Abstract: A blow molded, biaxially oriented plastic container with a bottom portion including an axially, inwardly directed generally conical portion, a standing section on which the container rests, a heel portion joining the bottom portion and container body portion, and a hinge portion joining the conical portion and the standing section, wherein the wall thickness of the hinge portion is greater than the wall thickness of the heel portion.

Abstract: A blow molded, biaxially oriented plastic container with a bottom portion including an axially, inwardly directed generally conical portion, a standing section on which the container rests, a heel portion joining the bottom portion and container body portion, and a hinge portion joining the conical portion and the standing section, wherein the wall thickness of the hinge portion is greater than the wall thickness of the heel portion.

Abstract: A plastic preform for forming blow molded plastic containers wherein the inside wall face of the tubular body portion adjacent the bottom structure and extending onto the bottom structure has a plurality of faces with terminal portions thereof. Scallop-shaped segments are provided connecting the terminal portions of each face to initiate deformation prior to deformation of the faces and thereby have an increased rate and degree of orientation.

Abstract: A plastic preform for forming blow molded plastic containers wherein the inside wall face of the tubular body portion adjacent the bottom structure and extending onto the bottom structure has a plurality of flat faces with terminal portions thereof. Scallop-shaped segments are provided connecting the terminal portions of each flat face to initiate deformation prior to deformation of the flat faces and thereby have an increased rate and degree of orientation.

Abstract: A method for preparing a blow molded plastic container having a thickened bottom structure from a plastic preform. The plastic preform and resultant container have a neck portion defining an opening, a tubular body portion depending therefrom and an integral bottom structure depending from the tubular body portion. A stretch rod is seated inside the preform. The stretch rod stretches the portions of the preform adjacent the bottom thereof by means of a controlled stroke, in an amount less than the amount of stretching of the tubular body portion, to impart to the container bottom structure and adjacent body portions continuous variations of wall thickness the thick parts thereof on average being thicker than the average wall thickness of the container body.