Patent ID: 8113370
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
1. A container structure comprising: an upper portion defining a mouth; a shoulder portion formed with the upper portion and extending downward from the upper portion; a bottom portion forming a base; a sidewall extending between and joining the shoulder portion and the bottom portion; a pair of opposing vacuum panels as part of the sidewall, each vacuum panel having a central region that defines a vacuum panel longitudinal axis; a pair of opposing columns arranged between the pair of opposing vacuum panels thereby forming a circumference of the container; and a vacuum initiator built into each vacuum panel of the pair of opposing vacuum panels, each vacuum initiator recessed radially inward from its respective vacuum panel, each vacuum initiator having a first end, a second end that is spaced apart from the first end, and an initiator longitudinal axis, each vacuum initiator extending from the respective first end to the respective second end along the central region of the respective vacuum panel to be substantially coincident with the respective vacuum panel longitudinal axis, wherein the pair of opposing columns are at a first position relative to a central vertical axis when the container is not filled, and move away from the central vertical axis when the container experiences an internal vacuum.