US 5,702,400 A · Intraocular lens folder

Abstract

A single piece intraocular lens folder that has a generally planar, open frame in the shape of a rounded "A" with a rimmed, open head at the top of the "A". The base of the "A" forms a pairs of opposing legs or handles that join to form a hinge at the intersection where the handles attach to the head. The hinge allows the handle to be squeezed together and spring apart when released. Squeezing the handles together causes the sides of the head to spread apart, thereby stretching the top edge of the head rim and pulling the top edge downward toward the hinge. The open head contains a pair of support jaws and a pair of serpentine folding jaws. The location of the serpentine jaws is such that when the top edge of the head rim moves toward the hinge, the serpentine jaws are squeezed together, causing the IOL to be folded in half. The serpentine shape of the folding jaws allow the haptics to pivot downward, thereby permitting the IOL to be folded along a plurality of axes.

Claims8

Dependent claims

An intraocular lens folder for allowing a lens' haptics pivot downward during folding, said intraocular lens folder comprising:

a) a first handle and a second handle, both handles having upper portions;
b) a hinge connecting the first handle to the second handle at the upper portions of the first and second handles;
c) a deformable rim generally arcuate in shape extending between the upper portion of the first handle and the upper portion of the second handle thereby defining a half ring-like head with a hollow center;
d) a first serpentine jaw located on the rim generally opposite the hinge and projecting into the hollow center;
and
e) a second serpentine jaw located at the hinge and projecting into the hollow center generally toward the first serpentine jaw.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Intraocular lens folder

Life of this patent

Intraocular lens folder

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims8