Methods and components for manufacturing child-resistant glass containers

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods and components for manufacturing a substantially square glass container, and components and methods for forming a parison. A plunger extends into a mold, which forces molten glass against the mold wall and the extending plunger. Compressed air is applied through the neck of the parison to expand the parison outward against an edge defined by another mold and a baffle. A neck ring provides a retention function for the neck of the glass container and may include a child-resistant mechanism. Each of the mold, neck ring, and plunger produces a substantially square glass container having a substantially square neck.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent No. 62 / 802,381, entitled "Child Resistant Glass Container," filed February 7, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent No. 62 / 825,976, entitled "Child Resistant Glass Container," filed March 29, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent No. 62 / 839,326, entitled "Methods and Components for Producing Child Resistant Glass Containers," filed April 26, 2019, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for making shaped glass articles, i.e., glass containers, including child-resistant glass containers. [Background technology]

[0003] Glass container forming machines are known in the industry as individual section machines or "IS" machines, which are used throughout the world to manufacture glass containers. IS machines are shown and described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 1,843,160, 1,911,119, and 2,289,046. IS machines manufacture glass containers such as beer and beverage bottles by a "blow and blow" process. An alternative method known as the "press and blow" process, as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,289,046 and 3,024,571, is used with IS machines.

[0004] Although glass manufacturers have been producing round and cylindrical glass bottles (e.g., beer and beverage bottles) for many years using blow-and-blow or press-and-blow processes, there remains a need for mass-produced square glass containers having a substantially square shaped neck, and there remains a need for mass-produced square glass containers that also provide child-resistant features. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 1,843,160 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 1,911,119 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 2,289,046 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 3,024,571 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present disclosure relates to methods and components for manufacturing glass containers of a substantially square shape. The glass container has a substantially square container neck. The neck has one or more retention features that allow for a substantially square container cap to be attached. Such features include child-resistant features. The glass manufacturing components include plungers, blank molds, neck rings, baffles, blow molds, and other components for mass-manufacturing substantially square glass containers. The plungers are approximately polygonal in shape, e.g., approximately or substantially square, rectangular, diamond, quadrilateral, or rhombus. The plungers have, for example, rounded corners. The blank molds and / or blow molds have similarly substantially polygonal cavities. Thus, the plungers, blank molds, and / or blow molds form glass containers of approximately or substantially polygonal shape, e.g., approximately square, rectangular, diamond, quadrilateral, or rhombus. The neck rings and other components manufacture glass containers with features that allow the containers to mate with container caps and achieve child resistance.

[0007] Thus, in one aspect, a substantially square shaped plunger extends into a blank mold cavity having a neck ring that presses a gob of molten glass against the walls of the blank mold cavity and the extending plunger forming a parison. After the parison is transferred to a blow mold, compressed air is applied through a neck of the parison to expand the parison outwardly against the blow mold cavity defined by the blow mold. The blank mold, neck ring, blow mold, and plunger are used to produce a substantially square shaped glass container.

[0008] In one embodiment, a component used to form a glass container includes a blank mold having an opening at a top end and an opening at a bottom end for receiving a gob of molten glass, the blank mold defining a blank mold cavity, the component also includes a plunger adjacent the bottom end of the blank mold and movable between a retracted position from the blank mold and an extended position within the mold cavity, and a blow mold defining a blow mold cavity and configured to receive a parison.

[0009] In another embodiment, the blank mold cavity, the plunger, the blow mold cavity, the neck ring, or a combination thereof, is substantially square in cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the plunger has rounded corners. In some embodiments, the blank mold, the blow mold, the neck ring, or a combination thereof, defines a cavity that forms a glass container having a substantially polygonal shape (e.g., a substantially square). In one embodiment, the substantially polygonal container has rounded corners.

[0010] In another embodiment, the components used to form the glass container include a neck ring with a first child resistant mold on a first side and a second child resistant mold on a second side. In one embodiment, the first child resistant mold and the second child resistant mold are disposed on opposite sides of the neck ring. In some embodiments, the neck ring forms one or more retention features on the parison and / or the neck of the container. In some embodiments, the retention features are formed on all sides of the container neck. In other embodiments, the retention features are formed on one side of the container neck. The retention features allow the container base to mate with the container cap. In some cases, the retention features provide child resistance.

[0011] In some embodiments, the components are configured to form a glass container having a total storage volume between 1 ml and 2000 ml. In one embodiment, the total storage volume is between 2 ml and 1000 ml. In one embodiment, the total storage volume is between 3 ml and 500 ml. In one embodiment, the total storage volume is between 4 ml and 100 ml. In one embodiment, the total storage volume is between 5 ml and 50 ml. In some embodiments, the total storage volume is about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 680, 690, 700, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 770, 780, 790, 800, 810, 820, 830, 60, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 625, 650, 675, 700, 725, 750, 775, 800, 825, 850, 875, 900, 925, 950, 975, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, or 2000 ml.

[0012] Another aspect includes one or more components for forming a glass container including a blank mold having an opening at an upper end for receiving a gob of molten glass and an opening at a lower end for receiving a neck ring, the blank mold defining a blank mold cavity; a plunger adjacent the lower end of the blank mold and movable between a retracted position from the blank mold and an extended position within the mold cavity; and a blow mold defining a blow mold cavity and configured to receive a parison.

[0013] In one embodiment, the blank mold cavity, the plunger, the blow mold cavity, or combinations thereof, are substantially square in cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the blank mold, the plunger, the blow mold, or combinations thereof, are configured to produce a substantially square shaped container. In one embodiment, the substantially square shaped container has rounded corners.

[0014] In another embodiment, the neck ring is substantially square in cross-sectional shape and is configured to produce a substantially square container neck. In one embodiment, the neck ring is configured to produce a retention feature on the container neck. In some embodiments, the retention feature is a child-resistant feature. In one embodiment, the child-resistant feature is produced on a first side of the container and a second side of the container.

[0015] In some embodiments, the components are configured to form a glass container having a storage volume between 1 ml and 2000 ml. In one embodiment, the storage volume is between 4 ml and 100 ml.

[0016] In some embodiments, the one or more components are part of an individual section machine.

[0017] Another aspect includes a method of making a glass container including: introducing a predetermined quantity of a gob of glass into a blank mold cavity defined by a blank mold; moving a substantially square shaped plunger from a retracted position to an extended position within the blank mold cavity; forming a parison from the predetermined quantity of the gob in the mold cavity with the plunger; retracting the plunger from the blank mold cavity to the retracted position; moving the parison from the blank mold to a blow mold; applying compressed gas through a neck of the parison to expand the parison into the substantially square glass container shape defined by the blow mold; and separating the substantially square glass container from the blow mold.

[0018] In one embodiment, the glass container includes a retention feature on the neck of the glass container. In some embodiments, the retention feature is a child-resistant feature. In some embodiments, the retention feature is on one or more sides of the neck of the glass container. In one embodiment, the retention feature is on both sides of the neck of the glass container. In one embodiment, the retention feature is on all sides of the neck of the glass container. In another embodiment, the retention feature is on another portion of the container base.

[0019] In some embodiments, glass containers are produced at a rate of about 50 to about 900 containers per minute. In other embodiments, glass containers are produced at a rate of about 100 to about 500 containers per minute.

[0020] In some embodiments, a retention feature (eg, a child-resistant feature) is formed in the parison and / or the neck of the container base.

[0021] Another aspect includes a method of manufacturing a glass container including loading a predetermined amount of a gob of glass into a blank mold cavity defined by a mold, moving a plunger within the mold cavity through a neck ring from a retracted position to an extended position, forming a substantially square glass container shape defined by the neck ring and the mold, and separating the substantially square glass container having a substantially square neck from the neck ring and mold.

[0022] In some embodiments, the neck ring forms one or more retention features on the neck of the substantially square glass container, hi other embodiments, each of the one or more retention features comprises a child-resistant feature.

[0023] Further aspects of the invention are set forth in part in the description that follows. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

[0024] The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

[0025] Features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the following description of embodiments consistent with the present specification, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a glass gob, a mold, a neck ring, and a plunger.

[0027] [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a glass gob, a mold, a neck ring, and a plunger.

[0028] [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the glass gob, mold, neck ring, and plunger of FIG. 2A.

[0029] [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a baffle, a partially pressed gob, a die, a neck ring, and a plunger.

[0030] [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a baffle, a partially pressed gob, a die, a neck ring, and a plunger.

[0031] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the baffle, partially pressed gob, die, neck ring, and plunger of FIG.

[0032] [Diagram 5]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a baffle, glass container, mold, neck ring, and plunger.

[0033] [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a baffle, glass container, mold, neck ring, and plunger.

[0034] [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the baffle, glass container, mold, neck ring, and plunger of FIG.

[0035] [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a neck ring.

[0036] [Figure 7B] 7B is another side perspective view of the neck ring embodiment of FIG. 7A.

[0037] [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 is a side view of one embodiment of a plunger.

[0038] [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the plunger of FIG. 8A.

[0039] [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of a baffle.

[0040] [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the baffle of FIG. 9A.

[0041] [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a mold.

[0042] [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is another side perspective view of the embodiment of the mold of FIG. 10A.

[0043] [Figure 11A] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a gob of glass, a blank mold, a neck ring, and a plunger.

[0044] [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the glass gob, blank mold, neck ring, and plunger of FIG.

[0045] [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a glass gob, blank mold, neck ring, and plunger.

[0046] [Figure 13A] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a baffle, a partially pressed gob of glass, a blank mold, a neck ring, and a plunger.

[0047] [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the baffle, partially pressed gob of glass, blank mold, neck ring, and plunger of FIG.

[0048] [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a baffle, a partially pressed gob of glass, a blank die, a neck ring, and a plunger.

[0049] [Figure 15A] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a baffle, a parison, a blank mold, a neck ring, and a plunger.

[0050] [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the baffle, parison, blank mold, neck ring, and plunger of FIG.

[0051] [Figure 16]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a baffle, parison, blank mold, neck ring, and plunger.

[0052] [Figure 17A] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a parison, neck ring, blow mold, and bottom plate.

[0053] [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the parison, neck ring, blow mold, and base plate of FIG.

[0054] [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a parison, neck ring, blow mold, and bottom plate.

[0055] [Figure 19A] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a blow mold, a parison, and a bottom plate.

[0056] [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the blow mold, parison, and base plate of FIG. 19A.

[0057] [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a blow mold, a parison, and a bottom plate.

[0058] [Figure 21A] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a blow mold, a blow head, a blow tube, a glass container, and a base plate.

[0059] [Figure 21B] 21B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the blow mold, blow head, blow tube, glass container, and base plate of FIG. 21A.

[0060] [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the blow mold, blow head, blow tube, glass container, and base plate.

[0061] [Figure 23A] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a blank mold.

[0062] [Figure 23B] FIG. 23B is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a blank mold of FIG. 23A.

[0063] [Figure 24A] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a blow mold.

[0064] [Figure 24B] FIG. 24B is another side perspective view of the embodiment of the blow mold of FIG. 24A.

[0065] [Figure 25A] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a neck ring.

[0066] [Figure 25B] 25B is another side perspective view of the neck ring embodiment of FIG. 25A.

[0067] [Figure 26A] FIG. 13 is a side view of one embodiment of a plunger.

[0068] [Figure 26B] FIG. 26B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the plunger of FIG. 26A.

[0069] [Figure 27A] FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of a baffle.

[0070] [Figure 27B] FIG. 26C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the baffle of FIG. 26B.

[0071] [Figure 28A] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a blow head.

[0072] [Figure 28B] FIG. 28B is another side perspective view of the blowhead embodiment of FIG. 28A.

[0073] [Figure 29A] FIG. 13 is a top view of one embodiment of the base plate.

[0074] [Figure 29B] FIG. 29B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the base plate of FIG. 29A.

[0075] [Figure 30A] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of a glass container.

[0076] [Figure 30B] FIG. 30B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of the glass container of FIG. 30A.

[0077] [Figure 30C] FIG. 30B is a side view of the embodiment of the glass container of FIG. 30A.

[0078] [Figure 30D] FIG. 30D is a cross-sectional view (section MM) of the embodiment of the glass container of FIG. 30C.

[0079] [Diagram 31] 31A and 31B (including top views of FIGS. 31A and 31B) depict a preferred glass container base unit.

[0080] [Diagram 32] 1 depicts an exemplary cap unit that can mate with a container base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0081] The present disclosure relates to components and methods for manufacturing glass containers. Other aspects of the present disclosure include components and methods for manufacturing features on glass containers to achieve or enable child resistance (e.g., to create child resistance and to store or hold materials). The components and methods can be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0082] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "an element" includes two or more elements.

[0083] Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value and / or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, using the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that each endpoint of a range is significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are several values ​​disclosed herein, and that each value is also disclosed herein as "about" that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units is also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0084] The terms "about" and "around" as used herein mean that the quantity or value in question may be approximately or nearly the same as some other value specified. When used herein, it is generally understood to be a nominal value indicating a variation of ±10%, unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values ​​promote the same results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that the quantities, sizes, formations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be precise, but can be approximated and / or larger or smaller, as desired, to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to those skilled in the art. In general, the quantities, sizes, formations, parameters, or other quantities or characteristics are "about" or "approximate", whether or not they are expressly described as such. When "about" is used before a quantitative value, it is understood that the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless otherwise specified.

[0085] The terms "first," "second," "first portion," "second portion," and the like, as used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance unless otherwise specified, but are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0086] As used herein, the term "optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances in which said event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not occur. For example, the phrase "optionally secured to a surface" means that it may or may not be secured to a surface.

[0087] Moreover, unless otherwise expressly stated, it should be understood that any method described herein is in no way intended to be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order. Thus, unless a method claim actually recites an order in which its steps should be followed, or unless it is otherwise specifically stated in the claim or description that the steps are to be limited to a particular order, no order is intended to be inferred in any respect. This applies to any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic regarding the arrangement or operational flow of steps, the plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, and the number or type of aspects described herein.

[0088] It is understood that the glass manufacturing components, machines, and materials disclosed herein have specific functions. It is understood that specific structural requirements are disclosed herein to perform the disclosed functions, and that there are a variety of structures capable of performing the same functions associated with the disclosed structures, which structures will generally achieve the same results.

[0089] The components and methods described herein are part of a glass manufacturing process. Glass container embodiments produced via these processes have a retention feature on the container neck. Retention feature embodiments include child-resistant features. Glass container embodiments produced via these processes are also modular (e.g., stackable). Glass container embodiments produced via these processes are also approximately square in shape. The disclosed glass containers provide improved packaging and storage of substances or materials in a controlled environment, for example, an airtight, liquid-tight, watertight, humidity-controlled, light-controlled, static-free, or any combination thereof. A variety of materials are used in this process, such as glass (e.g., any non-crystalline amorphous solid) and other glassy materials (e.g., porcelain, thermoplastics).

[0090] There are two primary methods for the creation and mass production of glass containers: "blow and blow" and "press and blow." In some cases, the components and methods described herein relate to the "press and blow" process of glass production. Glass is also produced in a single step, e.g., only "pressing" or only "blowing." In either of these methods, molten glass from a furnace enters a feeder where it is forced down through a tube. As the glass emerges from the tube, it is cut to form a chunk of glass called a gob (e.g., gob 100 in FIG. 1). The gob has a predetermined size and weight sufficient to create and form a container.

[0091] Both the "blow-and-blow" and "press-and-blow" processes include a "blank side," where the gob is formed into a partially finished shape known as a parison, and a "blow side," where the final shape of the container is realized. The container starts upside down and is gripped by a "neck ring," which allows the parison to be inverted as it moves from the blank side to the blow side.

[0092] In a "press" or "blow" only manufacturing process, the gob is formed into its finished shape all in a single step. No additional steps (e.g., an additional blowing step) are required to achieve the desired final shape of the glass container.

[0093] In the press-and-blow process, a gob is introduced into a blank mold, the two halves of which are clamped closed and then sealed by a baffle at the open top end of the blank mold. The gob is formed into a parison by a plunger, e.g., plunger 100 in FIG. 1, which extrudes molten glass to fill the blank mold and the baffle. The baffle is then removed, the blank mold is opened, and the inverted parison is transferred to an upright position by a neck ring and enclosed within the blow mold by closing the two blow mold halves. The parison is then blown (e.g., by compressed air) into the blow mold to form the final shape of the glass container.

[0094] In the blow-and-blow process, compressed air is used to form the gob into a parison, which establishes a neck finish and gives the gob a uniform shape, from which the parison is transferred to a blow mold where compressed air is used to blow the bottle into its final shape.

[0095] IS machines, or "individual section machines," are designed to ensure efficient production of glass containers so that operators can take one or more sections out of production for repair without stopping production in other sections. One or more gobs enter the IS machine and are formed into containers through a process of controlled shaping and cooling of the glass.

[0096] The total time required to produce the containers ranges from about 10 containers per minute to about 1000 containers per minute. Factors that determine the production rate include the machine and the size and shape of the container. The production rate can be about 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, or more containers per minute.

[0097] In some embodiments, containers are produced at a rate of about 10 to about 1000 per minute. In some embodiments, containers are produced at a rate of about 50 to about 900 per minute. In some embodiments, containers are produced at a rate of about 100 to about 500 per minute. In some embodiments, containers are produced at a rate of about 100 to about 250 per minute.

[0098] In some embodiments, the containers are produced at a rate of about 10 or more per minute. In some embodiments, the containers are produced at a rate of about 25 or more per minute. In some embodiments, the containers are produced at a rate of about 50 or more per minute. In some embodiments, the containers are produced at a rate of about 75 or more per minute. In some embodiments, the containers are produced at a rate of about 100 or more per minute. In some embodiments, the containers are produced at a rate of about 200 or more per minute. In some embodiments, the containers are produced at a rate of about 300 or more per minute. In some embodiments, the containers are produced at a rate of about 400 or more per minute. In some embodiments, the containers are produced at a rate of about 500 or more per minute. In some embodiments, the containers are produced at a rate of about 600 or more per minute. In some embodiments, the containers are produced at a rate of about 700 or more per minute. In some embodiments, the containers are produced at a rate of about 800 or more per minute. In some embodiments, the containers are produced at a rate of about 900 or more per minute. In some embodiments, the containers are produced at a rate of about 1000 or more per minute.

[0099] Depending on the size, shape, and other variables of the glass container being produced, the glass container may be formed in a one-step process or a two-step process (e.g., press-and-blow or blow-and-blow). For example, smaller sized glass containers may be formed in a single step where a gob of glass is pressed into the desired shape of the final container. Larger sized glass containers may require an additional step where an intermediate parison formed by pressing is then blown into its desired shape.

[0100] 1-10B, a single press stage manufacturing process is shown with various components of an IS machine or glass manufacturing machine. A gob of glass 100 is introduced and fed into a mold cavity 210 defined by a mold 200 having halves 200A and 200B, and a neck ring cavity 310 defined by a neck ring 300. At a lower end, a plunger 400 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the plunger 400 is withdrawn from the blank mold 200 and / or the neck ring 300. This allows the gob 100 to be loaded into the mold cavity 210. In the extended position, the plunger 400 is movable through the neck ring 300 and the mold 200.

[0101] The gob 100 of glass has a predetermined mass, shape, or both. The gob 100 is a discrete slug of glass that is sheared from the molten glass stream and conforms to a desired container weight. The gob 100 is composed of any glass (e.g., any non-crystalline amorphous solid), any glass-like material (e.g., porcelain, thermoplastic), polymer glass, glass ceramic, ceramic material, or combinations thereof. For example, the glass can be amber glass, green glass, opal glass, clear glass, recycled glass, flint glass, tempered glass, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, etc.

[0102] The mold 200 is comprised of two halves 200A, 200B. The mold 200 defines a mold cavity 210 sized and configured to receive and move a gob of glass 100 and a plunger 400 from a retracted position to an extended position. The mold 200 is shaped and designed to produce a substantially square shaped container. The container has a substantially square or rectangular cross-sectional shape. In particular, the mold 200 forms the desired shape of the container body.

[0103] The neck ring 300 is comprised of two halves 300A, 300B. The neck ring 300 is sized and configured to be positioned beneath and aligned with the mold 200. The neck ring 300 defines a neck ring cavity 310 sized and configured to receive and move the gob of glass 100 and the plunger 400 from a retracted position to an extended position. The neck ring 300 is shaped and designed to produce a container neck having a substantially square or rectangular cross-sectional shape. The neck ring 300 is also shaped and designed to produce one or more retention features on the container neck. In some embodiments, one or more child-resistant retention features are formed on the container neck. Such features include child-resistant features described herein that securely mate a container cap with the container neck. Alternatively, other retention features can be manufactured on the container neck that allow the container cap to be attached or placed on the container, such as the neck.

[0104] 1-2, a gob of glass 100 is loaded into a mold cavity 210 defined by a mold 200. Mold halves 200A, 200B are clamped closed at the open top end of the mold 200 and sealed by a baffle 500. Once the gob 100 is loaded, a plunger 400 begins to move upward from the open bottom end of the neck ring 300. The plunger 400 moves from a retracted position to an extended position. The movement of the plunger 400 pushes and displaces the glass gob 100 outward to fill the mold 200, the baffle 500, and the neck ring 300 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). The glass gob 101 (FIGS. 4A, 4B) substantially conforms to the shape of the cavity defined by the mold 200, the neck ring 300, and the baffle 500 resulting from the movement of the plunger 400. The plunger 400 continues to move to an extended position, pressing against the glass 101 to form a glass container 110 (FIGS. 6A and 6B).

[0105] The size and shape of the glass manufacturing components (e.g., baffles, dies, neck rings, and plungers) define the desired glass container. Generally, substantially square shaped containers are produced using the components described herein. Also, containers of any polygonal shape may be produced as described herein. The containers may be, for example, approximately square, rectangular, diamond, quadrilateral, or rhombus shaped. In some aspects, the containers are substantially square, square, and / or square with rounded edges. The sides of the container may be flat or substantially flat, such that they are slightly concave or convex. Thus, the glass manufacturing components described herein have a geometry that allows for the production of polygonal shaped containers.

[0106] 7A and 7B, the neck ring 300 has halves 300A and 300B that form and define a neck ring cavity 310. In certain aspects, the neck ring cavity 310 defines a mold to form one or more child resistant features in the glass container (i.e., the neck of the glass container) during the manufacturing process. Such child resistant features are described and illustrated herein. In one embodiment, the child resistant features are formed on both sides of the glass container. In another embodiment, the child resistant features are formed on one, two, three, or more sides of the neck of the glass container. The child resistant features include features on a base for mating the container cap with the container base to provide a child resistant container. In other aspects, the neck ring cavity defines a mold to form a cap retention feature, such as a thread, rail, rim, ledge, or the like.

[0107] Child resistance pertains to the engagement of a container base with a container cap to inhibit and / or prevent a child from accessing the inside of the container. As shown and described herein, one or more cap engagement features are part of the container base and can be found on the neck of the container base. The cap engagement features are comprised of a pair of ramps and a ridge. The cap engagement features are in the shape of a "U" or "H" or another configuration. The ramps extend from or near the open end of the cap to or near the transfer neck or foot / support portion of the container base. A ridge is formed between the two ramps. The ramps and ridges guide and align the container cap in addition to providing a tight fit with the container base. The cap engagement features prevent the container cap from being easily removed or accidentally removed from the container base. Typically, the cap engagement features are located on two opposing sides of the container base. However, other configurations of the cap engagement features are contemplated, such as one, three, or four features on the container base.

