Abstract: Process and apparatus for testing the coating thickness on a container by shining ultraviolet light through the container to at least one sensor.

Abstract: A plastic container comprised of a closed base, a body portion, and a neck portion with a dispensing opening. The closed base includes a substantially rigid support portion and a flexible portion. The body portion preferably includes a shoulder portion and a substantially rigid wall portion that includes a plurality of reinforcement formations. The container is configured so that the flexible portion of the base contracts upwardly about the support portion in response to vacuum pressures generated within the container, while the substantially rigid support portion of the sidewall remains substantially firm, for example, to accept or receive a label. If desired, the shoulder portion may include a logo and/or one or more pressure relief formations. A method for producing hot-filled, labeled containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: The improved plastic container and preform is light weight and includes a base, a cylindrical sidewall projecting upwardly from the base, and a neck finish projecting upwardly from the sidewall and having an opening to the inside of the container. The neck finish includes an inwardly oriented stepped area adjacent the opening.

Abstract: Plastic container having an upwardly extending finish provided with a dispensing opening, and a transition collar mounted on the finish, said collar having an upwardly projecting pouring spout. The upwardly extending finish of the container includes outwardly extending projections with spaces therebetween, wherein the projections engage the transition collar.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for trimming a container having an open end wherein the container is held during the trimming operation, including a multi-station assembly for holding the container to be trimmed stationary during trimming, ejecting the trimmed portion and ejecting the trimmed container.

Abstract: The hollow plastic bottle includes a side wall with a plurality of spaced apart vacuum panels and top and bottom recessed cylindrical bands above and below the vacuum panels. The bottom band extends continuously around the circumference of the bottle, and the top band includes at least two spaced apart discontinuities comprising raised portions interrupting the continuity of the top band.

Abstract: Stackable plastic container including side portions having at least one of generally centrally located protrusions and depressions which nest with at least one of generally centrally located matching protrusions and depressions of a second container, and with the base portion including a generally centrally located depression which nests with a generally centrally located pouring spout of a second container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for trimming a container having an open end wherein the container is held during the trimming operation, including a multi-station assembly for holding the container to be trimmed stationary during trimming, ejecting the trimmed portion and ejecting the trimmed container.

Abstract: A blow molded plastic container having a circular base, a cylindrical sidewall extending upwardly from the base and a neck finish projecting upwardly from the sidewall. The sidewall includes a plurality of spaced apart, continuous, circumferential grooves extending around the sidewall. The grooves are separated by raised areas.

Abstract: The container includes a hollow body of plastic material having a lower supporting base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the base, a shoulder portion extending upwardly from the sidewall and an upper neck portion with an opening therein extending upwardly from the shoulder portion. The neck portion includes at least one engagement surface which fits together with at least one engagement surface on a separately formed handle to form at least one projection seated in at least one groove.

Abstract: A plastic blow molded container (10) is disclosed as including a freestanding base structure (20) that is constructed with a plurality of alternating hollow legs (22) and curved ribs (34), and a hub (41) from which the legs and ribs extend radially with a construction that provides good stability against tipping as well as the capability of withstanding internal pressure. The legs (22) have lower flat feet (24) with an outer diameter Df, and the hub (41) has a periphery connected to the feet and ribs with a height Hp such that the ratio of the diameter Df over the height Hp is in the range of about 25 to 90 to maintain strength without the hub engaging the supporting surface on which the feet rest. The construction disclosed of the legs (22), ribs (34) and hub (41, 41? and 41?) enhances the capability of the base structure in providing good stability as well as the capability of withstanding internal pressure and stress cracking.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for blow molding a plastic container with a mouth and neck portion thereof which is inclined or angled with respect to the body portion of the container, plus a plastic container having an inclined or angled mouth and neck portion.