Abstract: A stretch blow molding process and apparatus for the manufacturing of plastic containers includes the step of preheating the preform. In particular the preheating step includes directly heating the inside of the preform. This is particularly important during the processing of polypropylene. The method for heating plastic preforms for the stretch blow molding thereof comprises the steps of heating the outside of the preforms with at least one infrared radiation lamp and directly heating the inside of the preforms. Preferably the heating of the outside and the heating of the inside is performed concurrently. The apparatus for use in the preheat step of a preform during a stretch blow molding process includes a channel; a plurality of chucks and a method of directly heating the inside of the preforms. The plurality of chucks are movably connected to the channel and each chuck is adapted to receive a preform. The inside of the preform is heated as the chuck moves along the channel.

Abstract: A blow-molded container has a container portion, and an integrally molded pour spout and an integrally molded collar. The integrally molded pour spout extends outwardly from the container and has an open end portion. The integrally molded collar extends outwardly from the pour spout and is spaced from the container portion.

Abstract: A pallet is fabricated from a sheet of stiff foldable material with each end of the sheet having four transverse score lines. A right angle fold is made about each score line so that each end portion of the sheet is folded back on itself into a rectangular runner with a flap (between the end of the sheet and the adjacent score line) lying adjacent the sheet. The flap is adhered to the sheet. Blocks may simply be inserted into the runners to stabilize them. Alternatively, at each end portion of the sheet tabs may be formed in one of the zones of the sheet which are defined by adjacent transverse score lines and between the end of the sheet and its adjacent score line. Slots are formed in another zone with one zone intervening between the tabs and slots. With this embodiment, after the end portions of the sheet are folded into runners, the tabs are folded toward the slots so as to be received within the slots in order to support the runners.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pallet top constructed entirely of corrugated cardboard. In one aspect the pallet top includes a thick corrugate center panel and thick corrugate reinforcing edge pieces glued along the periphery of the center panel. The corrugate reinforcing edge pieces and the corrugate center panel are arranged so that the fluting of the edge pieces run perpendicular to the direction in which the fluting in the center panel runs thereby significantly increasing the strength of the resulting pallet top. A corrugated wrap sheet is provided having folding flaps along the edges thereof. The flaps are folded over the reinforcing edge pieces and glued to the top surface of the edge pieces. In another aspect the corrugate reinforcing edge pieces are tubes of rectangular cross section formed along the periphery of the center panel.

Abstract: A lightweight pallet is provided which includes interconnected platform and channel stringer structure. The interconnection of the structures including various slits, slots, and tabs at various locations on the platform and stringer members. Reinforcement members may be received in the channels.