Abstract: Apparatus which includes a container having a side wall, a top end and a bottom end for containing a product under pressure, a raised top end and/or bottom end to provide increased headspace, and, when needed, an internal splash guard for preventing the splashing of the contents when opening of the container. The splash guard may include an internal bead formed in a side wall of the container and may also include an additional internal bead formed in the top end of the container. Headspace may also be increased by reducing the diameter of the concavity formed in the top end. The concavity may also be formed in the bottom end or both the top and bottom end and the top end may comprise an easy open end.

Abstract: A thin walled, easily crushable container with an integral or seamed-on bottom is filled with an edible material which requires sterilization. The empty container has one end attached or integral that may have a concave slope relative to the inside of the container. A liquified or solidified inert gas is then inserted into the container. The container is then sealed with a concave shaped end before the inert liquified or solidified gas has completely vaporized. The ends are such that they do not bulge under the pressure left after sterilization, which pressure is due to the pressurization effect of the inert gas and which pressure is enough to overcome the vacuum caused by the cooling of hot water vapor or steam above the edible material and gives the can the required rigidity.