# US 7,464,825 B2 · Pressure resistant base

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- Number: US 7,464,825 B2
- Document ID: US7464825B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 11/000,357
- Filed: 2004-12-01
- Published: 2006-06-01
- Granted: 2008-12-16
- Earliest claimed: 2004-12-01
- Assignees: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
- Inventors: Richard Johnston; Doug Struble; Debra Finnigan
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7464825B2

## CPC

- B65D 1/0276: {having a continuous contact surface, e.g. Champagne-type bottom}
- B65D 1/0284: {having a discontinuous contact surface, e.g. discrete feet}
- B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES

## Abstract

A base structure having a bearing surface defining a bearing plane and an inner portion spaced apart from the bearing surface in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the bearing plane. The inner portion includes a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from said first surface, and a step merging said first surface with second surface.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A base structure for a plastic container, the base structure comprising: a bearing surface defining a bearing plane and; an inner portion spaced apart from the bearing surface in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the bearing plane, said inner portion comprising a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from said first surface, and a step merging said first surface with said second surface; wherein an outer boundary of said second surface defines an ellipse having a major and minor axis, and wherein said second surface is slightly concave in a direction towards a cavity of the container along the major axis and slightly convex in a direction towards the bearing plane along the minor axis.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The base structure according to claim 1, wherein said bearing surface defines four touch points.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The base structure according to claim 1, wherein said inner portion further comprises a fin extending along a parting line of the base structure.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The base structure according to claim 1, wherein said inner portion provides resistance to distortion upon an increase of internal pressure within the container when the container is sealed.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The base structure according to claim 1, wherein said second surface is spaced further apart from the bearing plane in a substantially perpendicular direction to the bearing plane than the first surface.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

A plastic container comprising: the base according to claim 1; a sidewall for merging with said base; and an opening for receiving and pouring contents of the container.

### Claim 7

A base structure for a plastic container, the base structure comprising: a bearing surface defining a bearing plane and; an inner portion spaced apart from the bearing surface in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the bearing plane, said inner portion comprising a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from said first surface, and a step merging said first surface with said second surface; wherein said bearing surface comprises an outer portion for merging with a sidewall of the container, a bearing portion for defining a plurality of touch points for contact with a horizontal surface, and a transitional portion for merging with said inner portion; wherein said bearing portion defines four touch points; and wherein said transitional portion includes a substantially circular inner boundary for merging with said inner portion with and an outer boundary defining a rectangle having chamfered corners for merging said bearing portion and further defining the four touch points.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The base structure according to claim 7, wherein said inner portion provides resistance to distortion upon an increase of internal pressure within the container when the container is sealed.

### Claim 9 (depends on 7)

The base structure according to claim 7, wherein said second surface is spaced further apart from the bearing plane in a substantially perpendicular direction to the bearing plane than the first surface.

### Claim 10 (depends on 7)

The base structure according to claim 7, wherein said inner portion further comprises a fin extending along a parting line of the base structure.

### Claim 11

A method of packaging a product, comprising the steps of:
providing a container having a base structure comprising;
a bearing surface defining a bearing plane and; an inner portion spaced apart from the bearing surface in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the bearing plane, said inner portion comprising a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from said first surface, and a step merging said first surface with said second surface wherein an outer boundary of said second surface defines an ellipse having a major and minor axis, and wherein said second surface is slightly concave in a direction towards a cavity of the container along the major axis and slightly convex in a direction towards the bearing plane along the minor axis;
placing the product into the container; and
providing an air tight seal over a mouth of the container.