Container Hoop Support

Abstract

A plastic bottle includes any type of body and hoop supports that encircle the dome. The hoop supports may include continuous wave-like ribs; discontinuous ribs that are overlapping; plural, discrete segments that are inclined and overlapping; plural block-like segments formed of mutually perpendicular rectangles; indicia; horizontal segments in rows that overlap; and series of segments that are mutually interfering and overlaid. The hoop supports provide greater top load performance than conventional deep waist configurations.

Description

BACKGROUND

Hot-fill plastic bottles are designed to receive a liquid product at about 185 degrees F. Often, vacuum panels are disposed around the circumference of the body of the bottle. The vacuum panels are pulled inward in response to vacuum inside the bottle caused by cooling and contraction of the contents after hot-filling and sealing. The deflection of the panels enables the remainder of the bottle to have its desired shape.

In many hot-fill bottles, a waist is located above the panels. An example of a bottle having a conventional waist 3 is shown in FIG. 1. The conventional waist is typically formed by a relatively deep, concave (when viewed from outside the bottle), unbroken rib that extends around the circumference of the bottle between the body portion 4 (having the panels) and the dome 5. The conventional waist typically has a uniform cross section about the circumference.

A main purpose of the waist is to increase provide support just above the vacuum panels to help keep the bottle dome (above the waist) and the bottle body (below the waist) circular after hot filling. Without waist support, the bottle may become oval or kinked by internal vacuum because, for example, (i) the panels might not all deflect by the same magnitude or at the same time, (ii) the sidewall thickness may not be uniform around the circumference of the bottle, (iii) orientation or heat treating or cooling of the bottle may not be uniform, or a combination of these and other reasons.

The top load rating of the bottle, and of the waist, is important for stacking and filling. Conventional waist configurations have the drawback of poor top load performance. In this regard, when a downward load is applied to the top of the container, the force is transmitted through the dome to the upper part of the waist, where a large bending moment is created. Conceptually, the innermost part of the waist forms a hinge about which the upper and lower walls may pivot. Conventional waists, which often are not covered by a label because of their positions at the base of the dome, are also generally considered unappealing to consumers.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,230 (Pedmo) discloses a hot fill container having a discontinuous rib in its body below the waist and above its vacuum panels. U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,037 (Scheffer) discloses a hot fill container having a row of rib segments in its body above and below its vacuum panels. Both the Pedmo and Scheffer references disclose a conventional waist.

There is a general need for improved waist configurations in containers.

SUMMARY

A hot fill container includes a base, a body portion that includes vacuum panels, a dome, a finish, and hoop support. The hoop support includes various shapes, and generally includes either a continuous wave-like structure or plural shapes that are arranged circumferentially such that one shape overlaps an adjacent. Such structure provides significant increases of top load performance compared with a conventional waist without sacrificing or having only a small decrease in vacuum performance. The present invention also encompasses employing the hoop supports described herein in bottles that are not intended for hot-filling.

The present invention is not limited to the hoop support structure being located in the top portion. Rather, the present invention encompasses employing the hoop support described herein in the body of the container. For example, any of the hoop supports described herein may be employed in place of the circumferential rib that is typically employed above the vacuum panels and below the shoulder. Further, any of the hoop supports may be employed in place of, or to form, a shoulder.

Preferably, the body of the bottle having the hoop support is approximately circular or cylindrical, and the dome is circular in transverse cross section, because the top load issues of the conventional rib described in the background section are most problematic with circular bottles. And preferably spaces between the segments and the segments themselves are approximately circular arcs. The present invention, however, is not limited to circular bottles and encompasses bottles having other shapes unless specifically recited in the claims. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to containers or domes having superior top load performance, and the hoop supports may be covered by a label.

Some attributes of a conventional waste configuration are described in this specification. The hoop supports of the present invention(s) does not preclude employing some features of a conventional waist. Rather, the claims define the scope of the invention. Further, the preferred embodiments of the domes having the inventive hoop supports have no conventional waste, but the present invention is not so limited unless specifically recited in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART) illustrates a conventional hot fill container having a conventional waist;

FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates a portion of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B illustrates a portion of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a pair of portions for a container according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates another pair of portions for a container according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates another pair of portions for a container according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates another pair of portions for a container according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates another pair of portions for a container according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates another pair of portions for a container according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates another pair of portions for a container according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates another pair of portions for a container according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a portion of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates another pair of portions for a container according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates another pair of portions for a container according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates another pair of portions for a container according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates another pair of portions for a container according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates another pair of portions for a container according to additional embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates a portion of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates another pair of portions for a container according to additional embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 25 illustrates various cross sections that the above embodiments may employ;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 25 illustrating hoop supports formed by a first type of recesses;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 26 illustrating hoop support structure formed by a second type of recess;

FIG. 28 is a hot fill bottle that may be employed with any of the embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 29 is another hot fill bottle that may be employed with any of the embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The figures illustrate various embodiments of hoop supports for hot fill containers. As illustrated in FIG. 28, a container 10 includes a bottom portion 12 and a top portion 14. Bottom portion 12 includes an enclosed base 16 and a body 24. Base 16 includes a heel 18 that extends downwardly to a standing ring 20. Preferably, heel 18 is circular in transverse cross section. A reentrant portion 22, which is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 28, extends upwardly from standing ring 20 on the underside of bottle 10.

Body 24 preferably is cylindrical and includes several vacuum panels 26 located about its circumference. The vacuum panels 26 are separated by posts 28, which preferably are stiff relative to the compliant panels 26. Body 24 preferably is separated from heel 18 by a shoulder 25, or by other structure (not shown in the figure) such as a rib. Preferably, a rib 29 is located in body 24 above panels 26 and a below shoulder 27.

Top portion 14 extends upwardly from body 24. Preferably, top portion 14 is separated from body 24 by shoulder 27, or by other structure (not shown in the figure) such as a rib. Top portion 14 includes a hoop support 30 formed on or in a dome 34. Hoop support 30 is shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 merely as a rectangle to indicate that any of the embodiments of hoop support 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, and/or 730, with (or without) any appended letter designation, are intended for insertion in the rectangle shown in FIG. 28. Several of the drawings show a dome having an upper and lower hoop support, and each hoop support is described in the text as a separate embodiment. Showing two hoop supports in some drawings is merely for convenience of illustration as each hoop support may be separately applied to a dome.

Dome 34 may include a transition between body 24 and hoop support 30, and dome 34 extends upwardly to a neck 36 and a finish 40 formed on or above neck 36. A closure (not shown in the figures) is applied to finish 40 to seal the container upon filling.

FIG. 29 illustrates another container 10′ that may employ any of the hoop supports 30. Container 10′ includes a bottom portion 12 and a top portion 14′. Bottom portion 12 includes an enclosed base 16 and a body 24. Base 16 includes a heel 18 that extends downwardly to a standing ring 20. Preferably, heel 18 is circular in transverse cross section. A reentrant portion 22, which is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 28, extends upwardly from standing ring 20 on the underside of bottle 10.

Body 24 preferably is cylindrical and includes several vacuum panels 26 located about its circumference. The vacuum panels 26 are separated by posts 28, which preferably are stiff relative to the compliant panels 26. Body 24 preferably is separated from heel 18 by a shoulder 25, or by other structure (not shown in the figure) such as a rib. Preferably, a rib 29 is located in body 24 above panels 26 and a below shoulder 27. Alternatively, a hoop support 30 may be employed in place of rib 29.

Top portion 14′ extends upwardly from body 24. Preferably, top portion 14′ includes a hoop support 30 formed below a dome 34. A closure (not shown in the figures) is applied to finish 40 to seal the container upon filling. Hoop support 30 is shown in FIG. 29 merely as a rectangle to indicate that any of the embodiments of hoop support 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, and/or 730, with (or without) any appended letter designation, are intended for insertion in the rectangle shown in FIG. 29. Several of the drawings show a dome having an upper and lower hoop support, and each hoop support is described in the text as a separate embodiment. Showing two hoop supports in some drawings is merely for convenience of illustration as each hoop support may be separately applied to a dome.

Hoop supports 30 generally provide improved top load strength without significantly sacrificing vacuum capability. For some embodiments, vacuum capability in increased. Even for the configurations in which vacuum capability is less than the conventional waist, the magnitude of the lessened vacuum capability is not considered critical because of the magnitude in improved top load characteristics and because, in some circumstances, the vacuum capability is not the most critical parameter in bottle failure.

For the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 through 8, top load and vacuum capability were calculated using finite element analysis. The values for top load performance, which is based on a predetermined change in dimension, relative to a conventional waist are provided below in table 1. The increase in top load strength is based on a comparison of evenly distributed load onto the finish of the embodiments shown and described in the figures with a container of a like size having a conventional waist configuration. Vacuum capability is based on a uniformly applied load by the internal vacuum about the hoop.

	TABLE 1
	FIG.
	2	3	4A	4B	5	6	7	8
% increase in	77.1	74.1	85.0	63.1	117.4	114.5	117.0	108.9
top load
performance
% change in	9.3	2.9	3.9	−5.0	−3.2	−1.4	−6.8	−6.8
vacuum
capability

Based on the calculated performance of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 through 8 and the insights gained through the design and testing process, the inventor conceived of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 through 24, which are expected to provide improved top load performance with acceptable vacuum capability or stiffness. Hoop supports 30 also enable decoration or indicia to be displayed. Preferably, the hoop supports have an overall transverse cross section that is circular, rather than deviating from the circular sidewall cross section.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a waist configuration of the present invention. Hoop support 30a of dome 34a includes a continuous wave-like rib 50a that extends around the circumference of top portion 14. Rib 50a includes alternating peaks 52a and valleys 54a when viewed in elevational or isometric view. Short rib segments 56a may (optionally) be located below each peak 52 and above each valley 54. Each segment 56a is formed by an arc or curved portion 58a nearest rib 50a (that is, the arc or curved portion is the lower portion of the segments 56a that are above the valleys 54a and is the upper portion of the segments 56a that are below the peaks 52a). Each segment 56a has a straight portion 60a opposite the curved portion 58a. Short rib segments 56 may enhance the strength or stiffness of waits 30a and enhance gripping by the user.

Preferably, the portions of hoop support 30a outside of ribs 50a and segments 56a is in transverse cross section without vertically oriented ribs or corrugation, and the outermost surfaces of ribs 50a and segments 56a fall onto a circular cylinder. The present invention is not limited to such structure, however.

The top portion of FIG. 21 illustrates hoop support 30b having a continuous wave-like rib 50b having segments 56b disposed below peaks 52b and above valleys 54b. Each segment 56b is formed by an arc or curved portion 58b nearest rib 50b (that is, the arc or curved portion is the lower portion of the segments 56b that are above the valleys 54b and is the upper portion of the segments 56b that are below the peaks 52b). Each segment 56b has a straight portion 60b opposite the curved portion 58b. Segments 56b are similar in shape to segments 56a of hoop support 30 illustrated in FIG. 2, but larger.

FIG. 23 illustrates hoop support 30c having a continuous wave-like rib 50c having segments disposed below peaks 52c and above valleys 54c. The segments encompass various structure, including a raised ellipsoid 56c (shown in the center of FIG. 23) having either raised or depressed, short parallel ribs 57. Ellipsoid 56c may also be formed by a depression (not shown in the figures). Ellipsoid 56c and ribs 57 enhance gripping. The segments may also be indicia, such as the football images shown as an embossment 56c′ on the left of FIG. 23 and as a debossment or recess 56c″ on the right side of FIG. 23. The football images 56c′ and 56c″ illustrate the kinds of indicia that may be employed to enhance the appearance, or the structural and functional aspects, or both, of hoop support 30c.

The lower portion of FIG. 9 illustrates a hoop support 30d having a pair of continuous wave-like ribs 50d, each of which includes peaks 52d and above valleys 54d. Ribs 50d are complementary such that the depth or appearance is varied where the ribs converge to provide an appearance of a pair of twisted strands. An underpassing portion 51d has a diminished radial dimension (that is, height) relative to the overpassing portion 52d to provide twisted appearance.

Preferably, each rib 50d is recessed relative to the surrounding portions of dome 34 and overpassing portion 53d is recessed by a smaller dimension that underpassing portion 51d. The present invention encompasses raised ribs and ribs having a portion raised and other portions recessed.

The lower portion of FIG. 22 illustrates a hoop support 30e having a continuous rib having 50e that extends around the circumference of dome 34e. Rib 50e includes alternating peaks 52e and valleys 54e. A protrusion 55e having the appearance of a breaking ocean wave extends from each peak 52e.

The lower portion of FIG. 21 illustrates a hoop support 30f having a continuous rib 50f that extends around the circumference of dome 34f. Rib 50f includes alternating peaks 52f and valleys 54f, and includes extensions 55f that extend from the ribs between the apexes of the peaks and valleys. Extensions 55f are a elongated swirl or eddy.

Preferably, the portions of hoop supports 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, and 30f outside of the identified features 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, and 50f and outside their complimentary or additional raised or recessed features, such as features 56a, 56b, and 56c, are circular in transverse cross section without vertically oriented ribs or corrugations. And the innermost surfaces of the recessed portions of the ribs are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. If any of the surfaces of the ribs are raised, then the outermost surfaces of the raised portions are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. The present invention, however, is not limited to structure described in this paragraph.

FIG. 3 illustrates another aspect of a hoop support of the present invention. Hoop support 130a of dome 134a includes several elongate rib segments 150a that together extend around the circumference of top portion 114. Each rib segment 150a is spaced apart from adjacent segments, and each includes a first portion 152a proximate an end, a second portion 154a proximate an opposing end, and an intermediate portion 153a between the first and second portions 152a and 154a.

Preferably, first portion 152a is a lower portion and second portion 154a is an upper portion (as viewed in elevation and shown in FIG. 3). Adjacent segments 150a are overlapping such that upper portion 154a is located vertically overtop of lower portion 152a of the adjacent segment. In this regard upper portion 154a overhangs lower portion 152a of its adjacent segment. Preferably, each lower portion 152a and upper portion 154a are app approximately straight and parallel at the tips of segments 150a and intermediate portion 153a is curved such that segment 150a has the shape of an elongated S. The term overhanging, as used herein, refers to an upper structure that is generally vertically (in elevational view) superior to a lower structure and such that a vertical line drawn on the surface of the bottle (or a plane bisecting the longitudinal centerline of the bottle) intersects both the upper structure and the lower structure. The term overlapping refers to a like vertical relationship of the two structures, but without indicating which structure is on top.

The top portion of FIG. 9 illustrates hoop support 130b, which is identical to that of hoop support 130a except for the dimensions of shape of segments 150b.

The top portion of FIG. 22 illustrates hoop support 130c of dome 134c having elongate rib segments 150c that together extend around the circumference of the bottle. Each rib segment 150c is spaced apart from adjacent segments, and each includes a first portion 152c proximate an end, a second portion 154c proximate an opposing end, and an intermediate portion 153c between the first and second portions 152c and 154c. Preferably, upper portion 154c is trending downwardly such that a tangent to it at tip 156c has a negative slope; and lower portion 152c is trending upwardly such that a tangent to it at tip 156c has a positive slope.

The top portion of FIG. 10 illustrates hoop support 130d of dome 134d. Hoop support 130d includes rib segments 150d that together extend around the circumference of the bottle. Each rib segment 150d is spaced apart from adjacent segments, and each includes a first portion 152d proximate a lower end and a second portion 154d proximate an opposing upper end. Each segment has the appearance of a breaking wave such that upper end 154c appears to be breaking on or overtop, or overhanging, lower portion 152a.

FIG. 4A illustrates hoop support 130e of dome 134e, which includes several elongate rib segments 150e that together extend around the circumference of top portion 114e. Each rib segment 150e is spaced apart from adjacent segments, and each includes a first portion 152e proximate an end, a second portion 154e proximate an opposing end, and an intermediate portion 153e between the first and second portions 152e and 154e. First and second portions 152e and 154e generally define the lower and upper portions and terminate at tips 156e.

Upper portion 154e is trending downwardly such that a tangent to it at tip 156e has a negative slope; and lower portion 152e is trending upwardly such that a tangent to it at tip 156e has a positive slope. Preferably, each segment 150e is recessed relative to the surrounding dome surface, and the depth of the recess relative to the surrounding dome surface diminishes near its tips 156e. Because tips 156e are near the intermediate portions 153e, segments 150e give the appearance of twisted strands.

FIG. 4B illustrates hoop support 130f of dome 134f, which includes several elongate rib segments 150f that together extend around the circumference of top portion 114e. Hoop support 130f is similar to hoop support 130e, but rib segments 150f are raised relative to the surrounding dome surface. In this regard, each rib segment 150f is spaced apart from adjacent segments, and each includes a first portion 152f proximate an end, a second portion 154f proximate an opposing end, and an intermediate portion 153f between the first and second portions 152f and 154f.

Upper portion 154f is trending downwardly such that a tangent to it at tip 156f has a negative slope; and lower portion 152f is trending upwardly such that a tangent to it at tip 156f has a positive slope. Preferably, each segment 150f is raised relative to the surrounding dome surface, and its radial height relative to the surrounding dome surface diminishes near its tips 156f. Because tips 156f are near the intermediate portions 153f, segments 150f give the appearance of twisted strands.

Preferably, the portions of hoop supports 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e, and 130f outside of the identified features 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d, 150e, and 150f and outside their complimentary or additional raised or recessed features (not shown in the figures), are circular in transverse cross section without vertically oriented ribs or corrugations. And the innermost surfaces of the recessed portions of the ribs are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. If any of the surfaces of the ribs are raised, then the outermost surfaces of the raised portions are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. The present invention, however, is not limited to structure described in this paragraph.

A hoop support formed by discrete segments that generally overlap, when viewed in elevation, form another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates dome 234a with a hoop support 230a having several discrete segments 250a that are arranged about the circumference of the bottle. Each segment or notch 250a is short and straight, and is inclined relative to a vertical axis. An upper portion 254a overhangs a lower portion 254a of its adjacent notch.

Preferably, each notch 250a is formed by parallel lateral sidewalls 255a and 256a, each of which is inclined relative to the vertical axis. A first inclined lateral wall 256a overhangs the second inclined lateral sidewall 255a of the adjacent notch.

The top portion of FIG. 13 illustrates hoop support 230b having notches 250b that are as described above with respect to hoop support 230a of FIG. 5, except notches 230b have different dimensions from those of hoop support 230a. Preferably, the angle of inclination of notches 230b is between approximately 30 and 50 degrees, and more preferably about 40 degrees, form a vertical line. As described more fully below, the inclination of the notches and the dimensions in general depend on several parameters that will be understood by persons familiar with bottle engineering.

FIG. 6 illustrates hoop support 230c having several discrete segments 250c arranged about the circumference of the bottle. Each segment 250c is a parallelogram, and preferably a rhombus, having its upper and lower edges 258c and 259c horizontally oriented. The lateral sidewalls 260c and 261c are mutually parallel and oblique relative to a vertical axis. Preferably, a first inclined lateral wall 260c overhangs the second inclined lateral sidewall 261c of the adjacent notch.

The bottom portion of FIG. 13 illustrates hoop support 230d having segments 250d that are as described above with respect to hoop support 230c except parallelograms 250d have different dimensions from those of hoop support 230c.

For the embodiments having overlapping lateral sidewalls, the invention is limited neither to parallelograms or to straight sidewalls. The top portion of FIG. 14 illustrates hoop support 230e having several discrete segments 250e arranged about the circumference of the bottle. Segments 250e are oppositely oriented triangles having lateral sidewalls 260e and 261e that are oblique relative to a vertical axis. The triangles are oriented such that the lateral sidewalls 260e of the downwardly oriented triangles 262e are overhanging or overlapping the laterals sidewalls 261e of upwardly oriented triangles 263e.

The lower portion of FIG. 14 illustrates hoop support 230f illustrates hoop support 230f having several discrete segments 250f arranged about the circumference of the bottle. Segments 250f are oppositely oriented trapezoids having lateral sidewalls 260f and 261f that are oblique relative to a vertical axis. The trapezoids are oriented such that the lateral sidewalls 260f of the downwardly oriented trapezoids 262f are overhanging or overlapping the laterals sidewalls 261f of upwardly oriented trapezoids 263f.

The upper portion of FIG. 15 and the upper and lower portions of FIG. 16 illustrate hoop supports 230g, 263h, and 263i which are formed by discrete segments 250g, 250h, and 250i that comprise various shapes, such as pentagons, parallelograms, and triangles. Each of these three embodiments have mutually overlapping lateral sidewalls.

Hoop support 230g includes triangles, trapezoids, and parallelograms 250g having oblique lateral sidewalls 260g that overhang or overlap laterals sidewalls 261g of adjacent shapes. Hoop support 230h includes pentagrams, triangles, and parallelograms 250h having oblique lateral sidewalls 260h that overhand or overlap lateral sidewalls 261h of adjacent shapes. Hoop support 230i has the same shapes and arrangement as that of hoop support 230h of the top portion of FIG. 16, but the shapes are raised relative to the surface of dome 234i. Raised segments 250h provide a label protection because of their diameter is larger the body's circumference, and may also be used as a label bumper or shoulder.

The lower portion of FIG. 15 illustrates hoop supports 230j having several discrete segments 250j arranged around the circumference. Segments 250j include curved notches and half circles that are overhanging or overlapping. In this regard, lateral sidewalls 260i overhang or overlap lateral sidewalls 261j of adjacent sidewalls.

Preferably, the portions of hoop support 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d, 230e, 230f, 230g, 230h, 230i, and 230j outside of the identified features 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, 250e, 250f, 250g, 250h, 250i, and 250j and outside their complimentary or additional raised or recessed features (not shown in the figures), are circular in transverse cross section without vertically oriented ribs or corrugations. And the innermost surfaces of the recessed portions of the ribs are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. If any of the surfaces of the ribs are raised, then the outermost surfaces of the raised portions are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. The present invention, however, is not limited to structure described in this paragraph.

The top and bottom portions of FIG. 11, the bottom portion of FIG. 12, and the bottom portion of FIG. 24 illustrate another aspect of the present invention in which hoop supports 330a, 330b, 330c, and 330d include plural discrete segments or patterns that are arranged in a mutually overhanging and under cutting pattern. The top portion of FIG. 11 includes segments 350a that together extend around the circumference of dome 334a in a pair of rows. Each segment is an image of a partial swirl or of an eddy. The row of top swirls 364a is interspaced with a row of bottom swirls 365a such that the left portion 367a of top swirl 364a overhangs or overlaps a portion of the adjacent bottom swirl 365a on its left, and the right portion 368a of top swirl 364a overhangs or overlaps a portion of the adjacent bottom swirl 365a on its right.

The bottom portion of FIG. 11 illustrates a hoop support 330b of dome 334b. Hoop support 330b includes plural elements 350b having jagged sides, one flat end, and an opposing pointed end to form lightning-bolts or electricity symbols that extend about the circumference of dome 334b. Each symbol 350b is inclined relative to a vertical axis such that a top portion 367b (that is, a left portion, which is the flat end, as oriented in FIG. 11) overhangs the bottom portion 368b of its adjacent symbol 350b.

The bottom portion of FIG. 12 illustrates a hoop support 330c of dome 334c. Hoop support 330c includes plural elements 350c in the form of an animal image, such as the lizard shown in the bottom portion of FIG. 12. Preferably, head portion 367c overhangs or overlaps tail portion 368c. As in the case for each embodiment, the orientation may, of course, be reversed such that tail portion 368c overhangs or overlap heat portion 367c.

The bottom portion of FIG. 19 illustrates a hoop support 330d of dome 334d. Hoop support 330d includes plural, spaced apart elements 350d in the form of sports equipment, some of which are generally elongated, such as baseball bats, hockey sticks, tennis rackets, golf clubs, and the like, and others of which are squat or round or ball-like, such as circles to represent balls, footballs, rugby balls. Other shapes may also included, such as rectangles to represent a hockey puck. The generally elongated elements are identified by reference numeral 345d and the stout elements are identified by reference numeral 346d. Elements 345d and 346d are mutually overlapping such that a vertical line drawn through hoop support 330d contacts or intersects at least two elements 350d.

Preferably, the portions of hoop supports 330a, 330b, 330c, and 330d outside of the identified features 350a, 350b, 350c, and 350d, and outside their complimentary or additional raised or recessed features (not shown in the figures), are circular in transverse cross section without vertically oriented ribs or corrugations. And the innermost surfaces of the recessed portions of the ribs are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. If any of the surfaces of the ribs are raised, then the outermost surfaces of the raised portions are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. The present invention, however, is not limited to structure described in this paragraph.

FIG. 7 illustrates another aspect of the present invention. A hoop support 430a includes plural, spaced apart elements 450a that together extend around the circumference of dome 434a. Each segment 450a comprises at least one rectangular block. Some of the segments 450a are formed of an arrangement of several continuous blocks. Preferably, each block has a longitudinal centerline that is parallel or perpendicular to the centerlines of all other blocks to form a geometric pattern.

The height (in an elevational view, as shown in FIG. 7, and in the direction of the arrow) of hoop support 430a is generally greater than one segment. Preferably, some segments 450a have blocks oriented such that their longitudinal axes are horizontal, and at least one of a left portion 467a or a right portion 468a overhangs or overlaps an adjacent portion of a segment 450a below it. As shown in the center of FIG. 7, some blocks may be formed in a stair-step format having a top portion 467a that overhangs or overlaps a portion of it adjacent segment and a bottom portion 468a that is overhung or overlapped by its adjacent segment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a hoop support 430b having segments 450b that are block-like and oriented such that the blocks have longitudinal axes that are mutually parallel. Segments 450b are similar to segments 450a of FIG. 7, but larger and more densely packed.

FIG. 8 illustrates a hoop support 430c that includes rectangular segments 450c that continuously extend around the circumference of dome 434c. Segments 450c include discrete blocks that are connected to adjacent blocks at their boundaries to form a continuous ring. Preferably, each block has a longitudinal centerline that is parallel or perpendicular to the centerlines of all other blocks to form a geometric pattern.

Preferably, the radial dimension (that is, radial depth or height) of each block is different from surrounding blocks or groups of blocks to form a radially steps, which may be arranged randomly or in a pattern.

The top portion of FIG. 24 illustrates a hoop support 430d having block-like segments that are joined together to form a continuous ring 450d about the circumference of dome 434d. Ring 450d includes alternating peaks 452d and valleys 454d. Each peak 452d and valley 454d includes substantially right angles because of the block-like segments that make up ring 450d. The upper boundaries of peaks 452d preferably are straight, collinear with adjacent peak boundaries, and horizontal. The lower boundaries of valleys 454d preferably are straight, collinear with adjacent valley boundaries, and horizontal. Rings 450d is generally in the form of a step function having a period that is not uniform about the circumference. The width of the ring 450d (for example, the vertical dimension of any horizontal portion of ring 450d) may vary because, for example, of a protruding block-like segment 470d, as shown near the center of the top portion of FIG. 24, or because a block-like segment may have a width greater than its adjacent block-like segment.

Preferably, the portions of hoop supports 430a, 430b, 430c, and 430d outside of the identified features 450a, 450b, 450c, and 450d and outside their complimentary or additional raised or recessed features (not shown in the figures), are circular in transverse cross section without vertically oriented ribs or corrugations. And the innermost surfaces of the recessed portions of the ribs are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. If any of the surfaces of the ribs are raised, then the outermost surfaces of the raised portions are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. The present invention, however, is not limited to structure described in this paragraph.

The top portion of FIG. 18 and the top portion of FIG. 19 illustrate another aspect of the present invention. Referring to the embodiment of the top portion of FIG. 18, hoop support 530a includes a rib 570a formed about a portion of the circumference of dome 534a and indicia 571a. Indicia 571a may take any form, such as letters, as shown in the top portion of FIG. 18, numbers, logos, and the like. Preferably, indicia 571a is formed by a combination of recessed portions 573a, neutral-depth portions 574a that have approximately the same diameter as the surrounding surfaces of dome 534a, and raised portions 575a. For example, the surface forming the letter “R”, most of the letter “Z”, and most of the letter “N” are shown shaded to indicate that they are recessed relative to the surrounding dome surface, preferably with a bottom surface that is at the same radial distance as the bottom of rib 570a. Both letters “A”, letter “I”, and letter “O” are raised relative to the surrounding dome surface. The legs between the letters “A” and the interior (that is, the surrounded portions) of the letters “A”, “R”, and “O” share the same level or radial dimension as the surrounding dome surface. This dome surface may be curved (in transverse cross section) over hoop support 530a, and the preferred relationships of radial positions for the indicia are approximate.

Indicia, like letters 571a, may be approximately the same height (in elevational view) as the height of recess 570a or larger. Preferably, the letters 571a are no more than approximately three times the vertical height of rib 570a, or approximately no more than approximately two times the height of recess 570a. The present invention also encompasses indicia that fully extends around the circumference such that there is almost no rib or, in other words, no rib-like structure that is not filled with indicia. Preferably, indicia 571a are centered relative to rib 570a. As shown in the top portion of FIG. 18, rib 570a preferably is recessed. The present invention also encompasses a rib that raised relative to the surrounding surface of dome 534a, in which case letters 571a may be any combination of raised portions relative to the raised rib, recessed portions relative to the raise rib, or approximately coplanar with the surface of the raised rib. Whether the rib 571a is raised or recessed, the present invention encompasses indicia that is entirely recessed relative to the rib, or a combination of raised and coplanar with the rib, and also indicia that is entirely raised relative to the rib, or a combination of raised and coplanar with the rib. The present invention is not limited to any particular dimension or relationship described herein. Rather, the relationship between parts is provided for illustration.

Preferably, the bands of hoop supports 530a and 530b outside of the identified indicia 550a and 550b and outside their complimentary or additional raised or recessed features (not shown in the figures), are circular in transverse cross section without vertically oriented ribs or corrugations. And the innermost surfaces of the recessed portions of the indicia 550a and 550b are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. And the raised surfaces of indicia 550a and 550b are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. The present invention, however, is not limited to structure described in this paragraph.

The bottom of FIG. 10 illustrates another aspect of the invention. Hoop support 630a includes lower, middle, and upper rows 676a, 677a, and 678a of plural, discrete, spaced apart segments 679a that in general are spaced around the circumference of dome 634a. Rows 676a, 677a, and 678a are approximately horizontal in elevational view. Preferably, each one of segments 679a is oriented substantially horizontally and the segments gaps 680a therebetween. Preferably, the bottom and middle rows 676a and 677a are oriented such that each segment 679a of the middle row 677a is directly vertically above or overhanging the corresponding gap 680a of the lower row 676a. And the middle and top rows 677a and 678a are oriented such that each segment 679a of the top row 678a is directly above or overhanging the corresponding gap 680a in the middle row 677a. Preferably, all segments 679a have the same arc length, and the segments 679a of top row 678a are vertically aligned with the segments 679a of bottom row 676a, as shown in the bottom portion of FIG. 10. Preferably each of the gaps 680a of middle row 677a are equidistantly spaced from the end of segments 679a of top and bottom rows 676a and 678a, such that each gap 680a is centered relative to its corresponding surrounding rows.

The top of FIG. 12 illustrates a hoop support 630b that includes a pair of rows 676b and 677b of plural, discrete, spaced apart segments 679b that in general are spaced around the circumference of dome 634b. Rows 676b and 677b are exactly or approximately horizontal. Each segment 679b is oriented substantially horizontally, and ends 681b of adjacent segments of each row 676b and 677b define a gap 680a therebetween. Preferably, bottom and top rows 676b and 677b are oriented such that each segment 679b of top row 677b is directly vertically above or overhanging the corresponding gap 680b of the lower row 676b, and each segment 679b of bottom row 676b is directly vertically beneath the corresponding gap 680b of top row 677b. Preferably the gaps 680b of top row 677b are equidistantly spaced from ends 681b of segments 679b of bottom rows 676b, and the gaps 680b of bottom row 676b are equidistantly spaced apart from the ends of segments 679b of top row 677b.

Ends 681b taper downwardly such that each end 681b slopes away from the center of its segment, which forms a rounded point near the underside of each segment 679b. All segments 679b preferably are elongate and may have the same arc length (that is, in the elongated, circumferential dimension). The present invention encompasses any arc length(s) of segments 679b, such as shown in the top portion of FIG. 12, in which segments 679b of top row 677b may be slightly shorter in arc length dimension than segments 679b of bottom row 676b.

For the latter configuration, dome 634b may also include additional rows 678b and 678b′. Preferably, segments 679b of rows 678b and 678b′ have vertical centerlines that are aligned with the vertical centerlines of segments 679b of row 677b, and taper to a rounded point near their undersides as described above. Preferably, each of segments 679b of uppermost row 678b′ have an arc length that is smaller than that of the corresponding segment 679b of row 678b, which has an arc length that is smaller than that of the corresponding segment 679b of row 677b to produce a segmented triangle.

The bottom portion of FIG. 24 illustrates a hoop support 630c of dome 634c. Hoop support 630c includes an bottom and top row 676c and 677c of plural, discrete, spaced apart elements 650c having jagged sides 683c and pointed ends 684c on each end to form double ended lightning-bolts or electricity symbols that extend about the circumference of dome 634c. Each symbol 650c is oriented approximately horizontally. Preferably, each pointed end 684c has an oblique surface 685c, and symbols 650c of bottom row 676c are oriented such that oblique surface 685c of adjacent symbols 650c are spaced apart and facing, and preferably approximately parallel. Likewise, symbols 650c of top row 677c are oriented such that oblique surface 685c of adjacent symbols 650c are spaced apart and facing, and preferably approximately parallel. In this regard, each symbol either overhangs or undercuts its adjacent symbol. Preferably, gaps 680c between adjacent symbols 650c of bottom row 676c are approximately vertically aligned with gaps 680c formed in top row 677c. The present invention also encompasses gaps 680c that are not aligned.

Preferably, the portions of hoop supports 630a, 630b, and 630c outside of the identified features 650a, 650b, and 650c, and outside their complimentary or additional raised or recessed features, such as elements 679b of rows 678b and 678b′, are circular in transverse cross section without vertically oriented ribs or corrugations. And the innermost surfaces of the recessed portions of the ribs are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. If any of the surfaces of the ribs are raised, then the outermost surfaces of the raised portions are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. The present invention, however, is not limited to structure described in this paragraph.

The top and bottom portions of FIG. 20 illustrate another aspect of the present invention. Hoop support 730a of dome 734a includes a first series of repeating shapes 750a and a second series of repeating shapes 751a that are alternating with and appear to be overlaid onto first shapes 750a, as shown in the top portion of FIG. 20. Each first shape 750a forms a rectangle with rounded corners. Preferably shape 750a includes a recessed, upstanding rectangle 787a with a raised (that is, radially, relative to rectangle 787a) center portion 788a. Each second shape 751a is a raised (relative to both rectangle 787a and center portion 788a), horizontally oriented rectangle 789a. Horizontal rectangle 789a is elongated and overlays a portion of each adjacent upstanding rectangle 787a and of each adjacent upstanding center portion 788a.

Surfaces 787a and 788a form an appearance of a chain link that is upstanding, and surface 789a form the appearance of a link of the chain that is oriented horizontally. The present invention, of course, encompasses other structures to create the appearance of chain links, such as the upstanding rectangle 787a (or center portion 788a) being raised relative to other portions of hoop support 730a, or any other combination of raised and recessed portions. Any of portions 787a, 788a, and 789a may have varying depths and still be considered overlaid.

In this regard, the terms overlay or overlaid, as used herein, refer to a first structure having a raised surface relative to a connecting second structure such that the first structure appears to interrupt or be located on top of the second structure.

Hoop support 730b shown on the bottom portion of FIG. 20 includes a first series of repeating shapes 750b and 751b that are alternating with and appear to be overlaid onto first shapes 750b. Each first shape 750b includes a recessed ring 787b and a center portion 788b that is raised relative to ring 787b. Each second shape 751b includes a raised ring 789b and a center portion 790b that is recessed relative to ring 789b. Preferably, center portions 788b and 790b have the same radial position (that is, are approximately at the radial distance from the container's longitudinal centerline) as each other and the same radial position as the surrounding surface of dome 730b. The term ring is not limited to any particular shape, and encompasses structures other than round and encompasses irregular structures, and is not limited to structures that are continuous, and encompasses structures having interruptions.

Preferably, the portions of hoop supports 730a and 730b outside of the identified features 750a and 750b, and outside their complimentary or additional raised or recessed features (not shown in the figures) are circular in transverse cross section without vertically oriented ribs or corrugations. And the innermost surfaces of the recessed portions of the ribs are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. The raised portions are coincident with a circular cylinder having its centerline collinear with the bottle longitudinal centerline. The present invention, however, is not limited to structure described in this paragraph.

The particular dimensions of hoop supports 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, and 730, including the dimension of the overlap of adjacent segments, the angle at which the segments are inclined (where applicable), and like parameter, may be chosen according to various parameters including container volume and diameter, wall thickness, material distribution, and like parameters, and may depend on the particular aesthetic appearance desired. Persons familiar with container engineering upon considering the present disclosure will understand the interplay among these parameters.

Any of the hoop supports 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, and 730 may be formed by either recessed structure, raised structure, or a combination of raised and recessed structure. For example, hoop supports or segments that are described or shown as recesses may also be formed by raised portions or a combination of raised and recessed portions, and hoop supports or segments that are shown as raised areas may also be formed by recesses or a combination of raised and recessed portions.

FIG. 25 illustrates options for forming the hoop supports. Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26 to illustrate some options for forming hoop supports that are recesses, a first curved recess 810 is formed in a container sidewall 809. Recess 810 is formed by a radius R₁, which has a center that lies outside a vertical line defined by container sidewall 809 such that the depth of recess 810 is less than radius R₁ by a radial offset X. Recess R₁ blends into sidewall 809 at a blend radius R₂, which has a negative curvature relative to recess radius R₁. Preferably, the choice of blend radius R₂ depends on related dimensions. Preferably, when offset dimension X is between zero and 30 percent of recess radius R₁, blend radius R₂ is equal to about 50% of recess radius R₁, or blend radius R₂ is less than about 50% of recess radius R₁.

A second curved recess 811, again shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, is formed in container sidewall 809. Recess 811 is formed by a radius R₁, which has a center that lies inside a vertical line defined by container sidewall 809 such that the depth of recess 810 is greater than radius R₁ by a radial offset Y. Recess R₁ blends into sidewall 809 at a blend radius R₂, which has a negative curvature relative to recess radius R₁. Preferably, the choice of blend radius R₂ depends on related dimensions. Preferably, when offset dimension Y is less than or about equal to R₁, blend radius R₂ is less than or equal to recess radius R₁.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 27, a recess 820 may be formed in container sidewall 809. Recess 820 is shown in FIG. 25 as symmetrical about a horizontal centerline. In FIG. 27, a recess 820′ is illustrated that may include angled sidewalls 822 and 823 and a relative flat portion 824 (in transverse cross section) therebetween. The preferred minimum angle ω₁ of wall 822 is approximately 2 degrees from horizontal to enable ready removal of the container from a mold. The preferred maximum angle ω₂ of wall 823 is approximately 45 degrees. Angles ω₁ and ω₂ of between 2 degrees and 45 degrees are preferred when there is a substantially straight section Z₁ or Z₂ in the base or sidewall of the recess 820 (that is, if either Z₁ or Z₂ is greater than zero). This preferred range applies also to the symmetrical walls of recess 820 of FIG. 25.

Recess 821 is formed by a radius R₁ and includes a substantially straight sidewall 825 that forms an angle ω₃ with a horizontal line. The angle range of ω₃ preferably is chosen according to the range described above for recess 820.

Referring to FIG. 25, the hoop supports described herein may be formed according to combination 830, which includes a recess 831 and a raised structure 832. Recess 831 may be formed as described above or by any other configuration. Raised structure 832 may be formed by any structure. Hoop support may also be formed by a recess 840 having at least one boundary wall 841 that gradually merges into container wall 809.

