Patent Publication Number: US-11661229-B2

Title: Hot-fillable plastic container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/440,267, filed Dec. 29, 2016, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/856,418, filed Dec. 28, 2017, the content of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The disclosed subject matter relates to plastic containers having unique features to sustain hot-filling processes and related pressure differential resulting therefrom. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Hot-filling is a process of choice for the packaging or bottling of many juice and beverage products. Hot-filling process generally involves filling a suitable container with a beverage or liquid product, such as juices, sauces, teas, flavored waters, nectars, isotonic drinks and sports drinks etc., at a temperature suitable for sterilization, and then scaling and cooling the container to room temperature or below for distribution. During the processes of hot filling, scaling, and cooling, the containers are subject to different thermal and pressure differential scenarios that can cause deformation if made of plastic, which may render the containers visually unappealing or non-functional. Certain containers include functional improvements, such as vacuum panels and bottle bases to accommodate these different thermal and pressure differential scenarios and minimize or eliminate unwanted deformation, making the package both visually appealing and functional for downstream situations. 
     The consumer beverage market is extremely competitive. Packages that are unique in the market, such as asymmetrical bottle designs, can aesthetically distinguish the products in the marketplace and are highly desirable by manufacturers. However, asymmetrical bottle designs create unique challenges for hot-filling processes. Conventional hot-fill plastic containers often have sidewall features that are substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis. This symmetrical design prevents undesirable tilting or lateral deflection of the container when subject to the thermal and pressure differential conditions associated with the hot-filling processes. A container having asymmetrical sidewall will stress or strain non-uniformly about the sidewall of the container at low pressure differential, and continue to distort the shape as the pressure differential increases, such as when vacuum increases during cooling. As a result, the introduction of stylized container designs into the hot-fill beverage market has been frustrated by this non-uniform distortion issue. 
     There thus remains a need for a commercially satisfactory asymmetrical plastic container that resists or provides compensation against distortion under hot-filling process. 
     SUMMARY 
     The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in and are apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attained by the subject matter particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings. 
     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 hot-fillable plastic container comprising a container body having a bottom portion, a sidewall portion and an upper portion. The container body has a chamber defined therein. The container body further comprises a finish portion extending from the upper portion and defines a mouth in fluid communication with the chamber. The bottom portion includes a support surface and a variable dynamic base portion configured to deflect in response to a pressure differential between the chamber and an exterior of the container body. The sidewall portion includes a lower circumferential groove ring and an upper circumferential groove ring, and further includes a pair of longitudinal grooves extending longitudinally between the lower and upper circumferential groove rings to define a front sidewall segment on a front side of the sidewall portion between the upper and lower circumferential groove rings and a rear sidewall segment on a rear side of the sidewall portion between the upper and lower circumferential groove rings. The rear sidewall segment comprises a waist groove extending circumferentially between the pair of longitudinal grooves to define an upper rear sidewall segment between the waist groove and the upper circumferential groove ring, and a lower rear sidewall segment between the waist groove and the lower circumferential groove ring, wherein one of the upper rear sidewall segment or the lower rear sidewall segment includes at least one vacuum panel configured to deflect in response to the pressure differential between the chamber and the exterior of the container body. The waist groove can extend about a circumference of about 65% to about 75% of a diameter of the waist groove. 
     As embodied herein, each of the longitudinal grooves can connect with the lower circumferential groove ring and the upper circumferential groove ring. The front sidewall segment thus can be a front rigid panel bordered by the lower circumferential groove ring, the upper circumferential groove ring and the pair of longitudinal grooves. The front rigid panel can further include a plurality of circumferentially-extending ribs. 
     In addition, each of the longitudinal grooves can be nonlinear. The hot-fillable plastic container can further comprise a stiffening bead along at least a portion of a length of each longitudinal groove. The stiffening bead can extend from a lower end of each longitudinal groove to about ⅔ of a height of the hot fillable plastic container. The stiffening bead can be disposed along a rear edge of each longitudinal groove. 
     As embodied herein, the front sidewall segment can have a bow-tie shape defined between the pair of longitudinal grooves, with a maximum circumferential width proximate each of the lower and upper circumferential groove rings and a minimum circumferential width aligned longitudinally along a height of the sidewall portion with the waist groove. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the lower rear sidewall segment can include the at least one vacuum panel. Particularly, the lower rear sidewall segment can include two vacuum panels. The lower rear sidewall segment can further include a rigid longitudinal support between the two vacuum panels. Each vacuum panel can be angled inwardly toward the chamber relative to a vertical reference plane perpendicular to the support surface. For example, each vacuum panel can be recessed relative to an outer surface of the rear sidewall segment, wherein an upper recessed depth along an upper edge of the vacuum panel is greater than a lower recessed depth along a lower edge of the vacuum panel. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the rigid longitudinal support can be a rigid support panel having a border groove along an edge thereof, wherein the border groove can connect with the lower circumferential groove ring. The rigid support panel can include a plurality of circumferentially-extending ribs. The rigid support panel can have a partial frustoconical shape tapering inwardly toward the waist groove, and/or the upper rear sidewall segment can have a partial frustoconical or bowl shape, tapering inwardly toward the waist groove. 
     As embodied herein, the lower circumferential groove ring can have a width W 1  and depth D 1  in side view, and an outer radius R 1  in plan view, wherein the ratio of the width W 1  to the outer radius R 1  can range between about 0.07 to about 0.22, and the ratio of the depth D 1  to the outer radius R 1  can range between about 0.04 to about 0.18. The upper circumferential groove ring can have a width W 2  and depth D 2  in side view, and an outer radius R 2  in plan view, wherein the ratio of the width W 2  to the outer radius R 2  can range between about 0.07 to about 0.22, and the ratio of the depth D 2  to the outer radius R 2  can range between about 0.04 to about 0.18. The waist groove can have a width W 3  and depth D 3  in side view, and an inside radius R 3  in plan view, wherein the ratio of the width W 3  to the inside radius R 3  can range between about 0.15 to about 0.46, and the ratio of the depth D 3  to the inside radius R 3  can rang between about 0.10 to about 0.30. The longitudinal groove can have a width W 4  and a depth D 4  in plan view, and the front sidewall segment can have an outer radius R 4  in plan view, wherein the ratio of the width W 4  to the outer radius R 4  can range between about 0.07 to about 0.18, and the ratio of the depth D 4  to the outer radius R 4  can range between about 0.02 to about 0.14. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter of the application will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1 A  is a front view of an exemplary hot-fillable plastic container in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a cross-sectional side view taken along the line  1 B- 1 B in  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 C  is a cross-sectional plan view taken along the line  1 C- 1 C in  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2 A  is a rear view of the plastic container illustrated in  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2 B  is a cross-sectional plan view taken along the line  2 B- 2 B in  FIG.  2 A . 
         FIG.  3 A  is a left-side view of the plastic container illustrated in  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  3 B  is an enlarged detail view of the lower rear sidewall segment with vacuum panel and a portion of the lower front sidewall segment of  FIG.  3 A . 
         FIG.  4 A  is a rear-left view of the plastic container illustrated in  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  4 B  is an enlarged detail view of the vacuum panel and longitudinal support of  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  4 C  is a cross-sectional side view of a plastic container taken along the line  4 C- 4 C in  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  4 D  is a cross-sectional side view of each vacuum panel taken along the line  4 D- 4 D in  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  5 A  is a right-side view of the plastic container illustrated in  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  5 B  is a cross-sectional plan view of the plastic container taken along the line  5 B- 5 B in  FIG.  5 A . 
