Container with vacuum resistant ribs

Container having a body portion with sidewall defining outer perimeter and hollow interior. The body portion includes a plurality of continuous ribs extending about the outer perimeter of the sidewall, each rib having alternating horizontal segments and branched segments. Each branched segment includes a top branch and bottom branch joined at either end to define a bounded area therebetween. The plurality of continuous ribs includes at least a first continuous rib and second continuous rib spaced vertically from the first continuous rib. A midpoint of each branched segment of the first continuous rib is aligned along a vertical axis with a midpoint of a corresponding horizontal segment of the second continuous rib, and a midpoint of each horizontal segment of the first continuous rib is aligned along a vertical axis with a midpoint of a corresponding branched segment of the second continuous rib.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosed Subject Matter

The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to plastic containers, for example a blow-molded bottle with ribs.

Description of Related Art

Plastic containers are often used due to their durability and lightweight nature. A wide variety of suitable plastics are commercialized for various uses. For example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is often used to form containers, which are lightweight, inexpensive, recyclable and manufacturable in large quantities.

Plastic containers can be used for a variety of products, such as perishable beverages and nonperishable liquids. Often these beverages, such as juices and isotonics, are filled into the containers while the liquid is at an elevated temperature. Subsequently the container is sealed and allowed to cool. This process is known as hot-filling. The containers that are designed to withstand the process are known as hot-fill containers.

The use of blow molded plastic containers for packaging hot-fill beverages is well known. However, a plastic container that is used in the hot-fill process is subject to stresses on the container that can result in the container deforming or failing due to the pressure differential (i.e. vacuum) created by the cooled liquid. Furthermore, the deformation of the container, if not controlled, can detrimentally impact the strength of the container, e.g. hoop strength about the circumference and/or axial load strength.

A variety of techniques and features have been developed to minimize or control deformation resulting from the hot-fill process. Such techniques include incorporation of vacuum panels into the sidewall of the container and/or a diaphragm-like feature or construction in the base of the container. However, there continues to be a need for improved techniques or features to address the pressure-differentials resulting from the hot-fill process in blow-molded plastic containers without compromising the aesthetics or strength of the container.

SUMMARY

To achieve these and other advantages, and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes a container having a body portion with a sidewall defining an outer perimeter and a hollow interior. The container further includes a bottom portion extending from a lower end of the body portion, the bottom portion defining a horizontal support surface. The container further includes a top portion extending from an upper end of the body portion opposite the bottom portion. The top portion includes a finish portion. The body portion of the container includes a plurality of continuous ribs extending about the outer perimeter of the sidewall, each continuous rib having alternating horizontal segments and branched segments. Each branched segment includes a top branch and a bottom branch joined at either end to define a bounded area therebetween. The plurality of continuous ribs includes at least a first continuous rib and a second continuous rib, the second continuous rib spaced vertically from the first continuous rib. A midpoint of each branched segment of the first continuous rib is aligned along a vertical axis with a midpoint of a corresponding horizontal segment of the second continuous rib, and a midpoint of each horizontal segment of the first continuous rib is aligned along a vertical axis with a midpoint of a corresponding branched segment of the second continuous rib.

Additionally, and as embodied herein, for purpose of illustration and not limitation, a top edge of each top branch of the first continuous rib can define a first horizontal plane, and a bottom edge of each bottom branch of the second continuous rib can define a second horizontal plane. The second horizontal plane can be spaced vertically from the first horizontal plane. For example, the second horizontal plane can be above the first horizontal plane. Furthermore, the body portion can include a continuous groove extending about the outer perimeter of the sidewall between the first horizontal plane and the second horizontal plane. The distance between the first horizontal plane and the second horizontal plane can be approximately 0.040 inches to approximately 0.090 inches.

Furthermore, and as embodied herein, the first continuous rib and second continuous rib can be configured such that a first vertical distance between a midpoint of each top branch of the first continuous rib and a midpoint of a corresponding horizontal segment of the second continuous rib is substantially equal to a second vertical distance between a midpoint of each horizontal segment of the first continuous rib and a midpoint of a corresponding bottom branch of the second continuous rib. The first vertical distance can be approximately 0.280 inches to approximately 0.420 inches.

