Reinforced nestable container

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a reinforced nestable container and a method of forming a reinforced nestable container able to withstand a high pressure processing. The container has an open end, a closed end, and a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end and defines an interior. The closed end has a cone bottom including a first step that steps towards the closed end and forms a flexible point such that the base can flex and return to its original position and shape; a generally flat portion that extends towards the center of the closed end; a second step that steps towards the open end and in to an inner-profile having a first radius in one direction and a second radius in an opposite direction, forming an s-curve; at least one strengthening fillet; and a base plateau, whereby at least the s-curve formed by the first step, the flat portion and the second step spread tension such that the container can withstand pressure therein.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A reinforced nestable container formed of a thermoformed material and able to withstand a high pressure processing, the container having an open end, a closed end, and a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end and defining an interior, the closed end having a cone bottom comprising:
 a first step that steps towards the closed end and forms a flexible point such that the base can flex and return to its original position and shape;   a generally flat portion that extends towards the center of the closed end;   a second step that steps towards the open end and in to an inner-profile having a first radius in one direction and a second radius in an opposite direction, thereby forming an s-curve;   at least one strengthening fillet; and   a base plateau, whereby at least the s-curve formed by the first step, the flat portion and the second step spread tension such that the container can withstand pressure therein.   
     
     
         2 . The reinforced nestable container of  claim 1  further including a rounded portion extending between the first step and the generally flat portion. 
     
     
         3 . The reinforced nestable container of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first step, the strengthening fillet, the generally flat portion and the second step extending circumferentially about the closed end. 
     
     
         4 . The reinforced nestable container of  claim 1  wherein the base plateau having a radius less than the radius of the closed end. 
     
     
         5 . A reinforced nestable container formed of a thermoformed material and able to withstand a high pressure processing, the container comprising:
 an open end;   a closed end having a cone bottom; and   a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end defining an interior, the cone bottom comprising:   a first step that steps downward towards the closed end down and forms a flexible point such that the base can flex and return to its original position and shape;   a flat portion that extends towards the center of the cone bottom;   a second step that steps upward towards the opended end and in to an inner-profile having a first radius in one direction and a second radius in an opposite direction, thereby forming an s-curve;   at least one strengthening fillet; and   a base plateau, whereby at least the s-curve formed by the first step, the flat portion and the second step spread tension such that the container can withstand pressure therein.   
     
     
         6 . The reinforced nestable container of  claim 5  further including a rounded portion extending between the first step and the generally flat portion. 
     
     
         7 . The reinforced nestable container of  claim 5  wherein at least the first step, the strengthening fillet, the generally flat portion and the second step extending circumferentially about the closed end. 
     
     
         8 . The reinforced nestable container of  claim 5  wherein the base plateau having a radius less than the radius of the closed end, 
     
     
         9 . The reinforced nestable container of  claim 5  wherein the cone bottom has a height between ⅛ and ½ the length of the sidewall. 
     
     
         10 . The reinforced nestable container of  claim 5  wherein the cone bottom has a height of about ¼ the length of the sidewall. 
     
     
         11 . The reinforced nestable container of  claim 5  further including a rim extending about the circumference of the open end and adapted to receive a lid. 
     
     
         12 . The reinforced nestable container of  claim 11  further including a de-nesting ridge extending about the circumference of the sidewall proximate the rim. 
     
     
         13 . A method of packing a contents in a container, the method comprising:
 forming a reinforced nestable container of a thermoformed material, the container comprising:
 an open end; 
 a closed end; and 
 a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end and defining an interior, the closed end having a cone bottom, the cone bottom comprising: 
 a first step that steps down and forms a flexible point such that the base can flex and return to its original position and shape; 
 a flat portion that extends towards the center of the cone bottom; 
 a second step that steps up and in to an inner-profile having a first radius in one direction and a second radius in an opposite direction, thereby forming an s-curve; 
 at least one strengthening fillet; and 
 a base plateau, whereby at least the s-curve formed by the first step, the flat portion and the second step spread tension such that the container can withstand pressure therein; 
   inserting a contents into the interior of the reinforced nestable container;   sealing the container; and   subjecting the sealed container to a high pressure processing process, producing a sealed container having contents that are safer, last longer and taste better.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the container further includes a rounded portion extending between the first step and the generally flat portion. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the container further includes at least the first step, the strengthening fillet, the generally flat portion and the second step extending circumferentially about the closed end. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the container further includes the base plateau having a radius less than the radius of the closed end. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the container further includes the cone bottom having a height between ⅛ and ½ the length of the sidewall. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the container further includes the cone bottom having a height of about ¼ the length of the sidewall. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the container further includes a rim extending about the circumference of the open end and adapted to receive a lid, thereby sealing the container. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the container further includes a de-nesting ridge extending about the circumference of the sidewall proximate the rim.