Can end

Abstract

A can end ( 10 ) of the full aperture easy open end type, which comprises a seaming panel ( 12 ), a wall ( 14 ) depending from the seaming panel, a radiussed portion or “countersink” ( 16 ) and a centre panel ( 20 ). The end of the invention further includes a flat annulus or stepped portion ( 19 ) between the wall ( 14 ) and the countersink ( 16 ) such that, in the alternative, the can end is openable by engaging the blade of a can opener with the stepped portion.

1 . A can end ( 10 ) comprising a seaming panel ( 12 ), a wall ( 14 ) depending from the seaming panel, a countersink bead ( 16 ) and a centre panel ( 20 ); in which: 
 the centre panel ( 20 ) includes a circumferential score and a tab ( 22 ) adjacent the score; and the can end further includes a substantially flat portion ( 19 ) between the wall ( 14 ) and the countersink bead ( 16 ); and    the height of wall ( 14 ) is from 3 to 4 mm;    such that the can end is adapted for opening either by raising the tab to rupture the score and thereby remove the centre panel, or by engaging the flat portion with a can opener blade and cutting around an annulus defined by the flat portion to remove the radially inward part of the can end, including the countersink and centre panel.    
     
     
         2 . A can end according to  claim 1 , in which the substantially flat portion ( 19 ) is 2 mm or more in width.  
     
     
         3 . A can end according to  claim 1 , in which the substantially flat portion is 10 mm or less in width.  
     
     
         4 . A can end according to  claim 1 , in which the substantially flat portion is 4 mm in width.  
     
     
         5 . A two piece can comprising a can body with integral base, and the can end of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         6 . A can end according to  claim 2 , in which the substantially flat portion is 10 mm or less in width.  
     
     
         7 . A can end according to  claim 2 , in which the substantially flat portion is 4 mm in width.  
     
     
         8 . A can end according to  claim 3 , in which the substantially flat portion is 4 mm in width.  
     
     
         9 . A two piece can comprising a can body with integral base, and the can end of  claim 2 .  
     
     
         10 . A two piece can comprising a can body with integral base, and the can end of  claim 3 .  
     
     
         11 . A two piece can comprising a can body with integral base, and the can end of  claim 4.