Slotted contact lens packaging and handling method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved contact lens package and method of use. The contact lens package (100) can include a base (110) and a lid (140) connected to the base. The base can include a base cavity (124) that houses a contact lens (150) and a packaging solution, and a slot (130) that extends through the base from an inner surface (132) to an outer surface (134) of the base and in communication with the base cavity. The lid can extend over the outer surface of the base and cover the slot when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid can be uncovered when the package is in an opened state, and the contact lens is accessible to a user through the slot when the package is in an opened state.

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 one-touch 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 that accommodates a contact lens and a packaging solution, and a slot extending through the base and communicating with the base cavity. As described herein, when the contact lens package is in an open state, the contact lens may be accessible to a user through the slot, allowing the user to engage the contact lens through the slot and facilitate removal of the contact lens from the package. In certain embodiments, the convex surface of the contact lens may face the slot so that the user can engage the convex surface, allowing 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 for housing a contact lens and a packaging solution, and a slot extending through the base from an inner surface to an outer surface of the base and in communication with the base cavity. The lid can extend over the outer surface of the base and cover the slot when the package is in an unopened state.

[0008] In some embodiments, the lid may not cover the slot when the package is in the open state, and the contact lens is accessible to the user through the slot when the package is in the open state. In some embodiments, the base cavity may accommodate the contact lens such that the convex surface of the contact lens faces the slot. In some embodiments, the base may include a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, and the slot may extend through the bowl from an inner surface to an outer surface of the base. In some embodiments, the slot may extend from an end of the base and terminate at a mid-region of the bowl. In some embodiments, the slot may extend from an end of the base and terminate at a mid-region of the base. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over an end of the base when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid may not extend over an end of the base when the package is in the open state. In some embodiments, the end of the base may be open and configured to allow the contact lens to pass therethrough when the package is in the open state. In some embodiments, the inner surface may be concave and the outer surface may be convex. 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 a slot that extends through the base from an inner surface to an outer surface of the base and communicates with the base cavity. The base cavity can contain a contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the slot.

[0010] In some embodiments, the lid can extend over an exterior surface of the base and cover the slot when the package is in an unopened state. In some embodiments, the lid can not cover the slot when the package is in an open state, and the contact lens is accessible to the user through the slot when the package is in an open state. In some embodiments, the base can include a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, and the slot can extend through the bowl from an interior surface of the base to an exterior surface. In some embodiments, the slot can extend from an end of the base and terminate at a mid-region of the bowl. In some embodiments, the slot can extend from an end of the base and terminate at a mid-region of the base. In some embodiments, the lid can extend over an end of the base when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid can not extend over an end of the base when the package is in an open state. In some embodiments, the end of the base can be open and configured to allow a contact lens to pass therethrough when the package is in an open state. In some embodiments, the interior surface can be concave and the exterior surface can be convex. In some embodiments, the base can be substantially rigid and the cover can be flexible.

[0011] In yet another aspect, a method of packaging a contact lens is provided that may include providing a base including a base cavity and a slot extending through the base from an inner surface to an outer surface of the base and in communication with the base cavity, 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 the outer surface of the base and covers the slot.

[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 slot. In some embodiments, the base can include a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, and the slot can extend through the bowl from an inner surface to an outer surface of the base. In some embodiments, the slot can extend from an end of the base and terminate at a mid-region of the base, and the lid can extend over the end of the base. In some embodiments, the inner surface can be concave and the outer surface can be convex.

[0013] In 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 containing a contact lens and a packaging solution, and a slot extending through the base from an inner surface to an outer surface of the base. The method can also include at least partially removing a lid of the package from the outer surface of the base such that the slot is not covered by the lid, engaging the contact lens through the slot, and sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity via engagement through the slot.

[0014] In some embodiments, the base cavity can accommodate the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the slot. In some embodiments, the base can include a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, and the slot can extend through the bowl from an inner surface to an outer surface of the base. In some embodiments, the slot can extend from an open end of the base and terminate at an intermediate region of the base, and sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity can include sliding the contact lens through the open end of the base. In some embodiments, the inner surface can be concave and the outer surface can be convex.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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]

[0017] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary contact lens package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the contact lens package in a vertical orientation and in an unopened state. [Figure 1B] 1B is a rear perspective view of the contact lens package of FIG. 1A in a vertical orientation and in an unopened state. [Figure 1C] 1A is a cross-sectional side view of the contact lens package of FIG. 1A taken along line 1A-1A in FIG. 1A, showing the contact lens package in a vertical orientation and in an unopened state. [Figure 1D] 1B is a front perspective view of the contact lens package of FIG. 1A in a vertical orientation and in an open state. [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. [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 a slot in the base. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a perspective view showing an exemplary method of opening the contact lens package of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2C shows a user sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity of the base via engagement through a slot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 flipping over, falling off the finger, or requiring further manipulation.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Hydrogels are hydrated crosslinked polymeric systems that contain water in an equilibrium state and may contain at least about 25%, alternatively at least 35%, water in the hydrated state. Hydrogels are typically oxygen permeable and biocompatible, making them excellent materials for manufacturing contact lenses.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] As used herein, "unopened" or "unopened" refers to a contact lens package that is closed and contains a contact lens in a solution.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The packaging lid 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1D 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 140, a contact lens 150, and a packaging solution. The contact lens package 100 may have an unopened state as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and an opened state as shown in FIG. 1D. When the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, the contact lens 150 and the packaging solution may be contained within a cavity formed by the base 110 and the lid 140. In this manner, the contact lens 150 may be protected within the base 110 and the lid 140 and exposed to the packaging solution until the contact lens package 100 is opened to remove the contact lens 150. When desired, a user may open the contact lens package 100 by at least partially removing the lid 140 from the base 110 to allow access to the contact lens 150. As described below, such removal of the lid 140 allows a user to engage the contact lens 150 through the slot 130 in the base, which engagement with the contact lens 150 allows the user to slide the contact lens 150 out of the base 110. As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D , the contact lens 150 may be received within the base 110 such that the convex side of the contact lens 150 faces the slot 130. In this manner, the user may engage the convex side for removal of the contact lens 150 and subsequent placement of the contact lens 150 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.

[0038] According to the illustrated example, the base 110 can have a first end 112 (which may be referred to as an "open end" or "top end" in certain embodiments) and a second end 114 (which may be referred to as a "closed end" or "bottom 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 "front side" in certain embodiments) and a second side 118 (which may be referred to as a "back 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 surfaces 122 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 124 that houses the contact lens 150 and the packaging solution. As shown, the base 110 can include several distinct interior surfaces that collectively define the base cavity 124. Additionally, the base 110 may include a number of different exterior surfaces that define the exterior contour of the base 110. As shown, the base 110 may include a bowl 126 configured to receive at least a portion of the contact lens 150 therein. In some embodiments, as shown, the shape of the bowl 126 may generally correspond to the shape of the contact lens 150. 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 discussed above, the base 110 may be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the base 110 may be substantially rigid.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D , the base 110 can include a slot 130 extending through the base 110 from an inner surface 132 to an outer surface 134 of the base 110, the slot 130 being in communication with the base cavity 124. As described herein, the slot 130 can facilitate removal of the contact lens 150 from the base 110 when the contact lens package 100 is in an open state. Various shapes and configurations of the slot 130 can be used. In some embodiments, the slot 130 can extend from a first end 112 of the base 110 toward a second end 114 of the base 110. For example, the slot 130 can extend from the first end 112 and terminate at a mid-region of the base 110 spaced apart from the second end 114, as shown. In some embodiments, the slot 130 can extend through the bowl 126 from the inner surface 132 to the outer surface 134, as shown. In this manner, when the contact lens package 100 is in the open state, the slot 130 may allow a user to engage the contact lens 150 through the slot 130 while the contact lens 150 is received within the bowl 126. As shown, the inner surface 132 may be a concave inner surface of the bowl 126, and the outer surface 134 may be a convex outer surface of the bowl 126. It will be appreciated that, according to various embodiments, the slot 130 may extend through various portions of the base 110 in addition to or instead of the bowl 126, and that the bowl 126 may be omitted in certain embodiments. As shown, the base 110 may include an opening 136 defined in the first end 112 of the base 110, and the slot 130 may be in communication with the opening 136. The opening 136 may be configured to allow the contact lens 150 to pass therethrough when the contact lens package 100 is in the open state. In particular, after engaging the contact lens 150 through the slot 130, the user can slide the contact lens 150 out of the base 110 through the opening 136 as described herein.

[0040] As shown, the lid 140 can extend over the respective surfaces of the base 110 and seal the contact lens 150 and packaging solution within the base cavity 124 when the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state. As previously mentioned, there are means of sealing the base and the seal that will be apparent to those skilled in the art, including the use of adhesives, glues, thermal bonding, heat, welding such as ultrasonic or laser welding, or mechanical traps. In a preferred embodiment, the base is formed of molded polypropylene, the lid is formed of a multi-layer film, and the lid and base are joined via a conventional heat sealing process to form a hermetic seal and a cavity in which the lens is stored within the package. In this manner, the base 110 and the lid 140 can form a sealed cavity for containing the contact lens 150 and packaging solution until a user desires to open the contact lens package 100 and remove the contact lens 150 for use. In some embodiments, as shown, when the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state, the lid 140 can extend over at least a portion of the first side 116 of the base 110, at least a portion of the first end 112 of the base 110, and at least a portion of the second side 118 of the base 110. For example, the lid 140 can include a first portion 142 that extends over at least a portion of the first side 116, a second portion 144 that extends over at least a portion of the first end 112, and a third portion 146 that extends over at least a portion of the second side 118. As shown, the first portion 142 can extend over at least a portion of the exterior surface 134 and can cover the slot 130 along the first side 116, the second portion 144 can cover the opening 136 along the first end 112, and the third portion 146 can cover the base cavity 124 along the second side 118. When the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state, each portion of the lid 140 can be sealed to a respective adjacent portion of the base 110 such that the contact lens 150 and packaging solution are contained within a cavity formed by the base 110 and the lid 140.The seal between the lid 140 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 150. As mentioned above, the lid 140 may be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, as shown, the lid 140 may be flexible.

[0041] 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 FIGS. 1A-1C, 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 140 from the base 110, as shown in FIG. 2A. For example, the user may grasp an end region of the first portion 142 and pull the lid 140 away from the base 110. In this manner, at least a portion of the seal between the lid 140 and the base 110 may be broken. In some embodiments, the contact lens package 100 may be held in a vertical orientation while the lid 140 is at least partially removed from the base 110, as shown. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the contact lens package 100 may be held in a horizontal orientation while the lid 140 is at least partially removed from the base 110. In some embodiments, as shown, the lid 140 may be removed from the exterior surface 134 of the base 110 such that the slot 130 is no longer covered by the lid 140 along the first side 116. Further, as shown, the lid 140 may be removed from the base 110 such that the opening 136 is no longer covered by the lid 140 along the first end 112. Further, as shown, the lid 140 may be removed from the base 110 such that at least a portion of the base cavity 124 is no longer covered by the lid 140 along the second side 118. In some embodiments, the lid 140 may be completely removed from the base 110.

[0042] After at least partially removing the lid 140 from the base 110, the user can engage the contact lens 150 with one of the user's fingers through the slot 130 in the base 110 while the contact lens 150 resides within the base cavity 124, as shown in FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, as shown, the user can engage the contact lens 150 through the slot 130 while the contact lens package 100 is held in a horizontal orientation. According to the illustrated embodiment in which the convex side of the contact lens 150 faces the slot 130, the user can engage the convex side of the contact lens 150 through the slot 130. The user can then slide the contact lens 150 out of the base cavity 124 via engagement through the slot 130, as shown in FIG. 2C. Specifically, the user can slide the contact lens 150 through the uncovered opening 136 in the first end 112 of the base 110. In this manner, with one touch, the contact lens 150 may be conveniently removed from the base 110 and held on the user's finger in a desired concave side up orientation, ready to be positioned on the user's eye.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Aspects of the invention may include the following embodiments: 1. A contact lens package comprising: The base is a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a slot extending through the base from the inner surface to the outer surface of the base and in communication with the base cavity; A base, a lid connected to the base, the lid extending over an exterior surface of the base and covering the slot when the package is in an unopened condition; 1. A contact lens package comprising: 2. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the lid does not cover the slot when the package is in the open state and the contact lens is accessible to a user through the slot when the package is in the open state. 3. A contact lens package as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base cavity receives the contact lens such that the convex surface of the contact lens faces the slot. 4. A contact lens package as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base includes a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, the slot extending through the bowl from the inner surface to the outer surface of the base. 5. The contact lens package of claim 4, wherein the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the bowl. 6. The contact lens package of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the base. 7. The contact lens package of claim 6, wherein the lid extends over the edge of the base when the package is in an unopened condition, and wherein the lid does not extend over the edge of the base when the package is in an open condition. 8. A contact lens package according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the end of the base is open and configured to allow a contact lens to pass therethrough when the package is in an open condition. 9. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inner surface is concave and the outer surface is convex. 10. The contact lens package of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base is substantially rigid and the lid is flexible.