The right side of FIG. 25 illustrates some options for forming the hoop support by raised surfaces. For example, rounded raised surface 850 may be inverse of recess 810 or 811, and raised surface 860 may be the inverse of recess 820, 820′, or 821. Combination 870 includes raised and recessed portions 870 and 871. Raised portion 870 has an upper wall that extends outwardly from sidewall 809 and preferably may be considered to be the inverse of the walls described by recess 810 or 811. And the recessed portion 870 has a lower wall that extends inwardly from sidewall 809 as described by recess 810 or 811. The lower wall of raised portion 870 and upper wall of recess portion 871 preferably smoothly merge together.

The structural features of the hoop supports described in each of the embodiments above are preferably formed by recesses in the dome wall. The present invention, however, is not limited to any specific depth of the recesses, and the present invention encompasses forming the features of the hoop supports as raised portions. The present invention encompasses the features, such as elements bearing the reference numerals 50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, or 750 (with any appended letter designation, including structures that are given additional reference numerals, formed by recessed surfaces, raised surfaces, textured surfaces, surfaces approximately coplanar with the surrounding dome surfaces where abutting recessed or raised surfaces, and any combinations.

Claims

1. A hot fill bottle comprising: a bottom portion comprising: an enclosed base; and a body extending upwardly from the base that includes plural panels capable of inward deflection in response to internal vacuum created by the hot-filling process; and a top portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion, the top portion consisting essentially of: a substantially circumferential hoop support comprising a wave-like rib wherein the rib (i) is circumferentially continuous and (ii) has a repeating pattern of peaks and valleys in elevational view; and an upwardly extending dome; and a finish at the uppermost portion of bottle.

2. The bottle of claim 1 wherein the bottom portion includes a shoulder located above the body, and the top portion extends upwardly from the shoulder.

3. The bottle of claim 2 wherein the body includes a circumferential rib between the panels and the shoulder.

4. The bottle of claim 1 wherein the hoop support includes rib segments located beneath each peak and above each valley.

5. The bottle of claim 1 wherein the hoop support includes an opposing wave-like rib such that the ribs are twisted.

6. The bottle of claim 5 wherein the opposing rib is circumferentially continuous.

7. A hot fill bottle comprising: a bottom portion comprising: an enclosed base; and a body extending upwardly from the base that includes plural panels capable of inward deflection in response to internal vacuum created by the hot-filling process; and a top portion extending upwardly from the body, the top portion consisting essentially of: a substantially circumferential hoop support that consists essentially of plural segments having a lower portion, an intermediate portion extending from the lower portion, and an upper portion extending from the intermediate portion, each one of the segments being (i) separate and spaced apart from adjacent segments, (ii) elongate, and (iii) vertically overlapping such that the upper portion of each segment is vertically located over the lower portion of an adjacent segment; a dome that extends upwardly from the hoop support; and a finish at the uppermost portion of bottle.

8. The bottle of claim 7 wherein the upper and lower portions are approximately straight, approximately mutually parallel, and approximately horizontal.

9. The bottle of claim 7 wherein a tangent to the centerline of the upper portion proximate the end of the upper portion has a negative slope and a tangent to the centerline of the lower portion proximate the end of the lower portion has a positive, slope, whereby the segments give the appearance of twisted strands.

10. The bottle of claim 7 wherein the rib is recessed relative to surrounding dome surfaces.

11. The bottle of claim 7 wherein the rib is raised relative to surrounding dome surfaces.

12. A hot fill bottle comprising: a bottom portion comprising: an enclosed base; and a body extending upwardly from the base that includes plural panels capable of inward deflection in response to internal vacuum created by the hot-filling process; and a top portion extending upwardly from the body, the top portion consisting essentially of: a finish at the uppermost portion of bottle; a dome that extends upwardly toward the finish; and a substantially circumferential hoop support located at a lower portion of the dome, the hoop support comprising plural discrete segments that are oriented about the circumference of the dome such that each segment has adjacent segments on opposing sides thereof, each one of the segments having a first inclined lateral wall and an opposing second inclined lateral wall, each one of the lateral walls either overhanging or undercutting the lateral walls of adjacent segments in elevational view.

13. The bottle of claim 12 wherein the opposing inclined lateral walls of each segment are oriented in the same direction such that the first inclined wall overhangs a wall of its adjacent segment and the second inclined wall undercuts a wall of its adjacent segment.

14. The bottle of claim 13 wherein the segments are spaced apart by intermediate surfaces that smoothly merge into the dome.

15. The bottle of claim 12 wherein the inclined lateral walls are inclined by at least approximately 60 degrees from a vertical reference line.

16. A hot fill bottle comprising: a bottom portion comprising: an enclosed base; and a body extending upwardly from the base that includes plural panels capable of inward deflection in response to internal vacuum created by the hot-filling process; and a top portion extending upwardly from the body, the top portion consisting essentially of: a finish at the uppermost portion of bottle; a dome that extends upwardly toward the finish; and a substantially circumferential hoop support located at a lower portion of the dome, the hoop support comprising plural discrete shapes arranged in a mutually overhanging and undercutting pattern such each shape overlaps or undercuts at least one adjacent shape.

17. The bottle of claim 16 wherein the shapes are identical geometrical shapes inclined relative to a vertical axis.

18. The bottle of claim 16 wherein the shapes are images inclined relative to a vertical axis.

19. The bottle of claim 18 wherein the shapes are identical to one another.

20. The bottle of claim 18 wherein each shape is spaced apart from adjacent shapes.

21. The bottle of claim 16 wherein the shapes are triangular in alternating arrangement.

22. The bottle of claim 20 wherein the shapes are frustums of triangles.

23. A hot fill bottle comprising: a bottom portion comprising: an enclosed base; and a body extending upwardly from the base that includes plural panels capable of inward deflection in response to internal vacuum created by the hot-filling process; and a top portion extending upwardly from the body, the top portion consisting essentially of: a finish at the uppermost portion of bottle; a dome that extends upwardly toward the finish; and a substantially circumferential hoop support located at a lower portion of the dome, the hoop support consisting essentially of plural block-like segments substantially formed of mutually perpendicular or parallel rectangles, at least some or a portion of said rectangles being radially raised or radially recessed relative to adjacent bottle diameter.

24. The bottle of claim 23 wherein the segments are spaced apart about the circumference of the dome.

25. The bottle of claim 23 wherein each segment is spaced apart from adjacent segments in an overhanging and under cutting pattern.

26. The bottle of claim 23 wherein the segments are connected together to form a substantially unbroken hoop support.

27. The bottle of claim 23 wherein the surfaces forming the rectangles are substantially planar.

28. The bottle of claim 27 wherein each surface forming the rectangles is oriented tangentially, and the rectangles are located at various radial positions, whereby the rectangles form a stepped configuration.

29. The bottle of claim 23 wherein the rectangles of the segments are curved at approximately the curvature of the lower portion of the dome.

30. The bottle of claim 23 wherein the rectangles are located at various radial positions, whereby the rectangles form a stepped configuration.

31. The bottle of claim 23 wherein each one of the rectangles has its longitudinal axis either parallel or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bottle.

32. A hot fill bottle comprising: a bottom portion comprising: an enclosed base; and a body extending upwardly from the base that includes plural panels capable of inward deflection in response to internal vacuum created by the hot-filling process; and a top portion extending upwardly from the body, the top portion consisting essentially of: a finish at the uppermost portion of bottle; a dome that extends upwardly toward the finish; and a substantially circumferential hoop support located at a lower portion of the dome, the hoop support consisting essentially of indicia formed by surfaces of at least two radial depths.

33. The bottle of claim 32 wherein the indicia includes letters.

34. The bottle of claim 32 wherein the indicia includes a logo.

35. The bottle of claim 32 wherein the indicia includes numerals.

36. The bottle of claim 32 wherein the indicia includes radially raised portions relative to adjacent dome surfaces.

37. The bottle of claim 32 wherein the indicia includes radially recessed portions relative to the adjacent dome surfaces.

38. The bottle of claim 32 wherein indicia is formed by at least three radial depths.

39. A hot fill bottle comprising: a bottom portion comprising: an enclosed base; and a body extending upwardly from the base that includes plural panels capable of inward deflection in response to internal vacuum created by the hot-filling process; and a top portion extending upwardly from the body, the top portion consisting essentially of: a finish at the uppermost portion of bottle; a dome that extends upwardly toward the finish; and a substantially circumferential hoop support located at a lower portion of the dome, the hoop support consisting essentially of substantially horizontal rows of spaced apart segments, each pair of adjacent segments having a gap therebetween, segments of the top row substantially overlapping segments of the bottom row such each gap in the bottom row of segments is directly vertically below a segment of the top row.

40. The bottle of claim 39 wherein the hoop support includes at least two rows.

41. The bottle of claim 39 wherein the hoop support includes at least three rows.

42. The bottle of claim 39 wherein each segment is elongate.

43. The bottle of claim 42 wherein each segment is oriented approximately horizontally.

44. The bottle of claim 43 wherein each segment is dash-shaped.

45. The bottle of claim 43 wherein each segment is indicia.

46. The bottle of claim 43 wherein each segment is jagged and has a pointed end.

47. A hot fill bottle comprising: a bottom portion comprising: an enclosed base; and a body extending upwardly from the base that includes plural panels capable of inward deflection in response to internal vacuum created by the hot-filling process; and a top portion extending upwardly from the body, the top portion consisting essentially of: a finish at the uppermost portion of bottle; a dome that extends upwardly toward the finish; and a substantially circumferential hoop support located at a lower portion of the dome, the hoop support consisting essentially a first series of segments and a second series of segments, the first series of segments alternating with the second series of segments, the second series of segments interfering with the first series of segment such that a portion of each one of the second series of segments appears to overlay a portion of each adjacent segment of the first series.

48. The bottle of claim 47 wherein the first series of segments are recesses relative to a surrounding dome surface and the second series of segments are raised relative to the surrounding dome surface.

49. A hot fill bottle comprising: an enclosed base; a body extending upwardly from the base that includes plural panels capable of inward deflection in response to internal vacuum created by the hot-filling process; a finish at the uppermost portion of bottle; a dome that extends upwardly toward the finish; and a substantially circumferential hoop support located between the dome and the panels, the hoop support comprising at least one of: a) a wave-like rib wherein the rib (i) is circumferentially continuous and (ii) has a repeating pattern of peaks and valleys in elevational view; b) plural segments having a lower portion, an intermediate portion extending from the lower portion, and an upper portion extending from the intermediate portion, each one of the segments being (i) separate and spaced apart from adjacent segments, (ii) elongate, and (iii) vertically overlapping such that the upper portion of each segment is vertically located over the lower portion of an adjacent segment; c) plural discrete segments that are oriented about the circumference of the dome such that each segment has adjacent segments on opposing sides thereof, each one of the segments having a first inclined lateral wall and an opposing second inclined lateral wall, each one of the lateral walls either overhanging or undercutting the lateral walls of adjacent segments in elevational view; d) plural discrete shapes arranged in a mutually overhanging and undercutting pattern such each shape overlaps or undercuts at least one adjacent shape; e) plural block-like segments substantially formed of mutually perpendicular or parallel rectangles, at least some or a portion of said rectangles being radially raised or radially recessed relative to adjacent bottle diameter; f) indicia formed by surfaces of at least two radial depths; g) substantially horizontal rows of spaced apart segments, each pair of adjacent segments having a gap therebetween, segments of the top row substantially overlapping segments of the bottom row such each gap in the bottom row of segments is directly vertically below a segment of the top row; and h) a first series of segments and a second series of segments, the first series of segments alternating with the second series of segments, the second series of segments interfering with the first series of segment such that a portion of each one of the second series of segments appears to overlay a portion of each adjacent segment of the first series.

50. A plastic bottle including a base, a body, a dome, a finish, and at least one substantially circumferential hoop support comprising at least one of: a) a wave-like rib wherein the rib (i) is circumferentially continuous and (ii) has a repeating pattern of peaks and valleys in elevational view; b) plural segments having a lower portion, an intermediate portion extending from the lower portion, and an upper portion extending from the intermediate portion, each one of the segments being (i) separate and spaced apart from adjacent segments, (ii) elongate, and (iii) vertically overlapping such that the upper portion of each segment is vertically located over the lower portion of an adjacent segment; c) plural discrete segments that are oriented about the circumference of the dome such that each segment has adjacent segments on opposing sides thereof, each one of the segments having a first inclined lateral wall and an opposing second inclined lateral wall, each one of the lateral walls either overhanging or undercutting the lateral walls of adjacent segments in elevational view; d) plural discrete shapes arranged in a mutually overhanging and undercutting pattern such each shape overlaps or undercuts at least one adjacent shape; e) plural block-like segments substantially formed of mutually perpendicular or parallel rectangles, at least some or a portion of said rectangles being radially raised or radially recessed relative to adjacent bottle diameter; f) indicia formed by surfaces of at least two radial depths; g) substantially horizontal rows of spaced apart segments, each pair of adjacent segments having a gap therebetween, segments of the top row substantially overlapping segments of the bottom row such each gap in the bottom row of segments is directly vertically below a segment of the top row; and h) a first series of segments and a second series of segments, the first series of segments alternating with the second series of segments, the second series of segments interfering with the first series of segment such that a portion of each one of the second series of segments appears to overlay a portion of each adjacent segment of the first series.