CONTACT LENS CASE
United States Patent 3602238
A case for storing and cleaning contact lenses comprising a normally upwardly opening, fluid-handling receptacle, a carrier with a cap portion releasably engageable with the receptacle to close the upper open end thereof and a receiver portion depending into the receptacle and a volume of cleansing fluid therein, the receiver portion slidably receiving a pair of trays; each tray having a lens-receiving cavity therein which cavity is covered by a portion of the receiver portion when the tray is fully engaged therein and which is uncovered and accessible when the tray is partially withdrawn from the receiver portion, the trays and receiver portion having venting means to assure the free flow of air and cleansing fluid in, through, and between the receiver portion, trays and lens-receiving cavities upon engagement and disengagement of the carrier in and with the receptacle.
US Patent References:
Contact lens conditioning facility
Speshyock - September 1967 - 3343657
Container for contact lenses
Grabiel - April 1968 - 3378020
Lens containtr
Pennell - April 1968 - 3379200
LENS WASHING MACHINE
Hungerford - May 1969 - 3444868
Contact lens conditioning facility
Speshyock - September 1967 - 3343657
Container for contact lenses
Grabiel - April 1968 - 3378020
Lens containtr
Pennell - April 1968 - 3379200
LENS WASHING MACHINE
Hungerford - May 1969 - 3444868
Application Number:
04/810319
Publication Date:
08/31/1971
Filing Date:
03/25/1969
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Allergan, Pharmaceuticals (Santa Ana, CA)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
206/5, 220/500, 134/901, 206/5.100
International Classes:
A45C11/00; G02C13/00; B08B3/00
Field of Search:
134/117,135,156,143,145 206/5A 220/17
Primary Examiner:
Mccall, James T.
Claims:
Having described my invention, I claim
1. A case for contact lenses comprising an elongate, normally vertically extending fluid receiving receptacle with an open upper end, an elongate carrier with an upper cap portion releasably engageable in the upper open end of the receptacle and a lower receiver portion slidably engaged in the receptacle, a pair of elongate trays with contact lens receiving cavities slidably carried by the carrier and shiftable from a normal in position within the carrier where said cavities are closed to access to an actuated out position where they project from the carrier and said cavities are open to access, the receptacle having a longitudinally extending cylindrical bore and said receiver portion is cylindrical and is slidable into and out of engagement in said bore, said receiver having a pair of downwardly opening longitudinally extending semicircular chambers, said trays being semicircular in cross section and slidably engaged in said chambers, said cap portion having a thread portion screw threaded in the upper end of the receptacle, said carrier carrying a sealing ring below said threaded portion to seal between the carrier and the bore in the receptacle.
2. A structure as set forth in claim 1 including a volume of cleansing fluid in the receptacle, vent means in the trays and the carrier in communication with each other and with the exterior of the carrier to conduct air and fluid through the trays and cavities therein and into and out of the carrier when the carrier is moved into and out of engagement in the receptacle.
3. A structure as set forth in claim 2 wherein said vent means includes longitudinally extending downwardly opening channels in the trays intersecting the cavities therein and longitudinally extending radially opening slots in the trays and the carrier communicating with the space about and between the carrier and the trays and with each other.
4. A case for contact lenses comprising an elongate, normally vertically extending fluid-receiving receptacle with an open upper end, an elongate carrier with an upper cap portion releasably engageable in the upper open end of the receptacle and a lower receiver portion slidably engaged in the receptacle, a pair of elongate trays with contact lens receiving cavities slidably carried by the carrier and shiftable from a normal in position within the carrier where said cavities are closed to access to an actuated out position where they project from the carrier and said cavities are open to access, and a predetermined volume of cleansing fluid in the receptacle, the combined volumetric displacement of the portion of the carrier engageable in the receptacle and the trays being sufficient with respect to the effective volumetric extent of the receptacle and the volume of fluid therein whereby the interior of the case is substantially fully occupied with said fluid when the carrier is engaged in the receptacle.
5. A structure as set forth in claim 3 wherein the combined volumetric displacement of the portion of the carrier engageable in the receptacle and the trays being sufficient with respect to the effective volumetric extent of the receptacle and the volume of fluid therein whereby the interior of the case is substantially fully occupied with said fluid when the carrier is engaged in the receptacle.
6. A case for contact lenses comprising an elongate, normally vertically extending fluid-receiving receptacle with an open upper end, an elongate carrier with an upper cap portion releasably engageable in the upper open end of the receptacle and a lower receiver portion slidably engaged in the receptacle, a pair of elongate trays with contact lens receiving cavities slidably carried by the carrier and shiftable from a normal in position within the carrier where said cavities are closed to access to an actuated out position where they project from the carrier and said cavities are open to access, the receptacle having a longitudinally extending bore and said receiver portion including a cylindrical tubular sidewall slidable into and out of engagement in the bore, and a central, transversely extending, longitudinal partition defining two downwardly opening, semicircular in cross section chambers, said trays being equal in longitudinal extent and the same cross section as the chambers and slidable into and out of engagement therein, said cavities opening laterally inwardly and shiftable into and out of opposing relationship to said partition.
7. A structure as set forth in claim 6 including means to releasably retain the trays fully engaged in the chambers and releasably holding the trays in an actuated position where they project a predetermined distance from the open ends of the chambers, said means including longitudinally extending channels with longitudinally spaced protuberances therein in the chambers and lugs on the trays slidably engaged in the channels and shiftable into and out of engagement with and yieldingly shiftable over said protuberances.
8. A structure as set forth in claim 7 including fluid and air conducting vent means to conduct air and fluid in, through and about the carrier, trays and the cavities in the trays upon shifting the carrier into and out of engagement in the receptacle and including longitudinally extending radially opening, registering slots in the wall of the receiver portion of the carrier and the trays, longitudinally extending channels in the trays intersecting the cavities therein and radially extending ports in the trays communicating with the cavities.
1. A case for contact lenses comprising an elongate, normally vertically extending fluid receiving receptacle with an open upper end, an elongate carrier with an upper cap portion releasably engageable in the upper open end of the receptacle and a lower receiver portion slidably engaged in the receptacle, a pair of elongate trays with contact lens receiving cavities slidably carried by the carrier and shiftable from a normal in position within the carrier where said cavities are closed to access to an actuated out position where they project from the carrier and said cavities are open to access, the receptacle having a longitudinally extending cylindrical bore and said receiver portion is cylindrical and is slidable into and out of engagement in said bore, said receiver having a pair of downwardly opening longitudinally extending semicircular chambers, said trays being semicircular in cross section and slidably engaged in said chambers, said cap portion having a thread portion screw threaded in the upper end of the receptacle, said carrier carrying a sealing ring below said threaded portion to seal between the carrier and the bore in the receptacle.
2. A structure as set forth in claim 1 including a volume of cleansing fluid in the receptacle, vent means in the trays and the carrier in communication with each other and with the exterior of the carrier to conduct air and fluid through the trays and cavities therein and into and out of the carrier when the carrier is moved into and out of engagement in the receptacle.
3. A structure as set forth in claim 2 wherein said vent means includes longitudinally extending downwardly opening channels in the trays intersecting the cavities therein and longitudinally extending radially opening slots in the trays and the carrier communicating with the space about and between the carrier and the trays and with each other.
4. A case for contact lenses comprising an elongate, normally vertically extending fluid-receiving receptacle with an open upper end, an elongate carrier with an upper cap portion releasably engageable in the upper open end of the receptacle and a lower receiver portion slidably engaged in the receptacle, a pair of elongate trays with contact lens receiving cavities slidably carried by the carrier and shiftable from a normal in position within the carrier where said cavities are closed to access to an actuated out position where they project from the carrier and said cavities are open to access, and a predetermined volume of cleansing fluid in the receptacle, the combined volumetric displacement of the portion of the carrier engageable in the receptacle and the trays being sufficient with respect to the effective volumetric extent of the receptacle and the volume of fluid therein whereby the interior of the case is substantially fully occupied with said fluid when the carrier is engaged in the receptacle.
5. A structure as set forth in claim 3 wherein the combined volumetric displacement of the portion of the carrier engageable in the receptacle and the trays being sufficient with respect to the effective volumetric extent of the receptacle and the volume of fluid therein whereby the interior of the case is substantially fully occupied with said fluid when the carrier is engaged in the receptacle.
6. A case for contact lenses comprising an elongate, normally vertically extending fluid-receiving receptacle with an open upper end, an elongate carrier with an upper cap portion releasably engageable in the upper open end of the receptacle and a lower receiver portion slidably engaged in the receptacle, a pair of elongate trays with contact lens receiving cavities slidably carried by the carrier and shiftable from a normal in position within the carrier where said cavities are closed to access to an actuated out position where they project from the carrier and said cavities are open to access, the receptacle having a longitudinally extending bore and said receiver portion including a cylindrical tubular sidewall slidable into and out of engagement in the bore, and a central, transversely extending, longitudinal partition defining two downwardly opening, semicircular in cross section chambers, said trays being equal in longitudinal extent and the same cross section as the chambers and slidable into and out of engagement therein, said cavities opening laterally inwardly and shiftable into and out of opposing relationship to said partition.
7. A structure as set forth in claim 6 including means to releasably retain the trays fully engaged in the chambers and releasably holding the trays in an actuated position where they project a predetermined distance from the open ends of the chambers, said means including longitudinally extending channels with longitudinally spaced protuberances therein in the chambers and lugs on the trays slidably engaged in the channels and shiftable into and out of engagement with and yieldingly shiftable over said protuberances.
8. A structure as set forth in claim 7 including fluid and air conducting vent means to conduct air and fluid in, through and about the carrier, trays and the cavities in the trays upon shifting the carrier into and out of engagement in the receptacle and including longitudinally extending radially opening, registering slots in the wall of the receiver portion of the carrier and the trays, longitudinally extending channels in the trays intersecting the cavities therein and radially extending ports in the trays communicating with the cavities.
Description:
This invention has to do with a lens case and is more particularly concerned with a novel case for storing contact lenses.
The provision and use of contact lenses to correct vision is becoming increasingly popular and such lenses are in wide use.
Contact lenses are generally small, substantially disc-shaped, concavo-convex lenses adapted to be arranged or worn in direct contact and engagement on the eyes of the wearer. Such lenses, to be comfortable, effective and safe, must be clean; must be such that they will remain wetted and lubricated by the lachrymal fluids or tears of the wearer and must be substantially unbreakable.
Contact lenses are commonly made of methylmethacrylate, commonly referred to as Plexiglas. Plexiglas is particularly suitable for establishment of contact lenses as it has desirable refractory characteristics, is substantially unbreakable, and is hygroscopic, being capable of rapidly absorbing and retaining a substantial amount of water or moisture. As a result of the hygroscopic nature of Plexiglas contact lenses, such lenses are readily lubricated by the wearer's tears and tend to remain so lubricated when in use.
While the use of Plexiglas for the establishment of contact lenses has the above-noted advantages, it has certain disadvantages. One disadvantage resides in the fact that if such lenses are allowed to dry out when not in use or in storage, they are subject to becoming distorted, brittle, and discolored. Accordingly, such lenses must be kept moist or wet when not in use. Another disadvantage to be found in Plexiglas contact lenses resides in the fact that tears contain impurities or salts which, when in solution, are absorbed into the Plexiglas with adverse effects, or will, if let to dry on the lenses, create deposits which if not removed will irritate the wearer's eyes.
As a result of the above, it is highly desirable if not imperative that contact lenses be kept wet and moist when in storage and that such lenses be cleaned regularly to remove the salts and impurities from the surfaces thereof and to leach out any salts and impurities absorbed thereby.
Contact lenses are extremely small items or units, are transparent, and are such that they are difficult to handle and manipulate and are frequently difficult to see, particularly by the wearer who is suffering from faulty vision.
As a result of the above, great care must be taken by the wearer of contact lenses when manually manipulating such lenses for engagement or removal from his eyes or for the purpose of cleaning his lenses.
Further, such lenses are normally provided in pairs, one for each eye of the wearer, and each is frequently refractorily distinct from the other. As a result, care must be taken to keep the lenses separate and identified as to which eye, the left or the right, each is intended for.
As a result of each of the foregoing factors, the prior art has given much consideration to the provision of means for storing, cleaning, and/or handling of contact lenses, with the view of making the general use of such lenses more practical and conventional. Such consideration has resulted in a multitude of structural means and devices intended to satisfy one or more of the recognized wants or demands, but which have proven to be of limited or qualified success.
An object of my invention is to provide a novel case for advantageously and properly storing and cleaning a pair of contact lenses and which is such that it makes handling and manipulation of the lenses easier, more convenient and safer than any means for like purposes provided by the prior art.
Another object of my invention is to provide a case for the purpose set forth above, which is such that each of a pair of lenses is maintained separate and distinguished from the other and so that each can be advantageously handled and manipulated as desired or as circumstances require.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a structure of the character referred to which is such that the lenses, when stored therein, are submerged in a suitable cleaning solution so that said lenses are maintained moist and so that salts and impurities deposited on and/or absorbed by the lenses are dissolved, washed and leached therefrom.
It is a feature of my invention to provide a case of the character referred to including an outer fluid receptacle, a carrier adapted to be shifted into and out of engagement in the receptacle, and a pair of lense receiving trays shiftably carried by the carrier; the receptacle being adapted to carry a predetermined volume of cleaning fluid and said carrier and trays being of predetermined volumetric extent whereby the combined volume of fluid and the carrier and trays is substantially equal with the interior volumetric extent of the receptacle and so that when the carrier and tray are engaged in the receptacle, the fluid therein is displaced to substantially fill the receptacle and submerge the lenses carried by the trays.
Another feature of my invention is to provide releasable securing means and sealing means on and between the receptacle and carrier whereby said receptacle and carrier can be releasably secured together and the interior of the structure is hermetically sealed when said receptacle and carrier are so secured.
It is another feature of this invention to provide the carrier and trays with novel venting means to permit and assure proper and adequate flow and passage of the liquid through and about the carrier and tray assembly and about the lenses carried thereby when said assembly is urged into, is within, and when it is withdrawn from the receptacle.
It is an object of my invention to provide a structure of the character referred to which is established of easy and economical to mass produce and assemble parts; a structure which is easy and convenient to operate, clean and maintain, and a structure which is rugged and durable.
The foregoing and other objects and features of my invention will be fully understood and appreciated by the following detailed description of one preferred form and carrying out of my invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric, elevational view showing one side and the upper end of my new case;
FIG. 2 is an isometric, detailed sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 2--2 on FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an elevational isometric view of the carrier and tray assembly that I provide, showing one tray in its normal or in position and the other tray in its actuated or out position;
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of one typical contact lens;
FIG. 5 is an end view of the structure shown in FIG. 3 and taken substantially as indicated by line 5--5 on FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken as indicated by line 6--6 on FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken as indicated by line 7--7 on FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken as indicated by line 8--8 on FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a tray that I provide; and,
FIG. 10 is an elevational view showing the case that I provide engaged by and between the user's fingers.
Referring to the drawings, the contact lens case that I provide includes generally a receptacle R and an assembly A comprising a carrier C and a pair of trays T adapted to be shifted into and out of engagement in the receptacle. The trays T are shiftably carried by the carrier from an in or normal position to an out or actuated position and each has a recess to receive and accommodate a contact lens L.
The lenses L shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings and in phantom lines in FIG. 10, are simple disc-shaped concavo-convex, Plexiglas lenses. Such lenses are subject to some variations in configuration, but for the purpose of this disclosure, the general description set forth above will suffice.
The receptacle R is an elongate, normally vertically extending, unitary molded plastic part having a substantially cylindrical, tubular sidewall 10 and a flat bottom wall 11. The sidewall 10 defines a cylindrical bore 12 and is provided at its upper end with an enlarged upwardly opening socket 13 of limited vertical extent, which socket is provided with interior screw threads 14. The bottom wall 11 closes the lower end of the receptacle. The upper terminal end 15 of the sidewall of the receptacle occurs in a flat, horizontal plane.
In the preferred carrying out of the invention, the interior or bore of the receptacle is provided with a fluid level mark 16 in the lower portion thereof to facilitate the user depositing a predetermined volume of fluid in the receptacle. In the case illustrated, the mark 16 is defined by a slight upwardly disposed, annular shoulder in the receptacle, defined by a counterbore or slight reduction in the diametric extent of the lower end portion of the bore.
The receptacle R is preferably provided with means about its exterior to facilitate manual engagement and holding of the receptacle. In the case illustrated the exterior of the sidewall is provided with circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending flats to serve the above-noted purpose.
The assembly A, made up of the carrier C and the two trays T, is an elongate vertically extending assembly. The carrier C is a sectional structure comprised of an upper molded plastic cup section 20 and a lower molded plastic receiver section 21. The receiver section is an elongate, vertically extending unitary part having a top wall 22, a cylindrical, tubular sidewall 23 and a flat, central, transversely extending, longitudinal center wall or portion 24.
The cylindrical, tubular sidewall 23 is slightly less in longitudinal extent than the bore 12 of the receptacle R and has flat upper and lower ends 24a and 25.
The sidewall 23 is slightly less in outside diameter than the diameter of the bore 12 of the receptacle R is adapted to be freely slidably engaged in and removed from engagement in the receptacle.
With the structure set forth above, it will be apparent that the top, side and central walls, 22, 23 and 24, of the receiver section 21 of the carrier C cooperate to define two elongate, longitudinally extending, normally downwardly opening chambers X and Y. The chambers X and Y are semicircular in cross section, having flat inner surfaces 26 defined by the central wall 24 and cylindrical outer surfaces 27 defined by the sidewall 23.
In addition to the above, the section 21 is provided with an annular, upwardly projecting flange 28 on the top wall 22 and a pair of cylindrical peglike projections 29 on the top wall, within the confines of the flange. The flange is smaller in diameter than the outside diameter of the sidewall 23.
The cap section 20 of the carrier C is a unitary part of limited longitudinal extent and is characterized by a substantially disc-shaped top portion 30 corresponding in outside diameter with the outside diameter of the receptacle R and a lower cylindrical portion 31 corresponding in axial extent with the socket 13 in the upper end of the receptacle and in outside diameter with the bore 12 of the receptacle.
The portions 30 and 31 cooperate to define an annular downwardly disposed stop shoulder 32 adapted to engage and stop against the upper end 15 of the receptacle and the portion 31 is provided with exterior threads 33 to cooperatively engage with the threads 14 in the socket 13.
The cap section 20 is formed to further define an annular downwardly opening channel 34 to cooperatively receive the flange 28 of the section 21 and downwardly opening socket openings 35 in which the peglike projections 29 enters when the sections 20 and 21 are assembled. The projections 29 are cemented in the socket openings 35 to fix the sections together.
When the sections 20 and 21 are assembled, the lower end 36 of the lower portion 31 of the upper section 26 terminates in spaced relationship above the upper end 24a of the section 21 and cooperates therewith and with the flange 28 to define an annular, radially outwardly opening sealing ring-receiving groove in which an O-ring type sealing ring S is engaged.
The sealing ring groove is adapted to occur within and oppose the bore 12 in the receptacle R adjacent the upper terminal end of said bore when the carrier C is fully engaged in the receptacle and the O-ring S is adapted to engage and seal with said bore when the structure is assembled as clearly illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings.
