RU2832009C2 - Methods and components for making childproof glass containers - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: glass.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to methods and compositions for making articles from moulded glass, namely glass containers, including glass containers with protection against opening by children. Component for forming a glass container comprises a rough mould, a plunger and a finishing mould. Rough mould has an opening at the upper end to receive a drop of molten glass mass and an opening at the lower end to receive the neck ring. Said rough mould forms a cavity of the rough mould. Plunger is located near the lower end of the rough mould and is movable between a position removed from the rough mould and a position extended into the mould cavity. Said plunger comprises several parts shaped and sized to produce square-shaped cavity in blow moulded billet. Finishing mould forms cavity of finishing mould and is made with possibility to receive billet for blowing, which was formed in rough mould. Cavity of the rough mould, the plunger, the cavity of the finishing mould or their combination have a square cross-section. Proposed method comprises feeding glass mass drop of preset magnitude into rough mould cavity. Further, the square-shaped plunger is displaced from the retracted position to the extended position in the cavity of the rough mould. Blank is formed for blowing by plunger from drop of preset magnitude in mould cavity. Plunger is withdrawn from the cavity of the rough mould to the retracted position. Billet is moved for blowing from rough mould into finishing mould. Compressed gas is supplied through the neck of the workpiece for blowing in order to expand the workpiece for blowing to a glass container with a square shape defined by the finishing mould. Glass container of square shape is separated from finishing mould.

EFFECT: wider range of glass containers with protection against opening by children, higher efficiency of their manufacture.

20 cl, 56 dwg

Description

Cross-reference to related patent applications

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

Field of technology to which the invention relates

[0002] The present invention relates to methods and compositions for producing molded glass articles, namely glass containers, including child-resistant glass containers.

State of the art

[0003] Machines that form glass containers, known in the trade as sectional glass forming machines or SG machines, are used throughout the world to manufacture glass containers. SG machines are shown and described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 1,843,160, 1,911,119, and 2,289,046. SG machines make it possible to manufacture glass containers, in particular bottles for beer and other beverages, by a blow molding process. An alternative process used in SG machines is known as press blow molding and is described, in particular, in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,289,046 and 3,024,571.

[0004] Glass manufacturers have been producing round and cylindrical glass bottles (such as beer and other beverage bottles) for many years using blow molding and press blow molding processes, but there remains a need to mass produce square glass containers that have a substantially square neck shape. In addition, there remains a need to mass produce square glass containers that also provide child resistance.

Disclosure of the essence of the invention

[0005] The present invention relates to methods and components for producing glass containers of a substantially square shape. Such glass containers have a substantially square container neck. The neck comprises one or more retaining elements that allow a substantially square container lid to be attached. Such elements include child-resistant elements. The components for producing glass articles include a plunger, a rough mold, a neck ring, a stopper, a finishing (blowing) mold, and other components necessary for producing substantially square glass containers. The plunger typically has a polygonal shape, such as a generally or substantially square, rectangular, rhombus, quadrilateral, or parallelogram. The plunger may have, for example, rounded corners. The rough and/or finishing molds have cavities that are also substantially polygonal. Thus, the plunger, the rough mold and/or the final mold allow the production of a glass container that generally or essentially has a polygonal shape, such as generally a square, rectangle, rhombus, quadrilateral or parallelogram. By means of a neck ring and other components, it is possible to obtain a glass container with characteristics that allow the container to be mated with the container lid and provide child resistance.

[0006] According to one aspect, a plunger having a substantially square shape is extended into a rough mold cavity containing a neck ring that presses a drop of molten glass against the walls of the rough mold cavity and against the extended plunger, forming a blow parison. After the blow parison is moved into the finishing mold, compressed air is supplied through the neck of the blow parison to expand the blow parison according to the shape of the finishing mold cavity defined by the finishing mold. The rough mold, the neck ring, the finishing mold and the plunger are used to produce glass containers that are substantially square.

[0007] In one embodiment, components used to form a glass container include a blank mold comprising an opening at an upper end for receiving a drop of molten glass and an opening at a lower end, wherein the blank mold defines a blank mold cavity. The components also include a plunger located near the lower end of the blank mold and mounted so as to move between a position removed from the blank mold and a position extended into the blank mold cavity, as well as a finishing mold comprising a finishing mold cavity and configured to receive a parison for blowing.

[0008] In another embodiment, the blank mold cavity, the plunger, the final mold cavity, the neck ring, or a combination thereof have a substantially square cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the plunger has rounded corners. In some embodiments, the blank mold, the final mold, the neck ring, or a combination thereof form cavities that form glass containers of a substantially polygonal shape (e.g., a substantially square shape). In one embodiment, the substantially polygonal container has rounded corners.

[0009] In another embodiment, the components used to form a glass container include a neck ring comprising a first shape of a child-resistant feature on a first side and a second shape of a child-resistant feature on a second side. In one embodiment, the first shape of the child-resistant feature and the second shape of the child-resistant feature are located on opposite sides of the neck ring. In some embodiments, the neck ring forms one or more retaining elements on the neck of the blow molding parison and/or the container. In some embodiments, the retaining element is formed on all sides of the neck of the container. In other embodiments, the retaining element is formed on one side of the neck of the container. The retaining elements allow the base of the container to be mated with the lid of the container. In some cases, the retaining elements provide child resistance.

[0010] In some embodiments, the components are configured to form a glass container having a total storage volume of 1 ml to 2000 ml. In one embodiment, the total storage volume is 2 ml to 1000 ml. In one embodiment, the total storage volume is 3 ml to 500 ml. In one embodiment, the total storage volume is 4 ml to 100 ml. In one embodiment, the total storage volume is 5 ml to 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, 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.

[0011] Another aspect includes a component or components for forming a glass container, comprising a blank mold comprising an opening at an upper end for receiving a drop of molten glass and an opening at a lower end for receiving a neck ring, wherein the blank mold defines a blank mold cavity, a plunger located near the lower end of the blank mold and mounted with the possibility of moving between a position removed from the blank mold and a position extended into the mold cavity, and a finishing mold comprising the finishing mold cavity and configured to receive a parison for blowing.

