Abstract: A plastic pressure container including a main body portion and a finish portion defining a mouth, 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, and the inner undercut has a curved shape in cross-section. The outer surface has an outer undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim, and the outer undercut has a polygonal shape in cross-section. The inner undercut defines a first depth relative to an inner diameter D2 proximate the mouth and the outer undercut defines a second depth relative to an outer diameter D3 proximate the mouth. The second depth is different than the first depth.

Abstract: A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that occur during the hot-fill process includes a container body defining an internal space and having a sidewall. The container body has a maximum lateral dimension and a plurality of flexible panels and posts defined in the sidewall. The posts are respectively interposed between the flexible panels around the outer circumference of the sidewall. Each of the plurality of posts has a minimum width and a maximum width, and a ratio of the minimum width to maximum width is preferably within a range of about 0.3 to about 0.7. A ratio of the minimum width to the maximum lateral dimension is preferably within a range of about 0.05 to about 0.30. In addition, a ratio of the maximum width to the maximum lateral dimension is preferably within a range of about 0.15 to about 0.45.

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.

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 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: An extrusion blow mold machine forming hollow containers. The machine has at least one pair of opposing half molds that combine to form a mold and define a mold cavity. Each of the half molds is positioned on a carrier plate and includes first, second, and third mold segments. The first and third mold segments can move with respect to each other and with respect to the second, fixed mold segment. A mechanical structure creates vertical movement of the first and third mold segments relative to the second mold segment as the mold opens horizontally, without the aid of any electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic device. A closing unit engages the carrier plate to move the carrier plate and its respective half mold toward and away from the opposing half mold and its respective carrier plate, thereby closing and opening the mold.

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: Method to manufacture at least one container includes disposing at least one parison within a mold assembly having at least one mold chamber defined therein, wherein at least a first portion of the at least one parison extends outside the mold assembly and at least a second portion of the at least one parison is disposed within the at least one mold chamber. With the mold assembly closed, the second portion of the at least one parison can be blow-molded to form at least one container body. The first portion of the at least one parison can be gripped with a gripper when the mold assembly is opened, and a stabilization member can be extended proximate to the gripper to engage a surface of the at least one container body. Gripping assemblies and systems are also provided.

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: Systems and methods for vacuum compensation in hot-filled and cooled containers. Each container reduces, via one or more vacuum panels, a first portion of a vacuum created in the container. Each container also has a repositionable portion to reduce a second portion of the vacuum. During hot-filling, no portion of the repositionable portion extends below a standing or bearing surface of the container.

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 process for applying a silicon oxide barrier coating to a PET container, wherein the PET container comprises a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the process comprising the steps of: (a) heating a PET container such that at least the outer surface is at a temperature of from about 200° F. to about 383° F.; (b) forming a coated PET container by applying at least one silicon oxide barrier layer on at least the inner surface of the PET container while the temperature of at least the outer surface of the PET container is at a temperature of from about 200° F. to about 383° F.; and (c) cooling the coated PET container after step b.