Retort-resistant plastic container

Abstract

A retort-resistant plastic container includes a base portion, a sidewall portion, and a neck portion. The base portion includes a domed portion and a lower annular portion. The sidewall portion extends upwardly from the base portion, and typically has a minimum thickness of 0.020 inches. The neck portion extends upwardly from the sidewall portion and includes an annular flange. In embodiments, the outer diameter of the lower annular portion is less than the inner diameter of the annular flange. Further, in some embodiments, the sidewall is substantially smooth absent various sidewall structural reinforcements (e.g., vacuum panels or reinforcement ribs). Moreover, for embodiments, the sidewall portion is at least 0.80 of the total vertical length of the container.

1 . A retort-resistant plastic container comprising:
 a base portion, the base portion including a domed portion and a lower annular portion;   a sidewall portion extending upwardly from the base portion, the sidewall portion having a minimum thickness of 0.020 inches; and   a neck portion that extends upwardly from the sidewall portion, the neck portion including an annular flange;   wherein the outer diameter of the lower annular portion is less than the inner diameter of the annular flange, whereby at least part of the base portion is configured to be received or retained within a neck portion of a similarly configured container.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the minimum wall thickness for the base portion, sidewall portion, and neck portion of the container are all at least about 0.030 inches. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the average wall thickness of the container for the base portion, sidewall portion, and neck portion of the container are all at least about 0.070 inches. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the sidewall portion is at least about 0.80 the total vertical height of the container. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the sidewall portion is at least about 0.89 the total vertical height of the container. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the base portion includes a lower angular portion. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the lower angular portion is provided at an angle within the range of about 25 degrees to about 45 degrees relative to a central vertical axis of the container. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the lower annular portion is substantially cylindrical and substantially parallel to a central vertical axis of the container. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the domed portion includes an upward angular portion. 
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein the upward angular portion is provided at an angle of at least 5 degrees relative to a standing surface of the container. 
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein the upward angular portion is provided at an angle of between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees relative to a standing surface of the container. 
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein the domed portion further includes a curved portion and a dimpled portion. 
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein the domed portion is substantially rigid. 
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein the upward angular portion is thinner than other portions of the domed portion and the upward angular portion is configured to flex from a downward position to an upward position in response to an internal force. 
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the lower annular portion has a vertical height of at least about 0.030 inch. 
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the lower annular portion has a vertical height of at least about 0.100 inch. 
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein at least a segment of the sidewall portion has an inward taper moving in the direction toward the base portion. 
     
     
         18 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the base portion is configured to receive or retain an upper portion of a similarly configured container. 
     
     
         19 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the container is comprised of polypropylene. 
     
     
         20 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the flange is configured to accept a double seam closure or an easy-open pull tab. 
     
     
         21 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the container has a minimum top load strength of at least one hundred pounds. 
     
     
         22 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the sidewall is substantially smooth. 
     
     
         23 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein under retort conditions, the container exhibits no more than 5% deformation.