Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching inconsistent length plastic handles to a container. The apparatus comprises a mandrel having a bottom diameter less than that of the container and a top diameter greater than that of the container. The container rests on the mandrel until uneven forces are applied by attachment of a handle having unequal length sides, at which time the shorter arm of the handle engages the container first, causing the corresponding sides of the container to slide upwardly on the mandrel and the opposite side to slide downwardly. The downward sliding places the corresponding receptacle closer to the longer arm of the handle facilitating engagement. A die having a body and an arcuate shaped handle forming area adjacent a recess in the body delivers the handle to the container. The recess also includes end portions tapered in the direction of the arcuate bend of the handle forming area.

Abstract: A plastic container includes a plastic bail-type handle. The ends of the handle include an improved bayonet-type connection. The connection has a solid cross section permitting it to withstand greater forces imposed on the handle. An elongated shoulder is also embodied in the connection for abutting engagement with an associated bail ear provided on the container.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a tipping device comprising a conveyor, a photodetector, a chute including two selectively translatable ramps disposed at the discharge end of the conveyor, air cylinders for translating the ramps, and a tipper bar which is exposed when the ramps are translated. More particularly, when the ramps are closed, the containers simply move from the conveyor down the chute to another conveyor. When a signal generated by the photodetector is received by the air cylinders, the air cylinders retract, thus moving the two ramps to an open position, and exposing the tipper bar. The momentum from the weight and acceleration of the container as it impacts the tipper bar flips the container on its top. After receiving a second signal from the photodetector, the air cylinders extend and the ramps close so that the next container slides down the chute without engaging the tipper bar.

Abstract: A tamper-proof and tamper-evident closure system is for use with a plastic container body and lid of the type wherein the container body has an opening defined by a continuous side wall and the lid has a depending skirt terminating at a lower edge, with the skirt overlapping the side wall adjacent the opening when the lid covers the opening. The closure system comprises a shield flange projecting outwardly from the side wall of the container body immediately adjacent the lower edge of the lid when the lid covers the opening of the container body and a tamper-evidencing band frangibly connected to the shield flange along a separation path spaced from the side wall of the container body. The shield flange bars access to a substantial portion of the lower edge and includes a cut-out section providing access to a minor portion of the lower edge of the lid to permit removal of the lid from the container body.

Abstract: A plastic container includes a plastic bail-type handle. The ends of the handle include an improved bayonet-type connection. The connection has a solid cross section permitting it to withstand greater forces imposed on the handle. An elongated shoulder is also embodied in the connection for abutting engagement with an associated bail ear provided on the container.

Abstract: A plastic pail having a continuous side wall and a radially extending rim includes a pair of diametrically opposed bail ears which receive a bail. The bail ears are of a box-like configuration and extend outwardly from the side wall and downwardly from the rim. An outer face of the bail ear has an aperture through which the bail is received. A plurality of connecting walls join the outer face with the side wall, and an arcuate configuration joins the connecting walls to the side wall. The bail includes an elongated gripping portion with a pair of diverging side portions extending therefrom. A pair of connectors defined by arcs having a circumferential extent greater than 180.degree. is joined to the respective side portions by substantially parallel end portions.