US20030168374A1 - Anti-sticking preforms for blow molded articles - Google Patents
Anti-sticking preforms for blow molded articles Download PDFInfo
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- US20030168374A1 US20030168374A1 US10/092,211 US9221102A US2003168374A1 US 20030168374 A1 US20030168374 A1 US 20030168374A1 US 9221102 A US9221102 A US 9221102A US 2003168374 A1 US2003168374 A1 US 2003168374A1
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- preform
- tubular body
- preforms
- wide portion
- interruption
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0233—Nestable containers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/508—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above
- B01L3/5082—Test tubes per se
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/072—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having variable wall thickness
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/072—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having variable wall thickness
- B29C2949/0722—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having variable wall thickness at neck portion
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/073—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having variable diameter
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/073—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having variable diameter
- B29C2949/0731—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having variable diameter at neck portion
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/073—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having variable diameter
- B29C2949/0733—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having variable diameter at body portion
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/074—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having ribs or protrusions
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/074—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having ribs or protrusions
- B29C2949/0744—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having ribs or protrusions at neck portion
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/074—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having ribs or protrusions
- B29C2949/0745—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having ribs or protrusions at flange portion
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/074—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having ribs or protrusions
- B29C2949/0746—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration having ribs or protrusions at body portion
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/076—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape
- B29C2949/0761—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by overall the shape
- B29C2949/0767—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by overall the shape the shape allowing stacking or nesting
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/076—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape
- B29C2949/0768—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by the shape of specific parts of preform
- B29C2949/077—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by the shape of specific parts of preform characterised by the neck
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
- B29C2949/076—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape
- B29C2949/0768—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by the shape of specific parts of preform
- B29C2949/077—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by the shape of specific parts of preform characterised by the neck
- B29C2949/0772—Closure retaining means
- B29C2949/0773—Threads
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/20—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer
- B29C2949/22—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer at neck portion
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/20—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer
- B29C2949/24—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer at flange portion
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/20—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer
- B29C2949/26—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer at body portion
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
- B29C2949/20—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer
- B29C2949/28—Preforms or parisons whereby a specific part is made of only one component, e.g. only one layer at bottom portion
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C49/4205—Handling means, e.g. transfer, loading or discharging means
- B29C49/42051—Means for stripping, aligning or de-stacking
- B29C49/42057—Aligning disorderly arranged preforms, e.g. delivered disorderly
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C49/4205—Handling means, e.g. transfer, loading or discharging means
- B29C49/42051—Means for stripping, aligning or de-stacking
- B29C49/42059—Aligning of preforms getting stuck, unaligned or stacked during transport
Definitions
- Polyethylene terephthalate is a polyester resin useful in preparing blow molded containers to contain a wide variety of liquids. It is desirable that the bottles have excellent strength and a high degree of clarity. Typically, such bottles are filled with liquid at a location remote from the location at which the containers are molded.
- the molded containers are commonly formed by the reheat-stretch-and-blow procedure. Tubular preforms closed at one end and open at the opposite end are injection molded of a suitable grade and formulation of PET.
- the molded containers must be packaged and shipped to the location at which they are filled with liquid.
- the preforms are typically removed from the injection mold and allowed to cool to ambient temperature and are later introduced to a blow molding system when the preforms are first heated to a temperature within the glass-transition range of the material, then mechanically stretched in the longitudinal direction, and finally blow molded to the final container configuration and dimensions.
- the mechanical stretching and blow molding impart biaxial molecular orientation to the material of the container body, thereby enhancing the tensile strength of the body wall while reducing its thickness.
- the finished containers are of a great variety of sizes and configurations.
- preform design has become an exact science.
- a preform configuration has evolved in which the outer diameter of the closed end is smaller than the internal diameter of the open end, whereby one preforming, by way of its open end, receive the closed end of an adjacent preform.
- the procedure is referred as nesting.
- two preforms may be locked together by a vacuum created in the enclosed zone between the outer surface of the inner preform and the contacting inner surface of the outer preform. This condition is an impediment to safety and efficient handling of preforms.
- a preform which in a well-known manner comprises a generally tubular body formed of synthetic resinous material about a central axis.
- the body is provided with an inner surface and an outer surface surrounding the central axis, a first end open to the inner surface, and a second end opposite to the first end.
- a narrow body portion is axially spaced from the second end.
- the outer surface of the narrow portion has a radial dimension slightly smaller than the radial dimension of the inner surface of the wide portion.
- the anti-nesting feature includes an interference means formed on the inner surface at the wide portion to prevent the narrow portion of a similar preform from nesting within the wide portion of an adjacent preform.
- the interference means comprise at least one projection protruding radially inwardly from the inner surface at the wide portion, such as in axially extending rib.
- the interference means in the preferred embodiment includes, not one, but a plurality of inwardly protruding projections, such as ribs, spaced circumferentially about the inner surface. Each of the projections protrudes radially inwardly from the inner surface.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,172 to Frank E. Semersky discloses a preform having a generally tubular body formed about a central axis and having inner and outer surfaces surrounding the axis, a first end open to the inner surface, a second end opposite to the first end, a wide portion of the tubular body adjacent to the first end, a narrow portion of the tubular body axially spaced from the second end, the outer surface at the narrow portion being a radial dimension smaller than the radial dimension of the inner surface at the wide portion, at least one outwardly extending protrusion located along the outer surface at the narrow portion and protruding radially outward from the outer surface of the narrow portion a radial distance greater than the distance between the radial dimension of the outer surface of the narrow portion and the radial dimension of the inner surface of the wide portion to prevent a narrow portion of a similar preform from nesting within the
- protrusions being disposed in that portion of the preform which undergoes substantial stretching, tend to disappear and blend invisibly into the finished blow molded container.
- Another object of the invention is to produce a preform of a design permitting the nesting of two or more adjacent preforms wherein the surface area contact between two nested preforms is minimized to prevent the creation of a vacuum in the closed area of the nested preforms.
- a preform for a blow molded container comprising a generally tubular body formed about a central axis and having inner and outer surfaces surrounding the axis; a first end open to the inner surface, a second end opposite to and spaced from the first end; a wide portion of the tubular body adjacent the first end; a narrow portion of the tubular body spaced from the second end; the outer surface of the narrow portion having a radial dimension smaller than the radial dimension of the inner surface at the wide portion, wherein the improvement comprises:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform constructed in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the preform constructed in accordance with the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in a nested relation;
- FIG. 3 is an end view of the preform illustrated in FIG. 2 taken from the left hand side thereof;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative preform constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of two preforms constructed in accordance with the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 4 in a nested relation;
- FIG. 6 is an end view of the preform illustrated in FIG. 5 taken from the left hand side thereof.
- FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 there is shown a preform generally indicated by reference numeral 10 for forming a blow molded container intended for the packaging of contents under pressure such as carbonated beverages.
- the preform 10 has preferably been injection molded of polyethylene terephthalate and is ready to be reheated, stretched, and blow molded into final container configurations by the well-known blow molding procedure.
- the preform 10 comprises a generally tubular body 12 having a central longitudinally extending axis and having an inner surface 14 and an outer surface 16 surrounding the central axis.
- a first end 18 of the preform 10 is open to the inner surface 14 .
- a second end 20 opposite to and spaced from the first or open end 18 is closed in a generally hemispherical configuration.
- a neck finish is provided adjacent the open end.
- the neck finish 22 includes male threads 24 adapted to mate with female threads formed in a conventional closure to be applied when the finished container formed by being blow molded from the preform 10 has been filled and the closure received over the open end 18 of the preform.
- the neck finish 22 also includes a circumferential flange 26 which is used in the handling of the preform and the resulting container on processing and filling lines.
- the flange 26 is also useful to the consumer in pouring from the container, since it assists in affording a firm grip on the neck thereof.
- the configuration of the neck finish 22 and the flange 26 once established in the injection mold, are not altered in the blow molding procedure, whereby they are structurally carried over intact to the blown container.
