Multi-barrier bottles having tabbed preforms, as well as methods of forming the same are disclosed. A tabbed preform includes an elongate body extending into a cavity of a first barrier, where the cavity is defined by at least one piece having a recess therein. The tabbed preform further includes at least one preform extension piece extending from the elongate body at a predetermined distance from a top surface of the elongate body. The at least one preform extension piece is sized and shaped to correspond to a size and a shape of the recess.

Multi-barrier bottles having tabbed preforms, as well as methods of forming the same are disclosed. A tabbed preform includes an elongate body extending into a cavity of a first barrier, where the cavity is defined by at least one piece having a recess therein. The tabbed preform further includes at least one preform extension piece extending from the elongate body at a predetermined distance from a top surface of the elongate body. The at least one preform extension piece is sized and shaped to correspond to a size and a shape of the recess.

The objects of this invention are to set a predetermined height position for the portion of parison or preform that is the first to come in contact with body molding planes of a split mold and to prevent air from being trapped between in-mold labels and the container which is blow molded from the parison or the preform. In-mold labels are fixed to the entire outer surface of body of main container. An annular thinnest wall portion is formed in the wall of the body so that the thinnest wall portion is the first to come in contact with the body molding planes of a split mold. Under this construction, no bulge of air is formed between the body and the in-mold labels fixed to the entire surface of the body.

The objects of this invention are to set a predetermined height position for the portion of parison or preform that is the first to come in contact with body molding planes of a split mold and to prevent air from being trapped between in-mold labels and the container which is blow molded from the parison or the preform. In-mold labels are fixed to the entire outer surface of body of main container. An annular thinnest wall portion is formed in the wall of the body so that the thinnest wall portion is the first to come in contact with the body molding planes of a split mold. Under this construction, no bulge of air is formed between the body and the in-mold labels fixed to the entire surface of the body.

A method for producing a plastic tank includes preparing a tank wall as a hot extrudate. A reinforcing sheet is then attached to at least one region of the outer layer of the hot extrudate. After introducing the attached reinforcing sheet and the hot extrudate into a shaping tool, the shaping tool performs shaping of the hot extrudate and the attached reinforcing sheet to form the tank wall, while simultaneously enhancing the attachment of the reinforcing sheet to the tank wall.

To provide a composite preform that can ensure that worsening of the appearance of a surface of a plastic member caused by near-infrared heating prior to blow molding is effectively prevented and that an inner preform is efficiently heated. The composite preform of the present invention includes a preform and a heat-contractive plastic member, the preform including a mouth part; a trunk part linked to the mouth part; and a bottom part linked to the trunk part, and the heat-contractive plastic member being disposed so as to surround the outside of the preform and including at least a colored layer that contains a resin material and a colorant, wherein the heat-contractive plastic member has a near-infrared transmittance of 50% or higher.

A method for manufacturing a thermoplastic container may include locally heating a middle zone of a thermoplastic tube; gripping the tube on either side by using retaining members; pulling the tube apart, causing a middle zone to narrow; pushing the inner wall of the middle zone against each other to obtain a closure; and cutting through the closed-off middle zone to obtain two separate tubular parts. Further is provided a system for pulling apart a tube, the system may include a first retaining member which is provided for insertion into the first zone via the first end and a second retaining member provided for insertion into the second zone via the second end, each retaining member being adjustable between a first position in which the retaining member fits inside the tube and a second position in which, in use, the retaining member exerts a pressure on the inner wall of the tube.

A method for manufacturing a thermoplastic container may include locally heating a middle zone of a thermoplastic tube; gripping the tube on either side by using retaining members; pulling the tube apart, causing a middle zone to narrow; pushing the inner wall of the middle zone against each other to obtain a closure; and cutting through the closed-off middle zone to obtain two separate tubular parts. Further is provided a system for pulling apart a tube, the system may include a first retaining member which is provided for insertion into the first zone via the first end and a second retaining member provided for insertion into the second zone via the second end, each retaining member being adjustable between a first position in which the retaining member fits inside the tube and a second position in which, in use, the retaining member exerts a pressure on the inner wall of the tube.

A container manufacturing method includes: a liquid discharge step in which a predetermined amount of liquid (L) in the container (C) is discharged to the outside by supplying pressurized air from air holes (13) provided in a blow molding mold (11) to a cavity (12) and pushing an outer surface of the container (C) after molding by the air; and a headspace forming step in which a headspace (HS) is formed in the container (C) by separating a filling nozzle (22) from a mouth portion (Ca) of the container (C) in a state in which a predetermined amount of liquid (L) is discharged to the outside.

A container manufacturing method includes: a liquid discharge step in which a predetermined amount of liquid (L) in the container (C) is discharged to the outside by supplying pressurized air from air holes (13) provided in a blow molding mold (11) to a cavity (12) and pushing an outer surface of the container (C) after molding by the air; and a headspace forming step in which a headspace (HS) is formed in the container (C) by separating a filling nozzle (22) from a mouth portion (Ca) of the container (C) in a state in which a predetermined amount of liquid (L) is discharged to the outside.