Contact lens case - single hand operation

Abstract

A contact lens case which provides single hand operation to reduce finger touchpoints, subsequent risk of contamination, improves hygiene and user convenience. The unique innovative design is molded of plastic and assembled using three components: a single lid which includes two axles protruding vertically from its underside and a separate pair of vessels which are identical to one another and incorporate bowl receptacles for storage of contact lenses. The vessels snap onto the axles of the lid and swing horizontally to open and to close.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]a. FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to devices for storing contact lenses.[0003]b. DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART[0004]All prior art of contact lens cases are outdated in design and function. There is no prior art that is similar to the present invention beyond being contact lens cases which carry contact lenses with two separate bowls sealed in fluid. No currently available case can be held and simultaneously operated with one hand. No currently available case uses a single lid along with two separate components for lens receptacle bowls. No currently available case uses a vertical axle for horizontal swing of open and close function for individual bowls. There are only two prior art subjects of interest known to applicant. The first is U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,376 B2 Title CONTACT LENS CASE with Inventors: Frans Mahieu et. al. and assignee Novartis A G. This patent is significant because of its claims of providing single hand operatio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021]This contact tens case invention facilitates hygiene routines aligned with FDA and CDC guidelines than existing cases. With fewer surfaces touched prior to touching the eye and with fewer crevices close to the lenses, contamination is less likely. Improved convenience encourages more frequent and effective sanitary routines which improve user confidence, consumer loyalty, peace of mind and reduced risk of eye infection / disease.

Problems solved by technology

All prior art of contact lens cases are outdated in design and function.

No currently available case can be held and simultaneously operated with one hand.

No currently available case uses a single lid along with two separate components for lens receptacle bowls.

No currently available case uses a vertical axle for horizontal swing of open and close function for individual bowls.

It is not practical and it is not designed to open the unit with the same hand by which it is held.

This provisional patent had been abandoned unintentionally.

Inconvenient ergonomics of currently available cases contribute to inadequate hygienic user routines recommended by the FDA, CDC and industry authorities (especially during frequent non-ideal unpleasant circumstances and unclean environs such as public bathroom counters).

Currently available lens cases ergonomics result in excessive finger touch points during use.

Each surface touched Increases chance of contamination and subsequent eye infection / disease risk.

They are impractical, dysfunctional, unbalanced, inconvenient, have precarious lock mechanisms, loose droppable lids, and commonly leak, all of which disrupt user routines.

The most prevalent existing cases (the twist on threaded lid) risk dropping the detachable untethered lids.

The snap-fit lids with tethered living-hinges with are precarious and unbalanced and have tabs which easily snag and spill.

The oases which use horizontal metal axle hinges are overly small ergonomically and have uneven leverage compression against lid gaskets.

The lids rely on latches on the opposite side of the axle pins which easily snag and spill.

Every ridge or crevice accumulates dirt and germs which increase contamination risk.

If the lid is removed prior to washing hands there is significant risk of water splashing into the receptacle.

The drawbacks of currently available cases described above contribute to both risk of contamination and consumer inconvenience.

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