TW202339642A - No-touch contact lens packages and methods of handling - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to improved contact lens packages and methods of use and manufacture/assembly. An example contact lens package includes an applicator cap including a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body that extends between the first end and the second end. The body defines an inner lumen. Additionally, the first end includes a lumen 5 seal, and the second end defines a concave surface extending circumferentially about the inner lumen. The contact lens package further includes a container having a reservoir configured to house a contact lens and packaging solution. The container is sealedly couplable to the applicator cap. In addition, the second end is configured to form a seal against a convex surface of the contact lens, and the applicator cap is configured to dislodge the contact lens from the second 10 end in response to deformation of the body.

Description

Non-contact contact lens packaging box and disposal method

The present disclosure relates to a contact lens packaging box, a method of applying a contact lens to a wearer's eye, and a method of packaging a contact lens.

In conventional contact lens packaging boxes, the contact lens is typically placed in a molded plastic molded plastic material that has a cavity (or "bowl") that accommodates the contact lens in a concave-side-up orientation. in the base. Therefore, the user experience of transferring contact lenses from the box to the eye generally involves the user "fishing" the contact lens from the bowl with their fingers, and then flipping the lens so that it is correctly oriented on the finger. For placement on the eyes. This procedure requires multiple contact with the lens, which can transfer contaminants or pathogens from the hands to the lens and ultimately to the eye. Not only is this handling experience unhygienic, it is also overly cumbersome, cumbersome, and puts mechanical stress on the lens, which may tear, pull, or deform when handled excessively. Although some boxes have been designed to present the lenses in a convex-side-up orientation to avoid the need to turn the lenses over, these boxes often still require the lenses to be "removed" from the box solution or otherwise. Manipulating the lens and/or touching the lens multiple times to transfer the lens to the eye.

Due to the increasing awareness of eye health and customer demand for a more convenient experience, there is a need for contact lens packaging boxes that enable less troublesome and more hygienic contact lens handling procedures. In one aspect, it would be ideal to provide contact lens wearers with a "single touch" or "no touch" packaging box, that is, by means of which the contact lens wearer can The user can access the lens from the lens storage box via a holder, which also allows the user to position the lens correctly on the eye without touching the lens with their fingers. In this design, there would be no need to transfer and manipulate the lens from one finger to another before placing it on the eye. Providing such a contactless packaging box will not only simplify the lens preparation and insertion process, it will also reduce the possibility of the lens falling out or exposing the lens to additional bacteria on the wearer's other fingers (since the lens is prepared for orientation and insertion on the eye), and it also reduces the likelihood of touching the side of the lens intended to contact the eye.

Known packages that have attempted to provide a single contact or non-contact orientation have failed to provide one or more of the above desirable attributes for a contact reduced package. For example, KR101823613 discloses a device for wearing contact lenses that includes a cylindrical housing housing a piston pressing member with a contact lens mount that allows a user to apply contact lenses without contact. However, the device does not include a lid and container that are sealingly coupled to each other. The reference also makes no mention of a mechanism for an effective solution for solution drainage. Additionally, KR2018037391, US40797976A, US4071272A, and US5941583A disclose tools for handling contact lenses that allow users to apply contact lenses without contact. However, these devices are not configured to provide a sterile environment for storing contact lenses during shipping and prior to initial use.

Accordingly, there remains a need for contact lens packaging that provides a contactless removal experience, effective solution management, or addresses one or a combination of the aforementioned challenges or deficiencies.

It has now been discovered that a contact lens package having one or more of the aspects described herein achieves some or all of the foregoing and related objectives. For example, a contact lens packaging box of the present invention can contain contact lenses and packaging solution, wherein the contact lenses can be adhered to a part of the applicator cover, and the user can put the contact lenses into the fitting through the applicator cover. The contact lens does not come into contact with the wearer's eyes. The user can manipulate the applicator cap to remove the contact lens from the cap.

In one aspect, this document describes an example contact lens packaging box. The contact lens package includes an applicator cover including a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. The body defines an interior cavity. Additionally, the first end includes a lumen seal, and the second end defines a concave surface extending circumferentially around the lumen. The contact lens package further includes a container having a reservoir configured to contain a contact lens and package solution. The container is sealably coupled to the applicator cap. Additionally, the second end is configured to form a seal against a convex surface of the contact lens, and the applicator cap is configured to cause the contact lens to move out of the second end in response to deformation of the body.

In another aspect, the concave surface of the second end is configured to form the seal against the convex surface of the contact lens.

In another aspect, the seal is due to surface tension between the contact lens and the concave surface of the second end. Alternatively or additionally, the seal is caused by a partial vacuum within the lumen.

In another aspect, the lumen extends from the cavity seal through the concave surface of the second end. The concave surface of the second end is concentrically disposed around the lumen.

In another aspect, the applicator cap contains the gas volume within the lumen. Optionally, the pressure of the gas volume in the inner cavity is less than the pressure in the liquid reservoir. Alternatively, the pressure of the gas volume within the lumen is optionally substantially equal to the pressure within the reservoir.

In another aspect, the reservoir is disposed between the applicator cap and the container. Optionally, the applicator cap and container together surround the reservoir. Alternatively or additionally, the applicator cap and container together define the reservoir.

In another aspect, the applicator cap includes a first sealing surface and the container includes a second sealing surface corresponding to the first sealing surface. The first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are configured to hermetically seal the applicator cap and the container. Optionally, the first sealing surface abuts the second sealing surface when the contact lens package is in an unopened state. Alternatively or additionally, the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface optionally include corresponding threads and grooves.

In another aspect, the contact lens package further includes a packaging label disposed around the applicator cap and container. Optionally, the package indicia is configured to secure the applicator cap and container together.

In another aspect, the container includes a support mechanism disposed within the reservoir. Optionally, the support mechanism is dome-shaped. Alternatively or additionally, the support mechanism defines a support surface configured to support the contact lens within the reservoir. Optionally, the support surface is configured to engage a concave surface of the contact lens. Optionally, the support surface is a convex surface.

In another aspect, the applicator cap and container are made of a homogeneous material. Optionally, at least one of the applicator cap and container is made of plastic.

In one aspect, described herein is an example method of applying a contact lens to a wearer's eye. As described herein, for example, the contact lenses are stored in a contact lens packaging box. The method includes: twisting the handle portion of the applicator cap relative to the container, wherein the twisting separates the applicator cap from the container; and using the handle portion to present the contact lens in an insertion orientation for the wearer near the patient's eyes. The method also includes squeezing the body to remove the contact lens from the second end; and applying the contact lens to the wearer's eye.

In another aspect, the squeeze releases the seal formed on the convex surface of the contact lens. Alternatively or additionally, the squeezing expels the gas volume contained within the lumen.

In another aspect, the step of applying the contact lens to the wearer's eye is performed without the wearer touching the contact lens.

In one aspect, this document also describes an example method of packaging a contact lens. The method includes: providing a packaging solution in a container; and placing a contact lens with a convex side oriented upward in the container. The method also includes providing an applicator cap that includes a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. The body defines a lumen, the first end includes a lumen seal, and the second end defines a concave surface extending circumferentially around the lumen. The method further includes inserting the second end into the container such that the concave surface of the second end is adjacent a convex surface of the contact lens.

In another aspect, the method optionally further includes manipulating the handle portion to form a seal against the convex surface of the contact lens.

In another aspect, the method optionally further includes applying a packaging label to secure the container to the applicator cap.

Reference will now be made in detail to the representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the reference numerals indicate certain elements. The following description is not intended to limit the numerous embodiments to a single preferred embodiment. Rather, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments" and the like indicate that the described embodiments may include particular features, structures, aspects, or characteristics. However, each embodiment may not necessarily include such specific features, structures or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a specific feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic is described with respect to an embodiment, it is considered herein that, whether explicitly described or not, it is within the knowledge of a person having ordinary skill in the art and therefore can be related to Other embodiments implement such features, structures, or characteristics.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings. A benefit of certain embodiments of the present invention is that they facilitate consistent non-contact lens transfer from the packaging box to the wearer's eye without the lens flipping over, falling out of the holder, or further manipulation. It is also desirable for the lens to "sit up" on the holder without collapsing or inverting, and to transfer to the eye once placed there.

Lens(s) or contact lens(s) means an ophthalmic device placed on the eye. They have a generally hemispherical shape and may provide optical correction, cosmetic enhancement, UV blocking and visible light or glare reduction, therapeutic effects (including wound healing, delivery of drugs or nutrients, diagnostic assessment, or monitoring), or any combination thereof. The term lens includes soft hydrogel contact lenses, which are typically provided to consumers in a hydrated state in a box and have a relatively low modulus, which allows the lens to conform to the cornea. Contact lenses suitable for use in the packaging of the present invention include all hydrated contact lenses, including conventional and polysilicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Hydrogels are hydrated cross-linked polymeric systems that contain water in an equilibrium state, and may contain at least about 25%, or at least 35%, water in a hydrated state. Hydrogels are generally oxygen permeable and biocompatible, making them excellent materials for the production of contact lenses.

Conventional hydrogel contact lenses do not contain silicone-containing components and generally have higher water content, lower oxygen permeability, modulus, and shape memory than silicone hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels are made from a monomer mixture mainly containing hydrophilic monomers, such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate ("HEMA"), N-vinylpyrrolidone ("NVP") ), or polyvinyl alcohol. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,495,313, 4,889,664, and 5,039,459 disclose the formation of conventional hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels may be ionic or nonionic, and include polymacon, etafilcon, nelfilcon, ocufilcon, lenefilcon, and the like. The oxygen permeability of these conventional hydrogel materials is generally lower than 20 to 30 barler.

Silicone hydrogel formulations include balafilcon, samfilcon, lotrafilcon A and B, delfilcon, galyfilcon, senofilcon A, B, and C, narafilcon, comfilcon, formofilcon, riofilcon, fanfilcon, stenfilcon, somofilcon, kalifilcon, and the like. "Silicone hydrogel" refers to a polymeric network made of at least one hydrophilic component and at least one silicone-containing component. The polysilicone hydrogel can have a modulus in the range of 60 to 200, 60 to 150, or 80 to 130 psi, and a water content in the range of 20 to 60%. Examples of silicone hydrogels include acquafilcon, asmofilcon, balafilcon, comfilcon, delefilcon, enfilcon, fanfilcon, forofilcon, galyfilcon, lotrafilcon, narafilcon, riofilcon, samfilcon, senofilcon, somofilcon, and stenfilcon, verofilcon (including all variations thereof) 4,659,782, 4,659,783, 5,244,981, 5,314,960, 5,331,067, 5,371,147, 5,998,498, 6,087,415, 5,760,100, 5,776,999, 5,789,461, 5,8 49,811, 5,965,631, 6,367,929, 6,822,016, 6,867,245, 6,943,203, 7,247,692, 7,249,848, 7,553,880, 7,666,921, 7,786,185, 7,956,131, 8,022,158, 8,273,802, 8,399,538, 8,470,906, 8,450,387, 8,487,058, 8,507,577, 8,637,621, 8,703,891, 8,937,110, 8 ,937,111, 8,940,812, 9,056,878, 9,057,821, 9,125,808, 9,140,825, 9156,934, 9,170,349, 9,244,196, 9,244,197, 9,260,544, 9,297,928, No. 9,297,929 and the polysiloxane hydrogel prepared in WO 03/22321, WO 2008/061992, and US 2010/0048847. The entire contents of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference. Polysilicone hydrogel can have higher shape memory than conventional contact lenses.

Hydrogel lenses are viscoelastic materials. Contact lenses can cause optical distortion if the lens interacts with either the packaging or any air bubbles in the packaging. The degree of optical distortion and the length of time required for the distortion to relax will vary depending on the chemistry of the lens and, to a lesser extent, the geometry of the lens. Conventional lens materials (such as polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate-based lenses like etafilcon A or polymacon) have lower loss modulus and tan (δ) compared to polysilicone hydrogels and can cause problems with packaging There are fewer box contacts and less severe light distortion. Coatings of polysiloxane (which usually increases the elastic response of the body), wetting agents such as PVP (which usually increases the viscous reaction), or conventional hydrogel materials (which can reduce the elastic reaction at the lens interface) are combined with Injection can change the viscoelastic properties of the lens. It is known that hydrogel contact lenses, and polysilicone hydrogel contact lenses with short-acting or hard cross-linking agents and/or hardeners, have short-term shape memory and are less likely to deform during storage. As used herein, high or higher shape memory hydrogels exhibit optical distortion of at least about 0.18 due to contact with air bubbles or packaging boxes after accelerated aging at 55°C for 5 weeks. Viscoelastic properties, including loss modulus and tan δ, can be measured using dynamic mechanical analysis.

Contact lenses can be of any geometry or power and have a generally hemispherical shape with a concave back side that rests against the eye during use and a convex front side that faces away from the eye and contacts the eyelids during blinking. .

The center of the apex of the lens is the center of the optical zone of the lens. The optical zone provides optical correction and may have a diameter of between about 7 mm and about 10 mm. The lens periphery or lens edge is the edge where the front and back sides meet.

Embodiments may include applicator caps and containers that provide a sealable cavity that is also referred to interchangeably as a reservoir. The cavity may have any convenient form, and may include a package floor and walls, each of which is described in detail below. As used herein, the phrases "the applicator cap," "an applicator cap," "the container," and "a container" include both the singular and the plural. The applicator cap and container are sealed to each other to form a cavity that maintains the sterility of the contact lens and box solution during shipping and storage prior to use. Contact lens packaging boxes are made of materials that are compatible with contact lenses and solutions, retortable and bio-inert.

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

As used herein, "opened state" or "opened" refers to the contact lens package after the sterilization seal has been broken. Depending on the context described herein, the open state extends to the state of the package when the user has manipulated the package so that the lens is lifted out of the package solution for transfer by the user.

As used herein, "wearer" or "user" refers to the person who opens the contact lens package. A user is generally a person who opens the package and simultaneously transfers the contact lens contained therein to his or her eye. However, in some scenarios, the user may be a person who handles the lens packaging on behalf of the wearer, such as an eye care provider ("ECP") or another person who demonstrates or assists the wearer.

The box solution is any physiologically compatible solution that is compatible with the selected lens material and box. The box solution includes a buffered solution with physiological pH, such as a buffered saline solution. The carton solution may contain known components, including buffers, pH and tension adjusters, lubricants, wetting agents, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, carton inner coating components, and the like.

The applicator cap may form the top of the box. They can be made from any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including plastic. The container may form the base of the packaging box. They can be made from any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including plastic. The applicator cap seals with the container to form a cavity containing at least one lens and packaging solution.

References throughout this specification to injection molding procedures and the use of materials conventionally applied to injection molding should be understood as illustrative. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other means of manufacturing are possible within the scope of the appended claims, including, but not limited to, alternative molding procedures, thermoforming, 3D printing, and the like. Likewise, references to heat seal and heat sealing are illustrative of the embodiments described herein. Other means of securing the package components will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and include the use of adhesives, glue, thermal bonding, welding (such as thermal, ultrasonic, or laser welding), or a mechanical trap , and the like.

Referring now to Figures 1A, 1B, and 2, an example contact lens package 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. Contact lens package 100 includes an applicator cap 102 and a container 104 . Container 104 has a reservoir 118 configured to hold a contact lens 150 and package solution. In the unopened state, container 104 is sealingly coupled to applicator cap 102 . This is shown in Figure 1A. In the open state, the container 104 is separated or detached from the applicator cap 102 . This is shown in Figure 1B.

