Station and method

Abstract

A hollow molded fibrous article forming station is described that includes a mold, an interface device, and a reservoir system. The mold is for receiving a hollow molded fibrous article. The interface device is connectable to the expandable member, the expandable member being changeable between a first configuration in which the expandable member is insertable into the hollow molded fiber article and a second configuration in which the expandable member is insertable into the hollow molded fiber article. The expandable member, in use, urges the hollow molded fiber article against the inner surface of the mold to form the hollow molded fiber article and provide a shaped hollow molded fiber article. The reservoir system is configured such that when the interface device is connected to the expandable member, the reservoir system is capable of supplying a portion of fluid to the expandable member via the interface device and receiving the portion of fluid from the expandable member to change the expandable member between the first configuration and the second configuration. The volume of the reservoir system is greater than the volume of the portion of the fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a station and method for forming hollow molded fiber articles to provide molded hollow molded fiber articles. Background Technology

[0002] The aim is to reduce the use of glass and plastic in consumer goods, especially packaging. Neckless containers, such as trays, bowls, and other simple-shaped containers, are typically made from pulp. However, more complex necked containers, such as bottles, jars, or certain types of vases, are more difficult to design due to the narrowing of the interior between the body and the opening. Molding operations may be necessary to improve the performance of necked containers during manufacturing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the invention, a hollow molded fiber article forming station is provided, comprising: a mold for receiving a hollow molded fiber article; an interface device connectable to an expandable member, the expandable member being convertible between the first configuration and the second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the expandable member is insertable into the hollow molded fiber article, and in the second configuration the expandable member, during use, pushes the hollow molded fiber article against an inner surface of the mold to form the hollow molded fiber article and provide a formed hollow molded fiber article; and a reservoir system configured such that when the interface device is connected to the expandable member, the reservoir system can supply a portion of fluid to the expandable member via the interface device and receive the portion of fluid from the expandable member to convert the expandable member between the first configuration and the second configuration, wherein the volume of the reservoir system is greater than the volume of the portion of fluid. Therefore, the reservoir system can contain more fluid than is required to convert the expandable member from the first configuration to the second configuration (i.e., to expand the expandable member). This can improve the functionality of a storage system compared to a smaller storage system.

[0004] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product forming station is a necked hollow molded fiber product forming station. Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product is a necked hollow molded fiber product. Optionally, the formed hollow molded fiber product is a formed necked hollow molded fiber product.

[0005] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes the expandable component.

[0006] Optionally, when the expandable member is in the second configuration, the volume of the storage system is greater than the volume of the expandable member.

[0007] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes a heater for heating the hollow molded fiber product when it is located in the mold.

[0008] Therefore, thermoforming can be applied to hollow molded fiber products. Compared with molding operations that do not involve heating, thermoforming can significantly improve the mechanical and aesthetic properties of hollow molded fiber products.

[0009] When the expandable component comes into contact with a heated hollow molded fiber article, the fluid within the expandable component can heat up. For example, in cases where the volume of the reservoir system is approximately the same as or smaller than the volume of the fluid in that portion, the fluid can be heated during repeated molding operations, leading to deterioration of the expandable component, which is susceptible to damage from the heated fluid. Because the volume of the reservoir system is larger than the volume of the fluid in that portion, the temperature reached by the fluid during operation may be lower than in exemplary stations where the volume of the reservoir system is approximately the same as or smaller than the volume of the fluid in that portion. This can improve station functionality by reducing the likelihood of damage to the expandable component and thus extending its service life. This can reduce downtime required for maintenance or reduce station operating costs due to the cost of replacing damaged expandable components.

[0010] Optionally, the reservoir system includes a reservoir, and the volume of the reservoir is greater than the volume of the fluid in the portion.

[0011] Optionally, when the expansion member is in the second configuration, the volume of the reservoir is greater than the volume of the expansion member.

[0012] Optionally, the reservoir system includes an additional reservoir fluidly connected to the reservoir and configured to supply fluid to the interface device; the reservoir is configured to receive fluid from the interface device; the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes a valve located between the reservoir and the additional reservoir; and the valve is configured to selectively allow or block fluid flow between the reservoir and the additional reservoir.

[0013] During the conversion of the expandable member from the second configuration to the first configuration (causing the expandable member to collapse), the fluid received from the interface device can be isolated from the fluid in a separate reservoir. The fluid in the separate reservoir may be cooler than the fluid in the other reservoir because it may have cooled down for some time when it was previously used to expand the expandable member. The potentially cooler fluid in the reservoir can then be used to subsequently expand the expandable member. Therefore, the temperature of the fluid supplied to the expandable member may be lower than when not using two reservoirs and valves, which reduces the likelihood of damage to the expandable member, as it is susceptible to damage from heated fluids.

[0014] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes a controller configured to cause the valve to switch between allowing and blocking fluid flow.

[0015] Optionally, the heater is configured to heat the hollow molded fiber article to a temperature not lower than 90°C. Heating the hollow molded fiber article to a temperature not lower than 90°C improves the mechanical and aesthetic properties of the molded hollow molded fiber article compared to heating it to a temperature lower than 90°C.

[0016] Heating the hollow molded fiber article to at least 90°C may also cause the fluid in that section to reach a higher temperature during operation than when the hollow molded fiber article is heated to below 90°C. As discussed earlier, the volume of the reservoir system is larger than the volume of the fluid in that section, which may lower the temperature reached by the fluid in that section during operation. It may be advantageous when the heater is configured to heat the hollow molded fiber article to at least 90°C because the fluid in that section will reach a higher temperature during operation.

[0017] Optionally, the heater may be configured to heat the hollow molded fiber article to a temperature not lower than 100°C. Heating the hollow molded fiber article to a temperature not lower than 100°C improves the mechanical and aesthetic properties of the molded hollow molded fiber article compared to heating it to a temperature lower than 100°C. Optionally, the fluid in this portion includes water.

[0018] Heating the article to a temperature not lower than 100°C may cause the fluid in the portion to be heated to a temperature above 100°C, which may cause the fluid in the portion to evaporate, causing the expandable component to expand rapidly, potentially leading to its bursting. This risk is particularly high when the fluid is water. As discussed earlier, the volume of the reservoir system is larger than the volume of the fluid in the portion, which can reduce the temperature reached by the fluid in the portion during operation. This can be beneficial when the heater is configured to heat the hollow molded fiber article to a temperature not lower than 100°C, because the temperature of the fluid in the portion can be reduced to below 100°C. Therefore, the likelihood of the expandable component bursting can be reduced compared to the case where the volume of the reservoir system is equal to the volume of the fluid in the portion.

[0019] Optionally, the heater may be configured to heat the hollow molded fiber article to a temperature not less than 200°C.

[0020] Heating hollow molded fiber products to a temperature of not less than 200°C improves the mechanical and aesthetic properties of the molded hollow molded fiber products compared to heating them to a temperature below 200°C.

[0021] Heating the article to a temperature not lower than 200°C may cause the expandable component to be heated above 200°C, which can lead to material degradation of the expandable component. As discussed earlier, the volume of the reservoir system is larger than the volume of the fluid in the aforementioned portion, which can reduce the temperature reached by the fluid in the aforementioned portion during operation. This can be advantageous when the heater is configured to heat the hollow molded fiber article to a temperature not lower than 200°C, because the temperature of the fluid in the aforementioned portion may be lower than the temperature of the expandable component, thereby cooling the expandable component. This reduces the likelihood of material degradation of the expandable component compared to when the volume of the reservoir system is smaller than the volume of the fluid in the aforementioned portion.

[0022] Optionally, the heater may be configured to directly heat the hollow molded fiber article.

[0023] Optionally, the heater can be configured to indirectly heat the hollow molded fiber article. For example, the mold can be heated to heat the hollow molded fiber article.

[0024] Optionally, the volume of the reservoir system is not less than 1.1 times the volume of the fluid in the portion. Therefore, compared to the case where the volume of the reservoir system is less than 1.1 times the volume of the fluid in the portion, the function of the reservoir system can be improved to a greater extent.

[0025] For example, in a station that includes a heater, the fluid in that section may reach a lower temperature during operation compared to a volume less than 1.1 times larger. This can reduce the likelihood of damage to expandable components.

[0026] Optionally, the volume of the reservoir is not less than 1.1 times the volume of the fluid in the portion.

[0027] Optionally, when the expansion member is in the second configuration, the volume of the storage system is not less than 1.1 times the volume of the expansion member.

[0028] Optionally, when the expansion member is in the second configuration, the volume of the reservoir is not less than 1.1 times the volume of the expansion member.

[0029] Optionally, the volume of the storage system is not less than twice the volume of the fluid in the portion.

[0030] In an exemplary station comprising two expandable components, the reservoir system may be able to hold enough fluid to operate both expandable components simultaneously. Operating both expandable components using a single reservoir system can increase station throughput without requiring an additional reservoir system, which could otherwise complicate the station and increase its cost.

[0031] Optionally, the volume of the reservoir is not less than twice the volume of the fluid in the portion.

[0032] Optionally, when the expansion member is in the second configuration, the volume of the storage system is not less than twice the volume of the expansion member.

[0033] Optionally, when the expansion member is in the second configuration, the volume of the reservoir is not less than twice the volume of the expansion member.

[0034] Optionally, the volume of the reservoir system is no more than four times the volume of the fluid in the portion. Beyond four times the volume, any further improvements to the reservoir system's functionality, such as further reducing the likelihood of damage to the expandable component, may be offset by the increased cost resulting from the increased volume. Therefore, by controlling the volume to no more than four times the volume, the cost of the reservoir system can be reduced without significantly increasing the likelihood of damage to the expandable component.

[0035] Optionally, the volume of the reservoir is no more than four times the volume of the fluid in the portion.

[0036] Optionally, when the expansion member is in the second configuration, the volume of the storage system is not greater than four times the volume of the expansion member.

[0037] Optionally, when the expansion member is in the second configuration, the volume of the reservoir is not greater than four times the volume of the expansion member.

[0038] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product molding station includes a cooling system configured to cool the fluid in the portion; and the hollow molded fiber product molding station is configured to cause the cooling system to cool the fluid in the portion, and then supply the fluid via the interface device to the expandable member to change the expandable member from the first configuration to the second configuration. By cooling the fluid in the portion and then supplying it to the expandable member to change the expandable member from the first configuration to the second configuration, the temperature of the fluid in the portion can be lower than if a cooling system were not used. Supplying a lower-temperature fluid to the expandable member can reduce the likelihood of damage to the expandable member, as the expandable member is susceptible to damage from heated fluids.

[0039] Optionally, the cooling system is configured to cool the fluid in the portion and then supply the fluid in that portion to the expandable member via an interface device to change the expandable member from the first configuration to the second configuration. Therefore, the temperature of the fluid in that portion may be lower than the temperature of the fluid if it were not cooled. This can further reduce the possibility of damage to the expandable member.

[0040] Optionally, the cooling system includes a heat exchanger, a fluid moving device, and a cooling system fluid flow path; the cooling system fluid flow path has a first end connected to the reservoir system and a second end connected to the reservoir system; the heat exchanger is positioned along the cooling system fluid flow path; and the fluid moving device is configured to move fluid along the cooling system fluid flow path and cause it to flow through the heat exchanger. During operation, the fluid moving device (e.g., a pump or vacuum generator) moves fluid from the reservoir system (via the first end) through the heat exchanger and then back (via the second end) to the reservoir system. Using a fluid moving device to actively move fluid through the heat exchanger, rather than, for example, immersing the heat exchanger in the reservoir system's reservoir and relying on convection to move the fluid through the heat exchanger, increases the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the heat exchanger. This increased flow rate may result in the fluid moving through the heat exchanger transferring more heat to the heat exchanger, thereby increasing the cooling provided by the cooling system to the fluid moving through the heat exchanger. Increased cooling can lower the temperature of the fluid in this portion, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the expandable components.

[0041] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber article forming station is configured to control the expandable member in a cycle, in which the hollow molded fiber article forming station causes: the expandable member in the first configuration to be inserted into the hollow molded fiber article; a portion of the fluid is supplied from the reservoir system to the expandable member via the interface device to change the expandable member from the first configuration to the second configuration within the hollow molded fiber article, thereby pushing the hollow molded fiber article against the inner surface of the mold; the expandable member is maintained in the second configuration for a period of not less than 10 seconds to form the hollow molded fiber article and provide a molded hollow molded fiber article; a portion of the fluid is received from the expandable member via the interface device by the reservoir system to change the expandable member from the second configuration to the first configuration; and the expandable member in the first configuration is removed from the molded hollow molded fiber article. Making the time interval at least 10 seconds results in the hollow molded fiber article being pushed against the inside of the mold for a longer period than when the time interval is less than 10 seconds. Therefore, by making the time interval at least 10 seconds, the mechanical and aesthetic properties of the molded hollow molded fiber article can be improved compared to when the time interval is less than 10 seconds. In a station including a heater, making the time interval at least 10 seconds also results in the fluid in that portion reaching a higher temperature compared to when the time interval is less than 10 seconds. As discussed earlier, the volume of the reservoir system is larger than the volume of the fluid in that portion, which can reduce the temperature reached by the fluid in that portion during operation. This can be beneficial when the time interval is at least 10 seconds because the fluid in that portion reaches a higher temperature during operation. Optionally, the time interval is at least 90 seconds.

[0042] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber article forming station is configured such that: the cycle is repeated in a subsequent cycle to provide additional molded hollow molded fiber articles; and an additional time period of not less than 2 seconds occurs between the portion of fluid received from the expandable member by the reservoir system in the cycle and the portion of fluid supplied to the expandable member in the subsequent cycle.

[0043] By ensuring that the additional time period is at least 2 seconds, the temperature reached by the fluid during operation is likely to be lower than if the additional time period were less than 2 seconds. Therefore, the likelihood of damage to the expandable component can be reduced compared to if the additional time period were less than 2 seconds. Optionally, the additional time period is at least 5 seconds. Optionally, the additional time period is at least 30 seconds.

[0044] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes a vacuum generator configured to move the fluid from the expandable member to the reservoir system via the interface device. Using a vacuum generator can reduce the station's cost compared to, for example, using a pump, because the purchase cost of a vacuum generator required to extract fluid at the desired rate can be lower than the purchase cost of an equivalent pump.

[0045] Furthermore, in examples where the hollow molded fiber product forming station consists of a container production line, the container production line may include other stations employing vacuum. In these examples, all stations can use a common vacuum generator, which reduces system costs and maintenance requirements compared to, for example, each station using its own pump.

[0046] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes: an output fluid flow path that fluidly connects the reservoir system to the interface device; an output fluid moving device positioned along the output fluid flow path and configured to move the portion of fluid along the output fluid flow path; and an output valve positioned along the output fluid flow path and configured to selectively allow or block fluid flow along the output fluid flow path. Therefore, the output fluid moving device and the output valve can be used to control when the portion of fluid is supplied to the expandable member via the interface device, thereby controlling when the expandable member expands.

[0047] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes: a return fluid path separate from the output fluid path, the return fluid path fluidly connecting the interface device to the reservoir system; a return fluid moving device configured to move the portion of fluid along the return fluid path; and a return valve positioned along the return fluid path and configured to selectively allow or block fluid flow along the return fluid path; the output valve is configured to allow fluid flow along the output fluid path when the return valve blocks fluid flow along the return fluid path; and the return valve is configured to allow fluid flow along the return fluid path when the output valve blocks fluid flow along the output fluid path. Therefore, in use, the hollow molded fiber product forming station can operate in two modes. In a first mode, the output valve allows fluid flow, the return valve blocks fluid flow, and the output fluid moving device moves the portion of fluid from the reservoir system along the output fluid flow path to the expandable member to cause the expandable member to expand. In the second mode, the output valve blocks fluid flow, the return valve allows fluid flow, and the return fluid moving device moves the fluid from the expandable member along the return fluid flow path to the reservoir system. By providing a separate fluid flow path, the fluid in the portion can flow into and out of the expandable member in a single direction. Therefore, the fluid moving device (which can be a pump or a vacuum generator) only needs to operate in a single direction, which simplifies the fluid moving device compared to a situation where, for example, the fluid in the portion flows into and out of the expandable member in opposite directions along a single fluid flow path, the latter might require a bidirectional fluid moving device.

[0048] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes a controller configured to cause: the output valve to switch between allowing and preventing fluid flow; and the return valve to switch between allowing and preventing fluid flow.

[0049] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes a diverting fluid flow path that connects the output fluid moving device to the reservoir system and connects to the output fluid flow path between the output fluid moving device and the output valve; the output valve is positioned between the output fluid moving device and the interface device; and the output fluid moving device is configured to move fluid along the diverting fluid flow path when the output valve blocks fluid flow along the output fluid flow path. The output valve can switch between blocking and allowing fluid flow to control when fluid is supplied to the expandable member, thereby controlling when the expandable member expands. By providing a diverting fluid flow path, when the output valve blocks fluid flow (e.g., when the expandable member is fully expanded), the output fluid moving device can continue to operate and circulate fluid along the output fluid flow path located between the reservoir system, the output fluid moving device, the diverting fluid flow path, and the reservoir system. Even if the fluid moving device is not required to move fluid to the expandable member, allowing the output fluid moving device to continue operating can reduce the time required for the expandable member to expand when the output valve is opened. This is because if the output fluid moving device remains operational, the time required to increase its speed to the operating speed may be less than if it were shut off when the output valve is closed. In contrast, in the absence of a diverting fluid flow path, when the output valve blocks fluid flow, it may be necessary to shut off the output fluid moving device to prevent damage, and then, when the output valve allows fluid flow, the speed of the output fluid moving device increases from zero.

[0050] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes a diversion valve positioned along the diversion fluid flow path and configured to allow fluid to flow along the diversion fluid flow path when the output valve blocks fluid flow, and to block fluid flow along the diversion fluid flow path when the output valve allows fluid flow. Therefore, when fluid flow along the diversion fluid flow path is not desired, i.e., when fluid flow to the expandable member is desired, the diversion valve blocks fluid flow. Thus, compared to the case without a diversion valve, for a given rating of the output fluid movement device, an increased flow rate to the expandable member can be achieved, which can reduce the time required for the expandable member to expand, thereby increasing the throughput of the hollow molded fiber product forming station.

[0051] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes a controller configured to cause the diversion valve to switch between blocking or allowing fluid flow.

[0052] Optionally, the interface device provides a common inlet and outlet for the expandable member. By providing a common inlet and outlet, rather than providing separate fluid flow paths for inlet operation and another separate fluid flow path for outlet operation, the interface device can be simplified, resulting in a more robust and reliable interface device. This can reduce downtime at the hollow molded fiber product forming station compared to, for example, an interface device comprising separate fluid flow paths for inlet operation and another separate fluid flow path for outlet operation.

[0053] Optionally, the interface device includes an interface device valve configured to selectively block or allow fluid flow through the interface device. Thus, the interface device valve can block fluid flow to facilitate the removal and replacement of the expandable component, and then allow fluid flow to facilitate fluid inflow and outflow from the expandable component. During maintenance of the station, the expandable component may be removed, for example, if it is damaged and needs replacement. Blocking fluid flow with the interface device valve before removing the expandable component allows for removal without loss of fluid from the hollow molded fiber product forming station. The replacement expandable component can then be attached to the interface device. This reduces downtime required for maintenance compared to the absence of an interface device valve, where fluid in the station may need to be replenished before restarting operation.

[0054] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes a controller configured to cause the interface device valve to switch between blocking and allowing fluid flow.

[0055] Optionally, the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes: an additional mold for receiving additional hollow molded fiber products; and an additional interface device connectable to an additional expandable member, which is switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the additional expandable member is inserted into the additional hollow molded fiber product. In the second configuration, the additional expandable member pushes the additional hollow molded fiber product against the inner surface of the mold during use. The additional hollow molded fiber article is formed and provided; the reservoir system is configured such that when the additional interface device is connected to the additional expandable member, the reservoir system can supply additional portions of fluid to the additional expandable member via the additional interface device and receive additional portions of fluid from the additional expandable member, so that the additional expandable member can change between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the volume of the reservoir system is greater than the combined volume of the portion of fluid and the additional portions of fluid. Therefore, compared to, for example, equipping each expandable member with a separate reservoir system, the reservoir system can operate two expandable members simultaneously, which can reduce the complexity of the hollow molded fiber forming station, thereby improving the reliability of the station and / or reducing the cost of the station. Having multiple expandable members can increase the throughput of the station compared to having a single expandable member.

[0056] Optionally, the volume of the storage system is greater than the combined volume of the expansion member when the expansion member is in the second configuration and the additional expansion member when the additional expansion member is in the second configuration.

[0057] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for forming a hollow molded fiber article to provide a molded hollow molded fiber article, the method comprising: containing fluid in a reservoir system; inserting an expandable member in a first configuration into the hollow molded fiber article located within a mold; and retaining a portion of the fluid in the reservoir system while moving another portion of the fluid from the reservoir system into the expandable member to change the expandable member from the first configuration to a second configuration in which the expandable member pushes the hollow molded fiber article against an inner surface of the mold.

[0058] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a controller for a hollow molded fiber product forming station is provided, the controller being configured to cause the hollow molded fiber product forming station to perform the method of the second aspect of the present invention.

[0059] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a non-transitory storage medium is provided for storing machine-readable instructions, which, when executed by a hollow molded fiber product forming station controller, cause the hollow molded fiber product forming station controller to cause the hollow molded fiber product forming station to perform the method of the second aspect of the invention.

[0060] In some examples of any of the foregoing aspects, the hollow molded fiber article is a bottle, jar, or a type of vase. In some examples of any of the foregoing aspects, the hollow molded fiber article is a bottle.

[0061] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a container production line is provided, the container production line comprising a hollow molded fiber article forming station for providing a molded hollow molded fiber article according to a first aspect of the invention, and equipment for performing at least one additional processing on the molded hollow molded fiber article to provide the container.

[0062] The apparatus may include an internal coating machine, and the at least one additional processing may include the internal coating machine coating at least a portion of the interior of the hollow molded fiber article to produce an internally coated hollow molded fiber article. The apparatus may include a closing portion applicator, and the at least one additional processing may include the closing portion applicator applying a closing portion to the hollow molded fiber article or the internally coated hollow molded fiber article to produce a closable or enclosed hollow molded fiber article. The apparatus may include an external coating machine, and the at least one additional processing may include the external coating machine coating at least a portion of the exterior of the hollow molded fiber article, the internally coated hollow molded fiber article, or the closable or enclosed article to produce an externally coated hollow molded fiber article. The apparatus may include a decorator, and the at least one additional processing may include the decorator decorating the hollow molded fiber article, the internally coated hollow molded fiber article, the closable or enclosed hollow molded fiber article, or the externally coated hollow molded fiber article to produce a decorated hollow molded fiber article. The equipment may include a dryer, and the at least one additional processing may include the dryer drying the hollow molded fiber article, or the internally coated hollow molded fiber article, or the closureable or enclosed hollow molded fiber article, or the externally coated hollow molded fiber article, or the decorative hollow molded fiber article to produce a dried hollow molded fiber article. The equipment may include an evaluator, and the at least one additional processing may include the evaluator evaluating the hollow molded fiber article, the internally coated hollow molded fiber article, the closureable or enclosed hollow molded fiber article, the externally coated hollow molded fiber article, the decorative hollow molded fiber article, or the dried hollow molded fiber article to produce an evaluated hollow molded fiber article. In some examples, the container is the hollow molded fiber article, the internally coated hollow molded fiber article, the closable or enclosed hollow molded fiber article, the externally coated hollow molded fiber article, the decorative hollow molded fiber article, the dried hollow molded fiber article, or the evaluated hollow molded fiber article.

[0063] In some examples, the molded hollow molded fiber article is a thermoformed hollow molded fiber article.

[0064] In some examples, the container is a bottle, jar, or a type of vase. In some examples, the container is a bottle.

[0065] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a container is provided, the method comprising: performing the method of the second aspect of the invention to provide a molded hollow molded fiber article; and then performing at least one additional processing on the molded hollow molded fiber article to provide the container.

[0066] The at least one additional processing may include coating at least a portion of the interior of the hollow molded fiber article to produce an internally coated hollow molded fiber article. The at least one additional processing may include applying a closure portion to the hollow molded fiber article or the internally coated hollow molded fiber article to produce a closable or enclosed hollow molded fiber article. The at least one additional processing may include coating at least a portion of the exterior of the hollow molded fiber article, the internally coated hollow molded fiber article, or the closable or enclosed article to produce an externally coated hollow molded fiber article. The at least one additional processing may include decorating the hollow molded fiber article, the internally coated hollow molded fiber article, the closable or enclosed hollow molded fiber article, or the externally coated hollow molded fiber article to produce a decorated hollow molded fiber article. The at least one additional processing may include drying the hollow molded fiber article, or the internally coated hollow molded fiber article, or the closable or enclosed hollow molded fiber article, or the externally coated hollow molded fiber article, or the decorative hollow molded fiber article to produce a dried hollow molded fiber article. The at least one additional processing may include evaluating the hollow molded fiber article, the internally coated hollow molded fiber article, the closable or enclosed hollow molded fiber article, the externally coated hollow molded fiber article, the decorative hollow molded fiber article, or the dried hollow molded fiber article to produce an evaluated hollow molded fiber article. In some examples, the container is the hollow molded fiber article, the internally coated hollow molded fiber article, the closable or enclosed hollow molded fiber article, the externally coated hollow molded fiber article, the decorative hollow molded fiber article, the dried hollow molded fiber article, or the evaluated hollow molded fiber article.

[0067] In some examples, the container is a bottle, jar, or a type of vase. In some examples, the container is a bottle.

[0068] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a method for providing a container for containing contents is provided, the method comprising: providing a container obtained by the method of a sixth aspect of the present invention; and providing contents into the container to provide the container for containing the contents.

[0069] In some examples, providing the contents into the container includes loading the contents into the container. Conversely, in some examples, providing the container includes providing the container with contents already present in the container, thereby providing the contents into the container.

[0070] The contents may be in the form of, for example, liquids, powders, other flowable substances, one or more solid objects, or combinations thereof. For example, the contents may be food (such as condiments), beverages (such as alcoholic beverages), household care products (such as detergents or other cleaning products), personal care products (such as hair care products, personal hygiene products, health products, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics), fragrance products (such as perfumes), vehicle products (such as engine oil), or industrial products. Other suitable contents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, given the content of this application and common general knowledge.

[0071] In some examples, the container is a bottle, jar, or a type of vase. In some examples, the container is a bottle.

[0072] Optionally, the method of the seventh aspect includes: after providing the contents into the container, closing the opening of the container, and / or affixing a label or tag to the container.

[0073] In some examples, the closure includes applying a closure element (such as a cap or lid or heat seal) to the container to close the opening. In some examples, the closure includes applying a heat seal to the container and (e.g., subsequently) applying a cap or lid to the container.

[0074] In some examples, the tag or mark is applied to the container after the contents are provided into the container (i.e., the tag or mark is applied to the container containing the contents). In other examples, the tag or mark is applied to the container before or during the provision of the contents into the container.