[0012] In one embodiment, the blank mold cavity, the plunger, the final mold cavity, or a combination thereof have a substantially square cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the blank mold, the plunger, the final mold, or a combination thereof are configured to produce a substantially square container. In one embodiment, the substantially square container has rounded corners.

[0013] In another embodiment, the neck ring has a substantially square cross-sectional shape and is configured to produce a substantially square container neck. In one embodiment, the neck ring is configured to produce a retaining element on the container neck. In some embodiments, the retaining element is a child-resistant element. In one embodiment, the child-resistant element is formed on a first side of the container and a second side of the container.

[0014] In some embodiments, said component is configured to form a glass container having a storage volume of 1 ml to 2000 ml. In one embodiment, the storage volume is 4 ml to 100 ml.

[0015] In some embodiments, said component or components are part of a sectional glass forming machine.

[0016] Another aspect includes a method for producing a glass container, comprising introducing a drop of glass melt of a predetermined size into a blank mold cavity formed by a blank mold, moving a plunger of a substantially square shape from a retracted position to an extended position into the blank mold cavity, forming a blow parison using the plunger from the drop of the predetermined size in the mold cavity, withdrawing the plunger from the blank mold cavity to a retracted position, moving the blow parison from the blank mold to a finish mold, supplying compressed gas through a mouth of the blow parison to expand the blow parison to the dimensions of a glass container of a substantially square shape defined by the finish mold, and separating the glass container of a substantially square shape from the finish mold.

[0017] In one embodiment, a glass container comprises a retaining element on a neck of the glass container. In some embodiments, the retaining element is a child-resistant element. In some embodiments, the retaining element is located on one or more sides of the neck of the glass container. In one embodiment, the retaining element is located on opposite sides of the neck of the glass container. In one embodiment, the retaining element is located on all sides of the neck of the glass container. In another embodiment, the retaining element is located on another part of the base of the container.

[0018] In some embodiments, glass containers are manufactured at a rate of about fifty (50) to about nine hundred (900) pieces per minute. In other embodiments, glass containers are manufactured at a rate of about one hundred (100) to about five hundred (500) pieces per minute.

[0019] In some embodiments, a retaining element (e.g., a child-resistant element) is molded onto the neck of the blow molding preform and/or onto the base of the container.

[0020] Another aspect includes a method for producing a glass container, comprising introducing a drop of glass melt of a predetermined size into a rough mold cavity formed by a mold, moving a plunger from a retracted position to an extended position through a neck ring into the mold cavity, forming a glass container of a substantially square shape defined by the neck ring and the mold, and separating the glass container of a substantially square shape having a substantially square neck from the neck ring and the mold.

[0021] In some embodiments, the neck ring forms one or more retaining elements on the neck of a substantially square glass container. In other embodiments, each of the one or more retaining elements forms a child-resistant feature.

[0022] Additional aspects of the invention are set forth in part in the following description. The advantages of the invention are realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are presented only as examples and explanations and are not limiting of the invention as claimed.

Brief description of the drawings

[0023] The set of materials of the patent or patent application contains at least one drawing made in color. Copies of the publication of this patent or patent application with the color drawing(s) are provided by the Office upon receipt of a request and payment of the mandatory fee.

[0024] The characteristics and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following description of the corresponding embodiments, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which show:

[0025] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a glass droplet, mold, neck ring, and plunger,

[0026] FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a glass droplet, mold, neck ring, and plunger,

[0027] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the glass droplet, mold, neck ring, and plunger of FIG. 2A,

[0028] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a stopper, a partially compressed droplet, a mold, a neck ring, and a plunger,

[0029] FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a stopper, a partially compressed droplet, a mold, a neck ring, and a plunger,

[0030] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the stopper, partially compressed droplet, mold, neck ring, and plunger of FIG. 4A,

[0031] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a stopper, glass container, mold, neck ring, and plunger,

[0032] FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a stopper, glass container, mold, neck ring, and plunger,

[0033] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the stopper, glass container, mold, neck ring, and plunger of FIG. 6A,

[0034] FIG. 7A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a neck ring,

[0035] FIG. 7B is another side perspective view of the embodiment of the neck ring of FIG. 7A,

[0036] FIG. 8A is a side view of an embodiment of a plunger,

[0037] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the plunger of FIG. 8A,

[0038] FIG. 9A is a side view of an embodiment of a plug,

[0039] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the plug of FIG. 9A,

[0040] FIG. 10A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a mold,

[0041] FIG. 10B is another side perspective view of an embodiment of the mold of FIG. 10A,

[0042] FIG. 11A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a glass droplet, a rough mold, a neck ring, and a plunger,

[0043] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the glass droplet, rough mold, neck ring, and plunger of FIG. 11A,

[0044] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a glass droplet, a rough mold, a neck ring, and a plunger,

[0045] FIG. 13A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a stopper, a partially compressed glass goblet, a rough mold, a neck ring, and a plunger,

[0046] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the plug, partially compressed glass goblet, rough mold, neck ring, and plunger of FIG. 13A.

[0047] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a plug, a partially compressed glass goblet, a blank mold, a neck ring, and a plunger.

[0048] FIG. 15A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a stopper, blow mold, blank, neck ring, and plunger.

[0049] FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the stopper, blow mold, blank, neck ring, and plunger of FIG. 15A.

[0050] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a stopper, blow mold, blank, neck ring, and plunger,

[0051] FIG. 17A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a blow mold blank, neck ring, finish mold, and bottom,

[0052] FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the blow mold blank, neck ring, finish mold, and bottom of FIG. 17A,

[0053] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a blow mold blank, neck ring, finish mold, and bottom,

[0054] FIG. 19A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a finished mold, blow mold blank, and bottom,

[0055] FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the finished mold, blow mold blank, and bottom of FIG. 19A,

[0056] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a finished mold, blow mold blank, and bottom,

[0057] FIG. 21A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a finishing mold, blow head, blow tube, glass container, and bottom,

[0058] FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the finishing mold, blow head, blow tube, glass container, and bottom of FIG. 21A,

[0059] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the finished mold, blow head, blow tube, glass container, and bottom,

[0060] FIG. 23A is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a rough mold,

[0061] FIG. 23B is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the rough mold of FIG. 23A,