- the remainder of the body 12 of the preform 10 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 includes three passageways 30 which extend longitudinal in a spaced apart parallel relation on the inner surface 14 .
- the passageways 30 commence at the first end 18 and typically terminate on the inner surface 14 at a point beyond the flange 26 .
- These passageways 30 are in the form of interruptions in the smooth inner surface 14 and will allow the preforms 10 to nest and will prevent the creation of a vacuum in the otherwise closed zone generally defined by the inner surface 14 of one preform 10 and the outer surface 16 of the nested preform 10 as illustrated in FIG. 2.
- the vacuum which the present invention eliminates is caused by the nesting of warm preforms.
- the outer preform tends to commence shrinking causing the tubular body to decrease in dimensional configuration and cause the inner surface to contact the outer surface of the inner nested preform thereby establishing a zone defined by the outer surface of the inner preform and the inner surface of the outer preform and the line of contact between the preforms.
- the pressure of the atmosphere within the defined zone decreases as the temperature decreases.
- the resulting vacuum condition causes the nesting preforms to stick together and thereby interfere with the handling thereof.
- FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 provides a continuous communication between the outside atmosphere and the closed zone between the two nested preforms preventing the sticking together of the nested bodies and allowing easy disassembly thereof.
- FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 wherein structural features which are the same as those illustrated in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 utilize similar reference numerals with a prime (′) designation.
- FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 there is a preform generally indicated by reference numeral 10 ′ for forming a blow molded container intended for the packaging of contents under pressure such as carbonated beverages.
- the preform 10 ′ has preferably been injection molded of polyethylene therephthalate and is ready to be reheated, stretched, and blow molded into final container configurations by the well known blow molding procedure.
- the preform 10 ′ comprises a generally tubular body 12 ′ having a central longitudinally exterior axis and having an inner surface 14 ′ and an outer surface 16 ′ surrounding the central axis.
- a first end 18 ′ of the preform 10 ′ is open to the inner surface 14 ′.
- a second end 20 ′, opposite to and spaced from the first or open end 18 ′, is closed in a generally hemispherical configuration.
- a neck finish is provided adjacent the open end.
- the neck finish 22 ′ includes male threads 24 ′ adapted to mate with female threads formed in a conventional closure to be applied when the completed container formed by being blow molded from the preform 10 ′ has been filled and the closure received over the open end 18 ′ of the preform.
- the neck finish 22 ′ also includes a circumferential flange 26 ′ which is used in the handling of the preform and the resulting container on processing and filling lines.
- the flange 26 ′ is also useful to the consumer in pouring from the container, since it assists in affording a firm grip on the neck thereof.
- the configuration of the neck finish 221 and the flange 26 ′ once established in the injection mold, are not altered in the blow molding procedure, whereby they are structurally carried over intact to the blown container.
- the remainder of the body 12 ′ of the preform 10 ′ in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 include three rib members 32 which extend longitudinally in spaced relation and extend radially inwardly from the inner surface 14 ′.
- the rib members 32 produce passageways which commence at the first end 18 ′ and typically terminate on the inner surface 14 ′ at a point beyond the flange 26 ′. These passageways are in the form of interruptions in the smooth inner surface 14 ′ of one preform 10 ′ and the outer surface 16 ′ of the nested preform 10 ′ as illustrated in FIG. 5.
- the invention effectively minimizes the surface area contact between two nested preforms; and eliminates the creation of a vacuum in the zone between the nested preforms. Also, the invention reduces the force required to separate nested preforms due to the reduction in the surface area contact during nesting.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
- Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A preform for a blow molded container provided a tubular body having inner and an outer surface having a first end open to the inner surface and a second closed end opposite to the first end. The relative dimensions of the ends being such that the closed end is receivable in the open end of a similar preform to nest therein. The open end is provided with a passageway to provide communication with the outside atmosphere to prevent formation of a vacuum and thereby enable disassembly of the nesting preforms.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- Polyethylene terephthalate is a polyester resin useful in preparing blow molded containers to contain a wide variety of liquids. It is desirable that the bottles have excellent strength and a high degree of clarity. Typically, such bottles are filled with liquid at a location remote from the location at which the containers are molded. The molded containers are commonly formed by the reheat-stretch-and-blow procedure. Tubular preforms closed at one end and open at the opposite end are injection molded of a suitable grade and formulation of PET.
