Patent US908256A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4166255A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Hybrid corneal contact lens
Assignee: 3M Co
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Filing: 1976-06-14
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Granted: 1979-08-28
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Expires: 1996-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A hybrid corneal contact lens comprising a substantially rigid central optical area surrounded by and/or embedded in a relatively soft transparent plastic component, and methods of constructing the same, the lens having the unique features of retaining the optical configuration imparted to the central optical portion, yet possessing a flexible feather-edged periphery, thereby providing a safer and more comfortable fit for the eye.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert K. Graham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 00:23
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02C; G02C7/00; G02C7/02; G02C7/04; G02C7/049
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
A hybrid corneal contact lens comprising a substantially rigid central optical element completely encased within a sheath of flexible soft polymeric material, said sheath extending beyond the edge of said central optical element to provide a flexible peripheral area around the edge of said optical element of sufficient size so that said area may lie close to the surface of an eye, wherein said substantially rigid central optical element comprises a rigid material diffused within a relatively soft material having different characteristics than said rigid material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
A hybrid corneal contact lens comprising a substantially rigid central optical element completely encased within a sheath of flexible soft polymeric material, said sheath extending beyond the edge of said central optical element to provide a flexible peripheral area around the edge of said optical element of sufficient size so that said area may lie close to the surface of an eye, wherein said substantially rigid central optical element comprises a rigid material diffused within a relatively soft material having different characteristics than said rigid material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A hybrid corneal contact lens having a relatively soft, flexible area surrounding the periphery of a substantially rigid central optical element, said flexible area comprising soft polymeric material and said rigid central optical element comprising a rigid material diffused within said soft polymeric material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
A hybrid corneal contact lens having a relatively soft, flexible area surrounding the periphery of a substantially rigid central optical element, said flexible area comprising soft polymeric material and said rigid central optical element comprising a rigid material diffused within said soft polymeric material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A contact lens as set forth in claim 2, wherein said relatively soft, flexible area is feather-edged.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A contact lens as set forth in claim 2, wherein said substantially rigid optical element is composed of a polymeric material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A contact lens as set forth in claim 4, wherein said substantially rigid optical element is composed of gas permeable plastic.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A contact lens as set forth in claim 4, wherein said substantially rigid optical element is composed of poly-methyl methacrylate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A contact lens as set forth in claim 4, wherein said substantially rigid optical element is composed of cellulose acetate butyrate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A contact lens as set forth in claim 4, wherein said substantially rigid optical element is composed of allyl diglycol carbonate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A contact lens as set forth in claim 2, wherein said relatively soft, flexible area is composed of a linear-linked hydrophilic polymer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
A contact lens as set forth in claim 9, wherein said relatively soft, flexible area is composed of 2-hydroxy-ethyl-methacrylate.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
A contact lens as set forth in claim 6, wherein said relatively soft, flexible area is composed of 2-hydroxy-ethyl-methacrylate.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
A contact lens as set forth in claim 2, wherein said rigid central optical area has a chord of from 4 to 8 mm., and said hybrid lens has an overall chord of less than 17 mm.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
A contact lens as set forth in claim 2, wherein said relatively soft, flexible area is composed of a gas-permeable substance.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
A contact lens as set forth in claim 4, wherein said relatively soft, flexible area is composed of a flexible silicone.
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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) | 1982-08-27 | 1983-02-26 | 1983-08-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-08-27 | 1987-02-26 | 1987-08-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-08-27 | 1991-02-26 | 1991-08-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |