EP1825775A1 - Recipient de lentille oculaire et produit d'emballage de recipient de lentille d'oculaire - Google Patents

Recipient de lentille oculaire et produit d'emballage de recipient de lentille d'oculaire Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1825775A1
EP1825775A1 EP04822567A EP04822567A EP1825775A1 EP 1825775 A1 EP1825775 A1 EP 1825775A1 EP 04822567 A EP04822567 A EP 04822567A EP 04822567 A EP04822567 A EP 04822567A EP 1825775 A1 EP1825775 A1 EP 1825775A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cavity
ophthalmic lens
curvature
radius
opening
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP04822567A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1825775A4 (fr
Inventor
Masayoshi MENICON CO. LTD. TANAKA
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Menicon Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Menicon Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Menicon Co Ltd filed Critical Menicon Co Ltd
Publication of EP1825775A1 publication Critical patent/EP1825775A1/fr
Publication of EP1825775A4 publication Critical patent/EP1825775A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A45C11/005—Contact lens cases
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
    • B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
    • B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2585/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D2585/54—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles of special shape not otherwise provided for
    • B65D2585/545—Contact lenses

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an ophthalmic lens storage container for storing an ophthalmic lens like a contact lens or an intraocular lens with it soaked in a preserving solution, and which is utilized for a variety of purposes e.g., for providing, transporting or storing the ophthalmic lens.
  • a blister package is known as one type of a container for storing a contact lens.
  • JP-A-7-322011 (Reference 1)
  • JP-A-9-23916 (Reference 2)
  • US Patent NO. 6050398 (Reference 3) disclose known examples of the blister package that includes: a package body having a generally semi-spherical cavity and a flange extending radially outward around the periphery of the cavity; and a cover sheet formed of a plastic film, aluminum foil or the like.
  • the cavity contains the contact lens and a preserving solution, and the cover sheet is stripably sealed to the flange in a sealing zone that extends around the periphery of the cavity, to thereby enclose the cavity.
  • the contact lens provider at some point up to the process where a contact lens and a preserving solution are stored in the cavity and sealed with a cover, may employ a procedure of placing the contact lens together with a treatment solution such as a cleaning solution in the cavity and subject it to appropriate treatment, after which the treatment solution only is poured off while leaving the contact lens, followed by injection of preserving solution.
  • the user of the contact lens after peeling off the cover to expose the cavity, may drain off only the preserving solution, and then remove the contact lens remaining in the cavity.
  • a first mode of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens container provides (a) an ophthalmic lens container including: a container body having a lens storage portion with a cavity for storing an ophthalmic lens and a preserving solution, and a flange portion integrally formed with the lens storage portion extending radially outward around an opening peripheral portion of the cavity; a covering sheet superposed on the container body for covering an opening of the cavity, wherein the covering sheet is strippably sealed around the entire circumference of the opening of the cavity to provide liquid tight closure to the lens storage portion, the ophthalmic lens container being characterized in that (b) a bottom inside face of the cavity is of generally concave spherical shape, with a radius of curvature in a diametrical direction in a vertical cross section of the bottom inside face of the cavity being greater than a radius of curvature of a front face of the ophthalmic lens; (c) a radius of curvature in a circumferential direction of an opening inside surface of the
  • the inside surface of the concave spherical face of the cavity for storing the ophthalmic lens has over the entirety thereof a radius of curvature that is greater than the radius of curvature: R of the convex spherical front face of the ophthalmic lens stored therein.
  • the cavity in plan view has a very special shape, i.e. a non-circular, generally heart shape.
  • the surface tension of the liquid acts on the narrow space between the two contact points and surrounded by the opposed faces of the ophthalmic lens and the cavity inside face, whereby the ophthalmic lens undergo deformation so as to fit along the cavity inside face. Accordingly, the ophthalmic lens keeps face contact with the cavity inside face over a wider area.
  • detaining force deriving from friction, attraction, etc. of the ophthalmic lens against the cavity inside face as well as detaining force deriving from abutting force due to the ophthalmic lens being pinched from both sides in the circumferential direction, can be produced effectively so that the ophthalmic lens is easily detained on the cavity inside face, whereby without the use of any special utensil, the liquid only may be drained easily, while keeping the ophthalmic lens held in the container.
  • the invention can be implemented regardless of the type or material of the ophthalmic lens stored in the cavity, or of the liquid.
  • the invention is implemented advantageously even in instances where the ophthalmic lens is accommodated in a generally floating state in a liquid, due to generally equal specific gravities of the ophthalmic lens and the liquid.
  • the liquid will flow out first, and thus the liquid level will drip and a portion of the ophthalmic lens will project above the liquid surface. Since the ophthalmic lens comes into contact in this state with the inside surface of the cavity, abutting force of the ophthalmic lens against the cavity inside face will be assured by the weight of the ophthalmic lens.
  • the narrowing tip of the lower end of the heart is utilized in order to drain out the liquid therefrom, it is possible for the easily drained liquid to be drained out at a single, sufficiently narrow location along the entire circumference of the cavity opening.
  • the large radius of curvature of the left and right portions at the two sides of the heart can be utilized to enable removal of the ophthalmic lens, even where the ophthalmic lens is removed by being slid along the cavity inside face, it will be possible to remove the ophthalmic lens in the same manner as with a lens container of conventional design, smoothly and with good operability under low frictional force and detaining force, due to the front face of the ophthalmic lens contacting the cavity inside face at one point only.
  • the cavity is symmetrical shaped on the left and right sides to either side of the line of incline during draining.
  • consumers of the contact lenses for which the ophthalmic lens case pertaining to the invention is commonly used, include large numbers of the elderly and women.
  • consumers of the contact lenses for which the ophthalmic lens case pertaining to the invention is commonly used, include large numbers of the elderly and women.
  • the invention affords notable features with regard to commercial value taking design and taste into consideration.
  • a second mode of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens container provides an ophthalmic lens container according to the above-indicated first mode, wherein a circumferential radius of curvature: ra of a constricted lower end of the lower section of the heart shape in the opening peripheral portion of the cavity of generally heart shape is established so as to fulfill an equation: 0.2 ⁇ ra/R ⁇ 0.4, with respect to a radius of curvature: R of the front face of the ophthalmic lens.
  • the overall attractive design of the heart-shaped lens container can be maintained while providing, in the lower portion of the heart, a cavity inside face able to consistently give effective detaining force by means of contact of the ophthalmic lens at two points.
  • a third mode of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens container provides an ophthalmic lens container according to the above-indicated first or second mode hereinabove, wherein in a circumferential radius of curvature: rb of the left and right side portions of the heart shape in the opening peripheral portion of the cavity of generally heart shape is established so as to fulfill an equation: 1.2 ⁇ rb/R ⁇ 2.0, with respect to the radius of curvature: R of the front face of the ophthalmic lens.
  • the overall attractive design of the heart-shaped lens container can be maintained while providing, in the left and right side portions of the heart, a cavity inside face that is more advantageously formed in terms of being able to easily and smoothly slide the ophthalmic lens in order to remove it.
  • a fourth mode of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens container provides an ophthalmic lens container according to any one of the above-indicated first to third modes, wherein a diametrical radius of curvature: rc in a vertical cross section of the bottom inside face of the cavity of generally heart shape is established so as to fulfill an equation: 1.2 ⁇ rc/R ⁇ 1.6, with respect to the radius of curvature: R of the front face of the ophthalmic lens.
  • the cavity bottom face refers to a zone of depth generally equivalent to the axial height dimension of the ophthalmic lens from the deepest point of the cavity; by setting the radius of curvature: R of the cavity inside face of this deep zone in accordance with the equation above, an ophthalmic lens can be advantageously accommodated within the cavity.
  • a fifth mode of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens container provides an ophthalmic lens container according to any one of the above-indicated first to fourth modes, wherein the covering sheet sealed to the flange portion around the opening peripheral portion of the cavity has a pull tab extending further outwardly from the portion fixed to the flange portion, at a constricted lower end of the lower portion of the heart shape in the opening peripheral portion of the cavity of the heart shape, the pull tab being gripped in order to strip the covering sheet from the flange portion.
  • the adhesive face extending in the direction orthogonal to the direction of stripping of the covering sheet is provided with small width dimension, so that the peel strength of the covering sheet may be held to a low level.
  • ease of unsealing may be improved to make possible smooth unsealing, and shaking or other back action produced in the container body as the covering sheet is stripped when opening the cavity may be suppressed, so as to prevent the preserving solution from spilling out appreciably from the cavity opening, and making it easier to remove the lens.
  • a sixth mode of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens container provides an ophthalmic lens container including: a container body having a lens storage portion with a cavity for storing an ophthalmic lens and a preserving solution, and a flange portion integrally formed with the lens storage portion extending radially outward around an opening peripheral portion of the cavity; a covering sheet superposed on the container body for covering an opening of the cavity, wherein the covering sheet is strippably sealed around the entire circumference of the opening of the cavity to provide liquid tight closure to the lens storage portion, the ophthalmic lens container being characterized in that a bottom inside face of the cavity is of generally concave spherical shape, with a radius of curvature in a diametrical direction in a vertical cross section of the bottom inside face of the cavity being greater than a radius of curvature of a front face of the ophthalmic lens, while over at least a portion on a circumference of an opening inside surface of the cavity, disposed is at least one upright curving
  • the ophthalmic lens container With the ophthalmic lens container according to this mode, with the ophthalmic lens container resting in a generally horizontal state so that the ophthalmic lens is stored positioned on the bottom of the cavity, the ophthalmic lens may be stored stably with no localized deformation or the like, within the bottom portion of the cavity of spherical concave shape having a radius of curvature greater than that of the front face of the ophthalmic lens.
  • the ophthalmic lens container is tilted in order to drain out the liquid only
  • the ophthalmic lens will come into abutment at two positions in the diametrical direction (vertical sectional direction) of the cavity at the inside face of the opening of the cavity, which has a radius of curvature smaller than that of the front face of the ophthalmic lens.
  • a seventh mode of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens container provides an ophthalmic lens container according to the above-indicated sixth mode, wherein the ophthalmic lens container comprises a structure defined in any one of the above-indicated first to fifth modes, and wherein two upright curving portions are provided at portions circumferentially opposed to each other with the constricted portion in the lower portion of the heart shape interposed therebetween, in the opening inside surface of the cavity.
  • the ophthalmic lens container of structure when the ophthalmic lens container is inclined in order to drain the liquid from the constricted portion in the lower portion of the heart, the ophthalmic lens, moving together with the liquid into proximity with the opening of the ophthalmic lens container, comes into abutment at two circumferential locations thereof with the cavity inside face at the two sides of the latter in the circumferential direction to either side centered on the constricted portion in the lower portion of the heart, as well as coming into abutment in the vertical sectional direction (diametrical direction) at two positions in the upright curving portion.
  • An eighth mode of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens container provides an ophthalmic lens container according to any one of the above-indicated first to seventh modes, wherein at least a portion in a circumferential direction of the opening peripheral portion of the cavity, over a zone of at least 2 mm in the depth direction from the opening peripheral portion of the cavity, is a sloping face having a slope angle of 45° or more with respect to a plane orthogonal to a center axis of the cavity in vertical cross section.
  • the inside face of the opening peripheral portion of the cavity will be maintained in either a horizontal attitude or a sloping attitude moving upward from the bottom towards the opening.
  • the ophthalmic lens can be kept inside the cavity, just as if it were trapped therein.
  • the ophthalmic lens can be positively detained and held by being trapped by the opening peripheral portion of the cavity, after the liquid has been drained, the ophthalmic lens can be held with a portion thereof projecting outwardly beyond the cavity opening.
  • the ophthalmic lens By having a portion of the ophthalmic lens project outwardly beyond the cavity opening in this way, when removing the ophthalmic lens from the cavity, it can be picked up without having to slide the ophthalmic lens along the cavity inside face, thereby making is possible to remove the ophthalmic lens from the case container more safely, while avoiding damage to it.
  • a ninth mode of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens container provides an ophthalmic lens container according to any one of the above-indicated first to eighth modes, wherein a circular recessed portion having a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the front face of the ophthalmic lens is formed at a location in an approximate center of the bottom inside face situated at the deepest portion of the cavity, the circular recessed portion opening into the bottom inside face of the cavity via an opening diameter of ⁇ 1 mm -5 mm.
  • the center portion of the front face of the ophthalmic lens is supported in linewise contact about the circumference of a circle against the opening peripheral portion of the circular recessed portion.
  • any outside forces acting on the lens are dispersed by means of linewise contact, and in particular since the ophthalmic lens is supported through in a circular ringwise abutment about the approximate center axis thereof, external force acting on the ophthalmic lens can be made generally uniform about the center axis thereof, thereby avoiding strain and other deformation, and keeping the ophthalmic lens supported in good condition within the cavity.
  • a tenth mode of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens container provides an ophthalmic lens container according to any one of the above-indicated first to eighth modes, wherein a generally plane, circular flat portion extending in an axis-perpendicular direction by an outside diameter dimension of ⁇ 1 mm -5 mm is formed at a location in an approximate center of the bottom inside face located in the deepest portion of the cavity.
  • the contact location of the front face of the ophthalmic lens stored in the cavity against the cavity inside face is readily displaced on the circular flat portion by the application of a low level of external force or the like.
  • the circular flat portion provided to the bottom inside face of the ophthalmic lens container is able to readily produce repulsive force by abutment against the ophthalmic lens in comparison with the spherical concave surface.
  • the repulsive force of the circular flat portion enables the ophthalmic lens to readily float up and be free from deformation.
  • the ophthalmic lens stored in the container is likely to avoid a large deformation.
  • An eleventh mode of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens container provides an ophthalmic lens container according to any one of the above-indicated first to tenth modes, wherein a surface roughness of the inside face of the cavity has a maximum height: Ry value such that Ry ⁇ 5 ⁇ m.
  • the inside face of the container against which the front face of the ophthalmic lens comes into contact is a relatively smooth face, reducing damage to the ophthalmic lens. That is, where, for example, the user when removing the ophthalmic lens from the cavity should happen to slide the ophthalmic lens along the inside face of the cavity while pressing it with a finger, it will nevertheless be possible to effectively prevent damage to the ophthalmic lens surface due to rubbing against the cavity inside face, as well as to remove the ophthalmic lens smoothly from the relatively smooth cavity inside face.
  • the specially shaped cavity inside face described above is employed. Therefore, the ophthalmic lens may be effectively detained against the cavity inside face at at least two points, so that while making it possible to detain the ophthalmic lens within the cavity when draining the liquid. It is also made possible to easily remove the ophthalmic lens for use, by sliding it along the smooth cavity inside face.
  • a twelfth mode of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens container provides an ophthalmic lens container according to any one of the above-mentioned first to tenth modes, wherein the inside face of the cavity has a surface roughness finer than 800 grid sandpaper.
  • surface roughness of the cavity inside face will have some level of roughness, rather than being excessively smooth.
  • the surface of the cavity inside face will have wrinkle-like irregularities, the roughness thereof, when measured using the "Form Talysurf " by "Taylor Hobson Ltd.” on the mold user to produce the cavity inside face, having an average value of 1.0 ⁇ m or above, more preferably 2.0 ⁇ m or above, in either the horizontal direction or vertical direction.
  • a thirteenth mode of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens container provides an ophthalmic lens container according to any one of the above-indicated first to twelfth modes, wherein the container body is fabricated from a transparent resin material having visible light transmissivity of 80% or more in the axial direction of the cavity in the lens storage portion.
  • the ophthalmic lens container of this mode at some stage in the production process of an ophthalmic lens container product having an ophthalmic lens stored therein, or at some point prior to shipping thereof or subsequent to shipping thereof, for example, it is possible to carry out inspection to verify that the ophthalmic lens is present, whether there are defects, and so on, doing so from the outside through the container either visually or with suitable optical means.
  • This mode is particularly favorable used in combination with the above-indicated eleventh or twelfth mode.
  • the level of scattering of light rays by the cavity inside face is reduced. That is, according to this mode, in an ophthalmic lens container according to the invention, that effectively presents the ophthalmic lens from escaping, it is possible to avoid hindering the ophthalmic lens escape-preventive function, while also facilitating verification of the presence of the ophthalmic lens from the outside.
  • This thirteenth mode is also favorable used in combination with the above-indicated ninth or tenth mode. Particularly in a mode combining the ninth mode with this thirteenth mode, by continuing to retain the ophthalmic lens at a stable position on the bottom portion through contact with the opening peripheral portion of the circular recessed portion, examination or inspection of the ophthalmic lens with a higher level of accuracy is possible.
  • the ophthalmic lens stored in the cavity may undergo displacement on the circular flat portion by means of displacement or shaking by applying a low level of external force to the ophthalmic lens container, for example, in instances where the presence of or defects in an ophthalmic lens are difficult to ascertain optically, the ophthalmic lens may be displaced in order to enable the ascertainment procedure to be carried out easily and accurately.
  • a fourteenth mode of the present invention relating to an ophthalmic lens container provides an ophthalmic lens container according to any one of the above-indicated first to thirteenth modes, wherein in the flange portion, at a location spaced apart by a predetermined distance radially outwardly from the opening peripheral portion of the cavity, a shoulder face that extends bending axially upward in a same direction as an opening direction of the cavity or axially downward in a direction opposite the opening direction of the cavity is formed continuously around an entire circumference in the circumferential direction to constitute an edge cutting portion, and a sealing face of the covering sheet is disposed at a location to an outer peripheral side of the edge cutting portion.
  • the ophthalmic lens is removed from the cavity serving as the lens storage portion, for example, by sliding the ophthalmic lens towards the opening peripheral portion of the cavity while pressing down on it from above with a finger, and picking it up from the cavity opening to remove it.
  • the sealing face of the container body and covering sheet is disposed to the outer peripheral side of the edge cutting portion which in turn is located the outer peripheral side of the opening peripheral portion of the cavity, with the sealing face spaced apart from the opening peripheral portion of the cavity and the shoulder portion of the edge cutting portion is situated therebetween, when removing the ophthalmic lens, even if burrs or the like consisting of adhesive, the ophthalmic lens container, the covering sheet, or the like should occur resulting in roughness on the sealing face on the container body side, contact of the lens with the sealing face on the container body side is avoided.
  • the edge cutting portion will be formed by shoulder face that extends bending downward in the direction opposite the opening direction of the cavity, in order to avoid contact of the lens with burrs or the like during removal.
  • the ophthalmic lens container of heart shape it is possible to realize excellent functions described above and provide a taste of design as well.
  • a blister package 10 as a contact lens case for a contact lens, by way of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • This blister package 10 includes a container body 12 and a cover sheet 14 serving as the covering sheet.
  • An ophthalmic lens, namely contact lens 16, and a preserving solution 18 are stored in the container body 12, and the cover sheet 14 is strippably sealed to the container body 12 to seal the contact lens accommodated therein, as well as to enable removal when needed.
  • the container body 12 includes a lens storage portion 20 and a flange portion 22.
  • the lens storage portion 20 has a generally hollow half-spherical shape overall, with a cavity 24 formed inside.
  • This cavity 24 constitutes a storage space for the preserving solution 18 and the contact lens 16.
  • the bottom inside face 26 of the cavity 24 is of generally concave spherical shape on the one hand, with the opening inside face 28 thereof having variable radius of curvature: r in the circumferential direction, producing an opening peripheral shape which is generally of heart shape in plan view.
  • the bottom inside face 26 of the cavity 24, in a zone extending from the deepest section of the center located on the center axis of the cavity 24, to a somewhat small depth portion equal to the axial height dimension of the contact lens 16 stored therein, has an inside face with a radius of curvature: rc in vertical section that is greater than the radius of curvature: R of the front face 30 of the contact lens 16.
  • rc radius of curvature in vertical section that is greater than the radius of curvature: R of the front face 30 of the contact lens 16.
  • the contact lens 16 stored in the cavity 24 contacts with the front face 30 thereof the deepest portion of the inside face (bottom inside face 26) of the cavity 24 at only a single point on the center axis, whereby the contact lens 16 is held stored in a stable manner in the cavity 24, without being subjected to any unnatural strain resulting from localized pressure on its outer peripheral portion.
  • the inside face 28 of the opening peripheral portion (portion situated towards the opening portion side from the bottom portion) of the cavity 24 has a circumferential radius of curvature that varies along the circumference, bowed so as to produce a smooth, generally heart shape overall in plan view (see FIG. 2). That is, it is left-right symmetrical in relation to a centerline: X extending in the vertical direction of FIG. 2, with the bottom end in FIG. 2 constituting the constricted portion at the lower portion of the heart shape, and the left and right sides in FIG. 2 forming a pair of bulging heart-shaped side portions.
  • the circumferential radius of curvature: ra of the inside face is smaller than the radius of curvature: R of the front face 30 of the contact lens 16. In preferred practice, it is established so as to fulfill the equation: 0.2 ⁇ ra/R ⁇ 0.4. In the heart-shaped side portions, on the other hand, the circumferential radius of curvature: rb of the inside face is greater than the of curvature: R of the front face of the contact lens 16. In preferred practice, it is established so as to fulfill the equation: 1.2 ⁇ rb/R ⁇ 2.0.
  • the size of the opening of the opening peripheral portion (opening edge portion) of the cavity 24 is established such that the diameter dimension: d of an inscribed circle 32 thereof is greater than the outside diameter dimension: D of the contact lens 16. In preferred practice, it will be established such that 1.2 ⁇ d/D ⁇ 1.6.
  • the opening peripheral portion of the cavity 24 contacts the inscribed circle 32 at a total of three points, namely, one point at the upper edge of the heart shape, and points in the lower portions of the two sides of the heart shape (or upper portions of the left and right sides of the constricted portion of the lower portion of the heart).
  • the opening inside face 28 of-the cavity 24, over an area thereof of predetermined depth dimension: L (see FIG. 3) from the opening peripheral portion in the depthwise direction of the cavity 24, has a slope angle: ⁇ of 45° or greater with respect to the horizontal axis in vertical section.
  • the area in which the slope angle: ⁇ of the opening inside face 28 of the cavity 24 is 45° or greater may extend around the entire circumference, but at a minimum will be an area in proximity to the predetermined region for draining liquid.
  • the predetermined region for draining liquid is the constricted portion in the lower end of the heart shape.
  • the aforementioned L value will preferably be set to 2 mm or greater, more preferably such that L ⁇ 5 mm.
  • the value of ⁇ , at least in the predetermined region for draining liquid will preferably be such that ⁇ ⁇ 60, because if it is too large it becomes difficult to drain off the preserving solution.
  • a circular recessed portion 34 situated in the center of the deepest portion (i.e. on the center axis of the bottom inside face 26 of cavity 24).
  • This circular recessed portion 34 has a concave spherical face and opens into the bottom inside face 26 with a diameter dimension that is sufficiently smaller than the outside diameter dimension: D of the contact lens 16.
  • the radius of curvature: rd of the circular recessed portion 34 is smaller than the radius of curvature: R of the front face of the contact lens 16.
  • the outside diameter dimension: D of the circular recessed portion 34 is established at about ⁇ 1.0 mm -5 mm.
  • FIGS. 6 -7 A specific example of the shape of a cavity established in accordance with the conditions given above is shown in FIGS. 6 -7.
  • the contact lens 16 is shown stored therein in FIGS. 8 -9, by way of reference illustrations.
  • the shape of the container body 12 shown in FIGS. 8 -9 is in accordance with the specific design values given in FIGS. 6 -7.
  • the flange portion 22 is composed of a flat portion 36 extending in the direction orthogonal to the center axis of the cavity 24, and a pedestal portion 38 of skirt shape extending downwardly from the outside peripheral edge of the flat portion 36.
  • the inside and outside peripheral edge portions of the flat portion 36 connect via smooth curving faces (bowed faces) to the opening inside face 28 of the cavity 24 and to the pedestal portion 38, respectively.
  • the blister package 10 shown in FIGS. 1 -5 and the structural example shown in FIGS. 6 -9 giving a shape of specific exemplary preferred dimensions are modes that differ slightly in relation of the flat portion 36.
  • the flat portion 36 shown in either FIGS. 1 -5 and that shown in FIGS. 6 -9, are no different in that they are integrally formed extending to the outside peripheral side from the opening peripheral portion of the cavity 24, at a substantially constant dimension around the entire circumference.
  • the cover sheet 14 for covering the cavity 24 in fluid-tight fashion is hermetically sealed.
  • the blister package 10 shown in FIGS. 1 -5 has formed therein a groove-shaped recess 40 extending continuously around the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the laterally central portion of the flat portion 36.
  • the inside peripheral wall of this groove-shaped recess 40 takes the form of a shoulder face that is spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the opening peripheral portion of the cavity 24, and that extends bending downward in the direction opposite the cavity opening direction, with an edge cutting portion being formed by this shoulder face.
  • plateau-shaped convex portion 44 On the bottom face of the groove-shaped recess 40 there is formed plateau-shaped convex portion 44 shorter than the depth of the groove-shaped recess 40, extending continuously around the entire circumference. A bonding face for the cover sheet 14 is formed by the flat upper surface of this convex portion 44.
  • a circumferential recess 46 extends continuously in the circumferential direction around the entire circumference in proximity to the inside peripheral edge of the flat portion 36.
  • the outside peripheral side of the circumferential recess 46 projects upwardly above the inside peripheral side where the opening peripheral portion of the cavity 24 is situated.
  • the inside peripheral wall of the circumferential recess 46 forms a first shoulder face that is spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the opening peripheral portion of the cavity 24, and that extends bending downward in the direction opposite the cavity opening direction.
  • the outside peripheral wall of the circumferential recess 46 forms a second shoulder face that is spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the opening peripheral portion of the cavity 24, and that extends bending upward in the same direction as the cavity opening direction.
  • This first shoulder face and second shoulder face respectively form edge cutting portions.
  • annular convex portion 48 The entire circumference of the outside peripheral side of the circumferential recess 46 constitutes an annular convex portion 48 that projects axially upward to a significant degree. A bonding face for the cover sheet 14 is formed by the flat upper surface of this annular convex portion 48.
  • the pedestal portion 38 which is formed extending downwardly from the outside peripheral edge of the flat portion 36 has a heart-shaped drum configuration that flares slightly to the outside peripheral side going down from the flat portion 36.
  • the axial length of the pedestal portion 38 is slightly greater than the axial dimension of the lens storage portion 20, so as to cover the lens storage portion 20 in its entirety on the outer peripheral side.
  • the lower peripheral edge of the pedestal portion 38 is reinforced by being made thick around its entire circumference.
  • the lower face of this lower peripheral edge constitutes a support face 48 that extends generally orthogonally to the center axis of the cavity 24, whereby, when this support face 48 is positioned resting on a flat, horizontal surface such as a desktop, the blister package 10 can rest in a stable manner with the cavity 24 open in the vertical direction.
  • the container body 12 of the structure described above comprising the container body 12 and the flange portion 22 will preferably employ synthetic resin materials having excellent strength and chemical resistance, in particular, fluororesins, polyamide, polyacrylate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, amorphous polyolefins, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polybutylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polymethyl pentene, and the like, composites thereof, or multi-layer structure synthetic resins.
  • the container body 12 is advantageously manufactured by integral molding by means of subjecting such resin materials to injection molding, vacuum forming, pressure forming, or the like.
  • the inside face of the cavity 24 of the container body 12 will preferably have an appropriate degree of surface roughness, in order to more advantageously realize the procedure for draining the preserving solution from the cavity 24, described later, or for removing the contact lens 16.
  • Surface roughness of this cavity 24 is advantageously achieved, for example, by imparting a suitable level or surface roughness or surface texture to the cavity 24 molding face of the mold for forming the container body 12. Specifically, this may be achieved by subjecting the forming mold surface to an etching, a shot blast, laser irradiation, or other process.
  • the surface texture of the inside face of the cavity 24 established in this manner will preferably have wrinkle-like or pear skin-like irregularities. More specifically, selecting from among the four types and twelve finishes specified in "MOLD FINISH COMPARISONS BASED ON THE SPI" (SPI represents Society of the Plastic Industry) which is a standard for indicating surface conditions of molds, one resembling extremely closely a "blast finish sample (DRY BLAST)" will preferably be adopted.
  • the valley portions and peak portions of the wrinkle-like or pear skin-like irregularities will have smooth curving surfaces, so as to advantageously avoid attracting of the contact lens 16 onto the inside wall of the container and therefore damage to the surface of the contact lens 16, as well as to suppress scattering of light when optical inspection or verification is carried out with the contact lens 16 stored therein, so that the procedure may be carried out easily.
  • the surface roughness of the cavity 24 over the entirety thereof will be such that that maximum height: Ry value is Ry ⁇ 5 ⁇ m.
  • the surface roughness of the cavity 24 may be surface roughness finer than #800 grade sandpaper.
  • the surface roughness texture employed was pear skin-like, which is similar to the "blast finish sample” of the "MOLD FINISH COMPARISONS BASED ON THE SPI” cited above.
  • the contact lenses 16 used for the evaluation were hydrophilic soft contact lenses of HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and silicone hydrogel material. It is confirmed that the preferred values given here by way of example is not appreciably variable depending on the material of the container body 12 and the surface condition of the cavity 24, as well as the characteristics of the preserving solution used, the material and shape of the contact lens 16, and so on.
  • transmissivity in the cavity 24 forming region of the container body 12 should be evaluated as well.
  • transmissivity of light in the axial direction will be 80% or above.
  • the material is of planar configuration larger than the outside perimeter of the upper face of the container body 12, and is superimposed on the upper face of the container body 12, and sealed to the flat portion 36 of the aforementioned flange portion 22 by means of sheet sealing, adhesive, or the like.
  • the cover sheet 14 seals the preserving solution and the contact lens 16 within the cavity 24; when using the contact lens 16, it is necessary to grip the cover sheet 14 with the fingers and strip it quickly from the container body 12 to open the cavity 24.
  • a pull tab 50 that projects outwardly (downward in FIG. 1) from the constricted portion in the lower portion of the heart shape in the cavity 24. By grasping the pull tab 50 with the fingers, the cover sheet 14 can be peeled away from the leading edge portion in the lower portion of the heart, which has the narrowest width dimension of the bonding face.
  • a blister package 10 comprising a container body 12 of the structure described above
  • a user supplied therewith uses the contact lens 16
  • the contact lens 16 when removing the contact lens 16 after first stripping the cover sheet 14 from the container body 12 to open the cavity 24, first, the preserving solution only may be drained from the cavity 24.
  • the contact lens 16 immersed in the cavity 24 difficult to see, but if a finger is inserted into the cavity 24 to lift out the contact lens 16 directly, the preserving solution which substantially fills the cavity 24 may spill out and soil a large surrounding area.
  • the container body 12 During liquid drainage (draining the preserving solution from the cavity 24), the container body 12 is held in the hand, and inclined so that the constricted portion which is the lower portion of the heart (the lower portion in FIG. 2) drops vertically downward. Upon so doing, the preserving solution collects at the narrow opening of the lower portion of the heart, whereby the preserving solution can be drained from the cavity 24 via a flow passage of narrow width that prevents spreading out in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, spreading of liquid drainage over a wide area can be prevented, making for easy handling.
  • the contact lens 16 which has been soaking in the preserving solution will also attempt to flow out, but since the circumferential radius of curvature of the cavity 24 in the constricted portion of the lower portion of the heart situated vertically below is smaller than the radius of curvature of the front face of the contact lens 16, as shown in FIG. 10, once drawn to the constricted portion of the lower portion of the heart, the front face 30 of the contact lens 16 comes into contact at two points on the circumference with the opening inside face 28 of the cavity 24. As a result, the contact lens 16 comes into abutment with the cavity 24 over a wide area, with the frictional force of this wide area and the surface tension of the preserving solution acting to detain the lens within the cavity 24.
  • the contact lens 16 since the contact lens 16 is of soft type, as shown in FIG. 10, the action of surface tension of the preserving solution present between the front face of the contact lens 16 and the opening inside face 28 of the cavity 24 leads to the contact lens 16 coming into contact over a wide abutting portion with the opening inside face 28, and the contact lens 16 becomes wedged into the lower portion of the heart and undergoes deformation into a shape pinched from either side in the circumferential direction so that the radius of curvature in the center portion of the lens increases. Accordingly, in conjunction with the surface tension of the preserving solution, the contact lens 16 keeps face contact with the inside face of the cavity 24 over even wider area, thereby providing an effective detaining force.
  • the operation of draining only the extra preserving solution from the cavity 24 with the contact lens 16 still retained within the cavity 24 can be carried out quickly and easily without the use of any special utensils, by means of the simple operation of tilting the container body 12 while holding it in the hand.
  • the contact lens 16 together with the preserving solution, is conducted to the opening of the constricted portion in the lower portion of the heart, and is held detained there with a portion thereof projecting outward beyond the opening.
  • the contact lens 16 may be grasped with the fingers from the portion thereof projecting outward from the cavity 24, and can be removed very easily.
  • the container body 12 described hereinabove offers significant improvement not only in ease of the draining procedure, but in ease of procedure when picking up the contact lens 16 as well.
  • the slope angle: ⁇ of the opening inside face 28 of the cavity 24 is approximately 45°.
  • the opening inside face 28 of the cavity 24 will be maintained in a generally horizontal attitude, at least in proximity to the opening peripheral portion.
  • the contact lens 16 may be prevented from falling out of the cavity 24 due to gravity, so that outflow of the contact lens 16 can be achieved even more effectively.
  • a circular recessed portion 34 is formed situated in the center of the deepest portion of cavity 24, with the inside face of this circular recessed portion 34 situated a predetermined distance away from the front face 30 of the contact lens 16, whereby with the blister package 10 being transported or stored while disposed on the horizontal, the contact lens 16 is supported at a single point at its center through abutment with the inside face of the cavity 24 may be avoided.
  • the force of contact of the cavity 24 inside face against the contact lens 16 can be distributed so as to reduce localized stress, and in particular the force of contact can be distributed evenly and efficiently by means of abutment in a circular configuration.
  • the sealing face of the cover sheet 14 against the container body 12 is situated away to the outside peripheral side from the opening peripheral portion of the cavity 24, and is additionally positioned via the edge cutting portion of shoulder configuration with respect to the opening peripheral portion of the cavity 24, whereby even if burring or the like should occur during stripping of the cover sheet 14, interference with the contact lens 16 by this burring when the contact lens 16 is removed from the cavity 24 is effectively prevented.
  • the procedure for removing the contact lens 16 from the cavity 24 can be made even easier, and damage to the contact lens 16 caused by contact with burrs or the like can be avoided.
  • a circular recessed portion 34 is formed in the center of the inside face of the cavity 24, but this circular recessed portion 34 need not necessarily be provided.
  • a circular flat portion 54 extending orthogonally with respect to the center axis of the cavity 24, as shown in enlarged vertical section in FIG. 13, for example.
  • the contact lens 16 may readily be induced to undergo displacement in the axis-perpendicular direction on the circular flat portion 54, by means of inputting a slight external force.
  • the working effects of the invention were described taking the example of removing a contact lens 16 at the time of use, but similar working effects would be afforded also, for example, in the manufacturing process of a blister package 10 in which the contact lens 16 and a preserving solution are sealed within a blister package 10.
  • a manufacturing process for example, in some instances, prior to sealing in the contact lens 16 and the preserving solution, purified water, a cleaning solution or other process solution is placed in the cavity 24 in order to elute, clean or otherwise treat the contact lens 16.
  • the process solution can be drained off while keeping the contact lens 16 inside the cavity 24, without the use of any special utensils, thereby effectively providing greater ease in manufacture of the blister package 10.
  • a blister package 10 having a heart-shaped container body 12 as described above, as well as a flange portion 22 whose outside peripheral shape is also heart-shaped, multiple units can be packed into a storage box, and efficiently transported, warehoused, or delivered with excellent efficiency.
  • a morphological feature namely the constricted width of the lower portion of the heart, is utilized skillfully to be able to efficiently store a plurality of blister packages 10 in a small storage box.
  • FIG. 14 shows a container body 12 making up a blister package in another embodiment of the invention.
  • members and regions having the same structure as in FIGS. 1 -9 have been assigned identical symbols in the drawing.
  • the upright curving portion 56 located to the opening side of the bottom inside face 26 of the cavity 24 has a radius of curvature: re that fulfills the following equation. 0.5 ⁇ re / R ⁇ 0.9
  • the cavity 24 of the container body 12 comprising such an upright curving portion 56 may be provided with a heart-shaped opening peripheral portion like that described above, but is not limited thereto. It would instead be possible for the cavity 24 to be provided with a circular opening peripheral portion which is axially symmetrical about the center axis.
  • the specific shape, structure, or size of the flange portion of the container body 12 could be modified appropriately for considerations such as ease of use or of forming.
  • the blister package according to the invention can of course be used for soft contact lenses, including disposable types, of various kinds for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia, or any combination of these as well as various other kinds of ophthalmic lenses such as hard contact lenses and intraocular lenses.
  • the blister package according to the invention can be employed as an ophthalmic lens container for supply to the consumer or other end user, or as an ophthalmic lens container for supply from the manufacturer to medical facilities and the like.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Eyeglasses (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
EP04822567A 2004-12-07 2004-12-07 Recipient de lentille oculaire et produit d'emballage de recipient de lentille d'oculaire Withdrawn EP1825775A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/JP2004/018219 WO2006061886A1 (fr) 2004-12-07 2004-12-07 Recipient de lentille oculaire et produit d’emballage de recipient de lentille oculaire

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1825775A1 true EP1825775A1 (fr) 2007-08-29
EP1825775A4 EP1825775A4 (fr) 2011-03-02

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EP04822567A Withdrawn EP1825775A4 (fr) 2004-12-07 2004-12-07 Recipient de lentille oculaire et produit d'emballage de recipient de lentille d'oculaire

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EP (1) EP1825775A4 (fr)
JP (1) JP4579254B2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2006061886A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8459445B2 (en) * 2006-07-21 2013-06-11 Menicon, Co., Ltd. Colored contact lens primary packaging
JP4869274B2 (ja) 2008-03-21 2012-02-08 株式会社メニコン ソフトコンタクトレンズ包装製品及びソフトコンタクトレンズの包装方法
WO2011061788A1 (fr) * 2009-11-17 2011-05-26 株式会社メニコン Contenant d'oculaire et procédé de fabrication de contenant d'oculaire
EP2647582A4 (fr) 2010-12-03 2018-01-03 Menicon Co., Ltd. Produit emballé et procédé pour la fabrication de produit emballé

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999011529A1 (fr) * 1997-09-04 1999-03-11 Hydron Limited Produit a contenants empilables
US20020046958A1 (en) * 2000-09-01 2002-04-25 Lipscomb Lance Kyle Textured contact lens package
EP1277416A2 (fr) * 2001-07-17 2003-01-22 Menicon Co., Ltd. Boítier pour lentille ophtalmique

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS637060Y2 (fr) * 1984-12-10 1988-02-29
NZ250453A (en) * 1992-12-21 1996-12-20 Johnson & Johnson Vision Prod Ophthalmic lens package; planar surface with concave bowl for containing lens, sealing sheet covering bowl with lens therein
TW295570B (fr) * 1994-05-04 1997-01-11 Ciba Geigy Ag
GB9716118D0 (en) * 1997-07-30 1997-10-08 Ocular Sciences Limited Container

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999011529A1 (fr) * 1997-09-04 1999-03-11 Hydron Limited Produit a contenants empilables
US20020046958A1 (en) * 2000-09-01 2002-04-25 Lipscomb Lance Kyle Textured contact lens package
EP1277416A2 (fr) * 2001-07-17 2003-01-22 Menicon Co., Ltd. Boítier pour lentille ophtalmique

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO2006061886A1 *

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WO2006061886A1 (fr) 2006-06-15
JPWO2006061886A1 (ja) 2008-06-05
JP4579254B2 (ja) 2010-11-10
EP1825775A4 (fr) 2011-03-02

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