Title of Invention

CONTAINER STRUCTURE FOR REMOVAL OF VACUUM PRESSURE

Abstract A hot-fill PET container or bottle (10) for filling with a liquid at an elevated temperature has a side wall (9) extending to a lower portion having a pressure panel (11) and a base (2) in its unfolded or pre-fill position. The panel (11) is transversely oriented and has a decoupling or hinge structure (13), an initiator portion (1) and control portion (5) of a steeply angled inverting conical section between 30 and 45 degrees. The control portion enables the inversion of the panel (11) into the container (10) to compensate for vacuum or reduced pressure induced within the container as the liquid cools down. The base (2) can also have a plurality of reinforcing ribs (3).
Full Text 1
CONTAINER STRUCTURE FOR REMOVAL OF VACUUM PRESSURE

Technical Field Of The Invention
This invention relates generally to a container structure that allows for the removal of vacuum pressure. This is achieved by inverting a transversely oriented vacuum pressure panel located in the lower end-wall, or base region of the container.
Background
So called 'hot fill' containers are well known in prior art, whereby manufacturers supply PET containers for. various liquids which are filled into the containers and the liquid product is at an elevated temperature, typically at or around 85 degrees C (185 degrees F).
The container is manufactured to withstand the thermal shock of holding a heated liquid, resulting in a 'heat-set' plastic container. This thermal shock is a result of either introducing the liquid hot at filling, or heating the liquid after it is introduced into the container.
Once the liquid cools down in a 'capped container, however, the volume of the liquid in the container reduces, creating a vacuum within the container. This liquid shrinkage results in vacuum pressures that pull inwardly on the side and end walls of the container. This in turn leads to deformation in the walls of plastic bottles if they are not constructed rigidly enough to-resist such force.
Typically, vacuum pressures have been accommodated by .the use of vacuum panels, which distort inwardly under vacuum pressure. Prior- art reveals many vertically oriented vacuum panels that allow containers to withstand the rigors of a hot fill procedure., Such vertically oriented vacuum panels generally lie parallel to the longitudinal axis of a container and flex inwardly under vacuum pressure toward this longitudinal axis.
In addition to the vertically oriented vacuum panels, many prior art containers also have flexible base regions to provide additional vacuum compensation. Many prior' art

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containers designed for hot-filling have various modifications to their end-walls, or base regions to allow for as much inward flexure as possible to accommodate at least some of the vacuum pressure generated within the container.
All such-prior art, however, provides for flat or inwardly inclined, or recessed base surfaces. These have been modified to be susceptible to as much further inward deflection as possible. As the base region yields to the force, it is drawn into a more inclined position than prior to having vacuum force applied.
Unfortunately, however, the force generated under vacuum to pull longitudinally on the base region is only half that force' generated in the transverse direction at the same time. Therefore, vertically oriented vacuum panels are able to react to force more easily than a panel placed in the base. Further, there is a lot more surface area available around the circumference of a container than in the end-wall. Therefore, adequate vacuum compensation can only be achieved by placing vertically-oriented vacuum panels over a substantial portion of the circumferential wail area of a container, typically 60% of the available area.
Even with such substantial displacement of vertically-oriented panels, however, the container requires further strengthening to prevent distortion under the vacuum force..
The liquid shrinkage derived from liquid cooling, causes a build up of vacuum pressure. Vacuum panels deflect toward this negative pressure, to a degree lessening the vacuum force, by effectively creating a smaller container to better accommodate the smaller volume of contents. However, this smaller shape is held in place by the generating vacuum force. The more difficult the structure is to deflect inwardly, the more vacuum force will be generated. !n prior art, a substantial amount of vacuum is still present in the container and this tends to distort the overall shape unless a large, annular strengthening ring is provided in horizontal, or transverse, orientation at least a 1/3 of the distance from an end, to the container.
Considering this, it has become accepted knowledge to believe that it is impossible to provide for full vacuum compensation through modification to the end-wall or base region alone. The base region offers very little surface area, compared to the side walls, and reacts to force at half the rate of the side walls.

