Mid-America Machining v. Milacron Plastics - Complaint
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Transcript of Mid-America Machining v. Milacron Plastics - Complaint
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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
MID-AMERICA MACHINING, INC.
a Michigan corporation,
Plaintiff,
vs.
MILACRON PLASTICS TECHNOLOGIES
GROUP LLC
a Delaware limited liability company,
Defendant./
Case No.
Hon.
DEMAND FOR JURY
TRIAL
J. Michael Huget (P39150)Eric Sosenko (P43544)
Sarah E. Waidelich (admitted in New York)HONIGMAN MILLER SCHWARTZ AND COHN LLP
130 South First Street, Fourth Floor
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Tel: (734) 418-4254Fax: (734) [email protected]
Counsel for Plaintiff
______________________________________
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COMPLAINT AND JURY DEMAND
Pursuant to Rule 7(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiff Mid-
America Machining, Inc. (“Mid-America”) hereby provides its Complaint against
Defendant Milacron Plastics Technologies Group LLC (“Milacron” or “Uniloy”)
for patent infringement.
THE PARTIES
1. Plaintiff Mid-America is a corporation organized and existing under
the laws of the State of Michigan, having a registered address of 11530 Brooklyn
Road, Brooklyn, MI 49230.
2. Mid-America is a designer of containers, and a designer and
manufacturer of manufacturing equipment, such as extrusion blow molds and
tooling, and has a place of business in this jurisdiction at 11530 Brooklyn Road,
Brooklyn, MI 49230.
3. Upon information and belief, Milacron is a Delaware limited liability
company having a principal place of business in this jurisdiction at 5550 S.
Occidental Road Suite B, Tecumseh, MI 49286. Upon further information and
belief, Milacron sells infringing products in the United States, including within this
Judicial District, primarily under the brand name “Uniloy.”
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JURISDICTION AND VENUE
4. This action arises under the patent laws of the United States, Title 35,
Section 101 and 271, of the United States Code.
5. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action
pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338(a).
6. Upon information and belief, this Court has personal jurisdiction over
the Defendant because Defendant resides in this Judicial District, is registered to
do business in this Judicial District, and carries on a continuous and systematic part
of its general business within this Judicial District.
7. Upon information and belief, this Court also has personal jurisdiction
over the Defendant because Defendant regularly and continuously engages in
substantial sales and other business transactions in the Eastern District of
Michigan, and has sold infringing products and/or committed infringing acts in this
Judicial District. Further, Defendant has placed infringing products into the stream
of commerce knowing and intending that this Judicial District was, and is, a likely
destination of those products. This Court has personal jurisdiction over the
Defendant because Defendant caused injury to Plaintiff in this Judicial District.
Further, based upon information and belief, Defendant has substantial contacts
with this forum as a result of pervasive business activities conducted within the
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State of Michigan and within this Judicial District, including but not limited to the
selling or offering for sale of infringing products.
8. Venue is proper in this Judicial District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391
and 1400.
NATURE OF THIS ACTION
9. This is a civil action against Defendant Milacron for infringement of
certain United States patents arising under the laws of the United States set forth in
Title 35 of the United States Code.
10. Mid-America has numerous patents in the United States relating to
extrusion blow molds, tooling for machinery platforms, and various containers.
11. Mid-America seeks an award of monetary damages, including costs
and attorneys’ fees pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §§ 284 and 285 for violation of 35 U.S.C.
§ 271.
12. Mid-America further seeks an award preliminarily and permanently
enjoining and restraining Defendant from infringing the Patents-in-Suit.
Patents-in-Suit
13. On March 11, 2014, the United States Patent and Trademark Office
(“PTO”) duly and legally issued United States Patent No. 8,668,101 (the “’101
patent”), entitled “Method and Apparatus for Making a Light Weight Container.”
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A true and correct copy of the ’101 patent is attached as Exhibit A and is made a
part of this Complaint.
14. On September 17, 2013, the PTO duly and legally issued United
States Patent No. 8,535,599 (the “’599 patent”), entitled “Method and Apparatus
for Making a Light Weight Container.” A true and correct copy of the ’599 patent
is attached as Exhibit B and is made a part of this Complaint.
15. On March 17, 2015, the PTO duly and legally issued United States
Patent No. 8,979,524 (the “’524 patent”), entitled “Method and Apparatus for
Making a Light Weight Container.” A true and correct copy of the ’524 patent is
attached as Exhibit C and is made a part of this Complaint.
16. On March 26, 2013, the PTO duly and legally issued United States
Design Patent No. D678,774 (the “’D774 patent”), entitled “Container.” A true and
correct copy of the ’D774 patent is attached hereto as Exhibit D and is made a part
of this Complaint.
17. On March 19, 2013, the PTO duly and legally issued United States
Design Patent No. D678,072 (the “’D072 patent”), entitled “Container.” A true and
correct copy of the ’D072 patent is attached hereto as Exhibit E and is made a part
of this Complaint.
18. The United States patents identified in paragraphs 13-17 above are
collectively referred to herein as the “Patents-in-Suit.”
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19. The Patents-in-Suit are directed, inter alia, to methods and
apparatuses for manufacturing lightweight, blow-molded containers, and the
containers themselves.
20. Mid-America was the assignee of all right, title, and interest in the
Patents-in-Suit throughout the period of Defendant’s infringement and is currently
the assignee of all right, title, and interest in the Patents-in-Suit, including the right
to bring and maintain this action with respect to the Patents-in-Suit.
Milacron’s Infringing Activity
21. Mid-America owns all rights, title and interest in the Patents-in-Suit.
22. Based upon information and belief, Milacron designs, engineers,
makes, validates, uses, sells, and/or offers to sell in the United States, including in
this Judicial District, machinery and products that infringe upon Mid-America’s
rights in the Patents-in-Suit, and Milacron will continue to do so unless enjoined
by this Court.
23. Milacron is a designer and manufacturer of machinery, molds and
tooling, including, but not limited to, blow-molding technologies, and containers
produced by such technologies.
24. Upon information and belief, Milacron markets and sells its infringing
products primarily under the brand name “Uniloy.”
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25. Milacron is a designer and manufacturer of machinery, molds, and
tooling (the “Accused Machinery”) used to manufacture lightweight containers
marked with number 80875 (the “80875 Container”) (shown in Figs. 1 and 2
below) and lightweight containers marked with number 70985 (the “70985
Container”) (shown in Figs. 3 and 4 below). The Accused Machinery, the 80875
Container, and the 70985 Container are collectively referred to herein as “Accused
Products.”
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
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Fig. 3 Fig. 4
26. Based upon information and belief, Milacron is making, using,
selling, offering to sell, and/or distributing Accused Products at least to Meijer,
Inc.
27. Milacron is part of a sophisticated family of companies that is aware
of the intellectual property rights of others in the relevant blow-molding industry.
Upon information and belief, Milacron regularly conducts searches for patents
related to its products. Also based upon information and belief, Milacron has
secured its own patents related to manufacturing technologies and is, therefore,
knowledgeable and well aware of the patent landscape among its competitors.
Milacron also marks certain of its products with “patent pending,” and markets to
potential clients that its products embody “patent pending” technology, further
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evidence that it is actively attempting to prosecute and secure patents. Thus, a
reasonable inference is that Milacron is aware of the Patents-in-Suit. Mid-America
asserts that this reasonable inference is true.
28. Mid-America prominently marks its products with the Patents-in-Suit.
For example, a container incorporating and manufactured with Mid-America’s
patented technology will direct the consumer to the following website:
http://www.mam-patents.com/. This website lists the products covered by one or
more of the listed patents, including all of the Patents-in-Suit. Thus, Mid-America
hereby asserts that there is a reasonable inference that Milacron has had knowledge
of the Patents-in-Suit prior to the filing of this Complaint. Mid-America asserts
that this reasonable inference is true.
29. At least as early as May 2012, Mid-America informed Milacron that it
had developed a new light weight container and new technologies for
manufacturing light weight containers, and that it was in the process of patenting
said container and technologies.
30. At least as early as October 2014, Mid-America informed Milacron
that, pursuant to its efforts to patent its new light weight container and new
technologies for manufacturing light weight containers, the PTO had issued the
’101 patent, the ’599 patent, and the ’D774 patent. Mid-America transmitted
multiple email communications to Milacron’s Vice President and General
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Manager, Dave Skala, identifying the ’101 patent, the ’599 patent, and the ’D774
patent, and Milacron’s potential infringement thereof, should it pursue
development of light weight containers, machinery, molds, and tooling to
manufacture light weight containers as claimed in the ’101 patent, the ’599 patent,
and the ’D774 patent. Thus, Milacron has had actual knowledge of at least some of
the Patents-in-Suit, and of Milacron’s infringement thereof, prior to the filing of
this Complaint.
31. Therefore, Milacron has had knowledge of at least some of the
Patents-in-Suit, and of Milacron’s infringement of at least some of the Patents-in-
Suit, for years.
COUNT I
DIRECT INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO. 8,668,101
(VIOLATION OF 35 U.S.C. §§ 101 AND 271)
32. Mid-America repeats and re-alleges the allegations contained in
Paragraphs 1-31 above as if fully set forth herein.
33. The ’101 patent was duly and legally issued by the PTO, and was duly
and legally assigned to Mid-America.
