Abstract:
Storage device for storing contact lenses and contact lens solution including a case defining a reservoir for contact lens solution and a pair of contact lens retaining compartments for retaining contact lenses. The case includes a mechanism for causing a stream of contact lens solution to flow from the reservoir to an exterior of the case (for use when rinsing and/or cleaning the contact lens) and another mechanism for causing the contact lens solution to flow from the reservoir into the compartments (for use when storing the contact lenses in the compartments). These mechanisms can be alternatively enabled depending on the particular use sought for the contact lens solution.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a storage device for contact lenses and more particularly to a contact lens storage device which includes a pair of compartments for receiving contact lenses and a separate storage compartment in which rinsing or cleaning solution can be stored for possible use in rinsing and/or cleaning the contact lenses when the contact lenses are placed into the compartments after use or removed from the compartments before use. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   There are various constructions of contact lens storage devices which include a separate storage compartment for storing a rinsing solution, cleaning solution or other solution to be applied to the contact lenses. All such solutions which can be applied to contact lenses to clean, rinse, sterilize, condition or otherwise treat the contact lenses will be referred to herein as a contact lens solution. 
   One such storage device is shown in U.S. Des. Pat. No. 390,356 (Fortier) and includes a cylindrical squeeze-bottle of contact lens solution with nozzles at both ends, a cylindrical contact lens case mounted on each end of the solution bottle via threads located on each end and a cap for covering each contact lens case. Each contact lens case appears to be fillable with contact lens solution from the squeeze-bottle by squeezing the solution bottle. 
   Another contact lens storage device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,124 (Tuerkheimer et al.) and includes a container for housing a pair of lens carriers which hold a pair of contact lenses and a base/pump housing connected to the bottom of the container for retaining cleaning fluid. A pump mechanism propels the cleaning fluid into the cleaning chamber. In use, the base/pump housing is filled with contact lens solution and then the contact lenses are placed into the lens carriers. The bottom wall of the base/pump housing is pressed to force contact lens solution through apertures into the lens carriers. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,674 (Gabbert) describes another contact lens storage device including a pair of lens containers and a fluid reservoir for housing contact lens solution. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the lens containers such that the contact lens solution may travel through a channel into the lens containers. The fluid reservoir can be replenished with contact lens solution via a hole formed in the fluid reservoir. 
   U.S. Pat. No. Des. 331,588 (Ives) shows a combination vial, tray and case for contact lenses and contact lens solution. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,889 (Amend) describes a container for contact lenses and for a supply of contact lens fluid having a base body with a receptacle for a removable contact lens case, a fluid chamber for the contact lens fluid, and a metering connector fastened on the fluid chamber to purportedly fill the contact lens ease with fluid. 
   OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved storage device for contact lens. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved contact lens storage device which includes, in addition to a pair of compartments for receiving contact lenses, a separate storage compartment in which contact lens solution can be stored. This enables a single device to retain the contacts lenses and contact lens solution so that the contact lens solution is readily available for possible use in rinsing and/or cleaning the contact lenses when the contact lenses are placed into the compartments after use or are removed from the compartments before use. 
   It is still another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved contact lens storage device which includes a storage compartment for contact lens solution underneath contact lens retaining compartments and is constructed to provide easy dispensing of the contact lens solution into the retaining compartments. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved storage device for contact lens including a novel mechanism for generating streams of contact lens solution from a reservoir which flow to an exterior of the storage device and can be used to rinse and/or clean contact lenses. 
   It is still another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved storage device for contact lens including a novel mechanism for enabling contact lens retaining compartments to be filled with contact lens solution from an internal reservoir in the storage device. 
   In order to achieve these objects and others, a storage device for storing contact lenses and contact lens solution in accordance with the invention includes a case defining a reservoir for contact lens solution and a pair of contact lens retaining compartments for retaining contact lenses. The case includes a mechanism for causing a stream of contact lens solution to flow from the reservoir to an exterior of the case (for use when rinsing and/or cleaning the contact lens) and another mechanism for causing the contact lens solution to flow from the reservoir into the compartments (for use when storing the contact lenses in the compartments). These mechanisms can be alternatively enabled depending on the particular use sought for the contact lens solution. 
   The mechanism which causes the stream of contact lens solution to flow from the reservoir exterior of the case may include an exposed nipple which may be covered by a closure member when it is not desired to obtain contact lens solution and a flexible pressure application portion of the case which causes an increase in pressure in the reservoir when depressed. This increase in pressure causes the contact lens solution to flow out of the reservoir through an aperture in the nipple. The nipple may be removably attached to a projection formed on the case so that the reservoir can be refilled by detaching the nipple from the case and pouring contact lens solution through the projection. The nipple may be closed by a closure member removably attachable to the case when it is not desired to have a flow of contact lens solution therethrough, e.g., when it is desired to fill the compartments. 
   The mechanism for causing the contact lens solution to flow into the compartments may include a pair of valves each associated with a respective compartment. Preferably, the valves are constructed to provide a one-way flow of contact lens solution from the reservoir to the compartments and not in the reverse direction to avoid contamination of the contact lens solution in the reservoir. Each valve has an inlet opening situated in or communicating with the reservoir and an outlet opening. A flow path is formed in the case from the outlet opening of each valve to the respective compartment and includes a conduit in a mounting projection of a cover of the compartment. The covers are constructed such flow of contact lens solution through the conduits therein from the valves is enabled only when the covers are open. Accordingly, closing the covers presents flow of contact lens solution into the compartments. 
   Thus, when it is desired to fill the compartments, the closure member is attached to the case to block the aperture in the nipple and the covers are opened. When it is desired to obtain a stream of contact lens solution to clean or rinse a contact lens, the covers are closed and the closure member is detached form the case. 
   An embodiment of a storage device for storing contact lenses and contact lens solution is also possible wherein the mechanism for causing a stream of contact lens solution to flow exterior of the case is provided without the mechanism for causing the flow of contact lens solution into the compartments. In another embodiment, the mechanism for causing the flow of contact lens solution into the compartments is provided without the mechanism for causing a stream of contact lens solution to flow exterior of the case. That is, these two mechanisms can be independent of one another, and may also combined without types of contact lens solution dispensing mechanisms in a common case. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify the same or similar elements. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a combined contact lens case and solution storage device in accordance with the invention shown in a closed state. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1  in position for use in rinsing or cleaning a contact lens. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1  in position for accessing the contact lens retaining compartments. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of the section designated  10  in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of the upper housing member of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of the upper housing member of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 13  is a top view of the upper housing member of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the upper housing member shown in  FIG. 13  taken along the line  14 - 14  in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the upper housing member shown in  FIG. 13  taken along the line  15 - 15  in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the lower housing member of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 17  is a top plan view of the lower housing member of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the nipple of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the nipple shown in  FIG. 18  taken along the line  19 - 19 . 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a cover of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 21  is a bottom view of the cover shown in  FIG. 20 . 
       FIG. 22  is a top view of the cover shown in  FIG. 20 . 
       FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of the cover shown in  FIG. 20  taken along the line  23 - 23  in  FIG. 22 . 
       FIG. 24  is a side view of the cover shown in  FIG. 20 . 
       FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of the cover shown in  FIG. 20  taken along the line  25 - 25  in  FIG. 24 . 
       FIG. 26  is a front view of a check valve of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the check valve shown in  FIG. 26  take along the line  27 - 27  of  FIG. 26 . 
       FIG. 28  is a top view of the check valve shown in  FIG. 26 . 
       FIG. 29  is a top view of a valve member of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 30  is a front view of the valve member shown in  FIG. 29 . 
       FIG. 31  is a perspective view of an end cap of the combined contact lens case and solution storage device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 32  is a rear view of the end cap shown in  FIG. 31 . 
       FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of the end cap shown in  FIG. 31  take along the line  33 - 33  of  FIG. 32 . 
       FIG. 34  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a combined contact lens case and solution storage device in accordance with the invention shown in an open state. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to the accompany drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements,  FIGS. 1-10  show a first embodiment of a combined contact lens and contact lens solution storage device  10  in accordance with the invention which includes a case  12  and an end cap  14  removably attachable to the case  12  at one side  12   a  thereof. The case  12  generally defines a refillable reservoir  16  in which contact lens solution can be stored and a pair of contact lens retaining compartments  18 ,  20 , each receivable of one contact lens. The case  12  provides mechanisms for removing the contact lens solution from the reservoir  16  in two different ways, namely, by forcing the contact lens solution out of the reservoir  16  in the form of a stream which can be used to rinse and/or clean the contact lenses or by forcing the contact lens solution out of the reservoir  16  and into the compartments  18 ,  20 . The latter is used when the contact lenses are being stored, e.g., overnight. 
