PREFORM WITH SUPPORT RING

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a preform and a plastic container. State of the art

[0002] The stretch blow molding process is a well-known method for manufacturing plastic bottles. In this process, a preform with an elongated body is first injection molded. The preform has a base at one end and a neck at the opposite end. The bottle cap and usually a support ring are formed at the neck and are injection molded together with the preform. The preform is placed in a mold and, within the mold, is first stretched lengthwise by a mandrel and then inflated with compressed air, which stretches it radially. This gives the preform the bottle shape defined by the mold. After the stretching / blowing process, the finished plastic bottle is demolded from the mold.

[0003] In the so-called one-stage stretch blow molding process, the preform is formed into a plastic bottle immediately after injection molding, without cooling or intermediate storage.

[0004] In the two-stage stretch blow molding process, the preform is typically injection molded, cooled, and temporarily stored in the first step. Alternatively, preforms can also be produced using extrusion blow molding or compression molding. In these processes, the preforms are also cooled and stored after production. In a second, subsequent step, the preform is reheated and stretch blow molded in a die as described above. For example, infrared radiation is used to heat specific areas of the preform to varying degrees, creating a temperature profile necessary for the stretch blow molding process.

[0005] To enable transport of the preform between individual production stations, a support ring extending circumferentially is formed on the preform below the bottle cap. This support ring acts as a holding element to which transport and holding devices of the production line can engage. To allow these devices to engage, the cross-sectional diameter of the preform is generally smaller in the radial direction than the diameter of the support ring.

[0006] This limits the cross-sectional diameter of the preform, and consequently, the dimensions and associated design possibilities of the preform and the resulting bottle are restricted. For example, the required amount of material for the plastic bottle to be produced can be incorporated into the preform by increasing its length.

[0007] The support ring, which typically serves no further function on the finished plastic bottle, represents an increased material requirement, as it usually accounts for 20% of the weight of the preform neck. The weight of the preform neck itself comprises 10% of the material required to manufacture a plastic bottle. In the production of mass-market items, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, material usage is a crucial factor for both ecological and economic competitiveness. Due to the very high production volumes of plastic bottles, even small reductions in the material weight per bottle have the potential to result in material savings in the ton range.

[0008] Preforms with a removable support ring are disclosed in publications GB 2068886 A, US 2006 / 73288 A1, DE 10 2009 007 906 A1, US 4,715,504, WO 00 / 12397, and US 2004 / 0146673 A1. EP 1 880 824 A1 describes a preform welded together from a neck, a side wall, and a bottom. The outer diameter of the side wall can be larger or smaller than the outer diameter of the neck. The wall thickness of the side wall is thinner than the wall thickness of the bottom. Object of the invention

[0009] The disadvantages of the prior art therefore give rise to the object of the present invention to propose a preform which allows improved design possibilities for the bottle to be manufactured. Description

[0010] A preform for the production of plastic containers, in particular plastic bottles, typically comprises an elongated body, a base formed at a first longitudinal end of the body, a neck section formed at a second longitudinal end of the body and opposite the first longitudinal end, a pouring opening provided at the neck section, and a support ring projecting radially from the body and separating the neck section from the body.

[0011] The support ring is a separate support element that can be positively locked to the preform.

[0012] The invention is characterized in that the body has an outer diameter that exceeds the outer diameter of the neck section by more than 5 mm, preferably by more than 10 mm, and particularly preferably by more than 15 mm. Because, according to the invention, the outer diameter of the support ring is no longer the limiting factor for the outer diameter of the body, the latter can be enlarged. This results in high radial stretch rates, as sufficient material is available, which in turn allows for a very large outer diameter relative to the outer diameter of the neck section in the manufactured plastic container. Such outer diameters are impossible to achieve with the prior art, since the outer diameter of the preform body in these preforms is limited by the outer diameter of the support ring that is injection-molded together with the preform.

[0013] It would also be conceivable to increase the wall thickness of the preform by reducing its inner diameter. This means keeping the outer diameter small while decreasing the inner diameter. However, this is not preferred because it leads to increased radial stretching rates and, furthermore, the inner diameter is limited by the outer diameter of the stretching mandrel.

[0014] Because the support ring is a separate support element, the outer diameter of the body is no longer limited by the outer diameter of the support ring. While the outer diameter of the support ring must be larger than the outer diameter of the body to allow transport of the preform between production steps, its outer diameter can be chosen to be arbitrarily large, as it is removable from the preform or the produced plastic container. This opens up unprecedented design possibilities for plastic containers produced using the two-stage stretch blow molding process. In particular, the invention makes it possible to produce plastic containers with much larger outer diameters. The invention is preferably characterized by the fact that the support ring is removable from the preform.This means that a large outer diameter of the support ring does not interfere with the design and function of the produced plastic container, as it can be removed from the container or preform. The removable support ring is reusable and can be attached to and removed from a variety of preforms. This also saves a significant amount of material, since the support ring is not injection-molded together with the preform and a separate support ring is not required for each preform.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support ring has a data carrier which at least carries an identification number. Because the support ring is removable from the preform, material for preform production can be saved, and the identification number can be reused in another preform, or a new identification number can be stored on the data carrier. The identification number allows other data relating to the preform to be stored not on the data carrier itself, but in an external database. The identification number enables all external data to be uniquely assigned to the preform or the container produced from it. Since the data carrier only contains the identification number, its design can be very simple. It is conceivable that the surface of the preform or the plastic container produced from the preform could incorporate the data carrier.

[0016] It is preferred that the data carrier contains information such as the production time and location, preform material, reusability information, information on the contents, or information regarding a deposit system for the plastic container. The data carrier can therefore provide a complete description of the container and its contents, and precisely the information required by the producer, the customer, and the recycler can be stored on the data carrier in a flexible manner.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the data carrier is implemented in the form of an electronic circuit. The removable support ring, which houses the electronic circuit, allows the container to be disposed of in the usual manner, rather than being considered electronic waste. The data carrier can be reused on another preform or disposed of separately.

[0018] Because the electronic circuit is positioned inside or on the support ring, it can be particularly well protected or secured, or can be easily mounted on the support ring.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronic circuit is an RFID transponder. For the purposes of this application, an RFID transponder (radio-frequency identification transponder) is understood to be an electronic circuit from which data can be read contactlessly using electromagnetic waves. A reader is required for reading. In the case of a passive RFID transponder, its power supply is provided by the radio signals of the reader. The structure of an RFID transponder generally includes an antenna, an analog circuit for receiving and transmitting (transceiver), a digital circuit, and permanent memory. In more complex models, the digital circuit is a small microcontroller. RFID transponders have a write-at-a-time memory that contains their unalterable identity.If rewritable memory is used, additional information can be stored during its lifetime. An RFID transponder can be made very small and therefore easily housed in the support ring. A passive RFID transponder is preferred, although an active RFID transponder with its own power supply is also conceivable. Since the data is read and written to the RFID transponder via the transmitter, the data carrier does not need to be visible and can be embedded in the support ring. This provides excellent protection against mechanical stress and contamination. By removing the support ring from the preform or plastic container, the RFID transponder can be reused on another preform or disposed of separately.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the data carrier, in a readable form for a data acquisition device, for example as a barcode or QR code, is attached to the surface of the support ring. This form of data carrier is cost-effective to manufacture; however, the data carrier must be located on the surface of the support ring to be visible and thus readable. Other readable data carriers, for example a three-dimensional watermark, are also possible.

[0021] The preform according to the invention is primarily used for the production of plastic containers in a two-stage stretch blow molding process because the support ring is required during further processing of the preform – as explained above – so that transport and holding devices of the production lines can engage. However, applications are also conceivable in which a support ring in a different form is used, for example, in the system for filling the finished plastic container as a transport and holding device.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a groove extending circumferentially along the preform, preferably an annular groove, is provided at the transition from the neck section to the body, into which the support ring can engage. This design reliably holds the support ring to the preform, yet allows it to be easily removed or pulled off. Other conceivable embodiments of the positive-locking connection include projections on the preform into which the support ring engages, or the support ring being screwable onto the neck section.

[0023] It has proven advantageous for the groove to comprise a base and a first and second flank adjoining the base. The groove is preferably U-shaped in cross-section, which prevents the support ring from slipping upwards or downwards on the preform and ensures it remains reliably in place even under mechanical stress during production.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the inner diameter of the support ring essentially corresponds to the diameter of the base. The support ring is therefore held against the preform without play, meaning that even mechanical stresses occurring during production cannot separate the support ring from the preform.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support ring is open and can be widened in such a way that it can be placed onto the preform by being received in the groove. The support ring is therefore of a simple design and can be mechanically placed on and removed from the preform.

[0026] Advantageously, the support ring has an opening angle of less than 180 degrees and greater than 0 degrees, preferably less than 160 degrees and greater than 30 degrees, and most preferably less than 120 degrees and greater than 70 degrees. This dimension allows the support ring to be expanded by simply bending its ends and to be placed on and removed from the preform.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support ring has at least one hinge around which it can be opened and closed. In this embodiment, the support ring can be made of a stable, inelastic material, since no elastic material deformation is required to attach the support ring to and remove it from the preform. It is also conceivable that the support ring comprises two hinges along its circumference, one of which is detachable, allowing the support ring to be opened around the other hinge. This type of attachment is particularly stable.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, which also leads to a very stable support, the support ring comprises two semicircular segments which can be attached to each other.

[0029] In another embodiment of the invention, the support ring consists of a plastic-coated spring steel, metal, or plastic. The plastic coating prevents the preform from being scratched when the support ring is attached or removed. The material of the support ring must be selected depending on how far the support ring needs to be able to bend without damaging the material.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support ring consists of an elastic material and has a plurality of lamellae extending radially and bendable axially in the direction of the preform. The support ring can be slid onto the preform axially until it engages in the groove and can also be pulled off the preform or the plastic container axially. In this embodiment, the support ring is designed as a lamellar ring machine element.

[0031] Advantageously, fastening means are provided on the neck section for the positive locking of a closure element equipped with corresponding engagement features. This allows the pouring opening of the plastic container into which the preform is stretch blown to be closed with the closure element.

[0032] The invention is also preferably characterized in that the ratio of the outer diameter of the body to the outer diameter of the neck section is between 1.05 and 0.7. Such a small ratio of 0.7 is possible because the support ring, whose outer diameter must be larger than the outer diameter of the body, is removable and is no longer present on the plastic container after its production. As already described several times, the invention allows the plastic container to have a very large body outer diameter for a given standard outer diameter of the neck section.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the body has a wall thickness of 3 mm, preferably 5 mm, and particularly preferably 7 mm, wherein the inner diameter of the neck section and the body are essentially the same. The increasing wall thickness towards the outside makes it possible to produce plastic containers with large outer diameters without the need for a support ring with an unacceptably large outer diameter on the plastic container.

[0034] The preform is preferably made of polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene. These materials are known for their particularly good processing in the two-stage stretch blow molding process. However, other materials, such as polyethylene furanoate, can also be used to manufacture preforms.

[0035] Another aspect of the invention relates to a preform that is free of a support ring and has a fastening element between the body and the neck section for the positive locking of a support ring equipped with a corresponding engagement element. Since the preform and the support ring are two separate parts, they do not necessarily have to be supplied together. For economic reasons, it is desirable that support rings already used in the production of plastic containers be reused and joined with new injection-molded preforms. This allows for significant savings in production material. The material usage for the preform is therefore reduced, as it does not have a support ring. The material volume of the preform is reduced by the volume of the support ring.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening means is a groove extending circumferentially along the preform. The groove enables a particularly reliable retention of the support ring on the preform. However, other fastening means are also conceivable, such as an external thread onto which the support ring is screwed or projections onto which the support ring is placed.

[0037] Another aspect of the invention relates to a support ring for attachment to a preform. Advantageously, the support ring includes a data carrier, which is at least a carrier of an identification number. The advantages of the data carrier have already been described above.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the data carrier is an electronic circuit which is positioned inside or on the support ring, or the data carrier is attached to the surface of the support ring in a readable form for a data acquisition device, for example as a barcode or QR code.

[0039] Another aspect of the invention relates to a plastic container manufactured in a two-stage stretch blow molding process from a preferably injection-molded preform as described above, wherein a fastening element for the positive locking of a support ring equipped with a corresponding engagement element is formed between the body section and the container neck. As already described in detail, it is essential to the invention that the support ring is removable from the preform or from the plastic container. Therefore, the outer diameter and shape of the support ring do not affect the design of the plastic container, since the support ring is no longer present in the finished product. The outer diameter of the support ring can thus be of any size, as long as the production processes are not thereby impeded.