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Therefore it has become accepted practice to only expect partial assistance to the overall, vacuum compensation to be generated-through the base area. Further, even if the base region could provide for enough flexure to accommodate all liquid shrinkage within the container, there would be a significant vacuum force present, and significant stress on the base standing ring. This would place force on the sidewalls also, and to prevent distortion the smooth sidewalls would have to be much thicker in material distribution, be strengthened by ribbing or the like, or be placed into shapes more compatible to mechanical distortion (for example be square instead of circular).
For this reason it has not been possible to provide container designs in plastic that do not have typical prior art vacuum panels that are vertically oriented on the sidewall. Many manufacturers have therefore been unable to commercialize plastic designs that are the same as their glass bottle designs with smooth sidewalls.
US Pat 6,595,380 (Silvers), claims to provide for full vacuum compensation through the base region without requiring positioning of vertically oriented vacuum panels on the smooth sidewalis. This is suggested by combining techniques well-known and practiced in the prior art. Silvers provides for a slightly inwardly domed, and recessed base region to provide further inward movement under vacuum pressure. However, the technique disclosed, and the stated percentage areas required for efficiency are not considered by the present applicant to provide a viable solution to the problem.
In fact, flexure in the base region is recognised to be greatest in a horizontally flat base region, and maximizing such fiat portions on the base has been well practiced and found to be unable to provide enough vacuum compensation to avoid, also employing vertically oriented vacuum panels.
Silvers does provide for the base region to be strengthened by coupling it to the standing ring of the container, in order to assist preventing unwanted outward movement of the inwardly inclined or flat portion when a heated liquid buiids up initial internal pressure in a newly filled and capped container. This coupling is achieved by rib structures, which also serve to strengthen the flat region. Whilst this may strengthen the region in order to allow more vacuum force to be applied to it, the ribs conversely further reduce flexibility within the base region, and therefore reduce flexibility.

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It is believed by the present applicant that the specific "ribbed1 method proposed by Silvers could only provide for approximately 35% of the vacuum compensation that is required, as the modified end-wall is not considered capable of sufficient inward flexure to fully account for the liquid shrinkage that would occur. Therefore a strong maintenance of vacuum pressure is expected to occur.. Containers employing such base structure therefore still require significant thickening of the sidewalls, and as this is done the base region also becomes thicker during manufacturing. The result is a iess flexible base region, which in turn also reduces the efficiency of the vacuum compensation achieved.
The present invention relates to a hot-fill container which is a development of the hot-fill container described in our international application WO 02/18213 (the PCT specification), which specification is incorporated herein in its entirety where appropriate.
The PCT specification backgrounds the design of hot-fill containers and the problems with such designs which were overcome or at least ameliorated by the design disclosed in the PCT specification.
In the PCT specification a semi-rigid container was provided that had a substantially vertically folding vacuum panel portion. Such a transversely oriented vacuum panel portion included an initiator portion and a control portion which generally resisted being expanded from the collapsed state.
Further described in the PCT specification is the inclusion of the vacuum panels at various positions along the container wall.
A problem exists when locating such a panel in the end-wail or base region, whereby stability may be compromised if the panel does not move far enough into the container longitudinally to no longer form part of the container touching the surface the container stands on.
A further problem exists when utilizing a transverse pane! in the base end-wall due to the potential for shock "deflection of the inverted panel when a full and capped container is dropped. This may occur on a container wrth soft and unstructured wails that is dropped directly on its side. The shock deflection of the sidewalls causes a shock-wave of internal pressure that acts on the pane!.- In such cases improved panei configurations are desired

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that further prevent panel roll-out, or initiator region configurations utilized that optimize for resistance to such reversion displacement.
Objects Of The Invention
In view of the above, it is an object of ones preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a plastic container structure having a transversely oriented pressure panel in its lower portion that can provide for removal of vacuum pressure such that there is substantially no remaining force within the container.
It is a further object of one preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a container which has a transversely oriented pressure panel that is decoupled to a degree from the adjoining wall such that greater inward and longitudinal movement can be achieved.
It is a further object of one preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide for a container to have a transversely oriented pressure panel that is inwardly displaced to a position above the standing ring of the final container configuration, such that a new base region is formed with a greater standing ring or foot print area, and the pressure panel is substantially protected from top load force applied to the container during commercial distribution.
It is a further object of one preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide for an improved transversely oriented pressure panel having an initiator portion which may utilize essentially the same angle as the control portion, such that greater removal of vacuum pressure can be obtained and such that greater resistance to outward deflection can also be obtained.
A further and alternative object of the present invention in all its embodiments, all the objects to be read disjunctively, is to at least provide the public with a useful choice.
Summary Of The Invention
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a container having a longitudinal axis, an upper portion,having an opening into said container, a body portion extending from said upper portion to a base portion,

