Multi-panel plastic container

GRM20204US PATENT A plastic container that particularly adapted for hot-fill applications includes a bottom portion; and a sidewall portion that is unitary with the bottom portion. The sidewall portion has a maximum outer diameter, and includes first and second pairs of opposing first and second vacuum panels, respectively. At least one of the second vacuum panels includes gripping structure. The first and second vacuum panels respectively have first and second substantially constant radii of curvature as measured in a horizontal plane that are substantially constant from upper to lower ends of the vacuum panels. A ratio of the first substantially constant radius of curvature to the maximum outer diameter is within a range of about 0.3 to about 2.5, and a ratio of the second substantially constant radius of curvature to the maximum outer diameter is within a range of about 0.2 to about 2. At least one of the second vacuum panels may be asymmetric about a central vertical axis as viewed in side elevation. 54aGGE)4 22 e ) E )48 58 e e e e 504 Ri 16 18 Ri