Abstract: A blow-molded stackable receptacle comprises a first blow-molded component defining a first blow-molded component axial opening at a first end and an axial recess at a second end, wherein the axial recess is defined by a longitudinal wall comprising at least one ridge or tab and a second blow-molded component defining a second blow-molded component axial opening at a mating end, wherein the axial recess of the first blow-molded component is configured to receive the mating end of the second blow-molded component, wherein the at least one ridge or tab is configured to retain the mating end of the second blow-molded component. At least one method is further disclosed.

Abstract: A product, e.g., insulated beverage bottle having a lid, and method of making it are disclosed. The product includes an outer hollow blow molded vessel in which an inner hollow blow molded vessel, is disposed. Each of vessel has a sidewall from which a flange projects. The flange of the outer vessel includes an annular wall. The flange of the inner vessel includes an engagement surface having an annular groove to receive the annular wall of the outer vessel. The inner vessel is arranged to be supported within the outer vessel on the flange of the outer vessel and with portions of the annular wall and annular groove engaging each other. Ultrasonic energy is applied to one of the flanges adjacent the engaging surfaces to concentrate the ultrasonic welding energy at those surfaces to produce a good double sided shear joint weldment thereat.

Abstract: A method is provided for joining a flexible container to a threaded closure. According to the method, a flexible container is inflated with pressurized gas before applying torque to the container. A base of the flexible container is engaged in a container receptacle of a capping apparatus, then the capping apparatus is operated to cause a neck of the flexible container to engage a threaded opening in the closure. The bottle is then inflated and the capping apparatus is operated to thread the neck of the flexible container into the opening in the closure by causing relative rotation between the flexible container and the closure. The pressurized gas stiffens the flexible container and prevents it from buckling or twisting under torque loads applied to screw the container into the closure.

Abstract: A head trimmer machine for cutting off excess material from a cylindrical portion of a blow molded bottle includes a fixture, a spindle rotatably mounted in the fixture, a cutting head attached to the spindle for rotation therewith, a cutter mounted to the cutting head, and a vacuum source for collecting the trimmed material by suction. The cutting head has a central passage so that it can fit down over the head of the blow molded bottle. The cutter is supported in the cutting head for movement between retracted and extended positions. In the extended position, the cutter extends into the central passage of the cutting head to cut the head or other excess material from the neck of the bottle as the cutting head turns. The spindle includes a central passage aligned with the central passage of the cutting head and the excess material is removed by being drawn through these passages by a gaseous flow created by the vacuum source.

Abstract: A head trimmer machine for cutting off excess material from a cylindrical portion of a blow molded bottle includes a fixture, a spindle rotatably mounted in the fixture, a cutting head attached to the spindle for rotation therewith, a cutter mounted to the cutting head, and a vacuum source for collecting the trimmed material by suction. The cutting head has a central passage so that it can fit down over the head of the blow molded bottle. The cutter is supported in the cutting head for movement between retracted and extended positions. In the extended position, the cutter extends into the central passage of the cutting head to cut the head or other excess material from the neck of the bottle as the cutting head turns. The spindle includes a central passage aligned with the central passage of the cutting head and the excess material is removed by being drawn through these passages by a gaseous flow created by the vacuum source.