Patent ID: 8429880
Filing Date: 2013-04-30
Classification: B65B,B65D,B67C

Abstract:
1. A system for handling filled containers, the system comprising: a plurality of containers, each said container including a body and a base defining an inner volume, the body having a first annular portion, a second annular portion, and a sidewall portion; filling means for filling each of said containers with a product, the product being at an elevated temperature; capping means for capping and sealing each said filled container with a cap; cooling means for cooling each said filled and capped container, the cooling creating a vacuum in the container, the vacuum causing temporary distortion of the container, the temporary distortion occurring substantially at the sidewall portion, with the first annular portion and the second annular portion substantially resisting distortion; and handling means for handling each said cooled container temporarily distorted such that one or more substantially stable touch points of the container are in contact with corresponding one or more substantially stable touch points of at least one other container, the one or more substantially stable touch points being facilitated by an associated one of the first annular portion and the second annular portion, wherein, in response to hot-filling by said filling means and capping by said capping means, each said container is caused temporarily to deform, the temporary deformation being substantially confined to the sidewall portion, the first annular portion and the second annular portion providing for substantially stable touch points such that no portion of the deformed sidewall portion of any of said containers contacts any other of said containers.