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EP0530055A1 - Contact lens holder - Google Patents

Contact lens holder Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0530055A1
EP0530055A1 EP92400786A EP92400786A EP0530055A1 EP 0530055 A1 EP0530055 A1 EP 0530055A1 EP 92400786 A EP92400786 A EP 92400786A EP 92400786 A EP92400786 A EP 92400786A EP 0530055 A1 EP0530055 A1 EP 0530055A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
teeth
case according
skirt
housings
complementary
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP92400786A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0530055B1 (en
Inventor
Michael J. Sealey
Claude Bourset
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
EssilorLuxottica SA
Original Assignee
Essilor International Compagnie Generale dOptique SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Essilor International Compagnie Generale dOptique SA filed Critical Essilor International Compagnie Generale dOptique SA
Publication of EP0530055A1 publication Critical patent/EP0530055A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0530055B1 publication Critical patent/EP0530055B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A45C11/005Contact lens cases

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a case for packaging a contact lens, in particular disposable, immersed in a liquid, comprising a cylindrical body with an internal cavity closed at the end by a plug.
  • the marketing of contact lenses takes place in two stages; the first stage involves the delivery to an optician of batches of contact lenses with parameters corresponding to those required for the optician's clientele; the second stage involves the selection, by the optician, of a pair of contact lenses adapted to the correction of ametropia necessary for each eye of a determined client, and the supply to the client of the pair of selected lenses, in a two-compartment packaging case for right and left lenses.
  • the lenses after the completion of their manufacture, comprising sterilization, must be stored in a liquid whose composition approximates that of tears, capable of maintaining the asepsis of the lenses, of protecting them against shocks by keeping them appreciably in floating balance, to maintain, in the case of soft lenses, their appropriate state of hydration, and to marry with tears when placed on the eyeball.
  • contact lenses are delivered by the manufacturer in individual packages, often glass vials, bearing indications relating to the technical parameters of the lens.
  • the optician to prepare the delivery to a customer, will select the bottles corresponding to the lenses required by each of a customer's eyes, and transfer each of the lenses to a compartment of the case intended for the customer.
  • the invention proposes a packaging case of a contact lens, in particular disposable lens, immersed in a liquid, comprising a cylindrical body with an internal cavity closed by a plug, characterized in that the body comprises a skirt tubular which extends between two straight sections, with a first section, which receives the plug, closed by a wall, in continuity with the skirt, and shaped as a concave cap defining the internal cavity, while the second straight section is provided with 'coupling members, capable of cooperating with such coupling members of a second case of structure identical to that of the first, to assemble the two cases with their skirts aligned.
  • the individual case can be produced at a competitive price with regard to current bottles, by shaping a plastic material suitably chosen for its neutrality with respect to the liquid in which the lenses are immersed, for example a homopolymer such than polypropylene.
  • the coupled pair of cases as it will be supplied to the customer wearing contact lenses, will also be produced at a competitive price vis-à-vis current two-compartment cases, especially as the possible series and the simplicity of shape are clearly in favor of the pair of coupled cases.
  • the search for aesthetics will mainly play on details of appearance and surface conditions of practically zero economic impact on the case produced.
  • the manipulations that the optician will have to carry out to go from the manufacturer's packaging to the optician's packaging will be greatly reduced.
  • any case according to the invention can be coupled with each of the other cases, so that the pair of cases containing the pair of lenses adapted to each of the eyes of a customer, can be coupled without other manipulation, even if verification of the lenses themselves, and identification of the destination to the eyes is still necessary.
  • the compartments could have the shape of cylindrical bodies with an internal cavity closed by a plug, and could be fixed in a common housing by insertion of a circular cavity with a groove around a washer in metal or plastic with a peripheral protruding cord that fits into the throat.
  • the coupling in alignment of two compartments of this type could be carried out using a washer with a peripheral cord at each of its sections.
  • the skirt in its first straight section, is shaped as a collar set back from the peripheral surface of the skirt with an external thread onto which the plug is screwed.
  • This arrangement allows constitute the cap with an internally threaded skirt which comes into alignment with the peripheral surface of the body skirt, while the seal, which bears on the collar, is held inside the cap skirt.
  • the coupling members consist of a coaxial crown of the skirt set back from the outer surface thereof, constituting trapezoid teeth regularly spaced angularly apart, separated by complementary housings of the teeth.
  • the coupling is then made by inserting the teeth of one case into the housings of the other case.
  • the friction of the teeth against the residual skirt wall at the height of the housings provides a certain hold, which can be reinforced by gluing, or belting of the skirts at their connection by an adhesive strip.
  • the coupling members comprise at least two indentations regularly distributed angularly each comprising, in peripheral succession, a first zone of internal cylindrical bore over a given axial depth, a second zone of frustoconical bore widening towards the top on the given axial depth, the radius of the large base of the truncated cone being equal to that of the bore of the first zone, and a third zone, projecting beyond the second straight section, with a profile complementary to that of the second zone.
  • the imprints are three in number, with the first and second zones extending peripherally over approximately 35 ° while the third zone extends over approximately 30 °.
  • the coupling of the two cases is obtained by axial engagement of the projections of the third zones of each of the imprints of one and the other of the cases in the cylindrical bore of the other or one of the cases which found in correspondence, then relative rotation of the two cases so that the projections of third zones engage against the tapered bores of the second zones of the corresponding cavity, of complementary profile, thus forming an axial retaining coupling.
  • a packaging case for contact lens represented here in duplicate, of identical structure, for each accommodating a lens assigned to an eye of a subject, as will be commented on below.
  • a packaging case for contact lens represented here in duplicate, of identical structure, for each accommodating a lens assigned to an eye of a subject, as will be commented on below.
  • This skirt 11, 21, extended by its collar 13, 23 which forms an integral part thereof extends to a straight end section which receives the plug 30, 40, and will be said to be first.
  • This first straight section is closed by a wall 12, 22, in continuity with the skirt, and shaped as a concave cap, which constitutes an internal cavity, closable by the plug 30, 40, and intended to receive a liquid for preservation in immersion.
  • a contact lens according to almost universal practice.
  • the plug 30, 40 is constituted by a circular bottom 31, 41, the diameter of which is substantially that of the skirt 10, 20, bordered by a skirt 32 , 42 carrying an internal thread 33, 43 complementary to the thread of the collar 13, 23.
  • the thread 33 is invisible, due to the constraints of representation. It will be the same for other elements of case or stopper, which are only visible on the representation of one of the cases.
  • a seal 35, 45 housed in the cap into the connection 31, 41 and the skirt 32, 42 will bear on the end edge 13a, 23a of the collar 13, 23, in the plane of the first section skirt right 10, 20.
  • the second cross section of the skirt 10, 20 is defined by an end edge 11 a , 21 a which is flat and occupies substantially the outer half of the thickness of the skirt.
  • a coupling ring composed of trapezoid teeth 14, 14 ′, 14 ⁇ , 14 ′′′, 24, 24 ′, 24 ⁇ , 24 ′′′, separated by complementary housings 15, 25.
  • the drawing requirements only make it possible to clearly show that one housing 25, while one can guess the locations of the other housings 15 and 25, the shape of which is identical.
  • the contact lenses will be delivered by the manufacturer to the opticians, each in a clean case, immersed in an appropriate preservation liquid contained in the internal cavity defined by the wall in a concave cap 12, 22 , and closed by its plug 30, 40. It will however be noted that the distinction between bodies 10 and 20 will not exist, at this stage, where each case will only be distinguished by the reference to the parameters of the contact lens which it contains. The delivery will be made in quantities, according to the orders of the opticians.
  • the loss of the bottles currently used for delivery from the manufacturer to the opticians is eliminated, and the manipulations necessary to materialize the destination of the lenses corresponding to each of the eyes of each of the wearers are reduced.
  • FIG. 2 a variant of the coupling members is seen, which ensures positive longitudinal locking of the two bodies 50 and 60.
  • the coupling members 52, 62 identical to the bodies 10, 20 of Figure 1; the skirts 51, 61 are shown without details corresponding to the plugs and threaded collars.
  • the coupling members 52, 62 arranged at the end which has been called by convention of second straight section, for each body 50, 60, three repeating imprints at 120 ° on the periphery.
  • Each imprint comprises three zones: a first zone 52 a , 62 a extends over a peripheral arc of approximately 35 °, and consists of a cylindrical bore, of a depth along the axis of the determined body and of a radius such that the wall is thinned to about a third of its normal thickness; a second area 52 b, 62 b extends peripherally over approximately 35 °, and consists of a tapered bore which tapers upwards (heard when the body is arranged with its plug upwardly for opening of the case), extending in axial direction over the same depth as the first region 52 a, 62 a; the radius of the large base of the truncated cone is equal to the radius of the first zone cylindrical bore; the radius of the small base of the truncated cone is such that it enter
  • the third zone 52 c , 62 c projects beyond the second straight section, over a length equal to the depth of the first bores 52 a , 62 a , and second zones 52 b , 62 b , over an extent peripheral about 30 °, and has a complementary profile of the second zone 52 B , 62 b .
  • the two bodies or cases 50, 60 they are presented, as shown, in axial alignment with the second straight sections facing each other, the third zone projection 52 c , 62 c , opposite the cylindrical bore of the other case 62 a , 52 a .
  • the third zone projections 52 c , 62 c are engaged in the first zones 62 a , 52 a fully , then the two bodies are pivoted one relative to the other 60, here in the direction of the needles d 'A watch for the case seen from the side of the cap, so that the third projecting zone 52 c , 62 c engages in the frustoconical bore of the second zone 62 b , 52 b , complementary.
  • the arrangement according to FIG. 3 is derived from that of FIG. 1, with a coupling ring 102, 112 formed in the lower half of the skirt thickness 101, 111 on the side of the second straight section of the case 100, 110.
  • Teeth 102 b , 112 b engage in trapezoidal housings 112 a , 102 a .
  • the teeth 102 b , 112 b have, at the end, open circular mortises capable of snapping onto circular studs projecting from the bottom of the trapezoidal housings 112 a , 102 a , the snapping occurring by tangential elastic deformation of the teeth 102 b , 112 b on either side of the mortises. This produces a pair coupling of the cases, which excludes accidental separation.
  • the arrangement according to FIG. 4 also includes coupling rings 152, 162, in extension of the skirts 151, 161 of the cases 150, 160.
  • the coupling rings include rectangular projecting teeth 152 b , 162 b , and complementary housings 162 a , 152 a .
  • the opposite faces of the housing 152a, 162a and teeth 152 b, 162 b have a profile conforming to a torus, the profile of the teeth 152 b, 162 b being convex while the housing is concave.
  • a snap-fitting is thus obtained by radial elastic deformation of the teeth 152 b , 162 b .
  • the arrangement shown in FIG. 5 comprises, on each of the second straight sections 202, 212 of the cases 200, 210, a succession at regular angular spacing alternately of barrel pegs 202 b , 212 b , and complementary housings 212 a , 202 a . Coupling in pairs is obtained by pushing the pins 202 b , 212 b , into the housings 212 a , 202 a . A snap occurs, by radial elastic deformation of the housings, from their axes, during installation.
  • FIG. 6 The arrangement according to FIG. 6 is similar to that of FIG. 2, in the sense that the coupling of the cases 250, 260, in pairs is obtained by approximation along the axis, and rotation around the axis. But these two movements are simultaneous and result from a screwing with interrupted threads.
  • Coupling rings 252, 262 comprise on the one hand projecting teeth 252 c , 262 c externally provided with a portion of projecting thread, and on the other hand cavities with an inlet 252 a , 262 a matching a cylinder, juxtaposed peripherally to a pan with internal thread 252 b , 262 b , complementary to the thread of the teeth 252 c , 262 c , this thread being provided so that the engagement of the projecting threads of the teeth 252 c , 262 c in the threads hollow sections 262 b , 252 b being complete, the straight end sections 252, 262 come into contact.
  • the end of the tooth threads 252 c , 262 c closest to the respective cross section 252, 262 has a protruding grain 252 e , 262 e , capable of being housed in a complementary recess in the internal threads of the flaps. 262 b , 252 b , at the bottom of the screwing of the cases 250, 260 one on the other. The ratcheting thus carried out prohibits accidental separation.
  • a case will suitably have the following measurements: external diameter 26 mm, skirt height 12 mm, including a collar 5 mm, skirt wall thickness 3 mm, axial depth of the coupling means 2.5 mm (in seconds version), total length of a pair of matched cases with 27 mm plugs.
  • the internal cavity is in the form of a spherical cap, with a radius of 11 mm, and extends over an arc of 120 °.
  • the molding may include details which bring an aesthetic touch, which should not be overlooked since the cases are used by subjects wearing contact lenses, until these lenses are out of use.

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  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
  • Led Device Packages (AREA)
  • Eyeglasses (AREA)
  • Packaging Frangible Articles (AREA)
  • Non-Silver Salt Photosensitive Materials And Non-Silver Salt Photography (AREA)
  • Glass Compositions (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

The packaging case for contact lenses immersed in a liquid comprises a cylindrical body (10, 20) consisting of a tubular skirt (11, 21), closed at a first cross section by a concave domed wall (12, 22) which forms a receptacle for the liquid and the lens, closed by a screw cap (30, 40). The second end cross section is equipped with coupling members (14, 15; 24, 25), consisting of a crown formed from teeth (14, 24), so that it is possible to assemble two identical cases with the teeth (14, 24) engaged in the housings (25, 15). <IMAGE>

Description

L'invention se rapporte à un étui de conditionnement d'une lentille de contact, notamment jetable, en immersion dans un liquide, comportant un corps cylindrique avec une cavité interne obturée en bout par un bouchon.The invention relates to a case for packaging a contact lens, in particular disposable, immersed in a liquid, comprising a cylindrical body with an internal cavity closed at the end by a plug.

D'une façon très générale, la commercialisation des lentilles de contact s'opère en deux stades ; le premier stade comporte la livraison à un opticien de lots de lentilles de contact avec des paramètres correspondant à ceux qui sont requis pour la clientèle de l'opticien ; le second stade comporte la sélection, par l'opticien, d'une paire de lentilles de contact adaptées à la correction d'amétropie nécessaire à chaque oeil d'un client déterminé, et la fourniture au client de la paire de lentilles sélectionnées, dans un étui de conditionnement à deux compartiments pour les lentilles droite et gauche.Generally speaking, the marketing of contact lenses takes place in two stages; the first stage involves the delivery to an optician of batches of contact lenses with parameters corresponding to those required for the optician's clientele; the second stage involves the selection, by the optician, of a pair of contact lenses adapted to the correction of ametropia necessary for each eye of a determined client, and the supply to the client of the pair of selected lenses, in a two-compartment packaging case for right and left lenses.

Les lentilles, après l'achèvement de leur fabrication, comportant une stérilisation, doivent être conservées dans un liquide dont la composition se rapproche de celle des larmes, capable de maintenir l'asepsie des lentilles, de les protéger contre des chocs en les maintenant sensiblement en équilibre flottant, de maintenir, lorsqu'il s'agit de lentilles souples, leur état d'hydratation approprié, et de se marier avec les larmes lors de la pose sur le globe oculaire.The lenses, after the completion of their manufacture, comprising sterilization, must be stored in a liquid whose composition approximates that of tears, capable of maintaining the asepsis of the lenses, of protecting them against shocks by keeping them appreciably in floating balance, to maintain, in the case of soft lenses, their appropriate state of hydration, and to marry with tears when placed on the eyeball.