   More specifically, the case  12  includes an upper housing member  22  and a lower housing member  24  attached to the upper housing member  22 , for example by hot plate welding. The reservoir  16  is defined between the upper and lower housing members  22 ,  24 . The end cap  14  and the upper and lower housing members  22 ,  24  may all be formed of plastic, such as polypropylene. 
   Referring specifically to  FIGS. 11-15 , upper housing member  22  includes a reservoir covering section  26  which is attached to the lower housing member  24  to form the reservoir  16  therebetween and a cover section  28  pivotally connected to the reservoir covering section  26 , e.g., by a living hinge  30 . The upper housing member  22  includes any conventional structure to enable the cover section  28  to be pivoted about the hinge  30  to snap into place on the reservoir covering section  26 . The cover section  28  includes a substantially planar upper wall  32 , opposed, substantially planar side walls  34 ,  36  and opposed, arcuate front and rear walls  38 ,  40  which are contiguous with the upper wall  32  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). A mirror  42  is attached to a portion of the upper wall  32  which will cover the compartments  18 ,  20  when the cover section  28  is closed. Supporting ribs  44  are optionally formed alongside the mirror  42  extending downward from the upper wall  32 . 
   Lower housing member  24  has a bottom wall  46 , opposed, substantially planar side walls  48 ,  50  and opposed, arcuate front and rear walls  52 ,  54  which are contiguous with the bottom wall  46  (see  FIGS. 16 and 17 ). Front and rear walls  52 ,  54  curved upward from the bottom wall  46 , which may be planar or have a slightly curvature in order to provide the case  12  with a curving form. The bottom wall, front and rear walls  46 ,  52 ,  54  define support points which contact an underlying support structure when the contact lens device  10  is resting thereon. The lower housing member  24  can have a different shape than that shown in the drawings and described above, but at a minimum, should include one or more walls which define part of the reservoir  16  and is capable of receiving a fluid, i.e., contact lens solution. 
   The mechanism for forcing the contact lens solution out of the reservoir  16  in the form of a stream includes a flow nipple  56  removably attached to the upper and lower housing members  22 ,  24 . Nipple  56  has an aperture  58  at a tip  60  through which streams of contact lens solution stored in the reservoir  16  can flow to an exterior of the case  12 , when the end cap  14  is apart from the case  12  (see  FIGS. 18 and 19 ). When the end cap  14  is attached to the case  12 , an engagement pad  62  arranged on a side wall of the end cap  14  contacts the tip  60  and covers the aperture  58  so that the contact lens solution cannot flow through the aperture  58 . Removal of the end cap  14  from engagement with the case  12  therefore allows flow of the contact lens solution from the reservoir  16 . The nipple  56  may be formed of plastic, such as polypropylene. 
   To allow for attachment and detachment of the nipple  56  from the base  12 , the upper housing member  22  and the side wall  48  of the lower housing member  24  each includes an outwardly directed, semi-cylindrical threaded projection  64 ,  66  which align with each other to form a cylindrical threaded projection onto which the nipple  56  is threaded (see  FIG. 6 ). The inner surface of a tubular portion of the dispensing nipple  56  is threaded (see  FIG. 19 ) and thus can be rotated onto and apart from the cylindrical threaded projection. To refill the reservoir  16 , the nipple  56  is rotated apart from the cylindrical threaded projection and contact lens solution is poured into the reservoir  16  through the cylindrical threaded projection. 
   To enable the cover section  28  to close onto the reservoir covering section  26  of the upper housing member  22  in view of the presence of the nipple  26 , the side wall  34  of the covering section  28  of the upper housing member  22  includes a semi-circular indentation  70  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). 
   In addition to the nipple  56 , the mechanism for forcing the contact lens solution out of the reservoir  16  in the form of a stream includes the formation of a pressure application portion  72  on the reservoir covering section  26  of the upper housing member  24 , preferably proximate the nipple  56 . The pressure application portion  72  is flexible and can be depressed toward the lower housing member  24  and when pressure is removed, it returns to its original shape. The pressure application portion  72  is in the form of an elevated platform raised above the level of a remaining portion of the reservoir covering section  26 . 
   The flow of contact lens solution from the reservoir  16  through the nipple  56  is thus obtained by applying pressure to the pressure application portion  72  to cause an increase in pressure in the reservoir  16  which, when the end cap  14  is apart from the base  12 , causes contact lens solution to flow from the reservoir  16  out through the aperture  58  in the nipple  56 . If the pressure application portion  72  is continuously pressed, a continuous stream of contact lens solution will flow through the aperture  58  in the nipple  56 . On the other hand, if pressure is applied intermittently to the pressure application portion  72 , multiple streams of contact lens solution will flow through the aperture  58  in the nipple  56 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 11 , the reservoir covering section  26  of the upper housing member  22  includes a support portion  74  defining the contact lens retaining compartments  18 ,  20  (one for the left contact lens and one for the right contact lens) and the pressure application portion  72  alongside the support portion  74 . Each compartment  18 ,  20  may be defined by arcuate surfaces adapted to retain contact lens storage solution and a contact lens. Any form and shape of depression can also be used to define the compartments  18 ,  20 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , covers  78  are pivotally connected to the support portion  74  of the upper housing member  22  to selectively cover the compartments  18 ,  20 . When cover section  28  is in its open condition shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the covers  78  can be opened to access the compartments  18 ,  20  to place contact lenses  76  therein or retrieve contact lenses therefrom. One or both of the covers  78  preferably includes an indication of which contact lens is retained therein, e.g., the covers  78  include the letter “R” or “L” as shown. 
   Support portion  74  also includes an integral mounting bracket  80  alongside each compartment  18 ,  20  for mounting one of the covers  78  thereto (see  FIGS. 13-15 ). Each mounting bracket  80  includes a pair of projections  82  separated by a semi-cylindrical cavity  84  which is separated from the compartments  18 ,  20  by a ledge  68 . An aperture  86  is formed at a bottom of the cavity  84  between each pair of projections  82  and leads to a vertical channel  88  (see  FIGS. 14 and 15 ). A demarcated pressure application zone  90  is formed in front of the compartments  18 ,  20 , e.g., by reducing the thickness of the support portion  74  to create an easily depressible zone which can be pushed inward toward the lower housing member  22  relative to other portions of the support portion  74 . The purpose of the cavities  84 , channels  88  and pressure application zone  90  are discussed below. 
   To facilitate opening of the cover section  28  from its closed position shown in  FIG. 1 , a notch  92  may be formed in the front wall  38  of the cover section  28  in alignment with a notch  94  in the support section  74 . The notches  92 ,  94  enable a user to insert a fingernail to pry the case  12  open by exerting pressure to separate the cover section  28  from the reservoir covering section  26 . 
   The mechanism for forcing the contact lens solution out of the reservoir  16  and into the compartments  18 ,  20  includes check valves  96  arranged in the reservoir  16  and engaged with the channel  88  (see  FIG. 6 ). Check valves  96  each provide a one-way flow of contact lens solution from the reservoir  16  into an associated one of the channels  88 . 
   To provide the one-way flow of contact lens solution, i.e., to allow the contact lens solution to flow from the reservoir  16  into the channels  88  but not from the channels  88  into the reservoir  16  (which is necessary to avoid contamination of the remaining contact lens solution in the reservoir  16 ), each check valve  96  includes a tubular member  98  having a plurality of protuberances  100  formed on an inner surface and including a lower chamber  102  formed at a bottom of the tubular member  98 , a pumping chamber  104  formed above the lower chamber  102 , a shoulder  106  formed between the lower chamber  102  and the pumping chamber  104  and an upper chamber  108  (see  FIGS. 26-28 ). The upper chamber  108  receives the channel  88  and defines an outlet opening of the tubular member  98 . 
   A movable mass, such as a ball  110 , rests on the shoulder  106  in the absence of an upward flow of contact lens solution through the valve  96  (the cause of which is discussed above). Thus, the downward flow of contact lens solution from the upper chamber  108  would urge the ball  110  against the shoulder  106  and prevent flow into the lower chamber  102 . A one-way flow of contact lens solution through the valves  96  is thereby provided. Other constructions of one-way valves are also envisioned within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
   A lower, annular surface  112  of the tubular member  98  is provided with an inlet opening in the form of one or more notches or cut-outs  114  so that the lower chamber  102  is in communication with the reservoir  16  and contact lens solution from the reservoir  16  can flow into the lower chamber  102  therethrough (see  FIG. 27 ). For example, six notches  114  can be formed in the tubular member  98  spaced equiangularly about the lower annular surface  112 . The lower surface  112  of the tubular member  98  is in contact with or very proximate to the inner surface of the bottom wall  46  of the lower housing member  24  so that the contact lens solution flows through the notches  114 . 
   The presence of the protuberances  100  formed on the inner wall of the tubular member  98  and which separate the pumping chamber  104  from the upper chamber  108  limits the upward movement of the ball  110  in the pumping chamber  104 . The ball  110  cannot pass from the pumping chamber  104  to the upper chamber  108  through the protuberances  100 . Each protuberance  100  may be formed with a flat surface or arcuate surface angled upward and inward from the inner wall such that the cross-sectional area of the pumping chamber  104  gradually decreases in the upward direction at the location of the protuberances  100 . The ball  110  can be placed into the pumping chamber  104  by forcing it through the opening defined by the lower chamber  102  or between the protuberances  110 . 
   Tubular member  98  may be formed of a flexible material such as rubber. The mass or ball  110  is preferably formed of a rigid material such as a metal. 
   Covers  78  each include a planar portion  116 , a rim  118  extending downward from an outer edge of the planar portion  116 , a pair of mounting flanges  120  along one side of the planar portion  116  and a projection  122  arranged between the mounting flanges  120  and defining a conduit  124  therein (see  FIGS. 20-25 ). The rim  118  is designed to frictionally engage with a projection  154  formed on the support portion  74  and defining each compartment  18 ,  20 . Each projection  82  of the mounting brackets  80  fits between the projection  122  and a respective one of the mounting flanges  118  to pivotally attach the covers  78  to the upper housing member  22 . A side projection  156  may be formed in an inner surface of each mounting flange  118  (see  FIGS. 22 and 25 ) to engage with a corresponding depression  158  in the projections  82  (see  FIG. 11 ) to provide for pivotal movement of the cover  78  relative to the projection  82 . The projection  122  fits in the cavity  84  and rotates therein (see  FIG. 6 ). The conduit  124  is designed to be oriented in a direction roughly parallel to the planar portion  116  so that when the cover  78  is closed, the conduit  124  is not in communication with the channel  88  (i.e., the projection  122  blocks the channel  88  as shown in  FIG. 6 ) but when the cover  78  is open, the conduit  124  communicates with the channel  88 . Thus, when the cover  78  is closed, flow of contact lens solution into the cavity  84  of the upper housing member  22  is prevented. 
   The flow of contact lens solution from the reservoir  16  into the compartments  18 ,  20  is created, when the covers  78  are in an open position, by depressing the pressure application zone  90  on the support portion  74  which causes an increase in pressure in the reservoir  16 . As a result of this pressure increase, contact lens solution in the reservoir  16  is forced through the notches  114  in each tubular member  98  upward into the lower chambers  102  of the tubular members  98  and pushes the ball  110  in the pumping chambers  104  upward and apart from the shoulder  106  (the upward movement of the ball  110  being limited by the protuberances  100 ). A flow path is thereby opened between the ball  110  and the shoulder  106  through which the contact lens solution flows into the upper chambers  108 . Since the channels  88  are received in the upper chambers  108 , the contact lens solution flows into the channel  88 . From the channels  88 , the contact lens solution flows through the respective aperture  86  into the respective conduit  124  in the open cover  78  and from the conduit  124  over the ledge  68  into the respective compartment  18 ,  20 . 
   However, this flow is restricted to when the covers  78  are in an open position because the covers  78  are designed to allow a flow of contact lens solution from the reservoir  16  through the cavities  84  and into the compartments  18 ,  20  only when the covers  78  are in an open position. When the covers  78  close the compartments  18 ,  20 , the contact lens solution cannot flow from the reservoir  16  therein. This enables a selective flow of contact lens solution to be obtained. That is, by a specific positioning of the end cap  14  and covers  78 , the contact lens solution can either be directed into the compartments  18 ,  20  or through the nozzle  56 . To direct the contact lens solution into the compartments  18 ,  20 , the covers  78  are opened and the end cap  14  is attached to the case  12 . To obtain a stream of contact lens solution through the nozzle  56 , the covers  78  are closed and the end cap  14  is detached from the case  12 . 
   Upon removal of contact lens solution from the reservoir  16 , air must be supplied into the reservoir to maintain the operability of the device  10 . Nevertheless, it must be ensured that contact lens solution does not flow out of the reservoir  16  through whatever means are provided to allow intake air into the reservoir  16 . To this end, a valve mechanism  126  is arranged in the case  12  and specifically in the pressure application portion  72  of the reservoir covering section  26  of the upper housing member  22  (see  FIG. 10 ). The valve mechanism  126  includes a valve member  128  having a planar portion  130  and a projection  132  with an enlarged tip  134  (see  FIGS. 29 and 30 ). An aperture  136  is formed in the pressure application portion  72  and the projection  132  is situated in the aperture  136  with the tip  134  extending through the aperture  136  (see  FIG. 10 ). An intake aperture  138  is also formed alongside aperture  136  and at an internal side, the planar portion  130  of the valve member  128  covers the intake aperture  138 . Alternatively, the aperture  136  could also constitute an intake aperture provided it is constructed to hold the valve member  128  in place. 
   The valve mechanism  126  is effective to allow air intake through intake aperture  138  when the pressure in the reservoir  16  is less than the pressure in the ambient atmosphere. The pressure differential causes the planar portion  130  to move apart from the intake aperture  138  and allow air flow into the reservoir  16 . On the other hand, when pressure application portion  72  and pressure application zone  90  are depressed, the contact lens solution flows against the planar portion  130  to maintain the closure of the intake aperture  138  and prevent outflow of contact lens solution therethrough. 
   To expose the aperture  58  of the nipple  56  and enable the contact lens solution to be dispensed from the reservoir  16  therethrough, the end cap  14  is removably attached to the case  12 . This attachment may be achieved by forming projections  140  on the side wall  48  of the lower housing member  22  (see  FIGS. 16 and 17 ). The projections  140  create a friction fit between the end cap  14  and the case  12  so that the end cap  14  can be attached securely to the case  12  and is detachable therefrom only by applying pressure to pull the end cap  14  away from the case  12 . In addition, the nipple  56  is provided with a snap rib  142  which engages with an annular groove  144  formed in an inner surface of a tubular inner projection  146  on the end cap  14  to thereby provide an additional measure of engagement between the end cap  14  and the case  12  (see  FIGS. 6 ,  19  and  33 ). The tubular projection  146  is designed to substantially enclose the nipple  56  when the end cap  14  is attached to the case  12 . Either or both of the attachment mechanisms, i.e., the projections  140  or the cooperating snap rib  146  and annular groove  144 , may be provided. 
   Other mechanisms for removably attaching the end cap  14  to the case  12  are also envisioned within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the covers  78  are mounted along a side edge to the upper housing member  22 . It is also envisioned that the covers  78  may be mounted along either their top or bottom edge to the upper housing member  22 . Regardless of which edge of the covers  78  is mounted to the upper housing member  22 , since the flow of contact lens solution from the reservoir  16  into the compartments  18 ,  20  passes through the mounting structure, it is desirable that the mounting structure and pressure application zone  90  should be proximate one another. This would help assure that depressing the pressure application zone  90  causes an adequate flow of contact lens solution through the check valves  96  into the compartments  18 ,  20 . Thus, an alternative design configuration is possible wherein the covers  78  are mounted at their top edges to the upper housing member  22  and the position of the pressure application zone  90  is altered from that shown to be proximate the top edge of the covers  78 . 
   In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, since the covering section  28  of the upper housing member  22  covers the pressure application portion  72  of the reservoir covering section  26  when the case  12  is closed, it is not possible to obtain a stream of contact lens solution from the reservoir  16  through the nipple  56  when the case  12  is closed. In an alternative case  12 A shown in  FIG. 34  (wherein the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar parts), an upper housing member  148  is designed with a covering section  150  which extends over only the support portion  74  and a pressure application portion  152  which defines an outer periphery of the case  12 . In this manner, the pressure application portion  152  is not covered by the covering section  150  and it becomes possible to obtain a stream of contact lens solution from the reservoir  16  even when the covering section  150  is closed. 
   While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.