Patent ID: 6837390
Filing Date: 2005-01-04
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
1. A lightweight container structure comprising: a container made of a generally biaxially oriented polyester material; said container having a neck portion defining a mouth; a shoulder portion formed with said neck portion and extending downward therefrom; a bottom portion forming a base; and a sidewall extending between and joining said shoulder portion with said bottom portion, said sidewall having a substantially oval shape in cross-section, said oval shape including a pair of opposing ends and a pair of opposing sides, said sidewall including a pair of opposing columns and a pair of opposing panels, said panels being located at said opposing sides of said oval shape and between said columns, said panels vary in width progressing from a top to a bottom thereof, said columns vary in width progressing from a top to a bottom thereof, and a plurality of transition walls each disposed between and joining one of said pair of opposing columns and an adjacent one of said pair of opposing panels, wherein said columns are generally concave shaped; a fluid within said container wherein said fluid when filled in said container is initially at a temperature measurably above room temperature; a closure engaging said neck portion and sealing said fluid within said container while said fluid remains at said temperature; and said neck portion, said shoulder portion, said sidewall, said bottom portion and said fluid sealed within said container by said closure all cooperate to allow said columns of said sidewall to deflect radially outward to a generally vertical orientation as said panels of said sidewall contract inward from vacuum forces created within said container as said fluid cools from said temperature measurably above room temperature after said sealing of said container.