TW201326006A - Contact lens secondary packaging and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A contact lens package assembly includes a sealable primary lens package, at least one contact lens sealed within the primary lens package, and a sealable secondary lens package. The primary lens package is sealed within the secondary lens package to increase a shelf life of the at least one contact lens. The secondary lens package may be resealable. The secondary lens package may be configured to retain a plurality of primary lens packages. The contact lens package assembly may further include at least one inert gas sealed within the secondary lens package and outside of the primary lens package.

Description

Contact lens secondary packaging and method Field of invention

The system and method relate to a contact lens package, and more particularly to secondary contact lens packaging and related methods.

Background of the invention

Soft disposable contact lenses are typically included in disposable packaging. When the package is added to the overall cost of the lens, it should be made as economically as possible without the necessary conditions to compromise the packaging guidelines. The blister package conventionally used in disposable lenses (both bi-weekly and daily) consists of a polypropylene reservoir for the lens (hereafter referred to as the "ship") and consists of a multilayer film (which may include Polyethylene, aluminum, adhesive and polypropylene) are covered. The vessel is typically an injection molded plastic that is highly rigid and includes pre-formed recesses. The vessel is filled with a suitable storage solution (such as a saline solution) and receives a single lens in situ. The blister pack (typically autoclaved using steam and pressure) is then sterilized until the end is sterile. These blister packs are presented in separate packages or presented to the patient as multiple blister strips.

The lens is stored in the package for a long period of time (which may include months or years). The lens must remain hydrated when in the package. Therefore, the package must be well sealed and water vapor should be minimized to penetrate the ship and laminate to maximize idle life and prevent dehydration of the lens contained therein. During use, the user removes the laminate by uncovering the lid from a flange formed on the boat to expose the lens immersed in the hydration solution.

During the shipping, handling and storage of the package, the package is exposed to a variety of potentially harmful environmental conditions and damage forces. As the package becomes smaller, thinner and lighter as a result of efforts to reduce material and manufacturing costs, the package becomes more susceptible to environmental conditions and damage forces. Furthermore, the use of certain materials and structures for the package can affect the idle life of the product stored in the package.

In order to protect the package during shipping, handling, and storage, a disposable contact lens package is typically dispensed and inserted into a secondary package for storage and shipping. Traditionally, the secondary packaging of a contact lens consists of a cardboard box that contains the supplier information and instructions printed thereon.

Many contact lens users store their contact lenses in the bathroom, where they have mirrors and sinks that aid in the wearing or removal of contact lenses. Bathrooms are usually in a damp environment. However, conventional contact lens secondary packages are typically made from materials of paper substrates that are not suitable for use in wet environments.

Summary of invention

One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a contact lens packaging assembly. The contact lens package assembly includes a sealable first lens package, at least one contact lens sealed within the first lens package, and a sealable second or secondary lens package. In one embodiment, the secondary package is waterproof. The first or primary lens package is sealed in the second or secondary lens package to increase the idle life of the at least one contact lens. The second The secondary lens package can be resealed. The secondary lens package can be assembled to hold a plurality of first lens packages. The contact lens package assembly can further include sealing at least one inert gas within the secondary lens package and outside of the first lens package.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a packaging system that includes primary and secondary packaging. The primary package is assembled to accommodate a product with a limited idle life. The secondary package portion can be assembled to accommodate the primary package and provide an inert environment for the primary package to maintain or extend the idle life of the product. The product can be, for example, a contact lens or a medicament, and can have nutritional value.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for making a contact lens package. The method includes sealing a contact lens in a first or primary package and sealing the first or primary lens package in a secondary lens package, wherein the secondary lens package provides an adaptation to the first or first lens package Inert storage. The method can further include storing a volume of inert gas within the secondary lens package. The secondary lens package can include two layers of foil that are securely held together to define an interior having a size that can receive the first or primary lens package.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of forming a secondary contact lens package. The method includes providing first and second foil layers, joining the first and second foil layers together to define a secondary package interior, wherein the secondary package interior is assembled to receive a one-time invisibility to accommodate at least one contact lens Glasses packaging. The method also includes creating an inert environment within the interior of the secondary package. The method can include providing an anti-proof in the interior of the secondary package Water Environment.

