Abstract: A refillable container including a base having a standing surface surrounding a push-up portion. The push-up portion includes a central portion at a center of the base that is recessed inward from a plane extending across the standing surface. A longitudinal axis of the container extends from a first end of the container to a second end through the central portion. A linear portion of the base extends radially outward from the central portion towards the standing surface of the base. The base is configured to reduce stress crack failures.

Abstract: A child resistant closure for use on a container that include an inner closure member having a threaded portion and an inclined surface, and an outer closure member coupled to the inner closure member for axial translation therebetween. A series of engagement features extend between the inner and outer closure to permit selective engagement of the outer closure to the inner closure to effect removal of the child resistant closure. The outer closure includes at least one finger spring member being inwardly directed and contacting the inclined surface of the inner closure member, thereby biasing the outer closure member into an operationally disengaged position. The finger spring member T-shaped in cross-section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a plastic container is provided. The method includes disposing a preform into a primary mold cavity and applying pressurized air to urge the preform to conform to the shape of the primary mold cavity to form a primary article. The primary article is then permitted to shrink to a predetermined volume. The method can further include exposing the primary article to an internal vacuum to facilitate shrinking to a predetermined volume. The method further includes disposing the primary article into a second mold cavity and applying pressurized air to urge the primary article to conform to the second mold cavity to form an intermediate article. Finally, at least a portion of the intermediate article is trimmed off to form a final container.

Abstract: A preform configured to form a container by stretch blow molding. A finish portion is at a first end of the preform, and is a container finish. A tip portion is at a second end of the preform opposite to the first end, and is configured to form a container base and a container heel. The shoulder portion is adjacent to the finish portion and is between the finish portion and the tip portion. The shoulder portion is configured to form a container shoulder. The body portion is between the shoulder portion and the tip portion, and is configured to form a container body. The outer surface includes a first flat portion and a second flat portion at the tip portion. The first flat portion extends at a first angle and the second flat portion extends at a second angle that is different than the first angle.

Abstract: A preform configured to form a container by stretch blow molding. A finish portion is at a first end of the preform, and is a container finish. A tip portion is at a second end of the preform opposite to the first end, and is configured to form a container base and a container heel. The shoulder portion is adjacent to the finish portion and is between the finish portion and the tip portion. The shoulder portion is configured to form a container shoulder. The body portion is between the shoulder portion and the tip portion, and is configured to form a container body. The outer surface includes a flat portion at the tip portion.

Abstract: A blow-molded container including a finish and a base portion. The finish defines an opening at a first end of the container that provides access to an internal volume defined by the container. The base portion is at a second end of the container opposite to the first end. The base portion includes a fold proximate to a sidewall of the container.

Abstract: A container assembly including a container and a metallic closure. The container includes a polymeric body and a polymeric finish. The polymeric finish includes a plurality of threads. A lug lock is associated with each one of the plurality of threads. The metallic closure includes at least three metallic lugs configured to cooperate with the plurality of threads to couple the metallic closure to the polymeric finish.

Abstract: A container assembly including a container and a metallic closure. The container includes a polymeric body and a polymeric finish. The polymeric finish includes a plurality of threads. A lug lock is associated with each one of the plurality of threads. The metallic closure includes at least three metallic lugs configured to cooperate with the plurality of threads to couple the metallic closure to the polymeric finish.

Abstract: A process for forming a printed product that includes applying an energy-hardenable varnish to a sheet-like substrate at a first station; conveying the substrate to a hardening device where the outermost surface of the varnish is applied against a smooth polishing surface that smoothens it during its passage through the hardening device; hardening the layer of varnish typically by UV or EB curing; and applying metalized ink by a printing process to the smoothened surface of the layer of varnish.

Abstract: A system and method for forming indicia on a substrate. The system includes a feed system for feeding the substrate and a plurality of stations each operable to apply a processing step to the substrate. A first of the plurality of stations applies an energy curable ink to the substrate using a printing process. In some embodiments, this printing process is a gravure cylinder having indicia grooves formed on the gravure cylinder. The indicia grooves on the cylinder retain the energy curable ink until contact with the substrate whereby the energy curable ink is applied to the substrate. A curing unit is disposed downstream of the first of the plurality of stations. The curing unit receives the substrate and outputs an electron beam directed toward the energy curable ink to cure the energy curable ink and form a resultant energy curable layer upon the substrate.