[0075] In some examples, the application occurs before the closure. In some examples, the application occurs after the closure. In some examples, the application occurs during the closure.

[0076] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, a container obtained by the method of the seventh aspect of the invention is provided for use in containing contents. This use may be for, for example, the following persons: persons who fill the container with contents (such as natural persons or companies); persons who transport the contents; or persons (whether for delivery purposes or otherwise) who wish to deliver the contents (e.g., to a consumer or end user), propose delivery of the contents (e.g., to a consumer or end user), import the contents, or store the contents. For example, the contents may be any of those forms discussed above.

[0077] In some examples, the container is a bottle, jar, or a type of vase. In some examples, the container is a bottle.

[0078] Where appropriate, optional features of one aspect of the invention may also be applied to other aspects of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0079] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0080] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary container manufacturing line for performing a method of manufacturing containers from pulp;

[0081] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary forming station for hollow molded fiber products with necks;

[0082] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the first interface device, the first expandable component, and the first mold of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product forming station;

[0083] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary storage system for a necked hollow molded fiber product forming station;

[0084] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the first fluid loop of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product forming station;

[0085] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the second fluid loop of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product forming station;

[0086] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cooling system of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product molding station;

[0087] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product molding station for incremental growth during operation;

[0088] Figure 9a for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the first mold of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product molding station in the first time increment;

[0089] Figure 9b for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the second mold of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product molding station in the first time increment;

[0090] Figure 10 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product molding station during a second time increment in operation;

[0091] Figure 11a for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the first mold of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product forming station in the second time increment;

[0092] Figure 11b for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the second mold of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product forming station during the second time increment;

[0093] Figure 12 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product molding station during a third time increment during operation;

[0094] Figure 13a for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the first mold of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product molding station in the third time increment;

[0095] Figure 13b for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the second mold of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product forming station in the third time increment;

[0096] Figure 14 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product molding station during operation at a fourth time increment;

[0097] Figure 15a for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the first mold of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product forming station in the fourth time increment;

[0098] Figure 15b for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the second mold of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product forming station in the fourth time increment;

[0099] Figure 16 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product molding station during the fifth time increment in operation;

[0100] Figure 17a for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the first mold of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product molding station at the fifth time increment;

[0101] Figure 17b for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the second mold of an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product molding station in the fifth time increment;

[0102] Figure 18A schematic diagram of an alternative to an exemplary necked hollow molded fiber product forming station;

[0103] Figure 19 A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is shown according to an example;

[0104] Figure 20 Exemplary methods for forming necked hollow molded fiber articles to provide molded necked hollow molded fiber articles and exemplary methods for manufacturing necked containers are shown.

[0105] Figure 21 A schematic cross-sectional view of a container holding contents, according to an example, is shown; and

[0106] Figure 22 A method for providing a container to hold contents is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0107] The following description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the accompanying drawings, explains the principles of embodiments of the present invention.

[0108] Figure 1 A container production line is shown for performing a method of manufacturing a container from pulp (i.e., the basis for which an exemplary fiber suspension can be formed), in this example a necked container, and more specifically, in this example, a bottle. A “necked container” means a container having an internal narrowing or “neck” between its body and opening, in which most or all of the container’s contents are stored when in use, and through which the contents enter or exit the container. The internal width of the container at the neck may be the same as or different from the internal width of the opening. However, the internal width of the neck is less than the internal width of the body, such that a shoulder is defined by the neck and the body, and between the neck and the body. This shoulder complicates the manufacture of the container because it hinders (and in some cases, hinders the insertion of) any mold tools subsequently inserted into the container to form the internal shape of the container. Examples of necked containers are bottles, jars, and certain types of vases. The process described is merely exemplary and is provided to give context for examples of the invention.

[0109] In a broad sense, the exemplary process includes providing a fiber suspension; introducing the fiber suspension into the cavity of a porous first mold and draining a liquid (such as water) from the fiber suspension to produce a hollow molded fiber article (which may be referred to as a wet precursor or embryo) in the cavity; further molding the hollow molded fiber article to produce a hollow further molded fiber article; drying and then internally coating the hollow further molded fiber article to produce an internally coated article; drying the internally coated article to produce a dried article; applying a closing portion to the dried article to produce a closable or enclosed article; externally coating and / or decorating the closable or enclosed article to produce an externally coated and / or decorated article; and then drying the externally coated or decorated article to produce another dried article. As will be apparent at least from the following description, modifications may be made to the exemplary process to provide variations thereof in which other examples of the invention may be embodied. For example, in some cases, the internal coating or external coating and / or decoration may be omitted. Furthermore, in this case and as Figure 1 As indicated by the asterisks marked Ins. 1 to Ins. 5, the process includes inspecting or evaluating hollow further molded fiber articles, internally coated articles, closable or enclosed articles, externally coated or decorated articles, and dried articles to produce the corresponding evaluated articles. In some examples, the container is one of a hollow molded fiber article, a hollow further molded fiber article, an internally coated article, a closable or enclosed article, an externally coated or decorated article, a dried article, or one of the corresponding evaluated articles.

[0110] In this example, providing a fiber suspension includes preparing a fiber suspension from its components. More specifically, preparation includes providing pulp fibers, such as paper pulp fibers, and mixing the pulp fibers with a liquid to provide hydrated pulp fibers. In this example, the pulp fibers are provided by a supplier in sheet form, and the liquid includes water and one or more additives. In this example, the liquid is mixed with the pulp fibers to provide hydrated pulp fibers with a solid fiber content of 1% to 5% by weight (based on fiber dry mass). In this example, one or more additives include sizing agents, such as alkyl ketene dimers (AKD). Hydrated pulp fibers typically contain AKD in an amount of 0.4% by weight relative to the total dry mass of solid fibers in the hydrated pulp fibers. In some examples, one or more additives are present in the liquid when the pulp fibers are mixed with the liquid. In some examples, the hydrated pulp fibers contain one or more additives after the pulp fibers are mixed with the liquid (e.g., hydrating the pulp fibers for a period of time, such as from 2 hours to 16 hours, and then supplying one or more additives to the hydrated pulp fibers). Hydrated pulp fibers pass between the plates of a Walley beater 11 or a refiner that move relative to each other. This causes some or all of the fibers to fibrillate, meaning that the cell walls of these fibers become partially delaminated, resulting in the wetted surfaces of these fibers comprising protruding hairs or fibrils. These fibrils contribute to increasing the bonding strength between fibers in the dried final product. In other examples, the Walley beater 11 or refiner may be omitted.

[0111] The resulting treated slurry is stored in tank 12 in a relatively concentrated form (e.g., with a solid fiber content of 1% to 5% by weight) to reduce the required storage space. At the appropriate time, the treated slurry is transferred to mixing station 13, where it is diluted with additional water and optionally mixed with one or more additives (and / or instead of one or more additives provided with the hydrated slurry fibers) to provide a fiber suspension ready for molding. In this example, the solid fiber constitutes 0.7% by weight (based on fiber dry weight) of the resulting fiber suspension, but in other examples, the proportion of solid fiber in the fiber suspension may vary, such as 0.5% to 5% by weight, or another value in the range of 0.1% to 1% by weight (based on fiber dry weight). In some examples, one or more additives mixed with the treated slurry and water include dehydrating agents, such as modified and / or unmodified polyethyleneimine (PEI), for example, modified PEI sold under the trade name Polymin® SK. In some examples, one or more additives are mixed with water, and then the water and one or more additives are mixed with the treated slurry; in other examples, the treated slurry and water are mixed, and then one or more additives are mixed with the treated slurry and water. The fiber suspension typically contains 0.3% by weight of Polymin® SK relative to the total dry mass of the solid fibers. Mixing the fiber suspension at mixing station 13 helps to homogenize the fiber suspension. In other examples, the treated slurry or fiber suspension may be provided in other ways, such as being supplied in ready-made form.

[0112] Downstream of barrel 12 and mixing station 13 is a first molding station comprising a porous first mold 15. In this example, the porous first mold 15 comprises two half-molds 14 movable toward and away from each other, in this example utilizing hydraulic cylinders. In this example, each of the half-molds 14 is an integral or single tooling forming a mold profile by additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), and when the half-molds 14 contact each other, their respective mold profiles engage to define a cavity in which a hollow molded fiber article is to be formed. Each half-mold 14 itself defines a smaller molding cavity, and when engaged with a second half-mold 14, the smaller molding cavities combine to provide an integral mold cavity. The two half-molds 14 can be considered individually as “split” or “molds,” and the integral porous first mold 15 can be considered as a “split mold” or again as a “mold.” In other examples, the porous first mold 15 may include more than two splits 14, such as three, four, or six splits, which cooperate to define a molding cavity.

[0113] exist Figure 1In this process, a fiber suspension (also called slurry) is filled from the top into a porous first mold 15, unlike a molding process where the mold is immersed in the slurry. The fiber suspension is drawn under vacuum through line 16 and into the porous first mold 15, with excess suspension drawn under vacuum through line 18 through the porous first mold 15 into tank 17. Injection quality can be controlled by measuring (e.g., weighing) the amount of liquid drawn into tank 17. A weighing platform supporting tank 17 is located in... Figure 1 The process is visible in the middle. Once the required amount (e.g., a predetermined volume, such as 10 liters, or a predetermined mass, such as 10 kilograms) of liquid has been collected in tank 17, the intake of the suspension through the porous first mold 15 is stopped, and the first mold 15 is opened to the surrounding air. In this example, the suspension drawn along with the fiber suspension in line 16 is water, or primarily water (because additives may also be present). The liquid drawn into tank 17 under vacuum via line 18 is substantially fiber-free, as these fibers remain on the walls of the porous first mold 15 to form a hollow molded fiber article.

[0114] In one example, to remove further suspension (e.g., water) from a hollow molded fiber article and to form or solidify the article's three-dimensional shape, a high-pressure fluid (such as compressed air) is introduced into a first mold 15 to compress the fiber suspension against the cavity walls of the first mold 15. This process strengthens the article, making it manipulable and allowing water from between the fibers to drain, thereby improving the efficiency of subsequent drying processes. A hydraulic pump 20 is used to regulate the fluid. The pump 20 has a cylinder that discharges fluid from line 21 into the first mold 15. In an alternative example, an impermeable inflatable element in the form of a collapsible bladder is inserted into the first mold 15, and this impermeable inflatable element is expanded by introducing fluid from line 21 into the bladder to act as an internal high-pressure core structure of the first mold 15. In this alternative, the fluid within line 21 is preferably incompressible, such as water or oil, although in other examples it can be a compressible fluid, such as air. The advantage of water over other incompressible liquids is that any leakage or rupture of the bladder will not introduce new substances into the system (because the suspension is already water or mainly water).

[0115] Demolding occurs when the first mold 15 is opened to remove the self-supporting hollow molded fiber article 22. Preferably, mold cleaning 23 is then performed to remove any remaining small fibers and / or other debris and to maintain the porosity of the porous first mold 15. In this example, a radially emitted high-pressure jet is injected into the mold cavity when the first mold 15 is opened. This causes debris to detach from the cavity walls. Alternatively or additionally, water from tank 17 is pressurized and passed through the back of the porous first mold 15 to dislodge trapped fibers and / or other debris. The water is then drained to circulate back to the upstream portion of the system. It is noteworthy that cleaning is important for handling the first mold 15 for reuse. The first mold 15 may appear clean after container removal, but its performance may be compromised if not cleaned.

[0116] according to Figure 1 The hollow molded fiber article 22 is then transported to a second molding station, where pressure and heat are applied in, for example, an aluminum mold 25 to thermoform the desired neck and surface finish, optionally including embossed and / or concave surface features. Once the two halves of the mold 25 are closed around the article 22, a pressurizer is engaged. For example, a bladder 26 (e.g., a thermoformed bladder 26) is inserted into the article 22. The bladder 26 is inflated by a pump 28 via a line 27 with pressurized fluid. The pressurized fluid is preferably an incompressible fluid, such as water or oil, although in other examples it can be a compressible fluid, such as air. In other examples, the pressurized fluid is heated during supply, for example, with a heater, or alternatively cooled, for example, with a heat exchanger. In some examples, the outer mold block 24 of the mold 25 and / or the mold 25 itself are also or alternatively heated. Compared to the state of the article 22 when it was demolded from the first mold 15, after thermoforming, the article 22 (which can now be considered a hollow, further molded fiber article) becomes quite rigid and the sidewalls are subjected to more compression.

[0117] As shown, a drying stage 30 (e.g., microwave drying or other drying process) is performed on article 22 downstream of thermoforming to provide a dried article. In one example, drying stage 30 is performed before thermoforming to provide a dried article. However, molding in mold 25 requires some moisture to aid bonding during the compression process. Drying can be carried out using a dryer, such as a machine for drying articles or simply a rack or other support on which article 22 is placed while drying.

[0118] The article 22 then enters the internal coating stage, in which, in this example, an internal coating machine in the form of a spray gun 31 is inserted into the article 22 and one or more surface coatings are applied to the inner wall of the article 22 to produce an internally coated article. In another example, the article 22 is replaced with liquid that coats the inner wall of the article 22, and then the liquid is drained. In effect, such a coating provides a protective layer to prevent contents from seeping into the bottle wall, which could penetrate and / or weaken the bottle wall. The choice of coating depends on the intended contents of the finished container, such as beverages, food, detergents, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, etc. In this example, the internally coated article 22 then undergoes a curing or drying process 32, which can be configured or optimized according to the internal coating, such as drying under ambient conditions for twenty-four hours or by a rapid drying method. Drying can be performed again using a dryer, such as a machine used to induce drying of the article or simply a shelf or other support on which the article 22 is placed while drying. After drying, the coated article 22 is considered another dried article.

[0119] Then, a closure or opening forming process is performed on article 22 using a closure applicator to produce a closable or closed article. For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the neck fitting 33 is secured to the dried article. This allows the article to be subsequently closed by positioning a cap, closure, or other closure relative to the neck fitting. An external coating and / or decoration are then applied to the article 22 using an external coating machine and / or decorator, as shown in a further stage 34, to produce an externally coated and / or decorated article. In one example, the article 22 is immersed in a liquid to coat its outer surface, as... Figure 1 As shown. In another example, the outer surface receives an external coating in a different manner. The coating and / or decoration may cover all or only part of the outer surface of the article. The article 22 is then allowed to dry in warm air to produce another dried article. In other examples, a dryer (such as one of those discussed above) may be used for drying.

[0120] Therefore, article 22 (considered the final "container") can be fully formed and ready to receive contents therein. In other examples, the container can be fully formed immediately after one of the drying process or one of the inspection and / or evaluation processes, without securing the neck fitting 35 and / or without applying an internal coating and / or an external coating and / or without applying decoration. For example, in some cases, the closure portion is provided for the article by molding the closure portion during molding the article at a first molding station and / or a second molding station.

[0121] Figure 2A molding station 101 is shown, which can be used to mold the article 22 discussed above. The molding station 101 includes: a first interface device 103, a second interface device 105, a first expandable member 107, a second expandable member 109, a first mold 111, a second mold 113, a reservoir system 115, a first fluid circuit 117, a second fluid circuit 119, a vacuum generator 121, a cooling system 123, and a controller 125.

[0122] First interface device 103 (e.g.) Figure 3 (As shown) includes an interface 127, an interface fluid flow path 129, and an interface device valve 131. The interface 127 includes a connector to which a first expandable member 107 is detachably connected. The interface fluid flow path 129 includes a first end 102 connected to the connector and a second end 104 connected to a first fluid circuit 117.

[0123] The interface device valve 131 is positioned along the interface fluid flow path 129 and selectively blocks or allows fluid flow along the interface fluid flow path 129. Specifically, the interface device valve 131 can be switched between open and closed. The interface device valve 131 can be switched to closed to facilitate replacement of the first expandable member 107, which may need to be replaced if the first expandable member 107 is damaged.

[0124] The second interface device 105 is the same as the first interface device 103, except that the connector of the second interface device 105 is detachably connected to the second expandable member 109, and the second end of the interface fluid flow path of the second interface device 105 is connected to the second fluid circuit 119.

[0125] The first inflatable member 107 includes an inflatable member in the form of an elastic pouch. The pouch includes a neck portion and a body portion. The neck portion has a smaller diameter than the body portion. In other examples, the pouch may include a single portion with a constant diameter. The second inflatable member 109 is identical to the first inflatable member 107.

[0126] First mold 111 (which is in) Figure 3 It is shown as open and in Figure 2The mold 111 (shown as closed) includes a first portion 112 and a second portion 114. In other examples, the first mold 111 may include more than two portions. The two portions 112, 114 are separable to open the first mold 111. The first portion 112 includes a cavity 116, a surface 118, and a heater assembly 133. In this example, the cavity 116 has the shape of half a bottle. The surface 118 defines the cavity 116 and has a concave shape. The second portion 114 is a mirror image of the first portion 112. The second portion 114 is movable relative to the first portion 112 to close the first mold 111. When the first mold 111 is closed, a cavity 135 is formed within the first mold 111 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 As shown, the mold cavity includes a cavity 116 comprising a first portion 112 and a second portion 114. The second portion 114 is driven by a hydraulic cylinder (not shown). The second mold 113 is identical to the first mold 111 and therefore includes a second mold cavity 137 identical to the first mold cavity 135.

[0127] Storage system 115 (e.g.) Figure 4 (As shown) includes a reflux reservoir 139, an output reservoir 141, a reservoir fluid flow path 143, and a reservoir valve 145. The reflux reservoir 139 is a tank that retains fluid during use. The output reservoir 141 is a tank that retains fluid during use. The output reservoir 141 has a volume of 35L. The volume of the output reservoir 141 is not less than 1.1 times and not more than 4 times the volume of the first portion of fluid (discussed in more detail below), which is supplied to the second expandable member 109 to change the second expandable member 109 from a collapsed state to an expanded state. It is also conceivable that the volume of the output reservoir is not less than 2 times and not more than 4 times the volume of the first portion of fluid, which is supplied to the second expandable member 109 to change the second expandable member 109 from a collapsed state to an expanded state.

[0128] The reservoir fluid flow path 143 includes a first end 142 connected to the return reservoir 139 and a second end 144 connected to the output reservoir 141. The return reservoir 139 is located above the output reservoir 141, such that fluid in the return reservoir 139 can flow from the return reservoir 139 to the output reservoir 141 under the influence of gravity along the reservoir fluid flow path 143.

[0129] The reservoir valve 145 is positioned along the reservoir fluid flow path 143 and can selectively block or allow fluid flow along the reservoir fluid flow path 143. Specifically, the reservoir valve 145 can be switched between open and closed.

[0130] First fluid circuit 117 (e.g.) Figure 5(As shown) includes a first output fluid flow path 147, a first return fluid flow path 149, a first output fluid moving device 151, a first output valve 153, a first return valve 155, a first diverting fluid flow path 157, and a first diverting valve 159.

[0131] The first output fluid flow path 147 includes a first end 146 and a second end 148. The first end 146 is connected to the output reservoir 141. The second end 148 is connected to the first interface device 103 and the first return fluid flow path 149.

[0132] The first return fluid flow path 149 includes a first end 150 and a second end 152. The first end 150 is connected to the first output fluid flow path 147 and the first interface device 103. The second end 152 is connected to the return reservoir 139.

[0133] A first output fluid moving device 151 is positioned between an output reservoir 141 and a first output valve 153 along a first output fluid flow path 147. The first output fluid moving device 151 is operable to move fluid along the first output fluid flow path 147 and a first diversion fluid flow path 157. The first output fluid moving device 151 includes a pump.

[0134] A first output valve 153 is positioned between the first output fluid moving device 151 and the first interface device 103 along a first output fluid flow path 147. The first output valve 153 selectively blocks or allows fluid flow along the first output fluid flow path 147. Specifically, the first output valve 153 can be switched between open and closed.

[0135] A first reflux valve 155 is positioned between the first interface device 103 and the reflux reservoir 139 along a first reflux fluid flow path 149. The first reflux valve 155 selectively blocks or allows fluid flow along the first reflux fluid flow path 149. Specifically, the first reflux valve 155 can be switched between open and closed.

[0136] The first diversion fluid flow path 157 includes a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the first output fluid flow path 147 between the first output fluid moving device 151 and the first output valve 153. The second end is connected to the output reservoir 141.

[0137] The first diversion valve 159 is positioned along the first diversion fluid flow path 157 and selectively blocks or allows fluid flow along the first diversion fluid flow path 157. Specifically, the first diversion valve 159 can be switched between open and closed.

[0138] Second fluid circuit 119 (e.g.) Figure 6(As shown) includes a second output fluid flow path 161, a second return fluid flow path 163, a second output fluid moving device 165, a second output valve 167, a second return valve 169, a second diversion fluid flow path 171, and a second diversion valve 173.

[0139] The second output fluid flow path 161 includes a first end 160 and a second end 162. The first end 160 is connected to the output reservoir 141. The second end 162 is connected to the second interface device 105 and the second return fluid flow path 163.

[0140] The second return fluid flow path 163 includes a first end 164 and a second end 166. The first end is connected to the second output fluid flow path 161 and the second interface device 105. The second end 166 is connected to the return reservoir 139.

[0141] The second output fluid moving device 165, the second output valve 167, the second return valve 169, the second diverting fluid flow path 171, and the second diverting valve 173 are the same as the corresponding components of the first fluid circuit 117.

[0142] Vacuum generator 121 is connected to reflux reservoir 139. Vacuum generator 121 is operable to apply a vacuum to reflux reservoir 139.

[0143] Cooling system 123 (e.g.) Figure 7 (Shown) This includes a cooling system fluid flow path 177, a cooling system fluid movement device 179, and a heat exchanger 181. The cooling system flow path 177 includes a first end 176 connected to an output reservoir 141 and a second end 178 connected to the output reservoir 141. The cooling system fluid movement device 179 is operable to move fluid along the cooling system fluid flow path 177. The cooling system fluid movement device 179 includes a pump. The heat exchanger 181 is positioned along the cooling system fluid flow path 177. The heat exchanger 181 is operable to remove heat from the fluid flowing through it.

[0144] The controller 125 is connected via control lines to the heater assembly 133, fluid movement devices 151, 165, 179, vacuum generator 121, hydraulic cylinder, heat exchanger 181 and robotic arm (not shown) and controls their operation.

[0145] Controller 125 toggles valves 131, 155, 159, 167, 169, and 173 between open and closed. In practice, each valve 131, 155, 159, 167, 169, and 173 is coupled to a corresponding actuator, and controller 125 controls the operation of the actuators such that each valve 131, 155, 159, 167, 169, and 173 toggles between open and closed. For clarity, such actuators are not shown here. In other examples, controller 125 may be replaced by multiple controllers.

[0146] The controller 125 controls the expansion and contraction of the first expandable member 107 according to the first cycle of operation, and controls the expansion and contraction of the second expandable member 109 according to the second cycle of operation. (Now, refer to...) Figures 8 to 17b Let me explain. The first loop is different from the second loop. Specifically, the operations in the first loop occur at different times than those in the second loop.

[0147] Despite Figures 8 to 17b The diagram shows small gaps between expandable components 107 and 109, molded articles 183 and 187, article 185, and molds 111 and 113 in their expanded states, but these gaps do not actually exist. They are shown for clarity only.

[0148] Figure 8 , Figure 9a and Figure 9b The diagram shows the first expandable member 107 at the beginning of the first cycle, while the second expandable member 109 is in the middle of the second cycle. At this stage, the first molded article 183 is located in the second mold 113, and the second expandable member 109 is located inside the first molded article 183. The second expandable member 109 has just completed forming the first molded article 183 and is in an expanded state. In the expanded state, the second expandable member 109 contains a first portion of the fluid, and the volume of the second expandable member 109 is greater than 95% of the volume of the second mold cavity 137. The volume of the first portion of the fluid is 94% of the volume of the second mold cavity 137.

[0149] The first expandable member 107 is located outside the first mold 111 and is in a collapsed state. The first mold 111 does not contain any articles.

[0150] Output valves 153 and 167, return valves 155 and 169, and reservoir valve 145 are closed, while diverter valves 159 and 173 and interface device valve 131 are open. Furthermore, output fluid moving devices 151 and 165 are moving fluid around loops 117 and 119. In the first fluid loop 117, fluid flows from output reservoir 141 along a portion of the first output fluid flow path 147 between the output reservoir 141 and the point where the first output fluid flow path 147 connects to the first diverter fluid flow path 157, along the first diverter fluid flow path 157, and returns to output reservoir 141. Fluid flows in a corresponding manner in the second fluid loop 119.

[0151] The cooling system fluid moving device 179 moves fluid within the cooling system 123. The cooling system fluid moving device 179 moves fluid from the output reservoir 141 through the heat exchanger 181 (where heat is removed from the fluid) via the cooling system fluid flow path 177, and then returns to the output reservoir 141. The heater assembly 133 is heating the mold.

[0152] Then, controller 125 controls the robotic arm to place the first article 185 (such as article 22 discussed above) into the first mold 111. Then, controller 125 controls the hydraulic cylinder to move the second part 114 of the first mold 111 toward the first part of the first mold 111, such that the two parts 112, 114 close around the first article 185. Therefore, the first article 185 is located inside the cavity 135 of the first mold 111. Controller 125 controls the robotic arm to insert the first expandable member 107 into the first article 185.

[0153] Then, controller 125 switches the first diverter valve 159 to open and the first output valve 153 to close. Figure 10 , Figure 11a and Figure 11bThe first fluid moving device 151 moves the second portion of fluid from the output reservoir 141 along the first output fluid flow path 147 and through the first interface device 103 into the first expandable member 107. This causes the first expandable member 107 to expand from a collapsed state to an expanded state. The expanded state of the first expandable member 107 is the same as the expanded state of the second expandable member 109, and the volume of the second portion of fluid is the same as the volume of the first portion of fluid. In the expanded state, the first expandable member 107 applies pressure to the interior of the first article 185, which pushes the first article 185 against the surface of a portion of the first mold 111. Since the first mold 111 has been previously heated by the heating assembly 133, the mold cavity 135 of the first mold 111 and thus the first article 185 are heated to a temperature of 200°C. Temperatures not lower than 90°C, not lower than 100°C, or not lower than 200°C are also conceivable. Thus, the first article 185 is heated and compressed, such that after maintaining the pressure for a period of time (discussed below), the second article 187 is produced from the first article 185.

[0154] Simultaneously, controller 125 switches the second return valve 169 to open and controls vacuum generator 121 to apply a vacuum to reflux reservoir 139. Since reflux reservoir 139 is connected to the second reflux fluid flow path 163, the first portion of fluid is drawn from the second expandable member 109 along the second reflux fluid flow path 163 and enters reflux reservoir 139. Therefore, the second expandable member 109 collapses from an expanded state to a collapsed state.

[0155] At this stage, the storage system 115 is supplying the second portion of fluid to the first expandable member 107 (via the first interface device 103) while receiving the first portion of fluid from the second expandable member 109 (via the second interface device 105).

