Dip, spray, and flow coating process for forming coated articles

Abstract

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for making coated articles with one or more layers by dip, spray or flow coating. In one aspect, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for making coated containers, preferably comprising polyethylene terephthalate, from coated preforms. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus and method permit the coated container or preform to be made in an energy-efficient manner that reduces the danger of coating damage and thus increases the efficacy of the final container.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from provisional applications Serial No. 60 / 394,092 filed Jul. 3, 2002, Ser. No. 60 / 422,251 filed Oct. 28, 2002, and Ser. No. 60 / 441,718 filed Jan. 23, 2003, and is a continuation of PCT / US03 / ______, entitled DIP, SPRAY, AND FLOW COATING PROCESS FOR FORMING COATED ARTICLES filed Jul. 3, 2003, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] This invention relates to methods and apparatus for making coated articles with one or more layers by dip, spray or flow coating. In one aspect, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for making coated containers, preferably comprising polyethylene terephthalate, from coated preforms.[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art[0005] Preforms are the products from which containers are made by blow molding. Unless otherwise indicated the term "container" is a broad term and is used in i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0123] An advantage of the present invention is the ability to handle many types of additives and coatings in an aqueous based system. This makes the present invention easy to use and economical as compared to other systems. For example, since the present invention is aqueous based, there is no need for expensive systems to handle VOC's used in other systems such as epoxy thermosets. In addition, most of the solvents can contact human skin without irritation allowing for ease of use in manufacturing.

Problems solved by technology

In the commercial two-liter size, a shelf life of 12 to 16 weeks can be expected but for smaller bottles, such as half liter, the larger surface-to-volume ratio severely restricts shelf life.

Carbonated beverages can be pressured to 4.5 volumes of gas but if this pressure falls below acceptable product specific levels, the product is considered unsatisfactory.

Furthermore, in preferred processes, the drying process of articles has a repairing effect on surface defects of the finished article.

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