CA1276597C - Package for hydrophilic contact lens - Google Patents
Package for hydrophilic contact lensInfo
- Publication number
- CA1276597C CA1276597C CA000523149A CA523149A CA1276597C CA 1276597 C CA1276597 C CA 1276597C CA 000523149 A CA000523149 A CA 000523149A CA 523149 A CA523149 A CA 523149A CA 1276597 C CA1276597 C CA 1276597C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- package
- cavity
- flange
- side wall
- cover sheet
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000036512 infertility Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 13
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 8
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920002818 (Hydroxyethyl)methacrylate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- WOBHKFSMXKNTIM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydroxyethyl methacrylate Chemical compound CC(=C)C(=O)OCCO WOBHKFSMXKNTIM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000018044 dehydration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006297 dehydration reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C11/005—Contact lens cases
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
- B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
- B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
- B65D75/325—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet being recessed, and the other being a flat not- rigid sheet, e.g. puncturable or peelable foil
- B65D75/326—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet being recessed, and the other being a flat not- rigid sheet, e.g. puncturable or peelable foil and forming one compartment
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2575/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D2575/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by association or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
- B65D2575/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
- B65D2575/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
- B65D2575/3209—Details
- B65D2575/3218—Details with special means for gaining access to the contents
- B65D2575/3245—Details with special means for gaining access to the contents by peeling off the non-rigid sheet
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2585/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D2585/54—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles of special shape not otherwise provided for
- B65D2585/545—Contact lenses
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Composite Materials (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Eyeglasses (AREA)
- Packaging Frangible Articles (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
- Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
- Non-Silver Salt Photosensitive Materials And Non-Silver Salt Photography (AREA)
- Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)
- Wrappers (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract A molded blister package for storing and dispensing a hydrophilic contact lens comprises a base portion which includes a cavity surrounded by a outstanding flange, and a cover sheet sealed to the flange to enclose the cavity.
A portion of the side wall of the cavity is inclined to form a ramp to the flange. The cover sheet may be stripped from the flange to expose the cavity and inclined side wall whereupon the lens is readily removed by sliding up and out of the cavity along the inclined surface.
A portion of the side wall of the cavity is inclined to form a ramp to the flange. The cover sheet may be stripped from the flange to expose the cavity and inclined side wall whereupon the lens is readily removed by sliding up and out of the cavity along the inclined surface.
Description
~ ~7~ 7 Package for Hydrophilic _ Contact Lens Field of Invention This invention relates to blister packages. and more particularly, to a blist~r package for storing and dispensing hydrophilic contact lenses which are maintained in an aqueous solu~ion.
Backqround of the Invention Soft, hydrophilic contact lenses are manufactured from hydrophilic polymeric materials such as copolymers of hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and may contain from ~0 to 90 percent or more water, depending on polymer composition.
Such lenses must be ~tored in a sterile aqueous solution, usually isotonic saline, to prevent dehydration and to maintain the lenses in a ready to wear condition.
Common practice has been for lens manufactur2rs to use a stoppered glass bottles as the storage and shipping container for each individual lens. The standard contact lens bottle is approximately lOcc in volume, is sealed with a silicone stopper and provided with a metal foil overcap safety seal. ~.ach bottle contains approximately 7cc of saline and a single contact lens which is identified on the label of the bottle. When the lsns is to be removed for fitting on a patient, the practitioner must first tear and remove the metal safety seal, then remove the ~topper, and finally remove the lens with a plastic tweezer.
Packaging contact lenses in glass bottlss is expensive due to the cost of bottles, stoppers and seals, and ~,Z'~
shipping i6 expensive due to the weight of the glass and saline. Bottles are also 6ubject to breakage if accidentally dropped during handling, and removing the lens from the bottle with tweezers is inconvenient since the lens i5 nearly invisible when submerged in saline.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved package for 6toring, shipping and dispensing hydrophilic contact lenses. It i8 a further object of this invention to provide a lens package which allows for improved efficiencies in the len~ manufacturing process. It is a yet further object of this invention to provide an inexpensive package which allows for convenient removal of the contact lens. These and other objects of this invention will be apparent from the ensuing description and claims.
Summarv of Invention The package of the present invention i~ a shaped blister package covered with a flexible sheet material which can be 6tripped from the package to gain access to the lens. The molded base or blister portion of the package includes a cavity for receiving the contact lens and saline solution, and an outward extending flange around the perimeter of the cavity to which the cover material is sealed. The cavity of the package is defined by a bottom surface and ~ide walls extending between the bottom surface and the peripheral ~lange. A portion of the side wall is inclined away from the bottom surface to form a ramp or inclined surface between the bottom of the cavity and the flange. The co~er material is sealed to the flange around the cavity by ~eans which allow the cover to be readily stripped or peeled from the flange.
The flange adjacent the inclined surface and the overlying VT~l 7 ~ 2765~
cover material extend outward beyond the seal area to provide unsealed edges which may be gripped to facilitate removal of the cover.
The package according to the present invention is inexpensive, light in weight. and requires le~s saline for lens storage. The package is conveniently opened by stripping the cover from the flange to expose the cavity and the lens in a shallow bath of saline. The lens is conveniently removed by sliding the lens up the inclined surface using either tweezers or a finger.
The base portion of the package may be injection molded or thermoformed from any suitable thermoplas~ic sheet material such as polypropylene. The cover stock may be a laminate of polypropylene film and aluminum foil whi~h can be heat sealed to the flange around the cavity of the package. Lens identification and other label information can be printed on the cover stock. Once the package is opened and sterility lost, the package is not amenable to reclosure.
According to a still further broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a package for a hydrophilic contact lens maintained in a sterile aqueous solution. The package comprises a molded base having a cavity for contain-ing the contact lens and a flange extending outwardly about the periphery of the cavity. The cavity is defined by a bottom surface and side wall surfaces extending between the bottom surface and the flange. A portion of the side wall surface is inclined away from the bottom surface at an angle from about 130 to 160 degrees. ~he inclined side wall surface forms a ramp between the bottom of the cavity and the flange. A flexible cover sheet is releasably sealed to i ,,?
~ ~7~5~
-3a-the flange around the perimeter oE the cavity. The cover sheet and the flange adjacent the edge of the inclined side wall surface extends outwardly to beyond the area of the seal. The unsealed edges of the cover shee-t and the flange comprise gripping means for separating the cover sheet from the flange to expose the inclined side wall and the cavity.
The package is impermeable to bacteria to preserve sterility and has a negligible moisture vapor transmission rate to avoid loss of water. The pac~age is also sterilizable.
Description of Drawinqs Fig. 1 is a phantom view in perspective of a package according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the package of Fig. 1 with the cover partially removed.
~ig. 3 is a side elevational plan view of the package of Fig. 1.
~ ;27~
Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the package of Fig. 1 with the cover removed.
Fig. 5 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a package according to the present invention with the cover removed.
Fig. 6 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a ackage according to the present invention with the cover removed.
i Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the package of Fig.
DescriPtion of Embodiments With reference to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of a package according to the present invention consi6ting of lower base portion 11 and cover member 12. The lower portion includes a cavity indicated generally a6 13 which is formed by inclined side wall 14 and upstanding 6ide wall~ 15. The cavity is ~urrounded by outward extending flange 16. Cover 12 is ~ealed to flange 16 around the opening of cavity 13 as indicated by seal line 17. Cavity 13 i~ sized to receive contact lens 19 and a sufficient quantity of saline 20 to completely submerge the lens.
As illustrated in Fig. 1, that portion of flange 16 and cover 12 adjacent inclined side wall 14 e~tends well beyond the area of seal 17. The unsealed edges of the flange and cover thereby provide gripping means whereby the cover may be readily stripped from the flange to gain acces6 to cavity 13 and the lens contained therein. An opened package with the cover member still secured along the rear edge of the flange is illustrated in Fig. 2. The seal line between inclined 6ide wall 14 and the unsealed edges of the cover and flange is preferably chevron shaped as illustrated in Fig. 1 and ;2 for ease in opening the package since the chevron configuration allows for a more uniform stripping force to be applied, assuring that the package can be opened without spilling the contents.
