US20050133382A1

US20050133382A1 - Contact lens holder

Info

Publication number: US20050133382A1
Application number: US10/920,373
Authority: US
Inventors: Milt Gerard; Jack Elias
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-12-22
Filing date: 2004-08-18
Publication date: 2005-06-23

Abstract

A novel contact lens holder for retaining contact lenses and their storage solution is provided. The contact lens holder provides at least two compartments for retaining each contact lens and its storage solution, each compartment providing protection against leakage of the storage solution. There is provided a contact lens holder including a first compartment with at least one substantially fluid-tight seal to retain the storage solution, and a second compartment encompassing the first compartment. There is also provided a contact lens holder including a lid that is pivotally moveable such that the lid can be positioned at an angle to provide a user with an ergonomically comfortable position when using the contact lens holder. The lid can also include a mirror on its inside surface.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/196,041 filed Dec. 22, 2003, and U.S. application Ser. No. 29/196,042 filed Dec. 22, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to contact lens holders for retaining contact lenses and their storage solution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The proper care and handling of contact lenses requires a holder or case for storing the contact lenses in their storage solution, and for protecting the contact lenses from contamination by dirt or germs. In addition, when traveling, a contact lens user will require a portable case to store and carry the contact lenses between wearing times. There are different types of contact lens holders available, some of which are portable and include separate receptacles for holding each of the left and right contact lenses.
Although these contact lens holders are useful for storing and carrying the contact lenses in separate receptacles, contact lens users often encounter problems in the handling and storing of their contact lenses. Problems include leakage of the storage solution from the receptacles; damage or scratches to the contact lenses when removing them from the contact lens holder; accumulation of dirt and germs that may contaminate the contact lenses and their storage solution; damage or loss of a cover or lid; and interchange of left and right covers such that the user mistakes the left contact lens for the right contact lens.
In an effort to address some of these problems, contact lens holders have been developed that include a seal ring arranged in a groove of each cover in an attempt to help prevent leakage or evaporation of the contact lens storage solution from its receptacles. However, such contact lens holders often provide an unsatisfactory level of protection against leakage or evaporation of storage solution. The seal ring can fall out or dry and crack and lead to a break in the seal and thus leakage of storage solution. There is no additional protection to prevent leakage or evaporation of storage solution by the covers being accidentally opened or the single seal being broken.
An additional shortcoming of known contact lens holders is that the receptacle covers are not readily detachable and interchangeable, and typically are not readily distinguishable from each other. Dirt or germs may accumulate more easily in the hinges of contact lens holders with non-detachable covers or other non-detachable parts, which can lead to contamination of the contact lenses and or storage solution. A further shortcoming with certain known contact lens holders is that the left and right receptacles are not easily identifiable, and as a result, a user may more easily interchange or mix up the left compartment and the right compartment. A user using such a contact lens holder may rely on left or right markings on the receptacles or covers in order to distinguish between the left and right receptacles when inserting or removing the contact lenses. This can be inconvenient for users when they are inserting or removing their contact lenses without corrected vision.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a contact lens holder that obviates or mitigates at least one of the above identified disadvantages.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a contact lens case comprising at least two compartments for retaining each contact lens and its storage solution, each compartment providing protection against leakage of the storage solution. The contact lens case comprising a first compartment for housing a contact lens and its storage solution, the first compartment including at least one substantially fluid-tight seal to retain the storage solution; and a second compartment encompassing the first compartment, the second compartment including at least one seal to provide additional protection against leakage of the storage solution.
In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the first compartment further comprises a receptacle and a cover. The receptacle is for holding the contact lens and its storage solution, and includes a side wall which includes a groove. The cover, for sealing the receptacle, includes a resiliently and inwardly biased flange for engaging with the side wall. The flange includes a lip for engaging with the groove of the side wall.
In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the contact lens case includes a base and a cover connected to the base. The base includes a chamber. The chamber includes a receptacle positioned within it for housing a contact lens and its storage solution. The receptacle includes a side wall that includes a groove. The cover includes a first portion for sealing the receptacle, and a second portion for sealing or enclosing the chamber. The first portion of the cover includes a resiliently and inwardly biased flange for engaging with the side wall of the receptacle. The flange includes a lip for engaging with the groove of the side wall.
In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the cover further comprises an opening member that aids the user in opening the cover.
In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the flange extends to the bottom of the side wall to encompass the side wall of the receptacle.
In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the second compartment further includes a base and a lid. The base includes a slot. The lid is pivotally attached to the base for sealing the base, and the lid including a latch for engaging with the slot.
In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the first compartment is detachably connected with the second compartment. The first compartment includes feet and the base of the second compartment includes cavities for receiving the feet to secure the first compartment to the second compartment.
In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a contact lens case with a lid that is pivotally moveable between an angle of from about one-hundred-and-twenty to about one-hundred-and-fifty degrees from the base, when the contact lens case is in an open position.
In a particular implementation of the second aspect, the lid includes a mirror.
In a particular implementation of the second aspect, the lid includes a mirror made from polycarbonate.
In a particular implementation of the second aspect, the angle is from about one-hundred-and-thirty to about one-hundred-and-forty degrees.
In a particular implementation of the second aspect, the angle is about one-hundred-and-thirty-five degrees.
In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a contact lens case with a base and a cover. The cover is detachably connected to the base, and the cover includes a connecting member for engaging with a notch of the base.
In a particular implementation of the third aspect, the connecting member includes hooked members and hinged members for engaging with the notch of the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a contact lens holder in accordance with the present invention, showing an inner housing that is connectable to an outer housing;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the contact lens holder shown in FIG. 1, with the inner housing connected to the outer housing, the outer housing in an open position, and a cover of the inner housing in a closed position;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the contact lens holder show in FIG. 1, with the inner housing connected to the outer housing, the outer housing in an open position, and a cover of the inner housing in an open position;
FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the inner housing of the contact lens holder shown in FIG. 1, with covers in an open position;
FIG. 5 is a side view of the inner housing connected to the outer housing of the contact lens holder shown in FIG. 1, with the outer housing in an open position;
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the contact lens holder shown in FIG. 1, with the inner housing connected to the outer housing, the outer housing in an open position, one cover of the inner housing in an open position and the other cover in a closed position, and with a user viewing a mirror positioned on the inside surface of the lid of the outer housing, while inserting a contact lens;
FIG. 6 b is a top perspective view of the contact lens holder shown in FIG. 1, with the inner housing connected to the outer housing, the outer housing in an open position, one cover of the inner housing in an open position and the other cover in a closed position, and with a user viewing a mirror positioned on the inside surface of the lid of the outer housing;
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a contact lens holder in accordance with the present invention, showing a base and two separate covers in open positions, and showing that covers may be detached and reattached to the base;
FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the contact lens holder shown in FIG. 7 while in a closed position;
FIG. 9 is a top partial perspective view of the contact lens holder shown in FIG. 7, showing the hooked members of the connecting member of the cover connected to the notch of the base;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the contact lens holder shown in FIG. 7, showing the connecting member of the cover being connected with the notch of the base;
FIG. 11 is a top partial perspective view of the contact lens holder shown in FIG. 7, showing the connecting member of the cover being connected with the notch of the base;
FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a contact lens holder in accordance with the present invention, showing a base and two separate covers in open positions, showing that covers may be detached and reattached to the base, and showing that covers include opening members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a first embodiment of a contact lens holder 10 includes an outer housing 40 and an inner housing 20, the outer housing 40 having a base 42 and a lid 44, and the inner housing 20 having a pair of receptacles 30 mounted on a tray 22.
Base 42 has a substantially flat bottom to allow contact lens holder 10 to rest stably on a flat surface. Outer housing 40 has a generally planar upper and lower surface, giving contact lens holder 10 a thin and portable shape, such that it can be conveniently transported in a pocket or purse. It is presently preferred that outer housing 40 of contact lens holder 10 is of a rectangular shape with rounded corners. However, it is understood that varying shapes and sizes are possible, including without limitation, square, round or oval shapes.
Inner housing 20 and outer housing 40 are made from a material that is resilient, strong, durable, that is substantially resistant to damage due to impact from normal usage, and non-porous such that it is capable of retaining conventional contact lens storage solutions. A presently preferred material for the inner housing 20 is a type of resilient molded plastic such as Polypropylene. A presently preferred material for the outer housing 40 is a type of resilient molded plastic such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.
In a present exemplary embodiment, outer housing 40 of contact lens holder 10 further includes a transverse latch 49 on lid 44 and a complementary transverse slot 48 on base 42 to receive latch 49. When outer housing 40 is put into a closed position, latch 49 snaps into complementary slot 48. The shape and dimensions of lid 44, latch 49, base 42 and slot 48 are such that latch 49 fits tightly into complementary transverse slot 48, and lid 44 fits in a secure alignment on top of complementary base 42, to provide a seal to outer housing 40. In addition, a secure engagement of lid 44 and base 42 is obtained such that the unintentional separation of lid 44 from engagement with base 42 is reduced and/or substantially prevented. Lid 44 and base 42 are connected by a hinge 50, allowing lid 44 to be pivotally mounted on base 44. Lid 44 is pivotally moveable between an open position and a closed position, where lid 44 is at an angle α to the base (FIG. 2).
Inner housing 20 further includes a pair of covers 26 connected to complementarily-shaped receptacles 30 by a pair of connecting members 28. Connecting members 28 are flexible to allow covers 26 to move back and forth between an open position and a closed position, and yet are also resiliently deformable, in that they allow covers 26 to remain standing upright when in an open position. Each cover 26 is separate from the other and may be alternatively or simultaneously opened and closed. It is presently preferred that covers 26 and receptacles 30 are round or hemispherical in shape. However, it is understood that other shapes are possible, including without limitation, oval, rectangular and square shapes. The shape and dimensions of covers 26 and receptacles 30, are such that covers 26 fit tightly over complementarily-shaped receptacles 30, to provide at least one substantially fluid-tight seal that reduces and/or substantially prevents leakage of saline or storage solution. In addition, a secure engagement of cover 26 and receptacle 30 is obtained such that the unintentional separation of cover 26 from engagement with receptacle 30 is reduced and/or substantially prevented.
It is presently preferred that cover 26 include an opening member 25 to aid in the opening of the cover 26. Opening member 25 protrudes out from cover 26 to accommodate a finger or thumb in order to assist in moving the cover 26 into an open position.
