Patent Publication Number: US-2023150184-A1

Title: Container and method

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to blow-molded containers and more particularly to plastic containers capable of high fill temperatures and pasteurization, and methods for making the same for food packaging. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Plastic blow-molded containers are commonly used for food packaging products. Many food and beverage products are sold to the consuming public in blow-molded containers. These containers can be made from polyethylene terephthalate or other suitable plastic resins in a range of sizes. The empty blow-molded containers can be filled with food and/or beverage products at a fill site utilizing automated fill equipment. 
     For example, manufacture of such plastic blow-molded containers can include initially forming plastic resin into a preform, which may be provided by injection molding. Typically, the preform includes a mouth and a generally tubular body that terminates in a closed end. Prior to being formed into containers, preforms are softened and transferred into a mold cavity configured in the shape of a selected container. In the mold cavity, the preforms are blow-molded or stretch blow-molded and expanded into the selected container. 
     These food packaging containers are adapted to store food packaging products, however, during manufacturing and depending on the type of food being stored in the container, the container may need to be vented. For example, a container can be vented as a safety feature so that gas from an inside of the container is released into the atmosphere prior to a lid being removed from the container. A container can also be vented to facilitate the escape of steam from the inside of the container and into the atmosphere when the container is filled with a hot product during manufacture. This disclosure describes an improvement over these prior technologies. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a blow molded container is provided. The blow molded container includes a neck having a neck finish and a transverse rim that defines an opening. A closure is provided that is engageable with the neck such that the rim is movable relative to the neck to define one or more vents configured for passage of a gas. In some embodiments, container systems and methods of use and manufacturing containers are disclosed. 
     In one embodiment, the blow molded container includes a neck having a neck finish and a transverse rim that defines an opening. The transverse rim includes a pair of external projections defining a relief therebetween. A body defines a longitudinal axis, and a closure is engageable with the pair of external projections such that the rim is movable relative to the neck between a first configuration and a second configuration to define one or more vents configured for passage of a gas. 
     In one embodiment, the blow molded container includes a neck having a neck finish. A transverse rim is provided that defines an opening. The transverse rim includes at least one projection. A closure is engageable with the at least one projection such that the rim is movable relative to the neck between a first configuration and a second configuration to define one or more vents configured for passage of a gas. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the specific description accompanied by the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of one embodiment of components of a container in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is an enlarged view of detail A shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-section view of components of the container shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is an enlarged view of detail B shown in  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a top view of the container shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a break away side view of the container shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7    is an enlarged view of detail C shown in  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a front view of components of the container shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a break away perspective view of one embodiment of a container in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    is a break away perspective view of the container shown in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a break away perspective view of the container shown in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a break away perspective view of one embodiment of a container in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13    is a break away perspective view of one embodiment of a container in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    is a break away perspective view of one embodiment of a container in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  15    is a break away perspective view of one embodiment of a container in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  16    is a break away perspective view of one embodiment of a container in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  17    is a break away perspective view of one embodiment of a container in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  18    is a break away perspective view of one embodiment of a container in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  19    is a break away perspective view of one embodiment of a container in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  20    is a break away perspective view of one embodiment of a container in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  21    is a plan view of components of one embodiment of a container in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The exemplary embodiments of blow-molded containers and more particularly, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers and methods for making the same are discussed in terms of food packaging products. In some embodiments, the present container includes a blown-neck finish closure with a sealing surface compression vent for products that require a breathable container. 
     In some embodiments, the present container includes a recess, including a sealing surface vent configured to facilitate gas release from within a sealed container. In some embodiments, the sealing surface vent is formed from a change in shape in the sealing surface when a closure, for example, a lid engages the sealing surface and torque is applied to the lid. In some embodiments, torque applied to the lid deforms selected portions of the sealing surface to form a vent in the sealing surface. 
     In some embodiments, the present container includes a vented container including a sealing surface that includes a vent molded into the sealing surface. In some embodiments, the present container is manufactured via a single mold to avoid additional processing of a vent on a two-stage blown finish container during manufacture. In some embodiments, the vent includes a gas relief vent formed when a closure, for example, a lid is tightened onto the neck of the container. In some embodiments, the vent can be manufactured in conjunction with two stage blown threads without additional processing of the container to form the vented closure. 
     In some embodiments, the present container includes a finished container. In some embodiments, the sealing surface of the container is deformed to facilitate venting of air/gasses via engagement of the sealing surface with a lid that is tightened onto the neck of the container. In some embodiments, venting of air/gases is provided via movement, for example, flexation that occurs in the sealing surface when the lid is tightened and engages the sealing surface. In some embodiments, the manufacture of the container with sealing surface vents includes minimal processing changes to existing blown thread containers that do not include vents. 
     In some embodiments, the present container includes a sealing surface that defines one or more compression vents. In some embodiments, the sealing surfaces moves when a lid is tightened onto the neck of the container to form one or more vents in the sealing surface. In some embodiments, the sealing surface of the container is elongated. In some embodiments, the sealing surface is angled and is configured to move in a direction relative to a bottom of the container when the lid is tightened onto the container. In some embodiments, the movement of the sealing surface reduces the diameter of the sealing surface, leaving excess sealing surface material and enabling portions of the sealing surface to move downward and away from the lid. In some embodiments, the angle of the sealing surface relative to the container is from 1 to about 65 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the present container includes a sealing surface that defines a recess, for example, a relief. In some embodiments, the relief is disposed at an interface between an outermost diameter of a thread portion of the container and the sealing surface. In some embodiments, the relief includes a radius in a range of 0.1 to 1.5 millimeters (mm). In some embodiments, the sealing surface includes one or more projections, for example, one or more buttons. In some embodiments, the one or more projections each include a height that is greater than a height of the sealing surface. In some embodiments, a lid is configured to initially contact the one or more projections before the lid contacts the sealing surface. In some embodiments, the one or more projections are configured to push the sealing surface in a direction relative to a bottom of the container at or near the one or more projections to facilitate formation of one or more vents at the location where the one or more projections are disposed. 
     In some embodiments, the present container includes a sealing surface that defines one or more projections, for example, one or more buttons and one or more recesses, for example, one or more reliefs. In some embodiments, the one or more projections and/or one or more recesses are configured in various shapes. In some embodiments, the one or more projections and/or the one or more recesses are configured to facilitate movement at selected locations about a perimeter of the sealing surface. In some embodiments, the one or more recesses are disposed adjacent to the one or more projections. 
     In some embodiments, the present container includes a sealing surface that defines one or more buttons and/or one or more reliefs. In some embodiments, the container is formed via a mold. In some embodiments, the one or more buttons and/or the one or more reliefs are oriented on the sealing surface such that they do not interfere with mold release during manufacture. In some embodiments, placement of the one or more buttons and/or the one or more reliefs is dependent on an amount of venting desired for an intended use of the container and/or mold design constraints to ensure that the resulting container is reliably produced. In some embodiments, the one or more buttons and/or the one or more reliefs can be implemented on any container with a blown neck finish. 
     In some embodiments, the present container includes a sealing surface having an increased sealing surface width and/or angle. In some embodiments, a flex relief is disposed at the intersection of the outer-most diameter of a thread portion of the bottle and sealing surface. In some embodiments, the sealing surface includes one or more buttons to ensure movement of the sealing surface and vent location. In some embodiments, one or more reliefs are disposed adjacent to a button to increase vent effectiveness. 
     In some embodiments, the present container includes a sealing surface vent and/or a dome relief. In some embodiments, the sealing surface vent and/or the dome relief includes variously configured shapes and/or sizes. In some embodiments, the sealing surface includes a selected angle and/or width. In some embodiments, the angle and/or width of the sealing surface can vary depending on the appropriate angle and/or width for a particular application. In some embodiments, the container includes one or more buttons having variously configured shapes and/or sizes to provide movement of the sealing surface where desired. In some embodiments, one or more reliefs are adjacent to a vent and can be disposed at various locations on the sealing surface. In some embodiments, the sealing surface includes an even, uninterrupted and/or continuous surface configuration, for example, which does not include buttons and/or reliefs. 
     In some embodiments, the present container includes a sealing surface that defines a compression vent. In some embodiments, the compression vent is formed via a vent portion, for example, one or more reliefs defined from the sealing surface. In some embodiments, the compression vent is formed when a lid is tightened onto a neck of the container and tension is placed on the vent portion. In some embodiments, mechanical pressure applied to the cap moves in a downward direction onto an opening of the container defined by the sealing surface and a diameter of the opening is reduced. In some embodiments, the compression vent is a relief that is formed into the container mold. In some embodiments, the mechanical pressure creates compression that forces the one or more reliefs in a downward direction, thereby forming a compression vent in the sealing surface. 
     In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing the present container is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes the step of forming the container via a mold and/or an insert. In some embodiments, the mold and/or insert are machined to include the one or more buttons and/or the one or more reliefs of the present container described above. In some embodiments, the method includes the step of forming the one or more vents via engagement with a lid at a selected torque. 
     In some embodiments, the present manufacturing method fabricates the present container via an injection molded preform, which is subjected to a blow mold and trim process. In some embodiments, the present container can be filled with food, food preparation oils, viscous and/or beverage products. In some embodiments, the container is used for storing food including pretzels and/or cheeseballs. In some embodiments, the present container can be employed as a cold fill container. In some embodiments, the present container is employed as a light weight, high strength and barrier food packaging product. 
     In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a container that is employed with a method for manufacturing food packaging having the ability to produce food packages made from PET with minimal weight and selectively desirable physical performance features, as described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the present container is manufactured with selective physical performance features, for example, a reduction in plastic weight, a selected pre-form design, selected bottle processing and/or bottle crystallinity of a circumferential side wall of a blown container of the present container. In some embodiments, the selected physical performance features can include a higher injection molding efficiency and/or cavitation and an increased bi-axial orientation of PET container material. In some embodiments, the present container is manufactured with a smaller diameter preform, which forms a final bottle neck finish through the blowing process that allows for higher injection mold efficiency as well as improved material orientation throughout the container. In some embodiments, the container includes a container with an improved material distribution and crystalline orientation. In some embodiments, the manufacturing method provides a container having improved top load and/or permeability. In some embodiments, the manufacturing method provides stretching PET to optimum crystalline orientation levels to improve physical performance in top load, vacuum, gas and vapor permeation through the container side wall. 
     The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this application is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” 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, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It is also understood that all spatial references, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the references “upper” and “lower” are relative and used only in the context to the other, and are not necessarily “superior” and “inferior”. 
     The following discussion includes a description of components of a blow molded container. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed. Reference is made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Turning to  FIGS.  1 - 20   , there are illustrated components of a blow molded container  10 . 
     Container  10  is configured for storing products such as food, food preparation products and/or beverages. Container  10  includes a body  12  that extends from an end  14  to an end  16 , and defines a longitudinal axis AA, as shown in  FIG.  1   . Body  12  includes a circumferential side wall  18  that extends between ends  14 ,  16 . A volume V is defined from body  12 , as shown in  FIG.  1   . Body  12  includes a substantially cylindrical configuration. In some embodiments, body  12  may include various configurations, for example, oval, oblong triangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, and/or tapered. Body  12  may be manufactured by blow molding techniques, as described herein. In some embodiments, body  12  includes one or a plurality of walls. 
     End  14  includes a surface that defines a neck  20 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . Neck  20  is centrally disposed relative to body  12  and includes a cylindrical neck configuration. In some embodiments, neck  20  may include various configurations, for example, oval, oblong triangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, and/or tapered. In some embodiments, neck  20  can include various surface configurations including smooth, rough, textured, porous, semi-porous, dimpled, knurled, toothed, raised, grooved and/or polished. 
     Neck  20  includes a sealing surface  22  and a neck finish  24 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  7   . Sealing surface  22  includes a circumferential rim  26  that defines an opening  28  of neck  20 , as shown in  FIG.  5   . Rim  26  is transverse relative to longitudinal axis AA of body  12  by +/−45 degrees, as shown in  FIG.  1   . Rim  26  is configured for engagement with a closure, for example, a lid  40 , as shown in  FIG.  6   , such that rim  26  is movable between a first configuration, including a non-deformed orientation and a second configuration, including a deformed orientation, relative to neck  20  to define a vent  30  for passage of gas, as described herein. In some embodiments, rim  26  can include various surface configurations including smooth, rough, textured, porous, semi-porous, dimpled, knurled, toothed, raised, continuous, grooved and/or polished. 
     A surface of rim  26  defines an external projection, for example, a button  32 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2  and  5   . Button  32  is molded into rim  26 . Button  32  is configured for engagement with lid  40  to move rim  26  from the first configuration to the second configuration that defines vent  30 . In some embodiments, button  32  can include various surface configurations including smooth, rough, textured, porous, semi-porous, dimpled, knurled, toothed, raised, grooved and/or polished. In some embodiments, button  32  may include various configurations, for example, round, oval, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, star, oblong triangular, square, rectangular, half moon, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, and/or tapered. In some embodiments, rim  26  includes a plurality of buttons  32 . In some embodiments, buttons  32  are spaced apart along rim  26 . In some embodiments, rim  26  is continuous and does not include button  32 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , rim  26  includes a pair of buttons  32 . Buttons  32  are tapered. Buttons  32  define a recess, for example, a relief  34  disposed therebetween. Relief  34  is molded into rim  26 . Relief  34  is defined from a surface of container  10  disposed at an interface between an outermost diameter D 1  of a thread  36  and a surface of rim  26 , as shown in  FIG.  6   . Relief  34  includes a radius R 1 , as shown in  FIG.  4   . In some embodiments, radius R 1  is in a range of 0.1 to 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, relief  34  can include various surface configurations including smooth, rough, textured, porous, semi-porous, dimpled, knurled, toothed, raised, grooved and/or polished. In some embodiments, relief  34  may include various configurations, for example, round, oval, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, star, oblong triangular, square, rectangular, half moon, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, and/or tapered. In some embodiments, rim  26  includes one or more reliefs  34 . In some embodiments, one or more reliefs  34  are spaced apart along rim  26 . In some embodiments, rim  26  includes one or more reliefs  34  and does not include one or more buttons  32 . In some embodiments, rim  26  includes one or more buttons  32  and does not include one or more reliefs  34 . In some embodiments, rim  26  is continuous and does not include one or more buttons  32  and/or one or more reliefs  34 . 
     As described herein, rim  26  is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration to define vent  30 , as shown in  FIG.  8   . In the first configuration, rim  26  is oriented substantially perpendicular relative to longitudinal axis AA by +/−45 degrees, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  6   . In the first configuration, rim  26  defines an initial height H 1 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . To move rim  26  from the first configuration to the second configuration, lid  40  contacts rim  26  via button  32 . A selected amount of torque is applied to lid  40  such that force is applied to button  32  to move rim  26  from the first configuration to the second configuration such that rim  26  deforms to define vent  30 . The selected amount of torque is in a range of 15 to 80 lb/in. Force applied to rim  26  causes rim  26  to deform, moving the height of rim  26  from height H 1  to a height H 2  (not shown; see for example, a similar height H 4  shown in  FIG.  11   ). Height H 2  is less than height H 1 . Rim  26  deforms in a downward direction at button  32  and/or relief  34  to form vent  30 . In some embodiments, force applied to rim  26  causes rim  26  to deform, moving a diameter of rim  26  to form vent  30 . 
     In the second configuration, rim  26  is disposed at an angular orientation al relative to longitudinal axis AA in a range of 30 to 90 degrees, as shown in  FIG.  3   . In the second configuration, gas can enter or exit through vent  30  from inside or outside of container  10  when container  10  is sealed via lid  40 . Gas that exits through vent  30  from the inside of container  10  releases into atmosphere external to container  10 . In some embodiments, the gas includes a pressurized gas. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  9 - 11   , rim  26  includes a single projection, for example, a button  32 A, similar to button  32  described above. Button  32 A is rectangular shape and is disposed between a pair of tapered reliefs  34 A, similar to relief  34  described above. In some embodiments, rim  26  includes one or more buttons  32 A spaced apart along rim  26 . As described herein, rim  26  is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, rim  26  defines an initial height H 3 , as shown in  FIG.  10    and in the second configuration, rim  26  defines a height H 4 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . Height H 4  is less than height H 3 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  12   , rim  26  includes a single projection, for example, a button  32 B, similar to button  32  described above. Button  32 B is disposed on a raised surface of rim  26  and is disposed between a pair of elongated rectangular reliefs  34 B, similar to relief  34  described above. Rim  26  includes a second set of button  32 B and reliefs  34 B disposed on an opposing side of rim  26  relative to button  32 B and reliefs  34 B. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  13   , rim  26  includes a pair of projections, for example, buttons  32 C, similar to button  32  described above. Buttons  32 C are tapered and a relief  34 C is disposed therebetween, similar to relief  34  described above. Rim  26  includes a second set of buttons  32 C and relief  34 C disposed on an opposing side of rim  26  relative to buttons  32 C and relief  34 C. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  14   , rim  26  includes a pair of reliefs  34 D, similar to relief  34  described above. Reliefs  34 D include two converging tapered surfaces and a surface of rim  26  is disposed therebetween. In some embodiments, rim  26  includes one or more pairs of reliefs  34 D spaced apart along rim  26 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  15   , rim  26  includes a single projection, for example, a button  32 E, similar to button  32  described above. Button  32 E is disposed on a raised surface of rim  26  and is disposed between a pair of tapered reliefs  34 E, similar to relief  34  described above. Rim  26  includes a second set of button  32 E and reliefs  34 E disposed on an opposing side of rim  26  relative to button  32 E and reliefs  34 E. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  16   , rim  26  includes a pair of projections, for example, buttons  32 F, similar to button  32  described above. Buttons  32 F are square shaped and are disposed on a surface of an elongated rectangular relief  34 F, similar to relief  34  described above. Rim  26  includes a second set of buttons  32 F and relief  34 F disposed on an opposing side of rim  26  relative to buttons  32 F and relief  34 F. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  17   , rim  26  includes a relief  34 G, similar to relief  34  described above. In some embodiments, rim  26  includes one or more reliefs  34 G spaced apart along rim  26 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  18   , rim  26  includes a semi-circular relief  34 H, similar to relief  34  described above. In some embodiments, rim  26  includes one or more reliefs  34 H spaced apart along rim  26 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  19   , rim  26  includes a rectangular relief  34 I, similar to relief  34  described above. In some embodiments, rim  26  includes one or more reliefs  34 I spaced apart along rim  26 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  20   , rim  26  includes a relief  34 J disposed between a pair of reliefs  34 K, similar to relief  34  described above. Rim includes six reliefs  34 K. Reliefs  34 K are disposed perpendicular relative to a surface of rim  26 . In some embodiments, rim  26  can include more or less than six reliefs  34 K and one or more reliefs  34 J. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , vent  30  includes a wall that includes a continuous surface formed from surfaces of button  32  and surfaces of relief  34  that extends between a surface of neck  20  and rim  26 . Vent  30  is continuous and non-interrupted with openings. In some embodiments, vent  30  may include one or more through openings. Vent  30  is axially aligned relative to rim  26  and body  12 , as shown in  FIG.  8   . In some embodiments, vent  30  may be disposed at alternate orientations, relative to rim  26 , for example, parallel, transverse and/or angular orientations such as acute or obtuse, coaxial and/or may be offset or staggered. In some embodiments, vent  30  includes a saw-tooth configuration to provide tamper evidence. In some embodiments, vent  30  may include various configurations, for example, round, oval, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, star, oblong triangular, square, rectangular, half moon, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, and/or tapered. 
