Abstract: An efficient and cost-effective method of designing and manufacturing a plastic blow molded container having highly artistic sculptural relief. Computer software is utilized to graphically design a container skin shape, create 2-D artwork designs, add 3-D relief to the artwork designs, and apply the artwork to the container skin to develop a desired container. The graphics data of the desired container is utilized to make blow molds which, in turn, are utilized to blow containers. A preferred container is disclosed which has a dome with an intricate fruit basket design.

Abstract: An ergonomically friendly container having hot-fill capabilities is disclosed. The container has a dome with grip surfaces that undergo controlled deformation for accommodating a portion of the volumetric shrinkage due to hot filling, capping and cooling. Preferably, a major portion of each grip surface is circumscribed by a brow rib which prevents unwanted dome distortion while permitting an amount of controlled vacuum absorption. In addition, the container body is provided with vacuum flex panels of at least two different sizes which enable the grip surfaces to be located close to the center of gravity of a filled container to provide balanced pouring of the contents from the container.

Abstract: A container having a grip ring. The grip ring is located between a dome portion and a body portion of the container and has an inset grip surface for receiving a thumb and fingers. The grip ring is located and sized relative to the dome and body portions, such that, when the container is grasped about the grip ring, the container contents can be poured in a balanced and facile manner. In addition, the location and configuration of the grip ring provides the container with circumferential hoop strength which resists unwanted ovalization distortion of the dome and body portion of the container.