It is presently preferred that receptacle 30 of inner housing 20 further includes raised ribs 32 on the inside surface to support the contact lens and assist in removing the contact lenses from receptacles 30. Ribs 32 can keep the contact lens from touching the bottom of receptacle 30 so that the contact lens can remain thoroughly bathed in the saline or storage solution. It is presently preferred that ribs 32 are substantially equally placed and spaced apart from each other, running radially from the inside center towards the upper periphery of receptacle 30. It is also presently preferred that there are eight ribs 32. However, it is understood that other configurations and numbers of ribs 32 are possible, including without limitation, two, three, four, five, six, seven, nine or ten ribs 32 arranged in a concentric or parallel manner, or running radially from the upper periphery to the center of receptacle 30. In addition, it is presently preferred that bottom surface of receptacle 30 is of a hemispherical shape (FIG. 2). However, it is understood that other shapes are possible, including without limitation, a rounded oval shape, or a flat rectangular or square shape. Further, the bottom or top surface of one cover 26 may be provided with the designation “R”, and thus intended to cover the receptacle 30 that receives the contact lens for the right eye; and the other cover 26 may be provided with the designation “L”, to cover the receptacle 30 that receives the contact lens for the left eye.
Inner housing 20 is separate and detachable from outer housing 40, and multiple inner housings 20 may be interchanged with one or more outer housings 40. A user may also detach inner housing 20 from outer housing 40 to clean each part separately. Further, if inner housing 20 is damaged, a user can detach the damaged inner housing 20 and replace it with another inner housing 20.
Tray 22 of inner housing 20 can further include a front indent 34 and a rear indent 36, both shaped to accommodate a finger and a thumb in order to assist the user in grasping and positioning inner housing 20 into outer housing 40 or removing inner housing 20 from outer housing 40. Inner housing 20 may also be removed from outer housing 40 by grasping the inner housing 20 at a position other than the front indent 34 or rear indent 36 and pulling the inner housing 20 in an upwards motion. Tray 22 may further include one or more feet 24 extending from the bottom surface of tray 22 designed to fit into one or more complementary cavities 46 located on the inside surface of base 42. It is presently preferred that inner housing 20 fit into outer housing 40 in only one position as shown in FIG. 1, so that inner housing 20 could not mistakenly be positioned backwards into outer housing 40. Cavities 46 are slightly larger than feet 24 to allow feet 24 to be grasped by cavities 46 to secure inner housing 20 to outer housing 40. It is presently preferred that feet 24 and cavities 46 are substantially round. It is also presently preferred that there are four feet 24 each located in the area of one of four corners of bottom surface of tray 22, and four complementary cavities 46 each located in the area of one of four corners of the inside surface of base 42. However, it is understood that any number of feet 24 and cavities 46 of varying shapes and sizes are possible, including without limitation, a contact lens case 10 with one, two, three, five or six feet 24 and complementary cavities 46, each being rectangular, square or oval in shape.
Lid 44 of outer housing 40 further includes a mirror 52 on the inside surface to aid a user with inserting or removing his contact lenses. Mirror 52 is made from a material that is strong, durable and substantially resistant to damage due to impact from normal usage. A presently preferred material for mirror 52 is polycarbonate.
Referring to FIG. 2, the lid 44 is pivotally moveable to an angle α between the inside surface of lid 44 and inside surface of base 42. Angle α is presently preferred to be from about one-hundred-and-ten to about one-hundred-and-sixty degrees, more presently preferred to be from about one-hundred-and-twenty to about one-hundred-and-fifty degrees, still more presently preferred to be from about one-hundred-and-thirty to about one-hundred-and-forty degrees, and most presently preferred at about one-hundred-and-thirty-five degrees. Angle α of lid 44 provides a user with an ergonomic position in viewing mirror 52 that assists the user when inserting or removing contact lenses. Angle α assists the user by allowing the user to position his head at a suitable angle when viewing mirror 52 such that the chances of air pockets getting caught between the contact lens and the user's eye is reduced, for at least some users, when the user is inserting a contact lens onto his eye. Further, angle α can assist the user by allowing the user to position his finger sufficiently underneath the contact lens such that the slipping of the contact lens off from the user's finger is reduced when the user is inserting the contact lens onto his eye. At angle α, the user can thus both comfortably, conveniently and safely insert and remove contact lenses when viewing mirror 52.
Leakage or evaporation of the contact lens solution from contact lens holder 10 is reduced and/or substantially prevented by the fact that there are multiple seals provided by at least two separate compartments to contain each contact lens and its storage solution. As used herein, a “seal” includes both a substantially fluid-tight seal and a non-substantially fluid-tight seal that may nonetheless fail and cause some resulting leakage. It is presently preferred that there is at least one substantially fluid-tight seal provided by at least one compartment to contain each contact lens and its storage solution in receptacle 30. There are two separate compartments provided by sealed receptacle 30 and cover 26 of inner housing 20, and sealed outer housing 40. In the event that the contact lens storage solution leaks out of the seal between cover 26 and receptacle 30 in inner housing 20, additional leakage reduction is provided by the seal between lid 44 and base 44 in outer housing 40. The multiple seals of contact lens holder 10 for each receptacle 30 thus reduces and/or substantially prevents leakage or evaporation of storage solution. In addition, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, cover 26 includes a flange 27 that is resiliently biased inward to frictionally engage against side wall 31 of receptacle 30 to provide a more secure seal. Flange 27 may also include a lip 29 to engage with a groove 33 of side wall 31 to further strengthen the seal between cover 26 and receptacle 30. When cover 26 is in a closed position, flange 27 is biased slightly outward due to the pressure of engagement with side wall 31. It is presently preferred that the depth of groove 33 does not fully receive the entire thickness of lip 29, such that it would add to the pressure of flange's 33 engagement with side wall 31, and to the tightness of the seal of cover 26 with receptacle 30. In addition, it is presently preferred that flange 27 of cover 26 extend to the bottom of side wall 31 at the surface of tray 22 to encompass side wall 31 of receptacle 30 and provide a secure and substantially fluid-tight seal. Further, the top surface of side wall 31 engages tightly in a secure alignment with the inner surface of cover 26 to provide another substantially fluid-tight seal. It is presently preferred that the seal between cover 26 and receptacle 30 include at least one substantially fluid-tight seal. As will now occur to those of skill in the art, the seals between cover 26 and receptacle 30, and between lid 44 and base 42, reduces and/or substantially prevents leakage or evaporation of storage solution.
