Patent Publication Number: US-2004050719-A1

Title: Contact lens case

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001] Not Applicable  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FED SPONSORED R &amp; D  
       [0002] Not Applicable  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED R &amp; D  
       [0003] Not Applicable  
       REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX  
       [0004] Not Applicable  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] a. Field of the Invention  
       [0006] The present invention relates to devices for storing contact lenses.  
       [0007] b. Description of the Prior Art  
       [0008] All prior art of contact lens cases are outdated in design and function. The only prior art that best relates to the present invention is U.S. Pat. No.  6 , 170 , 664  to Dar. This device best demonstrates a sleek design, however, there are several drawbacks to this prior invention&#39;s design, functions and the claims that have been made thereof.  
       [0009] The first drawback is that the interiors of the receiving cups are completely smooth permitting the contact lenses to adhere to the sidewalls. Furthermore, due to the flat interior base, the contact lenses can also adhere to the bottom of the receiving cups.  
       [0010] Another drawback is the inconsistency in alignment when opening and closing the prior invention. The alignment is a crucial element because it ensures that the lid is closed in its proper position to prevent solution leakage.  
       [0011] The prior invention claims a leak proof seal using a rubber ring. The drawback to this is, over time the rubber flattens and the seal is weakened causing the solution to leak out of the embodiment. The flattened rubber ring, in combination with the poor alignment, makes the prior invention incapable of guaranteeing a leak proof device.  
       [0012] In addition, when the coverlids are open, the user must hold the lid open with one hand while retrieving the contact lenses with the other, making it inconvenient for the user. The hinge of the prior invention does not hold the coverlids tight enough to allow the user to use just one hand for operation.  
       [0013] Furthermore, the hinge area is weak in design due to an extreme concave area on the coverlids. The concave extends to the edges of the coverlids making the hinge attachment considerably thin. This creates a greater possibility of damage to the hinge area with repeated use.  
       [0014] These drawbacks are all solved with the present invention.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015] The present invention provides a means of storage for contact lenses in a secured environment. Additionally, it is an object of the invention to provide a means of storage for contact lenses that is durable and leak proof. It is another object of the present invention to provide a housing with an ergonomic design for comfort when opening and closing the embodiment. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an adhere-free interior for ease of removal, and prevention of damage to contact lenses.  
       [0016] The contact lens case incorporates ridges on the interior sidewalls of the receiving cups. This prevents the contact lenses from adhering to the sidewalls. The ridges also make it easier to remove the contact lenses and prevent damage thereof.  
       [0017] The contact lens case further incorporates a convex interior base; this shape prevents the contact lenses from adhering to the base. Due to the shape of the lenses and the convex interior base, the contact point is significantly reduced. The convex interior base makes it easier to remove the contact lenses and prevents damage thereof.  
       [0018] The contact lens case further incorporates a pair of coverlids containing a pair of silicon O-ring gaskets. It also incorporates a pair of ridges molded on the top of the receiving cups. When the embodiment is closed, the ridges compress the O-rings, creating an interlocking function preventing leakage. This also prevents other elements from entering the concealed case. Over time, the O-ring&#39;s original strength can weaken, flatten or become distorted. The function of the ridges, on top of the receiving cups, is to compensate for the distortion of the O-rings, and to maintain the interlocking tight seal preventing leakage.  
       [0019] The contact lens case further incorporates two guides on both sides of the top portion of the receiving cups. These guides line up the coverlids to the receiving cups, ensuring proper closure and alignment. This alignment is crucial in preventing leakage of solution.  
       [0020] The contact lens case further incorporates a hinge that allows the coverlids to remain in an upright position once opened. This allows the user to use one hand for removal and placement of the contact lenses, rather than two as in the prior art mentioned.  
       [0021] The contact lens case further incorporates a small concave area around the hinge. The concave area enables the lid to be opened at a 90° angle, making it convenient to the user for the removal of contact lenses. This enhanced shape allows for a stronger connection to the hinge due to the thickened edges in comparison to prior art. This thickened design also reduces wear and tear of the lid with repeated use, making the device more durable than prior art.  
       [0022] The contact lens case further incorporates a closing mechanism. This mechanism, once closed, locks the coverlids to the receiving cups. This creates the interlocking function, previously mentioned, of the O-rings and ridges on top of the receiving cups. The silicon O-rings elasticity creates constant pressure on the lid in the upward direction, locking the closing mechanism. This prevents the solution from leaking out and harmful elements from entering.  