         FIG.  5 C  is an enlarged detail view of the upper circumferential groove ring of  FIG.  5 A . 
         FIG.  5 D  is an enlarged detail view of the waist groove of  FIG.  5 A . 
         FIG.  5 E  is an enlarged detail view of the lower circumferential groove ring of  FIG.  5 A . 
         FIG.  6    is a rear-right side view of the plastic container illustrated in  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  7    is a bottom view of the plastic container illustrated in  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 D  are graphical representations of a finite element analysis of an exemplary embodiment of the hot-fillable plastic container of  FIG.  1 A  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, wherein  FIG.  8 A  is a schematic right side view of the exemplary embodiment,  FIGS.  8 B- 8 D  are a series views of the container with graphical depictions of deformation formed in the plastic container as a result of a conventional hot-filling process, wherein  FIG.  8 B  is a front view,  FIG.  8 C  is a right side view, and  FIG.  8 D  is a bottom view. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system. 
     Plastic containers disclosed herein can be used in hot-filling applications for packaging a wide variety of fluid and viscous beverage or liquid products, such as juices, sauces, teas, flavored waters, nectars, isotonic drinks and sports drinks etc. The plastic containers disclosed herein are configured to accommodate an increase in internal container pressure differential when the scaled containers are subject to thermal treatment, and capable of accommodating vacuum during cool down. The unique configuration of the disclosed plastic containers incorporates a number of features that collectively control unwanted deformation during hot-filling processes. Furthermore, the plastic containers disclosed herein have unique asymmetrical designs for hot-fill beverage and food markets. 
     In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a plastic container for hot-filling processes is provided. The hot-fillable plastic container comprises a container body having a bottom portion, a sidewall portion and an upper portion. The container body has a chamber defined therein. The container body further comprises a finish portion extending from the upper portion and defines a mouth in fluid communication with the chamber. The bottom portion includes a support surface and a variable dynamic base portion configured to deflect in response to a pressure differential between the chamber and an exterior of the container body. The sidewall portion includes a lower circumferential groove ring and an upper circumferential groove ring, and further includes a pair of longitudinal grooves extending longitudinally between the lower and upper circumferential groove rings to define a front sidewall segment on a front side of the sidewall portion between the upper and lower circumferential groove rings and a rear sidewall segment on a rear side of the sidewall portion between the upper and lower circumferential groove rings. The rear sidewall segment comprises a waist groove extending circumferentially between the pair of longitudinal grooves to define an upper rear sidewall segment between the waist groove and the upper circumferential groove ring, and a lower rear sidewall segment between the waist groove and the lower circumferential groove ring, wherein one of the upper rear sidewall segment or the lower rear sidewall segment includes at least one vacuum panel configured to deflect in response to the pressure differential between the chamber and the exterior of the container body. 
     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. Hence, features depicted in the accompanying figures support corresponding features and combinations thereof of the claimed subject matter. 
     Referring now to an exemplary embodiment as depicted in  FIG.  1 A , for purpose of illustration and not limitation, a hot-fillable plastic container comprises a container body  100  having a bottom portion  130 , a sidewall portion  120  and an upper portion  110 . The container body thus defines a chamber therein for containing liquid products or the like. Additionally, and as illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , for example and not limitation, the container body  100  includes a finish portion  140  extending from the upper portion  110  and defining a mouth in fluid communication with the chamber. The finish portion can have a variety of convention configurations, and can include a fastener, such as a thread or flange, for engaging a cap, as well as orientation and capping features as known in the art. Angular design elements on the upper portion  110  of the plastic container can be refined to work in harmony with other portions of the plastic container. 
     The bottom portion  130 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B , for example and not limitation, can include a cylindrical base wall  135 , and a support surface  136  defining a reference plane. The support surface  136  extends radially inward from the cylindrical base wall  135 , and is configured for standing the container on a generally plane surface. As depicted in  FIGS.  1 B,  4 C, and  7   , the bottom portion  130  further includes a variable dynamic base portion  137  extending inward from the support surface  136 . The variable dynamic base  137  is configured to deflect in response to a pressure differential between the chamber and an exterior of the container body. A variety of suitable configurations can be used for the variable dynamic base in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, providing that the structure of the base is capable of accommodating at least a portion of the pressure differential resulting from expected conditions, such as during the processes of hot-filling, cooling and sealing. For example, and not limitation, U.S. Pat. No. 9,296,539 discloses a variable dynamic base that can be used in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, and the content of the forgoing patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirely. 
     In accordance with the disclosed subject matter and as illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , for example and not limitation, the sidewall portion  120  includes and extends longitudinally between a lower circumferential groove ring  121  and an upper circumferential groove ring  122 . As embodied herein, each of the lower and upper circumferential groove rings extends about an entire circumference of the container. The lower circumferential groove ring  121  and the upper circumferential groove ring  122  provides structural support to maintain the plastic bottle roughly round in the package. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A,  2 B, and  5 E , the lower circumferential groove ring  121  has a width W 1  and a depth D in side view, each of which can be generally constant as embodied herein, and an outer radius R 1  in plan view. Furthermore, and as best depicted in  FIG.  5 E , the outer radius R 1  can be along the lower edge of the lower circumferential groove ring  121  and proximate the bottom portion  130  to define a bumper extending radially outward greater than the sidewall portion  120 . In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the ratio of the width W 1  to the outer radius R 1  can range between about 0.07 to about 0.22, and the ratio of the depth D 1  to the outer radius R 1  can range between about 0.04 to about 0.18. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A and  5 C , the upper circumferential groove ring  122  has a width W 2  and a depth D 2  in side view, each of which can be generally constant as embodied herein, and an outer radius R 2  in plan view. Furthermore, and as best depicted in  FIG.  5 C , the outer radius R 2  can be along the upper edge of the upper circumferential groove ring  122  and proximate the upper portion  110  to define a bumper extending radially outward greater than the sidewall portion  120 . In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the ratio of the width W 2  to the outer radius R 2  can range between about 0.07 to about 0.22, and the ratio of the depth D 2  to the outer radius R 2  can range between about 0.04 to about 0.18. 
     Exemplary dimensions of the lower circumferential groove ring  121  and upper circumferential groove ring  122  for an 18.5 oz container are reproduced in detail in Table 1 for purpose of illustration and not limitation. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, and as illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A and  5 A , for example and not limitation, the sidewall portion  120  includes a pair of longitudinal grooves  123  extending longitudinally between the upper  122  and lower  121  circumferential groove rings to define a front sidewall segment  200  on a front side of the sidewall portion  120 . Each of the longitudinal grooves  123  can extend into and connect with the lower circumferential groove ring  121  and the upper circumferential groove ring  122 . As embodied herein, and as illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , the front sidewall segment  200  can be a front rigid panel  210  bordered by the lower circumferential groove ring  121 , the upper circumferential groove ring  122  and the pair of longitudinal grooves  123 . These grooves collectively thus structurally isolate the front rigid panel  210  from the rear sidewall segment  220  to protect the front rigid panel  210  from deformation during hot-filling processes. Furthermore, as illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B and  5 A , for example and not limitation, a stiffening bead  124  is provided along at least a portion of a length of each longitudinal groove  123  to isolate the waist groove  225  from the longitudinal grooves  123  and thus the rigid front panel  210 . As embodied herein, for illustration and not limitation, the stiffening bead can extend from the lower end of the longitudinal groove  123  to about ⅔ height of the container body  100 . For example, and illustrated in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , the stiffening bead can be disposed along a rear edge of the longitudinal groove  123 , physically separating the waist groove  225  from the longitudinal groove  123 , as well as structurally reinforce the sidewall to prevent hinge-like movement proximate the waist groove  225 . 
     In addition, as embodied herein and illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , the front rigid panel  210  can further include a plurality of circumferentially-extending ribs  215  to stiffen the panel area and provide additional protection against deformation during hot-filling and cooling processes. The front rigid panel  210 , as embodied herein, is free of any vacuum panel or similar feature. The front rigid panel can have a constant radius in plan view, or as depicted and embodied herein, can flatten along its height. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 C,  3 A, and  5 B , the longitudinal groove can have a width W 4  and a depth D 4  in plan view, and the front sidewall segment can have an outer radius R 4  in plan view. The width W 4  and depth D 4  can be varied along the length of each longitudinal groove. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the ratio of the width W 4  to the outer radius R 4  can range between about 0.07 to about 0.18, and the ratio of the depth D 4  to the outer radius R 4  can range between about 0.02 to about 0.14. For example and not limitation, the middle portion of the longitudinal groove can have a greater depth than the upper and lower portions of the longitudinal groove. The exemplary dimensions of the longitudinal groove  123  for an 18.5 oz container are reproduced in detail in Table 1 for purpose of illustration and not limitation. 
     The pair of longitudinal grooves  123  can be linear to define a generally rectangular panel. Additionally, as embodied herein and illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A,  3 A, and  5 A , for example and not limitation, the longitudinal grooves  123  can be nonlinear, such that the front sidewall segment  200 , which is defined along opposing sides by each of the longitudinal grooves  123 , can be configured with an contoured shape for labeling, aesthetic or ergonomics needs of the disclosed subject matter. As illustrated, for example and not limitation, in  FIG.  1 A , the front sidewall segment  200  can have a bow-tie shape defined between a pair of nonlinear longitudinal grooves  123 . The bow-tic shape front sidewall segment  220  embodied herein thus has a maximum circumferential width proximate each of the lower  121  and upper  122  circumferential groove rings and a minimum circumferential width aligned longitudinally along a height of the sidewall portion with the waist groove  225 . 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, and as illustrated in  FIGS.  2 A,  3 A,  4 A,  5 A, and  6   , for example and not limitation, the sidewall portion  120  further includes a rear sidewall segment  220  on a rear side of the sidewall portion  120  between the upper  122  and lower  121  circumferential groove rings, and is defined by the pair of longitudinal grooves  123 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  2 A,  3 A,  3 B,  4 A,  4 B,  5 A, and  6   , for example and not limitation, the rear sidewall segment  220  comprises a waist groove  225  extending circumferentially between the pair of longitudinal groove  123 . As embodied herein, the waist groove  225  can extend about a circumference of between about 65% to about 75% of a diameter of the waist groove  225 , thus providing a strong structural rigidity for rear sidewall segment  220 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 C,  2 A, and  5 D , the waist groove has a width W 3  and depth D 3  in side view, each of which can be generally constant as embodied herein, and an inside radius R 3  in plan view. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the ratio of the width W 3  to the inside radius R 3  can range between about 0.15 to about 0.46, and the ratio of the depth D 3  to the inside radius R 3  can be about 0.10 to about 0.30. The exemplary dimensions of the waist groove  225  are reproduced in detail in Table 1 for an 18.5 oz container, for purpose of illustration and not limitation. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, and as illustrated in  FIG.  2 A , for example not limitation, the rear sidewall segment  220  comprises a lower rear sidewall segment  240  defined between the waist groove  225  and the lower circumferential groove ring  121 , and an upper rear sidewall. One of the lower rear sidewall segment  240  or the upper rear sidewall segment  230  includes at least one vacuum panel  245  configured to deflect in response to the pressure differential between the chamber and the exterior of the container body. A variety of suitable configurations can be used for the vacuum panel in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. For example, and not limitation, U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,184 discloses a vacuum panel that can be used in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, and the content of the forgoing patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     As embodied herein, the lower rear sidewall segment  240  can include the at least one vacuum panel  245 . As illustrated, for example and not limitation, in  FIGS.  3 A,  3 B,  4 A,  4 B,  5 A , and  6 , the lower rear sidewall segment  240  includes two vacuum panels  245 . The vacuum panels and the variable dynamic base together are sized and configured to compensate for a desired range of pressure differentials. As further embodied herein, for additional strength and rigidity, each vacuum panel is angled inwardly toward the chamber relative to a vertical reference plane perpendicular to the support surface  136 . For example and as depicted in  FIGS.  4 A,  4 B, and  4 D , each vacuum panel  245  is recessed relative an outer surface of the rear sidewall segment  220 . A depth of the recess along an upper edge of the vacuum panel, i.e. the upper recessed depth  246 , is greater than a depth of the recess along a lower edge of the vacuum panel, i.e. the lower recessed depth  247 . 
     As embodied herein and illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , for example and not limitation, the lower rear sidewall segment  240  further includes a rigid longitudinal support between the two vacuum panels  245 . The rigid longitudinal support can be a column feature or other suitable configurations. As illustrated in  FIG.  2 A , for example and not limitation, the longitudinal support is a rigid support panel  260 , which can be free of any vacuum panel. A border groove  265 , as shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B and  5 A- 5 B , is provided along an edge of the rigid support panel  260 . As embodied herein, the border groove  265  can extend into and connect with the lower circumferential groove ring  121 . The border groove  265  together with the lower circumferential grooving ring  121  thus surround the rigid support panel  260  to isolate it from other portions of the container, further structurally protecting the rigid support panel  260  from deformation associated with the hot-filling and cooling processes. Additionally, and as embodied herein, the rigid support panel  260  can include a plurality of circumferentially-extending ribs  266  to stiffen the rigid support panel and provide additional protection against deformation associated with the hot-filling processes. As illustrated in  FIG.  2 A , for example and not limitation, the rigid support panel  260  can have a partial frustoconical shape, so as to taper inwardly toward the waist groove  225 . 
     As embodied herein, the rear sidewall segment  220  also comprises an upper rear sidewall segment  230  defined between the waist groove  225  and the upper circumferential groove ring  122 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A,  5 A, and  6   , for example not limitation, the upper rear sidewall segment  230  is bordered by and thus isolated from other portions of the plastic container by the waist groove  225 , the upper circumferential groove ring  122  and the pair of longitudinal grooves  123  so as to be structurally protected from deformation during hot-filling and cooling processes. As embodied herein and illustrated in  FIG.  2 A , for example not limitation, the upper rear sidewall  230  can include a plurality of angled ribs  235  for stiffening and/or aesthetic purposes, providing additional structural protection to the upper rear sidewall segment  230 . As illustrated, for example and not limitation, in  FIGS.  1 B,  2 A, and  5 A , the upper rear sidewall segment  230  has a partial bowl shape so as to taper inwardly towards the waist groove  225 . 
     For purpose of illustration and not limitation, reference is now made to an exemplary container in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. The exemplary container is configured to contain approximately 18.5 oz of fluid, and has an overall height of about 8.4 inches and overall maximum diameter at its base of about 2.77 inches. For convenience and illustration, the dimensions of such container for the lower circumferential groove ring  121  depicted in  FIGS.  1 A and  5 E , the upper circumferential groove ring  122  depicted in  FIGS.  1 A and  5 C , the waist groove  225  depicted in  FIGS.  2 A and  5 D , and the longitudinal groove  123  depicted in  FIGS.  3 A and  5 B , are reproduced in Table 1 below. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Exemplary dimensions of lower and upper circumferential  
               
               
                 groove rings, waist groove, and longitudinal groove. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Example  
                 Preferred  
               
               
                   
                   
                 (inch) 
                 Range (inch) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Lower circumferential 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 groove ring 121 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Width (W1) 
                 0.153 
                 0.100-0.300 
               
               
                   
                 Depth (D1) 
                 0.147 
                 0.050-0.250 
               
               
                   
                 Outer Radius (R1) 
                 1.383 
                 1.125-2.500 
               
               
                   
                 Upper circumferential 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 groove ring 122 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Width (W2) 
                 0.152 
                 0.100-0.300 
               
               
                   
                 Depth (D2) 
                 0.142 
                 0.050-0.250 
               
               
                   
                 Outer Radius (R2) 
                 1.378 
                 1.125-2.500 
               
               
                   
                 Waist groove 225 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Width (W3) 
                 0.254 
                 0.150-0.450 
               
               
                   
                 Depth (D3) 
                 0.187 
                 0.100-0.300 
               
               
                   
                 Inside Radius (R3) 
                 0.970 
                 0.750-2.000 
               
               
                   
                 Longitudinal groove 123 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Width (W4) of lower portion  
                 0.134 
                 0.100-0.250 
               
               
                   
                 of longitudinal groove 123 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Width (W4) of middle portion 
                 0.178 
                 0.100-0.250 
               
               
                   
                 of longitudinal groove 123 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Width (W4) of upper portion 
                 0.154 
                 0.100-0.250 
               
               
                   
                 of longitudinal groove 123 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Depth (D4) of lower portion of 
                 0.050 
                 0.025-0.200 
               
               
                   
                 longitudinal groove 123 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Depth (D4) of middle portion 
                 0.156 
                 0.025-0.200 
               
               
                   
                 of longitudinal groove 123 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Depth (D4) of upper portion of 
                 0.052 
                 0.025-0.200 
               
               
                   
                 longitudinal groove 123 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Outer Radius (R4) 
                 1.383 
                 1.125-2.500 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As embodied herein, and for purpose of illustration and not limitation, the plastic containers disclosed herein can be formed using any suitable method as known in the art. For example, the plastic containers can be blow molded from an injection molded preform made from, for example, PET, PEN or blends thereof, or can be extrusion blow molded plastic, for example, polypropylene (PP). The finishes of the containers can be injection molded, i.e. the threaded portion can be formed as part of the preform, or can be blow molded and severed from an accommodation feature formed thereabove, as is known in the art. 
       FIG.  8 A  illustrates, for example and not limitation, an embodiment of the hot-fillable plastic container of  FIG.  1 A  in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. Referring to  FIGS.  8 B- 8 D , a computerized method of finite element analysis was performed on a plastic container depicted in  FIG.  8 A , to demonstrate the reaction of the container to an extending pressure differential of hot-fill and cooling processes. The finite element analysis was performed by exposing a blow mold simulation to a suitable pressure to achieve 24 cc of extraction, and an 18.5 oz model as described above was used.  FIGS.  8 B- 8 D  graphically depict calculated deformation formed at various segments of the plastic container as a result of a conventional hot-filling process. It is noted that the front sidewall segment  210  as depicted in  FIG.  8 B , and the rigid support panel  260  and the upper rear sidewall segment  230  as depicted in  FIG.  8 C , resist substantially all deformation under vacuum, whereas substantially all deformation or compensation occurs within the vacuum panel  245  as depicted in  FIG.  8 B  and the variable dynamic base  135  as depicted in  FIG.  8 C . 
     These results indicate that the overall configuration of the disclosed subject matter enables the plastic containers disclosed herein to accommodate different thermal and pressure differential scenarios associated with hot-filling processes, to control and eliminate unwanted deformation, making the package both visually appealing and functional for downstream situations. 
     While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms of certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements can be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope thereof. Moreover, although individual features of one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter can be discussed herein or shown in the drawings of the one embodiment and not in other embodiments, it should be apparent that individual features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment or features from a plurality of embodiments. 
     In addition to the various embodiments depicted and claimed, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features disclosed and claimed herein. As such, the particular features presented herein can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter includes any suitable combination of the features disclosed herein. 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. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the devices of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.