Abstract: A vacuum panel design for a hot-fill container which resists the increase in container diameter (barreling) which may occur during hot-filling and/or when the container is dropped on a hard surface. In one embodiment, adapted for a full wrap (360.degree.) label, a plurality of vacuum panels are symmetrically disposed about a vertical centerline of the container and horizontal stiffening ribs are provided across select portions of the panel, namely, across the vacuum panel recesses and across the post and panel ribs. In another embodiment, adapted for spot labeling, a pair of vacuum panel regions are symmetrically disposed about a vertical plane passing through the vertical centerline of the container, which regions form spot label areas and are joined by connecting end segments. The angular extent of the spot label areas and end segments may be varied to adjust the resistance to barreling and/or to provide a squeezable container, and horizontal stiffening ribs may further be provided to decrease barreling.

Abstract: A blow molded polyester container of the type specifically constructed for filling with a hot product and including a generally cylindrical body with the body having a major portion thereof of a reduced diameter and defining a label receiving area. The label receiving area has formed therein a series of circumferentially spaced expansion panels extending a major part of the height of the label receiving area and being separated by vertically extending reinforcing ribs that are spaced from adjacent expansion panels. Most specifically, the vertically extending reinforcing ribs have now been made of a height greater than the height of the expansion panels and undesirable bulges which previously appeared at the ends of similar reinforcing ribs when the ribs were shorter than the expansion panels have been eliminated.

Abstract: A blow molded container which is formed of a polyester resin which has formation and shape characteristics wherein it may be hot filled with a liquid at a temperature on the order of 180.degree.-185.degree. F. with a maximum volumetric shrinkage of no greater than 1 percent. The container is formed from a specially configurated injection molded preform which is initially stretched axially only on the order of 25 percent, after which the preform is inflated and blow molded within a blow mold to a configuration which resists vacuum collapse or paneling of the body.

Abstract: A blow molded container which is formed of a polyester resin which has formation and shape characteristics wherein it may be hot filled with a liquid at a temperature on the order of 180.degree.-185.degree. F. with a maximum volumetric shrinkage of no greater than 1 percent. The container is formed from a specially configurated injection molded preform which is initially stretched axially only on the order of 25 percent, after which the preform is inflated and blow molded within a blow mold to a configuration which resists vacuum collapse or paneling of the body.

Abstract: This relates to the formation of a preform for a container which is formed primarily of PET and like saturated polyesters which are to be utilized in the packaging of a hot fill liquid and like product, particularly a container wherein a metal closure is to be utilized. The preform is of a laminated construction with the body of the preform being of a five layer construction and the neck finish portion being primarily of a three layer construction including outer layers of PET or like saturated polyester and a core formed of a high Tg polymer. The same high Tg polymer would be in the form of thin layers in the body of the preform between inner and outer layers and a core.

Abstract: This relates to the cutting or trimming of a blow molded polyester resin article utilizing a CO.sub.2 laser. The article is axially positioned and rotated while the laser beam is focused and concentrated on a preselected portion of the article. The laser beam beneficially vaporizes the polyester resin in the cutting thereof as opposed to forming a dust. Further, the action of the laser is one wherein a certain melting occurs so that the resultant cut edge of the retained part of the article is rounded and sealed.

Abstract: A plastic jar is formed by blow molding a combination adapter and jar and thereafter the jar is cut from the adapter utilizing a laser beam. The jar may be blow molded from a preform which is of an injection molded laminated construction so that the wall of the jar is formed of plural layers. The head generated by the laser beam will melt and bond together these layers as opposed to permitting delamination as would occur should the jar be cut from the adapter by a knife or the like. The cut surface of the jar forms the mouth defining surface of the jar and it is preferred that the cut be inclined at a slight angle to a plane normal to the axis of the jar. Damage to the diametrically opposite surface of the jar by portions of the laser beam being utilized for cut off passing through the jar is prevented by a pressurized gas supply tube which is in the path of the laser beam and serves as an absorber for stray rays. This abstract is not to be construed as limiting the claims of the application.