Abstract: A container including a sidewall having a top and bottom ends, a base attached to or proximate the bottom end defining a cavity bounded by the sidewall and by the base, and the base including at least a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness, such that the second thickness is less than the first thickness. A method for controlling deformation in a container including the steps of manufacturing the container as described above, filling the container with a substance, sealing the container at a top end thereof, inverting the container such that the container rests on its top end, allowing the substance to undergo a volume reduction resulting in a vacuum pressure within the container, wherein when subjected to the vacuum pressure, the base deforms at the second portion due to the second thickness being less than the first thickness.

Abstract: A container including a sidewall having a top and bottom ends, a base attached to or proximate the bottom end defining a cavity bounded by the sidewall and by the base, and the base including at least a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness, such that the second thickness is less than the first thickness. A method for controlling deformation in a container including the steps of manufacturing the container as described above, filling the container with a substance, sealing the container at a top end thereof, inverting the container such that the container rests on its top end, allowing the substance to undergo a volume reduction resulting in a vacuum pressure within the container, wherein when subjected to the vacuum pressure, the base deforms at the second portion due to the second thickness being less than the first thickness.

Abstract: A polymeric cup adapted to hold foods and to receive a sheath with a substantially smooth exterior surface to form an insulated container is set forth. The substantially smooth exterior surface allows for the displaying of printed material. The polymeric cup includes a side wall with an outer surface and a base connected to a lower portion of the side wall. A plurality of ribs project radially outward from the outer surface of the side wall and axially extend substantially along the entire length of the side wall. The ribs are uniformly distributed around substantially the entire circumference of the side wall. Each of the ribs has a face with a circumferential width and is separated from an adjacent one of the ribs by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is less than approximately 0.100 inch and the ratio of the circumferential width to the predetermined distance is in the range from about 0.15 to about 1.0.