A nozzle tool system for extrusion blow molding has an intermediate module and at least first and second nozzle outlet units, each forming an adjustable nozzle outlet gap between a mandrel extending axially and a deformable sleeve. The units can be connected with the intermediate module as replacements for one another, and have a first outlet diameter and a larger second outlet diameter different from one another. At least one setting drive for reversible deformation of the sleeve is arranged on the intermediate module and can be connected with the deformable sleeve by way of a releasable coupling arrangement. The first nozzle outlet unit delimits a first setting path of the setting drive, using at least one inner mechanical stop, and the second nozzle outlet unit delimits a second setting path of the setting drive, greater than the first setting path, using at least one inner mechanical stop.

Disclosed herein, amongst other things, is a molded article, such as a preform that is blow moldable to form a container, and a related method of forming and recycling a container. The structure and steps includes injection molding a molded article having tubular body.

Blow molded articles having a predetermined feature incorporated into the wall provided by variations in the thickness of the wall of the article corresponding to a predetermined pattern etched into the preform from which the article was formed. Also, etched preforms for making blow molded articles and methods for making such preforms and articles.

Method of making a blow molded article from a preform including: a) providing a preform of a thermoplastic material having a plurality of effect structures each having an effect surface having a normal with an orientation, the preform having a body with one or more walls and an opening, wherein at least a portion of the one or more walls of the preform has a three-dimensional pattern of cavities and/or protrusions thereon; and b) blow molding the preform to form a blow molded article, wherein the step of blow molding the preform changes the orientation of the normal of at least some of the effect surfaces of the effect structures to create a visual effect in at least one wall of the blow molded article.

A blow molded article having a body portion that includes one or more walls surrounding an interior space. The one or more walls have an article inner surface, an article outer surface, and a wall thickness. At least a portion of the one or more walls includes one or more effect structures each having an effect surface normal having an orientation. Further there is a first region including a plurality of first effect structures having a first Average Normal Orientation, a second region including a plurality of second effect structures having a second Average Normal Orientation which is different from the first Average Normal Orientation, and a visual effect resulting from the difference between the first Average Normal Orientation of the effect structures in the first region and the second Average Normal Orientation of the effect structures in the second region.

Method of making a blow molded article from a preform including: a) providing a preform of a thermoplastic material having a plurality of effect structures each having an effect surface having a normal with an orientation, the preform having a body with one or more walls and an opening, wherein at least a portion of the one or more walls of the preform has a three-dimensional pattern of cavities and/or protrusions thereon; and b) blow molding the preform to form a blow molded article, wherein the step of blow molding the preform changes the orientation of the normal of at least some of the effect surfaces of the effect structures to create a visual effect in at least one wall of the blow molded article.

Non-symmetric and volume reduced preforms and containers stretch blow moulded therefrom by a continuously rotating, preform feed, stretch-blow-moulding machine dedicated to the stretch-blow-moulding of containers from non-symmetric or reduced volume injection moulded preforms; the non-symmetric or reduced volume preforms including an integral handle extending from a first junction point to a second junction point on a body of the preform; the body of the preform and the integral handle constituted from the same material.

Method for making blow molded articles having a predetermined feature incorporated into the wall provided by variations in the thickness of the wall of the article corresponding to a predetermined pattern etched into the preform from which the article was formed.

A method of manufacturing an off-center container includes: stretching a preform made of resin having a bottomed shape with a stretching rod, heating the preform; and blow-molding the off-center container, in which a central axis of a neck portion is displaced from a central axis of a body portion, by introducing a pressurized fluid into the preform disposed in a mold. The container has a flat shape and a dimension in a first direction in a cross section is longer than in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In a circumferential cross section of the preform, a thickness of a first region corresponding to a surface extending in the first direction of the container is set to be thicker than a thickness of a second region corresponding to a surface extending in the second direction of the container.

Non-symmetric and volume reduced preforms and containers stretch blow moulded therefrom by a continuously rotating, preform feed, stretch-blow-moulding machine dedicated to the stretch-blow-moulding of containers from non-symmetric or reduced volume injection moulded preforms; the non-symmetric or reduced volume preforms including an integral handle extending from a first junction point to a second junction point on a body of the preform; the body of the preform and the integral handle constituted from the same material.