Fig. 3 is a side plan view which most clearly illustrates the slope of inclined ~urface 14. Preferably, surface 1~ should form an obtuse angle of from about 130 to 160 degrees with the plane of the bottom surface of cavity 13, and most preferably from about 140 to 150 degrees. A ~lope within this range allows the lens to be readily removed from the cavity without unduly increasing the volumn of the cavity or the length of the seal line around the perimeter of the cavity. A typical contact lens has a diameter of from about 13 to 15 mm and a depth of from about 3 to 4 mm. A suitable cavity for such a lens is from 6 to 10 mm deep with a 20x20 mm bottom surface and an opening of about 20x30 mm. The outer dimension of such a package i~ approximately 3x6 cm.
Fig. ~ is a top plan view of the package of Fig. 1 with cover 12 removed to more clearly illustrAte the configuration of cavity 13. Fig. 5 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a package wherein cavity 2~
surronded by ~lange 26 i6 defined by semicircular upstanding side wall 25 merging into inclined side wall 34. Fig. ~ illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention wherein the bottom surface 38 of cavity 33 is concave. The concave surface encourages the lens contained in the cavity to rest on the bottom surface with the edges of lens extending upward, thereby increasing the .
s~
ease with which the lens may be located and brought up to flange 36 oE the package. The inclined sidewall surface ~ may likewi6e be flat or concave as desired.
The lower portion 12 of the package according to the present invention is preferably produced by thermoforming polypropylene sheet material having a thickness of about 0.8 mm. Polypropylene is preferred for its good thermoforming properties, its ability to withstand heat sterilization at about 120C. with little or no 6hrinkage or distortion, and it6 ability to be heat 6ealed to cover stock material.
The cover stock is preferably an adhesive laminate of aluminum foil and polypropylene film which can be heat sealed to the base section of the package to provide an air tight seal, and yet be readily stripped from the package when the package is ~o be opened. The aluminum foil is preferably coated or lacquered on the opposite surface to provide label identification and a receptive 6urface for later imprinting lens parameters such as diameter, power, and base curve.
The packages of the present invention may be constructed of materials other than those identified herein although materials as identified provide good result6. Packages constructed of materials 6uch as polyethylene which are less heat resistant than polypropylene and not 6uitable for heat 6terilization may - 30 be radiation or gas ~terilized, optionally with aseptic assembly techniques.
In addition ~o wi~hstanding ~terilization temperature6 of about 120~C., the sealed packages for hydrophilic contact lenses must be impermeable to bacteria to preserve ~27~
sterility, have a negligible moisture vapor transmis6ion rate to avoid 1066 of water, and be able to maintain the lens in its original condition for the stated shelf life of the product, usually 2 to 4 years. The package materials and the packaging procedures must be selected accordingly.
While the packages of the present invention as illustrated herein have been yenerally rectangular in shape with a rectangular or elongated cavity, it will be apparent ~hat many other sizes and shapes may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. The packages of the present invention are characterized by a storage cavity having an inclined wall or ramp extending from the bottom of the cavity to a peripheral outstanding flange, and a removable cover sheet sealed to said flange around the perimeter of said cavity. Materials, methods of fabrication and package configuration may vary according to the specific needs and desires of the practicioner.
Backqround of the Invention Soft, hydrophilic contact lenses are manufactured from hydrophilic polymeric materials such as copolymers of hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and may contain from ~0 to 90 percent or more water, depending on polymer composition.
Such lenses must be ~tored in a sterile aqueous solution, usually isotonic saline, to prevent dehydration and to maintain the lenses in a ready to wear condition.