Inner housing 20 and outer housing 40 may each be of a variety of different colors, including without limitation, varying shades of blue, green, red, yellow, grey, purple, orange, and white. This color-coding advantageously facilitates distinction between multiple inner housings 20 or outer housings 40 of contact lens cases 10 that each contain different contact lenses. As is known by those of skill in the art, colored contact lenses are readily available to users in numerous different colors, including but not limited to varying shades of blue, green, brown, yellow, red and gray. A user that has a variety of different colored contact lenses can store each pair of colored contact lenses in a corresponding colored inner housing 20 and/or outer housing 40 to more easily distinguish between the differently colored contact lenses. As is also known by those of skill in the art, contact lenses of varying types are readily available to users, and include without limitation, daily, one week, two week or one month disposable contact lenses, and soft or hard non-disposable contact lenses. A user that has a variety of different contact lenses can store each pair of contact lenses in a differently colored inner housing 20 and/or outer housing 40 to more easily distinguish between the different contact lenses. Further, where there are other contact lens users in the same household, users can more easily distinguish between each other's contact lenses by storing each pair of contact lenses in a differently colored inner housing 20 and/or outer housing 40.
Inner housing 20 is not limited to the structure described herein. Other than having receptacles 30 to contain contact lenses and covers 26 to seal receptacles 30, inner housing 20 may be of a variety of different shapes, sizes and/or forms, including without limitation, round, oval or rectangular shapes.
To store contact lenses in contact lens case 10, the user flips open lid 44 from base 42 by pushing and pressing lid 44 upwards to release latch 49 from slot 48, to expose inner housing 20. The user can remove inner housing 20 from outer housing 40 by grasping inner housing 20 at any area, such as at the front indent 34 and rear indent 36, and then pulling or lifting inner housing 20 upwards such that feet 24 detach from cavities 46. It is presently preferred that the user place inner housing 20 on a substantially flat surface. Then the user pulls or lifts the cover 26 to flip it open and expose a receptacle 30. The user removes a contact lens from his eye, cleans it with solution, places it in receptacle 30 and then fills receptacle 30 with storage solution until the contact lens is immersed. During filling with storage solution, the contact lens is supported by ribs 32 such that the contact lens remains substantially bathed in storage solution. The user then closes receptacle 30 by pushing cover 26 downward until lip 29 of flange 27 engages with groove 33 of side wall 31 such that cover 26 snaps securely over receptacle 30. The user then repeats the same procedure with the other contact lens to store it in the other receptacle 30. The user can open or close covers 26 individually or at the same time. Then the user places inner housing 20 back into outer housing and pushes inner housing 20 downwards such that feet 24 are received securely into cavities 46. Then the user closes outer housing 40 by pushing lid 44 downward until latch 49 engages with slot 48 such that lid 44 snaps securely closed over base 42. The contact lenses are thus retained in the contact lens case 10 until subsequent use. Leakage of storage solution from each receptacle 30 is reduced and/or substantially prevented by the multiple seals of contact lens case 10, that include without limitation, the top surface of side wall 31 engaging with the inner surface of cover 26, flange 27 frictionally engaging and fully encompassing side wall 31, lip 29 engaging with complementary groove 33, and lid 44 aligning securely over top of base 42.
To access contact lenses in contact lens case 10, the user first flips open lid 44 from base 42 by pushing and pressing lid 44 upwards to release latch 49 from slot 48, to expose inner housing 20. The user can then remove inner housing 20 from outer housing 40 by grasping inner housing 20 at any area, including without limitation, front indent 34 and rear indent 36, and then pulling or lifting inner housing 20 upwards such that feet 24 detach from cavities 46. It is presently preferred that the user place inner housing 20 on a substantially flat surface. Then the user pulls or lifts the cover 26 to flip it open and expose a receptacle 30 containing a contact lens in its storage solution. The user removes a contact lens from receptacle 30 by placing a finger into receptacle 30 and underneath the immersed contact lens, and then slides or lifts the contact lens upwards from its position resting on ribs 32 and then out of receptacle 30. After removal from receptacle 30, the contact lens is rinsed with solution. Referring to FIG. 6, the user then positions outer housing 40 with lid 44 in an open position at angle α. While viewing mirror 52 set at angle α, and with the contact lens resting on the user's fingertip such that the contact lens does not fall off the user's fingertip, the user inserts the contact lens into his eye. As will occur to those of skill in the art, the user can also use an instrument instead of a finger to remove the contact lens from receptacle 30 and insert the contact lens into the user's eye.
Referring to FIGS. 7-11, a second embodiment of a contact lens holder 100 includes a base 108 with a pair of receptacles 104 and detachable covers 102.
Base 108 has a substantially flat bottom to allow contact lens holder 100 to rest stably on a flat surface. Contact lens holder 100 has a generally planar upper and lower surface, giving it a thin and portable shape, such that it can be conveniently transported in a user's pocket or purse. It is presently preferred that contact lens holder 100 is of a rectangular shape with rounded corners. However it is understood that varying shapes and sizes are possible, including without limitation, square, round or oval shapes.
Contact lens holder 100 is made from a material that is resilient, strong, durable, that is substantially resistant to damage due to impact from normal usage, and non-porous such that it is capable of retaining conventional contact lens storage solutions. Presently preferred materials are types of resilient molded plastics such as polypropylene.
Cover 102 includes a connecting member 110 extending downwards from its back side that connects cover 102 to base 108. Connecting member 110 is flexible and allows cover 102 to move back and forth between an open position and a closed position, and yet is also resiliently deformable, in that it allows cover 102 to remain standing upright when in an open position. It is presently preferred that connecting member 110 include a hinge member 114 extending out sideways in a perpendicular manner relative to the body of connecting member 110, that supports the connection of cover 102 to base 108. As shown in FIGS. 9-11, connecting member 110 snaps into a complementary notch 112 on base 108 to secure cover 102 to base 108. It is also presently preferred that connecting member 110 include hooked members 116 extending upwards in a perpendicular manner relative to the body of connecting member 110, that grasp the ends of notch 112 to secure cover 102 to base 108. Cover 102 is detachable from base 108 by pulling cover 102 away from base 108 in a downward direction. In addition, cover 102, including connecting member 110, hinge members 114, and hooked members 116, are made from a material that is resilient, strong and substantially resistant to damage from forces due to impact, pulling or twisting from normal daily usage. The material and configuration of the connecting member 110, hinge members 114 and hooked members 116 allow the cover 102 to be releasably affixed to base 108 such that it can detach from base 108 without substantial damage when a pre-determined amount of force or pressure is applied that would otherwise damage it through being pulled, twisted or forced backwards, upwards and/or sideways. When such amount of force or pressure is applied to cover 102, hooked members 116 of connecting member 110 will detach itself from notch 112 of base 108 before cover 102, connecting member 110, hinge members 114, and/or hooked members 116 are damaged by the force or pressure. It now will occur to those of skill in the art that other arrangements of connecting member 110, hinge members 114 and hooked members 116 are possible, including without limitation, hooked members 116 extending downwards in a perpendicular manner relative to the body of connecting member 110, such that cover 102 becomes detachable from base 108 by pulling cover 102 away from base 108 in an upwards direction.
It is presently preferred that base 108 include indents 118 positioned on the upper front side under each cover 102 and in front of each receptacle 104, to assist a user in leveraging and flipping open covers 102. However, it is understood that indents 118 can be positioned in other areas on the base 108, including without limitation, on the left and right sides of base 108.
It is presently preferred that receptacles 104 include raised ribs 106 on the inside surface to support the contact lenses and assist the user in removing the contact lenses from receptacles 104. Ribs 106 also keep the contact lens from touching the bottom of receptacle 104 so that the contact lens can remain thoroughly bathed in the saline or storage solution. It is presently preferred that ribs 106 are substantially equally placed and spaced apart from each other, running radially from the inside center towards the upper periphery of receptacle 104. It is also presently preferred that there are eight ribs 106. However, it is understood that other arrangements and numbers of ribs 106 are possible, including without limitation, two, three, four, five, six, seven, nine or ten ribs 106 configured in a concentric manner, parallel manner, or in a configuration running radially from the upper periphery to the center of receptacle 104. In addition, it is presently preferred that bottom surface of receptacle 104 is of a hemispherical shape (FIG. 10). However, it is understood that other shapes are possible, including without limitation, a rounded oval shape, or a flat rectangular or square shape. Further, the bottom or top surface of one cover 102 can be provided with the designation “R”, and thus intended to cover the receptacle 104 that receives the contact lens for the right eye; and the other cover 102 can be provided with the designation “L”, to cover the receptacle 104 that receives the contact lens for the left eye.
Leakage or evaporation of the contact lens solution from contact lens holder 100 is reduced and/or substantially prevented by the multiple seals provided by at least two separate compartments to contain each contact lens and its storage solution. It is presently preferred that there are multiple substantially fluid-tight seals provided by at least one compartment to contain each contact lens and its storage solution in receptacle 104. Base 108 is divided into two chambers 122 by a partition 120 between the left and right receptacles 104. Each cover 102 includes a first portion 152 to seal receptacle 104 and a second portion 162 to seal chamber 122. Cover 102 provides seals to both receptacle 104 and chamber 122. This multiple sealing of both receptacle 104 and chamber 122 provides two separate compartments to contain each contact lens and its solution (i.e. sealed receptacle 104 and sealed chamber 122). It is presently preferred that cover 102 provides at least one substantially fluid-tight seal to receptacle 104. In the event that the contact lens storage solution leaks out of the substantially fluid-tight seal of receptacle 104 and the cover's first portion 152, additional leakage prevention is provided by the seal of chamber 122 and the cover's second portion 162. The presently preferred multiple seals of receptacle 104 and chamber 122 thus reduces and/or substantially prevents the leakage or evaporation of storage solution.
In addition, referring to FIGS. 7 and 10, cover's first portion 152 includes a flange 103 that is resiliently biased inward to frictionally engage against side wall 107 of receptacle 104 to provide a more secure seal. In a present embodiment, flange 103 also includes a lip 105 to engage with a complementary groove 109 of side wall 107 to further strengthen the substantially fluid-tight seal between cover's first portion 152 and receptacle 104. When cover 102 is in a closed position, flange 103 is biased slightly outward due to the pressure of engagement with side wall 107. It is presently preferred that the depth of groove 109 does not fully receive the entire thickness of lip 105, such that it would add to the pressure of flange's 103 engagement with side wall 107, and to the tightness of the seal of cover's first portion 152 with receptacle 104. In addition, it is presently preferred that flange 103 extend to the bottom of side wall 107 at the inside surface of base 108 to encompass side wall 107 of receptacle 104 and provide a secure and substantially fluid-tight seal. Further, the top surface of side wall 107 engages tightly in a secure alignment with the inner surface of cover 102 to provide another substantially fluid-tight seal.
Cover's second portion 162 engages tightly in alignment with the top surface of the walls of chamber 122 of base 108, to provide a seal to chamber 122, and an engagement of cover 102 and base 108 such that the unintentional separation of cover 102 from engagement with base 108 is reduced and/or substantially prevented. As will occur to those of skill in the art, the seals between cover's first portion 152 and receptacle 104, and between cover's second portion 162 and chamber 122, together reduce and/or substantially prevent leakage or evaporation of the storage solution.
Each cover 102 is detachable from base 108, and multiple covers 102 can be interchanged with one or more bases 108. It is presently preferred that right and left covers 102 have unique configurations such that they not be interchangeable, so that a user would only be able to attach a right cover 102 onto the right side of base 108 and a left cover 102 onto the left side of base 108. A user can also detach covers 102 from base 108 to clean each part separately. Further, if a cover 102 is damaged, a user can detach the damaged cover 102 and replace it with another cover 102, and would not be required to replace the base 108 or the whole contact lens case 100 as well. Cover 102 is attached to base 108 by bringing connecting member 110 underneath base 108 and pushing or pressing connecting member 110 upwards towards base 108 such that hooked members 116 engage with notch 112 from below and connecting member 110 snaps securely into place.
Right and left covers 102 and base 108 can each be of a variety of different colors, including without limitation, varying shades blue, green, red, yellow, grey, purple, orange, and white. This color-coding can facilitate distinction between multiple contact lens cases 100 that each contain different contact lenses. As is known by those of skill in the art, colored contact lenses are readily available to users in numerous different colors, including but not limited to varying shades of blue, green, brown, yellow, red and gray. A user that has a variety of different colored contact lenses can store each pair of colored contact lenses in separate contact lens cases 100 each with differently colored covers 102 and/or base 108 to more easily distinguish between the differently colored contact lenses. As is also known by those of skill in the art, contact lenses of varying types are readily available to users, and include without limitation, daily, one week, two week or one month disposable contact lenses, and non-disposable soft or hard contact lenses. A user that has a variety of different contact lenses can store each pair of contact lenses in separate contact lens cases 100 each with differently colored covers 102 and/or base 108 to more easily distinguish between the different contact lenses. Further, where there are other contact lens users in the same household, users can more easily distinguish between each other's contact lenses by storing each pair of contact lenses in separate contact lens cases 100 each with differently colored covers 102 and/or base 108. In addition, a user can distinguish between left and right contact lenses by differently colored left and right covers 102.
To store contact lenses in contact lens case 100, the user flips open cover 102 from base 108 by pulling or pressing cover 102 upwards to expose receptacle 104. It is presently preferred that the user place contact lens case 100 on a substantially flat surface. The user removes a contact lens from his eye, cleans it with solution, places it in receptacle 104 and then fills receptacle 104 with storage solution until the contact lens is immersed. During filling with storage solution, the contact lens is supported by ribs 106 such that the contact lens remains substantially bathed in storage solution. The user then closes receptacle 104 by pushing cover 102 downward until lip 105 of flange 103 engages with groove 109 of side wall 107 such that cover 102 snaps securely over receptacle 104 and chamber 122. The user then repeats the same procedure with the other contact lens to store it in the other receptacle 104. The user can open or close covers 102 alternatingly or at the same time. The contact lenses are thus retained in the contact lens case 100 until subsequent use. Leakage of storage solution from each receptacle 104 is reduced and/or substantially prevented by the multiple seals of contact lens case 100, that include without limitation, the top surface of side wall 107 engaging with the inner surface of cover's first portion 152, flange 103 frictionally engaging and fully encompassing side wall 107, lip 105 engaging with complementary groove 109, and cover's second portion 162 aligning securely over top surface of walls of chamber 122.
The user can also remove covers 102 from base 108 for either cleaning or replacement by pulling cover 102, while in an open position, away from base 108 in a downward direction. Afterwards, the user can insert the cleaned or replacement cover 102 back into base 108 by bringing connecting member 110 underneath base 108 and pushing or pressing connecting member 110 upwards towards base 108 such that hooked members 116 engage with notch 112 from below and connecting member 110 snaps securely into place. If there are multiple contact lens cases 100 each containing different contact lenses, a user can replace covers 102 from each contact lens case 100 with other covers 102 of different colors, such that the user can distinguish between different contact lens cases 100 containing different contact lenses by the different colors of covers 102.
To access contact lenses stored in contact lens case 100, the user first flips open one cover 102 from base 108 by pulling or pressing the cover 102 upwards to expose receptacle 104 containing a contact lens in its storage solution. It is presently preferred that the user place contact lens case 100 on a substantially flat surface. The user removes a contact lens from receptacle 104 by placing a finger into receptacle 104 and underneath the immersed contact lens, and then slides or lifts the contact lens upwards from its position resting on ribs 106 and then out of receptacle 104. After removal from receptacle 104, the user rinses contact lens with solution and inserts it into his eye in a conventional manner. As will occur to those of skill in the art, the user can also use an instrument instead of a finger to remove the contact lens from receptacle 104 and insert the contact lens into the user's eye.
Referring now to FIG. 12, a contact lens holder in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 100 a. The contact lens holder 100 a includes the same elements as the contact lens holder 100, and like elements in contact lens holder 100 a bear the same reference as their counterparts in contact lens holder 100, except with the suffix “a”. The difference is that the cover 102 a of contact lens holder 100 a includes an opening member 111 a that aids the user in opening the cover 102 a, whereas the cover 102 of contact lens holder 100 does not include such an opening member. Opening member 111 a protrudes out from cover 102 a to accommodate a finger or thumb in order to assist the user in moving the cover 102 a into an open position.
While only specific configurations and combinations of the various features and components of the present invention have been discussed herein, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that desired subsets of the disclosed features and components and/or alternative combinations and configurations of these features and components can be utilized, as desired.
The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be examples of the present invention and alterations and modifications may be effected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A contact lens case for housing a pair of contact lenses, comprising at least two compartments for retaining each contact lens and its storage solution, each said compartment including at least one seal to retain said storage solution.

