Abstract: A single walled container for storing hot or cold foods or liquids having a layer of insulation comprised of void containing particles held together with a binder applied to the outer part of the sidewall. The insulation layer provides a controlled amount of insulation which is sufficient to prevent pain to the fingers yet it transmits sufficient heat to warn the user of the temperature of the container's contents. The binder may be any thermoplastic or thermoset resin, and other ingredients may be added to the binder to control viscosity, density, or color.

Abstract: A portable liquid container for use while exercising to provide a source of fluid and to enhance the benefits of exercise by increasing the load on selected limbs and muscles. The container comprises a contoured liquid container body and strap assembly for removably securing a container to a user such that one or more containers may be carried by the user while exercising to provide additional weight to enhance the benefits of exercising. The container body includes a flexible concave wall for comfortably conforming to the user's body. The strap assembly includes at least one spare pocket for containing personal articles.

Abstract: A thermoplastic bottle has a generally cylindrical body, in turn having an upper portion, a lower portion, and opposite sides joining at a diametric plane. A plurality of adjacent finger recesses extend about one of the opposite sides in the lower portion of the body, and a thumb depression is provided in the lower portion on the other of the opposite sides. A continuous circumferential indentation is formed in the cylindrical body between the upper portion and the lower portion to decouple pressure response of the upper and lower portions and minimize lean transfer to the upper portion resulting from expansion of the lower portion on the one of the opposite sides. The bottle is also formed with at least one vertical reinforcing indentation, preferably at least one set of three such vertical reinforcing indentations in each of the finger grooves, and at least one, preferably three spaced vertical reinforcing indentations in the thumb depression.

Abstract: A lightweight blow-molded plastic container providing enhanced top loading capability. The container is rectangular in elevation and plan, and has four vertically extending post corners at the juncture of front, back and side walls. The front and back walls have label mounting areas defined by upper and lower label bumpers. The bumpers extend horizontally and terminate a spaced distance from the side walls, thus allowing the vertical corners of the container to extend uninterrupted and provide maximum post strength to the container. The configuration is capable of being made from a reduced amount of plastic, yet provides enhanced top loading capability as compared with like-sized known container configurations.

Abstract: A container and a method for making the same. The container has a body made of a first thermoplastic material, with a non-developable external surface provided with at least one decorative label formed of at least one layer made of a second thermoplastic material, and having an air evacuation structure. The second material has a fusion temperature higher than the fusion temperature of the first material. This method permits labeling without the formation of creases or air bubbles, in particular on a container having a non-developable surface.

Abstract: A container assembly includes an elongated container having an elongated hollow body with opposite ends and a hollow externally screw-threaded cylindrical projection extending in a longitudinal direction from each opposite end, a short container having a squat hollow body with a hollow externally screw-threaded cylindrical projection extending from an end face thereof, and a tubular connector having opposite internally screw-threaded end portions.

Abstract: A developer replenishing device for replenishing a developing device with a developer, and a developer container for use therewith. The developer container, or toner bottle, has a mouth portion at one end thereof which is smaller in diameter than a hollow cylindrical main body. At the end of the bottle provided with the mouth, a shoulder has the inner periphery thereof partly raised to the edge of the mouth portion to form a raised portion for scooping up a toner. In addition, a part of the inner periphery of the circumferential wall of the bottle which is contiguous with the raised portion is also raised toward the axis of the bottle about which the bottle is rotatable, thereby forming another raised portion. When the bottle is mounted to a bottle holder, which is included in the replenishing device, substantially horizontally with the mouth portion oriented sideways, the bottle is rotated to raise the toner from the bottom of the main body to the mouth portion.

Abstract: A pasteurizable plastic container having movable panels to alleviate internal pressure changes during pasteurization in order to avoid uncontrolled permanent deformation of the container body. As molded, each panel has a shallow recessed central wall which during the increased temperature and pressurization of pasteurization, moves outwardly to alleviate at least part of the internal pressure. During cooling, the panels move back inwardly to alleviate at least part of the negative pressure. The container may further include hoop ribs in the land areas above and below the panels, an axially elongatable hoop rib in an upper shoulder section, and an angled heel portion adjacent the standing ring. These additional elements further restrict uncontrolled bulging of the post walls, which would lead to improper label application and/or excessive volume change.

Abstract: A load bearing container is provided which is made from a non-glass material and yet possesses the top load column strength of a glass container or bottle. The container includes a diagonally oriented molded ring profile composed of alternatingly outwardly protruding curved sections and inwardly curved channels which have root radii large enough to avoid accordion-like collapsing at the molded ring profile. The container includes a shoulder section having generally opposing edge profiles which are of unequal lengths. The container is suitable for hot-filling and will avoid buckling and deformation during cooling, storage, stacking, transporting, display and use.

Abstract: A container dome with arch-like structures in elevation and polygon-shaped structures in plan. The arch-like structures are provided by pairs of chordal stiffening facets disposed in an endwise adjacent array extending transversely about the periphery of the dome to enhance top loading capability. Each pair of facets has an inwardly-convex chordal stiffening rib which defines a regular transverse polygon having an uneven number of sides to prevent dome ovalization. Preferably, multiple vertically-stacked tiers of facet pairs arrays are utilized with each array being radially offset from adjacent tiers.

Abstract: The invention is a roller bottle having a cross-section that is substantially a non-circular closed curve of constant width, wherein said curve is preferably a Reuleaux triangle or a Reuleaux triangle with rounded corners and the use of the roller bottle for cell culture. This provides several benefits: 1) a larger surface area per unit volume than a circular cross-section, promoting growth of anchorage dependant cells while maintaining an easily harvested and cleaned smooth wall. 2) a translational motion in addition to the usual circular motion, which is expected to enhance gas exchange, especially at the cap, which normally sits on an axis and has low angular velocity. 3) greater agitation of the growth medium inside the bottle, without the need for difficult to manufacture inserts or internal baffles.

Abstract: This relates to a returnable/refillable container in the form of a blow molded polyester biaxially oriented bottle wherein the container includes a domed base construction wherein the wall thickness gradually and smoothly increases to a maximum at the center of the dome. This also relates to a specially configurated preform which is blow molded to form the container and a specially configurated blow mold cavity for receiving a preform having a lower axial projection in the fore of an elongated gate without crushing.

Abstract: There is provided a plastic container having a bottom portion, side wall portions, and a top wall portion. The side wall portions include four face panels, and four somewhat narrower in width connector panels connected at their vertical sides to one side of each one of the face panels, respectively. The connection of the four face panels and the four connector panels forms an octagon. There is an area in each side wall portion between the bottom portion and the top wall portion which is indented inwardly a slight amount. Within the area of the indented portion there is a plurality of concave horizontal ribs circumscribing at least part way around the side wall portion. The top wall portion extends from the side wall portions and merges to a neck which defines an outlet for the container. The container includes a round handle which combats weakness during light weighting. On the shoulder of the top wall portion approaching the neck there are raised supports which improve top loading.

Abstract: A plastic container comprises an upper section including a neck portion, a closed base section, and a central section interconnecting the upper and base sections. The central section comprises an elastically deformable, substantially cylindrical sidewall, including indicia embossed therein. The embossed indicia substantially assumes the configuration of the sidewall when the container is pressurized, and extends away from the sidewall when the container is depressurized.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pourable, hot wash, refillable container comprising a base, a cylindrical body having an average side wall thickness of at least 0.635 mm, a shoulder portion, and a neck portion, the pourable, hot wash, refillable container being composed of polyethylene napthalate or a copolymer thereof, the refillable container being capable of undergoing multiple trips through a washing, filling, shipping and consumer use cycle, and the base of the container having sufficient impact resistance so that the container will not break when dropped one meter onto a concrete surface when filled with water at both 4.4.degree. C. and 22.2.degree. C. The invention is further directed to a method for manufacturing a pourable, hot wash, refillable container, which comprises the steps of forming a preform of the container composed of polyethylene napthalate or a copolymer thereof, and molding said preform to form a pourable, hot wash, refillable container.

Abstract: A hot-fillable, blow-molded plastic container having a reinforced dome which controls dome distortion otherwise caused by forces associated with hot-filling and shipping. In one embodiment, the reinforced dome resists distortion, and in a second embodiment, the reinforced dome enhances ovalization distortion. The container dome is bell-shaped with an inwardly extending waist and has a plurality of vertically extending grooves passing through the waist. Each groove is inwardly concave and extends from below the waist to adjacent the finish. Arcuate lands are formed between the grooves, and optionally, can have panels with a textured pattern which add to the aesthetic appearance of the container and which provide further stiffening of the dome. When two grooves are utilized, ovalization distortion is enhanced, and when three or more grooves are utilized, distortion is prevented.

Abstract: An injection molding process for making a multiple layer, plastic structure. A plastic sleeve is placed and then enclosed in a mold cavity. A flowing heated plastic is conducted into the mold cavity, radially inside the sleeve, and forced radially outward against the sleeve. The flowing plastic forces the sleeve outward and forms, with the sleeve, an integrally bonded laminated structure. The mold is opened and the plastic structure is removed, and this structure may then be reformed to form a container particularly suitable for containing beverages, foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

Abstract: A bottle for carbonated beverages is disclosed. The bottle almost completely prevents the dissolved carbonic dioxide from vaporizing and vanishing into carbonic acid gas when drinking the carbonated beverage sparingly, thus maintaining the cool and fresh taste of the carbonated beverage for a lengthy period of time. A bellows is formed on the bottle body and may be compressed by at least two strip fasteners, thus reducing the volume of the bottle. In order to couple the fasteners to the bottle, the bottle has at least two lock slits with respective elastic pawls and at least two passing slits with respective stop depressions. The lock slits may be formed on the neck flange of the bottle, while the passing slits may be formed on the bottle stand. Alternatively, the positions of the lock slits and the passing slits may be changed with each other.

Abstract: A container, especially a bottle, is made from a preform of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), where the preform has a mouth portion, a substantially conical upper portion extending from the mouth portion, and a cylindrical portion extending from the conical portion towards the bottom of the preform and having a substantially uniform wall thickness. When reshaping the preform, the shoulder of the container is formed substantially only of material which in the preform is located in the conical upper portion of the preform, while the cylindrical portion of the container is formed substantially only of material which in the preform is located in the cylindrical portion of the preform.

Abstract: A plastics material bottle is collapsible by applying axial compression, the bottle comprising a cylindrical body having a polygonal cross-section, e.g. a section that is substantially square or rectangular with rounded corners (18), the body being formed with transverse fluting grooves (14) which include fold starters (16) situated in the immediate vicinity of the above-mentioned rounded corners (18). The invention is particularly applicable to bottles for containing beverages such as mineral water, for example.

Abstract: An improved plastic container of the type suitable for containing carbonated beverages. The container is provided with a central section, an upper section including a typically threaded neck portion, and a lower end or base section typically including radially arrayed concave foot portions to support the container in an upright position. The horizontal cross-section of the central section manifests the configuration thereof to include a plurality of juxtaposed generally flat panels which upon pressurization of the container tend to blend together to form a circular cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: A plastic bottle having a substantially uniform side wall thickness yet having a sculptured appearance is formed generally symmetrically about a vertical axis. The bottle includes a base portion, a side wall portion extending upward from a lower margin united to the base portion to an upper margin, a shoulder portion extending from the upper margin of the side wall portion to a neck portion, and a finish portion united to the neck portion and adapted to receive a closure. At least one of the side wall and shoulder portions includes a plurality of generally vertical ribs spaced uniformly around a circumference of the bottle, each generally vertical rib having an upper and lower end and, in cross-section, a central portion situated at a first radius from the bottle axis and a pair of generally symmetric side portions leading to the bottle surface at a second radius from the bottle axis, at least one set of the upper and lower ends of the ribs terminating at a common height on the container.

Abstract: A blow molded plastic container including a base including a bottom intended to rest upon a supporting surface. The base has a predetermined average thickness providing sufficient strength and rigidity to maintain its shape as molded. An integral body portion extends upwardly from the base. The body portion terminates in an open upper end. An integral handle extends from said shoulder portion. The integral handle is solid. The handle, at its line of juncture with the shoulder portion reduced thickness from other portions of the handle. The body portion has an average thickness less than the base predetermined average thickness. The average thickness is insufficient to permit the body portion to maintain its shape as molded during handling without supplementary support. The open upper end of the container is flexible such that the container can be filled and the upper end can be collapsed and sealed to define a package.

Abstract: A panel design for a hot-fillable plastic container has a tall and slender panel section. The panel configuration provides increased resistance to longitudinal bending and hoop failure, yet provides good hoop flexibility to maximize vacuum panel movement. The panel section has a substantially cylindrical circumference with a plurality of vacuum panels symmetrically disposed about the panel circumference, post walls between the vacuum panels, and land areas above and below the vacuum panels. The ratio of vacuum panel height D to panel diameter C is on the order of 0.85 to 1.05. Longitudinal post ribs are provided in the post walls. The land areas above and below the vacuum panels are of a height E greater than on the order of 0.45 inch, and the ratio of the land area height E to panel diameter C is on the order of greater than 0.1. Circumferential hoop ribs are provided in the land areas to prevent ovalization and hoop collapse.

Abstract: A plastic bottle for filling with hot liquid, of the type including a circumferential lateral wall (10), which is incorporated at its lower part to a bottom portion (F) and at its upper part to a neck portion (G) of said bottle. A plurality of grooves (20) are incorporated along the lateral wall (10) and disposed slightly inclined in relation to the longitudinal axis of the bottle and spaced between the bottom portion (F) and the neck portion (G). The grooves (20) are substantially parallel and spaced from each other by panels (11) of the lateral wall (10) and the grooves (20) have a wall thickness which is symmetrical in relation to the respective longitudinal planes of symmetry and which is dimensioned so that the grooves provide a vertical reinforcement, absorb homogeneously and make imperceptible the circumferential thermal and mechanical contractions of the bottle after cooling.

Abstract: A plastic blow molded container (10) of polyethylene terephthalate has a side wall (18) at least three vertically spaced horizontal ribs (38) of an annular shape and at least (12) vertical ribs (40) spaced circumferentially and extending between the horizontal ribs to cooperate therewith to define generally rectangular panels (42) that are capable of flexing inwardly to accommodate for shrinkage upon cooling. The construction of the container allows it to have a lightweight construction according to the equation:W.sub.G <12.sub.G +34V.sub.Gwherein W.sub.G is the weight in grams of the container, 12.sub.G is 12 grams, and 34V.sub.G is a weight in grams that is 34 times the internal volume of the container in liters. The horizontal ribs (38), the vertical ribs (40), and the rectangular panels (42) are constructed and positioned to facilitate label application to the container side wall (18).

Abstract: A flexible neck baby bottle (10) comprises a nursing container (12) having a neck (14) at an open end, to hold a liquid therein. A nipple assembly (16) is adapted to be received in a mouth (18) of a baby (20). A structure (22) is for mounting in a watertight sealed manner the nipple assembly (16) to the neck (14) of the nursing container (12). A facility (24) in the nursing container (12) directly below the neck (14), is for allowing bending of the neck (14) with the mounting structure (22) and the nipple assembly (16) freely in any direction without inhibiting a flow of the liquid from the nursing container (12) out through the nipple assembly (16) and into the mouth (18) of the baby (20), so that the baby can easily maneuver and orient the nipple assembly (16) at any angle when nursing.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for annealing biaxially oriented articles is disclosed, particularly blow molded articles prepared from unique tapered preforms which are immediately annealed using warm fluid in a segmented mold. Portions of the segment mold, used to form the articles, are temperature controlled at various temperatures by passing warm water through conduits in the neck-shoulder portion and body portion of the mold segment and cold water through the bottom and shoulder portion of the mold to bring the temperature of the article wall to about 65.degree. C. to 85.degree. C. for PET bottles. The body wall temperature is preferably lowered to about 80.degree. C. while the necks-shoulder and bottom and shoulder portions are lowered to at least 70.degree. C. The annealing increases the articles structural strength, removes temperature and biaxial stress, reduces gas permeability, retains transparency and allows for multiple reuse of the article including hot washing thereof.

Abstract: An inventive orientation apparatus is provided in the present invention preferably for use with blow molding operations. The apparatus includes an object having a body portion and a neck portion. The neck portion has an outer peripheral surface and an alignment lug which extends outwardly from the peripheral surface and past the same. Additionally, a rotating support is included for supporting the object and causing the same to rotate, wherein the rotating support is movable with a moving carrier pallet. The apparatus also includes an orientating element located adjacent the carrier which engages the alignment lug on the object and stops the rotation of the object at a desired orientation. The invention may also include an orientation check device which is positioned upstream from the orientation element, adjacent the carrier, which is used for checking the orientation of the alignment lug for preventing a system jam.

Abstract: A semi-rigid container, has a semi-rigid folding portion consisting of the plurality of diamond shaped panels forming a frustoconical shape. The panels are arced relative to the interconnecting frustoconical substrate in the transverse and longitudinal directions so that while the panels provide rigidity against a longitudinal collapsing force, they are able to expand transversely to enable folding of the folding portion under the longitudinal collapsing force and to resist expansion from the collapsed state. Other shapes of the panels are also described.

Abstract: An axially crushable bottle made of plastics material and formed with transverse corrugations over the major portion of its height has fold starters in each corrugation, which fold starters project outwards from the bottoms of the corrugations and are angularly offset from one corrugation to another.

Abstract: A system comprising a bottle with a variable volume the outer side wall of which is deformable in the direction of the height and a device integrated into the inside of the bottle and retained in the latter to hold the bottle in one of a series of states of volume and to allow its gradual deformation from one state of given volume to another state of smaller volume, the system being applicable in particular to fizzy beverages.

Abstract: A hot-fillable, blow-molded container has a grip panel structure which resists inverting when the container is filled with a hot liquid and after the container has been capped. The container and grip panel structure retain their aesthetic appearance and their structural integrity through use by the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blow molded plastic container whose thin wall shoulder portion has a plurality of rib-like protrusions. Each of said rib-like protrusions are configured with multiple radii of curvature having a specifically defined relationship. The protrusions so formed do not adversely affect the integrity of the shoulder portion wall structure and do not distort upon internal pressurization of the container.

Abstract: A container is provided with grip enhancing protrusions of various shapes and sizes, which are raised and integrally formed on the container, thereby increasing the volume. The protrusions are arranged such that a person grasping the container will predominantly contact the protrusions rather than the body of the container, thereby reducing transfer or conduction of heat between the user's hands and the container. The ornamentation on the surface provides a layer of lettering on the surface which extends over the protrusions to enhance the ornamentation. A partially collapsible container adapted to contain beverages or other dispensable fluids includes a collapsible portion for the automatic deployment of either a drinking straw or a pour spout mounted within the container. In its non-collapsed state, the straw or spout is hidden within the container and is strutted between the top and bottom of the container to support the container during shipping and handling.

Abstract: A pleated plastic container which is foldable and stored in a minimum space. The container comprises a foldable container body having a bottom protrusion, a mouth for being closed by a plug and for being fittingly engaged with said bottom protrusion, an outwardly directed concave recess formed at a neck portion of said mouth, and a lateral protrusion formed on the periphery of said bottom protrusion for fittingly engaging with said concave recess.

Abstract: A method for storing nanoparticulate suspensions of photographically useful compounds is disclosed that comprises the steps of:providing a suspension of nanoparticulate photographically useful chemical substance in the form of a solid particle dispersion;providing a hydrodynamically optimized container for storing nanoparticulate suspensions comprising a base portion and a body portion unitary with said base portion, said portions defining an interior storage chamber hydrodynamically optimized for the resuspension of sedimented nanoparticulate suspensions, said body portion further comprising a body wall with interior and exterior surfaces;placing said solid particle dispersion in said container;sealing said container and storage chamber against the ambient atmosphere to form a sealed container;storing said sealed container;opening said sealed container; andusing a portion of said solid particle dispersion stored in said container to form a coating composition for a light-sensitive element.

