Hot-fillable plastic container with end grip

Claim 1

A hot-fillable plastic container with end grip comprising: a plastic container body including an open top end, closed bottom end, and sidewall having a panel section with a substantially cylindrical panel circumference: the panel section including: a pair of vertically-elongated vacuum panels symmetrically disposed on opposing sides of a vertical plane passing through a vertical centerline of the container, each vacuum panel comprising a central bottom recess for gripping the container in one hand and an outwardly concave intermediate recess surrounding the bottom recess, the intermediate recess being adapted to move radially inward to alleviate negative pressure generated in the container; front and rear label attachment areas between the pair of vacuum panels; and a pair of vertical ribs adjacent either side of each vacuum panel which act as hinge points to facilitate movement of the intermediate recess; the intermediate recess having an initial radial inwardly-bowed position with respect to the panel circumference prior to product filling, the intermediate recess being movable outwardly to a second position within the panel circumference upon increased pressure during filling of the container body with a product at an elevated temperature, and the intermediate recess being movable inwardly to a third position under vacuum pressure following sealing of the container and cooling of the product.