[0049] 11. A contact lens package comprising: The base is a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a slot extending through the base from the inner surface to the outer surface of the base and in communication with the base cavity, the base cavity receiving a contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the slot; A base, a lid connected to the base; 1. A contact lens package comprising: 12. The contact lens package of claim 11, wherein the lid extends over an exterior surface of the base and covers the slot when the package is in an unopened condition. 13. The contact lens package of claim 12, wherein the lid does not cover the slot when the package is in the open state and the contact lens is accessible to a user through the slot when the package is in the open state. 14. A contact lens package as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the base includes a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, the slot extending through the bowl from the inner surface to the outer surface of the base. 15. The contact lens package of claim 14, wherein the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the bowl. 16. The contact lens package of any one of claims 11-15, wherein the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the base. 17. The contact lens package of claim 16, wherein the lid extends over the edge of the base when the package is in an unopened condition, and wherein the lid does not extend over the edge of the base when the package is in an open condition. 18. A contact lens package as described in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein an end of the base is open and configured to allow a contact lens to pass therethrough when the package is in an open condition. 19. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the inner surface is concave and the outer surface is convex. 20. The contact lens package of any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the base is substantially rigid and the cover is flexible.

[0050] 21. A method for packaging contact lenses, comprising: providing a base including a base cavity and a slot extending through the base from an inner surface to an outer surface of the base and in communication with 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 an exterior surface of the base and covers the slot; A method comprising: 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the contact lens is placed in the base cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the slot. 23. The method of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the base includes a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, and the slot extends through the bowl from the inner surface to the outer surface of the base. 24. The method of any one of claims 21-23, wherein the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the base, and the lid extends over the end of the base. 25. The method of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the inner surface is concave and the outer surface is convex. 26. A method of opening a contact lens package, the method comprising: and holding a base of the package, the base comprising: a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a slot extending through the base from the inner surface to the outer surface of the base; and removing a lid of the package at least partially from an exterior surface of the base such that the slot is not covered by the lid; engaging a contact lens through the slot; Sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity via engagement through the slot; A method comprising: 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the base cavity receives the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the slot. 28. The method of claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the base includes a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, and the slot extends through the bowl from the inner surface to the outer surface of the base. 29. The method of any one of claims 26-28, wherein the slot extends from an open end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the base, and sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity includes sliding the contact lens through the open end of the base. 30. The method of any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the inner surface is concave and the outer surface is convex.

[0051] [Embodiment] (1) A contact lens package comprising: The base is a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a slot extending through the base from an inner surface to an outer surface of the base and in communication with the base cavity; A base, a lid connected to the base, the lid extending over the exterior surface of the base and covering the slot when the package is in an unopened condition; and 1. A contact lens package comprising: (2) A contact lens package as described in embodiment 1, wherein the lid does not cover the slot when the package is in an open state, and the contact lens is accessible to a user through the slot when the package is in the open state. (3) 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 slot. (4) The contact lens package of embodiment 1, wherein the base includes a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, and the slot extends through the bowl from the inner surface to the outer surface of the base. (5) The contact lens package of embodiment 1, wherein the base includes a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, and the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at a mid-region of the bowl.

[0052] (6) The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the base. (7) The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the lid extends over the end of the base when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid does not extend over the end of the base when the package is in the opened state. (8) A contact lens package as described in embodiment 1, wherein the end of the base is open and configured to allow the contact lens to pass therethrough when the package is in an open state. (9) The contact lens package of embodiment 1, wherein the inner surface is concave and the outer surface is convex. (10) The contact lens package of embodiment 1, wherein the base is substantially rigid and the lid is flexible.

[0053] (11) A contact lens package comprising: The base is a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a slot extending through the base from an inner surface to an outer surface of the base and in communication with the base cavity, the base cavity receiving the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the slot; A base, a lid connected to the base; 1. A contact lens package comprising: (12) The contact lens package of claim 11, wherein the lid extends over the outer surface of the base and covers the slot when the package is in an unopened condition. (13) The contact lens package of claim 11, wherein the lid does not cover the slot when the package is in an open state, and the contact lens is accessible to a user through the slot when the package is in the open state. (14) The contact lens package of claim 11, wherein the base includes a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, and the slot extends through the bowl from the inner surface to the outer surface of the base. (15) The contact lens package of claim 11, wherein the base includes a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, and the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at a mid-region of the bowl.

