Method of processing a plastic container including a multi-functional base
View Patent ↗A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
1. A method of processing a plastic container, comprising:
forming a plastic container;
filling the plastic container with a substance; and
capping the filled plastic container so as to create a pressure variation within the interior of the plastic container;
wherein the plastic container, as formed, includes a body including a base portion, the base portion having:
a support portion configured to support the plastic container, and
a central portion having an anti-inverting dimple located on a longitudinal axis of the plastic container, a wall portion circumscribing said dimple, and a plurality of spaced-apart radially-extending indented ribs, each rib comprising a brace extending radially from he dimple and toward the wall portion;
wherein said wall portion is configured so as to have a surface at a first angle with respect to a horizontal plane extending perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the plastic container, and
wherein said wall portion is configured to move to a second angle, different from said first angle, relative to the horizontal plane extending perpendicular to said longitudinal axis to adapt to the pressure variation.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said first angle is in a range of about zero degrees to about six degrees, and said second angle is greater than said first angle.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said first angle is in a range of about zero degrees to about six degrees, and said second angle is less than said first angle.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the body is formed as a single-piece.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the base portion further includes a concave annular wall extending from a sidewall of the plastic container to the support portion.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the base portion further includes an inner wall extending from the support portion to the wall portion.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein each brace includes a wide portion and a narrow portion narrower than the wide portion, the wide portion being arranged at a junction with the wall portion.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wall portion is configured to move between the first angle and the second angle without permanent deformation.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plastic container further comprises a finish disposed on the body opposite the base portion.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pressure variation within the interior of the plastic container occurs due to cooling of the plastic container and the substance.