US20050236356A1 - Plastic container and method of integrally securing a neck attachment thereto - Google Patents
Plastic container and method of integrally securing a neck attachment thereto Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050236356A1 US20050236356A1 US10/828,759 US82875904A US2005236356A1 US 20050236356 A1 US20050236356 A1 US 20050236356A1 US 82875904 A US82875904 A US 82875904A US 2005236356 A1 US2005236356 A1 US 2005236356A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- neck
- ring
- container
- set forth
- method set
- 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
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Classifications
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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
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
- B65D41/04—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
- B65D41/08—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation engaging a threaded ring clamped on the external periphery of the neck or wall
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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
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/56—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits
-
- 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
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/56—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using mechanical means or mechanical connections, e.g. form-fits
- B29C65/58—Snap connection
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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
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
- B29C66/124—Tongue and groove joints
- B29C66/1244—Tongue and groove joints characterised by the male part, i.e. the part comprising the tongue
- B29C66/12441—Tongue and groove joints characterised by the male part, i.e. the part comprising the tongue being a single wall
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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
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
- B29C66/124—Tongue and groove joints
- B29C66/1246—Tongue and groove joints characterised by the female part, i.e. the part comprising the groove
- B29C66/12461—Tongue and groove joints characterised by the female part, i.e. the part comprising the groove being rounded, i.e. U-shaped or C-shaped
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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
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
- B29C66/23—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations
- B29C66/232—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations said joint lines being multiple and parallel, i.e. the joint being formed by several parallel joint lines
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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
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
- B29C66/534—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars
- B29C66/5344—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially annular, i.e. of finite length, e.g. joining flanges to tube ends
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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
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
- B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
- B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
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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
- B65D23/00—Details of bottles or jars not otherwise provided for
- B65D23/10—Handles
- B65D23/104—Handles formed separately
- B65D23/106—Handles formed separately the gripping region of the handle extending between the neck and the base of the bottle or jar and being located in a radial plane comprising the axis of the bottle or jar
-
- 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
- B29C49/20—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor of articles having inserts or reinforcements ; Handling of inserts or reinforcements
- B29C2049/2021—Inserts characterised by the material or type
- B29C2049/2026—Neck portions
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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
- B29C57/00—Shaping of tube ends, e.g. flanging, belling or closing; Apparatus therefor, e.g. collapsible mandrels
- B29C57/02—Belling or enlarging, e.g. combined with forming a groove
- B29C57/04—Belling or enlarging, e.g. combined with forming a groove using mechanical means
-
- 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
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/303—Particular design of joint configurations the joint involving an anchoring effect
- B29C66/3032—Particular design of joint configurations the joint involving an anchoring effect making use of protusions or cavities belonging to at least one of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/30325—Particular design of joint configurations the joint involving an anchoring effect making use of protusions or cavities belonging to at least one of the parts to be joined making use of cavities belonging to at least one of the parts to be joined
-
- 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
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
-
- 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
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/723—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered
- B29C66/7234—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered comprising a barrier layer
-
- 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
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/8141—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined
- B29C66/81411—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat
- B29C66/81415—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat being bevelled
- B29C66/81419—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat being bevelled and flat
-
- 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
- B29L2031/46—Knobs or handles, push-buttons, grips
- B29L2031/463—Grips, handles
-
- 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
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to manufacture of containers, and more particularly to the manufacture of plastic containers having components, such as finish rings and handles, assembled thereto.
- Containers for flowable products have been formed of plastic by a variety of methods.
- plastic containers have been blow molded from preforms to provide container bodies having integral neck finishes and handles.
- plastic containers have been formed with a container body, including a neck finish integral with the container body, and a handle separately attached to the container.
- Other containers have been formed by positioning an injected molded handle and finish in a blow mold so that the handle and finish are incorporated into the container as it is blow molded.
- a container body may be desirable to form separately from a neck finish and/or handle.
- a neck finish that is integrally formed with a preform typically requires more accurate and stable dimensioning than the rest of body of the preform, which may limit the cycle time of the preform molding process.
- the blow molds used to form the container body can be more simple in design in that they do not require pockets to form or hold an integrally molded handle. It may also be desirable to use a different plastic material for strength, color, esthetics or cost issues, for example, wherein the handle and finish need not be made of the same material as the container body.
- the invention includes a number of different aspects, which may be implemented separately from or, more preferably, in combination with each other.
- a method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes the steps of providing a container having a neck, providing a container attachment having a circumferentially continuous ring, telescoping the ring over the neck, and radially expanding the neck to secure the attachment to the neck.
- a method of making a handled container that includes the steps of providing a container having a neck, providing a handle having a circumferentially continuous ring, telescoping the ring externally over the neck, and radially expanding the neck to secure the handle to the neck.
- a method of making a handled container that includes the steps of pressure molding a preform having a body and a neck with at least one external engagement element, providing a handle having a circumferentially continuous attachment ring, blow molding the body of the preform to form the body of a container having the neck extending therefrom. Either prior to or subsequent to the blow molding step, the method further includes telescoping the ring of the handle over the neck of the container until the ring is adjacent to the at least one external engagement element, and then expanding at least a portion of the neck containing the at least one external engagement element radially outwardly into engagement with the ring to secure the handle to the neck.
- a container that includes a body, a neck extending from the body, and an attachment that includes an attachment ring encircling a portion of the neck, the portion of the neck being strain hardened by radial expansion against an inside diameter of the ring.
- an attachment for a container having a body and a neck extending from the body wherein the neck includes a pair of external engagement beads, the attachment includes a ring having an internal diametrical surface having at least one anti-rotational engagement feature, wherein the attachment is adapted for securement to the neck of the container between the pair of external engagement beads and further wherein the pair of external engagement beads axially restrain the ring and the at least one anti-rotational engagement feature rotationally restrains the ring from movement relative to the container.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preform for use with a method according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a container blow-molded from the preform of FIG. 1 and for use with a method according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary schematic illustration of a container assembly being produced from a separate finish ring attachment and the container of FIG. 2 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a fragmentary schematic illustration of a container assembly being produced from a separate, integrated finish ring and handle attachment and the container of FIG. 2 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a partially assembled version of the container assembly of FIG. 3 , which illustrates a method step according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 5 , after the method step is complete, wherein a neck of the container is radially expanded into engagement with an attachment such that the attachment is integrally secured to the neck;
- FIG. 6 is an elevational view that illustrates a method step for integrally attaching a handle to a container according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7 is an elevational view that illustrates another method step for integrally attaching the handle of FIG. 6 to the container of FIG. 6 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the completed container assembly of FIG. 7 taken along line A-A thereof;
- FIG. 8 is an elevational view that illustrates a method step for integrally attaching a handle to a container having a neck portion that is narrower at one end than at a finish end, according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a preform 10 that includes a closed end 12 and an oppositely disposed open end 14 .
- a body portion 16 extends from the closed end 12 toward the open end 14 and terminates in the form of a neck 18 .
- the neck 18 extends upward from the body portion 16 to include an integral annular support flange 20 , further extends upward to include integral first and second orienting beads or rings 22 , 24 and terminates at the open end 14 .
- the neck portion 18 of the preform 10 particularly that portion between the orienting rings 22 , 24 inclusive, is preferably provided with knurling surface features.
- Knurling surface features are defined herein as a pattern of small ridges, beads, or cross-hatches provided on a surface to aid in gripping another surface to be placed in contact therewith.
- the preform 10 may be of monolayer construction, or may be of multilayer construction having an inner layer of barrier resin, for example, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and outer layers composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) or the like, or any other suitable container materials.
- the preform 10 may be produced by a pressure molding operation such as injection or compression molding. Subsequently, the preform 10 may be blow molded to form a blow-molded container 110 as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the container 110 shown includes a closed bottom end 112 and the oppositely disposed open end 14 .
- a body portion 116 extends from the closed end 112 toward the open end 14 , tapers in the form of a shoulder 1117 , and terminates in the form of the neck 18 .
- the neck 18 extends upward from the shoulder 117 to include integral annular support flange 20 , further extends upward to include integral first and second orienting beads or rings 22 , 24 and terminates at the open end 14 .
- knurling features are provided on the neck 18 , preferably between the orienting rings 22 , 24 .
- FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a method step in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein an attachment in the form of a circumferentially continuous finish ring 126 is telescoped over the neck of the container 110 , as directionally depicted by the arrow.
- the finish ring 126 and container neck 18 are introduced together lengthwise or axially, with the container neck 18 entering the finish ring 126 as the result of the bringing together or collision of the container 110 and finish ring 126 .
- the finish ring 126 is placed over the container neck 18 before the container 110 has cooled off from the blow molding step and, thus, while the container material is still relatively soft. It is also contemplated that this step could be completed after the container 110 has cooled.
- the finish ring 126 includes a top surface 128 , an oppositely disposed bottom surface 130 parallel to top surface 128 , and inner and outer diametrical surfaces 132 , 134 extending perpendicularly therebetween.
- the outer diametrical surface 134 include threads 136 or thread-like features or segments integrally formed thereon.
- the inner diametrical surface 132 includes annular recesses 138 formed therein, and further preferably includes knurling features disposed between the recesses 138 .
- the finish ring 126 is telescoped over the neck 18 until the bottom surface 130 of the finish ring 126 contacts a top surface 142 of the support flange 120 .
- the finish ring 126 may be injection or compression molded and composed of any desired material, particularly any material that is different from the material composition of the preform and container.
- the material and conditions of fabrication of the finish ring 126 may be selected separately from the material and fabrication conditions of the preform to achieve more optimal operating characteristics of the finish area of the container 110 .
- the preform and container 110 can be molded with relatively thinner wall sections without having to accommodate the flow of molten plastic material into a relatively thicker finish area, which reduces material cost and mold cycle time.
- the finish ring 126 is composed of polypropylene (PP) or the like, or any other plastic material having sufficient resiliency to elastically expand and retract.
- a finish ring 226 shown in FIG. 4 is identical to the finish ring 126 of FIG. 3 , except the finish ring 226 of FIG. 4 is provided with an integrally extending handle 244 extending from a bottom surface 230 (or any other surface). Stated another way, the handle 244 has a circumferentially continuous member integrally attached thereto. In any case, the finish ring 226 is telescoped over the neck 18 of the container 110 , as described previously.
- FIG. 5 schematically depicts a securing step of a method of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a mandrel or anvil A is inserted within the open end 14 of the container 110 .
- the anvil A or a plurality of sequential anvils, may be used to stretch neck finishes of different containers to various desired sizes.
- the anvil A may be a single solid tool as shown, or may be a multipiece expandable tool such as an expanding mandrel or the like.
- the anvil A is driven into the container 110 such that a tapered surface T of the anvil A first works on the open end 14 and then an outer diameter D of the anvil A works on an inner surface 146 of the neck 118 so as to radially outwardly displace and plastically deform the neck 118 until the first and second rings 22 , 24 seat within their respective recesses 138 of the finish ring 126 and the corresponding knurling features of the container neck 18 and the finish ring 126 interengage under compression. Accordingly, at least a portion of the finish ring 126 is axially captured between the rings 22 , 24 of the container 110 .
- the material for the container 110 and finish ring 126 be selected such that motion of the anvil A will significantly plastically deform the neck 118 of the container 110 and merely elastically deform the neck ring 126 .
- this step is executed while the container 110 is still relatively warm from the preceding preforming and blow molding steps.
- the neck 18 of the container 110 could be heated in any manner, to maintain the neck 18 in a relatively soft and flexible state.
- the finish ring 126 is not substantially radially expanded during the radial expansion step.
- the resultant snug, interlocking fit between the rings 122 , 124 and the recesses 138 is provided to prevent relative axial movement between the container neck 18 and the finish ring 126 .
- the interengagement of the knurling features provides added frictional resistance to rotational movement between the container neck 18 and the finish ring 126 .
- FIG. 5A illustrates an assembled version of FIG. 5 taken in the form of a transverse cross-section along line A-A thereof.
- the finish ring 126 includes a radially extending lug 148 formed on the inner diametrical surface 132
- the container 110 includes a radially extending pocket 152 formed in the neck 118 and which is adapted for receiving the lug 148 of the finish ring 126 .
- the interlocking lug 148 and pocket 152 are provided to prevent relative rotation between the container 110 and finish ring 126 .
- FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- a container 310 includes a closed end (not shown) and an oppositely disposed open end 314 .
- a body portion 316 extends from the closed end toward the open end 314 , tapers in the form of a shoulder 317 , and terminates at a neck 318 .
- the neck 318 extends upward from the shoulder 317 to include a pair of retaining beads or rings 319 , extends upward further to include an integral annular support flange 320 , further extends upward to include an integral neck finish 321 and terminates at the open end 314 .
- the neck finish 321 includes one or more threads or thread segments 323 thereon for securing a closure member (not shown) to the container 310 .
- An attachment in the form of a handle 326 includes a circumferentially continuous ring 327 having a top surface 328 and an curved stem 329 integrally extending from a bottom surface 330 of the ring 327 .
- the handle 326 may be injection or compression molded and composed of any desired material, including even the same the material composition as the container 310 .
- the handle 126 is composed of polypropylene (PP) or the like, having sufficient resiliency to elastically expand and retract.
- the handle 326 is shown being telescoped over the neck 318 of the container 310 , as depicted by the directional arrows.
- the ring 327 of the handle 326 and the container neck 318 are introduced together lengthwise or axially, with the container neck 318 entering the ring 327 .
- the ring 327 includes an inner diameter 332 that is provided just larger than the outer diametrical size of the support flange 320 such that the ring 327 passes freely thereover.
