KR20190138890A - Contact lens secondary packaging and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

The contact lens packaging assembly includes a sealable first lens package, one or more lenses sealed within the first lens package, and a sealable second lens package. In an embodiment the second lens package has a waterproof function. The first lens package is sealed in the first lens package to increase the shelf life of the one or more lenses. The second lens package is resealable. The second lens package is configured to hold a plurality of first lens packages. The contact lens packaging assembly further includes one or more inert gases sealed outside the first lens package and inside the second lens package.

Description

Second contact lens packaging and method {CONTACT LENS SECONDARY PACKAGING AND METHODS}

The present systems and methods relate to contact lens packaging and more specifically to second contact lens packaging and related methods.

Generally, disposable soft contact lenses are housed in a disposable package. Since the packaging increases the overall cost of the lens, it should be made as economically as possible, but the essential packaging criteria should not be compromised. Prior art blister pack packaging used for disposable lenses (bi weekly and daily) includes a polypropylene acceptor for the lens (hereinafter referred to as "boat"). receptacle, and the receptor is covered on top by a multilayer film which may comprise polyethylene, aluminum, adhesives and polypropylene. The boats are typically injection molded plastics with preformed grooves with high stiffness. The boat is filled with a suitable stock solution, such as saline, and holds one lens in place. Typically, the blister pack is then sterilized to final sterility through an autoclaved process using steam and pressure. The blister pack is provided to the patient as a box of individual packs or as a plurality of blister strips.

The lens is stored in the package for extended time over months or years. The lens must remain hydrated in packaging. As a result, the package must be well sealed through the layers of the boat and laminated and minimize the transfer of water vapor to prevent dehydration of the lens contained in the package and to maximize shelf life. do. During use, the user separates the laminated material from the flange formed on the boat by peeling the cover backward to expose the lens immersed in the hydration solution.

The package may be exposed to potentially hazardous environmental conditions and damaging external forces during transport, handling and storage of the package. As packaging becomes smaller, thinner and lighter to reduce material and manufacturing costs, the packaging is more susceptible to the environmental conditions and damaging external forces. The use of specific materials and structures for packaging can affect the shelf life of products fixed in the packaging.

In order to protect the package during transport, processing and storage, the first contact lens package is typically assembled in usable quantities and inserted into a second package for storage and transportation. Typically, packaging for contact lenses forms a cardboard box printed with supplier information and usage.

Many contact lens users store their contact lenses in the bedroom and users approach mirrors and sinks to insert or remove contact lenses. The bedroom is generally a humid environment. Typically, however, the second package for the contact lens is made of a paper-based material that is unsuitable for use in a humid environment.

A feature of the present disclosure relates to a contact lens packaging assembly. The contact lens packaging assembly includes a sealable first lens package, one or more lenses sealed within the first lens package, and a sealable second lens package. In an embodiment the second lens package has a waterproof function. The first lens package is sealed in the first lens package to increase the shelf life of the one or more lenses. The second lens package is resealable. The second lens package is configured to hold a plurality of first lens packages. The contact lens packaging assembly further includes one or more inert gases sealed outside the first lens package and inside the second lens package.

Another feature of the present disclosure relates to a packaging system including first and second packaging. The first package is configured to hold a product having a finite shelf life. The second packaging portion may be configured to extend or maintain the shelf life of the product, provide an inert environment for the first packaging, and secure the first packaging. For example, the product may be a contact lens or a medicament or have a nutritional value.

Another feature of the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a contact lens. The method includes sealing a contact lens in a first lens package, sealing the first lens package in a second lens package, wherein the second lens package provides an inert storage condition for the first lens package. Include. The method further includes storing a volume of inert gas in the second lens package. The second lens package may include two foil layers fixed to each other to form an inner space having a size to accommodate the first lens package.

Another feature of the present disclosure relates to a method for forming a second contact lens package. The method includes providing first and second foil layers, connecting the first and second foil layers to each other to form an interior space of a second package, wherein the interior space of the package is one or more contact lenses. And configured to receive a first contact lens package that secures the device. The method also includes creating an inert environment in the interior space of the second package. The method includes providing a waterproof environment within the interior space of the second package.

This disclosure relates to a second package for use with a first contact lens package. In an embodiment, at least one contact lens is secured in the first contact lens package and the first contact lens package is inserted into and sealed in the second contact lens package. The second contact lens package can provide an inert environment that helps maintain the useful or shelf life of the contact lens secured within the first contact lens package. The second contact lens package can also provide a waterproof environment in which the first contact lens package is stored. The second contact lens package can provide a level of protection for the first contact lens package during transportation and processing.

In an embodiment, the second contact lens package can be a resealable package that allows insertion and removal of at least one first contact lens package. According to an embodiment, the second contact lens package may comprise an inert material. According to an embodiment, the second contact lens package may also comprise a layer of metal based material, such as a foil. The second contact lens package further comprises at least first and second laminated sheets sealed together around the periphery to form an interior sized to receive a first contact lens package holding at least one contact lens. sheets may be included. Each laminated sheet may comprise a polymer layer and a metal (eg foil) layer.

The second contact lens package may have other uses than to hold at least one first contact lens package that holds at least one contact lens. For example, other uses may include the maintenance of one or more pharmaceutical products, vitamins, supplements and other volatile products that may provide benefits that are stored in an inert second storage environment and are prepackaged.

The second contact lens package comprises a support structure, such as a drawer or tray shaped structure that holds at least one first contact lens package and can be inserted into the second contact lens package with the first contact lens package; Can be used in combination. The support structure may further provide rigidity and resistance to impact loads and deformations that may damage the first contact lens package and at least one contact lens held in the first contact lens package. In at least some embodiments, the second contact lens wrap has a flexible or deformable structure and the support structure has at least some strength for the contact lens wrap assembly including the first and second contact lens wraps and the support structure. To provide. Another detail regarding an exemplary support structure is described in the Singapore patent application filed on October 18, 2011, entitled "Support Structure for Transport and Storage of Replacement Contact Lenses". Is provided.

As disclosed in the Singapore patent application entitled "Support Structure for Carrying and Storing Replacement Contact Lenses," the support structure supports the at least one first contact lens package while carrying the contact lens package. Can be used. Similarly, inter-support structures may be used to carry or support at least one first contact lens package while storing the contact lens package. The same support structure may be used to store and transport at least one first contact lens package. The support structure may have a greater rigidity characteristic than the first contact lens package. The support structure may further provide at least one of additional stiffness, support and protection for the first contact lens package during at least one of the storage and transport operations of the first contact lens package.

The support structure can be inserted into a second contact lens package. The second contact lens package may form an internal structure sized to receive at least one support member carrying at least one first contact lens package. The support member may be configured to be detachably arranged in a separate storage case for storing at least one first contact lens package held in the support member. According to an embodiment, said support member comprises a structure having a drawer shape with a cavity or internal structure sized to receive at least one contact lens package. The drawer-shaped support member may slide into or out of the storage case having at least one opening or slot sized to receive the support member. The support member may be substantially enclosed in the storage case. A portion of the support member may be visible from outside to the storage case when the support member is arranged in the suit case.

The support member may comprise at least one graphic that can be seen when the support member is inserted into the storage case. The graphic may provide information regarding at least one first contact lens package held by the support member. The support member may comprise a material that is recycled from another manufacturing process associated with the contact lens. For example, the support member may comprise recycled material from plastic molds used to mold the contact lenses secured within the first contact lens package. By using the recycled material, total material waste can be reduced during the manufacture, transportation and storage of the contact lens related products.

Exemplary second packaging disclosed herein may have several advantages compared to paper-based second packaging, which is commonly used to store the first packaging and that follows the prior art. The second packaging of the prior art generally comprises a paper based material which has no resistance to water / moisture damage and no bactericidal action. In addition, the second packaging of the prior art is bulky and takes up considerable space. Exemplary second packaging disclosed herein may be thinner, lighter, and take up less space than paper based packaging. In addition, the exemplary second packaging can provide an improved sterilization environment with a waterproof function as described above. If foil seals are included in the second contact lens package, transmission of light and oxygen into the second contact lens package can be minimized. The second package may also be filled with an inert gas that improves the shelf life of the product secured in the second package and provides relatively large product stability.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "inert" generally means not chemically reacting or, in other words, chemically stable. Typically the inert gases have been considered inert gases because they are not believed to participate in chemical reactions. The inertness can be applied relatively to account for the absence of chemical reactions to the object under normal or typical environmental conditions.

In general, the terms “sterilize” and “sterilize” refer to any material or combination of materials capable of physical and fluid contact with a contact lens or other object contained within the finally formed package. Polypropylene is often used as a sterilizable material in packaging, and other materials capable of creating a sterile environment for contact lenses, medical equipment or dental devices can be used in the devices and methods of the present invention. . According to an embodiment, the sterilizing material may include any material accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as suitable for packaging sterile medical devices.

"Storage life" and "use life" generally mean the time at which food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and other perishable products are provided before they are considered unfit for sale, use or consumption. Shelf life or service life is the recommendation of time that products can be stored, during which time a specified quantity of goods remains acceptable in the expected (or designated) distribution, storage and display conditions. do. Most shelf life labels or listed expiration dates are used as guidelines based on the general handling of the product. Contact lenses are generally products affected by a predetermined shelf life. The shelf life of a contact lens depends on a number of conditions such as, for example, the material of the contact lens, its packaging and its storage.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the apparatus and method of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the apparatus and method of the present invention may be practiced without these details. As used herein, the term "embodiment", "example" or similar terminology is intended to include, but are not necessarily limited to, particular features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the above embodiments or examples, at least in the above embodiments. Means that. “One embodiment” Also, various instances of similar terms in various parts of the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the principles described in this specification and described in the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims.
1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary contact lens packaging assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view partially disassembled of the contact lens packaging assembly shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
3 is a bottom perspective view partially exploded of the contact lens packaging assembly shown in FIG. 1.
4 is a top exploded perspective view of the contact lens packaging assembly shown in FIG. 1.
5 is a side cross-sectional view of the contact lens packaging assembly shown in FIG. 1 along section line 5-5.
5A is a side cross-sectional view of the contact lens packaging assembly shown in FIG. 5 along section 5A.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the contact lens packaging assembly shown in FIG. 1, taken along section line 6-6. FIG.
7 is a top perspective view of another exemplary contact lens packaging assembly according to the present disclosure.
8 is an exploded top perspective view of the contact lens packaging assembly shown in FIG. 7.
The same reference numbers in the drawings are not necessarily the same, but represent similar components.

1-6, an exemplary contact lens packaging assembly 10 is shown and described. The contact lens wrap assembly 10 includes a plurality of second contact lens wraps 12 and first contact lens wraps 14. At least one first contact lens package 14 may be inserted and stored in the second contact lens package. In some embodiments, the second contact lens package 12 is at least about at least one first contact lens package 14 rather than the first contact lens package 14 inserted into the second contact lens package 12. Partially formed. The second contact lens package 12 may provide an inert environment in which the first contact lens package 14 is stored. According to an embodiment, the second contact lens package 12 seals around the periphery of the second contact lens package 12 to form an interior space or cavity in which the first contact lens package 14 is stored. It may comprise a pair of foil layers. According to an embodiment, the second contact lens package 12 may be flexible and form a flexible structure. The second contact lens package 12 may be resealed.

