Controlling the position of hollow molded fiber products

Abstract

A method is disclosed for controlling the position of a hollow molded textile product (22) so that at least one processing apparatus (130) can perform processing on the hollow molded textile product (22). The method includes fitting a retainer (101) to at least a large portion of the outer circumference of the hollow molded textile product (22), and then using the retainer (101) to control the position of the hollow molded textile product (22) relative to at least one processing apparatus (130).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling the position of a hollow molded fiber product, such as a hollow molded fiber product formed from a fiber suspension containing paper pulp, and an apparatus therefor. The hollow molded fiber product may be a container or may form its basis. The container can be a consumer packaging such as a bottle, jar, or certain types of flower vases useful for holding liquids, powders, other flowable materials, one or more solids, or combinations thereof.

Background Art

[0002] It is desirable to reduce the consumption of consumables, particularly glass and plastics used in packaging. Containers without necks, such as trays, bowls, and other simple shapes, are generally made from paper pulp. However, more complex containers with necks, such as bottles, jars, or certain types of flower vases, are more difficult to manufacture because the interior of the container between the main body portion of the container and the opening of the container becomes narrower.

[0003] Some types of containers need to be processed internally, for example, coated to limit the entry of air or moisture from the outside of the container and to limit the leakage of the contents of the container into the wall material of the container. Some containers also need to be moved between processing stations during manufacture. The challenge is to hold and / or move such containers while avoiding damage to the containers and enabling access to the inner surface of the containers for other processes such as coating or inspection.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling the position of a hollow molded fiber product to enable at least one processing device to perform a process on the hollow molded fiber product. The method includes adapting a retainer to at least a majority of the outer periphery of the hollow molded fiber product, and then using the retainer to control the position of the hollow molded fiber product relative to at least one processing device.

[0005] Thus, the retainer is adaptable and may enable the retainer to hold the hollow molded fiber product more stably than might be possible with an unsuitable retainer.

[0006] By fitting the retainer to a large portion of the outer circumference of the hollow molded textile product, it may be advantageous to be able to control the position of the hollow molded textile product while allowing access to its interior. This makes it possible to perform processes such as internal coating or internal inspection of the hollow molded textile product. Furthermore, any internal coating, once applied, may be protected from potential damage during handling because the retainer structure of the hollow molded textile product is on the outside rather than the inside (for example, when an inflatable internal bladder is used to handle the hollow molded textile product).

[0007] Since the retainer is adapted to fit around or against the hollow molded textile product, the fit of the retainer to the hollow molded textile product may improve contact between the retainer and the hollow molded textile product.

[0008] The retainer may also provide a less damaging method for controlling the position of the hollow molded textile product compared to alternative methods. The retainer surrounds most (or all) of the outer surface, thereby distributing the gripping force around most (or all) of the outer surface. In other words, the gripping force can be distributed substantially evenly around most (or all) of the outer surface of the hollow molded textile product.

[0009] Fitting a retainer to a large portion of the outer circumference of a hollow molded textile product may involve pressing the inner wall (or multiple walls) of the retainer against a corresponding portion of the outer surface of the hollow molded textile product. Thus, the retainer can grip the outer surface of the hollow molded textile product by this contact. Optionally, the retainer is a single element, e.g., an annular body. The retainer may be an annular retainer. The retainer may be a flexible retainer. The retainer may be adaptable to hollow molded textile products of various different dimensions, thereby allowing a single retainer to adapt to different shapes and sizes of hollow molded textile products.

[0010] Throughout this specification, the term "perimeter" is used. As used herein, perimeter can be thought of as the perimeter of a cross section taken through a hollow molded fiber product, the cross section being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along the length of the hollow molded fiber product.

[0011] It should be understood that the majority of the outer circumference is more than half of the outer circumference. In some examples, the retainer fits onto at least two-thirds, at least three-quarters, or all of the outer circumference. In some embodiments, the retainer fits onto substantially all of the outer circumference, except for the retainer's closing mechanism (if any).

[0012] The retainer extends along at least a portion of the length of the hollow molded textile product. That is, the retainer may fit over a portion of the entire length of the hollow molded textile product, or over a large portion of the outer circumference of the hollow molded textile product. For example, the retainer may extend along at least one-fifth, and preferably at least one-quarter, of the length of the hollow molded textile product. In some examples, the retainer extends along the entire length of the hollow molded textile product. In other examples, the retainer extends along only a portion of the length of the hollow molded textile product.

[0013] In some examples, the method is a method for controlling the position of a hollow molded textile product with a neck, such as a bottle or jar. In these examples, the method may include, for example, fitting a retainer to at least a large portion of the outer circumference of the main body of the hollow molded textile product with a neck, as opposed to a narrower neck or shoulder portion bridging or joining the main body portion and the neck portion.

[0014] The method includes fitting multiple retainers (such as spaced-out retainers) to the outer circumference of a hollow molded textile product, and then using the multiple retainers to control the position of the hollow molded textile product relative to at least one processing device. This may allow for more secure and / or stable holding of the hollow molded textile product than using only one retainer, especially when the multiple retainers are offset from each other along the longitudinal axis of the hollow molded textile product. The multiple retainers may each be of different dimensions, and as a result, the multiple retainers may better fit to different dimensional portions of the hollow molded textile product. For example, if the hollow molded textile product is a hollow molded textile product with a neck, one of the multiple retainers may be sized to fit the relatively narrow neck portion of the hollow molded textile product, and another of the multiple retainers may be sized to fit the main body portion or base portion of the hollow molded textile product, each of which is relatively wider than the neck portion. Alternatively, in some examples, one of several retainers may be sized to fit the shoulder portion of a hollow molded textile product with a neck, and the shoulder portion bridges or joins the main body portion and the neck portion.

[0015] In some examples, at least one processing device is a human. In other examples, at least one processing device is a non-human processing device, such as at least one machine, apparatus, or tool.

[0016] Controlling the position of a hollow molded textile product may include, for example, any combination of moving and / or maintaining the hollow molded textile product at a particular position. For example, controlling the position may include the following combinations: translational movement of the hollow molded textile product from a first position to a second position, rotation of the hollow molded textile product (e.g., around the central longitudinal axis of the hollow molded textile product, if present), and maintaining the hollow molded textile product at a fixed position.

[0017] In some examples, using a retainer to control the position of a hollow molded textile product involves operating the retainer relative to at least one processing unit, thereby moving the hollow molded textile product from a first position to a second position relative to at least one processing unit.

[0018] The first position may differ from the second position. Alternatively, the first position may be the same as the second position, for example, if the movement of the hollow molded textile product is a 360-degree rotation. By operating the retainer, the hollow molded textile product can be manipulated by the engagement between the retainer and the outer surface of the hollow molded textile product. By using the retainer to manipulate the hollow molded textile product, the interior of the product remains accessible while the product is being manipulated. The manipulation may include rotational motion (such as tilting motion) of the hollow molded textile product, translational motion of the hollow molded textile product from one position to another, or a combination thereof. The manipulation may include a series of small movements, such as a 90° rotation followed by a further 90° rotation separated by a subsequent pause in the rotation. The manipulation may include rotation of the hollow molded textile product over at least 360 degrees for inspection of the hollow molded textile product by a processing device, or for attaching something to the hollow molded textile product by a processing device, such as a barcode on the outside of the hollow molded textile product or a coating on the inside of the hollow molded textile product. Such rotation may be centered on the longitudinal axis of the hollow molded textile product. The operation may involve reorienting the hollow molded textile product by tilting it around an axis that is not parallel to and does not coincide with the central (e.g., longitudinal) axis of the hollow molded textile product, so that it can be processed by at least one processing apparatus.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method involves inserting a hollow molded fiber product through at least partially the space defined by the retainer. In some embodiments, fitting is performed after insertion, such as only after insertion. In some embodiments, fitting is performed during insertion, such as only during insertion. In some embodiments, fitting is performed partly during insertion and partly after insertion.

[0020] Inserting a hollow molded textile product may involve moving the hollow molded textile product into space while the retainer is held stationary, or moving the retainer onto the hollow molded textile product while the hollow molded textile product is held stationary (or a combination of both, if both the hollow molded textile product and the retainer are moved and joined). At least a portion of the hollow molded textile product may extend through space so that the retainer can fit over a large portion of its outer circumference.

[0021] Inserting hollow molded textile products can function advantageously in conjunction with other methods of transporting hollow molded textile products. For example, hollow molded textile products may be formed using a bladder and a mold, where the bladder expands within the mold and presses the fiber suspension against the mold to form the hollow molded textile product. The hollow molded textile product can then be inserted, at least partially, into a retainer using the bladder.

[0022] Optionally, the insertion of the hollow molded textile product may be automated using one or more sensors to determine the position of the hollow molded textile product, for example, when the hollow molded textile product is fully inserted into the retainer. The device for inserting the hollow molded textile product can then be controlled based on the output of the sensor(s).

[0023] In some examples, the method involves using a retainer to lift a hollow molded textile product, thereby supporting the hollow molded textile product. Lifting a hollow molded textile product allows access to the base of the hollow molded textile product, which is not possible, for example, on a conventional conveyor belt system (where the base of the hollow molded textile product rests on the conveyor belt). In some examples, the retainer that lifts the hollow molded textile product can eliminate the need for a conveyor belt, saving space on the production line.

[0024] In some examples, the retainer may be the sole mechanism supporting the hollow molded textile product while at least one processing unit performs processing on the hollow molded textile product. This may allow for improved handling of the hollow molded textile product and / or improved access to the hollow molded textile product by at least one processing unit. For example, the retainer may be coupled to at least one processing unit by a flexible joint or a universal joint, thereby allowing the hollow molded textile product to be oriented in any direction relative to at least one processing unit.

[0025] Optionally, the retainer includes an expandable annular body for surrounding a hollow molded textile product. A large portion of the annular body's inner circumference may be in contact with the outer circumference of the hollow molded textile product.

[0026] In some cases, fitting a retainer involves inflating it with a fluid. The fluid can be a liquid or a gas. Optionally, the fluid is air.

[0027] The fluid allows the retainer to fit snugly around the hollow molded textile product. Furthermore, by inflating the retainer, the fit around the hollow molded textile product can be improved compared to other fitting methods involving the fitting of a mechanical link mechanism to the hollow molded textile product, thereby improving the gripping force between the retainer and the hollow molded textile product.

[0028] Expanding the retainer can include controlling the flow rate of fluid from a fluid source to the retainer using a controller. The fluid source can include, for example, a pressurized air main, or can include a storage tank for storing air and a pump operable to pump air from the storage tank to the retainer. The retainer may be provided with one or more sensors, for example one or more pressure sensors. The one or more sensors can transmit pressure data to the controller. The controller can control the expansion of the retainer based on the pressure data. For example, the controller can stop the flow of fluid when the fluid reaches a predetermined pressure within the retainer.

[0029] In some examples, the expansion of the retainer may be performed over a predetermined period at a known fluid flow rate. That is, before performing the method according to the claims, the period during which the test retainer is expanded to a preferably used pressure can be calculated (or measured using a sensor within the test retainer). The controller can then be set to control the flow of fluid to the retainer (at a known flow rate) for that calculated period during the execution of the method. Alternatively, in some examples, the expansion of the retainer may be achieved by emptying the fluid contents of a full container of known volume (such as a syringe) into the retainer, the volume of the fluid contents of the container being equal to the volume required to properly expand the retainer. In each of these examples, the retainer may not require a sensor for supplying pressure data to the controller during the execution of the method, thereby reducing processing requirements. Further, in an example where a plurality of retainers are used at once to control the respective positions of each different hollow molded fiber product, eliminating the need for sensors can be a cost reduction measure.

[0030] In some examples, the method includes controlling the expansion of the retainer using a pressure sensor and a controller, such as a pressure sensor within the retainer and the above-mentioned controller. The pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure within the retainer and output data representing that pressure to the controller, and the controller is configured to control the expansion of the retainer based on that data.

[0031] The retainer can help prevent the retainer from overly directing the gripping force onto the blow molded fiber product, and thus can help avoid damage to the blow molded fiber product.

[0032] In some examples, the method includes at least one processing device processing at least a portion of the inner surface of the blow molded fiber product.

[0033] In some examples, the processing includes coating at least a portion of the inner surface of the blow molded fiber product. The resulting internal coating can limit the ingress of air or moisture from outside the blow molded fiber product and, in end use, can limit the leakage of the contents contained in the blow molded fiber product through the walls of the blow molded fiber product.

[0034] In some examples, the processing includes inspecting at least a portion of the inner surface of the blow molded fiber product. This can be to enable determination of the characteristics of the inner surface. For example, such characteristics can relate to the distribution of fibers on the inner surface or the distribution of a coating on one or more walls of the blow molded fiber product. In some examples, the processing includes coating the inner surface of the blow molded fiber product and then inspecting the coating.

[0035] In some examples, the method includes rotating the blow molded fiber product using a retainer while at least one processing device processes at least a portion of the inner surface of the blow molded fiber product.

[0036] In some cases, rotating the blow molded fiber product using a retainer facilitates the processing. The blow molded fiber product can be oriented in various directions using the retainer so that, for example, a coating can be applied to most or all of the interior of the blow molded fiber product or so that most or all of the interior can be inspected.

[0037] In some examples, rotating a hollow molded textile product using a retainer during processing (e.g., coating) involves rotating the hollow molded textile product about an axis of rotation that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the hollow molded textile product. In some such examples, where at least one processing apparatus includes an internal coating apparatus having a spray lance, the axis of rotation is parallel to the axis of the spray lance. In other examples, the axis of rotation coincides with the axis of the spray lance. In further examples, the axis of rotation is instead inclined with respect to the axis of the spray lance. The relationship between the position of the axis of rotation and at least one processing apparatus may be selected based on the processing that at least one processing apparatus performs on the hollow molded textile product.

[0038] In some examples, the method includes manipulating the hollow molded textile product using a retainer after at least one processing apparatus has completed processing of at least a portion of the inner surface of the hollow molded textile product.

[0039] For example, at least one processing apparatus may include a coating station, and the method may include holding or manipulating the hollow molded textile product relative to the coating station, rotating the hollow molded textile product during coating, and manipulating the hollow molded textile product away from the coating station. The method may also include rotating the hollow molded textile product as it is subjected to translational motion to help spread and / or dry the coating evenly.

[0040] The retainer may be capable of performing various movements (which may be the same or different) that enable multiple processes to be performed on or against the hollow molded textile product, either simultaneously or sequentially. This can reduce manufacturing time because it eliminates the need to transfer the hollow molded textile product between multiple operating mechanisms.

[0041] Optionally, the method includes coating at least a portion of the outer surface of a hollow molded textile product before fitting the retainer to the hollow molded textile product. This may include coating the outer surface to which the retainer will then fit. The coating may be, for example, an anti-scratch coating that can provide a protective layer between the retainer and the hollow molded textile product to prevent scratching of at least a portion of the outer surface of the hollow molded textile product.

[0042] A second aspect of the present invention provides a hollow molded textile product positioning device for controlling the position of a hollow molded textile product so that at least one processing device can perform processing on the hollow molded textile product, the hollow molded textile product positioning device includes a retainer configured to fit at least a large portion of the outer circumference of the hollow molded textile product, the retainer enabling subsequent control of the position of the hollow molded textile product relative to at least one processing device.

[0043] In some examples, the retainer includes an annular body configured to at least partially enclose a hollow molded fiber product.

[0044] The ring-shaped body is easy to manufacture and can be easily adapted to hollow molded fiber products.

[0045] The annular body may be wrapped around a hollow molded fiber product. For example, the annular body may be a strip that can be manipulated to surround the outer circumference. The annular body may include a closing mechanism such as a hook-and-loop arrangement. In some cases, the action of wrapping the annular body around the product may provide part of the adaptation of the retainer described above.

[0046] The annular body may have an annular cross-section with an inner wall configured to contact the hollow molded fiber product.

[0047] The annular body may be elastic. In some examples, the annular body includes an internal cavity that is filled with a fluid and configured to expand to allow the retainer to fit the outer circumference of the hollow molded textile product.

[0048] In some examples, a hollow molded textile product positioning device includes at least one processing unit. Having at least one processing unit as a component of the hollow molded textile product positioning device can facilitate processing, in the sense that one system of the container manufacturing line can perform both product processing and manipulation.

[0049] In some examples, at least one processing apparatus includes an internal processing apparatus configured to process at least a portion of the interior of a hollow molded textile product while the position of the hollow molded textile product relative to at least one processing apparatus is controlled by a hollow molded textile product positioning device. In some examples, at least one processing apparatus includes an external processing apparatus configured to process at least a portion of the exterior of a hollow molded textile product while the position of the hollow molded textile product relative to at least one processing apparatus is controlled by a hollow molded textile product positioning device.

[0050] Such internal or external processing devices may be rotatable relative to a retainer, and thus, in some examples, the retainer can control the position of the hollow molded textile product by maintaining the hollow molded textile product in a predetermined position while the processing device rotates inside the hollow molded textile product. The hollow molded textile product positioning device may include a controller configured to control the relative position between the retainer and the internal processing device.

[0051] In some examples, the internal processing apparatus includes an internal coating apparatus configured to coat at least a portion of the interior of a hollow molded textile product. In some examples, the internal processing apparatus includes an internal inspection apparatus configured to inspect at least a portion of the interior of a hollow molded textile product. In some examples, the internal processing apparatus includes both such an internal coating apparatus and such an internal inspection apparatus.

[0052] In some examples, the positioning device for hollow molded textile products includes a fluid source coupled to a retainer, which is configured to inflate the retainer during use to fit the retainer to at least a large portion of the outer circumference of the hollow textile product.

[0053] A hollow molded textile product positioning device with a fluid source can facilitate the fitting of retainers to hollow molded textile products. This means that the hollow molded textile product positioning device is transportable, and therefore it can be brought to the hollow molded textile product and fitted to it.

[0054] In some examples, a hollow molded textile product positioning device comprises a coupling arrangement between a fluid source and a retainer, the coupling arrangement comprising a rotary pneumatic union or a pair of cooperative interface surfaces between a first valve and a second valve, the first valve and the second valve configured to close fluid passages from the fluid source to one interface surface and from the other interface surface to the retainer, the pair of cooperative interface surfaces being disconnectable from each other to allow movement of the fluid source relative to one interface surface, the other interface surface and the retainer, and being connectable to each other to fluidly connect the first valve to the second valve.

[0055] The valve and interface allow the retainer to be disconnected from the fluid source while remaining expanded, thereby enabling subsequent rotation or other movement of the retainer relative to the fluid source. The retainer can then be reattached to the fluid source after rotation. This can facilitate the rotation or other movement of the hollow molded textile product compared, for example, to a hollow molded textile product positioning device with a fixed connection.

[0056] In some examples, the positioning device for hollow molded textile products includes a plurality of retainers, each of which is configured to fit a large portion of the outer circumference of each hollow textile product.

[0057] Multiple retainers can enable simultaneous control of the position of multiple (corresponding to the number of retainers) hollow molded fiber products. This may, for example, allow for large-scale movement during production.

[0058] Optionally, the retainer can be inflated using fluid from a single fluid source, and thus the retainer can be fitted to multiple hollow molded fiber products, each (optionally, simultaneously). The inflation of the retainer can be controlled, for example, by a single controller or by individual controllers.

[0059] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a container manufacturing line is provided which includes a hollow molded textile product positioning device of the second aspect, in order to provide a processed hollow molded textile product, in order to control the position of the hollow molded textile product so that at least one processing device can perform processing on the hollow molded textile product, and an apparatus for performing at least one additional processing on the processed hollow molded textile product in order to provide a container.

[0060] The apparatus may include an internal coating machine, and at least one additional process may include the internal coating machine coating at least a portion of the inside of a product in order to produce an internally coated product. The apparatus may include a closing portion applicator, and at least one additional process may include the closing portion applicator applying a closing portion to a product or an internally coated product in order to produce a closureable or closed product. The apparatus may include an external coating machine, and at least one additional process may include the external coating machine coating at least a portion of the outside of a product, or an internally coated product, or a closureable or closed product, in order to produce an externally coated product. The apparatus may include a decorating machine, and at least one additional process may include the decorating machine decorating a product, or an internally coated product, or a closureable or closed product, or an externally coated product, in order to produce a decorated product. The apparatus may include a dryer, and at least one additional process may include the dryer drying a product, or an internally coated product, or a closureable or closed product, or an externally coated product, or a decorated product, in order to produce a dried product. The apparatus may include an evaluation machine, and at least one additional process may include the evaluation machine evaluating a product, an internally coated product, a resealable or sealed product, an externally coated product, a decorated product, or a dried product in order to produce an evaluated product. In some examples, the container is the product, an internally coated product, a resealable or sealed product, an externally coated product, a decorated product, a dried product, or an evaluated product.

[0061] In some examples, the container is a necked container such as a bottle, jar, or vase, and the container manufacturing line is a necked container manufacturing line. In some examples, the container is a bottle.

[0062] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a control system is provided which is configured to cause a hollow molded fiber product positioning device to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0063] The control system may include the controller described above. That is, the control system may use the controller to control the fit of the retainer to the outer circumference of the hollow molded fiber product.

[0064] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a non-temporary storage medium is provided that stores machine-readable instructions for causing the hollow molded fiber product positioning device to perform the method of the first aspect, when executed by a computer processing unit of a control system for the hollow molded fiber product positioning device.

[0065] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a container, which includes performing a method of the first aspect to enable at least one processing apparatus to perform a process on a hollow molded fiber product in order to provide a processed hollow molded fiber product, and then performing at least one additional process on the hollow molded fiber product in order to provide a container.

[0066] At least one additional process may include coating at least a portion of the interior of the product to produce an internally coated product. At least one additional process may include applying a closing portion to the product or internally coated product to produce a closureable or closed product. At least one additional process may include coating at least a portion of the exterior of the product, or an internally coated product, or a closureable or closed product, to produce an externally coated product. At least one additional process may include decorating the product, or an internally coated product, or a closureable or closed product, or an externally coated product, to produce a decorated product. At least one additional process may include drying the product, or an internally coated product, or a closureable or closed product, or a decorated product, or a decorated product, to produce a dried product. At least one additional process may include evaluating the product, an internally coated product, a closureable or closed product, an externally coated product, a decorated product, or a dried product, to produce an evaluated product. In some examples, the container is a product, an internally coated product, a resealable or sealed product, an externally coated product, a decorated product, a dried product, or an evaluated product.

[0067] In some examples, the container is a container with a neck, such as 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 contents-containing container is provided, which includes providing a container obtained by the method of the sixth aspect, and providing a contents-containing container by providing contents to the container.

[0069] In some embodiments, providing contents into a container includes putting contents into the container. In contrast, in some embodiments, providing a container includes providing contents that are already present in the container into the container, thereby providing contents within the container.

[0070] The contents may be, for example, liquids, powders, other fluid materials, one or more solids, or combinations thereof. For example, the contents may be food products such as condiments, beverages such as alcoholic beverages, home care products such as detergents or other cleaning products, personal care products such as hair care products or personal cleansing products, or health products, or pharmaceuticals, or fragrance products such as cosmetics or perfumes, vehicle products such as engine oil, or industrial products. Other suitable contents will be apparent to those skilled in the art in consideration of the subject matter of this application and general knowledge.

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

[0072] In some examples, the method includes closing the opening of the container after dispensing the contents into the container, and / or labeling or marking the container.

[0073] In some examples, closing involves applying a closure (such as a lid or cap or heat seal) to the container to close the opening. In some examples, closing involves applying a heat seal to the container and (for example, then) applying a lid or cap to the container.

[0074] In some cases, the application of a label or mark to a container occurs after the contents have been placed in the container (i.e., the label or mark is applied to the container containing the contents). In other cases, the application of a label or mark to a container occurs before or during the placement of the contents into the container.

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

[0076] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the use of a container obtained by the method of the sixth aspect is provided for containing contents.

[0077] Use may be, for example, by a person who puts the contents into a container (such as a natural person or a company), or by a person who transports the contents, or by a person who wishes to dispose of the contents (e.g., a consumer or end user), or by a person who wishes to present the disposal of the contents (e.g., to a consumer or end user), or by a person who wishes to import or store the contents, whether by disposing of them or otherwise.

[0078] The contents may be in any of the above forms, for example.

[0079] In some examples, the container is a container with a neck, such as a bottle, jar, or a type of vase. In some examples, the container is a bottle.

[0080] It will be understood that the optional nature of the embodiments of the present invention can, where appropriate, be equally applicable to other embodiments of the invention. In particular, unless otherwise stated or unless fundamentally incompatible, the examples of the present invention should be considered combinatorial.

[0081] Herein, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, merely as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0082] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary container manufacturing line for carrying out a method of manufacturing containers from paper pulp. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of an example of a capless container. [Figure 3]Figure a is a schematic plan view of an exemplary retainer in a relaxed or non-expanding configuration. Figure b shows an exemplary retainer of Figure 3a in a fitted or expanded configuration. [Figure 4] Figure a is a schematic front view of a portion of an exemplary hollow molded textile product positioning device, including the retainer in Figure 3a, which is in a relaxed configuration around the hollow molded textile product. Figure b shows a portion of the exemplary hollow molded textile product positioning device in Figure 4a, where the retainer is in a configuration fitted around the hollow molded textile product. [Figure 5] Figure 4b is a schematic front view of an exemplary hollow molded textile product positioning device, but this time it shows an internal coating device which is part of the exemplary hollow molded textile product positioning device, and is for coating at least a portion of the interior of the hollow molded textile product to which the retainer fits. [Figure 6] Figure 4b is a schematic front view of an exemplary hollow molded textile product positioning device, but this time it shows an internal inspection device which is part of the exemplary hollow molded textile product positioning device, and is for inspecting at least a portion of the inside of the hollow molded textile product to which the retainer fits. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram of an exemplary method for controlling the position of a hollow molded fiber product. [Figure 8] An example of a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium is shown. [Figure 9] A schematic cross-sectional view of a container for storing contents is shown as an example. [Figure 10] This document describes a method for providing a container for contents. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0083] The following description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the drawings, serves to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present invention. Throughout the description, similar numbers refer to similar parts.

[0084] Figure 1 shows a container manufacturing line for carrying out a method of manufacturing containers, in this case a necked container, more specifically in this case a bottle, from paper pulp (i.e., which can form the basis of an exemplary fiber suspension). “Necked container” means that the container has an internal constriction, or “neck,” between a main body portion where most or all of the container’s contents are stored during use, and an opening from which the contents can enter and exit the container during use. The internal width of the container at the neck may be the same as or different from the internal width of the opening. However, since the internal width of the neck is smaller than the internal width of the main body portion, a shoulder is defined by and between the neck and the main body portion. This shoulder complicates the manufacturing of the container because it interferes with the subsequent removal (and, in some cases, insertion) of any mold tools inserted into the container to form the internal shape of the container. Examples of necked containers are bottles, jars, and certain types of vases. This process is merely illustrative and is provided to give context to the examples of the present invention. In other examples, it will be understood that a container manufacturing line may be for producing neckless containers (i.e., such neckless containers) such as bowls or trays.

[0085] Broadly speaking, the exemplary process includes supplying a fiber suspension, introducing the fiber suspension into the mold cavity of a porous first mold, draining the liquid (such as water) from the fiber suspension to produce a hollow molded fiber product (sometimes called a wet precursor or embryo) in the mold cavity, further molding the hollow molded fiber product to produce a hollow, further molded fiber product, drying the hollow, further molded fiber product and then internally coating it to produce an internally coated product, drying the internally coated product to produce a dried product, applying a closure component to the dried product to produce a closureable or closed product, externally coating and / or decorating the closureable or closed product to produce an externally coated and / or decorated product, and then drying the externally coated or decorated product to produce another dried product. Modifications can be made to the exemplary process to provide variations thereof in which other embodiments of the present invention can be embodied, as will be apparent from at least the following description. For example, in some cases, either the internal coating or the external coating and / or decoration may be omitted. Furthermore, in this example, as shown in Figure 1 by the asterisks labeled Ins.1 to Ins.5, the process involves inspecting or evaluating hollow, further molded textile products, internally coated products, closureable or closed products, externally coated or decorated products, and dried products to produce each evaluated product. In some examples, the container is one of the hollow molded textile products, hollow, further molded textile products, internally coated products, closureable or closed products, externally coated or decorated products, dried products, or each of the evaluated products.

[0086] In this example, supplying a fiber suspension includes preparing a fiber suspension from its components. More specifically, the 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 supplied by the supplier in the form of sheets, and the liquid contains water and one or more additives. In this example, the liquid is mixed with the pulp fibers to provide hydrated pulp fibers having a solid fiber content of 1 wt% to 5 wt% (by dry mass of fibers). In this example, one or more additives include a sizing agent such as alkyl ketene dima (AKD). The hydrated pulp fibers typically contain 0.4 wt% of AKD 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 at the time the pulp fibers are mixed with the liquid. In some examples, one or more additives are added to the hydrated pulp fibers after they have been mixed with a liquid (for example, the pulp fibers are hydrated for a certain period, e.g., 2 to 16 hours, and then one or more additives are supplied to the hydrated pulp fibers). The hydrated pulp fibers pass between the plates of the valley beater 11 or purifier, which are moving relative to each other. This causes some or all of the fibers to fibrillate, i.e., the cell walls of these fibers are partially delaminated, and the wet surface of these fibers has protruding hairs or fibrillation. These fibrillations help to increase the strength of the bonds between the fibers in the dried final product. In other examples, the valley beater 11 or purifier may be omitted.

[0087] The resulting processed pulp is stored in tank 12 in a relatively concentrated form (e.g., with a solid fiber content of 1 wt% to 5 wt%) to reduce the required storage space. At an appropriate time, the processed pulp is transferred to mixing station 13, where it is diluted with further water and optionally mixed with one or more additives (in addition to or instead of one or more additives supplied with the hydrated pulp fibers) to supply a fiber suspension ready for molding. In this example, solid fibers account for 0.7 wt% (by dry weight of the fibers) of the resulting fiber suspension, but in other examples, the proportion of solid fibers in the fiber suspension may differ, such as another value in the range of 0.5 wt% to 5 wt%, or 0.1 wt% to 1 wt% (by dry weight of the fibers). In some examples, the one or more additives mixed with the processed pulp and water include dehydrating agents, such as modified and / or unmodified polyethyleneimine (PEI), for example, modified PEI sold under the trademark 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 pulp. In other examples, the treated pulp and water are mixed, and then one or more additives are mixed with the treated pulp and water. The fiber suspension typically contains 0.3 wt% of Polymin® SK relative to the total dry mass of solid fibers. Mixing the fiber suspension at the mixing station 13 helps to homogenize the fiber suspension. In other examples, the treated pulp or fiber suspension may be supplied in other ways, such as being supplied off-the-shelf.

[0088] Downstream from the tank 12 and mixing station 13 is a first molding station containing a porous first mold 15. In this example, the porous first mold 15 is movable toward or away from each other, in this case using a hydraulic ram. It has two semi-molds 14. In this example, each semi-mold is a monolithic or integral tool formed by additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing) defining a mold contour, and when the semi-molds are in contact with each other, their respective mold contours cooperate to define a mold cavity for forming a hollow molded textile product. Each semi-mold may define a smaller mold cavity by itself, and when cooperated with the second semi-mold, the smaller mold cavities may combine to provide an overall mold cavity. The two semi-molds may be considered “divided parts” or “molds” by themselves, and the entire porous first mold 15 may be considered a “divided mold” or similarly a “mold”. In other examples, the porous first mold 15 may have three or more divisions, such as three, four, or six divisions that cooperate to define the mold cavity.

[0089] In Figure 1, the fiber suspension (also known as slurry) is filled into the porous mold 15 from above, unlike a molding process in which the mold is immersed in the slurry. The fiber suspension is drawn into the porous mold 15 via line 16 under vacuum, and any excess suspension is drawn through the porous mold 15 into a tank 17 via line 18 under vacuum. The injection mass can be controlled by measuring (e.g., metering) the amount of liquid drawn into the tank 17. A metering platform supporting the tank 17 is shown in Figure 1. Once the required amount of liquid (e.g., a predetermined volume such as 10 liters, or a predetermined mass such as 10 kilograms) has been collected in the tank 17, the suction of the suspension through the first mold 15 is stopped, and the first mold 15 is opened to the ambient air. In this example, the suspension drawn in with the fiber suspension in line 16 is water, or mostly water (additives may also be present). Since the fibers remain on the walls of the first mold 15 to form a medium-sized molded fiber product, the liquid drawn into the tank 17 via line 18 under vacuum is substantially fiber-free.

[0090] In one example, a high-pressure fluid (such as compressed air) is introduced into a first mold 15 to further remove the suspension (e.g., water) from a hollow molded fiber product and to form or strengthen the three-dimensional shape of the product, compressing the fiber suspension against the cavity walls of the first mold 15. This process strengthens the product, making it more manageable, and replaces water from between the fibers, thereby increasing the efficiency of the subsequent drying process. The fluid is regulated using a hydraulic pump 20, which has a cylinder that moves the fluid in line 21 into the first mold 15. In an alternative example, an impermeable expansion element in the form of a foldable bladder is inserted into the first mold 15 and expands by introducing fluid from line 21 into the bladder, functioning as an internal high-pressure core structure for the first mold 15. In such an alternative configuration, the fluid in line 21 is preferably incompressible, such as water or oil, but in other examples, the fluid may be a compressible fluid, such as air. Water has an advantage over other incompressible liquids in that any leakage or rupture of the bladder does not introduce new material into the system (since the suspension is already water, or primarily water).

[0091] Demolding occurs when the first mold 15 is opened to remove the self-supporting hollow molded fiber product 22. Subsequently, it is preferable to perform mold cleaning 23 to remove any remaining small fibers and / or other debris and maintain the porosity of the first mold 15. In this example, while the mold 15 is open, a high-pressure jet fired radially is inserted into the mold cavity. This removes debris from the walls of the mold cavity. Alternatively or additionally, water from the tank 17 is pressurized through the back of the porous first mold 15 to remove any stuck fibers and / or other debris. The water is discharged and returned to the upstream part of the system for reuse. Note that cleaning is important to prepare the first mold 15 for reuse. After the container is removed, the first mold 15 may appear clean, but its performance may be impaired if it is not cleaned.

[0092] According to Figure 1, the hollow molded fiber product 22 is then transported to a second molding station, where, for example, in an aluminum mold 25, pressure and heat are applied for thermoforming of the desired neck and surface finish, optionally including embossed and / or debossed surface features. After the two halves of the mold 25 are closed around the product 22, a pressurizer is engaged. For example, a bladder 26 (e.g., a thermoforming bladder 26) is inserted into the product 22. The bladder 26 is inflated with pressurized fluid supplied via line 27 by a pump 28. The pressurized fluid may be a compressible fluid such as air in other examples, but is preferably an incompressible fluid such as water or oil. In other examples, during supply, the pressurized fluid is heated, for example by a heater, or alternatively, cooled, for example, by a heat exchanger. The external mold block 24 of the mold 25 and / or the mold 25 itself are also heated, or alternatively, in some examples. After thermoforming, the state of product 22, which can be considered here as a hollow, further molded textile product, is considerably more rigid and has more compressed side walls compared to the state of product 22 when demolded from the first mold 15.

[0093] The drying step 30 (e.g., microwave drying or other drying treatment) is performed on the product 22 downstream of the thermoformed product, as shown in the figure, to provide a dried product. In one example, the drying step 30 is performed before thermoformed product to provide a dried product. However, the molding in the mold 25 requires some moisture content to aid in bonding during the compression process. Drying may be performed using a dryer, such as a machine that functions to dry the product, or simply a shelf or other support on which the product 22 is placed while drying.

[0094] Next, the product 22 is subjected to an internal coating stage, in this example, where an internal coating device in the form of a spray lance 31 is inserted into the product 22 and one or more surface coatings are applied to the inner wall of the product 22 to produce an internally coated product. In another example, the product 22 is instead filled with a liquid that coats the inner wall of the product 22 and then discharged. In practice, such a coating provides a protective layer that prevents the contents from leaching into the bottle wall, which can penetrate and / or weaken the bottle wall. The coating will be selected according to the intended contents of the finished container, e.g., beverages, food, detergents, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, etc. In this example, the internally coated product 22 is then subjected to a curing or drying process 32, which can be configured or optimized according to the internal coating, for example, by drying for 24 hours under ambient conditions or by a rapid drying method. Drying may also be performed using a dryer, such as a machine that functions to dry the product, or simply using a shelf or other support on which the product 22 is placed during drying. After drying, the coated product 22 is considered a separate dried product.

[0095] Next, a closure component application device performs a closure or mouth-forming process on the product 22 to produce a closureable or closed product. For example, as shown in Figure 1, a necking device 33 may be attached to the dried product. This makes the product subsequently closureable by later positioning a cap, lid, or other closure on the necking device. Next, as shown in a further step 34, an external coating device and / or decoration device applies an external coating and / or decoration to the product 22, respectively, to produce an externally coated and / or decorated product. In one example, as shown in Figure 1, the product 22 is immersed in a liquid to coat its outer surface. In another example, the outer surface receives external coating in a different manner. The coating and / or decoration may cover all or only part of the outer surface of the product. Next, the product 22 is dried in warm air to produce another dried product. In other examples, drying may be performed using a drying device such as one of those discussed above.

[0096] Thus, product 22 is fully formed and considered a final “container” ready to receive contents therein. In other examples, the container may be fully formed without the necking fixture 35 being attached, and / or without the internal coating being applied, and / or without the external coating being applied, and / or without the decoration being applied, and / or immediately after one of the drying processes or one of the inspection and / or evaluation processes. For example, in some cases, the product is provided with a closure by forming the closure during the molding of the product at a first molding station and / or a second molding station.

[0097] Figure 2 shows an exemplary hollow molded fiber product 22 with a neck, which appears after being molded in an aluminum mold 25 at a second molding station and subsequently subjected to a drying stage 30. As discussed above, the product 22 has an internal constriction, or "neck," 36, between a hollow main body portion 38 in which most or all of the contents of the final container are stored when in use, and an opening 40 in which the contents enter and exit the final container. The main body portion 38 forms the majority of the product 22 and is cylindrical in shape, although other hollow shapes are conceivable (e.g., cube). The outer circumference of the main body portion 38 is substantially consistent over the height of the main body portion 38 (direction Y in Figure 2). The main body portion 38 extends from a shoulder portion 37 between the neck portion 36 and the main body portion 38 to a base portion 42. The base portion 42 is partially planar so as to allow the product 22 to stand on its own without requiring additional support.

[0098] Referring here to Figures 3a to 5, the hollow molded textile product positioning device 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as "positioning device 100" for brevity) is shown, and Figures 4b and 5 show the product 22 being held by the positioning device 100. The positioning device 100 includes two processing units in the form of an internal coating station 130 (see Figure 5) equipped with a spray lance 31, and an internal inspection station 140 (see Figure 6) where the inspection labeled Ins.2 in Figure 1 is performed. The positioning device 100 controls the position of the product 22 and controls the internal coating station 130 and the internal inspection station 140, as will be described in more detail below.

[0099] The positioning device 100 includes a retainer 101, which includes an expandable elastomer annular body 102 and a frame 103 that supports the annular body 102 to hold the product 22 in use. The frame 103 is rigid enough to support the annular body 102 and the product 22 held by the annular body 102 in use. As shown in Figure 4a, while the retainer 101 is stationary, the product 22 is inserted into the space 110 defined and surrounded by the annular body 102 of the retainer 101, and partially penetrates so that the annular body 102 surrounds the entire outer circumference of the product. In this example, the product 22 is transported from a dryer that has performed a drying step 30 and then inserted into the space 110 by a product insertion mechanism (not shown, communicatively connected to and controlled by a controller 120) that lowers the product 22 into the space 110. The position sensor 114 is mounted on the base portion of the frame 103 and is communicatively connected to the controller 120. It detects the position of the product 22 relative to the space 110 and the retainer 101, and outputs a signal to the controller 120 indicating the position of the product 22. When the controller 120 determines, based on the signal, that the product 22 is properly positioned within the positioning device 100, the controller 120 instructs the product insertion mechanism to stop the movement of the product 22 relative to the retainer 120. At this point, the annular body 102 is positioned around a portion of the main body portion 28 of the product, extending along or across only about 30% of the length of the product 22. In other examples, the product 22 can be inserted into the space 110 by other means, such as manually.

[0100] In this example, the positioning device 100 has only one retainer 101, which is the sole mechanism or device for supporting the product 22 while the spray lance 31 sprays the coating material onto the product 22. In other examples, the positioning device 100 may have multiple retainers 101, such as the illustrated retainer 101 and further retainers in the form of a further annular body 102 supported by a frame 103. All of the multiple retainers 101 may be the same form or dimensions, or one or more of the multiple retainers 101 may differ in form or size from one or more of the multiple retainers 101. For example, in some cases, the positioning device 100 may include a further retainer 101 including a second inflatable annular body that is positionable and sized around the neck 36 and / or shoulder 37 of the product after the product 22 has been fully positioned in the space 110. Each of the two inflatable annular bodies may extend along or across only a portion of the length of product 22, and may be spaced apart to hold product 22 more stably.

[0101] After the controller 120 stops the product insertion mechanism from moving the product 22 into the space 110, the controller 120 causes the annular body 102 of the retainer 101 to expand to accommodate the product 22. For this purpose, the positioning device 100 has a fluid source (including a storage tank 104 for storing air and a pump 108) and a tube 106. The storage tank 104 is fluidically coupled to the internal cavity 102b of the annular body 102 by the tube 106, and the pump 108 is positioned partway along the tube 106. The tube 106 extends through the frame 103 of the retainer 101. The controller 120 is communicatively connected to the pump 108 and causes the pump 108 to pump air from the storage tank 104 into the internal cavity 102b via the tube 106. This causes the cavity 102b to expand or inflate, resulting in the annular body 102 taking on a donut or torus shape. The pressure sensor 105 is communicatively connected to the controller 120 and senses the air pressure in the cavity 102b, outputting data indicating the air pressure to the controller 120. The controller 120 controls the expansion based on the data from the pressure sensor 105, and if the controller 120 determines that the air pressure meets or exceeds a predetermined pressure, the controller 120 stops the operation of the pump 108. The predetermined pressure is a pressure known, through prior design or prior trial and error, at which point the inner wall of the annular body 102 contacts and presses against the outer surface of the product 22, but the annular body 102 does not exert a force on the product 22 that would cause unacceptable damage to the product 22. In other examples, the fluid source may instead include a pressurized air main, and in some cases, a regulator configured to take relatively high-pressure air from the air main and convert it into a relatively low-pressure air supply suitable for expanding the annular body 102.

[0102] Therefore, the annular body 102 changes from a first non-expanding configuration (shown in Figures 3a and 4a) having a first inner diameter D1 to a second expanded configuration (shown in Figures 3b and 4b) having a second inner diameter D2 smaller than the first inner diameter D1. While its internal (or radially inward-facing) wall 102a changes, the annular body 102 contacts and presses against the product 22. In the expanded configuration, the annular body 102 conforms to the outer circumference of the product 22, resulting in the product 22 exhibiting a "tight fit" within the annular body 102. More specifically, all, or at least most, of the inner circumference of the annular body 102 contacts the outer surface of the product 22. This, along with the appropriately selected material of the annular body 102, results in the annular body 102 being able to sufficiently grip or engage with the product 22, and the annular body 102 being able to control the position of the product 22 relative to the spray lance 31 during the subsequent relative motion between the annular body 102 and the spray lance 31.

[0103] Next, as shown in Figure 5, the spray lance 31 of the internal coating station 130 is inserted into the product 22 to a position where the distal end 31a of the spray lance 31 is spaced apart from the base 42 of the product 22, and the longitudinal axis LL of the spray lance 31 is parallel to (i.e., not coincident with) the longitudinal axis PP of the product 22.

[0104] Next, the annular body 102, and therefore the product 22, is rotated multiple times at a speed of 2,000 rpm around the longitudinal axis PP of the product 22, as well as relative to the spray lance 31 and the rest of the internal coating station 130. In other examples, the speed may be any of the following, for example, between 1,500 rpm and 3,000 rpm. This rotation is brought about by a motor 116 coupled to a pneumatic union 118 that is fluidly positioned between the storage tank 104 and the annular body 102 midway along the tube 106. The two parts of the pneumatic union 118 are rotatable relative to each other around the longitudinal axis PP of the product 22. When the annular body 102 and the product 22 are rotated, the controller 120 causes the motor 116 to receive current. This causes the motor 116 to rotate, and then one of the components of the annular body 102, the product 22, and the pneumatic union 118 rotates around the longitudinal axis PP of the product 22 and relative to the other component of the spray lance 31 and the pneumatic union 118. Thus, when driving the rotation of the product 22, the annular body 102 manipulates the product 22 and controls its position relative to the internal coating station 130.

[0105] In an alternative example, the retainer 101 holds the product 22 in a stationary position (e.g., relative to the storage tank 104 and / or controller 120), and the controller 120 rotates the spray lance 31 relative to the retainer 101 and the product 22 instead. In yet another example, a coupling arrangement other than the pneumatic union 118 can be used between the storage tank 104 and the annular body 102. For example, the coupling arrangement may include a connector comprising a pair of parts that are detachable from each other to connect the storage tank 104 and the annular body 102 to each other for fluidic connection, to fluidic disconnect the storage tank 104 from the annular body 102, and to allow relative movement between the storage tank 104 and the annular body 102. To ensure that the annular body 102 remains expanded and the storage tank 104 does not release its contents into the atmosphere (or may be contaminated with dust), a first valve may be provided between one of the paired parts and the storage tank 104, and a second valve may be provided between the other part of the pair and the annular body 102.

[0106] However, relative rotational movement between the product 22 and the spray lance 31 is achieved, and during this relative rotational movement, the controller 120 causes the spray lance 31 to spray the coating material onto the inner surface of the product 22, as shown by the diagonal dashed line in Figure 5, thereby producing the internally coated product described above. Thus, it was found that offsetting the longitudinal axis LL of the spray lance 31 from the rotation axis of the product 22 results in a more uniform coating of the coating material on the inner surface of the product 22 than when the longitudinal axis LL coincides with the rotation axis.

[0107] When a sufficient amount of coating material has been applied to the inner surface of product 22, the controller 120 stops the spraying of the coating material by the spray lance 31. This may occur, for example, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the spray lance 31 began spraying, or after a predetermined amount of coating material has been supplied through the spray lance 31. The controller 120 then stops the rotation of the retainer 101 and product 22 relative to the spray lance 31 by slowing down and then stopping the supply of current to the motor 116, thereby withdrawing the spray lance 31 from the product 22. After the spray lance 31 stops spraying, product 22 is rotated briefly to ensure that the product is in motion for the entire duration that the spray lance 31 is spraying. This ensures more reliable uniform adhesion of the coating material to the inner surface of product 22 than if the rotation of product 22 were slowed down or stopped before the spray lance 31 stopped spraying. In another example, the controller 120 causes the withdrawal of the spray lance 31 after causing the spray to stop, but before the rotation of product 22 is slowed down or stopped.

[0108] Subsequently, the retainer 101 manipulates the product 22 toward the internal coating station 130 and the internal inspection station 140 shown in Figure 6. More specifically, the controller 120 causes the retainer 101 to lift and move the product 22 from the internal coating station 130 to the internal inspection station 140. During this operation, the annular body 102 remains expanded to securely hold the product 22. Depending on the nature of the amount of coating material applied to the product, the controller 120 may cause the retainer 101 to hold the product 22 stationary for a certain period of time, or to rotate the product 22 for a certain period of time, between the internal coating station 130 and the internal inspection station 140. This allows the amount of coating material to solidify or harden, at least partially, before being processed or inspected by the internal inspection station 140.

[0109] The internal inspection station 140 includes a light source 142 and a camera array 144 for capturing images of the inner surface of the product 22 (both shown schematically only in Figure 6). At this point, the inner surface of the product 22 contains the coating material sprayed by the spray lance 31. The light source 142 and camera array 144 are communicably connected to the controller 120 and mounted on a rod 146 that can be inserted into the product 22. Once the retainer 101 and the product 22 have arrived at the internal inspection station 140 and are properly positioned, the rod 146 is then inserted into the product 22, as shown in Figure 6, until the distal end 146a of the rod 146 is spaced away from the base 42 of the product 22 and the longitudinal axis CC of the camera array 144 is parallel to (i.e., not coincident with) the longitudinal axis PP of the product 22.

[0110] Next, the annular body 102, and therefore the product 22, is rotated 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis PP of the product 22 with respect to the rod 146, camera array 144, light source 142, and the rest of the internal inspection station 140. This rotation is brought about by the operation of the motor 116 described above. During this relative rotational motion, the controller 120 causes the light source 142 to emit light and the camera array 144 to capture an image of the inner surface of the product 22 as the camera array 144 scans the inner surface, thereby manufacturing the evaluated product discussed above. In this way, offsetting the longitudinal axis CC of the camera array 144 from the rotation axis of the product 22 results in the light source 142 and camera array 144 being positioned relatively close to the inner surface of the product 22, which can improve the quality of the image captured by the camera array 144 compared to a scenario in which the camera array 144 is instead positioned further away from the inner surface.

[0111] Since the relative rotation between product 22 and camera array 144 is around the longitudinal axis PP of product 22, the distance between the inner surface of product 22 and camera array 144 (or, more specifically, the photoreceptors(s) of camera array 144) is constant or substantially constant during rotation. Therefore, the degree of brightness of different parts of the captured image is relatively constant, which can help in the subsequent evaluation of the complete image. In an alternative example, the relative rotation is around the longitudinal axis CC of camera array 144, which is achieved by, for example, the retainer 101 holding product 22 in a stationary position (e.g., relative to controller 120), and the controller 120 instead rotating the rod 146 relative to the retainer 101 and product 22. In such an alternative example, processing of the captured image data may be necessary to compensate for brightness variations in order to render an image suitable for analysis.

[0112] Regardless of how the relative rotational motion between product 22 and camera array 144 is achieved, the resulting images captured by camera array 144 are then analyzed to determine one or more of the internal properties, such as the distribution of the coating material.

[0113] After the internal inspection station 140 captures an image of the inner surface of product 22, the controller 120 stops the rotation of the retainer 101 and product 22 relative to the rod 146 by slowing down and then stopping the current supply to the motor 116, thereby causing the rod 146 to be pulled out of product 22. In other examples, the controller 120 causes the rod 146 to be pulled out before the rotation of product 22 slows down or stops.

[0114] Next, the controller 120 causes the annular body 102 to contract. In this example, this is achieved by operating the pump 108 in reverse via the controller 120, thereby rapidly drawing air out of the internal cavity 102b of the annular body 102 through the tube 106. Thus, the annular body 102 changes from an expanded configuration (as shown in Figures 3b and 4b) to a non-expanded configuration (as shown in Figures 3a and 4a), resulting in the radially inward-facing wall 102a of the annular body 102 being released from contact with the product 22. In this example, the product 22 is then lifted out of space 110 by a product extraction mechanism (not shown, but communicatively connected to and controlled by the controller 120) that transports the product 22 to a drying station where a drying process 32 is performed.

[0115] In another example, contraction may instead be achieved by the controller 120 opening one or more valves (e.g., a second valve and optionally the first valve, or alternatively valves other than the first and second valves) to the atmosphere, allowing the annular body 102 to contract until the internal cavity 102b reaches atmospheric pressure. Such an arrangement would suffice, for example, if it is not necessary to completely empty the internal cavity 102b of the annular body 102.

[0116] While the annular body 102 is expanded and in contact with the product 22, it will be understood that the retainer 101 is the only device or mechanism supporting the product 22 in this example.

[0117] In this example, the processing equipment consists of an internal coating station and an internal inspection station, but other examples may include other forms of processing equipment. Examples of such processing equipment include stations for applying coatings, decorations, or markings to the exterior of products, stations for filling products, and stations for attaching closures to products. In fact, in other examples, one or more positioning devices may be used anywhere in the container manufacturing line shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, in this example, the two processing units of positioning device 100 are not human, but in other examples, humans may perform processing on product 22, such as visual inspection of the product, and are therefore considered “processing equipment”.

[0118] Figure 7 shows a block diagram of an exemplary method 700 for controlling the position of a hollow molded textile product, such as product 22 discussed above, so that at least one processing apparatus, such as processing apparatuses 130, 140 discussed above, can perform processing on the hollow molded textile product. Method 700 includes inserting the product at least partially through a space, such as the space 110 defined by a retainer, such as the retainer 101, 710; fitting the retainer to at least a large portion of the outer circumference of the product, 720; using the retainer to control the position of the product to at least one processing apparatus, 730; having at least one processing apparatus process at least a portion of the inner surface of the product, 740; and manipulating the product using the retainer after the processing 740 has been completed by the at least one processing apparatus.

[0119] It will also be understood that a control system is provided which is configured to fit a retainer to at least a large portion of the outer circumference of a hollow molded textile product, and then to use the retainer to control the position of the hollow molded textile product to at least one processing apparatus for performing a process on the hollow molded textile product.

[0120] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a non-temporary computer-readable medium 800. The non-temporary computer-readable storage medium 800 stores instructions 830 that, when executed by the computer processing unit 820 of the control system 810 of the hollow molded textile product positioning device, cause the computer processing unit 820 to perform an exemplary method on the hollow molded textile product positioning device. In one example, the control system 810 is or includes the controller 120 described above. Instruction 830 includes fitting a retainer to at least a large portion of the outer circumference of the hollow molded textile product, and then using the retainer to control the position of the hollow molded textile product to at least one processing unit for performing a process on the hollow molded textile product. In another example, instruction 330 includes instructions for performing any other exemplary method described herein.

[0121] It will also be understood that a container manufacturing line (such as the one shown in Figure 1) is also provided, which includes a positioning device for controlling the position of a hollow molded textile product, enabling at least one processing unit to perform a process on the hollow molded textile product to provide a processed hollow molded textile product, and a device for performing at least one additional process on the processed hollow molded textile product to provide a container. Similarly, a method for manufacturing a container is also provided, which includes fitting a retainer to at least a large portion of the outer circumference of a hollow molded textile product; then using the retainer to control the position of the hollow molded textile product to at least one processing unit so that at least one processing unit can perform a process on the hollow molded textile product to provide a processed hollow molded textile product; and then performing at least one additional process on the processed hollow molded textile product to provide a container. An example of “at least one additional process” is described above with reference to Figure 1.

[0122] Furthermore, as a result of the content of this application, the use of a container obtained by any of the methods described herein for containing contents is provided. An example of such a container 900 is shown in Figure 9 in the form of a necked container, particularly a bottle, containing contents 910. This use may be, for example, by a person who puts contents into the container, a person who transports contents, or a person who wants to dispose of contents (e.g., to a consumer or end-user), offer to dispose of contents (e.g., to a consumer or end-user), import, or store contents whether for disposal or not. The contents may be, for example, one or more of the exemplary contents described herein.

[0123] Methods for providing a container containing contents are also provided. An embodiment of such a method 1000 is shown in Figure 10. Method 1000 includes providing a container with a neck, particularly in the form of a bottle 1010, and then providing contents into the container 1020. In this example, block 1020 follows block 1010, and as a result, block 1020 includes putting contents into the container provided in block 1010. However, in some other examples, blocks 1010 and 1020 are performed simultaneously, and as a result, providing a container 1010 includes providing a container and contents already present in the container. The contents may be, for example, one or more of the exemplary contents described herein. Method 1000 also includes closing the opening of the container after block 1020 1030, and labeling or marking the container after block 1030 1040. In this example, block 1030 includes applying a heat seal to the opening and then screwing a cap or lid onto the container, and block 1040 includes attaching a label to the container.

[0124] In each of the other examples, the order of blocks 1030 and 1040 is reversed, blocks 1030 and 1040 are executed simultaneously, block 1030 is omitted, and block 1040 is omitted. In some examples, block 1040 occurs before block 1020, or block 1040 occurs during block 1020. For example, in some cases, a label or mark is applied to the container, then the contents are dispensed into the container, and then the container is closed.

[0125] Method 1000 can be carried out by the same party that manufactures the containers, and as a result, it will be understood that block 1010, for example, includes the method described above with reference to the manufacturing line shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, Method 1000 may be carried out by a party different from the party that manufactures the containers. In such an alternative, the different party carries out block 1010 by obtaining the containers from the party that manufactures the containers (for example, via the method described above with reference to Figure 1) or from an intermediary.

[0126] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been discussed with reference to the illustrated examples. However, it will be understood that modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the position of a hollow molded fiber product so that at least one processing apparatus can perform processing on the hollow molded fiber product, wherein the method is The retainer is to be fitted to at least a large portion of the outer circumference of the hollow molded fiber product, The method further comprises using the retainer to control the position of the hollow molded fiber product relative to the at least one processing apparatus.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling the position of the hollow molded fiber product using the retainer includes operating the retainer with respect to at least one processing apparatus, thereby moving the hollow molded fiber product from a first position to a second position.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising inserting the hollow molded fiber product through at least a portion of the space defined by the retainer.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising using the retainer to lift the hollow molded textile product, thereby supporting the hollow molded textile product.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fitting of the retainer includes expanding the retainer with a fluid.

6. This includes controlling the expansion of the retainer using a pressure sensor and a controller, The pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure inside the retainer and output data representing the pressure to the controller. The method according to claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to control the expansion of the retainer based on the data.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one processing apparatus processes at least a portion of the inner surface of the hollow molded fiber product.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the method includes rotating the hollow molded fiber product using the retainer while the at least one processing apparatus processes the at least portion of the inner surface of the hollow molded fiber product.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the method comprises manipulating the hollow molded fiber product using the retainer after the at least one processing apparatus has completed the processing of at least a portion of the inner surface of the hollow molded fiber product.

10. A hollow molded textile product positioning device for controlling the position of a hollow molded textile product so that at least one processing device can perform processing on the hollow molded textile product, The hollow molded textile product positioning device includes a retainer configured to fit at least a large portion of the outer circumference of the hollow molded textile product, A hollow molded textile product positioning device wherein the retainer enables subsequent control of the position of the hollow molded textile product relative to the at least one processing device.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the retainer includes an annular body configured to at least partially enclose the hollow molded fiber product.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the apparatus includes the at least one processing device.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the at least one processing apparatus includes at least one internal processing apparatus configured to process at least a portion of the interior of the hollow molded fiber product while the position of the hollow molded fiber product relative to the at least one processing apparatus is controlled by the apparatus.

14. The at least one internal processing unit, An internal coating device configured to coat at least a portion of the interior of the hollow molded fiber product, The apparatus according to claim 13, comprising an internal inspection device configured to inspect at least a portion of the interior of the hollow molded fiber product, and one or both thereof.

15. The hollow molded fiber product positioning device includes a fluid source coupled to the retainer, The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the fluid source is configured to expand the retainer during use so that the retainer fits to at least a large portion of the outer circumference of the hollow molded fiber product.

16. The hollow molded fiber product positioning device includes a coupling arrangement between the fluid source and the retainer, The coupling arrangement is a rotary pneumatic union, or a pair of cooperative interface surfaces between a first valve and a second valve, The first valve and the second valve are configured to close the fluid passages from the fluid source to one of the interface surfaces and from the other of the interface surfaces to the retainer, respectively. The pair of cooperative interface surfaces are configured to be disconnectable from each other to allow movement of the fluid source relative to one interface surface, the other interface surface, and the retainer, and to be connectable to each other to fluidly connect the first valve to the second valve, The apparatus according to claim 15, comprising:

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the hollow molded textile product positioning apparatus includes a plurality of retainers, each of which is configured to fit a large portion of the outer circumference of each hollow molded textile product.

18. A container manufacturing line comprising: an apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 17 for controlling the position of the hollow molded fiber product and enabling the at least one processing apparatus to perform the processing on the hollow molded fiber product to provide a processed hollow molded fiber product; and an apparatus for performing at least one additional processing on the processed hollow molded fiber product to provide the container.

19. A control system configured to cause a hollow molded fiber product positioning device to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

20. A non-temporary storage medium for storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by a computer processing unit of a control system for a hollow molded textile product positioning device, cause the computer processing unit to cause the hollow molded textile product positioning device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

21. A method for manufacturing a container, the method comprising: performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to control the position of the hollow molded fiber product and enable the at least one processing apparatus to perform the processing on the hollow molded fiber product to provide a processed hollow molded fiber product; and then performing at least one additional processing on the processed hollow molded fiber product to provide the container.

22. A method for providing a container containing contents, comprising: providing a container obtained by the method of claim 21; and providing the container containing contents by providing the contents into the container.

23. After providing the contents into the container, closing the opening of the container and / or, The method according to claim 22, further comprising labeling or marking the container.

24. Use of a container obtained by the method of claim 21 for containing contents.

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