The present disclosure contemplates that the applicator cap 102 and container 104 can be made of suitable materials to protect the contact lens 150 and provide a sterile environment for the contact lens 150 during shipping and storage prior to use. In addition, the material should be compatible with the contact lens 150 and packaging solution and be bioinert. The present disclosure contemplates that one or more portions of the package 100 (eg, the container) may be sufficiently rigid to protect the contact lens 150 from physical damage (eg, to protect the integrity of the lens). Alternatively or additionally, one or more portions of the package 100 (eg, the handle body) may be sufficiently flexible to permit manipulation by a user. In some aspects, applicator cap 102 and container 104 are made from a homogeneous material (eg, plastic). Alternatively, in other aspects, the applicator cap 102 and container 104 are made of different materials, which may include, but are not limited to, different plastics. It should be understood that plastic is only provided as an example material for the packaging box 100 . Examples of preferred suitable materials for applicator cap 102 and/or container 104 include polyolefins (including polypropylene), and olefin copolymers (including COP (cycloolefin polymers) and COC (cycloolefin copolymers)), and Blends.

In some aspects, the applicator cap 102 includes a handle portion having a first end 108 , a second end 106 , and a body extending between the first end 108 and the second end 106 110. As described in detail below, when applying contact lens 150 to the wearer's eye, the user interacts with the handle portion of applicator cap 102. For example, the user may use the thumb and fingers to grasp or pinch the handle portion of the applicator cap 102 . Accordingly, the size and/or shape of body 110 may be designed to facilitate this interaction. In addition, the body 110 defines an inner cavity 112 . The body 110 is thus of tubular structure. Inner cavity 112 is shown in Figures 1B and 2 . Additionally, the thickness of body 112 (and/or its material) may be designed to facilitate deformation, and optionally elastic deformation, that results in movement of contact lens 150 from the handle portion (described below). The first end 108 includes a cavity seal 114 . In some embodiments, cavity seal 114 and body 110 are part of a single component (eg, a one-piece component formed from the same material). In other aspects, cavity seal 114 and body 110 are distinct components joined together. In such aspects, cavity seal 114 and body 110 may be made of the same material or different materials. Additionally, the second end 106 defines a concave surface 116 extending circumferentially around the lumen 112 . Optionally, the concave surface 116 of the second end 106 is concentrically disposed around the lumen 112 . This is shown in Figure 1B. In some aspects, the lumen 112 extends from the lumen seal 114 and through the concave surface 116 of the second end 106 . This is shown in Figure 2. It should be understood that the lumen seal 114 closes or covers the lumen 112 at one end of the handle portion (ie, the first end 108 ). In other words, the cavity seal 114 seals the lumen 112 from the external environment at one end, while the lumen 112 is open or exposed at the other end (ie, the second end 106 ).

As mentioned above, the container 104 has a reservoir 118 . As shown in FIG. 2 , reservoir 118 is disposed between applicator cap 102 and container 104 . The interior surfaces of the applicator cover 102 and container 104 define a reservoir 118 (eg, walls, floor, roof, etc. of the reservoir). The liquid storage tank 118 is a cavity that contains the solution of the contact lens 150 and the packaging box in a sterile state. It should be understood that the size and/or shape of reservoir 118 shown in FIG. 2 is provided as an example only. The present disclosure contemplates that reservoir 118 may have other shapes and/or sizes than those shown in the drawings.

Optionally, in some aspects, container 104 includes a support mechanism 130 disposed within reservoir 118 . Support mechanism 130 defines a support surface configured to support contact lens 150 within reservoir 118 . This is shown in Figure 2. For example, contact lens 150 is received in reservoir 118 with a convex side up (or concave side down) orientation. The support surface of the support mechanism 130 is thus shaped to support the concave surface of the contact lens 150 to mitigate optical damage to the lens from forces applied during manufacturing, storage or user handling. For example, support mechanism 130 is optionally dome-shaped. In such aspects, the support surface is a convex surface that is complementary to the concave surface of the contact lens 150 . In some embodiments, when the package 100 is in an unopened state, the concave surface of the contact lens 150 is in contact with (ie, rests at least partially on) the convex support surface. In other embodiments, the convex surface of the contact lens 150 is adhered to the second end 106 of the applicator cap 102 (described above) when the package 100 is in an unopened state. In such embodiments, the concave surface of the contact lens 150 is not in contact with the convex support surface, that is, there is a space filled by the packaging solution in between. Furthermore, the lens support mechanism may also include one or more recessed channels (not shown) that are directed from the periphery of the lens to close to the center of the lens to allow air to enter the packaging box when it is opened to be transported under the lens when it is opened. , and thus allows preferential attachment of the lens to the concave applicator cover. The space between the edge of the contact lens 150 and the sidewall of the container 104 should also be wide enough to allow air to be transported underneath the lens (eg, at least 1.5 mm). The gap does not need to be continuous around the periphery of the lens, but it does need to have an entry path for air to enter. It should also be understood that the size and/or shape of the support mechanism 130 shown in FIG. 2 is provided as an example only. It should be noted that the gap between the support mechanism 130 and the concave applicator surface 152 of the inner portion of the applicator cover 102 should be made as small as possible, that is, approximately the thickness of the contact lens 150 plus the thickness of the contact lens 150 on each side. Tolerance (for example, 0.2 mm). This will ensure that when opened, the lens will be assisted to become properly stored/settled on the lens applicator and reduce the possibility of the lens moving to other areas of the box. The present disclosure contemplates that support mechanism 130 may be shaped and/or sized other than what is shown in the drawings and/or be omitted altogether.

