Packaging of contact lenses and method of its opening

Abstract

FIELD: contact lenses.SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to improved packages (100) of contact lenses. The packaging may be designed such that when the user opens the packaging, the packaging solution (130) flows from the contact lens (122) and essentially enters the lid (112). Lens packages may also include a lens carrier (126) that facilitates one-touch use of the lens, or a coloured area that visually directs the user how to hold the package to open it.EFFECT: ease of use.9 cl, 17 dwg

Description

[0001] I. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] For many years, it was generally accepted that the ideal solution for contact lens wearers was "one-touch" packaging—a design in which the wearer could remove the lens from the lens case with a single touch of one finger and then correctly position the lens on the eye with the same single touch. This design eliminates the need to transfer the lens and manipulate it from one finger to another (as is currently the case) before placing the lens on the eye. Providing such one-touch packaging not only simplifies the lens preparation and insertion process, but also reduces the possibility of the lens being dropped or of exposing the lens to additional bacteria on the wearer's other fingers as the lens is prepared for orientation and placement on the eye, and also reduces the possibility of touching the side of the lens intended for contact with the eye.

[0003] The design of one-touch lens packaging presents several challenges. Ideally, the user should be able to consistently position the lens to attach it to their finger while removing it from the packaging, and then release the lens reliably from the finger to the eye. Each contact lens (both reusable and daily disposable) has its own unique surface, volumetric, and geometric properties. Finger size and the amount of force the user applies to the lens during transfer can also vary. These factors can impact the process of transferring the lens from the packaging to the finger and then to the eye.Other factors include the following: it would be desirable for users to be able to drain any packaging solution that could interfere with the lens's ability to adhere to the finger, as changes in the amount of packaging solution attached to the lens and packaging could affect the process of placing the lens on the finger. It would also be desirable for the packaging solution to be drained in a controlled manner to prevent spills. It would also be beneficial for the packaging solution to remain sterile and accessible to the user after opening, allowing for rewetting or cleaning of the lens. Furthermore, the user may be concerned about the possibility of transferring bacteria or external products, such as makeup, to the contact lens; and, of course, the packaging itself should meet expected industry standards recognized by the supplier's medical and commercial organizations.

[0004] Furthermore, one-touch packaging should ideally not result in an excessive increase in product costs compared to existing contact lens packaging, as this could result in increased costs for the user community. The packaging should not make it difficult to hold the lens when removing it from the packaging. Furthermore, if the packaging were designed to maintain or even reduce the volume of solution required to package the lens, this would reduce the environmental impact of the lens packaging. Similarly, it would be beneficial if all or part of the packaging were made from recycled materials and / or were fully or partially recycled.

[0005] Furthermore, it would be advantageous if the packaging consisted of materials already approved by various regulatory agencies and, ideally, did not require changes to the chemical composition of the solution or lens formulation. Ideally, the packaging functionality should also preferably not include any electronic or other electrical components if such components could adversely affect the performance of either the packaging or the lens.

[0006] There are several required features that ensure one-touch packaging, and known attempts to create one-touch packaging are often lacking. These properties include, for example, the following: i) the packaging should ideally protect the lens, i.e.it must ensure the integrity of the lens while preventing crushing or damage to the lens; ii) the lens packaging must maintain hydration of the lens during storage to maintain the properties of the lens; and iii) the lens in its packaging must be designed so that it is completely immersed in the packaging solution when necessary and yet ready for transfer from the packaging; iv) the packaging must have a sterilizable seal and contain both the lens and the solution; v) the packaging must preferably support the lens in the desired convex orientation for the user; vi) the lens must be properly positioned to allow easy removal by the user; and vii) the packaging must allow the packaging solution to be effectively drained from the lens after opening the packaging and before removal of the lens to facilitate transfer to the user's finger and then to the eye.

[0007] Publications WO 2014 / 195588, WO 2009 / 069265, JP 6339322, and US 20200229563 describe packages that contain a lens in a convex configuration with a downward recess. However, the lens-bearing structures essentially match the shape of the contact lens, creating an undesirable contact area between the lens and the lens wearer. These references also fail to mention mechanisms for effectively draining solution from the lens and the lens wearer.

[0008] US 201900463 53 describes contact lens storage cases that facilitate lens removal. However, the packaging requires the user to pour out the packaging solution and does not provide the required consistent, one-touch lens removal.

[0009] US 20200229560 describes lens carrier packages that support the concave (front or front) surface of a contact lens, or grids that support the peripheral edge of a contact lens and allow packaging solution to drain through the grid into a lower chamber after opening the lens package, whereby the solution is not always accessible to the user.

[0010] The above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art are merely illustrative and are not exhaustive.

[0011] Furthermore, the introduction of new contact lens packaging that differs from traditional blister packs often poses challenges for users. New form factors and shapes may not be immediately intuitive. This often leads to dissatisfaction and / or damage or desterilization of lenses during the opening process. Therefore, it would be advisable to equip contact lens packaging with visual or tactile cues to make the use and opening process of new contact lens packages more intuitive.

[0012] Therefore, there remains a need for contact lens packaging that provides stability with respect to one-touch lens removal, effective solution handling, or addresses one or more of the above-mentioned problems or disadvantages.

[0013] II. Statement of the essence of the invention

[0014] It has now been discovered that some or all of the above and related objects can be achieved in a contact lens package having one or more aspects described herein. For example, a contact lens package may have a lid containing a cavity containing a contact lens and a packaging solution, wherein the package is configured such that when opened by a user, the packaging solution flows from the contact lens and substantially reenters the lid. In some cases, the packaging solution may flow into the cavity of the lid. The contact lens package may include a lens carrier configured to retain the contact lens substantially outside the packaging solution when the package is in an open state, and the package may also include a gripping element configured to be held by the user during opening.In some embodiments, the lid is a substantially rigid lid. In another aspect, the lid cavity may accommodate a contact lens in the package in a convex position when the package is unopened or open. The lid may also have an opening tab, such as a handle or a ring pull. In some embodiments, the lens carrier in the package has a profile that is substantially non-conforming to the profile of the contact lens. When the package is open, the wetted contact area between the lens carrier and the contact lens may be less than about 25 mm. 2 , less than about 20 mm 2 , less than about 18 mm 2 or less than about 15 mm 2The lid may further comprise one or more surfaces facing the lens, comprising at least one air supply guide. In some embodiments, the base of the package may be configured to hinge upon opening. In another aspect, the gripping element may include a recessed area configured as a contour for accommodating at least a portion of the opening tab when the package is in the unopened state. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the package may also include a stop to prevent the lid from separating from the base after the package has been opened.

[0015] In some embodiments, a contact lens carrier may include a first carrier element and a second carrier element configured to support the concave side of the contact lens in the cavity when the package is in an unopened state; wherein the package is configured such that when it is in the open state, the contact lens rests on at least a portion of the first carrier element, and the second carrier element moves away from the lens. In one aspect, the second carrier element rotates from the first carrier element during opening. In some embodiments, the first and second carrier elements are a single component.

[0016] Furthermore, the second carrier element may be fixedly attached to at least a portion of the package base. The first and second carrier elements may further have a nested configuration when the package is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, when the package is in the unopened state, the peripheral edge of the contact lens rests on at least a portion of the second carrier element. Furthermore, the first carrier element may have a first profile that does not substantially correspond to the profile of the contact lens. And in another aspect, the second carrier element is an integral part of the package base. In some cases, the drainage channel may be located along the length of the lens carrier.In some cases, a hinge may be formed between the lid and the gripping element, located across the drainage channel, and when opened, the package bends along the hinge, and the packaging solution flows from the contact lens through the drainage channel.

[0017] In some embodiments, a contact lens package has a cavity that contains a contact lens and a packaging solution, a lens carrier for holding the contact lens, and at least one lens-facing surface in the cavity above the convex side of the contact lens, wherein when the package is in an unopened state, the at least one lens-facing surface is configured to: i) align the contact lens over the lens carrier; ii) allow air to escape into the peripheral volume of the cavity; and iii) protect the contact lens from significant optical damage due to gravitational, mechanical, or atmospheric forces. In one aspect, at least one lens-facing surface may be further configured to direct air entering the package through the contact lens to reduce the likelihood of the contact lens sticking to the package when opened.In one aspect, the lens-facing surfaces may comprise a plurality of projections directed toward the convex side of the contact lens. The contact surface area between at least one lens-facing surface and the contact lens is at least about 3 percent, and preferably more than 20 percent, of the convex surface area of ​​the lens. The lens-facing surfaces may form at least two air outlet channels that allow air to pass from the contact lens into the peripheral volume of the lid cavity. The channels may have a width of about 1-1.5 mm or 1.5-2 mm. In another aspect, the at least two channels may have a positive slope toward the peripheral volume and have a minimum vertical rise of at least about 2 mm.In some cases, at least two channels may be arranged relative to each other in such a way that when the package is rotated in the lateral direction, at least one of the channels has a central axis passing near the center of the cavity, which is located at an angle relative to the plane perpendicular to the impact force.

[0018] Furthermore, the contact lens packaging may include a gripping element and an opening tab, wherein at least one of the gripping element and the opening tab comprises a colored area that visually indicates to the user the correct orientation of the package or the place to hold when opening the package. In some embodiments, at least one of the gripping element and the opening tab further comprises a substantially transparent portion, wherein the colored portion and the substantially transparent portion are formed by injection molding in two steps. At least one of the gripping element and the opening tab may also include a tactile element, and / or one of the gripping element and the opening tab comprises printed or embossed product information.

[0019] Contact lens packages in some embodiments may have a substantially flat hinged base; a substantially rigid lid comprising a lid cavity that contains a packaging solution and a contact lens in a convex position when the package is in an unopened or open state; and a lens carrier configured to support the contact lens substantially outside the packaging solution when the package is in an open state.

[0020] Packages of some embodiments of the invention may include the steps of holding the package by a gripping element of the package; pulling a tab to open the lid of the package to: i) bend the package and break the seal between the lid and the base of the package, ii) pour the packaging solution from the contact lens into the lid, and iii) provide the user with a contact lens on the lens carrier; and removing the contact lens from the package.

[0021] III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC MATERIALS

[0022] The above and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0023] FIGS. 1A-D illustrate the steps of opening a contact lens package according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIGS. 2A-G are cross-sectional views of a contact lens package according to an embodiment of the present invention at various times during the opening process.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a contact lens package according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a contact lens package according to an alternative embodiment.

[0027] FIGS. 5A and 5B show an isometric view of the lens carrier of the embodiment and a top view thereof, respectively.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lower side of the lid and the inside of the cavity of the lid according to the embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the lens-facing surfaces of the cover in various orientations.

[0030] FIGS. 8 and 9 show embodiment examples of contact lens packages that include a colored area.

[0031] IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Next, reference will be made in detail to the illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, with reference numerals indicating specific elements. The following description is not intended to limit the plurality of embodiments to a single 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.

[0033] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," or "one exemplary embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic, but each embodiment need not include the stated particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, if a particular feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic is described in connection with any one embodiment, it is believed that one skilled in the art will understand that this affects such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, regardless of whether it is explicitly described or not.

[0034] The following terms used herein have the meanings set forth below. The advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is that they facilitate stable, one-touch transfer of a lens from the package to the user's finger, and then from the finger to the user's eye, without the lens flipping, dropping the finger, or further manipulation. Stable lens transfer includes a transfer rate of at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90% transfer upon the first finger touch (or "touch"). The lens is also properly "held" on the finger without crushing or flipping, and then transferred to the eye when placed on it. Packages according to certain embodiments can provide the desired one-touch transfer over a range of finger sizes and touch pressures.Environmental conditions such as temperature and whether the finger is wet or dry can also affect transfer rates, with higher temperatures generally improving lens transfer.

[0035] Lens(s) or contact lens(es) refer to ophthalmic devices that are placed on the eye. They have a substantially hemispherical shape and can provide optical correction, cosmetic enhancement, UV blocking and visible light or glare reduction, a therapeutic effect including wound healing, drug or nutraceutical delivery, can be used for diagnostic or monitoring purposes, and also provide any combination of such applications. The term "lens" includes soft hydrogel contact lenses, which are essentially provided to the consumer in the package in a hydrated state and have relatively low coefficients, which allows them to conform to the cornea. Contact lenses suitable for use with the packages of the present invention include all hydrated contact lenses, including traditional and silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

[0036] A hydrogel is a hydrated, cross-linked polymer system that contains water at equilibrium and may contain at least about 25% or at least 35% water when hydrated. Hydrogels are typically oxygen-permeable and biocompatible, making them excellent materials for contact lenses.

[0037] Traditional hydrogel contact lenses do not contain silicone-containing components and have substantially higher water content, lower oxygen permeability, coefficients, and shape memory than silicone hydrogels. Traditional hydrogels are produced from monomer mixtures predominantly containing hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), or polyvinyl alcohols. Methods for producing traditional hydrogels are described in U.S. Patents 4,495,313, 4,889,664, and 5,039,459. Conventional hydrogels can be ionic or nonionic and include polymacon, etafilcon, nelfilcon, ocufilcon, linefilcon, etc. The oxygen permeability of these traditional hydrogel materials is usually less than 20-30 barrers.

[0038] Silicon compositions include balafilcon-samfilcon, lotrafilcon A and B, delfilcon, galyfilcon, senofilcon A, B and C, narafilcon, comfilcon, phorofilcon, riofilcon, fanfilcon, stenfilcon, soofilcon, kafilcon, etc. The term "silicone hydrogels" refers to polymer networks made of at least one hydrophilic component and at least one silicone-containing component. Silicone hydrogels can have an elasticity in the range of 60-200, 60-150 or 80-130 psi, and a water content in the range of 20% to 60%.Examples of commercially available silicone hydrogels include aquafilcon, asmophilcon, balafilcon, comfilcon, delefilcon, enfilcon, fanfilcon, formophilcon, galyfilcon, lotrafilcon, narafilcon, ryofilcon, samfilcon, senofilcon, somofilcon, and stenfilcon, including all variants thereof, as well as silicone hydrogels made according to 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, 5,965,631, 6,367,929, 6,822,016, 6,867,245, 6,943,203, 7,247,692, 7,249,848, 7,553,880, 7,666,921, 7,786,185, 7,956,131, 8,022,158, 8,273,802, 8,399,538, 8,470,906, 8,450,387, 8,487,058, 8,507,577, 8,637,621, 8,703,891, 8,937,110, 8,937,111, 8,940,812, 9,056,878, 9,057,821, 9,125,808, 9,140,825, 9156,934, 9,170,349, 9,244,196, 9,244,197, 9,260,544, 9,297,928, 9,297,929, as well as WO 03 / 22321, WO 2008 / 061992 and US 2010 / 0048847.The contents of all cited patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Silicone hydrogels may have better shape memory than conventional contact lenses.

[0039] Hydrogel lenses are viscoelastic materials. Contact lenses can create optical distortions if the lens comes into contact with either the packaging or any air bubbles within the packaging. The degree of optical distortion and the time required for distortion resolution will vary depending on the lens's chemical composition and, to a lesser extent, lens geometry. Traditional lens materials, such as polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate-based lenses such as etafilcon A or polymacon, have a lower loss modulus and tan delta than silicone hydrogels and may create fewer and less severe optical distortions as a result of contact with the packaging.The inclusion of silicones (which substantially increase the bulk elastic response), wetting agents such as PVP (which substantially increase the viscous response), or coatings of traditional hydrogel materials (which can reduce the elastic response at the lens contact surface) can alter the viscoelastic properties of the lens. Traditional hydrogel contact lenses and silicone hydrogel contact lenses with short or rigid crosslinkers and / or stiffening agents have a short shape memory and may be less susceptible to deformation during storage. The hydrogels with high or higher shape memory used herein exhibit optical distortions due to contact with an air bubble or packaging of at least about 0.18 after 5 weeks of accelerated aging at 55°C. Viscoelastic properties, including the loss modulus and tan delta, can be measured using dynamic mechanical analysis.

[0040] Contact lenses can have any geometry and optical power and have a substantially hemispherical shape with a concave back side that rests against the eye during application and a convex front side that faces away from the eye and contacts the eyelid during blinking.

[0041] The lens center, or apex, is the center of the lens's optical zone. The optical zone provides optical correction and can range in diameter from approximately 7 to approximately 10 mm. The lens perimeter, or lens edge, is the edge where the anterior and posterior surfaces meet.

[0042] A wettable lens is a contact lens and any residual packing solution attached to it after the packing solution has been drained. The wettable contact area is the total contact area between the wetted lens and the lens wearer.

[0043] Embodiments may include a lens carrier surrounded by a sealable cavity, also interchangeably referred to as a chamber. The cavity may have any convenient shape and may comprise a packaging base and at least a lid, each of which is described in detail below. As used herein, the expressions "said lid," "lid," "said base," and "base" encompass both singular and plural references. The lid and base of the packaging are hermetically connected to each other to form a cavity that maintains the contact lens, carrier, and packaging solution in a sterile state during transportation and storage prior to use. The contact lens packaging is made of materials that are compatible with the contact lens and solution, and are also sterilizable and biologically inert.

[0044] "Film" or "multilayer film" refers to films used to seal a package and are often referred to as a lid stock. Multilayer films used in traditional contact lens packaging can be used in the packages of the present invention as a base, a lid component, or both. Multilayer films comprise multiple layers, including barrier layers, including foil layers or coatings, sealing layers that seal the film to the rest of the package, and may also comprise additional layers selected from layers for forming a skin, layers of laminated material, and layers that improve other properties of the package, such as rigidity, temperature resistance, printability, puncture resistance, barrier resistance to water or oxygen, etc. Multilayer films form a steam-sterilizable (autoclave-sterilizable) seal.The multilayer film may include layers of PET, BON or OPP films to increase rigidity and temperature resistance, or EVOH or PVdC coating to improve barrier resistance to oxygen or moisture vapor.

[0045] As used herein, the term “unopened state” or “unopened” refers to a contact lens package that is closed and contains a contact lens in solution.

[0046] As used herein, the term "open state" refers to a package of a contact lens after it has been opened, wherein the contact solution is substantially separated from the lens and / or the lens is retained or removed substantially from the solution.

[0047] A packaging solution is any physiologically compatible solution that is compatible with the selected lens material and packaging. Packaging solutions include buffered solutions with a physiological pH, such as buffered saline solutions. The packaging solution may contain known components, including buffers, pH- and concentration-adjusting agents, lubricants, wetting agents, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, components of the inner packaging coating, and the like.

[0048] The packaging base may form the bottom of the packaging. It may be made of any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including a flat sheet of foil or plastic, laminated film, or plastic. The bottom of the lens carrier may be positioned on the surface of the base and / or rest on the surface of the base facing the packaging cavity. The lens carrier may also be formed integrally with the base. The lens carrier may rest on the inner surface of the packaging base, which may be horizontal or inclined to maintain the lens carrier and lens in an inclined position when the bottom of the base is horizontal.

[0049] The packaging lid is substantially located at the top of the package and is sealed with the base to form a cavity containing at least a portion of the lens carrier, 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, multilayer films, or plastic. Packages comprising plastic for one structure and foil or multilayer films as others, or packages comprising foil or multilayer films as the outer layer for the lid and base, are known in the art and are examples of suitable combinations.

[0050] References throughout this description to injection molding processes and the use of materials conventionally used for injection molding are to be understood as illustrative. Those skilled in the art will understand that other means of manufacture are possible within the scope of the appended claims, including, without limitation, alternative molding methods, thermoforming, 3D printing, and the like. Similarly, references to heat sealing and heat gluing are examples of some embodiments described hereinafter. Other means of fastening packaging components will be obvious to those skilled in the art, including the use of adhesive, glue, thermal bonding, welding, such as heat, ultrasonic or laser welding, or a mechanical trap, and the like.

[0051] Certain aspects of the present invention may serve to reduce or prevent significant optical damage to a contact lens due to interaction with air bubbles or the interior of the lens packaging, which may occur during storage or transportation as a result of gravity or other forces, such as mechanical pressure applied from the outside of the packaging. As used herein, significant optical damage means a root mean square (RMS) value equal to or greater than about 0.08 μm.

[0052] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate the steps for opening a contact lens package according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an unopened contact lens package 100 having an opening tab 110, a lid 112 and a gripping member 106. In this embodiment, the opening tab 110 and the lid 112 are made of a single plastic part. In the first step, shown in FIG. 1B, the user holds the unopened contact lens package 100 by the gripping member 106 and pulls the opening tab 110 of the lid 112 of the package 100. Although this is not required, the user can take the package 100 with one hand and pull the opening tab 110 with the other hand. As shown in the step shown in FIG. 1 B, pulling the opening tab 110 causes the package 100 to bend and break the seal between the lid 112 and the base 118 of the package 100.In this embodiment, the package 100 is folded by means of a hinged connection of the base 118, which in this case is a multilayer film or a seal in the form of a laminated foil, which is heat-sealed to the upper part of the package, consisting of a gripping element 106, a lid 112 and a lens carrier 126 of the package 100.

[0053] When the package 100 is opened, the packaging solution 130 separates from the contact lens 122 and flows into the lid 112, and in this case, in particular, the cavity 132 of the lid, i.e. the cavity formed in the lid 112, accommodates the contact lens 122 and the packaging solution 130 when the package is in an unopened state. Upon further opening of the package, the contact lens 122 is provided to the user on the lens carrier 126, which holds the contact lens 122 substantially outside the packaging solution 130. Holding the lens in this context means that the lens lies on the carrier. This allows, as shown in the step shown in FIG. 1G, the user removes the lens 122 from the package 100. In this embodiment, the lens is conveniently presented to the user in a convex orientation, meaning that the convex side 122a of the lens is accessible to the user without the need to change the position of the lens before placing the concave side of the lens on the surface of the user's eye.However, it should be understood that other orientations are possible within the scope of the present invention, such as the concave orientation of traditional blister packs. The transfer of the contact lens from the lens carrier 126 can be performed by the user's finger 124, either by directly touching the lens, or indirectly by means of an application device film (for example, as described in US20190046353) or another coating applied to the finger, or can be performed by means of another transfer means, such as a manual or automatic application device. When transferring the contact lens 112 from the package 100, the lens is placed on the finger 124 (or other transfer means), as shown in the step shown in FIG. 1D, wherein the convex side 122a of the contact lens is adjacent to the finger 124, and the concave side 122b of the lens is oriented for directly placing the lens on the surface of the user's eye.

[0054] FIGS. 2A-2G show a cross-sectional view of a contact lens package according to an embodiment of the present invention at various times during the opening process. Starting with FIG. 2A, a contact lens package 200 is shown in cross-section in a sealed, unopened state. A contact lens 222 and a packaging solution 230 are sealed in a cavity 232 between a base 206 and a lid 212 of the package 200. The package 200 is adjacent to the lens 222 by a lens carrier 226 under the lens 222 and surfaces 234 facing the lens 222 from above. As discussed in more detail below, the lens-facing surfaces of the present invention can serve to align the contact lens on the lens carrier, minimize interaction with air bubbles in the packaging solution and / or prevent significant optical damage to the contact lens.In some embodiments, the lens-facing surfaces also serve as air guides, directing air entering the package over the contact lens to reduce the adhesion slope of the contact lens to the package after opening. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens-facing surfaces 234 are formed by projections 234a and 234b extending downward toward the convex surface of the lens 222. However, other configurations are also possible, such as when the continuous inner surface is of sufficient thickness or is located sufficiently close to the contact lens to provide one or more of the functions of the lens-facing surfaces described herein.

[0055] The opening of the package 200 begins, as shown in FIG. 2B, by pulling the tab 210, which in this embodiment has the form of a handle / lever. When the tab 210 is lifted, the seal between the lid 212 and the base 218 is broken at a point 220, where the lid 212 is hermetically secured to the foil seal, which is at least part of the base 218. Then, air enters the package 200, and the packaging solution 230 begins to overflow. As it moves, the packaging solution 230 is at an angle at which the base 218 and the lid are in communication with the gripping member 206. The surface tension of the packaging solution contributes to its ability to remain in the space between the base 218 and the lid 222.In this case, the gripping member 206 and the cover 212 are in contact with the hinge 240 formed by the gap between the gripping member 206 and the cover 212, which are separate components, each of which is sealedly attached to the base 218. As shown in FIG. 2B, the package 200 is further opened, and the base 218 to the right of the hinge 240 is moved away from the lens, as a result of which the solution flows from the lens 222, and the lens carrier 226 holds the lens in a convex position when opening. The seal between the cover and the base 218 continues to break towards the distal end 246 of the package 200, since the base 218 and the cover 212 interact to hold the packaging solution 230 and direct it back into the cover 212 under the action of gravity. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the lid and the gripping member may be a single component, such as a single injection molded part.In such embodiments, a gap may be absent, and the hinge or other articulation may be accomplished by a thin or attenuated interface between the lid and the gripping element. Similarly, although a foil seal is used as the primary material in the exemplary embodiment, other substantially flexible materials or substantially rigid materials capable of being hinged, folded, or pivoted / rotated in the expected manner may serve the same or similar function.

[0056] When the package 200 reaches the open state, as shown in FIG. 2D, the packaging solution 230 flows into the lid 212 and, more specifically, into the cavity 232 of the lid. Advantageously, the packaging solution 230 flows from the contact lens 222 as an integral part of the opening motion, while maintaining the sterility of the packaging solution, which is useful in case the user wants to clean and / or rehydrate the lens. Also, the lens 222 is presented to the user in a convex orientation, which facilitates one-touch transfer. Although flowing the solution into the cavity of the lid is preferred, it should be understood that alternative embodiments of re-draining within the lid are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, one or more elements, such as a reservoir or partitions, can be formed integrally with the lid to perform the same or similar function.When opened, it is preferable for the top of the package not to separate completely from the base. Maintaining the connection between the top and the base helps prevent spilled packaging solution from leaking out of the package. By maintaining the connection, the lid also adds weight to the base and holds it in place when the user transfers the lens, for example, by touching it with a finger. Maintaining the connection between the top of the package and the base after opening can be achieved in some embodiments by holding the open lid in a substantially horizontal position after opening, for example, when the user transfers the lens from the package to the eye with one hand. This aspect can be accomplished by providing the package with a stop that prevents the lid from separating from the base after the package has reached the open position.Suitable limiters include an area of ​​material integral with the lid and the base or both, a plastic frame, an additional seal at the distal end of the package separate from the regenerable seal formed between the cavity of the lid and the base, or a reinforcement such as a plastic insert, a plastic layer, a double-layer foil, etc. When the limiter is an additional seal between the distal portion of the lid and a base consisting of a flexible sheet material, the seal can be created by any suitable method, including an adhesive, glue, thermal bonding, welding such as heat, ultrasonic, or laser welding, or a mechanical trap, etc.

[0057] In one aspect, the lens carrier may advantageously include two or more carrier elements. For example, as implemented in the lens carrier 226, the lens carrier 226 includes a main carrier element 226a and an additional carrier element 226b, each of which holds the contact lens 222 in the cavity 232 when the package is in an unopened state. As shown in FIG. 2B, after opening, the contact lens 222 rests on the first carrier element 226a, and the second carrier element 226b moves away from the lens. More specifically, the second carrier element rests on the base 218 and the packaging solution 230 flows into the lid 212. In this example, the main carrier element is primarily designed to hold the lens out of the solution and facilitate the efficient transfer of the lens, while the additional carrier element protects and supports the lens and, in particular, the peripheral portion of the concave surface of the lens when the package is not opened.Although not required, dividing a carrier element into two functional carrier elements, also referred to herein as a composite carrier design, can provide several advantages, discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0058] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of a contact lens package 100 and its constituent components of exemplary embodiments: a cover 112, a lens carrier 126, a gripping member 106, and a base 108. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the base 108 consists of a laminated foil sheet. The top 306 of the package 100 includes a lens carrier 126, a cover 112, and a gripping member 106 made of molded plastic and attached to the base 108 by heat sealing. The cover 112 is removably attached to the base of the package by a sterilizable seal 114 around a cavity in the cover that contains a contact lens 122, a lens carrier 126, and a packaging solution. The lid 112 includes an opening tab 110 in the form of a raised annular rod, which is located at an angle of about 150° relative to the base 108.The lid 112 further includes a scoop-type air inlet 310 located along a point in the seal 114 that is the first to break when the user interacts with the opening tab 110. The scoop-type air inlet 310 is aligned with the opening tab 110. The scoop-type air inlet 310 is angled through a recess into the cavity 132 of the lid. In other embodiments, the air inlets may have any shape, including, but not limited to, a round, ovoid, triangular, square, rectangular, or irregular shape. In the packages of the present invention, it is also possible to eliminate the use of a separate air inlet, for example, by providing a gap of at least about 2 mm between the inner wall of the lid and the lens support on the opening tab 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG.3, the lid 112 also includes a recess or depression 329 located in the lid 112 above the center of the lens carrier 126 to provide a volume for capturing air in the peripheral volume within the cavity 132 of the lid and from the lens 122. The depth of the recess is selected such that the bottom of the recess inside the lid or any lens-facing surface inside the lid does not touch the top of the lens when the package is sealed.

[0059] The gripping element 106 includes a section 320 configured to accommodate a portion of the opening tab 110, which overlaps the driving element 106 when the package is hermetically sealed / closed. This design effectively retains the opening tab 110 in the gripping element 106, which provides additional lateral stability and can contribute to a better seal between the upper part 306 and the base 108. Compared to a relatively flat and / or thin alternative, the gripping element 106, which is thickened to accommodate the contour region 320, provides additional structural rigidity for the gripping element 106, which can advantageously create a greater force and a more precise hinge or inflection point when opening the package.The lens carrier 126 has a detachable structure with a main carrier element 126a located in the center under the lens when the package is not opened, and an additional carrier element 126b surrounding the main carrier element under the peripheral edge of the contact lens 122 to ensure support of the peripheral concave side of the lens 122 when the package is not opened.

[0060] As another example, FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional isometric view of a contact lens package 200 and the constituent components of example embodiments: a cover 212, a lens carrier 226, a gripping member 206 and a base 118. The base 118 consists of a laminated sheet of foil. The top 406 of the package 200 includes a lens carrier 226, a cover 212 and a gripping member 206, which are made of molded plastic and are attached to the base 118 using heat sealing (or alternative fastening means, such as adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or the like). The cover 212 is removably attached to the base of the package using a sterilizable seal 214 around a cavity in the cover, which contains a contact lens 222, a lens carrier 226 and a packaging solution. The lid 212 includes an opening tab 210 in the form of an arched raised handle.The cover 218 further includes a scoop-type air inlet 410 located along a point in the seal 114, which is the first to break when the user interacts with the opening tab 110. The cover 212 includes a recess 429 located in the cover 212 above the center of the lens carrier 226. The lens carrier 226 has a detachable structure with a main carrier element 226a located in the center under the lens when the package is not opened, and an additional carrier element 226b surrounding the main carrier element 226a under the peripheral edge of the contact lens 222 to ensure support of the peripheral concave side of the lens 222 when the package is not opened.

[0061] FIGS. 5A and 5B show an isometric view of the lens carrier of an embodiment and a top view thereof, respectively. The lens carrier 126 holds the lens in a preferred convex orientation (cup down relative to the base of the package) and position (centered on the carrier) during transportation and storage. The lens carrier 126 also provides an open space 510 that allows the packaging solution to drain from the lens and the carrier 126 when opened, without trapping water between the carrier; and a sufficient number of contact points with the lens to reduce the likelihood of the lens falling onto the support, rotating, or moving across the carrier. This allows the apex of the lens to be supported by the inherent elastic rigidity of the lens or to minimize the drooping of the apex of the lens while limiting the contact area between the carrier 126 and the lens.

[0062] Too close contact between the carrier 126 and the lens after draining the solution and water trapped between the carrier and the lens can create a surface tension between the lens and the water on the carrier and around the lens carrier that is greater than the surface tension between the user's finger and the lens, preventing effective transfer of the lens.

[0063] For lenses made from polymers with a longer shape memory, the lens carrier may be configured to limit contact between the lens and the carrier during storage. Such contact may be distributed around the peripheral edge of the lens. Contact between the optical zone of the lens, the lens carrier, and the interior of the lid (including any air guides) may be temporary, or there may be no contact between the optical zone and the carrier, lid, or air guides. Lenses such as traditional hydrogels, which have a shorter shape memory, are less prone to deformation upon contact with the packaging and may have contact points distributed around the periphery and throughout the entire lens profile, including the central zone of the lens (diameter of approximately 9 mm or approximately 5 mm).

[0064] The lens wearers of the present invention preferably ensure that both the fingertip and the lens conform to each other upon touch, without causing the lens to flip or damage the lens during removal due to excessive pressure during touch. Therefore, the lens removal aspect of the present packaging consists of controlling the ratio of the contact area between the finger and the lens to the area between the lens and the lens wearer so that the contact area between the finger and the lens exceeds the contact surface area of ​​the lens wearer on the underside of the lens. This ensures that the surface tension between the finger and the lens exceeds the surface tension between the lens and the lens wearer. Thus, the lens adheres to the finger for transfer and placement on the eye.

[0065] The lens carrier 126 is shown in a configuration associated with a package in an unopened state. In this embodiment, the lens carrier 126 has a detachable structure with one carrier element 126a, also referred to herein as the main carrier element, in an internal position and another carrier element 126b, also referred to herein as an additional carrier element, surrounding the main carrier element 126a to form a nested configuration. The main carrier element 126a is located under at least a portion of the concave side of the contact lens in a region outside the optical zone of the peripheral edge of the contact lens 122 to provide support for the peripheral concave side of the lens 122 when the package is not opened. The term "support" for a contact lens, used herein to describe the functionality of the lens carrier when the package is not opened, does not mean that close contact with the lens is required.Conversely, the packaging of the invention preferably minimizes contact with the contact lens when the package is unopened and the lens is suspended in the packaging solution. Ideally, the optical zone of the lens is free-floating, and contact with the lens carrier during storage is temporary or absent. However, gravity and air bubbles in the packaging solution can lead to undesirable interactions between the lens and the packaging. If left unchecked, these interactions can cause significant optical damage. Therefore, the inventors concluded that the lens carrier should ideally provide support for the lens in the solution when the lens is "loaded," i.e., pressed against the interior of the package by gravity and / or air bubbles. In the method described with reference to the exemplary opening method in FIG.2B, the main carrier element 126a is designed such that when the package is in the open state, the contact lens rests on the main carrier element 126a, and the additional carrier element 126b moves away from the lens along with the packaging solution flowing from the lens, thereby leaving the lens, preferably, but not necessarily, sufficiently unwetted on the central carrier element so that the user can transfer it with one touch.

[0066] The main element 126a of the carrier in this embodiment includes a central portion of the carrier having a plurality of central arms 126a' of the carrier and peripheral arms 126a'' of the carrier, on which the lens is centered and ultimately rests when the package is opened. The central arms 126a' of the carrier are raised relative to the peripheral arms 126a'' of the carrier and the additional element 126b of the carrier by means of a column 520. When opened, the periphery of the contact lens will rest on the peripheral carriers 126a'', and the lens can further rest on the central carriers 126a''. The design of the main element 126a of the carrier is one of many examples of support profiles that do not substantially correspond to the profile of the lens.Compared to known lens carriers that substantially match the lens profile, the mismatch of the profiles of the host carriers in some embodiments of the present invention (of which the depicted embodiment is only one) facilitates lens movement by, among other things, reducing the wetted contact area between the host lens carrier and the lens to less than about 20 mm. 2 , less than about 20 mm 2 , less than about 18 mm 2 or less than about 15 mm 2. In addition, the main lens carriers preferably comprise a plurality of peripheral carriers, the distal end of which projects at least 1 mm beyond the peripheral edge of the contact lens and has at least 3, from 3 to 14, from 4 to 14, from 3 to 8 or from 4 to 8, from 4 to 6 or 6 points of contact with the edge of the contact lens along the peripheral supports and a wetted contact area between the carrier and the lens after opening the package and directing the packaging solution away from the lens and the carrier.

[0067] In this embodiment, the main lens carriers 126a and the additional lens carriers 126b are a single component formed as a single element from molded plastic. The main carrier element 126a and the additional carrier element 126b are attached via primary grooves 530 and secondary grooves 540, respectively, which are connected to a transverse member 550. The transverse portion 550, in turn, is attached to the base of the package. Although the transverse portion 550 serves as the only attachment point between the main carrier element 126a and the package body, the additional carrier element 126b is additionally fixedly attached by additional soldering (not shown) to the part of the base that rotates during opening.As a result, the additional carrier element 126b rotates together with this part of the base during opening, which leads to the draining of the packaging solution from the lens and the main carrier element 126a, while the main carrier element remains in a relatively stationary state in space or rises at an angle relative to the horizontal when the package is opened (as more clearly described above with reference to FIGS. 2B and 2D). The rotation, also called the hinge action (or articulation in a more general concept), of the base creates a hinge line along which the additional arms 540 bend when it is rotated to the side, and across which the main arms 530 remain relatively straight when opening.

[0068] The primary and secondary cantilevers 530 and 540 may provide the additional benefit of helping to direct the packaging solution along a drainage channel around the lens (as discussed more generally in FIGS. 2A-D) into the lens cavity and, preferably, for its subsequent flow into the lid. More specifically, the cantilevers 530 and 540 may function as a drainage channel that creates a temporary film of the packaging solution flowing from the lens along a common drainage channel, operating under the action of gravity to drain this film. In this way, the drainage channel helps to minimize the accumulation of the packaging solution between the back of the lens and the structures of the lens carrier when the package is open and the lens carrier is held outside the packaging solution. In certain embodiments, the drainage channel may comprise a gap between two adjacent elements, such as cantilevers, or, when using a single element, a break point in one element.For lens carriers without peripheral carrier elements, the drainage gap can begin at any point within the lens periphery. For carriers with peripheral carrier elements, the drainage gap can begin either at the inner edge of the peripheral elements or at any point within the lens periphery.

[0069] In another aspect, in this embodiment, the additional carrier element 126b has a convex partial dome-shaped profile 570, which partially reflects the profile of the contact lens. The separation structure, in which the additional carrier element 126b moves away from the lens upon opening, is designed such that the additional carrier element is not in physical contact with the lens when the package is opened and the lens is ready for transfer. Accordingly, an excessive wetting region that could otherwise exist between the lens and the lens carrier is eliminated, while the advantages of a carrier having a profile that to a certain extent matches the lens (i.e., additional support and protection of the lens) are maintained by the additional carrier 126b when the package is not opened, for example, during storage, transportation, and processing.

[0070] Separable designs of lens carriers, such as the embodiment illustrated herein, can provide a variety of advantages, including filling a larger volume of additional carrier 126b within the cavity, thereby reducing the amount of solution needed to hydrate the lens; reducing the incidence of lenses sticking to the lid during opening by increasing the contact area of ​​the lens surface when air entering the package presses the lens to the lens carrier; and reducing the incidence of lens damage, limiting the movement of air bubbles and preventing lens inversion. To achieve some or all of these advantages, it is preferable, but not necessary, that the lens carrier, either one-piece or divided into additional and primary and possibly other components, fills the space under the contact lens and under the peripheral edge of the lens as much as possible.

[0071] It should be emphasized that the embodiment of the lens carrier illustrated and described herein is one of many embodiments of the lens carrier within the scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims. It should be understood that other embodiments are also possible, including embodiments in which, for example, there is a single support tool (e.g., a main carrier, but no additional carrier) or the main and additional carrier elements are formed as separate parts. In addition, although the additional carrier element 126b is formed as the same part as the main carrier element 126a, in other embodiments, the additional carrier may be formed separately, i.e., as a separate part, and / or may be formed as an integral part with the package base.Furthermore, the functionality and advantages of lens carriers within the scope of the appended claims may be further provided in other alternative designs, such as, for example, in cases where a primary carrier element surrounds an additional carrier element or a configuration in which a carrier element that moves or detaches from the lens upon opening may be located both inside and outside the primary lens carrier.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bottom of the lid 112 and the inside of the lid cavity 132 according to an embodiment. The lid 112 comprises a lid cavity 132 configured to be positioned over a contact lens in a convex position within the lid cavity 112 when the package is not opened. The lid 112 includes a plurality of lens-facing surfaces 610, which in this embodiment are formed as projections extending downward toward a convex surface of the lens. The lens-facing surfaces 610 are substantially shaped to mirror the convex surface of the lens of a contact lens to be received in the lid cavity 132. In this case, the lens-facing surfaces 610 serve to: i) align the contact lens with the lens wearer; ii) allow air to escape into the peripheral volume of the cavity; and iii) protecting the contact lens from significant optical damage due to gravitational or atmospheric forces.The lens-facing surfaces 610 also act as air inlet guides, directing air entering the lid cavity via the scoop-type air inlet 114 over the contact lens to reduce the likelihood of the contact lens sticking to the lid when opened.

[0073] As noted above, gravity and air bubbles in the packaging solution cause optical damage if not properly counteracted. The lens-facing surfaces of the present invention can be configured to support the lens when loading these forces to prevent or reduce significant optical damage. In one aspect, the lens-facing surfaces, as in the case of the lens-facing surfaces 610 of the illustrated embodiment, comprise a relatively large contact surface area of ​​at least about 3 percent and preferably at least about 20% of the percentage or as much as possible, while still accommodating any required air vents. By contact surface area is meant the contact area between the lens and the lens-facing surfaces when the lens is loaded, i.e.when placed in contact under an applied force, such as, but not limited to, the interaction of gravity or air bubbles. The contact surface area determines the pressure exerted on the lens regions when / if loaded. The larger the contact surface area, the more the pressure is reduced. In the illustrated embodiment, lens-facing surface 614 has a contact surface area of ​​22%, compared to a typical contact lens, which has a surface area of ​​approximately 225 mm. 2 .

[0074] The lens-facing surfaces 610 are also spaced apart from each other to form a plurality of channels that allow air, in particular air bubbles in the packaging solution, to move in the packaging solution from the contact lens into the peripheral volume 618 of the cavity 132 of the lid. It is advantageous that the air outlet channels have a positive gradient towards the peripheral volume with a vertical rise of at least about 2 mm. In embodiments, such as the example embodiment shown in this document, the minimal free space above the lens created by the recess 329 (shown in FIG. 3), in combination with the presence of the peripheral volume 618, typically causes any large air bubbles, for example, bubbles larger than 2 mm in diameter, to be located above the lens.Thus, the air egress channels are typically primarily designed to allow smaller air bubbles to escape from the area around the lens surface, while simultaneously preventing larger bubbles from entering the space around the lens from the peripheral volume when the package is in certain orientations. Preferred embodiments toward this end include at least two air egress channels, each having a width of about 1 mm to 1.5 mm, or preferably 1.5 mm to 2 mm. In a related aspect, the air egress channels 614 are preferably arranged relative to one another such that, when the package is rotated, at least one of the channels 614 will have a central axis near the center of the cavity, i.e., at an angle to the plane normal to gravity.This design aspect is used to allow air bubbles to escape from the lens, regardless of the orientation of the lens package, thus reducing optical damage that may otherwise occur, for example, as a result of an air bubble displacing the lens into the lens carrier. The channels 614 in this embodiment are also located and sized to allow the peripheral contact elements 126a" (shown in FIG. 5B) to provide a continuous connection between the lid and the edges when the package is opened.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6, a limiter in the form of a fastening surface 620 can also be noted at the distal end of the lid 112. This heat seal 620 serves as an additional seal for the autoclave-resistant seal 114 on the surface along the perimeter of the cavity 132 of the lid. Thus, when the regenerable seal 114 is torn, starting near the scoop-type air inlet 114 and moving distally as it engages the opening tab 110, the lid is less susceptible to being completely separated from the base. After opening and, preferably, after re-capturing the packaging solution in the lid, the heat seal 620, in turn, can hold the cavity in the lid in a relatively horizontal position, which helps prevent the solution from leaking from the cavity 132 in the lid from the package.

[0076] The contact surfaces 610 of the lens are generally shaped as a mirror image of the convex surface of the contact lens for placement in the lid cavity 132 and are inclined from the periphery to the bottom of the recess 329 in the inner portion of the lid cavity 132 to create a minimum free space above the apex of the lens when the package is sealed and the contact lens is suspended in the packaging solution. As a result, large air bubbles cannot be located on or near the apex of the lens (and in the optical zone), and thus, harmful interactions of air bubbles are minimized.

[0077] FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the lens-facing surfaces of the cover 712 in various orientations. The air outlet channels 714 are preferably arranged relative to each other in such a way that, when the package is rotated to the side, at least one of the channels 614 will have a central axis from the center of the cavity, which is located at an angle relative to the plane 720 perpendicular to the point of action of gravity. As noted above, this design aspect is used to allow air bubbles to escape from the lens, regardless of the orientation of the lens package, thereby reducing optical damage that may otherwise occur, for example, as a result of an air bubble displacing the lens into the lens carrier.It should also be understood that the caps, as well as other components specifically described and illustrated herein, may be used and combined in various orders to produce a variety of combinations, and, for example, various lens carriers (including integral rather than detachable carriers) may be used.

[0078] FIGS. 8 and 9 show embodiments of contact lens packaging that include a colored area and / or a tactile element. In FIG. 8, a contact lens packaging 800 includes a gripping element 806 and an opening tab 810. In this embodiment, a cover 812 includes an opening tab 810. The cover consists of a single molded plastic part made by two-step injection molding, wherein the cavity 832 of the cover, the seal and the surrounding areas, with the exception of the opening tab 810, are substantially transparent, and the opening tab 810 is colored (for example, blue, green, red or any other color, preferably from the Pantone color model, which the user can easily distinguish) in order to distinguish the opening tab 810 from the rest of the cover and, in this embodiment, also from the gripping part. The color can be opaque, translucent or completely transparent as desired.The coloured handle thus serves as a visual indication to the user of the correct orientation of the package for opening and that the package should be opened by interacting with the opening tab.

[0079] Two-shot injection molding is known in the art and is often referred to as 2K injection molding or dual injection molding. This process allows for the injection molding of a single part using two different but compatible injection molded materials, or the same material in different colors. This embodiment uses polypropylene plastic, but other materials can be used, including any sufficiently rigid plastic suitable for injection molding small parts, such as polypropylene homopolymers. A two-shot molding device can be programmed to perform two injections in a single cycle. In the first cycle, a nozzle injects the plastic into the mold. The mold then automatically rotates, and a second nozzle injects the second plastic into the mold.The molding machine copolymerizes two plastics, creating a molecular bond between them, resulting in a single part.

[0080] The gripping element 806 of the lens package 800 further includes a tactile element 820 in the form of a dimpled area that can perform several functions, including tactilely indicating to the user that their hand is positioned correctly for opening the package and / or creating a more slip-resistant grip on the package for the user's hand. The tactile element 820 is colored, while the rest of the gripping element 806 is substantially transparent, making the tactile element 820 visually distinguishable. The gripping element can be formed using the aforementioned double-injection process. Any shape, location, or component is possible for the tactile elements. For example, in some embodiments, the tactile element can be raised rather than depressed, and can have any shape, logo, or other trademark, or can have a raised or recessed inscription or number.The opening tab (handle) 810 also contains printed product information, specifically the prescription information for the contact lenses contained within the package. Printing can be performed using any method suitable for plastic parts, including digital inkjet printing, screen printing, flexo printing, pad printing, laser printing, and so on.

[0081] The contact lens package 900 configured as shown in FIG. 9 includes a gripping element 906 and an opening tab 910. In this embodiment, the lid 912 has an opening tab 910 that is shaped like a handle. The lid 912 and the integral handle 910 consist of a single and substantially transparent molded plastic part. The gripping element 906 has a color that allows the gripping element 906 to be distinguished from the lid and the rest of the lens package 800. The gripping element 906 further includes a tactile element 820 in the form of an area with dimples that can perform several functions, including a tactile cue for the user that his hand is positioned correctly for opening the package and / or creating a more slip-resistant grip of the package for the user's hand. In this embodiment, the tactile element 902 has the same color as the rest of the gripping element.The gripping portion 906 includes a marking 930, which can be molded, embossed, or otherwise, and can provide additional tactile feedback to the user. The opening tab (handle) 901 also contains printed product information, such as contact lens prescription information, placed inside the packaging. Countless combinations of color and tactile elements are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0082] The visual and tactile elements described herein may be particularly important for the new contact lens packaging of the present invention, which differs significantly in shape and opening method from traditional contact lens packaging. In traditional packaging, the contact lens is contained in a molded plastic base with an upward-facing cup on which the contact lens rests in a concave position. Aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, described and illustrated in the figures herein, completely change traditional packaging designs in one or more ways, such as providing a convex orientation for the lens; locating the lens cavity at the top of the package rather than the bottom; essentially opening the rigid side instead of the flat foil; and / or flowing the packaging solution into the lid. Visual or tactile elements may make the opening process more intuitive.

[0083] In the above description, specific nomenclature is used for purposes of explanation to ensure a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many specific details are not required to practice the described embodiments. Therefore, the above description of specific embodiments described herein is presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms described. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

[0084] The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more, but not all, embodiments of the present invention contemplated by the inventors and, thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0085] The above description of specific embodiments will so fully disclose the general nature of the invention that others, using knowledge within the skill in the art, can easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various fields of application without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Accordingly, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the described embodiments based on the teachings and guidance provided herein. It should be understood that the phraseology or terminology in this document is intended to be descriptive and not limiting, so that the terminology or phraseology of the present description should be interpreted by a person skilled in the art in light of the teachings and guidance.

[0086] The packaging of the present invention can be manufactured using known materials and methods. The packaging materials can be virgin, recycled, or a combination of both. The volume within the packaging cavity can vary depending on the chosen design.

[0087] Not all features described herein need to be included in every package, and those skilled in the art, using the teachings presented herein, may combine features to provide a wide variety of improved contact lens packages.

[0088] Thus, the contact lens packaging of the present invention includes several new functionalities that can be combined in a wide variety of combinations, as described herein, to provide the desired improved packaging and / or one-touch packaging. The scope and extent of the present invention should not be limited by any of the embodiments described above, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0089] Below, various sets of features that may be related to the present invention will also be disclosed.

[0090] In particular, the present disclosure describes, among other things, a package of a contact lens, comprising: a lid, containing a lid cavity, in which a contact lens and a packaging solution are located, wherein the package is designed such that when the package is opened by the user, the packaging solution flows out of the contact lens and substantially flows back into the lid.

[0091] The packaging solution may flow back into the lid cavity.

[0092] The contact lens packaging further comprises a lens carrier configured to hold the contact lens substantially outside the packaging solution when the packaging is in an open state.

[0093] The contact lens packaging further comprises a gripping member configured to be held by the user during opening.

[0094] The lid is essentially rigid.

[0095] The lid cavity accommodates the contact lens in the convex position of the package when the package is unopened or open. The lid contains an opening tab.

[0096] The lens wearer has a profile that does not substantially match the profile of the contact lens or, when the package is in the open state, the wetted contact area between the lens wearer and the contact lens is less than about 25 mm 2 , less than about 20 mm 2 , less than about 18 mm 2 or less than about 15 mm 2 .

[0097] The cover further comprises a lens-facing surface comprising at least one air inlet guide.

[0098] The base is designed with the possibility of a hinge connection when opening.

[0099] The gripping element comprises a recessed area formed in the form of a contour for accommodating with the possibility of mating at least a portion of the opening tab when the packaging is in an unopened state.

[0100] The contact lens packaging further comprises a lens carrier comprising a first carrier element and a second carrier element configured to support the concave side of the contact lens in the cavity when the packaging is in an unopened state. The contact lens packaging is designed such that when the packaging is in the open state, the contact lens rests on at least a portion of the first carrier element, and the second carrier element moves away from the lens, or in the contact lens packaging, during opening, the second carrier element rotates away from the first carrier element.

[0101] The contact lens packaging further comprises at least one gripping element and the opening tab comprises a colored area that visually indicates to the user the correct orientation of the packaging or the location to hold when opening the packaging.

[0102] The contact lens packaging additionally contains a stopper to prevent the cap from separating from the base after the packaging is opened.

[0103] At least one of the gripping element and the opening tab, which further includes a substantially transparent portion, wherein the colored portion and the substantially transparent portion are formed by injection molding in two stages.

[0104] At least one of the gripping member and the opening tab comprises a tactile member.

[0105] At least one of the gripping member and the opening tab contains printed or embossed product information.

[0106] A contact lens package comprising: a lens carrier comprising a first carrier element and a second carrier element configured to support a concave side of a contact lens located in a cavity when the package is in an unopened state; wherein the package is designed such that when it is in an open state, the contact lens rests on at least a portion of the first carrier element, and the second carrier element moves away from the lens.

[0107] When opening, the second carrier element rotates away from the first carrier element.

[0108] The first and second elements of the carrier are a single component.

[0109] The second carrier element is fixedly attached to at least a portion of the base of the packaging.

[0110] The first and second carrier elements have a nested configuration when the packaging is in an unopened state.

[0111] The second carrier element is designed such that when the package is in an unopened state, the peripheral edge of the contact lens rests on at least a portion of the second carrier element.

[0112] The first wearer element has a first profile that does not substantially correspond to the profile of the contact lens.

[0113] The second element of the carrier is made as a single piece with the base of the packaging.

[0114] The contact lens packaging further contains a drainage channel located along the length of the lens wearer.

[0115] The contact lens packaging further comprises a hinge located between the cover and the gripping member and located across the drainage channel, wherein when opened, the packaging bends along the hinge, and the packaging solution flows from the contact lens through the drainage channel.

[0116] When the package is in the open state, the wetted contact area between the main lens carrier and the contact lens is less than about 25mm 2 , less than about 20 mm 2 , less than about 18 mm 2 or less than about 15 mm 2 .

[0117] A contact lens package comprising: a cavity in which a contact lens and a packaging solution are placed; a lens carrier for holding the contact lens; and at least one lens-facing surface in the cavity above a convex side of the contact lens, wherein, when the package is in an unopened state, the at least one lens-facing surface is configured to: i) align the contact lens over the lens carrier; ii) allow air to escape into the peripheral volume of the cavity; and iii) protect the contact lens from significant optical damage due to gravitational, mechanical, or atmospheric forces.

[0118] At least one surface facing the lens is further configured to direct air entering the package over the contact lens to reduce the frequency of sticking of the contact lens to the package after opening.

[0119] At least one surface facing the lens comprises a plurality of projections directed toward the convex side of the contact lens.

[0120] The contact surface area between at least one lens-facing surface and the contact lens is at least about 3 percent of the convex surface area of ​​the lens.

[0121] At least one surface facing the lens defines at least two air outlet channels that allow air to move from the contact lens into the peripheral volume of the lid cavity.

[0122] Each of the at least two channels has a width within the range of about 1-1.5 mm or 1.5-2 mm.

[0123] Each of at least two channels has a positive slope toward the peripheral volume and has a minimum vertical rise of at least about 2 mm.

[0124] At least two channels are arranged relative to each other in such a way that when the package rotates in the lateral direction, at least one of the channels has a central axis passing near the center of the cavity, which is located at an angle relative to the plane perpendicular to the force of gravity.

[0125] The lens wearer has a profile that does not substantially match the profile of the contact lens.

[0126] When the package is in the open state, the wetted contact area between the lens wearer and the contact lens is less than about 25mm 2 , less than about 20 mm 2 , less than about 18 mm 2 or less than about 15 mm 2 .

[0127] A contact lens packaging comprising: a gripping element and an opening tab, wherein at least one of the gripping element and the opening tab comprises a colored area that visually indicates to the user the correct orientation of the packaging or the location to hold when opening the packaging.

[0128] At least one of the gripping element and the opening tab, which further includes a substantially transparent portion, wherein the colored portion and the substantially transparent portion are formed by injection molding in two stages.

[0129] At least one of the gripping member and the opening tab comprises a tactile member.

[0130] At least one of the gripping element and the opening tab contains printed or embossed product information.

Claims

1. A contact lens package containing: flat hinged base; a gripping element adapted to be held by the user during opening; a rigid lid with an opening tab, comprising a lid cavity that contains the packaging solution and the contact lens in a convex position when the packaging is in an unopened or opened state; and a lens carrier configured to retain a contact lens outside of a packaging solution when the packaging is in an open state.

2. The packaging of a contact lens according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the packaging is designed in such a way that when the user opens the packaging, the packaging solution flows out of the contact lens and flows back into the cap.

3. A contact lens packaging according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the packaging solution flows again into the cavity of the lid.

4. A contact lens packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that the lens carrier has a profile that does not correspond to the profile of the contact lens.

5. A contact lens packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that when the packaging is in the open state, the wetted contact area between the lens wearer and the contact lens is less than 25 mm 2 , less than 20 mm 2 , less than 18 mm 2 or less than 15 mm 2 .

6. A contact lens packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that the rigid cover additionally comprises a surface facing the lens, which contains at least one air inlet guide.

7. A contact lens packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping element contains a recessed area formed in the form of a contour for accommodating and mating a portion of the opening tab therein when the packaging is in an unopened state.

8. A contact lens packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally contains a limiter to prevent the lid from separating from the base after the packaging has been opened.

9. A method for opening a contact lens package according to claim 1, comprising: holding the packaging by the gripping element of the packaging; pulling the tab to open the rigid lid of the packaging to: i) bend the packaging and break the seal between the rigid lid and the base of the packaging, ii) pour the packaging solution from the contact lens into the lid, and iii) present the contact lens to the wearer in a convex position on the lens wearer; and removing a contact lens from its packaging.

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