Ophtalmic lens storage assembly

Abstract

 An ophthalmic lens storage assembly (30) for storing a plurality of ophthalmic lenses (20) in a stacked arrangement, the assembly (30) comprising a base (32) having a plurality of upstanding lateral support members (34) extending therefrom and defining therebetween a space within which said stacked arrangement is receivable, the assembly (30) further comprising a plurality of spacer members (22) insertable between adjacent lenses (20) of said stacked arrangement to prevent contact of said adjacent lenses (20).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage assembly for optical lenses and in particular to storage assembly adapted to accommodate a plurality of optical lenses intended for subsequent incorporation in spectacle assemblies.

[0002] It is current industry practice for spectacle lenses to be supplied from a mass manufacturer to an assembler as individually wrapped items. Typically each lens is wrapped in a protective tissue and then inserted into an envelope bearing information about the lens contained therein. The individual envelopes are then boxed in quantities of five, ten or more units for onward shipment to the end user. Upon receipt the assembler must manually remove each lens from the box, envelope and tissue before use.

[0003] According to the present invention there is provided an ophthalmic lens storage assembly for storing a plurality of ophthalmic lenses in a stacked arrangement, the assembly comprising a base having a plurality of upstanding lateral support members extending therefrom and defining therebetween a space within which said stacked arrangement is receivable, the assembly further comprising a plurality of spacer members insertable between adjacent lenses of said stacked arrangement to prevent contact of said adjacent lenses.

[0004] The provision of the support members prevents lateral movement of the lens stack or individual lenses within the stack. The spacer members prevent adjacent lenses from contacting one another and hence becoming damaged as a result of lens on lens contact.

[0005] Each support member preferably comprises an elongate member having substantially uniform cross-sectional dimensions along its length. For example each support member may have a triangular, square or partially circular cross-sectional shape. Each support member may be provided with a curved engagement face which is complementary in shape to the shape of the stack. The support members may be provided with a resiliently deformable surface which, in use, is adapted to grip the stacked arrangement of lenses.

[0006] The base member is provided with one or more recesses in which said support members are received. The recesses may be blind or may alternatively comprises through apertures of the base. The or each recess may be configured so as to enable a support member received therein to be located at more than one position on a base member.

[0007] In an alternative embodiment the support members may be movably mounted upon the base. For example the support members may be movable in slots or tracks of the base so as to enable the spacing between the support members to be varied. Alternatively the support members may be rota table mounted upon the base. The cross-sectional shape of the support members may be such rotation thereof on the base varies the spacing between the portions of the support members intended to contact the lens stack. It will thus be appreciated that the spacing of the support members may be varied so as to accommodate lens stacks of differing diameters. In yet a further embodiment each support member may be rota table about an axis which is spaced from the notional centreline of the support member. The support members are preferably provided with a releasable locking mechanism so as to enable their position relative to the base to be at least temporarily maintained.

[0008] The assembly may include an end cap within which the support members are receivable such that the space within which said stacked arrangement is receivable is defined between the base, end cap and support members. In such an embodiment it will be appreciated that the assembly forms a type of cage within which the stacked arrangement of lenses is received with the base and end caps forming the floor and ceiling of the cage and the support members the bars of the cage. The configuration of the end cap may be the same as that of the base.

[0009] Each spacer member preferably includes opposed surfaces shaped so as to conform to corresponding surfaces of adjacent lenses between which the spacer member is inserted. The spacer members are preferably manufactured from a resilient material such as, for example, a foamed plastic material. The spacer members may be annular. In an alternative embodiment each spacer member may comprise a body of material having a plurality of apertures therethrough. The apertures may be arranged in a pattern through the spacer member, for example the apertures may be arranged in a circle.

[0010] The present invention provides a means for multiple optical lenses to be stored and transported without the need for each lens to be provided with an individual protective wrapping. Furthermore the present invention provides a means of storing multiple optical lenses in a manner conducive to the subsequent automated handling and processing thereof. The present invention additionally leads to a significant reduction in the amount of packaging material compared to existing lens packaging solutions.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a lens storage assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a lens storage assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 3a to 3d show plan views of three alternative internal configurations for the assembly of figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a side view of a lens and spacer member being removed from the assembly of figure 2; and

Figures 5 and 6 show plan views of two different spacer members.

[0012] Referring firstly to figure 1 there is shown a lens storage assembly generally designated 10. The assembly 10 comprises a tube 12 having a base 14 and a peripheral wall 16. The base 14 and wall 16 between them define an interior space 18 within which a plurality of lenses 20 may be received. The lenses 20 are stacked within the space 18 and are separated from one another by annular spacers 22. The spacers 22 are manufactured from a resiliently compressible material such as, for example, an expanded foam. The spacers 22 are annular and of the type shown in figure 5 comprising an annular body 48 having a central aperture 50 therethrough. In the embodiment shown the base 14 of the tube 12 is provided with an integral annular projection 24 upon which the lowermost lens rests. In an alternative embodiment the projection 24 may be replaced with a separate annular spacer 22 which is introduced into the tube 12 before the first lens.

[0013] The tube 12, and hence the interior space 18, is substantially cylindrical and is sized so as to accommodate the lenses with a close fit. The inner surface of the wall 16 may be configured so as to lightly grip lenses 20 within the tube 12. For example the wall 16 may be provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending, resiliently deformable fins (not shown). In use, lenses 20 and spacers 22 are introduced alternately into the tube 12 through the open end thereof. The spacers 22 are sized and shaped such that adjacent lenses 20 are prevented from contacting one another and hence the possibility of damage to a lens 20 by another lens 20 is eliminated. The exact shape and dimensions of the spacers 22 are dependent upon the diameter, curvature and power of the lenses 20 they are intended to be used in conjunction with. The upper and lower faces of the spacers 22 are shaped so as to conform the respective curved surfaces of adjacent lenses 20. The close fit of the lenses 20 with the interior of the tube 12, together with the optional gripping formations which may be provided on the inner surface of the wall 16, reduce the possibility of damage occurring to a lens 20 as a result of relative movement between a lens 20 and the tube 12.

[0014] Once the lenses 20 and spacers 22 have been fitted to a tube 12 a cap or plug, not shown, is fitted to the open end to close the interior space 18. The outer surface of the tube 12 is provided with information relating to the lenses contained therein, for example manufacturer, type, number, strength, material and batch number. The information may be provided in a machine readable format such as a barcode. The provision of multiple lenses 20 in assembly 10 of the type hereinbefore described provides advantages for the subsequent automated handling of the lenses 20 by an assembler. At present, with lenses provided in individual envelopes, each must be unwrapped by hand which is both time consuming and labour intensive. The assembly 10 of the present invention is on the other hand may be utilised as a magazine of lenses 20 for an appropriately configured automated handling apparatus. For example, such an apparatus may be configured to receive a full tube 12 of lenses 20 into a docking port or seat, remove the lid and sequentially remove individual lenses 20 from the tube 12.

[0015] Referring now to figure 2, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a lens storage assembly, generally designated 26. Features common the first described embodiment are identified with like reference numerals. The assembly 26 comprises a rectangular box 28 indicated in broken lines. The use of a rectangular box has readily perceptible advantages with respect to stability and packaging. The box 28 contains a lens holding assembly 30 comprising a base member 32 and an end cap member 33 which between then receive and support a plurality of posts 34. It will be appreciated that while the use of an end cap 33 is desirable, it is optional. The innermost edges or faces 36 of the posts 34 define a space envelope therebetween which accommodates the lenses 20. The base and end cap members 32,33 each comprise a planar base 38 having a flange 40 around the periphery thereof. Each planar base 38 is provided a plurality of through apertures 42, each of which is sized and shaped to receive a post 34.

[0016] When viewed in plan, the base and end cap members 32,33 have substantially the same shape as the box 28 into which they are intended to fit. It will thus be appreciated that this mirroring of shape between the between the box 28 and base and end cap members 32,33 ensure that relative movement between the assembly 30 and the box 28 is kept to a minimum, in use. Longitudinal relative movement between the assembly 30 and the box 28 is prevented by the provision of packing members 44 disposed between the base and end cap members 32,33 and the ends 46 of the box 28.

[0017] Referring now to figures 3a to 3c, there are shown plan views of base members 32 and posts 34 according to the present invention. Figure 3a shows a base member 32 having four equidistantly spaced posts 34 each having a substantially square cross-section. The posts 34 are arranged such that the innermost edges 36 of diagonally adjacent posts 34 are spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to the diameter of the lenses 20. The lenses 20 are therefore received between the posts 34 such that the possibility of relative movement therebetween is greatly reduced. In one embodiment the posts 34, or at least the portions of the posts 34 which contact the lenses 20, are made form a resiliently deformable material, and the posts 34 are spaced such that the gap between diagonally adjacent posts 34 is slightly less than the diameter of the lenses 20. In such a configuration it will be understood that the posts 34 may be arranged to lightly grip the stack of lenses 20.

[0018] Figures 3b and 3c show alternative configurations. In the embodiment of figure 3b the posts 34 are triangular in cross-section and are positioned such that the lenses 20 rest against a face 36 of each post 34. In the embodiment of figure 3c the posts 34 are substantially sector shaped, i.e. corresponding to a quarter of a circle, with the curved face 36 of each post 34 contacting the lenses 20. In the embodiments shown the assembly 30 is provided with four posts 34 which in use are in point contact with the lenses. It will however be appreciated that differing numbers of posts 34 with differing lens contact arrangements may be used. The assembly 30 may be provided with as few as two facing posts 34 which are provided with a lens contact face or portion which corresponds to the shape of the lens edge. Alternatively three or five posts may be employed.

[0019] As described above the posts 34 are received in respective apertures 42 of the base members 32. Each aperture 42 may be configured so as to permit a post 34 to be located at different positions on the base member 32. Such an aperture 42 is illustrated with broken lines in figure 3a. It will thus be appreciated that the spacing of the posts 34 may be varied to accommodate lenses 20 of differing diameters.

[0020] Figure 3d shows a plan view if an alternative embodiment of a base member 32 and posts 34. The posts 34 are circular in cross section and rather than being received in recess of the base 32 and are rotatably mounted on respective axles indicated by respective axes 58. The rotational axis 58 of each post 34 is offset with respect to the centreline of the post 34 with the result that rotation of each post 34 causes the spacing between the posts 34 to vary. An indication as to how the position of a post 34 may vary is indicated by broken line 60. It will be appreciated that by rotatably mounting the posts 34 in this manner a range of lens diameters may be accommodated therebetween. Each post 34 may be provided with a releasable locking mechanism to hold the post 34 at a desired location. In such an embodiment it will be appreciated that, once a stack of lenses has been inserted between the posts 34, the posts 34 may be rotated to and locked in a position whereby they grip the stack. Similarly when the assembly 30 reaches the assembler, the locking mechanisms 34 may be released and the posts 34 rotated away from the lens stack to assist in the removal of the lenses 20 therefrom.

[0021] In use, the posts 34 are introduced into the apertures 42 of a base member 32 or, in the case of rotatably mounted posts 34, set to a desired spacing. A desired number of lenses 20 and spacers 22 are then introduced sequentially into the space defined between the posts 34. The spacers 22 are of the type shown in figure 6 and comprise a body 52 of a resiliently deformable material having a plurality of apertures 54 therethough. The apertures 54 are provided in a concentric pattern and are provided to assist in the automated removal of lenses 20 as will be described in greater detail below. The end cap 33 is then fitted to the free end of the posts 34 to encapsulate the lenses 20 and spacers 22 and complete the assembly 30. The packing members 44 are fitted to the base and end cap members 32,33 and the assembly is introduced into the box 28. As before, the box 28 is provided with information relating to the lenses contained therein, for example manufacturer, type, number, strength, material and batch number. The information may be provided in a machine readable format such as a barcode.

[0022] Referring now to figure 4 there is shown a lens 20 being removed from an assembly 30 by the use of a suction device 56. The end cap 33 of the assembly is first removed thereby exposing the uppermost spacer member 22. The suction device 56 is moved into contact with the uppermost spacer member and activated such that the lens 20 immediately below the uppermost spacer 22 is gripped thereby. The provision of the apertures 54 in the spacer member 22 define air flow paths through the spacer member 22 which permit the suction device to lift the lens 20 through the spacer member 22. In lifting the lens 20 through the spacer member 22 the lens 20 is prevented from contacting the suction device and hence is prevented from being damaged thereby. As described above the posts 34, if rotatably mounted, may be moved to a position whereby they are spaced slightly from the lens stack. Where the posts 34 are received in apertures 34 of the base 32 one or more of the posts 34 may be removed therefrom so as to permit access to the lens stack by the suction device.

[0023] The provision of multiple lenses 20 in assembly 26 of the type hereinbefore described provides advantages for the subsequent automated handling of the lenses 20 by an end user. The assembly 26 of the present invention is on the other hand may be utilised as a magazine of lenses 20 for an appropriately configured automated handling apparatus. For example, such an apparatus may be configured to receive a full assembly 30 of lenses 20 into a docking port or seat, remove one of the base and end members 32,33 and sequentially remove individual lenses 20 from between the posts 34.

Claims

1. An ophthalmic lens storage assembly for storing a plurality of ophthalmic lenses in a stacked arrangement, the assembly comprising a base having a plurality of upstanding lateral support members extending therefrom and defining therebetween a space within which said stacked arrangement is receivable, the assembly further comprising a plurality of spacer members insertable between adjacent lenses of said stacked arrangement to prevent contact of said adjacent lenses

2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein each support member comprises an elongate member having substantially uniform cross-sectional dimensions along its length.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the support members are repositionable so as to be locatable at more than one position on the base member.

3. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the base member is provided with one or more recesses in which said support members are received.

5. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the support members are provided with a resiliently deformable surface which, in use, is adapted to grip the stacked arrangement of lenses.

6. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim and including an end cap within which the support members are receivable such that the space within which said stacked arrangement is receivable is defined between the base, end cap and support members.

7. An assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the configuration of the end cap is the same as that of the base.

8. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each spacer member includes opposed surfaces shaped so as to conform to corresponding surfaces of adjacent lenses between which the spacer member is inserted.

9. An assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein each spacer member is annular.

10. An assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein each spacer member includes a plurality of apertures therethrough.

Drawing