[0156] The controller 125 then switches the first output valve 153 to closed and the first diverter valve 159 to open. Figure 12 , Figure 13a and Figure 13bThus, the first expandable member 107 remains in an expanded state, and the pressure exerted by the first expandable member 107 on the interior of the first article 185 is maintained. After a certain period of time, the second article 187 is generated from the first article 185. The time period is 90 seconds. A time period of not less than 10 seconds or not less than 90 seconds is also conceivable. In addition, fluid flows from the output reservoir 141 in the first fluid circuit 117 along a portion of the first output fluid flow path 147 located between the output reservoir 141 and the point where the first output fluid flow path 147 connects to the first branch fluid flow path 157, along the first branch fluid flow path 157, and returns to the reservoir.

[0157] The controller 125 controls the robotic arm to remove the collapsed second expandable member 109 from the first molded article 183 and the second mold 113. The controller 125 also controls a hydraulic cylinder to move a second portion of the second mold 113 away from the first portion of the second mold 113, causing the two portions to separate and allowing the first molded article 183 to be removed from the second mold 113. The controller 125 then controls the robotic arm to remove the first molded article 183 from the second mold 113.

[0158] Once the first portion of fluid has moved from the second expandable member 109 to the reflux reservoir 139, the controller 125 controls the vacuum generator 121 to stop applying vacuum to the reflux reservoir 139. The controller also switches the second reflux valve 169 to closed and the reservoir valve 145 to open. The first portion of fluid then flows from the reflux reservoir 139 into the output reservoir 141, and subsequently flows through the cooling system 123.

[0159] At this stage, the first expandable member 107 is in the middle of the first cycle (i.e., the second expandable member 109 is in...). Figure 8 and Figure 9b The second expandable member 109 has completed the second cycle (i.e., the first expandable member 107 is in the second cycle position), and the second expandable member 109 has completed the second cycle (i.e., the first expandable member 107 is in the second cycle position). Figure 8 and Figure 9a (The position of the first cycle in the text). To complete the first cycle, the operation of the first expandable member 107 is the same as described above. Figures 8 to 13b The operation of the second expandable member 109 described above is the same. Similarly, in order to begin a subsequent second cycle, the operation of the second expandable member 109 is the same as described above. Figures 8 to 13b The operation of the first expandable member 107 described herein is the same. This is in Figures 14 to 17b As shown in the image.

[0160] The first and second cycles are repeated to produce additional molded articles. During a subsequent first cycle, controller 125 controls the duration of the first cycle such that the time interval between the second portion of fluid being received by the return reservoir 139 during the first cycle and the second portion of fluid being supplied to the first expandable member 107 during the subsequent first cycle is 2 seconds. A time interval of not less than 5 seconds or not less than 30 seconds is also conceivable. During a subsequent second cycle, controller 125 controls the duration of the second cycle such that the time interval between the first portion of fluid being received by the return reservoir 139 during the second cycle and the first portion of fluid being supplied to the second expandable member 109 during the subsequent second cycle is 2 seconds. A time interval of not less than 5 seconds or not less than 30 seconds is also conceivable.

[0161] By making the volume of the reservoir system 115 larger than the volume of the fluid in the first portion, the reservoir system 115 can hold more fluid than is required to change the first expandable member 107 or the second expandable member 109 from a collapsed state to an expanded state. This improves the functionality of the reservoir system 115 compared to a smaller reservoir system.

[0162] By providing a reservoir system 115 that can simultaneously supply and receive fluid, the expandable components can expand and contract relative to each other at different times. Specifically, fluid can be removed from the first expandable component 107 and received by the reservoir system 115 along a first return fluid flow path 149, causing the first expandable component 107 to contract. Simultaneously, fluid can be supplied from the reservoir system 115 to the second expandable component 109 along a second output fluid flow path 161, causing the second expandable component 109 to expand.

[0163] When a station receives articles from a previous manufacturing stage faster than the rate at which expandable components form articles, it may be desirable to provide a storage system 115 capable of simultaneously supplying and receiving articles, thereby allowing expandable components to expand and contract at different times. In this case, if expandable components expand and contract simultaneously, some of the incoming articles arriving at the station need to wait for the expandable components to become available. This waiting can lead to a deterioration in the mechanical properties of the waiting articles. For example, while waiting, the waiting articles may sag; or, if the waiting articles are placed in a waiting area, they may deform due to multiple interactions with the equipment required to move them to the waiting area and then to one of the expandable components. Furthermore, modifying the station to accommodate waiting products can complicate the station due to the need for additional equipment and space to store and transfer them. Conversely, by allowing expandable components to expand and contract at different times, one of the expandable components can be immediately available to receive incoming articles after an article has been produced in the previous stage. This can reduce or eliminate waiting time.

[0164] In addition, compared to, for example, equipping each expandable component with a separate reservoir system 115, having a reservoir system 115 capable of operating two expandable components can reduce the complexity of the necked hollow molding fiber forming station, thereby improving the reliability of the station and / or reducing the cost of the station.

[0165] In the above examples, each interface device includes a single interface fluid flow path 129, which functions as a common inlet and outlet for each expandable component. In other examples, each interface device may include two separate interface fluid flow paths and associated interfaces. One of the interface fluid flow paths will act as an inlet and have a first end connected to an output fluid flow path and a second end connected to the interface connected to the expandable component. The other interface fluid flow path will act as an outlet and have a first end connected to a return fluid flow path and a second end connected to the interface connected to the expandable component. In yet another example, each interface device may include only an interface.

[0166] In some examples, the collapsed state can be regarded as the first configuration of the expandable member, and the expanded state can be regarded as the second configuration of the expandable member.

[0167] Figure 18 Alternate molding station 201 is shown. Except for the following differences, the alternative molding station is exactly the same as molding station 101.

[0168] The alternative molding station 201 includes a third interface device 203, a third expandable member 205, and a third mold 207, which are the same as the first interface device 103, the first expandable member 107, and the first mold 111, respectively. The operation mode of the third expandable member 205 is the same as the first cycle of the first expandable member 107, except that the first output fluid moving device 151 moves the third part of the fluid, which has the same volume as the first part of the fluid and the second part of the fluid, to the third expandable member 205.

[0169] Additionally, the alternative molding station 201 includes a fourth interface device 211, a fourth expandable member 213, and a fourth mold 215, which are identical to the second interface device 105, the second expandable member 109, and the second mold 113, respectively. The operation of the fourth expandable member 213 is the same as the second cycle of the second expandable member 109, except that the second output fluid moving device provides the fourth portion of fluid, which is the same as the fluid in the first, second, and third portions, to the fourth expandable member 213.

[0170] The volume of the output storage 217 of the alternative molding station is not less than 1.1 times and not more than 4 times the sum of the volumes of the fluid in the first part and the fluid in the third part.

[0171] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 1900 according to an example is shown. According to the example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 1900 stores instructions 1930, which, if executed by a processor 1920 of a necked hollow molded fiber article forming station controller 1910, cause the processor 1920 to cause the necked hollow molded fiber article forming station to perform a method. In some examples, the necked hollow molded fiber article forming station controller 1910 is or includes a controller 125 as described above. The instruction 1930 includes: containing fluid 1931 within a reservoir system; inserting an expandable member in a first configuration into a necked hollow molded fiber article located within a mold 1932; and retaining a portion of the fluid 1933 within the reservoir system while moving a further portion of the fluid from the reservoir system into the expandable member to change the expandable member from the first configuration to a second configuration in which the expandable member pushes the necked hollow molded fiber article against an inner surface of the mold. In other examples, instruction 1930 includes instructions for performing any other exemplary methods described herein.

[0172] Figure 20A method 2000 for forming a necked hollow molded fiber article to provide a molded necked hollow molded fiber article is shown according to an example. The method 2000 includes: containing fluid 2010 in a reservoir system; inserting an expandable member in a first configuration into the necked hollow molded fiber article located within a mold 2020; and retaining a portion of the fluid 2030 within the reservoir system while moving another portion of the fluid from the reservoir system into the expandable member to change the expandable member from the first configuration to a second configuration in which the expandable member pushes the necked hollow molded fiber article against an inner surface of the mold.

[0173] It should also be understood that a container production line (such as...) is also provided. Figure 1 The container production line shown includes a necked hollow molded fiber product forming station (such as...) for providing molded necked hollow molded fiber products. Figure 2 The diagram shows a necked hollow molded fiber article forming station and equipment for performing at least one additional processing on the formed necked hollow molded fiber article to provide a necked container. Similarly, a method 2050 for manufacturing a necked container is also provided. Method 2050 includes... Figure 20 Method 2000, and performing at least one additional processing on the molded hollow molded fiber article with a neck, as described in 2040, to provide a container with a neck. (See above references.) Figure 1 An example of "at least one additional processing" is described.

[0174] As a result of this application, the use of containers obtained by any of the methods described herein to contain contents is also provided. Figure 21 An example of such a container 2100 for containing contents 2110 is shown, which is in the form of a necked container and, more specifically, a bottle. The intended use may be for: personnel who fill the container with contents; or personnel who transport the contents; or personnel who (whether for delivery purposes or otherwise) wish to deliver the contents (e.g., to a consumer or end user), propose delivery of the contents (e.g., to a consumer or end user), import the contents, or store the contents. For example, the contents may be any one or more of the exemplary contents described herein.

[0175] A method for providing a container to hold contents is also provided. Figure 22An exemplary method 2200 is illustrated herein. Method 2200 includes providing a container 2212 (the container is in the form of a necked container and specifically a bottle), and then providing contents 2220 into the container. In this example, box 2220 follows box 2210, such that box 2220 includes filling the contents into the container already provided at box 2210. However, in some other examples, boxes 2210 and 2220 are performed simultaneously, such that providing the container 2210 includes providing the container with the contents already present in the container. For example, the contents may be any one or more of the exemplary contents described herein. Method 2200 also includes closing the opening of the container 2230 after box 2220, and applying a label or mark 2240 to the container after box 2230. In this example, box 2230 involves applying a heat seal to the opening, then screwing a cap or lid onto the container, and box 2240 includes affixing a mark to the container.

[0176] In other corresponding examples, the order of boxes 2230 and 2240 is reversed; boxes 2230 and 2240 are executed simultaneously; box 2230 is omitted; and box 2240 is omitted. In some examples, box 2240 occurs before box 2220, or box 2240 occurs during box 2220. For example, in some cases, a mark or flag is applied to a container, then the contents are provided into the container, and then the container is closed.

[0177] It should be understood that method 2200 can be performed by the same party that manufactures the container, for example, such that box 2210 includes Figure 1 The method shown. Alternatively, method 2200 can be performed by a party different from the party manufacturing the container. In this alternative, the different party performs the operation from the party manufacturing the container (such as through the method described above). Figure 1 (The method shown) or obtain a container from the middle to execute box 2210.

[0178] Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been discussed with reference to the examples shown. However, it should be understood that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hollow molded fiber product molding station, comprising: Molds used to receive hollow molded fiber products; An interface device is available for connection to an expandable member that is convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the expandable member is available for insertion into the hollow molded fiber article. In the second configuration, the expandable member, during use, pushes the hollow molded fiber article against the inner surface of the mold to form the hollow molded fiber article and provide a shaped hollow molded fiber article. as well as A reservoir system configured such that, when the interface device is connected to the expandable member, the reservoir system can supply a portion of fluid to the expandable member via the interface device and receive the portion of fluid from the expandable member to allow the expandable member to change between a first configuration and a second configuration. The volume of the storage system is greater than the volume of the fluid in the portion.

2. The hollow molded fiber product forming station according to claim 1, wherein the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes the expandable component.

3. The hollow molded fiber product forming station according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes a heater for heating the hollow molded fiber product when the hollow molded fiber product is located in the mold.

4. The hollow molded fiber product forming station according to claim 3, wherein the heater can be configured to heat the hollow molded fiber product to not less than 90°C.

5. The hollow molded fiber product forming station according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the volume of the storage system is not less than 1.1 times the volume of the fluid in the portion.

6. The hollow molded fiber product forming station according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the volume of the storage system is not greater than 4 times the volume of the fluid in the portion thereof.

7. The hollow molded fiber product forming station according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The hollow molded fiber product forming station includes a cooling system configured to cool the fluid in the aforementioned portion; and The hollow molded fiber product forming station is configured to cause the cooling system to cool the fluid in the portion, and then supply the fluid to the expandable member via the interface device to change the expandable member from the first configuration to the second configuration.

8. The hollow molded fiber product forming station according to claim 7, wherein: The cooling system includes a heat exchanger, a fluid movement device, and a fluid flow path within the cooling system. The cooling system fluid flow path has a first end connected to the reservoir system and a second end connected to the reservoir system; The heat exchanger is positioned along the fluid flow path of the cooling system; and The fluid moving device is configured to move fluid along the fluid flow path of the cooling system and allow it to flow through the heat exchanger.

9. The hollow molded fiber product molding station according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the hollow molded fiber product molding station is configured to control the expandable member in a cycle, wherein in the cycle, the hollow molded fiber product molding station causes: The expandable member in the first configuration is inserted into the hollow molded fiber article; The fluid in the portion is supplied from the reservoir system to the expandable member via the interface device to change the expandable member from the first configuration to the second configuration within the hollow molded fiber article, thereby pushing the hollow molded fiber article against the inner surface of the mold; The expandable member is maintained in the second configuration for a period of not less than 10 seconds to form the hollow molded fiber article and provide the molded hollow molded fiber article. The fluid in the portion is received from the expandable member via the interface device by the storage system to change the expandable member from the second configuration to the first configuration; as well as The expandable member in the first configuration is removed from the molded hollow molded fiber article.

10. The hollow molded fiber product forming station according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes a vacuum generator configured to move the fluid of the portion from the expandable member to the storage system via the interface device.

11. The hollow molded fiber product molding station according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the hollow molded fiber product molding station comprises: An output fluid flow path that fluidly connects the reservoir system to the interface device; An output fluid moving device, the output fluid moving device being positioned along the output fluid flow path and configured to move the portion of the fluid along the output fluid flow path; as well as An output valve, which is positioned along the output fluid flow path and configured to selectively allow or block fluid flow along the output fluid flow path.

12. The hollow molded fiber product forming station according to claim 11, wherein: The hollow molded fiber product forming station includes: A return fluid flow path separate from the output fluid flow path, the return fluid flow path fluidly connecting the interface device to the storage system; A return fluid moving device, the return fluid moving device being configured to move the portion of the fluid along the return fluid flow path; and A reflux valve, positioned along the reflux fluid flow path and configured to selectively allow or block fluid flow along the reflux fluid flow path; The output valve is configured to allow fluid flow along the output fluid flow path when the return valve blocks fluid flow along the return fluid flow path; and The return valve is configured to allow fluid flow along the return fluid flow path when the output valve blocks fluid flow along the output fluid flow path.

13. The hollow molded fiber product forming station according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The hollow molded fiber product forming station includes a diversion fluid flow path, which connects the output fluid moving device to the storage system and connects the output fluid flow path between the output fluid moving device and the output valve. The output valve is positioned between the output fluid moving device and the interface device; and When the output valve blocks the flow of fluid along the output fluid flow path, the output fluid moving device is configured to move fluid along the diverting fluid flow path.

14. The hollow molded fiber product forming station of claim 13, wherein the hollow molded fiber product forming station includes a diversion valve positioned along the diversion fluid flow path and configured to allow fluid to flow along the diversion fluid flow path when the output valve blocks fluid flow, and to block fluid flow along the diversion fluid flow path when the output valve allows fluid flow.

15. The hollow molded fiber product forming station according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the interface device provides a common inlet and outlet for the expandable component.

16. The hollow molded fiber product forming station according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The interface device includes an interface device valve; The interface device valve is configured to selectively block or allow fluid to flow through the interface device.

17. The hollow molded fiber product forming station according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: The hollow molded fiber product forming station includes: Additional molds for receiving additional hollow molded fiber articles; and An additional interface device is available to connect to an additional expandable member, which is available to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the additional expandable member is available to be inserted into the additional hollow molded fiber article. In the second configuration, the additional expandable member, during use, pushes the additional hollow molded fiber article against the inner surface of the mold to form the additional hollow molded fiber article and provide an additional molded hollow molded fiber article. The storage system is configured such that when the additional interface device is connected to the additional expandable member, the storage system can supply additional fluid to the additional expandable member via the additional interface device and receive additional fluid from the additional expandable member, thereby allowing the additional expandable member to change between a first configuration and a second configuration of the additional expandable member. The volume of the storage system is greater than the combined volume of the fluid in the said portion and the fluid in the other portion.

18. A method of forming a hollow molded fiber article to provide a molded hollow molded fiber article, the method comprising: To contain the fluid within a storage system; The expandable component in the first configuration is inserted into the hollow molded fiber product located in the mold; as well as A portion of the fluid is held within the reservoir system while another portion of the fluid is moved from the reservoir system into the expandable member to change the expandable member from a first configuration to a second configuration in which the expandable member pushes the hollow molded fiber article against the inner surface of the mold.

19. A controller for a hollow molded fiber product forming station, configured to cause the hollow molded fiber product forming station to perform the method according to claim 18.

20. A non-transitory storage medium storing machine-readable instructions, which, when executed by a hollow molded fiber product forming station controller, cause the hollow molded fiber product forming station controller to cause the hollow molded fiber product forming station to perform the method according to claim 18.

21. A container production line comprising a hollow molded fiber article forming station for providing a molded hollow molded fiber article according to any one of claims 1 to 17, and equipment for performing at least one additional processing on the molded hollow molded fiber article to provide a container.

22. A method of manufacturing a container, the method comprising performing the method of claim 18 to provide a molded hollow molded fiber article; and then performing at least one additional processing on the molded hollow molded fiber article to provide the container.

23. A method of providing a container for containing contents, the method comprising: Provide a container obtained by the method according to claim 22; And to provide the contents into the container to provide the container for containing the contents.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: After the contents are provided into the container, the opening of the container is closed, and / or Apply a mark or sign to the container.

25. The use of a container obtained by the method according to claim 22 for containing contents.

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