US20110287197A1 - Containers - Google Patents

Containers Download PDF

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Publication number
US20110287197A1
US20110287197A1 US12/827,311 US82731110A US2011287197A1 US 20110287197 A1 US20110287197 A1 US 20110287197A1 US 82731110 A US82731110 A US 82731110A US 2011287197 A1 US2011287197 A1 US 2011287197A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
detent
flange
container
pressure
preform
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/827,311
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Charles Jonathan Britton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Brittpac Ltd
Original Assignee
Brittpac Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Brittpac Ltd filed Critical Brittpac Ltd
Assigned to BRITTPAC LTD. reassignment BRITTPAC LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BRITTON, CHARLES JONATHAN
Priority to AU2011254341A priority Critical patent/AU2011254341B2/en
Priority to RU2012155592/05A priority patent/RU2600385C2/ru
Priority to GB1108526.3A priority patent/GB2480557B/en
Priority to PCT/GB2011/050960 priority patent/WO2011144944A1/fr
Priority to CA2798418A priority patent/CA2798418A1/fr
Priority to EP11726475A priority patent/EP2571670A1/fr
Priority to BR112012029214A priority patent/BR112012029214A2/pt
Priority to MX2012013526A priority patent/MX338484B/es
Priority to US13/699,081 priority patent/US9156217B2/en
Priority to CN201180025198.3A priority patent/CN102985246B/zh
Publication of US20110287197A1 publication Critical patent/US20110287197A1/en
Priority to IL222839A priority patent/IL222839A/en
Priority to ZA2012/08427A priority patent/ZA201208427B/en
Priority to US14/858,460 priority patent/US20160185491A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/06—Removable lids or covers having a peripheral channel embracing the rim of the container
    • B65D43/065—Removable lids or covers having a peripheral channel embracing the rim of the container the peripheral channel having an inverted U-shape
    • 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
    • B29C49/28—Blow-moulding apparatus
    • 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
    • B29C49/4268—Auxiliary operations during the blow-moulding operation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
    • B29D22/00—Producing hollow articles
    • B29D22/003—Containers for packaging, storing or transporting, e.g. bottles, jars, cans, barrels, tanks
    • 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
    • B65D1/40—Details of walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29B—PREPARATION OR PRETREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL TO BE SHAPED; MAKING GRANULES OR PREFORMS; RECOVERY OF PLASTICS OR OTHER CONSTITUENTS OF WASTE MATERIAL CONTAINING PLASTICS
    • B29B11/00—Making preforms
    • B29B11/06—Making preforms by moulding the material
    • B29B11/08—Injection moulding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29B—PREPARATION OR PRETREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL TO BE SHAPED; MAKING GRANULES OR PREFORMS; RECOVERY OF PLASTICS OR OTHER CONSTITUENTS OF WASTE MATERIAL CONTAINING PLASTICS
    • B29B11/00—Making preforms
    • B29B11/14—Making preforms characterised by structure or composition
    • 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
    • B29C2949/0715—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration the preform having one end closed
    • 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
    • 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
    • B29C2949/0762—Conical
    • 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
    • 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
    • B29C2949/0771—Wide-mouth
    • 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
    • B29C2949/0778—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration characterised by the shape characterised by the shape of specific parts of preform characterised by the flange
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • B29C2949/30—Preforms or parisons made of several components
    • B29C2949/3024—Preforms or parisons made of several components characterised by the number of components or by the manufacturing technique
    • 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
    • B29C2949/30—Preforms or parisons made of several components
    • B29C2949/3032—Preforms or parisons made of several components having components being injected
    • 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
    • B29C49/02—Combined blow-moulding and manufacture of the preform or the parison
    • B29C49/06—Injection blow-moulding
    • 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
    • B29C49/071—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration, e.g. geometry, dimensions or physical properties
    • 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
    • B29C49/48—Moulds
    • B29C49/54—Moulds for undercut articles
    • B29C49/541—Moulds for undercut articles having a recessed undersurface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2067/00—Use of polyesters or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2067/00—Use of polyesters or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
    • B29K2067/003—PET, i.e. poylethylene terephthalate
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
    • B29L2031/7158—Bottles
    • B29L2031/716—Bottles of the wide mouth type, i.e. the diameters of the bottle opening and its body are substantially identical
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/00555—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on both the inside and the outside
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
    • B65D2543/00611—Profiles
    • B65D2543/00648—Flange or lip
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
    • B65D2543/00722—Profiles
    • B65D2543/00768—U-shaped or inverted U
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a container which can be closed by a push-on lid, to apparatus for manufacturing the container, to a container and to a lid for the container.
  • the invention is particularly, though not exclusively, suitable for use with containers made of PET or PEN thermoplastic materials.
  • Containers made from material which is susceptible to deformation when heated, in particular thermoplastic materials such as PET or PEN, are well known.
  • thermoplastic materials such as PET or PEN
  • the use of such materials to manufacture the container allows a preform to be made and then subsequently expanded under pressure to obtain a finished article.
  • the use of such preforms is known in the art, for example in WO97/19801 and WO97/19806.
  • Containers for materials such as paint are required to meet drop tests, whereby the container is dropped from a height and to pass the test the lid of the container must not come off. For example, a 1 m drop test is known in the art.
  • the invention provides, in a first aspect, a method of making a container having a body and a rim defining an opening for the container, the opening being capable of being closed by a push-on lid, the container being made of a material which is susceptible to deformation when heated, the method comprising the steps of:
  • step c) wherein the movement of the first detent downwardly and outwardly relative to the second detent is controlled to only occur after step c), and such that after step d) the first detent projects inwardly into the container, with its elongate axis at an angle of from 60° to 120° to the elongate axis of the second detent, such that the first detent forms an internal rim.
  • Such a method is advantageous as it allows a container to be produced that has an internal rim, which can engage with a lid and prevent it from coming off, e.g. when the container is dropped.
  • the container must have a body and a rim defining an opening but other than this the exact size and shape of the container is not particularly limited.
  • the body of the container is substantially cylindrical in shape but it will be appreciated that other shapes are possible.
  • the container may or may not have a neck between the body and the opening.
  • a container may be, for example, a bottle, a can (such as a can of the type that can contain paint), an aerosol container, or the like.
  • a key feature of the invention is that the first detent which forms the internal rim in the container is only moved in a controlled manner. No movement of the first detent due to the application of pressure to expand the tube is permitted. The first detent is only moved to form the internal rim after this application of pressure to expand the tube, and it is moved in a controlled manner to ensure correct positioning of the internal rim.
  • the present invention provides containers that have an internal rim, where the internal rim is formed in a sufficiently controlled manner that its positioning is accurate and reproducible. This was lacking in previous techniques for making containers.
  • the controlled reproducibility is key when obtaining a product that has an internal rim which can engage with a lid and prevent it from coming off (e.g. when the container is dropped) to a repeatable and commercially useful degree.
  • the preform and the eventual container are assumed to be in conventional orientation; that is with the mouth at the top and the base at the bottom.
  • the terms “up” and “down”, “horizontal” and “vertical”, and the like, should therefore be construed in this sense, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
  • the skilled reader will appreciate that in fact the actual orientation of the preform or the container may be different from this.
  • the first detent extends from the flange for a length of from 0.5 mm or more, preferably 1 mm or more, e.g. from 1 mm to 10 mm; more preferably 1.5 mm or more, such as from 1.5 mm to 10 mm; for example 2 mm or more, e.g. from 2 mm to 5 mm.
  • the preform provided in step a) has a second detent that is located at or near the radially outer end of the flange.
  • the second detent is located between the radially outer end of the flange and the midpoint of the radially inner end of the flange and the radially outer end of the flange. Accordingly, the linear distance between the second detent and the radially outer end of the flange is less than 50% than of the total linear distance between the radially inner end of the flange and the radially outer end of the flange.
  • the preform has more than two detents simultaneously formed with the flange as an upstanding elongate projection from the upper surface of the flange, for example it may have three or more such detents, e.g. three, four or five such detents.
  • the preform provided in step a) has a third detent simultaneously formed with the flange as an upstanding elongate projection from the upper surface of the flange, located between the first detent and the second detent.
  • the third detent and second detent between them define a trough, suitable for receipt of a correspondingly shaped sealing projection on the container lid, there being a sealing portion in the trough for sealing engagement with the sealing projection of the lid.
  • the third detent is located substantially half way between the first detent and the second detent.
  • the linear distance between the third detent and the second detent is equal to the linear distance between the third detent and the first detent, or these distances may differ by an amount that is not more than 20%, such as not more than 15%, or not more than 10%, of the total linear distance between the first detent and the second detent.
  • the first detent extends continuously around the mouth of the preform provided in step a). This will provide a container that has a continuous internal rim that can be used to receive a “push-fit” type lid.
  • the first detent is discontinuous, for example it may be made up of two or more sections, such as three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more sections. This will provide a container that has a discontinuous internal rim that can be used to receive a “bayonet-fit” type lid.
  • the sections may be spaced apart regularly or irregularly.
  • the first detent may be discontinuous and made up of four or eight regularly spaced detent sections.
  • the spaces between the detent sections are equal to or smaller than the detent sections themselves. In another embodiment, the spaces between the detent sections are larger than the detent sections themselves. Preferably, the detent sections make up 30% or more of the circumference of the first detent, such as 40% or more, e.g. 50% or more, such as 60% or more.
  • one or more of the detent sections are provided with a protrusion which can act to prevent rotation of the lid relative to the container.
  • the second detent extends continuously around the mouth of the preform. This may be advantageous in providing a complete seal for the container.
  • the second detent is discontinuous around the mouth of the preform. This embodiment may be used for applications where having a sealed container is less important.
  • the preform provided in step a) is shaped with the rim narrower than the tube, such that in the resultant container the rim is narrower than the body.
  • the width of the rim is 90% or less of the width of the body, such as 85% or less, e.g. 80% or less. This is advantageous in that it allows a handle to be incorporated into the rim area without affecting the overall width of the container. Therefore the containers can be stacked together more easily, without space being wasted between containers that are placed side to side.
  • Step c) may involve expanding the tube under pressure to form the body of the container in any conventional manner.
  • step c) may comprise applying differential pressure between the interior of the preform and the exterior of the preform, to expand the tube portion to form the body of the container.
  • step c) may involve the injection of air or other gas under pressure into the tube, to expand it into the shape of the container body as defined by the interior surfaces of the mould parts in the pressure moulding apparatus.
  • step c) may comprise longitudinally stretching the tube portion of the preform. It may be that this is in addition to the injection of air or other gas under pressure into the tube.
  • the longitudinally stretching may be before, during or after the injection of gas.
  • plastic preforms under pressure is known (e.g. from WO97/19801 and WO97/19806) and can be carried out at any suitable temperature and pressure.
  • the first detent is not moved until after step c).
  • the first detent is moved in a controlled manner in step d).
  • the first detent is shielded from the pressure applied in step c). This may be due to it being located in the pressure moulding apparatus in a location that is not exposed to the pressure applied in step c). In a preferred embodiment, the first detent is located in the pressure moulding apparatus in a location that is separated from the inside of the tube which is to be exposed to the pressure to cause expansion of the tube.
  • the first detent is located in a section within the pressure moulding apparatus, wherein this section is separated from the inside of the tube which is to be exposed to pressure, to cause expansion of the tube, by a shielding wall.
  • the shielding wall seals the section away from the inside of the tube which is to be exposed to pressure, and therefore prevents the first detent from being exposed to this pressure.
  • the first detent is located in the pressure moulding apparatus in a corridor whereby a wall of the corridor contacts the preform at a point between where the tube extends from the radially inner end of the flange and the first detent, such that the wall forms a barrier between the first detent and the parts of the preform exposed to pressure in step c).
  • the inward projection of the detent after step d) is such that its elongate axis is at an angle of from 65° to 115° to the elongate axis of the second detent, such as from 70° to 110°, more preferably from 75° to 105°, for example from 80 to 100°, most preferably from 85 to 95°, such as from 87 to 93°, e.g. about 90°.
  • the movement of the first detent may be achieved by applying downward pressure of 600 kPa or higher, e.g. from 600 to 2000 kPa, to the first detent, whilst supporting the second detent in a fixed position, so as to cause the first detent to move downwardly and outwardly with respect to the second detent.
  • a pressure of 650 kPa or higher preferably 700 kPa or higher, such as 750 kPa or higher, e.g. 800 kPa or higher, more preferably 900 kPa or higher, such as 1000 kPa or higher, e.g. 1100 kPa or higher, or even 1200 kPa or higher may be used.
  • the pressure used is from 650 to 2000 kPa or higher, such as from 700 to 1800 kPa or higher or from 750 to 1500 kPa or higher. It may, for example, be from 800 kPa to 1800 kPa or higher or from 900 kPa to 1500 kPa or higher. In one embodiment it is from 1000 kPa to 1800 kPa or higher, preferably from 1100 kPa to 1500 kPa or higher.
  • the pressure is applied for 0.05 s or more, such as from 0.05 s to 1 second, for example from 0.05 to 0.8 s, such as from 0.05 to 0.7 s, e.g. from 0.1 to 0.6 s, for example from 0.1 to 0.5 s, such as about 0.3 s.
  • Step d) may apply pressure in any suitable manner; for example hydraulically, pneumatically or elastically.
  • a mechanical device that applies pressure using a mechanical spring, hydraulics or pneumatics may be considered.
  • a nitrogen spring may also be used.
  • pressure could be applied by direct application of a pressurised gas.
  • step d) uses a mechanical device, such as a piston, to place downward pressure on the first detent.
  • the piston movement is controlled to ensure that after step d) the first detent projects inwardly into the container, with its elongate axis at an angle of from 60° to 120° to the elongate axis of the second detent, such that the first detent forms an internal rim.
  • the piston may be, for example, pneumatic or hydraulic.
  • the piston may be physically prevented from moving beyond a set distance that corresponds to movement of the first detent to a location where it projects inwardly into the container, with its elongate axis at an angle of 120° to the elongate axis of the second detent.
  • a stop or block may be provided in the pressure moulding apparatus that prevents the piston from moving beyond a set distance.
  • a casing such as a steel casing, may act as a stop to prevent the piston from moving beyond a set distance.
  • a cushion may be used to aid smooth operation.
  • the movement of the piston may be computer controlled, with the computer controlling the movement of the piston so that it does not move beyond a set distance that corresponds to movement of the first detent to a location where it projects inwardly into the container, with its elongate axis at an angle of 120° to the elongate axis of the second detent.
  • Pressurised gas e.g., air or nitrogen
  • a nozzle may be located above the first detent and may be used to blow air or other gas onto the first detent to cause their downward movement.
  • the pressure of the gas and time for which the gas is applied are controlled so as to ensure that after step d) the first detent projects inwardly into the container, with its elongate axis at an angle of from 60° to 120° to the elongate axis of the second detent, such that the first detent forms an internal rim.
  • the rim includes a downward flange depending from the lower face of the radial flange.
  • the downward flange may extend from the flange at any location that is outward of the first detent. For example, it may be substantially half way between the first detent and the second detent, or it may be closer to the second detent than the first detent.
  • step d) the lower surface of the radial flange moves into homogeneous contact with the downward flange.
  • the method further comprises the step of:
  • step d) or optional step e the method further comprises the step of:
  • the lid includes (i) a trough, suitable for receipt of and engagement with the second detent, and (ii) an engaging portion for receipt under and engagement with the inner rim formed by the first detent, to secure the lid on the container.
  • the engaging portion of the lid may, in one embodiment, be discontinuous around the lid. In one such embodiment, the first detent is also discontinuous.
  • the engagement of the engaging portion with the inner rim formed by the first detent may provide a push and twist, bayonet style, fastening of the lid to the container.
  • the step f) may therefore involve pushing and twisting the lid onto the container.
  • the product placed into the container may be any product that can be stored in a push fit or bayonet fit container. It may be a solid or liquid product, including emulsions.
  • it may be paint, varnish, or ink, medication (in liquid form or in solid form, e.g. tablets), food supplements (such as vitamin supplements), industrial chemicals, food or drink (e.g. tea bags, instant or ground coffee, milk, biscuits, cereal, pasta, rice), fuel (e.g. petrol, diesel); detergent products, e.g. for laundry or dishwashing, in powder or tablet or liquid form (such as dishwasher tablets, dishwasher salt, laundry powder or tablets); or pet food (e.g. dog biscuits).
  • medication in liquid form or in solid form, e.g. tablets
  • food supplements such as vitamin supplements
  • industrial chemicals e.g. tea bags, instant or ground coffee, milk, biscuits, cereal, pasta, rice
  • fuel e.g. petrol, diesel
  • detergent products e.g. for laundry or dishwashing, in powder or tablet or liquid
  • the invention provides a container obtainable by the method of the first aspect.
  • the container is, therefore, made of a material which is susceptible to deformation when heated, and the container comprises a body portion and a rim portion, the body portion having a base wall and a side wall extending upwardly therefrom, the rim portion extending from the side wall and providing an opening constituting the mouth of the container, the rim portion including an inwardly facing detent facing into the opening and a first upwardly facing detent facing upwards from the opening, located at or near the radially outer edge of the rim, wherein the inwardly facing detent projects inwardly into the container with its elongate axis at an angle of from 60° to 120° to the elongate axis of the first upwardly facing detent, such that the first detent forms an internal rim.
  • the inward projection of the inwardly facing detent is such that its elongate axis is at an angle of from 65° to 115° to the elongate axis of the first upwardly facing detent, such as from 70° to 110°, more preferably from 75° to 105°, for example from 80 to 100°, most preferably from 85 to 95°, such as from 87 to 93°, e.g. about 90°.
  • the inward projection of the detent is such that it does not extend substantially beyond perpendicular to the elongate axis of the first upwardly facing detent.
  • its elongate axis may be at an angle of from 65° to 95° to the elongate axis of the first upwardly facing detent, such as from 70° to 90°, more preferably from 80 to 90°, most preferably from 85 to 90°.
  • the rim has more than one upwardly facing detent facing upwards from the opening, for example it may have two or more such detents, e.g. two, three or four such detents.
  • the container has a second upwardly facing detent facing upwards from the opening.
  • this may be located at or near the radially inner edge of the rim.
  • the rim includes a downwardly facing flange facing downwards from the opening.
  • the downwardly facing flange may extend downwardly at or near the inner edge of the rim, or it may be closer to the outer edge than the inner edge.
  • the inwardly facing detent is discontinuous, for example it may be made up of two or more sections, such as three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more sections.
  • the sections may be spaced apart regularly or irregularly.
  • the spaces between the inwardly facing detent sections are equal to or smaller than the detent sections themselves. In another embodiment, the spaces between the detent sections are larger than the detent sections themselves. Preferably, the detent sections make up 30% or more of the circumference of the inwardly facing detent, such as 40% or more, e.g. 50% or more, such as 60% or more.
  • the first upwardly facing detent extends continuously around the mouth of the preform.
  • the container is made of a material which is susceptible to deformation when heated. This could be glass.
  • the invention is particularly suitable for containers made out of certain plastics materials, particularly thermoplastics. Materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphathalate (PEN), and co-polymers and blends of these two materials, in both crystalline and amorphous form, could be viable.
  • the rim is narrower than the body of the container.
  • the width of the rim is 90% or less of the width of the body, such as 85% or less, e.g. 80% or less. This is advantageous in that it allows a handle to be incorporated into the rim area without affecting the overall width of the container. Therefore the containers can be stacked together more easily, without space being wasted between containers that are placed side to side.
  • the engaging portion of the lid may, in one embodiment, be discontinuous around the lid. Accordingly, the engagement of the engaging portion with the inwardly facing detent may provide a push and twist, bayonet style, fastening of the lid to the container.
  • One or more of the engaging portions may be provided with a protrusion which can act to prevent rotation of the lid relative to the container.
  • the engaging portion of the lid may, in one embodiment, be continuous around the lid. Accordingly, the engagement of the engaging portion with the inwardly facing detent may provide a push fit style fastening of the lid to the container.
  • the peripheral trough may, in one embodiment, be defined between inner and outer cylindrical flanges, wherein the inner cylindrical flange is fixed and the outer cylindrical flange is hinged so that it can move from an open position where it does not engage with the first upwardly facing detent to a closed position where it does engage with the first upwardly facing detent.
  • this may be a “click-lock” type hinge.
  • the lid is made from a material that is sufficiently flexible to permit the formation of such a hinge, such as polypropylene or polyethylene.
  • the outer cylindrical flange may, for example, have three or more sections, such as four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more sections.
  • the sections may be spaced apart regularly or irregularly.
  • the outer cylindrical flange may be discontinuous and made up of four, six or eight regularly spaced sections.
  • the peripheral trough is defined between fixed inner and outer cylindrical flanges.
  • the corresponding container may optionally be provided with external lugs to enhance the strength and security of the closure.
  • These lugs are provided on the injection moulded preform from which the container is formed and are unaffected by the pressure blow moulding of the container.
  • the lugs are located below the second detent and project outwardly from the container.
  • the container is provided with a downward flange depending from the lower face of the radial flange and the lugs are located on the outside surface of this flange.
  • the container may have four, six or eight regularly spaced lugs around its outer periphery.
  • the fixed outer cylindrical flange may be shaped to engage with any such external lugs, so that the lugs act to further hold the lid in place on the container.
  • the outer cylindrical flange is preferably discontinuous.
  • the outer cylindrical flange may, for example, have three or more sections, such as four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more sections.
  • the sections may be spaced apart regularly or irregularly.
  • the outer cylindrical flange may be discontinuous and made up of four, six or eight regularly spaced sections.
  • the spaces between the sections may be equal to or smaller than the sections themselves. Alternatively, the spaces between the sections are larger than the sections themselves. Preferably, the sections make up 30% or more of the circumference of the outer cylindrical flange, such as 40% or more, e.g. 50% or more, such as 60% or more.
  • the lid may be made of plastics materials, such as thermoplastics, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphathalate (PEN), and co-polymers and blends thereof, in both crystalline and amorphous form.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PEN polyethylene naphathalate
  • co-polymers and blends thereof in both crystalline and amorphous form.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PET polyethylene naphathalate
  • co-polymers and blends thereof in both crystalline and amorphous form.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PET polyethylene naphathalate
  • co-polymers and blends thereof in both crystalline and amorphous form.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PET polyethylene naphathalate
  • co-polymers and blends thereof in both crystalline and amorphous form.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • metal including alloys, wood, or glass.
  • a closed container comprising a container in accordance with the second aspect and a lid in accordance with the third aspect, wherein the lid seals the container.
  • the closed container may contain product.
  • the product may be any product that can be stored in a push fit or bayonet fit container. It may be a solid or liquid product, including emulsions. For example, it may be paint, varnish, or ink, medication (in liquid form or in solid form, e.g. tablets), food supplements (such as vitamin supplements), industrial chemicals, or fuel (e.g. petrol, diesel).
  • the invention provides apparatus for making a container having a body and a rim portion defining an opening for the container, the opening being capable of being closed by a push-on lid, the apparatus comprising:
  • pressure moulding apparatus having mould parts defining a mould cavity and comprising: (i) a securing component that permits the location of the preform in the mould cavity with the second detent in a fixed location therein, (ii) a generator of a pressure differential between the interior of the tube and the exterior to expand the tube into contact with the mould parts defining the mould cavity; (iii) a shield for shielding the first detent from the pressure that is applied to expand the tube; and (iv) a source of controlled downward pressure, e.g.
  • the apparatus is suitable for making a container in accordance with the second aspect.
  • the apparatus is suitable for carrying out a method in accordance with the first aspect.
  • the shield is provided by the inclusion of a section within which the first detent can be located, which section can act to shield the first detent from the pressure that is applied to expand the tube.
  • the pressure moulding apparatus includes a section within which the first detent can be located, this section being separated from the inside of the tube which is to be exposed to pressure to cause expansion of the tube by a shielding wall.
  • the shielding wall seals the section away from the inside of the tube which is to be exposed to pressure, and therefore prevents the first detent from being exposed to this pressure.
  • the pressure moulding apparatus may include a corridor, within which the first detent can be located, whereby when the preform is in the apparatus a wall of the corridor contacts the preform at a point between where the tube extends from the radially inner end of the flange and the first detent, such that the wall forms a barrier between the first detent and the parts of the preform exposed to the pressure that is applied to expand the tube.
  • the source of controlled downward pressure can apply a pressure of 650 kPa or higher, preferably 700 kPa or higher, such as 750 kPa or higher, e.g. 800 kPa or higher, more preferably 900 kPa or higher, such as 1000 kPa or higher, e.g. 1100 kPa or higher, or 1200 kPa or higher.
  • the source of controlled downward pressure can apply a pressure of 600 kPa or higher (such as 700 kPa or higher, 800 kPa or higher, 900 kPa or higher, 1000 kPa or higher, 1100 kPa or higher, or 1200 kPa or higher) for from 0.05 s or more, preferably from 0.1 to 1 second, for example from 0.2 to 0.8 s, such as from 0.3 to 0.7 s, e.g. from 0.4 to 0.6 s, such as about 0.5 s.
  • 600 kPa or higher such as 700 kPa or higher, 800 kPa or higher, 900 kPa or higher, 1000 kPa or higher, 1100 kPa or higher, or 1200 kPa or higher
  • 600 kPa or higher such as 700 kPa or higher, 800 kPa or higher, 900 kPa or higher, 1000 kPa or higher, 1100 kPa or higher, or 1200
  • the source of controlled downward pressure comprises a mechanical device, such as a piston, to place downward pressure on the first detent.
  • the apparatus suitably includes a component for physically preventing the piston from moving beyond a set distance that corresponds to movement of the first detent to a location where it projects inwardly into the container, with its elongate axis at an angle of 120° to the elongate axis of the second detent.
  • a stop or block may be provided in the pressure moulding apparatus that prevents the piston from moving beyond a set distance.
  • a computer may be included and the movement of the piston may be computer controlled, with the computer controlling the movement of the piston so that it does not move beyond a set distance that corresponds to movement of the first detent to a location where it projects inwardly into the container, with its elongate axis at an angle of 120° to the elongate axis of the second detent.
  • the source of controlled downward pressure can comprise a source of pressurised gas, e.g. air, to place downward pressure on the first detent.
  • the apparatus may comprise a nozzle located above the flange and first detent which can be used to blow air or other gas onto the first detent to cause their downward movement.
  • the pressure of the gas and time for which the gas is applied are controlled so as to ensure that the first detent may be moved to project inwardly into the container, with its elongate axis at an angle of from 60° to 120° to the elongate axis of the second detent, such that the first detent forms an internal rim.
  • the generator of a pressure differential between the interior of the tube and the exterior to expand the tube into contact with the mould parts defining the mould cavity may suitably comprise a source of pressurised gas, such as pressurised air.
  • this may comprise a blow core that has a central throughway through which a flow of air or other gas under pressure can be blown into the interior of the tubular portion of the preform.
  • An air inlet guide bush may be provided within the blow core.
  • the blow core may, in use, extend into the tubular section below the periphery of the rim portion of the preform.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a stretching component that can be used to longitudinally stretch the tube portion of the preform.
  • a stretching component that can be used to longitudinally stretch the tube portion of the preform.
  • This may, for example, be a stretch rod or pin.
  • This component may be provided as part of the generator of a pressure differential.
  • a blow core may be provided that has a blow pin passing through its longitudinal cavity, which in use can be extended to reach the bottom of the mould cavity.
  • the securing component that permits the location of the preform in the mould cavity with the second detent in a fixed location therein may suitably comprise a shaped cavity or seat for receipt of the second detent.
  • the shape of the shaped cavity or seat can be such that the second detent is securely received and has limited movement in a horizontal direction.
  • the apparatus may, in one embodiment, further comprise:
  • injection moulding apparatus shaped and arranged to produce a preform in the shape of a closed-end tube with a rim at its mouth, the rim comprising: (a) an outward generally-radial flange having an upper surface and a lower surface, the flange extending from a radially inner end to a radially outer end, the tube depending from the radially inner end of the flange; (b) a first detent simultaneously formed with the flange as an upstanding elongate projection from the upper surface of the flange, which detent is located at or near the radially inner end of the flange; and (c) a second detent simultaneously formed with the flange as an upstanding elongate projection from the upper surface of the flange, which detent is located at or near the radially outer end of the flange.
  • FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the injection moulding of a preform used in manufacturing a plastics container in an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows the preform when transferred to a pressure or blow moulding machine
  • FIG. 5 shows the container in the blow moulding apparatus when the container has been blown under pressure
  • FIG. 6 is a detail showing the shape of the rim of the finished container more clearly
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the container
  • FIG. 8 is a view from below of a lid for the container
  • FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view showing the shape of the periphery of the lid more clearly.
  • FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the container.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the lid for the alternative embodiment of the container.
  • FIG. 13 is a cross sectional detail showing the shape of the periphery of the lid of FIG. 12 more clearly.
  • the container is made by an essentially two-stage process. Stage one involves injection moulding, in an injection moulding machine, a preform. This stage may be carried out separately and therefore is not an essential stage of the claimed method. The preform may therefore simply be provided and then subjected to stage two.
  • stage two the preform is transferred to a pressure moulding machine where it is pressure moulded at an elevated temperature to form the final shape of the container.
  • the preform When placed into the pressure moulding apparatus the preform is deformed to form the rim of the container, and the body of the container is formed by blowing.
  • the container is associated with a corresponding push-on lid which can be push-fitted to the rim of the container.
  • the container may be filled with product before push-fitting the lid onto the container.
  • FIG. 1 shows a section through an injection moulding machine in which the preform has just been formed by injection moulding.
  • the preform is shown at 1 .
  • the mould consists of a base plate 3 , a cavity insert 4 , a cavity insert carrying block 5 surrounding and supporting the cavity insert, neck splits supported by a neck split carrying plate and an injection core.
  • the preform is formed in the cavity between the cavity insert and the injection core, with the outer edge of the rim being defined by the neck splits.
  • the shape of the cavity is such that the preform is generally in the shape of a closed-end tube which tapers slightly towards its closed end, and has a rim at the open end of the tube and defining the opening or mouth of the container.
  • the tubular part of the preform will eventually be expanded to form the body of the container.
  • the outer surface and the inner surface of the preform both taper slightly towards the closed end of the tube, being defined by the inner mould surface of the cavity insert and the outer mould surface of the injection core, respectively.
  • the plastics material is injected through the injection nozzle at the bottom end of the tube.
  • the rim section of the preform which is to form the mouth of the container and surrounds the opening to the tubular section of the preform is described in more detail below.
  • the injection moulding apparatus is provided with appropriate cooling channels around the cavity insert, and a cooling tube extends into the interior of the injection core so as to cool the mould core portion within the tubular part of the preform.
  • the injection moulding machine is conventional.
  • the preform When sufficiently solid the preform is then removed from the injection moulding apparatus. This is achieved by retracting the injection core, and slightly retracting the neck splits on the neck split carrying plate.
  • the preform can then be removed from the mould, if necessary with the application of some pressure from the bottom through the injection orifice.
  • FIG. 2 shows the overall shape of the preform 1 .
  • the closed-end tube 9 forms the greater part of the length of the preform, and terminates at the rim portion.
  • the annular or outwardly-extending flange has an upper surface and a lower surface.
  • the upper surface is in part over the tubular wall portion, which thus depends from the inner edge of the flange.
  • the upper surface carries an upstanding first detent 10 at or towards its radially inner edge.
  • the detent on its inner periphery is generally perpendicular to the upper surface, and on its outer face is generally perpendicular to the upper surface.
  • the outer end of the flange has an upwardly extending second detent 11 .
  • the lower surface of the flange carries a first downwardly extending flange 13 towards its outer end. There is also a second downwardly extending flange 14 extending from the lower surface of the flange, towards the middle of the flange, approximately half way between the first detent and second detent.
  • the preform is transferred to a pressure moulding (or blow moulding) machine, a section through which is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
  • the operation that takes place in the pressure moulding machine is to (1) expand the tube portion of the container to fill the inside of the mould and form the body of the container and then (2) move the first detent downwardly and outwardly, relative to the second detent.
  • the mould parts of the machine define the final shape of the container.
  • the exterior part of the body of the container is defined by three mould parts, namely two generally semi-cylindrical side mould parts 6 separable at an axial plane, and a base plate 7 forming the base of the container.
  • the blow mould also includes neck splits carried by a neck split carrying plate.
  • the blow mould also includes a piston 15 which can exert a controlled pressure of 600 kPa or higher, e.g. from 1000 to 1500 kPa, for from 0.1 to 1 s, e.g. about 0.5 s.
  • the piston is provided with a stop so that it can only move a controlled, predetermined, distance.
  • the pressure moulding machine includes a corridor 15 a , within which the piston 15 can move.
  • the first detent can be located within this corridor.
  • a wall of the corridor contacts the preform at a point between where the tube 9 extends from the radially inner end of the flange 8 and the first detent 10 , such that the wall forms a barrier between the first detent and the parts of the preform exposed to the pressure that is applied to expand the tube. This therefore ensures that during the expansion of the tube under pressure, the first detent 10 is not exposed to the pressure and so does not move downwardly and outwardly at that stage.
  • the preform 1 When the preform 1 is first inserted in the moulding machine, it is carried by the exterior portion of the rim, and in particular the second detent 11 on the exterior of the rim, engaging with correspondingly-shaped portions on the lower internal surface of the neck splits.
  • the operation of the moulding machine in shaping the container will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 .
  • the first detent is protected from the effect of the pressure due to the piston 15 and the associated corridor 15 a in which it moves shielding the first detent from the pressurised air.
  • the first detent moves pivotally around the second detent, due to bending of the flange portion particularly at its outer region.
  • the result of this movement is that the upper surface of the flange now faces inwardly rather than upwardly, and forms the inward part of the mouth of the container.
  • the first detent now projects inwardly into the container opening. In this position, as described below, a lid can be push-fitted onto the rim portion of the container, to engage the first, now inwardly facing, detent.
  • FIG. 5 shows the preform 1 in the moulding machine, with the blow core 16 of the moulding apparatus now inserted in the mouth of the is mould cavity.
  • the blow core is shaped to seal against the top of the mould when fully inserted and has a central throughway through which passes a stretch rod or pin 17 which can be extended to reach the bottom of the mould cavity, as described below.
  • the longitudinal passage through which the blow pin passes is wide enough also to provide for the flow of air under pressure through the blow core past the blow pin and into the interior of the tubular portion of the preform.
  • An air inlet guide bush is provided within the blow core.
  • the blow core extends into the tubular section below the periphery of the rim portion of the preform.
  • the blow pin is now fully inserted into the mould cavity, causing the production of a stretched tubular section 1 a which is stretched longitudinally down to the bottom end of the mould, as shown in FIG. 4 .
  • This stretching operation is important in providing strength to the finished container when made of PET or PEN.
  • the mould parts may carry desired shaping to provide a more complex shaping for the container in well known manner.
  • the underside of the flange melts into and becomes homogeneous with the downward flange 14 , thereby providing strength and solidity to the structure.
  • the lid 19 has a peripheral trough 21 suitable for receipt of and engagement with the first upwardly facing detent.
  • the lid also has an engaging portion 22 located radially inwardly from the peripheral trough for receipt under and engagement with the inwardly facing first detent 10 , to secure the lid on the container.
  • the peripheral trough 21 is defined between an inner cylindrical flange 21 a and an outer cylindrical flange 21 b .
  • the inner cylindrical flange is fixed, whilst the outer cylindrical flange is hinged, being a “click-lock” type hinge. Specifically, it moves about hinge 21 c so that it can move from an open position where it does not engage with the first upwardly facing detent (as shown in FIG. 9 ) to a closed position where it does engage with the first upwardly facing detent.
  • the outer cylindrical flange is discontinuous and is made up of six regularly spaced sections.
  • the lid may be polyethylene or polypropylene.
  • the lid 29 has a peripheral trough 31 and an engaging portion 30 as above; however the peripheral trough 31 is defined between a fixed inner cylindrical flange 31 a and a fixed outer cylindrical flange 31 b.
  • the fixed outer cylindrical flange 31 b is shaped to engage with the external lugs 32 , so that the lugs hold the lid in place on the container.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Geometry (AREA)
  • Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
US12/827,311 2010-05-21 2010-06-30 Containers Abandoned US20110287197A1 (en)

Priority Applications (13)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201180025198.3A CN102985246B (zh) 2010-05-21 2011-05-20 带有限定开口的边缘部的容器、制造所述容器的方法和设备
BR112012029214A BR112012029214A2 (pt) 2010-05-21 2011-05-20 método de produzir um recipiente,recipiente, e, aparelho para produzir um recipiente
MX2012013526A MX338484B (es) 2010-05-21 2011-05-20 Un contenedor con una porcion de orilla que define una abertura, metodo y aparato para fabricar el contenedor.
GB1108526.3A GB2480557B (en) 2010-05-21 2011-05-20 Containers
PCT/GB2011/050960 WO2011144944A1 (fr) 2010-05-21 2011-05-20 Contenant présentant une partie de rebord définissant une ouverture, procédé et appareil pour la fabrication dudit contenant
CA2798418A CA2798418A1 (fr) 2010-05-21 2011-05-20 Contenant presentant une partie de rebord definissant une ouverture, procede et appareil pour la fabrication dudit contenant
EP11726475A EP2571670A1 (fr) 2010-05-21 2011-05-20 Contenant présentant une partie de rebord définissant une ouverture, procédé et appareil pour la fabrication dudit contenant
AU2011254341A AU2011254341B2 (en) 2010-05-21 2011-05-20 A container with a rim portion defining an opening, method and apparatus making said container
RU2012155592/05A RU2600385C2 (ru) 2010-05-21 2011-05-20 Контейнеры
US13/699,081 US9156217B2 (en) 2010-05-21 2011-05-20 Container with a rim portion defining an opening, method and apparatus making said container
IL222839A IL222839A (en) 2010-05-21 2012-11-04 Container with a peripheral part that defines an opening and method and device for creating it
ZA2012/08427A ZA201208427B (en) 2010-05-21 2012-11-08 A container with a rim portion defining an opening, method and apparatus making said container
US14/858,460 US20160185491A1 (en) 2010-05-21 2015-09-18 Container with a rim portion defining an opening, method and apparatus making said container

