Integrated Bottle, Case and Mirror

Abstract

A compact, stackable, integrated, and re-useable contact lens case and contact lens solution bottle comprising at least one bottle for storage of at least one solution, at least one bottle cap comprising a nozzle with a closing cap, at least one contact lens case, and at least one cover. Embodiments of the device further comprise at least one mirror. The components of the device are securely and removably stackable upon each other. Preferably, when stacked together, the integrated device is one unit that is easily stored and transported.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to contact lens cases and the various solutions and associated bottles and containers used in connection with the cleaning, disinfection, rinsing and storage of contact lenses. More specifically, the present invention relates to an integrated solution container and dispensing bottle having stackable and removable contact lens cases and covers that can be separated from each other when desired.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Contact lenses are corrective, cosmetic, or therapeutic lenses usually placed on the cornea of the eye. Most commonly, contact lenses are used to improve vision. Based upon various characteristics relating to the contact lenses and their usage, including the material of construction of the lenses, frequency of use and replacement, and wear time, contact lenses require cleaning to disinfect the lenses, remove bacteria and fungi, and to prevent discomfort and infections.[0003]Various types of cleaning, disi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0031]Further, when the user wants to dispense the solution, the contact lens case(s) attached to the bottle cap is / are removed (either one at a time or all together), the user lifts the nozzle lid off the nozzle, tilts or rotates the bottle, and squeezes the bottle thereby dispensing the solution, most likely into the users hand for cleaning or rinsing of a contact lens. If the user wants to remove his / her contact lens(es) and store them for cleaning or for usage at a later time, the user removes (e.g. unscrews) the contact lens cover from the uppermost contact lens case and / or separates one of the contact lens cases from the stacked configuration, places the contact into the contact lens case and then dispenses solution into the contact case using the bottle. Removability of the contact lens case(s) from the bottle is one advantage of the invention, particularly when using the solution and / or cleaning and / or preparing the contacts for storage in the contact lens cases.

Problems solved by technology

While it may be possible to purchase the requisite solution at a local store when outside the home, it is cost prohibitive to continuously purchase solution(s), a contact lens could dry out and become unusable if solution is not readily available, it is often an inconvenience to have to leave a location to go get solution, and depending upon the hour of the day and the location, a store with solution may not be open or accessible.

The numerous items that need to be carried create a burden to users.

Having separate and distinct solution bottles and contact lens cases is practical when using the devices because when a user wants to introduce solution for the care of the contact lens(es) into the contact lens case, it would not be possible to do so if the case and container were connected to each other.

While separate cases and containers are desired during usage, it is inconvenient to carry, and oftentimes difficult to remember to take, all the components for proper maintenance of the contact lens, e.g., solution bottles, contact lens cases and mirror.

Those attempts, however, result in devices where 1) the contact lens case / holder is attached to the bottle of solution container and not configured for use separated from the bottle or 2) devices where bottles and contact lens cases are separately stored within larger carrying cases resulting in more space consumption thereby making transportation more inconvenient and creating the chance to misplace pieces of the kits or for them to separate.

A contact lens holder and fluid container are incorporated into a unitary body but are not separable for use independently, particularly the contact lens holder.

The device according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,517 is also much bulkier than desired.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0229999 discloses a device that combines a contact lens container with a circulating solution system but again, the contact lens storage case portion of the device is not separable from the remainder of the device for use individually on flat surfaces and the contact lens case is bulky and inconvenient.

The device according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,017 is also bulky and requires storage of individual components within a larger case.

Again, much like the U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,017, the device according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,867 is also bulky and requires storage of individual components within a larger case.

None of the aforementioned patents or devices provides for a highly compact, stackable contact lens solution and carry case device suitable for travel as a single unit, in a stable and sealed manner, and also capable of being separated into component parts during intended use of the solution and the contact lens cases.

Accordingly, none of the aforementioned patents or devices provide for an effective integrated traveling device for contact lens solutions and cases.

In addition, none of the aforementioned patents or devices provide for a reusable contact lens carry case for a single contact lens.

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