- The molded containers must be packaged and shipped to the location at which they are filled with liquid. The preforms are typically removed from the injection mold and allowed to cool to ambient temperature and are later introduced to a blow molding system when the preforms are first heated to a temperature within the glass-transition range of the material, then mechanically stretched in the longitudinal direction, and finally blow molded to the final container configuration and dimensions. The mechanical stretching and blow molding impart biaxial molecular orientation to the material of the container body, thereby enhancing the tensile strength of the body wall while reducing its thickness. The finished containers are of a great variety of sizes and configurations. The problems of designing a container from a PET material for a particular purpose presents an extremely wide variety of considerations including not only capacity and aesthetic appeal, but economy of material and, importantly, whether the container is to be filled with contents under pressure, as is the case with carbonated beverages, or under vacuum, as is the case with hot filled products.
- Once the configuration of the container has been determined, a preform must be designed. Due to the necessity of conserving material and notwithstanding the ensurance that the material forming the container will be distributed properly in the finished container to ensure that it will exhibit resistance to deformation and rupture under all conditions of expected use, preform design has become an exact science.
- When the PET containers are intended for use in packaging carbonated beverages subject to internal pressures of three to four atmospheres, a preform configuration has evolved in which the outer diameter of the closed end is smaller than the internal diameter of the open end, whereby one preforming, by way of its open end, receive the closed end of an adjacent preform. The procedure is referred as nesting. In certain instances when the nesting of two or more preforms occurs, two preforms may be locked together by a vacuum created in the enclosed zone between the outer surface of the inner preform and the contacting inner surface of the outer preform. This condition is an impediment to safety and efficient handling of preforms. Heretofore, it is necessary to detect and individually separate nested preforms before damage could occur to the preforms or the equipment in which they were being processed.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- To eliminate the above problem of nesting, the prior art, as illustrated in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,774 to H. M. Pinot et al. discloses a preform which in a well-known manner comprises a generally tubular body formed of synthetic resinous material about a central axis. The body is provided with an inner surface and an outer surface surrounding the central axis, a first end open to the inner surface, and a second end opposite to the first end. A narrow body portion is axially spaced from the second end. The outer surface of the narrow portion has a radial dimension slightly smaller than the radial dimension of the inner surface of the wide portion.
- The anti-nesting feature includes an interference means formed on the inner surface at the wide portion to prevent the narrow portion of a similar preform from nesting within the wide portion of an adjacent preform.
- The interference means comprise at least one projection protruding radially inwardly from the inner surface at the wide portion, such as in axially extending rib.
- The interference means in the preferred embodiment includes, not one, but a plurality of inwardly protruding projections, such as ribs, spaced circumferentially about the inner surface. Each of the projections protrudes radially inwardly from the inner surface.
- These inwardly extending ribs militate against the entry of the narrow portion of a similar preform from nesting within the wide portion of the neck finish of the preform. The configuration of the neck finish, once established, is not altered in the blow molding procedure and is carried over intact to the finished blown container. The inwardly extending ribs have no function in the finished container and are considered surpluses.
- Another prior art structure designed to prevent nesting of adjacent preforms is illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,172 to Frank E. Semersky. The patent discloses a preform having a generally tubular body formed about a central axis and having inner and outer surfaces surrounding the axis, a first end open to the inner surface, a second end opposite to the first end, a wide portion of the tubular body adjacent to the first end, a narrow portion of the tubular body axially spaced from the second end, the outer surface at the narrow portion being a radial dimension smaller than the radial dimension of the inner surface at the wide portion, at least one outwardly extending protrusion located along the outer surface at the narrow portion and protruding radially outward from the outer surface of the narrow portion a radial distance greater than the distance between the radial dimension of the outer surface of the narrow portion and the radial dimension of the inner surface of the wide portion to prevent a narrow portion of a similar preform from nesting within the wide portion.
