초록 ▼

A pasteurizable plastic container having movable panels to alleviate internal pressure changes during pasteurization in order to avoid uncontrolled permanent deformation of the container body. As molded, each panel has a shallow recessed central wall which during the increased temperature and pressu

A pasteurizable plastic container having movable panels to alleviate internal pressure changes during pasteurization in order to avoid uncontrolled permanent deformation of the container body. As molded, each panel has a shallow recessed central wall which during the increased temperature and pressurization of pasteurization, moves outwardly to alleviate at least part of the internal pressure. During cooling, the panels move back inwardly to alleviate at least part of the negative pressure. The container may further include hoop ribs in the land areas above and below the panels, an axially elongatable hoop rib in an upper shoulder section, and an angled heel portion adjacent the standing ring. These additional elements further restrict uncontrolled bulging of the post walls, which would lead to improper label application and/or excessive volume change.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A plastic container capable of being filled with a liquid product, sealed, and subject to the heating and cooling steps of a pasteurization cycle without substantial deformation, the container comprising:a molded biaxially-oriented plastic container body having an open upper end fo

[ We claim:] [1.] A plastic container capable of being filled with a liquid product, sealed, and subject to the heating and cooling steps of a pasteurization cycle without substantial deformation, the container comprising:a molded biaxially-oriented plastic container body having an open upper end for receiving a closure, a sidewall, and a closed bottom end, the sidewall having a panel section with a substantially cylindrical panel circumference and a plurality of recessed panels symmetrically disposed about the circumference; andeach panel having a smoothly-curved and shallow central wall which flexes inwardly and outwardy between hinges on opposing edges of the central wall and without stiffening ribs which would prevent outward flexing, the central wall flexing radially outwardly to relieve an increase in internal pressure during heating, and flexing inwardly during cooling to relieve a negative internal pressure during cooling, wherein the panels remain within the panel circumference and prevent uncontrolled permanent distortion of the container body during pasteurization.