[0040] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the container neck diameter to the outer diameter of body section 3 to 6 is 3.8 to 5.5, particularly 3.8 to 5.5. With a standard container neck diameter of < 25 mm, as is common for PET bottles, outer diameters of approximately 150 mm can thus be achieved. This applies in particular also to PET bottles with an oval cross-section. It is not possible to produce plastic containers with such dimensions using injection-molded preforms according to the prior art.

[0041] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing plastic containers, in particular plastic bottles, using a two-stage stretch blow molding process, and a method for providing data relating to the manufactured plastic containers. According to the present invention, a support ring is positively attached to the preform after injection molding, between the body and the neck section. The support ring is therefore not injection molded in one piece with the preform, but is attached to it as a separate support element after the preform has been manufactured. According to the present invention, the support ring can also be manufactured together with the preform in a common injection mold using a two-component injection molding process. The support ring can be made of a different material than the preform so that it can be removed from the preform.Provided that the plastics used do not bond with each other, this method allows for the simple fitting of a removable support ring to the preform in a single production step.

[0042] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a data carrier in the form of an electronic circuit is inserted into the injection mold during the production of the support ring and is overmolded by the support ring. This provides particularly good protection and retention for the electronic circuit. A prerequisite for this is that the data can be read from the data carrier without an optical method, since the data carrier is not visible.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support ring is attached to the preform in the injection molding machine, preferably during the cooling process, or after the preform has been removed from the injection molding machine if the support ring is manufactured separately from the preform. The aim is to avoid lengthening the process by adding the support ring attachment step. Therefore, the support ring is attached to the preform synchronously with an existing process step.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support ring is removed from the plastic container when the mold is closed or after demolding. The aim of removing the support ring is also to avoid any additional time loss during the production of the plastic container due to this additional process step. Since the production volumes and cycle rates are very high in this manufacturing process, even a small additional time expenditure can lead to a significant decrease in productivity. Therefore, the support ring is preferably removed from the plastic container during the stretch blow molding process or the transport step of the plastic container on a conveyor belt, or from the plastic container during the packaging step.

[0045] It is advantageous to read data onto the data storage device during the production process of the plastic container and / or during the filling process. This ensures that the data storage device contains data relevant to the production process. The traceability of the production process can therefore be fully documented on the data storage device.

[0046] It is advantageous to read data from the data storage device during the production process of the plastic container and / or during the filling process of the plastic container. This makes it conceivable that the production process and / or the filling process can be partially or completely controlled by the read data.

[0047] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, data is read from the data storage device during the use of the plastic container and / or during its recycling. This allows the consumer to be informed with data that can, for example, be displayed on a smartphone. Similarly, data relevant to the recycling of the container can be read from the data storage device. This reliably prevents incorrect classifications or assignments of the container during recycling.

[0048] It is advantageous to remove the support ring from the plastic container after its manufacture or filling. In particular, if the data stored on the container is no longer needed after production or filling, and the support ring no longer serves a holding function, it can be removed and reused. This leaves behind a single-material plastic container that can be easily disposed of or recycled. The support ring can often be attached to other preforms, again fulfilling its holding function, allowing new data to be read and written, or existing data to be reused. The material required for the support ring can be saved with each container from which it is removed.

[0049] It has proven useful to remove the support ring from the plastic container before disposal or during recycling. This allows relevant data to be made available to both the user and the recycler of the container. The removed support ring can then be placed in a collection system. This allows the support ring to be attached to another preform, and the container, now separated from the support ring, can be disposed of or recycled separately.

[0050] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of several exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the schematic diagrams. These are shown in a representation not to scale: Figure 1: a first embodiment of a preform and a support ring in axonometric view; Figure 2: a front view of the preform made of Figure 1Figure 3: a sectional view of the preform made of Figure 2 along section line III-III; Figure 4: a second embodiment of the preform in a front view; Figure 5: a sectional view of the preform made of Figure 3 along the section line VV; Figure 6: a third embodiment of the preform in a front view; Figure 7: a sectional view of the preform made of Figure 6 along the section line VII-VII; Figure 8: a second embodiment of the support ring; Figure 9: a third embodiment of the support ring; Figure 10: a fourth embodiment of the support ring; Figure 11: a fifth embodiment of the support ring with a first embodiment of a data carrier; and Figure 12: the fifth embodiment of the support ring with a second embodiment of a data carrier.

[0051] In the Figures 1 to 7A preform is shown, designated collectively by reference numeral 11. Preform 11 is used for the production of plastic containers, and in particular plastic bottles, in a two-stage stretch blow molding process. In the first stage, the preform is injection molded and subsequently cooled. In the second stage, the preform is heated according to a predefined temperature profile and biaxially stretched in a mold. Along its longitudinal axis, the preform is stretched using a mandrel, and in the radial direction, it is stretched by blowing.

[0052] The preform 11 comprises an elongated body 13 with a first and second longitudinal end. A base 15 is formed at the first longitudinal end, which also forms the base of the plastic container produced from the preform 11. A neck section 17 is formed at the second longitudinal end. A pouring opening 19 is provided at the neck section 17, through which the stretch-blown plastic container can be filled and emptied.

[0053] In contrast to the prior art, a support ring 21 is not injection-molded together with the preform 11, so that the preform 11 and the support ring are not a single piece. Rather, the support ring 21 is a separate support element, which is manufactured separately from the preform 11. The presence of the support ring 21 is essential in two-stage stretch blow molding, since the preform 11, or the plastic container produced from it, is held in the mold by the support ring 21, and conveying means also attach to the support ring 21 to transport the preform or the plastic container between the individual production stations or to feed it to the production stations.

[0054] The support ring 21 is positively engaged with the preform 11 and can be attached to and removed from it. The outer diameter of the support ring 21 is the limiting factor for the outer diameter of the preform body 13. To enable transport of the preform, the support ring must protrude beyond the preform body. Therefore, the outer diameter of the preform body must be smaller than the outer diameter of the support ring. Since, according to the prior art, the support ring cannot be removed from the preform, it remains on the manufactured plastic container. However, the support ring must not exceed a certain outer diameter on the container, as this is unacceptable to the consumer. Furthermore, the material costs and weight increase associated with a larger support ring are unacceptable.

[0055] Surprisingly, a removable support ring 21 leads to unforeseen improvements in the design possibilities of the plastic container to be manufactured. Since the support ring 21 is removable from the preform 11, it can have a much larger outer diameter than if the preform and the support ring were a single piece. Consequently, the preform body 13 can also have a larger outer diameter than preform bodies of the prior art. This allows the preform body 13 to be injection molded with an increased outer wall thickness. As a result, plastic containers with a significantly larger outer diameter can be stretch blow molded. The diameter of the neck section 17 is independent of the outer diameter of the plastic container and can therefore be chosen to be arbitrarily small, as required by the specifications of the final product.

[0056] The securing and removing of the support ring 21 from the preform 11 can be achieved by the support ring 21 being positively engaged with the preform 11. This positive engagement can be accomplished, for example, by the support ring 21 engaging in a groove 23 provided in the preform 11. The groove 23 is preferably formed between the neck section 17 and the body 13 and extends circumferentially around the preform 11. Preferably, it is an annular groove, but it can also be a groove that does not completely enclose the circumference of the preform 11, i.e., only partially.

[0057] By definition, the groove comprises a base 25 and a first and second side flank 27a, 27b, which adjoin the base 25. In order to achieve a secure and wobble-free positive fit between the groove 23 and the support ring 21, the inner diameter 29 of the support ring 21 is dimensioned such that it essentially corresponds to the diameter 31 of the base 25.

[0058] The support ring can have different designs according to the Figure 1 and 8 to 11 possess, so that it can be attached to and detached from the Preform 11. In the Figure 1An open support ring 21 is shown, with an opening angle 32 of approximately 100 degrees. Depending on the elasticity of the material from which the support ring 21 is made, the opening angle can also approach zero. In this case, however, the support ring 21 must be bent significantly out of its plane of extension in order to be fitted onto the preform. The opening angle must be less than 180 degrees to prevent it from slipping off the preform 11. Preferably, the support ring 21 is made of a plastic or a metal. The choice of material is also influenced by whether the support ring 21 is to be used multiple times or discarded after being fitted onto and removed from the preform 11 once.

[0059] In the Figure 8Another embodiment of the support ring is shown, which is designated by reference numeral 33. The support ring 33 is designed in two parts. The two open and preferably semicircular parts 34a, 34b of the support ring are provided with a first and second joint 35a, 35b. The joints 35a, 35b have bolts 37a, 37b. The bolts 37a, 37b hold the parts of the support ring 37 together, and the parts can also be pivoted about one of the bolts 37a, 37b when the other bolt is removed from its holder. Because the two parts of the support ring preferably have the shape of semicircular segments, which are rotatably held together by the removable bolts 37a, 37b, the support ring can be quickly and easily attached to and removed from the preform 11 without tools.

[0060] In Figure 9Another embodiment of the support ring is shown, designated by reference numeral 39. This support ring 39 also comprises two preferably semicircular parts 41a and 41b. In this embodiment, the two parts 41a and 41b are held together by magnets 43. The magnetic force is dimensioned such that the support ring parts 41a and 41b are not removed from the preform by external loads during container production, but can be separated from each other by hand or by a comparable force from a removal machine.

[0061] The support ring can also be in an embodiment according to the Figure 10The support ring 45 is designed as follows: It has a plurality of radially extending lamellae 47, which are separated from each other by recesses 49. The support ring 45 can be slid onto the preform from above by bending the lamellae 47 axially, which then lock into place in the groove 23 due to their restoring force. The support ring 45 can be removed from the preform 11 just as easily in the opposite axial direction.

[0062] In the fifth embodiment, the support ring is shaped as a type of Seeger ring 51. Using spreading pliers, which can engage in the engagement holes 54, the Seeger ring 51 can be positioned in the groove 23 and removed from it.

[0063] Support rings in other designs, which can be accommodated in the groove, are also conceivable.

[0064] In the Figures 2 to 7Differently shaped preforms 11 are shown, onto which a support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51 can be attached and removed as described above. Fastening means can be provided on the neck section 17 to enable a closure part to be positively attached to the neck section 17. This can be an external thread 52, as shown in the Figure 1 , 2 , 3 , 6 and 7 shown, which corresponds to the internal thread of a closure cap. In the Figures 4 and 5 A ring-shaped heel 53 with an edge is shown, which forms a snap closure with a corresponding lid.

[0065] The present invention enables the production of plastic containers using the two-stage stretch blow molding process, with an outer diameter much larger than previously permitted by the prior art. Since the support ring is removable after the plastic container is produced, it does not limit the outer diameter of the preform 11. Therefore, plastic material can be provided on the outer wall of the preform 11, increasing its outer diameter. The radially extending plastic material allows for the formation of large container diameters without the plastic material being overstretched. The outer diameter of the support ring, which must generally be larger than the preform's outer diameter due to production constraints, has no influence, as the support ring can be removed from the finished plastic container. Figures 6 and 7For example, a preform 11 is shown which has a preform body 13 with a particularly large outer diameter, as the wall thickness is deliberately increased with plastic material. The wall thickness can be up to 6 mm. For production reasons, the outer diameter of the support ring must be larger than the outer diameter of the body 13. However, since the support ring is removable, it is no longer present on the produced plastic container and therefore has no influence on the design of the final product. The increased wall thickness of the body 13 allows for higher radial stretch rates, making it possible to produce a plastic container with a large outer diameter of the body section relative to the outer diameter of the neck section. Preferably, the wall thickness increases towards the outside and the inner diameter of the preform 11 remains constant in the axial direction.This brings the outer surface of the body closer to the cavity walls of the mold. This prevents the preform from being overstretched in the radial direction.

[0066] The inventive method for manufacturing plastic containers is carried out in a two-stage stretch blow molding process according to the following steps: In the first process step of the two-stage stretch blow molding process, a preform 11 with an elongated body 13, a bottom 15 which is formed at a first longitudinal end of the body 13, a neck section 17 which is formed at a second longitudinal end of the body 13 and is opposite the first longitudinal end and a pouring opening 19 which is provided at the neck section 17 is injection molded.

[0067] In the second step of the two-stage stretch blow molding process, the preform 11 is reheated, placed in a molding tool and first stretched lengthwise in the molding tool by a mandrel and then inflated with compressed air, and the finished plastic bottle is demolded from the molding tool.

[0068] A support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51, which is essential for the production of the plastic container in the two-stage stretch blow molding process, is not injection molded together with the preform 11. Rather, the support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51 is attached to the preform 11 after injection molding, between the body 13 and the neck section 17. The support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51 is therefore a separate element that is only connected to the preform 11 after injection molding.

[0069] To keep process times as short as possible, it is preferred that the support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51 be connected to the injection-molded preform 11 during its cooling process, preferably by placing the support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51 onto the preform 11. However, the support ring can also be connected to the preform during a subsequent process step following injection molding. It is important that the support ring is attached to the preform before the preform is inserted into the mold.

[0070] It is also possible to manufacture the support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51 and the preform 11 together in a single injection mold using a two-component injection molding process. The support ring can be made of a different material than the preform so that it can be removed from the preform. Provided the plastics used do not bond with each other, this allows for easy assembly of the preform with a removable support ring.

[0071] To avoid or minimize process time increases, the support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51 is removed from the finished blow-molded plastic container during a process step, after the container has been demolded. The support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51 can be removed while the mold is still closed. However, if the support ring is needed for further transport, it is advisable to remove it only after demolding. For example, the support ring can be removed during transport to final packaging or filling of the plastic container. The support ring can also be removed during final packaging, such as palletizing.

[0072] The support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51 can have a data carrier. The data carrier can be mounted in or on the support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51. Preferably, the data carrier is implemented by an electronic circuit 55. The electronic circuit can be an RFID transponder 55, in particular a passive RFID transponder. For the purposes of this application, an RFID transponder (radio-frequency identification transponder) is understood to be an electronic circuit from which data can be read from the transponder, and preferably also read, without contact, using electromagnetic waves. A reader is required for reading. In the case of a passive RFID transponder, its power supply is provided by the radio signals of the reader.The basic structure of an RFID transponder comprises an antenna, an analog circuit for receiving and transmitting (transceiver), a digital circuit, and permanent memory. In more complex models, the digital circuit is a small microcontroller. RFID transponders have a rewritable memory that contains their unchanging identity. If rewritable memory is used, additional information can be stored during the transponder's lifetime. An RFID transponder can be made very small and is therefore easily housed in the support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51. In the . Figure 11 An RFID transponder 55 is arranged on the support ring 45, representing all the support rings shown.

[0073] The following information, for example, can be stored in the RFID transponder 55: a unique identification number, the production time and place, the material of the preform 11 and information on its recyclability, product information on the contents of the container made from the preform 11, information on whether it is a deposit container, information on whether the end consumer paid a deposit for the bottle (e.g. by storing corresponding information during the payment process at checkouts) and information regarding the deposit system, i.e., information can be stored that provides information about which deposit system is used.

[0074] It is conceivable that only the identification number is stored in the RFID transponder 55, and that this number can be uniquely linked to other information stored externally. In this embodiment, the identification number, in conjunction with a database, can be used to centrally store the remaining information and make it retrievable via the identification number. Storing the other information on permanent memory is then unnecessary, thus keeping storage capacity low.

[0075] During the production of the support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51, the data carrier, in the form of an electronic circuit, can be inserted into the injection mold and overmolded by the support ring. The data carrier, for example, the RFID transponder 55, is then located inside the support ring and reliably protected from mechanical damage or contamination. The RFID transponder 55 does not need to be visibly attached to the support ring, as data transmission occurs wirelessly. Therefore, an RFID transponder is also referred to as a "radio frequency identification tag".

[0076] Especially if the data carrier is implemented as an electronic circuit, it is important that the support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51 is removable. If the electronic circuit were integrated into the wall or base of a container, the entire container would be difficult to recycle after use and would have to be treated as electronic waste. Its disposal would be significantly more complex than the disposal of purely plastic containers.

[0077] The data carrier can also be attached to the surface of the support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51 in a readable form for a data acquisition device, for example as a barcode or QR code. Alternatively, a watermark in two-dimensional or three-dimensional form could be used to provide readable data instead of a barcode or QR code. Figure 12A readable data carrier in the form of a QR code 57 is arranged on the support ring 45, representing all the support rings shown.

[0078] The removable support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51 can be used as a holding element during the container's production process or during filling. Additionally, data relevant to the production process can be written to or read from the RFID transponder 55 during production or filling. Upon leaving the production or filling system, the support ring 21, 33, 39, 45, 51 can be removed, thus significantly reducing the material required to manufacture the preform 11 or the container.

[0079] It is also conceivable that data relevant to the end consumer or to the recycling of the container material could be uploaded to the RFID transponder 55 during the container's production or filling process. In this case, the support ring functions as a data carrier that can be easily detached from the container, thus utilizing the advantages of an electronic, rewritable storage medium and enabling the container to be recycled without any problems. Legend:

[0080] 11 Preform 13 Elongated preform body 15 Bottom 17 Neck section 19 Pouring opening 21 Support ring in a first embodiment 23 Groove 25 Bottom of the groove 27a, 27b First and second side flank of the groove 29 Inner diameter of the support ring 31 Diameter of the bottom 32 Opening angle of the support ring 21 33 Support ring in a second embodiment 34a, 34b Parts of the support ring 33 35a, 35b First and second joint of the support ring 37a, 37b Bolt 39 Support ring in a third embodiment 41a, 41b Parts of the support ring 39 43 Magnets 45 Support ring in a fourth embodiment, lamellar ring 47 Lamellas 49 Recesses 51 Support ring in a fifth embodiment, Seeger ring 52 External thread 53 Ring-shaped step 54 Attack holes 55 Electronic circuit, RFID transponder 57 QR code

Claims

1. A preform (11) for the production of plastic containers, in particular plastic bottles, in a two-step stretch-blow process comprising - an elongated body (13), - a bottom (15), which is formed at a first longitudinal end of the body (13), - a neck section (17), which is formed at a second longitudinal end of the body (13) and lies opposite the first longitudinal end, - a spout (19), which is provided at the neck section (17) and - a support ring (21, 33, 39, 45, 51), which projects radially from the body and separates the neck section from the body, wherein the support ring (21, 33, 39, 45, 51) is a separate support element which can be fixed in a form-fitting manner to the preform (11), characterised in that the support ring (21, 33, 39, 45, 51) can be removed from the preform (11), and the body (13) has an outer diameter which exceeds the outer diameter of the neck section (17) by more than 5 mm, preferably by more than 10 mm and especially preferably by more than 15 mm.

2. The preform according to claim 1, characterised in that a groove (23), preferably a ring groove, extending in the circumferential direction of the preform (11), into which the support ring (21, 33, 39, 45, 51) can engage, is provided on the preform (11) at the transition from the neck section (17) to the body (13), wherein the groove (23) comprises a base (25) and a first and second flank (27a, 27b) adjoining the base (25), and that the inner diameter (29) of the support ring (21, 33, 39, 45, 51) essentially corresponds to the diameter of the base (25).

3. The preform according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the support ring (21) is open and can be widened in such a way that it can be attached to the preform (11) by being received in the groove (23).

4. The preform according to claim 3, characterised in that the support ring (21) has an opening angle (32) of less than 180 degrees and greater than 0 degrees, preferably of less than 160 degrees and greater than 30 degrees, and especially preferably of less than 120 degrees and greater than 70 degrees.

5. The preform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support ring (33) comprises at least one hinge (35a, 35b) around which it can be folded and closed.

6. The preform according to any one of claims 1 to 2 or 5, characterised in that the support ring (33, 39) comprises two semicircular segments which are attachable to each other.

7. The preform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support ring (21, 33, 39, 45, 51) consists of a plastic-coated spring steel, of metal or plastic.

8. The preform according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support ring (45) consists of an elastic material and has formed a plurality of lamellas (47) extending in the radial direction and capable of bending in the axial direction of the preform.

9. The preform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that fasteners (52, 53) for the form-fitting fixing of a closure part equipped with corresponding engagement means are formed on the neck section (17).

10. The preform according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ratio of the outer diameter of the body to the outer diameter of the neck section is between 1.05 and 0.7.

11. The preform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the body (13) has a wall thickness of 3 mm, preferably of 5 mm and especially preferably of 7 mm, wherein the inner diameter of the neck section (17) and the body (13) are essentially the same size.

12. The preform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the preform (11) consists of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene or polyethylene furanoate.

13. A plastic container produced in a two-step stetch-blowing process from a preform (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, with a body section and a container neck connected thereto, the geometry of which essentially corresponds to the geometry of the neck section (17) of the preform (11), wherein a fastener for the form-fitting fixing of a support ring (21, 33, 39, 45, 51) equipped with a corresponding engagement means is formed between the body section and the container neck, wherein the ratio of the container neck diameter to the outer diameter of the body section is 3 to 6.