According to an embodiment, the first contact lens package 14 comprises a plurality of first lenses each comprising a substrate 26, a cover sheet 28 and a contact lens receiving portion 30. The packaging portions 20A to 20C may be included (see FIGS. 4 to 6). The first lens packaging portions 20A to 20C may be separated along the cutting line 22 (see FIG. 4). The first contact lens package 14 may hold a plurality of contact lenses 24 fixed in the contact lens receiver 30 between the substrate 26 and the cover sheet 28 (FIG. 4). Reference). For ease of explanation, an exemplary system and method of the present invention is a first contact lens package that includes a polypropylene boat for receiving and securing lenses topped with a multi-layer film. It is described as including. However, all first contact lens packaging structures can be secured in a second contact lens package 12, including but not limited to the first contact lens packaging described in US Pat. No. 7,828,137, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. .

Each first contact lens wrap 14 shown in FIG. 4 includes three first lens wrap portions. For example, other structures and configurations are possible for the first contact lens package 14 including a structure having one first lens package portion holding a single contact lens 24. Other embodiments include two or more first lens wraps, including a single contact lens 24 for each first contact lens wrap 14.

The first contact lens package 14 may have a relatively thin and relatively low profile. In an embodiment, when the contact lens 24 is uncompressed and unused (state of rest), the first contact lens package 14 is at a sagittal height of the contact lens 24. It can have a maximum thickness of about 0.25 to 2 times. In another embodiment, when the contact lens 24 is in an uncompressed and unused state, the first contact lens package 14 may have a maximum thickness that is less than the median height of the contact lens 24.

At least one of the substrate 26 and the cover sheet 28 may include a metal material such as the foil. The substrate 26 and cover sheet 28 may be provided as a layer or sheet material. At least one of the substrate 26 and the cover sheet 28 may also include a polymeric material provided in the form of a layer or sheet. For example, the polymeric material may comprise polypropylene. The substrate 26 and cover sheet 28 may be sealed to each other using, for example, a heat seal or an adhesive. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, the first contact lens package may have a structure including but not limited to a package formed from a plurality of sheets.

Storing the first contact lens package 14 in an inert environment can increase the shelf life or service life of the contact lens 24 held in the first contact lens package 14. In addition, the first contact lens package 14 may comprise a structure that is generally flexible and flexible, so that within the structure having additional stiffness and strength to help protect the contact lens 24. The advantages of being stored and transported may be provided. The second contact lens package 12 can provide additional protection and support as well as an inert environment for the first contact lens package 14 including the contact lens 24.

The second contact lens package 12 includes first and second sheets or layers 40 and 42, first and second ends 44 and 46, and first and second side edges 48 and 50. And an upper surface 52 and a lower surface 54. The second contact lens package 12 may form an inner space 56 having an inner opening 58 at the first end 44 (see FIG. 2). The second contact lens package 12 may also include an airtight assembly 60 arranged at the first end 40 and connected to the inner opening 58. The closure assembly 60 may include first and second closure members 59, 61 that meet each other to seal the inner opening 58 to release the inner opening 58.

According to an embodiment, the first and second sheets 40, 42 may be connected to each other around the periphery. The sealed portion 63 may extend around a portion of the periphery of the first and second sheets 40, 42, such as around all sides except for the inner opening 58. A separate sealing step or feature (eg, sealing assembly 60) may be used to seal the inner opening 58 in a hermetically sealed state. The sealed portion 63 may be formed using a heat sealing method. For example, methods and forms of connecting the first and second sheets 40, 42, including adhesive, infrared, ultrasonic and sonic bonding are possible (see FIG. 4).

The second contact lens package 12 may include a plurality of graphics located on the upper and lower surfaces 52, 54. 1 and 3 show a first graphic 62 located at the upper surface 52 and second and third graphics 64,66 located at the lower surface 54. An additional graphical or reflective member 70 may be located on one of the surfaces, such as the lower surface 54 shown in FIG. 3. The reflective member support 72 (see FIG. 4) may include a sheet on which the reflective member 72 is mounted (eg, an inner surface of the second sheet 42 facing the position of the reflective members). Can be. One or all of the first, second and third graphics 62, 64, 66 may provide information to the user or provide other functions. For example, content of packaging, usage, logos and other information may be conveyed through the first, second and third graphics 62, 64, 66. One of the first, second and third graphics 62, 64, 66 and reflective member 72 may include, for example, a barcode, security features and tracking data. Can be.

According to an embodiment, the second contact lens package 12 may be filled with an inert gas that easily provides an inert environment in the interior space 56. In the assembly method, at least one first contact lens package 14 is inserted into the inner space 56 of the second contact lens package 12 through the inner opening 58. Next, an inert gas is injected into the inner space 56 to expose the outer surface of the first contact lens package 14 to the inert gas. The closure assembly 60 is sealed or otherwise sealed to maintain an inert gas in the interior space 56. Another method step may include removing air or oxygen from inside the interior space 56 before or during or after injecting the inert gas into the interior space 56. In some configurations, an additional seal may be formed along the inner opening 58 in place of or in addition to the closure assembly 60, wherein the added seal may be broken to access the first contact lens package 14. Can be. The closure assembly 60 may be used after breaking the seal added so that the inner opening 58 is watertight and has a sealed state that can be released.

According to an embodiment, each of the first and second sheets 40 and 42 of the second contact lens package 12 may include a plurality of layers. The first and second sheets 40, 42 may be configured as laminates. Referring to FIG. 5A, the first sheet 40 may include a first foil layer 90 and a first polymer layer 92. The second sheet 42 may include a second foil layer 94 and a second polymer layer 96. The first and second polymer layers 92 and 96 are arranged to face each other so that heat is applied to the first and second sheets 40 and 42 when the first and second polymer layers 92 and 96 are applied. ) May be bonded to form a seal 63.

Each of the first and second sheets 40, 42 may include additional materials and layers, including one or more layers, including, for example, one or more graphic portions 62, 64, 66. The use of a foil layer in the second contact lens package 12 provides a light reflectivity that prevents light from escaping into the interior space 56, otherwise the light is at least partially. The first contact lens package 14 may be deteriorated or the inert environment in the inner space 56 may be affected. The polymer layers 92, 96 of the first and second sheets 40, 42 may comprise an inert material such as polypropylene. Similarly, other inert materials may be used to create an inert environment in the second contact lens package 12.

The foil layers 90, 94 of the second contact lens package 12 may also provide additional strength and durability to the second contact lens package 12. The foil layers 90 and 94 may also comprise a corrosion resistant material. The foil layers 90, 94 may be encapsulated in other layers of non-corrosive material, such as, for example, a polymer base layer.

Material components of the first and second sheets 40 and 42 and other features of the second contact lens package 12 may provide a waterproof environment in the interior space 56. Providing a waterproof environment may be advantageous when using the contact lens packaging assembly 10 in a humid environment such as, for example, a storage cabinet where contact lenses are typically stored, a sink top, or inside the cardboard of the bedroom. . The waterproof properties of the second contact lens wrap 12 also include, for example, a pocket of the user, for example, in which the contact lens wrap assembly 10 may be exposed to breathing, food or beverage, or high wet conditions, It may be advantageous when the contact lens packaging assembly 10 is transported in a wallet, bag, briefcase or other carrying member.

Combining a foil layer with a polymer layer, such as polypropylene, in the first and second sheets 40, 42 of the second contact lens package 12, moisture or gas is passed through the second contact lens package 12. Resistance to movement into or into the interior space 56 can be improved. For details on the structure, advantages and fabrication of packaging layers including foils, such as foil-on-foil packaging, and related systems and methods, see the United States, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Patent No. 7,828,137. For other features and functions related to lens packaging structures and materials, see Oct. 18, 2011, entitled "Packing for Disposable Soft Contact Lenses with Preformed Multi-Layer Structure Lamination," Described in the filed Singapore patent application.

As disclosed in the Singapore patent application entitled "Packaging for Disposable Soft Contact Lenses with Preformed Multi-Layered Structure Laminates", the first lens package may comprise a preformed laminate substrate. Can be. One layer forming the laminated substrate is configured to provide sufficient structural rigidity to maintain the preformed shape (eg lens receiving portion) in the substrate. In an embodiment, the first layer comprises a polymeric material, such as polypropylene. The other layer of the laminated substrate may comprise a second material that provides different properties than the first layer, such as, for example, light reflectivity, strength and resistance to water / vapor permeability. The package also includes a cover sheet connected to the substrate and sealing the contact lens in a lens receiving portion formed in the substrate. The cover sheet may also be a laminate with at least two layers. For example, the first layer may include a polymer that easily connects the cover sheet to the substrate.

Another feature in connection with the first contact lens package relates to a single contact lens package containing a plurality of contact lenses. The contact lens package may include a plurality of lens receiving portions (eg, grooves, recesses or "boats") formed in the substrate. The lens receiving portions may be arranged in a plurality of directions such as a plurality of rows, each row including at least one lens receiving portion. The rows may be arranged side by side facing each other. Some contact lens packages may be provided to separate the other lens receiving portion from the at least one lens receiving portion. Other arrangements may include a plurality of lens receiving portions that cannot be separated from each other once the contact lens package is assembled.

Some first contact lens packages may include a layer of material for the cover sheet and the substrate that is added during the assembly of the contact lens package, rather than having the substrate and / or coversheet as a laminate. According to an embodiment, at least one layer made of a material having a light reflection property or a liquid / vapor permeable material is added to the substrate or cover sheet before sealing the contact lens in the lens receiving portion of the substrate. .

The first contact lens package may be formed in a single manufacturing line. The substrate and sheet may comprise a material capable of maintaining a sterile environment in the package in which the lenses are arranged. The sterilization environment may be formed by heating the first material of the substrate. Light-sensitive materials arranged in a fraudulent package may also be protected from light rays to limit the degradation of the light sensitive materials. The substrate and coversheet may comprise a material that allows graphic printing to minimize adverse effects on the sterilization environment or the light reflection properties of the contact lens package. In some embodiments, the contact lens package may be configured to be used as an insertion aid. The material of the contact lens packaging can promote improved sealing between the substrate and cover sheet layers. For example, the laminate material used for at least one of the substrate and the cover sheet may be located in an area where a seal is formed between the substrate and the cover sheet and the improved seal (eg, a seal that can be released). , Permanent seals, sealed seals, heat seals, etc.).

The second contact lens package 12 disclosed herein, wherein one of the first and second sheets 40, 42 is configured as a relatively rigid substrate and the first and second sheets 40, 42 The other one of the) may have a different configuration, which is configured as a cover sheet sealed to the substrate to form an inner space having a size to accommodate at least one of the first contact lens packages 14. The alternative embodiment may provide an inert environment for storing the first contact lens package 14. The alternative embodiment may provide a waterproof environment for storing the first contact lens package 14. The alternative embodiment may include one or more foil layers.

The purpose of providing an inert environment (eg, using an inert gas) in the interior space 56 of the second contact lens package 12 is to ensure sterilization guarantee level for the first contact lens package 14. to improve the level of assurance. Providing an inert environment within the interior space 56 may limit bacterial growth. If an inert environment is provided, the second contact lens package 12 of the first package (eg, the first contact lens package 14) also has a relatively low criterion for waterproofing, light reflecting properties, gas permeability, and the like. Storage may be allowed at. In addition, by the additional protective function on the environmental condition provided by the second contact lens package 12, the criterion of the first contact lens package 14 related to the strength, durability and protection against the environmental condition can be relaxed. have.

Another application for the second contact lens package 12 relates to the storage of non-contact lenses, which may be unstable for a number of reasons, for example freshness and shelf life. In an embodiment, the second contact lens package 12 is generally referred to as a second package that is used to store prepackaged products, such as, for example, medicines, vitamins, supplements and other food and drug related products. . In at least some instances, shelf life is extended because the physical and chemical properties of the product to be stored are stored in an inert environment provided by the protection or provided by the second packaging.

