provides a contact surface with the convex surface of the contact lens 101. The lens platform 601 includes a concave surface 603 around a circular portion extending from a second end 610 of the handle portion 606. The concave surface 603 abuts the convex surface of the contact lens 101, forming a recess that can secure the contact lens 101 in place. Surface tension between the concave surface 603 and the convex surface of the lens 101 holds the lens in place. The concave surface 103 is configured to not cover the entire convex surface of the lens 101 so that the lens can be released onto the eye. Preferably, the concave surface 103 covers less than about 50% of the area of ​​the convex surface of the lens 101. The concave surface 603 provides a ring that is sized and shaped to hold the surface tension between the concave surface 603 of the cap 602 and the convex surface of the contact lens 101. The platform 601 includes a tapered surface 613 that tapers away from the handle portion 606 and provides an angled sealing surface for sealing against the container 604 .

[0077] In some embodiments, the cap also includes a plurality of sealing surfaces. The sealing surfaces are configured to abut against the container to form a sterile seal when the package is in a closed configuration. The sealing surfaces may be any other shape for abutting against the container to form a sterile seal. In some embodiments, the sealing surfaces are threads configured to abut against the container to form a fluid-tight seal.

[0078] The container 604 is a substantially rigid container 604 adapted to contain and hold the contact lens 101 and packaging solution in a sterile environment when coupled to the lid. The container 604 includes a reservoir capable of housing the contact lens 101 and packaging solution. The container 604 also includes a convex surface 607 at the base of the container 604 adapted to abut the concave side of the contact lens 101 to secure the lens 101 between the container 604 and the cap 602. The convex surface area preferably includes recessed regions (e.g., ribs or channels (not shown)) to reduce surface area and allow air to enter under the lens so that the lens preferentially adheres to the cap. The container 604 also includes a chamfered inner surface 609 adapted to abut a tapered portion of the platform 601 of the cap 602 to form a sterile seal.

[0079] In some embodiments, the container also includes a plurality of sealing surfaces surrounding the dome-shaped inner surface. The sealing surfaces are adapted to abut against the cap to form a sterile seal when the package 600 is in a closed configuration. The sealing surfaces may be of any shape or number suitable for abutting against the container 604 to form a sterile seal. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a sealing wrap 620 formed from aluminum foil is provided and disposed around the circumference of the cap 602 and container 604 to form a mechanical and fluid seal against the cap 602 and container 604. The wrap 620 is anisotropic such that it is weaker in torsion than either of its longer dimensions, such that the wrap 620 tears in response to twisting the cap 602 relative to the container 604. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the container 604 is made of polypropylene. In some embodiments, the cap and container each include layered surfaces that abut against one another. In some other embodiments, the cap and container each include threads that interlock with one another. In some embodiments, the cap and the container are made from a homogenous material, while in other embodiments, the cap and the container are each formed from separate materials.

[0080] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9, the handle portion 606 of the cap 602 is curved and tapers away from the concave surface of the cap 602. However, in other embodiments, the handle portion 606 is a uniform curved shape suitable for providing a lever for rotation of the cap 602 and the container 604 relative to one another. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9, the cap 602 has a handle portion 606 and the container 604 does not have a handle portion 606. However, in other embodiments, both the cap 602 and the container 604 each include a handle portion 606, which may be the same shape as one another. In other embodiments, the handle portion 606 of the cap 602 is a different shape than the handle portion 606 of the container 604. The cap 602 and the container 604 are each formed from a uniform material, such as polypropylene. However, in other embodiments, the cap 602 and the container 604 are formed from any other material suitable for enclosing the contact lens 101 in a sterile environment. In some further embodiments, the cap 602 and the container 604 are formed from different materials, with the cap 602 formed from a first material and the container 604 formed from a second material. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the sealing wrap 620 disposed around the circumference of the cap 602 is aluminum foil. However, in other embodiments, the sealing wrap 620 disposed around the circumference of the cap 602 is wax paper, a polyester sheet, or any other material suitable for sealing the cap 602 and the container 604 together to form a sterile environment. The components described herein may be formed by injection molding, extrusion, 3D printing, or any other manufacturing method suitable for forming a sterile contact lens package 600.

[0081] FIG. 10A illustrates a user opening the package 600 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 6-9. FIG. 10A illustrates a user twisting and opening the container 604 by grasping the curved first surface 614 and the curved second surface 616 of the cap 602 with one hand and grasping the container 604 with the other hand. The user grasps one of the curved first surface 614 or the curved second surface 616 of the cap 602 with the index finger and the user grasps one of the curved first surface 614 or the curved second surface 616 of the cap 602 of the container 604 with the thumb. The user's thumb is within the elongated curved opening so as to touch the curved surface of the curved handle. The user twists the handle portion 606 of the cap 602 and the handle portion 606 of the container 604 to break the seal wrap 620 between the cap 602 and the container 604. FIG. 10B shows the user pulling the handle portion 606 further down relative to the container 604 such that the cap 602 rotates around the edge of the container 604. FIG. 10B further shows the contact lens 101 still attached to the cap 602 due to surface tension between the concave surface of the cap 602 and the convex surface of the lens 101, which holds the lens 101 in place on the cap 602. FIG. 10C shows the user placing the lens 101 on the eye with the cap 602 (i.e., no touch). The lens 101 is placed on the user's eye using a curved handle such that the user does not actually touch the surface of the contact lens 101. The lens 101 is placed directly from the cap 602 onto the user's eye. The fluid seal between the lens 101 and the cap 602 is broken when the lens 101 adheres to the user's eye.

[0082] The concave portion of the lens shown in this example preferably allows the contact lens to be worn without causing the lens to invert during removal or damage due to excessive pressure during wearing. Thus, one aspect of removing the lens from the package is to provide a wearing surface that can be bonded to the contact lens and separated from the contact lens without the user touching the lens. This ensures that the surface tension between the eye and the lens exceeds the surface tension between the lens and the lens cap. Thus, the lens adheres to the eye for transferring and placing the lens on the eye.

[0083] Visual and tactile cues as disclosed herein can be particularly important for the novel contact lens packages of the present invention, which depart significantly in form and opening method from traditional contact lens packages, where the contact lens is housed in a molded plastic base and has a bowl that receives the contact lens in a concave, bowl-up position. The addition of visual or tactile features can provide a more intuitive opening experience for the wearer.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are further described in relation to the following clauses: 1. A device for storing and wearing contact lenses, comprising: an applicator cap including a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the body including at least one lever surface; a container having a reservoir configured to contain a contact lens and a packaging solution; Including, The at least one lever surface is configured to provide at least one fulcrum of leverage for moving the applicator cap relative to the container. 2. The device of clause 1, further comprising a sealing wrap disposed around the applicator cap and the container, the sealing wrap configured to secure the applicator cap and the container together. 3. The container includes at least one sealing surface; 3. The device of clause 1 or 2, wherein at least one sealing surface of the container abuts the applicator cap when the device is in a closed configuration. 4. The device of clause 3, wherein at least one sealing surface of the container includes an angular platform. 5. The device of clause 3, wherein at least one sealing surface of the container further comprises a thread configured to engage a corresponding groove in the applicator cap. 6. The device of clause 3, wherein at least one sealing surface of the container includes a plurality of concentric seals. 7. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the container comprises polypropylene. 8. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the applicator cap includes a convex surface opposite and spaced from the handle. 9. The applicator cap further includes a plurality of fins that define a plurality of reservoir channels within the convex surface of the applicator cap; 9. The device of clause 8, wherein the reservoir channel is configured to hold a packaging solution. 10. The applicator cap includes at least one sealing surface; 10. A device according to any one of clauses 8 or 9, wherein at least one sealing surface of the applicator cap abuts the container when the device is in the closed configuration.

[0089] 11. The device of any one of clauses 8 or 9, wherein at least one sealing surface of the applicator cap includes a plurality of concentric seals. 12. The device of any one of clauses 8 or 9, wherein at least one sealing surface of the applicator cap includes a thread configured to engage a corresponding groove in the container. 13. The device of any one of clauses 8 to 12, wherein at least one sealing surface of the applicator cap is configured to fluidly seal against the container. 14. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the applicator cap comprises polypropylene. 15. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the applicator cap and the container are made of a homogenous material. 16. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein at least one lever surface is configured to rotate the applicator cap about the edge of the container. 17. A device described in any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the handle portion includes a curved first surface and a curved second surface opposite the first curved surface and spaced apart from the first curved surface, one of the first curved surface and the second curved surface defining a finger receiving portion. 18. The device of any one of clauses 16 or 17, wherein the applicator cap further includes a recess extending away from the handle portion. 19. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein at least one lever surface is a rotating lever configured to rotate the applicator cap in a first direction about a central axis of the container. 20. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 15, or 19, wherein the handle portion includes a helical first surface and a helical second surface opposite the helical first surface and spaced apart from the helical first surface.

[0090] 21. The container further includes a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the body including at least one lever surface; 21. A device according to any one of clauses 19 or 20, wherein at least one lever surface is a rotating lever configured to rotate the container about a central axis of the applicator cap in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 22. The device of clause 21, wherein the handle portion of the container includes a helical first surface and a helical second surface opposite and spaced apart from the helical first surface. 23. The device of clause 21, wherein the handle portion of the applicator cap and the handle portion of the container are each configured to provide opposing rotational forces relative to one another. 24. A device according to any one of clauses 21 to 23, wherein the container includes a concave surface defining a reservoir. 25. A method of placing a contact lens on a wearer's eye, the contact lens being stored in a package, the package including an applicator cap including a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the body including at least one lever surface, and a container having a reservoir configured to contain the contact lens and a packaging solution, the at least one lever surface configured to provide at least one fulcrum for moving the applicator cap relative to the container, the second end configured to contact a convex surface of the contact lens to form a seal, the method comprising: Rotating the handle portion by using the fulcrum of the lever; breaking a seal between the convex surface of the contact lens and the second end of the applicator cap; Removing the contact lens from the convex surface; placing the contact lens on the wearer's eye; A method comprising: 26. The method of claim 25, wherein rotating the handle portion further comprises rotating the handle portion about an edge of the container. 27. The method of claim 25 or 26, wherein rotating the handle portion further comprises rotating the handle portion about a central axis of the container. 25. A method for packaging contact lenses, comprising: providing a packaging solution into a container; providing a cap having a convex surface capable of being sealed to the container; providing a contact lens in a convex side up orientation within the convex side that forms a seal; sealing the container by pressing a lid onto the container; A method comprising:

[0091] 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.

[0092] [Embodiment] (1) A device for storing and wearing contact lenses, comprising: an applicator cap including a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the body including at least one lever surface; a container having a reservoir configured to contain a contact lens and a packaging solution; Including, The at least one lever surface is configured to provide at least one fulcrum of leverage for moving the applicator cap relative to the container. (2) The device of embodiment 1, further comprising a sealing wrap disposed around the applicator cap and the container, the sealing wrap configured to secure the applicator cap and the container together. (3) the container includes at least one sealing surface; 2. The device of embodiment 1, wherein the at least one sealing surface of the container abuts the applicator cap when the device is in a closed configuration. (4) the container includes at least one sealing surface; 2. The device of embodiment 1, wherein the at least one sealing surface of the container comprises an angular platform. (5) the container includes at least one sealing surface; 2. The device of embodiment 1, wherein the at least one sealing surface of the container further comprises a thread configured to engage with a corresponding groove in the applicator cap.

[0093] (6) the container includes at least one sealing surface; 2. The device of embodiment 1, wherein the at least one sealing surface of the container comprises a plurality of concentric seals. (7) The device of embodiment 1, wherein the container comprises polypropylene. (8) The device of embodiment 1, wherein the applicator cap includes a convex surface opposite and spaced from the handle. (9) The applicator cap further includes a plurality of fins defining a plurality of reservoir channels within the convex surface of the applicator cap; 9. The device of embodiment 8, wherein the reservoir channel is configured to hold a packaging solution. (10) The applicator cap includes at least one sealing surface; 9. The device of embodiment 8, wherein the at least one sealing surface of the applicator cap abuts the container when the device is in a closed configuration.

[0094] (11) The applicator cap includes at least one sealing surface; 9. The device of embodiment 8, wherein the at least one sealing surface of the applicator cap comprises a plurality of concentric seals. (12) The applicator cap includes at least one sealing surface; 9. The device of embodiment 8, wherein the at least one sealing surface of the applicator cap includes a thread configured to engage with a corresponding groove in the container. (13) The applicator cap includes at least one sealing surface; 9. The device of embodiment 8, wherein the at least one sealing surface of the applicator cap is configured to fluidly seal against the container. (14) The device of embodiment 1, wherein the applicator cap comprises polypropylene. (15) The device of embodiment 1, wherein the applicator cap and the container are made of a homogenous material.

[0095] (16) The device of embodiment 1, wherein the at least one lever surface is configured to rotate the applicator cap about an edge of the container. (17) The device of embodiment 1, wherein the handle portion includes a curved first surface and a curved second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first curved surface, one of the first curved surface and the second curved surface defining a finger receiving portion. (18) The device of embodiment 16, wherein the applicator cap further includes a recess extending away from the handle portion. (19) The device of embodiment 1, wherein the at least one lever surface is a rotating lever configured to rotate the applicator cap in a first direction about a central axis of the container. (20) The device of embodiment 1, wherein the handle portion includes a helical first surface and a helical second surface opposite the helical first surface and spaced apart from the helical first surface.

[0096] (21) The container further includes a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the body including at least one lever surface; 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one lever surface is a rotating lever configured to rotate the container about a central axis of the applicator cap in a second direction opposite to the first direction. (22) The device of embodiment 21, wherein the handle portion of the container includes a helical first surface and a helical second surface opposite the helical first surface and spaced apart from the helical first surface. (23) The device of embodiment 21, wherein the handle portion of the applicator cap and the handle portion of the container are each configured to provide opposing rotational forces relative to one another. (24) The device of embodiment 1, wherein the container includes a concave surface that defines the reservoir. (25) A method of placing a contact lens on a wearer's eye, the contact lens being stored in a package, the package including an applicator cap including a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the body including at least one lever surface, and a container having a reservoir configured to contain a contact lens and a packaging solution, the at least one lever surface configured to provide at least one fulcrum for moving the applicator cap relative to the container, the second end configured to contact a convex surface of the contact lens to form a seal, the method comprising: rotating the handle portion by the fulcrum of the lever; breaking the seal between the convex surface of the contact lens and the second end of the applicator cap; Removing the contact lens from the convex surface; placing the contact lens on the wearer's eye; A method comprising:

[0097] (26) The method of claim 25, wherein rotating the handle portion further comprises rotating the handle portion about an edge of the container. (27) The method of claim 25, wherein rotating the handle portion further comprises rotating the handle portion about a central axis of the container. (28) A method for packaging contact lenses, comprising the steps of: providing a packaging solution into a container; providing a cap having a convex surface capable of being sealed to the container; providing a contact lens in a convex side up orientation within said convex surface forming a seal; sealing the container by pressing the lid onto the container; A method comprising:

Claims

1. A device (100, 600) for storing and wearing contact lenses, comprising: an applicator cap (102, 602) including a handle portion (106a, 606) having a first end (108a, 608), a second end (110a, 610), and a body (112a, 612) extending between said first end (108a, 608) and said second end (110a, 610), said body (112a, 612) including at least one lever surface (114a, 116a, 613, 616); a container (104, 604) having a reservoir (115) configured to contain the contact lens (101) and a packaging solution; Including, The at least one lever surface (114a, 116a, 614, 616) is configured to provide at least one fulcrum of leverage for moving the applicator cap (102, 602) relative to the container (104, 604).

2. 2. The device (100, 600) of claim 1, further comprising a sealing wrap (120, 620) disposed around the applicator cap (102, 602) and the container (104, 604), the sealing wrap (120, 620) configured to secure the applicator cap (102, 602) and the container (104, 604) together.

3. the container (104, 604) includes at least one sealing surface (118b); The device (100, 600) of claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing surface (118b) of the container (104, 604) abuts the applicator cap (102, 602) when the device (100, 600) is in a closed configuration.

4. The container (104, 604) includes at least one sealing surface (118b), the at least one sealing surface (118b) of the container (104, 604) comprising: (i) includes an angular platform; or (ii) further comprising threads configured to engage corresponding grooves in said applicator cap (102, 602); or (iii) The device (100, 600) of claim 1, comprising a plurality of concentric seals.

5. 10. The device (100, 600) of claim 1, wherein the container (104, 604) comprises polypropylene or the applicator cap (102, 602) comprises polypropylene.

6. 2. The device (100) of claim 1, wherein the applicator cap (102) includes a convex surface (113) opposite and spaced from the handle portion (106a).

7. the applicator cap (102) further includes a plurality of fins (103) that define a plurality of reservoir channels (105) within the convex surface (113) of the applicator cap (102); The device (100) of claim 6, wherein the reservoir channel (105) is configured to hold a packaging solution.

