US Patent 7469796 Container exhibiting improved top load performance

A plastic container (10) that exhibits an optimal ratio of hoop strength to top load strength includes a finish portion (12) and generally cylindrical main body portion (14). The main body portion includes a sidewall (16) that has a first plurality of generally vertical ribs (18, 20, 21, 24) defined therein. In addition, a second plurality of generally horizontal wave (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) shaped ribs is defined in the sidewall. The generally horizontal wave shaped ribs intersect with the generally vertical ribs, thereby imparting enhanced strength characteristics to the container (10).