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said base portion closing off an ernd of said container, said container having at least one substantially transversely oriented pressure panel portion located in said base portion, said pressure panel portion being capable of folding from one longitudinally inclined position to an inverted position to compensate for a change of pressure induced within the container, said pressure panel portion including an initiator portion and a control portion, said initiator portion having less resistance to pressure folding forces and providing for folding before the control portion.
According to a further aspect of the present invention a container as defined in the paragraph immediately above has at least one substantially transversely oriented vacuum panel portion located wherein said base, said vacuum panel portion being adapted in use to fold from a longitudinally inclined position to an inverted position to compensate for a change of pressure induced within the container following cooling of a liquid within the container after it has been capped, such that less force is exerted on the internal walls of said container.
According to a further aspect; of the present invention a container as defined in the paragraph immediately above, has a single substantially transversely oriented vacuum panel portion located wthin the base and joined to a side wall of the container by a decoupling or hinge structure, said vacuum panel portion being adapted in use to fold from a longitudinally inclined position to an inverted position to compensate for a change of pressure induced within the container.
Preferably in one embodiment a decoupling structure connects the pressure panel portion with the body portion and is of an area which allows for greater inward and upward longitudinal movement of the pressure panel.
Preferably in one embodiment the vacuum panel portion has no strengthening ribs to restrain substantial longitudinal movement and inversion.
Preferably in one embodiment the vacuum panel portion may include fluting structures or the like to allow an even circumferential distribution of folding forces to provide for increased control over folding the panel portion from one inclined position to another and to assist in preventing unwanted return to the original position.

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Preferably in one embodiment after folding, the container standing support is provided by a lower part of the container sidewall that provides a replacement container standing support.
According to a further aspect of the invention a method of compensating for a change in pressure in a container as defined in anyone of the preceding seven paragraphs is provided in which said method includes applying a force to the or each said panel portion to cause said folding to occur.
According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a hot-fill container substantially as herein described with reference to anyone of the embodiments of the accompanying drawings.
Further aspects of the invention which should be considered in all its novel aspects will become apparent from the following description.
Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings
Figure 1; shows a cross-sectional view of a hot-fill container according to one possible embodiment of the invention in its pre-collapsed
condition ;
Figure 2 : shows the container of Figure 1 in its collapsed position ;
Figure 3 : shows the base of Figure 1 before collapsing ;
Figure 4 : shows the base of Figure 2 following collapsing ;
Figure5: shows an underneath view of the base of the container of Figure 1
before collapsing ;
Figure 6 : shows the base of Figure 1 before collapsing ; Figure 7 : shows the base of Figure 2 following collapsing ; Figure 8a : shows a cross-sectional view of a hot-fill container according to an

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alternative embodiment of the invention in its pre-co!lapsed condition;
Figure 8b: shows a cross-sectional view of the container shown in Figures 8b and 9 through line C-C
Figure 9.* shows an underneath view of the base of the container of Figures 8a and 8b and Figure 10 before collapsing
Figure 10: shows a cross-sectional view of the container shown in Fig 9 through line D-D'
Figures 11a-d:show cross-sectiona! views of the container according to an alternative embodiment of the invention incorporating a pusher to provide panel folding
Figures 12a-d: show cross-sectional views of the container according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention incorporating a pusher to provide panel folding
Figure 13: shows the base of an alternative embodiment of the invention before collapsing;
Figure 14: shows the base of Figure 13 during the initial stages of collapsing;
Figures 15a-b:show side and cross-sectionai views of the container shown in Fig 9 Including outwardly projecting fluting;
Figure 15c: shows an underneath view of the base of the container of Figures. 15a and 15b with dotted contour section lines through lines E-E and F-F;
Figure 15d: shows a perspective view of the base of the container of Figures 15a-c:

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Figures 16a: shows a side view of a container of Figure 16c according to an alternative embodiment including inwardly projecting fluting through Line W;
Figure 16b: shows a cross-sectional view of the base of the container of Figure 1 Sc through Line J-J;
Figure 16c: shows an underneath view of the base of the container of Figures 16a and 16b with dotted contour section lines through lines G-G and H-H;
Figure 16d: shows a perspective view of the base of the container of Figures 16a-c;
Figures 17a-d:show side, side perspective, end perspective and end views respectively of the container of Figures 15.
Figures 18a-d:show side, side perspective, end perspective and end views
respectively of the container of Figures 18, Detailed Description Of Preferred Embodiments
The following description of preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature, and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or uses.
As discussed above, to accommodate vacuum forces during cooling of the contents within a heat set container, containers have typically been provided with a series of vacuum panels around their sidewalls and an optimized base portion. The vacuum panels deform inwardly, and the base deforms upwardly, under the influence of the vacuum forces. This prevents unwanted distortion elsewhere in the container. However the container is still subjected to internal vacuum force. The panels and base merely provide a suitably resistant structure against that force, The more resistant the structure the more-vacuum force will be present Additionally, end users can feel the vacuum panels when holding the containers.

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Typically at a bottling plant the containers will be filled with a hot liquid and then capped before being subjected to a cold water spray resulting in the formation of a vacuum within the container which the container structure needs to be able to cope with. The present invention relates to hot-fill containers and a structure that provides for the substantial removal or substantial negation of vacuum pressure. This allows much greater design freedom and light weighting opportunities as there is no longer any requirement for the structure to be resistant to vacuum forces which would otherwise mechanically distort the container.
As mentioned above and in the PCT specification, various proposals for hot-fill container designs have been put forward.
Further development of the hot-fill container of the PCT specification has positioned an outwardly inclined and transversely oriented vacuum panel between the lower portion of the side wall and the inwardly domed base region. In this position the container has poor stability, insofar as the base region is very narrow in diameter and does not allow for a good standing ring support. Additionally, there is preferably provided a decoupling structure that provides a hinge joint to the juncture of the vacuum panel and the lower sidewall. This decoupling structure provides for a larger range of longitudinal movement of the vacuum panel than would occur rf the pane! was coupled to the side wall by way of. ribs for example. One side of the decoupling structure remains adjacent the sidewall, allowing the opposite side of the decoupling structure adjacent to an initiator portion to bend inwardly and upwardly. The decoupling structure therefore provides for increased deflection of the initiator portion, allowing increased movement of the panel portion longitudinally away from the previously outwardly inclined position, enabling the panel portion to fold inwardly relative to the container and upwardly relative to the initial base position. The lower sidewall is therefore subjected to lower force during such inversion. During this action, the base portion is translated longitudinally" upward and into the container.
Further, as the panel portion folds inwardly and upwardly, the decouplingstructure allows for the vacuum panel to now form part of the container base portion. This development has at least two important advantages.
Firstly, by providing the vacuum panel so as to form part of the base after folding, a mechanical force can now be provided immediately against the panel in order to apply

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inverting force. This allows much greater control over the action, which may for example be applied by a mechanical pusher, which would engage with the container base in resetting the container shape. This allows increased design options for the initiator portion.
Secondly, the transversely oriented vacuum pane! is effectively completeiy removed from view as it is forced from an outward position to an inward position. This means that there are no visible design features being imposed oh the major portion of the side wad of the container in order to incorporate vacuum compensation, if required therefore, the major portion of the side wall of the present Invention could have no structural features and the container could, If required, replicate a dear wall glass container. Alternatively, as them will be little or no vacuum remaining in the container after the panel is inverted, any design or shape can now be utilized, without regard for integrity against vacuum forces found in other hot-fill packages.
Such a manoeuvre, allows for a wide standing ring to be obtained. The decoupling structure provides for the pane! to become displaced longitudinally so that there is no contact between any part of the panel or upwardly domed base portion with the contact surface below. A standing ring is then provided by the lower sidewall immediately adjacent the decoupling structure.
Further, by gaining greater control over, the Inverting motion and forces, it is possible to allow the initiator portion to share the same steep angle as the control portion. This allows for increased volume displacement during inversion and increased resistance to any reversion back to the original position.
Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 shows, by way of example only, and in a diagrammatic cross sectional view, a container in the form of a bottle. This is referenced generally by arrow 10 With a typical neck portion 12 and a side wall 9 extending to a lower portion of the side wall 11 and an underneath base portion 2.
The container 10 will typically be blow muuiuw from any suitable plastics material but typically this will be polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
The base 2 is shown provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs 3 so as to form the typical "champagne" base although this is merely by way of example only.