- the handle 326 is lowered until the ring 327 is axially located substantially between the retaining rings 319 of the container 310 .
- FIG. 7 schematically depicts an assembly step of a method of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the anvil A is inserted within the open end 314 of the container 310 .
- the anvil A includes a tapered surface T and an outer diameter D that is sized just larger than the internal diameter of the neck 318 .
- the anvil A is driven into the container 310 such that the tapered surface T of the anvil A first works on the open end 314 and then the outer diameter D of the anvil A works on an inner surface (not shown) of the neck 318 so as to radially outwardly displace and plastically deform the neck 318 until the rings 319 , by virtue of the radial outward displacement thereof, capture the ring 327 of the handle 326 therebetween.
- the materials for the components are selected such that motion of the anvil A will largely plastically deform the neck 318 of the container 310 and largely elastically deform the ring 327 of the handle 326 .
- the snug, entrapping fit of the ring 327 of the handle 326 between the rings 319 of the container 310 is provided to prevent relative axial movement between the container neck 318 and the handle 326 .
- the interengagement of the knurling features provides added frictional resistance to rotational movement between the container neck 318 and the handle 326 .
- FIG. 7A illustrates an assembled version of FIG. 7 taken in the form of a transverse cross-section along line A-A thereof.
- the ring 327 of the handle 326 includes a radially extending lug 348 formed on the inner diametrical surface 332
- the container 310 includes a radially extending pocket 352 formed in the neck 318 and adapted for receiving the lug 348 of the ring 327 .
- the interlocking lug 348 and pocket 352 are provided to prevent relative rotation between the container 310 and handle 326 .
- FIG. 8 depicts another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- a container 410 includes a closed end (not shown) and an oppositely disposed open end 414 .
- a body portion 416 extends from the closed end toward the open end 414 , tapers in the form of a shoulder 417 , and terminates in the form of a neck 418 .
- the neck 418 extends forward from the shoulder 417 to include a reduced diameter portion 418 ′ having a pair of retaining rings 419 , extends forward further to include an integral annular capping flange 420 , further extends forward to include an integral neck finish 421 , and terminates at the open end 414 .
- the neck finish 421 includes one or more threads 423 thereon for securing a closure member (not shown) to the container 410 .
- the container 410 is largely the same as the container 310 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , except that the neck finish 421 is provided in size as the desired final finish size and thus does not get stretched during the stretching operation, while the neck 418 includes the reduced diameter portion 418 ′ which does get stretched during the stretching operation.
- an attachment in the form of a handle 426 includes a circumferentially continuous ring 427 having a top surface 428 and a stem 429 extending from the ring 427 .
- the handle 426 may be injection or compression molded and composed of any desired material, including even the same the material composition as the container 410 .
- the handle 426 is composed of polypropylene (PP) or the like, having sufficient resiliency to elastically expand and retract.
- the handle 426 is shown being telescoped over the neck 418 of the container 410 , as depicted by the directional arrows.
- the ring 427 of the handle 426 and the container neck 418 are introduced together lengthwise or axially, with the container neck 418 entering the ring 427 as the result of collision therebetween.
- the ring 427 includes an inner diameter 432 that is sized to be just larger than the outer diameter size of the capping flange 420 such that the ring 427 passes freely thereover.
- the handle 426 is lowered until the ring 427 is axially located substantially between the retaining rings 419 of the container 410 .
- FIG. 8 also schematically depicts an assembly or securing step of a method of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the anvil A is inserted within the open end 414 of the container 410 .
- the outer diameter D of the anvil A is smaller than the inner diameter of the integral neck finish 421 but is larger than the reduced diameter portion 418 ′.
- the anvil A is driven into the container 410 such that the tapered surface T′ of the anvil A′ first works on the open end 414 and then an outer diameter D′ of the anvil A′ works on an inner surface (not shown) of the reduced diameter portion 418 ′ of the neck 418 so as to radially outwardly displace and plastically deform the reduced diameter portion 418 ′ of the neck 418 until the rings 419 entrap the ring 427 of the handle 426 therebetween.
- the present invention also provides a simplified method of orienting a finish or handle to a container and minimizes undesired rotation of an attachment relative to a container neck.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention is directed to manufacture of containers, and more particularly to the manufacture of plastic containers having components, such as finish rings and handles, assembled thereto.
- Containers for flowable products, such as liquids and granular products, have been formed of plastic by a variety of methods. For example, plastic containers have been blow molded from preforms to provide container bodies having integral neck finishes and handles. Also, plastic containers have been formed with a container body, including a neck finish integral with the container body, and a handle separately attached to the container. Other containers have been formed by positioning an injected molded handle and finish in a blow mold so that the handle and finish are incorporated into the container as it is blow molded.
- In at least some instances, it may be desirable to form a container body separately from a neck finish and/or handle. One reason is that a neck finish that is integrally formed with a preform typically requires more accurate and stable dimensioning than the rest of body of the preform, which may limit the cycle time of the preform molding process. Another reason is that the blow molds used to form the container body can be more simple in design in that they do not require pockets to form or hold an integrally molded handle. It may also be desirable to use a different plastic material for strength, color, esthetics or cost issues, for example, wherein the handle and finish need not be made of the same material as the container body.
- The invention includes a number of different aspects, which may be implemented separately from or, more preferably, in combination with each other.
- A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes the steps of providing a container having a neck, providing a container attachment having a circumferentially continuous ring, telescoping the ring over the neck, and radially expanding the neck to secure the attachment to the neck.
- In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making a handled container that includes the steps of providing a container having a neck, providing a handle having a circumferentially continuous ring, telescoping the ring externally over the neck, and radially expanding the neck to secure the handle to the neck.
- In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making a handled container that includes the steps of pressure molding a preform having a body and a neck with at least one external engagement element, providing a handle having a circumferentially continuous attachment ring, blow molding the body of the preform to form the body of a container having the neck extending therefrom. Either prior to or subsequent to the blow molding step, the method further includes telescoping the ring of the handle over the neck of the container until the ring is adjacent to the at least one external engagement element, and then expanding at least a portion of the neck containing the at least one external engagement element radially outwardly into engagement with the ring to secure the handle to the neck.
- In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a container that includes a body, a neck extending from the body, and an attachment that includes an attachment ring encircling a portion of the neck, the portion of the neck being strain hardened by radial expansion against an inside diameter of the ring.
- In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment for a container having a body and a neck extending from the body wherein the neck includes a pair of external engagement beads, the attachment includes a ring having an internal diametrical surface having at least one anti-rotational engagement feature, wherein the attachment is adapted for securement to the neck of the container between the pair of external engagement beads and further wherein the pair of external engagement beads axially restrain the ring and the at least one anti-rotational engagement feature rotationally restrains the ring from movement relative to the container.
- The invention, together with additional objects, features, advantages and aspects thereof, will be best understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preform for use with a method according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a container blow-molded from the preform ofFIG. 1 and for use with a method according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary schematic illustration of a container assembly being produced from a separate finish ring attachment and the container ofFIG. 2 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary schematic illustration of a container assembly being produced from a separate, integrated finish ring and handle attachment and the container ofFIG. 2 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a partially assembled version of the container assembly ofFIG. 3 , which illustrates a method step according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 5 , after the method step is complete, wherein a neck of the container is radially expanded into engagement with an attachment such that the attachment is integrally secured to the neck; -
FIG. 6 is an elevational view that illustrates a method step for integrally attaching a handle to a container according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is an elevational view that illustrates another method step for integrally attaching the handle ofFIG. 6 to the container ofFIG. 6 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the completed container assembly ofFIG. 7 taken along line A-A thereof; and -
FIG. 8 is an elevational view that illustrates a method step for integrally attaching a handle to a container having a neck portion that is narrower at one end than at a finish end, according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 1 illustrates apreform 10 that includes a closedend 12 and an oppositely disposedopen end 14. Abody portion 16 extends from the closedend 12 toward theopen end 14 and terminates in the form of aneck 18. Theneck 18 extends upward from thebody portion 16 to include an integralannular support flange 20, further extends upward to include integral first and second orienting beads orrings open end 14. For reasons that will be discussed below, theneck portion 18 of thepreform 10, particularly that portion between theorienting rings preform 10 may be of monolayer construction, or may be of multilayer construction having an inner layer of barrier resin, for example, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and outer layers composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) or the like, or any other suitable container materials. Thepreform 10 may be produced by a pressure molding operation such as injection or compression molding. Subsequently, thepreform 10 may be blow molded to form a blow-moldedcontainer 110 as shown inFIG. 2 . - In
