Container base having volume absorption panel

Abstract

A plastic container configured to deform from an as-molded state in response to negative internal pressure, the plastic container including a substantially cylindrical container body; and a base connected to a bottom portion of the container body, the base including a standing member, a substantially central hub, and a base body extending between the standing member and the hub, wherein the base body includes a deflection rib projecting up from the base body, the rib configured to deflect when the base body deforms in response to an increase in negative internal pressure.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A plastic container configured to deform from an as-molded state in response to negative internal pressure, the plastic container comprising:
 a substantially cylindrical container body; and   a base connected to a bottom portion of the container body, the base including a standing member, a substantially central hub, and a base body extending between the standing member and the hub, wherein the base body includes a deflection rib projecting up from the base body, the rib configured to deflect when the base body deforms in response to an increase in negative internal pressure.   
     
     
         2 . The plastic container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the rib is out of plane with respect to portions of the first and second sloped wall that are circumferentially spaced from and radially aligned with the rib. 
     
     
         3 . The plastic container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the rib projects upward from the base body. 
     
     
         4 . The plastic container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the rib defines a substantially triangular cross section 
     
     
         5 . The plastic container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the base body includes a pair of adjoining sloped walls when the base is in the as-molded state, and the rib is connected between the adjoining sloped walls. 
     
     
         6 . The plastic container as recited in  claim 5 , wherein one of the sloped walls comprises a pair of substantially flat medial panels adjoined at an interface, and the rib is disposed at the interface. 
     
     
         7 . The plastic container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the hub includes a perimeter and a central portion that is recessed with respect to the perimeter. 
     
     
         8 . The plastic container as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising a strengthening rib disposed radially inward from the deflection ribs, wherein the strengthening rib is configured to transfer forces, that are imparted onto the base due to negative internal pressure in the container, radially outward towards the deflection ribs.