Abstract: An improved PET container is disclosed which is expressly configured for hot fill applications. The container's body side wall is rigidized against radical and longitudinal vacuum distribution so that paper labels can be applied to the container. In addition, the amorphous threaded mouth of the container is rigidized by gussets molded into the container at the junction of the mouth and body portion of the container to resist deformation when the container is capped. Finally, a bulbous vacuum deformation area in the container is provided adjacent the container mouth.

Abstract: An improved PET process, system and container which uses an improved single stage process to produce a thermally stable container. The single stage process arrests the cooling of the preform at elevated temperatures followed by equilibriation to a set temperature in a conditioning station at controlled time rates to achieve high crystallinity in the container side wall. Special provisions are made for establishing a transition zone temperature gradient adjacent the container mouth to achieve high crystallization in the transition zone. The container is especially configured in a number of instances to make it suitable for hot fill applications. One such instance includes rigidizing the body side wall against radial and longitudinal vacuum distortion so that paper labels can be applied to the container.