Contact lens package having pivot mechanism and handling method - Patents.com

Abstract

The contact lens package includes a lid, a container defining a cavity configured to receive a contact lens and a packaging solution, the lid being sealingly coupled to the container, and a lens support including a lever and a lens support disposed within the cavity. The lens support is pivotally coupled to the container such that the lever is configured to lift the lens support at least partially out of the cavity.

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. Ideally, the wearer must be able to consistently position the lens so that it is tightly attached to 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 while transferring it 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 that adheres 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 that 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 needs to meet expected industry standards recognized by the medical and commercial provider communities.

[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.

[0005] There are several desirable attributes that make the functionality of one-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, and to be easily transferred to the wearer's fingers and then to the eye.

[0006] The above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art are merely illustrative and not exhaustive. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Thus, a need remains for a contact lens package that provides a consistent, one-touch lens dispensing experience, effective solution management, or addresses one or a combination of the aforementioned challenges or deficiencies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] It has now been found that the foregoing and related objects may be accomplished in any one or more of the following aspects of a contact lens package: 1. A contact lens package comprising: The lid and a container defining a cavity configured to receive a contact lens and a packaging solution, the lid being sealingly coupled to the container; a lens support including a lever and a lens support disposed within the cavity; Including, A contact lens package, wherein the lens support is pivotally coupled to the container such that the lever is configured to lift the lens support at least partially out of the cavity. 2. The container includes a cavity base at least partially defining a cavity; The package of claim 1, wherein the lens support is coupled to the container such that the lens support pivots about an axis spaced apart from the cavity base and is disposed between the cavity base and the lid. 3. The container includes a cavity base at least partially defining a cavity; 3. The package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the lever is coupled to the container such that the lens support pivots about an axis disposed on the cavity base. 4. The package of any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the cavity base includes a lever receiving portion adjacent to the lever, the lever being movable into the lever receiving portion when the lever is operated to lift the lens support at least partially out of the cavity. 5. A package according to any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the cavity is a blister bowl integral with the container. 6. The package of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the lens support defines a cutout extending through the lens support. 7. The package of claim 6, wherein the cutout is configured to guide a user's finger to the convex surface of the contact lens. 8. The package of clause 6 or 7, wherein the cutout defines a C-shape in the lens support. 9. The package of any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the lever and the lens support are substantially coplanar. 10. The package of any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the lever and the lens support are disposed in substantially separate planes.

[0009] 11. A package according to any of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the cavity is adjacent to the lens support and packaging solution discharged from the lens support is collected by the cavity. 12. The package of any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the lever and the lens support are a single component. 13. The package of any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the lever and the lens support are separate components that are joined to each other. 14. A package according to any of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the lever and the lens support are made of a homogenous material. 15. A package according to any of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the lens support and the container are made of a homogenous material. 16. A package according to any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the container comprises polypropylene. 17. The package of any of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the lens support comprises polypropylene. 18. A package according to any of clauses 1 to 17, wherein the lid is hermetically sealed to the container. 19. A package according to any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the lid is foil. 20. A method of placing a contact lens on a wearer's eye, the contact lens being stored in a package, the package including a lid, a container defining a cavity configured to receive the contact lens and a packaging solution, the lid being hermetically coupled to the container, the container, and a lens support including a lever and a lens support, the lens support configured to support a convex surface of the contact lens, the lens support being disposed within the cavity, the lens support being pivotally coupled to the container such that the lever is configured to lift the lens support at least partially out of the cavity, the method comprising: Depressing the lever, thereby lifting the lens support; removing the contact lens from the lens support by placing a finger on the convex surface of the contact lens; placing the contact lens on the wearer's eye; A method comprising:

[0010] 21. The method according to clause 20, wherein putting on the contact lens is done by the person touching only the convex surface of the contact lens. 22. The method of clause 20 or 21, wherein the lid is sealingly attached to the container, and the method further comprises removing the lid before pressing the lever. 23. A method for packaging contact lenses, comprising: providing a packaging solution into a container; providing a lever and a lens support pivotally coupled to the container; Providing a contact lens in a lens support with the concave side facing up; sealing the container by attaching a lid to the container; A method comprising:

[0011] 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]

[0012] [Figure 1A] 1A illustrates a contact lens package and steps for opening the contact lens package to remove a contact lens, according to one embodiment. FIG 1A illustrates how a lens can be removed from a contact lens package. [Figure 1B] 1A-1C illustrate a contact lens package and steps for opening the contact lens package to remove the contact lens, according to one embodiment. FIG IB illustrates how the lens support is pressed to lift the contact lens out of the solution. [Figure 1C] 1A-1C show a contact lens package and steps for opening the contact lens package to remove the contact lens according to one embodiment. FIG 1C shows how a user may remove the contact lens from the lens support. [Figure 1D] Figure 1D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the contact lens package of Figures 1A-1C, showing a contact lens package and the steps of opening the contact lens package to remove a contact lens, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows a contact lens package and steps for opening the contact lens package to remove the contact lens according to one embodiment. Figure 2A shows how the foil can be removed from the contact lens package. [Figure 2B] 2A shows a contact lens package and steps for opening the contact lens package to remove the contact lens, according to one embodiment. FIG 2B shows how the lens support is pressed to lift the contact lens out of the solution. [Figure 2C] 2A-2C show a contact lens package and steps for opening the contact lens package to remove the contact lens according to one embodiment. FIG 2C shows how a user may remove the contact lens from the lens support. [Figure 2D]Figure 2D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the contact lens package of Figures 2A-2C, showing a contact lens package and the steps of opening the contact lens package to remove a contact lens, according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a perspective view of a contact lens package in an opened configuration according to another embodiment in which the lens is presented in a convex side up orientation. [Figure 4] 4 illustrates a perspective view of the contact lens package shown in FIG. 3 in a closed configuration. [Diagram 5] 4 illustrates a side cutaway view of the contact lens package shown in FIG. 3 in a closed configuration. [Figure 6] 4 shows a side view of two of the contact lens packages shown in FIG. 3 in a closed configuration stacked in a nested configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings. An advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention is that they facilitate consistent, one-touch lens transfer from the package to the wearer's finger and from the finger to the wearer's eye without the lens inverting, falling off the finger, or further manipulation. Consistent lens transfer includes a transfer rate of at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90% transfer at the first touch (or "tap") of the finger. Certain embodiment packages can provide the desired one-touch transfer over a range of finger sizes and tap pressures. Environmental conditions such as temperature and whether the finger is wet or dry can also affect the transfer rate, with higher temperatures generally resulting in better lens transfer.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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, No.8,487,058, No.8,507,577, No.8,637,621, No.8,703,891, No.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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 (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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] As used herein, "unopened" or "unopened" refers to a contact lens package that is closed and contains a contact lens in a solution.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The package base may form the bottom of the package. It may be made of any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including plastic. Examples of 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 1A-1D show a contact lens package 100 including a lid 102, a container 104, and a lens support 120 pivotally coupled to the container 104, according to one embodiment.

[0034] In this embodiment, the lid 102 is flexible and can be sealingly bonded to the container 104. FIGS. 1A-1D show a foil lid 102 that is peelable from the surface to which it is bonded. Optionally, in some embodiments, the lid 102 is a conventional lidstock commonly used for blister packaging of contact lenses. However, in other embodiments, the lid 102 is a plastic, polymer, or any other material suitable for forming a sterile seal with the container 104. The lid 102 includes an adhesive applied to a side of the lid 102 that is bonded to the container 104. Alternatively, the container 104 includes an adhesive applied to a side of the container 104 that is bonded to the lid 102. The adhesive secures the lid 102 in a desired position, but separates from the lid 102 and / or the container 104 upon a desired pressure from a user. In other embodiments in which the lid 102 is bonded to the container 104 by another method, the lid 102 and / or the container 104 do not include an adhesive.

[0035] In this embodiment, the container 104 provides a sterile environment for storage and transport of the contact lens 101. The container 104 also provides a sealed environment, such that packaging fluid may be placed into the container 104 without the packaging fluid leaking out of the package 100 or contaminants entering the package 100. The container 104 defines a cavity 103 and includes a cavity base 106 and an integral wall 108 that extends around an edge of the base 106 of the cavity 103 to form and define the cavity 103. The wall 108 is integrally formed and has no seams or spaces therein. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the wall 108 and base 106 are integrally formed to define a bowl-shaped enclosure, referred to herein as the cavity 103. Optionally, the cavity 103 is a blister bowl. The cavity 103 formed by the base 106 and the wall 108 is configured to contain the contact lens 101 and the packaging solution. A portion of the cavity 103 forms a lever receiver 110, and a portion of the lens support 120 (i.e., the lever 118 (described below)) is movable into the lever receiver 110 when the lever 118 is operated (e.g., pushed downwards), thereby lifting the lens support 120 (described below). The lever receiver 110 also provides a stop 119 for the lever 118 to limit the rotation of the lever 118 to a desired location when the lever 118 is fully depressed. The container and stop should be configured to allow sufficient height for the lens to fully remove the solution, preferably with at least about 5 mm of margin for the lens to drain under gravity, and to allow any fluid meniscus that forms to separate. Additionally or alternatively, the height may be high enough to allow a finger to fit under the lens without getting wet (e.g., 10-15 mm). If the lever is rotated too far, the lens will overcome static friction and begin to slide, potentially rotating the lens to make it inaccessible or causing the lens to slide off the lens support.An angle limit of about 30-60° higher than average has been found to be adequate where an angle of at least 30° helps drain solution from the concave side of the lens (preventing excess fluid from dropping or crushing the lens during transport). The container 104 also includes a fluid reservoir 112 opposite the lever receiver 110. The reservoir 112 provides a sub-cavity partially isolated from the remainder of the cavity 103, within which packaging fluid may be retained such that the contact lens 101 is positioned in a closed configuration.

[0036] The container 104 includes a unitary, continuous cavity wall 108, although in some embodiments the cavity wall is not continuous and includes multiple walls joined together to form the cavity wall. As noted above, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1A-1D, the wall 108 and the base 106 are integrally formed to form a bowl-shaped enclosure. However, in other embodiments, the wall 108 and the base 106 are formed separately and joined together to define the cavity 103.

[0037] The container 104 further includes a pivot receiving portion 114 that couples to the lens support 120. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A-1D, the pivot receiving portion 114 is disposed on a surface of the base 106 such that the lever 118 can be coupled to the surface of the base 106 via the pivot receiving portion 114. For example, the pivot receiving portion 114 forms a hinge to allow a body (e.g., the lens support 120) to rotate about a desired axis on the container 104.

[0038] The lens support 120 provides a surface for supporting the contact lens 101 and secures the lens when the contact lens 101 is in the package 100. The lens support 120 also provides an object that can be used to remove the contact lens 101 from the packaging solution, allowing a user to access the lens and remove it for use without dipping their fingers in the packaging solution. The lens support 120 includes a lever 118 and a lens support 120. The lens support 120 provides a support surface for the contact lens 101 disposed in the package 100. The lens support 120 is a dome-shaped body having a concave surface and a convex surface opposite the concave surface. The lens support 120 is shaped to support the convex surface of the contact lens 101 such that the convex surface of the contact lens 101 abuts the concave surface of the lens support 120. The lens support 120 also includes a cutout 121 that extends through a portion of the lens support 120 to form an access opening passing between the concave and convex surfaces of the lens support 120. The cutout 121 provides an opening for the packaging fluid to drain through. Preferably, the cutout can extend 2-5 mm beyond the center of the lens (considering that the total arc length across the lens is 17 mm) to allow for downward drainage (depending on the rotation angle of the lens). The cutout 121 further provides an opening for the user to access the convex surface of the contact lens 101 when the lens is abutting against the lens support 120. Thus, the user can touch the convex surface of the contact lens 101 to remove the lens from the package 100 and place it on the user's eye. In the drawings, the cutout 121 forms a C-shape in the lens support 120 such that the lens support 120 extends at least partially around the opening in the lens support 120 formed by the cutout 121. The cutout should leave a sufficient area wetted area between the lens and the lens support to achieve a surface tension with the lens that is greater than the area of ​​wet contact of a finger with the lens.When the cutout is shaped as a channel as shown, a minimum width of about 7-10 mm is generally sufficient to create the necessary tension between the lens and the finger. However, at the top end, the channel width should ideally not be larger than about 10-12 mm for a conventional lens diameter to reduce the occurrence of lens inversion that can occur as surface tension forces act too far toward the periphery of the lens. In other words, the lens support needs to allow the user to apply enough pressure to the lens to either: 1) overcome the surface tension between the lens and the support, or 2) create enough friction (greater than the friction between the lens and the support) to slide the lens with the finger. Thus, the lens fits snugly against the finger for movement and placement of the lens on the eye.

[0039] The cutout 121 is further provided to act as a guide for positioning a user's fingers when accessing the contact lens 101. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A-1D, the cutout 121 extends through the center of the lens support 120 to the outer edge of the lens support 120. However, in other embodiments, the cutout 121 does not extend through the center of the lens support 120.

[0040] The lever 118 is a substantially linear object that includes a pivot 122 disposed thereon about which the lever 118 can pivot. The lever 118 can be used to move the lens support 120 relative to the container 104. The lever 118 has a first end 124, a second end 126, and a body extending between the first end 124 and the second end 126. The pivot 122 is a protrusion disposed between the first end 124 and the second end 126 and extending perpendicular to the lever 118. In an alternative embodiment, the pivoting can be accomplished using a flexible hinge that can bend or twist. The lever 118 includes an actuating arm 128 that extends between the first end 124 and the pivot 122. The lever 118 further includes a lens support arm 130 that extends between the pivot 122 and a second end 126 of the lever 118 and is coupled to the lens support 120. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A-1D, the actuation arm 128 is offset from the lens support arm 130 such that the lens support 120 and the actuation arm 128 are disposed in substantially separate planes. This offset provides space for the lever 118 to be depressed against a desired surface, such as the container base 106, when the second end of the lever 118 rests on the desired surface.

[0041] The lens support 120 is pivotally coupled to the container 104 such that the lever 118 is configured to lift the lens support 120 at least partially out of the cavity 103. The pivot 122 is disposed on the pivot receiver 114 such that the lens support 120 is pivotable about the pivot receiver 114. The cavity 103 is adjacent to the lens support 120 such that the packaging solution expelled from the lens support 120 is expelled into the cavity 103.

