Multi-purpose opener

• US 7,004,049 B2
• Filed: 04/26/2004
• Issued: 02/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Union Lucky Industrial Limited
• Original Assignee: Shun So
• Inventors: So, Shun
• Primary Examiner(s): Meislin, Debra S
• Application Number:
  US10/832,071
• Publication Number:
  US 20040255722A1
• Time in Patent Office: 673 Days
• Field of Search: 81/30.9, 81/30.8, 81/33.3, 81/32.7, 81/34, 81/34.4, 81/35.5, 81/35.7, 81/34.8, 715/2, 715/6, 30416-418, 304/22, 304/24, 304/25, 304/40
• US Class Current: 81/3.09
• CPC Class Codes: B67B 7/32 propelled by rotary gears or wheels around periphery of container
• CPC Class Codes: B67B 7/403 adapted for engaging the ring of a pull tab for opening an aperture
• CPC Class Codes: B67B 7/406 and subsequently tearing off the top of the can
• CPC Class Codes: B67B 7/44 Combination tools, e.g. comprising cork-screws, can piercers, crowncap removers combinations of opening devices with cutting tools B26; with devices serving other purposes, see appropriate subclasses, e.g. B25F; B43K29/00

Abstract

A multi-purpose opener for removing a closure from a variety of containers has a sleeve having a first end with an opening for receiving a screw cap within the sleeve. The sleeve has an internal wall with one or more projections for engaging the screw cap, and a second end with a slot having a blade for engaging a bottle cap. A handle is integral with the sleeve and extends radically there from. The distal end of the handle has a taper for engaging under the lift tab of drink can. A claw for engaging a ring pull tab of a can is integral with the sleeve and extends tangentially from the sleeve diametrically opposite the handle.

Claims

1. A can opener including:

a first operating element having a first handle member,

a second operating element having a second handle member, the first and second operating elements being pivotally connected to each other,

a traction wheel rotatably mounted with the first operating element,

a cutter blade rotatably mounted with the second operating element, wherein movement of the handles relative to each other moves the traction wheel and cutter blade between an inoperative position to receive a rim of a can therebetween and an operative position in which the traction wheel and cutter blade engage the rim of the can,

the first handle including a sleeve having a first end with an opening for receiving a screw cap within the sleeve, an internal wall including one or more projections for engaging the screw cap, and a second end with a slot and a blade adjacent an edge of the slot, and

the second handle including a tapered portion for engaging under the lift tab of a drink can.

2. The can opener of claim 1 wherein a claw extends tangentially from the sleeve member.

3. The opener of claim 2 wherein the claw includes a heal portion with a smooth transition with the sleeve.

4. The can opener of claim 1 wherein a ring is located with the internal wall of the sleeve and is provided with teeth for engaging the screw cap.

5. The opener of claim 1 wherein there are thicker portions at either side of the tapered portion.

6. The can opener of claim 2 wherein a ring is located with the internal wall of the sleeve and is provided with teeth for engaging the screw cap.

7. The can opener of claim 3 wherein a ring is located with the internal wall of the sleeve and is provided with teeth for engaging the screw cap.

8. The opener of claim 2 wherein there are thicker portions at either side of the tapered portion.

9. The opener of claim 3 wherein there are thicker portions at either side of the tapered portion.

10. The opener of claim 4 wherein there are thicker portions at either side of the tapered portion.