# US 8,542,325 B2 · Color changing contact lenses

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- Number: US 8,542,325 B2
- Document ID: US8542325B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/304,667
- Filed: 2011-11-27
- Published: 2012-03-22
- Granted: 2013-09-24
- Earliest claimed: 2011-09-29
- Applicants: Ehren Ray Burton
- Inventors: Ehren Ray Burton
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8542325B2

## CPC

- G02C 7/021: {with pattern for identification or with cosmetic or therapeutic effects (methods and processes take preference, e.g. printing, marking or copying processes B41M; identification in general G09F3/00; producing decorative effects in general B44C; surface treatment of glass C03C15/00 - C03C23/00; positioning or marking of lenses B24B13/0055)}
- G02B 1/043: {Contact lenses}
- G02C 7/046: {Contact lenses having an iris pattern}
- G02C 7/049: {Contact lenses having special fitting or structural features achieved by special materials or material structures}
- G02C 7/102: {Photochromic filters}
- G02F 1/0147: {based on thermo-optic effects (G02F1/132 takes precedence)}
- G02F 1/132: {Thermal activation of liquid crystals exhibiting a thermo-optic effect}
- G02F 2202/14: photochromic
- G02C: SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES (trial frames for testing the eyes A61B3/04; goggles or eyeshields not having the same features as spectacles A61F9/00)
- G02B: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02F: OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS

## Abstract

The present invention generally relates to contact lenses. Specifically, this invention relates to contact lenses that change color based on one or more stimuli. The present application provides for a color changing contact lens that can change its color based on one or more stimuli. The color changing contact lens is constructed of an inner layer, an outer layer and a supply of liquid crystal.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A contact lens, said contact lens comprising:
an inner layer, comprised of an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein said exterior surface is configured to be placed upon the eye of an individual;
an outer layer, comprised of an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein said interior surface of said outer layer is affixed to said interior surface of said inner layer in such a way that creates a sealed area there between; and
an amount of liquid crystal material, wherein said amount of liquid crystal material is contained within said sealed area.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The contact lens of claim 1, wherein said interior surface of said inner layer is further comprised of a plurality of micro tubes.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The contact lens of claim 2, wherein said plurality of micro tubes is configured to receive at least a portion of said amount of liquid crystal material.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The contact lens of claim 1, wherein said amount of liquid crystal material is configured to respond to one or more stimuli.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The contact lens of claim 4, wherein at least one of said one or more stimuli is temperature changes.

### Claim 6 (depends on 4)

The contact lens of claim 4, wherein at least one of said one or more stimuli is changes in the amount of visible light.

### Claim 7 (depends on 4)

The contact lens of claim 4, wherein said response includes changing of a color of the amount of liquid crystal material.

### Claim 8 (depends on 4)

The contact lens of claim 4, wherein said response includes changing of a shape of the amount of liquid crystal material.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The contact lens of claim 8, wherein said change in shape creates a visible pattern.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The contact lens of claim 1, wherein said amount of liquid crystal material comprises a thermo graphic liquid crystal material.