Patent ID: 6947230
Filing Date: 2005-09-20
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 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 each of the first and second optical surfaces has a shape substantially corresponding to a respective circle having a center on the optical axis and having outer portions thereof cut off by the respective first and second straight line portions; and wherein the following numerical expressions are satisfied: where R 1 and R 2 represent respective radiuses of curvature of the two circular arc portions, and H represents a distance between the first straight line portion and the second straight line portion.