Contact lens case with removable storage insert

Abstract

A case for storing contact lenses is provided. The case features a removable, disposable insert having wells for storing contact lenses immersed in lens storage solution. A dry compartment houses wireless electronics, such as a tracking device and an RFID tag. The case provides the user with a permanent, customizable device, and minimizes the waste associated with the need for regular replacement of contact lens cases.

Description

CONTACT LENS CASE WITH REMOVABLE STORAGE INSERTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 745,328 filed on January 15, 2025, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention pertains to cases for storing contact lenses.BACKGROUND

[0003] Contact lenses are commonly used by individuals to correct vision problems. As of 2024, approximately 45 million people in the United States wear contact lenses. Of these, 10.6 million wear daily disposable soft lenses; the remaining 34.4 million wear hard lenses or extended-wear (> 1 day) soft lenses that require storage in an FDA-approved Class II contact lens case. For proper hygiene and maintenance, contact lenses need to be stored in a case that holds them in a safe and sanitary manner.

[0004] A variety of devices exist to store contact lenses. Existing cases typically provide protection from physical damage, dust and debris. They are Class II medical devices designed to provide a clean environment to store contact lenses when not in use, reducing the risk of lens contamination and eye infection. The cases are designed to hold contact lens solution as well, which typically disinfects and hydrates the stored lenses, helping to maintain their functionality and comfort over the course of the lens' lifespan. Some cases are equipped with disinfecting systems (e.g. , a platinum catalyst intended for use with hydrogen-peroxide based disinfectants) or have antimicrobial properties to reduce the risk of bacterial growth, thus improving overall safety.

[0005] In general, existing cases are small, lightweight and portable, allowing users to transport lenses safely in a pocket, purse, or travel kit. Most contact lens cases are very basic in design, and are intended to be disposed of after 1-3 months. They typically comprise two compartments, with screw-on or snap-on lids, designed to hold left and right lenses separately, for example as disclosed in European Patent Publication EP0049767 A2. The lids are designed to close securely over the compartments to prevent contact lens solution from leaking out, thus ensuring the lenses remain sterile and hydrated. The compartments or the lids are usually labeled (e.g., “L” for left and “R”for right) to help users distinguish the lenses and avoid mix-ups when reinserting. Usually the cases are made from durable, lightweight, and non-toxic materials like polypropylene or antimicrobial-coated plastics, that are compatible with contact lens solutions. They may come in various colors, shapes, and designs, catering to personal preferences. Some include decorative elements or additional features like mirrors.

[0006] One disadvantage of these containers is that it is possible to mix up the screw caps and reverse the contact lenses. The basic cases also fail to incorporate user-friendly features like ergonomic lids or indicators for wear and tear. Lids are typically small and easily dropped, and contact lens solution can spill as the user attempts to spin or pop the lid to open the case. Furthermore, these cases, being small and lightweight, can easily be knocked over, causing the liquid and / or the contact lenses to fall out.

[0007] Alternative designs having a bottom part in which two wells for inserting and storing the contact lenses are arranged are known, for example as disclosed in publication Nos. WO / 1995 / 012995 Al and DE 102017008901 Al. A lid and a lattice cover element are pivotally mounted on hinges at the container’s edge. The lattice enables the user to pour out and replace the storage solution while retaining the lenses in their wells. The lid and the lattice cover must both be opened to store, remove or clean the contact lenses.

[0008] Chinese patent publication No. CN110141030 discloses a Bluetooth-enabled contact lens container, which can communicate with an application on a user’s mobile phone. The application enables locating the case, and features a timing and alarm system that encourages users to clean the lenses and clean or replace the case on a regular schedule.

[0009] The lids of existing cases are prone to accidentally becoming unsealed during travel (e.g., due to reduced cabin pressure when flying), allowing the contact lens solution to leak out. This may cause the stored lenses to dry out, compromising future usability and comfort.

[0010] Existing cases often retain moisture when not properly air-dried, fostering bacterial growth. They are prone to biofilm buildup, which increases the risk of eye infections such as microbial keratitis. This problem becomes particularly acute when users exhibit poor case cleaning habits and infrequent case replacement. While most contact lens solution providers include a replacement case with each purchase, there is no associated mechanism that encourages users to replace their case every 1-3 months, in line with optometric guidance.

[0011] Due to the compact, lightweight, and portable nature of the usual cases, these devices can be easily misplaced or lost. Most existing cases are designed to be entirely discarded every 1-3 months. They are often made of inexpensive materials, and have biostatic and hydrophobic coatings that deteriorate over time, especially with exposure to contact lens solutions. They are typically made of non-biodegradable plastics, and given their disposable nature they contribute to global plastic waste.

[0012] There is a need for an improved contact lens case that is sturdy, high-quality, easy to maintain, and trackable. Existing cases do not integrate with modern technologies, which can enable tracking and / or digital reminders for cleaning and replacement. There is also a need for a durable contact lens storage case that enables users to easily clean, replace, or upgrade the storage wells, and to accommodate different sized lenses, without replacing the entire case.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention replaces the industry-standard pair of well caps or lids in favor of a larger, single lid that can be set in a locked position. The case is designed to hold contact lenses and contact lens insertion and removal tools in a removable insert, and to hold a tracking device in a secure compartment. The case can be adapted to accommodate any contact lens size by selecting the appropriate insert, ensuring that lenses are adequately bathed in the appropriate volume of contact lens solution per industry guidance.

[0014] The case of the present invention features a tracking device compartment with a lid, beneath a lens storage compartment which is equipped with a removable lens storage insert having wells for storing lenses, and a cap.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] All drawings are perspective views, and like elements in each figure are marked with like numerals.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a view of the exterior of a lens case of the invention.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a view of a lens case of the invention, with the outer cap detached.

[0018] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a lens case of the invention, showing the lens storage insert and insert lid separated from the body.

[0019] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of a two-piece removable electronics housing.

[0020] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a two-piece removable electronics housing, and its elastomeric pads, from a bottom perspective.

[0021] Fig.6 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Fig. 7 shows a lid for separating upper and lower chambers in an alternative embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 8 is an exploded view an alternative embodiment, showing the placement of a tracking device in the lower chamber.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] As used herein, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “up”, “down”, “above”, “below”, “upper” and “lower” are all descriptors of relative positions of parts when the inventive case 1 is resting upright on a horizontal surface, oriented as shown in Fig. 1.

[0025] Broadly, the invention provides a case for contact lens storage, comprising a case body partitioned into upper and lower chambers, the upper chamber configured to receive a removable and disposable lens storage insert, and the lower chamber configured to house a wireless electronic device, preferably a wireless tracking device. The lower chamber may contain a removable electronics housing which is configured to house a wireless tracking device. The removable and disposable lens storage insert is a single molded insert having two wells, each sized to contain a contact lens. The wells are sealed with a single, flexible polymer lid that forms water-tight seals against the inner surfaces of the wells. Access to the lower chamber, in certain embodiments, is achieved by removal of the bottom of the case, and in other embodiments access is achieved by removal of the lens storage insert.

[0026] The central housing (the body 5 of the case) is made from a durable, high-quality, nontoxic material. The housing, as well as the other rigid components, can be injection molded from plastic resin or thermoformed from extruded plastic sheets. Suitable materials include but are not limited to polypropylene, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, polyamide, ABS, polystyrene, maleic anhydride-modified polystyrene and polycarbonate. The material is preferably capable of being sterilized at 120° C. without substantial loss of dimensional stability. The material should also have low water and vapor permeability to prevent the evaporation of the lens treatment solution. Preferred materials are ABS andpolycarbonate. The case of the invention is preferably larger than existing disposable cases, for improved ergonomics and functionality, while remaining small enough for everyday portability and convenient travel.

[0027] The case may be marked with a serial number, RFID tag and / or bar code or QR Code, which can be used to pair the case with a computer-, cellphone- or tablet-based software application. A visible QR code on the bottom of the case, readable by any modern cellphone, can also convey the owner’s contact information to a person who finds a lost case. The software application may enable users to locate their case, offer insert replacement and eye exam reminders, assist with reordering contact lens solutions and supplies, and provide access to digital content that educates users on proper lens care and handling, and on the care and maintenance of the case. The application may also enable users to manage subscriptions related to case management (e.g. replacement inserts and lids), lens solutions, lens prescriptions, and ordering custom-designed case parts. Some of the components of the case can be customized in terms of color, pattern, material for the purpose of branding, creative expression, and user pride in their contact lens investment.

[0028] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2-5, the body 5 of the case is cylindrical in shape and is partitioned into separate upper 6 and lower 7 compartments. The upper compartment 6 is designed to securely hold a removable insert 8, while the lower compartment 7 holds an electronics housing 9 designed to house electronic components such as an RFID tag and a tracking device. In these embodiments, electronics housing 9 also features a recess for storage of spare tools and other small items.

[0029] The upper portion of the body 5 is fitted with a secure closing mechanism, such as a threaded or snap-on outer lid 2. In the embodiment shown, cap 2 engages with quick-twist threads 3 molded into body 5. An FDA approved Class II removable lens storage insert 8 fits inside the upper compartment. The removable lens storage insert 8 is formed with two lens storage wells 13a and 13b and, in the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, a tool storage recess 14. Storage wells 13 are designed to hold contact lenses immersed in a lens storage solution, and are preferably designed to accommodate specific types of contact lenses and contact lens sizes. This ensures that the wells are large and deep enough to adequately cover the stored lens when the well is filled with contact lens solution, per industry standards. An insert 8 designed to hold large-diameter (18-26mm) scleral contact lenses, for example, can feature storage wells that are deeper than an insert designed to hold ortho-k lenses.

[0030] The storage recess 14 may be used to house contact lens tools, such as contact lens applicators or removal plungers for use with scleral or other rigid lenses. The removable design of insert 8 provides flexibility, in that users may easily clean, replace, or upgrade the storage wells (e.g., to accommodate different sized lenses) without replacing the entire case system. The modular nature of the insert 8 also reduces manufacturing and inventory costs. The insert is fitted with a flexible, removable insert lid 15 which, when pressed into place, provides a water-tight or hermetic seal for storage wells 13. In the preferred embodiment shown, the lower surface of insert lid 15 features protrusions 16, shaped to fit snugly into the wells 13, that the user can press into the wells 13 in order to seal them. This seal may optionally be enhanced by the presence of ridges, molded into the protrusions 16, that press tightly against the inner walls of wells 13. Insert lid 15, which is preferably molded from medical-grade polypropylene or silicone, may be unambiguously marked with “L” (left) and “R” (right) indicia 24a and 24b, as shown, because the lid can only be installed in the orientation shown.

[0031] The insert 8 may be held in place within body 5 by any convenient means, including but not limited to a compressed o-ring, indents, alignment notches and / or posts, which still permit a user to remove insert 8 with the fingers. The body 5 is preferably provided with finger cutouts 4 to facilitate manual removal of the insert. Once removed, insert 8 can be cleaned, disinfected, dried, and placed back into the lens storage compartment, or it can be replaced with a new insert. The insert will be made of a lightweight, antimicrobial, durable, and chemically resistant plastic that is FDA-approved for contact lens cases, and is preferably coated with silicone (to prevent lens scratching) and antimicrobial agents (to prevent biofilm), as is known in the art. The insert 8 is designed to be removed and replaced every 1-3 months, as is recommended by eye-care professionals, due to the limited service life of these coatings.

[0032] The upper compartment 6 is closed by an outer cap 2, which forms the top of the case and locks onto the case body 5 via a locking mechanism such as quick twist threads 3 or the like. In a preferred embodiment the outer surface is fully customizable in terms aesthetic design (colors, patterns, and materials.) When cap 2 is locked in place on body 5, it preferably makes contact with the top surface of insert lid 15, ensuring that the latter maintains a water-tight seal on insert 8. Thecap 2 preferably has air holes 10 for venting. A compressible foamed-plastic disk (not shown) may optionally be attached to the inner surface of the cap 2 to provide additional sealing force.

[0033] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2-5, the lower compartment 7 of body 5 is configured to house electronics components, which may for example include a tracking device and an RFID tag. In this context, “configured to house electronic components” means that the compartment is isolated from the lenses and lens storage solutions, so as to remain dry regardless of the orientation of the case and regardless of leakage of lens storage solution from the wells 13, and is designed to hold electronic components securely and motionless with respect to the compartment regardless of rough handling by the user. In the embodiment shown, a two-piece removable electronics housing 9, consisting of a holder 17 nesting within a lower lid 18, is held within the bottom compartment 7 by quick-twist threads 19, which engage with the interior wall of lower compartment 7. The holder features a chamber 20 shaped so as to securely hold a tracking device in place. The holder 17 may also feature a spare tool cavity 21.

[0034] The lower lid 18 has at least one sound hole 22 that aligns with the tracking device chamber 20, enabling the user to hear and locate the tracking device when it emits sound. In some embodiments, a porous hydrophobic membrane seals water out of the sound hole while permitting air and sound to pass. Suitable membranes are known in the art, for example the Virtek® PTFE membranes available from the Porex Corp., Fairbum GA. Proper alignment of the lid and holder is ensured by an alignment pin 23 and notch 24. The lower lid 18 in the illustrated embodiment features a coin slot 25 to enable the locking and unlocking of the lower lid from body 5. In preferred embodiments, the outside surface of lower lid 18 has recesses to accommodate elastomeric feet or adhesive inserts 22. A flat section 25 on the inner surface of lower lid 18 accommodates an optional adhesive RFID tag, which may be used for inventory control and / or as an identifying token for pairing with a user’s wireless device(s), whereby it can provide identifying information to installed applications associated with the user’s contact lenses and case.

[0035] An alternative embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 6-8, where the lower compartment of body 5a is an integrally molded tracker compartment 6, which is located directly below, and accessible upon removal of, insert 8. Tracker compartment 6 is configured to house the tracking device. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, compartment 6 is sized and shaped to snugly fit a Tile™ tracker. Tracker compartment lid 30 isolates the tracker compartment from the insert 8. Fig. 8 shows thesame body 5a, but fitted with a plastic adapter 32 sized and shaped to securely hold an AirTag™ 40 or a Moto Tag™ within compartment 6. Flat gasket 31, which isolates the tracker compartment from the insert 8, may be formed from a polymer such as PTFE, LDPE, or ABS, a foam such as polyurethane (PET) or EVA foam, or a flexible elastomer such as silicone, TPU, or PVC. Gasket 31 also fits above the lid 30 shown in Fig 7, if additional isolation and water resistance is desired. One or more sound holes (not shown) may be provided through the bottom of chamber 6, and optionally sealed with a porous hydrophobic membrane as described above. Body design 5a obviates the need for holder 17, and a particularly lightweight and inexpensive embodiment of the invention omits holder 17 and lower lid 18 entirely. Alternatively, lower lid 18 and elastomer inserts 22 may be employed in the same manner as shown in Fig. 5, but the design of body 5a permits a thinner version of lid 18 and a lower overall profile; furthermore the lower lid may be permanently pressure-fit and / or glued in place.

[0036] A wireless (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth and / or Ultra-Wide Band (UWB)) tracking device held within the chamber 6 or 20 enables real-time location tracking when paired with a smart phone, tablet, or computer. This feature improves accessibility, increases security, and helps prevent lost, misplaced, or stolen lenses, without detracting from the primary function of contact lens storage. When the lower lid 18, internal lid 30, or gasket 31 are removed from body 5, the tracking device can be removed for battery replacement, or swapped out for a different tracking device, at the user’s convenience. The tracking device may be a proprietary tracking device, or a commercially available device such an AirTag™, SmartTag™, Moto Tag™, or Tile™ tracker. Such tracking devices typically contain a rechargeable or disposable battery as a power source. A rechargeable power supply capable of receiving inductive charging, e.g. via the Qi or Qi2 specification, is contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

[0037] In preferred embodiments, the bottom surface of the lower lid 18 features a rubbery elastomer bottom layer, or a pair of rubbery elastomer feet or pads 22, to provide grip on a flat surface when twisting off the lid. The rubbery elastomer also provides a degree of shock absorption if the case is dropped.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the features of the holder 17 (e.g., the tracking device chamber and the utility storage space) may be molded into the underside of the body 5.Although this reduces the number of parts, the illustrated embodiments allow the user to access the contents of the electronics housing while keeping the case and its contents upright.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A case for contact lens storage, comprising a case body partitioned into upper and lower chambers, the upper chamber configured to receive a removable and disposable lens storage insert, and the lower chamber configured to house a wireless electronic device.

2. The case according to claim 1, wherein the lower chamber is configured to house a wireless tracking device.

3. The case according to claim 1 , wherein the lower chamber contains a removable electronics housing configured to house a wireless tracking device.

4. The case according to claim 2, wherein the lower chamber houses a wireless tracking device.

5. The case according to claim 3, wherein the removable electronics housing houses a wireless tracking device.

6. The case according to claim 1, wherein the upper chamber contains a removable and disposable lens storage insert.

7. The case according to claim 2, wherein the upper chamber contains a removable and disposable lens storage insert.

8. The case according to claim 3, wherein the upper chamber contains a removable and disposable lens storage insert.

9. The case according to claim 4, wherein the upper chamber contains a removable and disposable lens storage insert.

10. The case according to claim 5, wherein the upper chamber contains a removable and disposable lens storage insert.

11. The case according to claim 1, wherein the removable and disposable lens storage insert is a single molded insert having two wells, each sized to contain a contact lens, the wellsbeing sealed with a single, flexible polymer lid that forms water-tight seals against the inner surfaces of the wells.

12. The case according to claim 2, wherein the removable and disposable lens storage insert is a single molded insert having two wells, each sized to contain a contact lens, the wells being sealed with a single, flexible polymer lid that forms water-tight seals against the inner surfaces of the wells.

13. The case according to claim 3, wherein the removable and disposable lens storage insert is a single molded insert having two wells, each sized to contain a contact lens, the wells being sealed with a single, flexible polymer lid that forms water-tight seals against the inner surfaces of the wells.

14. The case according to claim 4, wherein the removable and disposable lens storage insert is a single molded insert having two wells, each sized to contain a contact lens, the wells being sealed with a single, flexible polymer lid that forms water-tight seals against the inner surfaces of the wells.

15. The case according to claim 5, wherein the removable and disposable lens storage insert is a single molded insert having two wells, each sized to contain a contact lens, the wells being sealed with a single, flexible polymer lid that forms water-tight seals against the inner surfaces of the wells.

16. The case according to claim 6, wherein the removable and disposable lens storage insert is a single molded insert having two wells, each sized to contain a contact lens, the wells being sealed with a single, flexible polymer lid that forms water-tight seals against the inner surfaces of the wells.

17. The case according to claim 7, wherein the removable and disposable lens storage insert is a single molded insert having two wells, each sized to contain a contact lens, the wells being sealed with a single, flexible polymer lid that forms water-tight seals against the inner surfaces of the wells.

18. The case according to claim 8, wherein the removable and disposable lens storage insert is a single molded insert having two wells, each sized to contain a contact lens, the wellsbeing sealed with a single, flexible polymer lid that forms water-tight seals against the inner surfaces of the wells.

19. The case according to claim 9, wherein the removable and disposable lens storage insert is a single molded insert having two wells, each sized to contain a contact lens, the wells being sealed with a single, flexible polymer lid that forms water-tight seals against the inner surfaces of the wells.

20. The case according to claim 10, wherein the removable and disposable lens storage insert is a single molded insert having two wells, each sized to contain a contact lens, the wells being sealed with a single, flexible polymer lid that forms water-tight seals against the inner surfaces of the wells.

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