Container base constructions and methods of making the same

Abstract

Disclosed are container base constructions and methods of making the same. Such container are adapted and configured to reduce or eliminate deformation of the base and/or sidewall when the container is filled and/or stacked. The containers have a sidewall that has a top end and a bottom end; and a base attached to the bottom end of the sidewall. The base of the container includes a center panel which is positioned above the bottom end of the sidewall and an outer convex section. In certain constructions, the center panel is flat. Alternatively, the center panel can be curved (e.g., convex).

1 . A container comprising:
 a frustoconical sidewall having a top end and a bottom end; and   a base attached to the bottom end of the sidewall defining a cavity bounded by the sidewall and the base, the base including a center panel and an outer convex section, the center panel being positioned above the bottom end of the sidewall, wherein the outer convex section arcuately projects from the bottom end of the sidewall inwardly and upwardly,   wherein the bottom end of the sidewall defines a bottom plane of the container and the sidewall extends radially outward at an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to the bottom plane.   
     
     
         2 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the center panel is flat. 
     
     
         3 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the center panel is convex. 
     
     
         4 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein an inner panel connects the center panel to the outer convex section of the base. 
     
     
         5 . The container as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the inner panel is ring-shaped. 
     
     
         6 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the sidewall is cylindrical and defines a longitudinal axis for the container and the base has a cross section that is axially symmetrical. 
     
     
         7 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a lid which engages with the sidewall to form a leak resistant seal. 
     
     
         8 . The container as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising a hinge joining the lid to the sidewall of the container. 
     
     
         9 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein a material thickness is different for the lid, sidewall and base. 
     
     
         10 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the sidewall is formed at an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to a surface upon which the container will rest. 
     
     
         11 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the base, sidewall, lid and hinge are formed from a single sheet of material. 
     
     
         12 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein a deflection of the center panel of the base does not exceed 0.029 inches when the container is fully loaded. 
     
     
         13 . The container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the container is made from a thermoformed polymer. 
     
     
         14 . A container comprising:
 a frustoconical sidewall having a top end and a bottom end; and   a base attached to the bottom end of the sidewall defining a cavity bounded by the sidewall and the base, the base including a flat center panel and an outer convex section, the center panel being positioned above the bottom end of the sidewall, wherein the outer convex section arcuately projects from the bottom end of the sidewall inwardly and upwardly,   wherein the bottom end of the sidewall defines a bottom plane of the container and the sidewall extends at an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to the bottom plane.   
     
     
         15 . A container comprising:
 a frustoconical sidewall having a top end and a bottom end; and   a base attached to the bottom end of the sidewall defining a cavity bounded by the sidewall and the base, the base including a convex center panel and an outer convex section, the convex center panel being positioned above the bottom end of the sidewall, wherein the outer convex section arcuately projects from the bottom end of the sidewall inwardly and upwardly,   wherein the bottom end of the sidewall defines a bottom plane of the container and the sidewall extends at an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to the bottom plane.   
     
     
         16 . A container comprising:
 a frustoconical sidewall having a top end and a bottom end; and   a base attached to the bottom end of the sidewall defining a cavity bounded by the sidewall and the base, the base including a flat center panel and an outer convex section, the center panel being positioned above the bottom end of the sidewall and joined to the outer convex section through an inner ring panel, wherein the outer convex section arcuately projects from the bottom end of the sidewall inwardly and upwardly,   wherein the bottom end of the sidewall defines a bottom plane of the container and the sidewall extends at an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to the bottom plane.