Hot-fillable plastic container with end grip

摘要

A hot-fillable plastic container having a panel section with vacuum panels and an end grip, which panel section resists ovalization and other deformation during filling, product cooling, and handling. The container has a substantially-cylindrical panel section, with a pair of vertically-elongated vacuum panels disposed on opposing sides of a vertical plane passing through a vertical centerline of the container. Front and rear label attachment areas are provided between the vacuum panels. A pair of vertical ribs are disposed on either side of each vacuum panel which act as hinge points to maximize movement of a concave recess in the vacuum panel; the vertical ribs also resist longitudinal bending. The concave recess is formed at an initial inwardly-bowed position with respect to the panel circumference, and is movable outwardly to a second position within the panel circumference upon increased pressure during filling, and movable inwardly to a third position to accommodate the vacuum which forms during product cooling.