Method and apparatus for holding a mold assembly and molding an optical lens using the same

Abstract

An apparatus and method for holding a mold assembly and molding an optical lens using the same. In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for holding a mold assembly, wherein the mold assembly includes a front mold, a back mold and a strip wrapping around the edges of the front mold and back mold to form a sleeve. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a top part, a bottom part, and a middle part connecting the top part and the bottom part, the middle part including a base and a holder coupled to the base. The second portion has a top part, a bottom part, and a middle part connecting the top part and the bottom part, the middle part including a base and a holder coupled to the base. The first portion and the second portion are pivotally coupled together at the bottom parts so that the top part of the first portion and the top part of the second portion can be closed to define a housing for receiving the mold assembly therein, wherein the top part of the first portion and the top part of the second portion can also be opened for receiving the mold assembly in the housing.

1 - 12 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         13 . A strip for molding and optical lens comprising: 
 a. a body portion having a first end and an opposed second end, interior surface and an opposed outer surface, and a first flange and a second flange; and    b. a partially encircled portion defining an elongated channel extending form the first end to the second end, wherein the partially encircled portion is located between the first flange and the second flange and protruding away form the outer surface of the body portion and the inside surface of the body portion defines an opening therein between the first flange and the second flange in the fluid communication with the elongated channel.    
     
     
         14 . The strip of  claim 13 , wherein the strip is made from a plastic film.  
     
     
         15 . The strip of  claim 14 , wherein the plastic film is non-adhesive.  
     
     
         16 . The strip of  claim 14 , wherein the plastic film comprises and elastomeric material that is selected from the group of polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, organosilicon elastomer and thermoplastic rubbers containing a styrene-ethylene-propylene (butylene) block copolymer.  
     
     
         17 . The strip of  claim 14 , wherein the thickness of the plastic film is between 1.0 millimeter and 8.0 millimeter.  
     
     
         18 - 67 . (Cancelled)