Abstract: The invention relates to a tube (1) of which the head (2) comprises an impermeable cap (5) which may be torn by twisting, characterized in that this cap has a lateral surface (5) of polygonal contour (6) inclined at less than 10.degree. to the axis (16) of the tube (1) and a tear zone (10) contained between the lateral surface (50) and an internal surface (11) of the cap (5) comprising at least one thin portion having a minimum thickness of 0.05 to 0.18 mm and at least one portion (9, 9') which is at least 1.5 times thicker.The invention also relates to the tube (1) accompanied by a cover maintaining the integrity of the periphery of the cap and comprising a key fitting over the cap so as to tear it by twisting, and to its use in particular for storing and dispensing liquids in metered droplets. The tube is typically used for storing and dispensing medical or cosmetic liquids.

Abstract: Containers or closures, preferably for liquids, are provided having means for holding a light source for illuminating the containers, preferably the interior of the containers. The holding means can be associated with any portion of the container, including its closure, body, side wall(s), handle, or bottom, which can include a base portion or bottom extension. The holding means can include an opening defined by a ledge in the closure, or it can include a housing which can extend upwardly or downwardly from the closure, or bottom or bottom extension. At least a portion of the container which is between the light source and the interior of the container is a least partially transparent to light.

Abstract: Coupling devices have a housing comprised of first and second housing parts together forming an interior cavity which houses a rotatable coupler, preferably comprised of first and second coupler segments, the device being coupled or not depending upon the coupler's position within the cavity. Each housing part has one or more concave cavity wall portion(s) for rotatably retaining the coupler or a coupler segment in the cavity or in a housing part cavity portion. The coupler or each segment has one or more convex outer surface wall portion(s). The concave cavity wall portion(s) slip fit engage the coupler or coupler segment convex surface wall portions and rotatably retain the coupler or segment(s) within the housing cavity or housing part cavity portion.

Abstract: Multiple layer films, and novel polymer compositions, for use in packaging sterile medical products and shelf stable foods. The films include at least two layers of modified polypropylene-based compositions, and optionally a third layer of polypropylene-based composition. The two layers of the film comprise polypropylene polymers having melting point temperatures, differing by at least 3.degree. C., with corresponding ethylene contents disparate by at least 1 weight percent ethylene. In 2-layer films, the compositions include ethylene butene-1 copolymer in both layers, and optionally an elastomer in either or both layers. Three and four layer films are set forth wherein outer polypropylene based layers protect the inner layers, as of the two layer composition, from bonding to corresponding portions of adjacent like layers. The films can be fabricated into packages formed as by heat sealing.

Abstract: Sheet materials and packages capable of holding hard-to-hold products such as methyl salicylate. The preferred embodiments include a foil layer 12 and a layer 14 of EVOH between foil layer 12 and the enclosed product. A carboxy modified adhesive layer 18 is disposed between the EVOH layer 14 and the product 52. Additional layers are used in the sheet material for purposes of adhesion, appearance, protection, body, and the like. One embodiment of the invention is a coextruded film comprising the EVOH layer 514, a surface layer 516, an intervening adhesive layer 518, and a fourth covering layer 519 for covering and protecting the EVOH layer 514, especially from physical abuse. A method is disclosed wherein the sheet materials of the invention may be made into packages using fin seals 54 and lap seals 50.

Abstract: A container (20) suited to contain foodstuff has a handle assembly (41), a plastic body (22) and a metal closure (24) sealed to the plastic body (22) preferably by a double seam (60). The plastic seam ring (34) having a top portion (36) and inner and outer skirts (40, 38) descending therefrom is provided by itself or is mounted over the double seam (60) to conceal the metal of at least the double seam (60). A central panel (30) of the metal closure (24) bounded by a parting line (32) can be removed by the consumer to expose the contents of the container (20). The handle assembly (41) is attached to the inner skirt (40) at a base (76) and includes a central member (78) attached to the base (76). In storage, the handle assembly (41) is positioned within the inner skirt (40) of the seam ring (34). The handle assembly (41 ) and has two handles (80) that are attached to the central member (78) at hinges (86, 88).

Abstract: Sheet structures wherein the composition of one layer comprises a first component of a polypropylene, a second component of an ethylene-based copolymer, and a third component which provides some properties representative of elastomeric polymers. The invention further contemplates packages made from the sheet structures incorporating the recited compositions.

Abstract: Multi-co-injection nozzle injection molding apparatus for an injection molding machine for injection molding a multi-layer plastics article or container, comprising a plurality of co-injection nozzles, means associated with the nozzles to channel each material stream which is to form a layer of the article separately to each nozzle, means for moving the materials streams along their respective channels to their respective nozzles and means for combining in each nozzle the streams moved thereto, to form combined streams in the nozzles for injection into associated injection mold cavities. Each of the channels preferably provide substantially the same material flow stream travel path for each material stream of the same material channeled to each nozzle. Each co-injection nozzle has an axial central channel and a plurality of flow stream passageways with orifices in communication with the central channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for fabricating films, especially films containing vinylidene chloride copolymer, wherein the process is susceptible of continued operation over an extended period of time greater than a few days. The process typically can operate for at least 2 weeks between shut downs for cleaning the die. The apparatus comprises a coextrusion feedblock 20 in combination with an annular extrusion die 10 having a crosshead mandrel 11, and means for conveying the exit stream 24 from the feedblock to the die. The particular apparatus combination especially reduces the rate of carbon buildup in the extrusion apparatus during extrusion of VDC-copolymer, such that the extrusion process can be operated for a longer time between shutdowns for cleaning and maintenance of the die. The invention further includes novel tubular films 32 made with the apparatus and methods of the invention, and packages made from the films.

Abstract: A microwavable container suited to contain foodstuff over long periods of time has a plastic body and a metal closure sealed to the plastic body preferably by a double seam. A plastic seam ring having a top portion and inner and outer skirts descending therefrom is provided by itself or is mounted over the double seam to conceal the metal of at least the double seam. Means are provided on the seam ring to secure the seam ring to the container body preferably such that it is not readily removable therefrom. A central portion of the metal closure bounded by a parting line can be removed by the consumer to expose the contents of the container. With the seam ring mounted on the container body, the inner edge of the seam ring is adjacent to the remaining metal edge after the inner panel has been removed from the closure to shield this edge and minimize the chance of cutting or scraping of the user's fingers when handling the container.

Abstract: Compositions of matter, sheet material, and packages made therefrom. Novel compositions of polypropylene and high density polethylene are useful as sealant materials for flexible sheet material structures wherein the sheet material is sealable to a preformed container, to form a lid therefor, and is peelable therefrom, with cohesive failure of the sealant layer in the area of the formed seal. The novel sealant layer compositions provide for package closure and sealing which is capable of withstanding retort conditions while maintaining the integrity of the package closure and seal. Concurrently the lid is readily peeled from the package to provide access to the interior of the package. The peelability comprises cohesive failure of the sealant material in a novel blend of a polypropylene polymer with an ethylene polymer having a density of at least 0.940.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively controlling the flow of at least three melt material streams through the nozzle of a machine for injection molding multi-layer plastics articles. The nozzle has, for each stream, a flow passageway terminating at an exit orifice. Sleeve means having an internal axial material flow passageway, communicate with the central channel and with one of the flow passageways and are movable axially and/or rotationally to block and unblock at least two orifices. Each flow passageway can include material flow directing means for balancing stream flow around the passageway and its exit orifice, and a tapered portion adjacent its orifice. Preferably, the orifices are fixed. Means can pressurize melt material in a flow passageway between the flow directing means and the associate orifice so that the start of flow of the material through the orifice is substantially uniform thereabout.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously effecting the initiation, flow and termination of flow of corresponding melt streams of polymer materials from a plurality co-injection nozzles of a multi-co-injection nozzle injection molding machine to form a plurality of multi-layer injection molded plastic articles. A melt stream of polymeric material for each layer is provided and feed along an equal flow path to each nozzle using a common pressure source for each stream of a given polymeric material which is to form a layer in more than one article. A valve means effects the initiation, flow and termination of the flow of material simultaneously and identically in each nozzle.

Abstract: Valve means for use in a co-injection nozzle of a multi-polymer injection molding or blow-molding machine wherein the nozzle has an axial or cylindrical central channel, comprised of an elongated sleeve having an axial central passageway and a port in its side wall and axially-reciprocable within the nozzle central channel, and, either a solid pin within and fixed relative to the sleeve, or, more preferably, an elongated pin axially-reciprocable within the sleeve central passageway, the sleeves and pins each mounted in close tolerance slip fits to prevent any significant accumulation or passage of polymer melt material.

Abstract: The invention discloses a multiple layer film useful in packaging, and the packages made therefrom. A first layer of the film is a material containing an ester group, a polycarbonate or a polyether block amide copolymer. A second layer of the film is a sealant, preferably polypropylene polymer blended with an elastomeric styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymer. A third functionally adhesive layer is between the first and second layers. The composition of the third adhesive layer is typically either a polypropylene modified with a carboxy group such as an organic acid or anhydride or a styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymer.

Abstract: A multi-coinjection nozzle injection molding machine and nozzle for co-injecting at least three streams of melt materials to form a multi-layer article. The nozzle includes at least two interfitting shells and a nozzle cap. At least one of the shells has a feed flow channel for flow of melt material which leads to an associated annular flow passageway. The shells have a symmetrical furstoconical shape and and form a fixed tapered, symmetrical, frustoconical portion of an annular passageway which terminates at a fixed, annular orifice for the flow of melt material therethrough.

Abstract: Novel films, and processes for making them, are provided. The films are characterized by the inclusion of a layer of vinylidene chloride copolymer between at least two other layers which contain ethylene vinyl acetate, and optionally linear low density polyethylene. The films may be unoriented or oriented. Oriented films may optionally be cross-linked. The novel process of making the cross-linked films includes the step of cross-linking the film after assembly of the vinylidene chloride copolymer layer into the structure.

Abstract: A multiple layer sheet material comprising a first layer 12 of vinylidene chloride copolymer having a first softening temperature. A second polymeric sealant layer 14 has a second softening temperature no more than about 50.degree. C. less than the first softening temperature. An optional third layer 16 between the first and second layers has a third softening temperature greater than either of the first and second softening temperatures and comprises a polyethylene terephthalate composition. A fourth polymeric layer 18 has a fourth softening temperature greater than the first and second softening temperatures. The first layer is positioned between the third and fourth layers. A fifth impact layer 20 is positioned between layers 14 and 16.

Abstract: A method of forming multi-layer plastic articles by using a multi-cavity injection molding machine. A combined material stream is injected from a plurality of co-injection nozzles into associated injection cavities. Streams of polymeric materials which form the layers of the articles are directed separately into each of the nozzles and in each of the nozzles a combines stream is formed which is injected into the cavities. The individual flow of each of the material streams in the nozzle can be controlled in the nozzle.

Abstract: This invention teaches using blends of polyisobutylene and polypropylene copolymer in the formation of single layer films and multiple layer sheet materials. The films and sheet materials are useful as flexible packaging materials. The multiple layer sheet materials may be entirely polymeric or may include layers having non-polymeric components, such as metal. The blends of polyisobutylene and polypropylene copolymer unexpectedly have the capability of being extruded through a slot die to form a film having a functionally useful mixture of its components. Thus the invention further includes methods of forming film-like layers of the blends of polyisobutylene and polypropylene copolymer.