       [0023] The contact lens case further incorporates a sleek body design. This design enables it to be stored in a variety of places minimizing the possibility of it opening. It also has a smooth finish that provides a “snag-free” case. The sleek design of the closing mechanism prevents the contact lens case from snagging onto items that could cause it to open. It also incorporates an ergonomic design that allows for easy operation while providing a device that can be stored in such areas as travel bags, purses and the like without leakage of solution. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0024] The following description of the case will provide a better in depth understanding of its parts and various functions. The drawings will outline individual sections of the article and its purposes as relating to contact lens case. The references made are as follows:  
     [0025]FIG. 1 is a front closed view of the present invention.  
     [0026]FIG. 2 is a bottom-closed view of the present invention.  
     [0027]FIG. 3 is a side-angle closed view of the present invention.  
     [0028]FIG. 4 is a top open angle view of the present invention showing coverlid details.  
     [0029]FIG. 5 is a top open angle view of the present invention showing receiving cup details.  
     [0030]FIG. 6 is a top view showing alignment of the contact lenses in the cup of the present invention 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0031]FIG. 1 is the front-closed view of the contact lens case. The case is made of long-lasting durable plastic. This plastic is typically comprising material that do not react with the active ingredients in contact lenses solution and those that do not affect the effectiveness of contact lenses.  
     [0032] The view profiles the sleek ergonomically correct design of the case giving slight indication of the “locking” mechanism. The hinge mechanism ( 1 ) present shows the tight and secure placement of the coverlids that allows the proper functioning of them.  
     [0033] This view additionally emphasizes the minimized concave area of the lid ( 2 ), as opposed to prior designs, that allows for a stronger hinge connection due to the thicker hinge endings ( 3 ).  
     [0034]FIG. 2 is the bottom-closed view of the contact lens case. This view highlights the position of the convex interior base ( 4 ) that is horizontally and vertically symmetrical in design to the whole case. The contact lenses will be centered perfectly on the convex interior during storage. The convex shapes allows for the contact lens case to form a non-adhering surface, preventing contact lens to stick to the bottom of the case.  
     [0035]FIG. 3 is the side-angle closed of the contact lens case. The “locking” mechanism ( 5 ) of the case can how be seen. The downward slope of the mechanism allows for a “snag-free” locking structure. The smooth style will prevent the coverlids from latching on the any articles of clothing or the interior of purses and/or handbags. The sleek and economically correct body design, the thickened hinge area ( 1 ) for extra durability and the convex base ( 4 ) to safe storage of the lens can be viewed fully in this view.  
     [0036]FIG. 4 is a top open angle view of the contact lens case. The structure of this case is such that is allows the utilization of only one side of the case at a time. This design further assists the lid to remain in an upright position when open requiring the use of one hand only for operation. This ensure that a contact lens is either completely immersed in the contact lens solution or completely removed from it and used at appropriate before the other side is opened. This ensures that there is no spillage of the solution from the opposite side of the case when one side is being used. Additionally, ensure that if one side is exposed to any substance, the other side won&#39;t suffer the same fate.  
     [0037] This view additionally shows the bottom side view of the lid of the contact lens case. This view shows the silicon O-ring securely fitted onto the lid to avoid movement of it ( 6 ). This allows the proper functioning of the locking mechanism. When the case is closed, the ridges on the receiving cups press against the O-ring creating a tight and secure environment for the contact lenses to be stored.  
     [0038]FIG. 5 is a top open angle view of the contact lens case. This view emphasizes those structures that prevent the contact lenses from adhering to the surface of the holder; namely the ridges ( 7 ) on sidewalls and the convex base ( 4 ). The ridges ( 7 ) on the interior wall of the cases will not only prevent the contact lenses from adhering to the wall but additionally make is easier for removal of the lenses from the case by providing some form of friction between the users finger and the case. These ridges are durable enough to provide adequate friction without damaging the contact lenses. . They are evenly distributed at appropriate intervals avoiding any possibility of the contact lenses from adhering to the sides.  
     [0039] The convex base ( 4 ) prevents the contact lenses from settling flat in the bottom of the cases, thus allowing for easy removal from the case. This additionally prevents the contact lenses from losing is concave form during storage.  
     [0040] This view clearly shows the pair of guides ( 8 ) molded on the top of each receiving cup. These guides ensure that the coverlids and the receiving cups are symmetrically aligned in order to provide and airtight, secure case.  
     [0041] There is a full thinner ridge ( 9 ) molded on top of each receiving cup. These are ridges push against the silicon O-ring gaskets on the coverlids presenting a clean and safe storage housing for contact lens.  
     [0042]FIG. 6 is a top view showing alignment of the contact lenses in the cup of the contact lens case. As previously demonstrated, this case is both horizontally and vertically symmetrical to allow for the contact lenses to be stored in the proper location, that is on top of the convex base.