阅读说明：本技术 用于瓶的可变厚度预制件、模具和方法 (Variable thickness preform, mold and method for bottle ) 是由 J·A·蒂博多 于 2018-04-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于容器(150)的预制件(110,210,310,410,510,610)具有空心圆柱形的主体(113,213,313,413,513,613)、空心圆柱形的厚部分(117,217,317,417,517,617)、以及弯曲的端部部分(119,219,319,419,519,619),主体具有第一厚度,厚部分具有大于第一厚度的第二厚度。主体(113,213,313,413,513,613)的内表面、厚部分(117,217,317,417,517,617)的内表面、以及端部部分(119,219,319,419,519,619)的内表面形成腔体(114,214,314,414,514,614)。一种用于容器(150)的预制件(110,210,310,410,510,610)具有空心圆柱形的主体(113,213,313,413,513,613)、空心圆柱形的厚部分(117,217,317,417,517,617)、以及弯曲的端部部分(119,219,319,419,519,619),主体具有第一厚度,厚部分具有大于第一厚度的第二厚度。主体(113,213,313,413,513,613)的内表面、厚部分(117,217,317,417,517,617)的内表面、以及端部部分(119,219,319,419,519,619)的内表面形成腔体(114,214,314,414,514,614)。(A preform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) for a container (150) has a hollow cylindrical body (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613), a hollow cylindrical thick portion (117, 217, 317, 417, 517, 617), the body having a first thickness, and a curved end portion (119, 219, 319, 419, 519, 619), the thick portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness. The inner surface of the body (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613), the inner surface of the thick portion (117, 217, 317, 417, 517, 617), and the inner surface of the end portion (119, 219, 319, 419, 519, 619) form a cavity (114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614). A preform (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) for a container (150) has a hollow cylindrical body (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613), a hollow cylindrical thick portion (117, 217, 317, 417, 517, 617), the body having a first thickness, and a curved end portion (119, 219, 319, 419, 519, 619), the thick portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness. The inner surface of the body (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613), the inner surface of the thick portion (117, 217, 317, 417, 517, 617), and the inner surface of the end portion (119, 219, 319, 419, 519, 619) form a cavity (114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614).)

1. A preform for a container, the preform comprising:

a hollow cylindrical body having a first thickness;

a hollow cylindrical thick portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness; and

the end portion of the curve is formed by a curved portion,

wherein an inner surface of the body, an inner surface of the thick portion, and an inner surface of the end portion form a cavity.

2. The preform of claim 1, wherein the preform is,

wherein an outer diameter of the thick portion is greater than an outer diameter of the main portion.

3. The preform of claim 1, wherein the preform is,

wherein an inner diameter of the thick portion is the same as an inner diameter of the main portion.

4. The preform of claim 1, further comprising:

a tapered transition portion formed between the body and the thick portion such that the thickness gradually increases from the body to the thick portion.

5. The preform of claim 2, further comprising:

a tapered transition portion formed between the body and the thick portion such that an outer diameter gradually increases from the body to the thick portion.

6. The preform of claim 1, further comprising:

a threaded neck portion disposed above the body.

7. The preform of claim 1, further comprising:

an integral handle attached to the body at an upper attachment point and to the thick portion at a lower attachment point.

8. The preform of claim 1, further comprising:

an integral handle attached to the body at both the upper and lower attachment points.

9. The preform of claim 4, further comprising:

a unitary handle attached to the main body at an upper attachment point and to the tapered transition portion at a lower attachment point.

10. The preform of claim 5, further comprising:

a unitary handle attached to the main body at an upper attachment point and to the tapered transition portion at a lower attachment point.

11. The preform of claim 1, wherein the preform is,

wherein the body includes a tapered inner diameter transition portion that tapers an inner diameter of the body in a downward direction.

12. The preform of claim 4, further comprising:

an upper handle attachment notch disposed on the main body, and a lower handle attachment notch disposed on the tapered transition portion.

13. The preform of claim 5, further comprising:

an upper handle attachment notch disposed on the main body, and a lower handle attachment notch disposed on the tapered transition portion.

14. The preform of claim 1, further comprising:

a further thick portion arranged on an upper side of the body and having a third thickness greater than the first thickness,

wherein the thick portion is disposed at a lower side of the body.

15. A mold for forming a preform, the mold comprising:

a first preform mold comprising a first preform mold cavity comprising a first top opening and a first bottom opening;

a second preform mold comprising a second preform mold cavity comprising a second top opening and a second bottom opening;

a third preform mold comprising a third preform mold cavity comprising a third top opening and a third bottom opening; and

a rod-shaped inner die is arranged in the die,

wherein the first and second preform molds are configured to combine such that the first and second preform mold cavities form a first space corresponding to an outer shape of an upper portion of the preform having a variable outer diameter,

wherein the third preform mold cavity has a second space corresponding to an outer shape of a lower portion of the preform having a constant outer diameter,

wherein the rod-shaped inner mold is configured for insertion into the first, second, and third preform mold cavities and corresponds to an interior cavity of the preform, and

wherein the third preform mold is configured to enable injection of molten plastic through the third bottom opening.

16. The mold for forming a preform of claim 15,

wherein when the first, second, and third preform molds are combined, the first bottom opening of the first preform mold cavity and the second bottom opening of the second preform mold cavity are in communication with the third top opening of the third preform mold cavity such that molten plastic injected from the third bottom opening can flow to the first and second preform mold cavities.

17. The mold for forming a preform of claim 15,

wherein the first preform mold cavity and the second preform mold cavity comprise a recess in the shape of a handle.

18. A method for forming a preform, the method comprising:

closing a first preform mold comprising a first preform mold cavity and a second preform mold comprising a second preform mold cavity such that the first preform mold cavity and the second preform mold cavity form a first space corresponding to an outer shape of an upper portion of the preform having a variable outer diameter, wherein the first preform mold cavity comprises a first top opening and a first bottom opening and the second preform mold cavity comprises a second top opening and a second bottom opening;

arranging a third preform mold comprising a third preform mold cavity comprising a third top opening and a third bottom opening below the closed first and second preform molds, the third preform mold cavity having a second space corresponding to an outer shape of a lower portion of the preform having a constant outer diameter;

inserting a rod-shaped inner mold into the first preform mold cavity, the second preform mold cavity, and the third preform mold cavity,

injecting molten plastic into the first, second, and third preform mold cavities through the third bottom opening and around the exterior of the rod-shaped inner mold;

cooling the molten plastic to form a hardened plastic preform;

removing the first, second, and third preform molds to expose an exterior of the preform; and

removing the rod-shaped inner mold from the preform.

19. The method for forming a preform of claim 18,

wherein the first preform mold cavity and the second preform mold cavity comprise a recess in the shape of a handle.

20. The method for forming a preform of claim 18,

wherein at least a portion of the inner diameter of the closed first and second preform mold cavities is greater than the inner diameter of the third preform mold cavity.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a preform for forming a container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a preform having a variable thickness for forming a container.

Background

Disclosure of Invention

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a preform for a container comprises: a hollow cylindrical body having a first thickness; a hollow cylindrical thick portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness; and a curved end portion, wherein an inner surface of the body, an inner surface of the thick portion, and an inner surface of the end portion form a cavity.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the outer diameter of the thick portion is greater than the outer diameter of the main portion.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the inner diameter of the thick portion is the same as the inner diameter of the main portion.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a preform for a container comprises a tapered transition portion formed between the body and the thick portion such that the thickness gradually increases from the body to the thick portion.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a preform for a container comprises a threaded neck portion arranged above the body.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the preform for a container comprises an integral handle attached to the body at an upper attachment point and to the thick portion at a lower attachment point.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a preform for a container includes an integral handle attached to the body at both an upper attachment point and a lower attachment point.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a preform for a container comprises an integral handle attached to the main body at an upper attachment point and to the tapered transition portion at a lower attachment point.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the body comprises a tapered inner diameter transition portion which tapers the inner diameter of the body in a downward direction.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a preform for a container includes an upper handle attachment slot disposed on the body and a lower handle attachment slot disposed on the tapered transition portion.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the preform for a container comprises a further thick portion arranged at an upper side of the body and having a third thickness greater than the first thickness, wherein the thick portion is arranged at a lower side of the body.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a mold for forming a preform includes a first preform mold including a first preform mold cavity including a first top opening and a first bottom opening; a second preform mold comprising a second preform mold cavity comprising a second top opening and a second bottom opening; a third preform mold comprising a third preform mold cavity comprising a third top opening and a third bottom opening; and a rod-shaped inner mold. The first and second preform molds are configured to be combined such that the first and second preform mold cavities form a first space corresponding to an outer shape of an upper portion of the preform having a variable outer diameter. The third preform mold cavity has a second space corresponding to the outer shape of the lower portion of the preform having a constant outer diameter. The rod-shaped inner mold is configured for insertion into the first, second, and third preform mold cavities and corresponds to an interior cavity of the preform. The third preform mold is configured to enable injection of molten plastic through the third bottom opening.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, when the first, second, and third preform molds are combined, the first bottom opening of the first preform mold cavity and the second bottom opening of the second preform mold cavity communicate with the third top opening of the third preform mold cavity such that molten plastic injected from the third bottom opening can flow to the first and second preform mold cavities.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the first and second preform mold cavities comprise a recess in the shape of a handle.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method for forming a preform includes: closing a first preform mold comprising a first preform mold cavity and a second preform mold comprising a second preform mold cavity such that the first preform mold cavity and the second preform mold cavity form a first space corresponding to an outer shape of an upper portion of the preform having a variable outer diameter, wherein the first preform mold cavity comprises a first top opening and a first bottom opening and the second preform mold cavity comprises a second top opening and a second bottom opening; arranging a third preform mold comprising a third preform mold cavity comprising a third top opening and a third bottom opening below the closed first and second preform molds, the third preform mold cavity having a second space corresponding to an outer shape of a lower portion of the preform having a constant outer diameter; inserting a rod-shaped inner mold into the first, second, and third preform mold cavities; injecting molten plastic into the first, second, and third preform mold cavities through the third bottom opening and around the exterior of the rod-shaped inner mold; cooling the molten plastic to form a hardened plastic preform; removing the first, second, and third preform molds to expose an exterior of the preform; and removing the rod-shaped inner mold from the preform.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the first and second preform mold cavities comprise a recess in the shape of a handle.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the inner diameter of the closed first and second preform mold cavities is larger than the inner diameter of the third preform mold cavity.

Drawings

The features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1A and 1B show internal views of a first preform mold and a second preform mold for forming a preform according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1C shows a front view of a bottom preform mold for forming a preform according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 1D shows a front view of a rod-shaped inner mold for forming a preform according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2A-2D illustrate a manufacturing process for forming a preform according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3A-3C illustrate a preform stretching device and preform stretching process in which a preform has been removed, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3D-3F illustrate a preform stretching device and preform stretching process according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4A-4B illustrate internal views of a first and second blowing mold according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 5A-5B illustrate a manufacturing process for forming a container from a stretched preform according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a preform according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 7A-7C show front views of preforms, stretched preforms, and blown containers according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a preform according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 9A-9C show front views of preforms, stretched preforms, and blown containers according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a preform according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 11A-11C show front views of preforms, stretched preforms, and blown containers according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a preform according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 13A-13C show front views of preforms, stretched preforms, and blown containers according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a preform according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 15A-15B show cross-sectional views of a preform and a stretched preform, and fig. 15C shows a front view of a blown container, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of a preform according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 17A-17B show cross-sectional views of a preform and a stretched preform, and fig. 17C shows a front view of a blown container, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

Fig. 1A shows an interior view of a first preform mold 810 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The first preform mold 810 has a first preform mold cavity 811 formed therein. First preform mold cavity 811 extends to the top and bottom of first preform mold 810 such that first preform mold 810 has top opening 813 and bottom opening 815. Here, the diameter of the bottom opening 815 is equal to the largest diameter of the bottommost portion of the preform.

Fig. 1B shows an interior view of a second preform mold 820 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The second preform mold 820 has a second preform mold cavity 821 formed therein. The second preform mold cavity 821 extends to the top and bottom of the second preform mold 820 such that the second preform mold 820 has a top opening 823 and a bottom opening 825. Here, the diameter of the bottom opening 825 is equal to the largest diameter of the bottommost portion of the preform. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, second preform mold cavity 821 is a mirror image of first preform mold cavity 811. Alternatively, second preform mold cavity 821 can have a different shape than the mirror image of first preform mold cavity 811.

Fig. 1C shows a front view of a bottom preform mold 830 for forming a preform according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Bottom preform mold 830 has a third preform mold cavity 831 formed therein. Third preform mold cavity 831 extends to the top of bottom preform mold 830 to form top opening 833. The bottom of third preform mold cavity 831 is within bottom preform mold 830, with a small bottom opening 835 through which molten thermoplastic can be injected. The diameter of the top opening 833 of the bottom preform mold 830 is equal to the diameter of the bottom openings 815, 825 of the first and second preform molds 810, 820.

FIG. 1D shows a front view of a rod-shaped inner mold 850 for forming a preform, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Here, the rod-like inner mold 850 has a constant diameter down to its leading edge portion 851. Alternatively, the rod-shaped inner mold 850 may have a variable diameter as long as the diameter does not increase in the downward direction, because such a shape may prevent removal of the rod-shaped inner mold 850 from the preform.

Fig. 2A-2D illustrate a manufacturing process for forming a preform according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. As shown in fig. 2A, first preform mold 810 and second preform mold 820 come together as a closed portion over bottom preform mold 830 such that top opening 833 of third preform mold cavity 831 is aligned with bottom openings 815, 825 of first preform mold cavity 811 and second preform mold cavity 821. Rod-shaped inner mold 850 is inserted into closed first preform mold cavity 811 and second preform mold cavity 821 and third preform mold cavity 831 through top openings 813, 823, 833 of first preform mold cavity 811, second preform mold cavity 821 and third preform mold cavity 831. Molten thermoplastic 840 is then injected into third preform cavity 831 through its fine bottom opening 835 to fill the space within third preform mold cavity 831 and up to the top of first preform mold cavity 811 and second preform mold cavity 821, except for the space occupied by rod-like inner mold 850. The molten plastic 840 is then allowed to cool. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the molten plastic 840 is actively cooled by a cooling mechanism. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the cooling mechanism may be one or more of a fan, an air conditioner, and a heat sink.

As shown in fig. 2B, once the molten plastic 840 cools and hardens, the bottom preform mold 830 is removed by sliding the bottom preform mold 830 down from the hardened preform 110, thereby exposing a bottom portion of the preform 110. Subsequently, as shown in fig. 2C, the first preform mold 810 and the second preform mold 820 are removed by moving the first preform mold 810 and the second preform mold 820 away from the preform 110 in opposite directions. Finally, as shown in fig. 2D, the preform 110 is slid down and out of the rod-shaped inner mold 850 or, alternatively, the rod-shaped inner mold 850 is removed by sliding the rod-shaped inner mold 850 up from the preform 110. Thereby forming a preform 110. Although the preform 110 shown in fig. 6 is used as an example in fig. 1A-2D, similar manufacturing processes may be employed to form the preforms 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 shown in fig. 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16, as well as other preforms.

Fig. 3A-3C illustrate a preform stretching device 950 and preform stretching process in which a preform has been removed, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Preform stretching device 950 has a base 959 on which core 953 and first and second catch mechanisms 955 and 957 are disposed. A stretch rod 951 extends upwardly from the base 959 and an opening in the core 953. The stretch rod 951 has a leading edge 952 at its topmost portion. As shown in fig. 3A, the first catch mechanism 955 and the second catch mechanism 957 are initially spaced apart in a lateral direction. As shown in fig. 3B, the first catch mechanism 955 and the second catch mechanism 957 are actuated to come together around the core 953. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an actuator for actuating the first 955 and second 957 catch mechanisms is disposed within the base 959. Thereafter, as shown in fig. 3C, the stretch rod 951 extends vertically upward from the core 953 and the base 959 to its final position.

Fig. 3D-3F illustrate a preform stretching device 950 and preform stretching process according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. As shown in fig. 3D, the preform 110 is placed upside down around the core 953 and the stretch rod 951. As shown in fig. 3E, the first 955 and second 957 catch mechanisms are actuated to come together around the neck portion 111 of the preform 110 to secure the neck portion 111 therebetween. Thereafter, as shown in fig. 3F, the stretch rod 951 extends vertically upward from the core 953 and the base 959 to push the base 121 of the preform 110, thereby stretching at least the thick portion 117 and the tapered transition portion 115 of the preform 110 until the stretch rod 951 reaches its final position. After the stretch rod 951 reaches its final position, the stretched preform 130 is formed with an upper thinned portion 131 and a lower thinned portion 133 at locations corresponding to the transition portion 115 and the thick portion 117, respectively, as shown in fig. 3F.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the preform 110 is heated prior to being stretched by the stretch rod 951. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the preform 110 is heated while being stretched by the stretch rod 951. For example, U.S. patent No.9,505,163, which is incorporated herein by reference, shows an example of heating a preform prior to stretching using a stretch rod. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, only the thick portions 117 and/or the tapered transition portions 115 of the preform 110 are heated before and/or during stretching by the stretch rod 951. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, only the portion at and/or above lower attachment point 127 is heated prior to and/or during stretching by stretch rod 951, in accordance with the orientation shown in fig. 3D-3F.

By heating only the thick portion 117 and/or the tapered transition portion 115 of the preform 110, or only the portion at the lower attachment point 127 and/or above the lower attachment point 127, the shape of the integral handle 123 can be maintained without the need for placing a shield over the integral handle 123. That is, no warping or unintentional stretching of the handle occurs during the heating process and/or the stretching process. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, only the portion at and/or above lower attachment point 127 is heated prior to and/or during stretching by stretch rod 951, in accordance with the orientation shown in fig. 3D-3F.

While preform 110 and stretched preform 130 shown in fig. 7A-7B are used as examples in fig. 3D-3F, similar manufacturing processes may be employed to stretch preforms 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 shown in fig. 9A, 11A, 13A, 15A, and 17A to form stretched preforms 230, 330, 430, 530, 630 shown in fig. 9B, 11B, 13B, 15B, and 17B, as well as other preforms. Further, while first 955 and second 957 catch mechanisms that are actuated together to secure the neck portion 111 are shown in fig. 3D-3F, other catch mechanisms may be employed. For example, U.S. patent No.9,505,163, which is incorporated herein by reference, shows an example of a capture mechanism. In addition, other capture mechanisms within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art may be employed.

Fig. 4A shows an interior view of a first blowing mold 910 according to one or more embodiments of the invention, and fig. 4B shows a second blowing mold 920 according to one or more embodiments of the invention. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, each of the first and second blow molds 910, 920 is half of a complete mold such that the complete mold is formed when the first and second blow molds 910, 920 are brought together. A first die catch 917 is arranged at the bottom of the first blow die 910 and a second die catch 927 is arranged at the bottom of the second blow die 920. As shown in fig. 4A, the first blow mold 910 has a lower handle recess portion 915, an upper handle notch wedge 913, and a first blow mold recess portion 911 in the shape of one side of the desired container. As shown in fig. 4B, the second blow mold 920 has an upper handle recess 923, a lower handle pocket wedge 925, and a second blow mold recess 921 in the shape of the other side of the desired container. Examples of upper handle recess wedges 913 and lower handle recess wedges 925 are described in U.S. patent No.9,505,163, which is incorporated by reference herein. The first die capture 917 includes a semicircular first die capture surface 919 and the second die capture 927 includes a semicircular second die capture surface 929.

Fig. 5A-5B illustrate a manufacturing process for forming the container 150 shown in fig. 7C from the stretched preform 130, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The first and second blow molds 910, 920 are initially in the open position shown in fig. 5A. Once the stretched preform 130 disposed on the core 950 is positioned between the first and second blow molds 910, 920, the first and second blow molds 910, 920 come together to the closed position shown in fig. 5B. As the first and second blow molds 910, 920 come together, the first and second mold capture surfaces 919, 929 of the first and second mold captures 917, 927 come together around the neck portion 111 of the stretched preform 130, and the neck portion 111 of the stretched preform 130 is secured by the first and second mold captures 917, 927. The construction and operation of the die capture is described in U.S. patent No.9,505,163, which is incorporated herein by reference.

As the first and second blow molds 910 and 920 are brought together, the upper handle notch wedges 913 protruding from the first blow mold 910 are inserted into the upper portions of the handle notches 124 of the drawn preform 130 and into the upper handle recesses 923 of the second blow mold 920. Likewise, as the first and second blow molds 910 and 910 come together, the lower handle pocket wedges 925 protruding from the second blow mold 920 are inserted into the lower portion of the handle pocket 124 of the drawn preform 130 and into the lower handle recess 915 of the first blow mold 910. The tapered cam surfaces of the upper handle-recess wedge 913 and the lower handle-recess wedge 925 act as cams on the integral handle 123, pushing the integral handle 123 into the deployed position. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the upper handle recess wedge 913 and the lower handle recess wedge 925 only move the integral handle 123 to its final position on the blown container 150. Alternatively, the upper handle recess wedge 913 and the lower handle recess wedge 925 can change the shape of the integral handle 123, thereby changing the shape of the integral handle 123, while moving the integral handle 123 to its final position on the blown container 150. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the stretched preform is heated before being placed between the first blowing mold 910 and the second blowing mold 920. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the drawn preform is heated while being interposed between the first and second blowing molds 910 and 920.

Once the first and second blowing molds 910, 920 are in the closed position shown in fig. 5B, air is blown into the stretched preform through the mouth portion 112 of the stretched preform 130 to form the blown container 150. Alternatively, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, blowing air into the stretched preform 130 begins when the first and second blowing molds 910, 920 move to the closed position, such that during the blowing process, movement of the integral handle 123 of the stretched preform 130 to the open position occurs simultaneously with expansion of the stretched preform 130. Once the blowing process is complete and the stretch preform 130 has expanded to fill the first and second blow mold recesses 911, 921 to form the blown container 150, and the blown container 150 is sufficiently cooled, the first and second blow molds 910, 920 move apart to an open position so that the blown container 150 can be removed. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, heated air may be blown into the stretched preform 130.

Although the embodiment in which the drawn preform 130 is placed in the first and second blowing molds 910 and 920 in the open position is described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the first and second blow molds 910, 920 can be brought together around the unstretched preform 110 to secure the neck portion 111 of the preform 110 into the first and second mold capture surfaces 919, 929. The stretch rod 950 may then be extended upward to stretch the preform 110 within the closed first and second blow molds 910, 920 to form the stretched preform 130. However, for this reason, it may be necessary to insert the upper handle recess wedge 913 and the lower handle recess wedge 925 into the first blow mold 910 and the second blow mold 920 after the stretching is performed.

In addition, although the embodiment in which the upper handle recess wedge 913 and the lower handle recess wedge 925 are inserted into the handle recess 124 of the drawn preform 130 from opposite sides has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, one of the first and second blow molds 910 and 920 may have a single handle notch wedge occupying the entire handle notch 124 to move and/or modify the integral handle 123 by itself.

While the stretched preform 130 and the formed container 150 shown in fig. 7B and 7C are used as examples in fig. 4A-5B, similar manufacturing processes may be employed to form the preforms 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 shown in fig. 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16, as well as other preforms.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a preform 110 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, and fig. 7A shows a front view of the preform 110 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In fig. 6 and 7A, the preform 110 is oriented with the open mouth portion 112 at the top. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the preform 110 is formed from plastic. The preform 110 has a threaded neck portion 111 at the top, in which an open mouth portion 112 is formed. The preform 110 also has a body 113 located below the neck portion 111, a thick portion 117 located below the body 113, and a hemispherical end portion 119 formed at the bottom of the preform 110. Preform 110 has a tapered transition portion 115 formed between body 113 and thick portion 117 such that the thickness of the preform gradually increases from body 113 to thick portion 117. The inner surface of neck portion 111, the inner surface of body 113, the inner surface of transition portion 115, the inner surface of thick portion 117, and the inner surface of end portion 119 form cavity 114 of preform 110. The end portion 119 forms a base 121 of the cavity 114.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the neck portion 111, the body 113, the transition portion 115, and the thick portion 117 have substantially the same diameter, while the outer diameter of the thick portion 117 is greater than the outer diameter of the body 113, with the transition portion 115 bridging the two outer diameters. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the thickness of the end portion 119 is the same as the thickness of the body 113. The preform 110 also has a threaded stop at the bottom of the neck portion 111. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the inner circumference of the end portion 119 includes a small annular notch for engaging the stretch rod 950.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, preform 110 is formed with an integral handle 123. The integral handle 123 is attached to the body 113 at an upper attachment point 125 and to the transition portion 115 at a lower attachment point 127. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the lower attachment point 127 is disposed at a middle portion of the transition portion 115. The integral handle 123 extends outwardly from the upper attachment point 125 and curves downwardly to a straight handle portion and then inwardly toward the lower attachment point 127. A handle notch 124 is formed in the integral handle 123, bounded by a portion of the transition portion 115, the integral handle 123, and the body 113.

Fig. 7B shows a front view of a stretched preform 130 formed by stretching the preform 110 shown in fig. 6 and 7A, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Stretched preform 130 is above transition portion 115 and end portion 119 is similar to unstretched preform 110 and therefore the description thereof is omitted. As shown in fig. 7A and 7B, the transition portion 115 is stretched by the stretching rod 950 to form the upper thinned portion 131, and the thick portion 117 is stretched by the stretching rod 950 to form the lower thinned portion 133. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the main body 113, the upper thinned portion 131, and the lower thinned portion 133 have substantially the same thickness. Alternatively, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the body 113, the upper thinned portion 131, and the lower thinned portion 133 can differ in thickness, yet to a lesser extent than before stretching.

Fig. 7C illustrates a front view of a blown container 150 formed by blowing the stretched preform 130 illustrated in fig. 7B, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the shape of the blown container 150 corresponds to the shape of the first and second blow mold recesses 911 and 921 of the first and second blow molds 910 and 920. As shown in fig. 7B and 7C, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, when the stretched preform 130 is blown, the positions of the first and second attachment points 125 and 127 are shifted outward, so that the positions of the integrated handle 123 and the handle recess 124 are shifted while substantially maintaining the original shapes of the integrated handle 123 and the handle recess 124. Alternatively, the shape and/or thickness of the integral handle 123 and the shape and/or size of the handle recess 124 may be varied during the blowing process in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a preform 210 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, and fig. 9A shows a front view of the preform 210 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In fig. 8 and 9A, preform 210 is oriented with open mouth portion 212 at the top. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the preform 210 is formed from plastic. The preform 210 has a threaded neck portion 211 at the top, in which an open mouth portion 212 is formed. The preform 210 also has a body 213 located below the neck portion 211, a thick portion 217 located below the body 213, and a hemispherical end portion 219 formed at the bottom of the preform 210. The preform 210 has a tapered transition portion 215 formed between the main body 213 and the thick portion 217 such that the thickness of the preform gradually increases from the main body 213 to the thick portion 217. The inner surface of the neck portion 211, the inner surface of the body 213, the inner surface of the transition portion 215, the inner surface of the thick portion 217, and the inner surface of the end portion 219 form the cavity 214 of the preform 210. The end portion 219 forms a base 221 of the cavity 214.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the neck portion 211, the body 213, the transition portion 215, and the thick portion 217 have substantially the same diameter, while the outer diameter of the thick portion 217 is greater than the outer diameter of the body 213, with the transition portion 215 bridging the two outer diameters. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the thickness of the end portion 219 is the same as the thickness of the body 213. The preform 210 also has a threaded stop formed at the bottom of the neck portion 211. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the inner circumference of the end portion 219 includes a small annular notch for engaging the stretch rod 950.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, preform 210 is formed with an integral handle 223. An integral handle 223 is attached to the main body 213 at an upper attachment point 225 and to the uppermost portion of the thick portion 217 immediately below the transition portion 215 at a lower attachment point 227. The integral handle 223 extends outwardly from the upper attachment point 225 and curves downwardly to a straight handle portion and then inwardly toward the lower attachment point 227. A handle recess 224 is formed within the integral handle 223 and is defined by a portion of the transition portion 215, the integral handle 223, and the body 213.

Fig. 9B shows a front view of a stretched preform 230 formed by stretching the preform 210 shown in fig. 8 and 9A, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The stretched preform 230 is above the transition portion 215 and the end portion 219 is similar to the unstretched preform 210, and therefore the description thereof is omitted. As shown in fig. 9A and 9B, the transition portion 215 is stretched by the stretching rod 950 to form the upper thinned portion 231, and the thick portion 217 is stretched by the stretching rod 950 to form the lower thinned portion 233. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the main body 213, the upper thinned portion 231, and the lower thinned portion 233 have substantially the same thickness. Alternatively, the main body 213, the upper thinned portion 231, and the lower thinned portion 233 can differ in thickness, yet to a lesser extent than before stretching, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 9C illustrates a front view of a blown container 250 formed by blowing the stretched preform 230 illustrated in fig. 9B, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the shape of the blown container 250 corresponds to the shape of the first and second blow mold recesses 911 and 921 of the first and second blow molds 910 and 920. As shown in fig. 9B and 9C, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, when the stretched preform 230 is blown, the positions of the first attachment point 225 and the second attachment point 227 are shifted outward, so that the positions of the integrated handle 223 and the handle recess 224 are shifted while substantially maintaining the original shapes of the integrated handle 223 and the handle recess 224. Alternatively, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the shape and/or thickness of the integrated handle 223 and the shape and/or size of the handle recess 224 may be changed during the blowing process.

Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of preform 310 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, and fig. 11A shows a front view of preform 310 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In fig. 10 and 11A, preform 310 is oriented with open mouth portion 312 at the top. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, preform 310 is formed from plastic. The preform 310 has a threaded neck portion 311 at the top, in which an open mouth portion 312 is formed. Preform 310 also has a body 313 located below neck portion 311, a thick portion 317 located below body 313, and a hemispherical end portion 319 formed at the bottom of preform 310. Preform 310 has a tapered transition portion 315 formed between body 313 and thick portion 317 such that the thickness of the preform gradually increases from body 313 to thick portion 317. The inner surface of neck portion 311, the inner surface of body 313, the inner surface of transition portion 315, the inner surface of thick portion 317, and the inner surface of end portion 319 form cavity 314 of preform 310. The end portion 319 forms a base 321 of the cavity 314.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, neck portion 311, body 313, transition portion 315, and thick portion 317 have substantially the same diameter, while the outer diameter of thick portion 317 is greater than the outer diameter of body 313, with transition portion 315 bridging the two outer diameters. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the thickness of the end portion 319 is the same as the thickness of the body 313. Preform 310 also has a threaded stop at the bottom of neck portion 311. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the inner circumference of the end portion 319 includes a small annular notch for engaging the stretch rod 950.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, preform 310 is formed with an integral handle 323. The integral handle 323 is attached to the body 313 at an upper attachment point 325 and a lower attachment point 327. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, lower attachment point 327 is immediately above transition portion 315. The integral handle 323 extends outwardly from the upper attachment point 325 and curves downwardly to a straight handle portion and then inwardly toward the lower attachment point 327. A handle notch 324 is formed within the integral handle 323 and is defined by a portion of the transition portion 315, the integral handle 323, and the body 313.

Fig. 11B shows a front view of a stretched preform 330 formed by stretching preform 310 shown in fig. 10 and 11A, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Stretched preform 330 is above transition portion 315 and end portion 319 is similar to unstretched preform 310 and therefore a description thereof is omitted. As shown in fig. 11A and 11B, the transition portion 315 is stretched by the stretching rod 950 to form the upper thinned portion 331, and the thick portion 317 is stretched by the stretching rod 950 to form the lower thinned portion 333. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the main body 313, the upper thinned portion 331, and the lower thinned portion 333 have substantially the same thickness. Alternatively, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the main body 313, the upper thinned portion 331, and the lower thinned portion 333 may differ in thickness, yet to a lesser extent than before stretching.

Fig. 11C illustrates a front view of a blown container 350 formed by blowing the stretched preform 330 illustrated in fig. 11B, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the shape of the blown container 350 corresponds to the shape of the first and second blow mold recesses 911 and 921 of the first and second blow molds 910 and 920. As shown in fig. 11B and 11C, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, as the stretched preform 330 is blown, the positions of the first attachment point 325 and the second attachment point 327 shift outward, shifting the positions of the integral handle 323 and the handle notch 324 while substantially maintaining the original shapes of the integral handle 323 and the handle notch 324. Alternatively, the shape and/or thickness of the integral handle 323 and the shape and/or size of the handle recess 324 may be varied during the blowing process in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a preform 410 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, and fig. 13A shows a front view of the preform 410 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In fig. 12 and 13A, the preform 410 is oriented with the open mouth portion 412 at the top. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the preform 410 is formed from plastic. The preform 410 has a threaded neck portion 411 at the top, in which an open mouth portion 412 is formed. The preform 410 also has a body 413 located below the neck portion 411, a thick portion 417 located below the body 413, and a hemispherical end portion 419 formed at the bottom of the preform 410. The preform 410 has a tapered transition portion 415 formed between the main body 413 and the thick portion 417 such that the thickness of the preform gradually increases from the main body 413 to the thick portion 417. The inner surface of neck portion 411, the inner surface of body 413, the inner surface of transition portion 415, the inner surface of thick portion 417, and the inner surface of end portion 419 form cavity 414 of preform 410. The end portion 419 forms a base 421 of the cavity 414.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the lower portion of the body 413, the transition portion 415, and the thick portion 417 have substantially the same diameter. The neck portion 411 has an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the lower portion of the body 413, the inner diameter of the transition portion 415, and the inner diameter of the thick portion 417. A tapered inner diameter transition 428 is formed in the body 413 between the remainder of the body 413 and the neck portion 411, bridging the two different diameters. Although in fig. 12 and 13A the tapered inner diameter transition portion 428 is formed at the top of the body 413, the tapered inner diameter transition portion 428 may also be formed at other portions of the preform 410 as long as the inner diameter decreases or remains the same in the downward direction so that a stretch rod 950 (which may have a correspondingly varying diameter) may be inserted into and removed from the cavity 414.

The thick portion 417 has an outer diameter greater than that of the body 413, with the transition portion 415 bridging the two outer diameters. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the thickness of the end portion 419 is the same as the thickness of the body 413. The preform 410 also has a threaded stop at the bottom of the neck portion 411. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the inner circumference of the end portion 419 includes a small annular notch for engaging the stretch rod 950.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the preform 410 is formed with an integral handle 423. The integral handle 423 is attached to the main body 413 at an upper attachment point 425 and to the transition portion 415 at a lower attachment point 427. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, lower attachment points 427 are disposed at an intermediate portion of transition portion 415. The integral handle 423 extends outwardly from the upper attachment point 425 and curves downwardly to a straight handle portion and then inwardly toward the lower attachment point 427. A handle recess 424 is formed within the integral handle 423, defined by a portion of the transition portion 415, the integral handle 423, and the main body 413.

Fig. 13B shows a front view of a stretched preform 430 formed by stretching the preform 410 shown in fig. 12 and 13A, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The stretched preform 430 is similar to the unstretched preform 410 above the transition portion 415 and the end portions 419 and therefore the description thereof is omitted. As shown in fig. 13A and 13B, the transition portion 415 is stretched by the stretching rod 950 to form the upper thinned portion 431, and the thick portion 417 is stretched by the stretching rod 950 to form the lower thinned portion 433. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the main body 413, the upper thinned portion 431, and the lower thinned portion 433 have substantially the same thickness. Alternatively, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the body 413, the upper thinned portion 431, and the lower thinned portion 433 may differ in thickness, yet to a lesser extent than before stretching.

Fig. 13C illustrates a front view of a blown container 450 formed by blowing the stretched preform 430 shown in fig. 13B, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the shape of the blown container 450 corresponds to the shape of the first and second blow mold recesses 911 and 921 of the first and second blow molds 910 and 920. As shown in fig. 13B and 13C, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, as the stretched preform 430 is blown, the positions of the first attachment point 425 and the second attachment point 427 are displaced outward, such that the positions of the integral handle 423 and the handle notch 424 are displaced while substantially maintaining the original shapes of the integral handle 423 and the handle notch 424. Alternatively, the shape and/or thickness of the integral handle 423 and the shape and/or size of the handle recess 424 may be varied during the blowing process in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 14 and 15A show cross-sectional views of a preform 510 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In fig. 14 and 15A, the preform 510 is oriented with the open mouth portion 512 at the top. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the preform 510 is formed from plastic. The preform 510 has a threaded neck portion 511 at the top, in which an open mouth portion 512 is formed. The preform 510 also has a body 513 below the neck portion 511, a thick portion 517 below the body 513, and a hemispherical end portion 519 formed at the bottom of the preform 510. The preform 510 has a tapered transition portion 515 formed between the main body 513 and the thick portion 517 such that the thickness of the preform gradually increases from the main body 513 to the thick portion 517. The inner surface of neck portion 511, the inner surface of body 513, the inner surface of transition portion 515, the inner surface of thick portion 517, and the inner surface of end portion 519 form cavity 514 of preform 510. The end portion 519 forms a base 521 of the cavity 514.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the neck portion 511, the main body 513, the transition portion 515, and the thick portion 517 have substantially the same diameter, while the outer diameter of the thick portion 517 is greater than the outer diameter of the main body 513, with the transition portion 515 bridging the two outer diameters. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the thickness of the end portion 519 is the same as the thickness of the body 513. Preform 510 also has a threaded stop at the bottom of neck portion 511. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, the inner circumference of the end portion 519 includes a small annular notch for engaging the stretch rod 950.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, preform 510 is formed with upper handle attachment slot 525 and lower handle attachment slot 527. An upper handle attachment notch 525 is disposed on the main body 513 and a lower handle attachment notch 527 is disposed on the transition portion 515. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the lower handle attachment notch 527 is disposed at a middle portion of the transition portion 515. Alternatively, the lower attachment notch 527 may be arranged on the main body 513 or the thick portion 517.

Fig. 15B shows a cross-sectional view of a stretched preform 530 formed by stretching the preform 510 shown in fig. 14 and 15A, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The stretched preform 530 is above the transition portion 515 and the end portion 519 is similar to the unstretched preform 510 and therefore a description thereof is omitted. As shown in fig. 15A and 15B, the transition portion 515 is stretched by the stretching rod 950 to form the upper thinned portion 531, and the thick portion 517 is stretched by the stretching rod 950 to form the lower thinned portion 533. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the main body 513, the upper thinned portion 531, and the lower thinned portion 533 have substantially the same thickness. Alternatively, the body 513, the upper thinned portion 531, and the lower thinned portion 533 may differ in thickness, however to a lesser degree than before stretching, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 15C illustrates a front view of a blown container 550 formed by blowing the stretched preform 530 shown in fig. 15B, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the shape of the blown container 550 corresponds to the shape of the first and second blow mold recesses 911, 921 of the first and second blow molds 910, 920, whereas the wedge and handle recesses are not part of the blow molds 910, 920 for the blown container 550. As shown in fig. 15B and 15C, first handle attachment notch 525 and second handle attachment notch 527 are displaced outward when stretched preform 530 is blown, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. After forming the blown container 550, handles may be attached to the handle attachment slots 525, 527.

Fig. 16-17A show cross-sectional views of a preform 610 according to one or more embodiments of the invention. In fig. 16-17A, preform 610 is oriented with open mouth portion 612 at the top. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, preform 610 is formed from plastic. The preform 610 has a threaded neck portion 611 at the top, in which an open mouth portion 612 is formed. Preform 610 also has an upper thick portion 623 located below the neck portion, a body 613 located below the upper thick portion 623, a lower thick portion 617 located below the body 613, and a hemispherical end portion 619 formed at the bottom of preform 610. The preform 610 has an upper tapered transition portion 625 formed between the upper thick portion 623 and the body 613, and a lower tapered transition portion 615 formed between the body 613 and the thick portion 617, such that the thickness of the preform gradually increases from the body 613 to the upper thick portion 623 and the lower thick portion 617, respectively. The inner surface of neck portion 611, the inner surface of body 613, the inner surfaces of upper transition portion 625 and lower transition portion 615, the inner surfaces of upper thick portion 623 and lower thick portion 617, and the inner surface of end portion 619 form cavity 614 of preform 610. The end portion 619 forms the base 621 of the cavity 614.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the neck portion 611, the body 613, the upper and lower transition portions 625, 615, and the upper and lower thick portions 623, 617 have substantially the same diameter, while the outer diameters of the upper and lower thick portions 623, 617 are larger than the outer diameter of the body 613, with the transition portion 615 bridging these outer diameters. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the thickness of the end portion 619 is the same as the thickness of the body 613. Preform 610 also has a threaded stop at the bottom of neck portion 611. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the inner circumference of the end portion 619 includes a small annular notch for engaging the stretch rod 950.

Fig. 17B shows a cross-sectional view of a stretched preform 630 formed by stretching the preform 610 shown in fig. 16 and 17A, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. As shown in fig. 17A to 17B, the upper transition portion 625 and the lower transition portion 615 are stretched by the stretching rod 950 to form the second thinned portion 635 and the third thinned portion 631, and the upper thick portion 623 and the lower thick portion 617 are stretched by the stretching rod 950 to form the first thinned portion 633 and the fourth thinned portion 632. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the main body 613 and the first, second, third and fourth thinned portions 633, 635, 631 and 632 may differ in thickness, however to a lesser extent than before stretching.

Fig. 17C illustrates a front view of a blown container 650 formed by blowing the stretched preform 630 illustrated in fig. 17B, according to one or more embodiments of the invention. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the shape of the blown container 650 corresponds to the shape of the first and second blow mold recesses 911, 921 of the first and second blow molds 910, 920, whereas the wedge and handle recesses are not part of the blow molds 910, 920 for the blown container 650. The variation in thickness across the stretched preform 630 allows for greater freedom in the shape of the final blown container 650.

While the disclosure has been presented with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.