[0062] FIG. 24A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a finished shape,

[0063] FIG. 24B is another side perspective view of an embodiment of the finished mold of FIG. 24A,

[0064] FIG. 25A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a neck ring,

[0065] FIG. 25B is another side perspective view of the embodiment of the neck ring of FIG. 25A,

[0066] FIG. 26A is a side view of an embodiment of a plunger,

[0067] FIG. 26B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the plunger of FIG. 26A,

[0068] FIG. 27A is a side view of an embodiment of a plug,

[0069] FIG. 27B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the plug of FIG. 26B,

[0070] FIG. 28A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a blow head,

[0071] FIG. 28B is another side perspective view of the embodiment of the blow head of FIG. 28A,

[0072] FIG. 29A is a top view of an embodiment of the bottom,

[0073] FIG. 29B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the bottom of FIG. 29A,

[0074] FIG. 30A is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a glass container,

[0075] FIG. 30B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of the glass container of FIG. 30A,

[0076] FIG. 30C is a side view of an embodiment of the glass container of FIG. 30A,

[0077] FIG. 30D is a cross-sectional view (section M-M) of an embodiment of the glass container of FIG. 30C.

[0078] FIG. 31 is a preferred embodiment of a glass container base (includes a top view in FIG. 31A and a top perspective view in FIG. 31B),

[0079] FIG. 32 is an example of an embodiment of a lid that can mate with a base of a container.

Implementation of the invention

[0080] The present invention relates to components and methods for making glass containers. Other aspects of the present invention include components and methods for making features on glass containers that provide or enable child resistance (e.g., for creating child resistance and for storing or containing material). These components and methods are more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize the possibility of making various modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0081] As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular terms also include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" includes two or more elements.

[0082] Ranges in this specification may be expressed from one specific value and/or to another specific value. When such a range is recited, the other aspect includes the range from one specific value and/or to another specific value. Likewise, when values are expressed as approximations by preceding the reference "about", it should be understood that the specific value forms the other aspect. It should also be understood that the endpoints of each range are important, both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint. Furthermore, it should be understood that there are a number of values disclosed in this specification, wherein in addition to the value itself, each value "about" that specific value is also disclosed. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. It is understood that each unit between the two specific units is also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13 and 14 are also disclosed.

[0083] The terms "approximately" and "approximately or approximately" mean that the quantity or value in question may be a value representing some other quantity that is approximately or roughly the same. Generally, when used in this specification, it is intended to be a nominal value stated within ±10%, unless otherwise expressly stated or implied. This term is intended to convey that similar values will produce equivalent results or effects as set forth in the claims. Thus, it is intended that quantities, sizes, compositions, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or greater or lesser as necessary to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement error, and the like, as well as other factors known to those skilled in the art. In general, a quantity, size, composition, parameter, or other quantity or characteristic is "approximate" or "approximate," whether or not expressly stated. It is understood that when the designation "approximately" is used before a quantity value, the parameter also includes the specific quantity value unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0084] The terms "first," "second," "first portion," "second portion," and the like, when used in this description, do not denote any order of quantity or importance and are used to distinguish one element from another unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0085] As used in this description, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean that a subsequent event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the specified event or circumstance does and does not occur. Thus, for example, the phrase "optionally attached to a surface" means that the corresponding element may or may not be attached to the surface.

[0086] It is further understood that unless expressly stated otherwise, it is not intended in any way that any method set forth in this specification can be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order. Accordingly, unless a claimed method actually specifies an order in which its steps are to be performed, or unless the claims or description otherwise specifically indicate that these steps are to be limited to a particular order, it is not intended in any way that any order will be adopted in any respect. This is true for any possible implicit bases of interpretation, including a logical approach to determining the sequence of steps or process steps, a common meaning inferred from grammatical construction or punctuation, and the order or type of aspects disclosed in the description.

[0087] It should also be understood that the components, machines and materials for making glass articles disclosed in this description perform certain functions. This description discloses certain design requirements necessary to perform the corresponding functions, while it should be understood that there are a variety of designs capable of performing the same function, which relate to the disclosed designs, and that these designs generally provide the same result.

[0088] The components and methods described herein are part of a process for manufacturing glass articles. Embodiments of glass containers manufactured using these processes include retaining members disposed on a neck of the container. Embodiments of the retaining members include child-resistant features. Embodiments of glass containers manufactured using these processes are also modular (e.g., stackable). Embodiments of glass containers manufactured using these processes are typically square in shape. The disclosed glass containers provide improved packaging and storage of substances or materials in a controlled environment, providing, for example, an air-tight, liquid-tight, moisture-tight, humidity- or light-controlled, antistatic environment, or combinations thereof. A variety of materials can be used in this process, including glass (e.g., any non-crystalline amorphous solid material) and other glass-like materials (e.g., porcelain and thermoplastics).

[0089] There are two basic methods for making and mass producing glass containers: blow molding and press blow molding. In some cases, the components and methods described herein relate to the press blow molding process for producing glass articles. Glass articles are also produced in a single operation, such as only pressing or only blowing. In either method, molten glass is fed from a furnace to a feeder, from where it is pushed through a tube. As the glass exits the tube, it is cut to form lumps of glass called gobs (e.g., gob 100 in FIG. 1). The gob has a predetermined size and weight sufficient to produce and form a container.

[0090] Both blow molding and compression blow molding processes involve a "blank side" where the droplet is given a partially finished shape known as a blow parison, and a "finish side" where the final shape of the container is created. At the start of production, the container is received upside down and is gripped by a neck ring that allows the blow parison to be turned over as it is transferred from the blank side to the finish side.

[0091] In a press-only or blow-only manufacturing process, the entire droplet shape is given in one operation. No additional operations (such as additional blowing) are required to obtain the desired final shape of the glass container.

[0092] In the press blow molding process, a drop is directed into a blank mold, the two halves of which are closed and secured together, and then sealed with a plug installed at the open upper end of the blank mold. The drop is formed into a blow parison by a plunger, for example, by means of the plunger 400 of FIG. 1, which squeezes out molten glass to fill the blank mold and the plug. The plug is then removed, the blank mold is opened, the inverted blow parison is moved to a normal vertical position by means of neck rings and placed in a finishing mold, the two halves of which are closed. The parison is then blown (for example, with compressed air) in the finishing mold to obtain the final shape of the glass container.

