Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to canning technology and more particularly to a small capacity, beverage can and a full aperture end for the same. Background of the Invention

Conventional easy-open beverage can ends include a frangible score that extends around a small drinking aperture located in the centre panel of the can end, the score defining a tear panel in the can end. A tab is attached to the centre panel by a rivet. The tab has a tail or handle end on one side of the rivet and a nose end on the opposite side of the rivet. The tab is positioned so that the nose end of the tab lies adjacent to or touching the tear panel. To open the can end, a user lifts the tail or handle end of the tab. This causes the tab to pivot about the rivet and presses the nose end of the tab against the tear panel, causing the score to rupture and propagate around the tear panel until the small drinking aperture is opened. By comparison, easy open food can ends typically have a large opening or "full aperture" where the tear panel covers most of the centre panel area and is removed from the container on opening. Full aperture food ends are designed primarily to withstand the processing pressures of a food can and to allow easy opening and full release of the foodstuff contained within the food can in the hands of a user. Often, food cans are filled and then processed in a retort so that the foodstuff ends up packed at atmospheric pressure ("zero pressure") or slight negative pressure (typically 0 - 0.7 bar less than atmospheric pressure) in the can on the shelf. During processing in a hot retort, food cans may be subject to as much as .8 bar overpressure (negative differential pressure) up to around only 2.5 - 3.0 bar positive differential pressure whilst at elevated processing temperatures. The strengthening beads on the side wall of a food can help to prevent crushing or "panelling" of the side walls when the can is subjected to the over-pressure during processing. In conventional beverage cans, the beverage product, such as carbonated soft drinks or beer, is typically filled, processed, and stored under much higher internal pressures than the corresponding pressures in food cans, typically 5 - 6 bar during processing and 2 - 4 bar at room temperature. The internal pressure depends in part on the carbonation level which typically varies between about 2 and 4 volumes of carbon dioxide. Filled beverage cans therefore have significantly greater stored energy than food cans. If a full aperture end of the type used for food cans was used for a beverage can then the likely result would be that the end would "blow-off' or "missile", propelled by the pressurized gas upon initial opening by a user. For these reasons, conventional beverage cans have an end defining a restricted drinking aperture that remains attached to the end panel and can be safely vented and opened by a consumer. The frangible score defining -the drinking aperture often has a feature called a "check slot" that prevents the fracture from propagating around the aperture on initial opening, thereby allowing the beverage can to vent safely when opened by the consumer. The consumer then lifts the tab further to propagate the fracture past the check slot and around the remainder of the frangible score.

However, there is increasing pressure from beverage consumers to increase the size of beverage can drinking apertures in small to medium sized cans to increase the speed and ease with which the beverage product pours from the can and to increase the pleasure of drinking the beverage contained within the can directly from the can.

It is therefore desirable to provide a small capacity, beverage can and a full aperture easy opening can end for the same. Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a can end including an end panel that is to be seamed onto a body of a beverage can, the body of the beverage can having a beverage holding capacity of up to about 250 miliilitres (ml). An opening score is formed in the end panel at a periphery of the end panel and defines a removable aperture panel.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a beverage can including a can body having a beverage holding capacity of up to about 250 miliilitres (ml) and a can end. The can end includes an end panel seamed onto the can body. An opening score is formed in the end panel at a periphery of the end panel and defines a removable aperture panel.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a small capacity, full aperture beverage can in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the beverage can of FIG. ;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the beverage can of FIG. ;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a can end of the beverage can of FIG. ;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the can end of FIG. 4 taken along the line A-A;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an opening score shown in FIG.

5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an outer end of the score residual of the opening score of FIG. 6 taken along the line B-B; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the can end of the beverage can of FIG. 1 before the can end is secured to a can body;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the unseamed can end of FIG. 8 taken along the line C-C; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the can end of FIG. 8 without a tab;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a small capacity, full aperture beverage can in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a small capacity, full aperture beverage can in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a small capacity, full aperture beverage can 10 is shown. The beverage can 0 includes a can body 12 having a beverage holding capacity of up to about 250 miliilitres (ml) and a can end 14 including an end panel 16 seamed onto the can body 12.

A side plan view of the beverage can 10 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2 and a bottom plan view of the beverage can 10 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 3.

The beverage can 10 is of a two-piece construction comprising the can body 12 and the can end 14. Typically the can body 12 is made from 3000-series aluminium alloy and the can end 14 is made from 5000-series aluminium alloy. In the present embodiment, the can end 14 is seamed onto the can body 12 via a double-folded join (the 'double seam'). The base of the beverage can 10 is integral to the can body 2.

The beverage can 10 is for pressurised or carbonated drinks such as, for example, beer, soft drinks, juices, flavoured waters, etc. and alcoholic beverages such as, for example, sake and soju. Due to the small capacity and the full aperture of the beverage can 10, the beverage can 10 is particularly suitable for holding alcoholic beverages for down-in-one toasting.

When filled, the beverage can 10 is a pressure vessel and is capable of withstanding a maximum internal pressure of the order of between about 90 pound per square inch (psi) (i.e., 621 kilopascal (kPa) or 6.21 bar) and about 100 psi (i.e., 689 kPa or 6.89 bar) and axial loads of between about 800 Newtons (N) and about 1000 N. The maximum internal pressure that the can end 14 can withstand is known as the 'buckle pressure' - the internal pressure at which the can end 14 buckles outwards irreversibly along the axial direction of the beverage can 10.

In the present embodiment, the beverage holding capacity of the can body 12 shown is 150 ml and the can body 12 has a diameter of about 52 mm (i.e., around 2 inches (in)). The side walls of the can body 12 are "wall-ironed" in production and are extremely thin, typically only 0.1 millimetres (mm) thick or less. The internal pressure of the beverage can 10 helps to support the thin side walls and give them mechanical strength. By comparison the can end 14 is formed from relatively thick material and relies on its form and thickness or gauge for mechanical strength. A can end 14 with a material thickness of 0.275 mm (0.0108 in) and diameter of about 52 mm (around 2 in) would have a buckle pressure of about 100 psi (689 kPa). Beer fillers also occasionally fill an unpasteurized or flash-pasteurised product.

This has the benefits of improved product quality in terms of taste and freshness. The highest in-can pressures likely to be seen by the container for such beer products would be in distribution where an ambient temperature of 40°C may lead to internal pressures of around only 4 bar (58 psi, 400 kPa). The reduced in-can pressures during processing would also enable potential material lightweighting of the beverage can 10. In particular the can end 14 with a diameter of about 52 mm (around 2 in) and a buckle pressure of about 4 bar (58 psi, 400 kPa) could then be reduced in weight significantly using a material thickness of only 0.208 mm (0.0082 in) or 0.200 mm (0.0079 in).

The internal pressure gives the can body 12 its strength, but this in turn sets up competition between the can base and the can end 14 in terms of pressure resistance. The base profile and the end profile are therefore designed to allow for a certain amount of flex or give to accommodate changes in internal pressure.

In one embodiment, the can body 2 is filled with an alcoholic beverage.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a top pian view of the can end 14 of the beverage can 10 of FIG. 1 is shown. As can be seen from FIG. 2, an opening score 18 is formed in the end panel 16 at a periphery of the end panel 16, the opening score 18 defining a removable aperture panel 20 in the can end 14. A vent score 22 is also formed in the end panel 16 of the can end 14. A gripping tab 24 is mounted to the end panel 16 of the can end 14 by means of a rivet formation 26. The tab 24 includes a nose portion 28 that is constructed and arranged to exert a downward force on the end panel 16 in an area that is proximate to the opening score 18 when a lifting ring 30 of the tab 24 is lifted by a consumer.

The opening score 18 is stamped into the end panel 16 and defines a fixed can end portion and a removable portion or panel (i.e., the removable aperture panel 20). The can end 14 is formed such that the whole of the panel inside the opening score 18 is removed when the beverage can 10 is opened - a so-called full aperture end. Where the full aperture end for the beverage can 10 is unique (over, for example, full aperture ends for food cans) is its ability to withstand high internal pressures yet open safely in the hands of the consumer. The vent score 22 is configured to enable safe and controlled venting of the pressurized, filled beverage can 10. The vent score 22 also promotes flexibility and provides a hinge point for the tab 24 when the tab 24 is lifted. In the present embodiment, the vent score 22 is a relatively short score, relative to the opening score 18, stamped into the end panel 16 distal from the opening score 18 and ruptures open when the tab 24 is lifted giving rise to the characteristic 'fsszzt' sound as the pressurized gas escapes through the ruptured vent score 22. The vent score 22 is designed to break before the opening score 18 as the tab 24 is lifted by the lifting ring 30 to vent the internal pressure in the filled beverage can 10. In the present embodiment, the vent score 22 is formed behind the rivet formation 26 in the direction towards the centre of the end panel 16 in order to relieve the internal pressure that exists within the filled beverage can 10, and thereby avoid explosion as the filled beverage can 10 is opened by pivoting of the tab 24 about the rivet formation 26. Without the vent score 22, the can end 14 could potentially blow off in the hands of the consumer as soon as the tab nose 28 ruptures the score and could 'missile' from the beverage can 10, propelled by the escaping pressurized gas. The most frequently used shape for the vent score 22 is curved like a man's moustache and therefore these scores are generally known as "moustache scores", although other combinations of arcs and lines of the vent score are also possible.