[0042] The lid 102 is coupled to the container 104 such that the lid 102 and container 104 form a hermetic seal. The lid 102 is coupled to the container 104 using an adhesive, although in other embodiments the lid 102 is molded with the container 104, heat bonded to the container 104, or any other suitable form of attachment for adhering the lid 102 to the container 104. The lens support 120 is coupled to the container 104 in an open position facing away from the base 106 of the container 104. For example, when the lens support 120 is adjacent to the container 104, the concave side of the lens support 120 faces away from the container 104. In other words, the contact lens is presented to the user with the concave side facing up.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the cutout 121 forms a C-shape on the concave and convex surfaces of the lens support 120, but in other embodiments, the cutout can be of any shape, size, or arrangement suitable for providing a desired surface tension and distinguishing the concave shape from the convex surface of the contact lens 101 to guide a user's finger in accessing the convex surface of the contact lens 101 disposed within the lens support. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the lever 118 and the lens support 120 are integrally formed. However, in other embodiments, the lever 118 and the lens support 120 are formed separately and bonded together to form the lens support 120. The lever 118 and the lens support 120 are each formed from a homogenous material, such as polypropylene. However, in other embodiments, the lever 118 and the lens support 120 are formed from any other material suitable for supporting the contact lens 101 in a sterile environment. In some further embodiments, the lens support 120 and the lever 118 are formed from different materials, with the lever 118 formed from a first material and the lens support 120 formed from a second material. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the lens support 120 and the container 104 are each formed from a homogenous material, such as polypropylene. However, in other embodiments, the container 104 is formed from any other material suitable for holding a contact lens 101 in 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.

[0044] FIG. 1A shows the removal of the lid 102 from the container 104 by peeling the lid 102 off the container 104. FIG. 1B shows the pressing of the lever 118, thereby lifting the lens support 120. The lens support 120 is disposed in a fluid reservoir 112 that contains a packaging fluid. When the lens support 120 is lifted, the lens support 120 moves away from the fluid reservoir 112. The packaging fluid contained in the contact lens 101 and the lens support 120 is expelled into the reservoir, which can recapture the packaging fluid retained by the lens support 120 and the lens. FIG. 1C shows the removal of the contact lens 101 by placing a finger on the convex surface of the contact lens 101 through the cutout 121. This orientation allows the user to access and wear the lens with a one-touch application. This orientation allows the user to slide the contact lens 101 out of the package 100 with a single touch and place the lens on the eye in the same orientation as it was removed from the package 100, eliminating the need for further handling of the lens.

[0045] 2A-2D illustrate the steps of opening a contact lens package 200 and removing a contact lens 101 as described above using another embodiment of the package 200. The package illustrated in Figures 2A-2D includes a contact lens package 200 that includes a lid 202, a container 204, and a lens support 220 pivotally coupled to the container 204.

[0046] As with the embodiments described above, the lid 202 is a flexible lid 202 that is sealingly bondable to the container 204. FIGS. 2A-2D show a foil lid 202 that is peelable from the surface to which it is bonded. Optionally, in some embodiments, the lid 202 is aluminum foil. However, in other embodiments, the lid 202 is a plastic, polymer, or any other material suitable for forming a sterile seal with the container 204. The lid 202 includes an adhesive applied to a side of the lid 202 that is bonded to the container 204. Alternatively, the container 204 includes an adhesive applied to a side of the container 204 that is bonded to the lid 202. The adhesive secures the lid 202 in a desired position, but separates from the lid 202 and / or the container 204 upon a desired pressure from a user. In other embodiments where the lid 202 is otherwise adhered to the container 204, the lid 202 and / or the container 204 do not include an adhesive.

[0047] The container 204 provides a sterile environment for storage and transportation of the contact lens 101. The container 204 also provides a sealed environment, such that packaging fluid can be placed into the container 204 without the packaging fluid leaking out of the package 200 or non-sterile materials, such as dirt or dust, entering the package 200. The container 204 defines a cavity 203 and includes a cavity base 206 and an integral wall 208 that extends around the edge of the base 206 of the cavity 203 to form and define the cavity 203. The wall 208 is integrally formed and has no seams or spaces therein. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A-2D, the wall 208 and the base 206 are integrally formed to form a bowl-shaped enclosure, referred to herein as the cavity 203. Optionally, the cavity 203 is a blister bowl. The cavity 203 formed by the base 206 and the wall 208 is configured to contain the contact lens 101 and the packaging solution. A portion of the cavity 203 forms a lever receiver 210, and a portion of the lens support 220 (i.e., the lever 218 (described below)) is movable into the lever receiver 210 when the lever 218 is operated (e.g., pushed downward), thereby lifting the lens support 220 (described below) of the lens support 220. The lever receiver 210 also provides a stop 219 for the lever 218 to limit the rotation of the lever 218 to a desired location when the lever 218 is fully depressed. The container 204 also includes a fluid reservoir 212 opposite the lever receiver 210. The reservoir 212 provides a sub-cavity partially isolated from the remainder of the cavity 203, and packaging fluid can be held in the sub-cavity such that the contact lens 101 is located therein.

[0048] The container 204 includes a unitary, continuous cavity wall 208, although in some embodiments the cavity wall is not continuous and includes multiple walls joined together to form the cavity wall. As noted above, in the embodiments shown in Figures 2A-2D, the wall 208 and the base 206 are integrally formed to form a bowl-shaped enclosure. However, in other embodiments, the wall 208 and the base 206 are formed separately and joined together to define the cavity 203.

[0049] The container 204 further includes a pivot receiver 214 that couples to the lens support 220. The support is spaced from the container base 206 such that the pivot 214 couples to the container 204 at a point spaced from the container base 206. In this embodiment, the pivot receiver 214 is a pair of notches in the cavity wall 208 that are opposite and spaced from each other. However, in other embodiments, the pivot receiver 214 can be a hinge, clip, or any other support suitable for pivoting a lever.

