EP1082264B1 - Utensil for opening containers with screwed lids - Google Patents

Description

Current utensils intended to unclog containers by unscrewing the cover oblige the operator to hold firmly with the hand not occupied by the utensil the container to prevent it from turning sometimes without reaching it when the tightening torque of the cover is too strong or the product contents "glued" the cover.

These utensils only serve to have a better grip and greater leverage on the cover.

A possible alternative is the simultaneous use of a locking utensil for the lid and a blocking for the container making the operation tedious and unsafe for the contents of the container at the brutal moment of release.

The invention relates to a utensil for unclogging containers with screw-on lid particularly suitable for unscrewing the "twist-off" lid of a semi-preserved glass jar food.

This simple and inexpensive utensil has the major advantage to have only one screwing action on the handle operation to obtain the unscrewing of the cover with a low effort to provide.

Automatic return against indexing stops in position initial link arm and operating handle, secured by adequate springs makes this utensil usable by any normally constituted human, even ignoring the meaning of usual unscrewing of a container lid.

The addition of a "ratchet" system, possibly geared down and / or disengageable, the operating handle can facilitate its use.

This utensil for unclogging containers with a screwed lid, basically consists of a wedging system of cover by self-locking in rotation integrating the system rotation causing self-jamming by driving by means of a strap tightened under the lid on the container.

d'une plaque de coincement de couvercle à tenir d'une main sur le couvercle à dévisser comportant à sa surface inférieure deux parois de préférence orthogonales à la plaque, montées face à face, mais non parallèles adaptées à faire buter le couvercle par sa périphérie, l'adhérence d'une des parois étant adaptée à faire rouler sans glissement le bord du couvercle d'un récipient en rotation dévissante, le bord du couvercle étant soumis au patinage contre l'autre paroi jusqu'au coincement du couvercle,

et d'un ruban flexible réalisé en matière souple mais adhérente et peu extensible telle qu'une courroie en caoutchouc armé formant une boucle à monter autour du récipient de préférence à un niveau proche du couvercle du récipient à introduire sous la plaque de coincement de couvercle, cette boucle étant fermée au niveau de son montage sur un tambour d'enroulement de manière à s'y enrouler par pivotement de sa poignée de manoeuvre solidaire actionnée de l'autre main, pivotement, selon un axe de rotation de préférence orthogonal à la plaque, à l'extrémité libre d'un bras de liaison monté lui-même pivotant selon un axe colinéaire à l'axe du tambour, sur la plaque de coincement de couvercle de préférence à proximité de l'aplomb de la paroi de roulement de couvercle.

This utensil consists of:

of a cover clamping plate to be held with one hand on the cover to be unscrewed comprising at its lower surface two walls preferably orthogonal to the plate, mounted face to face, but not parallel adapted to cause the cover to abut by its periphery , the adhesion of one of the walls being adapted to roll without sliding the edge of the lid of a container in deviating rotation, the edge of the lid being subjected to slipping against the other wall until the lid jams,

and a flexible tape made of flexible but adherent material and not very extensible such as a reinforced rubber strap forming a loop to be mounted around the container preferably at a level close to the lid of the container to be introduced under the lid clamping plate , this loop being closed at the level of its mounting on a winding drum so as to be wound there by pivoting of its integral operating handle actuated with the other hand, pivoting, according to an axis of rotation preferably orthogonal to the plate, at the free end of a link arm mounted itself pivoting along an axis collinear with the axis of the drum, on the cover wedging plate preferably near the vertical line of the bearing wall of lid.

• au moins une paroi de butée de couvercle est réglable en écartement par rapport à l'autre pour s'adapter aux différents diamètres de couvercles à dévisser.
• la plaque de coincement de couvercle comporte entre parois une échancrure permettant au tambour d'enroulement du ruban de venir entrainer des récipients de petits diamètres.
• la distance entre l'axe de pivotement du bras de liaison sur la plaque de coincement de couvercle et l'axe de pivotement du tambour est variable. par exemple par translation au moyen d'un trou oblong au niveau d'au moins un des deux axes.
• au moins une paroi située sous la plaque de coincement de couvercle présente une surface plane ou incurvée.
• la plaque de coincement de couvercle comporte un prolongement opposé à la zone de travail du bras de liaison formant poignée de maintien.
• un aimant est rapporté sous la plaque de coincement de couvercle entre les deux parois pour favoriser le maintien d'un couvercle métallique sensible à l'attraction magnétique contre la plaque de coincement après ouverture du récipient.
• Dans un mode de réalisation très particulier d'un dispositif selon l'invention dont l'entrainement du récipient ne nécessiterai qu'un faible pivotement du tambour d'enroulement, la poignée de manoeuvre du tambour d'enroulement de boucle de courroie pourrait être directement solidaire du tambour d'enroulement ou de la partie d'axe supérieure au tambour sous le bras de liaison, à l'opposé de la boucle de courroie.

In particular embodiments:

• at least one cover stop wall is adjustable in spacing with respect to the other to adapt to the different diameters of covers to be unscrewed.
• the cover wedging plate has a notch between the walls allowing the ribbon winding drum to come into contact with containers of small diameters.
• the distance between the pivot axis of the link arm on the cover clamping plate and the pivot axis of the drum is variable. for example by translation by means of an oblong hole at the level of at least one of the two axes.
• at least one wall located under the cover clamping plate has a flat or curved surface.
• the cover clamping plate has an extension opposite to the working area of the link arm forming a support handle.
• a magnet is attached under the cover clamping plate between the two walls to promote the maintenance of a metal cover sensitive to magnetic attraction against the jamming plate after opening the container.
• In a very particular embodiment of a device according to the invention, the drive of the container of which requires only a slight pivoting of the winding drum, the operating handle of the belt loop winding drum could be directly secured to the winding drum or to the upper axle part of the drum under the link arm, opposite the belt loop.

We will now describe in more detail a device according to the invention which will better understand the characteristics essentials and the advantages, it being understood however that these embodiments are chosen by way of example and that they are in no way limiting.

Les figures 1 et 2 représentent schématiquement en "A" la vue de dessous et en "B" la vue de côté du dispositif selon l'invention dans deux étapes de son utilisation.

Les figures 1-A et 1-B montrent :

une plaque de coincement de couvercle (1) approximativement carrée avec les deux parois de butée de couvercle orthogonales face à face non parallèles, la paroi de glissement (4) et la paroi de roulement (2) du couvercle, cette dernière étant pourvue d'une bande de frottement (3) rapportée, une courroie (5) en boucle fermée fixée sur le tambour d'enroulement (6) pourvu d'une poignée de manoeuvre (7) pivote par un axe (25) sur le bras de liaison (8) pivotant lui même sur la plaque de coincement de couvercle (1) par un axe (9).

Their description is illustrated by the appended drawings in which:

Figures 1 and 2 schematically show in "A" the bottom view and in "B" the side view of the device according to the invention in two stages of its use.

Figures 1-A and 1-B show:

a cover wedge plate (1) approximately square with the two orthogonal cover stop walls facing each other not parallel, the sliding wall (4) and the rolling wall (2) of the cover, the latter being provided with an added friction strip (3), a closed loop belt (5) fixed on the winding drum (6) provided with an operating handle (7) pivots by an axis (25) on the link arm ( 8) pivoting itself on the cover clamping plate (1) by an axis (9).

All parts can be made of material plastic or metallic with suitable adhesion for rolling wall (2) and the belt (5) obtained by adequate surface roughness and / or by an adhesive material rubber type.

The mounting of the belt (5) is carried out by fixing radial or tangent to the winding drum (6) of the ends an open strap mounted side by side forming a loop closed or by simply fitting a fixed closed strap tangentially to the drum (6) or partially included in the drum (6), these means being able to be produced by retaining mechanical such as a staple or locking screw, or by insertion of the belt (5) during the molding of the drum winding (6) or directly by simultaneous molding of the belt (5) and drum (6).

In figure 1-B the operator's left hand (10) holds the plate (1) and will mount the belt (5) around the container (11) under the cover (12), the container being placed on a work plan (13).

Figures 2-A and 2-B show the moment of unscrewing of cover when the operator has already manually inserted the cover (12) of the container (11) between the walls (2, 4) of cover stop, his left hand (10) holds the plate (1) wedge on the cover (12), while his right hand (14) pivots the operating handle (7) winding up the belt (5) on the winding drum (6) tensioning and compressing strongly on the container (11) (figure 2-A), driving the container (11) in rotation along a trajectory imposed by the link arm (8).

The cover (12) rolls on the wall (2) and slides on the wall (4) until jamming, the drive torque in rotation of the container increasing until it becomes greater than the torque of tightening of the cover (12) on the container (11) causing the unscrewing the cover (12).

- In Figure 2-B is partially shown a classic jar-type container with lid (12) "twist off" which has a throttle (15) under the thread (14) for the cover (12) particularly suitable for correct positioning of the belt (5) of the device according to the invention. This shape closer to reality was not used for a problem of clarity of drawing in view from below of Figures 1-A and 2-A.

In this case, the drum (6) advantageously has an upper and / or lower chamfer (16) or other form suitable for not compromising the belt pressure (5) on the container (11) by untimely stop of the drum (6) against the container (11).

Figure 3 shows an exploded view from below a "advanced" device according to the invention provided with improvements allowing unscrewing with the same device small and large covers.

• La plaque (1) comporte une paroi de glissement (4) pivotante au niveau d'un axe (17) et une butée réglable en deux positions constituées d'un cylindre coulissant (18) dans un trou oblong (19) adéquat de la paroi de glissement (4), le cylindre coulissant (18) ayant deux positions possibles au niveau de la plaque de coincement (1) dans deux trous de butée (20) reliés entres eux par un couloir de passage (21), le réglage étant obtenu manuellement par coulissement de l'axe (18) d'un trou de butée (20) à l'autre modifiant la distance entre parois (2,4). Ce système peut être avantageusement assisté par un quelconque dispositif de verrouillage en position.
  D'autres systèmes simples de réglages d'écartement de(s) paroi(s) par translation ou rotation au moyens de levier(s) ou d'exentrique(s) ou autres moyens peuvent être appliqués au dispositif selon l'invention.
• La plaque (1) comporte deux trous pour goupilles "mécanindus" (22) de fixation d'une paroi (2) de roulement à surface plane ou à surface convexe (23) ou à surface concave (24) éventuellement pourvues d'un revêtement (3) à l'adhérence adaptée.
• La plaque (1) comporte l'axe de pivotement (9) du bras de liaison (8) monté au niveau d'un trou oblong (26) dans le bras de liaison (8) permettant aussi sa translation, le bras de liaison (8) comportant un trou (27) formant palier à l'axe de pivotement du tambour d'enroulement (6) par sa poignée de manoeuvre (7), la courroie (5) étant fixée sur le tambour d'enroulement (6).
• La plaque (1) comporte une poignée (30) de maintien ergonomique constituée d'un prolongement adéquat de la plaque (1) opposée à la "zone de travail" du bras de liaison (8), cette "zone de travail" correspondant à la surface décrite par le bras de liaison (8) lors de son pivotement.

This device was the subject of an operational prototype made of plastic material, the plan of which is included in the Soleau envelope No. 14171.

• The plate (1) comprises a sliding wall (4) pivoting at the level of an axis (17) and an adjustable stop in two positions consisting of a sliding cylinder (18) in a suitable oblong hole (19) in the wall sliding (4), the sliding cylinder (18) having two possible positions at the level of the wedging plate (1) in two stop holes (20) connected together by a passage passage (21), the adjustment being obtained manually by sliding the axis (18) from one abutment hole (20) to the other modifying the distance between walls (2,4). This system can advantageously be assisted by any device for locking in position.
  Other simple systems for adjusting the spacing of the wall (s) by translation or rotation by means of lever (s) or of eccentric (s) or other means can be applied to the device according to the invention.
• The plate (1) has two holes for "mechanical" pins (22) for fixing a rolling wall (2) with a flat surface or with a convex surface (23) or with a concave surface (24) possibly provided with a coating. (3) with suitable grip.
• The plate (1) has the pivot axis (9) of the link arm (8) mounted at an oblong hole (26) in the link arm (8) also allowing its translation, the link arm ( 8) comprising a hole (27) forming a bearing on the pivot axis of the winding drum (6) by its operating handle (7), the belt (5) being fixed on the winding drum (6).
• The plate (1) comprises a handle (30) for ergonomic holding consisting of an adequate extension of the plate (1) opposite the "work area" of the link arm (8), this "work area" corresponding to the surface described by the link arm (8) during its pivoting.

Figure 4 shows in bottom view the same "advanced" device set for unscrewing a cover large diameter, the sliding wall (4) being in the position of greatest spacing between walls (2, 4), this sliding wall (4) which may include at least one surface flat, convex (23) or concave (24), the winding drum (6) is in abutment at an adequate extension (28) of the plate (1) in the waiting position for inserting the cover.

This same waiting position could have been obtained by simple abutment of the link arm against an element linked to the plate (1) projecting from its upper surface forming a stop.

Figure 5 shows the device of Figure 4 to the moment of unscrewing the large diameter cover (12), the winding drum (6) compressing the belt (5) on the container, the link arm (8) having pivoted and small translation on its pivot axis (9) reducing the distance between the winding drum (6) and the axis of pivot (9), the winding drum (6) penetrating into the notch (29) arranged in the plate (1) between the walls (2, 4) for this purpose.

Figure 6 shows the same device as in Figure previous to the moment of unscrewing a small cover diameter, the sliding wall (4) being adjusted in the position of smallest distance between walls (2, 4), the arm link (8) having made a larger translation on its pivot axis (9), the winding drum (6) having wound up a longer length of belt loop (5) and penetrated deeper into the notch (29) of the plate (1).

• la paroi de frottement (2) formée par pliage perpendiculaire, et emboutissage au dos créant les aspérités de surface (non représenté),
• la poignée de maintien (33) roulée pour ergonomie et raideur,
• l'axe (17) de pivotement d'une paroi de glissement (4) constituée par la face d'un tube carré coulissant par un trou oblong (non représenté) au niveau de l'axe (17) et par le rivet de coulissement (51) solidaire du tube carré, au niveau de la découpe (20,21,20) idem figure 4. L'ensemble du tube carré coulisse pour pivoter, un ressort de compression non représenté monté dans le tube carré pris entre le rivet (51) et l'axe (17) assure le verrouillage du réglage choisi,
• l'axe (9) de pivotement du bras de liaison (8) autorisant la translation par un trou oblong (26), la position initiale du bras de liaison étant obtenue par le maintien du bras de liaison (8) contre une proéminence (34) de la plaque (1) formant butée par un ressort (35) de traction dont une spire d'extrémité est montée dans un trou (36) de la plaque (1) et l'autre dans un trou (37) du bras de liaison (8).

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention, the plate (1) of which covers the stamped sheet steel cover:

• the friction wall (2) formed by perpendicular folding, and stamping on the back creating the surface roughness (not shown),
• the rolled handle (33) for ergonomics and stiffness,
• the pivot axis (17) of a sliding wall (4) constituted by the face of a square tube sliding by an oblong hole (not shown) at the axis (17) and by the sliding rivet (51) integral with the square tube, at the cutout (20,21,20) idem figure 4. The whole of the square tube slides to pivot, a compression spring not shown mounted in the square tube caught between the rivet ( 51) and the axis (17) locks the chosen setting,
• the axis (9) of pivoting of the link arm (8) authorizing translation by an oblong hole (26), the initial position of the link arm being obtained by holding the link arm (8) against a prominence (34 ) of the plate (1) forming a stop by a tension spring (35), one end turn of which is mounted in a hole (36) in the plate (1) and the other in a hole (37) in the arm of link (8).

The axes (17,9) can be formed by adding elements mechanical (studs, rivets, ...) or advantageously by adequate punching of the plate sheet (1).

The link arm (8) consisting approximately of a sheet metal rectangle stamped with stamps (19,27,39) suitable, includes an indexing stop (39) in position initial of the operating handle (7) by abutment against a any element of the rotating assembly operating handle (7) -axis (25) - drum (6), in the case described, a stop pin (38) integral with the axis (25) for driving the drum (6).

The drum (6) is taken in the yoke by a winding guide (40) of the belt (5) consisting of a sheet metal rectangle folded in the shape of a lying U whose upper (41) and lower (42) ends are flush with the upper (43) and lower (44) surface of the drum (6) respectively, this winding guide (40) which can act as a bearing for the axis (25) is fixed under the free end (45) of the link arm (8) which has a shape adapted by folding to support the winding guide (40).
The fixing between the free end (45) and the guide (40) can be carried out by any means even allowing relative movement between the two parts.

According to a preferred embodiment not shown, the guide (40) and the link arm (8) are made in one piece stamped sheet metal with adequate cuts and folds.

FIG. 8 represents a top view of a device according to the invention provided with a link arm (8) divided into two segments (47,48) articulated between them in a toggle joint along an axis (49) collinear with the axis of rotation (25) of the drum (6). A protrusion on at least one of the two arms forming a hinge stop (50) constitutes the kneepad.
The segments (47,48) advantageously consist approximately of rectangles of stamped sheet metal with holes punched at the axes (9,49,25) and the hinge stop (50) of which is formed by folding.
The mounting of a tension spring (35) between the arm (48) supporting the drum (6) and the plate (1) ensures the initial position of this particular link arm (8) which has the advantage of varying the center distance (9.25) without oblong hole.

Figure 9 shows schematically in top view several possible embodiments of implantations of belt (5) on the drum (6) and drum shapes winding (6) with axis (25).

FIG. 9A represents three possible implantations of closed or open belt mounted end to end, tangent, radial through the center of the drum, and intermediate.

FIG. 9B represents three possible implantations of open belt side-by-side, radial, tangent, and intermediate.

FIG. 9C represents two possible implantations of belt (5) open with disjoint ends, diametrically opposite on the drum (6), in the same direction, and diametrically opposite in opposite directions.

The many possible combinations of end mounting not diametrically opposite are not represented.

• cylindrique à axe de rotation non central formant une came,
• ovoíde formant une came,
• ovoíde à axe central formant deux cames,
• triangulaire à sommets arrondis et axe central formant trois cames,
• carré à sommets arrondis et axe central formant quatre cames.

Figure 9D shows five possible drum shapes (6):

• cylindrical with non-central axis of rotation forming a cam,
• ovoid forming a cam,
• ovoid with central axis forming two cams,
• triangular with rounded apices and central axis forming three cams,
• square with rounded tops and central axis forming four cams.

Other possible polygonal shapes forming several cams are not shown.

Naturally, the invention is in no way limited by the peculiarities which have been specified in the above or by the details of the particular embodiments chosen to illustrate the invention. All kinds of variations can be made to particular achievements that have been described by way of example and their constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention. This last thus includes all means constituting equivalents techniques of the means described and their combinations.

Summary of the description of the device US 5313857

The device described makes it possible to open or close containers to screwed covers (column 1 line 4 to line 8).

1) l'ensemble 20 de dévissage (ou vissage) constitué de mâchoires 36 38 coulissantes contraintes par des ressorts 56, tirées par des câbles 76, et pilotées par la poignée 70 pour serrer le couvercle à dévisser.

2) L'ensemble 22 qui assiste l'ouverture par percussion au moyen d'un système de cames 132 134 commandées par une poignée tournante 148 (FIG 4) (Col.4 ligne 47 à Col.5 ligne 12) pour aider à décoller le couvercle.

3) L'ensemble 24 bati de positionnement du récipient à poser entre les pieds 212 de sa partie basse (FIG 6) et comportant une courroie flexible 200 dont une extrémité 202 est fixée dans un logement adéquat de l'élément 204 206 lié au bati, et dont l'autre extrémité de la courroie 200 est montée sur un arbre vertical 108 (Col.4 ligne 15 à ligne 18) pivotant enroulant la courroie, permettant d'immobiliser fermement le récipient contre toute rotation (Col.4 ligne 13 et ligne 32)

The system consists of three elementary assemblies (Col.2 line 7 to line 15).

1) the unscrewing (or screwing) assembly 20 consisting of sliding jaws 36 38 constrained by springs 56, pulled by cables 76, and controlled by the handle 70 to tighten the cover to be unscrewed.

2) The assembly 22 which assists the opening by percussion by means of a system of cams 132 134 controlled by a rotary handle 148 (FIG 4) (Col.4 line 47 to Col.5 line 12) to help take off lid.

3) The assembly 24 frame for positioning the container to be placed between the feet 212 of its lower part (FIG 6) and comprising a flexible belt 200, one end 202 of which is fixed in a suitable housing for the element 204 206 linked to the frame , and whose other end of the belt 200 is mounted on a vertical shaft 108 (Col.4 line 15 to line 18) pivoting winding the belt, making it possible to immobilize the container firmly against any rotation (Col.4 line 13 and line 32)

Summary of the operation of the device US 5313857

1- Unfolding of the device to be placed on its feet 212

2- Introduction of the bottom of the container into the loop of the strap by placing the container between the feet 212 of the bati 24 support for telescopic rods 190 188.

3- if necessary disengage the ratchet 210 and unwind manual belt length adapted to the diameter of the container (Col.4 line 26 to line 31).

4- tightening of the belt 200 on the container, by winding of the belt on the vertical shaft 108 at by means of the ratchet handle 210, to immobilize the rotating container.

5- installation of the unscrewing assembly 20 on the cover to unscrew.

6- clamping of jaws 36 38 on the cover to be unscrewed with handles 70 118,

7- counterclockwise rotation of the unscrewing assembly 20 for unscrew the cover

8- if necessary rotation of the handle 148 of the percussion to help unscrew the cover,

comparative summary of the device US 5,313,857 A with the present device in description and operation

• The very complex unscrewing assembly 20 has no points common with this device.
• Percussion set 22 does not exist in the present device.
• The set 24 immediately resembles only apparent the use of a strap.

The belt of the device US 5,313,857 A:

• dont une extrémité est montée fixe au niveau d'une pièce liée au bati,
• d'une longueur suffisante pour former une boucle autour de récipients de différents diamétres,
• dont l'autre extrémité est montée sur un arbre vertical pouvant l'enrouler pour diminuer la longueur de boucle et obtenir, par sa mise en tension maintenue par le cliquet du dispositif d'enroulement de courroie, l'immobilisation en rotation par serrage du récipient depuis le point fixe.

(Col. 4 line 15 to line 25) It is a flexible belt:

• one end of which is fixedly mounted at the level of a part linked to the frame,
• of sufficient length to form a loop around containers of different diameters,
• the other end of which is mounted on a vertical shaft capable of winding it to reduce the length of the loop and obtaining, by its tensioning maintained by the pawl of the belt winding device, immobilization in rotation by tightening the container from the fixed point.

The fixed point of the belt is the constant point of tangency of the container immobilized in the device whatever its diameter. It is necessary to immobilize the container.

Anyway, the tightening action of the container has no effect on unscrewing the cover.

this belt mounted with a fixed (static) end is a simple container immobilization belt by tightening the container which is similar to a simple ratchet lashing strap mounted at a fixed position.

The belt of this device:

It is a belt mounted in closed loop fixed on a winding drum (P4 L11 and L12), therefore without static point. (Page 5 L10 to L14) it is a dynamic drive belt of the container by tightening on the container. "Driving the container in rotation along a trajectory" (P5 line 13)

A single belt tightening action causes rotation of the container which creates the blocking of the lid in the device cover jamming and unscrewing the cover.

In conclusion :

• the only resemblance between the device US 5 313 857 A and the present device is the use of a tight strap on the container, a simple resemblance in appearance since Les belts are mounted differently for an application different.
• the specific assembly and the particular application of the Prior art belt US 5,313,857 A does not disclose no characteristic of the device described in this document.
• none of the 8 actions described for the operation of the device US 5,313,857 A does not exist for the operation of the present device.

Document US 5,313,857 A does not anticipate the present document.

Claims (10)

1. An apparatus for opening containers (11) with screw-off lids (12), characterized by consisting essentially of a device to clamp the lid (12) by self-clamping by rotation between two walls (2, 4) mounted to face each other, but not parallel, so that the lid (12) is blocked by one wall (2), the adherent surface of which obliges the edge (31) of the lid (12) of the container (11) to roll without sliding in the direction necessary to unscrew, the lid (12) sliding along the other wall (4) until the lid (12) is wedged between the walls, said self-clamping arrangement including a rotation mechanism causisng the self-wedging that is driven by a belt (5) tightened around the container (11) below the lid (12), preferably at the level of the necking (15) under the screw threads (14).
2. An apparatus in conformity with claim 1 characterized by its consisting of :

   a lid-wedging plate (1) held by one hand on the lid (12) to be unscrewed, having on the plate's under surface (30) two walls (2,4), preferably at right angles to the plate (1),

   and in addition by having a flexible ribbon made of supple but adherent material that cannot be stretched much such as a belt (5) of reinforced rubber in the shape of a loop to encircle the container (11), said loop, which is closed where it is mounted on a winding drum (6), winds around the drum when the drum is pivoted by its firmly-attached handle (7) moved by the other hand, said drum pivoting on an axle (25) that is prefereably at a right angle to the plate, at the free end (45) of a connecting arm (8) which also pivots on an axle (9) parallel to the axle (25) of the drum (6), on the lid-wedging plate (1), preferably close to the perpendicular surface of the adherent wall (2).
3. A device according to the preceding claim characterized by having at least one of the lid-blocking walls (2,4) adjustable to vary the spread between the walls to fit various diameters of twist-off lids (12).
4. A device according to any of the preceding claims further characterized by a channelling (29) in the lid-wedging plate (1) between the walls (2,4) to allow the belt-winding drum (6) to move closer to small-diameter containers (11) in order to rotate them.
5. A device according to any of the preceding claims further characterized by an oblong slot (19) in the connecting arm (8) at the level of at least one of the two axles (9, 25) to let the connecting arm travel to vary the distance between the axle (9) of the connecting arm (8) on the lid-wedging plate (1) and the axle (25) of the drum (6).
6. A device according to claims 1 to 4 further characterized by a connecting arm (8) that is divided into at least two segments (47, 48) jointed to form an elbow in the plane of the lid-wedging plate (1).
7. A device according to any of the preceding claims further characterized by a lid-wedging plate (1) with an extension opposite the working zone of the connecting arm (8) to make a handle (33) to hold the device.
8. A device according to any of the preceding claims further characterized by a belt-winding guide (40) on the drum (6) shaped like a U lying on its side with the upper side (41) and lower side (42) barely touching the upper surface (43) and lower surface (44) of the drum (6), said belt-winding drive being mounted preferably under the free end (45) of the connecting arm (8).
9. A device according to any of the preceding claims further characterized by a stop (39) to halt the operating handle (7) at its starting position, said stop being integral with the lid-wedging plate (1) or the connecting arm (8).
10. A device like any of those described in the preceding claims characterized by a connecting arm (8) with at least one element to restore the starting position, such as a traction spring (35) with one end coil attached to the lid-wedging plate (1) and the other end coil attached to the connecting arm (8).

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