Additionally, and as embodied herein, the container can include a third continuous rib such that a first vertical distance between a midpoint of each horizontal segment of the second continuous rib and a midpoint of a corresponding top branch of the first continuous rib can be substantially equal to a second vertical distance between the midpoint of each horizontal segment of the second continuous rib and a midpoint of a corresponding bottom branch of the third continuous rib. Although not limited, the body portion of the container can include between 3 and 12 continuous ribs.

Further in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, each bounded area can have any of a variety of suitable shapes, such as a circular shape, oval shape, eye-like shape, rectangular shape, square shape, hexagonal shape, octagonal shape or any other suitable shape. As embodied herein, each branched segment can include at least one linear section aligned parallel to each horizontal segment. The length of each linear section can be substantially equal to a length of each horizontal segment. Although not limited, each continuous rib can have between 4 and 12 branched segments and a corresponding number of horizontal segments.

As further embodied herein, and in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, each continuous rib defines a concave channel in side cross-section relative to an exterior of the perimeter. Each channel can have a nadir having a first depth relative to the sidewall. For example, the first depth can be between 0.020 inches and 0.080 inches. Furthermore, and as embodied herein, each nadir can have a second depth relative to the bounded area. The second depth can be substantially equal to the first depth or can differ from the first depth.

Further in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the container is a blow molded container. As embodied herein, the container can have a wall thickness of approximately 0.008 inches to approximately 0.017 inches. Additionally, or alternatively, the container can have a total weight of approximately 24 grams to approximately 35 grams. Containers in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can be made from any suitable material, such as low and high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate (“PEN”), PEN blends, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, fluorine treated high density polyethylene, post-consumer resin, K-resin, bioplastic, catalytic scavengers, including monolayer-blended scavengers, multi-layer structures, or a mixture, blend, or copolymer thereof. Furthermore, and as embodied herein, the bottom portion of the container can include a vacuum base.

The disclosed subject matter also includes a method of making a container having some or all of the features described herein, as well as a method of using such a container. As recognized in the art, the container disclosed herein can include some or all of the features described herein, or any suitable combination thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, exemplary embodiments of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The structure and corresponding method of operation of the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system.

The apparatus and methods presented herein can be used for the packaging, transport, storage, commercialization, and consumption of a wide variety of perishable or nonperishable liquids and other products. The disclosed subject matter is particularly suited for blow-molded plastic containers subject to hot-fill processes or the like.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter herein, the container generally includes a body portion with a sidewall defining an outer perimeter and a hollow interior. The container further includes a bottom portion extending from a lower end of the body portion, the bottom portion defining a horizontal support surface. The container further includes a top portion extending from an upper end of the body portion opposite the bottom portion. The top portion includes a finish portion. The body portion of the container includes a plurality of continuous ribs extending about the outer perimeter of the sidewall, each continuous rib having alternating horizontal segments and branched segments. Each branched segment includes a top branch and a bottom branch joined at either end to define a bounded area therebetween. The plurality of continuous ribs includes at least a first continuous rib and a second continuous rib, the second continuous rib spaced vertically from the first continuous rib. A midpoint of each branched segment of the first continuous rib is aligned along a vertical axis with a midpoint of a corresponding horizontal segment of the second continuous rib, and a midpoint of each horizontal segment of the first continuous rib is aligned along a vertical axis with a midpoint of a corresponding branched segment of the second continuous rib.

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, exemplary embodiments of the container in accordance with the disclosed subject matter are shown inFIGS. 1-11C. The container of the disclosed subject matter is suitable for use with a wide variety of liquids. As used herein, the terms “front,” “rear,” “side,” “top,” and “bottom” are used for the purpose of illustration only, and not limitation. That is, it is recognized that the terms “front,” “rear,” “side,” “top,” and “bottom” are interchangeable and are merely used herein as a point of reference.

