Abstract: A plastic container for use in a sterilization process includes a neck having a finish, an upper transition portion extending from the neck, a generally polygonal structure having a plurality of relatively flat panels separated by columns, and a base portion where the generally polygonal structure is disposed between the upper transition portion and the base portion. Adjacent relatively flat panels together with the separating column form an angle so that the relatively flat panels of the generally polygonal structure move together after the sterilization process thereby maintaining the aesthetics of the plastic container.

Abstract: An improved blow molded plastic container having generally rounded sidewalls that are adapted for hot-fill applications has two adjacent sides and two pairs of controlled deflection panels, each pair reacting to vacuum pressure at differing rates of movement, whereby one pair inverts under vacuum pressure and the other pair remains available for increased squeezability or extreme vacuum extraction. The opposing sidewalls are symmetric relative to vacuum panel and rib shape and placement. The ribs and controlled deflection panels cooperate to retain container shape upon filling and cooling and also improves bumper denting resistance, decreases vacuum pressure within the container, and increases light weight capability.

Abstract: A plastic container comprises an upper portion including a finish, a lower portion including a base, a sidewall extending between the upper portion and the lower portion, the sidewall defining a central longitudinal axis of the container, and at least two vacuum panels located in the sidewall and separated by a substantially longitudinal rib having a wavy longitudinal profile. Each vacuum panel comprises a first portion having a first cross-section in a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a second portion having a second cross-section in a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis, the second cross-section being arced to a greater extent than the first cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container adapted to increase volume contraction and reduce pressure having four panels that are adapted to contract inwardly from vacuum forces created by contraction of container contents.

Abstract: A plastic container for use in a sterilization process includes a neck having a finish, an upper transition portion extending from the neck, a generally polygonal structure having a plurality of relatively flat panels separated by columns, and a base portion where the generally polygonal structure is disposed between the upper transition portion and the base portion. Adjacent relatively flat panels together with the separating column form an angle so that the relatively flat panels of the generally polygonal structure move together after the sterilization process thereby maintaining the aesthetics of the plastic container.

Abstract: A plastic, hot-fillable, blow-molded, singleserve container having a four-sided body. Three sides of the container include vacuum relief panels that can flex inwards when fluid in the container cools and contracts. In an embodiment of the invention, the rear panel is a vacuum relief panel that includes a raised island structure on which a label may be applied and supported. The left and right sides of the container also include vacuum relief panels. These left and right side panels can include, for example, ergonomic D-shaped depressions that allow a person to grip the container with one hand.

Abstract: A dome for a plastic container having a longitudinal axis, including an upper portion with a flanged finish adapted to receive a cap where the upper portion extends substantially annular about the axis from the flanged finish to a first horizontal rib, an intermediate portion extending outwardly from under the first horizontal rib of the upper portion to a second horizontal rib, a lower portion extending outwardly from under the second horizontal rib to a third horizontal rib where the third horizontal rib being substantially annular; and a grip panel formed in opposite side surfaces from under the first horizontal rib to above the third horizontal rib, where the opposing grip panels enable a thumb and forefingers of an hand size to grip the container while opposing surfaces of the intermediate and lower portions without the grip panel enable a thumb and forefingers of another hand size to grip the container.

Abstract: An oval plastic container. A cross-section of the container, taken perpendicular to the height of the container shows an oval or elliptical shape. Such a container has front and back sides. The container also has a left side and a right side. Given the oval shape of the body, the width of the container as measured from the left side to the right side, is less than the depth of the container, measured from front to back. The front and back of the container therefore have a relatively small radius of curvature, compared to the left and right sides. The front and/or the back of the container includes a relatively featureless panel. Such a panel is flat, apart from the curvature that results from the oval shape of the body. Such an area can be used for the application of a pressure-sensitive label. The oval shape of the body prevents the labeled surface from buckling during the cooling process.

Abstract: A dome for a container having a longitudinal axis, including an upper portion with a flanged finish adapted to receive a cap where the upper portion extends substantially annular about the axis from the flanged finish to a first horizontal rib, an intermediate portion extending outwardly from under the first horizontal rib of the upper portion to a second horizontal rib, a lower portion extending outwardly from under the second horizontal rib to a third horizontal rib where the third horizontal rib being substantially annular; and a grip panel formed in opposite side surfaces from under the first horizontal rib to above the third horizontal rib, where the opposing grip panels enable a thumb and forefingers of an hand size to grip the container while opposing surfaces of the intermediate and lower portions without the grip panel enable a thumb and forefingers of another hand size to grip the container.