Abstract: The present invention provides a closure for a hot-fill 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 hot-fill container; a flexible diaphragm member comprising: at least one flexible portion in a first position and a sealing lip portion to seal a liquid in the container thus preventing the liquid from traveling to the threaded neck finish of the container; and a disc member interposed between the cap member and the diaphragm member, wherein the disc member comprises: a hydrophobic filter membrane and at least one vent providing a path for air to travel from an area near the threads to the hydrophobic filter member, wherein the flexible diaphragm member 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 in

Abstract: The present invention relates to a base assembly (100) for forming a base portion of a plastic container. The base assembly comprises a base pedestal (104), a base mold attached to the base pedestal, a push rod (102) movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the base mold to reposition a portion of the plastic container, and an activation mechanism adapted to move the push rod between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: Container having a body portion with sidewall defining outer perimeter and hollow interior. The body portion includes a plurality of continuous ribs extending about the outer perimeter of the sidewall, each rib having alternating horizontal segments and branched segments. Each branched segment includes a top branch and bottom branch joined at either end to define a bounded area therebetween. The plurality of continuous ribs includes at least a first continuous rib and second continuous rib spaced vertically from the first continuous rib. A midpoint of each branched segment of the first continuous rib is aligned along a vertical axis with a midpoint of a corresponding horizontal segment of the second continuous rib, and a midpoint of each horizontal segment of the first continuous rib is aligned along a vertical axis with a midpoint of a corresponding branched segment of the second continuous rib.

Abstract: Container including a body having a compartment defined therein, the body including a base portion defining a closed end, a finish portion defining an open end opposite the base portion, and a sidewall between the base portion and the finish portion. The base portion includes a support surface defining a reference plane and a contoured base recess extending inwardly from the support surface to a maximum base recess height “hbrmax” from the reference plane. The sidewall includes a concave rib extending circumferentially around the body, wherein a center of the concave rib in side cross-section is disposed at a rib height “hr” from the reference plane, wherein the ratio of the maximum base recess height to the rib height “hbrmax:hr” is between 1:3 and 1:5. The concave rib in side cross-section includes a radiused transition surface extending from the base portion to an angled inner surface, the radiused transition surface has a radius of curvature “r1” of at least 0.

Abstract: Base includes an outer support wall, a support surface extending inwardly from the outer support wall and defining a reference plane, an inner support wall extending upwardly from the support surface, a first radiused portion extending radially inward from the inner support wall and concave relative to the reference plane, a second radiused portion extending radially inward from the first radiused portion and convex relative to the reference plane, an intermediate surface extending radially inward from the second radiused portion, the intermediate surface including a linear portion and an intermediate radiused portion, a third radiused portion extending radially inward from the intermediate surface and convex relative to the reference plane, and a central portion disposed proximate the third radiused portion.

Abstract: Plastic container that is to be filled with a hot product includes a threaded neck portion, a base portion including a standing surface and a moveable element, and a body portion including a dome portion, first and second label stop portions, a supplemental vacuum panel and a sidewall relatively free of structural geometry that surrounds an interior of the body portion. During cooling, the hot product is contracted so as to create an induced vacuum. The supplemental vacuum panel is configured and operative to remove a first portion of an induced vacuum, and the moveable element is configured and operative to move from a first position to a second position to remove a second portion of the vacuum, wherein the first portion of the vacuum and the second portion of the vacuum constitute substantially the entire vacuum.

Abstract: A die pin for forming a hollow plastic parison is provided, the die pin having a base member with a proximal mounting portion, a body portion, and a distal frustoconical portion, wherein the base member comprises a first material, and a tip member mounted on the distal frustoconical portion, wherein the tip member comprises a second material, the second material being different than the first material. An extrusion apparatus and method for forming a hollow plastic parison using the die pin are also provided.

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: A PET container comprising a wall having an inside surface and an outside surface wherein the inside surface is coated with a silicon oxide barrier coating and having a barrier improvement factor (BIF) for oxygen as a result of the silicon oxide barrier coating, wherein the coated PET container retains at least 17% of BIF after the PET container is exposed to a thermal sterilization process.

Abstract: A system combining a machine for blow-molding articles with a universal in-mold labeling apparatus. The apparatus has a frame on which turntables are mounted. Each turntable has an air rotary union, facilitating rotation of the respective turntable, and suction cups adapted to pick, hold, and release labels. The turntables deliver labels to the open molds of the machine. The apparatus also has a vertical slide positioned between the turntables. A placement head engages the turntables and moves up the vertical slide to a position in the open molds. At least one label magazine is affixed to the frame and retains the labels. Strategically placed air valves provide air and vacuum to pick, hold, and release labels. A human machine interface facilitates communication between an operator of the system and the system. Finally, a control system is provided to allow the operator to program and control both the machine and apparatus.

Abstract: Container includes a top portion, a body portion and a bottom portion. The body portion includes a front wall, a rear wall and first and second side walls, the first side wall disposed opposite the second side wall, opposing grip areas formed in the first and second side walls, a first circumferential rib disposed above the opposing grip areas and extending horizontally about an entire outer circumferential perimeter of the body portion, a second circumferential rib disposed below the opposing grip areas and extending horizontally about the entire outer circumferential perimeter of the body portion, at least one horizontal body rib disposed between and spaced circumferentially from the opposing grip areas, a first vertical strut formed in the first side wall and a second vertical strut formed in the second side wall, each strut disposed between the first and second circumferential ribs and spaced a distance from each grip area.

Abstract: Plastic pressure container including a main body portion, a finish portion, and a closure assembly. The main body portion defines an interior space. The finish portion is unitary with the main body portion and defines a mouth in communication with the interior space. The finish portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an upper rim proximate the mouth. The inner surface has an inner undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim. The outer surface has an outer undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim. The closure assembly is mounted to the finish portion in engagement with both the inner undercut and the outer undercut.

Abstract: A hot fill plastic container has a dome portion with a convex outer surface that defines a maximum outer diameter of the container so as to extend outwardly beyond a main body portion of the container. The generally egg-shaped dome portion enhances the crush resistance of the dome and provides a point of contact between containers when they are placed adjacent to one another. A circumferential stiffening groove may be provided near a lower end of the dome portion.