[0054] (16) The contact lens package of claim 11, wherein the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the base. (17) The contact lens package of claim 11, wherein the lid extends over the end of the base when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid does not extend over the end of the base when the package is in the opened state. (18) The contact lens package of claim 11, wherein the end of the base is open and configured to allow the contact lens to pass therethrough when the package is in an open state. (19) The contact lens package of embodiment 11, wherein the inner surface is concave and the outer surface is convex. (20) The contact lens package of embodiment 11, wherein the base is substantially rigid and the cover is flexible.

[0055] (21) A method for packaging contact lenses, the method comprising: providing a base including a base cavity and a slot extending through the base from an inner surface to an outer surface of the base and in communication with 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 the exterior surface of the base and covers the slot; A method comprising: 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the contact lens is positioned within the base cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the slot. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the base includes a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, and the slot extends through the bowl from the inner surface to the outer surface of the base. 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the base, and the lid extends over the end of the base. 25. The method of claim 21, wherein the inner surface is concave and the outer surface is convex.

[0056] (26) A method for opening a contact lens package, the method comprising: and holding a base of the package, the base comprising: a base cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a slot extending through the base from an inner surface to an outer surface of the base; and removing a lid of the package at least partially from the exterior surface of the base such that the slot is not covered by the lid; engaging the contact lens through the slot; sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity via the engagement through the slot; A method comprising: (27) The method of claim 26, wherein the base cavity accommodates the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the slot. 28. The method of claim 26, wherein the base includes a bowl forming at least a portion of the base cavity, and the slot extends through the bowl from the inner surface to the outer surface of the base. (29) The method of claim 26, wherein the slot extends from an open end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the base, and sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity includes sliding the contact lens through the open end of the base. 30. The method of claim 26, wherein the inner surface is concave and the outer surface is convex.

Claims

1. A contact lens package (100), comprising: A base (110), a base cavity (124) for containing a contact lens (150) and a packaging solution; a slot (130) extending through the base from an inner surface (132) to an outer surface (134) of the base and communicating with the base cavity; a base, a lid (140) connected to the base, the lid extending over the exterior surface (134) of the base and covering the slot when the contact lens package is in an unopened state; Including, A contact lens package, wherein the lid does not cover the slot when the contact lens package is in an opened state, the contact lens is accessible to a user through the slot when the contact lens package is in the opened state, the user can engage the contact lens through the slot in the base, and the engagement with the contact lens allows the user to slide the contact lens out of the base.

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 slot.

3. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a bowl that forms at least a portion of the base cavity, and the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at a mid-region of the bowl.

4. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at a medial region of the base.

5. 2. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the lid extends over the edge of the base when the contact lens package is in the unopened state, and the lid does not extend over the edge of the base when the contact lens package is in the opened state.

6. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein the end of the base is open and configured to allow the contact lens to pass therethrough when the contact lens package is in the opened state.

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

8. 1. A method for packaging contact lenses, said method comprising: providing a base (110) including a base cavity (124) and a slot (130) extending through the base from an inner surface (132) to an outer surface (134) of the base and in communication with the base cavity; placing the contact lens (150) and a packaging solution within the base cavity; connecting a lid (140) to the base such that the lid extends over the exterior surface of the base and covers the slot; wherein the contact lens is accessible to a user through the slot when the contact lens package is in an open state, and wherein the user is adapted to engage the contact lens through the slot, and the engagement with the contact lens allows the user to slide the contact lens out of the base.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the contact lens is placed in the base cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the slot.

10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the slot extends from an end of the base and terminates at a medial region of the base, and the lid extends over the end of the base.

11. 1. A method of opening a contact lens package, the method comprising: Holding a base (110) of the contact lens package, the base comprising: a base cavity (124) for containing a contact lens (150) and a packaging solution; a slot (130) extending through said base from an inner surface (132) to an outer surface (135) of said base; and removing a lid (140) of the contact lens package at least partially from the exterior surface of the base so that the slot is not covered by the lid; engaging the contact lens through the slot; sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity via the engagement through the slot; A method comprising:

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the base cavity accommodates the contact lens such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the slot.

13. 12. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the base includes a bowl (126) forming at least a portion of the base cavity, and wherein the slot extends through the bowl from the inner surface to the outer surface of the base.

14. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the slot extends from an open end of the base and terminates at an intermediate region of the base, and sliding the contact lens out of the base cavity comprises sliding the contact lens through the open end of the base.

15. 12. The contact lens package of claim 1, or the method of claim 8, or the method of claim 11, wherein the inner surface is concave and the outer surface is convex.

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