Abstract: A rigid container for a particulate product with enhanced top load support includes an interior volume formed by a base, a surrounding wall member upstanding from the base, and an opening formed in a top. A particulate product, such as coffee, is provided in the interior volume, and is provided in sufficient quantity to fill the interior volume up to a predetermined minimum headspace. The predetermined minimum headspace is that headspace which produces a top load ratio of at least 3:1; where the top load ratio is defined as a ratio of the top load force sufficient to cause a 0.30? deflection in the container when filled to the top load force sufficient to cause a 0.30? deflection in the container when empty. In a preferred embodiment, the container is made of plastic and includes a flexible closure attached to the top and spanning the top opening.

Abstract: A rigid container for a particulate product with enhanced top load support includes an interior volume formed by a base, a surrounding wall member upstanding from the base, and an opening formed in a top. A particulate product, such as coffee, is provided in the interior volume, and is provided in sufficient quantity to fill the interior volume up to a predetermined minimum headspace. The predetermined minimum headspace is that headspace which produces a top load ratio of at least 3:1; where the top load ratio is defined as a ratio of the top load force sufficient to cause a 0.30? deflection in the container when filled to the top load force sufficient to cause a 0.30? deflection in the container when empty. In a preferred embodiment, the container is made of plastic and includes a flexible closure attached to the top and spanning the top opening.