PRESSURE RESISTANT VACUUM ABSORBING BASE OF CONTAINER

Abstract

A plastic container includes a container body having a bottom portion, a sidewall portion, and an upper portion, with a chamber defined therein. The sidewall portion includes at least one circumferential indent. The bottom portion includes a support surface and a base portion including a first and second plurality of ribs and other structures that permit a region of the base portion to move in a dynamic and variable manner in response to certain forces and other conditions present during various fluid processing stages associated with filling, sealing, and cooling the container.

Claims

1. A plastic container comprising: a container body comprising a bottom portion, an upper portion, a sidewall portion extending between said bottom portion and said upper portion, and a finish portion, said container body defining a chamber therein, said finish portion extending from said upper portion and defining a mouth in fluid communication with said chamber; said bottom portion including a base portion comprising a rim and an inner core aligned with a central axis of said container body, said inner core including (i) a plurality of first ribs, (ii) a hinge point, and (iii) a domed portion, wherein said first plurality of ribs are arranged radially relative to said central axis form a plurality of first connection paths extending along a first distance of said inner core, and wherein said bottom portion is configured such that movement of said base portion is permitted at an active region of said base portion in response to a pressure differential, said movement being facilitated at least in part by said plurality of first connection paths.

2. The plastic container of claim 1, further comprising an angled wall of said inner core, wherein said first distance of said inner core is a first distance along said angled wall of said inner core, said second distance of said inner core is a second distance along said angled wall of said inner core, said second distance along said angled wall being different than said first distance along said angled wall.

3. The plastic container of claim 2, wherein a length of each first connection path of said plurality of first connection paths is less than a length of each second connection path of said plurality of second connection paths.

4. The plastic container of claim 1, wherein a number of said first plurality of ribs equals a number of said second plurality of ribs.

5. The plastic container of claim 1, wherein said inner core is configured to move towards said finish under negative pressure caused by cooling of said hot filled container at least three times the amount of movement of said inner core away from said finish during positive pressure caused by hot filling said container.

6. The plastic container of claim 1, wherein an end of each second rib of said second plurality of ribs terminates at said domed portion.

7. The plastic container of claim 1, wherein said base portion includes a first angled wall and a second angled wall, said first angled wall and said second angled wall configured to move towards each other when there is a positive pressure in said container.

8. The plastic container of claim 1, further comprising a support surface, wherein each second rib of said second plurality of ribs has a greater height than each first rib of said plurality of first ribs relative to a plane defined by said support surface.

9. The plastic container of claim 1, wherein said inner core comprises a first angled wall, a second angled wall, a third angled wall, a first arcuate portion between said first angled wall and said second angled wall, a second arcuate portion between said second angled wall and said third angled wall, and a third arcuate portion between said third angled wall and said domed portion.

10. The plastic container of claim 9, wherein said second arcuate portion at least in part defines said hinge point of said base portion.

11. A plastic container comprising: a container body comprising a bottom portion, an upper portion, a sidewall portion extending between said bottom portion and said upper portion, and a finish portion, said container body having a chamber defined therein, and said finish portion extending from said upper portion and defining a mouth in fluid communication with said chamber; said bottom portion including a base portion comprising a rim and an inner core aligned with a central axis of said container body, said inner core including (i) a plurality of ribs, (ii) a hinge point, and (iii) a domed portion, wherein said plurality of ribs are arranged radially relative to said central axis in an alternating pattern and form a plurality of connection paths between said hinge point and said domed portion, and wherein said bottom portion is configured such that movement of said base portion is permitted via said hinge point in response to a pressure differential, said movement being facilitated at least in part by said plurality of connection paths.

12. The plastic container of claim 11, wherein said hinge point defines an active region of said base portion.

13. The plastic container of claim 11, wherein said plurality of ribs includes a plurality of first ribs and a plurality of second ribs, each first rib of said plurality of first ribs having a different size and shape than each second rib of said plurality of second ribs.

14. The plastic container of claim 13, wherein said plurality of connection paths include a plurality of first connection paths formed by said plurality of first ribs and a plurality of second connection paths formed by said plurality of second ribs.

15. The plastic container of claim 11, wherein said inner core includes a plurality of pressurized strength points configured to accommodate forces from said pressure differential.

16. The plastic container of claim 11, wherein said rim includes a support surface, said inner core includes a first arcuate portion, and a height of said first arcuate portion is less than a height of said domed portion relative to a plane defined by said support surface.

17. The plastic container of claim 11, wherein said inner core is configured to move towards said finish under negative pressure caused by cooling of said hot filled container at least three times the amount of movement of said inner core away from said finish during positive pressure caused by hot filling said container.

18. The plastic container of claim 11, wherein said base portion includes a first angled wall and a second angled wall, said first angled wall and said second angled wall configured to move towards each other when there is a positive pressure in said container.

19. The plastic container of claim 18, wherein said first upper portion has a first upper portion diameter, said first sidewall portion has a first sidewall portion diameter, and said first sidewall portion diameter is less than said first upper portion diameter.

20. The plastic container of claim 19, wherein a maximum diameter of said bottom portion is equal to said first upper portion diameter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] 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:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a container according to the disclosed subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 2A is a partial front view of the bottom portion of the container of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 2B is a partial front view of the bottom portion of the container of FIG. 1, illustrating dimensions of the bottom portion.

[0013] FIG. 2C is a partial front view of the bottom portion of the container of FIG. 1, illustrating additional features of the bottom portion of the container.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the container of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 is the same view of the container of FIG. 1, illustrating dimensions of the container.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method according to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms comprising, including, and having are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The terms optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.

[0020] Unless otherwise indicated, approximating language, such as generally, substantially, and about, as used herein indicates that the term so modified may apply to only an approximate degree, as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, rather than to an absolute or perfect degree. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as about, approximately, and substantially, is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be identified. Such ranges may be combined and/or interchanged and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

[0021] Additionally, unless otherwise indicated, the terms first, second, etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, for example, a second item does not require or preclude the existence of, for example, a first or lower-numbered item or a third or higher-numbered item.

[0022] As used herein, the term preform refers to a plastic, thermoplastic or polyethylene terephthalate PET plastic preform (or other materials disclosed herein) for use in injection molding and blow molding applications. The preform commonly includes an injection molded body having a threaded end, a lip adjacent to the threaded end, a neck adjacent to the lip, and a cylindrical or conical body adjacent to the neck.

[0023] The apparatus and methods presented herein may be used for containers, such as plastic containers for fluids or foods. The containers disclosed herein can be used in filling applications for packaging a wide variety of beverage or liquid products, such as juices, teas, flavored waters, nectars, isotonic drinks, and sports drinks, etc. and foods such as sauces, etc. More specifically, the filling application includes hot-filling of plastic containers. The plastic containers described herein are configured to accommodate an increase in internal container pressure differential when the sealed containers are subject to thermal treatment and are 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 (e.g., asymmetrical or symmetrical) designs for the hot-fill food and beverage market.

[0024] The containers and portions thereof described herein can be formed from materials including, but not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and PEN-blends, polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The disclosed subject matter is particularly suited for hot-fillable containers having a base design that is reactive to internal and external pressure due to pressure filling and/or due to thermal expansion from hot filling to provide controlled deformation that preserves the structure, shape, and functionality of the container. The base portion of the container can also provide substantially uniform controlled deformation when vacuum pressure is applied, for example due to product contraction from product cooling when the container experiences stress or strain at low pressure differential, and distortion of the container occurs as the pressure differential increases, such as when vacuum increases during cooling. The configuration of the disclosed plastic containers incorporates a number of features that collectively control unwanted deformation during hot-filling processes.

[0025] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a plastic container for hot-filling processes is provided. The plastic container generally comprises a container body having a bottom portion, an upper portion and a sidewall portion extending between the upper portion and the lower portion. The container body further comprises a finish portion extending from the upper portion and defining a mouth that is in fluid communication with a chamber defined by the container body. The bottom portion further comprises a base portion. These various portions are designed and configured with certain features having certain characteristics, dimensions, and arrangements. For example, and without limitation, the sidewall portion may include at least one circumferential indent. The base portion may include a plurality of features such as rib structures, and an inner core comprising walls (e.g., angled walls) and other portions (e.g., arcuate portions) that provide the inner core with a certain design. By way of the design, dimensions, and arrangement of these various features, the container can accommodate certain forces it experiences. For example, the base portion is configured as a variable dynamic base portion and can deflect in response to various forces, such as a pressure differential between the chamber and an exterior of the container body, thereby providing structural integrity to the container, and preserving a desired look and feel of the container for product retail purposes. The applied geometries that reside within the base portion and above the standing (e.g., support) surface of the container include particularized pivot (e.g., hinge) points and wall thicknesses that aid in desired movement and strength.

[0026] 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 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. The disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system.

[0027] Referring now to an exemplary embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, for purpose of illustration and not limitation, a container 100 (e.g., a hot-fillable plastic container, more specifically a hot-fillable plastic bottle) comprises a container body 102 having an upper portion 104, a sidewall portion 106, and a bottom portion 108. Upper portion 104 includes a radiused wall portion having a certain slope or other angle or contour, described in more detail below. Sidewall portion 106 includes at least one circumferential indent 110 and is located between upper portion 104 and bottom portion 108. Bottom portion 108 includes a base portion 112. In one embodiment, indents 110 are located in sidewall portion 106. In another embodiment, indents 110 may also be located in other portions (e.g., the upper and bottom portions 104 and 108) of container 100 as well as in sidewall portion 106. Indents 110 function primarily as structural ribs to add structural integrity to container 100. Indents 110 can also be referred to as grooves, rings, ribs, or beads. As shown in FIG. 1, indents 110 extend about an entire circumference of container 100, such circumference being relative to a particular diameter of any given section of container 100 where indents 110 are to be located.

[0028] Container body 102 defines a chamber (not shown) therein for containing fluids (e.g., liquid product such as sports drinks or food products such as sauces). Additionally, container body 102 includes a finish portion 114 extending from upper portion 104 and defining a mouth 116 that is in fluid communication with the chamber. Finish portion 114 can have a variety of configurations, and in the exemplary embodiment, includes a fastener or other engagement mechanism such as a thread 118 and flange 120. Thread 118 and/or flange 120 are configured to engage a cap (not shown) or other closure member (not shown) of the container. These elements have an orientation and capping features as known in the art.

[0029] As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1, bottom portion 108 includes base portion 112 comprising a cylindrical base wall 122, a rim 124, and a support surface 126 (e.g., a bottom surface portion of rim 124) which, in the exemplary embodiment, is substantially flat so that container 100 may rest flat on a surface such as a tabletop. Support surface 126 may also be referred to as a standing surface and vice versa. Centrally located along a central axis 128 of container 100 is inner core 130. Inner core 130 includes a first angled wall 132 (which is an inner wall of rim 124), a second angled wall 134, a third angled wall 136, a central domed portion 138, and a protrusion 140. A diameter of domed portion 138 decreases as domed portion 138 extends inwardly into container body 102 (e.g., relative to support surface 126). Inner core 130 has a generally conical structure and shape, and generally spans between and including first angled wall(s) 132. First angled wall 132 is generally opposite cylindrical base wall 122, and is adjacent second angled wall 134. Second angled wall 134 is adjacent third angled wall 136, and third angled wall 136 is between second angled wall 134 and domed portion 138.

[0030] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate a partial front view of base portion 112 of bottom portion 108 in greater detail. In FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, a front portion of rim 124, cylindrical base wall 122, first angled wall 132 and second angled wall 134 have been removed from the front to show additional features of inner core 130. As shown in FIG. 2A, inner core 130 also includes a first arcuate portion 142, a second arcuate portion 144, and a third arcuate portion 146. These arcuate portions 142, 144, and 146 generally represent areas of curvature and transition between angled walls 132, 134, and 136 and domed portion 138. First arcuate portion 142 is between first angled wall 132 and second angled wall 134. Second arcuate portion 144 is between second angled wall 134 and third angled wall 136. Third arcuate portion 146 is between third angled wall 136 and domed portion 138. Third angled wall 136 includes a plurality of first ribs 148 and a plurality of second ribs 150 formed as part of third angled wall 136. Domed portion 138 and protrusion 140 are centrally located within inner core 130 (e.g., along central axis 128, as shown in FIG. 1).

[0031] Tracing from cylindrical base wall 122 to protrusion 140 yields the following path of structures. Starting at cylindrical base wall 122, cylindrical base wall 122 transitions to first curve portion 152 (also referred to as first corner portion 152). First curve portion 152 transitions to support surface 126, which transitions to second curve portion 154 (also referred to as second corner portion 154). Second curve portion 154 transitions to first angled wall 132, which transitions to first arcuate portion 142. First arcuate portion 142 transitions to second angled wall 134, and second angled wall 134 transitions to second arcuate portion 144. Second arcuate portion 144 transitions to third angled wall 136, which transitions to third arcuate portion 146. Third arcuate portion 146 transitions to domed portion 138, and protrusion 140 is located in the center of domed portion 138. This arrangement, including first ribs 148 and second ribs 150 of third angled wall 136, enable base portion 112 to function as a pressure resistant vacuum absorbing base, as described in greater detail below.

[0032] FIG. 2B illustrates how rim 124, support surface 126, first angled wall 132, second angled wall 134, third angled wall 136, and domed portion 138 have defined profiles and are arranged in specified locations relative to one another to enable base portion 112 to function as a pressure resistant vacuum absorbing base. Domed portion 138 and first arcuate portion 142 have defined heights relative to reference plane 156. Domed portion 138 has a height 158, first arcuate portion 142 has a height 160 and second arcuate portion 144 has a height 161. Relative to reference plane 156, domed portion 138 extends further toward finish portion 114 than does first arcuate portion 142 and second arcuate portion 144, and height 158 of domed portion 138 is greater than height 160 of first arcuate portion 142 and height 161 of second arcuate portion 144 is less than height 160 of first arcuate portion 142 and height 158 of domed portion 138 relative to reference plane 156. Support surface 126 is defined in part by various widths of portions of base portion 112, as illustrated by FIG. 2B.

[0033] Width 162 represents an inner diametric width from an inner portion of support surface 126 closest to first angled wall 132 (e.g., near second curved portion 154) to a counterpart inner portion of support surface 126 across an inner diameter of base portion 112. Inner diametric width 162 can alternatively be viewed as being two radial widths at the point where central axis 128 intersects inner diametric width 162. Outer diametric width 164 represents a width from an outer portion of support surface 126 closest to cylindrical base wall 122 (e.g., near first curved portion 152) to a counterpart outer portion of support surface 126 across an outer diameter of base portion 112, as shown in FIG. 2B. Outer diametric width 164 can alternatively be viewed as two radial widths at the point where central axis 128 intersects outer diametric width 164. Support surface width 166 of support surface 126 is the difference between the radial width of outer diameter width 164 minus the radial width of inner diameter width 162, and represents the width of support surface 126. The region of base portion 112 spanning diametrically between second arcuate portion(s) 144 may be defined as an active base region 168 where base portion 112 is able to flex (e.g., up and down) to accommodate forces container 100 experiences during filling, cooling, and sealing, for example. In this regard, second arcuate portion 144 and an edge portion of active base region 168 generally designate a hinge point 170 of base portion 108, such hinge point 170 being a point enabling such upward and/or downward motion (e.g., flexing). As illustrated in FIG. 2B, first arcuate portion 142 has a radius R1.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, first ribs 148 and second ribs 150 have a generally convex shape and extend inward into container body 102 relative to support surface 126 and/or plane 156, and each first rib 148 has a height greater than a height of each second rib 150. The role of first angled wall 132, first arcuate portion 142, second angled wall 134, second arcuate portion 144, third angled wall 136, first ribs 148, second ribs 150, third arcuate portion 146, domed portion 138, and hinge point 170 in the flexing of active base region 168 is detailed below. The combination of cylindrical base wall 122, rim 124, and inner core 130 (including all of the features of inner core 130, including first angled wall 132, second angled wall 134, third angled wall 136, domed portion 138, protrusion 140, first arcuate portion 142, second arcuate portion 144, third arcuate portion 146, and hinge point 170 (collectively referred to as inner core features)) and their respective structural/physical configurations and/or locations enable base portion 112 to function as a pressure resistant vacuum absorbing base capable of moving in response to certain forces (e.g., pressure) and/or other environmental conditions (e.g., temperature).

[0035] In this regard, FIG. 2C illustrates how certain points and regions within inner core 130, namely points 172, 174, 176, and 178, and active base region 168, can withstand and/or distribute certain forces due to the structural benefits provided by the inner core features. Points 172, 174, 176, and 178 may also be referred to as pressurized strength points. As discussed above, container 100 experiences various pressure and/or vacuum forces during filling, cooling, and/or sealing of container 100. In one embodiment, during filling, pressurized strength point 172 and first angled portion 132 move inward toward central axis 128, but the inward movement is stopped by contact with pressurized strength point 174, second angled wall 134 and second arcuate portion 142. This contact also precludes significant downward movement of inner core 130.

[0036] At pressurized strength point 176, downward positive pressure is exerted across third angled wall 136 toward domed portion 138. However, third angled wall 136 includes first ribs 148 and second ribs 150 as ribbed structures that function as connection paths (e.g., one connection path for first ribs 148 and another connection path for second ribs 150) between the starting point of first ribs 148 and second ribs 150 (e.g., at the start of third angled wall 136) and domed portion 138 (including third arcuate portion 146), which contributes to the vertical rise of inner core 130 (as shown in FIG. 3). For example, when taken together, the connection paths provided by first ribs 148 and second ribs 150 provide for even movement of active base region 168 downward and away from finish portion 114 (e.g., downward movement of up to 0.030 inches) during positive pressure created by hot filling container 100. In one embodiment, third angled wall 136 has an angle of 8.4 degrees, for example. Within active base region 168, domed portion 138, at least in part due to its dome shape (and the structural integrity provided by such dome shape), functions to resist pressure and deformation as well as assist in material distribution and formation. For example, domed portion 138 beneficially contributes to material flow and distribution and desired material thickness throughout inner core 130, in particular at the area near domed portion 138. This prevents overly thick wall portions, thereby reducing material usage and permitting desired movement of the applicable inner core features. The area near domed portion 138 interacts with first ribs 148 and second ribs 150, promoting strength and fluid motion. In one embodiment, active base region 168 is an area that is able to move up to 0.120 inches during negative pressure created by sealing and cooling hot filled container 100. In this embodiment, upward (e.g., toward finish portion 114) movement of active base region 168 during the hot filling and cooling process is up to four times the downward (e.g., away from finish portion 114) movement of active base region 168 during the hot filling and cooling process. In an alternative embodiment, the upward movement is more than three times the amount of the downward movement. In yet another embodiment, the upward movement is at least twice the amount of downward movement. For example, the inner core features extending between point 174 and point 176 create hinge point 170 to assist in upward movement of the inner core features, i.e., toward finish portion 114, and to resist in downward movement of inner core features, i.e., away from finish portion 114, due to the interaction of first angled wall 132 with second angled wall 134 as the pressure increases.

[0037] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate additional aspects of base portion 112. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of container 100 showing base portion 112. As shown in FIG. 3, each first rib 148 and each second rib 150 start at second arcuate portion 144 and extend inward a certain amount as part of third angled wall 136. In one embodiment, each first rib 148 is formed to extend entirely across third angled wall 136 from an outer edge to an inner edge (e.g., a second distance of third angled wall 136, or more generally a second distance of inner core 130). With such a configuration, each first rib 148 extends from second arcuate portion 144, across third angled wall 136, through third arcuate portion 146, and to domed portion 138. Each second rib 150 is formed in third angled wall 136 and extends about halfway across third angled wall 136 (e.g., a first distance of third angled wall 136, or more generally a first distance of inner core 130). As discussed above in connection with FIG. 2C, first ribs 148 and second ribs 150 function as connection paths that start at the starting point of first ribs 148 and second ribs 150 and terminate either at domed portion 138 (including third arcuate portion 146) for first ribs 148 or at an approximate midway point of third angled wall 136, for second ribs 150. Each first rib 148 functions as a first connection path 182 and each second rib 150 functions as a second connection path 184. First and second connection paths 182 and 184 provide for beneficial movement/flex of active region 168 as described above. First connection path 182 and ribs 148 extend for the entirety (e.g., a second distance) of third angled wall 136 (e.g., also referred to as a first distance of inner core 130), and first ribs 148 may be configured in a hub and spoke arrangement with respect to domed portion 138, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. Second connection path 184 may also be referred to as extending from hinge point 170 to a first distance of third angled wall 136 (e.g., a second distance of inner core 136). In the illustrated embodiment, second connection path 184 and ribs 150 extend for half of third angled wall 136 (e.g., midway into third angled wall 136 from hinge point 170), as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. In alternative embodiments, second connection path 184 and ribs 150 extend more or less than half of third angled wall.

[0038] While FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 each show five first ribs 148 and five second ribs 150, third angled wall 136 of inner core 130 may be configured to include more or less than five first and second ribs 148 and 150. In one embodiment, there are at least three first ribs 148. In alternative embodiments, first connection path 182 and ribs 148 extend less than an entirety of third angled wall 136. In one embodiment, second ribs 150 have a tear drop shape and include tapered sides such that second ribs 150 are wider at second arcuate portion 144 and narrow as they extend towards central axis 128 and become more shallow as they extend from second arcuate portion 144 towards central axis 128. First ribs 148 have a rectangular shape with tapered sides, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 that have the same depth along their entire length. It is to be understood that these shapes are example shapes and are not limiting.

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of container 100, showing base portion 112 in detail. For example, FIG. 4 more clearly shows how first connection paths 182 of first ribs 148 terminate in domed portion 138 (passing entirely through third arcuate portion 146) and second connection paths 184 of second ribs 150 terminate in third angled wall 136. First connection paths 182 and second connection paths 184 provide connection between hinge point 170 and the pressurized strength points of container 100 as described above in connection with FIG. 2C, such as at points 172, 174, 176, and 178. Under certain pressure scenarios as disclosed herein, active base region 168 functions as a diaphragm and is configured to move upward or downward along axis 128 in response to a decrease or increase in internal pressure, such as the creation of an internal vacuum within container 100 due to cooling of the fluid content of container 100. In one embodiment, active base region 168 is configured to restrict or resist movement in one direction but allows for less restricted movement in an opposite direction. More specifically to allow for less movement downward and away from finish portion 114 and more movement upward and toward finish portion 114. Base portion 112 therefore provides improved sensitivity and controlled deformation from applied forces, for example resulting from pressurized filling, sterilization or pasteurization, and resulting thermal expansion due to hot liquid contents and/or vacuum deformation due to cooling of a hot liquid product filled therein. Base portion 112 can also influence controlled deformation from positive container pressure, for example resulting from expansion of liquid at increased temperatures or elevations. In the exemplary embodiment, during a hot-filling process, the internal bottle pressure increases from an initial pressure when the bottle is sealed, to an elevated negative pressure when the bottle is cooled. Base portion 112, and more specifically inner core 130, are configured to react in a controlled manner in response to the internal pressures to which container 100 is subjected.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of rib 148 illustrating example dimensions. Rib 148 has a height 185, a top arcuate portion 187, a bottom arcuate portion 189 and a straight side portion 191. Straight side portion 191 extends away from an axis 193 at an angle 195 as it extends away from finish portion 114 (shown in FIG. 1). Top arcuate portion 187 has a radius R1 and bottom arcuate portion 189 has a radius R2. In one embodiment, R1 and R2 are equal. In another embodiment, R1 and R2 are different. In another embodiment R1 is greater than R2. In a further embodiment, R2 is greater than R1.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates example dimensions of container 100. As shown in FIG. 6, a neck portion 186 of upper portion 104 has a neck portion height 188 and a neck portion diameter 190. A first upper portion 192 of upper portion 104 has a first upper portion diameter 194. A first sidewall portion 196 of sidewall portion 106 has a first sidewall portion height 198. First sidewall portion 196 may, for example, be a portion (e.g., a label panel) of container 100 designed for placement of a label for a beverage product that uses container 100. Second sidewall portion 200 is a sub-portion of first sidewall portion 196, and has a second sidewall portion diameter 202. As shown in FIG. 5, while first sidewall portion 196 generally has a consistent diameter (except at indents 110), upper portion 104 and bottom portion 108 each include portions that have a greater diameter than, for example, second sidewall portion diameter 202. Bottom portion 108 has a bottom portion height 204, and base portion 112 has a base portion diameter 206. Container body 102 has a container body height 208. Sample dimensions for the above-mentioned features are listed in Table 1 below.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Sample dimensions of features of container body. Example Example range Variance (inch) (inch) (inch) Base Portion 112 Height 158 of domed portion 0.600 0.400-0.800 138 Height 160 of first arcuate 0.320 0.280-0.360 portion 142 Inner diametric width 162 2.306 2.000-2.700 Outer diametric width 164 2.440 2.100-2.800 First arcuate portion 142 radius 0.040 0.030-0.050 R1 Rib top arcuate portion 187 0.040 0.030-0.050 radius R2 Rib bottom arcuate portion 189 0.040 0.030-0.050 radius R3 Rib 148 height 185 0.087 0.060-0.110 Neck Portion 186 Neck portion height 188 0.197 0.150-0.250 Neck portion diameter 190 1.375 1.200-1.550 First Upper Portion 192 First upper portion diameter 194 2.600 +/0.060 First sidewall portion 196 First sidewall portion height 4.319 3.500-6.000 198 Second sidewall portion 200 Second sidewall portion 2.526 2.000-3.000 diameter 202 Bottom portion 108 Bottom portion height 204 0.901 0.750-1.200 Base portion 112 Base portion diameter 206 2.600 +/0.060 Container Body 102 Container body height 208 7.620 +/0.060

[0042] As shown in Table 1, quantities such as first upper diameter 194, base portion diameter 206, and container body height 208 may have a plus or minus range from which the ultimate dimension can be selected. Additionally, first upper portion diameter 194 may have identical dimensions to base portion diameter 206, for example. The dimensions and angles of the various features of base portion 112 can be selected to tailor the overall performance of the base portion as desired. For example, the radius and/or angle of curvature of first, second, and third arcuate portions 142, 144, and 146, the distances therebetween, the thickness thereof, and the lengths can be modified to increase or decrease the response of base portion 112 to pressure differentials to accommodate a range of thermodynamic environments, such as variations in hot-fill filling lines. Additionally, the diameter of domed portion 138 can be selected for the desired response to pressure differentials to affect the efficiency of base portion 112 deformation, and to optimize material flow and thickness during forming of container 100. While not shown, any suitable variety of angular, height, and/or other dimensional relationships can be set for the various portions of base portion 112, including angled walls 132, 134, and 136, arcuate portions 142, 144, and 146, hinge point 170, and other inner core features disclosed herein.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for a method 250 according to embodiments disclosed herein. At step 252, an empty container 100 formed in a manner described herein is provided for filling. At step 254, empty container 100 is filled with a product. For example, the filling may comprise hot-filling container 100 with a hot liquid in a manner described herein. At step 256, filled container 100 accommodates forces via base portion 112. Step 254 and/or step 256 may be referred to as a first fluid processing stage. At step 258, filled container 100 is sealed. At step 260, similar to step 256, filled and sealed container 100 accommodates forces via base portion 112. Step 258 and/or step 260 may be referred to as a second fluid processing stage. At step 212, filled and sealed container 100 is cooled in a manner described herein. At step 264, similar to steps 256 and 260, filled, sealed, and cooled container 100 accommodates forces via base portion 112. Step 262 and/or step 264 may be referred to as a third fluid processing stage. For example, each of steps 256, 260, and 264 include base portion 112 accommodating pressure and/or temperature in a dynamic manner by moving/flexing in accordance with particular design features (e.g., first ribs 148, second ribs 150, domed portion 138, and the other inner core features) of base portion 112 as disclosed herein and the amount or degree of pressure and/or temperature present during the particular process stage. At step 266, filled, sealed, and cooled container 100 is transported. Such transportation may, without limitation, include (i) transporting to different production areas within a production facility, such as to allow for labeling or bulk packaging of container(s) 100, (ii) shipping of ready-for-sale container(s) 10, and (iii) transportation by consumers of purchased containers 100. While not shown in FIG. 7, container 100, via its base portion 112, will accommodate forces in a manner similar to that in steps 256, 260, and 264 during such transport.

[0044] As disclosed herein, and for purpose of illustration and not limitation, container 100 as disclosed herein can be formed using any suitable method as known in the art. For example, container 100 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). Thread 118 and flange 120 of container 100 can be injection molded, i.e., the thread 118 can be formed as part of the preform, or can be blow molded and severed from an accommodation feature formed above, as is known in the art. The preform can be blown into a mold/die comprising certain structural features to arrive at the desired container shape and properties. The mold/die may be formed to include structural features that correspond to those present in the blown container 100.

[0045] The methods, systems, and compositions disclosed herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, steps of the methods, elements of the systems, and/or elements of the compositions may be utilized independently and separately from other steps and/or elements described herein. In addition, the methods, systems, and compositions may be implemented and utilized in connection with many applications other than those described above.

[0046] Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Moreover, references to one embodiment in the above description are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

[0047] This written description uses examples, including the best mode, to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.