Conventional beverage tabs have an integral flexible hinge portion where the tab is riveted to the end panel. The tab 24 in the present embodiment is preferably a relatively stiff, solid tab - that is, without an integral hinge. The tab 24 is positioned close enough to the opening score 18 so that when its inner end is rocked upwardly to cause its outer end to move downwardly and exert a downward force on the end panel 16 at or near the opening score 18, a portion of the end panel 16 is bent downwardly to initiate rupture of the opening score 18. Thereafter, an upward and backward pull on the tab 24 by the user induces tearing of the metal in the opening score 18 on both sides of the area of initial rupture to complete detachment from the beverage can 10 of the removable portion or panel 20 of the end panel 16. The rivet formation 26 secures the tab 24 to the end panel 16. The rivet formation in conventional small drinking aperture beverage ends is located near the centre of the end panel in order to provide mechanical leverage on lifting the tab handle and so that the tab nose does not obscure the opened small drinking aperture. In the present embodiment, the rivet formation 26 is located towards an edge of the end panel 16. This configuration provides the consumer the maximum mechanical advantage necessary to rupture the vent score 22 and then to rupture the opening score 18 in the same single user action.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an enlarged cross-sectional view of the can end 14 of FIG. 4 taken along the line A-A is shown. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the can end 14 includes a wall portion 32 and a countersink 34. The countersink 34 extends from a lower part of the wall portion 32 and includes a curved bottom portion 36 and an inner wall 38 that extends up from bottom portion 36. The inner wall 38 has a straight portion that merges into the removable aperture panel 20 via a transition 40 having a radius R. The origin of radius R is point C. For embodiments having a curved transition that does not have a single radius and a single origin, averages may be used. As can be seen from FIG. 5, an anti-fracture score 42 is also formed in the end panel 16, the anti-fracture score 42 being located around the periphery of the end panel 16 adjacent to the opening score 18. Upon removal of the aperture panel 20, a lip 44 is left behind. The lip 44 is the portion of can end 14 that protrudes radially inwardly from the inside edge of a seam 46 where the can body 12 and the can end 14 are joined.

The opening score 18 is in a location on the can end 14 that is sufficiently stiff to promote initial rupture of the opening score 18 upon actuation of the tab 24. The relationship between the opening score 18 and the transition 40 from the countersink 34 to the removable aperture pane! 20, which stiffens the can end 14 in the region of the opening score 18, is illustrated in FIG. 5.

In the present embodiment, the centreline of the opening score 18 is near the countersink 34 at the point where the nose portion 28 of the tab 24 contacts the removable aperture panel 20, such that the structural stiffness of countersink 34 prevents excessive panel deflection to promote initial score fracture. For example, the horizontal distance between transition curve origin C and the vertical centre of the opening score 18 may be as low as 0.000 mm (i.e. falling on the same vertical axis). In a preferred embodiment, the centreline of the opening score 18 does not extend radially outside point C so that the opening score 8 does not interfere with the structural performance of the countersink 34. In one embodiment, the centreline of the opening score 18 is preferably within 0.508 mm (0.020 inches), more preferably within 0.254 mm (0.010 inches), more preferably 0.152 mm (0.006 inches), more preferably 0.102 mm (0.004 inches), and even more preferably 0.051 mm (0.002 inches) measured horizontally of point C to get the benefit of countersink stiffening. The upper limit of distance between the centreline of the opening score 18 and point C may also be determined by aesthetics or the functional aspects of drinking. In alternative embodiments, the opening score 18 may be spaced apart from the countersink 34, but is preferably located near a structural stiffener, such as an emboss or a deboss feature, in the form of one or more ridges, furrows, or grooves. Such structural stiffener may typically be located on the removable aperture panel 20 to take up any slack metal in the end panel 16 created when the scores are formed and to prevent the removable aperture panel 20 from folding over or creasing during opening, thereby providing a smooth and continuous opening of the drinking aperture. In one embodiment, a structural stiffener is formed in the removable aperture panel 20, the structural stiffener running around at least a portion of the removable aperture panel 20. The configuration and distance of the opening score 18 and the countersink 34 may be chosen according to parameters that will be understood by persons familiar with beverage can end engineering and design upon considering this specification.

The anti-fracture score 42 is located on the removable aperture panel 20, radially inside the opening score 18 to reduce stress and take up slack metal as the opening score 18 is ruptured. Although FIG. 5, described above, shows the relative height and configuration of the countersink 34 and the end panel 16, and the relative positions of the opening score 18 and the anti-fracture score 42, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention is not iimited to the particular embodiment of the can end 14 shown in FIG. 5.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an enlarged cross-sectional view of the opening score 18 of FIG. 5 is shown. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the cross-sectional profile of the frangible, opening score 18 is asymmetric. The asymmetric opening score 18 has a generally trapezoidal shape that includes a pair of sidewalls 48x and 48y that extend to two different depths X and Y relative to the external surface of the removable aperture panel 20 and a generally flat land 50.

In this specification, the term "land" refers generally to top surface or width and the term "score residual" refers to the thickness. Ends of the land 50x and 50y (in cross section as shown in FIG. 6) are defined as the points at which the land 50 merges into the score sidewalls 48x and 48y. In its opened state, the thickness at land ends 50x and 50y have score residua! thicknesses Ta and Tb. Thicknesses Ta and Tb may be chosen according to the desired parameters of the can end 14, such as proximity of the opening score 18 to the countersink 34, thickness and material of the can end 14, desired pressure rating, tab configuration, and the like. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the thickness of the removable aperture panel 20 is between about 0.191 mm (0.0075 inches) and about 0.330 mm (0.013 inches), the width of the opening score 18 at its top is approximately 0.178 mm (0.007 inches), the width of the score land 50 is between about 0.025 mm (0.001 inches) and about 0.076 mm (0.003 inches). Ta is between about 0.051 mm (0.002 inches) and about 0.127 mm (0.005 inches) and Tb is between about 0.064 mm (0.0025 inches) and about 1.140 mm (0.055 inches).

The score residual at thinner end 50x of score land 50 tends to fracture more readily than that at thicker end 50y. This tendency is an advantage in controlling the location of the fracture within the opening score 8. The cross sectional structure of the opening score 18 is configured such that the residual score land 50 remains attached to the aperture panel 20 rather than to the lip 44 (that is, because the score residual at land outer end 50x is thinner than that at land inner end 50y), therefore leaving the lip 44 with a smoother configuration. Because the metal burr remains on the tear panel and not on the edge of the can end 14 still attached to the beverage can 10, the beverage can 10 is therefore safe to drink from and will not cut the consumer's lip.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an enlarged cross-sectional view of the outer end 50x of the score land 50 of the opening score 8 of FIG. 6 taken along the line B-B is shown. In the embodiment shown, a check slot 54 is formed in the opening score 18 for safe venting. The check slot 54 is a 'top hat' feature in the score profile to enable safe venting on opening, preventing the fracture from propagating as energy is released from the beverage can 10. More particularly, the check slot 54 is a short length within the score track that is designed to leave a small reduction in the depth of the opening score 18, or increase in the score residual, that requires an increase in tear force to overcome compared to the remainder of the opening score 18. This increase in force stops the opening score 18 from opening too quickly (i.e. 'checking' it), and can act as a delay to allow venting to occur, or to prevent explosive uncontrolled opening. In the present embodiment, the check slot 54 has a step height Tc of between about 0.025 mm (0.001 inches) and about 0.076 mm (0.003 inches) and a length L of between about 1 .02 mm (0.040 inches) and about 10.16 mm (0.400 inches). However, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed dimensions of the check slot 54. The step height Tc and the length L of the check slot 54 depend on the score geometry and the location of the check slot 54 on the end panel 16. The dimensions of the check slot 54 are chosen such that the high internal pressure vents safely to ambient pressure before the check slot 54 is overcome as the user continues to lift the tab 24 and open the end panel 6. Although provided in this embodiment with the vent score 22, check slots can be used in the opening score 18 when no separate vent score is present and in such embodiments, the opening score 18 through the provision of the check slot 54 also performs the safe venting function. Furthermore, in other embodiments, check slots can also be used in a separate vent score to arrest propagation of the rupture as the pressurised gas escapes, thereby preventing the vent score from blowing open or possible tearing of the end panel 16 beyond the end of the vent score track.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 , 5 and 6, for a given score, the structure and operation of the tab 24 affects the reliability and predictability of the opening score fracture. If the nose portion 28 of the tab 24 is too far from the opening score 18, the can end 14 may fracture between the opening score 18 and the anti-fracture score 42 or within the anti-fracture score 42, rather than solely in the opening score 18. Measured upon actuation of the tab 24, when the nose portion 28 of the tab 24 first contacts the can end 14 (before the opening score fracture), the nose portion 28 of the tab 24 preferably does not span across the opening score 18 to touch the outer score wall 48x. Preferably, the nose portion 28 of the tab 24, upon contact with the can end 14, is at the centreline of the opening score 18 or on the aperture panel 20, within about 0.127 mm (0.005 inches) radially inboard of the inner edge 52 of the opening score 18 (see FIG. 6). More preferably, the nose portion 28 of the tab 24 is within about 0.051 mm (0.002 inches) radially inboard of the inner edge 52.

