Nozzle for Reduced Outward Force on Preform Finish

A nozzle for forming a container preform into a plastic container, the nozzle comprising:

• a nozzle body;
• and
• a sealing portion proximate an end of the nozzle body and configured to engage a transition surface of a stepped interior of a finish portion of a preform having a longitudinal axis to preclude any portion of the nozzle body from contacting an interior surface of the preform.

A nozzle for forming a container preform into a plastic container, the nozzle comprising:

• a nozzle body;
• and
• a sealing portion proximate an end of the nozzle body and configured to engage one of 1) a concave surface or 2) a convex surface of a stepped interior of a finish portion of a preform having a longitudinal axis to preclude any portion of the nozzle body from contacting an interior surface of the preform.

(canceled)

(canceled)

The nozzle of claim 42, wherein the nozzle body further includes a tip comprising a narrowing portion of the nozzle body forward of the sealing portion.

(canceled)

The nozzle of claim 42, wherein the nozzle body is configured to engage the stepped interior such that a majority component of a contact force is directed parallel with the longitudinal axis.

A nozzle for forming a container preform into a plastic container, the nozzle comprising:

• a nozzle body;
• and
• a sealing portion proximate an end of the nozzle body and configured to engage with a stepped interior of a finish portion of a preform having a longitudinal axis to seal without the use of an O-ring and to preclude any portion of the nozzle body from contacting the stepped interior.