2. A contact lens case comprising:

(a) a first compartment for housing a contact lens and its storage solution, said first compartment including at least one seal to retain said storage solution; and

(b) a second compartment encompassing said first compartment, said second compartment including at least one seal to retain said storage solution.

3. The contact lens case according to claim 2 wherein said first compartment further comprises:

(a) a receptacle for holding said contact lens and its storage solution, said receptacle including a side wall, and said side wall including a groove; and

(b) a cover for sealing said receptacle, said cover including a resiliently and inwardly biased flange for engaging with said side wall, and said flange including a lip for engaging with said groove of said side wall.

4. The contact lens case according to claim 3 wherein said cover further includes an opening member.

5. The contact lens case according to claim 3 wherein said flange encompasses said side wall of said receptacle.

6. The contact lens case according to claim 2 wherein said second compartment further includes

(a) a base including a slot;

(b) a lid pivotally attached to said base for sealing said base, said lid including a latch for engaging with said slot.

7. The contact lens case according to claim 6 wherein said lid further includes a mirror located on said lid's inside surface.

8. The contact lens case according to claim 7 wherein said mirror is made from polycarbonate.

9. The contact lens case according to claim 7, wherein said lid is pivotally moveable such that said mirror can be positioned at an angle from said base to provide a user with an ergonomically comfortable position when viewing said mirror.

10. The contact lens case according to claim 9, wherein said angle is from about one-hundred-and-twenty to about one-hundred-and-fifty degrees.

11. The contact lens case according to claim 10, wherein said angle is from about one-hundred-and-thirty to about one-hundred-and-forty degrees.

12. The contact lens case according to claim 11, wherein said angle is about one-hundred-and-thirty-five degrees.

13. The contact lens case according to claim 2 wherein said first compartment is detachably connected with said second compartment.

14. The contact lens case according to claim 13 wherein said first compartment includes feet and said base of said second compartment includes cavities for receiving said feet to secure said first compartment to said second compartment.

15. The contact lens case according to claim 2 further comprising

(a) a base including a chamber;

(b) a receptacle positioned within said chamber for housing said contact lens and its storage solution, said receptacle including a side wall that includes a groove; and

(c) a cover connected to said base, said cover including a first portion for sealing said receptacle, and a second portion for sealing said chamber, said first portion of said cover including a resiliently and inwardly biased flange for engaging with said side wall of said receptacle, and said flange including a lip for engaging with said groove of said side wall.

16. The contact lens case according to claim 15 wherein said cover further includes an opening member.

17. The contact lens case according to claim 15 wherein said cover is detachably connected to said base, and said cover includes a connecting member for engaging with a notch of said base.

18. The contact lens case according to claim 17 wherein said connecting member includes hooked members and hinged members.

19. A contact lens case comprising:

(a) a first compartment for housing a contact lens and its storage solution, said first compartment including at least one seal to retain said storage solution;

(b) a second compartment encompassing said first compartment, said second compartment including at least one seal to retain said storage solution;

(c) a receptacle positioned within said first compartment, said receptacle for holding said contact lens and its storage solution, said receptacle including a side wall, and said side wall including a groove; and

(d) a cover for sealing said receptacle, said cover including a resiliently and inwardly biased flange for engaging with said side wall, and said flange including a lip for engaging with said groove of said side wall.

20. The contact lens case according to claim 19 wherein said flange encompasses said side wall of said receptacle.

21. A contact lens case comprising:

(d) a cover for sealing said receptacle, said cover including a resiliently and inwardly biased flange for engaging with said side wall, said flange including a lip for engaging with said groove of said side wall, and said flange encompassing said side wall of said receptacle.

22. A contact lens case comprising;

(a) a base; and

(b) a lid pivotally attached to said base, said lid including a mirror located on said lid's inside surface, and said lid being pivotally moveable such that said mirror can be positioned at an angle from said base to provide a user with an ergonomically comfortable position when viewing said mirror.

23. The contact lens case according to claim 22 wherein said mirror is made from polycarbonate.

24. The contact lens case according to claim 22 wherein said angle is from about one-hundred-and-twenty to about one-hundred-and-fifty degrees.

25. The contact lens case according to claim 24, wherein said angle is from about one-hundred-and-thirty to about one-hundred-and-forty degrees.

26. The contact lens case according to claim 25, wherein said angle is about one-hundred-and-thirty-five degrees.

27. A contact lens case comprising:

(b) a second compartment encompassing said first compartment, said second compartment including at least one seal to retain said storage solution, and said second compartment including

(i) a base; and

(ii) a lid pivotally attached to said base, said lid including a mirror located on said lid's inside surface, and said lid being pivotally moveable such that said mirror can be positioned at an angle from said base to provide a user with an ergonomically comfortable position when viewing said mirror.

28. The contact lens case according to claim 27 wherein said mirror is made from polycarbonate.

29. The contact lens case according to claim 27 wherein said angle is from about one-hundred-and-twenty to about one-hundred-and-fifty degrees.

30. The contact lens case according to claim 29, wherein said angle is from about one-hundred-and-thirty to about one-hundred-and-forty degrees.

31. The contact lens case according to claim 30, wherein said angle is about one-hundred-and-thirty-five degrees.

32. A contact lens case comprising:

(b) a second compartment encompassing said first compartment, said second compartment including at least one seal to retain said storage solution, said first compartment being separate and detachable from said second compartment.

33. The contact lens case according to claim 32 wherein said first compartment includes feet and said second compartment includes cavities for receiving said feet to secure said first compartment to said second compartment.

34. A contact lens case comprising:

(a) a base including a notch;

(b) a cover detachably connected to said base, said cover including a connecting member for engaging with said notch of said base.

35. The contact lens case according to claim 34 wherein said connecting member includes hooked members and hinged members.

36. A contact lens case comprising:

(a) a base including a notch and a chamber;

(b) a receptacle positioned within said chamber for housing a contact lens and its storage solution, said receptacle including a side wall that includes a groove; and

(c) a cover detachably connected to said base, said cover including

(i) a connecting member for engaging with said notch of said base;

(ii) a first portion for sealing said receptacle, said first portion including a resiliently and inwardly biased flange for engaging with said side wall of said receptacle, said flange including a lip for engaging with said groove of said side wall; and

(iii) a second portion for sealing said chamber.

37. The contact lens case according to claim 36 wherein said connecting member includes hooked members and hinged members.

38. The contact lens case according to claim 36 wherein said second portion of said cover includes an opening member.