US4369355A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lens case and heating unit
Assignee: Alcon Vision LLC
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Filing: 1980-07-21
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Granted: 1983-01-18
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Expires: 2000-07-21
Abstract
Abstract A contact lens bathing case, in which a pair of contact lenses is sealed with a cleaning and disinfectant solution, and a heating unit, for receiving and heating the filled case therein, cooperate to eliminate leakage problems, i.e. loss of solution, associated with improperly closed contact lens cases. The heating case includes a heating element and a movable lens case holder which is movable from an open position remote from the heating element to a closed position adjacent to the heating element whereat the solution and lenses may be heated. Closure prevention means prevent the holder which has received an improperly closed case from being moved to the closed position.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael L. Helixon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:40
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L12/00; A61L12/02; A61L12/04; A45; A45C; A45C11/00; A45C11/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
Apparatus for heating contact lenses comprising a removable lens case composed of a container member for receiving contact lens treating solutions and a closure member for said container member, said container member having an alignment means, said closure member having an insertion prevention means, a housing defining a compartment for said lens case, heating means within said housing adjacent said compartment, a holder for said lens case adapted to be received within said compartment, said holder having case locating means which cooperate with said alignment means to permit placement of said lens case in said holder only in a predetermined orientation, and interference means which interfere with said insertion prevention means when said closure member is improperly applied to said container member to prevent the lens case from being fully inserted into said compartment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
Apparatus for heating contact lenses comprising a removable lens case composed of a container member for receiving contact lens treating solutions and a closure member for said container member, said container member having an alignment means, said closure member having an insertion prevention means, a housing defining a compartment for said lens case, heating means within said housing adjacent said compartment, a holder for said lens case adapted to be received within said compartment, said holder having case locating means which cooperate with said alignment means to permit placement of said lens case in said holder only in a predetermined orientation, and interference means which interfere with said insertion prevention means when said closure member is improperly applied to said container member to prevent the lens case from being fully inserted into said compartment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein means provide a fluid-tight seal between said closure member and said container member when said closure member is properly applied to said container member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 including a cover member for enclosing said compartment when said lens case is fully inserted into said compartment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
61 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said holder has a vertical slot that provides said locating means and said interference means, said alignment means is a lug extending from said container member and insertable into said slot, and said insertion prevention means is a lug extending from said closure member insertable into said slot when aligned with said container member lug.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-01-17 | 1986-07-19 | 1987-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-01-17 | 1990-07-19 | 1991-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-01-17 | 1994-07-19 | 1995-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |