Jerry
Cans "Jerry cans" are so-named because they were originally designed and stockpiled for the German Wehrmacht during the build-up to WWII. Originally they were called: Wehrmachtskanister. (Jerry being a disparaging wartime name for Germany and Germans) A Jerry Can has the following (user) design aspects: + They can be stacked with little wasted space; + Their three handles allow easy carrying by either one or two people; + The handle design also allows for two empty cans to be carried in each hand. + The small built-in air space allows for expansion while minimizing condensation, and ensures that they'll float even when full; + The US version of the jerrycan is covered by military specification MIL-C-1283; + The sides of the can are marked with cross-like indentations that strengthen the can while allowing the contents to expand, as did do air pockets under the handles if the can is filled correctly. + It uses a cam lever release mechanism with a short spout secured with a snap closure and an air-pipe to the air pocket which enables smooth pouring (which is omitted in some copies). + Typically, the following NATO color coding is used:
For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerrycan |