CA1320887C - Ocular treatment apparatus - Google Patents
Ocular treatment apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1320887C CA1320887C CA000582427A CA582427A CA1320887C CA 1320887 C CA1320887 C CA 1320887C CA 000582427 A CA000582427 A CA 000582427A CA 582427 A CA582427 A CA 582427A CA 1320887 C CA1320887 C CA 1320887C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- eye
- housing
- treatment apparatus
- medicament
- drive shaft
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
- A61F9/0008—Introducing ophthalmic products into the ocular cavity or retaining products therein
- A61F9/0026—Ophthalmic product dispenser attachments to facilitate positioning near the eye
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An ocular treatment apparatus for applying liquid medicament from a reservoir is provided. The apparatus includes a tubular housing with a first open end adapted to conform to the shape of the facial area surrounding the eye socket. The housing is constructed and arranged to receive, hold and position a reservoir containing the liquid medicament. A sighting opening is included on the housing to properly orient the eye. An eyelid displacement mechanism is supported on the first open end of the housing at a position diametrically opposed to the sighting opening. The displacement mechanism is adapted to evert the lower eyelid and expose the cul de sac. This combination of an eye focused at the sighting hole and an everted lower eyelid exposes the cul de sac so that drops of medicament dispensed into the eye will more easily and directly be applied at or near the cul de sac where it is temporarily retained to increase the length of time the medicament will medicate the eyeball.
In a further embodiment of the instant invention, the lower eyelid displacement mechanism will simultaneously cause drops to be emitted from the reservoir as the cul de sac is everted to facilitate application of the drops of liquid medicament.
An ocular treatment apparatus for applying liquid medicament from a reservoir is provided. The apparatus includes a tubular housing with a first open end adapted to conform to the shape of the facial area surrounding the eye socket. The housing is constructed and arranged to receive, hold and position a reservoir containing the liquid medicament. A sighting opening is included on the housing to properly orient the eye. An eyelid displacement mechanism is supported on the first open end of the housing at a position diametrically opposed to the sighting opening. The displacement mechanism is adapted to evert the lower eyelid and expose the cul de sac. This combination of an eye focused at the sighting hole and an everted lower eyelid exposes the cul de sac so that drops of medicament dispensed into the eye will more easily and directly be applied at or near the cul de sac where it is temporarily retained to increase the length of time the medicament will medicate the eyeball.
In a further embodiment of the instant invention, the lower eyelid displacement mechanism will simultaneously cause drops to be emitted from the reservoir as the cul de sac is everted to facilitate application of the drops of liquid medicament.
Description
1 ~ 32~7 ~1293-192 BACKGROUND OE THE INVENTION
This invention is dlrected to an ocular treatment appar-atus and, in ~artlcular, to an ocular treatment apparatus that can apply eye drops of liquld medlcament safely and easlly. Specifi-cally, most people encounter difficulty ln applylny drops to thelr -eyes. The eye ls known to be a very sensitlve body part and indl-viduals find it dlfficult to control reflexive blinklng when applyln~ drops thereto. Also, eye drop users often have poor vlslon. Poor vision makes it difficult to positlon the tlp of the dropper bottle over the eye and frequently causes drops to be incorrectly applled to the nose or che~k. Additlonally, elderly people often have difficulty holdlng a dropper bottle steady or encounter dlfflculty in s~ueezlng the bottle to apply a proper quantlty of the medlcament.
Even lf the llquld medlcament ls properly applied to the cornea, the medicament's effectlveness is limited. The maxlmum volume of a drop of llquid medicament whlch can be introduced into contact with an eye at one tlme ls : ' , .
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This invention is dlrected to an ocular treatment appar-atus and, in ~artlcular, to an ocular treatment apparatus that can apply eye drops of liquld medlcament safely and easlly. Specifi-cally, most people encounter difficulty ln applylny drops to thelr -eyes. The eye ls known to be a very sensitlve body part and indl-viduals find it dlfficult to control reflexive blinklng when applyln~ drops thereto. Also, eye drop users often have poor vlslon. Poor vision makes it difficult to positlon the tlp of the dropper bottle over the eye and frequently causes drops to be incorrectly applled to the nose or che~k. Additlonally, elderly people often have difficulty holdlng a dropper bottle steady or encounter dlfflculty in s~ueezlng the bottle to apply a proper quantlty of the medlcament.
Even lf the llquld medlcament ls properly applied to the cornea, the medicament's effectlveness is limited. The maxlmum volume of a drop of llquid medicament whlch can be introduced into contact with an eye at one tlme ls : ' , .
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-2- ~ 3 ~ 7 about 30 microliters~ Any amount that is gre~ter usually spills over the eyelid onto the cheek. When eye drops are applied to the surface of the eyeball, blinking and natural tear flow combine to limit the time to a few minutes that liquid medicament will remain effective. However, if medicament is appliad to the cul de sac o~ the conjunctiva, the medicament will remain effective for a longer period of time, maximizing the benefits of applying drops of liquid medicament to the eye.
U.S. Patent ~o. 4,543,096 describes and illustrates an apparatus having finger-like projections which are attached to the front of an eye drop bottle to spread the eyelids apart during the eye drop dispensing process. One moveable finger is connectad to a lever for depressing the lever and simultaneously causing the eyelids to ~pread apart while forcing a drop from the dropper bottle. However, the aE)paratus described in U.S. Patent No. 4,543,069 will not properly steady the eyeball nor expose the cul de sac. Further, the finger-like projections could cause in~ury to the eye if a user accidentally contacts his cornea with one of the projactions. Similarly, U.S. Patent No. 4,531,944 depicts an apparatus for steadying the tip of a dropper over the eye and further includes a sighting hole to distract the eyeO However, this apparatus does not have a means to expose the cul de sac nor keep the lower eyelid depressed.
Accordingly, an ocular treatment apparatus tha~ is capable o~ simultaneously steadying the eyeball, orienting the application of the medicament, applying the medicament and exposing the cul de sac is desired.
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~ ~2~87 ~_ 3 Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, an ocular treatment apparatus i5 provided for applying liquid medicament from a reservoir. The apparatus includes a tubular housing with a first open end adapted to conform to the shape of the facial area surrounding the eye socket. The housing is constructed and arranged to receive, hold and position a reservoir containing the liquid medicament. A sighting opening is included on th~ housing to properly orient the eye and distract the user from the drops of liquid medicament to be introduced into the eye. An eyelid displacement mechanism is supported on the first open end of the housing at a position diametrically opposed to the sighting opening. The displacement mechanism is adapted to evert the lower eyelid and expose the cul de sac.
This combination of an eye focused at the sighting hole and an everted lower eyelid expo~;es the cul de sac so that drops of medicament dispensed into the eye will more easily and directly be applied at or near the cul de sac where it is temporarily retained to increase the length of time the medicament will medicate the eyeball.