Common practice has been for lens manufactur2rs to use a stoppered glass bottles as the storage and shipping container for each individual lens. The standard contact lens bottle is approximately lOcc in volume, is sealed with a silicone stopper and provided with a metal foil overcap safety seal. ~.ach bottle contains approximately 7cc of saline and a single contact lens which is identified on the label of the bottle. When the lsns is to be removed for fitting on a patient, the practitioner must first tear and remove the metal safety seal, then remove the ~topper, and finally remove the lens with a plastic tweezer.
Packaging contact lenses in glass bottlss is expensive due to the cost of bottles, stoppers and seals, and ~,Z'~
shipping i6 expensive due to the weight of the glass and saline. Bottles are also 6ubject to breakage if accidentally dropped during handling, and removing the lens from the bottle with tweezers is inconvenient since the lens i5 nearly invisible when submerged in saline.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved package for 6toring, shipping and dispensing hydrophilic contact lenses. It i8 a further object of this invention to provide a lens package which allows for improved efficiencies in the len~ manufacturing process. It is a yet further object of this invention to provide an inexpensive package which allows for convenient removal of the contact lens. These and other objects of this invention will be apparent from the ensuing description and claims.
Summarv of Invention The package of the present invention i~ a shaped blister package covered with a flexible sheet material which can be 6tripped from the package to gain access to the lens. The molded base or blister portion of the package includes a cavity for receiving the contact lens and saline solution, and an outward extending flange around the perimeter of the cavity to which the cover material is sealed. The cavity of the package is defined by a bottom surface and ~ide walls extending between the bottom surface and the peripheral ~lange. A portion of the side wall is inclined away from the bottom surface to form a ramp or inclined surface between the bottom of the cavity and the flange. The co~er material is sealed to the flange around the cavity by ~eans which allow the cover to be readily stripped or peeled from the flange.
The flange adjacent the inclined surface and the overlying VT~l 7 ~ 2765~
cover material extend outward beyond the seal area to provide unsealed edges which may be gripped to facilitate removal of the cover.
The package according to the present invention is inexpensive, light in weight. and requires le~s saline for lens storage. The package is conveniently opened by stripping the cover from the flange to expose the cavity and the lens in a shallow bath of saline. The lens is conveniently removed by sliding the lens up the inclined surface using either tweezers or a finger.
The base portion of the package may be injection molded or thermoformed from any suitable thermoplas~ic sheet material such as polypropylene. The cover stock may be a laminate of polypropylene film and aluminum foil whi~h can be heat sealed to the flange around the cavity of the package. Lens identification and other label information can be printed on the cover stock. Once the package is opened and sterility lost, the package is not amenable to reclosure.
According to a still further broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a package for a hydrophilic contact lens maintained in a sterile aqueous solution. The package comprises a molded base having a cavity for contain-ing the contact lens and a flange extending outwardly about the periphery of the cavity. The cavity is defined by a bottom surface and side wall surfaces extending between the bottom surface and the flange. A portion of the side wall surface is inclined away from the bottom surface at an angle from about 130 to 160 degrees. ~he inclined side wall surface forms a ramp between the bottom of the cavity and the flange. A flexible cover sheet is releasably sealed to i ,,?
~ ~7~5~
-3a-the flange around the perimeter oE the cavity. The cover sheet and the flange adjacent the edge of the inclined side wall surface extends outwardly to beyond the area of the seal. The unsealed edges of the cover shee-t and the flange comprise gripping means for separating the cover sheet from the flange to expose the inclined side wall and the cavity.
The package is impermeable to bacteria to preserve sterility and has a negligible moisture vapor transmission rate to avoid loss of water. The pac~age is also sterilizable.
Description of Drawinqs Fig. 1 is a phantom view in perspective of a package according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the package of Fig. 1 with the cover partially removed.
~ig. 3 is a side elevational plan view of the package of Fig. 1.
~ ;27~
Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the package of Fig. 1 with the cover removed.
Fig. 5 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a package according to the present invention with the cover removed.
Fig. 6 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a ackage according to the present invention with the cover removed.
i Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the package of Fig.
DescriPtion of Embodiments With reference to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of a package according to the present invention consi6ting of lower base portion 11 and cover member 12. The lower portion includes a cavity indicated generally a6 13 which is formed by inclined side wall 14 and upstanding 6ide wall~ 15. The cavity is ~urrounded by outward extending flange 16. Cover 12 is ~ealed to flange 16 around the opening of cavity 13 as indicated by seal line 17. Cavity 13 i~ sized to receive contact lens 19 and a sufficient quantity of saline 20 to completely submerge the lens.
As illustrated in Fig. 1, that portion of flange 16 and cover 12 adjacent inclined side wall 14 e~tends well beyond the area of seal 17. The unsealed edges of the flange and cover thereby provide gripping means whereby the cover may be readily stripped from the flange to gain acces6 to cavity 13 and the lens contained therein. An opened package with the cover member still secured along the rear edge of the flange is illustrated in Fig. 2. The seal line between inclined 6ide wall 14 and the unsealed edges of the cover and flange is preferably chevron shaped as illustrated in Fig. 1 and ;2 for ease in opening the package since the chevron configuration allows for a more uniform stripping force to be applied, assuring that the package can be opened without spilling the contents.
Fig. 3 is a side plan view which most clearly illustrates the slope of inclined ~urface 14. Preferably, surface 1~ should form an obtuse angle of from about 130 to 160 degrees with the plane of the bottom surface of cavity 13, and most preferably from about 140 to 150 degrees. A ~lope within this range allows the lens to be readily removed from the cavity without unduly increasing the volumn of the cavity or the length of the seal line around the perimeter of the cavity. A typical contact lens has a diameter of from about 13 to 15 mm and a depth of from about 3 to 4 mm. A suitable cavity for such a lens is from 6 to 10 mm deep with a 20x20 mm bottom surface and an opening of about 20x30 mm. The outer dimension of such a package i~ approximately 3x6 cm.
Fig. ~ is a top plan view of the package of Fig. 1 with cover 12 removed to more clearly illustrAte the configuration of cavity 13. Fig. 5 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a package wherein cavity 2~
surronded by ~lange 26 i6 defined by semicircular upstanding side wall 25 merging into inclined side wall 34. Fig. ~ illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention wherein the bottom surface 38 of cavity 33 is concave. The concave surface encourages the lens contained in the cavity to rest on the bottom surface with the edges of lens extending upward, thereby increasing the .
s~
ease with which the lens may be located and brought up to flange 36 oE the package. The inclined sidewall surface ~ may likewi6e be flat or concave as desired.
The lower portion 12 of the package according to the present invention is preferably produced by thermoforming polypropylene sheet material having a thickness of about 0.8 mm. Polypropylene is preferred for its good thermoforming properties, its ability to withstand heat sterilization at about 120C. with little or no 6hrinkage or distortion, and it6 ability to be heat 6ealed to cover stock material.
The cover stock is preferably an adhesive laminate of aluminum foil and polypropylene film which can be heat sealed to the base section of the package to provide an air tight seal, and yet be readily stripped from the package when the package is ~o be opened. The aluminum foil is preferably coated or lacquered on the opposite surface to provide label identification and a receptive 6urface for later imprinting lens parameters such as diameter, power, and base curve.
The packages of the present invention may be constructed of materials other than those identified herein although materials as identified provide good result6. Packages constructed of materials 6uch as polyethylene which are less heat resistant than polypropylene and not 6uitable for heat 6terilization may - 30 be radiation or gas ~terilized, optionally with aseptic assembly techniques.
In addition ~o wi~hstanding ~terilization temperature6 of about 120~C., the sealed packages for hydrophilic contact lenses must be impermeable to bacteria to preserve ~27~
sterility, have a negligible moisture vapor transmis6ion rate to avoid 1066 of water, and be able to maintain the lens in its original condition for the stated shelf life of the product, usually 2 to 4 years. The package materials and the packaging procedures must be selected accordingly.