The trays T of the assembly A are substantially identical and each is adapted to carry a single lens L and to be slid into and out of engagement in one of the chambers X and Y of the receiver section 21 of the carrier C.
Each tray T is a unitary molded plastic part corresponding in longitudinal extent with its related chamber X or Y. Each tray T is characterized by or includes a semicylindrical wall 40 with a cylindrical outer surface 41 corresponding in circumferential extent and in radial extent with the outer surface 27 of its related chamber, a semicircular, radially inwardly disposed inside surface 42 and upper and lower ends 43 and 44. The wall 40 of the tray has flat, longitudinally extending circumferentially disposed side edges 45, which edges oppose and establish sliding bearing engagement on the surface 26 of the carrier chamber in which the tray is engaged.
The lower end portion of each tray T is provided with a block portion 46 within the confines of the wall 40. The block portion 46 has a flat, inwardly disposed inner surface 47 in a common plane with the edges 45 of the wall 40 and which normally oppose the surface 26 of the central wall 24 of the receiver section 21 in close proximity or in sliding bearing engagement therewith.
The block portion 46 is provided with and defines a radially inwardly opening concaved lens receiving cavity 48 which is normally closed by the central wall 24 of the section 21 and to which access can be had or made upon shifting the tray downwardly from engagement in its related chamber X or Y a sufficient distance to move the lower portion of the tray, in which the block portion occurs, from engagement in said chamber.
With the tray and receiver arrangement set forth above, it will be apparent that the lower end portion of one or the other of the trays can be slid axially downwardly from engagement in its related chamber in the carrier C to provide access to the cavity 48 therein and that a lens L can be engaged or positioned in said cavity or removed therefrom, as desired. It will be further apparent that when a lens is arranged in the cavity of a tray T and the tray is urged upwardly into full engagement in its related chamber in the carrier, the cavity is closed by the central wall 24 of the carrier to hold and maintain the lens captive in the cavity.
Still further, it will be apparent that when the trays are in the up or normal position within the carrier C, with lenses L arranged in the cavities 48 thereof, and the receiver portion 21 of the carrier is slid into engagement in the receptacle R and into the fluid provided therein, the lenses are effectively submerged in, flushed, and cleansed by the fluid.
Upon complete insertion of the receiver portion into the receptacle, the threads 14-33 engage so that upon relative rotation of the receptacle and carrier, they are effectively releasably locked together and the O-ring seal S is advanced into sealing engagement in the bore of the receptacle.
When the construction is thus assembled, it will be apparent that the interior of the construction is hermetically sealed and the lenses are effectively stored in the liquid and cannot become dehydrated.
It is to be understood that, in practice, when the carrier is disengaged from the receptacle and a tray T is withdrawn from the carrier to provide access to the cavity 48 therein, to remove or insert a lens L therein, the carrier is preferably held in a horizontal position and so that the cavity 48 is initially disposed upwardly and so that the lens L is not subject to sliding or dropping out of the cavity and being lost. Accordingly, references to relative vertical arrangement and movement of the tray relative to the carrier is for the purpose of describing the structural relationship of parts and not necessarily the manner in which the construction is used.
In addition to the foregoing basic components and parts and the relationship of said components and parts, the construction that I provide includes a plurality of special and novel features and means, the details of which will be described in the following.
So as to assure proper displacement of the cleaning fluid in the receptacle R in and about the carrier C, trays T, and lenses L, I provide the trays and receiver portion 21 of the carrier C with venting means which serves to vent air from within the construction as the air therein is displaced when the carrier C is inserted into the receptacle R and to assure free and proper displacement and flow of liquid within the construction and about the lenses L therein, and to prevent the establishment of fluid or airlocks within the construction.
The venting means that I provide includes longitudinally extending, downwardly, radially inwardly and outwardly opening slots 50 in diametrically opposite sides of the wall 23 of the section 21 of the carrier C, each of which slots is arranged to occur centrally of the outer surface of a related chamber X or Y and to establish communication between said chamber and the exterior of the carrier. The slots 50 terminate in sufficiently close proximity with or to the upper end of the section 21 and the chambers X and Y therein so that when the section 21 is urged downwardly into the receptacle R and the liquid therein, most of the air in the chambers, displaced by the liquid, is free to flow radially outward through the slots and upwardly in and outwardly through the upper open end of the receptacle.
The air that is not so vented and which is prevented from escaping from the receptacle by the seal S when the construction is fully made up, is negligible.
It will be apparent that the vent slots 50 function in a reverse manner and permit the entry of air into the chambers X and Y of the construction when the receptacle and carrier are disengaged from each other.
The venting means that I provide further includes one or more laterally spaced, longitudinally extending, substantially radially inwardly and axially upwardly and downwardly opening flow channels or slots 51 in the block portions 46 of the trays and intersecting the cavities 48 therein. The slots 51 permit the liquid in the receptacle to flow upwardly by and through the said block portions 46 and cavities 48, and into the chambers X and Y upon engagement of the carrier C into the receptacle and to flow in a reverse manner upon withdrawal of the carrier from the receptacle.
The slots 51 also direct and assure the flow of fluid about the lenses L in a manner to effectively flush and clean the lenses.
In addition to the above and to prevent the trapping of air in the cavities and about the lenses therein and to assure complete submersion of the lenses in the liquid, the trays T, at and through the block portions thereof, are provided with a multiplicity of substantially radially extending ports or apertures 52 establishing communication between the cavities 48 and the exteriors of the trays at their outer surfaces. The ports 52 are shown as being pie shaped or segmental so as to be as extensive as is possible, and are such that they permit the free flow of air and liquid through the walls of the trays and between the cavities 48 and the spaces between the outer surfaces of the trays and their opposing surfaces in the chambers X and Y, upon longitudinal relative shifting of the carrier and receptacle.
So as to permit the free flow of air and liquid in the above-noted spaces and to direct it to the slots 50 in the section 21 of the carrier I provide a longitudinal radially outwardly opening channel 53 in the outer surface 41 of each tray, to communicate with the slot 50 related thereto. The channels 53 extend from about the central axes of the cavities 48 to near the upper ends of the trays.
Finally, the venting means includes an elongate axially extending radially opening vent slot 54 in the upper portions of each tray communicating with the slot 50 and the channel 53 related thereto and permitting air and liquid in the chambers X or Y, radially inward of the upper portion of the trays, to flow freely into and out of the chambers, through the ports 50 and 54. Without the slots 54, the upper portions of the trays would act as valving members over the ports 50 and would prevent proper functioning of the venting means.
With the venting means set forth above, it will be apparent that the construction can be effectively opened and closed and the receptacle and carrier engaged and disengaged without the establishing of air or liquid locks, without improper displacement of liquid and with assurance of proper flushing, cleansing and immersion of the lenses.
In the preferred carrying out of the invention, and as illustrated in the drawings, retaining means are provided to releasably retain the trays T in their related chambers X and Y, in the fully engaged, normal positions and in their out or actuated positions.
The retaining means include a radially inwardly opening, longitudinally extending channel or groove 60 in the interior of each chamber X and Y, an outwardly projecting lug or protuberance 61 on each tray and slidably engaged in the groove 60 related thereto and axially spaced upper and lower projections in the grooves and engageable with the protuberances or lugs 61 to limit longitudinal movement of the trays.
In the case illustrated the channel or groove 60 in each chamber is in alignment with the slot 50 related to that chamber and extends longitudinally upwardly beyond the upper end of the slot 50. The slot 50 and the lower end portion of the channel or groove 60 are combined and cannot be distinguished one from the other.
The protuberances or lugs 61 occur at the upper ends of the trays, above the slots 54 therein and project radially outwardly therefrom and into sliding engagement in the channels or grooves 60.
The upper projections in the grooves 60 include transversely extending, inwardly projecting beads 62 in the upper end portions of the groove 60 and spaced below the upper terminal ends of said grooves. The beads 62 are of limited extent and are such that upon upward inward movement of the trays in the chambers X and Y to their fully engaged or normal position therein, the lugs 61 yieldingly ride over and pass the beads whereupon the beads normally yieldingly prevent outward and downward shifting of the trays.
The lower projections in the grooves 60 are shown as including a pair of laterally inwardly projecting, opposing camlike lobes 63 on opposite sides of the slots 50 at the lower end portions thereof and against which the lugs 61 stop when the trays are moved downwardly or outwardly to their actuated positions. The lobes 63 are such that upon the exertion of greater than normal outward force on the trays, and sufficient force to flex the walls of the carrier section 21, the trays can be easily and conveniently removed from engagement in the carrier for the purpose of cleaning the construction.
In practice, if the grooves 60 are spaced from the slots 50, the lower lug-engaging projections can be simple, transversely extending ribs in the bottoms of the grooves, at the lower end portions thereof and would function similar to the beads 62 referred to above.
To facilitate engagement of the trays T for shifting the trays to and from normal and actuated positions, the lower end portions of the sidewall 23 are relieved adjacent the outer lower ends of the chambers X and Y, as indicated at 70 and the trays are provided with radially outwardly projecting tabs 71 at their lower outer ends. The tabs 71 normally occur within the space defined by the relieved portions 70 and are easily engageable by the fingers or fingernails of the user of the construction for the purpose of withdrawing the trays from their normal to their actuated positions in the carrier.
In practice and to facilitate keeping track of and identifying dissimilar left and right eyelenses, the trays can be made of different colors; one color being for the left eyelens and the other color for the right eyelens.
Instead of color coding, the trays as set forth above, or to supplement such color coding, one or both of the trays can be provided with physical identifying characteristics. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 of the drawings, one tray can be provided with an identifying, radially inwardly projecting pin or post 80 at or adjacent its lower end, which pin can, for example, represent the tray intended to accommodate the right eyelens of the user and which is easily felt and detected.
Another highly important feature of the present invention resides in establishing that portion of the carrier engageable within the receptacle and the trays T of predetermined volumetric extent with respect to effective volume of the receptacle and the volume of liquid or cleansing solution therein and so that when the construction is fully assembled and in its normal upright position or when in any other position, the lenses L carried thereby are completely immersed in the solution, and so that when the construction is in an inverted position sufficient air and space occurs in the upwardly disposed lower end portion of the construction to allow for movement of the solution in a surging manner about the lenses upon vertical shaking of the construction, as indicated in FIG. 10.
In practice, it is desirable to rinse contact lens cleansing solution (such as employed in the instant invention) from lenses and to apply a special wetting solution to the lenses before they are engaged on the wearer's eyes. Such practice generally requires the user of the lenses to hold the lenses between his fingers and to subject the lenses to a stream of water issuing from a faucet, or the like, or to plunge them in a body of water to rinse the cleansing solution therefrom, preparatory to applying the wetting solution. Such practice is a major cause of loss of and damage to contact lenses.
An important feature of the present invention resides in the fact that the carrier C, with the lenses L engaged therein and when disengaged from the receiver R, is such that it can be easily, conveniently, and advantageously disposed in a stream of water or plunged in a body of water to effect rinsing the cleansing solution off of the lenses without the possibility of loss or damage thereto, and eliminating the heretofore necessary and undesirable manual manipulation and treating of the lenses referred to above.
Still further, after the lenses are rinsed in the carrier C, in the manner set forth above, and when each tray T is withdrawn to gain access to the lens therein, the lens is exposed and disposed in such a manner as to facilitate depositing the wetting solution thereon, without requiring manual engagement of the lens for that purpose.
Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any modifications and/or variations which may appear to those skilled in the art.
The provision and use of contact lenses to correct vision is becoming increasingly popular and such lenses are in wide use.
Contact lenses are generally small, substantially disc-shaped, concavo-convex lenses adapted to be arranged or worn in direct contact and engagement on the eyes of the wearer. Such lenses, to be comfortable, effective and safe, must be clean; must be such that they will remain wetted and lubricated by the lachrymal fluids or tears of the wearer and must be substantially unbreakable.
Contact lenses are commonly made of methylmethacrylate, commonly referred to as Plexiglas. Plexiglas is particularly suitable for establishment of contact lenses as it has desirable refractory characteristics, is substantially unbreakable, and is hygroscopic, being capable of rapidly absorbing and retaining a substantial amount of water or moisture. As a result of the hygroscopic nature of Plexiglas contact lenses, such lenses are readily lubricated by the wearer's tears and tend to remain so lubricated when in use.
While the use of Plexiglas for the establishment of contact lenses has the above-noted advantages, it has certain disadvantages. One disadvantage resides in the fact that if such lenses are allowed to dry out when not in use or in storage, they are subject to becoming distorted, brittle, and discolored. Accordingly, such lenses must be kept moist or wet when not in use. Another disadvantage to be found in Plexiglas contact lenses resides in the fact that tears contain impurities or salts which, when in solution, are absorbed into the Plexiglas with adverse effects, or will, if let to dry on the lenses, create deposits which if not removed will irritate the wearer's eyes.
As a result of the above, it is highly desirable if not imperative that contact lenses be kept wet and moist when in storage and that such lenses be cleaned regularly to remove the salts and impurities from the surfaces thereof and to leach out any salts and impurities absorbed thereby.
Contact lenses are extremely small items or units, are transparent, and are such that they are difficult to handle and manipulate and are frequently difficult to see, particularly by the wearer who is suffering from faulty vision.
As a result of the above, great care must be taken by the wearer of contact lenses when manually manipulating such lenses for engagement or removal from his eyes or for the purpose of cleaning his lenses.
Further, such lenses are normally provided in pairs, one for each eye of the wearer, and each is frequently refractorily distinct from the other. As a result, care must be taken to keep the lenses separate and identified as to which eye, the left or the right, each is intended for.
As a result of each of the foregoing factors, the prior art has given much consideration to the provision of means for storing, cleaning, and/or handling of contact lenses, with the view of making the general use of such lenses more practical and conventional. Such consideration has resulted in a multitude of structural means and devices intended to satisfy one or more of the recognized wants or demands, but which have proven to be of limited or qualified success.
An object of my invention is to provide a novel case for advantageously and properly storing and cleaning a pair of contact lenses and which is such that it makes handling and manipulation of the lenses easier, more convenient and safer than any means for like purposes provided by the prior art.
Another object of my invention is to provide a case for the purpose set forth above, which is such that each of a pair of lenses is maintained separate and distinguished from the other and so that each can be advantageously handled and manipulated as desired or as circumstances require.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a structure of the character referred to which is such that the lenses, when stored therein, are submerged in a suitable cleaning solution so that said lenses are maintained moist and so that salts and impurities deposited on and/or absorbed by the lenses are dissolved, washed and leached therefrom.
It is a feature of my invention to provide a case of the character referred to including an outer fluid receptacle, a carrier adapted to be shifted into and out of engagement in the receptacle, and a pair of lense receiving trays shiftably carried by the carrier; the receptacle being adapted to carry a predetermined volume of cleaning fluid and said carrier and trays being of predetermined volumetric extent whereby the combined volume of fluid and the carrier and trays is substantially equal with the interior volumetric extent of the receptacle and so that when the carrier and tray are engaged in the receptacle, the fluid therein is displaced to substantially fill the receptacle and submerge the lenses carried by the trays.
Another feature of my invention is to provide releasable securing means and sealing means on and between the receptacle and carrier whereby said receptacle and carrier can be releasably secured together and the interior of the structure is hermetically sealed when said receptacle and carrier are so secured.
It is another feature of this invention to provide the carrier and trays with novel venting means to permit and assure proper and adequate flow and passage of the liquid through and about the carrier and tray assembly and about the lenses carried thereby when said assembly is urged into, is within, and when it is withdrawn from the receptacle.
It is an object of my invention to provide a structure of the character referred to which is established of easy and economical to mass produce and assemble parts; a structure which is easy and convenient to operate, clean and maintain, and a structure which is rugged and durable.
The foregoing and other objects and features of my invention will be fully understood and appreciated by the following detailed description of one preferred form and carrying out of my invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric, elevational view showing one side and the upper end of my new case;
FIG. 2 is an isometric, detailed sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 2--2 on FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an elevational isometric view of the carrier and tray assembly that I provide, showing one tray in its normal or in position and the other tray in its actuated or out position;
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of one typical contact lens;
FIG. 5 is an end view of the structure shown in FIG. 3 and taken substantially as indicated by line 5--5 on FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken as indicated by line 6--6 on FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken as indicated by line 7--7 on FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken as indicated by line 8--8 on FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a tray that I provide; and,
FIG. 10 is an elevational view showing the case that I provide engaged by and between the user's fingers.
Referring to the drawings, the contact lens case that I provide includes generally a receptacle R and an assembly A comprising a carrier C and a pair of trays T adapted to be shifted into and out of engagement in the receptacle. The trays T are shiftably carried by the carrier from an in or normal position to an out or actuated position and each has a recess to receive and accommodate a contact lens L.
The lenses L shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings and in phantom lines in FIG. 10, are simple disc-shaped concavo-convex, Plexiglas lenses. Such lenses are subject to some variations in configuration, but for the purpose of this disclosure, the general description set forth above will suffice.
The receptacle R is an elongate, normally vertically extending, unitary molded plastic part having a substantially cylindrical, tubular sidewall 10 and a flat bottom wall 11. The sidewall 10 defines a cylindrical bore 12 and is provided at its upper end with an enlarged upwardly opening socket 13 of limited vertical extent, which socket is provided with interior screw threads 14. The bottom wall 11 closes the lower end of the receptacle. The upper terminal end 15 of the sidewall of the receptacle occurs in a flat, horizontal plane.
In the preferred carrying out of the invention, the interior or bore of the receptacle is provided with a fluid level mark 16 in the lower portion thereof to facilitate the user depositing a predetermined volume of fluid in the receptacle. In the case illustrated, the mark 16 is defined by a slight upwardly disposed, annular shoulder in the receptacle, defined by a counterbore or slight reduction in the diametric extent of the lower end portion of the bore.
The receptacle R is preferably provided with means about its exterior to facilitate manual engagement and holding of the receptacle. In the case illustrated the exterior of the sidewall is provided with circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending flats to serve the above-noted purpose.
The assembly A, made up of the carrier C and the two trays T, is an elongate vertically extending assembly. The carrier C is a sectional structure comprised of an upper molded plastic cup section 20 and a lower molded plastic receiver section 21. The receiver section is an elongate, vertically extending unitary part having a top wall 22, a cylindrical, tubular sidewall 23 and a flat, central, transversely extending, longitudinal center wall or portion 24.
The cylindrical, tubular sidewall 23 is slightly less in longitudinal extent than the bore 12 of the receptacle R and has flat upper and lower ends 24a and 25.
The sidewall 23 is slightly less in outside diameter than the diameter of the bore 12 of the receptacle R is adapted to be freely slidably engaged in and removed from engagement in the receptacle.
With the structure set forth above, it will be apparent that the top, side and central walls, 22, 23 and 24, of the receiver section 21 of the carrier C cooperate to define two elongate, longitudinally extending, normally downwardly opening chambers X and Y. The chambers X and Y are semicircular in cross section, having flat inner surfaces 26 defined by the central wall 24 and cylindrical outer surfaces 27 defined by the sidewall 23.
In addition to the above, the section 21 is provided with an annular, upwardly projecting flange 28 on the top wall 22 and a pair of cylindrical peglike projections 29 on the top wall, within the confines of the flange. The flange is smaller in diameter than the outside diameter of the sidewall 23.
The cap section 20 of the carrier C is a unitary part of limited longitudinal extent and is characterized by a substantially disc-shaped top portion 30 corresponding in outside diameter with the outside diameter of the receptacle R and a lower cylindrical portion 31 corresponding in axial extent with the socket 13 in the upper end of the receptacle and in outside diameter with the bore 12 of the receptacle.
The portions 30 and 31 cooperate to define an annular downwardly disposed stop shoulder 32 adapted to engage and stop against the upper end 15 of the receptacle and the portion 31 is provided with exterior threads 33 to cooperatively engage with the threads 14 in the socket 13.
The cap section 20 is formed to further define an annular downwardly opening channel 34 to cooperatively receive the flange 28 of the section 21 and downwardly opening socket openings 35 in which the peglike projections 29 enters when the sections 20 and 21 are assembled. The projections 29 are cemented in the socket openings 35 to fix the sections together.
When the sections 20 and 21 are assembled, the lower end 36 of the lower portion 31 of the upper section 26 terminates in spaced relationship above the upper end 24a of the section 21 and cooperates therewith and with the flange 28 to define an annular, radially outwardly opening sealing ring-receiving groove in which an O-ring type sealing ring S is engaged.
The sealing ring groove is adapted to occur within and oppose the bore 12 in the receptacle R adjacent the upper terminal end of said bore when the carrier C is fully engaged in the receptacle and the O-ring S is adapted to engage and seal with said bore when the structure is assembled as clearly illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings.
The trays T of the assembly A are substantially identical and each is adapted to carry a single lens L and to be slid into and out of engagement in one of the chambers X and Y of the receiver section 21 of the carrier C.
Each tray T is a unitary molded plastic part corresponding in longitudinal extent with its related chamber X or Y. Each tray T is characterized by or includes a semicylindrical wall 40 with a cylindrical outer surface 41 corresponding in circumferential extent and in radial extent with the outer surface 27 of its related chamber, a semicircular, radially inwardly disposed inside surface 42 and upper and lower ends 43 and 44. The wall 40 of the tray has flat, longitudinally extending circumferentially disposed side edges 45, which edges oppose and establish sliding bearing engagement on the surface 26 of the carrier chamber in which the tray is engaged.
The lower end portion of each tray T is provided with a block portion 46 within the confines of the wall 40. The block portion 46 has a flat, inwardly disposed inner surface 47 in a common plane with the edges 45 of the wall 40 and which normally oppose the surface 26 of the central wall 24 of the receiver section 21 in close proximity or in sliding bearing engagement therewith.
The block portion 46 is provided with and defines a radially inwardly opening concaved lens receiving cavity 48 which is normally closed by the central wall 24 of the section 21 and to which access can be had or made upon shifting the tray downwardly from engagement in its related chamber X or Y a sufficient distance to move the lower portion of the tray, in which the block portion occurs, from engagement in said chamber.
With the tray and receiver arrangement set forth above, it will be apparent that the lower end portion of one or the other of the trays can be slid axially downwardly from engagement in its related chamber in the carrier C to provide access to the cavity 48 therein and that a lens L can be engaged or positioned in said cavity or removed therefrom, as desired. It will be further apparent that when a lens is arranged in the cavity of a tray T and the tray is urged upwardly into full engagement in its related chamber in the carrier, the cavity is closed by the central wall 24 of the carrier to hold and maintain the lens captive in the cavity.
Still further, it will be apparent that when the trays are in the up or normal position within the carrier C, with lenses L arranged in the cavities 48 thereof, and the receiver portion 21 of the carrier is slid into engagement in the receptacle R and into the fluid provided therein, the lenses are effectively submerged in, flushed, and cleansed by the fluid.
Upon complete insertion of the receiver portion into the receptacle, the threads 14-33 engage so that upon relative rotation of the receptacle and carrier, they are effectively releasably locked together and the O-ring seal S is advanced into sealing engagement in the bore of the receptacle.
When the construction is thus assembled, it will be apparent that the interior of the construction is hermetically sealed and the lenses are effectively stored in the liquid and cannot become dehydrated.
It is to be understood that, in practice, when the carrier is disengaged from the receptacle and a tray T is withdrawn from the carrier to provide access to the cavity 48 therein, to remove or insert a lens L therein, the carrier is preferably held in a horizontal position and so that the cavity 48 is initially disposed upwardly and so that the lens L is not subject to sliding or dropping out of the cavity and being lost. Accordingly, references to relative vertical arrangement and movement of the tray relative to the carrier is for the purpose of describing the structural relationship of parts and not necessarily the manner in which the construction is used.
In addition to the foregoing basic components and parts and the relationship of said components and parts, the construction that I provide includes a plurality of special and novel features and means, the details of which will be described in the following.
So as to assure proper displacement of the cleaning fluid in the receptacle R in and about the carrier C, trays T, and lenses L, I provide the trays and receiver portion 21 of the carrier C with venting means which serves to vent air from within the construction as the air therein is displaced when the carrier C is inserted into the receptacle R and to assure free and proper displacement and flow of liquid within the construction and about the lenses L therein, and to prevent the establishment of fluid or airlocks within the construction.
The venting means that I provide includes longitudinally extending, downwardly, radially inwardly and outwardly opening slots 50 in diametrically opposite sides of the wall 23 of the section 21 of the carrier C, each of which slots is arranged to occur centrally of the outer surface of a related chamber X or Y and to establish communication between said chamber and the exterior of the carrier. The slots 50 terminate in sufficiently close proximity with or to the upper end of the section 21 and the chambers X and Y therein so that when the section 21 is urged downwardly into the receptacle R and the liquid therein, most of the air in the chambers, displaced by the liquid, is free to flow radially outward through the slots and upwardly in and outwardly through the upper open end of the receptacle.
The air that is not so vented and which is prevented from escaping from the receptacle by the seal S when the construction is fully made up, is negligible.
It will be apparent that the vent slots 50 function in a reverse manner and permit the entry of air into the chambers X and Y of the construction when the receptacle and carrier are disengaged from each other.
The venting means that I provide further includes one or more laterally spaced, longitudinally extending, substantially radially inwardly and axially upwardly and downwardly opening flow channels or slots 51 in the block portions 46 of the trays and intersecting the cavities 48 therein. The slots 51 permit the liquid in the receptacle to flow upwardly by and through the said block portions 46 and cavities 48, and into the chambers X and Y upon engagement of the carrier C into the receptacle and to flow in a reverse manner upon withdrawal of the carrier from the receptacle.
The slots 51 also direct and assure the flow of fluid about the lenses L in a manner to effectively flush and clean the lenses.
In addition to the above and to prevent the trapping of air in the cavities and about the lenses therein and to assure complete submersion of the lenses in the liquid, the trays T, at and through the block portions thereof, are provided with a multiplicity of substantially radially extending ports or apertures 52 establishing communication between the cavities 48 and the exteriors of the trays at their outer surfaces. The ports 52 are shown as being pie shaped or segmental so as to be as extensive as is possible, and are such that they permit the free flow of air and liquid through the walls of the trays and between the cavities 48 and the spaces between the outer surfaces of the trays and their opposing surfaces in the chambers X and Y, upon longitudinal relative shifting of the carrier and receptacle.
So as to permit the free flow of air and liquid in the above-noted spaces and to direct it to the slots 50 in the section 21 of the carrier I provide a longitudinal radially outwardly opening channel 53 in the outer surface 41 of each tray, to communicate with the slot 50 related thereto. The channels 53 extend from about the central axes of the cavities 48 to near the upper ends of the trays.
Finally, the venting means includes an elongate axially extending radially opening vent slot 54 in the upper portions of each tray communicating with the slot 50 and the channel 53 related thereto and permitting air and liquid in the chambers X or Y, radially inward of the upper portion of the trays, to flow freely into and out of the chambers, through the ports 50 and 54. Without the slots 54, the upper portions of the trays would act as valving members over the ports 50 and would prevent proper functioning of the venting means.
With the venting means set forth above, it will be apparent that the construction can be effectively opened and closed and the receptacle and carrier engaged and disengaged without the establishing of air or liquid locks, without improper displacement of liquid and with assurance of proper flushing, cleansing and immersion of the lenses.
In the preferred carrying out of the invention, and as illustrated in the drawings, retaining means are provided to releasably retain the trays T in their related chambers X and Y, in the fully engaged, normal positions and in their out or actuated positions.
The retaining means include a radially inwardly opening, longitudinally extending channel or groove 60 in the interior of each chamber X and Y, an outwardly projecting lug or protuberance 61 on each tray and slidably engaged in the groove 60 related thereto and axially spaced upper and lower projections in the grooves and engageable with the protuberances or lugs 61 to limit longitudinal movement of the trays.
In the case illustrated the channel or groove 60 in each chamber is in alignment with the slot 50 related to that chamber and extends longitudinally upwardly beyond the upper end of the slot 50. The slot 50 and the lower end portion of the channel or groove 60 are combined and cannot be distinguished one from the other.
The protuberances or lugs 61 occur at the upper ends of the trays, above the slots 54 therein and project radially outwardly therefrom and into sliding engagement in the channels or grooves 60.
The upper projections in the grooves 60 include transversely extending, inwardly projecting beads 62 in the upper end portions of the groove 60 and spaced below the upper terminal ends of said grooves. The beads 62 are of limited extent and are such that upon upward inward movement of the trays in the chambers X and Y to their fully engaged or normal position therein, the lugs 61 yieldingly ride over and pass the beads whereupon the beads normally yieldingly prevent outward and downward shifting of the trays.
The lower projections in the grooves 60 are shown as including a pair of laterally inwardly projecting, opposing camlike lobes 63 on opposite sides of the slots 50 at the lower end portions thereof and against which the lugs 61 stop when the trays are moved downwardly or outwardly to their actuated positions. The lobes 63 are such that upon the exertion of greater than normal outward force on the trays, and sufficient force to flex the walls of the carrier section 21, the trays can be easily and conveniently removed from engagement in the carrier for the purpose of cleaning the construction.
In practice, if the grooves 60 are spaced from the slots 50, the lower lug-engaging projections can be simple, transversely extending ribs in the bottoms of the grooves, at the lower end portions thereof and would function similar to the beads 62 referred to above.
To facilitate engagement of the trays T for shifting the trays to and from normal and actuated positions, the lower end portions of the sidewall 23 are relieved adjacent the outer lower ends of the chambers X and Y, as indicated at 70 and the trays are provided with radially outwardly projecting tabs 71 at their lower outer ends. The tabs 71 normally occur within the space defined by the relieved portions 70 and are easily engageable by the fingers or fingernails of the user of the construction for the purpose of withdrawing the trays from their normal to their actuated positions in the carrier.
In practice and to facilitate keeping track of and identifying dissimilar left and right eyelenses, the trays can be made of different colors; one color being for the left eyelens and the other color for the right eyelens.
Instead of color coding, the trays as set forth above, or to supplement such color coding, one or both of the trays can be provided with physical identifying characteristics. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 of the drawings, one tray can be provided with an identifying, radially inwardly projecting pin or post 80 at or adjacent its lower end, which pin can, for example, represent the tray intended to accommodate the right eyelens of the user and which is easily felt and detected.
Another highly important feature of the present invention resides in establishing that portion of the carrier engageable within the receptacle and the trays T of predetermined volumetric extent with respect to effective volume of the receptacle and the volume of liquid or cleansing solution therein and so that when the construction is fully assembled and in its normal upright position or when in any other position, the lenses L carried thereby are completely immersed in the solution, and so that when the construction is in an inverted position sufficient air and space occurs in the upwardly disposed lower end portion of the construction to allow for movement of the solution in a surging manner about the lenses upon vertical shaking of the construction, as indicated in FIG. 10.
In practice, it is desirable to rinse contact lens cleansing solution (such as employed in the instant invention) from lenses and to apply a special wetting solution to the lenses before they are engaged on the wearer's eyes. Such practice generally requires the user of the lenses to hold the lenses between his fingers and to subject the lenses to a stream of water issuing from a faucet, or the like, or to plunge them in a body of water to rinse the cleansing solution therefrom, preparatory to applying the wetting solution. Such practice is a major cause of loss of and damage to contact lenses.
An important feature of the present invention resides in the fact that the carrier C, with the lenses L engaged therein and when disengaged from the receiver R, is such that it can be easily, conveniently, and advantageously disposed in a stream of water or plunged in a body of water to effect rinsing the cleansing solution off of the lenses without the possibility of loss or damage thereto, and eliminating the heretofore necessary and undesirable manual manipulation and treating of the lenses referred to above.
Still further, after the lenses are rinsed in the carrier C, in the manner set forth above, and when each tray T is withdrawn to gain access to the lens therein, the lens is exposed and disposed in such a manner as to facilitate depositing the wetting solution thereon, without requiring manual engagement of the lens for that purpose.
Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any modifications and/or variations which may appear to those skilled in the art.