- The protrusions, being disposed in that portion of the preform which undergoes substantial stretching, tend to disappear and blend invisibly into the finished blow molded container.
- It is an object of the present invention to produce a preform construction which militates against the locking of two preforms together, yet permits the nesting of the preforms.
- Another object of the invention is to produce a preform of a design permitting the nesting of two or more adjacent preforms wherein the surface area contact between two nested preforms is minimized to prevent the creation of a vacuum in the closed area of the nested preforms.
- The above as well as other objects of the invention may be achieved by a preform for a blow molded container comprising a generally tubular body formed about a central axis and having inner and outer surfaces surrounding the axis; a first end open to the inner surface, a second end opposite to and spaced from the first end; a wide portion of the tubular body adjacent the first end; a narrow portion of the tubular body spaced from the second end; the outer surface of the narrow portion having a radial dimension smaller than the radial dimension of the inner surface at the wide portion, wherein the improvement comprises:
- at least one interruption in the inner surface at the wide portion and extending axially from the first open end toward the second end and protruding radially outwardly from the inner surface a sufficient amount to provide a passageway between the outer surface of the narrow portion of a similar preform and the inner surface of the wide portion to prevent a similar preform from sticking within the wide portion by vacuum.
- The above objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the following detailed description of the invention when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preform constructed in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the preform constructed in accordance with the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in a nested relation;
- FIG. 3 is an end view of the preform illustrated in FIG. 2 taken from the left hand side thereof;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative preform constructed in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 5 is a side view of two preforms constructed in accordance with the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 4 in a nested relation; and
- FIG. 6 is an end view of the preform illustrated in FIG. 5 taken from the left hand side thereof.
- Referring to the drawings, and particular to FIGS. 1, 2, and3, there is shown a preform generally indicated by
reference numeral 10 for forming a blow molded container intended for the packaging of contents under pressure such as carbonated beverages. Thepreform 10 has preferably been injection molded of polyethylene terephthalate and is ready to be reheated, stretched, and blow molded into final container configurations by the well-known blow molding procedure. - The
preform 10 comprises a generallytubular body 12 having a central longitudinally extending axis and having aninner surface 14 and anouter surface 16 surrounding the central axis. Afirst end 18 of thepreform 10 is open to theinner surface 14. Asecond end 20 opposite to and spaced from the first oropen end 18, is closed in a generally hemispherical configuration. - A neck finish, generally represented at22, is provided adjacent the open end. The
neck finish 22 includesmale threads 24 adapted to mate with female threads formed in a conventional closure to be applied when the finished container formed by being blow molded from thepreform 10 has been filled and the closure received over theopen end 18 of the preform. Theneck finish 22 also includes acircumferential flange 26 which is used in the handling of the preform and the resulting container on processing and filling lines. Theflange 26 is also useful to the consumer in pouring from the container, since it assists in affording a firm grip on the neck thereof. The configuration of theneck finish 22 and theflange 26 once established in the injection mold, are not altered in the blow molding procedure, whereby they are structurally carried over intact to the blown container. - The remainder of the
body 12 of thepreform 10 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 includes threepassageways 30 which extend longitudinal in a spaced apart parallel relation on theinner surface 14. Thepassageways 30 commence at thefirst end 18 and typically terminate on theinner surface 14 at a point beyond theflange 26. Thesepassageways 30 are in the form of interruptions in the smoothinner surface 14 and will allow thepreforms 10 to nest and will prevent the creation of a vacuum in the otherwise closed zone generally defined by theinner surface 14 of onepreform 10 and theouter surface 16 of thenested preform 10 as illustrated in FIG. 2. - It will be understood that the vacuum which the present invention eliminates is caused by the nesting of warm preforms. When the temperature of particularly the outermost preform decreases, the outer preform tends to commence shrinking causing the tubular body to decrease in dimensional configuration and cause the inner surface to contact the outer surface of the inner nested preform thereby establishing a zone defined by the outer surface of the inner preform and the inner surface of the outer preform and the line of contact between the preforms. The pressure of the atmosphere within the defined zone decreases as the temperature decreases. The resulting vacuum condition causes the nesting preforms to stick together and thereby interfere with the handling thereof.
- Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and3 provides a continuous communication between the outside atmosphere and the closed zone between the two nested preforms preventing the sticking together of the nested bodies and allowing easy disassembly thereof.
- Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and6 wherein structural features which are the same as those illustrated in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 utilize similar reference numerals with a prime (′) designation.
- Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and6, there is a preform generally indicated by
reference numeral 10′ for forming a blow molded container intended for the packaging of contents under pressure such as carbonated beverages. Thepreform 10′ has preferably been injection molded of polyethylene therephthalate and is ready to be reheated, stretched, and blow molded into final container configurations by the well known blow molding procedure. - The
preform 10′ comprises a generallytubular body 12′ having a central longitudinally exterior axis and having aninner surface 14′ and anouter surface 16′ surrounding the central axis. Afirst end 18′ of thepreform 10′ is open to theinner surface 14′. Asecond end 20′, opposite to and spaced from the first oropen end 18′, is closed in a generally hemispherical configuration. - A neck finish, generally represented at22′, is provided adjacent the open end. The
neck finish 22′ includesmale threads 24′ adapted to mate with female threads formed in a conventional closure to be applied when the completed container formed by being blow molded from thepreform 10′ has been filled and the closure received over theopen end 18′ of the preform. Theneck finish 22′ also includes acircumferential flange 26′ which is used in the handling of the preform and the resulting container on processing and filling lines. Theflange 26′ is also useful to the consumer in pouring from the container, since it assists in affording a firm grip on the neck thereof. The configuration of the neck finish 221 and theflange 26′ once established in the injection mold, are not altered in the blow molding procedure, whereby they are structurally carried over intact to the blown container. - The remainder of the
body 12′ of thepreform 10′ in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 include threerib members 32 which extend longitudinally in spaced relation and extend radially inwardly from theinner surface 14′. Therib members 32 produce passageways which commence at thefirst end 18′ and typically terminate on theinner surface 14′ at a point beyond theflange 26′. These passageways are in the form of interruptions in the smoothinner surface 14′ of onepreform 10′ and theouter surface 16′ of the nestedpreform 10′ as illustrated in FIG. 5. - In each embodiment of the invention it will be appreciated that the invention effectively minimizes the surface area contact between two nested preforms; and eliminates the creation of a vacuum in the zone between the nested preforms. Also, the invention reduces the force required to separate nested preforms due to the reduction in the surface area contact during nesting.
- In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment. However, it should be understood that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.
Claims (9)
1. A preform for a blow molded container comprising:
a generally tubular body formed about a central axis and having inner and outer surfaces surrounding the axis;
a first end open to the inner surface;
a second closed end opposite to and spaced from the first end;
a wide portion of the tubular body adjacent the first end;
a narrow portion of the tubular body spaced from the second end;
the outer surface of the narrow portion having a radial dimension smaller than the radial dimension of the inner surface at the wide portion, wherein the improvement comprises:
at least one interruption in the inner surface at the wide portion and extending axially from the first open end toward the second end and protruding radially outwardly from the inner surface a sufficient amount to provide an air passageway between the outer surface of the narrow portion of a similar preform and the inner surface of the wide portion to prevent a similar preform from sticking within the wide portion by vacuum.