34. All rights, title, and interest in and to the ’101 patent are vested in
Mid-America.
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35. Upon information and belief, Milacron has directly infringed, and
continues to directly infringe, literally or under the doctrine of equivalents, the
claims of the ’101 patent by making, using, importing, selling, and offering for sale
in Michigan and nationwide, Accused Products, including, but not limited to, the
80875 Container, which embody the subject matter claimed in the ’101 patent.
36. Defendant’s infringing activities violate 35 U.S.C. § 271.
37. With knowledge of the ’101 patent, Defendant continues to infringe
claims of the ’101 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 271(a).
38. Alternatively, if Milacron asserts that it had no knowledge of the ’101
patent prior to the filing of this Complaint, Milacron was willfully blind to a
competitor’s patent rights.
39. It is reasonable to infer at least based on the facts set forth in
Paragraphs 27-30 above, and because of Milacron’s knowledge of its infringement
since at least October 2014, that Milacron’s conduct has been willful, wanton and
deliberate. It is also reasonable to infer that Milacron’s actions have been
objectively reckless based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-30 above. Despite
any statement to the contrary, and upon information and belief, Milacron will
continue to infringe the ’101 patent unless enjoined by the Court.
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40. The actions of Milacron with regard to infringement of the ’101 patent
are willful such that Mid-America is entitled to treble damages under 35 U.S.C. §
284.
41. In addition, Mid-America has no adequate remedy at law against
Milacron’s continuing acts of infringement. Milacron’s infringement of the ’101
patent may continue unless and until enjoined by this Court, causing Mid-America
irreparable harm.
42. Mid-America is therefore entitled to an injunction under 35 U.S.C. §
283 against Milacron, preliminarily and permanently enjoining and restraining
Milacron from infringing the ’101 patent, and from making, manufacturing,
developing, producing, supplying, selling, distributing, advertising, using and
offering for sale the 80875 Container, or any other product which incorporates any
of Mid-America’s rights protected by the ’101 patent.
43. This is an exceptional case that falls within the provisions of 35
U.S.C. § 285 and accordingly Mid-America is entitled to an award of reasonable
attorneys’ fees.
COUNT II
INDIRECT INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO. 8,668,101
(VIOLATION OF 35 U.S.C. §§ 101 AND 271)
44. Mid-America repeats and re-alleges the allegations contained in
Paragraphs 1-43 above as if fully set forth herein.
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45. Certain claims of the ’101 patent are directed to blow-molded
containers. These containers are produced, alone or in combination with the
patented methods and apparatuses, by third parties, such as Milacron’s customers.
46. On its website, http://www.uniloyna.com/index.html, Defendant states
that, as the worldwide leader in blow molding technologies, it develops and
produces far more than just machinery, molds and tooling.
47. The reasonable inference drawn from the facts set forth above is that
Milacron’s Accused Machinery have no use without infringing the ’101 patent.
Mid-America asserts that this reasonable inference is true.
48. Milacron knowingly and actively induces others to infringe, and/or
Milacron contributorily infringes claims of the ’101 patent under 35 U.S.C.
§271(b) and/or § 271(c).
49. Based upon information and belief, Milacron induces infringement by
designing products to have infringing capability, by providing customers with the
means to infringe, by instructing them how to infringe, and by providing support
services to its customers regarding installation, validation and maintenance of the
Accused Products. Milacron does so with knowledge of the ’101 patent,
knowledge that its instructions and support services cause its customers to infringe
the ’101 patent, and with the specific intent to cause infringement. As a non-
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limiting example, upon information and belief, Meijer, Inc. is a customer of
Milacron for the Accused Products.
50. By their use of the Accused Products, Milacron’s customers and end
users directly infringe claims of the ’101 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 271(a). As
stated above, upon information and belief, Meijer, Inc. is a customer of Milacron
for the Accused Products.
51. Based on the facts alleged above, it is a reasonable inference that
Milacron knew that its Accused Products were especially made or adapted for use
to infringe the ’101 patent.
52. It is reasonable to infer based on the facts set forth above in
Paragraphs 27-30 that Milacron knowingly and affirmatively intends to actively
induce and contribute to the infringement of the ’101 patent under 35 U.S.C. §
271(b) and/or § 271(c). Mid-America asserts that this reasonable inference is true.
53. With knowledge of the ’101 patent and knowledge that the acts it
induces constitute patent infringement, Milacron continues to induce infringement
of the ’101 patent.
54. It is reasonable to infer based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-
30 above, and because of Milacron’s knowledge of its infringement since at least
October 2014, that Milacron’s conduct has been willful, wanton, and deliberate. It
is also reasonable to infer that Milacron’s actions have been objectively reckless
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based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-30 above. The actions of Milacron
with regard to infringement of the ’101 patent are willful such that Mid-America is
entitled to treble damages under 35 U.S.C. § 284.
55. Milacron’s infringement of the ’101 patent has been intentional and
willful, making this an exceptional case.
56. Despite any statement to the contrary, and upon information and
belief, Milacron will continue to infringe the ’101 patent unless enjoined by this
Court.
57. Mid-America has no adequate remedy at law. Unless enjoined by this
Court, Milacron will continue such acts of infringement, causing Mid-America to
incur substantial and irreparable damage.
COUNT III
DIRECT INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO. 8,535,599
(VIOLATION OF 35 U.S.C. §§ 101 AND 271)
58. Mid-America repeats and re-alleges the allegations contained in
Paragraphs 1-57 above as if fully set forth herein.
59. The ’599 patent was duly and legally issued by the PTO, and was duly
and legally assigned to Mid-America.
60. All rights, title, and interest in and to the ’599 patent are vested in
Mid-America.
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61. Upon information and belief, Milacron has directly infringed, and
continues to directly infringe, literally or under the doctrine of equivalents, the
claims of the ’599 patent by making, using, importing, selling, and offering for sale
in Michigan and nationwide, Accused Products, including, but not limited to,
Accused Machinery used to produce light weight containers such as the 80875
Container, which embody the subject matter claimed in the ’599 patent.
62. Defendant’s infringing activities violate 35 U.S.C. § 271.
63. With knowledge of the ’599 patent, Defendant continues to infringe
claims of the ’599 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 271(a).
64. Alternatively, if Milacron asserts that it had no knowledge of the ’599
patent prior to the filing of this Complaint, Milacron was willfully blind to a
competitor’s patent rights.
65. It is reasonable to infer at least based on the facts set forth in
Paragraphs 27-30 above, and because of Milacron’s knowledge of its infringement
since at least October 2014, that Milacron’s conduct has been willful, wanton and
deliberate. It is also reasonable to infer that Milacron’s actions have been
objectively reckless based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-30 above. Despite
any statement to the contrary, and upon information and belief, Milacron will
continue to infringe the ’599 patent unless enjoined by the Court.
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66. The actions of Milacron with regard to infringement of the ’599 patent
are willful such that Mid-America is entitled to treble damages under 35 U.S.C. §
284.
67. In addition, Mid-America has no adequate remedy at law against
Milacron’s continuing acts of infringement. Milacron’s infringement of the ’599
patent may continue unless and until enjoined by this Court, causing Mid-America
irreparable harm.
68. Mid-America is therefore entitled to an injunction under 35 U.S.C. §
283 against Milacron, preliminarily and permanently enjoining and restraining
Milacron from infringing the ’599 patent, and from making, manufacturing,
developing, producing, supplying, selling, distributing, advertising, using and
offering for sale the Accused Machinery or any product used to manufacture the
80875 Container, or any other product which incorporates any of Mid-America’s
rights protected by the ’599 patent.
69. This is an exceptional case that falls within the provisions of 35
U.S.C. § 285 and accordingly Mid-America is entitled to an award of reasonable
attorneys’ fees.
COUNT IV
INDIRECT INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO. 8,535,599
(VIOLATION OF 35 U.S.C. §§ 101 AND 271)
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70. Mid-America repeats and re-alleges the allegations contained in
Paragraphs 1-69 above as if fully set forth herein.
71. Certain claims of the ’599 patent are directed to methods for forming
blow-molded containers. In order for these methods to provide the intended
function, they are used, alone or in combination with the patented apparatuses, by
third parties, such as Milacron’s customers.
72. On its website, http://www.uniloyna.com/index.html, Defendant states
that, as the worldwide leader in blow molding technologies, it develops and
produces far more than just machinery, molds and tooling.
73. The reasonable inference drawn from the facts set forth above is that
Milacron’s Accused Machinery are a material part of the systems, assemblies,
and/or components claimed in the ’599 patent and that they are not a staple item of
commerce. Milacron’s Accused Machinery has no use without infringing the ’599
patent. Mid-America asserts that this reasonable inference is true.
74. Milacron knowingly and actively induces others to infringe, and/or
Milacron contributorily infringes claims of the ’599 patent under 35 U.S.C.
§271(b) and/or § 271(c).
75. Based upon information and belief, Milacron induces infringement by
designing products to have infringing capability, by providing customers with the
means to infringe, by instructing them how to infringe, and by providing support
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services to its customers regarding installation, validation and maintenance of the
Accused Products. Milacron does so with knowledge of the ’599 patent,
knowledge that its instructions and support services cause its customers to infringe
the ’599 patent, and with the specific intent to cause infringement. As a non-
limiting example, upon information and belief, Meijer, Inc. is a customer of
Milacron for the Accused Products.
76. By their use of the Accused Products, Milacron’s customers and end
users directly infringe claims of the ’599 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 271(a). As
stated above, upon information and belief, Meijer, Inc. is a customer of Milacron
for the Accused Products.
77. Based on the facts alleged above, it is a reasonable inference that
Milacron knew that its Accused Products were especially made or adapted for use
to infringe the ’599 patent.
78. It is reasonable to infer based on the facts set forth above in
Paragraphs 27-30 that Milacron knowingly and affirmatively intends to actively
induce and contribute to the infringement of the ’599 patent under 35 U.S.C. §
271(b) and/or § 271(c). Mid-America asserts that this reasonable inference is true.
79. With knowledge of the ’599 patent and knowledge that the acts it
induces constitute patent infringement, Milacron continues to induce infringement
of the ’599 patent.
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80. It is reasonable to infer based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-
30 above, and because of Milacron’s knowledge of its infringement since at least
October 2014, that Milacron’s conduct has been willful, wanton, and deliberate. It
is also reasonable to infer that Milacron’s actions have been objectively reckless
based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-30 above. The actions of Milacron
with regard to infringement of the ’599 patent are willful such that Mid-America is
entitled to treble damages under 35 U.S.C. § 284.
81. Milacron’s infringement of the ’599 patent has been intentional and
willful, making this an exceptional case.
82. Despite any statement to the contrary, and upon information and
belief, Milacron will continue to infringe the ’599 patent unless enjoined by this
Court.
83. Mid-America has no adequate remedy at law. Unless enjoined by this
Court, Milacron will continue such acts of infringement, causing Mid-America to
incur substantial and irreparable damage.
COUNT V
DIRECT INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO. 8,979,524
(VIOLATION OF 35 U.S.C. §§ 101 AND 271)
84. Mid-America repeats and re-alleges the allegations contained in
Paragraphs 1-83 above as if fully set forth herein.
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85. The ’524 patent was duly and legally issued by the PTO, and was duly
and legally assigned to Mid-America.
86. All rights, title, and interest in and to the ’524 patent are vested in
Mid-America.
87. Upon information and belief, Milacron has directly infringed, and
continues to directly infringe, literally or under the doctrine of equivalents, the
claims of the ’524 patent by making, using, importing, selling, and offering for sale
in Michigan and nationwide, Accused Products, including, but not limited to,
Accused Machinery used to produce light weight containers such as the 80875
Container, which embody the subject matter claimed in the ’524 patent.
88. Defendant’s infringing activities violate 35 U.S.C. § 271.
89. Upon information and belief, Milacron gained knowledge of the ’524
patent at least as early as the issue date of the ’524 patent, on March 17, 2015. The
‘524 patent is a division of Application No. 13/405,495, now the ’101 patent, and
upon information and belief, Milacron was aware of issued patents and published
patent applications relating to the ’101 patent.
90. With knowledge of the ’524 patent, Defendant continues to infringe
claims of the ’524 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 271(a).
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91. Alternatively, if Milacron asserts that it had no knowledge of the ’524
patent prior to the filing of this Complaint, Milacron was willfully blind to a
competitor’s patent rights.
92. It is reasonable to infer at least based on the facts set forth in
Paragraphs 27-28 above, that Milacron’s conduct has been willful, wanton and
deliberate. It is also reasonable to infer that Milacron’s actions have been
objectively reckless based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-28 above. Despite
any statement to the contrary, and upon information and belief, Milacron will
continue to infringe the ’524 patent unless enjoined by the Court.
93. The actions of Milacron with regard to infringement of the ’524 patent
are willful such that Mid-America is entitled to treble damages under 35 U.S.C. §
284.
94. In addition, Mid-America has no adequate remedy at law against
Milacron’s continuing acts of infringement. Milacron’s infringement of the ’524
patent may continue unless and until enjoined by this Court, causing Mid-America
irreparable harm.
95. Mid-America is therefore entitled to an injunction under 35 U.S.C. §
283 against Milacron, preliminarily and permanently enjoining and restraining
Milacron from infringing the ’524 patent, and from making, manufacturing,
developing, producing, supplying, selling, distributing, advertising, using and
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offering for sale the Accused Machinery or any product used to manufacture the
80875 Container, or any other product which incorporates any of Mid-America’s
rights protected by the ’524 patent.
96. This is an exceptional case that falls within the provisions of 35
U.S.C. § 285 and accordingly Mid-America is entitled to an award of reasonable
attorneys’ fees.
COUNT VI
INDIRECT INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO. 8,979,524(VIOLATION OF 35 U.S.C. §§ 101 AND 271)
97. Mid-America repeats and re-alleges the allegations contained in
Paragraphs 1-96 above as if fully set forth herein.
98. Certain claims of the ’524 patent are directed to apparatuses for
forming blow-molded containers. In order for these apparatuses to provide the
intended function, they are used, alone or in combination with the patented
methods, by third parties, such as Milacron’s customers.
99. On its website, http://www.uniloyna.com/index.html, Defendant states
that, as the worldwide leader in blow molding technologies, it develops and
produces far more than just machinery, molds and tooling.
100. The reasonable inference drawn from the facts set forth above is that
Milacron’s Accused Machinery are a material part of the systems, assemblies,
and/or components claimed in the ’524 patent and that they are not a staple item of
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commerce. Milacron’s Accused Machinery has no use without infringing the ’524
patent. Mid-America asserts that this reasonable inference is true.
101. Milacron knowingly and actively induces others to infringe, and/or
Milacron contributorily infringes claims of the ’524 patent under 35 U.S.C.
§271(b) and/or § 271(c).
102. Based upon information and belief, Milacron induces infringement by
designing products to have infringing capability, by providing customers with the
means to infringe, by instructing them how to infringe, and by providing support
services to its customers regarding installation, validation and maintenance of the
Accused Products. Milacron does so with knowledge of the ’524 patent,
knowledge that its instructions and support services cause its customers to infringe
the ’524 patent, and with the specific intent to cause infringement. As a non-
limiting example, upon information and belief, Meijer, Inc. is a customer of
Milacron for the Accused Products.
103. By their use of the Accused Products, Milacron’s customers and end
users directly infringe claims of the ’524 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 271(a). As
stated above, upon information and belief, Meijer, Inc. is a customer of Milacron
for the Accused Products.
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104. Based on the facts alleged above, it is a reasonable inference that
Milacron knew that its Accused Products were especially made or adapted for use
to infringe the ’524 patent.
105. It is reasonable to infer based on the facts set forth above in
Paragraphs 27-28 that Milacron knowingly and affirmatively intends to actively
induce and contribute to the infringement of the ’524 patent under 35 U.S.C. §
271(b) and/or § 271(c). Mid-America asserts that this reasonable inference is true.
106. With knowledge of the ’524 patent and knowledge that the acts it
induces constitute patent infringement, Milacron continues to induce infringement
of the ’524 patent.
107. It is reasonable to infer based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-
28 above, that Milacron’s conduct has been willful, wanton, and deliberate. It is
also reasonable to infer that Milacron’s actions have been objectively reckless
based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-28 above. The actions of Milacron
with regard to infringement of the ’524 patent are willful such that Mid-America is
entitled to treble damages under 35 U.S.C. § 284.
108. Milacron’s infringement of the ’524 patent has been intentional and
willful, making this an exceptional case.
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109. Despite any statement to the contrary, and upon information and
belief, Milacron will continue to infringe the ’524 patent unless enjoined by this
Court.
110. Mid-America has no adequate remedy at law. Unless enjoined by this
Court, Milacron will continue such acts of infringement, causing Mid-America to
incur substantial and irreparable damage.
COUNT VII
DIRECT INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO. D678,774(VIOLATION OF 35 U.S.C. §§ 101 AND 271)
111. Mid-America repeats and re-alleges the allegations contained in
Paragraphs 1-110 above as if fully set forth herein.
112. The ’D774 patent was duly and legally issued by the PTO, and was
duly and legally assigned to Mid-America.
113. All rights, title, and interest in and to the ’D774 patent are vested in
Mid-America.
114. Upon information and belief, Milacron has directly infringed, and
continues to directly infringe, the claim of the ’D774 patent by making, using,
importing, selling, and offering for sale in Michigan and nationwide, containers,
including but not limited to, the 80875 Container, which embody the subject matter
claimed in the ’D774 patent.
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115. Defendant’s infringing activities violate 35 U.S.C. § 271.
116. With knowledge of the ’D774 patent, Defendant continues to infringe
claims of the ’D774 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 271(a).
117. Alternatively, if Milacron asserts that it had no knowledge of the
’D774 patent prior to the filing of this Complaint, Milacron was willfully blind to a
competitor’s patent rights.
118. It is reasonable to infer at least based on the facts set forth in
Paragraphs 27-30 above, and because of Milacron’s knowledge of its infringement
since at least October 2014, that Milacron’s conduct has been willful, wanton and
deliberate. It is also reasonable to infer that Milacron’s actions have been
objectively reckless based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-30 above. Despite
any statement to the contrary, and upon information and belief, Milacron will
continue to infringe the ’D774 patent unless enjoined by the Court.
119. The actions of Milacron with regard to infringement of the ’D774
patent are willful such that Mid-America is entitled to treble damages under 35
U.S.C. § 284.
120. In addition, Mid-America has no adequate remedy at law against
Milacron’s continuing acts of infringement. Milacron’s infringement of the ’D774
patent may continue unless and until enjoined by this Court, causing Mid-America
irreparable harm.
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121. Mid-America is therefore entitled to an injunction under 35 U.S.C. §
283 against Milacron, preliminarily and permanently enjoining and restraining
Milacron from infringing the ’101 patent, and from making, manufacturing,
developing, producing, supplying, selling, distributing, advertising, using and
offering for sale the 80875 Container, or any other product which incorporates any
of Mid-America’s rights protected by the ’D774 patent.
122. This is an exceptional case that falls within the provisions of 35
U.S.C. § 285 and accordingly Mid-America is entitled to an award of reasonable
attorneys’ fees.
COUNT VIII
INDIRECT INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO. D678,774
(VIOLATION OF 35 U.S.C. §§ 101 AND 271)
123. Mid-America repeats and re-alleges the allegations contained in
Paragraphs 1-122 above as if fully set forth herein.
124. Upon information and belief, Milacron knowingly and actively
induces others to infringe, and/or Milacron contributorily infringes claims of the
’D774 patent under 35 U.S.C. §271(b) and/or § 271(c).
125. Based upon information and belief, Milacron induces infringement by
designing products to have infringing capability, by providing customers with the
means to infringe, by instructing them how to infringe, and by providing support
services to its customers regarding installation, validation and maintenance of the
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Accused Products. Milacron does so with knowledge of the ’D774 patent,
knowledge that its instructions and support services cause its customers to infringe
the ’D774 patent, and with the specific intent to cause infringement. As a non-
limiting example, upon information and belief, Meijer, Inc. is a customer of
Milacron for the Accused Products.
126. By their use of the Accused Products, Milacron’s customers and end
users directly infringe claims of the ’D774 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 271(a). As
stated above, upon information and belief, Meijer, Inc. is a customer of Milacron
for the Accused Products.
127. Based on the facts alleged above, it is a reasonable inference that
Milacron knew that its Accused Products were especially made or adapted for use
to infringe the ’D774 patent.
128. It is reasonable to infer based on the facts set forth above in
Paragraphs 27-30 that Milacron knowingly and affirmatively intends to actively
induce and contribute to the infringement of the ’D774 patent under 35 U.S.C. §
271(b) and/or § 271(c). Mid-America asserts that this reasonable inference is true.
129. With knowledge of the ’D774 patent and knowledge that the acts it
induces constitute patent infringement, Milacron continues to induce infringement
of the ’D774 patent.
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130. It is reasonable to infer based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-
30 above, and because of Milacron’s knowledge of its infringement since at least
October 2014, that Milacron’s conduct has been willful, wanton, and deliberate. It
is also reasonable to infer that Milacron’s actions have been objectively reckless
based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-30 above. The actions of Milacron
with regard to infringement of the ’D774 patent are willful such that Mid-America
is entitled to treble damages under 35 U.S.C. § 284.
131. Milacron’s infringement of the ’D774 patent has been intentional and
willful, making this an exceptional case.
132. Despite any statement to the contrary, and upon information and
belief, Milacron will continue to infringe the ’D774 patent unless enjoined by this
Court.
133. Mid-America has no adequate remedy at law. Unless enjoined by this
Court, Milacron will continue such acts of infringement, causing Mid-America to
incur substantial and irreparable damage.
COUNT IX
DIRECT INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO. D678,072
(VIOLATION OF 35 U.S.C. §§ 101 AND 271)
134. Mid-America repeats and re-alleges the allegations contained in
Paragraphs 1-133 above as if fully set forth herein.
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135. The ’D072 patent was duly and legally issued by the PTO, and was
duly and legally assigned to Mid-America.
136. All rights, title, and interest in and to the ’D072 patent are vested in
Mid-America.
137. Upon information and belief, Milacron has directly infringed, and
continues to directly infringe, the claims of the ’D072 patent by making, using,
importing, selling, and offering for sale in Michigan and nationwide, containers,
including but not limited to, the 70985 Container, which embody the subject matter
claimed in the ’D072 patent.
138. Defendant’s infringing activities violate 35 U.S.C. § 271.
139. With knowledge of the ’D072 patent, Defendant continues to infringe
claims of the ’D072 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 271(a).
140. Alternatively, if Milacron asserts that it had no knowledge of the
’D072 patent prior to the filing of this Complaint, Milacron was willfully blind to a
competitor’s patent rights.
141. It is reasonable to infer at least based on the facts set forth in
Paragraphs 27-28 above, that Milacron’s conduct has been willful, wanton and
deliberate. It is also reasonable to infer that Milacron’s actions have been
objectively reckless based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-28 above. Despite
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any statement to the contrary, and upon information and belief, Milacron will
continue to infringe the ’D072 patent unless enjoined by the Court.
142. The actions of Milacron with regard to infringement of the ’D072
patent are willful such that Mid-America is entitled to treble damages under 35
U.S.C. § 284.
143. In addition, Mid-America has no adequate remedy at law against
Milacron’s continuing acts of infringement. Milacron’s infringement of the ’D072
patent may continue unless and until enjoined by this Court, causing Mid-America
irreparable harm.
144. Mid-America is therefore entitled to an injunction under 35 U.S.C. §
283 against Milacron, preliminarily and permanently enjoining and restraining
Milacron from infringing the ’D072 patent, and from making, manufacturing,
developing, producing, supplying, selling, distributing, advertising, using and
offering for sale the 70985 Container or any other product which incorporates any
of Mid-America’s rights protected by the ’D072 patent.
145. This is an exceptional case that falls within the provisions of 35
U.S.C. § 285 and accordingly Mid-America is entitled to an award of reasonable
attorneys’ fees.
COUNT X
INDIRECT INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO. D678,072
(VIOLATION OF 35 U.S.C. §§ 101 AND 271)
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146. Mid-America repeats and re-alleges the allegations contained in
Paragraphs 1-145 above as if fully set forth herein.
147. Upon information and belief, Milacron knowingly and actively
induces others to infringe, and/or Milacron contributorily infringes claims of the
’D072 patent under 35 U.S.C. §271(b) and/or § 271(c).
148. Based upon information and belief, Milacron induces infringement by
designing products to have infringing capability, by providing customers with the
means to infringe, by instructing them how to infringe, and by providing support
services to its customers regarding installation, validation and maintenance of the
Accused Products. Milacron does so with knowledge of the ’D072 patent,
knowledge that its instructions and support services cause its customers to infringe
the ’D072 patent, and with the specific intent to cause infringement. As a non-
limiting example, upon information and belief, Meijer, Inc. is a customer of
Milacron for the Accused Products.
149. By their use of the Accused Products, Milacron’s customers and end
users directly infringe claims of the ’D072 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 271(a). As
stated above, upon information and belief, Meijer, Inc. is a customer of Milacron
for the Accused Products.
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150. Based on the facts alleged above, it is a reasonable inference that
Milacron knew that its Accused Products were especially made or adapted for use
to infringe the ’D072 patent.
151. It is reasonable to infer based on the facts set forth above in
Paragraphs 27-28 that Milacron knowingly and affirmatively intends to actively
induce and contribute to the infringement of the ’D072 patent under 35 U.S.C. §
271(b) and/or § 271(c). Mid-America asserts that this reasonable inference is true.
152. With knowledge of the ’D072 patent and knowledge that the acts it
induces constitute patent infringement, Milacron continues to induce infringement
of the ’D072 patent.
153. It is reasonable to infer based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-
28 above, that Milacron’s conduct has been willful, wanton, and deliberate. It is
also reasonable to infer that Milacron’s actions have been objectively reckless
based on the facts set forth in Paragraphs 27-28 above. The actions of Milacron
with regard to infringement of the ’D072 patent are willful such that Mid-America
is entitled to treble damages under 35 U.S.C. § 284.
154. Milacron’s infringement of the ’D072 patent has been intentional and
willful, making this an exceptional case.
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155. Despite any statement to the contrary, and upon information and
belief, Milacron will continue to infringe the ’D072 patent unless enjoined by this
Court.
156. Mid-America has no adequate remedy at law. Unless enjoined by this
Court, Milacron will continue such acts of infringement, causing Mid-America to
incur substantial and irreparable damage.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully demands the entry of judgment
against the Defendant as follows:
A. Milacron has infringed one or more of the Patents-in-Suit;
B. Milacron’s infringement of the Patents-in-Suit has been willful and
deliberate;
C. Milacron and its officers, agents, representatives, employees and all
others in concert or participation with them, directly or indirectly, be
enjoined preliminarily and permanently from infringing, inducing
others to infringe and contributing to the infringement of the Patents-
in-Suit;
D. Plaintiff Mid-America be awarded damages adequate to compensate
for Milacron’s infringement of the Patents-in-Suit together with pre-
judgment interest pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 284;
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E. This is an exceptional case and award Mid-America its reasonable
costs, expenses, and reasonable attorneys’ fees, as well as treble
damages in this action in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §§ 284 and 285;
and
F. Plaintiff Mid-America be awarded such other and further relief as this
Court may deem just and proper.
JURY DEMAND
Plaintiff Mid-America hereby demands a trial by jury on all issues so triable.
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Dated: June 15, 2015 Respectfully submitted,
HONIGMAN MILLER SCHWARTZ AND COHN LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff
By: /s/ J. Michael Huget
J. Michael Huget (P39150)Eric Sosenko (P43544)
Sarah E. Waidelich (admitted in New York)HONIGMAN MILLER SCHWARTZ AND COHN LLP
130 South First Street, Fourth Floor Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 418-4254Fax: (734) 418-4255
Counsel for Plaintiff
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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
MID-AMERICA MACHINING, INC.
a Michigan corporation,
Plaintiff,
vs.
MILACRON PLASTICS TECHNOLOGIES
GROUP LLC
a Delaware limited liability company,
Defendant./
Case No.
Hon.
DEMAND FOR JURY
TRIAL
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
A. U.S. Patent 8,668,101
B. U.S. Patent 8,535,599
C. U.S. Patent 8,979,524
D. U.S. Patent D678,774
E. U.S Patent D678,072
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EXHIBIT A
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( 1 2 ) United S t a t e s
Patent
Lobbestael e t a 1 .
US008668101B2
US 8 , 6 6 8 , 1 0 1 B2
Mar.
1 1 , 2 0 1 4
( 1 0 ) Patent N 0 . :
( 4 5 ) Date o f P a t e n t :
( 5 4 )
( 7 5 )
( 7 3 )
( 2 1 )
( 2 2 )
( 6 5 )
( 6 0 )
( 5 1 )
( 5 2 )
( 5 8 )
METHOD
AND
APPARATUS
FOR MAKINGA
LIGHT
WEIGHT CONTAINER
I n v e n t o r s :
P e t e r L o b b e s t a e l ,
M a n i t o u
B e a c h ,
M I
( U S ) ;
A ] V a n o v e r ,
A d r i a n ,
M I
( U S ) ;
K e v i n D a y d o s h , A d r i a n , M I ( U S ) ;
G r e g o r y T
a l l ,
A d r i a n , M I ( U S )
A s s i g n e e : M i d - A m e r i c a M a c h i n i n g , I n c . ,
B r o o k l y n , M1 ( U )
N o t i c e :
S u b j e c t
t o a n y d i s c l a i m e r , t h e t e r m
o f
h i s
p a t e n t
i s e x t e n d e d
o r a d j u s t e d
u n d e r 3 5
U . S . C . 1 5 4 ( b )
b y
0
d a y s .
A p p 1 . N o . : 1 3 / 4 0 5 , 4 9 5
F i l e d : F e b . 2 7 , 2012
Prior P u b l i c a t i o n
Data
US 2 0 1 2 / 0 2 4 1 4 0 5
A1
S e p .
2 7 ,
2 0 1 2
R e l a t e d US.
A p p l i c a t i o n
Data
P r o v i s i o n a l
a p p l i c a t i o n
No. 6 1 / 4 6 6 , 5 8 8 , ? l e d on M a r .
2 3 , 2 0 1 1 .
I n t . C l .
B65D 9 0 / 0 2
( 2 0 0 6 . 0 1 )
B65D
8 / 0 4 ( 2 0 0 6 . 0 1 )
B65D
1 / 0 2
( 2 0 0 6 . 0 1 )
U S .
C l .
CPC
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B65D
/0223
(2013.01); B65D /02
2 0 1 3 . 0 1 ) ; B65D 2 5 0 1 / 0 0 8 ] ( 2 0 1 3 . 0 1 )
USPC
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
215/382; 220/675; 220/669
F i e l d o f C l a s s i ? c a t i o n Search
CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
B65D /0223; B65D
/ 0 2 ;
B65D
2 5 0 1 / 0 0 8 1 ; B65D 2 5 0 1 / 0 0 0 9
USPC . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 1 5 / 3 8 2 ,
4 0 , 1 0 ,
3 7 9 ;
2 2 0 / 6 7 5 , 6 6 9 ,
2 2 0 / 6 6 0 ; 2 0 6 / 5 0 9 , 5 0 7 ,
5 0 5 ;
D 9 / 5 6 7 , 5 2 0
IPC
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B65D
90/02,8/04
S e e
a p p l i c a t i o n
? l e f o r c o m p l e t e
s e a r c h h i s t o r y .
( 5 6 )
R e f e r e n c e s C i t e d
U . S . PATENT
DOCUMENTS
D205,730 S * 9/1966 Platte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
D9/531
3,708,082 A
* 1/1973 Platte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
215/385
3 , 7 6 5 , 5 7 4 A
1 0 / 1 9 7 3
U r q u i Z a
4,016,995 A * 4/1977
Frazer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215/10
4,372,455 A *
2/1983
Cochran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215/385
4 , 8 0 5 , 7 9 3 A 2 / 1 9 8 9 B r a n d t e t
a l .
D307,389 S * 4/1990 Larson
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D9/520
5 , 0 8 7 , 4 0 6 A 2 / 1 9 9 2
K r a l l
e t
a l .
5,112,561
A
* 5/1992
Dickinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
264/531
5,803,290
A * 9/1998 Bongiorno . . 215/384
5,833,115 A
* 11/1998
Eiten . . . . . . . . . . . 220/669
6,065,624 A * 5/2000 Steinke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
215/383
6 , 2 3 7 , 7 9 2
B1
5 / 2 0 0 1 S k o l n i c k i e t
a l .
6 , 5 2 7 , 1 3 3 B1
3 / 2 0 0 3
McCollum
t
a l .
6 , 5 4 0 , 9 5 6
B1 4 / 2 0 0 3
Iwamoto
t a 1 .
2003/0155324
A1* 8/2003
McCollum
t
a l .
. . . . . . . . .
. .
215/382
( C o n t i n u e d )
FOREIGN
PATENTDOCUMENTS
GB 2464386 9/2010
GB
2470316
1 1 / 2 0 1 0
Pr imary
Examiner
obert J Hicks
( 7 4 ) A t t o r n e y , A g e n t , o r Firm
oung B a s i l e
Hanlon &
M a c F a r l a n e
PC.
( 5 7 ) ABST RAC T
An i m p r o v e d l i g h t w e i g h t c o n t a i n e r i n c o r p o r a t e s a t h i n n e r
w a l l
s t r u c t u r e
i n an e s s e n t i a l l y o c t a g o n a l
c o n t a i n e r
h a v i n g a
bottom member, a p l u r a l i t y
o f
s i d e w a l l s , a s p o u t ,
a n
u p w a r d l y
c o n v e r g i n g
n e c k
member
o u p l i n g
t h e s i d e w a l l s
o f
t h e
s p o u t ,
a h a n d l e molded i n t o t h e c o n t a i n e r and a r a d i u s e d t r a n s i t i n g
s e c t i o n
between
h e s i d e w a l l s
and h e s p o u t which e l i m i n a t e s
weakened c o r n e r s e c t i o n s and i m p r o v e s o v e r a l l s t r e n g t h t o
w e i g h t r a t i o s .
2 0
C l a i m s , 7
Drawing S h e e t s
2:15-cv-12168-MAG-EAS Doc # 1-2 Filed 06/15/15 Pg 2 of 14 Pg ID 40
-
8/21/2019 Mid-America Machining v. Milacron Plastics - Complaint
41/94
US 8 , 6 6 8 , 1 0 1 B2
P a g e
2
( 5 6 ) References Cited 2 0 0 6 / 0 2 6 0 9 7 1
A1
1 1 / 2 0 0 6 R i v e r a e t a 1 .
2007/0221606
A1 9 / 2 0 0 7 E i t e n
et
a l .
US
ATENT
DOCUMENTS
2007/0235905 Al* 10/2007
Trude et
a 1 .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
264/523
2008/0217200
A1 9 / 2 0 0 8 E i t e n
et
a 1 .
2 0 0 3 / 0 2 3 4 2 3 6
A 1 1 2 / 2 0 0 3 M i c h a l o w s k i ? g ‘ f g g i g ? g g 2 } 1 3 5 8 3 ?
S i s a l “ e t
a 1 ~
2004/0164048 Al 8/2004 Yourist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215/398
0V
2006/0096942
A1
5 / 2 0 0 6
Lane
2011/0056903
A1
3 / 2 0 1 1 G l o v e r
2 0 0 6 / 0 2 5 5 0 0 0 A1 l l / 2 0 0 6 Q u i t a n a *
c i t e d b y examiner
2:15-cv-12168-MAG-EAS Doc # 1-2 Filed 06/15/15 Pg 3 of 14 Pg ID 41
-
8/21/2019 Mid-America Machining v. Milacron Plastics - Complaint
42/94
U
. Patent M a r .
1 1 , 2 0 1 4
S h e e t 1 0 1 7 US 8 , 6 6 8 , 1 0 1
B2
F I G . 1A
D
.
PRIOR
ART
2:15-cv-12168-MAG-EAS Doc # 1-2 Filed 06/15/15 Pg 4 of 14 Pg ID 42
-
8/21/2019 Mid-America Machining v. Milacron Plastics - Complaint
43/94
U
Patent M a r .
1 1 , 2 0 1 4
S h e e t
2
0 1 7 US 8 , 6 6 8 , 1 0 1 B2
1 0 4
F I G
C
1 0 0
1 2 6
1 “
I G .B
P R I O R
R T
2:15-cv-12168-MAG-EAS Doc # 1-2 Filed 06/15/15 Pg 5 of 14 Pg ID 43
-
8/21/2019 Mid-America Machining v. Milacron Plastics - Complaint
44/94
US.
atent
M a r .
1 1 , 2 0 1 4 S h e e t 3 0 1 7 US 8 , 6 6 8 , 1 0 1
B2
F I GA
F I G
B
2:15-cv-12168-MAG-EAS Doc # 1-2 Filed 06/15/15 Pg 6 of 14 Pg ID 44
-
8/21/2019 Mid-America Machining v. Milacron Plastics - Complaint
45/94
US.
atent
M a r .
1 1 , 2 0 1 4 S h e e t 4 0 1 7 US 8 , 6 6 8 , 1 0 1
B2
2:15-cv-12168-MAG-EAS Doc # 1-2 Filed 06/15/15 Pg 7 of 14 Pg ID 45
-
8/21/2019 Mid-America Machining v. Milacron Plastics - Complaint
46/94
US. a tent M a r . 1 1 ,
2 0 1 4
S h e e t 5 0 1 7
US
, 6 6 8 , 1 0 1 B2
e m
m mQ H m
4 m
U b w
I I
2:15-cv-12168-MAG-EAS Doc # 1-2 Filed 06/15/15 Pg 8 of 14 Pg ID 46
-
8/21/2019 Mid-America Machining v. Milacron Plastics - Complaint
47/94
US.
atent
M a r .
1 1 , 2 0 1 4 S h e e t 6 0 1 7 US 8 , 6 6 8 , 1 0 1
B2
F I G .
3D
F I G . 4
2:15-cv-12168-MAG-EAS Doc # 1-2 Filed 06/15/15 Pg 9 of 14 Pg ID 47
-
8/21/2019 Mid-America Machining v. Milacron Plastics - Complaint
48/94
US. a tent M a r . 1 1 ,
2 0 1 4
S h e e t 7 0 1 7
US
, 6 6 8 , 1 0 1 B2
2:15-cv-12168-MAG-EAS Doc # 1-2 Filed 06/15/15 Pg 10 of 14 Pg ID 48
-
8/21/2019 Mid-America Machining v. Milacron Plastics - Complaint
49/94
US
8 , 6 6 8 , 1 0 1
B2
1
METHOD
AND
APPARATUS FOR
MAKING
A
LIGHT
WEIGHT CONTAINER
RELATED . S . APPLICATION
T h i s
a p p l i c a t i o n
c l a i m s
t h e
b e n e ? t
o f
U S .
P r o v i s i o n a l
A p p l i c a t i o n
N o . 6 1 / 4 6 6 , 5 8 8 ? l e d M a r .
2 3 ,
2 0 1 1 .
FIELD OFTHE INVENTION
The p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n r e l a t e s t o c o n t a i n e r s f o r s t o r a g e
o f
l i q u i d s , g r a n u l a r
m a t e r i a l s a n d t h e l i k e , a n d m e t h o d s a n d
a p p a r a t u s e s f o r
f o r m i n g
t h e
s a m e . M o re
a r t i c u l a r l y ,
t h e
con
t a i n e r
o f t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n i s a
s i n g l e
p i e c e bloW-molded
p l a s t i c
c o n t a i n e r formed in a m u l t i - s i d e d c o n ? g u r a t i o n
W i t h
modi?ed
c ome r
a d i i , u t i l i Z i n g a s m a l l e r volume
of aW
mate
r i a l t o o b t a i n v o l u m e s
a n d
s t r e n g t h e q u i v a l e n t t o t h e p r i o r
a r t .
DESCRIPTIONOFTHE RELATED
ART
BloW-molded
p l a s t i c
b o t t l e s a r e W e l l knoWn f o r
u s e
f o r
h o l d i n g
a W i d e v a r i e t y o f i q u i d s s u c h
s
m i l k , W a t e r a n d u i c e .
The
same
t y p e s
o f
c o n t a i n e r s
may
be used
f o r
g r a n u l a r
mate
r i a l s .
C o n t a i n e r s
of h i s
t y p e
a r e manufactured i n
a
v a r i e t y of
s i Z e s , c o n v e n t i o n a l l y f o r m e d o f a v a r i e t y o f
t h e r m o p l a s t i c
m a t e r i a l s .
T y p i c a l o f
t h e s e c o n t a i n e r s a r e t h o s e
d i s c l o s e d i n
U S .
P a t .
No.
6 , 5 2 7 , 1 3 3 , i s s u e d
to McCollum e t a l . ; U S .
P a t .
No.
4 , 8 0 5 , 7 9 3 , i s su e d t o
B r a n d t
e t
a l . ; and
US. P a t . No. 6 , 2 3 7 ,
7 9 2 , i s s ue d t o S k o l n i c k i e t
a l .
C o n t a i n e r s o f h i s t y p e a r e r e l a t i v e l y t h i n - W a l l e d , and a r e
g e n e r a l l y s q u a r e o r r e c t a n g u l a r i n
c r o s s - s e c t i o n , f e a t u r e
a
molded h a n d l e ,
and
t y p i c a l l y
h a v e
a
? n i s h e d W e i g h t o f o v e r
6 0 g r a m s . Such e i g h t o f m a t e r i a l i s e s s e n t i a l t o m a i n t a i n i n g
s u f ? c i e n t s t r e n g t h
f o r
t h e
c o n t a i n e r t o W i t h s t a n d
t h e
i n d u s t r i a l
? l l i n g
p r o c e s s , i n
p a r t i c u l a r ,
t h e l o a d s i m p o s e d
f o r s e c u r e
ment
of
c l o s u r e ,
such
a s a c a p ,
l i d
o r screW t o p
t o
t h e spout
on
t h e
t o p
o f
t h e
c o n t a i n e r .
F I G S . 1 A ,
1 B ,
1C
and
1D
shoW
t o p ,
f r o n t , s i d e a n d
b o t t o m
v i e W s ,
r e s p e c t i v e l y o f b l o W
molded
c o n t a i n e r s f o r m e d a c c o r d i n g t o t h e
p r i o r
a r t . The
t y p i c a l p r i o r a r t c o n t a i n e r i s d e p i c t e d i n F I G S . 1A-1D
i n c o r
p o r a t e s
a
t o p 1 0 2 ,
a
bottom
1 0 4
and s p o u t 1 2 0 . Top
1 0 2
and
bottom 104
a r e
i n t e r c o n n e c t e d by s i d e W a l ls 1 0 6 ,
and
n c l u d e s
a h a n d l e 1 2 2 . I n t h e
p r i o r a r t ,
a
r e l a t i v e l y
a c u t e t r a n s i t i o n
o c c u r s at t h e
t o p comer
130 o f t h e
t o p
102 o f t h e c o n t a i n e r ,
W h e r e t h e t o p
1 0 2 j o i n s
t h e
l o W e r
c i r c u m f e r e n c e o f t h e
s p o u t
1 2 0 . T h e n , When h e t o p 1 0 2
j o i n s
t h e s i d e W a l l 1 0 6 , a s e c o n d
r e l a t i v e
a b r u p t t r a n s i t i o n o c c u r s
a t
upper comer
1 2 4 , g e n e r
a t i n g a c o m p a r a t i v e l y s h a r p
a n g l e
b e t W e e n t h e t o p 1 0 2 a n d t h e
s i d e W a l l 1 0 6 . T r a n s i t io n i n g
t o
t h e b o t t o m s e c t i o n o f t h e p r i o r
a r t c o n t a i n e r , a
? r s t
intermediate corner 126 c r e a t e s a
? r s t
t r a n s i t i o n
betWeen h e s i d e W a l l
106
and h e
bottom 128 o f
t h e
c o n t a i n e r .
A
ottom comer 128 c o m p l e t e s t h e t r a n s i t i o n
betWeen t h e s i d e W a l l
106 and bottom
1 0 4 . The c o m b i n a t i o n
of h e corner t r a n s i t i o n s a t
i n t e r m e d i a t e c o m e r
126 and b o t
tom 2 8 , c o u p l e d W i t h t h e s u b s t a n t i a l d i s t a n c e b e t W e e n
i n t e r
mediate
c o r n e r s
126 and 128 demand a
s u b s t a n t i a l
d i s t r i b u
t i o n o f m a t e r i a l
t o
t h e bottom s e c t i o n of t h e c o n t a i n e r
t o
p r o v i d e
t h e
n e c e s s a r y s t r e n g t h .
The same p r o b l e m i s
e v i d e n t
a t t h e t o p
o f
t h e c o n t a i n e r 1 0 2 , Where t h e t o p 1 0 2 o f t h e
c o n t a i n e r j o i n s t h e s i d e W a l l 106 at upper comer
1 2 4 .
These
m u l t i p l e
s p a c e d a p a r t t r a n s i t i o n s o f t e n r e s u l t i n e x c e s s i v e l y
t h i n W a l l s
a t
t h e r a n s i t i o n s , t h e r e b y W e a k e n i n g t h e
c o n t a i n e r .
M o re
r e c e n t l y , c o n t a i n e r s h a v e b e e n c r e a t e d Which i n c o r
p o r a t e r i b s
and
t h e r
d e s i g n f e a t u r e s i n t h e u p p e r s i d e W a l l s o f
t h e
c o n t a i n e r
t o i n c r e a s e m e c h a n i c a l s t r e n g t h , W e l l a t t h e
same t i m e
d e c r e a s i n g
t h e
W a l l
t h i c k n e s s
of h e ?nished con
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
6 5
2
t a i n e r . By r e d u c i n g t h e o v e r a l l t h i c k n e s s o f t h e c o n t a i n e r ,
s u b s t a n t i a l s a v i n g s
i n
m a t e r i a l s c o s t
can be
r e a l i Z e d . N e W e r
c o n t a i n e r s u t i l i Z i n g t h e s e d e s i g n
m e t h o d o l o g i e s
h a v e
e s u l t e d
i n r e d u c t i o n s i n m a t e r i a l
r e q u i r e d f o r e a c h c o n t a i n e r , a n d
c o r r e s p o n d i n g r e d u c t i o n s
i n m a t e r i a l c o s t , o f b e t W e e n ? v e
a n d
s e v e n
p e r c e n t .
Such e d u c t i o n s i n t h e
t y p i c a l
p r o d u c t i o n
environment can
e s u l t
i n s u b s t a n t i a l c o s t
s a v i n g s
o v e r
t i m e .
T h e
e x i s t i n g c o n t a i n e r s ,
h o W e v e r ,
s u f f e r f r o m i m p o r t a n t
l i m i t a t i o n s. P a r t i c u l a r l y , a s knoWn i n t h e p r i o r
a r t ,
t h e
manu
f a c t u r e
o f
t h i n - W a l l e d t h e r m o p l a s t i c
c o n t a i n e r s
u t i l i Z i n g
t h e
b l o W - m o l d i n g t e c h n i q u e s c a n c r e a t e u n a c c e p t a b l y t h i n W a l l
d i m e n s i o n s n e a r t h e
t o p and bottom
o f
t h e c o n t a i n e r s ,
Where
t h e
t o p s
a n d b o t t o m s
o f
t h e
c o n t a i n er s j o i n
t h e
s i d e
W a l l s .
E x c e s s i v e t h i n n i n g
i n t h e s e a r e a s Weakens t h e o v e r a l l con
t a i n e r a n d r e d u c e s
i t s a b i l i t y t o
W i t h s t a n d t h e f o r c e s t y p i c a l l y
i m p o s e d d u r i n g t h e
? l l i n g
p r o c e s s . T o i n s u r e t h a t s u f ? c i e n t
W a l l
t h i c k n e s s
r e m a i n s i n
t h e s e
v i t a l s e c t i o n s , t h e c u r r e n t
c o n t a i n er s r e q u i r e a
minimum o f a p p r o x i m a t e l y
? f t y - e i g h t t o
s i x t y
g r a m s i n W e i g h t . A e e d
x i s t s ,
t h e r e f o r e , f o r
a c o n t a i n e r
d e s i g n
and
method f m a n u f a c t u r e ,
Which e r m i t s
more e v e n
d i s t r i b u t i o n
o f
t h e r m o p l a s t i c
m a t e r i a l
t h r o u g h o u t t h e W a l l
o f
t h e c o n t a i n e r ,
W h i l e
a l l o W i n g
s i g n i ? c a n t r e d u c t i o n s
i n
t h e
amount
o f
m a t e r i a l
r e q u i r e d
t o
p r o d u c e
t h e
c o n t a i n e r .
SUMMARYOFTHE INVENTION
I n
summary, a
t h i n - W a l l e d
c o n t a i n e r i n
accordance With
h e
p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n i s f o r m e d
h a v i n g
s i d e W a l l s , a b o t t o m , a t o p
h a v i n g a n e c k , a h a n d l e , and a s p o u t . The c o n t a i n e r
h a s
e i g h t
s i d e s ,
a n d a
s m o o t h l y
t a p e r e d r a d i u s b e t W e e n t h e s p o u t a n d
t h e
s i d e W a l l .
T o f o r m t h e c o n t a i n e r , s p e c i a l i Z e d r o u n d t o o l i n g
i s u t i l i Z e d i n t h e d i e
a n d
i t s a s s o c i a t e d m a n d r e l t o
a c h i e v e
more
even d i s t r i b u t i o n o f
t h e t h e r m o p l a s t i c
m a t e r i a l
d u r i n g
t h e
molding
r o c e s s .
The e s u l t i n g c o n t a i n e r
d i s p l a y s a
more
e ? i c i e n t
d i s t r i b u t i o n o f t h e
m a t e r i a l s
a l o n g
t h e
s i d e W a l l s ,
t o p
a n d b o t t o m
o f t h e
c o n t a i n e r , t y p i c a l l y a t
a W e i g h t o f ? f t y - t W o
gr ams
o r l e s s .
I t i s
a n
o b j e c t
o f
h e
p r e s e n t
i n v e n t i o n ,
t h e r e f o r e ,
t o
p r o v i d e
a t h i n - W a l l e d c o n t a i n e r h a v i n g a n e x t r e m e l y l i g h t W e i g h t .
F u r t h e r , i t i s a n
o b j e c t
o f
t h e
p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n t o p r o v i d e
a
t h i n - W a l l e d c o n t a i n e r having
s i x
o r more
s i d e s and s p e c i a l l y
r a d i u s e d t r a n s i t i o n betWeen t h e s p o u t
and
s i d e W a l l o f t h e
c o n t a i n e r .
I t i s a n o t h e r o b j e c t
o f
t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n t o p o s i t i o n t h e
h a n d l e o f t h e c o n t a i n e r t o i m p r o v e v e n t i n g o f t h e i n t e r i o r o f
t h e
c o n t a i n e r
d u r i n g t h e p o u r i n g p r o c e s s .
I t i s
a n o t h e r
o b j e c t
o f
t h e
p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n t o p r o v i d e
a
system f o r m a n u f a c t u r i n g
t h e
same volume of c o n t a i n e r a s
t a u g h t i n
t h e
p r i o r a r t , W h i l e m a i n t a i n i n g
t h e n e c e s s a r y
s t r u c
t u r a l
i n t e g r i t y o f
t h e c o n t a i n e r
t o W i t h s t a n d
t h e
i n d u s t r i a l
? l l i n g
p r o c e s s .
I t i s
a
f u r t h e r
o b j e c t
o f
t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n t o
p r o v i d e and
i m p r o v e d c o n t a i n e r h a v i n g t h e same volume a n d ? t t i n g i n t h e
same s t a n d a r d c a s e a s t a u g h t i n t h e p r i o r a r t .
T h e s e ,
a n d o t h e r o b j e c t s
o f t h e i n v e n t i o n , W i l l
b e
a p p a r e n t
f r o m t h e a s so c i a t e d
d r a W i n g s
a n d d e s c r i p t i o n .
BRIEF
DESCRIPTIONOFTHE DRAWINGS
FIG.
1A
s a
t o p vieW
of
p r i o r
a r t
c o n t a i n e r ,
c o n s t r u c t e d
a c c o r d i n g t o t h e methods o f t h e
p r i o r
a r t .
F I G . 1B
s
a f r o n t
vieW
of
p r i o r
a r t
c o n t a i n e r , c o n s t r u c t e d
a c c o r d i n g t o t h e
methods
o f t h e
p r i o r
a r t .
F I G . 1C s
a
s i d e vieW o f
a
p r i o r
a r t
c o n t a i n e r , c o n s t r u c t e d
a c c o r d i n g t o t h e methods o f t h e
p r i o r
a r t .
FIG.
1D s
a
bottom vieW
of a
p r i o r
a r t
c o n t a i n e r , con
s t r u c t e d
a c c o r d i n g t o
t h e m e t h o d s o f t h e p r i o r a r t .
2:15-cv-12168-MAG-EAS Doc # 1-2 Filed 06/15/15 Pg 11 of 14 Pg ID 49
-
8/21/2019 Mid-America Machining v. Milacron Plastics - Complaint
50/94
US
8 , 6 6 8 , 1 0 1
B2
3
F I G .
2A
s
a f r o n t view
o f
a ? r s t embodiment
o f
t h e p r e s e n t
i n v e n t i o n .
F I G .
2B
s a
s i d e view
of
? r s t embodiment
of h e
p r e s e n t
i n v e n t i o n .
FIG. 2 C i s a bottom view
of
a
? r s t
embodiment
of
t h e
p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n .
FIG. 2D
s
an
a l t e r n a t e
bottom view
of
c u r r e n t
embodi
ment o f t h e
p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n .
F I G . 2E s
an
a d d i t i o n a l bottom view of n o t h e r v a r i a n t of
a c u r r e n t
embodiment
of h e
p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n .
F I G .
3A
s
a f r o n t view of h e
p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n .
F I G .
3B i s a
s i d e view
of a n o t h e r
embodiment o f
t h e
p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n .
F I G . 3C s
a
t o p view o f
a n o t h e r
embodiment f
h e p r e s e n t
i n v e n t i o n .
F I G . 3D s a bottom view of a n o t h e r embodiment of t h e
p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n .
F I G .
4 i s a d i a g r a m showing d i e and a n d r e l a c c o r d i n g t o
an
embodiment
of h e
p r e s e n t
i n v e n t i o n .
F I G .
5
i s
a
diagram showing
a p a r i s o n and a
mold a c c o r d
i n g t o a n embodiment o f t h e p r e s e n t
i n v e n t i o n .
F I G .
6
i s
a t o p
view
o f
embodiments
o f
t h e p r e s e n t
i n v e n
t i o n
h e l d i n
a s t a n d a r d d a i r y c r a t e .
DESCRIPTION
OFTHE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENT
T h e
d e s c r i p t i o n w h i c h
f o l l o w s w i l l
b e b e s t
a p p r e c i a t e d b y
r e f e r e n c e
o t h e a c c o m p a n y i n g d r a w i n g s .
A l t h o u g h
t h e i n v e n
t i o n i s
d e s c r i b e d i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h
t h e
d r a w i n g s ,
and a
p l u r a l i t y o f p r e f e r r e d e m b o d i m e n t s i s d e s c r i b e d , i t
w i l l
b e
a p p r e c i a t e d t h a t
t h e s e
d e s c r i p t i o n s a r e n o t i n t en d e d t o l i m i t
t h e i n v e n t i o n
t o
t h o s e embodiments.
The
i n v e n t i o n i n c l u d e s a
v a r i e t y o f
l t e r n a t i v e s ,
m o d i ? c a t i o n s a n d
e q u i v a l e n t s w h i c h
may be i n c l u d e d w i t h i n t h e s p i r i t and c o p e
o f
h e
i n v e n t i o n
a s
d e ? n e d
b y t h e a p p e n d e d c l a i m s .
The
i n v e n t i o n
w i l l
b e
b e t t e r
u n d e r s t o o d
by
a
f u l l
a p p r e c i a
t i o n o f t h e p r o c e s s o f m a n u f a c tu r e
t y p i c a l l y
u s e d i n
t h e
a r t .
A
c o n v e n t i o n a l b l o w - m o l d i n g machine i n c l u d e s
a
l o a d i n g s t a
t i o n w h e r e e l l e t i Z e d t h e r m o p l a s t i c m a t e r i a l , s u c h s p o l y e t h
y l e n e , may
b e
i n t r o d u c e d
i n t o
a
hopper
o r f e e d
b i n .
The
h o p p e r ,
i n t u r n ,
f e e d s
t h e p e l l e t i Z e d
o r g r a n u l a r t h e r m o p l a s t i c
m a t e r i a l s ,
which
i s
a t
r o o m t e m p e r a t u r e , t o a h e a t e r / d r i v e
s y s t e m .
Such a system t y p i c a l l y i n c l u d e s a
screw d r i v e
p r o
vided with one or mo r e heating mech anisms or elements
w h i c h
g r a d u a l l y r a i s e
t h e t e m p e r a t u r e o f t h e
t h e r m o p l a s t i c
m a t e r i a l
t o a p p r o x i m a t e l y 3 6 5 0
F .
Once
t h e m a t e r i a l
h a s
a t t a i n e d t h i s t e m p e r a t u r e , t h e m a te r i a l l i q u e ? e s a n d becomes
t a f f y - l i k e
i n i t s c o n s i s t e n c y . The
m a t e r i a l
i s t h e n
i n t r o d u c e d
i n t o t h e
mold
t h r o u g h
a d i e
a n d
m a n d r e l
c o m b i n a t i o n ,
w h e r e b y
t h e t h e r m o p l a s t i c
m a t e r i a l
i s
e v e n l y
d i s t r i b u t e d i n
t h e
m o l d .
The b l o b o f t h e r m o p l a s t i c m a t e r i a l which
f o r m s
a s
i t i s
e x t r u d e d
t h r o u g h t h e
g a u g e d
o p e n i n g
b e t w e e n
t h e
d i e a n d
m a n d r e l
i s
c a l l e d a
p a r i s o n . Once
t h e
p a r i s o n i s
formed t h e
mold
i s c l o s e d
a r o u n d
t h e p a r i s o n p o s s i b l y i m p a r t i n g t h e
g e n e r a l s h a p e o f
h e i n t e r i o r
o f
h e
mold
n t o t h e
p a r i s o n .
T h i s
a i d s i n d i s t r i b u t i n g
t h e m a t e r i a l
o f h e
p a r i s o n
e v e n l y t h r o u g h
o u t t h e
i n t e r i o r o f
h e
mold
when h e
mold s p r e s s u r i z e d . The
m o l d i s t h e n p r e s s u r i z e d v i a t h e
b l o w
p i n
t h e r e b y f o r c i n g t h e
p a r i s o n t o e x p a n d t h r o u g h o u t t h e i n t e r i o r
o f
t h e w a l l s
o f
t h e
m o l d , a n d
i m p a r t i n g
t o t h e m a t e r i a l t h e ? n i s h e d s h a p e o f a
c o n t a i n e r . To f a c i l i t a t e t h e
m o l d i n g
p r o c e s s , t h e
mold
w a l l s
a r e
cooled
t o
a p p r o x i m a t e l y 3 0 0 t o 4 0 0 E,
t o r e s t o r e
t h e
l i q u e ? e d t h e r m o p l a s t i c m a te r i a l t o
s o l i d
s t a t e . Once
t h e p a r t
h a s
f o r m e d ,
t h e
mold
s o p e n e d a n d t h e p a r t
i s removed
f r o m
t h e m o l d .
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
6 5
4
Turning
now o FIGS. 2A-2E,
a ? r s t
embodiment of
a
c o n t a i n e r f o r m e d a c c o r d i n g to t h e p r e s e n t i n v e n t i o n i s
d i s
c l o s e d . C o n t a i n e r 10 c o n s i s t s of t o p s e c t i o n 1 2 , a bottom 1 4
a n d
a p l u r a l i t y o f s i d e w a l l s .
E i g h t
s i d e w a l l s a l t e r n a t e i n
d i m e n s i o n , f o u r b e i n g l o n g s i d e w a l l s 1 6 a n d f o u r b e i n g
s h o r t
s i d e w a l l s 1 8 . The o p
s e c t i o n
1 2
i s con?gured i t h
a
s p o u t 2 0
h a v i n g a n
o p e n i n g
2 1
by which m a t e r i a l
may b e i n t r o d u c e d
i n t o t h e i n t e r i o r o f t h e c o n t a i n e r 1 0 . The c o n t a i n e r
i s
molded
a s a s i n g l e p i e c e , and i n c l u d e s a
h a n d l e
22 which s hollow
a n d p e r m i t s l i q u i d a n d a i r t o p a s s i n s i d e i t . P r e f e r a b l y , t h e
h a n d l e i s con?gured
a d j a c e n t
to a s h o r t si d e w a l l 1 8 ,
s o
t h a t
when
t h e
c o n t a i n e r i s h e l d f o r p o u r i n g ,
t h e
c e n t e r o f mass s
c o n c e n t r a t e d a l o n g t h e
a x i s
which i n t e r s e c t s b o t h t h e h a n d l e
a n d t h e o p p o s i n g s h o r t s i d e w a l l o f
t h e c o n t a i n e r .
I n a ? r s t embodiment, t h e h e i g h t
o f
t h e c o n t a i n e r
1 0 i s
measured
from
t h e
bottom o f
t h e
c o n t a i n e r
t o t h e
bottom o f
t h e
s p o u t
i s a p p r o x i m a t e l y 9 . 2 3 1 i n c h e s , f o r a c o n t a i n e r
h a v
i n g
a
volume
o f
a p p r o x i m a t e l y
2 3 4
c u b i c
i n c h e s ,
e s s e n t i a l l y
a
o n e - g a l l o n
c o n t a i n e r . I n
t h i s
e m b o d i m e n t , a r a d i u s t r a n s i t i o n
24
s
formed b etween t h e
u p p e r
l i m i t o f t h e s i d e w a l l s 1 6 ,
1 8
and s p o u t 2 0 . P r e f e r a b l y , t h e r a d i u s
R a s
a
d i m e n s i o n
o f
a p p r o x i m a t e l y t h r e e i n c h e s , t h e r e b y p r o v i d i n g a
s m o o t h
t r a n
s i t i o n
between
t h e s i d e w a l l s
1 6 ,
1 8
and
s p o u t
20 o f
t h e
con
t a i n e r
1 0
i n comparison
o t h e p r i o r
r t .
T h i s a r e a o f r a n s i t i o n
may
i n c l u d e
one
o r
m o r e r i b s 28 t o provide
a d d i t i o n a l
s t r e n g t h
t o t h e c o n t a i n e r . The c o n t a i n e r 1 0 i s b l o w - m o l d e d ,
a n d
i n c l u d e s a s i n g l e
p i e c e
t h i n
w a l l
c o n s t r u c t i o n .
The
s i d e
w a l l s , when
i e w e d f r o m a b o v e , f o r m
a
g e n e r a l l y
o c t a g o n a l
con?guration
a s s e e n i n t o p o r bottom p l a n v i e w s .
The
con
t a i n e r 10 i n c l u d e s a
bottom
14 which s i n t e r c o n n e c t e d t o t h e
s i d e w a l l s 1 6
and
1 8
and
h a s
a p l u r a l i t y of
r i b s
3 0 . I n one
e x a m p l e , t h e r a d i u s
t r a n s i t i o n 2 4
i n b e t w e e n t h e s i d e w a l l s