Actuellement, en règle générale, les lentilles de contact sont livrées par le fabricant en emballages individuels, souvent flacons de verre, portant des indications relatives aux paramètres techniques de la lentille.Currently, as a general rule, contact lenses are delivered by the manufacturer in individual packages, often glass vials, bearing indications relating to the technical parameters of the lens.

L'opticien, pour préparer la livraison à un client, va sélectionner les flacons correspondant aux lentilles nécessitées par chacun des yeux d'un client, et transférer chacune des lentilles dans un compartiment de l'étui destiné au client.The optician, to prepare the delivery to a customer, will select the bottles corresponding to the lenses required by each of a customer's eyes, and transfer each of the lenses to a compartment of the case intended for the customer.

Mais les flacons de livraison à l'opticien sont pratiquement perdus, les frais correspondant à leur retour vides au fabricant, au tri des flacons réutilisables, et à leur nettoyage dépassant les frais de première utilisation de flacons en y incluant leur prix d'achat.But the delivery bottles to the optician are practically lost, the costs corresponding to their return empty to the manufacturer, sorting the reusable bottles, and their cleaning exceeding the costs of first use of bottles including their purchase price.

Mais, néanmoins, le poste conditionnement pour livraison aux opticiens pèse sur le prix de revient du fabricant. Tant que les lentilles de contact sont restées dans la catégorie des produits de luxe, adoptées pour s'affranchir du port, tenu pour inesthétique, de lunettes, la contribution du conditionnement au prix de revient pouvait être négligée. Les progrès en matière de lentilles de contact, tant sous l'aspect de la tolérance physiologique que sous l'aspect prix de revient, ont conduit à un élargissement considérable du marché, avec un alourdissement relatif significatif des frais de conditionnement. L'apparition relativement récente de lentilles de contact, dites jetables, qui sont remplacées après une durée d'usage limitée, et dont le prix est nécessairement réduit en conséquence tandis que la production est multipliée, vient accroître l'incidence du conditionnement sur le prix de revient, ce dernier décroissant tandis que les frais de conditionnement de chaque lentille restent pratiquement fixes.However, the packaging item for delivery to opticians weighs on the manufacturer's cost price. As long as contact lenses remained in the category of luxury products, adopted to overcome the wearing, considered unattractive, of glasses, the contribution of packaging to cost price could be neglected. Advances in contact lenses, both in terms of physiological tolerance and in terms of cost, have led to a considerable expansion of the market, with a significant relative increase in packaging costs. The relatively recent appearance of so-called disposable contact lenses, which are replaced after a limited period of use, and whose price is necessarily reduced accordingly while production is multiplied, increases the impact of packaging on the price cost, the latter decreasing while the packaging costs of each lens remain practically fixed.

D'autre part, il était commercialement inacceptable que les lentilles de contact soient fournies aux clients dans le conditionnement du fabricant, non personnalisé, ne serait-ce que parce que, actuellement, les lentilles de contact leur sont fournies en étuis personnalisés, avec une recherche d'esthétique et une identification aisée de l'oeil à appareiller.On the other hand, it was commercially unacceptable that contact lenses were supplied to customers in the manufacturer's packaging, not personalized, if only because, currently, contact lenses are supplied to them in personalized cases, with a aesthetic research and easy identification of the eye to be fitted.

Pour permettre de fournir à la clientèle des étuis de conditionnement de lentilles de contact qui reprennent le conditionnement du fabricant tout en gardant les aspects attractifs des étuis courants tels que livrés à la clientèle des opticiens, l'invention propose un étui de conditionnement d'une lentille de contact, notamment lentille jetable, en immersion dans un liquide, comportant un corps cylindrique avec une cavité interne obturée par un bouchon, caractérisé en ce que le corps comporte une jupe tubulaire qui s'étend entre deux sections droites, avec une première section, qui reçoit le bouchon, fermée par une paroi, en continuité avec la jupe, et conformée en calotte concave définissant la cavité interne, tandis que la seconde section droite est munie d'organes de couplage, aptes à coopérer avec de tels organes de couplage d'un second étui de structure identique à celle du premier, pour assembler les deux étuis avec leurs jupes alignées.To enable customers to be supplied with contact lens packaging cases which take up the packaging of the manufacturer while keeping the attractive aspects of current cases as delivered to opticians' customers, the invention proposes a packaging case of a contact lens, in particular disposable lens, immersed in a liquid, comprising a cylindrical body with an internal cavity closed by a plug, characterized in that the body comprises a skirt tubular which extends between two straight sections, with a first section, which receives the plug, closed by a wall, in continuity with the skirt, and shaped as a concave cap defining the internal cavity, while the second straight section is provided with 'coupling members, capable of cooperating with such coupling members of a second case of structure identical to that of the first, to assemble the two cases with their skirts aligned.

L'étui individuel peut être produit à un prix compétitif au regard du flaconnage actuel, par mise en forme d'une matière plastique convenablement choisie pour sa neutralité vis-à-vis du liquide dans lequel sont immergées les lentilles, par exemple un homopolymère tel que le polypropylène. La paire couplée d'étuis, telle qu'elle sera fournie au client porteur de lentilles de contact sera produite également à un prix compétitif vis-à-vis des étuis à deux compartiments actuels, d'autant que les séries envisageables et la simplicité de forme sont nettement en faveur de la paire d'étuis couplés. La recherche d'esthétique jouera essentiellement sur des détails d'aspect et d'états de surface d'incidence économique pratiquement nulle sur l'étui réalisé. Enfin, les manipulations qu'aura à effectuer l'opticien pour passer du conditionnement du fabricant au conditionnement de l'opticien seront grandement réduites.The individual case can be produced at a competitive price with regard to current bottles, by shaping a plastic material suitably chosen for its neutrality with respect to the liquid in which the lenses are immersed, for example a homopolymer such than polypropylene. The coupled pair of cases, as it will be supplied to the customer wearing contact lenses, will also be produced at a competitive price vis-à-vis current two-compartment cases, especially as the possible series and the simplicity of shape are clearly in favor of the pair of coupled cases. The search for aesthetics will mainly play on details of appearance and surface conditions of practically zero economic impact on the case produced. Finally, the manipulations that the optician will have to carry out to go from the manufacturer's packaging to the optician's packaging will be greatly reduced.

En effet, tout étui selon l'invention peut se coupler avec chacun des autres étuis, de sorte que la paire d'étuis contenant la paire de lentilles adaptées à chacun des yeux d'un client, peut être couplée sans autre manipulation, même si la vérification des lentilles proprement dite, et l'identification de la destination aux yeux reste nécessaire.Indeed, any case according to the invention can be coupled with each of the other cases, so that the pair of cases containing the pair of lenses adapted to each of the eyes of a customer, can be coupled without other manipulation, even if verification of the lenses themselves, and identification of the destination to the eyes is still necessary.

Il est curieux de constater que le document de brevet US-A-3 211 281, déposé le 27 septembre 1960 pour des dispositifs de stockage de lentilles de contact, celles-ci étant, à l'époque, exclusivement des lentilles rigides, avait proposé, d'une part des étuis à deux compartiments où les lentilles étaient maintenues en immersion dans un liquide, insérées dans des cadres solidaires des bouchons, et d'autre part des emballages, pour livraison aux opticiens, où une pluralité de lentilles, insérées dans des cadres solidaires de bouchons, étaient maintenues en immersion dans un réservoir de liquide commun. Dans les étuis pour porteurs de lentilles, les compartiments pouvaient avoir la forme de corps cylindriques avec une cavité interne obturée par un bouchon, et pouvaient être fixés dans un boîtier commun par insertion d'une cavité circulaire avec une gorge autour d'une rondelle en métal ou plastique munie d'un cordon en saillie périphérique qui s'insérait dans la gorge. Le couplage en alignement de deux compartiments de ce type pouvait être effectué en utilisant une rondelle avec un cordon périphérique à chacune de ses tranches.It is curious to note that the patent document US-A-3,211,281, filed on September 27, 1960 for contact lens storage devices, these being, at the time, exclusively rigid lenses, had proposed , on the one hand cases with two compartments where the lenses were kept in immersion in a liquid, inserted in frames secured to the caps, and on the other hand packaging, for delivery to opticians, where a plurality of lenses, inserted in frames secured to the caps, were kept immersed in a common liquid tank. In the cases for lens wearers, the compartments could have the shape of cylindrical bodies with an internal cavity closed by a plug, and could be fixed in a common housing by insertion of a circular cavity with a groove around a washer in metal or plastic with a peripheral protruding cord that fits into the throat. The coupling in alignment of two compartments of this type could be carried out using a washer with a peripheral cord at each of its sections.

Il est remarquable que ce brevet s'intéresse essentiellement à ce qui faisait question à l'époque, c'est-à-dire le stockage des lentilles rigides sans risque de rayures et de craquelures malgré des manipulations fréquentes, et ne recherche, ni à réduire le coût du dispositif de stockage, ni à prévoir le cumul des fonctions de conditionnement de lentilles aux opticiens, où les lentilles livrées par quantités importantes se distinguent par leurs paramètres techniques, et de conditionnement pour les porteurs de lentilles, où celles-ci se distinguent par leur oeil de destination. Il semble significatif que le couplage de deux compartiments en alignement soit présenté sous l'aspect d'une concession aux goûts de certains clients. Il semble donc, qu'en plus de 30 ans, personne n'ait envisagé, partant de cet état de la technique, d'utiliser les mêmes étuis pour la livraison aux opticiens, et la fourniture à la clientèle des porteurs de lentilles.It is remarkable that this patent is mainly interested in what was question at the time, that is to say the storage of rigid lenses without risk of scratches and cracks despite frequent handling, and does not seek or reduce the cost of the storage device, or provide for the combination of lens packaging functions for opticians, where the lenses delivered in large quantities are distinguished by their technical parameters, and packaging for lens wearers, where these are distinguish by their destination eye. It seems significant that the coupling of two aligned compartments is presented as a concession to the tastes of certain customers. It therefore seems that, in more than 30 years, nobody has considered, starting from this state of the art, to use the same cases for delivery to opticians, and supply to the clientele of lens wearers.

En disposition préférée la jupe, à sa première section droite est conformée en collet en retrait de la surface périphérique de la jupe avec un filetage extérieur sur lequel se visse le bouchon. Cette disposition permet de constituer le bouchon avec une jupe filetée intérieurement qui vient en alignement avec la surface périphérique de la jupe du corps, tandis que le joint, qui porte sur le collet, est maintenu à l'intérieur de la jupe de bouchon.In a preferred arrangement, the skirt, in its first straight section, is shaped as a collar set back from the peripheral surface of the skirt with an external thread onto which the plug is screwed. This arrangement allows constitute the cap with an internally threaded skirt which comes into alignment with the peripheral surface of the body skirt, while the seal, which bears on the collar, is held inside the cap skirt.

Selon une première forme de réalisation, les organes de couplage sont constitués par une couronne coaxiale de la jupe en retrait de la surface extérieure de celle-ci, constituant des dents en trapèze régulièrement espacées angulairement, séparées par des logements complémentaires des dents.According to a first embodiment, the coupling members consist of a coaxial crown of the skirt set back from the outer surface thereof, constituting trapezoid teeth regularly spaced angularly apart, separated by complementary housings of the teeth.

Le couplage se fait alors par insertion des dents d'un étui dans les logements de l'autre étui. Le frottement des dents contre la paroi résiduelle de jupe à hauteur des logements assure un certain maintien, qui peut être renforcé par collage, ou ceinturage des jupes à leur raccordement par une bande adhésive.The coupling is then made by inserting the teeth of one case into the housings of the other case. The friction of the teeth against the residual skirt wall at the height of the housings provides a certain hold, which can be reinforced by gluing, or belting of the skirts at their connection by an adhesive strip.

Selon une variante de réalisation, les organes de couplage comportent au moins deux empreintes régulièrement réparties angulairement comprenant chacune, en succession périphérique, une première zone d'alésage cylindrique interne sur une profondeur axiale donnée, une deuxième zone d'alésage tronconique s'évasant vers le haut sur la profondeur axiale donnée, le rayon de la grande base du tronc de cône étant égal à celui de l'alésage de la première zone, et une troisième zone, en saillie au-delà de la seconde section droite, avec un profil complémentaire de celui de la deuxième zone.According to an alternative embodiment, the coupling members comprise at least two indentations regularly distributed angularly each comprising, in peripheral succession, a first zone of internal cylindrical bore over a given axial depth, a second zone of frustoconical bore widening towards the top on the given axial depth, the radius of the large base of the truncated cone being equal to that of the bore of the first zone, and a third zone, projecting beyond the second straight section, with a profile complementary to that of the second zone.

De préférence alors, les empreintes sont au nombre de trois, avec les première et deuxième zones s'étendant périphériquement sur 35° environ tandis que la troisième zone s'étend sur environ 30°.Preferably then, the imprints are three in number, with the first and second zones extending peripherally over approximately 35 ° while the third zone extends over approximately 30 °.

On conçoit que le couplage des deux étuis s'obtient par engagement axial des saillies des troisièmes zones de chacune des empreintes de l'un et l'autre des étuis dans l'alésage cylindrique de l'autre ou l'un des étuis qui se trouve en correspondance, puis rotation relative des deux étuis en sorte que les saillies de troisièmes zones s'engagent contre les alésages tronconiques des deuxièmes zones de l'empreinte en correspondance, de profil complémentaire, formant ainsi couplage de retenue axiale.It is understood that the coupling of the two cases is obtained by axial engagement of the projections of the third zones of each of the imprints of one and the other of the cases in the cylindrical bore of the other or one of the cases which found in correspondence, then relative rotation of the two cases so that the projections of third zones engage against the tapered bores of the second zones of the corresponding cavity, of complementary profile, thus forming an axial retaining coupling.

Des caractéristiques secondaires, portant notamment sur des variantes d'exécution de l'invention, et des avantages procurés par celle-ci ressortiront d'ailleurs de la description qui va suivre, à titre d'exemple, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente, en perspective éclatée, deux étuis selon l'invention, appariables grâce à un premier mode d'exécution d'organes de couplage ;
  • la figure 2 représente un deuxième mode d'exécution d'organes de couplage pour l'appariage d'étuis représentés schématiquement ;
  • les figures 3 à 6 représentent respectivement des troisième à sixième modes d'exécution des organes de couplage pour l'appariage d'étuis représentés schématiquement.
Secondary characteristics, relating in particular to alternative embodiments of the invention, and advantages provided by it will also emerge from the description which follows, by way of example, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 shows, in exploded perspective, two cases according to the invention, visible through a first embodiment of coupling members;
  • FIG. 2 represents a second embodiment of coupling members for the pairing of cases shown diagrammatically;
  • Figures 3 to 6 show respectively third to sixth embodiments of the coupling members for the matching of cases shown schematically.