     In some embodiments, rim  30  includes a plurality of vents  30 . In some embodiments, the plurality of vents  30  are variously dimensioned and include, but are not limited to a length from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, a height from about 1 mm to about 10 mm and/or a depth from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the plurality of vents  30  include 1 to 10 vents, 2 to 6 vents or 2 to 8 vents. 
     Neck finish  24  includes thread  36 , as described herein that is configured for engagement with lid  40 , as shown in  FIG.  6   . In some embodiments, thread  36  includes at least one thread. In some embodiments, thread  36  includes a plurality of threads  36 . In some embodiments, thread  36  may include various configurations, for example, non-angled, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, and/or tapered. In some embodiments, thread  36  is continuous or discontinuous. 
     In some embodiments, container  10  includes a snap bead (not shown). The snap bead is configured for engagement with lid  40 . In some embodiments, the snap bead may include various configurations, for example, non-angled, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, and/or tapered. In some embodiments, lid  40  is metal and/or plastic. 
     Container  10  is made from PET. In some embodiments, container  10  may be fabricated from plastic. In some embodiments, container  10  may be fabricated from polyester (PES), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) (Saran), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyamides (PA) (Nylons), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PE/ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS), and/or polyurethanes (PU). In some embodiments, container  10 , as described herein, can be fabricated from materials suitable for food packaging products. In some embodiments, such materials include synthetic polymers such as thermoplastics, semi-rigid and rigid materials, elastomers, fabric and/or their composites. 
     In some embodiments, container  10  has a crystallinity from about 23% to about 32%. In some embodiments, a preform of container  10  can be heated and stretched to produce a container  10  having a crystallinity between about 10 and about 50%. In some embodiments, the preform of container  10  includes a molecular weight between about 120,000 g/mol and about 500,000 g/mol. 
     A finished PET blow-molded, container  10  is manufactured for use with a selected application, as described herein. In some embodiments, the selected application includes food, food preparation oils, viscous and/or beverage products. 
     In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing container  10 , as shown in  FIG.  21    is provided. During manufacture, a preform mold and/or insert is blown/molded in a blow molder. The preform includes a selected configuration and is molded into an intermediate article, for example, an intermediate container  50  having neck  20 , neck finish  24 , rim  26 , buttons  32 , relief  34 , and a dome  52 , as shown in  FIG.  19   . In some embodiments, dome  52  includes a portion of buttons  32  and/or relief  34 . Intermediate container  50  travels through a trimmer (not shown) where dome  52  is removed. The end product of manufacturing is the finished container  10 , shown in  FIGS.  1 - 8   . 
     When a product is disposed in container  10 , lid  40  is applied to neck  20  to form vent  30 , as shown in  FIG.  8   , and rim  26  is movable between the first configuration and the second configuration as described herein. To move rim  26  from the first configuration to the second configuration, lid  40  contacts rim  26  via button  32 . Lid  40  is rotated in a direction shown by arrow A in  FIG.  6   , and a selected amount of torque is applied to lid  40 . A selected amount of torque is applied to lid  40  such that force is applied to button  32  to move rim  26  from the first configuration to the second configuration such that rim  26  deforms to define vent  30 . Force applied to rim  26  causes rim  26  to deform in a direction, for example, a direction relative to end  16 , as shown by arrow B in  FIG.  6    to move the height of rim  26  from height H 1 , as shown in  FIG.  2   , to height H 2  (not shown; see for example, a similar height H 4  shown in  FIG.  11   ). Rim  26  deforms at the location of button  32  and/or relief  34  to form vent  30 . In some embodiments, vent  30  is a safety feature and enables container  10  to vent gas from an interior of container  10  and into the atmosphere prior to lid  40  removal. In some embodiments, vent  30  facilitates the venting of humid or moist air from the interior of container  10  and into the atmosphere when container  10  is filled with a hot product during manufacture. 
     It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.