Plastic container having improved flexible panel

Abstract

A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that typically occur during the hot fill process includes a container body defining an internal space. The container body has a sidewall that is shaped to define at least one flexible panel. The flexible panel has a central longitudinal axis, an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion. The central portion of the flexible panel has a width that is greater than a respective width of at least one of the upper and lower portions. The flexible panel is substantially flat as viewed in a longitudinal cross-section taken along the central longitudinal axis. Additionally, the central portion has a transverse radius of curvature that is greater than a transverse radius of curvature of at least one of the upper portion and said lower portion. Because the central portion represents the maximum width of the flexible panel, the efficiency of vacuum uptake is maximized with respect to conventional vacuum panels that are substantially flat in longitudinal cross-section.

1 . A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes, comprising:
 a container body defining an internal space, said container body having a sidewall comprising at least one flexible panel defining a central longitudinal axis, said flexible panel having an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion;   said central portion of said flexible panel having a width that is greater than a respective width of at least one of said upper and lower portions; and wherein   said flexible panel is substantially flat as viewed in a longitudinal cross-section taken along said central longitudinal axis.   
     
     
         2 . A plastic container according to  claim 1 , wherein said flexible panel is substantially oval-shaped as viewed in side elevation. 
     
     
         3 . A plastic container according to  claim 1 , wherein said flexible panel is convexly curved. 
     
     
         4 . A plastic container according to  claim 1 , wherein said central portion has a transverse radius of curvature that is greater than a transverse radius of curvature of at least one of said upper portion and said lower portion. 
     
     
         5 . A plastic container according to  claim 1 , wherein said central portion has a width that is greater than respective widths of both said upper portion and said lower portion. 
     
     
         6 . A plastic container according to  claim 1 , wherein said flexible panel is elongated along said central longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         7 . A plastic container according to  claim 1 , wherein said central portion of said flexible panel has a longitudinal center point, and a first transverse radius of curvature taken through said longitudinal center point, and wherein said first transverse radius of curvature is a maximum transverse radius of curvature within said flexible panel. 
     
     
         8 . A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes, comprising:
 a container body defining an internal space, said container body having a sidewall comprising at least one flexible panel defining a central longitudinal axis, said flexible panel having an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion;   said central portion of said flexible panel having a width that is greater than a respective width of at least one of said upper and lower portions; and wherein   said central portion has a transverse radius of curvature that is greater than a transverse radius of curvature of at least one of said upper portion and said lower portion.   
     
     
         9 . A plastic container according to  claim 8 , wherein said flexible panel is substantially oval-shaped as viewed in side elevation. 
     
     
         10 . A plastic container according to  claim 8 , wherein said flexible panel is convexly curved. 
     
     
         11 . A plastic container according to  claim 8 , wherein said central portion has a width that is greater than respective widths of both said upper portion and said lower portion. 
     
     
         12 . A plastic container according to  claim 8 , wherein said flexible panel is elongated along said central longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         13 . A plastic container according to  claim 8 , wherein said central portion of said flexible panel has a longitudinal center point, and a first transverse radius of curvature taken through said longitudinal center point, and wherein said first transverse radius of curvature is a maximum transverse radius of curvature within said flexible panel.