FIG. 2 , thecontainer 110 shown includes a closedbottom end 112 and the oppositely disposedopen end 14. Abody portion 116 extends from the closedend 112 toward theopen end 14, tapers in the form of a shoulder 1117, and terminates in the form of theneck 18. Theneck 18 extends upward from the shoulder 117 to include integralannular support flange 20, further extends upward to include integral first and second orienting beads orrings open end 14. Again, via thepreform 10 ofFIG. 1 , knurling features are provided on theneck 18, preferably between theorienting rings -
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a method step in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein an attachment in the form of a circumferentiallycontinuous finish ring 126 is telescoped over the neck of thecontainer 110, as directionally depicted by the arrow. In other words, thefinish ring 126 andcontainer neck 18 are introduced together lengthwise or axially, with thecontainer neck 18 entering thefinish ring 126 as the result of the bringing together or collision of thecontainer 110 andfinish ring 126. Preferably, thefinish ring 126 is placed over thecontainer neck 18 before thecontainer 110 has cooled off from the blow molding step and, thus, while the container material is still relatively soft. It is also contemplated that this step could be completed after thecontainer 110 has cooled. Thefinish ring 126 includes atop surface 128, an oppositely disposedbottom surface 130 parallel totop surface 128, and inner and outerdiametrical surfaces diametrical surface 134 includethreads 136 or thread-like features or segments integrally formed thereon. The innerdiametrical surface 132 includesannular recesses 138 formed therein, and further preferably includes knurling features disposed between therecesses 138. Thefinish ring 126 is telescoped over theneck 18 until thebottom surface 130 of thefinish ring 126 contacts a top surface 142 of the support flange 120. Thefinish ring 126 may be injection or compression molded and composed of any desired material, particularly any material that is different from the material composition of the preform and container. In other words, the material and conditions of fabrication of thefinish ring 126 may be selected separately from the material and fabrication conditions of the preform to achieve more optimal operating characteristics of the finish area of thecontainer 110. Thus, the preform andcontainer 110 can be molded with relatively thinner wall sections without having to accommodate the flow of molten plastic material into a relatively thicker finish area, which reduces material cost and mold cycle time. Preferably, however, thefinish ring 126 is composed of polypropylene (PP) or the like, or any other plastic material having sufficient resiliency to elastically expand and retract. - A finish ring 226 shown in
FIG. 4 is identical to thefinish ring 126 ofFIG. 3 , except the finish ring 226 ofFIG. 4 is provided with an integrally extending handle 244 extending from a bottom surface 230 (or any other surface). Stated another way, the handle 244 has a circumferentially continuous member integrally attached thereto. In any case, the finish ring 226 is telescoped over theneck 18 of thecontainer 110, as described previously. -
FIG. 5 schematically depicts a securing step of a method of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a mandrel or anvil A is inserted within theopen end 14 of thecontainer 110. The anvil A, or a plurality of sequential anvils, may be used to stretch neck finishes of different containers to various desired sizes. The anvil A may be a single solid tool as shown, or may be a multipiece expandable tool such as an expanding mandrel or the like. The anvil A is driven into thecontainer 110 such that a tapered surface T of the anvil A first works on theopen end 14 and then an outer diameter D of the anvil A works on aninner surface 146 of theneck 118 so as to radially outwardly displace and plastically deform theneck 118 until the first andsecond rings respective recesses 138 of thefinish ring 126 and the corresponding knurling features of thecontainer neck 18 and thefinish ring 126 interengage under compression. Accordingly, at least a portion of thefinish ring 126 is axially captured between therings container 110. It is contemplated that the material for thecontainer 110 andfinish ring 126 be selected such that motion of the anvil A will significantly plastically deform theneck 118 of thecontainer 110 and merely elastically deform theneck ring 126. Preferably, however, this step is executed while thecontainer 110 is still relatively warm from the preceding preforming and blow molding steps. It is contemplated that theneck 18 of thecontainer 110 could be heated in any manner, to maintain theneck 18 in a relatively soft and flexible state. In any case, thefinish ring 126 is not substantially radially expanded during the radial expansion step. The resultant snug, interlocking fit between the rings 122, 124 and therecesses 138 is provided to prevent relative axial movement between thecontainer neck 18 and thefinish ring 126. Similarly, the interengagement of the knurling features provides added frictional resistance to rotational movement between thecontainer neck 18 and thefinish ring 126. - In