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In Figure 1 the lower side wail portion 11, which operates as a pressure panel, is shown in its unfolded position so that a ring or annular portion 6 is positioned above the level of the bottom of the base 2 which is forming the standing ring or support 4 for the container 10.
Jn Figure 2 the lower side wall portion 11 is shown having folded inwardly so that the ring or annular portion 6 is positioned below the level of the bottom of the base 2 and is forming the new standing ring or support for the container 10.
To assist this occurring, and as will be seen particularly in Figures 3 and 4, immediately adjacent the ring or annular portion 6 there may be an instep or recess 8 and decoupling structure 13, in this case a substantially flat, non-ribbed region, which after folding enables the base portion 2 to effectively completely disappear within the bottom of the container and above the line A-A. Many other configurations for the decoupling structure 13 are envisioned, however.
Referring now particularly to Figure 5, the base 2 with its strengthening ribs 3 is shown surrounded by the bottom annular portion 11 of the side wall 9 and the annular structure 13. The bottom portion 11 is shown in this particular embodiment as having an initiator portion 1 which forms part of the collapsing or inverting section which yields to a longitudinally-directed collapsing force before the rest of the collapsing or folding section. The base 2 is shown provided within the typical base standing ring 4, which will be the first support position for the container 10 prior to the inversion of the folding panel.
Associated with the initiator portion 1 is a control portion 5 which in this embodiment is a more steeply angled inverting section which will resist expanding from the collapsed state.
Forming the outer perimeter of the bottom portion 11 of the side wall 9 is shown-the side wall standing ring or annular portion 6 which following collapsing of the panel 11 will provide the new container support.
To allow for increased evacuation of vacuum it will be appreciated that it is preferable to provide a steep angle to the control portion 5 of the pressure panel 11. As shown in Figure 6 the panel control portion 5 is generally set with an angle varying between 30 degrees and 45 degrees, it is preferable to ensure an angle is set above 10 degrees at

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least. The initiator portion 1 may in this embodiment have a lesser angle of perhaps at least 10 degrees less than the control portion.
By way of example, it will be appreciated that when the panel 11 is inverted by mechanical compression it will undergo an angular change that is double that provided to it. If the conical control portion 5 is set to 10 degrees it will provide a panel change equivalent to 20 degrees. At such a low angle it has been found to provide an inadequate amount of vacuum, compensation in a hot-filled container. Therefore it is preferable to provide much steeper angles.
Referring to Figures 6 and 7, it will be appreciated that the control portion 5 may be initially set to be outwardly inclined by approximately 35 degrees and will then provide an inversion and angle change of approximately 70 degrees. The initiator portion may in this example be 20 degrees.
Referring to Figures 8a and 8b,. where the same reference numerals have been, used where appropriate as previously, it is envisaged that in possible .embodiments of this invention the initiator portion may be reconfigured so that control portion 18 would provide essentially a continuous conical area about the base 2.
The initiator portion 1 and the control portion 5 of the embodiment of the preceding figures will now be at a common angle, such that they form a uniformly inclined panel portion. However, initiator portion 1 may still be configured to provide the area of least resistance to inversion, such that although it shares the same angular extent as the control portion 18, it still provides an initial area of collapse or inversion. In this embodiment, initiator portion 1 causes the pressure panel 11 to begin inversion from the widest diameter adjacent the decoupling structure 13.
In this embodiment the container side walls 9 are 'glass-like' in construction in that there are no additional strengthening ribs or panels as might be typically found on a; container, particularly if required to withstand the forces of vacuum pressure;' Additionally;' however, structures may be added to the conical portions of the vacuum panel 11 in order to add further control over the inversion process. For example, the conical portion of the vacuum panel' 11 may be divided into fluted regions. Referring to Figures 8a and 9 especially, panel portions that are convex outwardly, and evenly distributed around the central axis create regions of greater angular set 19 and regions of lesser angular set 18, may provide

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for greater control over inversion of the panel. Such geometry provides increased resistance to reversion of the panel, and a more even distribution of forces when in the inverted position.
Referring to Figures 15a-c and 17a-d, convex or downwardly outwardly projecting flutes are shown.
Concave or inwardly directed fluting arrangements are also envisioned, in addition to outwardly directed flutes. Inwardly directed flutes offer less resistance to initial inverting forces, coupled with increased resistance to reverting back out to the original position. In this way they behave in much the same manner as ribs to prevent the panei being forced back out to the outwardly inclined position, but allow for hinge movement from the first outwardly inclined position to the. inwardly inclined position. Such inwardly or outwardly directed flutes or projections function as ribs to increase the force required to invert the panel. It will be appreciated that the mechanical action applied to invert the panel will be sufficient to overcome any rib-strengthened panel, and when the mechanical action is removed the rib-strengthened panel, for example by strong flutes, will be very resistant to reversion to the original position if the container is dropped or shocked.
¦ Referring to Figures 16a-d and 18a-d, concave or upwardly inwardly projecting flutes are shown, the contour lines G and H of Figure 16c illustrating this concavity through two cross-sectional reliefs.
Further embodiments comprising arrays utilizing both concave and convex flutes are also intended within the scope of the invention.
In the embodiment as shown in Figures 11a-d, the container may be blow moulded with the pressure pane! 20 in the inwardly or upwardly inclined position. A force could be imposed on the folding panel 20 such as by means of a mechanical pusher 21 introduced through the neck region and forced downwardly in order to piace the panel in the -outwardly inclined position prior to use as a vacuum- container for example; as shown in Figure 11d.
In such an embodiment as shown in.Figures 12a-d, following the filling and capping of the bottle and the use of cold water spray creating the vacuum within the filled bottle, a force' could be imposed on the folding panel 20 such as by means of arnechanical pusher 22 or

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the creation of some relative movement of the bottle base relative to a punch or the like, in order to force the panel 20 from an outwardly inclined position to an inwardly inclined position. Any deformation whereby the bottle shape was distorted prior to inversion of the pane! 20 would be removed as internal volume is forcibly reduced. The vacuum within the container is removed as the inversion of the panel 20 causes a rise in pressure. Such a "rise in pressure reduces vacuum pressure until ambient pressure is reached or even a stightty positive pressure is achieved.
It will be appreciate that in a further embodiment of the invention the panel may be inverted in the manner shown in Figures 12a-d in order to provide a pane! to accommodate internal force such as is found in pasteurization and the iike. In such a way the panel will provide relief against the internal pressure generated and then be capable of accommodating the resulting vacuum force generated when the product cools down.
In this way, the panel will be inverted from an upwardly inclined position Figures 11a to 11b to a downwardly inclined position as shown in Figures 12a-d, except that the mechanical action is not provided. The force is instead provided by the internal pressure of the contents.
Referring again to Figures 12a-d it will be seen that by the provision of the folding portion 20 in the bottom of the side wall 9 of the container 10 the major portion of the side wall 9 could be absent any structural features so that the container 10 could essentially replicate a glass container if this was required.
Although particular structures for the bottom portion of the side wall 9 are shown in the accompanying drawings it will be appreciated that alternative structures could be provided. For example a plurality of folding portions could be incorporated about the base 2 in an alternative embodiment.
There may also be provided many different decoupling or hinge structures.13 without departing from the scope of the invention With particular reference to Figures 6 and 7, it can be seen that the side of the decoupling structure 13 that is provided for the pressure panel 11 may be of an enlarged area to provide for increased longitudinal movement upwards into the container following inversion.

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In a further embodiment of the present invention, and referring to Figures 13 and 14, it can be seen that the widest portions 30 of the pressure panel 11 may invert earlier than the narrower portions 31. The initiator portion may be constructed with this in mind, to allow for thinner material and so on, to provide for the panel 11 to begin inverting where it has the greater diameter, ahead of the narrower sections of the panel. In this case the portion 30 of the panel, which is radially set more distant from the central axis of the container inverts ahead of portion 31 to act as the initiator portion.
Where in the foregoing description, reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.
Although- this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is to be" understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims;

17 WE CLAIM :
1. A container having a longitudinal axis, an upper portion having an opening into said
container, a body portion extending from said upper portion to a base portion, said base
portion closing off an end of said container, said container having at least one substantially
transversely oriented pressure panel portion located in said base portion, said pressure
panel portion being capable of folding from one longitudinally inclined position to an
inverted position to compensate for a change of pressure induced within the container, said
pressure panel portion comprising an initiator portion and a control portion, said initiator
portion having less resistance to pressure folding forces and providing for folding before the
control portion.
2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure panel portion is adapted to
resist being expanded from the inverted position.
3. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the initiator portion has a less acute angle
than the control portion relative to the longitudinal axis.
4. A container as claimed in claim 3, wherein the initiator portion causes said control
portion to invert and flex to a greater extent inwardly into the container.
5. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure panel portion provides
compensation of vacuum pressure induced, in use, within the container following cooling of
a heated liquid within the container after it has been capped, such that there remains
substantially no vacuum pressure inside the container.

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6. A container as claimed in claim 5, wherein said pressure panel portion is adapted in
use to invert longitudinally under an externally applied mechanical force.
7. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said initiator portion is located adjacent to
the widest periphery of the pressure panel portion.
8. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure panel portion is of variable
width and inverts from its widest portion to its narrowest portion.
9. A container as claimed in claim 8; wherein said initiator portion has an angular
inclination relative to said longitudinal axis which is substantially the same as that of the
control portion.
10. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure panel portion is adapted to
cause said base to retract longitudinally to a greater extent into said body portion.
11. A container as claimed in claim 10, wherein said pressure panel portion is adapted
to cause a lowest portion of said base portion to be replaced as the structure providing a
standing support for the container.
12. A container as claimed in claim 11, wherein its structure is such that in use a top
load applied to the container is transferred from said base to a portion of a sidewall of the
container.

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13. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure panel portion is connected
with a lower portion of a sidewall of the container by a decoupling or hinge structure.
14. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure panel portion has
outwardly projecting portions.
15. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure panel portion has inwardly
projecting portions.
16. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure panel portion is adapted in
use to remove vacuum induced, in use, in the container such that substantially no vacuum
remains.
17. A container as claimed in claim 3, wherein said control portion is outwardly inclined
at an angle of more than 10° relative to a plane orthogonal to said longitudinal axis.
18. A container as claimed in claim 17, wherein said angle is between 30° and 45° and
the angle of the initiator portion is at least 10° less.
19. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base portion has a substantially
centrally located upwardly projecting second base portion joined adjacent to an inside
border of the pressure panel and closing off a bottom of the container.

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20. A container as claimed in claim 19, wherein said upwardly projecting second base
portion is adapted to move upwardly when the pressure panel inverts.
21. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure panel portion is adapted in
use to provide compensation for internal pressure induced within the container following
heating of a liquid within said container after it has been capped.
22. A container as claimed in claim 21, wherein said pressure panel portion is adapted
in use to subsequently provide compensatidn for reduced pressure induced within the
container following cooling of said liquid within the capped container, such that less force is
exerted on the internal walls of said container.
23. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container has at least one
substantially transversely oriented vacuum panel portion within said base, said vacuum
panel portion being adapted in use to fold from a longitudinally inclined position to an
inverted position to compensate for a change of pressure induced within the container
following cooling of a liquid within the container after it has been capped, such that less
force is exerted on the walls of said container.
24. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein a single substantially transversely
oriented vacuum panel portion is located within the base and is joined to a side wall of the
container by a decoupling or hinge structure, said vacuum panel portion being adapted in
use to fold from a longitudinally inclined position to an inverted position to compensate for a
change of pressure induced within the container.