In a further embodiment of the instant invention, the low~r eyelid displacement mechanism will simultaneously cause drops to b~ emitted from the reservoir into the cul de sac as the lower eyelid is everted to facilitate application of the drops of liquid medicament. The cul de sac is a low sensitivity area as opposed to the cornea area thera~ore application of medicament to tbe cul de sac is more comfortable.
In another embodiment of the invention an ocular treatment apparatus for applying solid or liquid medicament into an eye comprises an inner housing member including an eyepiece portion on a free end thereof.
The eyepiece portion defines an opening therein having a _4_ 1 3 ~
peripheral edge shaped for conformable engagement with the facial tissue surrounding an eye. The inner housing member further include~ a body portion for receiving a vial of liquid m~dicament for application to the eye. -~
An outer housing member of the apparatus has an open free end slidably engaged over the end of the inner housing member opposite the eyepiece portion. The outer housing member defines a medicament displacement member projecting outwardly from its end opposite the free end and projecting into the body portion of the inner housing member. The displacement member is d~pressible against a flexible vial contained within the body portion of the inner housing member by sliding the outer housing member toward the eyepiece portion for displacing medicament from the vial and, in turn, through the opening in the eyepiece portion and into the eyeO :
The apparatus further includes means for displacing the lower eyelid of an eye to evert the lower eyelid so that medicament released from the vial is applied to the ocular cul d~ sac of the eye. ~h~e means ~or displacing the lower eyelid preferably include a cushion member having a substantîally curved con~iguration. The cushion member is disposed around the peripheral edge of the eyepieca portion so that the free end of the cushion member is placed between the interior surface of the eyepiece portion and facial tissue of the person. The other and of the cushion member is connected to a flexible bar which, in turn, is connected on its other end to the outer housing m~mber. The flexible bar member presses the cushion mPmber downwardly to evert the lower eyelid when the outer housing member is moved over the inner housing member toward the eyepiece portion or application of medicament into the ocular cul de sac.
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Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved ocular treatment apparatus for facilitating the application of drops of liquid medicament to the eye.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved ocular treatment apparatus capable of simultaneously displacing the lower eyelid and steadying and orienting the eyeball so that liquid medicament may be safely and easily applied.
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved ocular treatment apparatus wherein the ocular cul de sac is exposed during application of drops o~
liquid medicament.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an acular treatment apparatus which facilitates the orienting of a medicament reservoir over the eye, displaces the lower eyelid, and emits the liquid medicament from the reservoir.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification and drawings.
Ths invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the invention, xeference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the ocular treatment apparatus;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taXen along line 2-2 of FIG.
l; ;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.
1 illustrating the operation of the ocular treatment apparatus;
FI~. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.
U.S. Patent ~o. 4,543,096 describes and illustrates an apparatus having finger-like projections which are attached to the front of an eye drop bottle to spread the eyelids apart during the eye drop dispensing process. One moveable finger is connectad to a lever for depressing the lever and simultaneously causing the eyelids to ~pread apart while forcing a drop from the dropper bottle. However, the aE)paratus described in U.S. Patent No. 4,543,069 will not properly steady the eyeball nor expose the cul de sac. Further, the finger-like projections could cause in~ury to the eye if a user accidentally contacts his cornea with one of the projactions. Similarly, U.S. Patent No. 4,531,944 depicts an apparatus for steadying the tip of a dropper over the eye and further includes a sighting hole to distract the eyeO However, this apparatus does not have a means to expose the cul de sac nor keep the lower eyelid depressed.
Accordingly, an ocular treatment apparatus tha~ is capable o~ simultaneously steadying the eyeball, orienting the application of the medicament, applying the medicament and exposing the cul de sac is desired.
-.
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~ ~2~87 ~_ 3 Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, an ocular treatment apparatus i5 provided for applying liquid medicament from a reservoir. The apparatus includes a tubular housing with a first open end adapted to conform to the shape of the facial area surrounding the eye socket. The housing is constructed and arranged to receive, hold and position a reservoir containing the liquid medicament. A sighting opening is included on th~ housing to properly orient the eye and distract the user from the drops of liquid medicament to be introduced into the eye. An eyelid displacement mechanism is supported on the first open end of the housing at a position diametrically opposed to the sighting opening. The displacement mechanism is adapted to evert the lower eyelid and expose the cul de sac.
This combination of an eye focused at the sighting hole and an everted lower eyelid expo~;es the cul de sac so that drops of medicament dispensed into the eye will more easily and directly be applied at or near the cul de sac where it is temporarily retained to increase the length of time the medicament will medicate the eyeball.
In a further embodiment of the instant invention, the low~r eyelid displacement mechanism will simultaneously cause drops to b~ emitted from the reservoir into the cul de sac as the lower eyelid is everted to facilitate application of the drops of liquid medicament. The cul de sac is a low sensitivity area as opposed to the cornea area thera~ore application of medicament to tbe cul de sac is more comfortable.
In another embodiment of the invention an ocular treatment apparatus for applying solid or liquid medicament into an eye comprises an inner housing member including an eyepiece portion on a free end thereof.
The eyepiece portion defines an opening therein having a _4_ 1 3 ~
peripheral edge shaped for conformable engagement with the facial tissue surrounding an eye. The inner housing member further include~ a body portion for receiving a vial of liquid m~dicament for application to the eye. -~
An outer housing member of the apparatus has an open free end slidably engaged over the end of the inner housing member opposite the eyepiece portion. The outer housing member defines a medicament displacement member projecting outwardly from its end opposite the free end and projecting into the body portion of the inner housing member. The displacement member is d~pressible against a flexible vial contained within the body portion of the inner housing member by sliding the outer housing member toward the eyepiece portion for displacing medicament from the vial and, in turn, through the opening in the eyepiece portion and into the eyeO :
The apparatus further includes means for displacing the lower eyelid of an eye to evert the lower eyelid so that medicament released from the vial is applied to the ocular cul d~ sac of the eye. ~h~e means ~or displacing the lower eyelid preferably include a cushion member having a substantîally curved con~iguration. The cushion member is disposed around the peripheral edge of the eyepieca portion so that the free end of the cushion member is placed between the interior surface of the eyepiece portion and facial tissue of the person. The other and of the cushion member is connected to a flexible bar which, in turn, is connected on its other end to the outer housing m~mber. The flexible bar member presses the cushion mPmber downwardly to evert the lower eyelid when the outer housing member is moved over the inner housing member toward the eyepiece portion or application of medicament into the ocular cul de sac.
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Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved ocular treatment apparatus for facilitating the application of drops of liquid medicament to the eye.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved ocular treatment apparatus capable of simultaneously displacing the lower eyelid and steadying and orienting the eyeball so that liquid medicament may be safely and easily applied.
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved ocular treatment apparatus wherein the ocular cul de sac is exposed during application of drops o~
liquid medicament.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an acular treatment apparatus which facilitates the orienting of a medicament reservoir over the eye, displaces the lower eyelid, and emits the liquid medicament from the reservoir.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification and drawings.
Ths invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the invention, xeference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the ocular treatment apparatus;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taXen along line 2-2 of FIG.
l; ;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.
1 illustrating the operation of the ocular treatment apparatus;
FI~. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.
3;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the ocular treatment apparatus;
FIG. 6 is a se~tional view illustrating the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5; and FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG.
6.
FIG. 8 is a side planar view in partial cross section of another ocular treatment apparatus embodying the in~ention sh~wn placed over an eye.
FIG. 9 is a side planar view of the apparatus o~ FIG. 8 shown aligned over an eye and illustratinq a partial cross sectional view of the eyepiece portion.
FIG. 10 is a side planar view of the apparatus of FIG, 8 shown applying a drop of liquid medicament into an eye and also illustrating a partial cross sectional view of the eyepiece portion.
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FIG. 11 is a front planar view illustrating the eyepiece portion of the apparatus of FIG. 8.
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_7_ 132~8~7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring generally to FIGS. 1 to 4, a preferred embodiment of the ocular treatment apparatus of the instant in~ention is indicated generally at 10.
Apparatus 10 includes a tubular housing 11 constructed and arranged to receive and hold a dropper bottle 12.
~Iousing 11 includes a ~xont opening 13 which conforms to the facial area surrounding an eye 19. A sighting opening 14 is positioned in the tubular housing proximate to front opening 13 to properly orient an eyeball during use of the ocular treatment apparatus. A-displacement mechanism, illustrated generally at 15, is included on housing 11 at a position generally diametrically opposite sighting opening 14.
Displacement mechanism 15 retracts the lower eyelid to expose a surface of the eye below the pupil for application of medicament from re.servoir 12.
In an exemplary embodiment, housing 11 is constructed and arranged to retain a dropper bottle 12. However, the housing can be modi~ied to hold a dropper, single dose dropper vial, pressurized propellant device or any other suitable applicator that stores and can deliver liquid medicament to the eye.
Accordingly, housing 11 includes a rear opening 16 shaped to receive dropper bottle 12. Housing 11 includes a radially disposed collar 17 for receiving and releasably securing the neck oP dropper bottle 12.
Housing 11 is configured so that the longitudinal axis of dropper bottle 12 is substantially parallel to and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of housing 11.
Front opening 13 is configured to nest in the facial area surrounding the eye socket. It is shaped so that ~ 8- 132~8~7 apparatus 10 may be placed over the eye and easily maintained in a steady position with the tip of a dropper bottle nozzle 18 correctly positioned over eye 19. In this manner, when front opening 13 is positionsd to surround the eye and a person tilts his head back the drop of medicament falling from nozzle 18 will fall into the eye 19 by gravity.
An eyelid displacement mechanism, located generally at 15, for safely and comfortably retracting the lower eyelid is included in the ocular treatment apparatus.
It is desirable for the medicament to flow to the interior cul de sac to increase the effectiveness of the medicament. Sliding the lower eyelid back and down ?
helps to uncover the ocular cul de sac which is a non-sensitive part of the conjunctiva. Displacement mechanism 15 includes an engagement body 20 and drive member 21. Engagement body 20 is a curved member which contacts lower eyelid 22 when front opening 13 is positioned around the eye. Engagement body 20 is rotatably mounted to housing 11 at front opening 13 by axle 23. When curved engagement body 20 is caused to partially rotate, it everts lower eyelid 22 and exposes the cul de sac.
The curved design of engagement body 20 provides several important benefits. The area of contact between the curved surface of engagement body 20 and lower eyelid 22 is considerable. This helps evert the eyelid prop~rly and feels similar to using one's own finger to evert the eyelid. The wide engagement surface also makes exact placement of the engagement body 20 less critical. The curved surface of engagement body 20 also prevents ~, injuries which can occur when an instrument for sliding the eyelid~ back is utilized.
To utilize apparatus 10, front opening end 13 is placed .. , . . . , ~ : : .
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9 ~32~8~
over the eye with engagement body 20 resting against lower eyelid 22. As depicted generally in FIG. 3, an elongated drive shaft 21 is then displaced to partially rotate engagement body 20. A first end of drive shaft 21 is pivotally connected to housing 11 by pivot pin 24.
A second end of dxive sha~t 21 is pivotally and slideably connected to engagament body 20 at slot 25, which is positioned around drive pin 26. Drive shaft 21 includes a projection 27 intermediate its first and second ends. Housing ll defines a housing slot 28 through rear opening 16 aligned with projection 27 so that when drive shaft 21 is moved towards housing 11, projection 27 will pass through housing slot 28 to compress dropper bottle 12 and force drops 30 of liquid medicament from nozzle 18. As driva shaft 21 moves towards housing 11, the sides of slot 25 push against drive pin 26 to partially rotate engagement body 20 to retract lower eyelid 22 coincident with liquid 30 being introduced to the eye from nozzle 18.
Sighting opening 14 is positionecl proximate front open end 13 to correctly orient the eye and help uncover the cul de sac. It also helps control reflexive blinking which is o~ten caused by the user sensing something approaching his exposed eye. Sighting openiny 14 is provided in housing 11 near front op~ning 13 at a position diametrically opposed to curved engagement body 20 so that a user will have his eye steadied in an upwardly rotated position when his lower eyelid is everted. To properly uncover the cul de sac, sighting opening 14 should be positioned near front opening 13 so that the eye will be oriented upwardly though an angle A
which should be at least 300D However, in a pre~erred embodiment angle A is greater than 35~. Because the only light perceived by the user passes through sighting hole 14, a person having poor vision is assisted in properly orienting their eyeball.
-10- 132~g~
Referrinq next to FIGS. 5 through 7, a further embodiment of the ocular treatment apparatus, generally indicated as 45 is depicted, like reference numerals being utilized to depict like elements discussed above.
This embodiment has the same curved engagement body 20, front opening 13, sighting hole 14 and collar 17.
However, the mechanism ~or rotating engagement body 20 is structurally distinct. Bottle 12 rests in slidable seat 50. Seat 50 can slide within outside tubular housing 51 and is upwardly biased by spring 33O
Vertical drive shaft 32 has two ends. Its first end is pivotably connected to slideable seat 50 by pin 52. The second end o~ vertical drive member 32 is slideably and pivotably connected to curved engagement body 20, by drive pin 53. When bottle 12 is inserted into the housing to compress spring 33, vertical drive sha~t 32 causes cur~d engagement body 20 to partially rotate, everting lower eyelid 22.
Specifically, a user places front opening 13 of apparatus 45 over the eye and contacts the lower eyelid with engagement body 20. To dispense drops of liquid medicament, the user again peers through sighting opening 14. To evert the lower eyelid, end 31 of dropper bottle 12 is pushed into the housing, cau~ing vertical drive member 32 to rotate curved engagement body 20.
Accordingly, this further embodiment causes the force necessary to evert the lower eyelid to be applied in a direction which will increase the contacting pressure between engagement body 20 and lower eyelid 22. This will decrease the chance of slippage to insure that lower eyelid 22 is everted. Spring 33 returns the apparatus to its original position shown in FIGo 5~
Accordingly, when the ocular treatment apparatus of the .:. :
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instant invention is used to apply liquid medicamant to the eye, the above indicated advantages are observed.
The dropper bottle is steadied over the eye in a correct orientation; the cul de sac of the conjunctiva is exposed by the combination of orienting the eyeball in an upwardly gazing position while everting the lower eyelid; involuntary blinking is prevented by the user ~ocusing on light passing through the sighting opening at the same time that the lower eyelid is held in a depressed positionO Therefore, drops o~ liquid medicament can be applied to the eye so that the medicament will flow to the cul de sac to increase the half life of its effectiveness.
Turning to FIGS. 8 through 11 another embodiment of the ocular treatment apparatus of the invention is illustrated generally as 110. The apparatus 110 includes an inner housing 112 slideably engaged within an outer housinq 114. The inner housing 112 includes an eyepiece portion 120 and a substantially cylindrical portion 116 having an open end lL8. The peripheral edge of the eyepiece portion 120 defines an open end 122 shaped to conform to the contour of the facial tissue surrounding the eye. The eyepiece portion 120 has defined in an upper wall thereof a sighting opening 124.
Tha sighting opening 124 is located near the open end 122 of the eyepiece and operates to help correctly orient the eye for uncovering the cul de sac in the same manner as the sighting opening 14 described above in relation to the previous embodiments. Sighting op~ning 124, therefore, is similarly positioned so that the eye will be oriented upwardly through an anyle A which is at least 30. When the eyepiece 120 is placed against the facial tissue around the eye the shape o~ the peripheral edge of the eyepiece prevents light from passing between the eyepiece and facial tissue, so that substantially all of the light entering the eye enters through the sighting opening 124.
The inner housing 112 o~ apparatus 110 defines an elongated channel 128 in an outer wall thereo extending ir, the axial direction o~ the apparatus. The end o~
channel 128 near the open end 118 of inner housing 112 is shaped to form a seat 130 recessed in the channel 128 for a ball 132. The ball 132 is preferahly made of metal, such as steel. When the apparatus 110 is rotated and aligned over th~ eye, the ball 132 rolls from the recessed seat 130 and into the channel ~28. In this ~
manner, the ball 132 rolls down the channel 128 and hits ~-the bottom wall thereof. The action o~ the ball striking the bottom wall of the channel transmits vibrations through the wall of the apparatus 110 and into the facial tissue and bone structure of the person.
In this way the person can feel or hear the falling ball and thus know when the apparatus is properly aligned over the eye. This is especially useful for persons that have poor eyesight or are deaf, since they can simply feel the vibrations of the rolling ball.
The apparatus 110 further includes a substantially cylindrical shaped vial 134 ~or containing liquid medicament. The vial 134 is shaped to slidably fit within the cylindrical portion 116 of inner housing 112.
The vial includes a body 136 for holding liquid medicament, a neck 13~, and a nozzle 140 ~or releasing drops o~ liquid. The body 136 of the vial is attached -to the inner housing 116 in a known manner, such as, for example, by forming a snap fit. Similarly, the body 116 may be molded as a single piece with the inner housing 116. The shape of the nozzle 140 is known, and may be the same as the nozzle 18 described above in relation to the previous embodiments. The body 136 of the vial defines a cavity 142 therein coaxial with the apparatus 110 and extending along a substantial portion of the -13- 132~
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body 136. As can be saen, the closed end of cavity 142 is located near the opening of neck 138. The vial 138 is formed of a flexible plastic material, and, as will be hereinafter described, the closed end of cavity 142 is pressed forward in order to release madicament into the eye.
The outer housing 114 of apparatus 110 is slideably engaged over inner housing 112 through an open end 144.
Outer housing 114 further defines a closed end 146 and a displacement member 148 projecting outwardly from closed end 1~6 and coaxial with the apparatus 110. First lobe 150 is formed in the outer wall of inner housing 112, and second lobe 152 is formed on the inner wall of out~r housing 114 below first lobe 152 to prevent outer housing 114 and inner housing 112 from sliding apart.
As can be seen, by pressing outer housing 114 toward eyepiece 120 the displacement member 148 forces the closed end of cavity 142 forward in order to displace medicament into the eye. Third lobes 154, 154 are pre~erably formed on the outer wall of inner housing 112 below first lobes 150, 150 and s,econd lobes 152, 152 in order to limit the downward stroke of outer housing 114, and thus, permit only a predetermined volume of medicament to be displaced through nozzle 140.
The apparatus llO further includes a cushion member 156 formed of a flexible polymeric material. The cushion member 156 includes on its free end a pad 158 having a generally curved shape ~o fit around the edge of eyepiece 120 and rest between the inner surface of eyepiece 120 and the facial tissue of the psrson, as best shown in FIGS. 8 through 10. Turning to FIG. 11, eyepiece 120 further defines an indentation 160 formed in a surface thereof and extending radially through the peripheral edge in an area diametrically opposed to sighting opening 124~ As can he seen, the free end of -.
-14- 132Q~
pad lS8 is slidably fitted around the edge of eyepiece 120 and through indentation 160. The other end of pad 158 is connected to one end of a flexible plastic bar 164 of the cushion member which, in turn, is connected on its other end to the edge of open end 144 of outer housing 114. The bar 164 o~ the cushion member is attached to outer housing 114 in a known manner, such as, for example, by ultrasonic welding.
The cushion member 156 is provided ~or safely and comfortably retracting downwardly the lower eyelid in order to permit medicament to flow to the interior cul de sac, and thus, increase the com~ort to the person and effectiveness of treatment. The free end of pad 158 contacts the lower eyelid 22 when eyepiece 120 is positioned over the eye. When the outer housing 114 is pressed toward the eyepiece 120, the flexible bar 160, in turn, presses pad 158 against th~ indentation 160, and thus, gently presses the pad downwardly to evert the ~' lower eyelid 22 and expose the cul de sac, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. When the pressure is released from the outer housing t:he ~lexible bar 164 pushes outer housing 114 back toward its in.itial po~ition and away from inner housing 112.
To utilize apparatus llO, eyepiece 120 is placed over the eye so that it is conformably engaged with the facial tissue surrounding the eye, as shown in FIG. 8.
The user then looks through sighting opening 124 to properly orient the eye and tilts his or her head back so that the apparatus 110 is rotated toward a vertical position, as shown in FIG. 9. The user knows that the apparatus has been rotated far enough when the ball 132 is displaced from i'cs seat 130 and hits the bottom wall of channel 128. The user then presses the outer housing toward the eyepiece.
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:, -15- 132~88 i The displacement memb2r 148, in turn, simultaneously orce~ the closed end of cavity 142 toward nozzle 140 and displaces a predetermined volume of medicament through nozzle 140 and into the eye, as shown in FIG.
10. The downward stroks of outer housing 114 simultaneously causes the plastic bar 162 to press pad 158 against the indentation 160, and thus, gently press the pad downwardly to evert the lower eyelid 22 and expose the cul de sac to receive the liquid or solid medicament.
It will thus ba seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, that certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
For example, the medicament vial 134 of apparatus 110 may be an aerosol container that releases medicament under pressure and without the need for displacement member 148. Therefore, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It i3 also to be understood that the following claims ars intended to cover all of the generic and specific features o~ the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the ocular treatment apparatus;
FIG. 6 is a se~tional view illustrating the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5; and FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG.
6.
FIG. 8 is a side planar view in partial cross section of another ocular treatment apparatus embodying the in~ention sh~wn placed over an eye.
FIG. 9 is a side planar view of the apparatus o~ FIG. 8 shown aligned over an eye and illustratinq a partial cross sectional view of the eyepiece portion.
FIG. 10 is a side planar view of the apparatus of FIG, 8 shown applying a drop of liquid medicament into an eye and also illustrating a partial cross sectional view of the eyepiece portion.
. ~
FIG. 11 is a front planar view illustrating the eyepiece portion of the apparatus of FIG. 8.
.
.
! . : . :
' ',' ` '`' , ` ' .~
_7_ 132~8~7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring generally to FIGS. 1 to 4, a preferred embodiment of the ocular treatment apparatus of the instant in~ention is indicated generally at 10.
Apparatus 10 includes a tubular housing 11 constructed and arranged to receive and hold a dropper bottle 12.
~Iousing 11 includes a ~xont opening 13 which conforms to the facial area surrounding an eye 19. A sighting opening 14 is positioned in the tubular housing proximate to front opening 13 to properly orient an eyeball during use of the ocular treatment apparatus. A-displacement mechanism, illustrated generally at 15, is included on housing 11 at a position generally diametrically opposite sighting opening 14.
Displacement mechanism 15 retracts the lower eyelid to expose a surface of the eye below the pupil for application of medicament from re.servoir 12.
In an exemplary embodiment, housing 11 is constructed and arranged to retain a dropper bottle 12. However, the housing can be modi~ied to hold a dropper, single dose dropper vial, pressurized propellant device or any other suitable applicator that stores and can deliver liquid medicament to the eye.
Accordingly, housing 11 includes a rear opening 16 shaped to receive dropper bottle 12. Housing 11 includes a radially disposed collar 17 for receiving and releasably securing the neck oP dropper bottle 12.
Housing 11 is configured so that the longitudinal axis of dropper bottle 12 is substantially parallel to and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of housing 11.
Front opening 13 is configured to nest in the facial area surrounding the eye socket. It is shaped so that ~ 8- 132~8~7 apparatus 10 may be placed over the eye and easily maintained in a steady position with the tip of a dropper bottle nozzle 18 correctly positioned over eye 19. In this manner, when front opening 13 is positionsd to surround the eye and a person tilts his head back the drop of medicament falling from nozzle 18 will fall into the eye 19 by gravity.
An eyelid displacement mechanism, located generally at 15, for safely and comfortably retracting the lower eyelid is included in the ocular treatment apparatus.
It is desirable for the medicament to flow to the interior cul de sac to increase the effectiveness of the medicament. Sliding the lower eyelid back and down ?
helps to uncover the ocular cul de sac which is a non-sensitive part of the conjunctiva. Displacement mechanism 15 includes an engagement body 20 and drive member 21. Engagement body 20 is a curved member which contacts lower eyelid 22 when front opening 13 is positioned around the eye. Engagement body 20 is rotatably mounted to housing 11 at front opening 13 by axle 23. When curved engagement body 20 is caused to partially rotate, it everts lower eyelid 22 and exposes the cul de sac.
The curved design of engagement body 20 provides several important benefits. The area of contact between the curved surface of engagement body 20 and lower eyelid 22 is considerable. This helps evert the eyelid prop~rly and feels similar to using one's own finger to evert the eyelid. The wide engagement surface also makes exact placement of the engagement body 20 less critical. The curved surface of engagement body 20 also prevents ~, injuries which can occur when an instrument for sliding the eyelid~ back is utilized.
To utilize apparatus 10, front opening end 13 is placed .. , . . . , ~ : : .
- . ~
, .
.
9 ~32~8~
over the eye with engagement body 20 resting against lower eyelid 22. As depicted generally in FIG. 3, an elongated drive shaft 21 is then displaced to partially rotate engagement body 20. A first end of drive shaft 21 is pivotally connected to housing 11 by pivot pin 24.
A second end of dxive sha~t 21 is pivotally and slideably connected to engagament body 20 at slot 25, which is positioned around drive pin 26. Drive shaft 21 includes a projection 27 intermediate its first and second ends. Housing ll defines a housing slot 28 through rear opening 16 aligned with projection 27 so that when drive shaft 21 is moved towards housing 11, projection 27 will pass through housing slot 28 to compress dropper bottle 12 and force drops 30 of liquid medicament from nozzle 18. As driva shaft 21 moves towards housing 11, the sides of slot 25 push against drive pin 26 to partially rotate engagement body 20 to retract lower eyelid 22 coincident with liquid 30 being introduced to the eye from nozzle 18.
Sighting opening 14 is positionecl proximate front open end 13 to correctly orient the eye and help uncover the cul de sac. It also helps control reflexive blinking which is o~ten caused by the user sensing something approaching his exposed eye. Sighting openiny 14 is provided in housing 11 near front op~ning 13 at a position diametrically opposed to curved engagement body 20 so that a user will have his eye steadied in an upwardly rotated position when his lower eyelid is everted. To properly uncover the cul de sac, sighting opening 14 should be positioned near front opening 13 so that the eye will be oriented upwardly though an angle A
which should be at least 300D However, in a pre~erred embodiment angle A is greater than 35~. Because the only light perceived by the user passes through sighting hole 14, a person having poor vision is assisted in properly orienting their eyeball.
-10- 132~g~
Referrinq next to FIGS. 5 through 7, a further embodiment of the ocular treatment apparatus, generally indicated as 45 is depicted, like reference numerals being utilized to depict like elements discussed above.
This embodiment has the same curved engagement body 20, front opening 13, sighting hole 14 and collar 17.
However, the mechanism ~or rotating engagement body 20 is structurally distinct. Bottle 12 rests in slidable seat 50. Seat 50 can slide within outside tubular housing 51 and is upwardly biased by spring 33O
Vertical drive shaft 32 has two ends. Its first end is pivotably connected to slideable seat 50 by pin 52. The second end o~ vertical drive member 32 is slideably and pivotably connected to curved engagement body 20, by drive pin 53. When bottle 12 is inserted into the housing to compress spring 33, vertical drive sha~t 32 causes cur~d engagement body 20 to partially rotate, everting lower eyelid 22.
Specifically, a user places front opening 13 of apparatus 45 over the eye and contacts the lower eyelid with engagement body 20. To dispense drops of liquid medicament, the user again peers through sighting opening 14. To evert the lower eyelid, end 31 of dropper bottle 12 is pushed into the housing, cau~ing vertical drive member 32 to rotate curved engagement body 20.
Accordingly, this further embodiment causes the force necessary to evert the lower eyelid to be applied in a direction which will increase the contacting pressure between engagement body 20 and lower eyelid 22. This will decrease the chance of slippage to insure that lower eyelid 22 is everted. Spring 33 returns the apparatus to its original position shown in FIGo 5~
Accordingly, when the ocular treatment apparatus of the .:. :
.
- ' ~
' . ~' .' : :
.32~8~
instant invention is used to apply liquid medicamant to the eye, the above indicated advantages are observed.
The dropper bottle is steadied over the eye in a correct orientation; the cul de sac of the conjunctiva is exposed by the combination of orienting the eyeball in an upwardly gazing position while everting the lower eyelid; involuntary blinking is prevented by the user ~ocusing on light passing through the sighting opening at the same time that the lower eyelid is held in a depressed positionO Therefore, drops o~ liquid medicament can be applied to the eye so that the medicament will flow to the cul de sac to increase the half life of its effectiveness.
Turning to FIGS. 8 through 11 another embodiment of the ocular treatment apparatus of the invention is illustrated generally as 110. The apparatus 110 includes an inner housing 112 slideably engaged within an outer housinq 114. The inner housing 112 includes an eyepiece portion 120 and a substantially cylindrical portion 116 having an open end lL8. The peripheral edge of the eyepiece portion 120 defines an open end 122 shaped to conform to the contour of the facial tissue surrounding the eye. The eyepiece portion 120 has defined in an upper wall thereof a sighting opening 124.
Tha sighting opening 124 is located near the open end 122 of the eyepiece and operates to help correctly orient the eye for uncovering the cul de sac in the same manner as the sighting opening 14 described above in relation to the previous embodiments. Sighting op~ning 124, therefore, is similarly positioned so that the eye will be oriented upwardly through an anyle A which is at least 30. When the eyepiece 120 is placed against the facial tissue around the eye the shape o~ the peripheral edge of the eyepiece prevents light from passing between the eyepiece and facial tissue, so that substantially all of the light entering the eye enters through the sighting opening 124.
The inner housing 112 o~ apparatus 110 defines an elongated channel 128 in an outer wall thereo extending ir, the axial direction o~ the apparatus. The end o~
channel 128 near the open end 118 of inner housing 112 is shaped to form a seat 130 recessed in the channel 128 for a ball 132. The ball 132 is preferahly made of metal, such as steel. When the apparatus 110 is rotated and aligned over th~ eye, the ball 132 rolls from the recessed seat 130 and into the channel ~28. In this ~
manner, the ball 132 rolls down the channel 128 and hits ~-the bottom wall thereof. The action o~ the ball striking the bottom wall of the channel transmits vibrations through the wall of the apparatus 110 and into the facial tissue and bone structure of the person.
In this way the person can feel or hear the falling ball and thus know when the apparatus is properly aligned over the eye. This is especially useful for persons that have poor eyesight or are deaf, since they can simply feel the vibrations of the rolling ball.
The apparatus 110 further includes a substantially cylindrical shaped vial 134 ~or containing liquid medicament. The vial 134 is shaped to slidably fit within the cylindrical portion 116 of inner housing 112.
The vial includes a body 136 for holding liquid medicament, a neck 13~, and a nozzle 140 ~or releasing drops o~ liquid. The body 136 of the vial is attached -to the inner housing 116 in a known manner, such as, for example, by forming a snap fit. Similarly, the body 116 may be molded as a single piece with the inner housing 116. The shape of the nozzle 140 is known, and may be the same as the nozzle 18 described above in relation to the previous embodiments. The body 136 of the vial defines a cavity 142 therein coaxial with the apparatus 110 and extending along a substantial portion of the -13- 132~
.
body 136. As can be saen, the closed end of cavity 142 is located near the opening of neck 138. The vial 138 is formed of a flexible plastic material, and, as will be hereinafter described, the closed end of cavity 142 is pressed forward in order to release madicament into the eye.
The outer housing 114 of apparatus 110 is slideably engaged over inner housing 112 through an open end 144.
Outer housing 114 further defines a closed end 146 and a displacement member 148 projecting outwardly from closed end 1~6 and coaxial with the apparatus 110. First lobe 150 is formed in the outer wall of inner housing 112, and second lobe 152 is formed on the inner wall of out~r housing 114 below first lobe 152 to prevent outer housing 114 and inner housing 112 from sliding apart.
As can be seen, by pressing outer housing 114 toward eyepiece 120 the displacement member 148 forces the closed end of cavity 142 forward in order to displace medicament into the eye. Third lobes 154, 154 are pre~erably formed on the outer wall of inner housing 112 below first lobes 150, 150 and s,econd lobes 152, 152 in order to limit the downward stroke of outer housing 114, and thus, permit only a predetermined volume of medicament to be displaced through nozzle 140.
The apparatus llO further includes a cushion member 156 formed of a flexible polymeric material. The cushion member 156 includes on its free end a pad 158 having a generally curved shape ~o fit around the edge of eyepiece 120 and rest between the inner surface of eyepiece 120 and the facial tissue of the psrson, as best shown in FIGS. 8 through 10. Turning to FIG. 11, eyepiece 120 further defines an indentation 160 formed in a surface thereof and extending radially through the peripheral edge in an area diametrically opposed to sighting opening 124~ As can he seen, the free end of -.
-14- 132Q~
pad lS8 is slidably fitted around the edge of eyepiece 120 and through indentation 160. The other end of pad 158 is connected to one end of a flexible plastic bar 164 of the cushion member which, in turn, is connected on its other end to the edge of open end 144 of outer housing 114. The bar 164 o~ the cushion member is attached to outer housing 114 in a known manner, such as, for example, by ultrasonic welding.
The cushion member 156 is provided ~or safely and comfortably retracting downwardly the lower eyelid in order to permit medicament to flow to the interior cul de sac, and thus, increase the com~ort to the person and effectiveness of treatment. The free end of pad 158 contacts the lower eyelid 22 when eyepiece 120 is positioned over the eye. When the outer housing 114 is pressed toward the eyepiece 120, the flexible bar 160, in turn, presses pad 158 against th~ indentation 160, and thus, gently presses the pad downwardly to evert the ~' lower eyelid 22 and expose the cul de sac, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. When the pressure is released from the outer housing t:he ~lexible bar 164 pushes outer housing 114 back toward its in.itial po~ition and away from inner housing 112.
To utilize apparatus llO, eyepiece 120 is placed over the eye so that it is conformably engaged with the facial tissue surrounding the eye, as shown in FIG. 8.
The user then looks through sighting opening 124 to properly orient the eye and tilts his or her head back so that the apparatus 110 is rotated toward a vertical position, as shown in FIG. 9. The user knows that the apparatus has been rotated far enough when the ball 132 is displaced from i'cs seat 130 and hits the bottom wall of channel 128. The user then presses the outer housing toward the eyepiece.
~, . : - .
:, -15- 132~88 i The displacement memb2r 148, in turn, simultaneously orce~ the closed end of cavity 142 toward nozzle 140 and displaces a predetermined volume of medicament through nozzle 140 and into the eye, as shown in FIG.
10. The downward stroks of outer housing 114 simultaneously causes the plastic bar 162 to press pad 158 against the indentation 160, and thus, gently press the pad downwardly to evert the lower eyelid 22 and expose the cul de sac to receive the liquid or solid medicament.
It will thus ba seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, that certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
For example, the medicament vial 134 of apparatus 110 may be an aerosol container that releases medicament under pressure and without the need for displacement member 148. Therefore, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It i3 also to be understood that the following claims ars intended to cover all of the generic and specific features o~ the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
Claims (23)
1. An ocular treatment apparatus for applying liquid medicament from a reservoir comprising: a tubular housing with a first open end adapted to conform to the shape of the facial area surrounding the eye socket, said housing being constructed and arranged to receive a reservoir of liquid medicament, said housing including sighting means for orienting an eye, and displacement means supported by said housing proximate said first open end at a position diametrically opposed to said sighting means, said displacement means being adapted to evert a lower eyelid so that liquid medicament from the reservoir is easily and safely applied to the ocular cul de sac.
2. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said displacement means includes an engagement body, rotatably connected to said housing proximate said first open end, said engagement body adapted to engage the lower eyelid and evert the lower eyelid when said engagement body is rotatably displaced.
3. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said displacement means further includes rotation drive means, which will cause said engagement body to be rotatably displaced when the rotation drive means is activated.
4. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said rotation drive means includes a drive shaft with a first end and a second end, said first end pivotally connected to said housing and said second end pivotally and slideably connected to said engagement body in a manner so that pivoting the member about the pivotable connection at aid first end will cause the curved body to be rotatably displaced.
5. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said rotation drive means is constructed and arranged so that activating said rotation drive means will simultaneously rotatably drive the engagement body while causing liquid medicament to be emitted from a reservoir.
6. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, and including said housing having an aperture through the portion of the housing where a reservoir is received, wherein the displacement means includes a drive shaft having a first end and a second end and a projection therebetween, said projection sized to pass though the aperture to compress a reservoir when it passes though the aperture, said first end of the drive shaft pivotally connected to the housing and said second end of the drive shaft pivotally and slideably connected to the engagement body in a manner to rotatably displace the engagement body when the drive shaft is pivoted about said first end of the drive shaft, the drive shaft positioned on said housing to allow the projection on the drive shaft to pass through the aperture and the projection is positioned on the drive shaft so that when the drive shaft is pivoted about said first end of the drive shaft to rotatably displace the engagement body, the projection will pass through the aperture to compress a reservoir and cause liquid medicament to be emitted from a reservoir.
7. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sighting means includes the portion of the housing proximate the first open and defining an aperture
8. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sighting means includes the portion of the housing proximate the first open end defining an aperture shaped and positioned to cause a user to rotate their eye more than about 30-upwards to peer at light passing through the aperture.
9. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said sighting means is positioned to cause a user to rotate their eye more than about 30- upwards from its normal position to peer at the sighting means.
10. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said sighting means is positioned to cause a user to rotate their eye more than about 35° upwards from its normal position to peer at the sighting means.
11. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein the surface of the portion of said engagement body which engages the lower eyelid is curved.
12. An ocular treatment apparatus for applying liquid medicament from a reservoir comprising: a tubular housing with a first open end adapted to conform to the shape of the facial area surrounding the eye socket, said housing being constructed and arranged to receive a reservoir of liquid medicament, said housing including sighting means for orienting an eye, and displacement means supported by said housing proximate aid first open end at a position diametrically opposed to said sighting means, said displacement means being adapted to engage a lower eyelid and coincidentally displace said lower eyelid down and back to uncover the portion of the eye below the pupil while liquid medicament is safely and easily applied to that portion of the eye.
13. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said sighting means is positioned to cause a user to rotate their eye more than about 30° upwards from its normal position to peer at the sighting means.
14. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said sighting means includes said first open portion of the housing defining an aperture.
15. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first open portion defining the aperture is positioned and shaped to cause a user to rotate their eye more than about 30- upwards from its normal position to peer at light passing through the aperture.
16. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said displacement means includes an engagement body, rotatably connected to said housing proximate said first open end, said engagement body adapted to engage the lower eyelid and displace the eyelid down and back when said engagement body is rotatably displaced.
17. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 16, wherein said displacement means further includes a rotation drive means which will rotate the engagement body when the rotation drive means is activated.
18. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 16, and including said housing having an aperture through the portion of the housing adjacent where a reservoir is placed wherein the displacement means includes a rotation drive shaft having a first end and a second end and a projection therebetween, said projection sized to pass through the aperture to compress a reservoir, said first end of the drive shaft pivotally connected to the housing and said second end of she drive shaft pivotally and slideably connected to the engagement body in a manner which will rotatably displace the engagement body when the drive shaft is pivoted about said first end of the drive shaft, the drive shaft positioned on the housing to allow said projection on the drive shaft to pass through the aperture and the projection is positioned on the drive shaft so that when the drive shaft is pivoted about said first end to rotatably displace the engagement body, the projection will pass through the aperture to compress a reservoir and cause liquid medicament to be emitted from a reservoir.
19. The ocular treatment apparatus, as claimed in claim 18, wherein said sighting means includes said front open portion of the housing defining an aperture.
20. An ocular treatment apparatus for applying medicament into an eye, said apparatus comprising;
an inner housing member including an eyepiece portion on a free end thereof, said eyepiece portion defining an opening therein and having a peripheral edge shaped for conformable engagement with the facial tissue surrounding an eye, said inner housing member further including a body portion connected to said eyepiece portion for receiving a vial of medicament for application to the eye;
an outer housing member having an open free end, said open end being slideably engaged over the other end of said inner housing member, said outer housing member further defining a medicament displacement member projecting outwardly from the end opposite said free end and into said body portion of said inner housing member, said displacement member being depressible against a flexible vial contained in said body portion of said inner housing member by sliding said outer housing member toward said eyepiece portion for displacing medicament from the vial and, in turn, through said opening in said eyepiece portion and into the eye; and means for displacing the lower eyelid of an eye to evert the lower eyelid so that medicament released from the vial will be applied to the ocular cul de sac of the eye.
an inner housing member including an eyepiece portion on a free end thereof, said eyepiece portion defining an opening therein and having a peripheral edge shaped for conformable engagement with the facial tissue surrounding an eye, said inner housing member further including a body portion connected to said eyepiece portion for receiving a vial of medicament for application to the eye;
an outer housing member having an open free end, said open end being slideably engaged over the other end of said inner housing member, said outer housing member further defining a medicament displacement member projecting outwardly from the end opposite said free end and into said body portion of said inner housing member, said displacement member being depressible against a flexible vial contained in said body portion of said inner housing member by sliding said outer housing member toward said eyepiece portion for displacing medicament from the vial and, in turn, through said opening in said eyepiece portion and into the eye; and means for displacing the lower eyelid of an eye to evert the lower eyelid so that medicament released from the vial will be applied to the ocular cul de sac of the eye.
21. An ocular treatment apparatus as defined in claim 20, wherein said inner housing member defines an elongated channel in a wall thereof extending in the axial direction of said apparatus, said apparatus further includes a ball disposed in said channel, said ball sliding through said channel toward said eyepiece portion and striking the bottom wall of said channel when said apparatus is properly aligned over the eye for transmitting vibrations through said apparatus to the facial tissue and bone structure of the person for signalling that said apparatus is aligned.
22. A ocular treatment apparatus as defined in claim 21, wherein said means for displacing the lower eyelid of an eye includes a cushion member having a substantially curved configuration, said cushion member being disposed around the peripheral edge of said eyepiece portion so that the free end of said cushion member is placed between the interior surface of said eyepiece portion and the facial tissue of the person, the other end of said cushion member being connected to a flexible bar member which, in turn, is connected on its other end to said outer housing member, said flexible bar member pressing said cushion member downwardly to evert the lower eyelid when said outer housing member is moved over said inner housing member toward said eyepiece portion.
23. An ocular treatment apparatus for applying medicament into an eye, said apparatus comprising:
an inner housing member including an eyepiece portion on a free end thereof, said eyepiece portion defining an opening therein and having a peripheral edge shaped for conformable engagement with the facial tissue surrounding an eye, said inner housing member further including a body portion connected to said eyepiece portion for receiving a container of medicament for application to the eye;
an outer housing member having an open free end, said open end being slideably engaged over the other end of said inner housing member;
means for displacing medicament from the container in said body portion through said eyepiece and into the eye; and means for displacing the lower eyelid of an eye to evert thw lower eyelid so that medicament released from the vial will be applied to the ocular cul de sac of the eye.
an inner housing member including an eyepiece portion on a free end thereof, said eyepiece portion defining an opening therein and having a peripheral edge shaped for conformable engagement with the facial tissue surrounding an eye, said inner housing member further including a body portion connected to said eyepiece portion for receiving a container of medicament for application to the eye;
an outer housing member having an open free end, said open end being slideably engaged over the other end of said inner housing member;
means for displacing medicament from the container in said body portion through said eyepiece and into the eye; and means for displacing the lower eyelid of an eye to evert thw lower eyelid so that medicament released from the vial will be applied to the ocular cul de sac of the eye.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/118,388 US4792334A (en) | 1987-11-06 | 1987-11-06 | Occular treatment apparatus |
| US07/118,388 | 1987-11-06 | ||
| US07/267,526 | 1988-11-04 | ||
| US07/267,526 US4946452A (en) | 1987-11-06 | 1988-11-04 | Ocular treatment apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1320887C true CA1320887C (en) | 1993-08-03 |
Family
ID=26816296
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000582427A Expired - Fee Related CA1320887C (en) | 1987-11-06 | 1988-11-07 | Ocular treatment apparatus |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4946452A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1320887C (en) |
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| EP2347749A1 (en) * | 2010-01-22 | 2011-07-27 | Innovaider ApS | Handheld apparatus for eye-washing |
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| EP3833631A4 (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2022-04-20 | Azura Ophthalmics Ltd | Dispenser for precise extraction of a semi-solid product |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3279446A (en) * | 1964-06-12 | 1966-10-18 | Eaton Yale & Towne | Valve tappet |
| US4085750A (en) * | 1975-03-10 | 1978-04-25 | Bosshold Barry L | Eyedropper bottle attachment |
| US4131115A (en) * | 1976-09-20 | 1978-12-26 | Peng Sung S | Eyelids-turning and eye-washing fixture |
| US4386608A (en) * | 1981-07-15 | 1983-06-07 | Ehrlich Kenneth B | Eye irrigating apparatus |
| US4531944A (en) * | 1983-04-28 | 1985-07-30 | Bechtle Samuel J | Eye drop application aid |
| US4543096A (en) * | 1983-08-05 | 1985-09-24 | Thomas Keene | Eyedrop dispenser with eyelid opening means |
| US4605398A (en) * | 1984-04-20 | 1986-08-12 | Herrick Robert S | Dispensing device for container having fluid to be controllably dispensed into an eye |
| US4685906A (en) * | 1986-03-31 | 1987-08-11 | Murphy William F | Eye-drops application device |
| US4733802A (en) * | 1986-11-05 | 1988-03-29 | Sheldon Gerald M | Eye drop dispensing system |
| US4792334A (en) * | 1987-11-06 | 1988-12-20 | Py Daniel C | Occular treatment apparatus |
-
1988
- 1988-11-04 US US07/267,526 patent/US4946452A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-11-07 CA CA000582427A patent/CA1320887C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4946452A (en) | 1990-08-07 |
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