US2119135A

US2119135A - Container opening device

Info

Publication number: US2119135A
Application number: US78843A
Authority: US
Inventors: Link Maximilian Paul
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1936-05-09
Filing date: 1936-05-09
Publication date: 1938-05-31
Anticipated expiration: 1955-05-31

Description

May 31, 1938 M. P. LINK i v 2,119,135

CONTAINER OPENING DEVICE Filed May 9, 1936 Patented Mey. 31, 193s AumTiezp sTATes PATENT 'o1-FICE 2,119,135 ooNTAnma creme nevica Maximilian Paul Link, LosAngelel, Application May 9, 1986, Serial No. 78,843

1s claims. (ci. 11s- 1) This invention relates to a device for opening y containers and relates more particularly to a device for removing the caps or heads of containers. A general object of this invention is to provide a simple, inexpensive and conveniently operable device for removing the caps or ends of containers.

Another object of this invention is to provide a practical, easily operated device for de-capping 1u or bodily removing the caps of paper, liber or cardboardcontainers of the character set forth and claimed in my co-pending application entitled Container, Serial No. 48,846, iiled November 8, 1935,y and that may be designed to remove l5 the caps of typical metal containers or cans.

Anotherobject `of this invention is to provide a container opening device that is operable to release or unseam a cap from a container without mutilating the cap, whereby it may be replaced on the container for use as a' cover until' the contents areentirely removed, or whereby the removed cap may be used as an ash tray or a coaster for glasses, etc.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned for removing the heads or caps of containers that may be easily operated without danger to the user.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device that is operable to remove a head or cap from a container without causing particles of metal to enter the container, without forming sharp hazardous edges on either the container or the cap, and without coming in contact with the contents of the container.

Another object of this invention is to provide a container opening` device of the character mentioned that may be easily and quickly adjusted tc remove the ends or caps of containers of different diameters. 4

Another object of this invention is to provide a container opening device that unseams or uncurls the iiange or anges securing the cap to the container without cutting through any metal parts and, therefore, without exposing any untioned in which the principal parts may be easily removed from the support or bracket for cleaning.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood vfrom the following 5v detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the device pro- 10 vided by the present invention. Fig. 2 is an elevation view of the outer end of the device. Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view of the device taken as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. 2, showing it removing a cap from a con- 15 tainer. Fig. 4 is a vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 4 4 on Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a. vertical sectional view of the head or cap removed from the container. Fig. 6 is arr enlarged horizontal fragmentary detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 6-6 on Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 'l-l on Fig. 3 and Fig. 8-is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the two wheels in operating 25 engagement with the seam of a can.

The present invention may be embodied in forms for removing the ends or caps of containers of various constructions. In the following detailed disclosure I will describe'a typical 30 form of the invention suitable for removing the caps of containers of the character set forth in my above-identified co-pending application, and that may, with slight modiiication, remove the caps of typical metal containers or cans.

The typical form of the invention illustrated in the drawing includes, generally, a bracket I0 adapted to be secured to a suitable support, a body plate I I removably carried by the bracket I0, a curling wheel I2 rotatably mounted on the 40 body plate Il, a second curling wheel or traction wheel I3, means I4 for shifting or adjusting the Wheel I3 to properly engage the wheels I2 and I3 with the seam of a container, means I5 for rotating the wheel I3, and an adjustable guide plate I6 for maintaining the proper relationshipbetween the wheels I2 and I3 andthe container C.

The bracket I0 may be designed for attachment to various supports. In the particular case 5o illustrated the bracket Ill is intended to be secured to a vertical support such as a wall and is capable of beingswung to an inoperative posltion adjacent or against the support. The bracket III is an elongate plate-like part and its inner end is pivotally carried by a hinge pin I'I supported by a hinge part I8 which in turn may be secured to a support I9. The outer portion of the bracket Ill may be reduced in width. The bracket I0 is vertically disposed, that is, its opposite main surfaces are substantially vertical. Spaced downwardly and inwardly converging cuts or openings 20 are formed in the bracket I0 adjacent its outer end and the material of the bracket is bent laterally from the openings 20 to form laterally projecting lugs 2|. The inner surfaces of the lugs 2| are downwardly convergent and diverge inwardly toward the face of the bracket.

The body plate I I carries the principal or operative parts of the device and is carried by the bracket I0 for removal therefrom to facilitate cleaning of the device. The body plate II is vertically disposed at one side surface of the bracket IIJ and has a curved or arcuate upper edge 22. The inner edge of the body plate IIl may be straight and vertical and the plate I I may have a depending tongue portion 23. Spaced downwardly convergent cuts or openings 24 are provided in the body plate II and the metal of the plate is bent outwardly from the openings 24 to form downwardly convergent and outwardly diverging tongues 25. The tongues 25 are adapted to seat or nest in the lugs 2| as best illustrated in Fig. 6, to removably support the body plate II on the bracket I0. The: cooperation of the tongues 25 with the lugs 2| is such that the body plate II is dependably held against movement and play relative tothe bracket III when the device is in operation and the tongues 25 may be disengaged from the lugs 2| by movement upwardly out of engagement with the lugs to free the body plate from the bracket. The tongue portion 23 of the body plate II is preferably inclined downwardly and laterally and is provided at its lower end with a foot or guide 26. 'I'he guide projects at substantially right angles to the tongue portion 23 and its outer edge 21 is concaved to receive and guide the wall of a cylindrical container C.

The curling wheel I2 is provided to engage under and uncurl the seam flange or anges securing the head or cap A to the container C. The wheel I2 is rotatable about a relatively stationary axis and is driven or rotated by the wheel I3 and through its cooperation with the container C. In the simple preferred construction illustrated the wheel I2 is rotatable on a stud 2B. The stud 28 may be threaded in an opening 29 in the ltongue portion 23 and may be riveted, Welded, or other- Wise fixed in the opening. The stud is spaced above the guide 25 and projects laterally in substantially the same direction'as the guide.` A head 30 is provided on the outer end of the stud 28 and cooperates -with a recess or counterbore in the wheel I2 to prevent displacement of the wheel from the stud.

In accordance with the invention the axis of rotation of the Wheel I2 is inclined relative to the plane of the body plate being substantially normal to the plane. of the tongue portion 23.-

The periphery of the curling wheel I2 is shaped to have uncurling cooperation with the seam flange F of the cap A. An annular groove 3| is provided in the periphery of the wheel I2 to cooperate with the lower side or under portion of the flange F. The groove 3I extends outwardly to or adjacent the outer face of the wheel I2 and is shaped so that the wheel has a relatively sharp annular lip 32 capable of engaging under the flange F. An annular series of relatively fine teeth 33 is provided on the periphery of the wheel I2 at the inner side of the groove 3|. The teeth 33 are provided to cooperate with the wheel I3, as will be hereinafter described.

The wheel I3 is adapted to be manually driven or rotated to turn the container C and the Wheel I2. The Wheel I3 is adapted to engage the upper surface of the seam flange F and its periphery is shaped to properly cooperate with the bead or flange. The periphery of the wheel I3 may be grooved or concaved. However, it has been found more economical to form the periphery of the wheel I3 substantially cylindrical as illustrated. Peripheral teeth 34 are provided on the wheel I3 to have effective traction or turning engagement with the flange F and to mesh with the teeth 33 of the wheel I2. The wheels I2 and I3 may both be hardened to be long wearing.

The means I4 is provided to bodily shift the wheel I3 relative to the wheel I2 so that the flange F of the container C may be engaged between the wheels as shown in Figs. 3 and 8 of the drawing, for the purpose of unseaming or uncurling the flange. The means for adjusting or shifting the wheel I3 includes a, sleeve 35 rotatable or turnable in an opening 36 in the body plate II. An annular iiange 3'I on the sleeve 35 engages or bears against one side surface of the body plate I I. In accordance with the invention a lever 39 is provided on the sleeve 35` to facilitate its turning or adjustment. The lever 39 has an opening 40 receiving the sleeve 35 and the lever engages against a spacer or washer 38. A lug 4I on the lever 39 cooperates with a notch 42 in the sleeve 35 to hold the lever against turning on the sleeve. A plate 43 is pinned or otherwise secured to an end of the sleeve 35 to hold the lever 39 on the sleeve.

The lever 39 extends outwardly from the sleeve 35 to the curved edge 22 and has a finger' 44 engaging over the edge 22 to project parallel with the opposite side surface of the body plate II. Ears or handle grips 45 are provided on the outer end of the lever 39. The grips 45 may be integral parts of the lever 39 bent outwardly Where the finger 44 extends over the edge 22. The lever 39 may be bent inwardly to shiftably bear against the adjacent surface` of the body plate II adjacent its outer edge 22. Detent means is provided to releasably or yieldingly hold the lever 39 in its adjusted positions. A plurality of depressions 46 is provided in a surface of the body plate I I. The depressions 46 are arranged in a curved series spaced inwardly from the edge 22 and terminate at an elongate curved slot 4'I. A detent pin 48 is shiftable in an opening in the finger 44 and has a rounded end for cooperating with the depressions 45. A cap 49 is provided on the finger 44 to enclose the head of the pin 48 and a spring 5I) is arranged in the cap 49 to urge the pin inwardly into cooperation with the depressions 46. A stop lug 5I may be provided on the body plate II to limit the downward and outward swinging of the lever 39. It is believed that it will be apparent how the grips 45 may be grasped to shift or swing the lever 39 and how the pin 48 is adapted to cooperate with any one of the depressions 46 to releasably hold the lever in its adjusted position. Such swinging or adjustment of the lever 39 is, of course, accompanied by turning of the sleeve 35. rll'he slot 41 is adapted to receive the pin 48 to permit free movement of the lever at the end of its stroke.

The means I4 for adjusting or shifting the wheel I3 includes a shaft 52 carrying the wheel I3. In accordance with the invention a longitudinal opening 53 is provided in the sleeve 35 and is offset or eccentricrelatlve to the cylindrical periphery of the sleeve. The shaft 52 extends through and is rotatable in the eccentric opening 53. The shaft 52 projects from an end of the sleeve 35 to carry the wheel I3. In the particular form of the invention illustrated the shaft 52 has a flat sided projecting portion 52a fitting a correspondingly shaped opening 54 in the wheel I3 whereby the wheel is carried by and is rotatable with the shaft. may be force-fitted on the portion 52B. A flange 55 is provided on the shaft 52 to engage the plate 43 and limit longitudinal movement ofthe shaft in one direction. The wheel I3 may limit movement of the shaft in the other direction. As the shaft 52 supporting the wheel I3 is carried in the eccentric opening 53 turning or shifting of the lever 39 effects bodily shifting or adjustment of the wheel I3 relative to the wheel I2. 'Ihus it will be apparent how the lever 39 may be adjusted or shifted to move the wheel I3 with respect to thewheel I2 and eifect the engagement and release of the wheels from the flange F of the container.

The means I for rotating the wheel I3 may be varied considerably without departing from the invention. In the particular case illustrated the means I5 comprises a simple, wing-type handle 56 on the outer or projecting end of the shaft 52. The handle 56 may be fixed to the shaft 52 or may be integral with the shaft 52, as illustrated in the drawing. It is to be understood that a crank or a suitable gear means operated by a crank may be provided to rotate the shaft 52 or a suitable power means may be provided to drive the shaft 52.

A guide plate I6 is provided to cooperate with the internal surface of the bead or seam ring R of the container C to guide the container and to maintain the proper relationship between the f plate I 6 and hasa rounded or bevelled surface- 6I for` engaging the internal surface of the seam ring R. A rod or stem 62 carries the plate I6. The rod 62 extends through and is shiftable in a central longitudinal opening 63 in the shaft 52. The stem 62 is rigidly connected with the plate I6. In the particular case illustrated the stem 62 has a reduced portion 64 riveted or otherwise fixed in an opening in the plate I6. Means are provided to hold the stem 63 against rotation. A at surface 65 is provided on the stem 62 and a screw 66 is threaded into an opening in the shaft 52 to cooperate with the surface 65 to hold the stem against turning in the shaft'. The handle 56 has a lateral opening 61 and the stem 62 has a threaded portion projecting into the opening 61. A thumb nut 68 is threaded on the stem 62 in the opening 61 and is adapted to react against the walls of the opening 6'I to effect longitudinal adjustment of the stem 62. When it is desired to open a can of large diameter the nut 68 is turned to adjust the plate I6 so that its flange 60 overlaps the wheel I3 and is relatively close `to the wheel I2. When a container of relatively small diameter is to be opened The Wheel I3` the wheels I2 and I3 about the relatively small radius of the container.

It is-believed that the operation of the device will be readily apparent from the foregoing detailed description. The bracket I0 may normally lie adjacent or against the support I9 to which it is secured and when it is desired to open a container the bracket may be swung to the out position illustrated in Fig. 1. 'I'he lever I4 may be moved or adjusted to shift the wheel I3 upwardly from the wheel I2 to permit the bead or flange F of the container C to be arranged between the opposing peripheries of the wheels I2 andA I3.

If believed necessary the guide plate I6 may be adjusted by means of the nut 68. The container C may be pressed against the guide 26 to assist in locating thefiange F between the Wheels I2 and I3. Following this setting or positioning of the container C the lever 39 may be swung to force the wheel I3 downwardly against the seam flange -F and to force the flange against the wheel I2. The pin 48 is adapted to cooperatwith a depression 46 to releasably hold the lever I4 in its adjusted position. The setting or position of the lever 39 depends upon the size or width of the ange F. The plurality of depressions 46 and the range of movement of the lever 39 adapts the device for decapping containers having seam flanges of various sizes. When the wheel I3 is shifted or adjustedin this manner the lip 32 engages under the flange F to curl or bend it container C somewhat as illustrated in Fig. 8

of the drawing. 'I'he container C may then be held in one hand and the other hand maybe employed to turn the handle 56. Rotation of the handle 56 effects rotation of the wheels I3. 'Ihe toothed wheel I3 engaging against the flange F turns the container C and its teeth. 34 mesh with the teeth 33 of the wheel I2 to turn the wheel I2. 'As the container C is turned the lip 32 of the rotating wheel I2 uncurls or bends the flange F vupwardly and outwardly pressing the flange upwardly against the rotating wheel I3. This, in eect, unseams the flange F from the container C and crimps the flange F onto the flange 10 of the container head or cap A. Thus the device secures or seams the ring to the cap A so that the ring and cap form a unitary replaceable cover, as shown in Fig. 5. The handle 56 may be rotated to effect one complete rotation of the container C so that the entire flange F will have been unseamed or curled away from the wall of the container C. This, of course, frees the cap A from the container C. The lever 39 may then be swung to lift the wheel I3 and allow the free disengagement of the flange F from between the Wheels I2 and I3.

From the above it will be seen that the device vis operable to uncurl or unseam the seamlflange The container cap A is released or unseamed from the container without distortion and without mutilation so that it may be reapplied to the con- Y tainer. to form a cover for the same.

When used in this manner it will be found that the cap A accurately or closely fits the container to form an effective closure. It is to be noted that the device does not form cuts in either the cap or the container body and does not cause particles of metal to enter the container. The opening device never comes in contact with the contents of the container and, therefore, remains clean and sanitary. If desired, thebody plate II may be removed from the bracket I to permit the operation of the device when removed from the bracket. The device is 'easily adjusted and adapted for opening containers of various sizes or diameters and is easy to adjust and operate.

Having described only a typical preferred formv and application of the invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope' of the following claims:

Having described my invention, I claim: 1. A device for opening a container having a cap secured thereto by a seam flange which device includes, a body, two toothed wheels in meshing cooperation, one wheel rotatably carried by the body and having a peripheral groove cooperating with the flange, the wall of the groove being shaped to curl the flange outwardly from the container, the other wheel rotatably carried by the body and having a knurled periphery for engaging an outer end surface of the flange to maintain the proper engagement between the first named wheel and the flange, means for shifting one wheel relative to the other to effect engagement of the wheels with the flange, and means for rotating one of the wheels to effect movement between the container and the wheels.

2. A device for removing the cap of a containery secured to the container by a seam ring having a flange engaging over an end of the container, said device including, a body, a wheel rotatably supported on the body and having a lip for engaging under the flange to bend it away from the container, a turnable sleeve on the body having an eccentric opening, a shaft rotatable in said opening, a driving wheel secured to the shaft and cooperating with the first named wheel and the outer end face of the flange, means for rotating the shaft, means for turning the sleeve to effect proper engagement of the wheels with the flange, the shaft having an opening, a rstem in the opening, and a guide plate secured to the stem to cooperate with the internal surface of the ring.

3. A device for removing the cap-of a container secured to the container by a seam ring having a flange engaging over an end of the container, said device including, 'a body, a wheelrotatably supported on the body and having a lip for engaging under the flange to bend it away from the container, a turnable sleeve .on the body having an,

1 the shaft, means for turning the sleeve to effect proper engagement of the wheels with the flange, the shaft having an opening, a stem in the opening, a guide plate secured to the stem to cooperate with the internal surface of the ring, and means for shifting the stem to adjust the guide plate. i

4. A device for removing the cap of a container secured to the container by a seam ring having a flange engaging over an end of the container, said device including, a body, a wheel rotatably supported on the body and having a lip for engaging under the flange to bend it away from the container, a turnable sleeve on the body having an eccentric opening, a shaft rotatable in said opening, a driving wheel secured to the shaft and cooperating with the first named wheel Aand the outer end face of the flange, means for rotating the shaft, a lever on the sleeve for turning the same to effect proper cooperation ofthe wheels with the flange, means for releasably holding the lever in the adjusted position, the shaft having an opening, a stem shiftable longitudinally A in the opening, a guide plate secured to the stem includes, a body, two wheels carried by the body for rotation about spacedsubstantially horizontal axes, one wheel for engaging under the ange and having a peripheral groove for cooperating with the flange to uncurl the same laterally from the container. the other for pressing against an outer surface of the flange to maintain proper engagement of the first named wheel with the flange, and means for rotating one of said wheels to effect movement between the container and the wheels.

6. A device for opening a container having a paper cap secured thereto by the flange of a metal ring which device includes, a body, a toothed wheel rotatably carried by the body to engage under the'ange and having a peripheral groove for cooperating with the flange and shaped to curl the same laterally from the container, a toothed wheel rotatably carried by the body for engaging an outer surface of the flange to maintain the proper engagement between the first named wheel and the flange, the axis of rotation of the first named wheel being inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the second named wheel, means for shifting one wheel relative to the other to effect engagement of the wheels with the flange, the teethon the wheels adaptedvto mesh when the wheels are in active cooperation with the said flange, and vmeans for rotating one of the wheels .to effect movement between the container and the wheels.

'1. A device for opening a container having a y paper cap secured thereto by the seam flange of a metal ring which device includes, a body, a wheel rotatably-carried -by the body for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis and having a peripheral groove cooperable with .the flange and terminating at one end of the wheel in a lip for engaging under the flange to bend it laterally away from the wall of the container, a traction wheel rotatably carried by the body for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis and operable to engage the ringxto maintain said lip in proper cooperation with the flange and to effect relative movement between the wheels and the container, and means for rotating the tractionwheel.

8. A device for opening a container having a paper cap secured thereto by the seam flange of a metal ring which device includes, a-body, a

wheel rotatably carried by the body having teeth and having a peripheral groove cooperable with the flange and terminating at one end of the wheel in] a lip for engaging under the flange yto bend `it laterally away from the wall of the .container, a traction wheel rotatably carried by the body having teeth engaging the teeth of the first named wheel to turn the same and operable to engage the ring to maintain said lip in proper cooperation vwith the ange and to effect relative movement between the Wheels and the container, and means for rotating 4the traction wheeL 9. A device for opening a container having a cap secured thereto by a seam flange which device includes, a body, a toothed wheel rotatably carried by the body and having a peripheral groove ior cooperating with the flange and joining a side of the wheel at an annular lip for engaging under the flange to bend it laterally away from the wall of the container, a toothed traction wheel rotatably and shiftably carried by the body to engage the flange and maintain the proper cooperation of the lip with the flange, means for shifting the traction Wheel to eect engagement of the wheels with the flange, the teeth on the wheels adapted to mesh when the wheels are in the active positions, and means for turning the traction wheel to effect relative movement between the container and the wheels.

10. A device for removing the cap of a `,container secured to the container by a seam flange curled over an end portion of the container, said device including, a body, a wheel supported on the body for rotation and having a peripheral groove for cooperating with the flange and joining a side of the wheel at an annular lip for engaging under the flange to bend it laterally away from the wall of the container, a traction wheel rotatably carried lpy the body for engaging an end face of the flange to maintain the lip under the flange, the axis of rotation of the rst named wheel being inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the traction wheel, a guide plate associated with the body to engage the internal surface of the flange and guide the container relative to the wheels, and means for rotating the traction wheel to effect relative movement between the wheels and the container.V

11. A device for removing the cap of a con- 'tainer secured to the container by a seam flange curled over an end portion of the container,

` said device including, a body, a wheel supported on the body for rotation and having a peripheral lip for engaging under the ange to bend it away from the Wall of the container, a traction wheel rotatably carried by the body for engaging an end face of the flange to maintain the lip under the flange, the axis ofv rotation ofthe first mentioned wheel being inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the traction wheel so tainer secured to the container bya seam flange curled over an end portion of the container, said device including, a body, a wheel supported on the body for rotation and having a, peripheral lip for engaging under the flange to bend it away from the wall of the container, a traction wheel for engaging an outer end surface of the flange, a turnable sleeve on the body having an eccentric opening, a shaft rotatable in said opening and carrying the traction wheel, the axis of rotation of the first mentioned wheel being inclined relative to the axis of 'rotation of the traction wheel so that the said rst mentioned wheel does not injure the wall of the container,

and means for turning the sleeve to shift the traction wheel relative to the ilrst named wheel to effect proper engagement of the wheels with the flange.

13. A device for removing the cap of a container securedto the container by aseam flange curled over an end portion of the container, said device including, a body, a wheel supported on the body for rotation and having a peripheral lip for engaging under the flange to bend it away' from the wall of .the containen'a traction wheel for engaging an outer end surface of the flange, a turnable sleeve on the body having an eccentric opening," a shaft rotatable in said opening and carrying the traction wheel, the axis of rotation oi' the first named wheel being inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the traction wheel, and means for turning the sleeve to shift the traction wheel relative to the first named wheel to effect proper engagement of the wheels with the flange, said means including',A a lever on the sleeve to turn the same.

14. A device for removing the cap of a container secured to the container by a seam flange curled over an end portion of the container, said.

device including, a body, a wheel supported on the body for rotation and having a peripheral lip for engaging under the flange to bend it away from the wall of the container, a traction wheel for engaging an outer end surface of the flange, a. turnable sleeve on the body having an eccentric opening, a shaft rotatable in said opening and carrying the traction wheel, the axis of rotation of the first named wheel being inclined relative to the axis of rotation of 'the traction wheel, and means for turning the sleeve to shift the traction wheel relative to the first named wheel to effect proper engagement of the wheels with the flange, said means including, a lever on the sleeve, and means for releasably holding the lever in adjusted position.

15. A device for removing the cap 0f a container secured to the containerby a seam flange curled over an end portion of the container, said device including, a. body, a Wheel supported on the body for rotation and having a peripheral lip for engaging under the flange to bend it away from the wall of the container, a traction wheel for engaging an outer end surface'of the flange, a turnable sleeve on the body having an eccentric opening, a shaft rotatable in said opening and carrying the traction wheel, the axis of rotation of the first named wheel being inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the traction Wheel, and

. means for turning the sleeve to shift the traction wheel relative to the first named wheel to effect proper engagement of the wheelswith the flange, said means including, a lever on the sleeve to turn the same, and detent means on the lever for cooperating with the body to releasably hold the lever in adjusted position. y

16. A device for removing the cap of a container secured to the container by a seam flange curled over an end portion of the container, said device including, a body, a wheel supported on the body for rotation and having a peripheral lip for engaging under the ilange tobend it away from the wall of the container, a traction Wheel for engaging an outer end surface of the flange, a turnable sleeve on the body having an eccentric opening, a shaft rotatable in said opening and carrying the traction wheel, the axis of rotation of the first named wheel being inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the traction wheel, means` for rotating' the shaft to rotate the traction wheel, and means for turning the sleeve to shift the traction wheel relative to the first named wheel to effect proper engagement of the wheels with the flange.

17.*A device for removing the cap of a container secured to the container by a seam ring having a flange engaging over an end of the container, said device including, a body, a. wheel v shaft rotatable in saidopening, a. driving wheel.

rotatably supported on the body having teeth and havingv a lip for engaging under the flange to bend' it away from the container, a turnable sleeve on the body having an eccentric opening, a

secured to the shaft and having-teeth cooperating with the teeth on the rst named Wheel and the outer end face of theiiange, means for rotating the shaft', means for turning Vthe sleeve to effect proper engagement of the wheels with the flange, the shaft having an opening, a stem in the opening, and a guide plate secured to the stem to cooperate with the internal surface of of the ring.

18. A device for opening a container having a cap secured thereto by a seam flange, said device including, a body, a wheel rotatably carried by the body having a peripheral groove for receiving and lcooperating with the lower portion 'of the seam flange and having a peripheral lip MAICIMILIAN. PAUL LINK.