System and method for pressurizing a plastic container

Abstract

A system for manufacturing a plastic container, including a thin-walled container, includes an actuator and a base unit. The actuator may include a body portion and a holding/securing member configured to hold or secure a portion of a container. The base unit includes a heating surface and may optionally include an insert. In an embodiment, the actuator may be configured to apply a force or pressure on a container to contact the base unit, the base unit may be configured to receive a base portion of the container, and the heating surface may be configured to convey energy or heat to a portion of the base portion of said container. Embodiments of a method for providing a plastic container are also disclosed.

1 . A system for manufacturing a filled plastic container, the system comprising:
 an actuator including a body portion and a holding/securing member configured to hold or secure a portion of said container;   a base unit including a heating surface; and   wherein the actuator is configured to apply a force or pressure on said container to contact the base unit; the base unit is configured to receive a base portion of said container; and the heating surface is configured to convey energy or heat to a portion of the base portion of said container.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to create a base portion with a flexible portion and a solid, substantially non-deformable catch point. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the catch point is configured to prevent a portion of the base portion from turn back or roll-out. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , including a plurality of catch points that substantially form a continuous circular formation. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to provide a rigid fold that prevents a portion of the base portion from turn back or roll-out. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said container includes a weak point. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the weak point comprises an angle, or an over-stretched or overhang zone, that urges or causes a portion of the bottom portion of said container to give-way at the same or intended position or location. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base portion of said container is not held and the actuator is configured to apply a force or pressure on said container such that a portion of the base portion directly contacts the base unit. 
     
     
         10 . A post-hot-filling process for fixing flexible or inversion segments or portions of a bottom of a container, the process comprising:
 providing a closed or sealed plastic container with contents;   conveying the plastic container to a base unit such that a base portion of the plastic container is not held, the base unit configured to engage or contact at least a portion of the base portion of the plastic container;   applying a force or pressure directly to urge the plastic container into engagement or contact with the base unit; and   conducting energy or heat to at least a portion of the base portion of the plastic container when the base portion is in operative engagement or contact with the base unit.   
     
     
         11 . The process of  claim 9 , including forming a rigid fold or catch in the base portion of the container. 
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 9 , including forming a flexible portion and a solid catch portion in the base portion of the container. 
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 11 , wherein the catch portion significantly reduces or eliminates turn back or roll-out of the base portion. 
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 11 , wherein “base roll-out” is significantly reduced or eliminated.