US3940207A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Soft, tough low refractive index contact lenses
Assignee: EIDP Inc
•
Filing: 1974-02-26
•
Granted: 1976-02-24
•
Expires: 1994-02-26
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a soft, tough, contact lens for the human eye constructed of fluorine-containing polymers, said lens having a Clash-Berg torsion modulus of 95-1000 lb/sq. in. and a refractive index approximating that of human tears.
Inventors
- 👤 Archie E. Barkdoll
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 10:51
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02C; G02C7/00; G02C7/02; G02C7/04; G02C7/041; G02B; G02B1/00; G02B1/04; G02B1/041; G02B1/043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A soft, wettable, transparent contact lens for the eye constructed from at least one soft, tough, fluorine-containing polymer selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether)/vinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro[2(2-fluorosulfonylethoxy)propyl vinyl ether], vinylidene fluoride/hexafluoropropylene/tetrafluoroethylene, and vinylidene fluoride/hexafluoropropylene said lens having a concavoconvex structure with the concave surface conforming substantially to the shape of the eye surface, an optical zone, a refractive index in the range 1.3 to 1.4, a Clash-Berg torsion modulus in the range about 95 to about 1000 pounds per square inch, a Shore Durometer (A) hardness of 90 or less, a tensile strength (break) of at least about 100 psi, an elongation (break) of at least about 160 percent and a tear strength of at least about 5 lb/linear inch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A soft, wettable, transparent contact lens for the eye constructed from at least one soft, tough, fluorine-containing polymer selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether)/vinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro[2(2-fluorosulfonylethoxy)propyl vinyl ether], vinylidene fluoride/hexafluoropropylene/tetrafluoroethylene, and vinylidene fluoride/hexafluoropropylene said lens having a concavoconvex structure with the concave surface conforming substantially to the shape of the eye surface, an optical zone, a refractive index in the range 1.3 to 1.4, a Clash-Berg torsion modulus in the range about 95 to about 1000 pounds per square inch, a Shore Durometer (A) hardness of 90 or less, a tensile strength (break) of at least about 100 psi, an elongation (break) of at least about 160 percent and a tear strength of at least about 5 lb/linear inch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A lens according to claim 1 in which the polymer is tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A lens according to claim 2 in which the mol ratio of tetrafluoroethylene to perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether) is 64:36.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A lens according to claim 1 in which the polymer is tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether)/vinylidene fluoride.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A lens according to claim 4 in which the mol ratio of tetrafluoroethylene to perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether) to vinylidene fluoride is 12:17:71.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A lens according to claim 1 in which the polymer is tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro[2(2-fluorosulfonylethoxy)propyl vinyl ether].
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A lens according to claim 6 in which the mol ratio of tetrafluoroethylene to perfluoro[2ranges 2-fluorosulfonylethoxy)propyl vinyl ether] range from 6.5:1 to 8.3:1.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
A lens according to claim 1 in which the polymer is vinylidene fluoride/hexafluoropropylene/tetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A lens according to claim 8 in which the mol ratio of vinylidene fluoride to hexafluoropropylene to tetrafluoroethylene is 61:17.3:21.7.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
A lens according to claim 1, wherein the polymer is tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether) plasticized with poly(hexafluoropropylene oxide) oil.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
A lens according to claim 1, wherein the polymer is vinylidene fluoride/hexafluoropropylene.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
A lens according to claim 11 in which the mol ratio of vinylidene fluoride to hexafluoropropylene is 78:22.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-02-23 | 1979-08-25 | 1980-02-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-02-23 | 1983-08-25 | 1984-02-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-02-23 | 1987-08-25 | 1988-02-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |