Abstract: A molded polymeric container generally symmetric about a vertical axis includes at least two rows of panels disposed circumferentially around the body, the panels having central portions that are sufficiently flexible to be dimensionally responsive to changes in pressure within the container. At least one row of the panels has a margin having a horizontal width exceeding the vertical height, thus being laterally elongate with a height/width aspect ratio of less than one. The pressure responsive central portion of each laterally elongate panel is a smooth outwardly projecting dome from a peripheral root of a generally radially projecting wall defining the margins of circumferential rings and posts separating the panels. The outwardly projection domes of the laterally elongate panels can have a variety of shapes.

Abstract: A plastic container having a longitudinal axis, a finish adapted to receive a closure for sealing the container, a neck situated below and supporting the finish, a shoulder portion situated below the neck, a body portion extending downward from the shoulder portion, and a base. The base has a central portion and a plurality of edges and corners defining a generally polygonal base perimeter. Downwardly extending contact portions are located along the edges of the base perimeter, a lowermost surface of the contact portions defining a common plane perpendicular to the container longitudinal axis. Each of the corners of the base includes a channel upwardly offset with respect to the common plane, each channel extending between the base central portion and the base perimeter.

Abstract: A thin walled, plastic hot-fill container has a finish to receive a closure, a neck supporting the finish, a shoulder situated below the neck, a base, and a body between the shoulder and base. The body includes upper and lower margins defining a label mount area that includes a plurality of inwardly recessed vacuum panels separated by vertical posts. At least one indented reinforcing ring separates the upper and lower edges of the vacuum panels from the adjacent margins of the label mount area by a distance D. Each vacuum panel includes an inclined upper and lower margin of height H that is greater than distance D, and has corners defined by radius R, which is less than or equal to D. Lateral margins of each vacuum panel extend vertically between the corners and connect the adjacent posts to a central depressed region, each lateral margin being essentially perpendicular to the adjacent surface of the vacuum panel.

Abstract: A molded polymeric container generally symmetric about a vertical axis includes at least two rows of panels disposed circumferentially around the body, the panels having central portions that are sufficiently flexible to be dimensionally responsive to changes in pressure within the container. At least one row of the panels has a margin having a horizontal width exceeding the vertical height, thus being laterally elongate with a height/width aspect ratio of less than one. The pressure responsive central portion of each laterally elongate panel is a smooth outwardly projecting dome from a peripheral root of a generally radially projecting wall defining the margins of circumferential rings and posts separating the panels. The outwardly projection domes of the laterally elongate panels can have a variety of shapes.

Abstract: A champagne type base for a molded polymeric container has an annular step immediately inside an annular contact ring. A push-up area is a central portion of the base immediately surrounding the container longitudinal axis. A transition region between the push-up area and the annular step provides for outstanding base stabilization. The transition region includes an upwardly arching surface extending between the annular step and the push-up area with a plurality of integrally molded, spaced apart, radially extending and downwardly projecting hollow ribs. Each of the ribs has a lower curved surface extending substantially continuously from the push-up area to the inner margin of the annular step.