The use of a second package for storing the relatively unstable products can be improved by using a cooling sterilization process when sterilizing the second package after the product is sealed inside the second package. Even after the second package has been opened for access to the product, it provides a resealable opening to the second package, for example to provide a waterproof environment, protection from physical damage, reduced exposure to light and bacterial outflow and additional oxygen. In addition, the advantage of using the second packaging as a protection against conditions that weaken the stored product can be further increased.

In addition to foil based packaging, the second contact lens packaging 12 disclosed herein can be made using a number of materials and according to a number of manufacturing methods. Specifically, according to an embodiment, the second contact lens package 12 is an injection case molded plastic package, cardboard or paper material coated with wax or polymer for waterproofing, foil or foil Packaging made from materials that are recycled from other manufacturing processes associated with contact lenses, such as composite packaging, plastic molds used to mold contact lenses fixed within the first contact lens packaging, and combinations thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, another exemplary contact lens packaging assembly 100 is shown. The contact lens wrap assembly 100 includes a first lens wrap 112 stored in a second lens wrap 114. The first lens package 112 may be secured in the support member 182 before being inserted into and stored in the second package 114. The first lens package 112 may have the same or similar structure as the first contact lens package 14 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

The second lens package 114 includes first and second end portions 144 and 146, first and second side edges 148 and 150, upper and lower surfaces 152 and 154, an interior space 156, and an inner opening 158. And a sealed portion 162 located at the opposite end (see FIG. 7). The second lens wrap 114 may also include extending portions 180 along the first and second side edges 148, 150. The extension portion 180 may include, for example, a fold or extendable portion that easily increases the size of the inner space 156 to accommodate the support member 182.

The support member 182 may include a peripheral wall 184 and a recess or cavity 186. The cavity 186 may be sized to accommodate at least one of the first lens wraps 112. A plurality of first lens wraps 112 may be arranged in the cavity 186. The support member 182 for supporting the first lens package 112 may be inserted into the inner space 156 through the inner opening 158. Inert gas may be injected into the internal space 156 before the second lens package 114 is sealed in a sealed state. At least one of the sealed portions 162 may include a closure structure that provides an opening that is resealable into the second lens package 114.

The possible functions of the support member 182 and the support member, for example associated with carrying and supporting the first lens package 112 during transport, storage and use, are referred to as the "support structure for transport and storage of the replacement contact lens." Described in the Singapore patent application filed on October 18, 2011.

According to an embodiment the second lens package 114 uses a single sheet (eg a laminated sheet comprising a foil layer) which is sealed along the free edges which form and face the tubular structure and which folds on the free edges. Can be formed. The tubular structure may be sealed at opposite ends to form the second lens package 114 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The expanded portions 180 may be folded or otherwise molded into the second lens wrap 114 before forming the sealed portions 162. The first lens package 112 may be inserted into the second lens package 114 before both sealed portions are sealed.

In other embodiments, the first and second sheet of material (eg, a laminated sheet comprising a foil layer) may be sealed to each other around the periphery as described in connection with the second contact lens package 12. The sealed portions 162 may be formed in the first and second ends 144, 146 in separate sealing steps. In yet another embodiment, the second packaging lens is sealed in the first and second ends 144, 146 to form the sealed portion 162 and is continuous and unbroken. unbroken) is formed using a tubular member. The expanded portion 180 may be formed in the tubular structure as part of the sealed portion prior to forming the sealed portion 162.

The material used for the second lens wrap 114 may have the same or similar properties, features, layers, manufacturing methods, and structures as described with respect to the second contact lens wrap 12.