The location of the nose portion 28 of the tab 24 may also measured with the tab 24 in its at-rest state before actuation. In this state, the nose portion 28 of the tab 24 preferably is between 0.000 and about 0.203 mm (0.008 inches) from the inner edge 52 of the opening score 18, and more preferably between 0.000 and about 0.127 mm (0.005 inches), as measured radially inwardly from the inner edge 52. The difference in location of the nose portion 28 of the tab 24 relative to the opening score 18 between its initial contact state and its at-rest state is due to shunting during the tab actuation process. The tab 24 shunts forward during the actuation and opening process by about 0.76 mm (0.003 inches), mostly because of deflection of the end panel 16 near the rivet formation 26 and opening of the vent score 22. The magnitude of tab nose shunting is also dependant on internal can pressure. In general, a higher internal pressure creates shunting of a corresponding greater magnitude. The dimensions provided for tab nose location relative to the opening score 18 may be measured with a microscope looking straight down on the can end 4.

The location of the nose portion 28 of the tab 24 relative to the opening score 18 may be chosen according to the design parameters of a particular can end 14, for example main score configuration, tab design, vent score design, internal pressure, and other factors that will be understood by persons familiar with can end engineering and design upon considering the present specification.

The operation of the can end 14 will now be described below.

When the can end 4 is used in conjunction with a can body 12 to package pressurized contents (i.e. over 20 psi), it may be opened by a consumer by gripping the lifting ring 30 and pulling the lifting ring 30 upwardly, causing the tab 24 to pivot around the rivet formation 26.

As the gripping tab 24 pivots about the rivet formation 26, the nose portion 28 will move downwardly and exert a downward force on the end panel 6 at or near the opening score 18. Before the end panel 16 is bent downwardly enough to initiate rupture of the opening score 18 however, sufficient tension is formed in the end panel 16 in the area near the vent score 22 to cause a rupture of the vent score 22. The force and moment applied to rivet formation 26, and the corresponding local deflection of the end panel 16, ruptures the vent score 22 creating a vent hole. Preferably, the vent score 22 takes the form of a flap, such that internal pressure in the beverage can 10 causes the fracture of the vent score 22 to rupture without arresting, thereby deflecting the flap to vent pressures of greater than about 207 kPa (30 psi), such as 241 kPa (35 psi), 276kPa (40psi), 310kPa (45psi), 344kPa (50psi), 379kPa (55psi), 412kPa (60psi), 448kPa (65psi), 483 kPa (70 psi), 586 kPa (85 psi), and 621 kPa (90 psi) and higher pressures. As described above, in alternative embodiments, the vent score 22 may include some check slots to arrest vent score rupture on initial opening, so venting occurs through a ruptured portion of the vent score 22 between the check slots and adjacent to the rivet formation 26.

Pressurised gas within the beverage can 10 will be permitted to vent through the rupture in the vent score 22. The flow of pressurised gas will tend to be directed harmlessly at an oblique angle beneath the fingers of the consumer across the top of the end panel 16 so as not to present a hazard to the consumer. Venting of the internal pressure also enables the opening score 18 to be more easily ruptured initially without affecting the integrity of the opening score 18 because the internal pressure is no longer pushing upwards on the underside of the end panel 16 in opposition to the downward force from the nose portion 28 on the public side of the end panel 16.

After the can end 1 has vented, the user continues to lift the lifting ring 30 upwardly, which causes the nose portion 28 of the tab 24 to press on the end panel 16 close to the opening score 18. The nose portion 28 of the tab 24 severs the opening score 18 at the land outer end 50x. The user then pulls up on the tab 24 to break the remainder of the opening score 18. Preferably, the fracture propagates around the removable aperture panel 20 at land outer end 50x such that the residual score land 50 is attached to the removable aperture panel 20. The lip 44 remains part of the can assembly 10 and ideally has the cross sectional structure of a fillet (that is, a cross-sectionai structure wherein a significant portion of the score residual associated with land 50 does not remain attached).

Once the opening score 18 has completely severed, the resulting aperture panel 20 can be discarded and the user can drink directly from the aperture in the can end 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a perspective view of the can end 14 of the beverage can 10 of FIG. 1 before the can end 14 is secured to the can body 12 and an enlarged cross-sectional view of the unseamed can end of FIG. 8 taken along the line C-C are shown. As can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, the unseamed can end 14 includes the end panel 16 that is to be seamed onto a body of the beverage can 10 and a circumferentially extending end curl or seaming flange 56 that is constructed and arranged to be interfolded with an end flange of the can body 12 using a double seaming process. In the present embodiment, the end panel 16 is substantially planar in its unseamed or unpressurized state.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a perspective view of the can end 14 of FIG. 8 without the tab 24 is provided to show the vent score 22 more clearly. With reference to both FIGS. 8 and 10, the vent score 22 is configured to enable safe and controlled venting of the pressurized, filled beverage can 10. The vent score 22 also promotes flexibility and provides a hinge point for the tab 24 when the tab 24 is lifted. In the present embodiment, the vent score 22 is a relatively short score, relative to the opening score 18, stamped into the end panel 16 distal from the opening score 18 and ruptures open when the tab 24 is lifted giving rise to the characteristic 'fsszzt' sound as the pressurized gas escapes through the ruptured vent score 22. The vent score 22 is designed to break before the opening score 18 as the tab 24 is lifted by the lifting ring 30 to vent the internal pressure in the filled beverage can 10. In the present embodiment, the vent score 22 is formed behind the rivet formation 26 in the direction towards the centre of the end panel 16 in order to relieve the internal pressure that exists within the filled beverage can 10, and thereby avoid explosion as the filled beverage can 10 is opened by pivoting of the tab 24 about the rivet formation 26. Without the vent score 22, the can end 14 could potentially blow off in the hands of the consumer as soon as the tab nose 28 ruptures the score and could 'missile' from the beverage can 10, propelled by the escaping pressurized gas. The most frequently used shape for the vent score 22 is curved like a man's moustache and therefore these scores are generally known as "moustache scores", although other combinations of arcs and lines of the vent score are also possible.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , a perspective view of a small capacity, full aperture beverage can 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The beverage can 100 includes a can body 102 and a can end 104 including an end panel 106 seamed onto the can body 102. In this embodiment, the beverage holding capacity of the can body 102 shown is 180 ml and the can body 102 has a diameter of about 52 mm (i.e., around 2 inches). Referring now to FIG. 12, a perspective view of a small capacity, full aperture beverage can 150 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The beverage can 150 includes a can body 152 and a can end 154 including an end panel 156 seamed onto the can body 152. In this embodiment, the beverage holding capacity of the can body 152 shown is 250 ml and the can body 152 has a diameter of about 52 mm (i.e., around 2 inches).

The small capacity, full aperture beverage can and the corresponding can end of the present invention may be made by conventional canning methods. Accordingly, a detailed description of the method of manufacture is not required for a complete understanding of the present invention. As is evident from the foregoing discussion, the present invention provides a small capacity beverage can and a full aperture can end for the same. Advantageously, due to the small capacity and the full aperture of the beverage can, the beverage can of the present invention is particularly suitable for holding alcoholic beverages for down-in-one toasting. While preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the claims. Further, unless the context dearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising" and the like are to be construed in an inclusive as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".