US5101967A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for storing contact lenses
Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
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Filing: 1991-08-12
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Granted: 1992-04-07
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Expires: 2011-08-12
Abstract
Abstract A contact lens storage chamber has a lens retaining member disposed therein with baskets for containing the lenses disposed in a vertically juxtaposed manner. The lens retaining member has a stopper portion which is located in an opening at the top of the chamber and is retained in place by a loose tongue-in-groove structure which facilitates the escape of vapors from the chamber during a lens cleaning and disinfecting procedure.
Inventors
- 👤 Murray J. Sibley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 00:35
CPC Classifications
A; A45; A45C; A45C11/00; A45C11/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses comprising a contact lens storage chamber and a lens retaining member, the storage chamber having an opening at the top thereof and a pair of substantially, horizontally disposed ridges on the interior of the storage chamber, the lens retaining member having a cap portion, a stopper portion which is attached to a bottom side of the cap portion, and a plate portion which is attached to a bottom side of the stopper portion and extends vertically, the stopper portion being disposed in the opening at the top of the storage chamber and having a pair of substantially horizontally disposed grooves therein, said grooves being deeper, longer and wider than said ridges, and said ridges being disposed in said grooves, the plate portion of the lens retaining means having a pair of baskets which are vertically juxtaposed integral therewith for containing contact lenses.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
148 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses comprising a contact lens storage chamber and a lens retaining member, the storage chamber having an opening at the top thereof and a pair of substantially, horizontally disposed ridges on the interior of the storage chamber, the lens retaining member having a cap portion, a stopper portion which is attached to a bottom side of the cap portion, and a plate portion which is attached to a bottom side of the stopper portion and extends vertically, the stopper portion being disposed in the opening at the top of the storage chamber and having a pair of substantially horizontally disposed grooves therein, said grooves being deeper, longer and wider than said ridges, and said ridges being disposed in said grooves, the plate portion of the lens retaining means having a pair of baskets which are vertically juxtaposed integral therewith for containing contact lenses.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 1 wherein a horizontal cross section of the contact lens storage chamber is rectangular.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 2 wherein said baskets have hinged lids.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 3 further comprising a base member which supports the lens storage chamber in a substantially vertical orientation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 2 further comprising a base member which supports the lens storage chamber in a substantially vertical orientation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 1 wherein the stopper portion of the lens retaining means is spaced apart from the interior of the lens storage chamber such that vapors may escape from the lens storage chamber during a lens cleaning and disinfecting procedure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 6 wherein the stopper portion of the lens retaining means is spaced apart from the interior of the lens storage chamber such that vapors may escape from the lens storage chamber during a lens cleaning and disinfecting procedure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 7 wherein said baskets have hinged lids.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 8 further comprising a base member which supports the lens storage chamber in a substantially vertical orientation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 7 further comprising a base member which supports the lens storage chamber in a substantially vertical orientation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 6 wherein said baskets have hinged lids.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 11 further comprising a base member which supports the lens storage chamber in a substantially vertical orientation.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 6 further comprising a base member which supports the lens storage chamber in a substantially vertical orientation.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 1 wherein said baskets have hinged lids.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 14 further comprising a base member which supports the lens storage chamber in a substantially vertical orientation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus for storing contact lenses according to claim 1 further comprising a base member which supports the lens storage chamber in a substantially vertical orientation.
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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) | 1995-04-07 | 1995-10-07 | 1996-04-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-04-07 | 1999-10-07 | 2000-04-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-04-07 | 2003-10-07 | 2004-04-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |