GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160136865 | DEEP GRIP MECHANISM FOR BLOW MOLD AND RELATED METHODS AND BOTTLES - Disclosed is a mold for forming a deep grip container, the mold having drive mechanisms opposably to drive moveable inserts into the mold. The drive mechanisms may be located entirely within the mold and may include a slotted cam. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a blow molded bottle with a deep pinch grip comprising: providing a mold hanger having an outer envelope and providing within the outer envelope a drive mechanism to drive moveable inserts into the mold after blowing molten plastic into contact with the mold. Further disclosed is a blow molded bottle with a deep pinch grip manufactured according to the disclosed methods. | 05-19-2016 |
20160075502 | Plastic Aerosol Container - An aerosol container includes a main body portion that is constructed and arranged to withstand aerosol pressurization within a range that is about 90-180 psig and a threaded finish portion that is unitary with the main body portion. The threaded finish portion has at least one helical thread, a support ledge beneath the helical thread and a secondary flange that is positioned beneath the support ledge. The secondary flange has an outer circumference that is noncircular in at least one location, whereby it may be engaged during a capping operation to prevent rotation of the container during capping. A method of making an aerosol container in which a preform is capped before the blow molding process is also disclosed. | 03-17-2016 |
20160059441 | MOLDED PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH REDUCED NECK OVALITY - A plastic container has a main body portion, a neck portion and a molded feature such as an anti-rotation lug adjacent to the neck portion. The molded feature has a volume that is less than a volume that would be defined by the maximum external dimensions of the feature. This reduces the shrinkage differential between the molded feature and the neck portion, which could otherwise cause sealing problems with a closure as a result of deformation of the neck portion. A method of correcting a sealing problem in a plastic container by reducing the volume of the molded feature is also disclosed. | 03-03-2016 |
20150375884 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUSES FOR COOLING HOT-FILLED CONTAINERS - Systems and methods using container holders configured to provide a stable support for containers held therein in order to efficiently cool the containers after a hot-fill or elevated temperature operation. The container holders can allow a fluid to pass from an inner volume of the container holder to outside the container holder through side apertures and/or an open bottom end of the container holder. Groups of containers and container holders also may be cooled. Groups of containers in container holders can be processed through the cooling operation at a speed different from a speed for holderless containers. | 12-31-2015 |
20150375883 | PLASTIC CONTAINERS HAVING BASE CONFIGURATIONS WITH UP-STAND WALLS HAVING A PLURALITY OF RINGS, AND SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND BASE MOLDS THEREOF - Plastic containers, base configurations for plastic containers, and systems, methods, and base molds thereof. In particular, the disclosed subject matter involves container base configurations having particular up-stand geometries that can assist or facilitate elevated temperature processing and/or cooling processing of plastic containers. | 12-31-2015 |
20150336321 | METHODS, ASSEMBLIES, AND SYSTEMS FOR HANDLING BLOW-MOLDED CONTAINERS - Method to manufacture at least one container includes disposing at least one parison within a mold assembly having at least one mold chamber defined therein, wherein at least a first portion of the at least one parison extends outside the mold assembly and at least a second portion of the at least one parison is disposed within the at least one mold chamber. With the mold assembly closed, the second portion of the at least one parison can be blow-molded to form at least one container body. The first portion of the at least one parison can be gripped with a gripper when the mold assembly is opened, and a stabilization member can be extended proximate to the gripper to engage a surface of the at least one container body. Gripping assemblies and systems are also provided. | 11-26-2015 |
20150284128 | Container Handling System - A system for processing a simplified plastic container (C) that is to be filled with a hot product includes the step of blow-molding parison to form a container body, where the container body has a neck, a base, a side surface relatively free of structural geometry that surrounds an interior of the container body and, prior to being filled with the hot product, a projection ( | 10-08-2015 |
20150102071 | METHOD OF STABILIZING A PLASTIC AEROSOL CONTAINER - A plastic aerosol container includes a main body portion that is constructed and arranged to withstand aerosol pressurization within a range that is about 50-300 psig. The plastic aerosol container also includes a finish portion that is unitary with the main body portion. The finish portion may be threaded or unthreaded. The finish portion has a side wall, an upper sealing surface, at least one helical thread and a support ledge beneath the helical thread. Reinforcement structure is positioned beneath the support ledge for reinforcing the finish portion against deformation due to the pressurization. A method of stabilizing a plastic aerosol container is also disclosed. | 04-16-2015 |
20150076163 | REINFORCED PLASTIC CONTAINERS - A plastic container that may be used in hot fill applications includes a finish portion having an opening, a main body portion and a bottom portion. The main body portion includes a vacuum panel area and a circumferentially extending reinforcement groove that has reinforcement structure provided therein positioned substantially adjacent to the vacuum panel area. The bottom portion includes a standing ring, a central interior substantially flat portion that has a plurality of alternating parallel ribs and grooves defined therein and a transitional surface between the standing ring and the substantially flat portion. The parallel ribs and grooves define a complex structure with respect to the transitional surface that provides a stiffening effect, particularly in containers that are fabricated from polypropylene. | 03-19-2015 |
20150061179 | CERAMIC DIE PIN FOR MOLTEN PLASTIC EXTRUSION - Ceramic die pin for molten thermoplastic extrusion, apparatus for molten thermoplastic extrusion including a ceramic die pin, and methods of molten thermoplastic extrusion with a ceramic die pin. The ceramic head member can have a mounting cavity formed therein. The ceramic head member can be made of high purity aluminum oxide, and have an outer surface finish of between about 4 RMS and about 275 RMS. | 03-05-2015 |
20140271962 | TRIPLE PARISON COEXTRUSION MULTI-LAYER FLOWHEAD APPARATUS - A triple parison flowhead apparatus for producing three multi-layer parisons simultaneously. The triple parison flowhead includes a first parison flowhead, a second parison flowhead, and a third parison flowhead substantially abutted to one another. Each flowhead includes a plurality of rings having flow passages, defining a center axis, and having an annular flow conduit in fluid communication with the flow passages and a plurality of ports. A set of mold plattens having a width is located adjacent to the first, second, and third parison flowheads. The flow passages in each ring are defined by a height and a diameter of each ring, and a combination of the width of the mold plattens and the flow passages minimizes the center-to-center distances between the three parison flowheads. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265056 | MULTIFUNCTIONAL DETABBER APPARATUS AND METHOD - A multifunctional detabber apparatus and method for producing bottles having a bottom surface with a hook projection integrally molded with and extending from the bottom surface in a deployed position. The bottom surface also includes at least one locking channel in order to receive and releasably secure the hook projection in a non-deployed position. The multifunctional detabber apparatus includes at least a grabber, a trimmer, and a hook closer. The grabber includes first and second jaws which surround the bottle and prevent movement. The trimmer includes first and second strikers for creating an outer periphery of the hook projection and an opening in the hook projection. The hook closer includes a mandrel that extends to bend and secure the hook projection in the locking channel in the bottom surface of the bottle. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263371 | CONTAINER AND BASE WITH DEFLECTABLE DOME - Base for a container, the base being made of polymeric material, including a support surface having an outer perimeter defining a first dimension along a major axis and a second dimension along a minor axis disposed at an angle to the major axis. An inner wall is coupled to the support surface opposite the outer perimeter. A dome projects upwardly from the inner wall and has an initial depth with respect to the support surface, the initial depth of the dome is between approximately 8 percent to approximately 15 percent of the first dimension. The dome includes a major radius of curvature along the major axis and a minor radius of curvature along the minor axis. The dome is deflectable in response to a differential pressure across the base without permanent deformation of the base. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263161 | DEEP GRIP MECHANISM WITHIN BLOW MOLD HANGER AND RELATED METHODS AND BOTTLES - Disclosed is a mold hanger for supporting a bottle mold in a blow molding station, the mold hanger comprising a piston and piston sleeve fully contained within the mold hanger configured to push a moveable insert into the mold. Also disclosed is a method of retrofitting an original rotatable blow molding module having multiple existing blow molding stations, each existing mold hanger defining an existing outer envelope. The disclosed method may include providing an improved mold hanger substantially contained within the respective existing outer envelope and including low-profile drive mechanisms configured opposably to drive moveable inserts into the mold. Further disclosed is a method of manufacturing a blow molded bottle with a deep pinch grip, the method including providing within a mold hanger a drive mechanism to drive a moveable insert into the mold. A bottle made by such methods is also disclosed. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263160 | DEEP GRIP MECHANISM FOR BLOW MOLD AND RELATED METHODS AND BOTTLES - Disclosed is a mold for forming a deep grip container, the mold having drive mechanisms opposably to drive moveable inserts into the mold. The drive mechanisms may be located entirely within the mold and may include a slotted cam. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a blow molded bottle with a deep pinch grip comprising: providing a mold hanger having an outer envelope and providing within the outer envelope a drive mechanism to drive moveable inserts into the mold after blowing molten plastic into contact with the mold. Further disclosed is a blow molded bottle with a deep pinch grip manufactured according to the disclosed methods. | 09-18-2014 |
20140238821 | AUTOMATIC ROTARY TRANSFER APPARATUS AND METHOD - An automatic rotary transfer apparatus and method for conveying a plurality of lightweight articles, such as empty bottles, at a high speed and, optionally, providing at least one additional function, such as de-flashing, trimming, or inspecting, in a single rotation of the rotary transfer apparatus. The apparatus includes a carriage ring having an outer perimeter defining a plurality of cavities spaced along the outer perimeter. Each cavity is adapted to receive a single article. A drive assembly indexes and rotates the carriage ring about a central axis of rotation and is synchronized to a continuous stream of the plurality of articles from an upstream operation, such as blow molding. The apparatus may further include a modification device, such as a de-flasher or trimmer, and an inspection station with a sensor for discharging damaged or imperfect articles, which performs the functions in a single rotation of the carriage ring. | 08-28-2014 |
20140209558 | Variable Displacement Container Base - Base includes an outer support wall, a support surface extending inwardly from the outer support wall and defining a reference plane, an inner support wall extending upwardly from the support surface, a first radiused portion extending radially inward from the inner support wall and concave relative to the reference plane, a second radiused portion extending radially inward from the first radiused portion and convex relative to the reference plane, an intermediate surface extending radially inward from the second radiused portion and substantially parallel to the reference plane, a third radiused portion extending radially inward from the intermediate surface and convex relative to the reference plane, and a central portion disposed proximate the third radiused portion. | 07-31-2014 |
20140166609 | REINFORCED PLASTIC CONTAINERS - A plastic container that may be used in hot fill applications includes a finish portion having an opening, a main body portion and a bottom portion. The main body portion includes a vacuum panel area and a circumferentially extending reinforcement groove that has reinforcement structure provided therein positioned substantially adjacent to the vacuum panel area. The bottom portion includes a standing ring, a central interior substantially flat portion that has a plurality of alternating parallel ribs and grooves defined therein and a transitional surface between the standing ring and the substantially flat portion. The parallel ribs and grooves define a complex structure with respect to the transitional surface that provides a stiffening effect, particularly in containers that are fabricated from polypropylene. | 06-19-2014 |
20140138394 | PLASTIC CONTAINER HAVING REINFORCED GRIPPING STRUCTURE - A plastic container includes a shoulder portion having an annular rib defined therein and a generally cylindrical main body portion having a longitudinal axis. At least one gripping recess is defined in the main body portion that has an oblong shape when viewed in front elevation and that is defined in part by a curved concave inner surface when viewed in side elevation. The gripping recess includes a plurality of horizontal indentations, each of which is sized to receive a finger of a consumer when the plastic container is being gripped by the consumer. | 05-22-2014 |
20140054821 | METHOD OF HAVING A PLASTIC CONTAINER HAVING DEEP GRIP RECESSES - A method of molding a plastic container body having at least one grip recess includes providing a mold assembly having an internal projection that is constructed and arranged to form the grip recess. A low friction surface is provided on at least a portion of the projection in order to reduce friction between the formable plastic material and the projection during the molding process. The low friction surface permits the formable plastic material to stretch with less resistance before it solidifies to the point where additional stretching is not possible. As a result, molding of features that provide resistance to material distribution during molding, such as deep grip recesses, is enabled. | 02-27-2014 |
20140034641 | IN-SITU POLYMERIZED POLYMER-PLATINUM GROUP METAL NANOPARTICLE BLENDS AND OXYGEN SCAVENGING CONTAINERS MADE THEREFROM - A method of making a polymer composition comprising dispersed nanoparticles of an oxygen scavenging catalyst includes polymerizing one or more monomers or pre-polymers in the presence of a platinum group metal catalyst or precursor to obtain a polymer composition having dispersed nanoparticles of the platinum group metal. The oxygen scavenging catalyst is added during the polymerization as a solution of the platinum group metal or a compound thereof and a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycols). The food or beverage containers made from such polymer compositions exhibit high clarity and high oxygen scavenging properties. | 02-06-2014 |
20130327196 | CONTINUOUS MOTION DE-FLASH TRIMMING MACHINE - A continuous motion de-flash machine for removing flash from molded plastic articles. An in-feed section is supported by a frame and adapted to transport articles. A de-flash section is supported by the frame, receives articles from the in-feed section, and includes (a) a de-flash turret with a plurality of cam-actuated punch stations each having a punch adapted to remove flash from an article, the punch stations traveling along an oval track with a pair of long straight portions connecting two curved portions, and (b) a nest turret with a plurality of cam-actuated nest stations, the nest stations traveling along an oval track parallel to the oval track of the punch stations. An out-feed section receives an article from the de-flash section and removes the article from the machine. A method of using the machine to de-flash articles having unwanted flash is also disclosed. | 12-12-2013 |
20130320029 | RETORTABLE PLASTIC CONTAINERS - A plastic container includes a sidewall defining a bottom portion, a main body portion and an upper rim. The main body portion of the sidewall has at least one groove defined therein that has a circumferential component. Reinforcement structure is provided on the portion of the sidewall that defines the groove for limiting vertical expansion and contraction of the main body portion in response to force that is applied to the sidewall. | 12-05-2013 |
20130306905 | LOW PHOSPHOROUS OXYGEN SCAVENGING COMPOSITIONS REQUIRING NO INDUCTION PERIOD - The present invention provides a composition comprising: a polyester base polymer; at least one non-polymeric oxidizable organic compound; at least one transition metal in a positive oxidation state, said metal being present in the composition in an amount of from about 10 to about 400 ppm, wherein the polyester base polymer comprises less than about 40 ppm phosphorous. The compositions of the present invention do not exhibit an induction period prior to the onset of oxygen scavenging upon formation into a container. | 11-21-2013 |
20130306660 | HOT FILL CONTAINER HAVING SUPERIOR CRUSH RESISTANCE - A hot fill plastic container has a dome portion with a convex outer surface that defines a maximum outer diameter of the container so as to extend outwardly beyond a main body portion of the container. The generally egg-shaped dome portion enhances the crush resistance of the dome and provides a point of contact between containers when they are placed adjacent to one another. A circumferential stiffening groove may be provided near a lower end of the dome portion. | 11-21-2013 |
20130228249 | HOT-FILLABLE CONTAINER WITH MOVEABLE PANEL AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS THEREOF - A plastic, hot-fillable container and systems and methods thereof. The plastic container has one or more moveable portions each comprised of intersecting grooves. Each of the one or more moveable portions is constructed and operative to move outwardly temporarily without permanently deforming responsive to hot-filling the container with a product. The one or more moveable portions also can be constructed and operative to move inwardly to reduce or remove a portion of an internal vacuum within the filled and capped container. | 09-05-2013 |
20130219831 | MULTI-FUNCTIONAL BASE FOR A PLASTIC, WIDE-MOUTH, BLOW-MOLDED CONTAINER - A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall. | 08-29-2013 |
20130200037 | CONTAINER WITH BEND RESISTANT GRIPPABLE DOME - A hot fill type plastic container includes a finish, a bottom and a main body that is generally rectangular in transverse cross-section. The main body has an upper dome portion, a lower label portion and a waist groove defined between the upper dome portion and the lower label portion. Both the upper dome portion and the lower label portion have front and rear surfaces as well as opposing side surfaces that are narrower than the front and rear surfaces. The opposing side surfaces of the upper dome portion have a substantially vertically oriented reinforcing element defined therein that is recessed with respect to the surrounding sidewall of the upper dome portion. The reinforcing element extends into the waist groove, which increases the flexibility of the dome portion above the waist groove and protects the dome portion against damage as a result of contact with other containers during the filling and packaging processes. | 08-08-2013 |
20130175279 | RETORTABLE PLASTIC CONTAINER HAVING IMPROVED BASE STABILITY - A retortable plastic container includes a main body and a bottom. The bottom defines a raised inner portion and at least one substantially flat bottom support surface. The substantially flat bottom support surface is curved and positioned near a radially outermost edge of the bottom when viewed in bottom plan. A groove is defined in the substantially flat bottom support surface. In addition, a first side wall portion that extends upwardly from the radially outermost edge of the bottom is shaped as a truncated cone, giving the bottom portion greater dimensional stability under retort conditions. The container bottom exhibits superior dimensional stability with respect to predecessor designs. | 07-11-2013 |
20130153532 | PLASTIC CONTAINER HAVING ENHANCED CRUSH RESISTANCE AND POURING STABILITY - A molded plastic container is shaped so as to resist deformation as a result of compressive forces that may be applied by the consumer during use. The container includes a pair of recessed grip portions that are molded into forward and rearward sides of the container and an outer handle portion. Reinforcing ribs are integrally molded into the forward and rearward sidewalls of the container in areas that are substantially adjacent to the recessed grip portions in order to provide additional crush resistance as the container is squeezed. Additionally, a torsional reinforcement rib is integrated into an upper side portion of the container in order to resist deformation of the container and the pouring opening of the container during pouring. The torsional reinforcement rib is integral with the two reinforcing ribs, which provides additional strength and pouring stability to the container. | 06-20-2013 |
20130082074 | PLASTIC AEROSOL CONTAINER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MAKING - A plastic aerosol container assembly includes a plastic container that has a main body portion defining an interior space and a finish portion that defines an opening. A pressurized aerosol mixture is maintained within the interior space. The finish portion has an inner surface that has an undercut defined therein. An aerosol valve assembly is mounted to the plastic container so that a portion thereof engages the inner surface of the finish portion so as to be retained by the undercut. The plastic container is preferably fabricated from material including polyethylene terephthalate. At least one location in the finish portion may be crystallized in order to provide enhanced resistance to stress cracking. | 04-04-2013 |
20130075354 | MOLDED PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH REDUCED NECK OVALITY - A plastic container has a main body portion, a neck portion and a molded feature such as an anti-rotation lug adjacent to the neck portion. The molded feature has a volume that is less than a volume that would be defined by the maximum external dimensions of the feature. This reduces the shrinkage differential between the molded feature and the neck portion, which could otherwise cause sealing problems with a closure as a result of deformation of the neck portion. A method of correcting a sealing problem in a plastic container by reducing the volume of the molded feature is also disclosed. | 03-28-2013 |
20130043209 | Plastic Containers Having Base Configurations with Particular Up-Stand Geometries, and Systems, Methods, and Base Molds Thereof - Plastic containers, base configurations for plastic containers, and systems, methods, and base molds thereof. In particular, the disclosed subject matter involves container base configurations having particular up-stand geometries that can assist or facilitate elevated temperature processing and/or cooling processing of plastic containers. | 02-21-2013 |
20130043202 | Plastic Containers, Base Configurations for Plastic Containers, and Systems, Methods, and Base Molds Thereof - Plastic containers, base configurations for plastic containers, and systems, methods, and base molds thereof. Plastic containers have base portions constructed and operative to accommodate internal pressures within the container due to elevated temperature processing, such as hot-filling, pasteurization, and/or retort processing. Plastic containers can also be constructed and operative to accommodate internal pressures within the filled container resulting from subjecting the filled plastic container to cooling or cool-down processing. | 02-21-2013 |
20130037580 | PLASTIC AEROSOL CONTAINER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - Plastic aerosol container having a thermally crystallized neck finish configured to receive an aerosol valve assembly and an expanded strain oriented aerosol container body integral with the neck finish. A junction between the thermally crystallized neck finish and the strain oriented container body defines a pull point at which strain orientation begins. | 02-14-2013 |
20130037060 | METHOD FOR PURGING POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE FROM AN EXTRUSION BLOW MOLDING APPARATUS - A method for purging a molten thermoplastic material from a blow molding system. The method includes the steps of feeding the molten thermoplastic material into a flow head operably connected to a purge diverter valve including a channel and a closing member; opening the closing member, wherein the opening step diverts the thermoplastic material from the flow head into the channel and causes the thermoplastic material to flow through the channel; and collecting the thermoplastic material flowing through the channel. The method can be used to purge molten thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate especially from an upward extruding blow mold system. | 02-14-2013 |
20130000259 | MULTI-FUNCTIONAL BASE FOR A PLASTIC, WIDE-MOUTH, BLOW-MOLDED CONTAINER - A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall. | 01-03-2013 |
20120312826 | REINFORCED RETORTABLE PLASTIC CONTAINERS - A reinforced retortable plastic container includes a bottom portion and a main body portion having a plastic sidewall that is connected to the bottom portion. The main body portion has a reinforced sidewall area that includes a plurality of first sidewall portions and a plurality of second sidewall portions that are respectively interposed between the first sidewall portions. Each of the second sidewall portions is shaped to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced structures that are selected from the group consisting of indentations and projections. Each of the circumferentially spaced structures is interposed between adjacent vertical columns, and adjacent second sidewall portions are rotationally staggered with respect to each other so that the vertical columns on one second sidewall portion are not aligned with the vertical columns of an adjacent second sidewall portion. | 12-13-2012 |
20120298541 | PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH ANTI-BULGE PANEL - A plastic container includes a finish portion defining an opening and a main body portion having a shape that is substantially polygonal in transverse cross-section. The main body portion has a maximum lateral dimension. At least one of the side panels includes a substantially flat portion for receiving a label and a concave portion having an average radius. A ratio of the average radius to the maximum lateral dimension is substantially within a range of about 1.0 to about 2.0. The side panel having the concave portion further has an inwardmost portion and an outwardmost portion, with a first maximum lateral distance being defined between the inwardmost portion and the outwardmost portion. A second maximum lateral distance is defined between the inwardmost portion and one of the substantially flat portions. A ratio of the first distance to the second distance is substantially within a range of about 0.8 to about 1.2. | 11-29-2012 |
20120283366 | ACTIVATED OXYGEN SCAVENGING COMPOSITIONS FOR PLASTIC CONTAINERS - The present invention provides a composition comprising: a polyester base polymer; at least one non-polymeric oxidizable organic compound; at least one transition metal in a positive oxidation state, said metal being present in the composition in an amount of from about 10 to about 400 ppm; and at least one activator compound selected from the group consisting of: (i) a polyester ionomer containing a sulfoisophthalate moiety, (ii) a polyol derivative and (iii) a N-hydroxyimide, wherein the at least one non-polymeric oxidizable organic compound is present in an amount of from about 0.10 to about 10 weight percent of the composition, and wherein the at least one activator compound is present in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 5 weight percent of the composition. The compositions of the present invention do not exhibit an induction period prior to the onset of oxygen scavenging upon formation into a container. | 11-08-2012 |
20120266565 | Method of Forming Container - A container forming assembly and method includes receiving a parison within a cavity of a mold, enclosing the parison within the mold having a wall with a recess, inflating the parison in the mold to form a blow molded container where the blow molded container has a sidewall, a movable region formed at the recess, and a hinge circumscribing an interface between the sidewall and the movable region, and moving or repositioning the movable region toward an interior of the blow molded container about the hinge before filling. The movable region can form a deep-set grip. Further, multiple movable regions can be provided, each of which may form respective deep-set grips. The container shape can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. | 10-25-2012 |
20120261421 | METHOD OF MAKING A CONTAINER HAVING A TETHERED CLOSURE - A method of making a plastic container that has a tethered closure using an extrusion blow molding process includes steps of extruding a parison, capturing the parison within a mold and inflating the parison against the mold to form a container blank having a container portion, a closure portion and a tether portion for connecting the container portion to the closure portion. The tether portion, which is preferably elongated and string like, may be formed out of flash material that is created during the molding process. The resulting container is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and facilitates the plastic recycling process. | 10-18-2012 |
20120248127 | Closure for Use in Hotfill and Pasteurization Applications - A closure for a container comprising: a cap member having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a wall portion having an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface comprises threads to mate with a threaded neck finish of a container; and a composite disc member comprising: an outer vent ring portion comprising a plurality of vents wherein the vents provide a path for air to travel from an area near the threads to an area between the bottom surface of the cap member and the composite disc member, wherein the vent ring portion functions to seal liquid in the container thus preventing the liquid from traveling to the threaded neck finish of the container; and an inner flexible diaphragm portion in a first position, wherein the flexible diaphragm portion flexes to compensate for a change in pressure within the container by transitioning downwards in response to a decrease in pressure and/or by transitioning upwards in response to an increase in pressure. | 10-04-2012 |
20120248003 | WAISTLESS RECTANGULAR PLASTIC CONTAINER - A blow molded plastic container includes a main body portion that has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in transverse cross-section. A plurality of side panels are defined on the main body portion. At least one of the side panels has a longitudinally oriented concave scoop that extends continuously from an upper portion of the side panel to a lower portion of the side panel. The side panel further includes a first pair of longitudinally oriented concave ribs that are positioned adjacent to an upper portion of the scoop and a second pair of longitudinally oriented concave ribs that are positioned adjacent to a lower portion of the scoop. | 10-04-2012 |
20120240523 | ASEPTIC TRANSFER BEAD FOR PLASTIC CONTAINERS - A plastic container includes a neck with an opening to an interior of the container, where the neck opening having a first diameter and a second diameter of different lengths. A shoulder portion surrounds the neck of the plastic container. A transfer bead is located on the neck above the shoulder portion where the first diameter of the neck opening is above the transfer bead and the second diameter is below the transfer bead. The transfer bead is advantageously shaped and sized so as to facilitate application and removal of a sterilization solution during the aseptic packaging process. | 09-27-2012 |
20120228258 | PLASTIC CONTAINER HAVING REINFORCED GRIPPING STRUCTURE - A plastic container includes a shoulder portion having an annular rib defined therein and a generally cylindrical main body portion having a longitudinal axis. At least one gripping recess is defined in the main body portion that has an oblong shape when viewed in front elevation and that is defined in part by a curved concave inner surface when viewed in side elevation. The gripping recess includes a plurality of horizontal indentations, each of which is sized to receive a finger of a consumer when the plastic container is being gripped by the consumer. | 09-13-2012 |
20120228183 | BLOW MOLDED PLASTIC CONTAINER HAVING IMPROVED TOP LOAD STRENGTH - A blow molded plastic container includes a main body portion having an upper surface and a finish portion that extends from the upper surface. A reinforcing strut is provided on the upper surface of the main body portion adjacent to the finish portion for providing increased structural rigidity and top load strength to the container. The reinforcing strut may be fabricated in a manner that promotes drainage of fluid from the container, such as by defining a downwardly sloping inner channel that leads to the finish portion when the container is inverted. | 09-13-2012 |
20120219734 | BLOW MOLDED RECTANGULAR CONTAINER - An extrusion blow molded plastic container includes a main body portion and a finish portion that defines an opening. The finish portion has an upper surface and an outer surface on which a snap bead is defined. In order to prevent saddling of the upper surface, a plurality of grooves is defined in the outer surface, each of the grooves passing through the snap bead. In addition, the main body portion has an outer surface that defines a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners when viewed in transverse cross-section. The outer surface of the finish portion also has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners when viewed in transverse cross-section. The shape of the finish portion when viewed in transverse cross-section is smaller than the shape of the main body portion. A ledge is defined between the outer surface of the main body portion and the outer surface of the finish portion. The ledge has a first width, adjacent to one of the rounded corners of the finish portion, which is greater than a second width that is not adjacent to one of the rounded corners of the finish portion. | 08-30-2012 |
20120211458 | PLASTIC AEROSOL CONTAINER - An aerosol container includes a main body portion that is constructed and arranged to withstand aerosol pressurization within a range that is about 90-180 psig and a threaded finish portion that is unitary with the main body portion. The threaded finish portion has at least one helical thread, a support ledge beneath the helical thread and a secondary flange that is positioned beneath the support ledge. The secondary flange has an outer circumference that is noncircular in at least one location, whereby it may be engaged during a capping operation to prevent rotation of the container during capping. A method of making an aerosol container in which a preform is capped before the blow molding process is also disclosed. | 08-23-2012 |
20120211457 | PLASTIC AEROSOL CONTAINER - A plastic aerosol container includes a main body portion that is constructed and arranged to withstand aerosol pressurization within a range that is about 50-300 psig. The plastic aerosol container also includes a finish portion that is unitary with the main body portion. The finish portion may be threaded or unthreaded. The finish portion has a side wall, an upper sealing surface, at least one helical thread and a support ledge beneath the helical thread. Reinforcement structure is positioned beneath the support ledge for reinforcing the finish portion against deformation due to the pressurization. A method of stabilizing a plastic aerosol container is also disclosed. | 08-23-2012 |
20120205339 | PRESSURE-MOTION COMPENSATING DIAPHRAGM FOR CONTAINERS - A pressure-motion compensating diaphragm for air and liquid tight sealing, in combination with a cap, of a container. The diaphragm has (1) an edge engaging at least one of the cap and the container, and positioning the diaphragm horizontally in the container proximate the neck of the container and under the cap; (2) a center deflector button; and (3) a plurality of silfon tori segments extending from the edge to the center deflector button. The dimensions and geometries of the edge, center deflector button, and tori segments are predetermined to compensate uniquely for forces applied to the diaphragm and created by pressure changes inside and outside the container that occur as the container is filled with a product and processed through filling, pasteurization, or cooling steps. Also provided is an apparatus including the cap, the container, and the diaphragm for releasably storing the product. | 08-16-2012 |
20120175337 | HOT FILL CONTAINER WITH VERTICAL TWIST - A hot fill type plastic container includes a bottom, a finish portion and a main body portion. The main body portion has a maximum outer diameter and a sidewall having an outer surface. A sidewall has a plurality of helical vacuum panels defined therein. Each of the helical vacuum panels has a depth that is substantially within a range of about 1.7% to about 4.5% of the maximum outer diameter of the main body portion. In addition, each of the helical vacuum panels has an upper portion having a first maximum width and a lower portion having a second maximum width, with the second maximum width being greater than the first maximum width. The upper portion of each of the vacuum panels further has a first helical pitch that is greater than a second helical pitch of the lower portion. | 07-12-2012 |
20120118899 | HOT-FILL JAR BASE - A container base comprising recessed ribs. The curved recessed ribs permit lighter base weights than traditional bases. The base further permits a larger process window and improved product evacuation. Hot-fill performance of a container is also maintained and/or improved when using the base. | 05-17-2012 |
20120111824 | HOT FILL TYPE PLASTIC CONTAINER - A hot fill type plastic container includes a bottom portion and a main body having a vacuum uptake portion that is bounded by upper and lower horizontal grooves. The vacuum uptake portion has four side panel portions, and each of the side panel portions has at least one vertical groove defined therein. The vertical grooves are substantially centered with respect to the side panel portions. No surface features other than the vertical grooves are included on the side panel portions. The main body further includes upper and lower round portions that are respectively positioned above and below the vacuum uptake portion. | 05-10-2012 |
20120102880 | PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH REINFORCED BASE AND CLOSURE AND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A plastic container and closure, and system and method of making the same. Container can include a solid bottom end, an outer sidewall extending from solid bottom end, a shoulder portion extending from outer sidewall, and neck portion extending from shoulder portion, forming an open end of container. Solid bottom end includes a circumferential heel portion having a plurality of radially asymmetrical projections and recesses disposed on an outer periphery of the heel portion, the plurality being configured to increase heel portion rigidity while maintaining substantially uniform material thickness. Shoulder portion forms an angle with a plane perpendicular to the container central axis. At an angle of 50° a desirable failure mode may be achieved where the yield strength of the shoulder portion is balanced against that of the heel portion and the outer sidewall to maximize the top load strength of the container. | 05-03-2012 |
20120097635 | MULTI-SERVE HOT FILL TYPE CONTAINER HAVING IMPROVED GRIPPABILITY - A round, hot fillable plastic container includes an upper portion defining an opening; a bottom portion; and a main body portion having a plastic sidewall that has a plurality of vacuum panels defined therein. The main body portion has a generally hourglass shape with a central portion that is narrower than upper and lower portions thereof. The hourglass shape optimizes grippability of the container. Grippability is optimized further by the presence of indentations that are formed between columns that define the hourglass shape and pillow portions that are provided for finger support. The indentations permit a consumer to gain finger traction and purchase with respect to the container body, even when a label is positioned between the container body and the user's fingers. The main body portion further has a first groove defined in the upper portion thereof, a second groove defined in the lower portion thereof and a third groove that is defined in the central portion thereof. The grooves provide dimensional stability during handling and when the main body portion is gripped by a consumer. | 04-26-2012 |
20120082751 | CAM FOLLOWER SLIDE FOR MOLD CLAMPING LINKAGE SYSTEM - A cam follower slide component used in an apparatus for extrusion blow molding polyethylene teraphthalate is disclosed. The cam follower slide component is designed to include disc springs positioned about a spindle that is in turn located along the slide direction of the cam follower. With the inclusion of disc springs, the cam follower slide is capable of absorbing certain excessive forces within the blow mold clamping linkage system that may develop during irregular blow mold process conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the cam follower slide component includes the ability to adjust the spring force of the disc springs to allow for a variation in allowable excess system linkage forces. | 04-05-2012 |
20120082750 | AIR SIDE PIVOT CASTING FOR MOLD CLAMPING LINKAGE SYSTEM - A pivot casting component used in an apparatus for extrusion blow molding polyethylene teraphthalate (“PET”) is disclosed. The pivot casting is designed to provide increased strength and increased reliability over prior components with the blow mold clamping linkage system. Prior art pivot elements were designed and fabricated from separate elements such that weak points, and stress concentration points were created. Such weak points resulted in the pivot element being a weak component in the blow mold clamping linkage system. The inventive pivot casting is cast as a single component from higher strength materials, with an improved geometry to increase component strength, durability and overall system reliability. In a preferred embodiment, the air side pivot casting is formed from 80-55-06 ductile iron resulting in a 40% increase in tensile strength over prior pivot components. | 04-05-2012 |
20120082749 | ANGLE LINK PIVOT BRACKET FOR WHEEL - A bracket for linking guide rods to a wheel of a vertical blow molding machine and a system for blow molding containers and a mechanism for opening and closing a pair of mold halves linked to the wheel of the vertical blow molding machine using the bracket, comprising a first portion and a second portion made of iron, a plurality of pivot apertures, and a plurality of guide rod apertures for receiving the guide rods. | 04-05-2012 |
20120080812 | SYSTEMS FOR PURGING POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE FROM AN EXTRUSION BLOW MOLDING APPARATUS - A system for purging molten thermoplastic material from a molding apparatus. The purge system includes a blow mold apparatus, a purge diverter valve operably connected to the blow mold apparatus and including a channel, a closing member, a spacer having a conduit in communication with the channel, and a melt pipe. The system can be used to purge molten thermoplastic materials out from an upward extruding blow mold apparatus. | 04-05-2012 |
20120074619 | BLOW NEEDLE FOR EXTRUSION BLOW MOLDING PET - The present invention relates to a hollow blow needle for introducing a pressurized fluid into an extruded parison enclosed by two mold halves, the needle comprising: a body portion having an inner first diameter; a neck portion having an inner second diameter, wherein the inner second diameter is less than the inner first diameter; and a tip portion comprising a first angled portion, a second angled portion that is a different angle relative to the first angled portion, and an orifice. | 03-29-2012 |
20120074151 | VACUUM RESISTANT RIBS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT BASE TECHNOLOGY CONTAINERS - A hot-fillable container that is cylindrical in shape. The container may have two ribs. A top rib is located in the top bumper and a bottom rib is located in the bottom bumper. Both the top and the bottom ribs have depth that is deep enough so that the container may withstand the hot-fill process and increase its top load ability. | 03-29-2012 |
20120071600 | DELAMINATION-RESISTANT MULTILAYER CONTAINER PREFORM, ARTICLE AND METHOD WITH OXYGEN BARRIER FORMULATIONS - A plastic preform, container or article includes a multilayer wall having at least one layer of a matrix resin, at least one layer of a barrier resin, an adhesion-promoting material blended with the barrier resin and/or matrix resin, and an active oxygen barrier composition blended with the barrier resin and/or matrix resin. The adhesion-promoting material promotes bonding between the barrier and matrix resin layers and includes an amine polymer, preferably an imine polymer having a number of available primary, secondary or tertiary amine groups. The matrix resin preferably is an ester-containing resin, such as PET. The barrier resin preferably is EVOH. The active oxygen barrier composition includes a metal with an additive compound, and may also include a host polymer. | 03-22-2012 |
20120040037 | CONTINUOUS MOTION NECK CALIBRATED WHEEL - A machine ( | 02-16-2012 |
20120012595 | EXTRUSION BLOW MOLDED PET CONTAINER HAVING SUPERIOR COLUMN STRENGTH - An extrusion blowmolded PET container having superior top load strength characteristics includes a sidewall having an outer surface, and an inner surface that defines an interior space. The sidewall is fabricated from a material that includes extrudable PET. The sidewall is shaped to define a bottom portion, a finish portion and a main body portion. The finish portion has an opening defined therein that is in communication with the interior space. The main body portion has a neck surface, a shoulder surface and a fillet that is defined between the neck surface and the shoulder surface. The neck surface forms a first angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the container that is substantially within a range of about 2° to about 20°, and the fillet has an average radius of curvature that is substantially within a range of about 15 mm to about 55 mm. The container is preferably fabricated using an extrusion blowmolding process. | 01-19-2012 |
20120009294 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STRETCHING AND CRYSTALLIZING THE NECK FINISH OF A MOLDED PLASTIC ARTICLE - Apparatus and method for making a molded plastic article having a stretched and crystallized neck finish. In one embodiment, a series of platforms are carried by a conveying apparatus for transporting a series of molded plastic articles along a predetermined path of travel through one or more treatment stations. At a finish widening station, the molded article, having a relatively wide and thin-walled blow-molded body portion, and a relatively narrow and thick-walled unexpanded neck finish portion, is positioned to enable insertion of a mandrel into an open top aperture of the finish portion to widen the finish. | 01-12-2012 |
20120007289 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THERMALLY MONITORING PROCESS FOR FORMING PLASTIC BLOW-MOLDED CONTAINERS - The present invention provides a method of measuring the placement of material forming a blow-molded plastic container after the container is released from a mold of a blow molder having a plurality of molds, wherein each plastic container comprises a continuous sidewall and a base, the method comprising the steps of: detecting with an infrared camera infrared light emitted from the container after the container is released from a mold; converting the detected infrared light into corresponding electrical signals; transmitting the electrical signals to a microprocessor; comparing in the microprocessor the electrical signals with stored data regarding desired material distribution forming the plastic container; and producing output information regarding the placement of material forming the container. | 01-12-2012 |
20110315592 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REFORMING A PORTION OF A PLASTIC CONTAINER USING INDUCTION HEATING - An apparatus ( | 12-29-2011 |
20110303682 | HEAT STERILIZABLE PLASTIC CONTAINER - A retortable container includes a neck portion defining an opening, a main body portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion includes four support feet, each of which has an inwardly extending convex surface, giving the bottom portion a cross-like configuration as viewed in bottom plan. Each of the support feet further includes an outwardly extending concave surface. The outwardly extending concave surface of at least one of the support feet extends upwardly into the main body portion as a substantially longitudinally oriented groove. | 12-15-2011 |
20110284493 | CONTAINER WITH BEND RESISTANT GRIPPABLE DOME - A plastic container having improved structural stability characteristics when gripped includes a finish and a main body having a sidewall. The main body has a lower portion and an upper dome that is separated from the lower portion by a waist. The upper dome includes an upper brow portion having a first maximum width and that has a concave recess defined therein. A gripping recess may be defined in the sidewall beneath the upper brow portion, which has a second minimum width that is less than the first maximum width. A portion of the sidewall that defines the gripping recess may have a substantially vertically oriented reinforcing element defined therein. In addition, a portion of the sidewall that defines the gripping recess may have U-shaped groove defined therein. | 11-24-2011 |
20110278313 | THREADED FINISH FOR NONREMOVABLE CLOSURES - A finish portion for a plastic container includes a threaded portion having at least one helical thread and a substantially flat thread positioned beneath the helical thread. The helical thread is merged into the flat thread. A transfer bead is positioned beneath the threaded portion and a gripping indentation is defined between the threaded portion and the transfer bead for facilitating automated conveyance. The gripping indentation may be shaped so that no separate ledge is defined between the threaded portion and the transfer bead. The gripping indentation may have a height that is at least about 0.085 inch. The finish portion has a maximum thread diameter and a maximum height, and a ratio of the maximum thread diameter to the maximum height may be at least about 2.3. | 11-17-2011 |
20110275742 | OXYGEN SCAVENGING ADDITIVES FOR PLASTIC CONTAINERS - The present invention provides a composition comprising: a base polymer; at least one compound having the structure of Formula I or II | 11-10-2011 |
20110262668 | DELAMINATION RESISTANT MULTILAYER CONTAINERS - The present invention provides a multilayer plastic bottle comprising layers of PET and a polyamide such as, for example, MXD6, that is free from occurrence of delamination upon dropping or upon exposure to impact. The present inventors have found that when forming a barrier layer containing an adhesion promoting agent according to the present invention, an impact energy applied to the barrier layer is well reduced and the resultant multilayer bottle is improved in interlaminar bonding strength and prevented from suffering from delamination upon dropping, etc. | 10-27-2011 |
20110240673 | COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER AND METHOD OF MAKING - A blow molded collapsible container includes a main body portion having a sidewall that defines an interior space that has a volume. The container further has a neck portion that is unitary with the sidewall. The neck portion has an opening defined therein that is in communication with the interior space. The main body portion includes opposing sides, with each of the opposing sides having an outwardly extending crease defined in a central portion thereof. The main body portion is constructed and arranged to collapse by folding along the outwardly extending creases when the volume of the interior space is reduced. The collapsible container is shaped in a manner that facilitates fabrication using an extrusion blow molding process. | 10-06-2011 |
20110226788 | REINFORCED PLASTIC CONTAINERS - A plastic container includes a bottom portion and a main body portion having a plastic sidewall that is connected to the bottom portion. The main body portion has a reinforced sidewall area that comprises a plurality of first sidewall portions and a plurality of second sidewall portions that are respectively interposed between the first sidewall portions. Each of the second sidewall portions is shaped to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced structures that are selected from the group consisting of indentations and projections. The second sidewall portions may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced vertical columns, and adjacent second sidewall portions that are rotationally staggered with respect to each other so that the vertical columns on one second sidewall portion are not aligned with the vertical columns of an adjacent second sidewall portion. | 09-22-2011 |
20110226787 | HEAT STERILIZABLE PLASTIC CAN BODIES - A plastic can body includes a bottom portion and a main body portion having a plastic sidewall that is connected to the bottom portion. The main body portion is shaped to define an upper rim that is adapted to be secured to a lid. The sidewall includes a plurality of first sidewall portions that have a substantially flat circumferentially extending outer surface and a plurality of second sidewall portions. Each of the second sidewall portions are interposed between two adjacent first sidewall portions. Each of the second sidewall portions are shaped to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced indentations. Each of the second sidewall portions includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced vertical columns. Adjacent ones of the second sidewall portions may be rotationally staggered with respect to each other so that the vertical columns on one second sidewall portion are not aligned with the vertical columns of an adjacent second sidewall portion. | 09-22-2011 |
20110212204 | CONTROLLING DELIVERY OF POLYMER MATERIAL IN A SEQUENTIAL INJECTION MOLDING PROCESS - Method and apparatus for controlling the delivery of polymer material in a sequential injection molding process. In one embodiment, the method provides: delivering a first shot of a first material simultaneously to a plurality of mold cavities; independently sensing for each cavity a property that is indicative of a volume or flow of material that is delivered to the corresponding cavity during the step of delivering the first shot; independently stopping the step of delivering the first shot to one or more cavities according to a program that uses as a variable a signal indicative of the property sensed for the corresponding cavity during delivery of the first shot; and delivering a second shot of a second material simultaneously to the cavities subsequent to the step of stopping the step of delivering the first shot. | 09-01-2011 |
20110198784 | MOLD LOCK KEY SAFETY DEVICE - An improved safety device for a blow molding apparatus is disclosed. The safety device allows the user to trigger or disarm the locking mechanism and return the locking pins to the safe position instead of leaving it in the loaded position. The safety device prevents potential damage to an individual that is accessing the blow molding apparatus. | 08-18-2011 |
20110186536 | PRESSURE EQUALIZING CLOSURE - The present invention provides a closure for a hot-fill container comprising: a cap member having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a wall portion having an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface comprises threads to mate with a threaded neck finish of a hot-fill container; a flexible diaphragm member comprising: at least one flexible portion in a first position and a sealing lip portion to seal a liquid in the container thus preventing the liquid from traveling to the threaded neck finish of the container; and a disc member interposed between the cap member and the diaphragm member, wherein the disc member comprises: a hydrophobic filter membrane and at least one vent providing a path for air to travel from an area near the threads to the hydrophobic filter member, wherein the flexible diaphragm member flexes to compensate for a change in pressure within the container by transitioning downwards in response to a decrease in pressure and/or by transitioning upwards in response to an increase in pressure. | 08-04-2011 |
20110185677 | Method and System for Handling Containers - Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers. After the conveying, a moveable element in a bottom end of each container is activated substantially permanently to remove the vacuum in the container. | 08-04-2011 |
20110174829 | CONTAINER FOR STORING MOTOR VEHICLE FLUID - A container for storing a fluid used in automotives is disclosed. The container has a solid filled side grip area located on a sidewall of the container. The container also uses a bail to facilitate holding of the container. A base grip area is located on the base of the container to also assist in gripping the container. The container is able to hold more oil while using less plastic, which makes the container more ecologically friendly and cost effective than existing containers. | 07-21-2011 |
20110174827 | Plastic Aerosol Container With Footed Base - A plastic aerosol container includes a main body portion and a base portion, both of which are fabricated from a plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate. The main body portion has a longitudinal axis and a maximum transverse diameter. The base portion is unitary with the main body portion and has a plurality of feet that are adapted to support the container on a horizontal surface. A first rib that is positioned between adjacent feet preferably has a substantially constant radius of curvature that has a ratio with respect to the maximum transverse diameter that is substantially within a range of about 0.20 to about 1.0. The main body portion and the base portion define an interior space that is pressurized with an aerosol mixture at a pressure that is substantially within a range of about 50 psi to about 300 psi. | 07-21-2011 |
20110174765 | Deformation-Resistant Plastic Aerosol Container - A plastic aerosol container includes a plastic base portion and a plastic main body portion that is unitary with the plastic base portion and defines a longitudinal axis. The base portion and the main body portion together define an internal space within the container that is pressurized with an aerosol mixture at a pressure that is substantially within a range of about 50 psi to about 300 psi at room temperature. The main body portion has an upper portion that has a first maximum transverse diameter, a lower portion that has a second maximum transverse diameter and an intermediate portion that has a third maximum transverse diameter. The third minimum transverse diameter is less than both the first and second maximum transverse diameters, whereby the main body portion has a narrowed waist portion that provides reinforcement against deformation as a result of pressurization within the internal space of the container. The narrowed waist portion preferably has a substantially constant radius of curvature. | 07-21-2011 |
20110155688 | NON-REMOVABLE FINISH AND CLOSURE SYSTEM - Non-removable finish and closure finish system that resists rotational movement so as to be rendered substantially non-removable by the consumer. The closure and finish have complementary thread segments with ratchet-type engaging portions or lugs extending below thread segments on the finish and closure, the closure lugs being disposed on an inner skirt spaced radially inwardly from an outer skirt to inhibit access to the interlocking lugs. | 06-30-2011 |
20110132865 | PRESSURE RESISTANT MEDALLIONS FOR A PLASTIC CONTAINER - A container made of plastic material, such as PET, that is adapted to be hot-fillable. The container has flex panels located on its sides. The flex panels are surrounded by frames. The frames and the flex panels have medallions located on them to prevent creasing from occurring during the hot-fill process. | 06-09-2011 |
20110111101 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF PACKAGING BEVERAGE MIXTURE - A method of making a beverage that needs to be agitated before drinking includes a first step of providing a container assembly having a main body portion that has a side wall that defines an interior space and an upper mounting portion to which a closure is releasably secured. The main body portion has a lower portion that is at least partially filled with a first substance, the lower portion defining a first volume, an upper head portion having a second volume and an agitator portion defined in the side wall between the lower portion and the upper head portion. The closure is removed, and a second substance is added to the container assembly. The closure is then replaced, and the container assembly is shaken by the consumer, which causes the agitator portion to promote mixing of the contents of the container assembly. The consumer will then drink at least a portion of the contents of the container assembly. | 05-12-2011 |
20110108515 | PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH IMPROVED SIDEWALL CONFIGURATION - A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that occur during the hot-fill process includes a container body defining an internal space and having a sidewall. The container body has a maximum lateral dimension and a plurality of flexible panels and posts defined in the sidewall. The posts are respectively interposed between the flexible panels around the outer circumference of the sidewall. Each of the plurality of posts has a minimum width and a maximum width, and a ratio of the minimum width to maximum width is preferably within a range of about 0.3 to about 0.7. A ratio of the minimum width to the maximum lateral dimension is preferably within a range of about 0.05 to about 0.30. In addition, a ratio of the maximum width to the maximum lateral dimension is preferably within a range of about 0.15 to about 0.45. | 05-12-2011 |
20110088360 | Hot-Fill Container Having A Tapered Body and Dome - A hot-fill container has a body portion that may utilize interchangeable dome-like top portion. A top portion is located above the body portion and has a bumper portion located thereon. A bottom portion is located below the body portion and has a bumper portion located thereon. | 04-21-2011 |
20110084046 | PLASTIC CONTAINER HAVING IMPROVED FLEXIBLE PANEL - A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that typically occur during the hot fill process includes a container body defining an internal space. The container body has a sidewall that is shaped to define at least one flexible panel. The flexible panel has a central longitudinal axis, an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion. The central portion of the flexible panel has a width that is greater than a respective width of at least one of the upper and lower portions. The flexible panel is substantially flat as viewed in a longitudinal cross-section taken along the central longitudinal axis. Additionally, the central portion has a transverse radius of curvature that is greater than a transverse radius of curvature of at least one of the upper portion and said lower portion. Because the central portion represents the maximum width of the flexible panel, the efficiency of vacuum uptake is maximized with respect to conventional vacuum panels that are substantially flat in longitudinal cross-section. | 04-14-2011 |
20110079575 | PASTEURIZABLE AND HOT-FILLABLE PLASTIC CONTAINER - A blow molded plastic container for hot fill and pasteurization uses includes a main body portion that is shaped so as to be substantially round in horizontal cross-section and a base portion. The base portion is shaped to define a generally circular standing ring and an elevated push-up portion that is positioned radially inward of the standing ring. The push-up portion includes a central region, an annular, substantially straight and substantially vertical rise portion that is positioned immediately radially inward of the standing ring and a plurality of radially oriented waves. Each of the waves extends radially outwardly from the central region to the vertical rise portion and is preferably shaped so as to subtend a substantially constant angle along its length. | 04-07-2011 |
20110079574 | PASTEURIZABLE AND HOT-FILLABLE BLOW MOLDED PLASTIC CONTAINER - A blow molded plastic container for hot fill and pasteurization uses includes a main body portion that is shaped so as to be substantially rectangular in horizontal cross-section and a base portion. The base portion is shaped to define a generally rectangular standing ring and an elevated push-up portion that is positioned radially inward of the standing ring. The push-up portion includes a central region, an annular, substantially straight and substantially vertical rise portion that is positioned immediately radially inward of the standing ring and a plurality of radially oriented waves. Each of the waves extends radially outwardly from the central region to the vertical rise portion. The main body portion is shaped so as to have a plurality of sidewall portions that are bounded by a plurality of vertically extending edge portions. In one embodiment, at least one of the vertically extending edge portions may have at least one inwardly extending gusset defined therein to provide structural reinforcement. | 04-07-2011 |
20110073559 | HOT-FILL CONTAINER HAVING IMPROVED LABEL SUPPORT - A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that occur during the hot-fill process includes a container body defining an internal space. The container body includes a main body portion having a plurality of vacuum panels disposed about an outer circumference thereof and a corresponding plurality of columns interposed between the vacuum panels. A label covers at least a portion of the vacuum panels and the columns. The label has a first portion having a first surface area that is in contact with the container and a second portion having a second surface area that is not in contact with the container. A ratio of said first surface area to said second surface area is at least 1.0, thereby ensuring superior label support. The main body portion further has a maximum outer radius and a maximum depth that is defined with respect to the maximum outer radius. A ratio of the maximum depth to the maximum outer radius is preferably no greater than about 0.2, which also contributes to the quality of the label support. | 03-31-2011 |
20110073556 | INFANT FORMULA RETORT CONTAINER - A retortable container has a body portion that has an angled body portion and a dome-like top portion. The body portion is sized to accommodate being held by an infant or a toddler. The top portion further comprises a finish that is adapted to accommodate a nipple for usage by an infant. | 03-31-2011 |
20110049084 | Dome Shaped Hot-Fill Container - A container has a domed shaped top portion that is located above the body portion. The body portion connects with the domed shaped top portion via a shoulder portion that has a variable distance from the longitudinal axis of the container. | 03-03-2011 |
20110043802 | BOX INSPECTOR - A box inspector for detecting at an inspection station an unacceptable skew in, an item missing from, and/or an unacceptable gap in a box. The box inspector has pairs of aligned emitters and receivers generating a signal when an unacceptable skew is detected, at least two item present sensors corresponding to the number of items adapted to be located in a single row within the box and generating an item absent signal when an item is missing from the box, a gap detect sensor generating an unacceptable gap signal when the gap is larger than a predetermined gap size, and a box present sensor generating a box present signal when a box arrives at the inspection station. A controller receives signals from these components and generates indications when the box is unacceptably skewed, an item is missing from the box, and/or an unacceptable gap exists in the box. | 02-24-2011 |
20110024385 | Plastic Container Having Tapered Vacuum Panels - A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes includes a container body defining an internal space and having a main body portion that defines a longitudinal axis and an outer diameter. The main body portion is substantially cylindrical at its outer diameter, and includes first and second recessed flexible vacuum uptake panels, each of which is constructed and arranged to flex inwardly to provide vacuum uptake when a sufficient underpressure exists in the internal space relative to ambient external pressure. The main body portion further includes a front side defining a first curved sidewall portion between the first and second recessed panels and a rear side defining a second curved sidewall portion between the first and second recessed panels. The first curved sidewall portion has a length L | 02-03-2011 |
20110018177 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING STRETCH BLOW MOLDED CONTAINERS - The present invention relates to a base assembly ( | 01-27-2011 |
20110017753 | Hot-fillable and Retortable Plastic Container - A container made of plastic material, such as PET, that is adapted to be hot-fillable, retortable and/or pasteurizable. The container is shaped and formed to appear aesthetically like a metallic can used typically for storing the types of food found within the container. The container may have hoops located in the body portion of the container and have a top portion adapted for receiving a double-seam can end. | 01-27-2011 |
20110011825 | Container Having Compound Flexible Panels - A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that occur as a result of internal pressure and temperature changes during the hot-fill process includes a container body defining an internal space. The container body has at least one flexible panel defined therein, which includes an outer flexible panel portion and an inner flexible panel portion. The outer flexible panel portion has a shape when a pressure equilibrium exists between the internal space and ambient external pressure, and is further constructed and arranged to assume a shape of increased concavity when a sufficient underpressure exists in the internal space. The inner flexible panel portion is constructed and arranged to flex relative to the outer flexible panel portion in order to accommodate internal pressure changes within the container body. The inner and outer flexible panel portions accordingly work in tandem to permit efficient vacuum uptake in a hot-fill type container. In addition, a boundary between the outer and inner flexible panel portions is preferably entirely curved. | 01-20-2011 |
20100314389 | Dual Container With Interlocking Features - An interlocking container assembly includes a first container having a first longitudinal axis and a second container having a second longitudinal axis. The first container has a male dovetail element, and the second container has a female dovetail recess that is adapted to engage the male dovetail element in order to prevent relative movement between the first and second containers in a first direction that is perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal axes. The first and second containers further respectively include a projection and a recess that are axially spaced from the respective dovetail element and female dovetail recess. The projection and the recess are adapted to engage each other in order to prevent relative movement between the first and second containers in a second direction that is parallel to the first and second longitudinal axes. The female dovetail recess is formed to have length that is favorable to fabrication using an extrusion blow molding process in which a mold is provided with a retractable mold element for forming the female dovetail recess. | 12-16-2010 |
20100301003 | Multi-Panel Plastic Container - A plastic container that particularly adapted for hot-fill applications includes a bottom portion; and a sidewall portion that is unitary with the bottom portion. The sidewall portion has a maximum outer diameter, and includes first and second pairs of opposing first and second vacuum panels, respectively. At least one of the second vacuum panels includes gripping structure. The first and second vacuum panels respectively have first and second substantially constant radii of curvature as measured in a horizontal plane that are substantially constant from upper to lower ends of the vacuum panels. A ratio of the first substantially constant radius of curvature to the maximum outer diameter is within a range of about 0.3 to about 2.5, and a ratio of the second substantially constant radius of curvature to the maximum outer diameter is within a range of about 0.2 to about 2. At least one of the second vacuum panels may be asymmetric about a central vertical axis as viewed in side elevation. | 12-02-2010 |
20100270259 | Container With Rib Elements Patterned in a Brick Pattern - A container for beverages has a plurality of side panels having rib elements. The container preferably has the rib elements arranged in a brick pattern. The container reduces the deformation of the side panels that occurs when gripped. | 10-28-2010 |
20100252952 | KIT AND METHOD FOR CONVERTING A REFURBISHING MACHINE INTO A REFORMING APPARATUS, AND RESULTING APPARATUS - A kit and method for converting a refurbishing machine into a reforming apparatus. The apparatus reforms a portion of a plastic container using induction heating. The kit includes a reform heating assembly that achieves a temperature of above about 500° F., heats the container via radiant and convection heating without contacting the container, and has a power and thermocouple connection to a first controller. The kit also includes a reform cooling assembly that has a forming die which contacts and reforms the container portion, a support housing a Peltier thermoelectric cooler, a heat sink facilitating heat transfer away from the forming die, and a power and thermocouple connection to a second controller. The method includes the steps of replacing heating assemblies of the refurbishing machine with the reform heating assembly and the reform cooling assembly, respectively, using the existing equipment utilities of the refurbishing machine. | 10-07-2010 |
20100237036 | SQUEEZABLE MULTI-PANEL PLASTIC CONTAINER - The present invention relates to a plastic container comprising two substantially smooth opposing squeezable panels, separated by a vacuum panel and having at least one arcuate indentation adapted to allow flexure of the respective panel without permanent distortion or creasing when a force is applied to the panel toward the container interior. | 09-23-2010 |
20100230379 | EXTRUSION BLOW MOLDED PET CONTAINER AND METHOD OF MAKING - A plastic container that is fabricated from an extrudable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using an extrusion blow molding process includes a neck portion, a bottom portion and a main body portion. The main body portion has a central opening that extends completely through the main body portion and may have generally toroidal area surrounding the central opening. The bottom portion includes a plurality of support feet and a substantially smooth central raised portion that has substantially no discontinuities such as the gate well that is commonly found on PET containers fabricated using the conventional stretch blow molding process. The neck portion may be offset from a longitudinal axis of the container so as to facilitate pouring by a consumer. | 09-16-2010 |
20100225033 | BLOW MOLDING MACHINE AND ASSOCIATED MECHANISMS - A machine ( | 09-09-2010 |
20100200605 | Blow Molded Plastic Container Assembly With Improved Lid Sealing - A plastic container that is preferably formed using a blow molding and trimming process includes a container main body portion and a lid mounting portion. The lid mounting portion includes a sealing flange and a flexible transition portion connecting the sealing flange to the container main body portion. The flexible transition portion preferably has at least one notch defined therein so as to form a hinge permitting downward movement of the sealing flange when a lid is secured on to the container. In another embodiment, more than one notch is provided defining multiple hinges that provide a compound hinge effect in order to reduce stresses on the molded plastic material during use of the container. | 08-12-2010 |
20100187262 | BLOW MOLDED CONTAINER, DISPENSER AND CLOSURE - A method of producing a container, dispenser, and closure comprises blow molding a body comprising a container portion, a dispenser portion, and a closure portion joined together, and separating the closure portion from the container portion and the dispenser portion. A container, dispenser, and closure made according to the method are also disclosed, along with an intermediate product for producing a container, dispenser, and closure. | 07-29-2010 |
20100181280 | Round and Four Sided Container - A container having side vacuum panels that can have a substantially planar surface. The front and rear panels are rounded and can be used in order to accommodate. Only the side panels flex in order to accommodate the hot-fill process. The panels accommodate the placement of labels or provision of embossment. | 07-22-2010 |
20100147903 | ONE PIECE UNIT DOSE LIQUID DISPENSING CLOSURE AND PACKAGING SYSTEM - A single-piece metering closure for dispensing a metered amount of liquid product includes a main body portion, a downwardly depending apron that is constructed and arranged to be secured to a container and a unit dose reservoir that has a filling window defined therein. A pouring spout is provided that is unitary with the unit dose reservoir. A lid member is provided that is connected to the main body portion by a flexible hinge and that is adapted to step on to and seal against the pouring spout. Venting structure may also be provided for venting the unit dose reservoir. | 06-17-2010 |
20100140838 | Method of Making Plastic Container Having A Deep-Inset Base - A method of plastic container having a deep inset base of the type that has a standing ring for supporting the container on a flat surface includes steps of molding a container blank having a standing ring and a base projection portion that is formed beneath the standing ring and relatively displacing the base projection portion upwardly with respect to the standing ring until the base projection portion is positioned above the standing ring. An improved plastic container having a deep inset base is also disclosed. | 06-10-2010 |
20100140278 | Plastic Container Having A Deep-Inset Base - A plastic container of the type that may be formed from a material such as PET using the stretch blow molding process includes a main body portion and a base portion that is characterized by a relatively tall and narrow profile above the standing ring and that has a deep inset recess defined therein. The deep inset recess is defined in part by an upstanding inner sidewall portion adjacent to the standing ring that has a height that may be greater than about 0.35 inch. The upstanding inner sidewall portion may have a substantially straight portion that is substantially parallel to a substantially straight portion of an outer sidewall of the base. | 06-10-2010 |
20100133729 | Method and Apparatus for Manufacturing Wide Mouth Containers - A method and system for forming a wide mouth container using a single-step blow molding apparatus. The method and system uses a mold that is adapted to be used in a narrow mouth single-step blow molding apparatus. The method and system increases the number of cavities that can be used in the mold for forming wide mouth containers. This increases the amount of containers that can be made and reduces overall tooling and operational costs. | 06-03-2010 |
20100111663 | Mobile Split Palletizer - A modular split palletizer for loading layers of articles on stackable pallets. The palletizer has a frame supporting first, second, and third sections. The first section includes a layer build area and a first portion of a stacker transfer track. The second section includes a tier sheet bin, a top frame bin, and a second portion of the track. The third section includes a pallet build area and a third portion of the track. Each of the first, second, and third sections can be disassembled, moved individually and independently, and re-assembled at a new location to form the complete palletizer. Also disclosed is a method of relocating the modular split palletizer. With the palletizer at one location, the utilities connected to the palletizer are disconnected, the fasteners holding the sections together are released, and the sections are separated. The disassembled sections are moved to the new location and reassembled. | 05-06-2010 |
20100109181 | CONTROLLING DELIVERY OF POLYMER MATERIAL IN A SEQUENTIAL INJECTION MOLDING PROCESS - Method and apparatus for controlling the delivery of polymer material in a sequential injection molding process. In one embodiment, the method provides: delivering a first shot of a first material simultaneously to a plurality of mold cavities; independently sensing for each cavity a property that is indicative of a volume or flow of material that is delivered to the corresponding cavity during the step of delivering the first shot; independently stopping the step of delivering the first shot to one or more cavities according to a program that uses as a variable a signal indicative of the property sensed for the corresponding cavity during delivery of the first shot; and delivering a second shot of a second material simultaneously to the cavities subsequent to the step of stopping the step of delivering the first shot. | 05-06-2010 |
20100059532 | Plastic Container Having Reinforced Gripping Structure - A plastic container includes a generally cylindrical main body portion having a longitudinal axis. At least one gripping recess is defined in the main body portion that has an oblong shape when viewed in front elevation and that is defined in part by a curved concave inner surface when viewed in side elevation. The gripping recess includes a plurality of horizontal indentations, each of which is sized to receive a finger of a consumer when the plastic container is being gripped by the consumer. | 03-11-2010 |
20100055369 | Preform For Making Plastic Container - A preform for making a lightweighted plastic container includes a finish portion having at least one external thread defined thereon that has a first sidewall thickness, a main body portion, an end cap, and a transition portion between the end cap and the main body portion. The end cap has a second side wall thickness that preferably is not less than said first side wall thickness of the finish portion. The main body portion is preferably unstepped, and the outer surface of the transition portion is preferably concave as viewed in longitudinal cross-section. In addition, the transition portion preferably extends for a longitudinal distance, and a ratio of the longitudinal distance to an outer radius of the end cap is preferably within a range of about 0.3 to about 0.9 | 03-04-2010 |
20100018889 | Stackable Flexible Container Assembly - A stackable container assembly that is particularly suited for packaging heavy bulk products such as paint includes a container having a main body and a removable lid having an upstanding rim portion that has an upper surface. The container has a flexible bottom portion that has a lower surface that includes at least one support surface for supporting the container assembly on an underlying horizontal surface. The lower surface further includes at least one projection that is disposed radially inwardly from the support surface. The flexible bottom portion is advantageously configured so that the projection will flex radially downwardly and outwardly into a position that is adjacent to an upstanding rim portion of an underlying container assembly when the container assembly is stacked on top of another container assembly. This ensures accurate registration and positioning of the container assemblies during stacking. | 01-28-2010 |
20100006535 | Plastic Container Possessing Improved Top Load Strength and Grippability - A plastic container includes a sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines an interior space. The sidewall is shaped so as to define a container neck, a main body portion and a dome that may be substantially rectangular in transverse cross-section. The dome has a lower and that is integral with the main body portion and a shoulder at an upper end that is integral with the container neck. The dome preferably includes at least one longitudinally extending buttress column defined in the sidewall that when viewed in transverse cross-section protrudes laterally outwardly from adjacent portions of the sidewall in order to enhance the strength of the container. The longitudinally extending buttress column may extend along an entire length of the dome from the main body portion to the container neck in order to further enhance the strength of the container. | 01-14-2010 |
20100000959 | METHOD FOR REFORMING A PORTION OF A PLASTIC CONTAINER TO INCLUDE A TRANSFERABLE ELEMENT, AND THE RESULTING CONTAINER - A method and apparatus for reforming a portion of a blow molded plastic container includes directing energy from a heater onto the portion of the container so as to heat the portion while leaving the remainder of the container relatively unheated. The heated portion of the container is then engaged by a reforming tool having an embossed or imprinted characteristic on a contact surface of the reforming tool so as to reform the portion of the container and form a three-dimensional feature thereon which is not reproducible without using the method and/or apparatus of the present invention. Alternatively, the heated portion of the container is engaged by a reforming tool having a transferable element on a contact surface of the reforming tool so as to reform the portion of the container and transfer the transferable element to the portion of the container. | 01-07-2010 |
20090295037 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR IN-MOLD DECORATION OF AN ARTICLE - A system for making a decorated plastic article includes a mold assembly for forming the plastic article. The mold assembly includes at least one internal molding surface. A print head is provided in order to print a decoration on the article while the article is still in the mold. The printhead may be integrated into the wall of the mold assembly, or it may be used to print an ink pattern on the internal molding surface that is subsequently transferred to the article during the molding process. | 12-03-2009 |
20090295030 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STRETCHING AND CRYSTALLIZING THE NECK FINISH OF A MOLDED PLASTIC ARTICLE - Apparatus and method for making a molded plastic article having a stretched and crystallized neck finish. In one embodiment, a series of platforms are carried by a conveying apparatus for transporting a series of molded plastic articles along a predetermined path of travel through one or more treatment stations. At a finish widening station, the molded article, having a relatively wide and thin-walled blow-molded body portion, and a relatively narrow and thick-walled unexpanded neck finish portion, is positioned to enable insertion of a mandrel into an open top aperture of the finish portion to widen the finish. The mandrel may include a lower heated tapered portion for expanding the finish, and an upper cooled body portion on which the expanded finish may be cooled. The article may then be sent to a finish crystallizing station having a heating device that heats the widened finish portion for a time and temperature selected to crystallize at least a portion of the widened finish. A sizing mechanism positionable in the widened finish supports the finish during crystallization. | 12-03-2009 |
20090295010 | DIRECT APPLICATION OF SURFACE TREATMENT TO A MOLTEN PARISON - A system for forming a molded object out of a plastic material includes an extrusion die assembly for forming a molten parison, a molding assembly for molding the molten parison into a molded article and a surface treatment assembly for changing the surface energy of at least a portion of a molten parison while the parison is in a molten state. The surface treatment assembly is interposed between the extrusion die assembly and the molding assembly to permit a surface energy of the parison to be changed prior to molding. This facilitates printing on the molded article while the molded article is still in the mold assembly. A method of making a molded object out of a plastic material is also disclosed. | 12-03-2009 |
20090294399 | Hot Fill Container Having Improved Vacuum Panel Configuration - A hot fill container of the type that is used package fruit juices and other beverages includes a vacuum panel configuration that provides optimal volumetric efficiency, material usage and container strength and is particularly suited for use with smaller containers. The vacuum panel configuration includes a plurality of cageless vacuum panels that are separated by longitudinally extending outwardly projecting creases that are defined in a sidewall of the container. This arrangement maximizes the effective surface area of the vacuum panels relative to the external surface area of the container. Each of the longitudinally extending outwardly projecting creases has a curved outer surface that is convex when viewed in longitudinal cross-section. The cageless vacuum panels are constructed and arranged to be convexly curved when a pressure within the container is equal to an external pressure, but become concavely curved when a predetermined partial vacuum condition exists within said container. | 12-03-2009 |
20090261059 | Volumetrically Efficient Hot-Fill Type Container - A volumetrically efficient plastic hot fill container at least one vacuum panel defined by a vacuum panel area of a sidewall that is constructed and arranged to flex inwardly in order to accommodate volumetric shrinkage that may occur within the container as a result of the conventionally known hot fill process. Advantageously, at least a portion of the vacuum panel area of the sidewall is formed as a plurality of undulations. The undulations preferably have a horizontal component and provide an increased surface area to the vacuum panel area relative to what a flat surface would provide. As a result, the amount of volumetric shrinkage that may be accommodated through inward deflection of said vacuum panel area of said sidewall is increased relative to a flat surface would provide. | 10-22-2009 |
20090261058 | Volumetrically Efficient Hot-Fill Type Container - A volumetrically efficient plastic hot fill container at least one vacuum panel defined by a vacuum panel area of a sidewall that is constructed and arranged to flex inwardly in order to accommodate volumetric shrinkage that may occur within the container as a result of the conventionally known hot fill process. Advantageously, at least a portion of the vacuum panel area of the sidewall is formed as a plurality of undulations. The undulations preferably have a vertical component and provide an increased surface area to the vacuum panel area relative to what a flat surface would provide. As a result, the amount of volumetric shrinkage that may be accommodated through inward deflection of said vacuum panel area of said sidewall is increased relative to a flat surface would provide. | 10-22-2009 |
20090236302 | Finish Portion For Plastic Preform and Container and Method of Making - A preform for making a plastic container includes a main body portion and a threaded finish portion that has an outer surface and an inner surface. The threaded finish portion has a proximal and that is unitary with the main body portion of the preform and a distal end that is opposite from the proximal end. At least one external thread is defined on the outer surface of the finish portion. A gripping indentation is advantageously defined in the outer surface and is longitudinally positioned between the external thread and the distal end of the finish portion. A container having such a finish portion and a method of making a container is also disclosed. | 09-24-2009 |
20090230084 | Plastic container having enhanced crush resistance and pouring stability - A molded plastic container is shaped so as to resist deformation as a result of compressive forces that may be applied by the consumer during use. The container includes a pair of recessed grip portions that are molded into forward and rearward sides of the container and an outer handle portion. Reinforcing ribs are integrally molded into the forward and rearward sidewalls of the container in areas that are substantially adjacent to the recessed grip portions in order to provide additional crush resistance as the container is squeezed. Additionally, a torsional reinforcement rib is integrated into an upper side portion of the container in order to resist deformation of the container and the pouring opening of the container during pouring. The torsional reinforcement rib is integral with the two reinforcing ribs, which provides additional strength and pouring stability to the container. | 09-17-2009 |
20090230076 | Aseptic Transfer Bead For Plastic Containers - A plastic container includes a neck with an opening to an interior of the container, where the neck opening having a first diameter and a second diameter of different lengths. A shoulder portion surrounds the neck of the plastic container. A transfer bead is located on the neck above the shoulder portion where the first diameter of the neck opening is above the transfer bead and the second diameter is below the transfer bead. The transfer bead is advantageously shaped and sized so as to facilitate application and removal of a sterilization solution during the aseptic packaging process. | 09-17-2009 |
20090107999 | NON-REAPPLYING DISPENSING CLOSURE - A container assembly includes a container having an unthreaded finish portion and a closure having a downwardly depending sidewall and blocking structure provided at a lower end of the sidewall for securing the closure on to the unthreaded finish portion. The sidewall is provided with a predetermined area of weakness so that in the event that an attempt is made to remove the closure from the container the predetermined area of weakness will rupture, leaving the closure with insufficient structural integrity to be successfully reapplied to the container. The container assembly has particular utility for use in packaging brand-name comestibles such as ketchup for restaurant use. It will frustrate efforts by the restaurant to replenish the brand-name comestible with a cheaper replacement within a dispensing container that is still labeled with the brand of the original product. | 04-30-2009 |
20090095702 | HOT-FILLABLE CONTAINER AND METHOD OF MAKING - A hot-fillable container that has an aesthetically pleasing shaped after the hot-fill process. The side walls of the container have structural aspects that permit the side walls to retain a substantially similar shape after the hot-fill process. This allows for an aesthetically pleasing design that compensates for the deformation that can occur during the hot-fill process. | 04-16-2009 |
20090085243 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A MULTI-LAYER PARISON HAVING A LAYER OF VARYING THICKNESS - An apparatus for producing a parison having a plurality of resin layers and at least one resin layer of varying thickness is disclosed. The parison is used to form containers in a blow mold machine. An extruder is in communication with a flow head to form the parison. The apparatus includes a valve block having a duct providing communication between a second extruder and the flow head. Flow of resin from the second extruder directly to the flow head is controlled by a valve in the valve block. An accumulator cylinder and piston are also in communication with the duct and control the resin pressure within the duct. Opening and closing the valve and stroking the piston sends resin from the second extruder to the flow head and forms a resin layer having a varying thickness on the parison. A method of forming a varying layer is also disclosed. | 04-02-2009 |
20090020498 | CONTAINER HAVING BROAD SHOULDER AND NARROW WAIST - The invention relates to a plastic container having a neck, shoulder, base and body portion. There are longitudinal base panel portions with rounded, longitudinal base panel edges separating each of said flattened portions from each other at a waist. The waist has a circumferential dimension less than the base and is positioned between the body portion and the base. The body portion is positioned between the waist and the circular shoulder and has flexible, substantially flat longitudinal body panels and rounded, longitudinal body panel edges separating adjacent body panels from each other and merging with the longitudinal panel edges of said base. The longitudinal body edges increase in width as the body longitudinally merges with the circular shoulder portion, and the circular shoulder portion has a rounded portion transitioning into and merging with the body panels, and a sloping portion of reducing diameter merging with the neck. | 01-22-2009 |
20090008360 | FINISH AND CLOSURE FOR PLASTIC PASTEURIZABLE CONTAINER - Plastic containers subjected to pasteurization processes with a closure having an annular finish support ring that supports an inner surface of the neck finish of the container from inward deformation during pasteurization. The finish support ring can be integral with the closure or can extend from a closure liner. Also disclosed are closures for products that require pasteurization, as well as modified finish threads to provide a surface contact between the finish and closure threads. | 01-08-2009 |
20090000435 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING SPOUTS TO CONTAINERS - A method and apparatus for cutting moils from necks of molded plastic containers and installing spouts in the necks are disclosed. The apparatus includes a pick and place mechanism that rotates along an arcuate path transporting the containers between a cutting station, a facing station and an assembly station positioned along the path. An oven located above the assembly station heats spouts which are coated with a hot-melt adhesive. The heated spouts are supplied to the assembly station under gravity feed. The method includes cutting the moils from the container necks at the cutting station, finishing the neck by burnishing and reaming at the facing station, heating the spouts in the oven, orienting the spouts and inserting them into the finished necks of the containers at the assembly station. | 01-01-2009 |
20080296251 | Non-Removable Finish and Closure System - Non-removable finish and closure finish system that resists rotational movement so as to be rendered substantially non-removable by the consumer. The closure and finish have complementary thread segments with ratchet-type engaging portions or lugs extending below thread segments on the finish and closure, the closure lugs being disposed on an inner skirt spaced radially inwardly from an outer skirt to inhibit access to the interlocking lugs. | 12-04-2008 |
20080290558 | Method for Compression Molding Plastic Articles - Apparatus for compression molding plastic articles includes a plurality of molds mounted for travel around a first axis. Each mold includes an upper mold section and a lower mold section, with at least one of the upper and lower mold sections being moveable in a non-circular first endless path, and being moveable with respect to the other mold section to form a mold cavity. A mold charge delivery system delivers individual mold charges to the mold cavities and includes at least one delivery mechanism that travels in a second endless path around a second axis spaced from the first axis, wherein the second endless path overlies a portion of the first endless path. | 11-27-2008 |
20080257855 | Preform Base and Method of Making a Delamination and Crack Resistant Multilayer Container Base - Molded preform for blow molding a plastic container for pressurized applications, the preform having a base with a multilayer wall for forming a delamination and crack resistant multilayer footed container base. The preform base forming region has an end cap portion with a non-spherical inner wall, including a flattened central section joined by arcuate corner sections to a generally cylindrical outer section. The inner wall sections provide a varying end cap thickness profile which enhances orientation in select portions of the footed container base for improved performance and/or lightweighting of the container base. | 10-23-2008 |
20080251529 | Storage System For Transfer Stabilizing Supports and/or Containers - A method and system for storing and releasing objects onto a production line are disclosed. The system includes an enclosed space with an opening at a side surface adjacent a top thereof, a central structure of the enclosed space, a helical support disposed about the central structure providing layers of storage to store objects to be released onto a production line, and pusher means for moving stored objects around the central structure from the bottom of the enclosed space by pushing a number of stored objects to the top of the enclosed space and out the opening. The objects may be transfer stabilizing supports that are attached to odd-shaped objects for case of conveyance, containers, or containers attached to transfer stabilizing supports. | 10-16-2008 |
20080245761 | REDUCED PRESSURE LOSS PASTEURIZABLE CONTAINER AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - Containers for pressurized filling and pasteurization and methods of reducing creep in a pressurized pasteurizable container. The container is a blow-molded plastic container having a biaxially oriented wall of a structural polymer with a moisture content of no greater than a predetermined value at the start of a pressurized filling, capping, and pasteurization process. Also disclosed are pasteurizable containers having a desired shelf life. | 10-09-2008 |