US146677A - Improvement in can-openers - Google Patents

Description

NITE STATES ROBERT n. HUGUNIN,

0F NEW YORK, N. Y.

IMPROVEMENT IN CAN-OPENERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 146,677, dated January 20, 1874;A application iiled December 26, 1873.

To all whom 'it may concern Beit known that I, ROBERT B. HUGUNIN, of the city, county, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Gan-Openers, of which the following is a specification:

This invention consists, iirst, in the construction and use, in combination with an upward-cutting blade, of a non-cutting or stop projection, extending outwardly from the front end of said blade for the purpose of limiting its upward cut, and to cause lthe blade to remain in the cut made in the can till the operation is complete, the process requiring but the upward and downward movement of the handle, and the carrying forward ofthe fulcrum rest and blade, to give a continuous and smooth cut throughout. Secondly, the invention consists in a rigid fulcrum-rest, formed by the end corner edges of an abrupt terminating tang, its terminus being secured or fastened to the blade-tang by fasteninglugs lapping upon each side of the edge of the blade-tang, just back of the intersection of the blade-tang with the blade, the object being to obtain a rigid fulcrum-bearing rest, in close proximity to the handle, for either cutting-edge of the blade. Thirdly, the invention consists in constructing and using, in `combination with the commonly-used can-opener knife blade, of a hand-protecting shield, projecting beyond and over the outer end of the said blade, so as to protect the user from cutting the hand holding the can by the accidental slipping of the knife from contact with solder, or other hard substance, during the operation of opening the can, and also to deprive the knife-blade of its dangerous cutting qualities, however used. Fourthly, the invention consists in constructing and using a `transversely and longitudinally curved or bent hand-protecting or blade shield, the transverse `curve .allowing a less space between the blade and shield, and the longitudinal bend or curve allowing the shield to more fully protect the point of the blade.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a front and side view of my improved device `for opening cans; Fig. 2, detail view showing `the manner of construction, with non-cutting projection, protecting-shiel d, and fulcrum-rest;

Fig. 3, View of theblade and its tang D, and the tang E, having the fulcrum-rest on one side of the blade, so as to be available, whether cutting with the right or left hand, as also is the shield and projection G.`

A, handle in which the blade and fulcruni- I rest tangs are inserted for permanent use; B, knife-blade, made either curved or straight; C, projection from, or extension of, blade'B, being a .narrowed non-cutting continuation of blade B, the end of which continuation is made chisel or point shaped, to enter the can easily, while the sides or edges are made non-cutting by flattening' or rounding them, the object becutting with either edge of the knife, and is on one side of the blade only. It is made or cast with the tang E, which is secured to tang D by a rivet, or .by the two .opposite sides or projections of the rest being bent or riveted down over the tang D. In manufacturing, it is advantageous to have the rest made separate from the steel-piece forming the blade and its tang. H H', fastening-lugs, used for securely attaching the two tangs together, and to resist the pressiue on the fulcrum-rest during the operation of cutting open the can; G, shield, covering the blade B. It is made wider and longer than the blade, so as to protect the hand of the user in case the knife slips, and to render it safe in the hands of children. This shield may be made to conform to the general shape of the blade, whether it be straight or curved, either lengthwise or transversely; and, at a point nearly opposite the end of the cutting-edges of the blade, the shield may be bent or curved inward, covering the line of of direction the blade takes, thus more fully covering the bladeprojecting point. The transverse curve of the inner surface of the shield enables it to work closer to the can, requiring less space between the blade and shield, and enables the operator to cut the top from the can uniformly, near its edge, all

around, in a lsmooth eut, leaving the can t for use afterward, if desired.

This device is also adapted to the opening of Wine-bottles, having their corks'fastened with Wire, the projection of the blade B and shield being both useful for this purpose.

It should be noted that, since the shield is formed with a tang, and, likewise, the blade with a tang, for eonnectin g them With a handle, that either can be removed, in case of breaking, and a new one substituted 5' and, further, I would say, that the shield isI not employed solely as a guide for the blade, its prime object being to cover the blade, so as to prevent its edge or point cutting the hand of the operator, should the implement slip from the can which it is designed to cut.

1 The non-cutting or Vstop projection C, formed on the end of a cutting-blade B, in combination' with a fulcrum-rest, F, and a handle, A, substantially as described.

2. The tang E, having the rigid fulcruni-rest F and fastening lugs H H lapping on the edges of tang D, in combination With tang D, blade B, and handle A, all arranged and connected together substantially as described.

3. The blade B, having a front thrust cuttinged ge, in combination With a .fulcruni-rest, F, and protecting shield G, projecting beyond and over the outer end of said blade, substantially as described.

4. In combination with the cutting-blade B, the transverse and longitudinally curved or bent shield Gr, projecting' beyond the cuttingedge and point or the blade, substantially as described.

R. B. HUG-UNIX.

Vvitnesses: y

A. H. ANoRRis, W. J. PEY'roN.

Images