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: A machine (10) for blow molding containers (110). The machine (10) has a stationary flow head (26) located above a turntable (12) with molds (16) mounted on carriages (38). The carriages (38) are mounted on ramps (40) and are raised to remove containers (110) and are lowered from the flow head (12) using a closed loop hydraulic system actuated by a cam. A double rack-and-pinion assembly (78) guides opening and closing of the molds (16) and a locking system having locking shafts (94, 96) engaging apertures (98, 100) in a cross head (74) with pivoting locking keys (102, 104) movable into alignment with the apertures (98, 100) prevents inadvertent mold opening. A container transfer device (32) has inflatable bladders (140) which engage the interior of the containers (110) to prevent damage. Augmented cooling of the containers (110) in the mold (16) is provided by positioning the flow head (26) at an acute angle (28) to the transfer device (32).

Abstract: A machine (10) for blow molding containers (110). The machine (10) has a stationary flow head (26) located above a turntable (12) with molds (16) mounted on carriages (38). The carriages (38) are mounted on ramps (40) and are raised to remove containers (110) and are lowered from the flow head (12) using a closed loop hydraulic system actuated by a cam. A double rack-and-pinion assembly (78) guides opening and closing of the molds (16) and a locking system having locking shafts (94, 96) engaging apertures (98, 100) in a cross head (74) with pivoting locking keys (102, 104) movable into alignment with the apertures (98, 100) prevents inadvertent mold opening. A container transfer device (32) has inflatable bladders (140) which engage the interior of the containers (110) to prevent damage. Augmented cooling of the containers (110) in the mold (16) is provided by positioning the flow head (26) at an acute angle (28) to the transfer device (32).