8. the applicator cap (102) includes at least one sealing surface (118a); The at least one sealing surface (118a) of the applicator cap (102) is (i) abutting the container (104) when the device (100) is in a closed configuration, or (ii) comprises a plurality of concentric seals; or 7. The device (100) of claim 6, including (iii) a thread configured to engage a corresponding groove in the container (104).

9. the applicator cap (102) includes at least one sealing surface (118a); 7. The device (100) of claim 6, wherein the at least one sealing surface (118a) of the applicator cap (102) is configured to fluidly seal against the container (104).

10. 10. The device (100, 600) of claim 1, wherein the applicator cap (102, 602) and the container (104, 604) are made of a homogenous material.

11. 2. The device (100, 600) of claim 1, wherein the at least one lever surface (114a, 116a, 614, 616) is configured to rotate the applicator cap (102, 602) about an edge of the container (104, 604).

12. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle portion includes a curved first surface and a curved second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first curved surface, and one of the first curved surface and the second curved surface defines a finger rest.

13. 12. The device (600) of claim 11, wherein the applicator cap (602) further comprises a recess (605) extending away from the handle portion (606).

14. 2. The device (100, 600) of claim 1, wherein the at least one lever surface (114a, 116a, 614, 616) is a rotating lever configured to rotate the applicator cap (102, 602) in a first direction about a central axis (111) of the container (104, 106).

15. 2. The device (100) of claim 1, wherein the handle portion (106a) includes a first helical surface and a second helical surface opposite the first helical surface and spaced apart from the first helical surface.

16. The container (104) further includes a handle portion (106b) having a first end (108b), a second end (110b), and a body (112b) extending between the first end (108b) and the second end (110b), the body (112b) including at least one lever surface (114b, 116b); the at least one lever surface (114b, 116b) is a rotating lever configured to rotate the container (104) about a central axis (111) of the applicator cap (102) in a second direction opposite to the first direction; Optionally, (i) the handle portion (106b) of the container (104) includes a first helical surface and a second helical surface opposite the first helical surface and spaced apart from the first helical surface, or (ii) the handle portion (106a) of the applicator cap (102) and the handle portion (106b) of the container (104) are configured to provide opposite rotational forces to each other.

17. 17. The device (100, 600) of claim 1 or 16, wherein the container (104, 604) includes a concave surface (107, 607) that defines the reservoir (115).

18. A method, comprising: storing a contact lens (101) in a package (100, 600); the package (100, 600) comprising an applicator cap (102, 602) including a handle portion (106a, 606) having a first end (108a, 608), a second end (110a, 610), and a body (112a, 612) extending between the first end (108a, 608) and the second end (110a, 610); the body (112a, 612) having at least one lens element; an applicator cap (102, 602) including a bar surface (114a, 116a, 614, 616); and a container (104, 604) having a reservoir (115) configured to contain the contact lens (101) and a packaging solution, wherein the at least one lever surface (114a, 116a, 614, 616) is configured to provide at least one fulcrum of leverage for moving the applicator cap (102, 602) relative to the container (104, 604); (i) the second end (110a) includes a convex surface and is configured to contact the concave surface of the contact lens (101) to form a seal, and the method further comprises: Rotating the handle portion (106a) by the fulcrum of the lever; breaking the seal between the concave surface of the contact lens (101) and the second end (110a) of the applicator cap (102); Removing the contact lens (101) from the convex surface, or (ii) the second end (610) includes a concave surface and is configured to contact the convex surface of the contact lens (101) to form a seal, and the method further comprises: Rotating the handle portion (606) by the fulcrum of the lever; breaking the seal between the convex surface of the contact lens (101) and the second end (610) of the applicator cap (602); and removing the contact lens (101) from the concave surface; Optionally, rotating the handle portion (106a, 606) further comprises rotating the handle portion (106a, 606) about an edge of the container (104, 604) or about a central axis (111) of the container (104, 604).

19. A method for packaging contact lenses (101), comprising: providing a packaging solution into a container (104); providing a cap (102) having a convex surface (113) capable of sealing with said container (104); providing said contact lens (101) in a convex-side-up orientation on said convex surface (113) that forms a seal; sealing the container (104) by pressing the lid (102) onto the container (104); Including, the cap (102) includes a handle portion (106a) having a first end (108a), a second end (110a), and a body (112a) extending between the first end (108a) and the second end (110a), the body (112a) including at least one lever surface (114a, 116a), the at least one lever surface (114a, 116a) configured to provide at least one fulcrum of leverage for moving the cap (102) relative to the container (104).

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