US2643451A

US2643451A - Can opener

Info

Publication number: US2643451A
Application number: US12910A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert E Mclean
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1948-03-04
Filing date: 1948-03-04
Publication date: 1953-06-30
Anticipated expiration: 1970-06-30

Description

R. E. M LEAN June 30, 1953 CAN OPENER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 4, 1948 mlmm-ila niulamml lilliiliiiiuigiu n m M E n 8 w B.

ATTORNEY R. E. M LEAN June 30, 1953 CAN OPENER 5 Sheets-Sheei Filed March 4, 1948 INVENTOR. E. MPL ea'n Robert ATTORNEY June 30, 1953 R. E. MOLEAN 2,643,451

CAN OPENER Filed March 4, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet s IN VEN TOR.

lgwrtE. MLean ATTORNEY- June 30, 1953 C EAN 2,643,451

' CAN OPENER Filed March 4, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIQ, 16.

VENTOR.

Robert E. M Lean ATTORNEY June 30, 1953 R. E. MCLEAN CAN OPENER 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 4, 1948 III/ 1 5g ar/ Ill-ll INVENTOR. Rogert EM Lean W ATTORNEY Patented June 30, 1953 CAN OPENER Robert E. McLean, Columbus, Ga., assignor to John C. Hockery, Kansas City, Mo., as trustee Application March 4, 1948, Serial N 0. 12,910

14 Claims. (Cl. 30-9) This invention relates generally to the class of can opening devices and is directed particularly to improvements in can openers of the rotary drive wheel type.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved can opener of the rotary drive wheel type, which employs a single operating element in the form of a crank for effecting the puncturing of the end of the can upon clockwise rotation of such crank or handle and also rotates the can driving wheel to feed the can through the device to cut out the end of the can and upon subsequent partial counterclockwise rotation of such single operating handle or crank, separates the can driving wheel from the overlying cutter to release the can from the device and prepare the device for the reception of the next can.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel carrier for a disk cutter, which is simple, strong and rigid and which is provided with an integral fixed can rest and a novel, simple and inexpensive resilient can rest particularly adapted for use with the form of opener herein particularly described and which also is adapted for use in association with other can opener structures.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel carrier for a disk cutter which is mounted for movement in association with a fixed element forming a part of the body plate of the opener device, which fixed element maintains the cutter carrier in rigid alinement in relation to the body plate of the can opener to permit the rearward end of the cutter carrier, on which the disk cutter is relatively centrally mounted on an arbor secured in the cutter carrier, to be swung inwardly slightly against resilient means when necessary, such as when the seam portion of the side wall of the can is passing between the can driving wheel and the disk cutter.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel resilient can rest, for operation in association with a disk cutter carrier, forwardly of the disk cutter and which has movement only in a vertical plane.

Still another object of the invention isto provide a novel disk cutter carrier of the character stated in which no part thereof, including a resilient means which maintains the disk cutter adjacent to the can drivingwheel, extends outwardly to such an extent as to interfere with the locating or operation of any other part on the i stated, which is simple to manufacture, inexpensive and can be easily installed on the can opener in assembly.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved thrust mechanism for effecting the puncturing of the can head by the cutter automatically upon clockwise rotation of a single operating handle or crank which also, upon continued rotation, rotates the can driving wheel to feed the can through the device as hereinbefore set forth.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description of the same proceeds and the invention will be best understood from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification, with the understanding, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the exact details of construction shown and described since obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of the outer or right hand side of a can opener constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the supporting arm being broken away and the outer end of the operating handle or crank being broken away, the parts shown being in the position which they assume when the opener is ready to receive a can.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 with the driving shaft cut transversely at the inner side of the thrust mechanism operating eccentric and link, the parts shown being in the position which they assume when the operating crank has been turned clockwise to effect the movement of the zlriving wheel into-working relation with the cut- Figure 3 is a view in top plan of the opener device.

Figure 4 is a view in elevation of the inner or left hand side of the can opener with the can rim engaging driving wheel raised into working relation with the cutter.

Figure 5 is a vertical transverse section taken substantially on the line 55 of Figure 2.

Figure 6 is avertical transverse section taken substantially on the line -6-6 of Figure 2.

Figure 7 is a-view in elevation of the right hand side of a second embodiment of the invention, with the operating crank or handle, the eccentric thrust unit and slotted link and other parts being removed.

Figures-is a-view'in elevation ofthe left hand 3 side of the second embodiment, the disk cutter carrier such as that shown in Figure 4, being re-- moved.

Figure 9 is a vertical transverse section taken substantially on the line 99 of Figure '7 and through a portion of the operating handle, the eccentric thrust unit and a part of the bearing for the latter.

Figure 10 is a view corresponding to Figure 7 but showing a modification wherein a compensating link is employed to enable a use of a smaller eccentric thrust than that shown in Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a view corresponding to Figure 7 but showing a modification of the structure providing for reverse oscillation of the eccentric bearing shown in Figure 7.

Figure 12 is a view in elevation of the right hand side of a third embodiment of the invention with the operating handle in starting position.

Figure 13 is a view in elevation of the left hand side of the structure illustrated in Figure 12 showing the can rim engaging driving wheel in lowered position, the disk cutter carrier unit being removed.

Figure 14 is a vertical transverse section taken substantially on the line I l-l4 of Figure 12.

Figure 15 is a vertical transverse section taken substantially on the line l5-l5 of Figure 12.

Figure 16 is a view in elevation of the right hand side of a fourth embodiment of the invention, the operating handle or crank being in a starting position.

Figure 17 is a view in elevation of the right hand side of a fifth embodiment of the invention with the operating handle or crank in starting position.

Figure 18 is a view in elevation of the right hand side of a sixth embodiment of the invention, the operating handle or crank being in starting position wherein the can rim engaging driving wheel is lowered with respect to the cutter,

Referring to the drawings and particularly to the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 the numeral it generally designates the body plate of the can opener which, as shown, is of substantially rectangular outline and is formed integrally with an arm H, the inner end of which is adapted to be secured in a suitable manner to a support.

Upon its outer or right hand side, the body plate has secured thereto adjacent to the top edge, a pivot rivet [2 which passes through and supports for vertical oscillation an end of a link plate which is generally designated l3, supporting such plate for oscillation at the side of the body. This link plate [3 has the recess M in the forward edge and below the recess the plate has the forwardly projecting portion l5 which is pivotally attached, by the rivet I6, to an end of a thrust link H.

The body plate Ii) has formed therein the short substantially vertically extending elliptical opening 18 over which lies an end of the link I? for cooperative connection with the hereinafter described element which passes through the opening [8.

The lower forward part of the link plate 13 is pressed outwardly to be oif-set from the adjacent side of the body plate 10, as indicated at Hi, to provide clearance between the link plate and the body, for the lower end of the thrust link l1.

At its rear end the link plate [3 has the relative- 1y long arcuate slot 20 formed therein, the arc of which is struck from the center of the pivot l2.

Fixed in and extending through the body plate I0 is a rivet shank 2| which extends through the slot 20 of the plate I3 and has secured thereto the flanged head 22 which, as shown in Figure 6, has an overall diameter greater than the width of the slot 20 whereby it engages the outer face of the plate to maintain the latter closely in position against the side of the body plate it. At its other end the shank 2| is enlarged, as indicated at 23, and terminates in the enlarged integral head 24. Accordingly it will be apparent that the link plate l3 oscillates upon the pivot rivet l2 and its extent of oscillation is determined or limited by the length of the slot 20 in which the reduced portion of the attached head 22 on the rivet 2| engages.

Upon the inner or left hand side of the body plate I0 is positioned the drive wheel supporting plate which is generally designated 25. This plate comprises a relatively large circular rear end portion 26 and the relatively narrow forwardly extending portion 21 which lies across the opening l8, as shown in Figure 4.

In line with the opening iii, the plate 25 has formed therethrough the tapped opening 26 and extending through and engaging in this opening 28 is the threaded portion 29 of a relatively long bearing sleeve or journal 33 which passes through the opening it of the body plate as shown in Figure 5. The inner end of the eccentric journal 36 is enlarged to provide the head 3! which bears against the inner side of the drive wheel supporting plate 25.

At the opposite side of the body plate it the journal 39 passes through the upper end of the thrust link i? and through the cut-out or recess 14 which is formed in the forward edge of the thrust plate I3.

Passing through the journal 30 is the shaft 32 and fixed upon the inner end of the shaft is the peripherally toothed can rim engaging driving wheel 33 which engages against the head 3! of the journal. The opposite end of the shaft 32 and of the journal 30 project a substantial distance to the right beyond the thrust plate H: to have the following parts mounted thereon.

The outer end of the shaft 32 is reduced as indicated at 34 and engages in a suitable opening in the end of the crank or lever 35. This reduced end 34 may be of squared cross section to engage in a correspondingly formed opening in the lever whereby to prevent any turning on the shaft.

Eccentrically mounted upon the journal 30 is an eccentric 36 which is designed to turn freely around the sleeve journal 30. The eccentric 33 is positioned between the two spacer disks 3? one of which positions against the adjacent side of the crank 35 and these disks, the eccentric and the crank are all secured together by the rivet at.

As shown in Figure 5 the diameters of the spacer disks 3? are the same but they are materially greater than the diameter of the eccentric 36 and encircling the eccentric 35 to turn thereon is an eccentric ring or strap 39 which forms an integral part of one end of a slotted link til. This link 40 extends in a general direction rearv-iardly from the shaft 32 and it has formed therein the relatively long longitudinally extending substantially Lshaped slot 4!, the long arm of the slot running lengthwise of the link and the right angularly directed short arm extending transversely of the link at the rear end thereof as shown in Figure 1.

Engaging in the slot 4| is a pin 42 which is carried by the adjacent link plate i3. The width of this slot, both in the long and short arms thereof, is materially greater than the diameter of the pin ii? and also the short arm of the slot 4| is directed downwardly.

Encircling the eccentric 36 and interposed between the eccentric strap 39 and the adjacent spacer disk 3?, is an annular corrugated spring at. This spring is tightly positioned between the parts t oned so as to maintain a relatively strong frictional engagement between the ring 3?; and the disk 37 against which it bears so that upon turning of the crank 3-5 the link 40 will he turned or swung within the limits permitted by the part of the slot 4| in which the pin 42 is ene s d.

Formed integrally with the plate 25 directly below the can rim engaging driving wheel 33, is the laterally extending can rest 44. This can rest is engaged by the side of a can when the latter is fixed to the cutter, whereby the can is maintained in proper position for engagement by the driving wheel and the cutter about to be described.

Formed integrally with the inner or left hand side of the body plate It, adjacent to the top edge and at the forward end thereof, is the rearwardly directed guide lip 45. This guide lip has engaged between it and the body plate It, the forward end of the cutter wheel supporting plate The rear end of thisplate 45 is supported upon the pin ll, one end of which pin is secured to the body plate. The pin extends laterally to the left and terminates in a head 48 between which and the cutter carrying plate 46 it supports under compression, the coil spring :29.

At its forward end the cutter disk supporting plate 4-3 has formed integral therewith the laterally projecting vertically spaced ears 53 and These ears have the lip 45 engaged therebetween as shown in Figure 4 so that vertical movement of the plate 45 is thus prevented.

Disposed beneath the lower ear 5|] is a can rest 52 which has a hub portion 53 which ex-= tends upwardly through an opening in the ear 5t. Above the ear 55 this hub is continued by the reduced stem 54 which passes through a suitable opening in the upper ear 5| and has fixed thereto the rivet head or cap 55. Between the ears 5% and 55 the hub extension 54 carries the coil spring 56, the upper end of which bears against the under side of the ear 5| while the lower end bears against the upper end of the hub 53 thereby resisting upward movement of the hub and the can rest 52.

Immediately rearwardly of the can rest 52 and the ear the loweredge of the plate 46 is struck outwardly to provide the inclined off-set port on best seen in Figure 5. This off-set portion has fixed thereto the pivot stud 58, the outer end of which carries the enlarged head 59. Rotatably supported upon this stud 58 is a relatively long hub sleeve til which forms an integral part of a disk or circular cutter 6|. Thus, because of the inclination of the out struck portion 51, the plane or the disk cutter 6| isoblique to the side face of the wheel 33 against Which the wall of the can engages and this wheel when moved upwardly passes across and in close proximity to the right hand side of the cutter wheel.

At the inner end of the cutter supporting plate there extends laterally to the left from the lower edge of the plate the can flange rest 62 which cooperates with the yieldable or resilient rest 52 in engaging the top edge of the rim or flange of a can when the can :is placed in cut- 6 ting position and has the head thereof penetrated by the cutter 6 I.

In the operation of the embodiment just described the operating handle 35 is first placed in the extreme rearwardly directed position as illustrated in Figure 1 if it is not already in such position, by counterclockwise rotation. The rivet 2| prevents further counterclockwise oscillation of the plate l3 beyond the position illustrated in Figure 1. Since the stud 42 is engaged in the shorter portion of the transversely extending leg of the L-shaped slot 4| during such counterclockwise oscillation of the plate l3, the operating handle or crank and the eccentric 33 secured thereto cannot be further oscillated counterclockwise. Friction exerted by the spring 43 tends to cause the slotted link 43 to rotate with the eccentric unit 3%. However, such friction is predetermined and need be only sufiicient to properly overcome the weight of the outer end of the slotted link. With the parts a shown in Figure l the can driving wheel 33 will be in its lowered position due to the action of the plate 53 and the link I? which support the bearing journal 30.

The can is then held with its upper end against the edge of the disk cutter 5| and with the rim or flange thereof above the toothed edge of the driving wheel 33. The operating handle is then rotated clockwise resulting in the raising of the wheel 33, the puncturing of the can head by the cutter El and the cutting out of the can head by continued rotation of the crank.

When the can is first positioned as described, during approximately the first half turn clockwise of the operating crank 35, the oscillatable link plate l3 and the link H are moved from the position shown in Figure 1 to the position shown in Figure 2, thereby elevating the can driving wheel as stated and causing, upon turning of the crank, the rotation of the can by the driving wheel.

The eccentric disk 36, through the slotted link 43 causes a required oscillation of the thrust plate |3. Inasmuch as the parts will then be in the position illustrated in Figure 2, wherein the axis of the pivot rivet it is slightly forward of a straight line across the axis of the pivot rivet l2 and the axis of the can driving wheel shaft 32 and further clockwise oscillation of the plate I3 is prevented by the movement limiting rivet 2|, the journal 3c is maintained in the position illustrated in Figure 2 until the plate I3 is oscillated counterclockwise.

During the upward movement of the can driving wheel 33 and the can, the can rim engages the fixed can rest and the resilient can rest 52, slightly elevating the latter against the predetermined tension of the spring 55. Further clockwise rotation of the operating handle 35 causes the can driving wheel to feed the can through the device to cut out the end of the can. However, such further clockwise rotation of the operating handle does not change the position of the oscillating plate l3 inasmuch as the slotted portion of the link 40 merely reciprocates on the stud 42 as the eccentric 36 rotates with the operating handle. As the can is fed through the device, the disk cutter 6| can be forced away from the can driving wheel 33, laterally, against the tension of the spring 49, a predetermined amount when necessary, such as when passing the seam of the side wall of the can. However, the very slight swinging movement of the disk cutter carrier 46 required for such purpose is not sufiicient to afiect the alinement of the disk cutter carrier in the guide flange 45 at the forward end of the body plate. The tension of the spring 56 is such as to provide adequate traction of the teeth of the can driving wheel 33 with the under edge of the rim of the can.

The can guard 44 maintains the side of the can .a predetermined distance away from the lower surface of the can driving wheel.

When the end has been cut from the can and the operating handle is rotated counterclockwise to its extreme position to release the can from the device and prepare the device for reception of another can, initial counterclockwise rotation of the eccentric unit 36 causes the slotted link 40 to rotate therewith until further rotation is prevented by engagement of the stud or pin 42 with the lower edge of the slot through which it extends. When the stud 42 engages in the short arm of the slot 4|, further counterclockwise rotation of the eccentric unit through the slotted link ii, oscillates the plate [3 to the position illustrated in Figure 1, thereby lowering the can driving wheel 33 and releasing the can from the device, the operating handle 35 assuming an out of the way position, as illustrated in Figure 1, without unnecessary turning upon completion of the operation of opening a can. Although rotation of the operating handle may be reversed from any possible position of the handle, less counterclockwise rotation thereof is required to release the can from the device if such rotation is commenced when the operating handle is in approximately a forwardly extended position. The operating handle is in a position approximately straight downward, where the maximum leverage is had by the operator, at the time the end of the can is actually punctured.

Figures 7, 8 and 9 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention with regard particularly to the movable thrust plate and the driving wheel carrying plate.

In this second embodiment the disk cutter can rier of exactly the same form or character as that shown in Figure 4 and generally designated 43, is employed out such carrier and the parts connected therewith are not illustrated.

Also an eccentric mechanism of the same character as that shown in Figures 1 and 5 is employed out is of slightly increased size as will be more particularly hereinafter pointed out.

In the structure of Figures 7 and 9 inclusive,

the body plate is generally designated 63 and has formed integral with its forward end at the top edge, the backwardly turned lip or guide flange E i which functions in the same manner as the flan e d5 in cooperation with the cutter unit, in Figure 4.

In place of the elliptical opening l8 which is employed in the first embodiment, the body plate i365 has formed therein the circular bearing opening E5 in which is mounted, for turning movement, the eccentric disk 66. This disk is of approximately the same thickness as the body plate 53 and turnsin the plane of the plate.

The eccentric disk 66 has the eccentric opening 5! through which extends the sleeve journal 68 in which is rotatably supported the crank and driving wheel shaft 69.

Also ecc-entrically engaged in an opening in the eccentric disk 56 is an end of a pivot stud or rivet iii which has its other end secured in the sliding link I! which is of substantial length and extends This link, at its forward end,

has formed therein the relatively wide arcuate slot 12 which is struck from the center of the rivet Til. Through this extend the sleeve journal 68 and the shaft 59 as shown in Figure 7.

At the rear end of the body plate 63 the body plate has formed therein the relatively long elliptical slot 13 which extends lengthwise of the body plate and in this slot is slidably engaged a sliding pivot pin M which is secured to the rear end of the sliding link H as shown in Figure 7. This pin carries the large head l5 upon its opposite or inner end, which extends across the slot '53, as shown in Figure 8, to hold the pin against escape from the slot.

Intermediate its ends the sliding link if carries the laterally extending stud it with which is engaged an eccentrically operated slotted link which is not illustrated out which is of the same form or construction as the link ii) shown in Figure 1, the stud l6 engaging in the L-shaped slot of the link as shown in this figure.

Figure 9 illustrates in radial section the eccentric bearing ll with which is coupled the slotted link, not shown, and which bearing corresponds to the eccentric bearing or disk 35 as shown in Figure 5. Also in this fi ure the numeral i8 designates the pair of spacer disks which are of greater diameter than the eccentric ii and between which the eccentric is located while the numeral '59 designates the rivet which functions to secure the disks '58, the eccentric "i? and the crank 39 together in a unit. Encircling the eccentric '5? is the ring 3! which forms an integral part of the slotted iink, not shown, and between this ring and the disk 78 nearest to the crank 88 is interposed the annular, corrugated spring 82 which is of the same form as the spring it hereinhefore described.

On the opposite side of the body plate from the sliding link ii is the drive wheel carrying plate which is generally designated 85. This plate is of the same form as the plate 25 in that it comprises the relatively large substantially circular rear end portion 8:3 and the forwardly e23- tending portion 85.

Extending from the center of the circular portion 8d rearwardly, is the elliptical, horizontal slot 36 and slidably engaged in this slot 86 is a stud d? which is fixed to the oody plate 3 at one end. At its other end the stud has the large head 88 which engages against the side of the plate 83 remote from the body plate to maintain the plate in position against the body plate.

The forward end of the portion 35 of the drive wheel carrying plate 83 extends across the eccentric disk 65 and is provided with a tapped opening 89 in which is threadably engaged the threaded left hand end of the sleeve journal 68, as shown in Figure 9. Also as shown in this figure the left hand end of the journal has the head 58 which is positioned between the extension and the cam rim engaging driving wheel which is secured to the left hand end of the shaft 69. Below the driving wheel 9i the portion 85 of the plate 83 carries the laterally extending can rest 92 which iunctions in the same manner as the rest M, previcusly referred to. HAS preqviously started, except for size, the eccent lc as s own in i i ure 9 together with the slotted link and the operating handle, are essentially the same as those shown in the first embodiment and operate in the same manner, the slotted link b ng connected with the stud l6 carried by the 1id mg link H.

The can driving wheel 91 is shown in Figure 8 in elevated position. In addition to having slight oscillatory movement, the can driving wheel supporting plate 85 has some movement longitudinally of the body plate.

The sleeve bearing 68 is borne in the eccentric disk 65 for oscillatory movement therein and this disk can be oscillated approximately 90 counterclockwise from the position in which it is illustrated in Figure 7. The ends of the slot 12 limit the clockwise and counterclockwise oscillation of the eccentric disk 66 in its bearing in the body plate and also limit the movement of the can driving wheel supporting plate 85 and slide H longitudinally of the body plate.

When. the can driving wheel ti is in the low ered position, in which position it will be upon completion of the operation of opening the can, the eccentric disk 65 will be oscillated counterclockwise approximately 90 from the position illustrated in Figure 7. As the can is held with its upper end against the disk cutter, not shown, the operating handle is rotated clockwise and during approximately the first half turn of the operating handle 88, the slide ll is moved to the position illustrated in Figure '7 thereby oscillating the eccentric disk to the position illustrated in this figure and elevating the can driving wheel ill to cause the disk cutter, not shown, to puncture the end of the can. Continued turning of the crank continues rotation of the driving wheel and the driving wheel also moves rearwardly somewhat as the can is being punctured and the can will be rotated by the wheel until the operation of cutting out th head is complete.

The oscillation of the eccentric disk 66 in its bearing in the body plate, is facilitated by the action had by the operating handle in that a rearward thrust is exerted on the axis of the bearing 68 at the same time that a forward thrust is exerted on the axis of the rivet pin it during clockwise rotation of the operating handle and a forward thrust is exerted on the axis of the bearing 63 at the same time that a rearward thrust is exerted on the axis of the rivet pin it during counterclockwise rotation of the operating handle. Further clockwise rotation of the operating handle feeds the can through the device to cut the end out of the can, upon completion of which the operating handle is rotated counterclockwise to its extreme position to release the can and prepare the device for the reception of the next can.

Figure 10. illustrates a slight modification of the sliding link element H as shown in Figure 7. This modified construction of the link is provided to enable use of a smaller eccentric thrust unit than the one shown in Figure 9. as, for ex,- ample, the unit shown in Figure 5.

In Figure 10 the link corresponding to the ling ll of Figure 7, is generally designated lid and at its forward end it has an arcuate slot 12d through which extends the sleeve journal 68a and the shaft 69a. extending through the journal.

The link lid is relatively short and its rear end portion 'Hb is laterally off-set for the insertion between the rear end of the link and the adjacent body plate which is designated 63a, of an end of a substantially vertical compensating link 93. The lower end of the link 93 is pivotally coupled to the oifset portion Nb of the link Ha, by the rivet ti while the other end of the link 93 is pivotally attached, by the pivot rivet E to the upper part of the body plate 63a as shown. Substantially midway between the ends of the link 93, the link carries the stud 96 10 which engages in the L-shaped slot of the eccentric operated link, not shown, corresponding to the link 40.

The numeral 91 designates the rivet which extends through the slot corresponding to the slot 86 of a drive wheel carrying plate positioned upon the opposite side of body 6811 and corresponding to the plate 83.

The modified structure of Figure 10 is operated in the same manner as that described in connection with the embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9, the stud 96 serving the same purpose, as stated, as the stud I6 shown in Figure 7. The compensating link 83 permits use of a smaller eccentric secured to the operating handle, not shown, than is possible where the stud, for cooperation with the slotted link, not shown, is anchored in the slide H of Figure 7.

Figure 11 illustrates another modification of the slide link construction illustrated in Figure 7, the structure here shown being provided for reverse oscillation of the eccentric here desig nated as 662). The can driving wheel shaft 6% and the sleeve journal 681) are shown in the elevated position corresponding to the position of the driving wheel shaft 69 and bearing 68 in Figure 7. The sliding link is designated llb and as shown the arcuate slot 122) is moved rearwardly through an arc of approximately so that the bearing sleeve 68b is in the forward end of this slot when the shaft and driving wheel are elevated. The eccentric 66b is oscillated approximately 90 from the position in which it is illustrated in Figure 11, clockwise, to lower the can driving wheel which is carried by the shaft 591). The ends of the slot 121) limit the clockwise and counterclockwise oscillation of the eccentric 66b in its bearing in the body plate 631) and also limit the movement of the can driving wheel which is supported by a plate, not shown, corresponding to the plate 83.

Use is made with the structure shown in Figure 11, of a slightly modified link which is here shown in dotted outline and generally designated 42b of the type illustrated in Figures 25 and 26 of my co-pending application Serial No. 744,393, filed April 28, 1947. In association with this slotted link use may be made of the eccentric thrust unit corresponding to the structure as shown in Figures 5 and 9 and of the same size as that illustrated in Figure 9. In the use of such slotted link the stud 98 is carried by the link Hb for engagement in the slot of the slotted link or, if desired, use may be made of a compensating link of the character shown in Figure 10 in which case the slide link '1 lb would be suitably shortened as illustrated in connection with link Ha of Figure 10.

In this construction the end of a can is fully punctured before the can driving wheel, not shown but similar to and carried by the same type of support as the structure shown in Figure 8, commences feeding the can through the device to cut the end out of the can. Also, as the bearing 6% engages the end of the slot 12b when the can driving wheel has been elevated to its operating position, the normal operational thrust which tends to move the can driving wheel shaft 69bv forward as the end is being out out of the can, cannot oscillate the eccentric 6619 further counterclockwise than the position illustrated in Figure 11,. The modified slotted link 42!), which increases the distance between the axis of the bearing 68b and the axis of the stud 98 to elevate the can driving wheel, is used with this device in lieu of that illustrated in Figure 1. Obviously, the compensating link 93, as previously stated, is equally adaptable to this device.

Figures 12 to 15 inclusive illustrate a third embodiment. In this embodiment the body plate is generally designated 03c and adjacent to the forward end thereof this plate has therein the vertical elliptical slot 99. Rearwardly from this elliptical slot 99 is the longitudinally extending relatively large cam slot I and between the slots 99 and I00 is the pivot rivet IOI, which is anchored in the body plate and on which is mounted for oscillation the can driving wheel supporting plate I02.

The plate I02 is of substantial length as shown and has a relatively large rear end portion I03 which extends across or overlies the rear slot I00 and the narrow forward end'portion I04 which extends across the vertical elliptical opening or slot 99.

In the rear end portion I03 the plate I02 has the arcuate camming slot I05 which is directed substantially obliquely across the straight slot I00.

At the opposite right hand side of the body plate 630 is the slide plate which is generally designated I06. This plate comprises a large forward end portion I0'I which overlies the elliptical slot 99 and the rear end portion I08 which overlies the body plate slot I00. This rear end portion of the slide has secured therein the pivot rivet I09 which, as shown in Figure 15, has an enlarged portion III] which extends laterally through the two slots I00 and I05. This portion IIO of the rivet I09 carries, in the plane of the body plate 630, a roller III which snugly engages in the body plate slot I00. Also carried upon the enlarged portion IIO of the rivet I09 is a larger roller II2 which engages in the armate camming slot I05 of the drive wheel carrying plate I02.

The slide I06 has formed therein adjacent to the forward end, the relatively long slot II3 which extends in a direction lengthwise of the body plate 630 and intersects the elliptical slot 99.

Threaded in the tapped opening II4 which is formed in the drive wheel carrying plate portion I04, in line with the slot 99, is the threaded portion II5 of the sleeve. journal IE6. This journal extends outwardly or to the right through the slot 99 and through the slot II3 which is formed in the slide I06. The end of the journal IIB which is adjacent to the threaded portion H5, is formed to provide the spacing head II! by means of which the can rim engaging driving wheel II8 is maintained in the proper spaced relation with the plate I02 and for proper coaction with the cutter which is carried by a unit of the same form as that illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 and secured to the top part of the body plate 63'. This cutter wheel carrying unit has not been illustrated in Figure 13 in view of the fact that it is exactly of the same form and construction as shown in Figures 3 and 4 and for that reason it is believed that the operation of the parts in association therewith will be clearly understood without such illustration.

The can rim engaging driving wheel H8 is carried on the usual shaft II9 which extends through the sleeve journal or bearing and has secured to its outer or right hand end the enlarged disk end I20 which forms an integral part of the operating handle or crank I2I.

Encircling the outer end of the journal II6 is a spacer sleeve I22 which has an outwardly turned flange I23 at its inner end, which bears against the adjacent side of the plate I00. The other end of the spacer sleeve I22 abuts the adjacent side of the part I20 of the crank. Encircling or telescoped upon spacer I22 is a coil spring I24, one end of which bears against the flange I23 while the other end seats against the operating handle.

Formed integral with the lower edge of the smaller forward end portion I04 of the plate I92, is the laterally directed can rest I25. This is disposed directly beneath the driving wheel IIS and functions as in the case of the rest 92 and the rest 44, to maintain the can in the proper position with respect to the wheel I I8.

The forward top corner of the slide I05 carries the laterally outwardly directed flange I26 and beneath this flange the side plate has secured thereto the rivet I21 upon which is mounted for oscillation, a pawl I28. This pawl has a lip I20 formed integral with the edge thereof which engages the downturned edge of the flange I29 so that the pawl is held against forward swinging movement beyond the position shown in Figure When in this position the pawl is directed downwardly and rearwardly for the purpose hereinafter described.

The numeral I30 designates a spring, one end of which is secured to the flange I26 above the pawl. This spring curves down and beneath the rivet I27 and is secured to the pawl I28 rearwardly of the rivet as shown so that the spring constantly tends to urge the pawl to swing forwardly to the position where the lip I29 engages the end of the flange I26.

The slide plate portion I07 has struck therefrom and turned outwardly toward the disk portion I20 of the crank, the flange I3I. As shown in Figure 12, the upper end portion of this flange is in spaced relation with and also directly in alinement longitudinally of the body plate with the lower race of the pawl I 28.

' The portion I20 of the crank has secured thereto the pivot rivet I32 which is directed toward the slide I06 and rotatably mounted upon this rivet I32 is journaled the roller I33 the larger part of which is confined in the space between the rear end of the pawl I28 and the stop flange ISI, when the operating crank or handle I2I is swung back to the position shown in Figure 12, where the parts are disposed in position ready for the application of a can to the cutter.