[0093] The blow molding process uses compressed air to form a blow parison from a droplet, thereby forming a finished neck and giving the droplet a uniform shape. The blow parison is then transferred to a finishing mold, where compressed air is used to blow the container into its final shape.

[0094] A CC machine or "sectional glass forming machine" is designed to provide efficient production of glass containers, whereby operators can shut down one or more sections for repair work without stopping operation of other sections. One or more gobs are fed into the CC machine and formed into containers by a process of controlling the shape and cooling of the glass mass.

[0095] The production speed of containers ranges from about 10 pieces per minute to about 1000 pieces per minute. Factors that determine the production speed include the characteristics of the equipment, as well as the size and shape of the container. In this case, the production speed 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 pieces per minute.

[0096] In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 10 to about 1000 per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 50 to about 900 per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 100 to about 500 per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 100 to about 250 per minute.

[0097] In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 10 or more units per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 25 or more units per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 50 or more units per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 75 or more units per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 100 or more units per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 200 or more units per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 300 or more units per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 400 or more units per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 500 or more units per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 600 or more units per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 700 or more units per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 800 or more units per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 900 or more units per minute. In some aspects, the containers are manufactured at a rate of about 1,000 or more units per minute.

[0098] Depending on the size, shape, and other parameters of the glass container being manufactured, the glass container is formed using a single-stage or two-stage process (e.g., press-blow molding or blow molding). For example, relatively small glass containers are formed using a single-stage process in which a glass gob is pressed to give it the desired shape of the final container. The manufacture of larger glass containers may require an additional stage in which an intermediate blank obtained by pressing is then blown to give it the desired shape.

[0099] FIG. 1-10B shows a one-step process for producing a glass container by pressing, as well as various components of a SS machine or a glass forming machine. A gob 100 of glass is directed and fed into a mold cavity 210 formed by a mold 200 comprising halves 200A and 200B, and a neck ring cavity 310 formed by a neck ring 300. A plunger 400 is provided at the lower end and is mounted so as to be 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 can move through the neck ring 300 into the mold 200.

[0100] The drop 100 of glass melt has a predetermined mass, shape, or both. The drop 100 is a discrete lump separated from the flow of molten glass melt and has a weight corresponding to the desired weight of the container. The drop 100 can consist of any glass (for example, any non-crystalline amorphous solid material), any glass-like material (for example, porcelain or thermoplastic), polymer glass, glass-ceramic material, ceramic material, or a combination thereof. The glass can be, for example, amber glass, green glass, opal glass, clear glass, recycled glass, flint glass, tempered glass, silicate glass, borosilicate glass, or other glasses.

[0101] The mold 200 consists of two halves 200A, 200B. The mold 200 contains a mold cavity 210, the dimensions and configuration of which allow for receiving a drop 100 of glass mass and a plunger 400 when it is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. The mold 200 is designed and intended for producing a substantially square container. The container has a substantially square or rectangular cross-sectional shape. In this case, the mold 200 ensures that the required shape of the container body is obtained.

[0102] The neck ring 300 consists of two halves 300A, 300B. The neck ring 300 has dimensions and a configuration that allow it to be installed directly under the mold 200 and to be combined with it. The neck ring 300 comprises a neck ring cavity 310, the dimensions and configuration of which allow it to receive a drop 100 of glass melt and a plunger 400 when it is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. The neck ring 300 is formed and intended to receive a container neck that has a substantially square or rectangular cross-sectional shape. In addition, the neck ring 300 is formed and intended to receive one or more retaining elements on the container neck. In some embodiments, the one or more child-resistant retaining elements are molded on the container neck. Such elements are described in this document and include child-resistant elements for securely coupling the container lid with the container neck. Alternatively, other retaining elements may be provided on the container neck that allow the container lid to be coupled to the container or mounted on the container, in particular on the container neck.

[0103] In FIGS. 1-2, a glass gob 100 is shown being loaded into a cavity 210 formed by a mold 200. The mold halves 200A, 200B are closed with a clamp and sealed with a stopper 500 at the open upper end of the mold 200. After the gob 100 is loaded, the plunger 400 begins to move upward from the open lower end of the neck ring 300. The plunger 400 moves from a retracted position to an extended position. The movement of the plunger 400 causes the gob 100 of glass to be compressed and moved outward to fill the mold 200, the stopper 500 and the neck ring 300 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). The drop 101 of glass melt (FIG. 4A, 4B) under the action of the moving plunger 400 essentially takes the shape of the cavity formed by the mold 200, the neck ring 300 and the stopper 500. The plunger 400 continues to move to the extended position and compresses the glass melt 101, forming a glass container 110 (FIG. 6A, 6B).

[0104] The size and shape of the glassware manufacturing components (e.g., the stopper, mold, neck ring, and plunger) determine the configuration of the desired glass container. Typically, substantially square containers are manufactured using the components described herein. However, any polygonal container can also be manufactured as described herein. The container can generally have, for example, a square, rectangle, rhombus, quadrilateral, or parallelogram shape. In some aspects, the container is substantially square, square, and/or square with rounded edges. The sides of the container can be flat or substantially flat, in particular, slightly concave or convex. However, the glassware manufacturing components described herein have geometric parameters that allow for the manufacture of polygonal containers.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the neck ring 300 includes halves 300A and 300B that form and define a cavity 310 of the neck ring. In some aspects, the cavity 310 of the neck ring has a shape that forms, during the manufacturing process, one or more child-resistant features on the glass container (i.e., on the neck of the glass container). Such child-resistant features are described and illustrated herein. In one embodiment, the child-resistant feature is molded on opposite side sides of the glass container. In another embodiment, the child-resistant feature is molded on one, two, three or more sides of the neck of the glass container. The child-resistant feature includes a mechanism provided on the base for mating the lid of the container with the base of the container in order to provide the container with child resistance. In other aspects, the cavity of the neck ring provides for the formation of a member holding the lid, in particular, threads, guides, flanges, projections, etc.

[0106] A child-resistant opening mechanism is a coupling of a container base with a container lid to hinder and/or prevent children from accessing the interior of the container. As shown and described herein, one or more lid coupling devices are part of the container base and may be located on the neck of the container base. The lid coupling device consists of a pair of ramps and a rib. The lid coupling device has a U-shape or H-shape or other configuration. The ramps extend from or near the open end of the lid to the transition neck or the lower/support portion of the container base. The rib is formed between the two ramps. The ramps and the rib provide guidance for movement and alignment of the container lid, as well as its tight connection with the container base. The lid coupling device prevents the container lid from being easily lifted from the container base or from being improperly removed. Typically, the lid coupling device is located on two opposite side faces of the container base. However, other configurations of the coupling devices with the lid are also possible, in particular 1, 3 or 4 devices on the base of the container.

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the plunger 400 has a stem 410, a lower portion 420 and an upper portion 430. The upper portion 430 has a shape and dimensions that allow the molten glass to be squeezed out to fill the rough mold, the plug and the neck ring. The plunger 400 applies pressure to the glass, substantially forming a cavity in the base of the container (for example, the container 110). The lower portion 420 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and is typically square with rounded corners. The lower part 420 extends to the upper part 430. The upper part 430 has a slight taper toward the end of the plunger 400. The cavity of the base of the container formed by the plunger 400 substantially correlates with the volume of the upper part 430. Using the components and methods described in this document, substantially square geometric shapes are produced, however, polyhedrons, prisms and other corresponding three-dimensional geometric shapes can also be produced.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 9A and 9B, after the glass gob is loaded into the cavity of the blank mold, the open upper end of the blank mold is closed with a plug 500. The plug 500 has a stem 510, a body 520 and a leg 530. The leg 530 has an inclined platform 532 and a lower end 533. The leg 530 contains a plurality of recesses 532, which are located along the perimeter of the leg 530 and form point-like protrusions on the surface of the base of the container. In combination with the plunger, the mold and the neck ring, the plug 500 helps to form the desired glass container and provides a roughness of the lower surface of the glass container. In some embodiments, a gas, in particular compressed air, is additionally supplied from the side of the plug to push the glass gob downward when the plunger moves in the upward direction. The counteraction of the plunger and compressed air promotes uniform distribution of the glass drop in the rough mold and neck ring.

[0109] FIG. 10A and 10B show a mold 200 comprising halves 200A and 200B. The mold 200 defines a blank mold cavity 210, the dimensions and configuration of which allow a drop of glass to be introduced. The mold 200 has an open lower end for receiving a neck ring (for example, a neck ring 300), wherein the mold 200 and the neck ring 300 are installed substantially flush. The mold 200 has an open upper end. During the manufacture of the glass article, this open upper end is sealed with a stopper.

[0110] FIG. 11-30D illustrate components of a CC machine and another method (i.e., press blow molding) for producing glass containers. In the press blow molding process, a drop 1000 is directed into a blank mold 2000 comprising two halves 2000A, 2000B that are closed with a clamp and then sealed with a stopper 5000 at the open upper end of the blank mold. From the drop 1000, a parison 1020 for blowing is formed by means of a plunger 4000, which compresses the molten glass mass 1000, 1010 in order to fill the rough mold 2000 and the plug 5000. Then the plug 5000 is removed, the rough mold 2000 is opened, the upside-down parison 1020 for blowing is moved to a normal vertical position by the neck ring 3000 and is enclosed in the finishing mold 2500 by closing the two halves 2500A, 2500B of the finishing mold. After that, the parison 1020 is blown (for example, with compressed air) in the finishing mold 2500 to obtain the final shape of the glass container 1030.

[0111] A gob 1000 of glass melt is fed into a cavity 2010 of the rough mold and a cavity 3010 of the neck ring formed by the rough mold 2000 and the neck ring 3000, respectively. A plunger 4000 is mounted at the lower end with the possibility of moving between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the plunger 4000 is completely or partially withdrawn from the rough mold 2000 and/or the neck ring 3000. This allows the gob 1000 to be loaded into the cavity 2010 of the rough mold. In the extended position, the plunger 4000 can pass and be installed in the neck ring 3000 and/or in the rough mold 2000.

[0112] The droplet 1000 of glass melt has a predetermined mass, shape, or both. The droplet 1000 is a discrete lump that is separated from the flow of molten glass melt and has a weight corresponding to the weight of the desired container. The droplet 1000 consists of any glass (for example, any non-crystalline amorphous solid material), any glass-like material (for example, porcelain or thermoplastic), polymer glass, glass-ceramic material, ceramic material, or a combination thereof. The glass can be, for example, amber glass, green glass, opal glass, clear glass, recycled glass, flint glass, tempered glass, silicate glass, borosilicate glass, or other glasses.

[0113] The rough mold 2000 consists of two halves 2000A, 2000B. The rough mold 2000 contains a rough mold cavity 2100, the dimensions and configuration of which allow it to receive a glass goblet 1000 and a plunger 4000 when it is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. The rough mold 2000 helps to form a parison for blowing from a glass goblet 1000 (see FIGS. 15A, 15B and 16).

[0102] The neck ring 3000 consists of two halves 3000A, 3000B (see FIGS. 25A-25B). The neck ring 3000 has dimensions and a configuration that allow it to be installed directly under the mold 2000 and aligned with it. The neck ring 300 includes a neck ring cavity 3100, the dimensions and configuration of which allow it to receive a drop 1000 of glass melt and a plunger 4000 when it is moved from a retracted position to an extended position.

[0115] The neck ring 3000 provides for forming a neck on a glass blob, in particular, child-resistant opening features, threads, protrusions, bends and other similar features. The neck ring 3000 consists of halves 3000A and 3000B, which are connected and form a cavity 3010 of the neck ring. In some aspects, the cavity of the neck ring has a shape that, during the manufacturing process, allows one or more retaining elements to be obtained on a glass container. In some aspects, the retaining element includes child-resistant opening features formed on the glass container (i.e., on the neck of the container). Such child-resistant opening features are described and illustrated in this document. Thus, for example, a child-resistant opening feature can be formed on opposite side faces of a glass container. In another example, the child-resistant element is molded on one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more side faces of a glass container. The child-resistant element is a device that is located on the base and serves to couple the container lid with the container base, providing the container with child-resistant opening. In other aspects, the cavity of the neck ring has a shape that allows for obtaining any type of lid-retaining element, in particular, threads, guides, etc.

[0116] A glass gob 1000 is loaded into a blank mold cavity 2010. A plug 5000 is positioned on top and seals the blank mold 2000 by closing the blank mold cavity 2010. After the gob 1000 is loaded, the plunger 4000 begins to move upward from the retracted position to the extended position. As a result of the movement of the plunger 4000, the glass gob 1000 is compressed and forced toward the inner walls of the blank mold 2000 and toward the neck ring 3000 (see FIGS. 13A and 13B). In some aspects, a gas (e.g., compressed air) may be supplied through the plug 5000 to assist in forming the blow mold parison 1020. The drop 1010 of glass melt (FIG. 13A and 13B) under the action of the movement of the plunger 4000 essentially takes the shape of the cavity 2010, 3010 formed by the blank mold 2000, the neck ring 3000, the stopper 5000 and, in some embodiments, compressed air supplied from the side of the stopper. The plunger 4000 continues to move through the neck ring 3000 into the blank mold 2000. In the extended position, the plunger compresses the drop 1010 of glass melt, forming a parison 1020 for blowing (FIG. 15A, 15B). The parison 1020 for blowing is a partially formed base of a container with certain, in principle, geometric parameters, in particular, with rounded corners.

[0117] After the blow molding parison 1020 is completed, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the plug 5000 is removed from the rough mold 2000. The rough mold 2000 is opened and the blow mold parison 1020 is transferred to the finishing side. The finishing mold 3500 is moved around the blow mold parison 1020. The finishing mold 3500 is located between the bottom 6000 and the neck ring 3000. As shown in FIG. 18A and 18B, the neck ring 3000 is opened and the blow head 3500 is inserted into the finishing mold 2500. The blow head 3500 is used to direct a gas (for example, compressed air) into the blank 1020, which expands and forms the blank 1020 according to the inner walls of the finishing mold 2500. In some embodiments, a blow tube 3600 can be added, which is used to direct a gas (for example, compressed air) into the blank 1020, which expands and forms the blank 1020 according to the inner walls of the finishing mold 2500. The container 1030 is formed during the final blowing operation.

[0118] As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the rough mold 2000 comprises two halves 2000A and 2000B. The rough mold 2000 defines a rough mold cavity 2010, the dimensions and configuration of which allow for the introduction of a drop of glass melt. The rough mold 2000 also defines a cavity for receiving a neck ring (for example, a neck ring 3000), wherein the rough mold 2000 and the neck ring 3000 are located substantially flush.

[0119] As shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the finishing mold 2500 includes two halves 2500A and 2500B. The finishing mold 2500 defines a finishing mold cavity, the dimensions and configuration of which allow it to receive a parison for blowing and to form a final container. The finishing mold 2500 is configured to insert a neck ring and a blow head during the manufacture of a glass article.

[0120] As shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the plunger 4000 has a rod 4100, a lower portion 4200, a middle portion 4300, and an upper portion 4400. The middle portion 4300 and the upper portion 4400 have a shape and dimensions that substantially allow forming a cavity of a blow molding parison (for example, a blow molding parison 1020). The lower portion 4200 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and is typically square with rounded corners. The lower portion 4200 extends to the middle portion 4300, which transitions to the upper portion 4400. The upper portion 4400 has a taper toward the end of the plunger 4000. The blow molding parison formed by the plunger 4000 substantially correlates with the size and shape of the plunger 4000. Substantially square geometric shapes are produced using the components and methods described in this document, however, polyhedrons, prisms, and other corresponding three-dimensional geometric shapes can also be produced.

[0121] The plungers used for the press blow molding process may have other geometric shapes that, however, allow the glass containers described herein to be produced. In the pressing operation, substantially round, round (e.g., cylindrical), oval, and other non-polygonal plunger shapes may be used to form the parison for blow molding. In the final blowing operation, the parison is given the desired shape.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 27A and 27B, the plug 5000 is installed on the upper part of the blank mold after the glass goblet is loaded into the cavity of the blank mold. The plug 5000 has a handle 5100 and a body 5200.

[0123] As shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B, the blow head 3500 defines a blow head cavity 3510. The mouth of the blow blank may be secured by the blow head to direct gas, in particular compressed air, into the blow blank. In some embodiments, the gas is directed using a blow tube.

[0124] As shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, the bottom 600 has an outer base 6033 and an upper base 6032. The recesses 6031 form roughness features on the surface of the base of the container during the blowing operation. In combination with the finishing mold and the blow head, the bottom 6000 helps to form the desired glass container and provides roughness features on the lower surface of the glass container.

[0125] The child-resistant opening feature of the container provides engagement of the container base (e.g., base 1030) with the lid of the container. As shown and described herein, one or more lid engagement devices are part of the container base 110, 1030. The lid engagement device is formed by a pair of inclined platforms and a rib. The lid engagement device has a U-shaped or H-shaped shape or other configuration, such as in the form of or any other configuration of ramps and a rib. The ramps extend from or near the open end of the lid to the transition neck or the lower/supporting part of the container base. The rib is formed between two ramps. The ramps and the rib provide guidance and alignment of the container lid, as well as its tight connection with the container base. The lid engagement device prevents the container lid from being easily lifted from the container base or from being improperly removed. Typically, the lid engagement device is located on two opposite side faces of the container base. However, other configurations of lid engagement devices are also possible, in particular 1, 3 or 4 devices on the container base.

[0126] The dimensions and shapes of the disclosed glass manufacturing components determine and enable the manufacture of the desired glass container. The roughing mold, neck ring, plunger, stopper, finishing mold, and blow head contribute to and determine the desired shape of the glass container. Using the components described herein, generally substantially square containers are manufactured having a square shaped neck. In addition, any polygonal shaped container can be manufactured as described herein. The container and its neck can generally have a square, rectangle, diamond, quadrilateral, or parallelogram shape. In some aspects, the container and its neck are substantially square, square, and/or square with rounded edges.

[0127] For example, container 1300 (FIGS. 30A-30D) is made of glass using the methods and components described herein. Container base 1300 has a neck 1301 and a bottom/support portion 1302. Container base 1300, including neck 1301 and bottom 1302, is substantially square with rounded corners. Container base 1300 has an open upper end 1320 and a closed lower end 1310. Closed lower end 1310 has point projections 1312 and a recessed portion 1311, the dimensions and configuration of which allow to receive a container lid (e.g., to provide stacking). One or more lid engagement devices 1330A, 1330B are located on one or more side faces 1350 of container base 1300. One or more sidewalls 1350 comprise a lip 1352 located at or near the open upper end 1320 of the base 1300 of the container. The lip 1352 helps to align the lid with the base 1300 of the container and provides additional support and stability for the lid when it is installed on the base 1300.

[0128] The device 1330A for coupling with a lid on one side of the base 1300 of the container comprises inclined platforms 1331A and 1331B. Between the inclined platforms 1331A and 1331B, a rib 1331C is located. The device 1330B for coupling with a lid on one side of the base 1300 of the container comprises inclined platforms 1332A and 1332B. Between the inclined platforms 1332A and 1332B, a rib 1332C is located.

[0129] The inclined platforms 1331A, 1331B and the rib 1331C typically form a U-shaped device 1330A for engaging with the lid. Similarly, the inclined platforms 1332A, 1332B and the rib 1332C typically form a U-shaped device 1330B for engaging with the lid. The inclined platforms 1331A, 1331B and 1332A, 1332B extend from or near the open upper end 1320 to or near the transition neck 1351.

[0130] FIGS. 31A and 31B illustrate another preferred embodiment of a glass base 1400 of a container with an open end 4010. FIG. 32 illustrates a preferred illustrative embodiment of a lid 1500 that may have a releasable connection to the base 1400 of the container.

[01311 Parts of glass forming machine

[0132] Replacement parts - serve to secure and support the mold kit.

[0133] Mechanism - moves the replaceable parts that provide fastening and support for the mold set.

[0134] Finishing Mold Frame: For mounting finishing molds; used with different sizes depending on the distance to the machine center (e.g. ); single drop, double drops, triple drops.

[0135] Rough Form Frame: For mounting rough forms; used with different sizes depending on the distance to the machine center (e.g. ); single drop, double drops, triple drops.

[0136] Blow Molding Cartridge: For securing and supporting the plunger and sleeve during blow molding; facilitates counter-current flow through the plunger.

[0137] Blow molding cartridge: for securing and supporting a plunger in blow molding; securing a plunger spacer and a loading screw.

[0138] Blow molding adapter, collar, and spacer: The adapter and collar hold the plunger in position; the spacer limits the downward stroke of the plunger to provide a flip clearance just large enough for the neck ring.

[0139] Extendable handle: for moving the product from the bottom to the receiving table.

[0140] Funnel handle: For placing the funnel on the top of the rough mold.

[0141] Cork handle: for holding and supporting the cork; allows blowing through the cork.

[0142] Blow head handle: for holding and supporting the blow head; allows final blowing and final cooling through the blow head.

[0143] Neck ring handle: for securing and supporting the neck ring; for transferring the blow mold from the rough mold to the finishing mold.

[0144] Distribution plate: for holding and supporting the bottom; ensures the passage of vertical cooling flow through the bottom.

[0145] Plunger mechanism: for moving up and down the cartridge parts; facilitates counter-current flow through the plunger, i.e., cooling the plunger. It consists of three main parts: (i) a base to which oil and air are supplied to lubricate the cylinder and rod moving up and down; (ii) an upper cylinder which holds the cartridge and a lower part which holds the piston and rod; and (iii) a guide bar which is used to coaxially align the plunger cylinder with the blank mold.

[0146] Blow head mechanism: for holding the blow head handle and moving it onto and off the top of the finishing mold.

[0147] Funnel mechanism: for holding the funnel handle and moving it onto and off the top of the rough mold.

[0148] Plug mechanism: for holding the plug handle and moving it to and from the top of the blow mold funnel, and for installing and removing the plug from the rough mold.

[0149] Neck ring mechanism: for holding the neck ring handle and for opening and closing the neck ring.

[0150] Reversing device: for moving the neck ring handle from the rough side to the finishing side and back (180°).

[0151] Vertical flow feed device (bottom type): for feeding cooling to the finished mold with the ability to pass and block the cooling flow. There is also the ability to create a vacuum (if used); raising and lowering the bottom as needed.

[0152] Ejector: For holding the pusher at a 90° angle and moving it to the receiving table on the front/longitudinal conveyor.

[0153] Removal device: for moving the removal handle from the bottom of the finishing mold to the receiving removal.

[0154] Glass containers

[0155] Glass containers according to the present invention 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 entirety. The glass containers may be made of glass (e.g., any non-crystalline, amorphous solid material), any glass-like material (e.g., porcelain or thermoplastic), polymer glass, glass-ceramic material, ceramic material, or a combination thereof. Examples of suitable glass used to make the base of the container include, but are not limited to, amber glass, green glass, opal glass, clear glass, recycled glass, flint glass, tempered glass, silicate glass, borosilicate glass or other glasses. The glass may be colored, patterned, textured, transparent and/or opaque.

[0156] The base of a child-resistant glass container has, for example, a closed lower end, an open upper end and sides that form a cavity. On certain sides of the glass base of the container, devices for engaging with a lid are arranged. The device for engaging with a lid consists of inclined platforms and a rib. The engaging element with a lid is a retaining element that provides protection against opening by children, wherein the lid of the container snaps or locks in place with the base of the container.

[0157] Due to the shape and size of the plunger, the molds, or a combination thereof, the sides of the glass container are slightly convex (e.g., curved), but form a substantially square shape. The edges between each two sides are curved, but may also be at right angles (90°) to each other.

[0158] The manufactured glass container bases also have a transition neck that extends around the entire perimeter of the container base. The transition neck allows the equipment to move the container base during the manufacture of the glass product.

[0159] A glass container is typically of one piece construction and includes a neck that is located on a support or bottom portion. A coupling element with a lid is located on the side and on the neck of the base of the container.

[0160] Glass containers made using the methods and components described herein also have a closed lower end with a recessed portion. The recessed portion has dimensions and a configuration that allow it to receive the upper end of the container lid for stacking containers on top of each other.

[0161] The glass containers produced have a storage volume that is from about 1 ml to about 2000 ml, from about 2 ml to about 1000 ml, from about 3 ml to about 500 ml, from about 4 ml to about 100 ml, from about 5 ml to about 50 ml, or from about 5 ml to about 10 ml. In some aspects, the container volume 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 aspects, the storage volume of the manufactured container is less than 1 ml, or more than 2000 ml. In some aspects, the container volume is about 5 drachmas, 10 drachmas, 15 drachmas, 20 drachmas, 25 drachmas, 30 drachmas, 40 drachmas, 45 drachmas, 50 drachmas, 60 drachmas, 70 drachmas, 80 drachmas 90 drachmas, 100 drachmas, 110 drachmas, 120 drachmas, 125 drachmas, 130 drachmas, 135 drachmas, 140 drachmas or 145 drachmas. In other aspects, the container volume is less than 15 drachmas, or more than 145 drachmas.

[0162] The manufactured child-resistant glass containers are stackable. This means that one glass container can be placed on top of another glass container covered by a container lid. The protruding portion of the lid of one container can fit into a recessed portion of the base of another container. The child-resistant glass containers have configurations that allow for their automatic stacking.

[0163] The child-resistant elements of the container ensure the engagement of the glass base of the container with the lid of the container. One or more lid engagement devices are part of the container base. The lid engagement device consists of a pair of inclined platforms and a rib. The inclined platforms extend from or near the open end of the lid to or near the transition neck or the lower/support part of the container base. The rib is located between the two inclined platforms. The inclined platforms and the rib ensure the direction of movement and the alignment of the container lid, as well as its tight connection with the container base. The lid engagement device prevents the container lid from being easily lifted from the container base or from being improperly removed. Typically, the lid engagement device is located on two opposite side faces of the container base. However, other configurations of the lid engagement devices are also possible, in particular 1, 3 or 4 devices on the container base.

[0164] The container lid is configured to be connected to the container base. The container base forms a shell for containing materials, and the container lid covers the open upper end of the base.

[0165] The invention provides a method for producing a child-resistant glass container. The method comprises moving a plunger from a retracted position to an extended position in a mold cavity formed by at least one blank mold, wherein said movement introduces the plunger into a predetermined volume of a drop of molten glass contained in the mold cavity; forming a blow parison from the drop of a predetermined size in the mold cavity; retracting the plunger from the extended position to the retracted position; supplying compressed gas through the mouth of the blow parison to expand the blow parison to the dimensions of a glass container of a substantially square shape; and separating the glass container of a substantially square shape from the one or more blank molds.

[0166] The provisions of all patents, published applications, and references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0167] The present invention has been shown and described particularly with reference to illustrative embodiments thereof, but it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (35)

1. A component for forming a glass container, comprising: a rough mold having an opening at the upper end for receiving a drop of molten glass and an opening at the lower end for receiving a neck ring, wherein said rough mold forms a rough mold cavity; a plunger located near the lower end of the blank mold and configured to move between a position removed from the blank mold and a position extended into the mold cavity, wherein the plunger comprises several parts that have a shape and size that ensure that a square-shaped cavity is obtained in the blow molded blank formed in the blank mold; and a finishing mold that forms a finishing mold cavity and is designed to receive a blow molding blank that has been formed in the rough mold; wherein the rough mold cavity, plunger, finishing mold cavity or their combination have a square cross-sectional shape. 2. The component of claim 1, wherein the roughing mold, plunger, finishing mold, or combination thereof are configured to produce a square-shaped container. 3. The component of claim 2, wherein the square-shaped container has rounded corners. 4. The component according to claim 1, wherein the neck ring has a square cross-sectional shape and is designed to produce a square neck of the container. 5. The component according to claim 4, wherein the neck ring is designed with the possibility of producing a retaining element on the neck of the container. 6. The component of claim 5, wherein the retaining member is a child-resistant member. 7. The component of claim 6, wherein the child-resistant element is located on the first side of the container neck and the second side of the container neck. 8. The component according to item 6, configured to form a glass container having a storage volume from 1 ml to 2000 ml. 9. The component according to item 8, wherein the storage volume is from 4 ml to 100 ml. 10. The component according to claim 1, which is a part of a sectional glass forming machine. 11. A method for manufacturing a glass container comprising: introducing a drop of glass mass of a predetermined size into the cavity of the rough mold formed by the rough mold; movement of a square-shaped plunger from a retracted position to an extended position in the cavity of a rough mold; forming a blow molding blank with a plunger from a drop of a predetermined size in a mold cavity, wherein the plunger comprises several parts that have a shape and size that ensure obtaining a square-shaped cavity in the blow molding blank formed in the rough mold; removing the plunger from the rough mold cavity to the retracted position; moving the blow molding blank from the rough mold to the finishing mold; supplying compressed gas through the mouth of the blow parison to expand the blow parison into a glass container of a square shape defined by the finished shape; and separating a square glass container from a finished mold. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the glass container comprises a retaining element on the neck of the glass container. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the retaining element is a child-resistant element. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the child-resistant element is located on one or more side faces of the neck of the glass container. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the child-resistant element is located on opposite sides of the neck of the glass container. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the glass containers are manufactured at a rate of from about fifty (50) to about nine hundred (900) pieces per minute. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the glass containers are manufactured at a rate of about one hundred (100) to about five hundred (500) pieces per minute. 18. A method for manufacturing a glass container comprising: introducing a drop of glass mass of a predetermined size into the cavity of the rough mold formed by the mold; moving the plunger from a retracted position to an extended position through a neck ring into a mold cavity, wherein the plunger comprises several parts that have a shape and size that ensure that a square-shaped cavity is obtained in a square glass container formed in a rough mold; forming a square glass container defined by a neck ring and a shape; and separating a square glass container having a square neck from its neck ring and mould. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the neck ring forms one or more retaining elements located on the neck of the square glass container. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein each of the one or more retaining members is a child-resistant member.