Selon le mode de réalisation choisi et représenté figure 1, un étui de conditionnement pour lentille de contact, représenté ici en double exemplaire, de structure identique, pour loger chacun une lentille affectée à un oeil d'un sujet, comme il sera commenté plus loin, comporte un corps cylindrique 10, 20, composé d'une jupe tubulaire 11, 21 qui se prolonge vers une extrémité par un collet 13, 23 à filetage extérieur pour recevoir un bouchon 30, 40 ; le collet 13, 23 est en retrait de la surface périphérique de la jupe 11, 21. Cette jupe 11, 21, prolongée par son collet 13, 23 qui en fait partie intégrante s'étend jusqu'à une section droite d'extrémité qui reçoit le bouchon 30, 40, et sera dite première. Cette première section droite est fermée par une paroi 12, 22, en continuité avec la jupe, et conformée en calotte concave, qui constitue cavité interne, obturable par le bouchon 30, 40, et destinée à recevoir un liquide pour la conservation en immersion d'une lentille de contact, selon la pratique quasi universelle.According to the embodiment chosen and represented in FIG. 1, a packaging case for contact lens, represented here in duplicate, of identical structure, for each accommodating a lens assigned to an eye of a subject, as will be commented on below. , comprises a cylindrical body 10, 20, composed of a tubular skirt 11, 21 which is extended towards one end by a collar 13, 23 with external thread to receive a plug 30, 40; the collar 13, 23 is set back from the peripheral surface of the skirt 11, 21. This skirt 11, 21, extended by its collar 13, 23 which forms an integral part thereof extends to a straight end section which receives the plug 30, 40, and will be said to be first. This first straight section is closed by a wall 12, 22, in continuity with the skirt, and shaped as a concave cap, which constitutes an internal cavity, closable by the plug 30, 40, and intended to receive a liquid for preservation in immersion. 'a contact lens, according to almost universal practice.

Pour l'obturation de la cavité interne définie par la paroi en calotte 12, 22, le bouchon 30, 40 est constitué un fond circulaire 31, 41, dont le diamètre est sensiblement celui de la jupe 10, 20, bordé par une jupe 32, 42 portant un filetage intérieur 33, 43 complémentaire du filetage du collet 13, 23. On notera que le filetage 33 est invisible, en raison des contraintes de représentation. Il en sera de même pour d'autres éléments d'étui ou de bouchon, qui ne sont visibles que sur la représentation d'un des étuis. Un joint 35, 45, logé dans le bouchon au raccordement du fond 31, 41 et de la jupe 32, 42 viendra porter sur la tranche d'extrémité 13a, 23a du collet 13, 23, dans le plan de la première section droite de jupe 10, 20.For closing the internal cavity defined by the cap wall 12, 22, the plug 30, 40 is constituted by a circular bottom 31, 41, the diameter of which is substantially that of the skirt 10, 20, bordered by a skirt 32 , 42 carrying an internal thread 33, 43 complementary to the thread of the collar 13, 23. It will be noted that the thread 33 is invisible, due to the constraints of representation. It will be the same for other elements of case or stopper, which are only visible on the representation of one of the cases. A seal 35, 45 housed in the cap into the connection 31, 41 and the skirt 32, 42 will bear on the end edge 13a, 23a of the collar 13, 23, in the plane of the first section skirt right 10, 20.

La seconde section droite de jupe 10, 20 est définie par une tranche d'extrémité 11a, 21a plane et occupant sensiblement la moitié extérieure de l'épaisseur de la jupe. Dans la moitié intérieure de l'épaisseur de jupe est formée une couronne de couplage, composée de dents trapézoïdales 14, 14′, 14˝, 14‴, 24, 24′, 24˝, 24‴, séparées par des logements complémentaires 15, 25. Là encore les exigences de dessin ne permettent de montrer clairement qu'un logement 25, tandis que l'on devine les emplacements des autres logements 15 et 25, dont la forme est identique.The second cross section of the skirt 10, 20 is defined by an end edge 11 a , 21 a which is flat and occupies substantially the outer half of the thickness of the skirt. In the inner half of the thickness of the skirt is formed a coupling ring, composed of trapezoid teeth 14, 14 ′, 14˝, 14 ‴, 24, 24 ′, 24˝, 24 ‴, separated by complementary housings 15, 25. Here again the drawing requirements only make it possible to clearly show that one housing 25, while one can guess the locations of the other housings 15 and 25, the shape of which is identical.

On comprend qu'en rapprochant les deux étuis, les dents 14 et 24 viennent respectivement s'introduire dans les logements 25 et 15, pour former une paire d'étuis.We understand that by bringing the two cases, the teeth 14 and 24 are respectively introduced into the housings 25 and 15, to form a pair of cases.

Comme il a été expliqué ci-avant, les lentilles de contact seront livrées par le fabricant aux opticiens, chacune dans un étui propre, en immersion dans un liquide de conservation approprié contenu dans la cavité interne définie par la paroi en calotte concave 12, 22, et obturée par son bouchon 30, 40. On remarquera toutefois que la distinction entre corps 10 et 20 n'existera pas, à ce stade, où chaque étui ne sera distingué que par la référence aux paramètres de la lentille de contact qu'il renferme. La livraison se fera par quantités, selon les commandes des opticiens.As explained above, the contact lenses will be delivered by the manufacturer to the opticians, each in a clean case, immersed in an appropriate preservation liquid contained in the internal cavity defined by the wall in a concave cap 12, 22 , and closed by its plug 30, 40. It will however be noted that the distinction between bodies 10 and 20 will not exist, at this stage, where each case will only be distinguished by the reference to the parameters of the contact lens which it contains. The delivery will be made in quantities, according to the orders of the opticians.

Il reviendra à ceux-ci de choisir, pour chaque client, une lentille dont les paramètres correspondent à ce que requiert l'amétropie de l'oeil droit, et une lentille pour celle de l'oeil gauche, éventuellement de vérifier que les lentilles correspondent bien aux paramètres portés par les étuis, et d'assembler ceux-ci par paires portant un repère d'oeil, droit ou gauche.It will be up to them to choose, for each client, a lens whose parameters correspond to what the ametropia of the right eye requires, and a lens for that of the left eye, possibly to verify that the lenses correspond well to the parameters carried by the cases, and to assemble these in pairs carrying an eye mark, right or left.

Ainsi, grâce à l'invention, on supprime la perte des flacons utilisés actuellement pour la livraison du fabricant aux opticiens, et l'on réduit les manipulations nécessaires pour matérialiser la destination des lentilles en correspondance avec chacun des yeux de chacun des porteurs.Thus, thanks to the invention, the loss of the bottles currently used for delivery from the manufacturer to the opticians is eliminated, and the manipulations necessary to materialize the destination of the lenses corresponding to each of the eyes of each of the wearers are reduced.

Et l'on conçoit que les avantages apportés par l'invention seront d'autant plus marquants que se généralisera l'usage de lentilles dites jetables, prévues pour être périodiquement jetées et remplacées par des lentilles neuves, afin de permettre l'usage pour constituer les lentilles, de matières moins onéreuses ou mieux supportées physiologiquement, mais plus sensibles aux rayures et autres altérations des surfaces optiques. En effet, d'une part, les volumes de fabrication doivent croître considérablement, et d'autre part, l'abaissement du coût des lentilles rend plus sensible l'incidence du coût du conditionnement.And it is understandable that the advantages brought by the invention will be all the more striking as the use of so-called disposable lenses becomes general, intended to be periodically thrown away and replaced by new lenses, in order to allow the use to constitute lenses, of less expensive materials or better physiologically supported, but more sensitive to scratches and other alterations of the optical surfaces. Indeed, on the one hand, the manufacturing volumes must increase considerably, and on the other hand, the lowering of the cost of lenses makes the impact of the cost of packaging more sensitive.

En se reportant à la figure 2, on voit une variante des organes de couplage, qui assure un verrouillage longitudinal positif des deux corps 50 et 60. Ceux-ci sont d'ailleurs, à l'exception des organes de couplage 52, 62, identiques aux corps 10, 20 de la figure 1 ; les jupes 51, 61 sont représentées sans détails correspondant aux bouchons et aux collets filetés.Referring to FIG. 2, a variant of the coupling members is seen, which ensures positive longitudinal locking of the two bodies 50 and 60. These are, moreover, with the exception of the coupling members 52, 62, identical to the bodies 10, 20 of Figure 1; the skirts 51, 61 are shown without details corresponding to the plugs and threaded collars.

Les organes de couplage 52, 62, disposés à l'extrémité que l'on a appelé par convention de seconde section droite, pour chaque corps 50, 60, trois empreintes qui se répètent à 120° sur la périphérie. Chaque empreinte comprend trois zones : une première zone 52a, 62a s'étend sur un arc de périphérie de 35° environ, et est constituée d'un alésage cylindrique, d'une profondeur selon l'axe du corps déterminé et d'un rayon tel que la paroi soit amincie au tiers de son épaisseur normale environ ; une deuxième zone 52b, 62b s'étend également périphériquement sur environ 35°, et est constituée d'un alésage tronconique qui s'évase vers le haut (entendu lorsque le corps est disposé avec son bouchon vers le haut pour l'ouverture de l'étui), en s'étendant en direction axiale sur la même profondeur que la première zone 52a, 62a ; le rayon de la grande base du tronc de cône est égal au rayon d'alésage cylindrique de première zone ; le rayon de la petite base du tronc de cône est tel qu'il pénètre dans la paroi de jupe 51, 61, dans la seconde section droite, du tiers environ de l'épaisseur de cette paroi. Enfin la troisième zone 52c, 62c est en saillie au-delà de la seconde section droite, sur une longueur égale à la profondeur des alésages de première 52a, 62a, et deuxième zones 52b, 62b, sur une étendue périphérique d'environ 30°, et présente un profil complémentaire de la deuxième zone 52B, 62b.The coupling members 52, 62, arranged at the end which has been called by convention of second straight section, for each body 50, 60, three repeating imprints at 120 ° on the periphery. Each imprint comprises three zones: a first zone 52 a , 62 a extends over a peripheral arc of approximately 35 °, and consists of a cylindrical bore, of a depth along the axis of the determined body and of a radius such that the wall is thinned to about a third of its normal thickness; a second area 52 b, 62 b extends peripherally over approximately 35 °, and consists of a tapered bore which tapers upwards (heard when the body is arranged with its plug upwardly for opening of the case), extending in axial direction over the same depth as the first region 52 a, 62 a; the radius of the large base of the truncated cone is equal to the radius of the first zone cylindrical bore; the radius of the small base of the truncated cone is such that it enters the skirt wall 51, 61, in the second straight section, of about one third of the thickness of this wall. Finally, the third zone 52 c , 62 c projects beyond the second straight section, over a length equal to the depth of the first bores 52 a , 62 a , and second zones 52 b , 62 b , over an extent peripheral about 30 °, and has a complementary profile of the second zone 52 B , 62 b .

Pour accoupler les deux corps ou étuis 50, 60, on les présente, comme représenté, en alignement axial avec les secondes sections droites affrontées, la saillie de troisième zone 52c, 62c, en face de l'alésage cylindrique de l'autre étui 62a, 52a. On engage les saillies de troisième zone 52c, 62c dans les premières zones 62a, 52a à fond, puis on fait pivoter les deux corps l'un 50 par rapport à l'autre 60, ici dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre pour l'étui vu du côté du bouchon, de façon que la troisième zone en saillie 52c, 62c s'engage dans l'alésage tronconique de seconde zone 62b, 52b, complémentaire.To couple the two bodies or cases 50, 60, they are presented, as shown, in axial alignment with the second straight sections facing each other, the third zone projection 52 c , 62 c , opposite the cylindrical bore of the other case 62 a , 52 a . The third zone projections 52 c , 62 c are engaged in the first zones 62 a , 52 a fully , then the two bodies are pivoted one relative to the other 60, here in the direction of the needles d 'A watch for the case seen from the side of the cap, so that the third projecting zone 52 c , 62 c engages in the frustoconical bore of the second zone 62 b , 52 b , complementary.

La disposition selon la figure 3 est dérivée de celle de la figure 1, avec une couronne de couplage 102, 112 ménagée dans la moitié inférieure d'épaisseur de jupe 101, 111 du côté de la seconde section droite de l'étui 100, 110. Des dents 102b, 112b viennent s'engager dans des logements trapézoïdaux 112a, 102a. Toutefois les dents 102b, 112b comportent en extrémité des mortaises circulaires ouvertes, capables de s'encliqueter sur des tenons circulaires saillant du fond des logements trapézoïdaux 112a, 102a, l'encliquetage se produisant par déformation élastique tangentielle des dents 102b, 112b de part et d'autre des mortaises. On obtient ainsi un couplage en paire des étuis, qui exclut une séparation accidentelle.The arrangement according to FIG. 3 is derived from that of FIG. 1, with a coupling ring 102, 112 formed in the lower half of the skirt thickness 101, 111 on the side of the second straight section of the case 100, 110. Teeth 102 b , 112 b engage in trapezoidal housings 112 a , 102 a . However, the teeth 102 b , 112 b have, at the end, open circular mortises capable of snapping onto circular studs projecting from the bottom of the trapezoidal housings 112 a , 102 a , the snapping occurring by tangential elastic deformation of the teeth 102 b , 112 b on either side of the mortises. This produces a pair coupling of the cases, which excludes accidental separation.

La disposition selon la figure 4 comporte également des couronnes de couplage 152, 162, en prolongement des jupes 151, 161 des étuis 150, 160. Les couronnes de couplage comprennent des dents saillantes rectangulaires 152b, 162b, et des logements complémentaires 162a, 152a. Toutefois les faces en regard des logements 152a, 162a et dents 152b, 162b présentent un profil épousant un tore, le profil des dents 152b, 162b étant convexe tandis que celui des logements est concave. On obtient ainsi un encliquetage par déformation élastique radiale des dents 152b, 162b.The arrangement according to FIG. 4 also includes coupling rings 152, 162, in extension of the skirts 151, 161 of the cases 150, 160. The coupling rings include rectangular projecting teeth 152 b , 162 b , and complementary housings 162 a , 152 a . However, the opposite faces of the housing 152a, 162a and teeth 152 b, 162 b have a profile conforming to a torus, the profile of the teeth 152 b, 162 b being convex while the housing is concave. A snap-fitting is thus obtained by radial elastic deformation of the teeth 152 b , 162 b .

La disposition représentée figure 5 comporte, sur chacune des secondes sections droites 202, 212 des étuis 200, 210, une succession à espacement angulaire régulier alternativement de pions en tonnelets 202b, 212b, et de logements complémentaires 212a, 202a. Le couplage en paire est obtenu en enfonçant les pions 202b, 212b, dans les logements 212a, 202a. Un encliquetage se produit, par déformation élastique radiale des logements, à partir de leurs axes, au cours de la mise en place.The arrangement shown in FIG. 5 comprises, on each of the second straight sections 202, 212 of the cases 200, 210, a succession at regular angular spacing alternately of barrel pegs 202 b , 212 b , and complementary housings 212 a , 202 a . Coupling in pairs is obtained by pushing the pins 202 b , 212 b , into the housings 212 a , 202 a . A snap occurs, by radial elastic deformation of the housings, from their axes, during installation.

La disposition selon la figure 6 se rapproche de celle de la figure 2, en ce sens que le couplage des étuis 250, 260, en paire est obtenu par rapprochement suivant l'axe, et rotation autour de l'axe. Mais ces deux mouvements sont simultanés et résultent d'un vissage avec des filets interrompus. Des couronnes de couplage 252, 262 comportent d'une part des dents saillantes 252c, 262c munies extérieurement d'une fraction de filet saillant, et d'autre part des cavités avec une entrée 252a, 262a épousant un cylindre, juxtaposée périphériquement à un pan à filetage intérieur 252b, 262b, complémentaire du filetage des dents 252c, 262c, ce filetage étant prévu pour que l'engagement des filets saillants des dents 252c, 262c dans les filets en creux des pans 262b, 252b étant complet, les sections droites d'extrémité 252, 262 viennent en contact. En outre l'extrémité des filets de dents 252c, 262c la plus proche de la section droite respective 252, 262 présente un grain saillant 252e, 262e, apte à venir se loger dans un évidement complémentaire dans le filetage intérieur des pans 262b, 252b, à fond de vissage des étuis 250, 260 l'un sur l'autre. L'encliquetage ainsi réalisé interdit une séparation accidentelle.The arrangement according to FIG. 6 is similar to that of FIG. 2, in the sense that the coupling of the cases 250, 260, in pairs is obtained by approximation along the axis, and rotation around the axis. But these two movements are simultaneous and result from a screwing with interrupted threads. Coupling rings 252, 262 comprise on the one hand projecting teeth 252 c , 262 c externally provided with a portion of projecting thread, and on the other hand cavities with an inlet 252 a , 262 a matching a cylinder, juxtaposed peripherally to a pan with internal thread 252 b , 262 b , complementary to the thread of the teeth 252 c , 262 c , this thread being provided so that the engagement of the projecting threads of the teeth 252 c , 262 c in the threads hollow sections 262 b , 252 b being complete, the straight end sections 252, 262 come into contact. In addition, the end of the tooth threads 252 c , 262 c closest to the respective cross section 252, 262 has a protruding grain 252 e , 262 e , capable of being housed in a complementary recess in the internal threads of the flaps. 262 b , 252 b , at the bottom of the screwing of the cases 250, 260 one on the other. The ratcheting thus carried out prohibits accidental separation.

On a décrit ici ces organes de couplage à trois zones sous la forme de trois empreintes. On comprendra que le nombre d'empreintes peut être quelconque, mais au moins de deux pour avoir une symétrie des efforts.These coupling members with three zones have been described here in the form of three fingerprints. It will be understood that the number of imprints can be any, but at least two to have a symmetry of the forces.

Un étui aura, de façon appropriée, les mesures suivantes : diamètre extérieur 26 mm, hauteur de jupe 12 mm, dont 5 mm de collet, épaisseur de paroi de jupe 3 mm, profondeur axiale des moyens de couplage 2,5 mm (en seconde version), longueur totale d'une paire d'étuis appariés et munis des bouchons 27 mm. La cavité interne est en forme de calotte sphérique, avec un rayon de 11 mm, et s'étend sur un arc de 120°.A case will suitably have the following measurements: external diameter 26 mm, skirt height 12 mm, including a collar 5 mm, skirt wall thickness 3 mm, axial depth of the coupling means 2.5 mm (in seconds version), total length of a pair of matched cases with 27 mm plugs. The internal cavity is in the form of a spherical cap, with a radius of 11 mm, and extends over an arc of 120 °.

On comprendra que ces étuis peuvent être obtenus par moulage d'une matière plastique inerte vis-à-vis du liquide de conservation des lentilles pour un prix peu élevé dans des séries très importantes, en raison de la simplicité des formes.It will be understood that these cases can be obtained by molding an inert plastic material vis-à-vis the lens preservation liquid for a low price in very large series, due to the simplicity of the forms.

Par ailleurs, au-delà du caractère fonctionnel des étuis, le moulage peut comporter des détails qui apportent une touche esthétique, qui n'est pas à négliger puisque les étuis sont utilisés par les sujets porteurs de lentilles de contact, jusqu'à ce que ces lentilles soient hors d'usage.In addition, beyond the functional nature of the cases, the molding may include details which bring an aesthetic touch, which should not be overlooked since the cases are used by subjects wearing contact lenses, until these lenses are out of use.

Claims (10)

Etui de conditionnement d'une lentille de contact, notamment lentille jetable, en immersion dans un liquide, comportant un corps cylindrique (10, 20) avec une cavité interne obturée par un bouchon (30, 40), caractérisé en ce que le corps comporte une jupe tubulaire (11, 21) qui s'étend entre deux sections droites, avec une première section, qui reçoit le bouchon (30, 40), fermée par une paroi (12, 22), en continuité avec la jupe (11, 21), et conformée en calotte concave définissant la cavité interne, tandis que la seconde section droite est munie d'organes de couplage (14, 15), aptes à coopérer avec de tels organes de couplage (24, 25) d'un second étui de structure identique à celle du premier, pour assembler les deux étuis (10, 20) avec leurs jupes (11, 21) alignées.Case for packaging a contact lens, in particular disposable lens, immersed in a liquid, comprising a cylindrical body (10, 20) with an internal cavity closed by a plug (30, 40), characterized in that the body comprises a tubular skirt (11, 21) which extends between two straight sections, with a first section, which receives the plug (30, 40), closed by a wall (12, 22), in continuity with the skirt (11, 21), and shaped as a concave cap defining the internal cavity, while the second straight section is provided with coupling members (14, 15), capable of cooperating with such coupling members (24, 25) of a second case of structure identical to that of the first, to assemble the two cases (10, 20) with their skirts (11, 21) aligned. Etui selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la jupe, à sa première section droite, est conformée en collet (13, 23) en retrait de la surface périphérique de la jupe (11, 21), avec un filetage extérieur sur lequel se visse le bouchon (30, 40).Case according to claim 1, characterized in that the skirt, in its first straight section, is shaped as a collar (13, 23) set back from the peripheral surface of the skirt (11, 21), with an external thread on which is screw the cap (30, 40). Etui selon l'une des deux revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que les organes de couplage sont constitués d'une couronne coaxiale à la jupe (11, 21) et en retrait de la surface extérieure de celle-ci, constituant des dents (14, 14′, 14˝, 14‴ ; 24, 24′, 24˝, 24‴) en trapèze régulièrement espacées angulairement, et séparées par des logements (15, 25) complémentaires des dents (14, 24).Case according to one of the two claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the coupling members consist of a crown coaxial with the skirt (11, 21) and set back from the outer surface of the latter, constituting teeth (14, 14 ′, 14˝, 14 ‴; 24, 24 ′, 24˝, 24 ‴) in trapezium regularly spaced angularly, and separated by housings (15, 25) complementary to the teeth (14, 24). Etui selon l'une des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que les organes de couplage (52, 62) comportent au moins deux empreintes régulièrement réparties angulairement comprenant chacune, en succession périphérique, une première zone (52a, 62a) d'alésage cylindrique interne sur une profondeur axiale donnée, une deuxième zone (52b, 62b) d'alésage tronconique s'évasant depuis la seconde section droite sur la profondeur axiale donnée, le rayon de grande base du tronc de cône étant égal à celui de l'alésage de première zone (52a, 62a), et une troisième zone (52c, 62c), en saillie au-delà de la seconde section droite, avec un profil complémentaire de celui de la deuxième zone (62b, 52b).Case according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the coupling members (52, 62) comprise at least two imprints regularly distributed angularly each comprising, in peripheral succession, a first zone (52 a , 62 a ) d internal cylindrical bore in a given axial depth, a second region (52 b, 62 b) of frustoconical bore which widens from the second cross-section over the given axial depth, the radius of large base of the truncated cone being equal to that of the first zone bore (52 a , 62 a ), and a third zone (52 c , 62 c ), projecting beyond the second straight section, with a profile complementary to that of the second zone (62 b , 52 b ). Etui selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que les empreintes sont au nombre de trois, avec les première (52a, 62a) et deuxième (52b, 62b) zones s'étendant périphériquement respectivement sur 35° environ, tandis que la troisième zone (52c, 62c) s'étend sur environ 30°.Case according to Claim 4, characterized in that the indentations are three in number, with the first (52 a, 62 a) and second (52 b, 62b) zones extending peripherally over approximately 35 ° respectively while the third zone (52 c , 62 c ) extends over approximately 30 °. Etui selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les dents (102b, 112b ; 152b; 162b), et les logements (102a, 112a ; 152a, 162a) présentent des tenons et mortaises complémentaires, aptes à former encliquetage par rapprochement suivant l'axe d'une paire d'étuis (100, 110 ; 150, 160).Case according to claim 3, characterized in that the teeth (102 b , 112 b ; 152 b ; 162 b ), and the housings (102 a , 112 a ; 152 a , 162 a ) have complementary tenons and mortises, suitable to form snap-fastening along the axis of a pair of cases (100, 110; 150, 160). Etui selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que les mortaises sont constituées par des évidements circulaires en extrémité des dents (102b, 112b) tandis que les tenons, circulaires, font saillie du fond des logements (102a, 112a).Case according to claim 6, characterized in that the mortises consist of circular recesses at the end of the teeth (102 b , 112 b ) while the circular pins protrude from the bottom of the housings (102 a , 112 a ). Etui selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que les tenons sont constitués dans les dents (152b, 162b) sous forme d'une face latérale convexe épousant un tore, tandis que les mortaises sont constituées dans les logements (152a, 162a) par une face latérale concave épousant un tore complémentaire de celui des tenons.Case according to claim 6, characterized in that the tenons are formed in the teeth (152 b , 162 b ) in the form of a convex lateral face matching the torus, while the mortises are formed in the housings (152 a , 162 a ) by a concave lateral face matching a torus complementary to that of the tenons. Etui selon l'une des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que les organes de couplage sont constitués par une alternance, à espacement angulaire régulier, sur les secondes sections droites (202, 212), de pions en tonnelets (202b, 212b) et de logements complémentaires (212a, 202a), l'engagement des pions (202b, 212b) dans les logements (212a, 202a) formant encliquetage élastique.Case according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the coupling members consist of alternating, at regular angular spacing, on the second straight sections (202, 212), of pawns in barrels (202 b , 212 b ) and complementary housings (212 a , 202 a ), the engagement of the pins (202 b , 212 b ) in the housings (212 a , 202 a ) forming elastic snap. Etui selon l'une des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que les organes de couplage sont constitués par des dents (252c, 262c) portant un filet saillant extérieur, et par des cavités avec une entrée (252a, 262a) à paroi en segment de cylindre et, juxtaposé, un pan (252b, 262b) portant un filet intérieur complémentaire du filet des dents (252c, 262c), ces derniers comportant, à leur extrémité proche de la seconde section droite (252, 262), un grain apte à se loger élastiquement dans un évidement du filet intérieur à fond de vissage, en sorte d'interdire un dévissage accidentel.Case according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the coupling members consist of teeth (252 c , 262 c ) carrying a thread protruding outside, and by cavities with an inlet (252 a , 262 a ) with a wall in cylinder segment and, juxtaposed, a flap (252 b , 262 b ) carrying an internal thread complementary to the thread of the teeth (252 c , 262 c ), the latter comprising, at their end close to the second straight section (252, 262), a grain capable of being resiliently housed in a recess of the internal thread with a screwing bottom, so as to prohibit an accidental unscrewing.
EP92400786A 1991-08-28 1992-03-24 Contact lens holder Expired - Lifetime EP0530055B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9110683 1991-08-28
FR919110683A FR2680648B1 (en) 1991-08-28 1991-08-28 CONTACT LENS PACKAGING CASE, PARTICULARLY DISPOSABLE LENS, USED AT ALL STAGES OF THE MARKETING.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0530055A1 true EP0530055A1 (en) 1993-03-03
EP0530055B1 EP0530055B1 (en) 1995-01-25

Family

ID=9416441

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92400786A Expired - Lifetime EP0530055B1 (en) 1991-08-28 1992-03-24 Contact lens holder

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0530055B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE117517T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69201287T2 (en)
DK (1) DK0530055T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2070597T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2680648B1 (en)
GR (1) GR3015882T3 (en)
IE (1) IE921333A1 (en)
NO (1) NO921234L (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997028716A1 (en) * 1996-02-08 1997-08-14 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated Disposable contact lens package with snap-together feature
GB2344435A (en) * 1998-12-03 2000-06-07 Rayner Intraocular Lenses Ltd Contact lens container with tubular holding member
WO2009008692A2 (en) * 2007-06-12 2009-01-15 Pablo Ignacio Michel Ontiveros Attachable spherical container
WO2021176760A1 (en) * 2020-03-03 2021-09-10 Hoya株式会社 Contact lens package and set of same

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3211281A (en) * 1960-09-27 1965-10-12 Speshyock Contact lens storage means
US3645284A (en) * 1970-02-20 1972-02-29 Flow Pharma Inc Contact lens holding device
DE8627069U1 (en) * 1986-10-11 1987-01-29 Koose, Rudolf, 4600 Dortmund Transport box for live small animals
FR2649680A1 (en) * 1989-07-11 1991-01-18 Cofrec Rigid package for a long-shaped object, particularly a pharmaceutical phial
EP0413164A1 (en) * 1989-08-18 1991-02-20 Hecht Contactlinsen Gmbh Container for contact lenses

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3211281A (en) * 1960-09-27 1965-10-12 Speshyock Contact lens storage means
US3645284A (en) * 1970-02-20 1972-02-29 Flow Pharma Inc Contact lens holding device
DE8627069U1 (en) * 1986-10-11 1987-01-29 Koose, Rudolf, 4600 Dortmund Transport box for live small animals
FR2649680A1 (en) * 1989-07-11 1991-01-18 Cofrec Rigid package for a long-shaped object, particularly a pharmaceutical phial
EP0413164A1 (en) * 1989-08-18 1991-02-20 Hecht Contactlinsen Gmbh Container for contact lenses

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997028716A1 (en) * 1996-02-08 1997-08-14 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated Disposable contact lens package with snap-together feature
US5722536A (en) * 1996-02-08 1998-03-03 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated Disposable contact lens package with snap-together feature
AU714259B2 (en) * 1996-02-08 1999-12-23 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated Disposable contact lens package with snap-together feature
GB2344435A (en) * 1998-12-03 2000-06-07 Rayner Intraocular Lenses Ltd Contact lens container with tubular holding member
GB2344435B (en) * 1998-12-03 2001-04-25 Rayner Intraocular Lenses Ltd Lens container
WO2009008692A2 (en) * 2007-06-12 2009-01-15 Pablo Ignacio Michel Ontiveros Attachable spherical container
WO2009008692A3 (en) * 2007-06-12 2009-09-03 Pablo Ignacio Michel Ontiveros Attachable spherical container
WO2021176760A1 (en) * 2020-03-03 2021-09-10 Hoya株式会社 Contact lens package and set of same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2680648A1 (en) 1993-03-05
FR2680648B1 (en) 1994-07-01
NO921234D0 (en) 1992-03-30
GR3015882T3 (en) 1995-07-31
DE69201287D1 (en) 1995-03-09
DK0530055T3 (en) 1995-06-26
NO921234L (en) 1993-03-01
DE69201287T2 (en) 1995-06-29
ATE117517T1 (en) 1995-02-15
ES2070597T3 (en) 1995-06-01
IE921333A1 (en) 1993-03-10
EP0530055B1 (en) 1995-01-25

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