[0050] The lens support 220 provides a surface for supporting the contact lens 101 and secures the lens when the contact lens 101 is in the package 200. The lens support 220 also provides an object that can be used to remove the contact lens 101 from the packaging solution, allowing a user to access the lens and remove it for use without dipping their fingers in the packaging solution. The lens support 220 includes a lever 218 and a lens support 220. The lens support 220 provides a support surface for the contact lens 101 placed in the package 200. The lens support 220 is a dome-shaped body having a concave surface and a convex surface opposite the concave surface. The lens support 220 is shaped to support the convex surface of the contact lens 101 such that the convex surface of the contact lens 101 abuts the concave surface of the lens support 220. The lens support 220 also includes a cutout 221 that extends through a portion of the lens support 220 to form an access opening passing between the concave and convex surfaces. The cutout 221 provides an opening for the evacuation of packaging fluid therethrough. The cutout 221 further provides a user with an opening for accessing the convex surface of the contact lens 101 when the lens is abutted against the lens support 220.

[0051] Thus, a user can touch the convex surface of the contact lens 101 to remove the lens from the package 200 and place it on the user's eye. The cutout 221 forms a C-shape in the lens support 220 such that the lens support 220 extends at least partially around the opening in the lens support 220 formed by the cutout 221. The cutout provides an opening profile that does not match that of the contact lens 101 located therein. The cutout provides a surface tension that is sufficient to hold the lens but not sufficient to prevent removal when touched by the user. The lens support 220 of the present invention preferably allows both the fingertip and the lens to deform to match each other's shape upon tapping, and does not cause inversion of the lens or damage to the lens during removal due to excessive pressure during tapping. Thus, one aspect of removing the lens from the present package would be 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, as described in detail above. Thus, the lens adheres to the finger for transferring and positioning the lens on the eye. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A-2D, the cutout 221 extends through the center of the lens support 220 to the outer edge of the lens support 220. However, in other embodiments, the cutout 221 does not extend through the center of the lens support 220.

[0052] The lever 218 is a substantially linear object that includes a pivot 222 disposed thereon about which the lever 218 can pivot. The lever 218 can be used to move the lens support 220 relative to the container 204. The lever 218 has a first end 224, a second end 226, and a body extending between the first end 224 and the second end 226. The pivot 222 is a protrusion disposed between the first end 224 and the second end 226 and extending perpendicular to the lever 218. The lever 218 includes an actuation arm 228 that extends between the first end 224 and the pivot 222. The lever 218 further includes a lens support arm 230 that extends between the pivot 222 and the second end 226 of the lever 218. 2A-2D, the actuation arm 228 of the lever 218 is disposed in substantially the same plane as the lens support 220. Thus, the entire lens support 220 is disposed in substantially the same plane.

[0053] The lens support 220 is pivotally coupled to the container 204 such that the lever 218 is configured to lift the lens support 220 at least partially out of the cavity 203. The pivot 222 is disposed on the pivot receiver 214 such that the lens support 220 is pivotable about the pivot receiver 214. The cavity 203 is adjacent to the lens support 220 such that the packaging solution expelled from the lens support 220 is expelled into the cavity 203.

[0054] The lid 202 is coupled to the container 204 such that the lid 202 and container 204 form a hermetic seal. The lid 202 is coupled to the container 204 using an adhesive, although in other embodiments the lid 202 is molded with the container 204, heat bonded to the container 204, or any other suitable form of attachment for adhering the lid 202 to the container 204. The lens support 220 is coupled to the container 204 in an open position facing away from the base 206 of the container 204. For example, when the lens support 220 is adjacent to the container 204, the concave side of the lens support 220 faces away from the container 204. In other words, the contact lens is presented to the user with the concave side facing up.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the cutouts 221 form a C-shape on the concave and convex surfaces of the lens support 220, but in other embodiments, the cutouts can be of any shape, size, or arrangement suitable for providing a desired surface tension and distinguishing the concave shape from the convex surface of the contact lens 101 to guide a user's finger to access the convex surface of the contact lens 101 disposed within the lens support. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the lever 218 and the lens support 220 are integrally formed. However, in other embodiments, the lever 218 and the lens support 220 are formed separately and bonded together to form the lens support 220. The lever 218 and the lens support 220 are each formed from a homogenous material, such as polypropylene. However, in other embodiments, the lever 218 and the lens support 220 are formed from any other material suitable for supporting the contact lens 101 in a sterile environment. In some further embodiments, the lens support 220 and the lever 218 are formed from different materials, with the lever 218 being formed from a first material and the lens support 220 being formed from a second material. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the lens support 220 and the container 204 are each formed from a homogenous material, such as polypropylene. However, in other embodiments, the container 204 is formed from any other material suitable for holding the contact lens 101 in a sterile environment. In some further embodiments, the container 204 and the lens support 220 are each formed from different materials, with the lens support 220 being formed from at least one material and the container 204 being formed from at least one material different from the material forming the lens support 220. 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.

[0056] 3-6 show an exemplary package 300 in which a lens support 316 includes an arm 320 configured to support a lens, with the concave side of the lens facing the container 304 and supported by the arm 320. In other words, the contact lens is presented to the user with the convex side up. This is in contrast to the package shown in FIGS. 1A-2D, in which the lens support supports the contact lens such that the convex side of the contact lens faces the container (i.e., the contact lens is presented to the user with the concave side up). The package 300 shown in FIG. 3 includes a lid 302, a container 304, and a lens support 316 pivotally coupled to the container 304.

[0057] As with the embodiments described above, the lid 302 is a flexible lid 302 that is sealingly bondable to the container 304. FIGS. 3-6 show a foil lid 302 that is peelable from the surface to which it is bonded. Optionally, in some embodiments, the foil lid 302 is aluminum foil. However, in other embodiments, the lid 302 is a plastic, polymer, or any other material suitable for forming a sterile seal with the container 304. The lid 302 includes an adhesive applied to a side of the lid 302 that is bonded to the container 304. Alternatively, the container 304 includes an adhesive applied to a side of the container 304 that is bonded to the lid 302. The adhesive secures the lid 302 in a desired position, but separates from the lid 302 and / or the container 304 upon a desired pressure from a user. In other embodiments where the lid 302 is otherwise adhered to the container 304, the lid 302 and / or the container 304 do not include an adhesive.

[0058] The lid 302 includes a mechanism for securing the contact lens 101 and includes a plurality of retainers 332 that form a substantially dome-shaped surface that abuts the convex side of the contact lens 101 when coupled to the container 304 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The dome-shaped surface provided by the retainers 332 thus secures the contact lens 101 when the lens is stored in the package 300, and the lens 101 remains in a desired position relative to the arm 320, which will be described below. In FIG. 3, the lid 302 includes three retainers 332. It should be understood that the size, shape, arrangement, and / or number of retainers 332 shown in FIG. 3 are provided by way of example only. The present disclosure contemplates providing a number, size, shape, and / or arrangement of retainers different from that shown in FIG. 3.

[0059] Similar to the containers 104, 204 described above, the container 304 provides a sterile environment for storage and transport of the contact lens 101. The container 304 also provides a sealed environment, such that packaging fluid may be placed into the container 304 without the packaging fluid leaking out of the package 300 or non-sterile material, such as dirt or dust, entering the package 300. The container 304 defines a cavity 303, which forms a lever receiving portion 310 (described below) and a fluid reservoir 312 (described below), and includes a cavity base 306 and an integral wall 308, which extends around the edge of the base 306 of the cavity 303 to form and define the cavity 303. The wall 308 is integrally formed and has no seams or spaces therein. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3-6, the wall 308 and base 306 are integrally formed to form a bowl-shaped enclosure, referred to herein as the cavity 303. Optionally, the cavity 303 is a blister bowl. The cavity 303 formed by the base 306 and the wall 308 is configured to contain the contact lens 101 and the packaging solution. A portion of the cavity 303 forms a lever receiver 310, and a portion of the lens support 316 (i.e., the lever 318 (described below)) is movable into the lever receiver 310 when the lever 318 is manipulated (e.g., pushed downward), thereby lifting the support 316. The lever receiver 310 also provides a stop 319 for the lever 318 to limit the rotation of the lever 318 to a desired location when the lever 318 is fully depressed. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3-6, the stop 319 is angled at an inner surface 305 of the container 304 in the cavity 303 and at a corresponding outer surface 307 of the stop 319 opposite and spaced from the inner surface 305 of the stop 319. The container 304 also includes a fluid reservoir 312 opposite the lever receiver 310. The reservoir 312 provides a sub-cavity partially isolated from the remainder of the cavity 303, in which packaging fluid can be held such that the contact lens 101 is located therein.

[0060] The container 304 includes an integral, continuous cavity wall 308, although in some embodiments the cavity wall is not continuous and includes multiple walls joined together to form the cavity wall. As noted above, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1A-1D and 2A-2D, the wall 308 and base 306 are integrally formed to form a bowl-shaped enclosure. However, in other embodiments, the wall 308 and base 306 are formed separately and joined together to define the cavity 303.

[0061] The lens support 316 provides a surface for supporting the contact lens 101 and secures the lens while the contact lens 101 is in the package 300. The lens support 316 also provides an object that can be used to remove the contact lens 101 from the packaging solution, allowing a user to access the lens and remove it for use without dipping their fingers into the packaging solution. As described above, the lens support 316 includes a lever 318 and an arm 320.

[0062] The lever 318 is a substantially linear object that includes one or more links 314 and includes a pivot point 322 disposed on the lever about which the lever 318 can pivot. For example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 shows two links 314. The lever 318 can be used to move the lens support 316 relative to the container 304. The lever 318 has a first end 324, a second end 326, and a body extending between the first end 324 and the second end 326. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the lever 318 is disposed in a plane substantially away from the lens support 316. The pivot point 322 is a substantially vertical bend in the lever 318 disposed between the first end 324 and the second end 126. The lever 318 includes an actuation arm 328 that extends between the first end 324 and the pivot 322. The lever 318 further includes a support arm 330 extending between the pivot point 322 and the second end 326 of the lever 318 .

[0063] The arm 320 provides a support surface for the contact lens 101 disposed within the package 300. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the arm 320 includes four extensions 309 coupled to the lever 318 and extending away from the lever 318, and six L-shaped supports 311 extending from the extensions 309 in a direction away from the base 306 when the lever is in a rest position. The four extensions and the lever 318 are shaped to support an outer edge of the contact lens 101, and the L-shaped supports 311 are shaped to support a portion of the concave surface of the contact lens 101 radially inward of the outer edge of the contact lens 101. The extensions and the L-shaped supports provide a space between them that allows the packaging fluid to be drained therethrough. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-6, the lever includes four extensions 309 and six L-shaped portions, but in other embodiments, the lever includes any number of extensions and L-shaped portions suitable for supporting the concave surface of the contact lens 101.

[0064] The lens support 316 pivotally abuts the container 304 such that a lever 318 is configured to lift the lens support 320 at least partially out of the cavity 303. A pivot 322 is disposed on an apex 324 of the container where the stop 319 abuts the reservoir 312, such that the lens support 316 can pivot about the apex 324. The cavity 303 is adjacent to the lens support 316, such that packaging solution expelled from the lens support 316 is expelled into the cavity 303.

[0065] The lid 302 is coupled to the container 304 such that the lid 302 and container 304 form a hermetic seal. The lid 302 is coupled to the container 304 using an adhesive, although in other embodiments the lid 302 is molded with the container 304, heat bonded to the container 304, or any other suitable form of attachment for adhering the lid 302 to the container 304. The lens support 316 is configured in relation to the container 304 to face towards the base 306 of the container 304. For example, when the arm 320 is adjacent to the container 304, the concave surface of the contact lens 101 located on the arm 320 faces towards the container 304.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3-6, the lever 318 and the lens support 316 are integrally formed. However, in other embodiments, the lever 318 and the lens support 316 are formed separately and joined together. The lever 318 and the lens support 316 are each formed from a uniform material, such as polypropylene. However, in other embodiments, the lever 318 and the lens support 316 are formed from any other material suitable for supporting the contact lens 101 in a sterile environment. In some further embodiments, the lever 320 and the lever 318 are formed from different materials, with the lever 318 being formed from a first material and the lens support 316 being formed from a second material. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3-6, the lens support 316 and the container 304 are each formed from a uniform material, such as polypropylene. However, in other embodiments, the container 304 is formed from any other material suitable for holding the contact lens 101 in a sterile environment. In some further embodiments, the container 304 and the lens support 316 are each formed from different materials, with the lens support 316 being formed from at least one material and the container 304 being formed from at least one material different from the material forming the lens support 316. 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.

[0067] It is noted that the lens supports of the examples shown in Figures 3-6 present the lens in a convex-side-up orientation, which allows the lens to be transferred from the lens support to the finger and ultimately to the eye with a single tap. Thus, one aspect of removing the lens from the package is to control the ratio of 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 on the underside of the lens, for example, by configuring the lens support to have a wet contact area of ​​less than about 20 mm, preferably with a shape that does not substantially match the profile 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 transfer and placement of the lens on the eye. It is noted that a myriad of lens support shapes beyond those shown are possible, including those shown in Appendix A hereof as additional examples.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] [Embodiment] (1) A contact lens package comprising: The lid and a container defining a cavity configured to receive a contact lens and a packaging solution, the lid being sealingly coupled to the container; a lens support including a lever and a lens support disposed within the cavity; Including, A contact lens package, wherein the lens support is pivotally coupled to the container such that the lever is configured to lift the lens support at least partially out of the cavity. (2) the container includes a cavity base at least partially defining the cavity; The package of claim 1, wherein the lens support is coupled to the container such that the lens support pivots about an axis spaced apart from the cavity base and is positioned between the cavity base and the lid. (3) the container includes a cavity base at least partially defining the cavity; 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the lever is coupled to the container such that the lens support pivots about an axis disposed on the cavity base. (4) the container includes a cavity base at least partially defining the cavity; The package of claim 1, wherein the cavity base includes a lever receiving portion adjacent to the lever, and the lever is movable into the lever receiving portion when the lever is operated to lift the lens support at least partially out of the cavity. (5) The package of claim 1, wherein the cavity is a blister bowl integral with the container.

[0074] (6) The package of claim 1, wherein the lens support defines a cutout extending through the lens support. (7) The package of claim 1, wherein the lens support defines a cutout extending through the lens support, the cutout configured to guide a user's finger to a convex surface of the contact lens. (8) The package of claim 1, wherein the lens support defines a cutout extending through the lens support, the cutout defining a C-shape in the lens support. (9) The package of claim 1, wherein the lever and the lens support are substantially coplanar. (10) The package of claim 1, wherein the lever and the lens support are disposed in substantially separate planes.

[0075] (11) The package of claim 1, wherein the cavity is adjacent to the lens support, and packaging solution expelled from the lens support is collected by the cavity. (12) The package of claim 1, wherein the lever and the lens support are a single component. (13) The package of claim 1, wherein the lever and the lens support are separate components that are coupled to one another. (14) The package of embodiment 1, wherein the lever and the lens support are made of a uniform material. (15) The package of embodiment 1, wherein the lens support and the container are made of a homogenous material.

[0076] (16) The package of claim 1, wherein the container comprises polypropylene. 17. The package of claim 1, wherein the lens support comprises polypropylene. (18) The package of claim 1, wherein the lid is hermetically sealed to the container. 19. The package of claim 1, wherein the lid is a foil. (20) A method of placing a contact lens on an eye of a wearer, the contact lens being stored in a package, the package including a lid, a container defining a cavity configured to receive a contact lens and a packaging solution, the lid being hermetically coupled to the container, and a lens support including a lever and a lens support, the lens support configured to support a convex surface of the contact lens, the lens support being positioned within the cavity, the lens support being pivotally coupled to the container such that the lever is configured to lift the lens support at least partially out of the cavity, the method comprising: Depressing the lever, thereby lifting the lens support; removing the contact lens from the lens support by placing a finger on a convex surface of the contact lens; placing the contact lens on the wearer's eye; A method comprising:

[0077] (21) The method of embodiment 20, wherein the putting on of the contact lens is performed by a person touching only the convex surface of the contact lens. (22) The method of claim 20, wherein the lid is sealingly attached to the container, the method further comprising removing the lid before pressing the lever. (23) A method for packaging contact lenses, comprising the steps of: providing a packaging solution into a container; providing a lever and a lens support pivotally coupled to the container; providing a contact lens in said lens support with the concave side facing up; sealing the container by attaching a lid to the container; A method comprising:

Claims

1. 1. A contact lens package comprising: The lid and a container defining a cavity configured to receive a contact lens and a packaging solution, the lid being sealingly coupled to the container; a lens support including a lever and a lens support disposed within the cavity; Including, A contact lens package, wherein the lens support is pivotally coupled to the container such that the lever is configured to lift the lens support at least partially out of the cavity.

2. the container includes a cavity base at least partially defining the cavity; 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the lens support is coupled to the container such that the lens support pivots about an axis spaced from the cavity base and is disposed between the cavity base and the lid.

3. the container includes a cavity base at least partially defining the cavity; The package of claim 1 , wherein the lever is coupled to the container such that the lens support pivots about an axis disposed on the cavity base.

4. the container includes a cavity base at least partially defining the cavity; 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the cavity base includes a lever receiving portion adjacent to the lever, the lever being movable into the lever receiving portion when the lever is operated to lift the lens support at least partially out of the cavity.

5. The package of claim 1 , wherein the cavity is a blister bowl integral with the container.

6. The package of claim 1 , wherein the lens support defines a cutout extending therethrough.

7. 10. The package of claim 1, wherein the lens support defines a cutout extending therethrough, the cutout configured to guide a user's finger to a convex surface of a contact lens.

8. The package of claim 1 , wherein the lens support defines a cutout extending therethrough, the cutout defining a C-shape in the lens support.

9. The package of claim 1 , wherein the lever and the lens support are substantially coplanar.

10. The package of claim 1 , wherein the lever and the lens support are disposed in substantially separate planes.

11. The package of claim 1 , wherein the cavity is adjacent to the lens support, and packaging solution expelled from the lens support is collected by the cavity.

12. The package of claim 1 , wherein the lever and the lens support are a single component.

13. The package of claim 1 , wherein the lever and the lens support are separate components that are coupled together.

14. The package of claim 1 , wherein the lever and the lens support are made of a uniform material.

15. The package of claim 1 , wherein the lens support and the container are made of a homogenous material.

16. The package of claim 1 , wherein the container comprises polypropylene.

17. The package of claim 1 , wherein the lens support comprises polypropylene.

18. The package of claim 1 , wherein the lid is hermetically sealed to the container.

19. The package of claim 1 , wherein the lid is a foil.

20. 1. A method of placing a contact lens on an eye of a wearer, the contact lens being stored in a package, the package including a lid, a container defining a cavity configured to receive a contact lens and a packaging solution, the lid being hermetically coupled to the container, and a lens support including a lever and a lens support, the lens support configured to support a convex surface of the contact lens, the lens support being positioned within the cavity, the lens support being pivotally coupled to the container such that the lever is configured to lift the lens support at least partially out of the cavity, the method comprising: Depressing the lever, thereby lifting the lens support; removing the contact lens from the lens support by placing a finger on a convex surface of the contact lens; placing the contact lens on the wearer's eye; A method comprising:

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein putting on the contact lens is performed by an individual touching only the convex surface of the contact lens.

22. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the lid is sealingly coupled to the container, the method further comprising removing the lid before pressing the lever.

23. 1. A method for packaging contact lenses, comprising the steps of: providing a packaging solution into a container; providing a lever and a lens support pivotally coupled to the container; providing a contact lens in said lens support with the concave side facing up; sealing the container by attaching a lid to the container; A method comprising:

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