Patent ID: 7151640
Filing Date: 2006-12-19
Classification: B29C,B29D,B29L,G11B

Abstract:
1. A molded lens for use in an optical pickup device, said molded lens comprising: (a) a plane of incidence including a first optical surface; (b) a plane of emergence including a second optical surface provided on an opposite side of the molded lens with respect to the plane of incidence; and (c) an outer circumference surface having a shape formed by: (i) a first straight line portion which is substantially parallel to a plane including an optical axis of the molded lens, (ii) a second straight line portion which is substantially parallel with the first straight line portion and is symmetric with the first straight line portion about the plane including the optical axis of the molded lens, and (iii) two circular arcs each connecting end portions of the first and second straight line portions; wherein a flash projects from a side of at least one of the two circular arc portions at at least one position apart from a point of intersection where a straight line that perpendicularly crosses the optical axis and that is parallel to the first and second straight line portions intersects the corresponding circular arc portion, and wherein the flash does not project past a line that is tangent to the corresponding circular arc portion at the point of intersection.