In some aspects, the applicator cap 102 includes a first sealing surface 122 and the container 104 includes a second sealing surface 124 corresponding to the first sealing surface 122 . When the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, the first sealing surface 122 abuts the second sealing surface 124 . This is shown in Figure 2. The first sealing surface 122 and the second sealing surface 124 are configured to hermetically seal the applicator cap 102 and container 104 when the package 100 is in the unopened state. Alternatively or additionally, first sealing surface 122 and second sealing surface 124 are configured to provide a sterile seal when package 100 is in an unopened state. Optionally, in some embodiments, each of first sealing surface 122 and second sealing surface 124 is tapered to provide a bevel seal between applicator cap 102 and container 104 . Optionally, in some embodiments, the first sealing surface 122 and the second sealing surface 124 are configured to provide a friction fit between the applicator cap 102 and at least a portion of the container 104 . Optionally, in some embodiments, the first sealing surface 122 and the second sealing surface 124 include corresponding threads and grooves. As another exemplary option, in some embodiments, the first and second sealing surfaces 122, 124 may incorporate beaded edges to seal on the tapered push fitting.

In some aspects, the contact lens package 100 further includes a packaging label 120 disposed around the applicator cap 102 and container 104 . This is shown in Figure 1A. Packaging indicia 120 is configured to secure applicator cap 102 and container 104 together. Optionally, package marking 120 is a foil and is disposed around the periphery of applicator cap 102 and container 104, forming a mechanical and airtight seal between applicator cap 102 and container 104. In some embodiments, the label may be sealed via a circular weld on both the applicator and container or using two concentric welds. The foil is anisotropic such that its torsional force is weaker than in either longer dimension, causing the package label 120 to shear/tear in response to twisting of the applicator cap 102 relative to the container 104 (or vice versa). This is shown in Figure 1B. It should be understood that foil (eg, aluminum foil) is provided only as an example material for package marking 120 . The present disclosure contemplates that package label 120 may be made of other materials, including but not limited to wax paper, polyester sheet, or any other suitable material for fastening applicator cap 102 and container 104 .

In some aspects, second end 106 is configured to form a seal against the convex surface of contact lens 150 . This is shown in Figure 1B and Figure 2. It will be appreciated that when adhered to concave surface 116, contact lens 150 is provided in the correct orientation for insertion into the wearer's eye. In some embodiments, the seal is due to surface tension. As described herein, reservoir 118 contains contact lens 150 and box solution. Contact lens 150 is therefore in a wet state. Accordingly, the contact lens 150 adheres to the second end 106 due to adhesive forces due to surface tension due to the packaging solution absorbed by the contact lens 150 . Alternatively or additionally, surface tension is due to a layer of packaging solution (eg, a thin layer or film) disposed between the second end 106 and the convex surface of the contact lens 150 . The present disclosure contemplates that applicator cap 102 may be positioned (eg, by a user) to contact contact lens 150 such that contact lens 150 adheres to concave surface 116 that extends around the periphery of lumen 112 . It should be understood that the size and/or shape of the concave surface 116 can be designed to achieve sufficient surface tension to adhere to the convex surface of the contact lens 150 . Such designs may include, for example, engineering the surface area of concave surface 116 (eg, by changing its radial width). As described in further detail below, the applicator cap 102 is configured to remove the contact lens 150 from the second end 106 in response to deformation of the body 110 (eg, by expelling the volume of gas contained in the inner cavity 118).

Alternatively or additionally, the seal is caused by a partial vacuum within the lumen 118 . For example, applicator cap 102 contains the gas volume within lumen 112 . Alternatively, the pressure of the gas volume within lumen 112 may be reduced to less than the pressure within reservoir 118 (ie, creating a partial vacuum). A partial vacuum may be achieved, for example, by (i) deforming the body 110, (ii) bringing the contact lens 150 into contact with the second end 106, and (iii) releasing the body 110. In these embodiments, body 110 acts as a spherical vacuum pump, creating a partial vacuum within lumen 118 that adheres the convex surface of contact lens 150 to concave surface 116 . Similar to that described above, the applicator cover 102 is configured to remove the contact lens 150 from the second end 106 in response to deformation of the body 110 .

Referring now to Figures 3A-3C, an example method of applying a contact lens to a wearer's eye is described. In FIGS. 3A to 3C , the user is handling the contact lens packaging box 100 shown in FIGS. 1A , 1B and 2 . In Figure 3A, the user twists the applicator cap 102 relative to the container 104 (or vice versa) to open the package 100. For example, a user may use the thumb and fingers of one hand to grasp or pinch the handle portion of the applicator cap 102 and also use the thumb and fingers of the other hand to grasp or pinch the container 104 . The user then twists the handle portion of the applicator cap 102 relative to the container 104 (or vice versa) to release the seal between the applicator cap 102 and the container 104 . It should be understood that this may include tear packaging markings if present.

