Flat contact lens packages and methods of handling

Abstract

The present invention relates to improved contact lens packages and methods of use. An example flat contact lens package is described herein. The package includes a base component including a hinge and a lid component sealedly coupled to the base component. The base component and the lid component define a cavity configured to accommodate a contact lens and a packaging solution. Additionally, in an unopened state, the base component is biased toward the lid component, while in an opened state, a portion of the base component is configured to pivot about the hinge and drain the packaging solution.

1 . A flat contact lens package comprising:
 a base component comprising a hinge; and   a lid component sealedly coupled to the base component, wherein:   the base component and the lid component define a cavity configured to accommodate a contact lens and a packaging solution,   the base component is biased toward the lid component in an unopened state, and   a portion of the base component is configured to pivot about the hinge and drain the packaging solution in an opened state.   
     
     
         2 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the flat contact lens package has a planar shape in the unopened state. 
     
     
         3 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the base component comprises one or more sheets of material. 
     
     
         4 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more sheets of material include a foil. 
     
     
         5 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the lid component comprises one or more sheets of material. 
     
     
         6 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 5 , wherein the one or more sheets of material include a foil. 
     
     
         7 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the portion of the base component is configured to pivot about the hinge in a direction away from the lid component in the opened state. 
     
     
         8 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 7 , wherein the portion of the base component is configured to pivot between 1 and 180 degrees about the hinge. 
     
     
         9 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the hinge is a living hinge. 
     
     
         10 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the hinge divides the base component into a first region and a second region. 
     
     
         11 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 10 , wherein the hinge comprises a thinned portion of the base component, wherein the thinned portion is arranged between the first region and the second region. 
     
     
         12 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the hinge extends along a transverse axis of the base component. 
     
     
         13 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 12 , wherein the base component has a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, wherein the first and second edges extend substantially in parallel to one another, and wherein the third and fourth edges extend substantially in parallel to one another. 
     
     
         14 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 13 , wherein a length of the first and second edges is greater than a length of the third and fourth edges. 
     
     
         15 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 13 , wherein the transverse axis extends substantially in parallel to the third and fourth edges. 
     
     
         16 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 1 , further comprising a support component arranged in the cavity. 
     
     
         17 . The flat contact lens package of  claim 16 , wherein the support component is configured to support the contact lens in a convex-side-up orientation. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of applying a contact lens to a wearer's eye, the contact lens being stored in the flat contact lens package of  claim 1 , the method comprising:
 separating the lid component and the base component;   allowing a portion of the base component to pivot about the hinge;   draining the packaging solution from the cavity;   manipulating the contact lens with the wearer's finger; and   applying the contact lens to the wearer's eye.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising manually pivoting the portion of the base component about the hinge. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein manipulating the contact lens with the wearer's finger is performed with a single touch.