2. A preform as defined in claim 1 , wherein said interruption is in the form of a groove.
3. A preform as defined in claim 2 wherein said groove is formed to extend axially of said tubular body
4. A preform as defined in claim 3 wherein said grooves is formed in the inner surface of said tubular body.
5. A preform as defined in claim 1 wherein said interruption is in the number of more than one.
6. A preform as defined in claim 1 wherein said interruption is in the number of three.
7. A preform as defined in claim 1 wherein said interruption is in the form of a rib.
8. A preform as defined in claim 7 wherein said rib is formed to extend axially of said tubular body.
9. A preform as defined in claim 8 wherein said rib is formed in the inner surface of said tubular body.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/092,211 US20030168374A1 (en) | 2002-03-06 | 2002-03-06 | Anti-sticking preforms for blow molded articles |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/092,211 US20030168374A1 (en) | 2002-03-06 | 2002-03-06 | Anti-sticking preforms for blow molded articles |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20030168374A1 true US20030168374A1 (en) | 2003-09-11 |
Family
ID=27787808
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/092,211 Abandoned US20030168374A1 (en) | 2002-03-06 | 2002-03-06 | Anti-sticking preforms for blow molded articles |
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US (1) | US20030168374A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070292642A1 (en) * | 2006-06-16 | 2007-12-20 | Graham Packaging Company, L.P. | Lightweight preform and method of manufacture |
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US1937402A (en) * | 1931-01-15 | 1933-11-28 | Cherry Charles Kress | Sanitary cup |
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US3961113A (en) * | 1975-03-03 | 1976-06-01 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Thermoplastic preform and heated mandrel constructions |
US4537231A (en) * | 1983-08-29 | 1985-08-27 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Dispenser apparatus for simultaneously dispensing predetermined equal volumes of liquid including a disposable dispenser module |
US4639242A (en) * | 1985-02-04 | 1987-01-27 | Babson Arthur L | Vessel and procedure for automated assay |
US4649068A (en) * | 1985-04-22 | 1987-03-10 | Continental Pet Technologies, Inc. | Preform for use in blow molding a container subjected to hot filling and closed by a rotatable closure, and method of an apparatus for making the same |
US5571410A (en) * | 1994-10-19 | 1996-11-05 | Hewlett Packard Company | Fully integrated miniaturized planar liquid sample handling and analysis device |
US6203870B1 (en) * | 1998-02-24 | 2001-03-20 | Plastipak Packaging, Inc. | Liner and preform |
US6296803B1 (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 2001-10-02 | Plastipak Packaging, Inc. | Method for making a multi-layer blow molded container |
-
2002
- 2002-03-06 US US10/092,211 patent/US20030168374A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US1937402A (en) * | 1931-01-15 | 1933-11-28 | Cherry Charles Kress | Sanitary cup |
US3770860A (en) * | 1969-07-18 | 1973-11-06 | Owens Illinois Inc | Method for forming thin-walled plastic container |
US3961113A (en) * | 1975-03-03 | 1976-06-01 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Thermoplastic preform and heated mandrel constructions |
US4537231A (en) * | 1983-08-29 | 1985-08-27 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Dispenser apparatus for simultaneously dispensing predetermined equal volumes of liquid including a disposable dispenser module |
US4639242A (en) * | 1985-02-04 | 1987-01-27 | Babson Arthur L | Vessel and procedure for automated assay |
US4649068A (en) * | 1985-04-22 | 1987-03-10 | Continental Pet Technologies, Inc. | Preform for use in blow molding a container subjected to hot filling and closed by a rotatable closure, and method of an apparatus for making the same |
US5571410A (en) * | 1994-10-19 | 1996-11-05 | Hewlett Packard Company | Fully integrated miniaturized planar liquid sample handling and analysis device |
US6296803B1 (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 2001-10-02 | Plastipak Packaging, Inc. | Method for making a multi-layer blow molded container |
US6203870B1 (en) * | 1998-02-24 | 2001-03-20 | Plastipak Packaging, Inc. | Liner and preform |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20070292642A1 (en) * | 2006-06-16 | 2007-12-20 | Graham Packaging Company, L.P. | Lightweight preform and method of manufacture |
US7976767B2 (en) * | 2006-06-16 | 2011-07-12 | Graham Packaging Company, L.P. | Lightweight preform and method of manufacture |
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Owner name: PLASTIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC., OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:O'NEILL, ADRIAN T.;REEL/FRAME:012672/0976 Effective date: 20020304 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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