In FIG. 3B , the user presents the contact lens 150 to a position near the wearer's eyes in an insertion orientation. As mentioned above, the contact lens 150 is received inside the packaging box with the convex side upward (or the concave side downward). Accordingly, the second end of applicator cap 102 (see, eg, second end 106 in Figures 1A and 1B) is configured to adhere to the convex surface of contact lens 150, as shown in Figure 3B. This allows the user to manipulate the contact lens 150 without requiring the wearer to touch the contact lens 150 . Furthermore, when adhered to the applicator cap 102, the contact lens 150 is provided in the correct orientation for insertion into the wearer's eye. Furthermore, the excess packaging fluid system is drained directly into the container by gravity, thereby avoiding excessive spillage. In some embodiments, the second end of the applicator cap 102 is sealed against the convex surface of the contact lens 150 when the package is in an unopened state. This sealing of the convex surface of the contact lens 150 may be achieved by surface tension, a partial vacuum within the lumen, or a combination thereof. As mentioned above, for example, the lens support 130 may include recessed channels (not shown) to allow air to be transported under the contact lens 150 when open, thereby urging the contact lens upward toward the applicator cap. In other embodiments, the user manipulates the applicator cap 102 to form a seal against the convex surface of the contact lens 150 when the package is in the open state. This may be accomplished by bringing the second end of the applicator cap 102 into contact with the convex surface of the contact lens 150. Alternatively, this may be accomplished, for example, by using the body of the applicator cap 102 as a ball vacuum pump to create a partial vacuum as described above.

In Figure 3C, the user squeezes the body of the applicator cap 102 (see, eg, body 110 in Figures 1A and 1B) to remove the contact lens 150 from the second end of the applicator cap 102 (see, eg, Figures 1A and 1B). The second end 106 in Figure 1B). The squeezing action releases the seal formed on the convex surface of the contact lens 150, for example, by expelling the gas volume contained within the lumen (see, eg, Figures 1B and lumen 112 in Figure 2). This sealing of the convex surface of the contact lens 150 is due to surface tension, a partial vacuum within the lumen, or a combination thereof. The user can then apply contact lens 150 to the wearer's eye. It will be appreciated that the surface area of the concave applicator surface 152 of the applicator cover 102 should be configured such that it is less than the surface area between the wearer's eye and the contact lens. In this manner, contact between the contact lens 150 and the wearer's eye also results from the adhesive force of the applicator cap 102 pulling the contact lens 150 out. Additionally, the steps shown in FIGS. 3A-3B can be completed without the wearer touching the contact lens 150 .

In one aspect, an example method of packaging contact lenses is also described. It will be appreciated that the contact lenses may be packaged in the contact lens packaging boxes shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 2. The method includes: providing the box solution in a container (see, eg, container 104 in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2); and placing in the container a convex-side-up (or concave-side-down) orientation. contact lenses. The method also includes providing an applicator cap (see, eg, applicator cap 102 in Figures 1A, 1B, and 2). The method further includes inserting the second end (see, eg, second end 106 in Figures 1A, 1B, and 2) into the container such that the concave surface of the second end is adjacent to the A contact lens with a convex surface. In another aspect, the method optionally further includes manipulating the handle portion to form a seal against the convex surface of the contact lens. This may be accomplished, for example, by using the body of the applicator cap (see, eg, body 110 in Figures IA, IB, and Figure 2) as a sphere vacuum pump as described above. Alternatively, this may be accomplished by bringing the second end of the applicator cap into contact with the convex surface of the contact lens. In another aspect, the method optionally further includes applying a packaging mark (see, eg, package mark 120 in Figure 1A) to secure the container and the applicator cap.

In any of the above embodiments, the intended wearer is the user, but the above embodiments also describe situations where the wearer is not the same as the user, such as when a caregiver applies a contact lens to the patient's eye. In medical or caregiving situations.

For purposes of explanation, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Accordingly, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

The [Summary] and [Abstract] paragraphs may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of the invention as contemplated by the invention, and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention and the accompanying claims in any way.

The foregoing description of specific embodiments will fully disclose the general nature of the invention so that others, by applying knowledge in the art, may readily modify and/or adapt such specific embodiments to various applications without requiring without undue experimentation without departing from the general concept of the invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teachings and guidance presented herein. It should be understood that the terminology and expression used herein are for the purpose of explanation rather than limitation, and are to be interpreted by a person having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings and guidance.

The packaging box of the present invention can be manufactured using known materials and procedures. Packaging materials can be virgin, recycled, or a combination thereof. The volume within the box cavity may vary depending on the design chosen.

Aspects of exemplary embodiments of the invention are further described in accordance with the following terms: 1. A contact lens packaging box, which contains: an applicator cap including a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the body defining an interior cavity, The first end includes a lumen seal, and the second end defines a concave surface extending circumferentially around the lumen; and a container having a reservoir configured to hold a contact lens and packaging solution, wherein the second end is configured to form a seal on a convex surface of the contact lens, wherein the applicator cap is configured to remove the contact lens from the second end in response to a change in pressure within the cavity deformation of the body, and wherein the container portion is sealingly coupled to the applicator cap. 2. The contact lens packaging box of clause 1, wherein the concave surface of the second end is configured to form the seal against the convex surface of the contact lens. 3. The contact lens packaging box of clause 1 or 2, wherein the sealing is caused by surface tension between the contact lens and the concave surface of the second end. 4. For example, the contact lens packaging box of clause 1 or 2, wherein the sealing is caused by a partial vacuum in the inner cavity. 5. The contact lens packaging box as described in any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the inner cavity extends from the cavity seal and passes through the concave surface of the second end, and the concave surface of the second end The surfaces are arranged concentrically around the lumen. 6. The contact lens packaging box as described in any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the applicator cover contains a gas volume in the inner cavity. 7. The contact lens packaging box as described in item 6, wherein the pressure of the gas volume in the inner cavity is less than the pressure in the liquid storage tank. 8. The contact lens packaging box as described in item 6, wherein the pressure of the gas volume in the inner cavity is substantially equal to the pressure in the liquid storage tank. 9. The contact lens packaging box as described in any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the liquid reservoir is disposed between the applicator cap and the container. 10. The contact lens packaging box as described in clause 9, wherein the applicator cover and the container together surround the liquid reservoir. 11. The contact lens packaging box of clause 9 or 10, wherein the applicator cap and the container jointly define the liquid reservoir. 12. The contact lens packaging box of any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the applicator cover includes a first sealing surface, and the container includes a second sealing surface corresponding to the first sealing surface, The first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are configured to hermetically seal the applicator cap and the container. 13. The contact lens packaging box as described in clause 12, wherein the first sealing surface is adjacent to the second sealing surface when the contact lens packaging box is in an unopened state. 14. The contact lens packaging box as described in clause 12, wherein the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface include corresponding threads and grooves. 15. The contact lens packaging box as described in any one of clauses 1 to 14, further comprising a packaging label disposed around the applicator cap and the container. 16. A contact lens package as described in clause 15, wherein the package marking is configured to secure the applicator cap to the container. 17. The contact lens packaging box as described in any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the container includes a support mechanism disposed in the liquid storage tank. 18. The contact lens packaging box as described in clause 17, wherein the supporting mechanism is dome-shaped. 19. The contact lens packaging box as described in clause 17 or 18, wherein the support mechanism defines a support surface configured to support the contact lens in the reservoir. 20. A contact lens packaging box as described in clause 19, wherein the support surface is configured to engage a concave surface of the contact lens. 21. A contact lens packaging box as described in clause 19 or 20, wherein the supporting surface is a convex surface. 22. A contact lens packaging box as described in any one of clauses 1 to 21, wherein the applicator cap and the container are made of a homogeneous material. 23. The contact lens packaging box as described in any one of clauses 1 to 21, wherein at least one of the applicator cap and the container comprises a plastic. 24. A method of applying a contact lens to an eye of a wearer, the contact lens being stored in a contact lens package, the contact lens package including an applicator cap including a handle portion , the handle portion has a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the body defines an inner cavity, and the first end includes a cavity seal, and the second end defines a concave surface extending circumferentially around the lumen; and a container having a reservoir configured to receive a contact lens and packaging solution, wherein the second end is configured to form a seal on a convex surface of the contact lens, wherein the applicator cap is configured to remove the contact lens from the second end in response to deformation of the body, and wherein the container is sealable Coupled to the applicator cap, the method includes: twisting the handle portion of the applicator cap relative to the container, wherein the twisting separates the applicator cap from the container; using the handle portion to present the contact lens adjacent the wearer's eye in an insertion orientation; Squeeze the body to remove the contact lens from the second end; and The contact lens is applied to the wearer's eye. 25. The method of clause 24, wherein the squeezing releases the seal formed on the convex surface of the contact lens. 26. A method as described in clause 24 or 25, wherein the squeezing expels the gas volume contained in the lumen. 27. The method of any one of clauses 24 to 26, wherein applying the contact lens to the eye of the wearer is performed without the wearer contacting the contact lens. 28. A method of packaging a contact lens, comprising: providing the box solution in a container; place a contact lens in the container with one convex side oriented upward; and An applicator cap is provided that includes a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the body defining a lumen , the first end includes a lumen seal, and the second end defines a concave surface extending circumferentially around the lumen; and The second end is inserted into the container such that the concave surface of the second end is adjacent the convex surface of the contact lens. 29. The method of clause 28, further comprising manipulating the handle portion to form a seal on the convex surface of the contact lens. 30. A method as described in clause 28 or 29, further comprising applying a packaging mark to secure the container to the applicator cap.

Not all features described herein need be incorporated into every package, and one of ordinary skill in the art can incorporate such features using the teachings herein to provide a wide variety of improved contact lens packages. In summary, the contact lens packaging of the present invention incorporates several novel functionalities that can be combined in a variety of combinations as described herein to provide desired improvements and/or single-touch packaging. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described illustrative embodiments, but should be defined solely in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

100:Contact lens packaging box 102: Applicator cap 104:Container 106:Second end 108:First end 110:Ontology 112:Inner cavity 114: Cavity seal 116: Concave surface 118:Liquid storage tank 120:Packaging labeling 122: First sealing surface 124: Second sealing surface 130: Lens support 150:Contact lenses 152: Concave applicator surface

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings. [Fig. 1A] is a perspective view illustrating a contact lens packaging box for non-contact administration in an unopened state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [FIG. 1B] is a perspective view illustrating the contact lens packaging box of FIG. 1A in an open state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 2] is a cross-sectional view of a contact lens packaging box along a plane intersecting the line A-A' in Fig. 1A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [FIG. 3A] to [FIG. 3C] illustrate steps of processing the contact lens packaging box of FIGS. 1A to 1B according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A illustrates how to twist the applicator cap and container to open the box. Figure 3B shows how the contact lens is placed on the applicator cap once the package is opened. Figure 3C illustrates how the contact lens is removed from the cover for insertion into the wearer's eye.

100:Contact lens packaging box

102: Applicator cap

104:Container

106:Second end

108:First end

110:Ontology

114: Cavity seal

120:Packaging labeling

Claims (30)

A contact lens packaging box, which contains: an applicator cap including a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the body defining an interior cavity, The first end includes a lumen seal, and the second end defines a concave surface extending circumferentially around the lumen; and a container having a reservoir configured to hold a contact lens and packaging solution, wherein the second end is configured to form a seal on a convex surface of the contact lens, wherein the applicator cap is configured to remove the contact lens from the second end in response to deformation of the body, and wherein the container is sealably coupled to the applicator cap. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the concave surface of the second end is configured to form the seal against the convex surface of the contact lens. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the sealing is caused by surface tension between the contact lens and the concave surface of the second end. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the sealing is caused by a partial vacuum in the inner cavity. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the inner cavity extends from the cavity seal and passes through the concave surface of the second end, and the concave surface of the second end is concentrically arranged within the inner cavity. around the cavity. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the applicator cover accommodates a gas volume in the inner cavity. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the applicator cover accommodates a gas volume in the inner cavity, and wherein the pressure of the gas volume in the inner cavity is less than the pressure in the liquid reservoir. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the applicator cover accommodates a gas volume in the inner cavity, and wherein the pressure of the gas volume in the inner cavity is substantially equal to the pressure in the liquid reservoir. . The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir is disposed between the applicator cap and the container. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the applicator cover and the container together surround the liquid reservoir. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the applicator cover and the container jointly define the liquid reservoir. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the applicator cover includes a first sealing surface, and the container includes a second sealing surface corresponding to the first sealing surface, the first sealing surface and the third sealing surface. Two sealing surfaces are configured to hermetically seal the applicator cap and container. The contact lens packaging box of claim 12, wherein when the contact lens packaging box is in an unopened state, the first sealing surface is adjacent to the second sealing surface. The contact lens packaging box of claim 12, wherein the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface include corresponding threads and grooves. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, further comprising a packaging label disposed around the applicator cap and the container. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, further comprising a packaging label disposed around the applicator cap and the container, and wherein the packaging label is configured to fasten the applicator cap and the container in Together. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the container includes a support mechanism disposed in the liquid storage tank. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the container includes a support mechanism disposed in the liquid storage tank, and wherein the support mechanism is dome-shaped. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the container includes a support mechanism disposed in the reservoir, and wherein the support mechanism defines a lens configured to support the contact lens in the reservoir. Support surface. The contact lens packaging box of claim 19, wherein the support surface is configured to engage a concave surface of the contact lens. The contact lens packaging box of claim 19, wherein the supporting surface is a convex surface. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein the applicator cover and the container are made of a homogeneous material. The contact lens packaging box of claim 1, wherein at least one of the applicator cap and the container includes a plastic. A method of applying a contact lens to a wearer's eye, the contact lens being stored in a contact lens package, the contact lens package including an applicator cover including a handle portion, the contact lens package The handle portion has a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the body defining an inner cavity, the first end including a cavity seal, and the The second end defines a concave surface extending circumferentially about the lumen; and a container having a reservoir configured to hold a contact lens and packaging solution, wherein the second end is configured to to form a seal on a convex surface of the contact lens, wherein the applicator cap is configured to remove the contact lens from the second end in response to deformation of the body, and wherein the container is sealingly coupled to The applicator cap and method contain: twisting the handle portion of the applicator cap relative to the container, wherein the twisting separates the applicator cap from the container; using the handle portion to present the contact lens adjacent the wearer's eye in an insertion orientation; Squeeze the body to remove the contact lens from the second end; and The contact lens is applied to the wearer's eye. The method of claim 24, wherein the squeezing releases the seal formed on the convex surface of the contact lens. The method of claim 24, wherein the squeezing expels the gas volume contained in the inner cavity. The method of claim 24, wherein applying the contact lens to the eye of the wearer is performed without the wearer touching the contact lens. A method of packaging a contact lens, which includes: providing the box solution in a container; place a contact lens in the container with one convex side oriented upward; and An applicator cap is provided that includes a handle portion having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the body defining a lumen , the first end includes a lumen seal, and the second end defines a concave surface extending circumferentially around the lumen; and The second end is inserted into the container such that the concave surface of the second end is adjacent the convex surface of the contact lens. The method of claim 28, further comprising manipulating the handle portion to form a seal on the convex surface of the contact lens. The method of claim 28, further comprising applying a packaging label to secure the container and the applicator cap.