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1008520.7 2010-05-21
GBGB1008520.7A GB201008520D0 (en) 2010-05-21 2010-05-21 Containers

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2011/050960 Continuation-In-Part WO2011144944A1 (fr) 2010-05-21 2011-05-20 Contenant présentant une partie de rebord définissant une ouverture, procédé et appareil pour la fabrication dudit contenant
US13/699,081 Continuation-In-Part US9156217B2 (en) 2010-05-21 2011-05-20 Container with a rim portion defining an opening, method and apparatus making said container

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20110287197A1 true US20110287197A1 (en) 2011-11-24

Family

ID=42341129

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/827,311 Abandoned US20110287197A1 (en) 2010-05-21 2010-06-30 Containers
US13/699,081 Expired - Fee Related US9156217B2 (en) 2010-05-21 2011-05-20 Container with a rim portion defining an opening, method and apparatus making said container
US14/858,460 Abandoned US20160185491A1 (en) 2010-05-21 2015-09-18 Container with a rim portion defining an opening, method and apparatus making said container

Family Applications After (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/699,081 Expired - Fee Related US9156217B2 (en) 2010-05-21 2011-05-20 Container with a rim portion defining an opening, method and apparatus making said container
US14/858,460 Abandoned US20160185491A1 (en) 2010-05-21 2015-09-18 Container with a rim portion defining an opening, method and apparatus making said container

Country Status (12)

Country Link
US (3) US20110287197A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2571670A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN102985246B (fr)
AU (1) AU2011254341B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR112012029214A2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2798418A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB201008520D0 (fr)
IL (1) IL222839A (fr)
MX (1) MX338484B (fr)
RU (1) RU2600385C2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2011144944A1 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA201208427B (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110089613A1 (en) * 2004-03-25 2011-04-21 Krones Ag Process and Device for the Manufacture of a Particularly Heat-Resistant Hollow Body
US20130146495A1 (en) * 2010-08-20 2013-06-13 Nestec S.A. In-mould labelled container
EP3441208A1 (fr) * 2010-12-17 2019-02-13 Dispensing Technologies B.V. Préformes améliorées pour applications flair
CN116603134A (zh) * 2023-06-06 2023-08-18 嘉兴德鑫电子科技有限公司 一种无针注射器

Families Citing this family (2)

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JP7379831B2 (ja) * 2019-02-28 2023-11-15 セイコーエプソン株式会社 液体容器
CN110667017B (zh) * 2019-10-08 2021-10-12 平湖新仕鑫新材料股份有限公司 一种利用气压力使箱包定位精准的塑形设备

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US4894268A (en) 1987-12-07 1990-01-16 Sonoco Products Company Stretch blow-molded polyethylene terephthalate wide mouth container and intermediate article
DE4034226C1 (en) * 1990-10-29 1992-02-13 Schuetz-Werke Gmbh & Co Kg, 5418 Selters, De Wide necked plastics container - has border section below opening to accommodate tensioning ring for lid
GB9524554D0 (en) 1995-11-30 1996-01-31 Britton Charles J Base structures of blow moulded plastic bottles for pressurised containers
GB9524553D0 (en) 1995-11-30 1996-01-31 Britton Charles J Plastic lever lid tins
GB9524456D0 (en) * 1995-11-30 1996-01-31 Britton Charles J Injection stretch blowform moulding
AU7409498A (en) 1996-11-28 1998-06-22 Constar International Holland B.V. Preform manufacture
EP0999026B1 (fr) 1998-11-05 2003-08-20 Milliken Europe N.V. Méthode de fabrication d'articles formés par moulage et articles formés tels qu'obtenus par cette méthode
GB2388364B (en) * 2002-05-07 2005-11-23 Charles Jonathan Britton Manufacture of bottle with push-on closure
GB2398267B (en) 2003-02-12 2006-10-18 Gaydog Ltd Container and method and apparatuus for making the same
US6971530B2 (en) 2003-12-12 2005-12-06 Plastipak Packaging, Inc. Plastic container having stepped neck finish
GB2443807A (en) 2006-11-15 2008-05-21 Plastic Can Company Ltd Method and apparatus for making a container with a pressure accommodating base
GB0623325D0 (en) 2006-11-22 2007-01-03 Plastic Can Company The Ltd Method and apparatus for making a container with a handle

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110089613A1 (en) * 2004-03-25 2011-04-21 Krones Ag Process and Device for the Manufacture of a Particularly Heat-Resistant Hollow Body
US9044892B2 (en) * 2004-03-25 2015-06-02 Krones Ag Process and device for the manufacture of a particularly heat-resistant hollow body
US20130146495A1 (en) * 2010-08-20 2013-06-13 Nestec S.A. In-mould labelled container
US8833235B2 (en) * 2010-08-20 2014-09-16 Nestec S.A. In-mould labelled container
EP3441208A1 (fr) * 2010-12-17 2019-02-13 Dispensing Technologies B.V. Préformes améliorées pour applications flair
CN116603134A (zh) * 2023-06-06 2023-08-18 嘉兴德鑫电子科技有限公司 一种无针注射器

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN102985246A (zh) 2013-03-20
EP2571670A1 (fr) 2013-03-27
CA2798418A1 (fr) 2011-11-24
MX338484B (es) 2016-04-19
MX2012013526A (es) 2013-04-03
US9156217B2 (en) 2015-10-13
AU2011254341B2 (en) 2015-10-22
RU2012155592A (ru) 2014-06-27
ZA201208427B (en) 2013-09-25
GB201008520D0 (en) 2010-07-07
CN102985246B (zh) 2015-07-01
US20160185491A1 (en) 2016-06-30
RU2600385C2 (ru) 2016-10-20
AU2011254341A1 (en) 2012-11-22
IL222839A (en) 2017-10-31
WO2011144944A1 (fr) 2011-11-24
US20130207318A1 (en) 2013-08-15
BR112012029214A2 (pt) 2016-11-29

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