Abstract: A reusable collapsible container includes a bottom wall and a relatively flexible, peripheral side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the side wall movable between axially extended and collapsed positions. The side wall includes lower and upper relatively thicker portions and an intermediate relatively thinner portion, and the upper portion joins with an annular rim adapted to receive a removable cap. The intermediate side wall portion is tapered radially inwardly and downwardly, and the lower side wall portion is tapered radially outwardly and downwardly substantially to the bottom wall, such that in a collapsed position, the lower side wall portion is partially telescoped within the upper side wall portion, with the intermediate portion reverse folded therebetween.

Abstract: A container is formed for a liquid. In order to reduce a volume of the container for a liquid after use thereof, a bellows portion is provided at an axial direction portion of a container main body. A lid member is removed, and liquid within the container for a liquid is discharged from an opening portion. The bellows portion is contracted so that head space can be adjusted and so that a volume of the container main body can be reduced. Further, because the head space can be adjusted, an interior of the container for a liquid is always substantially filled with the liquid so that oxidation of the liquid can be prevented. When the liquid is poured, the bellows portion automatically expands and contracts so that the liquid flows quickly and so that little air is drawn in. Further, if a certain amount or more of the liquid in the interior is discharged, the volume can be reduced, and a volume-reduced state can be maintained by tightly screwing the lid member.

Abstract: A bottle (10, 110) is made of flexible material which can be folded or rolled up into a deformed configuration of limited dimensions. The bottle comprises, between the pouring neck (14, 114) and side walls (15, 115), elements which engage with a fastening element (17, 117) which can be fitted onto the bottle to keep it in the deformed configuration.

Abstract: A container and associated cap assembly includes a container body having an open upper end defined by an annular rim, the rim having a substantially horizontal uppermost edge surface and a radially outwardly and downwardly extending bevelled surface. The cap has a top wall, a radially outer depending skirt portion and a radially inner depending skirt portion. The skirt portions are connected radially by an internal cap surface which includes a first substantially horizontal surface portion extending radially away from the radially inner skirt; a second downwardly and outwardly inclined sealing surface portion, and a third radiused surface portion connected to the radially outer skirt. The second downwardly and outwardly inclined sealing surface is sealingly engageable with the bevelled surface of the annular rim such that the substantially horizontal uppermost edge surface is axially spaced from the cap top wall upon full threaded engagement between said cap and said container body.

Abstract: A plastic bottle, made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), blown with a very thin overall wall thickness within the range 0.1 to 0.3 mm, includes a triangular or polygonal cross-section, the bottle being preferably surrounded by a supporting jacket. The bottle can be blown with a uniform wall thickness and adequate strength without the need for reinforcing ribs via walls formed by pressing them against the surface of a blow mold which has been worked at least in some areas by etching, form-cutting or eroding, having features with heights of 0.05 to 0.15 mm.

Abstract: A lightweight plastics bottle (1) having a body wall of substantially constant wall thickness and having a plurality of depressed zones (7) having a floor portion (12) spaced inwardly of and parallel to the general plane of the body wall. The depressed zones (12) are arranged in a series of horizontal rows characterised in that the body is non-cylindrical having a number of body panels and that each of said depressed zones (12) has at least one long dimension (9) lying in a direction which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis (10) of the bottle.

Abstract: A pack for flowable contents, such as liquids, has tubular side walls, a bottom and a top wall, and is formed of a deep-drawable plastics material. The top includes a vertically upstanding, externally threaded collar and defines a pouring opening which is closable by a threaded top. The pack is formed by two half shells, and a seam passes around the pack in a longitudinal plane and extends nearly to the top free upper edge of the collar. The seam is interrupted in the top by the pouring opening and projects outwardly from diametrically opposite sides of the pack. According to a method for forming the pack of the invention, the collar is formed by two collar halves which are joined together at the seam. Threads are formed on the collar and the upper free edge includes an annular sealing surface for a correspondingly formed screw top.