[0108] 8A and 8B, the plunger 400 has a shaft 410, a lower portion 420, and an upper portion 430. The upper portion 430 is shaped and sized to extrude molten glass to fill the blank mold, baffle, and neck ring. The plunger 400 presses the glass to substantially form a cavity in the container base (e.g., container 110). The lower portion 420 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and is approximately square with rounded corners. The lower portion 420 extends to the upper portion 430. The upper portion 430 tapers slightly toward the end of the plunger 400. The cavity in the container base formed by the plunger 400 substantially correlates with the volume of the upper portion 430. Although substantially square geometries are produced by the components and methods described herein, polyhedrons, prisms, and other related three-dimensional geometries are also produced.

[0109] 9A and 9B, a baffle 500 moves over the open top end of the blank mold after a gob of glass is loaded into the blank mold cavity. The baffle 500 has an arm 510, a body 520, and a foot 530. The foot 530 has an inclined portion 532 and a bottom end 533. A plurality of indentations 532 are circumferentially disposed on the foot 530, which forms a spittle on the surface of the container base. In combination with the plunger, mold, and neck ring, the baffle 500 helps form the desired glass container and provides a spittle on the bottom surface of the glass container. In some embodiments, a gas, such as compressed air, is applied to the baffle side to push the gob of glass downward as the plunger moves upward. The opposing forces of the plunger and compressed air help the gob spread evenly throughout the blank mold and neck ring.

[0110] 10A and 10B, mold 200 has halves 200A and 200B. Mold 200 defines a blank mold cavity 210 sized and configured to receive a gob of glass. Mold 200 has an open bottom end for receiving a neck ring (e.g., neck ring 300) such that mold 200 and neck ring 300 are substantially coplanar. Mold 200 has an open top end. The open top end is sealed by a baffle during the glass making process.

[0111] 11-30D, components of an IS machine and another method of manufacturing glass containers (i.e., press and blow) are shown. In the press and blow process, a gob 1000 is guided into a blank mold 2000 having two halves 2000A, 2000B, which are closed with clamps and then sealed by a baffle 5000 at the open top end of the blank mold. The gob 1000 is formed into a parison 1020 by a plunger 4000, which pushes out the molten glass 1000, 1010 to fill the blank mold 2000 and the baffle 5000. The baffle 5000 is then removed, the blank mold 2000 is opened, and the inverted parison 1020 is transferred to an upright position by a neck ring 3000 and enclosed in the blow mold 2500 by closing the two blow mold halves 2500A, 2500B. The parison 1020 is then blown (eg, by compressed air) into a blow mold 2500 to form the final shape of the glass container 1030.

[0112] A gob of glass 1000 is fed into the blank mold cavity 2010 and the neck ring cavity 3010 defined by the blank mold 2000 and the neck ring 3000, respectively. At a lower end, a plunger 4000 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the plunger 4000 is fully or partially withdrawn from the blank mold 2000 and / or the neck ring 3000. This allows the gob 1000 to be loaded into the blank mold cavity 2100. In the extended position, the plunger 4000 is movable through and located within the neck ring 3000 and / or the blank mold 2000.

[0113] The gob 1000 of glass has a predetermined mass, shape, or both. The gob 1000 is a separate slug of glass that is sheared from the molten glass stream and conforms to a desired container weight. The gob 1000 is composed of any glass (e.g., any non-crystalline amorphous solid), any glass-like material (e.g., porcelain, thermoplastic), polymer glass, glass ceramic, ceramic material, or combinations thereof. For example, the glass can be amber glass, green glass, opal glass, clear glass, recycled glass, flint glass, tempered glass, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, etc.

[0114] The blank mold 2000 is comprised of two halves 2000A, 2000B. The blank mold 2000 defines a blank mold cavity 2100 sized and configured to receive the gob of glass 1000 and the plunger 4000 for movement between retracted and extended positions. The blank mold 2000 forms the gob of glass 1000 and forms a parison. To (See, e.g., Figures 15A, 15B, and 16).

[0115] The neck ring 3000 is comprised of two halves 3000A, 3000B (see Figures 25A-25B). The neck ring 3000 is sized and configured to be positioned beneath and aligned with the blank mold 2000. The neck ring 3000 defines a neck ring cavity 3100 sized and configured to receive a gob of glass 1000 and plunger 4000 for movement between retracted and extended positions.

[0116] The neck ring 3000 forms a neck formation on a gob of glass, such as child-resistant features, threads, ridges, protrusions, and other similar features. The neck ring 3000 is defined by halves 3000A and 3000B that combine to define a neck ring cavity 3010. In certain embodiments, the neck ring cavity defines a mold to form one or more retention features on the glass container during the manufacturing process. In certain embodiments, the retention features include child-resistant features on the glass container (i.e., the neck of the container). Such child-resistant features are described and illustrated herein. For example, the child-resistant features are formed on both sides of the glass container. In another example, the child-resistant features are formed on one, two, three, four, five, fixed, seven, eight, or more sides of the glass container. The child-resistant features include features on a base for mating with a container base for a container cap to achieve a child-resistant container. In other aspects, the neck ring cavity defines a mold to form any type of cap retention feature, such as a thread, rail, or the like.

[0117] A gob of glass 1000 is loaded into the blank mold cavity 2010. The baffle 5000 lowers and sits over the blank mold 2000, sealing it over the blank mold cavity 2010. Once the gob 1000 is loaded, the plunger 4000 begins to rise from a retracted position to an extended position. The movement of the plunger 4000 presses and displaces the gob of glass 1000 outward against the inner walls of the blank mold 2000 and neck mold 3000 (see FIGS. 13A and 13B). In some embodiments, gas (e.g., compressed air) can be blown down the baffle 5000 to aid in the formation of the parison 1020. A gob of glass 1010 (FIGS. 13A and 13B) substantially conforms to a cavity 2010, 3010 defined by the blank mold 2000, neck ring 3000, baffle 5000, and, in some embodiments, compressed air from the baffle side caused by the movement of the plunger 4000. The plunger 4000 continues to move through the neck ring 3000 and into the blank mold 2000. In the extended position, the plunger presses the glass 1010 to form a parison 1020 (FIGS. 15A, 15B). The parison 1020 is a partially formed container base having an approximately defined geometry, such as having rounded corners.

[0118] Once the parison 1020 is formed, referring to FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, the baffle 5000 moves away from the blank mold 2000. The blank mold 2000 opens and the parison 1020 inverts to the blow side. The blow mold 3500 moves around the parison 1020. The blow mold 3500 is located between the bottom plate 6000 and the neck ring 3000. Referring to FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B, the neck ring 3000 opens and the blow head 3500 moves over the blow mold 2500. The blow head 3500 is used to direct gas (e.g., compressed air) into the parison 1020, which expands and molds the parison 1020 against the inner wall of the blow mold 2500. In some embodiments, a blow tube 3600 is added and can be used to direct gas (e.g., compressed air) into the parison 1020, which expands and molds the parison 1020 against the inner wall of the blow mold 2500. The container 1030 is formed from the final "blow" step.

[0119] 23A and 23B, blank mold 2000 has two halves 2000A and 2000B. Blank mold 2000 defines a blank mold cavity 2010 sized and configured to receive a gob of glass. Blank mold 2000 also defines a cavity for a neck ring (e.g., neck ring 3000) to sit in such that blank mold 2000 and neck ring 3000 are substantially coplanar.

[0120] 24A and 24B, the blow mold 2500 has two halves 2500A and 2500B. The blow mold 2500 defines a blow mold cavity sized and configured to receive a parison and form the final container. The blow mold 2500 is configured to mate with a neck ring and blow head during the glass manufacturing process.

[0121] 26A and 26B, the plunger 4000 has a shaft 4100, a lower section 4200, a middle section 4300, and a top section 4400. The middle section 4300 and the top section 4400 are shaped and sized to substantially form a cavity for a parison (e.g., parison 1020). The bottom section 4200 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and is approximately square with rounded corners. The bottom section 4200 extends to the middle section 4300, which extends to the top section 4400. The top section 4400 tapers toward a terminal end of the plunger 4000. The parison formed by the plunger 4000 substantially correlates to the size and shape of the plunger 4000. Although substantially square geometries are produced by the components and methods described herein, polyhedrons, prisms, and other related three-dimensional geometries are also produced.

[0122] The plunger used in the press and blow process can have other geometries that will still produce the glass containers described herein. Substantially circular, circular (e.g., cylindrical), elliptical, and other non-polygonal shaped plungers can be used in the press step to form the parison. A final blow step expands the parison to form its desired shape.

[0123] 27A and 27B, after a gob of glass is loaded into the blank mold cavity, a baffle 5000 moves over the blank mold. The baffle 5000 has an arm 5100 and a body 5200.

[0124] 28A and 28B, the blow head 3500 defines a blow head cavity 3510. The neck of the parison can be secured by the blow head to direct a gas, such as compressed air, into the parison. In some embodiments, the gas is directed through a blow tube.

[0125] 29A and 29B, the bottom plate 600 has an outer base 6033 and an upper base 6032. The recesses 6031 form spittle on the surface of the container base during the "blow" step. In combination with the blow mold and blow head, the bottom plate 6000 helps to form the desired glass container and provides the spittle on the bottom surface of the glass container.

[0126] The child-resistant feature of the container is related to the engagement of the container base (e.g., base 1030) with the container cap. As shown and described herein, one or more cap engagement features are part of the container base 110, 1030. The cap engagement feature is composed of a pair of ramps and a ridge. The cap engagement feature is a "U" or "H" shape, or another configuration, such as, for example, an "I", "⊥", "-", or any other configuration of ramps and ridges. The ramps extend from or near the open end of the cap to or near the transfer neck or foot / support portion of the container base. A ridge is formed between the two ramps. The ramps and ridges provide guidance and alignment of the container cap in addition to providing a tight fit with the container base. The cap engagement feature prevents the container cap from being easily removed or accidentally removed from the container base. Typically, the cap engagement feature is located on two opposing sides of the container base. However, other configurations of cap engagement features are contemplated, such as one, three, or four cap engagement features on the container base.

[0127] The size and shape of the disclosed glass manufacturing components define and produce the desired glass container. The blank mold, neck ring, plunger, baffle, blow mold, and blow head all contribute to and define the desired shape of the glass container. Generally, substantially square shaped containers with square shaped necks are produced using the components described herein. Also, containers of any polygonal shape may be produced as described herein. The container and neck may be, for example, approximately square, rectangular, diamond, quadrilateral, or rhombus shaped. In some embodiments, the container and neck are substantially square, square, and / or square with rounded edges.

[0128] For example, a container 1300 (FIGS. 30A-30D) is manufactured using the glass manufacturing methods and components described herein. The container base 1300 has a neck 1301 and a foot / support 1302. The container base 1300 with the neck 1301 and foot 1302 is substantially square with rounded corners. The container base 1300 has an open top end 1320 and a closed bottom end 1310. The closed bottom end 1310 has a tipple 1312 and a recess 1311 sized and configured to receive a container cap (e.g., to allow stacking). One or more cap engagement features 1330A, 1330B are disposed on one or more side surfaces 1350 of the container base 1300. The one or more side surfaces 1350 have a lip 1352 at or near the open top end 1320 of the container base 1300. The lip 1352 aids in aligning the cap on the container base 1300 and provides additional support and stability for the cap while it is on the base 1300 .

[0129] The cap engagement feature 1330A on one side of the container base 1300 has sloped portions 1331A and 1331B. The ridge 1331C is disposed between the sloped portions 1331A and 1331B. The cap engagement feature 1330B on one side of the container base 1300 has sloped portions 1332A and 1332B. The ridge 1332C is disposed between the sloped portions 1332A and 1332B.

[0130] The ramps 1331A, 1331B and the ridge 1331C generally form a "U" shaped cap engagement feature 1330A. Similarly, the ramps 1332A, 1332B and the ridge 1332C generally form a "U" shaped cap engagement feature 1330B. The ramps 1331A, 1331B and 1332A, 1332B extend from or near the open top end 1320 to or near the transfer neck 1351.

[0131] In Figures 31A and 31B, a further preferred glass container base 1400 is depicted with an open end 4010. Figure 32 depicts a preferred exemplary cap unit 1500 that can be releasably engaged with the container base 1400.

[0132] IS Machine Parts

[0133] Variable-mold equipment holding and supporting

[0134] Mechanism - Moves variables that hold and support mold equipment

[0135] Die holder: Holds the die, and has various sizes with respect to the machine center distance (e.g. 4 1 / 4, 5, 5 1 / 2, 6 1 / 4, 8 1 / 2), single gob, double gob, triple gob.

[0136] Blank holder: Holds the blank, and has various sizes with respect to the machine center distance (e.g. 4 1 / 4, 5, 51 / 2, 6 1 / 4, 8 1 / 2), single gob, double gob, triple gob.

[0137] Blow & Blow Cartridge: Holds and supports the blow & blow plunger and thimble, assists the opposing blow through the plunger

[0138] Press & Blow Cartridge: Holds and supports the press & blow plunger, holds the plunger spacer and loading screw

[0139] Press & Blow Adapter, Collar & Spacer: The adapter and collar hold the plunger in place, the spacer limits the plunger down stroke so that it has clearance to invert but only enough to have clearance for the neck ring

[0140] Take-out arm: holds the bottle from the bottom plate to the dead plate

[0141] Funnel arm: carries the funnel to the top of the blank

[0142] Baffle Arm: Holds and supports the baffle, allowing the settling blow to pass through to the baffle

[0143] Blowhead Arm: Holds and supports the blowhead, allowing the final blow and finish cooling to pass through to the blowhead

[0144] Neck Ring Arm: Holds and supports the neck ring, transferring the parison from blank size to mold size

[0145] Distribution Plate: Holds and supports the bottom plate, allowing vertical flow cooling to pass through to the bottom plate

[0146] Plunger Mechanism: Moves the cartridge part up and down, helps the opposing blow pass to plunger / plunger cools. It consists of three main parts: (i) Base plate with oil and air lubricates the cylinder and shaft that move up and down, (ii) Upper cylinder holds the cartridge and lower holds the piston and shaft, (iii) Guild plate used to align the plunger cylinder to the blank.

[0147] Blow head mechanism: Holds the blow head arm and moves it on and off above the mold

[0148] Funnel mechanism: holds the funnel arm and moves it on and off over the top of the blank

[0149] Baffle mechanism: holds the baffle arm and moves it on and off to the top of the funnel for the settling blow to pass through, brings the baffle arm to the top of the blank and takes it from there

[0150] Neck ring mechanism: Holds the neck ring arm and also opens and closes the neck ring.

[0151] Reversal mechanism: The neck ring arm is moved from the blank side to the die side and then returned (180°).

[0152] Vertical movement mechanism: (type of bottom plate mechanism), provides cooling to the mold, has the ability to turn the refrigeration air on and off, also has the ability to pass through vacuum (if used), raises and lowers the bottom plate as needed.

[0153] Wiper mechanism: Holds the 90° pusher and moves it to the dead plate to the front long conveyor.

[0154] Removal mechanism: The removal arm moves from the mold bottom plate to the dead plate.

[0155] Glass container

[0156] Glass containers manufactured according to the disclosure provided herein are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 802,381, filed February 7, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 825,976, filed March 29, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The glass containers can be made from glass (e.g., any non-crystalline amorphous solid), any glass-like material (e.g., porcelain, thermoplastics), polymeric glass, glass ceramic, ceramic material, or combinations thereof. Examples of suitable glasses used to construct the container base include, but are not limited to, amber glass, green glass, opal glass, clear glass, recycled glass, flint glass, tempered glass, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, and the like. The glass can be colored, patterned, textured, clear, and / or opaque.

[0157] For example, a child-resistant glass container base has a closed bottom end, an open top end, and sides that define a cavity. On certain sides of the glass container base are cap-engaging features. The cap-engaging features are comprised of ramps and ridges. The cap-engaging elements are retention features that provide child resistance such that the container cap snaps or locks into place with the container base.

[0158] Depending on the shape and dimensions of the plunger, mold, or combination, the sides of the glass container are slightly convex (e.g., curved) but form a substantially square shape. The edges between each side are curved but may also be at right angles (90°) to each other.

[0159] The manufactured glass container base also has a transfer neck around the entire periphery of the container base, which allows a machine to move the container base during glass manufacturing.

[0160] The glass container has a generally unitary construction and has a neck located on a support or foot. The cap engaging elements are disposed on the sides of the container base and on the neck.

[0161] Glass containers produced by the methods and components described herein also have a closed bottom end with a recess sized and configured to receive the upper end of a container cap to allow the containers to be stacked on top of one another.

[0162] The manufactured glass container has a storage volume of about 1 ml to about 2000 ml, about 2 ml to about 1000 ml, about 3 ml to about 500 ml, about 4 ml to about 100 ml, about 5 ml to about 50 ml, or about 5 ml to about 10 ml. In some embodiments, the volume of the container is about 1 ml, 2 ml, 3 ml, 4 ml, 5 ml, 6 ml, 7 ml, 8 ml, 9 ml, 10 ml, 11 ml, 12 ml, 13 ml, 14 ml, 15 ml, 16 ml, 17 ml, 18 ml, 19 ml, 20 ml, 25 ml, 30 ml, 40 ml, 50 ml, 60 ml, 70 ml, 80 ml, 90 ml, 100 ml, 150 ml, 200 ml, 250 ml, 300 ml, 350 ml, 400 ml, 450 ml, 500 ml, 600 ml, 700 ml, 750 ml, 1000 ml, 1250 ml, 1500 ml, or 2000 ml. In some embodiments, the storage volume of the manufactured container is less than 1 ml or greater than 2000 ml. In some embodiments, the volume of the vessel is about 5 dram, 10 dram, 15 dram, 20 dram, 25 dram, 30 dram, 40 dram, 45 dram, 50 dram, 60 dram, 70 dram, 80 dram, 90 dram, 100 dram, 110 dram, 120 dram, 125 dram, 130 dram, 135 dram, 140 dram, or 145 dram. In other embodiments, the volume of the vessel is less than 15 dram or more than 145 dram.

[0163] The produced child-resistant glass container is stackable, i.e., one glass container can be stacked on top of another glass container having a container cap. A raised portion of the container cap from one container is configured to be positioned inside a recess in the container base. The child-resistant glass container has a configuration that allows for self-stacking.

[0164] The child-resistant feature of the container is involved in engaging the container cap of the glass container. One or more cap engagement features are part of the container base. The cap engagement feature is comprised of a pair of ramps and a ridge. The ramp extends from or near the open end of the cap to or near the transfer neck or foot / support portion of the container base. The ridge is between the two ramps. The ramps and ridges guide and align the container cap in addition to providing a tight fit with the container base. The cap engagement features prevent the container cap from being easily removed or accidentally removed from the container base. Typically, the cap engagement features are located on two opposing sides of the container base. However, other configurations of cap engagement features are contemplated, such as one, three, or four features on the container base.

[0165] The container cap is configured to associate with the container base, the container base forming an enclosure for containing the material, the container cap enclosing an open upper end of the base.

[0166] The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a child-resistant glass container, the method including moving a plunger from a retracted position to an extended position within a mold cavity defined by at least one blank mold, the moving entraining the plunger to a predetermined gob of molten glass within the mold cavity, forming a parison from the predetermined gob within the mold cavity, retracting the plunger from the extended position to the retracted position, applying compressed gas through a neck of the parison to expand the parison into a substantially square glass container shape, and separating the substantially square glass container from the one or more blank molds.

[0167] The teachings of all patents, published applications, and references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0168] While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A component for forming a glass container, comprising: a blank mold having an opening at an upper end for receiving a gob of molten glass and an opening at a lower end for receiving a neck ring, said blank mold defining a blank mold cavity; a plunger adjacent the lower end of the blank mold and movable between a retracted position from the blank mold and an extended position within the mold cavity, the plunger including a plurality of sections shaped and sized to form a parison having a cavity in the blank mold with a square horizontal cross-sectional shape, the plunger including sections defining at least a horizontal planar surface to be formed within the cavity; a blow mold defining a blow mold cavity and configured to receive the parison after it is formed in the blank mold; Equipped with Component parts.

2. The component of claim 1 , wherein the blank mold, the plunger, the blow mold, or a combination thereof is configured to produce a container with a square horizontal cross-sectional shape.

3. 3. The component of claim 2, wherein said square horizontal cross-sectional shape of the container has rounded corners.

4. 4. The component of claim 3, wherein the neck ring has a square horizontal cross-sectional shape and is configured to produce a container neck having a square horizontal cross-sectional shape.

5. The component of claim 4 , wherein the neck ring is configured to create a retention feature on the neck of the container.

6. The component of claim 5 , wherein the retention mechanism is configured to securely fit a container cap with the neck.

7. The component of claim 6 , wherein the retention feature is fabricated on a first side of the container and on a second side of the container.

8. The component of claim 6 , wherein the component is configured to form a glass container having a storage volume of between 1 ml and 2000 ml.

9. The component of claim 8, wherein the storage volume is between 4 ml and 100 ml.

10. The component of claim 1 , wherein the component is part of an Individual Section Machine (IS machine).

11. introducing a predetermined quantity of a gob of glass into a blank mold cavity defined by the blank mold; moving a square horizontal cross-sectionally shaped plunger from a retracted position to an extended position within said blank mold cavity; forming a parison from the quantity of gob in the mold cavity with the plunger, the plunger including a plurality of sections shaped and sized to form a parison having a cavity with a square horizontal cross-sectional shape in the blank mold, the sections defining at least a horizontal planar surface to be formed in the cavity; retracting the plunger from the blank mold cavity to the retracted position; transferring the parison from the blank mold to a blow mold; applying compressed gas through a neck of the parison to expand the parison into a glass container having a square horizontal cross-sectional shape defined by the blow mold; separating the square horizontal cross-sectional shaped glass container from the blow mold; A method for manufacturing a glass container, comprising:

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the glass container includes a retention feature on the neck of the glass container.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the retention mechanism is configured to securely fit a container cap with the neck.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the retention feature is on one or more sides of the neck of the glass container.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the retention features are on both sides of the neck of the glass container.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the glass containers are produced at a rate of about 50 to about 900 containers per minute.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the glass containers are produced at a rate of about 100 to about 500 containers per minute.

18. introducing a predetermined quantity of a gob of glass into a blank mold cavity defined by a mold; moving a plunger through a neck ring within the mold cavity from a retracted position to an extended position, the plunger including a plurality of sections shaped and sized to form a glass container having a cavity with a square horizontal cross-sectional shape in the mold, the sections defining at least a horizontal planar surface to be formed within the cavity; forming the glass container shape defined by the neck ring and the mold; separating the glass container having a neck with a square horizontal cross-sectional shape from the neck ring and the mold; A method for manufacturing a glass container, comprising:

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the neck ring forms one or more retention features on the neck of the glass container.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the one or more retention features are configured to securely mate a container cap with the neck.

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