For purpose of illustration, and not limitation, reference is made to the exemplary embodiment of a container100shown inFIGS. 1-6B. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, container100generally includes a body portion102, a top portion101disposed above the body portion102and extending from an upper end of the body portion102, and a bottom portion103disposed below body portion102opposite top portion101and extending from a lower end of the body portion. Top portion101can include a finish portion107defining an opening106to the interior of container100. Finish portion107can include an engagement or fastener for a closure to cover opening106. Finish portion107can include any suitable engagement for a container closure, for example and without limitation, an internal or external threaded engagement, neck-time and lever wire engagement, non-threaded cap engagement, groove-ring wax seal, or any other suitable container closure engagement. Top portion101can further include a dome or other feature extending from the body portion102. For example, and as embodied herein, dome108can extend radially outward and downward from finish portion107, and can have a contoured shape, such as a partial spherical or parabolic shape. Furthermore, top portion101can include a plurality of segments or fluting to define and strengthen the contoured shape. Additionally, and as embodied herein, container100can include one or more grooves109or other features which can define a transition between top portion101and body portion102. The one or more grooves109can extend horizontally about the outer circumferential perimeter of the top portion101and body portion102, such as continuous groove109as embodied herein. Similarly, container100can include one or more grooves110or other features which can define a transition between body portion102and bottom portion103. The one or more grooves110can extend horizontally about the outer circumferential perimeter of the bottom portion103and body portion102, such as continuous groove110as embodied herein.

Body portion102can extend from top portion101directly or indirectly and include sidewall111. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, and as embodied herein, body portion102can include a plurality of continuous ribs201, each extending continuously about the outer perimeter of the sidewall111. Each continuous rib201includes branched segments204which define the bounded areas205of body portion102, as further discussed herein.

Body portion102can have any of a variety of suitable shapes. For example, and without limitation, body portion102can have a generally polygonal shape in plan view, such as a rectangular, square or octagonal shape, or an elliptical shape, or as embodied herein, body portion102of container100can have a substantially circular shape in plan view. Such shapes can be readily manufactured using blow-molding techniques and compatible for use with certain equipment used for sterilization and/or pasteurization, such as a high-pressure processing (or high-pressure preservation or HPP) food processing apparatus.

As previously noted and as embodied herein, body portion102can include a plurality of continuous ribs201which can strengthen the container while controlling or inhibiting distortion and/or deflection of the body portion102, for example due to negative pressure in the container, such as for gripping, lifting or manipulating of the container. Container100can include any suitable number of continuous ribs. As embodied herein, continuous ribs201can extend horizontally about the outer perimeter of the sidewall111of the body portion102. Each continuous rib can include alternating horizontal segments203and branched segments204. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, each continuous rib201can include any suitable number of branched segments204and a corresponding number of horizontal segments203. The number of branched segments204and corresponding number of horizontal segments203in each continuous rib201can depend on the size and shape of the container, as well as on the size and shape of the branched segments204and horizontal segments203respectively. For example, and without limitation, for a container with a capacity of 20 fluid ounces or a diameter of approximately 2.9 inches, each continuous rib201can have between 5 and 9 branched segments204and a corresponding number of horizontal segments. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the container can have 6 branched segments204and a corresponding number of horizontal segments203.

With reference toFIG. 5, each branched segment204includes a top branch504and a bottom branch505. The top branch504and bottom branch505of each branched segment204can be joined at either end to define a bounded area205therebetween. That is, the bounded area205is a bounded surface area having a perimeter defined by the top branch504and the bottom branch505of each branched segment204. As discussed further herein, this bounded surface area can be generally aligned with the sidewall111in plan view, or recessed relative the sidewall111, or raised relative the sidewall111. For example, and without limitation, each branched segment204can include at least one linear section206which can be aligned in parallel to each horizontal segment203as embodied herein. As shown inFIG. 5, each branched segment204can include two linear sections206, each aligned in parallel to each horizontal segment203. In this manner, and as embodied herein, the bounded area205can have a generally hexagonal shape.

Alternatively, and in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the bounded area205can be defined by a top branch504and a bottom branch505so as to have any of a variety of other suitable shapes. For example, and without limitation, bounded area205can have a generally oval shape, or a substantially rectangular shape, a triangular shape, an eye-like shape, a circular shape, a square shape, an octagonal shape, or any other suitable shape. For purpose of example and not limitation, an exemplary embodiment of a container in accordance with the disclosed subject matter with bounded areas205having an eye-like shape is depicted inFIG. 11C.

Additionally, or alternatively, and as further embodied herein, containers in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can include bounded areas205of different shapes and sizes. For purposes of example, and not limitation, a first continuous rib can have branched segments204defining bounded areas with a generally hexagonal shape, and a second continuous rib can have branched segments204defining bounded areas205having a generally oval shape. For purposes of example and not limitation,FIG. 11Adepicts an exemplary embodiment of a container in accordance with the disclosed subject matter with bounded areas205having generally hexagonal shapes of different sizes.

Further referencingFIG. 5, at least a first continuous rib501, a second continuous rib502, and a third continuous rib503are depicted. As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are for the purpose of illustration only, and not limitation. That is, it is recognized that the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are interchangeable and are merely used herein as a point of reference. As embodied herein, the first continuous rib501and the second continuous rib502can be spaced vertically from one another. For example, and as depicted inFIG. 5, the top edge of each top branch504of the first continuous rib501can define a first horizontal plane506, and the bottom edge of each bottom branch505in the second continuous rib502can define a second horizontal plane507. First horizontal plane506and second horizontal plane507are shown inFIG. 5in dashed line for purpose of illustration only. As embodied in the container100ofFIGS. 1-6, the second horizontal plane507can be spaced vertically from the first horizontal plane506such that the second horizontal plane507is above the first horizontal plane506. That is, the second horizontal plane507can be disposed closer to the top portion101than the first horizontal plane506. Furthermore, a continuous groove710can extend about the outer perimeter of the sidewall111in the space between the first horizontal plane506and second horizontal plane507, as further discussed herein with respect to the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 7-10.

Alternatively, depending on the desired use of the container100, the second horizontal plane507can be spaced vertically from the first horizontal plane506such that the second horizontal plane507is below the first horizontal plane506. That is, the second horizontal plane507can be disposed closer to the bottom portion103of the container100than the first horizontal plane506, such that second continuous rib502can be closer to first continuous rib501along a vertical axis. For purpose of example, and not limitation, an alternative exemplary embodiment of a container in accordance with the disclosed subject matter having such a configuration is depicted inFIG. 11B. Whether the second horizontal plane507is disposed above or below the first horizontal plane506, the distance between the first horizontal plane506and the second horizontal plane507can be any suitable distance and can be selected based on the intended use of the container and the number of continuous ribs201desired. The spacing between adjacent continuous ribs can impact the performance characteristics of the container100. For example, areas of stress concentration, or stress risers, in the container sidewall can be created depending on the spacing configuration selected. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the distance between the first horizontal plane506and the second horizontal plane507can be between approximately 0.040 inches and 0.090 inches. For purpose of example, and as embodied herein, the distance between the first horizontal plane506and the second horizontal plane507can be approximately 0.067 inches.

Depending on the desired performance and intended use of the container, the second horizontal plane507and the first horizontal plane506can be co-planer along a vertical axis such that a top edge of the top branch504of a first continuous rib501can be aligned with a bottom edge of a corresponding bottom branch505of a second continuous rib502. For example, and with reference to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 5, the first horizontal plane506and the second horizontal plane507would be in line with each other.

Further referencingFIG. 5, the first continuous rib501is aligned with the second continuous rib502such that a midpoint508of each branched segment204of the first continuous rib501is aligned along a vertical axis with a midpoint509of each corresponding horizontal segment203of the second continuous rib502. As further embodied herein, the first continuous rib501can be spaced vertically from the second continuous rib502such that a first vertical distance can be measured between a midpoint510of each top branch504of the first continuous rib501and midpoint509of each corresponding horizontal segment203of the second continuous rib502. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the first distance between midpoint510and midpoint509can be approximately 0.280 inches to approximately 0.420 inches. For purpose of example, and as embodied herein, the first distance can be approximately 0.350 inches. A second vertical distance can also be measured between a midpoint511of each horizontal segment203of the first continuous rib501and a midpoint512of each corresponding bottom branch505of the second continuous rib502. As embodied herein, the first vertical distance between midpoints510and509can be substantially the same as the second vertical distance between midpoints511and512.

Additionally, and as further embodied herein, the container100can include a third continuous rib503. The third continuous rib503can be vertically spaced from the second continuous rib502such that the vertical spacing between the third continuous rib503and the second continuous rib502can be substantially equal to the vertical spacing between the first continuous rib501and the second continuous rib502. As such, a first vertical distance can be measured between a midpoint509of each horizontal segment203of the second continuous rib502and midpoint510of each corresponding top branch504of the first continuous rib501, and further wherein a second vertical distance can be measured between a midpoint509of each horizontal segment203of the second continuous rib502and midpoint513of each corresponding bottom branch505of the third continuous503. As embodied herein, the first vertical distance between midpoints509and510can be substantially the same as the second vertical distance between midpoints509and513. Alternatively, the vertical spacing between the second and third continuous ribs can be different than the vertical spacing between the first and second continuous ribs.

As further depicted in the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1-6B, continuous ribs201can be aligned and vertically spaced with adjacent ribs in the manner described above such that a symmetrical offset pattern of continuous ribs201and bounded areas205is created along the body portion102of the container100. While reference has been made to three continuous ribs, containers in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can include any suitable number of continuous ribs201. For example, containers in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can include between 3 and 12 continuous ribs201depending on the size of the container and the desired vertical spacing between continuous ribs201. Additionally, and as further embodied herein, different vertical spacing can be selected between different pairs of adjacent continuous ribs201. For example, and as discussed further herein, the container700can include one or more continuous grooves710which can extend about the outer perimeter of the sidewall111between one or more continuous ribs210.

With reference toFIG. 8, an alternative exemplary embodiment of a container in accordance with the disclosed subject matter is depicted. As embodied herein, a first continuous rib701can be vertically spaced from a second continuous rib702such that a top edge of each top branch504of the first continuous rib701defines a first horizontal plane, and a bottom edge of each bottom branch505of the second continuous rib702defines a second horizontal plane. As embodied herein, the second horizontal plane can be spaced vertically from the first horizontal plane, and continuous groove710can extend about the outer perimeter of the sidewall111between the first and second horizontal planes. As further embodied herein, the container700can include a third continuous rib703vertically spaced from the second continuous rib702. As such, a first vertical distance can be measured between a midpoint of each horizontal segment203of the second continuous rib702and midpoint of each corresponding top branch504of the first continuous rib701, and a second vertical distance can be measured between a midpoint of each horizontal segment203of the second continuous rib702and a midpoint of each corresponding bottom branch505of the third continuous rib703. As embodied herein, the first vertical distance can be different from the second vertical distance. Containers in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can have any suitable number of continuous grooves710, which can extend about the outer perimeter of the sidewall111. Additionally, and in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, vertical spacing between continuous ribs201can be selected such that the spacing between one pair of adjacent continuous ribs201can be different from the vertical spacing between a second pair of adjacent continuous ribs201.

For purpose of illustration and not limitation, reference is now made toFIG. 6A, which depicts an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the sidewall111of container100along line6A-6A ofFIG. 2. As depicted inFIG. 6A, a first continuous rib501, a second continuous rib502, and a third continuous rib503are shown in cross-section. For example, and without limitation, continuous ribs201can have any suitable shape in side cross-section, such as a partial oval shape, rectangular shape, triangular shape, square shape, or any other suitable shape. Additionally, or alternatively, and as embodied herein, continuous ribs201can define a concave channel in side cross-section relative to an exterior of the perimeter of the container100. Furthermore, and as embodied herein, such concave continuous ribs201can have a radius701in side cross section which can define a nadir702, or low point, relative the sidewall111of the container100. A depth711of each continuous rib201can be measured from the outer perimeter of the sidewall111to the nadir of each continuous rib201. For example, depth711of the continuous rib201can be substantially equal to radius701. Additionally, or alternatively, depth711can be larger or smaller than radius701depending on the shape and configuration of continuous rib201. As embodied herein, depth711can be uniform around the circumference of the container100. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, depth711can be varied around the circumference of the container100. Additionally, and as embodied herein, each continuous rib201can have a width703in side cross-section or profile. Width703can be approximately equal to twice the radius701of the continuous rib201or different than such dimension. The radius701of continuous ribs201can be provided with dimensions suitable for the size of the container and desired properties. For purpose of example, and not limitation, the radius701can be between approximately 0.020 inches and 0.080 inches for a container with a diameter of approximately 3 inches. Likewise, the dimensions of the depth and width of the continuous ribs201can be selected for the desired properties and size of the container. For example, ribs of larger dimensions can be provided for a container with a larger diameter. Also, if the radius701of continuous rib201is larger, the width and/or depth of the continuous rib201can increase.

As further depicted inFIG. 6A, continuous ribs201can also include transition portions704between the sidewall111of the container100and the inner wall705of the continuous ribs201. As embodied herein, transition portions704can include a curved portion in side cross-section with an appropriate radius selected to transition between the sidewall111and the inner wall705of the continuous rib.

Further in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, each pair of top branch504and bottom branch505of the branched segments204of the continuous ribs201defines bounded areas205therebetween. For purpose of illustration, and as depicted inFIGS. 5 and 6A, two bounded areas205are shown between the visible top branches504and the visible bottom branches505of first continuous rib501and third continuous rib503, respectively. As embodied herein, continuous ribs201can have a second depth712measured from the nadir702of the continuous ribs201to the exterior surface of the corresponding bounded area205. The second continuous rib depth712measured relative the corresponding bounded area205can be substantially equal to the first continuous rib depth711measured relative the sidewall111. In such embodiments, the bounded areas205and the sidewall111can be substantially within the same plane or circumference in cross-section. Alternatively, the second depth712can be different, i.e., larger or smaller, than the first depth711, such that the bounded areas205can be raised relative to the sidewall111or recessed relative the sidewall111, respectively.

While the above discussion refers to continuous ribs201as recessed within the sidewall111and bounded areas205, containers in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can include continuous ribs201raised or extending outwardly relative the adjacent sidewall111and bounded areas205. In such embodiments the continuous ribs201can have similarly suitable shapes, as described above, so as to have heights measured from the sidewall111and bounded areas, respectively.

As further embodied herein, sidewall111of container100can have a thickness721. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the sidewall thickness721of containers according to the disclosed subject matter can be generally uniform, or can be varied across different portions of the sidewall depending on the properties of the material used to make the container and the method of manufacture used. For example, and as embodied herein, a blow molded plastic container100can have an average sidewall thickness of between approximately 0.008 inches to approximately 0.017 inches for a container with a capacity of 20 fluid ounces. As further embodied herein, container100can have a weight of between approximately 24 grams to approximately 35 grams for a container with a capacity of 20 fluid ounces depending on the properties of the material used to make the container and the method of manufacture used. As will be understood by those in the art, the average sidewall thickness and the weight of container100can vary with the size of the container, such that a container with a greater capacity can have increased average sidewall thickness and increased weight.

As further embodied herein, container100includes a bottom portion103disposed below body portion102opposite top portion101and extending from a lower end of the body portion102.FIG. 4depicts a bottom view of a bottom portion of container100in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. Bottom portion103includes a base405which defines a horizontal support surface. Containers in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can include bottom portions103with any of a variety of suitable configurations. For example, and as embodied herein, bottom portion103can have a plurality of ribs410extending radially from the center of base405to the exterior perimeter of bottom portion103if desired for strength and performance. Additionally, or alternatively, the container can include a vacuum base configured to flex downwardly in a controlled manner and to a desired extent when pressure within the container is elevated, and to flex upwardly in a controlled manner and to a desired extent when a vacuum develops within the filled and sealed container. For purpose of example, and without limitation, containers in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can be provided with bottom portions103with configurations as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,612,451, 7,980,404, 8,381,496, 8,529,975, 8,839,972, and/or 9,522,749, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a method of making and of using a container100of the disclosed subject matter is provided. That is, it will be understood that the container having the various features as disclosed can be made using any suitable technique, including blow molding, extrusion blow molding, single stage polyethylene terephthalate, two stage polyethylene terephthalate, etc. For example, and without limitation, the disclosed containers can be made by the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,636,944, 8,585,392, 8,632,867, 8,535,599, 8,544,663, and 8,556,621, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The container can be made from any suitable polymeric materials, including but not limited to low and high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate (“PEN”), PEN blends, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, fluorine treated high density polyethylene, post-consumer resin, K-resin, bioplastic, catalytic scavengers, including monolayer-blended scavengers, multi-layer structures, or a mixture, blend, or copolymer thereof. Likewise, the containers disclosed herein can be hot-filled, sealed, and cooled using a suitable process. For purpose of example and not limitation, containers in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can be hot-filled with liquids at temperatures between 68° C.-101° C. (155° F.-214° F.) and usually about 85° C. (185° F.).