In the operation of this third embodiment, when the handle is in the position shown in Figure 12 the parts will be, as above stated, set to receive a can by which is meant that the driving wheel I I8 will be in the lowered position with respect to the cutter, not shown, as illustrated in Figure 13. The can is then placed in position with the flange thereof on the top of the driving wheel I I8 and the side of the can resting against the rest I25 whereupon the crank I2I is turned clockwise. During approximately the first one quarter turn of the crank or operating handle, the operating handle, through engagement of the roller I33 with the forward side of the flange I3I which is carried by the slide I06, moves the slide rearwardly from the position in which it is shown in Figure 12. Inasmuch as the rollers III and H2 are journaled on the pivot I09 which is anchored in the slide I06, these rollers are simultaneously moved to the rear ends of their respective cam slots I00 and I05, thereby oscillating the can wheel supporting plate I02 on the pivot IOI which is anchored to the body plate, to elevate 13' the can driving wheel and efiect the puncture of the end of the can by the overlying cutter, not shown. Continued. clockwise rotation of the operating handle rotates the can driving wheel iit to feed the can through the device for the cutting out of the end of the can. During such continued clockwise rotation of the operating handle, the roller i313 runs off the lower end of the flange i539 and engages the pawl 52%, flipping the pawl counterclockwise against the tension of the comparatively light spring H38, on its pivot rivet 527, the pawl returning to its illustrated position after the roller E33 has passed.

The slots its and 1% are so cammed that the slide tilt cannot be moved rearwardly by any thrust exerted on. the can driving wheel.

The spring i213 also exerts some pressure on the flange of the sleeve 122 which tends to retain the slide I85 statically in any position.

When the end has been cut out of the can and the operating handle is rotated counterclockwise, the operating handle through engagement of the roller E33 with the pawl E28 moves the slide I655 from its rearward position to the position shown in Figure 12, thereby releasing the can from the device and preparing the device for the reception of the next can.

Figure 16 illustrates the right hand side of a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment the body plate is generally designated 63d. This body plate is of the same form as in the other embodiments illustrated and described, as will be readily seen and the cutter carrying unit illustrated in Figures 1-3 and 4: will be employed in connection with this and the succeeding two embodiments of the invention.

The numeral res designates the substantially vertical elliptical slot which is formed through the forward end of the body plate. Through this slot extends the sleeve journal lilii, correspondwith the journal lid, and through the journal extends the drive wheel supporting shaft I35.

Except for obvious differences and dimensions, distances between parts and contours of the camrned solts in the body plate and the oscillating can driving wheel supporting plate, the body plate and all parts on the inner or left hand side or this embodiment are of the same form and construction as illustrated in Figures 13, 14 and 15.

The can driving wheel supporting plate, not shown but corresponding to plate W2, is pivotally supported upon the rivet 53?.

The numeral 833 generally designates an oscillatory plate having a pivot rivet Etta anchored therein and on which are journaled two rollers, one only of which is indicated in dotted outline at 539. The second roller, not shown, which cor responds to the roller H2, lies upon the opposite side of the body plate and engages the can wheel carrying plate, not shown. These two rollers may be of equal diameter or either may be of larger diameter than the other as desired.

The roller its positions in the arcuate slot M3 which is formed in the body plate and concentrio with this arcuate cam slot the body plate has secured thereto a pivot rivet Mi which extends through elliptical slot M2 of the pivoted plate H38. The long axis of this slot [32 is in line with the axis of the rivet 53350:. By the formation of the cammed slot Hill of the body plate @303 substantially on the radius of the axis of the pivot rivet Ml, the plate Hi8 has substantially an oscillatory movement. However, the elliptical slot i l-2 permits the roller 139 to always seat in the cammed slot Hill. As will be 14 readily apparent, the ends of the cai nmed slot I40 limit the oscillation of the plate it through the engagement of the roller I38 with said ends of the slot.

The second roller, not shown, which is adjacent to and co-axial with the roller I39, rolls in a slot formed in the rearward end of an oscillating can driving wheel supporting plate, not shown, similar to the slot 35 of the plate m2 shown in Figure 13. Such slot will, however, be cammed as required to effect the desired vertical movement of the can driving Wheel.

The numeral I43 designates a stud which is anchored in the plate !3B for the same purpose as the stud 42 of the first embodiment shown in Figure l. The other parts relating to the slotted link which is generally designated M4 are of the same form as the structure shown in Figure l, the link engaging the stud [43 to effect the de= sired oscillation of the plate 138 upon turning of the crank M5.

It will be readily apparent that the embod ment shown in Figure 16 is operated in the same manner as the first embodiment. Upon comple= tion of the operation of opening the can, all of the parts will be approximately in the position shown in Figure 16. When the can is placed in the cutter and the handle [45 is turned clockwise, during approximately the first one-half turn of the crank or operating handle, the eccentric unit with which the link IM- is connected oscillates the plate I38 from the position shown in Figure 16 to a position wherein the roller ltd is in the forward end of the cammed slot Mil. Inasmuch as. the other roller, not shown, but corresponding to the roller H2 shown in Figures 13 and i5, is also moved from. the rearward to the forward end of the cammed slot which is in the rearward end of the can driving wheel supporting plate, corresponding to plate I02 of Figure 13 except for the contour of the cammed slot, the can driving wheel supporting plate is oscillated thereby elevating the can driving wheel and puncturing the end of the can. Continued clockwise rotation of the operating handle operates the driving wheel to feed the can through the device as will be readily understood. Reverse operation or rotation of the operating handle to the extreme position then releases the can from the device, leaving the parts in the position illustrated in Figure 16.

Figure 1'2 is a view of the right hand side of a fifth embodiment of the invention wherein the body plate is generally designated 63c and adjacent its forward end has therein the vertical elliptical slot I45 through which ex ends the sleeve journal E 3! which in turn has extending therethrough the shaft hi3, such parts corre sponding to the previously described journal and shaft parts shown in Figures 5, 9 and 1%.

With this embodiment as with the embodiment shown in Figure 16 there may be employed the cutter unit shown in Figures 3 and 4 and the can driving wheel supporting plate Hi2 shown in Figure. 13 and other associated parts lying upon the left hand side of the device, except for necessary differences in dimensions and the elimination of the cammed slots in the body plate and the oscillating can driving wheel supporting plate.

The numeral 49 generally designates a plate having therein the arcuate camming slot ifiii which is pivoted to the rearward end of the can driving wheel supporting plate, not shown, by the pivot rivet [51. This pivot rivet it! extends through the arcuate slot I52 which is formed in the body plate 63s. The numeral I53 designates a roller which works in the cammed slot I56 and which is journaled on the pivot rivet I54 which is anchored in the body plate 63c. Rocking movement of the plate I49 is limited by the engagement of this roller in the ends of the slot in an obvious manner.

The numeral I55 designates a stud which is anchored in the plate HIS for the same purpose as the stud 42 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, namely, to facilitate the establishment of the necessary operative connection between the plate I 49 and the eccentric unit, connected with operating handle I56 through the medium of the slotted link I57.

The numeral I58 designates the pivot rivet secured to the body plate 639 upon'which is pivotally mounted upon the opposite or inner side of the body plate, the can driving wheel carrying plate, not shown, with the inner end of which the.

rivet II is connected.

The operation of theembodiment shown in Figure 17 is the same as that oi the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 as well as the embodiment shown in Figure 16 and the description of the operation of the embodiment of Figure 16 applie in all essentials to the operation of the embodiment of Figure 17. Accordingly it will be understood that when the operating handle is turned clockwise it will effect through the slotted link which. is in engagement with the stud I55, an oscillation of the plate its from the position in which it is shown in Figure 17 to a position wherein th roller I53 is in the rearward end of the cammed slot I50. During this movement the axis of the pivot rivet I5I swings downwardly on a radiu from the axis of the rivet I58 on which the can driving wheel supporting plate, not shown, is pivoted for oscillation. In this form, it will be understood that such can driving wheel supporting plate, which is not shown, is not provided with a slot such as the slot I65 as the rivet I 5| is anchored to the rearward end of such supporting plate. Such rivet I5I extends through the slot I52 in the body plate and accordingly I oscillatory movement of the can driving wheel supporting plate elevates the driving wheel to puncture the end of the can. Continued rotation of the handle I56 then continues the operation of cutting the head from the can and reverse rotation of the handle reverses the movement of the parts to restore them to the position shown in Figure 1'? where the driving wheel is lowered to a position where the can can be removed from the cutter.

Figure 18 illustrates a sixth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the body plate, which is generally designated 63f has formed therein the vertically disposed elliptical slot I59 and rearwardly of this slot is the relatively long slot I6I which extends longitudinally of the body plate as shown.

Disposed against the right side of thev plate and overlying the slot I6I, is the relatively long slide plate I62. lhis slide and all of the parts on the inner or left hand side of the body plate operate in the same manner as the slide I66 and the drive wheel carrying plate I62. The means of converting the rotary motion of the operating handle I63 to reciprocal motion of the slide I62 constitutes the essential difierence between this embodiment and the third embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 to inclusive.

The numeral I64 generally designates an oscillatable trigger link which is pivoted to and swings on the axis of the pivot rivet I65 which corresponds to the pivot rivet I 69 of the structure shown in Figures 12 to 15. Clockwise oscillation of the trigger link I64 is limited by the stud I65 which is anchored in the side of the slide I62. counterclockwise oscillation of the trigger link is limited by the sleeve bearing I67 which corresponds to the sleeve bearing I I6 and which moves in the body plate slot I59.

The rivet IE5 carries a roller I68, together with a second roller adjacent thereto, not shown but corresponding to the roller H2 shown in Figure 15, this pivot rivet I65 extending through the slide I62 and being swaged in the retainer I69 in a manner corresponding to that shown in Figure 6. The escapement link I64 is oscillatably mounted on the smaller diameter portion of this retainer I69.

The numeral I70 designates a spring, one end of which is secured to the stop pin or stud I66 while the other end is pivotally secured to the link I64, in the aperture III. This spring supplements the action of gravity in urging the forward end of the trigger link I66 downwardly.

Adjacent to the forward end, the oscillating escapement link I64 has a notch I72 formed in the bottom edge, in which may be engaged the pin I 73 which is carried by the enlarged circular portion I74 of the handle I63.

In the slot I66 is positioned a pivot rivet I75 which supports upon the inner or left hand side of the body plate the can driving wheel supporting plate, not shown. This supporting plate is of the same form as the plate I62 shown in Figure 13 and the right hand end of the rivet is swaged in a retainer I76 of the form illustrated in Figure 6.

In the operation of this embodiment, when the operating handle I63 is in the rearwardly and downwardly directed position shown in Figure 18 the oscillatable drive wheel supporting plate will be lowered at its forward end so that the drive wheel will be separated from the cutter to receive the can rim flange. When the can rim flange is placed in position on the driving wheel clockwise rotation is given the operating handle and during approximately the first one quarter turn of the handle the link I64, by reason of its connection with the handle through the medium of the pin I 73 engaged in the notch I 72, will be thrust rearwardly thereby moving the slide I62 to its rearward position. This will lower the link Hit and the forward end of the link will seat on the bearing sleeve I67 in such manner that further clockwise rotation of the operating handle will cause the stud I73 to run out of or disengage from the notch I72 of the trigger link. As the operating handle I63 is further rotated clockwise, the stud I73 engages the under edge of the trigger link, forwardly of the notch I72, and merely lifts the forward end of the trigger link upwardly and then again lets it seat on the bearing sleeve I67. However, when the end has been cut out or" the can and the operating handle I63 is rotated counterclockwise, the stud I73 engages in the notch I72 in such manner as to move the slide I62 to its forward position and the operating handle cannot be further rotated counterclockwise. Rotation of the stud I73 during clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the operating handle I63 is such as to always cause it to seat against the overlying edge portion of the notch I72 while said stud I73 is engaged in the notch of the trigger link I64.

17 I claim:

1. A can opener of the rotary drive wheel type comprising a body, a can top cutter supported thereby on one side thereof, a rotary shaft extending transversely through the body, the body being formed to allow movement of the shaft toward and away from the cutter, a can rim, engaging driving wheel carried on the shaft on the side of the body adjacent to the cutter for co-operative action with the cutter, a crank connected with the end of the shaft on the side of the body opposite from the wheel and cutter, a plate movably connected to the body on the said opposite side of the body, a connection between said plate and said wheel carrying shaft whereby movement of the plate to a predetermined extent in one direction effects movement of the shaft and wheel relative to the cutter, a member carried by said plate, and means for coupling the crank and said member whereby turning of the crank in one direction will impart movement to the plate through said member and move the plate to the said predetermined extent in the said one direcnon.

2. A can opener of the rotary drive whee type as set forth in claim 1, wherein said member and said coupling means comprise a link, an eccentric coupling between an of the link and the shaft, the eccentric being connected with and turned by the crank, the coupling between the other end of the link and said plate carried member permitting limited longitudinal movement of the link relative to the plate.

3. A can opener of the type set forth in claim 1, wherein the movement of said plate is a limited reciprocal movement in a plane paralleling the adjacent side of the supporting body, said connection between the plate and wheel carrying shaft including an eccentric rotated by the crank, said member comprising a stud, and said last means including a link having an angulated slot having the stud therein and adapted upon a predetermined turning of the eccentric to effect shifting of the plate and said connection between the same and the wheel carrying shaft and to then permit free turning of the crank.

l. A can opener of the type described in claim 3, with a friction coupling between the eccentric and the slotted link by which swinging movement is imparted to the slotted end of the link.

5. A can opener of the type described in claim 1, wherein the movement of said plate is pivotal, said plate below the pivot thereof being recessed to receive said shaft when the plate is swung downward, said connection coinprisin a thrust link pivotally secured at one end to the plate below the shaft, the other end of the thrust link being coupled with the shaft, means limiting the downward swinging movement of the plate to a position where the pivotal connection between the thrust link and the plate has its center moved across a line passing through the centers of the shaft and the pivot for the plate, andsaid memher and last named means between the crank and the plate being constructed and arranged to move the plate upon a predetermined turning of the crank to effect the shifting of the plate downwardly to impart upward thrust against the thrust link and to then permit free turning of the crank.

6. A can opener of the character described in claim 1, with a disk supported by the body and having the shaft extending eccentrically therethrough and supporting the same, a second plate movably supported on the side of the body adja= cent to the cutter and coupled to the shaft, said driving wheel being carried upon the end of the shaft adjacent to said second plate, the movable plate connection to the body including an eccentric pivotal connection with said disk, a further connection between the movable plate and the body for shifting movement, the crank connection with the shaft including an eccentric, and said last named means comprising an eccentric link connected at one end to the eccentric and coupled at its other end with said member for limited movement relative to the member carrying movable plate and to impart shifting movement to the movable plate, and means limiting the turning of said disk.

7'. A can opener of the character stated in claim 6, wherein said means limiting the turning of the disk comprises an arcuate slot formed in the said movable plate concentric with the pivotal connection between the movable plate and the disk, the opposite ends of the slot functioning as stops for limiting the movement of the shaft in the slot.

8. A can opener of the character stated in claim 1, wherein the body has a vertical elongate opening through which the shaft passes, a pivoted plate member having a portion extending across said opening, the shaft being rotatably supported on the pivoted plate member, the cam rim flange engaging wheel being upon the side of the pivoted plate member remote from the body, said movable plate being slidable upon the side 'of the body opposite from the pivoted plate member, means connecting the movable plate and the sliding plate member, said connecting means forming a cam whereby sliding movement of the movable plate effects oscillation of the pivoted plate member, and means for effecting reverse sliding movement of the movable plate upon reverse rotation of the crank, the movement of the movable plate effecting movement of the shaft in said opening and movement of the can rim engaging wheel toward and away from the cutter.

9. A can opener of the character stated in claim 8, wherein the said member carried by the movable plate comprises an abutment element, and the means for coupling the crank and the plate carried abutment element comprises a roller member carried by the crank for engagement against the said element.

10. A can opener of the character stated in claim 8, wherein the said member carried by the movable plate comprises an abutment element, the means for coupling the crank and the plate carried abutment element comprising a roller member carried by the crank for engagement against the said element, the said means for effecting reverse sliding movement of the movable plate comprising a pawl pivotally mounted upon said movable plate in spaced relation with the abutment member, and in the path of movement of said roller, and spring means urging oscillation of the pawl to a predetermined position and permitting swinging of the pawl in one direction.

11. A rotary drive wheel type can opener according to claim 1, wherein the body has a substantially vertical elongate opening for the extension of the shaft therethrough, the said connection between the movable plate and the shaft comprising an elongate plate member disposed on the side of the body adjacent to the cutter and pivotally attached to the body for oscillation, the plate member having a portion extending across said vertical opening and supporting the shaft, the said connection between the movable plate and body comprising a pivot pin secured in the body rearwardly of the vertical opening and at an elevation above the latter, said movable plate having an elliptical opening through which the pivot pin passes, the body having an arcuate slot therein concentric with the pivot pin and covered by the movable plate, a roller carried by the movable plate and engaged in said arcuate slot, and means connecting the roller with the plate member whereby swinging movement of the movable plate will effect oscillation of the plate member.

12. The invention according to claim 11, wherein the said means for coupling the crank and the movable plate carried member comprises an eccentric secured to the shaft and supported thereby for turning movement around said shaft, an elongate link member having a strap at one end and encircling the eccentric, said link member at its other end having a relatively long slot terminating at the end remote from the eccentric in a downwardly directed angular portion, said plate carried member bein slidably engaged in the slot of the link member, and a friction element encircling the eccentric between the crank and said eccentric strap and forming a frictional connection between the eccentric strap and crank.

13. A rotary drive wheel type can opener according to claim 1, wherein the body has a substantially vertical elongate opening for the extension of the shaft therethrough, the said connection between the movable plate and the shaft 7 comprising an elongate plate member disposed on the side of the body adjacent to the cutter and pivotally attached to the body for oscillation, the plate member having a portion extending across the said vertical opening and supporting the shaft, the said connection between the movable plate and the body comprising a pivot pin carried by the movable plate and extending through a second elongate opening which is disposed upon the opposite side of the pivot for said plate member from the first opening, said movable plate having an arcuate guide slot in a portion thereof lying rearwardly from the said second opening, and a guide means carried by the body and. having sliding engagement in said guide slot.

14. The invention according to claim 13, wherein the said means for coupling the crank and the movable plate carried member comprises an eccentric secured to the shaft and supported thereby for turnin movement around said shaft, an elongate link member having a strap at one end and encircling the eccentric, said link member at its other end having a relatively long slot terminating at the end remote from the eccentric in a downwardly directed angular portion, said plate carried member being slidably engaged in the slot of the link member, and a friction element encircling the eccentric between the crank and said eccentric strap and forming a frictional connection between the eccentric strap and crank.

ROBERT E. MCLEAN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,020,580 Schoenberger Nov. 12, 1935 2,070,261 Dazey Feb. 9, 1937 2,070,279 Killman Feb. 9, 1937 2,186,668 Curtis Jan. 9, 1940 2,204,368 Kublin June 11, 1940