10‧‧‧Contact lens packaging assembly

12‧‧‧Second lens packaging

14‧‧‧One lens packaging

20A-C‧‧‧First lens packaging part

22‧‧‧through line

24‧‧‧Contact lenses

26‧‧‧Substrate

28‧‧‧ Covering sheets

30‧‧‧Contact lens receiving part

40‧‧‧First sheet

42‧‧‧Second sheet

44‧‧‧ first end

46‧‧‧ second end

48‧‧‧First side

50‧‧‧ second side

52‧‧‧ upper surface

54‧‧‧ lower surface

56‧‧‧Internal

58‧‧‧Internal opening

60‧‧‧Closed assembly

59‧‧‧First closed member

61‧‧‧Second closed member

62‧‧‧ First explanatory diagram

63‧‧‧ Sealing section

64‧‧‧Second explanatory diagram

66‧‧‧ Third explanatory diagram

72‧‧‧reflecting members

90‧‧‧First foil layer

92‧‧‧First polymer layer

94‧‧‧Second foil layer

96‧‧‧Second polymer layer

100‧‧‧Contact lens packaging assembly

112‧‧‧One lens packaging

114‧‧‧Second lens packaging

144‧‧‧ first end

146‧‧‧ second end

148‧‧‧ first side

150‧‧‧Second side

152‧‧‧ upper surface

154‧‧‧ lower surface

156‧‧‧ Internal

158‧‧‧Internal opening

162‧‧‧ Sealing section

180‧‧‧Extension

182‧‧‧Support members

184‧‧‧ surrounding walls

186‧‧‧ cavity

The accompanying figures illustrate various specific examples of the principles described herein and are part of this patent specification. The specific examples illustrated are illustrative of the embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

1 is an upper perspective view of an embodiment of a contact lens package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the contact lens package assembly of FIG. 1.

3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the contact lens package assembly of FIG. 1.

4 is an exploded top perspective view of the contact lens package assembly of FIG. 1.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the contact lens package of Figure 1 taken along section line 5-5.

5A is a cross-sectional view of the contact lens package assembly of FIG. 5 taken along section line 5A.

6 is a cross-sectional view of the contact lens package assembly of FIG. 1 taken along section line 6-6.

7 is an upper perspective view of another embodiment of a contact lens package assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 8 is an exploded top perspective view of the contact lens package assembly of Figure 7.

Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify similar elements.

Detailed description

The present disclosure relates to a secondary package for use with a primary contact lens package. In one embodiment, at least one contact lens is housed in a first or primary contact lens package and the first contact lens package is inserted and sealed within a second or second contact lens package. The secondary contact lens package can provide an inert environment to help maintain the useful or idle life of the contact lens contained in the disposable contact lens package. The secondary contact lens package can also provide a waterproof environment in which the disposable contact lens package is stored. The secondary contact lens package can also provide a degree of protection to the contact lens package during shipping and handling.

According to a typical embodiment, the secondary contact lens package can be a resealable package that permits insertion and removal of at least one contact lens package. According to a typical embodiment, the secondary contact lens package can comprise an inert material. According to a typical embodiment, the secondary contact lens package may also comprise a metal based substrate layer (such as a foil). The secondary contact lens package can further comprise at least first and second laminate sheets or members that together define a perimeter that is sized to receive the primary contact lens package (which houses at least one contact lens) . Each of the laminated sheets may include a polymer layer and a metal layer (e.g., foil).

The secondary contact lens package can have other uses beyond the possession of at least one contact lens package containing at least one contact lens. Other use embodiments include, for example, pre-packaged pharmaceuticals, vitamins, supplements, and other volatilization that will benefit from storage in an inert secondary storage environment. One or more of the products.

The secondary package can be used in combination with a support structure, such as a drawer or tray type structure, wherein the support structure retains at least one disposable contact lens package and can be inserted into the secondary package with the primary contact lens package. The support structure provides additional stiffness and resistance to deformation and impact (which would otherwise damage the disposable contact lens package and at least one contact lens retained therein). In at least some embodiments, the secondary contact lens package has a flexible or deformable structure, and the support structure provides at least some of the contact lens packaging assembly including the primary and secondary contact lens packages and the support structure Some hardness. Further details regarding embodiments of the support structure are provided in the Singapore patent application filed on Oct. 18, 2011 and issued under the name "Support Structure for Shipment and Storage of Replacement Contact Lenses", the entire This is incorporated herein by reference.

As disclosed in the above-referenced Singapore Patent Application entitled "Support Structure for the Shipping and Storage of Replacement Contact Lenses", the support structure can be used to support at least one invisible during shipment of the contact lens package. Glasses packaging. Similarly, the support structure can be used to carry or support at least one disposable contact lens package during storage of the contact lens package. The same support structure can be used to ship and store both of the at least one disposable contact lens packages. The support structure can have a greater stiffness than the primary contact lens package. The support structure can further provide at least one of additional strength, support, and protection to the primary contact lens package during at least one of shipping and storage of the primary contact lens package.

The support structure can be inserted into the secondary contact lens package. The second The secondary contact lens package can define an interior having a support member sized to receive at least one of the contact lens packages carrying at least one contact lens. The support members can be assembled to be removably placed in separate storage boxes for storing at least one primary contact lens package retained in the support member. According to a typical embodiment, the support member can have a drawer-like architecture having a cavity or interior sized to receive at least one contact lens package. The drawer-shaped support member is slidable into and out of a storage case, wherein the storage case has at least one slit or opening sized to receive the support member. The support member can be substantially encapsulated within the storage case. When the support member is placed in the storage case, a portion of the support member can be seen from outside the storage case.

The support member can include at least one illustration that is visible when the support member is stored in the storage case. The illustration may include information relating to at least one primary contact lens package held by the support member. The illustration of the storage case may also provide information relating to at least one primary contact lens package held by the support member. The support member can include materials that are recycled from other contact lens related manufacturing processes. For example, the support member can include a material recycled from a plastic mold used to form a contact lens that is contained in the primary contact lens package. The use of this recycled material reduces overall material waste during the manufacture, shipping and storage of contact lens related products.

The secondary packaging embodiment disclosed herein may have some advantages as compared to conventional paper substrate secondary packaging that is typically used to store a single package. Traditional secondary packaging contains a general lack of sterility and resistance to water/moisture damage The material of the paper base. Moreover, the traditional secondary packaging is bulky and occupies a significant amount of space. The secondary packaging embodiments disclosed herein can be relatively slim, lightweight, and take up less volume (as compared to secondary packaging of paper substrates). Again, the embodiment of the secondary package can be waterproof and provide an improved sterile environment as discussed above. The inclusion of a foil layer in the secondary package can help minimize the penetration of light and oxygen into the secondary package. Furthermore, the secondary package can be filled with an inert gas to promote greater product stability and to improve the idle life of the product contained within the secondary package.

As used in this patent specification and in the scope of the appended claims, the term "inert" is generally used to mean something that is not chemically reactive, or in other words, something that is chemically stable. Typically, a passive gas has been considered an inert gas because it is perceived to be lacking in any chemical reaction. The term "inert" can be applied in relation to the concept to describe an object that lacks a chemical reaction under normal or typical environmental conditions.

The terms "sterile" and "disinfecting" are generally used to mean any material or combination of materials that can be in physical and fluid contact with a contact lens or other article contained within the final formed package. While polypropylene is commonly used as a sterilizable material in packaging, any other material that can be used in a sterile environment for contact lenses, medical devices, or dental devices can be used in this paper and method. According to a typical embodiment, the sterile material may include any material approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as suitable for packaging of a sterile medical device.

The wording "idle life" and "useful life" are usually referred to as food, beverages, drugs, chemicals and many other perishable items in them. It is considered inappropriate for the length of time available for sale, use, or consumption. The idle life or useful life is the recommended time during which the product can be stored, during which the defined quality of the specified proportion of the item is still acceptable under the expected (or specified) conditions of distribution, storage and display. Most of the idle life labels or the expiration dates listed are used as guidelines based on the normal handling of the product. Contact lenses are a product that is typically conditioned on a predetermined idle life. The idle life of the contact lens may depend on a number of conditions such as, for example, the material of the contact lens, packaging conditions, and storage conditions.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for the purpose of illustration However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the device, system, and method may be practiced without these specific details. References to "a specific example", "an embodiment" or the like in the specification are intended to mean that a particular configuration, structure, or feature described in connection with the particular embodiment or embodiment is included in at least one specific example. , but not necessarily in other specific examples. A plurality of examples in the various aspects of the specification of the invention are not necessarily all referring to the same specific examples.

Referring now to Figures 1-6, an embodiment of a contact lens package assembly 10 is shown and described. The contact lens package assembly 10 includes a plurality of first or primary lens packages 14, and a second or secondary lens package 12. At least one primary lens package 14 can be inserted and stored in the secondary contact lens package 12. In some embodiments, the secondary contact lens package 12 is formed at least partially around at least one primary lens package 14 rather than inserting the primary lens package 14 into the secondary contact lens package 12. The secondary contact lens The package 12 can provide an inert environment in which the primary lens package 14 is stored. According to a typical embodiment, the secondary contact lens package 12 can include a pair of foil layers that are sealed around the perimeter of the secondary contact lens package 12 to define an interior or cavity for storing the primary lens package therein. 14. According to a typical embodiment, the secondary contact lens package 12 can define a flexible, flexible frame. The secondary contact lens package 12 can also be resealed.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the first or primary lens package 14 can each include a plurality of first lens package portions 20A-C, each of which includes a substrate 26, a cover sheet 28, and a contact lens receiving portion 30 (see Figure 4-6). The first exemplary lens package portions 20A-C can be separated along the through line 22 (see Figure 4). The first lens package 14 can hold a plurality of contact lenses 24 that are received within the contact lens receiving portion 30 between the substrate 26 and the cover sheet 28 (see Figure 4). The exemplary system and method will be described (for ease of explanation only) as if incorporated into a contact lens package that includes a polypropylene boat for receiving and containing the lens, capped by a multilayer film. However, any configuration of the contact lens package can be securely attached to the second contact lens package 12, including, but is by no means limited to, a contact lens package disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,828,137, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The manner is incorporated herein.

The primary lens package 14 illustrated in Figure 4 each includes three primary lens package portions. Other configurations and configurations for the primary lens package 14 may include, for example, a structure having a single first lens package portion that retains a single contact lens 24. Other specific examples include more than two primary lens package portions, each of which includes a single contact lens 24 for each of the primary lens packages 14.

The primary lens package 14 can be relatively thin and have a relatively low profile. In one embodiment, the first lens package 14 can have a maximum thickness between about .25 and 2 times the sagittal section height of the contact lens 24 (when the contact lens 24 is uncompressed and in a resting state). . In another embodiment, the first lens package 14 has a maximum thickness that is lower than the sagittal section height of the contact lens 24 (when the contact lens 24 is uncompressed and in a resting state).

At least one of the substrate 26 and the cover sheet 28 may comprise a metallic material such as a foil. The substrate 26 and the metallic material covering the sheet 28 can be provided as a layer or sheet of material. At least one of the substrate 26 and the cover sheet 28 may also comprise a polymeric material provided in the form of a layer or sheet. The polymeric material can include, for example, polypropylene. The substrate 26 and cover sheet 28 can be sealed together using, for example, a heat seal or an adhesive. Additionally, according to a typical embodiment, the primary lens package can take any configuration including, but is by no means limited to, a package formed from a plurality of sheets.

Storing the first lens package 14 in an inert environment increases the idle life or useful life of the contact lens 24 retained within the first lens package 14. Moreover, the first lens package 14 can have a generally flexible, flexible construction that can benefit from storage and shipping within a structure having additional stiffness and strength to help protect the contact lens 24. The secondary contact lens package 12 can provide this additional protection and support and inert environment to the first lens package 14 containing the contact lens 24.

The secondary contact lens package 12 can include first and second sheets or layers 40, 42, first and second ends 44, 46, first and second sides 48, 50, Upper surface 52 and lower surface 54. The secondary contact lens package 12 can define an interior 56 having an interior opening 58 at the first end 44 (see Figure 2). The secondary contact lens package 12 can also include a closure assembly 60 disposed at the first end 40 and associated with the interior opening 58. The closure assembly 60 can include first and second closure members 59, 61 that are joined together to releasably close the interior opening 58.

According to a typical embodiment, the first and second sheets 40, 42 are connectable to each other around the circumference. The sealing portion 63 can extend around a portion of the circumference of the first and second sheets 40, 42 such as, for example, around all edges except at the inner opening 58. The internal opening 58 can be hermetically sealed using separate sealing steps or configurations (e.g., closed assembly 60). The sealing portion 63 can be defined using a heat sealing method. Other methods and forms of joining the first and second sheets 40, 42 are possible, including, for example, adhesives, and infrared, ultrasonic, and sonic bonding (see Figure 4).

The secondary contact lens package 12 can include a plurality of illustrations disposed on the upper and lower surfaces 52,54. 1 and 3 illustrate a first illustrative diagram 62 disposed on the upper surface 52 and a second third illustrative diagram 64, 66 disposed on the lower surface 54. Additional illustrations or reflective members 70 may be disposed on one of the surfaces (such as lower surface 54) as shown in FIG. A reflective member carrier 72 (see FIG. 4) can be included with the sheet on which the reflective member 72 is mounted (eg, on the inner surface of the second sheet 42 opposite the location of the reflective member). The first, second, and third illustrative figures 62, 64, 66 and any or all of the reflective members 72 can convey information to the user or provide other functionality. For example, the package, direction, and mark can be conveyed via the first, second, and third explanatory diagrams 62, 64, and 66. And the content of other information. The first, second, and third illustrative figures 62, 64, 66 and one of the reflective members 72 can include, for example, a bar code, a security function, and a striated material.

According to a typical embodiment, the secondary contact lens package 12 can be filled with an inert gas that assists in providing an inert environment within the interior 56. In an embodiment of the assembly method, at least one primary lens package 14 is inserted into the interior 56 of the secondary contact lens package 12 via the internal opening 58. An inert gas is then injected into the interior 56 to expose the outer surface of the primary lens package 14 to the inert gas. The closure assembly 60 is sealed or otherwise sealed to retain the inert gas in the interior 56. Additional method steps can include removing air or oxygen from the interior 56 before, during, or after the inert gas is injected into the interior 56. In some arrangements, an additional seal may be formed along the inner opening 58 in addition to or in lieu of the closure assembly 60, wherein the additional seal may be broken to gain access to the first lens package 14. The closure assembly 60 can be used to provide a waterproof, releasable closure of the inner opening 58 after breaking the additional seal.

According to a typical embodiment, the first and second sheets 40, 42 of the secondary contact lens package 12 can each comprise a plurality of layers. The first and second sheets 40, 42 can be constructed as a laminate sheet. Referring to FIG. 5A, the first sheet 40 may include a first foil layer 90 and a first polymer layer 92. The second sheet 42 can include a second foil layer 94 and a second polymer layer 96. The first and second polymer layers 92, 96 can be arranged to face each other to thermally bond the first and second sheets 40, 42 to the first and second polymer layers 92, 96 to form a sealed portion. 63.

The first and second sheets 40, 42 may each comprise additional material And layers, including, for example, at least one layer comprising one or more of the illustrated portions 62, 64, 66. The use of a foil layer in the secondary contact lens package 12 provides light reflectivity (which inhibits the exit of light into the interior 56), wherein the light can otherwise provide at least some degradation or effect of the first lens package 14 within the interior. An inert environment within 56. The polymer layers 92, 96 of the first and second sheets 40, 42 may comprise an inert material such as polypropylene. Other inert materials can similarly be used to create an inert environment in the secondary contact lens package 12.

The foil layers 90, 94 of the secondary contact lens package 12 can also provide additional strength and durability to the secondary contact lens package 12. The foil layers 90, 94 may also comprise a corrosion resistant material. The foil layers 90, 94 can be wrapped within other layers of non-corrosive material, such as, for example, a layer of a polymeric substrate.

The material composition of the first and second sheets 40, 42 and other configurations of the secondary contact lens package 12 provide a waterproof environment within the interior 56. Providing a waterproof environment can have advantages when used in a high humidity environment, such as, for example, in a storage cabinet, on a sink, or in a cabinet in a bathroom (in this typical storage contact lens). . The contact lens package is shipped in, for example, a person's pocket, wallet, wallet, bag, suitcase, or other carrying member (where the contact lens package assembly 10 can be exposed to, for example, sweat, food or beverage, or high humidity conditions) At 10 o'clock, the waterproof view of the secondary contact lens package 12 may also provide benefits.

The combination of the foil layer and the polymeric layer (such as polypropylene) in the first and second sheets 40, 42 of the secondary contact lens package 12 provides improved moisture or gas resistance through the secondary contact lens package 12 In and out of the internal 56. Regarding the foil-containing packaging layer (such as foil-on-foil) The architecture, advantages, and manufacturing details of the package, and related systems and methods are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,828,137, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Other configurations and functionalities relating to the lens packaging architecture and materials are described in the Singapore Patent Application and Publication entitled "Disposable Soft Contact Lenses" on October 18, 2011, having Preformed Multilayer Structure Laminates This patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The primary lens package can include a preformed laminate substrate as disclosed in the above-referenced publication, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, the entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire content . One layer of the laminated substrate is assembled to provide sufficient structural rigidity to maintain a pre-formed shape in the substrate (eg, a lens receiving portion). In one embodiment, the first layer comprises a polymeric material such as polypropylene. Another layer of the laminate substrate can include a second material that provides properties different from the first layer, such as, for example, light reflectivity, strength, and resistance to water/vapor permeability. The package also includes a cover sheet attached to the substrate and sealing the contact lens in the lens receiving portion formed in the substrate. The cover sheet may also be a laminated sheet having at least two layers. The first layer can comprise, for example, a polymer that assists in bonding the cover sheet to the substrate. The other layer of the cover sheet may comprise a material having different properties such as, for example, greater light reflectivity, strength or resistance to water/vapor permeability.

A further perspective regarding this primary lens package relates to a single contact lens package that stores multiple contact lenses. The contact lens package can include a plurality of lens receiving portions formed in the substrate (eg, concave Place, recess or "ship"). The lens receiving portion can be arranged in multiple directions (such as multiple columns), wherein each column includes at least one contact lens receiving portion. The columns can be arranged opposite or juxtaposed to each other. Certain contact lens packages can provide for separating at least one lens receiving portion from other lens receiving portions. Other arrangements may include a plurality of lens receiving portions that are not separable from each other once the contact lens package is assembled through the assembly.

Certain primary lens packages may include several layers of material for the cover sheet and substrate that are added during the assembly of the contact lens package rather than providing the substrate and/or cover sheet with a laminate sheet. In one embodiment, after sealing the contact lens in the lens receiving portion of the substrate, at least one layer of light reflective material or liquid/vapor impermeable material is added to the substrate or cover sheet.

The primary lens package can be produced in a single manufacturing line. The substrate and sheet can comprise a material that maintains a sterile environment in the package of the configuration lens. The aseptic environment can be created by heating the first material of the substrate. The photosensitive material disposed within the package can also be protected from light to limit degradation of the photosensitive material. The substrate and cover sheet can comprise materials that permit printing of the illustrations that minimize the negative effects on the light reflective properties or aseptic environment of the contact lens package. In some arrangements, the contact lens package can be assembled for use as a staging aid. The material of the contact lens package facilitates improved sealing between the substrate and the cover sheet layer. For example, a laminate material for at least one of the substrate and the cover sheet can comprise a plurality of layers of material in the region, thereby forming a seal between the substrate and the cover sheet that provides an improved seal, such as a release Sexual seal, permanent seal, airtight Sealing, heat sealing, etc.

The secondary contact lens package 12 disclosed herein can have other architectures, such as the following architecture: one of the first and second sheets 40, 42 is assembled into a relatively rigid substrate, and the first and second sheets 40 The other of 42 is assembled into a pair of sheets of the substrate-sealed cover sheet to define an interior having a size to receive at least one first lens package 14. This alternative embodiment may provide an inert environment for storage of the first lens package 14. This alternative embodiment provides a waterproof environment for storage of the first lens package 14. This alternative specific example may include more than one layer of foil.

One goal of providing an inert environment (e.g., using an inert gas) in the interior 56 of the secondary contact lens package 12 is to improve the sterility assurance level of the primary lens package 14. Providing an inert environment within the interior 56 limits bacterial growth. Providing an inert environment may also permit storage of a primary package (e.g., primary lens package 14) having a lower standard of waterproofing, light reflectivity, gas permeability, and the like within the secondary contact lens package 12. Moreover, the additional protection provided by the secondary contact lens package 12 against environmental conditions may permit the primary lens package 14 to be reduced in terms of strength, durability, and protection against environmental conditions.

Another application of the secondary contact lens package 12 is to store non-contact lens products that are volatile for any number of reasons, such as, for example, freshness and idle life. In one embodiment, the secondary contact lens package 12 is generally referred to as a secondary package for use in storing prepackaged products such as, for example, drugs, vitamins, supplements, and other food and drug related products. In at least some instances, the physical properties of the product to be stored Both chemical viewpoints may be protected and/or provide an extended idle life due to storage in an inert environment provided by the secondary package.

When the secondary package is sterilized after the product has been sealed therein, the use of the secondary package for storing the relatively volatile product can be increased with the use of cold sterilization. Providing the secondary package with a resealable opening further expands the use of the secondary package to at least some of the benefits of the stored product, such as, for example, after the secondary package has been opened to access the product. Waterproof environment, protection against physical damage, reduced exposure to light and protection against bacteria, extra oxygen or other debilitating conditions.

In addition to the packaging of the foil substrate, the secondary contact lens package 12 disclosed herein can be made according to any number of manufacturing methods and using materials. In particular, according to a typical embodiment, the secondary contact lens package 12 can be molded into a molded plastic package, coated with a wax or polymer for waterproofing of a card or paper material, foil or foil composite package, from other invisible A lens-related manufacturing process-recycled material-made package (such as a plastic model used to form a contact lens that is contained in the primary contact lens package), and combinations thereof.

Referring now to Figures 7-8, an embodiment of another contact lens package assembly 100 is shown. The contact lens package assembly 100 includes a first or primary lens package 112 that is stored within the second or secondary lens package 114. The first lens package 112 can be retained within the support member 182 prior to being inserted and stored in the secondary package 114. The primary lens package 112 can have the same or similar architecture as the primary lens package 14 described above (see Figures 1-6).

The secondary lens package 114 can include first and second ends 144, 146, first and second side edges 148, 150, upper and lower surfaces 152, 154, inner 156, inner opening 158 and sealing portion 162 at the opposite end (see Figure 7). The secondary lens package 114 can also include an extension portion 180 along the first and second side edges 148,150. The expanded portion 180 can include a pair of folded or expandable portions that help increase the size of the inner portion 156 to fit, for example, the support member 182.

The support member 182 can include a perimeter wall 184 and a recess or cavity 186. The cavity 186 can be sized to receive at least one primary lens package 112. A plurality of primary lens packages 112 can be placed within the cavity 186. The support member 182 of the primary lens package 112 can be inserted into the interior 156 via the internal opening 158. Inert gas may be injected into the interior 156 prior to sealing the closure of the secondary lens package 114. At least one of the sealing portions 162 can include a closure assembly that provides a resealable opening into the secondary lens package 114.

Details regarding the support member 182 and its possible role in carrying, storing and using, for example, carrying and supporting the first lens package 112 are described in the above-mentioned Singapore Patent Application and Publication, filed on October 18, 2011. The name "support structure for the shipping and storage of replacement contact lenses".

According to a typical embodiment, the secondary lens package 114 can be formed using a single sheet (eg, a laminated sheet comprising a foil layer) that is folded and sealed along opposite free edges to create a tubular structure. The tubular pattern structure can be sealed at the opposite ends to produce the secondary lens package 114 shown in Figures 7 and 8. The expanded portion 180 can be folded before the sealing portion 162 is produced Or other aspects form the secondary lens package 114. The primary lens package 112 can be inserted into the secondary lens package 114 prior to sealing any of the sealed portions.

In other embodiments, the first and second sheets of material (e.g., each of the laminated sheets comprising a foil layer) can be sealed together around the circumference (such as described above, with reference to the secondary contact lens package 12). The sealing portion 162 can be formed in the first and second ends 144, 146 in separate sealing steps. In still further embodiments, the secondary lens package is formed using a continuous, integral tubular member that is hermetically sealed at the first and second ends 144, 146 to create a sealed portion 162. The expanded portion 180 may be formed in the tubular structure before or as part of forming the sealing portion 162.

The materials used in the secondary lens package 114 can have the same or similar properties, configurations, layers, manufacturing methods, and architectures as described above with reference to the secondary contact lens package 12.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to packaging and containing some form of inert media to preserve the desired conditions within the package until the package is opened. Another aspect relates to packaging, and other configurations that can be used to adjust the internal conditions of the package to the nature of, or commensurate with, the product to be stored in the package to optimize the idle life or product life of the product. Another point of view is the ability to use heat sensitive ingredients, dyes, and materials as part of a primary package that is held within the secondary package because of the inert environment provided within the secondary package. Another point of view is to provide secondary packaging for improved storage and/or shipping conditions for heat sensitive drugs, vitamins, supplements and other products. A further point of view is about secondary packaging and permission to use Primary packaging design and materials for lower standards such as strength, sterility, idle life and gas permeability. At least some of these aspects of the present disclosure may or may increase with the use of cold sterilization techniques associated with disinfecting the secondary package.

Some embodiments of inert gases or other gases that may be used in the secondary package include, for example, nitrogen, argon, and other gases that may, for example, match the properties, characteristics, or other aspects of the product held in the secondary package (eg, , blunt gas).

A method embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure is directed to an assembly of contact lens packages having at least one first lens package stored within a secondary lens package. Other points of view are related to methods of making or forming a secondary lens package. A further perspective relates to creating an inert environment for storage of at least one primary lens package. Other points are related to the method of accessing and storing a plurality of first lens packages in a secondary, resealable lens package. Another method relates to storing a plurality of first lens packages in a waterproof secondary lens package. The secondary lens package can be resealed. Many other methods and ideas of the present disclosure are possible.

The foregoing description has been presented by way of illustration only and exemplary embodiments It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the system and method to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The scope of the system and method is intended to be defined by the scope of the following claims.

10‧‧‧Contact lens packaging assembly

12‧‧‧Second lens packaging

14‧‧‧One lens packaging

26‧‧‧Substrate

28‧‧‧ Covering sheets

44‧‧‧ first end

46‧‧‧ second end

48‧‧‧First side

50‧‧‧ second side

52‧‧‧ upper surface

58‧‧‧Internal opening

62‧‧‧ First explanatory diagram

Claims (30)

A contact lens packaging assembly comprising: a sealable primary lens package; at least one contact lens sealed in the primary lens package; a sealable secondary lens package; wherein the first lens package is sealed Within the secondary lens package to increase the idle life of the at least one contact lens. The contact lens packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the secondary lens package is resealable. The contact lens packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the secondary lens package is assembled to hold a plurality of primary lens packages. The contact lens packaging assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one inert gas sealed in the secondary lens package and outside the primary lens package. The contact lens packaging assembly of claim 1, further comprising a support structure inserted between the primary lens package and the secondary lens package. The contact lens packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the secondary lens package comprises opposing first and second packaging portions that are sealed around the circumference of the secondary lens package to form a place therein The inside of a lens package. The contact lens packaging assembly of claim 6, wherein the first and second packaging portions of the secondary lens package each include at least one Layer foil layer. The contact lens packaging assembly of claim 6, wherein the first and second packaging portions of the secondary lens package each comprise a laminate material having at least one polymer layer and at least one layer comprising a metal material. . The contact lens packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the secondary lens package is constructed as a bag comprising a flexible material. The contact lens packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the secondary lens package is waterproof. A packaging system comprising: a first package assembled to accommodate a product having a limited idle life; a second package assembled to receive the first package, wherein the second package provides a first package to the first package An inert environment that extends the idle life of the product. For example, the packaging system of claim 11 wherein the product is a contact lens. For example, the packaging system of claim 11 wherein the product is a drug. For example, the packaging system of claim 11 wherein the product has nutritional value. The packaging system of claim 11, wherein the second package is resealable. The packaging system of claim 11, wherein the second package There is a flexible architecture. The packaging system of claim 11, wherein the second package retains a volume of inert gas. A method for making a contact lens package, comprising: sealing a contact lens in a primary lens package; sealing the primary lens package in a secondary lens package, the secondary lens package providing an inertness to the primary lens package Storage conditions. The method of claim 18, further comprising storing a volume of inert gas in the secondary lens package. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing the secondary lens package with a resealable opening. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing the secondary lens package with first and second laminate layers arranged together and sealing the periphery of the secondary lens package to form a size capable of receiving the primary lens package internal. The method of claim 21, wherein the secondary lens package comprises two layers of foil that are secured together to define an interior having a size to receive the primary lens package. A method of forming a secondary contact lens package, comprising: providing first and second foil layers; joining the first and second foil layers together to define a package interior, the package being internally assembled to receive and contain A contact lens package of at least one contact lens; creating an inert environment within the interior of the package. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming a resealable opening in the secondary contact lens package. The method of claim 23, wherein joining the first and second foil layers comprises creating a heat seal. The method of claim 23, wherein the generating an inert environment comprises filling the interior of the package with an inert gas. The method of claim 23, further comprising sealing the inside of the package to maintain the inert environment. The method of claim 23, wherein the generating the inert environment comprises providing first and second foil layers with an inert material. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing a waterproof environment inside the package. The contact lens packaging assembly of claim 10, wherein the secondary lens package is made of a laminated foil substrate, an injection molded plastic package, a coated wax or polymer paper, or a vacuum forming plastic. .