The containers of the disclosed subject matter have demonstrated desired performance characteristics not achieved by conventional hoop-ring containers or the like. For purpose of understanding and not limitation, data is provided to demonstrate various operational characteristics achieved by the containers disclosed herein. For purpose of illustration and comparison, computer simulation using a finite element analysis software was performed to compare the characteristics of an exemplary container in accordance with the disclosed subject matter to the characteristics of a container of similar size and construction, but with a traditional hoop-ring design. With reference toFIG. 12, a computer-simulated model of a blow-molded container750is shown with a traditional hoop-ring design comprising a plurality of hoops751extending about the perimeter of the sidewall of the container. As shown here for comparison, the conventional hoop-style container750has a capacity of 20 fluid ounces and an average wall thickness of 0.012 inches.

When subjected to internal vacuum forces, the conventional hoop-style container750was observed to deform in the vertical direction. For example, stresses can concentrate in hoops751when the container750is subjected to vacuum forces, and the stress concentrations cause hoops751to deform or compress vertically such that the overall height of the hoop-style container750decreases. Additionally, such stresses under vacuum conditions are observed to be unevenly distributed in the traditional hoop-style container750such that the container deforms vertically more in certain areas of the sidewall than others. This uneven distortion can cause the container to bend or lean under vacuum such that the container sidewall moves or bends transverse to a vertical axis of the container. Such negative pressures in the hoop-style container therefore can result in undesired deformation of the container which can lead to an aesthetically unacceptable container, and/or compromised performance, including reduced strength, e.g. hoop strength and axial load, as well as instability. Furthermore, containers with decreased wall thickness can be desirable for material and weight savings, but the likelihood and/or the amount of deformation can increase as the average wall thickness of the container is decreased.

To model the behavior characteristics of an exemplary embodiment of a hoop-style container750, a vacuum pressure was simulated within the hoop-style container750, as depicted inFIG. 12. Vertical displacement of the container and perpendicularity were then measured to observe the behavior of hoop-style container750under vacuum conditions. Vertical displacement was calculated as the change in height of the hoop-style container750as a result of the vacuum pressure within the container750. Perpendicularity was calculated by measuring the horizontal displacement of the hoop-style container750in the X direction in order to calculate the angle Θ as depicted inFIG. 12.

For purpose of understanding and not limitation,FIGS. 13 & 14illustrate the simulated performance of the hoop-style container750with a traditional hoop design as compared to a sample container according to the disclosed subject matter. For purpose of comparison, the containers were of similar size and construction. With reference toFIGS. 13 & 14, Sample A represents simulated hoop-style container750having a capacity of20fluid ounces and an average wall thickness of 0.012 inches with a traditional hoop-ring design. Wherein, Sample B represents a simulated container similar to the representative embodiment ofFIGS. 1-6Baccording to the disclosed subject matter. The container of Sample B has a capacity of 20 fluid ounces, an average wall thickness of 0.012 inches, and a plurality of continuous ribs in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. For purpose of example and not limitation, the continuous ribs of the container of Sample B have a first depth relative to the sidewall111of the container of approximately 0.040 inches.

FIG. 13depicts the height of Sample A and Sample B measured in inches on the Y axis as the containers are subjected to increasing vacuum pressures, as measured in pounds per square inch (“PSI”) on the X axis. As depicted inFIG. 13, Sample B according to the disclosed subject matter exhibits less vertical deformation, and thus less height change, than Sample A. For example, at a vacuum pressure of 2 PSI, Sample A exhibits a height change of approximately 0.140 inches while sample container B exhibits a height change of approximately 0.060 inches. Additionally,FIG. 14depicts the perpendicularity of Sample A and Sample B measured in degrees on the Y axis as the containers are subjected to increasing vacuum pressures, as measured in PSI on the X axis. As depicted inFIG. 14, Sample B according to the disclosed subject matter exhibits less displacement in the X direction, and thus less perpendicularity, than Sample A. For example, at 2 PSI, Sample A exhibits a perpendicularity of approximately 0.004 degrees while sample container B exhibits a perpendicularity of approximately 0.0008 degrees.

Accordingly, containers according to the disclosed subject matter can exhibit reduced undesirable or uncontrolled deformation compared to traditional containers having the same sidewall thickness and material weight without compromising performance.

In addition to the specific embodiments claimed below, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the dependent features claimed below and those disclosed above. As such, the particular features presented in the dependent claims and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combinations. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed.