BR112019020359A2 - lightweight container base - Google Patents

Abstract

the present invention relates to a container, which defines a longitudinal axis and a transverse direction, which is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis. the container includes a finish and a side wall part extending from the finish. several ribs are defined by the side wall. a base part extends from the side wall part and encloses the side wall part to form a volume in it to retain a product. the base part has a contact surface to support the container. several strips extend radially along the base part of the longitudinal axis in the transverse direction, each of the strips defining a strip surface, which is closer to the finish than the contact surface. the various ribs and the base part are configured to place the container in a state of hydraulic load, when a top load is applied to the container after it is filled.

Description

Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for LIGHT CONTAINER BASE.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This patent application is an international PCT type patent application, which claims priority for the N ^Q 15 / 581,855 utility model patent application, filed on April 28, 2017. US patent application of N ^Q 15 / 581,855 is a partial continuation of US patent application of N ^Q 14 / 465,494, filed on August 21, 2014 (issued as US patent number 9,694,930), which is a partial continuation of the PCT type international patent application number PCT / US2013 / 057709, filed on August 30, 2013, which is a partial continuation of the PCT type international patent application number PCT / US2012 / 053367, filed on 31 August 2012, which claims the benefit of US provisional patent application number 61 / 529,285, filed on August 31, 2011. All descriptions of the patent applications referred to above are incorporated into this specification by reference.

FIELD [0002] The description refers to containers for holding a product, such as a solid or liquid product. More specifically, this description refers to a container having an optimized base design to provide a balanced vacuum and pressure response, while minimizing the weight of the container.

BACKGROUND [0003] This section provides background information relating to the present description, which is not necessarily prior art. This section also provides a general summary of the description, and is not a comprehensive description of the entire scope or all of its aspects.

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2/45 [0004] As a result of environmental and other concerns, plastic containers, more specifically, polyester containers and even more specifically poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) containers are currently being increasingly used to pack various products, previously supplied in glass containers. Manufacturers and packers, as well as consumers, have recognized that PET containers are light, inexpensive, recyclable and can be manufactured in large quantities.

[0005] Blow molded plastic containers have become common in the packaging of various products. PET is a crystallizable polymer, meaning it is available in an amorphous form or in a semi-crystalline form. The ability of a PET container to maintain its material integrity refers to the percentage of the PET container in crystalline form, also known as crystallinity of the PET container. The following equation defines the percentage of crystallinity as a volumetric fraction:

% Crystallinity = [(p - p _a ) / (pc - pa)] x 100 where p is the density of the PET material; p _a is the density of the amorphous, pure PET material (1.333 g / cm ³ ); and p _c is the density of pure crystalline material (1.455 g / cm ³ ).

[0006] Container manufacturers use mechanical processing and thermal processing to increase the crystallinity of a PET polymer in a container. Mechanical processing involves orienting the amorphous material to obtain elongation hardening. This processing commonly involves stretching an injection molded PET preform along a longitudinal axis and expanding the PET preform along a transverse or radial axis to form a PET container. The combination promotes what manufacturers define as biaxial orientation of the molecular structure in the container. PET container manufacturers

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3/45 currently use mechanical processing for the production of PET containers, with approximately 20% crystallinity on the side wall of the container.

[0007] Thermal processing involves heating the material (amorphous or semi-crystalline) to promote crystalline growth. In amorphous material, the thermal processing of PET material results in a spherulitic morphology, which interferes with light transmission. In other words, the resulting crystalline material is opaque and therefore quite undesirable. Used after mechanical processing, however, thermal processing results in greater crystallinity and excellent clarity for those parts of the container having a biaxial molecular orientation. The thermal processing of a targeted PET container, which is known as thermal curing, includes blow molding a PET preform against a mold heated to a temperature of approximately 121 - 177 ^Q C (approximately 250 - 350 ^Q F ), and holding the blown container against the heated mold for approximately two (2) to five (5) seconds. Manufacturers of PET juice bottles, which are to be hot filled at approximately 85 ^Q C (185 ^Q F), currently use thermal curing to produce PET bottles having a total crystallinity in the range of approximately 25 - 35%.

[0008] Unfortunately, with some applications, such as PET containers for hot filling applications, they become lighter in weight of material (also known as weight in grams of the container), it becomes increasingly difficult to create functional designs that can simultaneously resist at filling pressures, absorb at vacuum pressures and withstand loading forces from the top. According to the principles of possible teachings, the expansion problem, under the pressure caused by the hot filling process, is perfected by creating a

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4/45 vacuum / single marking, which resists expansion, retains its shape and retracts back approximately to the original starting volume, due to the vacuum generated during the product cooling phase.

[0009] Other areas of application will be evident from the description presented in this specification. The description and specific examples are, in this summary, intended for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this description.

SUMMARY [0010] The present teaching provides a container, which defines a longitudinal axis and a transverse direction, which is transversal in relation to the longitudinal axis. The container includes a finish and a side wall extending from the finish. Several ribs are defined by the side wall part. A base part extends from the side wall part and encloses the side wall part to form a volume in it to retain a product. The base part has a contact surface to support the container. Several strips extend radially along the base part away from the longitudinal axis in the transverse direction, each of the strips defining a strip surface, which is closer to the finish than the contact surface. The various ribs and the base part are configured to place the container in a state of hydraulic load, when a load from the top is applied to the container, after it is full.

[0011] The present teaching also provides a container, which defines a longitudinal axis and a transverse direction, which is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis. The container includes a finish, a side wall part, a base part, several strips, several rib elements and a central part. The side wall part extends from the finish. Several horizontal side ribs are defined by the side wall. The base part extends

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5/45 of the side wall part and enclose the side wall part to form a volume in it to retain a product. The base part has a contact surface to support the container. The various strips extend radially along the base part away from the longitudinal axis in the transverse direction. Each of the strips defines a strip surface, which is closer to the finish than the contact surface. The various base rib elements are retracted within the base part. Each of the various base rib elements is between two of the various strips. A central push part is at an axial center of the base part. The longitudinal axis extends through the central pushing part. The various horizontal side ribs and the base part are configured to place the container in a state of hydraulic load, when a load from the top is applied to the container after it is full.

[0012] The present teaching also provides a container, which defines a longitudinal axis and a transverse direction, which is transversal with respect to the longitudinal axis. The container includes a finish, a side wall part, a base part, several strips, several rib elements and a central push part. The side wall part extends from the finish. Several horizontal side ribs are defined by the side wall. The base part extends from the side wall part and encloses the side wall part to form a volume in it to retain a product. The base part has a contact surface to support the container. The various strips extend radially along the base part away from the longitudinal axis in the transverse direction. Each of the strips defines a strip surface, which is closer to the finish than the contact surface. The various base rib elements are retracted within the base part. Each of the various base rib elements is between two of the various strips. The pushing part

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6/45 center is in an axial center of the base part. The longitudinal axis extends through the central pushing part. Each of the various strips is at least partially aligned with one of the base rib elements, in the transverse direction on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. The various horizontal side ribs and the base part are configured to place the container in a state of hydraulic load, when a load from the top is applied to the container after it is full. The various horizontal side ribs deform when loading is applied from the top, and the movement of the base part is limited by a containment surface, thereby causing the fluid, within the volume of the container, to reach an incompressible state and resist deformation of the container.

DRAWINGS [0013] The drawings described in this specification are for illustrative purposes only and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this description.

[0014] Figures 1 to 5 are seen illustrating exemplary embodiments of a container with several items of the present teaching, where Figure 1 is a perspective view, Figure 2 is a side view, Figure 3 is a front view, Figure 4 is a bottom view and Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 of Figure 4.

[0015] Figures 6 - 9 are seen illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a container with several items of the present teaching, where Figure 6 is a perspective view, Figure 7 is a side view, Figure 8 is a view through bottom and Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9 - 9 of Figure 8.

[0016] Figures 10 - 13 are seen illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a container with various items from the

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7/45 present teaching, in which Figure 10 is a perspective view, Figure 11 is a side view, Figure 12 is a bottom view and Figure 13 is a sectional view taken along line 13 - 13 of Figure 12.

[0017] Figures 14 - 17 are seen illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a container with several items of the present teaching, where Figure 14 is a perspective view, Figure 15 is a side view, Figure 16 is a view through bottom and Figure 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17 - 17 of Figure 16.

[0018] Figures 18 and 19 are seen illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a container with various items of the present teaching, where Figure 18 is a bottom view and Figure 19 is a sectional view taken along line 19 - 19 of Figure 18.

[0019] Figures 20 and 21 are seen illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a container with various items of the present teaching, where Figure 20 is a bottom view and Figure 21 is a sectional view taken along line 21 - 21 of Figure 20.

[0020] Figures 22 and 23 are seen illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a container with several items of the present description, in which Figure 22 is a bottom view and Figure 23 is a sectional view taken along line 23 - 23 of Figure 22.

[0021] Figures 24 and 25 are seen illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a container with several items of the present teaching, where Figure 24 is a bottom view and Figure 25 is a sectional view taken along line 25 - 25 of Figure 24.

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8/45 [0022] Figures 26A and 26B are seen in section and side, respectively, of a base part of a container, according to other exemplary embodiments of the present description.

[0023] Figures 27A and 27B are seen in section and side, respectively, of a base part of a container, according to other exemplary embodiments of the present description.

[0024] Figures 28A and 28B are front and side views, respectively, of a generally rectangular container, according to other exemplary embodiments of the present description.

[0025] Figures 29A and 29B are seen in perspective and from the bottom, respectively, of a generally cylindrical container, according to other exemplary embodiments of the present description.

[0026] Figures 30A and 30B are seen in perspective and from the bottom, respectively, of a generally cylindrical container, according to other exemplary embodiments of the present description.

[0027] Figures 31A and 31B are seen from other exemplary embodiments of a container according to the present teaching, in which Figure 31A is a bottom view and Figure 31B is a sectional view taken along line 31B - 31B of Figure 31A.

[0028] Figure 32 is a perspective view of a mold system, suitable for molding the container of the present description. [0029] Figures 33A - 33C are a series of graphs illustrating the relationship between the slope angle of the strip and the volume displacement, the number of strips and the radial resistance, the peak angle of the strip and the volume displacement, and between the dimensions of a container strip and a volume displacement of a hot-filled container.

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9/45 [0030] Figure 34 is a schematic sectional view of a container showing several curved surfaces of a central pushing part of it.

[0031] Figures 35A - 35D are seen from the bottom schematic of a central pushing part, according to the teachings of the present description.

[0032] Figure 36 is a schematic sectional view of a container showing various shapes for its strips.

[0033] Figures 37 - 39 are seen from the schematic bottom of the container showing various shapes for its strips.

[0034] Figures 40 - 45 are seen illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a container with various items of the present teaching, where Figure 40 is a side view, Figure 41 is a perspective view, Figure 42 is a view through bottom, Figure 43 is a sectional view taken along line 43 - 43 of Figure 42, and Figures 44 and 45 are schematic representations of a base in the container.

[0035] Figure 46 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the external radius of the strip and the volume displacement of containers according to the present description.

[0036] Figure 47 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the base free span and the volume displacement of containers according to the present description.

[0037] Figure 48 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the radius of the containment base and the volume displacement of containers according to the present description.

[0038] Figure 49 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the radius of the inner foot and the volume displacement of containers according to the present description.

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10/45 [0039] Figure 50 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the base separation and the volume displacement of containers according to the present description.

[0040] Figure 51 is a graph illustrating the relationship between an external strip radius and an internal container radius according to the present description.

[0041] Figure 52A is a side view of another container, according to the present invention, the container in a pre-filled configuration, after blowing.

[0042] Figure 52B is a side view of the container of Figure 52A, after the container has been hot filled and has been cooled.

[0043] Figure 52C is a side view of the full container of Figure 52B subjected to loading pressure from the top.

[0044] Figure 52D is a side view of the full container of Figure 52C subjected to another loading pressure from the top.

[0045] Figure 53 is a graph illustrating a variation of base volume versus the pressure of an exemplary container, according to the present description.

[0046] Figure 54 is a graph of a container with a filled top, capped and cooled versus the displacement of an exemplary container, according to the present description.

[0047] Figure 55 is a graph illustrating the variation in volume versus the gauge pressure of an exemplary container, according to the present description.

[0048] Figure 56 is a graph illustrating the variation in body volume versus the gauge pressure of an exemplary container, according to the present description.

[0049] Figure 57 is a graph illustrating the variation of base volume versus the gauge pressure of an exemplary container, according to the present description.

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11/45 [0050] Figure 58A is a plan view of a container base in accordance with the present description.

[0051] Figure 58B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 58B - 58B of Figure 58A.

[0052] Figure 59A is a plan view of an additional container base in accordance with the present description.

[0053] Figure 59B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 59B - 59B of Figure 59A.

[0054] Figure 59C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 59C - 59C of Figure 59A.

[0055] Figure 59D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 59D - 59D of Figure 59A.

[0056] Figures 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D and 60E illustrate the properties of another container according to the present description.

[0057] The corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0058] The exemplary embodiments will now be explained more fully with reference to the attached drawings. Exemplary embodiments are provided so that this description is complete, and passes the entire scope to those skilled in the art. Several specific details are presented, such as examples of specific components, devices and methods, to provide a broad understanding of the embodiments of the present description. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that specific details do not need to be employed, that exemplary embodiments can be represented in many different ways and that they should not be considered as limiting the scope of the description.

[0059] The terminology used in this specification is based on

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12/45 the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification, singular forms o, a, one and one can also be intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms comprises, comprising, including and having are inclusive and, therefore, specify the presence of items, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other items, wholes, steps , operations, elements, components and / or groups of them. The steps, processes and operations of the method described in this specification should not be considered as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as a performance order. It must also be understood that other alternative steps or steps can be employed.

[0060] When an element or layer is referred to as being in, connected to, connected to or coupled to another element or layer, it can be directly in, connected to, connected to or attached to another element or layer, or intermediate elements or layers can be present. Comparatively, when an element is referred to as being directly in, directly connected to, directly connected to or directly coupled to another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between the elements must be interpreted in the same way (for example, between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, etc.). As used in this specification, the term and / or includes any of the combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

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13/45 [0061] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used in this specification to describe the various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, those elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section. Terms, such as first, second and other numerical terms, when used in this specification, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed above can be called a second element, component, region, layer or section, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0062] Spatially relative terms, such as internal, external, under, below, lower, above, upper and the like, can be used in this specification to facilitate description to describe an element or relationship of items to one or more others elements or items, as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative ones can be intended to cover different orientations of the device, in use or operation, in addition to the orientation illustrated in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is rotated, the elements described as below or under other elements or items will then be oriented above the other elements or items. Thus, the exemplary term below may encompass an orientation from above and below. The device can be oriented in another way (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used in this specification will be interpreted accordingly.

[0063] This description provides a container, which is made of PET and incorporates a basic design, which has a size and shape

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14/45 optimized, and that resists loads and pressures in the container caused by pressure and the vacuum resulting from hot filling, and helps to maintain the shape and response of the container.

[0064] It should be considered that the size and specific configuration of the container may not be particularly limiting and, therefore, the principles of the present teaching may be applicable to a wide range of PET container shapes. Therefore, it must be recognized that there may be variations in the present embodiments. That is, it should be considered that the teachings of the present description can be used in a wide range of containers, including rectangular, round, oval, tight, recyclable and the like.

[0065] As shown in Figures 1 - 5, the present teaching provides a plastic container, for example, of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), generally indicating 10. The exemplary container 10 can be substantially elongated, when viewed from above. one side, and generally cylindrical, when seen from above, and / or rectangular in integral or transversal sections (which will be discussed in more detail in this specification). Those skilled in the art will consider that the teachings presented below of the present description are applicable to other containers, such as rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal or square shaped containers, which can be different dimensions and volumetric capacities. It is also considered that other changes can be made, depending on the specific application and environmental requirements.

[0066] In some embodiments, container 10 is designed to retain a product. The product can be in any form, such as a solid or semi-solid product. In one example, a product can be introduced into the container during a thermal process, typically

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15/45 a hot filling process. For hot fill bottling applications, bottlers usually fill container 10 with a product at an elevated temperature, between approximately 68 and 96 ^Q C (approximately 155 and 205 ^Q F), and seal container 10 with a closure before cooling. In addition, the plastic container 10 can be suitable for other high temperature pasteurization or retort filling processes, or also other thermal processes. In another example, the product can be introduced into the container at ambient temperatures.

[0067] As shown in Figures 1 - 5, the exemplary plastic container 10, according to the present teaching, defines a body 12 and includes an upper part 14 having a cylindrical side wall 18 forming a finish 20. A shoulder part 22 is formed integrally with the finish 20 and extends below it. The shoulder part 22 combines in, and provides, a transition between the finish 20 and a side wall part 24. The side wall part 24 extends downwardly from the shoulder part 22 to a base part 28 having a base 30. In some embodiments, the side wall part 24 may extend downward and almost touch the base 30, thereby forming the entire area of the base part 28, so that there is no discernible base part 28, when an exemplary container 10 is placed vertically on a surface.

[0068] The exemplary container 10 can also have a neck 23. The neck 23 can have an extremely short height, that is, becoming a short extension of the finish 20, or an elongated height, extending between the finish 20 and the shoulder part 22. The upper part 14 can define an opening for filling and dispensing a product stored there. The container can be a beverage container, although it should be considered that the containers

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16/45 having different shapes, such as side walls and openings, can be produced according to the principles of the present teachings.

[0069] The finish 20 of the exemplary plastic container 10 may include a threaded region 46 having threads 48, a lower sealing ridge 50 and a support ring 51. The threaded region provides a means for fixing a similarly threaded closure or cap ( not shown). Alternatives may include other suitable devices, which attach to the finish 20 of the exemplary plastic container 10, such as, for example, a snap-on or snap-on lid. Consequently, the closure or lid attaches to the finish 20 to preferably provide an airtight seal from the exemplary plastic container 10. The closure or cap is preferably of a conventional plastic or metallic material from the closing industry and suitable for subsequent thermal processing.

[0070] In some embodiments, the container 10 can comprise a light base configuration 100, generally formed on the base part 28. The base configuration 100 can comprise any of several items that facilitate the vacuum response, improve structural integrity , minimize the weight of the container and / or improve the overall performance of the container 10. As discussed in this specification, the base configuration 100 can be used in conjunction with any form of container, although, by way of illustration, containers having rectangular and cylindrical cross sections will be examined. The base part 28 functions to close the bottom part of the plastic container 10, to hold a product in the container 10. Figures 1 - 31B also illustrate various configurations of base 100 and base parts 28, as will be discussed.

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17/45 [0071] With reference back to Figures 1 - 5, the base part 28 of the plastic container 10, which extends into the body 12, can comprise one or more contact surfaces 134 and a central part 136. In some embodiments, the contact surface (s) 134 is the area of the base part 28 that contacts a support surface (for example, a shelf, countertop and the like), which in turn supports the container 10. As such, the contact surface 134 can be a flat surface (an individual flat surface or a set of flat surfaces spaced apart from each other, all of which extend within a common plane. The contact surface 134 can also be a line of contact generally circumscribing, continuously or intermittently, the base part 28.

[0072] In the embodiments of Figures 1 - 5, the base part 28 includes four contact surfaces 134, which are spaced apart around the longitudinal axis 150 of the container 10. Also, in the embodiments shown, the contact surfaces 134 are arranged in the corners of the base part 28. However, it should be considered that there can be any number of contact surfaces 134, and the contact surfaces 134 can be arranged in any suitable position.

[0073] The base part 28 can further include a central push part 140, which is illustrated more clearly in Figures 4 and 5. The central push part 140 can be centrally located (i.e., substantially centered on the longitudinal axis 150 ). The central push part 140 can generally extend to the finish 20. In some embodiments, the central push part 140, when viewed in cross section (Figure 5), is generally in the form of a truncated cone having a top surface 146 , which is generally parallel to the support surfaces 134. The push part 140 also

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18/45 may include side surfaces 148, which slope upwardly to the central longitudinal axis 150 of the container 10. The side surfaces 148 may be tapered or may include several flat surfaces, which are arranged in series around the axis 150.

[0074] Other forms of the central pushing parts 140 are within the scope of the present invention. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the push portion 140 can be partially tapered and partially cylindrical. Also, as shown in Figures 17, 23 and 25, the pushing part 140 can generally be tapered with several ribs 171, which extend at an angle along the side surface 148 at an equal spacing around the axis 150. In addition to the more, as shown in Figures 19 and 21, the pushing part 140 can be annular, so that a pendant truncated part protrudes out along the axis 150. Figures 35A - 35D show other shapes for the pushing part 140 (in the respective views from the bottom of the container 10). For example, the top surface 146 can be defined by several convex curved lines, which are arranged in series around the axis (Figure 35A), an octagon or other polygon (Figure 35B), alternately convex and concave curved lines (Figure 35C ), and several concave curved lines (Figure 35D). The side surface (s) 148 can project from there to have a corresponding shape.

[0075] As shown in Figure 34, the top surface 146 and / or a or side surfaces 148 may have a concave and / or convex contour. For example, the top surface 146 may have a concave curvature (indicated at 146 ') or a convex curvature (indicated at 146). In addition, the side surface 148 may have a concave curvature (indicated at 148 '), a convex curvature (indicated at 148) or a combined concave and convex S-shaped curvature (indicated at 148'). This curvature may be present when the

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19/45 container 10 is empty. Also, the curvature can be the result of deformation due to vacuum loads within the container 10.

[0076] The side surface 148 can also be staggered in some embodiments. Also, the side surface 148 may include ribs, convex or concave jerks or rings.

[0077] The exact shape of the central push part 140 can vary widely depending on the various design criteria. For further details on the appropriate forms of the central push part 140, attention should be directed to the US Patent application No. ^Q 12 / 847,050 by the same applicant, published as the publication of US Patent No. ^Q 2011/0017700, which was deposited on July 30, 2010 and which is incorporated in this specification by reference in its entirety.

[0078] The central pushing part 140 is generally where the preform door is captured in the mold, when the container 10 is blow molded. It is located within the top surface 146, the subpart of the base part 28, which typically includes polymeric material that is not substantially molecularly oriented.

[0079] The container 10 can be filled hot and, when cooling, a vacuum in the container 10 can cause the central pushing part 140 to move (for example, along the axis 150, etc.), to, thereby decreasing the internal volume of the container 10. The central pushing part 140 can also be resiliently bent, flexed, deformed or otherwise moved in response to these vacuum forces. For example, the top surface 146 can be flat or it can be convexly curved without the vacuum forces, but the vacuum forces can pull the top surface 146 upwards so that it has a concave curvature, as shown in Figure 34. Likewise, the side surfaces 148 may deform due to the vacuum to become concave and / or convex, as shown

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20/45 in Figure 34. Thus, the central pushing part 140 can be an important component of the vacuum behavior of container 10 (i.e., the ability of container 10 to absorb these vacuum forces without losing its ability to contain the product, support load from the top, etc.).

[0080] Several factors have been verified so that the base part can improve this vacuum behavior. In conventional applications, it has been found that the material can be withdrawn or otherwise pushed to the pushing part of the base. The amount of material in these conventional applications is often more than necessary for load and / or vacuum response, and thus represents unused material that adds weight and cost to the container. This can be overcome by adjusting the diameter (or width in terms of non-conical applications) of the central push part and / or the height to obtain a load and / or vacuum response from finer materials. That is, by maximizing the behavior of the central push part 140, the remaining parts of the container need not be designed to withstand most of the loading and vacuum forces, thereby allowing the entire container to be made lighter at a cost. reduced. When all parts of the container are made to behave more efficiently, the container can be designed and manufactured more precisely.

[0081] To that end, it has been found that by reducing the diameter of the central pushing part 140 and by increasing its height of the pushing part, the material can be stretched further for improved performance. Referring to Figure 5, each container 10, having the pushing part 140, defines several dimensions, including a width of the pushing part Wp (which is generally a diameter of the entrance of the central pushing part 140), a height of the pushing part push Hp (which is usually a height from the contact surface 134 to the surface

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Top 21/45 146), and a total base width Wb (which is generally a diameter or width of the base part 28 of the container 10). Based on the performance test, it was found that there are relationships between these dimensions that promote improved performance. Specifically, it has been found that a ratio of the height of the push part Hp to the width of the push part Wp of about 1: 1.3 to about 1: 1.4 is desirable (although ratios of about 1: 1 , 0 to about 1: 1.6 and ratios from about 1: 1.0 to about 1: 1.7 can be used). Furthermore, a ratio of the pushing part Wp to the total base width Wb of about 1: 2.9 to about 1: 3.1 is desirable (although ratios of about 1: 2.9 to about 1: 3.1 and ratios from about 1: 1.0 to about 1: 4.0 can be used). Furthermore, the central push part 140 can define a large diameter (for example, typically equal to the width of the push part Wp or the diameter at the bottom of the central push part 140). The central push part 40 can further define a small diameter (for example, typically equal to the diameter of the top surface 146 or the width of the uppermost part of the central push part 140). The combination of these large and small diameters can result in the formation of a truncated shape. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the surface of this tapered shape can define an angle of inclination less than about 45 degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis 150. It has been found that this large diameter or width can be less than about 50 mm and the small diameter or width can be greater than about 5 mm, separately or in combination.

[0082] In some embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9, the container 10 can include an inversion ring 142. The inversion ring 142 can have a radius, which is larger than the central push part 140, and the inversion 142 can completely encircle and

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22/45 circumscribing the central pushing part 140. In the position shown in Figures 8 and 9 and under certain internal vacuum forces, the inversion ring 142 can be pulled upwards along the axis 150 away from the plane defined by the contact 134. However, when the container 10 is formed, the inversion ring 142 may project outwardly away from the plane defined by the contact surface 134. The transition between the central push part 140 and the adjacent inversion ring 142 it can be quick to promote the closest possible orientation of the central pushing part 140. This basically serves to guarantee a minimum wall thickness for the inversion ring 142, in particular, on the contact surface 134 of the base part 28. In a point along its circumferential shape, the inversion ring 142 may alternatively have a small indentation, not illustrated, but well known in the art, suitable for receiving a grapple, which facilitates the route the container around the central longitudinal axis 150, during a labeling operation.

[0083] In some embodiments, as illustrated in the figures and especially in Figures 28A - 31A, the container 10 may further comprise one or more strips 170 formed along and / or within the base part 28. As can be seen by Figures 1 - 25, strips 170 can be formed as retracted parts, which are visible from the side of container 10. That is, strips 170 can be formed so that they define a surface (i.e., strip surface 173 , which defines a strip axis of the respective strip 170). The strip surface 173 can be moved a distance from the strip Ds (Figure 2) of the contact surface (s) 134 on the Z axis (generally along the central longitudinal axis 150 of the container 10). In some embodiments, that displaced distance Ds between the strips 170 and the contact surface 134 can be in the range of about 5 mm to about 25 mm. Also, the

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23/45 surface of strip 173 may extend transversely to axis 150 to terminate adjacent to side wall part 24. The periphery of strips 170 may contour to pass to side wall part 24 and / or contact surfaces 134 .

[0084] At least a part of the surface of the strip 173 can extend substantially parallel to the plane of the contact surfaces 134, as shown in Figures 1 - 4. Also, in some embodiments illustrated in Figures 10-12, at least a part of the The surface of the strip 173 may be partially inclined at a positive angle relative to the contact surface 134. The angle may be less than 15 degrees in some embodiments. The angle can be greater than 15 degrees in other embodiments.

[0085] Figure 36 shows several shapes that strips 170 can take. For example, the strips can contour concave to the inside of the container 10, as the strip extends in the transverse direction (indicated at 170 '). The strip can also contour convexly away from the inside, as the strip extends in the transverse direction (shown at 170). Furthermore, the strip may have one or more steps along the axis 150, as the strip extends in the transverse direction (indicated at 170 ').

[0086] Figures 37 - 39 show how the strips can be formed in a plan view (seen along the longitudinal axis 150). For example, the strip may have a sinusoidal curvature in the transverse direction (indicated at 170 in Figure 37). The strip can also include steps as it extends in the transverse direction (indicated at 170 ..... in Figure 37). The width of the strip may increase (shown on the right side of Figure 37) or it may decrease (shown on the left side of Figure 37), as the strip extends transversely away from the longitudinal axis 150. Furthermore, the strip may be uniformly tapering in the transverse direction (shown at 170 ...... in Figure

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24/45

39). The width of the strip may increase (the top and bottom strips of Figure 39) or decrease (the right and left strips of Figure 39), as the strip extends away from the longitudinal axis 150. In addition, the strips can propagate from the longitudinal axis 150 and each of them can have a substantially common curvature in the transverse direction to resemble a pin wheel (indicated in 170 .......

in Figure 38). Other shapes, curvatures, etc. are also within the scope of this description.

[0087] The shape, dimensions and other aspects of the strips 170 may depend on the criteria of shape, style and performance of the container. Furthermore, it must be recognized that the displacement (along axis 15) of a strip 170 may differ from the displacement of another strip 170 in a single container, to provide an adjusted or otherwise varied loading profile. Strips 170 can interrupt contact surface 134, thereby resulting in various contact surfaces 134 (also known as grounded or segmented support surface). Due to the displaced nature of strips 170 and their associated shape, size and slope (as will be discussed), strips 170 are visible from a side view and formable by simplified molding systems (as will be discussed) .

[0088] It has been found that the use of strips 170 can serve to reduce the total weight of material required within the base part 28, compared to conventional container designs, while simultaneously providing sufficient vacuum performance and comparable. In other words, strips 170 have containers allowed in accordance with the principles of the present invention to achieve and / or exceed the performance criteria of conventional containers, while also minimizing the weight and associated costs of the container.

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25/45 [0089] In some embodiments, container 10 may include at least one strip 170 disposed in base part 28. However, in alternative designs, other strips 170 may be used, such as two, three, four, five or more. Multiple strips 170 can propagate from the central pushing part 140 and the longitudinal axis 150. In some embodiments, the strips 170 can be equally spaced apart around the axis 150.

[0090] Typically, although not limiting, rectangular containers (Figures 1 - 28B) can employ two or more strips 170 in even numbers. Strips 170 may, in some embodiments, divide the intermediate point (i.e., the intermediate region) of the respective side wall into two parts. In other words, the strip 170 can intercept the respective strip approximately halfway between the adjacent side walls. If the side wall part 24 defines a different polygonal cross section (taken perpendicular to the axis 150), the strips 170 can similarly divide the side walls into two parts.

[0091] Similarly, although not limiting, cylindrical containers (Figures 29A - 30B) can employ three or more strips 170 in odd or even numbers. As such, strips 170 can be arranged in a radial orientation, so that each of the various strips 170 propagates from a central point of the base part 28 to an outer edge of the container 10 (for example, the side wall part 24 adjacent). It should be noted, however, that although strips 170 can propagate from a central point, this does not mean that each strip 170 actually starts at the central point, but instead it means that if the central axes of strips 170 are extended inward, they will generally find themselves in a common center. The ratio of the number of strips used for the radial resistance of the container 10 has been shown to increase the radial resistance with increasing number of strips used (see Figure 23B).

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26/45 [0092] It should also be noted that the strip 170 can be used in conjunction with the central pushing part 140 mentioned above, which can therefore interrupt the strips 170. However, alternatively, it should be note that the benefits of the present invention can be obtained by using strips 170 without the central pushing part 140.

[0093] As illustrated in the various figures, strips 170 can define one or more shapes and sizes having varying characteristics and dimensional ranges. However, it has been found that particular strip designs can cause improved vacuum absorption and vessel integrity. By way of a non-limiting example, it has been found that the strips 170 can define a strip plane or central axis 172, which is generally parallel to the contact surface 134 and / or to a surface on which the container 10 rests, thereby , resulting in a low strip angle. In other embodiments, the plane / axis of the strip 172 can be inclined relative to the contact surface 135 and / or the surface on which the container 10 rests, thereby resulting in a high angle of the strip. In some embodiments, that inclined strip plane / axis 172 may be inclined so that a lower part of the inclined strip plane / axis 172 is towards an inward or central area of the container 10, and a higher part of the inclined strip plane / axis 172 is for an outside or outside area of the container 10 (e.g., the adjacent side wall part 24). Examples of these inclinations can be seen in Figures 26B and 27B.

[0094] The low angles of the strip (for example, Figures 1 - 4) provide flexibility of the base resulting in flexion of it, which displaces the volume by upward deflection. Upward deflection will be optimized under vertical load providing additional volume displacement, passing positive pressure to maximize

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27/45 top load in capped and filled container. Volume displacement causes greater vacuum in container 10. This jointly flexible base technology provides volume displacement & load performance across the top in a capped and filled container, thus resulting in a panelless, lightweight container configuration for applications multiple uses. In contrast, a high angle of the strip (for example, Figures 26B and 27B) provides rigidity of the base, resulting in a base that improves the vertical and horizontal load-bearing properties. Rectangular container designs provide sufficient volume displacement. This rigidly-based technology provides improved handling properties in tray distribution and filling line offerings, resulting in a container configuration capable of having a lightweight tray for multiple-use applications. [0095] By way of non-limiting example, it has been found that a tilt angle α (Figure 19) of plane / axis of strip 172 from about 0 degree to about 30 degrees (i.e., angle of the strip) can provide improved performance. This angle of strip α can be measured in a lateral cross section, taken along the plane or axis 172 relative to a horizontal reference plane or axis, as shown in Figure 19. However, it must be recognized that other angles of the strip can be used and / or the direction of inclination can be varied. The relationship of the inclination angle α to the volume displacement of the container 10 showed an increasing volume displacement with a decrease in the inclination angle α (see Figure 33A).

[0096] With particular reference to Figures 26A - 27B, it should be noted that strip 170 may define or include a secondary contour or shape, when seen generally along the plane or axis of strip 172. That is, when viewing from the side of the container 10, the strip 170 can define a pointed shape or trapezoidal shape

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28/45 adjacent to the side wall part 24, having an elevated central area, and extending down the side surfaces (see Figures 26B and 27B), as opposed to defining a single generally flat plane. The trapezoidal shaped part can also be flat and arranged at an angle of inclination relative to a horizontal (imaginary) reference line. This tilt angle can be between 0 degrees and 45 degrees. In some embodiments, that section of strip 170 may have a triangular shape, which also provides an improved vacuum response and structural integrity, while simultaneously allowing for a reduction in weight and material costs. By means of a non-limiting example, it was found that a peak 175 of strip 170 (Figures 19, 26B and 27B) can define a peak angle β (Figure 19), relative to a vertical or perpendicular reference line in the fence range 0 degrees to 90 degrees (flat strip 170). In some embodiments, the peak angle β can define a range from about 1 degree to about 45 degrees. However, it must be recognized that other angles can be used and / or the overall direction and shape of strip 170 can be varied. The relationship of the peak angle β to the volume displacement of the container 10 showed a greater volume displacement with a decrease in the peak angle β (see Figure 23C).

[0097] In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figures 1, 12, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 29B, 30B and 40 - 42, the base part 28 may further comprise one or more ribs 180, formed in ( for example, entirely within) or along strip 170, or between two strips 170. Ribs 180 may include an inward channel (retracted towards the inside of container 10) or an outward channel (projecting out of the inner part of the container 10). Also, the rib 180 may be entirely contained within the respective strip 170 or it may extend from the respective strip 170 in some embodiments. The ribs 180 can be used to adjust or

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29/45 otherwise modify the response characteristics of strips 170. In this way, ribs 180 serve to modify the response profile of one or more strips 170. With reference to the various figures, ribs 180 can follow one of several routes , such as a generally V-shaped route (Figures 29B, 30B) or along the longitudinal axis 180 extending from the central longitudinal axis 150. In some embodiments, these routes may define a pair of arched channels 182 ending in a central radius 184.

[0098] The plastic container 10 of the present invention is a biaxially oriented, blow molded container with a unitary construction of a single layer or multilayer material. A well known stretch molding thermal curing process to produce the one-piece plastic container 10 generally involves the manufacture of a preform (not shown) of a polyester material, such as poly (ethylene terephthalate ( PET), having a shape well known to those skilled in the art similar to a test tube with a generally cylindrical cross section. An exemplary method of manufacturing the plastic container 10 will be described in more detail below.

[0099] With reference to Figure 32, exemplary embodiments of a molding system 306, for blow molding of container 10, are illustrated. The molding system 306 can be used in the manufacture of container geometries, that is, the base geometries, which could not be made beforehand. As illustrated in Figure 32, in some embodiments, the molding system 306 may comprise a base system 310, arranged in operational connection with a sidewall system 320. The base system 310 can be configured to form, generally, a part of the base part 28 of the container 10 and extends radially and upwards until a transition to the side wall part

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30/45

24. The base system 310, in some embodiments, can maintain a temperature that is different from that of the side wall system 320 - hotter or colder than that of the side wall system 320. This can facilitate the formation of the container 10 to accelerate or delay the relative formation of the base part 28 of the container 10 during molding.

[00100] In some embodiments, the base system 310 may comprise a lower pressure cylinder for extending and retracting a pushing member 323 (shown in spectrum in Figure 32). The push member 32 can be used to extend or otherwise stretch the central push portion 140 axially towards the inner part of the container 10. As seen in Figure 32, the push element 322 can be arranged centrally in the base system. 310. Also, the push element 322 can have a retracted position, where the push element 322 is close to the surrounding parts of the base system 310, and an extended position (shown in spectrum), in which the push element the push 322 can extend away from the surrounding parts of the base system 310. In the extended position, the push element 322 can engage the preform during formation and propel the preform upwards (for example, to inside) to form the central push part 140. Also, after the formation of the central push part 140, the push element 322 can be retracted to allow demoulding of the final container 10 of the mold. In some other embodiments, the push member 310 may be paired with a counter-shank, if desired.

[00101] An exemplary blow molding method of forming container 10 will be described below. A preform version of the container 10 includes a support ring, which can be used to drive or orient the preform by and in various stages of

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31/45 manufacturing. For example, the preform can be driven by the support ring, the support ring can be used to help position the preform in a 321 mold cavity (Figure 32), or the support ring can be used to drive an intermediate container once molded. Initially, the preform can be placed in the mold cavity 321 so that the support ring is captured at an upper end of the mold cavity 321. In general, the mold cavity has an internal surface corresponding to a desired external profile of the blown container. More specifically, the mold cavity, according to the present teaching, defines a region forming a body, a region forming optional excess material and an optional opening forming region. Once the resulting structure (hereinafter referred to as an intermediate container) has been formed, any excess created by the excess material forming region can be cut and discarded. It should be considered that the use of an excess material formation region and / or an opening formation region is not necessarily in all formation methods.

[00102] In one example, a machine (not shown) places the preform, heated to a temperature between approximately 88 and 121 ^Q C (approximately 190 and 250 ^Q F), in the mold cavity. The mold cavity can be heated to a temperature between approximately 121 and 177 ^Q C (approximately 250 and 350 ^Q F). A stretching rod apparatus (not shown) stretches or extends the heated preform within the mold cavity to a length approximately equal to that of the intermediate container, thereby orienting the polyester material molecularly in an axial direction, generally corresponding to a central longitudinal axis of the container 10. Although the stretching rod extends the preform, air, having a pressure between 2.07 and 4.14 MPa (300 and 600 psi), helps in the extension

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32/45 of the preform in the axial direction and expanding the preform in a circumferential or arched direction, thereby substantially shaping the polyester material to the shape of the mold cavity and still molecularly orienting the polyester material in one direction generally perpendicular to the axial direction, thereby establishing the biaxial molecular orientation of the polyester material in most of the intermediate container. The pressurized air retains the molecularly oriented polyester material, largely biaxial against the mold cavity for a period of approximately two (2) to five (5) seconds, before removing the intermediate container from the mold cavity. This process is known as thermal curing and results in a thermally resistant container suitable for filling with a product at high temperatures.

[00103] Alternatively, other manufacturing methods, such as, for example, blow molding and extrusion, blow molding and stretching with an injection stage and blow and injection molding, using other conventional materials, including, for example, polyethylene high density, polypropylene, poly (ethylene naphthalate) (PEN) and a PET / PEN mixture or copolymer, and several multilayer structures may be suitable for the manufacture of the plastic container 10. Those skilled in the art will know and easily understand the alternative methods of manufacturing plastic containers.

[00104] With additional reference to Figures 40 - 45, container 10 is illustrated as a generally round container with a generally round base 30. Although container 10 and base 30 are generally illustrated in Figures 40 - 45 as being round, container 10 and base 30 can be any shape or size suitable. For example, container 10 can have any of the shapes described and / or illustrated above, including, but not limited to,

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33/45 following: rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal or square.

[00105] The base 30 includes a light base configuration 100, which generally includes the strips 170, the central pushing part 140 and the ribs 180. The strips 170 generally extend radially from the central longitudinal axis 150 of the pushing part center 140 for side wall part 124. All strips 170 are spaced from each other around base 30. Strips 170 can be spaced apart by any suitable gap, such as a generally uniform gap, as, for example, illustrated in Figures 40 - 42. Any suitable number of strips 170 can be included, such as five, as illustrated, or seven. Generally, the larger the diameter of the base 30, the more strips 170 can be included.

[00106] Each of strips 170 extends along its plane / axis of strip 172 and is thus an elongated strip. Strips 170 are illustrated as all having a width that generally increases along their lengths, so that the strips are wider at the side wall part 24 and narrower near the central longitudinal axis 150. In other words, the surface of the strip 173 extends further from either side of the plane / axis of strip 172 at the side wall part 24, compared to near the central longitudinal axis 150.

[00107] Each strip 170 generally includes a first end 176 and a second end 178, which are opposite ends of each strip 170 along its plane / axis of strip 172. The first end 176 is close to the longitudinal axis 150 and the second end is on the side wall part 24. Each strip 170 extends linearly from the first end 176 to the second end 178, as well as linearly along the plane / axis of the strip 172 extending along the surface of the strip 173 first

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34/45 end 176 to the second end 178 at peak 175. Each strip 170 is generally inclined along its plane / axis of the strip 172 from the first end 176 to the second end 178, so that the first end 176 is generally at contact surface / support surface 134 of the base 30 and the second end 178 is at peak 175. Therefore, the second end 178 is more retracted at base 30 compared to the first end 176, which may not be at all retracted at base 30. Although strips 170 are illustrated as being generally inclined or sloping, strips 170 do not need to be angled, and thus the plane / axis of strip 172 can extend linearly so that the plane / axis of strip 172 is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the central longitudinal axis 150, along its entire length or for a substantial part of it.

[00108] The base 30 further includes several ribs 180, which, as illustrated in the container 10 of Figures 40 - 45, are spaced from the strips 170. Each rib 180 is generally elongated and generally extends from the central longitudinal axis 150 over a longitudinal axis of rib 190 of each rib 180. Each rib 180 extends to the side wall part 24 of any suitable position along the base 30, between the central longitudinal axis 150 and the side wall 30. One or more of the ribs 180 can be between two of the strips 170. For example and as illustrated, only one of the ribs 180 can be between two of the strips 170 and can be equidistant between the two strips 170. Any suitable number of ribs 180 can be included, such as five, as illustrated. The number of ribs 180 can generally correspond to the number of strips 170, so that a single rib 180 is between two of the strips 170.

[00109] With reference to Figure 43, strips 170 extend linearly and are angled so that, relative to a

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35/45 base surface 192 on which the container 10 can be seated, in the plane / axis of the inclined strip 172, the surface of the strip 173 is at an angle α of the surface 192. The angle α can be any suitable angle, such as for example, from about 0 to about 30 °, about 5 to about 20 °, about 10 ^Q or 10 °. With respect to the central longitudinal axis 150, the strips 170 can be arranged at an angle β, which is measured between the central longitudinal axis 150 and the plane / axis of the inclined strip 172. The angle β can be any suitable angle, as in range from about 0 to about 90 ^Q , about 45 to about 85 ^Q , about 80 ^Q , or 80 ^Q.

[00110] With continued reference to Figure 43, the central pushing part 140 includes a top offset surface 194 on the top surface 146 and a bottom offset surface 196 opposite the top offset surface 194. The top offset surface 194 is retracted within the top surface 146, and the bottom displaced surface 196 protrudes from a bottom surface 200 of the central push part 140, which is opposite to the top surface 146. The central push part 140 further includes a flange 198 , defined by the side surfaces 148 of the central push part 140. The side surfaces 148 are illustrated as generally curving from the central longitudinal axis 150, but may have another suitable shape or configuration, as described above, as in conjunction with Figure 34 , which illustrates the lateral surfaces 148 having concave, convex and generally flat surfaces.

[00111] With reference to Figures 44 and 45, the light base configuration 100 is configured to move, such as by flexing, in several different directions, to improve durability, structural integrity, resistance to undesirable deformation and usefulness of container 10, such as when container 10 is subjected to higher vacuum pressures, while cooling its contents

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36/45 hot sausages. For example and as illustrated in Figure 44, the central push part 140 is configured to move along the central longitudinal axis 150, as the central push part 140 moves along the central longitudinal axis 150. The central pusher 140 is arranged so that the central longitudinal axis 150 extends over the top displaced surface 194, the bottom displaced surface 196, and, generally, through an axial center of the top surface 146.

[00112] As shown in Figure 44, the central pushing part 140 can flex along the central longitudinal axis 150 for the finish 20 to the position 140 ', with the lateral surface 148 flexing at 148'. As the central push part 140 flexes along the central longitudinal axis 150 for finish 20, strips 170 also flex for finish 20, as well as for the 170 'position of Figure 44. Regarding a line 210, extending around the radius of the outer strip 202, parallel to the base surface 192 on which the container 10 can be seated, and perpendicular to the axis 150, the strips 170 flex at an angle α to line 210 and they flex at an angle β up to and past line 210. Angles α and β are the same or generally the same.

[00113] As the strips 170 move to the 170 'position, an outer strip radius 202 will generally decrease and move to the 202' position. The radius of the outer strip 202/202 'is generally measured at the smallest radius at which the strips 170 pass to the side wall part 24, in an inner part of the container 10. As illustrated in Figure 46, as the displaced volume of the container 10 increases, the radius of outer strip 202 generally decreases to 202 '. At a displaced volume of 3%, the radius of the outer strip 202 generally decreases from about 10% to about 40%, such as 25% or about 25% of the original, or within a range of about 0.9 times about 0.6

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37/45 times the original, such as 0.75 times or about 0.75% of the original. The degree to which the radius of the outer strip 202 decreases will depend on the size and composition of the container 10, as well as its content and the number of strips 170 present. For example, the greater the number of strips 170 present, the more the radius of outer strip 202 will decrease.

[00114] With reference to Figure 45, as the central pushing part 140 moves along the central longitudinal axis 150 for finishing 20, a free span of the base Cb will increase at a distance Cb ', thus constituting the free span of the total base Cb + Cb '. With respect, for example, to Figure 47, as the percentage of displaced volume increases, the distance Cb 'will also increase. At a displaced volume of 3%, for example, the free span of the base will increase from about 3 mm to about 7 mm. In other words, the distance Cb 'will increase within a range of about 3 mm to about 7 mm. The distance by which the free span of the base increases, which is identified in Figure 45 as Cb ', depends on the size and composition of the container 10, as well as its contents and the number of strips 170 present. For example, the greater the number of strips 170 present, the more the free span of the base will increase, and the greater the distance Cb '.

[00115] As also illustrated in Figure 45, the central push part 140 moves to finish 20, the contact surface / foot 134 moves to finish 20 to position 134 ', thereby reducing the radius of the base support Rsb to Rsb '. The radius of the support base is generally measured from the central longitudinal axis 150 to a point at which the contact surface / foot 134 makes contact with the surface 192. With reference to Figure 48, as the percentage of displaced volume increases, the base support radius will generally decrease from Rsb to Rsb '. At a volume displacement of 3%, for example, the radius of the support base will generally decrease to Rsb ',

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38/45 within a range of about 28 mm to about 40 mm. Again, the distance that the radius of the support base decreases will depend on the size and composition of the container, its content and the number of strips 170 present.

[00116] With reference to Figure 49, as the displaced volume of the container 10 increases and the side surface 148 flexes at 148 ', as shown in Figure 45, a radius of the inner foot 149 of the base configuration 100 increases as measured around an intermediate point along the curved side surface 148. At a volume displacement of 3%, for example, the radius of the inner foot can increase by about 1.1 times to about 2.0 times from the original before displacement, such as 1.5 times or about 1.5 times of the original. The decrease in the radius of the outer strap and the increase in the radius of the inner foot are directly proportional to each other. For example, the radius of the inner foot increases at a distance that is about 1.2 times to about 3.3 times, or about 2 times, the distance that the radius of the outer strip decreases. So, if the radius of the inner foot increases about 2 times the distance that the radius of the outer strap decreases, then the radius of the outer strap will decrease 10% or about 10%, and the radius of the inner foot will increase 20% or about 20%. Any suitable relationship can be established between the radius of the outer strip (or outside) and the radius of the inner foot (or inside). With reference to Figure 1, for example, the relationship between the radius of the outer strip and the radius of the inner foot can be adjusted at any point in the illustrated box.

[00117] As the displaced volume of the container increases, the width Ws of each strip 170 (see Figure 40, for example) decreases. The width can be measured between any suitable points on each strip 170. For example, the width of each strip 170 can be measured between two points, which are on opposite sides of the plane / axis of strip 172, farther from the longitudinal axis 150, and configured to support the

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39/45 surface of the flat base 192, when the container 20 is seated on the flat surface 192. As the width Ws of each strip 170 decreases, the feet 134 between the strips 170 move together to be closer, thus, decreasing the distance between the feet between them 134. With reference to Figure 50, as the displaced volume increases, the distance between the feet also decreases. At a volumetric displacement of about 3%, the separation distance from the feet will decrease from about 5% to about 20%, as well as from about 10% to about 17%, such as about 12.5% . The width Ws of the strips 170 is effectively the separation distance between the strips 170, and thus the width Ws of the strips 170 will decrease in the same intensity as the separation distance.

[00118] With further reference to Figures 52A - 52D, another configuration of the container 10, according to the present invention, is illustrated. Figure 52A illustrates container 10 in a pre-filled configuration after blowing. Figure 52B illustrates the container 10 after being filled hot and subsequently cooled, with the post-blow position shown in AB. Figure 52C illustrates the container 10 subjected to a loading pressure from the top, with the post-blow position shown in AB. Figure 52D illustrates the container 10, subjected to a loading pressure from the additional top, with the post-blow position shown in AB. The container 10 of Figures 52A - 52D includes the generally round base part 30 and the light base configuration 100 described above. Thus, the container 10 of Figures 52A - 52D includes the strips 170 and the central push part 140, and can also include the ribs 180.

[00119] The main body part 12 includes the side wall 24, which extends to the base part 30 of the container 10. The side wall 24 defines an internal volume 326 of the container 10 on an internal surface thereof. The sidewall 24 can be tapered inwardly in the direction of the longitudinal axis 145 in one or more areas of the sidewall 24,

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40/45 to define the recesses or ribs 350 on an external surface of the side wall 32, as well as an inwardly tapered part 352, between the ribs 350 and the shoulder part 22. As illustrated, the side wall 24 defines five recesses or ribs 350a - 350e. However, any suitable number of recesses or ribs 350 can be defined. The ribs 350 can have any suitable outside diameter, which can vary between the different ribs 350.

[00120] In response to an internal vacuum, the ribs 350 can pivot around the side wall 24 to reach a vacuum-absorbed position, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 52B. In this way, ribs 350 can be ribs under vacuum. The ribs 350 can also provide the container 10 with reinforcing characteristics, thereby providing the container 10 with improved structural integrity and stability. Larger ribs, such as rib 350a, which has a higher vertical height and is retracted deeper into the side wall 24, relative to the other ribs 350, will have a greater vacuum response. Smaller ribs, such as ribs 350b, 350c and 350e, will provide the container with improved structural integrity.

[00121] The combination of the base part 30, which, as described above, is a vacuum base part 30, and the horizontal ribs 350 allow the container 10 to reach a state of hydraulic load, when a load force from the top it is applied after the container 10 is filled, as illustrated in Figures 52C and 52D, for example, which allows the container 10 to maintain its basic shape. This movement of the base part 30, caused by the force of the load from the top, is limited by the support surface, and the horizontal ribs 350 begin to deform, thereby causing the filled internal fluid to approach an incompressible state. At that point, the internal fluid resists further compression and the container 10

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41/45 behaves similarly to a hydraulic cylinder, while maintaining the basic shape of the container 10.

[00122] More specifically, in the pre-filling configuration, after AB blow of Figure 52A, the container 10 remains vertical while supporting the diaphragm 354, and the volume and pressure are zero or generally zero, thus providing container 10 in phase 1. Figure 53 is a graph of the change in base volume versus pressure, and Figure 54 is a graph of a filled, capped and cooled top container versus the displacement of an exemplary container 10 , according to the present teaching. The various phases described in this specification are illustrated in Figures 53 and 54.

[00123] Referring to Figure 52B, after the container 10 is filled hot and cooled, the base part 30 is pulled towards an upper end 356 of the container 10, due to the internal vacuum. The upper end 356 is in the finish 20 and is opposite to a lower end 358 of the container 10 in the base part 30. The total weight of the container 10 is reduced (compare container 10 in the position after blow AB), and container 10 is supported vertically in an external position (or supporting surface) of the base part 30 to provide the container 10 in phase 2. With reference to Figure 52C, application of the load from the top pushes the base part 30 to the position after the original blow of Figure 52A, and the internal vacuum passes to a positive internal pressure, thereby providing a phase 3. Figure 52D illustrates phase 4 and an increase in charge from the top, which returns the base part 30 substantially to the position after the original blow of Figure 52A and phase 1. The base part 30 is limited by its support surface, the ribs 350 deform causing an additional reduction in the internal volume of the container 10, and a hydraulic peak in the internal pressure facilitates the capacity and very high top load.

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42/45 [00124] Figures 55 - 57 illustrate the pressure and volume characteristics under vacuum and the loading through the capped container top, filled with an exemplary container 10, according to the present teaching. Specifically, Figure 55 illustrates the variation in container volume versus pressure. Figure 56 illustrates the variation in body volume versus pressure. Figure 57 illustrates the variation in base volume versus pressure. From Figure 57, it is clear that the base 30 is flexible under vacuum and significantly more rigid under load from the top, which is a desired feature for good load from the top of a capped, filled container with a good vacuum. Figure 56 demonstrates that under load from the top, the volumes of the body and ribs 350 decrease continuously, causing greater pressure. The ribs 350 are suitable to allow increased displacement as the load at the top increases, because the ribs 350 are axially flexible (i.e., they can be compressed axially to cause pressure build-up) and radially rigid to maintain pressure. Therefore, the combination of base 30 and ribs 350 provides an advantageous configuration for improved vacuum and top load responses.

[00125] The characteristics described together with the container 10, illustrated in Figures 52A - 52D, can be included with any of the containers 10, according to the present teaching. For example, any of the containers 10, described in this specification, can include any suitable number of ribs 350, such as five ribs 350a - 350e. In addition, any of the containers 10 according to the present invention can have the performance characteristics shown in the graphs in Figures 53 - 57, as well as providing the containers 10 with the ribs 350 and the base part 30 including the strips 170 and the central pushing part 140, and optionally the ribs 180.

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[00126] The containers described in accordance with the present invention, particularly their bases, can have any suitable dimensions. For example and with reference to Figures 58A and 58B, the base 30 of the light base configuration 100, which is a generally round base, may have a total projected foot surface area 134/134 ', which is 2 times the area surface area of strip 170, as illustrated in Figure 58A. For example, the area of strip 410A may have a total projected area of 11.7 cm ² . The total projected area of the 410B foot area can be 23.8 cm ² . In other embodiments shown in Figures 60A - 60E, the base 30 may have a total projected area of the foot surface 134/134 'twice as large as the projected surface area of the strip surface 170.

[00127] Each of the strips 170 may extend outward from the central push part 140 at an angle 412A of about 24 ^Q , which endows the base 30 with a total strip angle of 120 ^Q (24 ^Q x 5). The foot area 412B can extend from the central push part 140 to an angle around 48 ^Q , which endows the base 30 with a total foot angle of 240 ^Q (40 ^Q x 5). The base 30 thus has an angle of the foot 412B, which is 2 times greater than the angle of the strip 412A. In other embodiments shown in Figures 60A - 60E, the base 30 can have an angle of the foot 412B, which is between 2 to 5 times the angle of the strip 412A.

[00128] The base 30 may have a total projected external perimeter 414A of strips 170 of 76 mm, and a total projected external perimeter 414B of feet 134 of 155 mm. Thus, the ratio of total projected external perimeters 414A and 414B is 1: 2. In other embodiments shown in Figures 60A - 60E, the outer perimeter 414B of the feet 134 can be 0.4 to 3 times the outer perimeter 414A of strips 170.

[00129] With respect to the internal perimeter, the total projected internal perimeter 416A of strips 170 can be 31 mm, and the total projected internal perimeter 416B of feet 134 can be 63 mm. In this way, the

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44/45 ratio of total projected internal perimeters 416A to 416B is 1: 2. In other embodiments shown in Figures 60A - 60E, the total internal perimeter 416B of the foot 134 can be 2 to 3 times greater than the total internal perimeter 416A of strips 170.

[00130] With continued reference to Figure 58A and additional reference to Figure 58B, the base 30 may have an angle of the strip 420 of + 5 degrees, measured between an inner surface of the strip 170 and the surface 192, which extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 150. The base 30 can have a foot angle 430 of - 15 degrees, measured between the inner surface of the inner / contact foot surface 134 'and the surface 192. The difference between the angle of the strip 420 and the angle of the feet 430 can be 20 ^Q , or within the range of 12 to 27 ^Q , as shown in other embodiments in Figures 60A - 60E.

[00131] With reference to Figures 59A and 59B, the generally rectangular base 30 may have a total projected strip area 510A of 27.5 cm ² , and a total projected foot area 510B of 56.5 cm ² . The rectangular base 30 can have angles of the strip 512A of 43 ^Q angles of the strip 512A 'of 56 ^Q for a total strip angle of 198 (43 ^Q + 43 ^Q + 56 ^Q + 56 ^Q ). The rectangular base 30 can have foot angles 512B of 40 ^Q , a total foot angle of 160 ^Q (40 ^Q x 4). Thus, the ratio of the total strip angles to the total foot angle is 1: 8. The generally rectangular base 30 of Figures 59A and 59B may have an outer strip perimeter 514A of 147 mm, and the perimeter of the total foot 514B of 218 mm. Thus, the ratio of the outer strip perimeter 514A to the outer foot perimeter 514B is 1: 1.5. The rectangular base 30 may have a 37 mm perimeter of the rectangular inner strip 516A, and a 95 mm perimeter of the inner foot 516B. Thus, the ratio of the perimeter of the inner strip 516A to the perimeter of the inner foot 516B can be 2: 5. The rectangular base 30 can have an angle of the strip 520 of +7 ^Q (Figure 59B), and an angle of the foot 530 of -5 ^Q (Figure 59C). The difference between the angle of the strip

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45/45

520 and the foot angle 530 can be 12 ^Q. Referring to Figure 59D, the large push diameter 550 can be 40 to 50% larger than the small push diameter.

[00132] For both the round base 30 of Figures 58A and 58B and the generally rectangular base 30 of Figures 59A - 59D, the foot angle range (430, 53) is -4 ^Q to -15 ^Q. The strip angle range (420, 520) is +5 ^Q to +23 ^Q. The delta strip of the axial strip for the foot angle ratio is 12 - 17 ^Q.

[00133] The description presented above of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to complete or limit the invention. The individual elements or characteristics of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, when applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if it is not specifically shown or described. They can also be varied in many ways. These variations should not be considered a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

1. Container, characterized by the fact that it defines a longitudinal axis and a transverse direction, which is transversal with respect to the longitudinal axis, the container comprising: a finish; a side wall part extending from the finish; several ribs defined by the side wall part; a base part extending from the side wall part and enclosing the side wall part to form a volume thereon to retain a product, the base part having several contact surfaces supported to support the container; and a plurality of strips extending radially along the base part of the longitudinal axis in the transverse direction, each of the strips defining a strip surface, which is closer to the finish than the various sustained contact surfaces; on what: a plurality of ribs and the base part are configured to place the container in a state of hydraulic load, when a load from the top is applied to the container, after the container is filled and closed with a lid coupled to the finish; the container is made of a polymeric material; the base part includes a central pushing part at an axial center of it, the longitudinal axis extending through the central pushing part; an external radius of strip defined by the base part, which decreases when the container is subjected to a volume displacement, causing a greater vacuum; an internal foot radius defined by the base part, which increases when the container is subjected to a displacement of Petition 870190097131, of 27/09/2019, p. 54/118 2/5 volume, causing a greater vacuum, the internal foot radius is internal relative to the sustained contact surfaces of the container and is along a curved lateral surface, between the various sustained contact surfaces and the central pushing part; a base support radius defined by the base part, which decreases when the container is subjected to a volume displacement, causing a greater volume; and a total projected area of the various sustained contact surfaces, which is at least twice the size of a total projected area of the strips. 2. Container according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the total projected area of the various sustained contact surfaces is 2 to 4.8 times the size of a total projected area of the various strips. 3. Container, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the base part is round and each of the various strips is angled +5 ^Q to +23 ^Q , relative to a flat surface, to support the container vertically; and each of the various sustained contact surfaces is angled -4 ^Q to -15 ^Q , relative to the flat surface, to support the container vertically. 4. Container according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the base part is round and the various sustained contact surfaces extend outward from the central pushing part, at a total angle that is at least twice as large as a total angle at which the various strips extend outward from the central pushing part. 5. Container according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the various contact surfaces Petition 870190097131, of 27/09/2019, p. 55/118 3/5 sustained extend out of the central push part, at a total angle that is 2 to 5 times as large as a total angle in which the various strips extend out from the central push part. 6. Container according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the various sustained contact surfaces have a total outer perimeter that is 0.4 to 3 times the size of the total outer perimeter of the various strips. 7. Container according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the various sustained contact surfaces have an internal perimeter that is 2 to 3 times the size of an internal perimeter of the various strips. 8. Container, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the base part is rectangular and each of the several strips is angled at +7 ^Q , relative to a flat surface, to support the container vertically; and each of several sustained contact surface is angled at -5 ^Q on the flat surface for supporting the container upright. 9. Container according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the base is rectangular and the various sustained contact surfaces extend outward from the central pushing part, at a total angle that is eight times as large as an angle total in which the various strips extend out from the central push part. 10. Container, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the base is rectangular and each of the several strips extends out of the central pushing part at an angle of 43 ^Q or 56 ^Q ; and Petition 870190097131, of 27/09/2019, p. 56/118 4/5 each of the various sustained contact surfaces extends out of the central push part at an angle of 40 ^Q. 11. Container according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the base is rectangular and each of the various sustained contact surfaces has an external perimeter, which is 1.5 times larger than an external perimeter of each of the several strips. 12. Container, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the base is rectangular and each of the several strips has an external perimeter of 147 mm; and each of the various sustained contact surfaces has an external perimeter of 218 mm. 13. Container according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the base part is rectangular and each of the various sustained contact surfaces has an external perimeter, which is 2.5 times the size of an internal perimeter of each one of several strips. 14. Container, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the base part is rectangular and each of the several strips has an internal perimeter of 37 mm; and each of the various sustained contact surfaces has an internal perimeter of 95 mm. 15. Container, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: at least one of the various sustained contact surfaces is angled in a range of -4 ^Q to -15 ^Q , relative to a flat surface, to support the container vertically; and Petition 870190097131, of 27/09/2019, p. 57/118 5/5 at least one of the several strips is angled in a range from +5 ^Q to +23 ^Q , relative to a flat surface, to support the container vertically.