Abstract: A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that occur during the hot-fill process includes a container body defining an internal space and having a sidewall. The container body has a maximum lateral dimension and a plurality of flexible panels and posts defined in the sidewall. The posts are respectively interposed between the flexible panels around the outer circumference of the sidewall. Each of the plurality of posts has a minimum width and a maximum width, and a ratio of the minimum width to maximum width is preferably within a range of about 0.3 to about 0.7. A ratio of the minimum width to the maximum lateral dimension is preferably within a range of about 0.05 to about 0.30. In addition, a ratio of the maximum width to the maximum lateral dimension is preferably within a range of about 0.15 to about 0.45.

Abstract: A hot fill type plastic container includes a finish portion that defines an opening and a main body portion having a sidewall that defines a plurality of vacuum panels and a plurality of creased wall portions. Each of the creased wall portions is positioned between two adjacent vacuum panels. At least one of the creased wall portions has an axis of longitudinal orientation when viewed in side elevation that has a vertical component and a circumferential component. The creased wall portions further preferably are substantially non-curved when viewed in side elevation and also preferably have a compound curvature to increase stiffness.

Abstract: A hot fill type plastic container includes a finish portion that defines an opening and a main body portion having a sidewall that defines a plurality of vacuum panels and a plurality of creased wall portions. Each of the creased wall portions is positioned between two adjacent vacuum panels. At least one of the creased wall portions has an axis of longitudinal orientation when viewed in side elevation that has a vertical component and a circumferential component. The creased wall portions further preferably are substantially non-curved when viewed in side elevation and also preferably have a compound curvature to increase stiffness.

Abstract: A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that occur during the hot-fill process includes a container body defining an internal space and having a sidewall. The container body has a maximum lateral dimension and a plurality of flexible panels and posts defined in the sidewall. The posts are respectively interposed between the flexible panels around the outer circumference of the sidewall. Each of the plurality of posts has a minimum width and a maximum width, and a ratio of the minimum width to maximum width is preferably within a range of about 0.3 to about 0.7. A ratio of the minimum width to the maximum lateral dimension is preferably within a range of about 0.05 to about 0.30. In addition, a ratio of the maximum width to the maximum lateral dimension is preferably within a range of about 0.15 to about 0.45.

Abstract: A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that typically occur during the hot fill process includes a container body defining an internal space. The container body has a sidewall that is shaped to define at least one flexible panel. The flexible panel has a central longitudinal axis, an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion. The central portion of the flexible panel has a width that is greater than a respective width of at least one of the upper and lower portions. The flexible panel is substantially flat as viewed in a longitudinal cross-section taken along the central longitudinal axis. Additionally, the central portion has a transverse radius of curvature that is greater than a transverse radius of curvature of at least one of the upper portion and said lower portion.

Abstract: A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that occur during the hot-fill process includes a container body defining an internal space. The container body includes a main body portion having a plurality of vacuum panels disposed about an outer circumference thereof and a corresponding plurality of columns interposed between the vacuum panels. A label covers at least a portion of the vacuum panels and the columns. The label has a first portion having a first surface area that is in contact with the container and a second portion having a second surface area that is not in contact with the container. A ratio of said first surface area to said second surface area is at least 1.0, thereby ensuring superior label support. The main body portion further has a maximum outer radius and a maximum depth that is defined with respect to the maximum outer radius. A ratio of the maximum depth to the maximum outer radius is preferably no greater than about 0.