FIG. 5A , there is illustrated an additional or alternative feature.FIG. 5A illustrates an assembled version ofFIG. 5 taken in the form of a transverse cross-section along line A-A thereof. Thefinish ring 126 includes aradially extending lug 148 formed on the innerdiametrical surface 132, and thecontainer 110 includes aradially extending pocket 152 formed in theneck 118 and which is adapted for receiving thelug 148 of thefinish ring 126. The interlockinglug 148 andpocket 152 are provided to prevent relative rotation between thecontainer 110 andfinish ring 126. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Acontainer 310 includes a closed end (not shown) and an oppositely disposedopen end 314. Abody portion 316 extends from the closed end toward theopen end 314, tapers in the form of ashoulder 317, and terminates at aneck 318. Theneck 318 extends upward from theshoulder 317 to include a pair of retaining beads or rings 319, extends upward further to include an integralannular support flange 320, further extends upward to include anintegral neck finish 321 and terminates at theopen end 314. Theneck finish 321 includes one or more threads orthread segments 323 thereon for securing a closure member (not shown) to thecontainer 310. An attachment in the form of ahandle 326 includes a circumferentiallycontinuous ring 327 having atop surface 328 and ancurved stem 329 integrally extending from abottom surface 330 of thering 327. Thehandle 326 may be injection or compression molded and composed of any desired material, including even the same the material composition as thecontainer 310. Preferably, however, thehandle 126 is composed of polypropylene (PP) or the like, having sufficient resiliency to elastically expand and retract. Thehandle 326 is shown being telescoped over theneck 318 of thecontainer 310, as depicted by the directional arrows. In other words, thering 327 of thehandle 326 and thecontainer neck 318 are introduced together lengthwise or axially, with thecontainer neck 318 entering thering 327. Thering 327 includes aninner diameter 332 that is provided just larger than the outer diametrical size of thesupport flange 320 such that thering 327 passes freely thereover. Thehandle 326 is lowered until thering 327 is axially located substantially between the retaining rings 319 of thecontainer 310. -
FIG. 7 schematically depicts an assembly step of a method of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the anvil A is inserted within theopen end 314 of thecontainer 310. The anvil A includes a tapered surface T and an outer diameter D that is sized just larger than the internal diameter of theneck 318. The anvil A is driven into thecontainer 310 such that the tapered surface T of the anvil A first works on theopen end 314 and then the outer diameter D of the anvil A works on an inner surface (not shown) of theneck 318 so as to radially outwardly displace and plastically deform theneck 318 until therings 319, by virtue of the radial outward displacement thereof, capture thering 327 of thehandle 326 therebetween. It is contemplated that the materials for the components are selected such that motion of the anvil A will largely plastically deform theneck 318 of thecontainer 310 and largely elastically deform thering 327 of thehandle 326. The snug, entrapping fit of thering 327 of thehandle 326 between therings 319 of thecontainer 310 is provided to prevent relative axial movement between thecontainer neck 318 and thehandle 326. Similarly, the interengagement of the knurling features provides added frictional resistance to rotational movement between thecontainer neck 318 and thehandle 326. - In addition,
FIG. 7A illustrates an assembled version ofFIG. 7 taken in the form of a transverse cross-section along line A-A thereof. InFIG. 7A it can be seen that thering 327 of thehandle 326 includes aradially extending lug 348 formed on the innerdiametrical surface 332, and that thecontainer 310 includes aradially extending pocket 352 formed in theneck 318 and adapted for receiving thelug 348 of thering 327. The interlockinglug 348 andpocket 352 are provided to prevent relative rotation between thecontainer 310 and handle 326. -
FIG. 8 depicts another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Acontainer 410 includes a closed end (not shown) and an oppositely disposedopen end 414. Abody portion 416 extends from the closed end toward theopen end 414, tapers in the form of ashoulder 417, and terminates in the form of aneck 418. Theneck 418 extends forward from theshoulder 417 to include a reduceddiameter portion 418′ having a pair of retainingrings 419, extends forward further to include an integralannular capping flange 420, further extends forward to include anintegral neck finish 421, and terminates at theopen end 414. Theneck finish 421 includes one ormore threads 423 thereon for securing a closure member (not shown) to thecontainer 410. Thus, thecontainer 410 is largely the same as thecontainer 310 shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 , except that theneck finish 421 is provided in size as the desired final finish size and thus does not get stretched during the stretching operation, while theneck 418 includes the reduceddiameter portion 418′ which does get stretched during the stretching operation. - Still referring to
FIG. 8 , an attachment in the form of ahandle 426 includes a circumferentiallycontinuous ring 427 having atop surface 428 and astem 429 extending from thering 427. Thehandle 426 may be injection or compression molded and composed of any desired material, including even the same the material composition as thecontainer 410. Preferably, however, thehandle 426 is composed of polypropylene (PP) or the like, having sufficient resiliency to elastically expand and retract. Thehandle 426 is shown being telescoped over theneck 418 of thecontainer 410, as depicted by the directional arrows. In other words, thering 427 of thehandle 426 and thecontainer neck 418 are introduced together lengthwise or axially, with thecontainer neck 418 entering thering 427 as the result of collision therebetween. Thering 427 includes aninner diameter 432 that is sized to be just larger than the outer diameter size of the cappingflange 420 such that thering 427 passes freely thereover. Thehandle 426 is lowered until thering 427 is axially located substantially between the retaining rings 419 of thecontainer 410. -
FIG. 8 also schematically depicts an assembly or securing step of a method of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the anvil A is inserted within theopen end 414 of thecontainer 410. In contrast to the previous embodiment ofFIG. 7 , here the outer diameter D of the anvil A is smaller than the inner diameter of theintegral neck finish 421 but is larger than the reduceddiameter portion 418′. The anvil A is driven into thecontainer 410 such that the tapered surface T′ of the anvil A′ first works on theopen end 414 and then an outer diameter D′ of the anvil A′ works on an inner surface (not shown) of the reduceddiameter portion 418′ of theneck 418 so as to radially outwardly displace and plastically deform the reduceddiameter portion 418′ of theneck 418 until therings 419 entrap thering 427 of thehandle 426 therebetween. - Several advantages are provided with one or more of the embodiments of the present invention described above. For example, it is now possible to integrally secure an attachment or component to a neck of a container using the same machine or station that is used to stretch the neck finish to desired size, thereby adding value to a container product without adding capital costs. Simultaneously, the neck size of different preform designs can be produced to a common single diameter and thereafter expanded to a variety of desired sizes, thereby minimizing perso parts. Also, the present invention enables the integral securing of an attachment to a container neck using an integral compression fit, rather than the more cumbersome processes of gluing or swaging. It may also be possible to reduce the cost of container manufacture as a result of higher preform cavitation due to employing a smaller common neck size. Finally, the present invention also provides a simplified method of orienting a finish or handle to a container and minimizes undesired rotation of an attachment relative to a container neck.
- There have thus been described a container, an attachment for a container, a method of making a container, and methods of making a handled container that fully satisfy all of the objects and aims previously set forth. The present invention has been disclosed in conjunction with presently preferred embodiments thereof, and a number of modifications and variations have been discussed. Other modifications and variations will readily suggest themselves to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing description. Directional words such as top, bottom, upper, lower, radial, circumferential, and the like are employed by way of description and not limitation. Indeed, the invention is intended to embrace all modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims;
Claims (25)
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/828,759 US20050236356A1 (en) | 2004-04-21 | 2004-04-21 | Plastic container and method of integrally securing a neck attachment thereto |
CA002562043A CA2562043A1 (en) | 2004-04-21 | 2005-04-18 | Plastic container and method of integrally securing a neck attachment thereto |
MXPA06011959A MXPA06011959A (en) | 2004-04-21 | 2005-04-18 | Plastic container and method of integrally securing a neck attachment thereto. |
PCT/US2005/013091 WO2005108047A1 (en) | 2004-04-21 | 2005-04-18 | Plastic container and method of integrally securing a neck attachment thereto |
ARP050101532A AR050499A1 (en) | 2004-04-21 | 2005-04-19 | PLASTIC PACKAGING AND METHOD TO INTEGRALLY FIX A NECK ACCESSORY AT THE SAME |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/828,759 US20050236356A1 (en) | 2004-04-21 | 2004-04-21 | Plastic container and method of integrally securing a neck attachment thereto |
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US20050236356A1 true US20050236356A1 (en) | 2005-10-27 |
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US10/828,759 Abandoned US20050236356A1 (en) | 2004-04-21 | 2004-04-21 | Plastic container and method of integrally securing a neck attachment thereto |
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US (1) | US20050236356A1 (en) |
AR (1) | AR050499A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2562043A1 (en) |
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US20080054526A1 (en) * | 2006-09-06 | 2008-03-06 | Graham Packaging Company, Lp | Method and apparatus for crystallizing the neck finish of a molded plastic article |
US7866496B2 (en) | 2007-09-21 | 2011-01-11 | Stokely-Van Camp, Inc. | Lightweight finish for hot-fill container |
WO2014081750A1 (en) * | 2012-11-20 | 2014-05-30 | Carl Ring | Apparatus for applying a handle to a container and method thereof |
US9114911B2 (en) | 2012-10-19 | 2015-08-25 | Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc. | Container, handle for a container, and handle and container assembly |
WO2015153435A1 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2015-10-08 | Ring Container Technologies, Llc | Bail handle applicator |
US10273051B2 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2019-04-30 | Ring Container Technologies | Container and handle system |
USD900613S1 (en) | 2019-10-25 | 2020-11-03 | Niagara Bottling, Llc | Bottle |
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WO2005108047A1 (en) | 2005-11-17 |
MXPA06011959A (en) | 2007-01-26 |
CA2562043A1 (en) | 2005-11-17 |
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