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25. A container as claimed in claim 1, in which the pressure panel portion has a plurality
of flutes forming a conical area in the base.
26. A container as claimed in claim 25, in which alternate flutes are inclined at a greater
or lesser angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
27. A container as claimed in claim 25, in which the flutes are outwardly convex.
28. A container as claimed in claim 25, in which the flutes are inwardly concave.
29. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein a standing ring surrounds said pressure
panel for providing container stability when the pressure panel is in an inverted position.
30. A container as claimed in claim 29, wherein a recessed instep is provided adjacent
to an inside border of said standing ring, said instep surrounding the pressure panel portion
and being displaced higher within the container than an upper border of the pressure panel.
31. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure panel has no strengthening
ribs to restrain substantial longitudinal movement and inversion.
32. A method of compensating for a change in pressure induced within a container as
claimed in claim 1, in which said method comprises applying a force to the or each said
pressure panel portion to cause said folding to occur.

22
33. A container as claimed in claim 29, wherein a recessed instep is provided adjacent
to an inside border of said standing ring, and a decoupling structure connects an adjacent
widest border of the pressure panel portion with said instep, said decoupling structure
providing for greater inward and upward longitudinal movement of the pressure panel.
34. A container as claimed in claim 33, wherein said decoupling structure is relatively flat
when compared to the longitudinal axis.
35. A container as claimed in claim 33, wherein said decoupling structure is relatively
non-ribbed, and separates the widest point of the pressure panel from said recessed
instep.
36. A container substantially as herein described, with reference to any one of the
embodiments of the invention as shown in the accompany drawings.
A hot-fill PET container or bottle (10) for filling with a liquid at an elevated temperature has a side wall (9) extending to a lower portion having a pressure panel (11) and a base (2) in its unfolded or pre-fill position. The panel (11) is transversely oriented and has a decoupling or hinge structure (13), an initiator portion (1) and control portion (5) of a steeply angled inverting conical section between 30 and 45 degrees. The control portion enables the inversion of the panel (11) into the container (10) to compensate for vacuum or reduced pressure induced within the container as the liquid cools down. The base (2) can also have a plurality of reinforcing ribs (3).

Documents:

00652-kolnp-2005-abstract.pdf

00652-kolnp-2005-claims.pdf

00652-kolnp-2005-correspondence.pdf

00652-kolnp-2005-description(complete).pdf

00652-kolnp-2005-drawings.pdf

00652-kolnp-2005-form-1.pdf

00652-kolnp-2005-form-18.pdf

00652-kolnp-2005-form-3.pdf

00652-kolnp-2005-form-5.pdf

00652-kolnp-2005-g.p.a.pdf

00652-kolnp-2005-letters patent.pdf

00652-kolnp-2005-reply f.e.r.pdf

652-KOLNP-2005-FORM-27.pdf

652-kolnp-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

652-kolnp-2005-granted-claims.pdf

652-kolnp-2005-granted-correspondence.pdf

652-kolnp-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

652-kolnp-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

652-kolnp-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

652-kolnp-2005-granted-form 18.pdf

652-kolnp-2005-granted-form 3.pdf

652-kolnp-2005-granted-form 5.pdf

652-kolnp-2005-granted-gpa.pdf

652-kolnp-2005-granted-letter patent.pdf

652-kolnp-2005-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

652-kolnp-2005-granted-specification.pdf


Patent Number 212604
Indian Patent Application Number 652/KOLNP/2005
PG Journal Number 49/07
Publication Date 07-Dec-2007
Grant Date 04-Dec-2007
Date of Filing 18-Apr-2005
Name of Patentee CO2 PAC LIMITED
Applicant Address 88-90 BALMORAL ROAD, MT. EDEN, 1001 AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND.
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 MELROSE DAVID MURRAY 90 BALMORAL ROAD, MT. EDEN, 1003 AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
PCT International Classification Number B65D1/02, 1/40
PCT International Application Number PCT/NZ2003/000220
PCT International Filing date 2003-09-30
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 521694 2002-09-30 New Zealand