Abstract: A system for processing a simplified plastic container (C) that is to be filled with a hot product includes the step of blow-molding parison to form a container body, where the container body has a neck, a base, a side surface relatively free of structural geometry that surrounds an interior of the container body and, prior to being filled with the hot product, a projection (12) extending from the container body. After the container body is filled with a hot product in a production line, the neck of the filled container body is capped with a cap and then, the container body is cooled. During the cooling operation, the hot product is contracted so that the projection extending from the container can be pushed (P) into the container body like a traditional push-up so that the resultant, filled and cooled container body is relatively free of structural geometry.

Abstract: A multifunctional detabber apparatus and method for producing bottles having a bottom surface with a hook projection integrally molded with and extending from the bottom surface in a deployed position. The bottom surface also includes at least one locking channel in order to receive and releasably secure the hook projection in a non-deployed position. The multifunctional detabber apparatus includes at least a grabber, a trimmer, and a hook closer. The grabber includes first and second jaws which surround the bottle and prevent movement. The trimmer includes first and second strikers for creating an outer periphery of the hook projection and an opening in the hook projection. The hook closer includes a mandrel that extends to bend and secure the hook projection in the locking channel in the bottom surface of the bottle.

Abstract: Base configurations for plastic containers having an inner wall and up-stand wall geometries to accommodate internal container pressures after hot-filling and sealing, corresponding plastic containers, and systems, methods, and base molds thereof. In some embodiments, the up-stand wall geometries include a plurality of stacked rings. The inner wall and up-stand wall geometries can be co-operatively operative to accommodate pressure variations within the jar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of measuring the placement of material forming a blow-molded plastic container after the container is released from a mold of a blow molder having a plurality of molds, wherein each plastic container comprises a continuous sidewall and a base, the method comprising the steps of: detecting with an infrared camera infrared light emitted from the container after the container is released from a mold; converting the detected infrared light into corresponding electrical signals; transmitting the electrical signals to a microprocessor; comparing in the microprocessor the electrical signals with stored data regarding desired material distribution forming the plastic container; and producing output information regarding the placement of material forming the container.

Abstract: A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes includes a container body defining an internal space and having a main body portion that defines a longitudinal axis and an outer diameter. The main body portion is substantially cylindrical at its outer diameter, and includes first and second recessed flexible vacuum uptake panels, each of which is constructed and arranged to flex inwardly to provide vacuum uptake when a sufficient underpressure exists in the internal space relative to ambient external pressure. The main body portion further includes a front side defining a first curved sidewall portion between the first and second recessed panels and a rear side defining a second curved sidewall portion between the first and second recessed panels. The first curved sidewall portion has a length L1 as viewed in horizontal cross-section that is less than a length L2 of the second curved sidewall portion.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to container holders configured to provide a stable support for containers held therein in order to efficiently cool the containers after a hot-fill or elevated temperature operation. The container holders can allow a fluid to pass from an inner volume of the container holder to outside the container holder through side apertures and/or an open bottom end of the container holder. Groups of containers and container holders also may be cooled. Groups of containers in container holders can be processed through the cooling operation at a speed different from a speed for holderless containers.

Abstract: A plastic container includes a neck with an opening to an interior of the container, where the neck opening having a first diameter and a second diameter of different lengths. A shoulder portion surrounds the neck of the plastic container. A transfer bead is located on the neck above the shoulder portion where the first diameter of the neck opening is above the transfer bead and the second diameter is below the transfer bead. The transfer bead is advantageously shaped and sized so as to facilitate application and removal of a sterilization solution during the aseptic packaging process.

Abstract: A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that occur as a result of internal pressure and temperature changes during the hot-fill process includes a container body defining an internal space. The container body has at least one flexible panel defined therein, which includes an outer flexible panel portion and an inner flexible panel portion. The outer flexible panel portion has a shape when a pressure equilibrium exists between the internal space and ambient external pressure, and is further constructed and arranged to assume a shape of increased concavity when a sufficient underpressure exists in the internal space. The inner flexible panel portion is constructed and arranged to flex relative to the outer flexible panel portion in order to accommodate internal pressure changes within the container body. The inner and outer flexible panel portions accordingly work in tandem to permit efficient vacuum uptake in a hot-fill type container.

Abstract: A system for processing a simplified plastic container (C) that is to be filled with a hot product includes the step of blow-molding parison to form a container body, where the container body has a neck, a base, a side surface relatively free of structural geometry that surrounds an interior of the container body and, prior to being filled with the hot product, a projection (12) extending from the container body. After the container body is filled with a hot product in a production line, the neck of the filled container body is capped with a cap and then, the container body is cooled. During the cooling operation, the hot product is contracted so that the projection extending from the container can be pushed (P) into the container body like a traditional push-up so that the resultant, filled and cooled container body is relatively free of structural geometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising: a polyester base polymer; at least one non-polymeric oxidizable organic compound; at least one transition metal in a positive oxidation state, said metal being present in the composition in an amount of from about 10 to about 400 ppm, wherein the polyester base polymer comprises less than about 40 ppm phosphorous. The compositions of the present invention do not exhibit an induction period prior to the onset of oxygen scavenging upon formation into a container.

Abstract: A base structure for a blow-molded container having an annular sidewall and a central longitudinal axis, the base structure comprising: a bottom portion; an annular support heel positioned between the sidewall and the bottom portion, wherein the annular support heel is angled inwardly at an angle ? of from about 15° to about 46° relative a plane extending from the sidewall; and a first rounded edge between the sidewall and the annular support heel and a second rounded edge between the annular support heel and the bottom portion, wherein each of the first and second rounded edge has a radius of curvature of from about 1.0 mm to about 14.0 mm, and wherein the blow-molded container comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mold hanger for supporting a bottle mold in a blow molding station, the mold hanger comprising a piston and piston sleeve fully contained within the mold hanger configured to push a moveable insert into the mold. Also disclosed is a method of retrofitting an original rotatable blow molding module having multiple existing blow molding stations, each existing mold hanger defining an existing outer envelope. The disclosed method may include providing an improved mold hanger substantially contained within the respective existing outer envelope and including low-profile drive mechanisms configured opposably to drive moveable inserts into the mold. Further disclosed is a method of manufacturing a blow molded bottle with a deep pinch grip, the method including providing within a mold hanger a drive mechanism to drive a moveable insert into the mold. A bottle made by such methods is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising: a base polymer; at least one compound having the structure of Formula I or II wherein Ar is an o-, m-, or p-phenylene moiety, a substituted phenylene moiety, or a naphthalene moiety; R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, and aryl; and X is O or —(CH2)n—; n=0, 1, or 2; and p=0, 1, or 2; and; and at least one transition metal in a positive oxidation state, said metal being present in the composition in an amount of from about 10 to about 400 ppm, wherein said compound is present in an amount of from about 0.10 to about 10 weight percent of the composition.

Abstract: A plastic aerosol container includes a main body portion that is constructed and arranged to withstand aerosol pressurization within a range that is about 50-300 psig. The plastic aerosol container also includes a finish portion that is unitary with the main body portion. The finish portion may be threaded or unthreaded. The finish portion has a side wall, an upper sealing surface, at least one helical thread and a support ledge beneath the helical thread. Reinforcement structure is positioned beneath the support ledge for reinforcing the finish portion against deformation due to the pressurization. A method of stabilizing a plastic aerosol container is also disclosed.

Abstract: Base for a container, the base being made of polymeric material, including a support surface having an outer perimeter defining a first dimension along a major axis and a second dimension along a minor axis disposed at an angle to the major axis. An inner wall is coupled to the support surface opposite the outer perimeter. A dome projects upwardly from the inner wall and has an initial depth with respect to the support surface, the initial depth of the dome is between approximately 8 percent to approximately 15 percent of the first dimension. The dome includes a major radius of curvature along the major axis and a minor radius of curvature along the minor axis. The dome is deflectable in response to a differential pressure across the base without permanent deformation of the base.

Abstract: A closure for a container comprising: a cap member having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a wall portion having an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface comprises threads to mate with a threaded neck finish of a container; and a composite disc member comprising: an outer vent ring portion comprising a plurality of vents wherein the vents provide a path for air to travel from an area near the threads to an area between the bottom surface of the cap member and the composite disc member, wherein the vent ring portion functions to seal liquid in the container thus preventing the liquid from traveling to the threaded neck finish of the container; and an inner flexible diaphragm portion in a first position, wherein the flexible diaphragm portion flexes to compensate for a change in pressure within the container by transitioning downwards in response to a decrease in pressure and/or by transitioning upwards in response to an increase in pressure.

Abstract: A container base comprising recessed ribs. The curved recessed ribs permit lighter base weights than traditional bases. The base further permits a larger process window and improved product evacuation. Hot-fill performance of a container is also maintained and/or improved when using the base.

Abstract: A plastic, hot-fillable container which has one or more moveable portions each comprised of intersecting perpendicular recesses. Each of the one or more moveable portions is constructed to move outwardly temporarily without permanently deforming responsive to hot-filling the container with a product. The one or more moveable portions also can be constructed to move inwardly to reduce a portion of an internal vacuum within the filled and capped container.