While the packages of the present invention as illustrated herein have been yenerally rectangular in shape with a rectangular or elongated cavity, it will be apparent ~hat many other sizes and shapes may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. The packages of the present invention are characterized by a storage cavity having an inclined wall or ramp extending from the bottom of the cavity to a peripheral outstanding flange, and a removable cover sheet sealed to said flange around the perimeter of said cavity. Materials, methods of fabrication and package configuration may vary according to the specific needs and desires of the practicioner.
Claims (12)
1. A package for a hydrophilic contact lens maintained in a sterile aqueous solution comprising:
a molded base having a cavity for containing said contact lens and a flange extending outwardly about the periphery of said cavity, said cavity being defined by a bottom surface and side wall surfaces extending between said bottom surface and said flange, a portion of said side wall surface being inclined away from said bottom surface at an angle of from about 130 to 160 degrees, said inclined side wall surface forming a ramp between the bottom of the cavity and said flange, and a flexible cover sheet releasably sealed to said flange around the perimeter of said cavity, said cover sheet and said flange adjacent the edge of said inclined side wall surface extending outwardly to beyond the area of said seal, the unsealed edges of said cover sheet and said flange comprising gripping means for separating said cover sheet from said flange to expose said inclined side wall and said cavity;
said package being impermeable to bacteria to preserve sterility, said package having negligible moisture vapor transmission rate to avoid loss of water; and said package being sterilizable.
a molded base having a cavity for containing said contact lens and a flange extending outwardly about the periphery of said cavity, said cavity being defined by a bottom surface and side wall surfaces extending between said bottom surface and said flange, a portion of said side wall surface being inclined away from said bottom surface at an angle of from about 130 to 160 degrees, said inclined side wall surface forming a ramp between the bottom of the cavity and said flange, and a flexible cover sheet releasably sealed to said flange around the perimeter of said cavity, said cover sheet and said flange adjacent the edge of said inclined side wall surface extending outwardly to beyond the area of said seal, the unsealed edges of said cover sheet and said flange comprising gripping means for separating said cover sheet from said flange to expose said inclined side wall and said cavity;
said package being impermeable to bacteria to preserve sterility, said package having negligible moisture vapor transmission rate to avoid loss of water; and said package being sterilizable.
2. The package of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface of said cavity is a smooth planar surface.
3. The package of claim 1 wherein the inclined side wall surface is a smooth planar surface.
4. The package of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface of said cavity is concave.
5. The package of claim 1 wherein the inclined side wall surface is concave.
6. The package of claim 1 wherein said molded base is a thermoformable polypropylene polymer.
7. The package of claim 1 wherein said cover sheet is heat sealed to said flange.
8. The package of claim 7 wherein said cover sheet is an adhesive laminate of aluminum foil and polypropylene film.
9. The package of claim 7 wherein said heat seal has a chevron configuration adjacent said unsealed edges of said cover sheet and said flange.
10. The package of claim 1 wherein said cavity is rectangular and is defined by three upstanding side walls and one inclined side wall.
11. The package of claim 1 wherein said cavity is defined by a semicircular upstanding side wall merging into an inclined side wall.
12. The package of claim 1 wherein said negligible moisture vapor transmission rate is capable of maintaining said lens in its original condition for shelf-life period of up to four years.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US80057385A | 1985-11-18 | 1985-11-18 | |
| US800,573 | 1985-11-18 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1276597C true CA1276597C (en) | 1990-11-20 |
Family
ID=25178762
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000523149A Expired - Lifetime CA1276597C (en) | 1985-11-18 | 1986-11-17 | Package for hydrophilic contact lens |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0223581B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH0764365B2 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE89523T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU587875B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8605676A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1276597C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3688453T2 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK164270C (en) |
| NO (1) | NO161666C (en) |
Families Citing this family (35)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE8709529U1 (en) * | 1987-07-10 | 1987-09-24 | Dr. Karl Thomae Gmbh, 7950 Biberach | Single dose packaging for bulk goods |
| NL8701700A (en) * | 1987-07-17 | 1989-02-16 | Heijenga S Management B V | HOLDER FOR A LIQUID OR PASTIC PRODUCT. |
| JPH04128266U (en) * | 1991-05-20 | 1992-11-24 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | blister pack |
| IL110098A (en) * | 1993-08-13 | 1998-02-08 | Johnson & Johnson Vision Prod | Method of double-sided printing of a laminate and product obtained thereby |
| TW295570B (en) | 1994-05-04 | 1997-01-11 | Ciba Geigy Ag | |
| US5722536A (en) * | 1996-02-08 | 1998-03-03 | Bausch & Lomb Incorporated | Disposable contact lens package with snap-together feature |
| GB9624159D0 (en) * | 1996-11-20 | 1997-01-08 | Roseshaw Productions Limited | Improvements in or relating to contact lens cases and use thereof |
| GB9716118D0 (en) | 1997-07-30 | 1997-10-08 | Ocular Sciences Limited | Container |
| US6029808A (en) * | 1999-01-29 | 2000-02-29 | Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc. | Primary package for contact lens |
| JP4749614B2 (en) | 2001-07-17 | 2011-08-17 | 株式会社メニコン | Ophthalmic lens container |
| US7086526B2 (en) * | 2001-08-17 | 2006-08-08 | Clearlab International Pte Ltd. | Packaging for disposable soft contact lenses |
| CN1980582B (en) | 2001-08-17 | 2010-12-22 | 美你康株式会社 | Packaging for disposable soft contact lenses |
| US20040004008A1 (en) * | 2002-06-26 | 2004-01-08 | Peck James M. | Contact lens packages |
| US7832552B2 (en) | 2002-08-17 | 2010-11-16 | Menicon Co. Ltd. | Duo packaging for disposable soft contact lenses using a substrate |
| US7832551B2 (en) | 2002-09-13 | 2010-11-16 | 1-800 Contacts, Inc. | Contact lens package and storage case, holder, and system and method of making and using |
| US7722808B2 (en) | 2003-09-12 | 2010-05-25 | Novartis Ag | Method and kits for sterilizing and storing soft contact lenses |
| US7426993B2 (en) * | 2005-08-09 | 2008-09-23 | Coopervision International Holding Company, Lp | Contact lens package |
| KR101262072B1 (en) * | 2006-07-14 | 2013-05-08 | 존슨 앤드 존슨 비젼 케어, 인코포레이티드 | Screw cap package for contact lens |
| US7562768B2 (en) | 2006-07-14 | 2009-07-21 | Michael Tokarski | Screw cap package for contact lens |
| NL2000268C2 (en) * | 2006-10-10 | 2008-04-14 | Bin Innovations | Contact lens storage device, comprises blister packaging with liquid filled cavities covered by removable film |
| JP5082643B2 (en) * | 2006-11-22 | 2012-11-28 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Easy-open blister container |
| US7477366B2 (en) * | 2006-12-07 | 2009-01-13 | Coopervision International Holding Company, Lp | Contact lens blister packages and methods for automated inspection of hydrated contact lenses |
| NL1035188C2 (en) | 2008-03-18 | 2009-09-25 | Procornea Holding Bv | Holder for contact lenses. |
| WO2010077919A1 (en) | 2008-12-31 | 2010-07-08 | Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. | An apparatus and method for distributing ophthalmic lenses |
| EP2421771A4 (en) * | 2009-04-23 | 2014-03-05 | Heinz Co H J | MULTIFUNCTION CONTAINER FOR CONDIMENT |
| WO2011078889A1 (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2011-06-30 | Nestec S.A. | Packages for consumable products and methods of using same |
| EP2516289B1 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2016-04-13 | Nestec S.A. | Packages for consumable products and methods of using same |
| JP5955840B2 (en) * | 2010-06-30 | 2016-07-20 | ジョンソン・アンド・ジョンソン・ビジョン・ケア・インコーポレイテッドＪｏｈｎｓｏｎ ＆ Ｊｏｈｎｓｏｎ Ｖｉｓｉｏｎ Ｃａｒｅ， Ｉｎｃ． | Blister package for colored ophthalmic lenses |
| SG189572A1 (en) * | 2011-10-18 | 2013-05-31 | Menicon Singapore Pte Ltd | Systems and methods for multi-stage sealing of contact lens packaging |
| SG11201406644WA (en) * | 2012-04-23 | 2014-11-27 | Coopervision Int Holding Co Lp | Contact lens blister packages |
| DE102013112869A1 (en) | 2013-11-21 | 2015-05-21 | Dr.-Ing. Jens Sebastian, Dipl.-Ing. Florian Wiest GbR (vertretungsberechtigter Gesellschafter: Dr.-Ing. Jens Sebastian, 72764 Reutlingen) | Packaging, molded article with packaging, and device and method for its production |
| CN106170448B (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2019-08-30 | 库柏维景国际控股公司 | The method of contact lens package and manufacture packaging contact lenses |
| GB2575014A (en) * | 2018-05-22 | 2020-01-01 | Suretech Adhesive Tapes Ltd | Laminated sheet material |
| US12053069B2 (en) | 2019-01-22 | 2024-08-06 | Coopervision International Limited | Contact lens blister package with double layer foil component |
| JP6887691B2 (en) * | 2019-05-08 | 2021-06-16 | プラスワン株式会社 | Small item storage case |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1725270U (en) * | 1955-08-27 | 1956-06-28 | Racke A | PLASTIC RESIN PACKING FOR UPRIGHT INSTALLATION. |
| US3078986A (en) * | 1959-09-24 | 1963-02-26 | Rich Hill Drug Co Inc | Combination mold and dispenser |
| GB1046146A (en) * | 1964-04-14 | 1966-10-19 | Knomark Inc | Single use liquid applicator package and method for producing same |
| DE2421194A1 (en) * | 1974-05-02 | 1975-11-20 | Medigraft Medizinische Erzeugn | Packing with tear-off cover - has lug sealed to flap attached by weakened line to container |
| FR2359765A1 (en) * | 1976-07-26 | 1978-02-24 | Ior Ind Ottiche Riunite | PACKAGING FOR GLASSES OF GLASSES |
| US4493574A (en) * | 1982-11-18 | 1985-01-15 | Sanford Redmond | Dispenser package having fault line protrusion |
-
1986
- 1986-11-17 NO NO864567A patent/NO161666C/en unknown
- 1986-11-17 DK DK548886A patent/DK164270C/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1986-11-17 CA CA000523149A patent/CA1276597C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-11-17 JP JP61272028A patent/JPH0764365B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-11-17 DE DE86308937T patent/DE3688453T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-11-17 AT AT86308937T patent/ATE89523T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1986-11-17 BR BR8605676A patent/BR8605676A/en unknown
- 1986-11-17 EP EP86308937A patent/EP0223581B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-11-17 AU AU65367/86A patent/AU587875B2/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ATE89523T1 (en) | 1993-06-15 |
| NO864567D0 (en) | 1986-11-17 |
| BR8605676A (en) | 1987-08-18 |
| JPH0764365B2 (en) | 1995-07-12 |
| DK164270C (en) | 1992-10-19 |
| DE3688453T2 (en) | 1993-10-28 |
| EP0223581B1 (en) | 1993-05-19 |
| NO864567L (en) | 1987-05-19 |
| DK548886A (en) | 1987-05-19 |
| EP0223581A3 (en) | 1988-09-14 |
| NO161666B (en) | 1989-06-05 |
| AU587875B2 (en) | 1989-08-31 |
| EP0223581A2 (en) | 1987-05-27 |
| DK164270B (en) | 1992-06-01 |
| JPS62122969A (en) | 1987-06-04 |
| AU6536786A (en) | 1987-05-21 |
| DE3688453D1 (en) | 1993-06-24 |
| DK548886D0 (en) | 1986-11-17 |
| NO161666C (en) | 1989-09-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |