Abstract: A preform for use in blow molding a bottle that is non-refillable and suitable for holding a non-carbonated liquid is provided. The preform may have a transition region, or “step,” on its inner surface. The step may strengthen the region between body and base portions of a bottle that results from blow molding the preform. The body portion of the bottle may be substantially cylindrical. The base portion of the bottle may have a slight inward concavity and may have a substantially constant wall thickness.

Abstract: An undersink water delivery system that includes a housing for holding a container of water and a pump for delivering water to an air gap type faucet. The housing includes a pivotally mounted access door that assists a user in loading a container of water. The access door includes a water delivery coupling that is connected to the pump to deliver water from the container to the faucet. To load a container of water the access door is pivoted to the open position and a container of water is slid into a cradle formed in the access door until the neck of the bottle engages the water delivery coupling. The access door is pivoted upwardly (including the container of water) into the closed position. The access door thereby functions as a lever assisting a user in loading a container of water into the housing.

Abstract: A water cooler water bottle has a recessed handle angled to provide a natural lifting angle for a user, without bending the user's wrist. The handle is positioned adjacent the center of gravity of the bottle so that the center of gravity is substantially or directly under the handle when the user is carrying the bottle, and so that inversion of the bottle for insertion into a water cooler is easier. The side wall tapers smoothly into the handle and the recess so that during cleaning, cleaning liquid does not pool at the handle or the recess and remain in the bottle.

Abstract: A vending machine rotor is provided which allows for the holding and subsequent dispensing of two or more bottles from a vending machine. The vending machine rotor provides a reservoir which comprises at least two bottle locations in which bottles may be loaded and then from which the bottles may be dispensed. While loaded in the rotor, cut-outs in the rotor enable the necks of at least two of the bottles to overlap by providing recesses in which the outer surfaces of at least two of the bottles may partially radiate outward from the axis of the vending machine rotor. Finally, a thickened portion of the rotor body may be provided to prevent bottles which exceed a maximum diameter from being used with the rotor of the present invention.