Plastic container having tapered vacuum panels

Abstract

A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes includes a container body defining an internal space and having a main body portion that defines a longitudinal axis and an outer diameter. The main body portion is substantially cylindrical at its outer diameter, and includes first and second recessed flexible vacuum uptake panels, each of which is constructed and arranged to flex inwardly to provide vacuum uptake when a sufficient underpressure exists in the internal space relative to ambient external pressure. The main body portion further includes a front side defining a first curved sidewall portion between the first and second recessed panels and a rear side defining a second curved sidewall portion between the first and second recessed panels. The first curved sidewall portion has a length Las viewed in horizontal cross-section that is less than a length Lof the second curved sidewall portion. Each of the recessed panels has an upper portion and a lower portion, and each recessed panel is tapered so that the upper portion is recessed with respect to the outer diameter to a greater extent than the lower portion is recessed with respect to the outer diameter. This optimizes the usable surface area of the vacuum panels and forms a tapered grip configuration that enhances grippability of the plastic container by consumers.