One feature of the present disclosure relates to packaging including some form of inert media to maintain the desired state within the package until the package is opened. Still another feature is in the packaging and other features that may be used to tune or tune the internal state of the package to the characteristics of the product stored within the package to optimize product shelf life or product life. It is about. Another feature relates to the ability to use thermally-sensitive components, dyes and materials as part of a first package secured in the second package because of the inert environment provided in the second package. Another feature relates to a second packaging that improves storage and / or transport conditions for heat sensitive medicines, vitamins, supplements and other products. Another feature relates to a second packaging that allows the use of a first packaging design and material having a lower standard, eg, for strength, sterilization, shelf life and gas permeability. The above features of at least some of the present disclosure are possible or enhanced using cold sterilization techniques associated with sterilization of the second packaging.

Some exemplary inert gases that may be used in the second packaging may be, for example, nitrogen, argon and other, which may be consistent with, for example, the properties, attributes or other characteristics of the product secured in the second packaging. Gas (eg, noble gas).

Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure relate to an assembly of contact lens packages having at least one first lens package stored within a second lens package. Another feature relates to a method for manufacturing or forming a second lens package. Another feature relates to creating an inert environment for storing at least one first lens package. Another feature relates to a method for accessing and storing a plurality of first lens packages within a resealable second lens package. Another method relates to a method for storing a plurality of first lens packages in a waterproof second lens package. The second lens package is resealable. Many other methods and features of the present disclosure are possible.

The above description is provided only to describe and illustrate exemplary embodiments of the system and process. The description is not exhaustive and is not intended to limit the system and the process to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above description. The scope of the system and process should be defined by the following claims.

10 ..... contact lens packaging assembly,
12 ..... second contact lens package,
14 ..... 1st contact lens package,
26 ..... substrate,
28 ..... Cover seat,
30 ..... Contact lens housing.

Claims (9)

Sealable first lens packaging 14,
One or more contact lenses 24 sealed in the first lens package 14,
A sealable second lens wrap 12, wherein the first lens wrap 14 is sealed in the second lens wrap 12 to increase the shelf life of the one or more contact lenses 24. And wherein the second lens wrap is a resealable contact lens wrap assembly.
At least one inert gas is sealed outside the first lens package 14 and inside the second lens package 12,
When the contact lens 24 is in an uncompressed and unused state, the first contact lens package 14 has a maximum thickness that is greater than or equal to the median height of the contact lens 24,
And the second lens wrap (12) is configured to hold a plurality of first lens wraps.
A contact lens packaging assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a support structure inserted between the first lens packaging (14) and the second lens packaging (12).
The method of claim 1, wherein the second lens package 12 is sealed and facing around a periphery of the second lens package 12 to form an interior space in which the first lens package 14 is arranged. A contact lens packaging assembly comprising first and second packaging portions.
4. The laminated material of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second wrap portions of the second lens wrap 12 includes one or more foil layers or one or more layers including one or more polymer layers and metal materials. Contact lens packaging assembly comprising a.
The contact lens packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second lens packaging (12) is made of laminated foil substrate, injection case molded plastic packaging, wax or polymer coated paper or vacuum molded plastic. .
Sealing the contact lens 24 in the first lens package 14,
The first lens package 14 and the plurality of additional first packages are sealed in a second lens package 12, and the second lens package 12 provides an inert storage state for the first lens package 14. Steps,
A method for manufacturing a contact lens packaging assembly comprising forming a resealable opening in a second lens packaging (2)
And filling an inert gas into the second lens package 12, wherein the inert gas is sealed outside the first lens package 14 and inside the second lens package 12,
When the contact lens 24 is uncompressed and unused, the first contact lens package 14 has a maximum thickness that is greater than or equal to the median height of the contact lens 24. A method for manufacturing a lens packaging assembly.
7. A method according to claim 6, further comprising forming a resealable opening for the second lens wrap (2).
7. The second lens of claim 6, wherein the layers of the first and second laminated structures are arranged at the periphery of the second lens package 12 and sealed to each other to form an interior space having a size to accommodate the first lens package. And providing the package (12).
9. The second lens wrap (12) according to claim 8, wherein the second lens wrap (12) comprises two foil layers (40, 42) fixed to each other to form an interior space sized to receive the first lens wrap (14). And a method for manufacturing a contact lens packaging assembly.

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