Opthalmic lens package with a deformable bottom and methods of its use

This application is a non-provisional filing of a provisional application, U.S. Ser. No. 60/720,753, filed on Sep. 27, 2005.

The present invention relates to an ophthalmic lens package and, more particularly, to an ophthalmic lens package adapted for improved accessibility to the contents thereof.

Ophthalmic lenses, including contact lenses, intra-ocular lenses and overlay lenses and particularly disposable contact lenses, have been conventionally packaged in “blister packs.” In general, a blister pack comprises a rigid plastic (e.g., polypropylene), concave-shaped receptacle for receiving an ophthalmic lens and a flexible cover, typically made from a laminate material (such as metal foil), which is removably attached to the receptacle for enclosing the lens therein. Within each blister pack are a single ophthalmic lens and a sufficient amount of contact lens solution to prevent drying of the ophthalmic lens and to maintain the ophthalmic lens readily available for use. While conventional blister packs provide many users with a convenient means for shipping and storing ophthalmic lenses, some users have trouble removing the lens from the contact lens solution and the lenses are damaged during removal from the package. Further, lens can often stick to the inner surface of the laminate and may damaged or lost when users open their packages. Accordingly, there is a need for an ophthalmic lens package that provides user\'s easy access to its contents on a consistent basis. This need is met by the following invention.

The invention includes a package for enclosing an ophthalmic lens comprising, a deformable bottom comprising a deformable well, said deformable bottom comprising an outer surface, an inner surface and two or more deformable arms extending from said inner surface wherein said two or more deformable arms and said deformable well may be moved together between an open and a closed position, wherein an ophthalmic lens and its packaging solution are enclosed by said two or more deformable arms and said deformable well in the closed position and said ophthalmic lens is exposed when said package is in the open position.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate an ophthalmic lens package 10 includes circular side wall 14, deformable bottom 16, and four deformable arms 18. Circular side wall 14 has a top 15 and a bottom 17. Deformable well 20 extends from deformable bottom 16 and deformable arms 18 extend from the inner surface 22 of deformable bottom 16. Referring to FIG. 1 deformable arms 18 and deformable well 20 are closed to enclose ophthalmic lens (not shown) and its solution (not shown) therein. Flexible cover 12 is shown as partially attached to top 15 of side wall 14. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of a closed package. Deformable arms 18 and deformable well 20 enclose ophthalmic lens 24 and its solution. This package is sealed by flexible cover 12, which is attached to top 15 of side wall 14.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the furthest surface of said deformable arms from said deformable bottom do not touch in the closed position. The furthest surface of said deformable arms 18 may contact or overlap one another when the package is in the closed position, However, when package 10 is in the closed position, it is preferred that the furthest surface of said deformable arms 18 be close enough to one another to enclose lens 24 if package 10 is moved by any or all of the following, seating the package on its flexible cover, rolling it on its side wall, shaking it, and the like. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate package 10 in the opened position. Deformable well 20 of FIG. 4 is moved in the direction of arrow 26 by a force such as a user\'s finger. The movement of deformable well 20, from the outer surface 28 displaces deformable arms 18 to expose lens 24. Lens 24 is presented to the user and may be easily removed without requiring the user to insert his or her finger into a well containing packaging solution. An additional advantage of the invention is that the enclosed ophthalmic lens does not come into contact with the flexible cover when said two deformable arms and said deformable well are in the closed position. This prevents the ophthalmic lens from sticking to the flexible cover.