US3360853A

US3360853A - Can opener

Info

Publication number: US3360853A
Application number: US470526A
Authority: US
Inventors: Worthy L Chambers; Jr Louis H Voss
Original assignee: Sunbeam Corp
Current assignee: Sunbeam Corp
Priority date: 1965-07-08
Filing date: 1965-07-08
Publication date: 1968-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 1985-01-02
Also published as: DE1482658A1; FR1462073A; CH450200A; SE315219B; GB1122072A

Description

8 w. CHAMBERS ETAL. 3,3 0,853

CAN OPENER ,4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 8, 1965 V II deny? Jan. 2, 1968 HAMBERg AL 3,360,853

CAN OPENER Filed July 8, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan. 2', 1968 w. CHAMBERS ETAL 3,360,853

CAN OPENER Filed July 8, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet United States Patent 3,360,853 CAN OPENER Worthy L. Chambers, Wilmette, and Louis -H. Voss, Jr., Maywood, Ill., assignors to Sunbeam Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed July 8, 1965, Ser. No. 470,526 28 Claims. (Cl. 30-4) This invention relates generally to motor driven can openers and, more particularly, to improvements giv ng rise to simplified construction and reduced manufacturing costs of can openers of this type.

The present invention is concerned with improvements in the well-known type of can opener employing a motor driven, serrated can feed or drive wheel cooperating with a freely rotatable cutter wheel manually movable with respect to the drive wheel into and out of penetrating engagement with the top of the can. When the cutter wheel is in the cutting position, the drive wheel engages the lower edge of the head around the upper lip of the can in order to turn the can when the drive wheel is rotated. The cutter wheel has a cutting edge penetrating the can lid from a position located above the drive wheel and turns freely as the can is turned, thereby to sever the can lid closely adjacent the bead. A peripheral groove in the cutter wheel adjacent to the cutting edge receives the can lip and, by virtue of its overlapping relation with the drive wheel, grips the can wall therebetween. While prior art devices have used this general arrangement, these devices have generally been characterized by elaborate mechanisms and control means for automatically opening the cans and, hence, they have been very costly to manufacture and, in addition, they contain a number of parts which make them difficult to maintain and repair.

In order to compete successfully with hand-operated can openers using a manually operated crank or the like, it is important that a power driven can opener be inexpensive and relatively small so that it can be conveniently stored when not in use. The present invention relates to a simply constructed, compact, power-driven can opener capable of performing all of the necessary functions while at the same time substantially reducing the number of parts employed and also simplifying the construction of the relatively few parts used. For the most part this simplicity of construction has been achieved by utilizing, in several instances, a single member or part to perform a number of different functions which previously required several different parts and, also, by so arranging the parts or members that the necessary functions can be readily performed without resort to complicated mechanical designs. One such simplification involves the use of an operating lever supporting the cutter wheel for movement into and out of penetrating relation with the can top with the cutter wheel support member also serving as a pivot to permit the operating lever to be moved manually between a vertical can release position and a horizontal can cutting position. Another important simplification flows from use of a normally open switch engageable by the operating lever when the lever moves within a guide slot in the can opener housing to the can cutting position with the switch including a flexible insulating leaf for preventing actuation of the switch unless the lever is seated against a stop formed by a blind end of the guide slot which end prevents overstressing the switch contacts and the flexible leaf. The simplicity of design has also been made possible by orienting the motor components directly on a dielectric housing so that the armature shaft extends vertically and is provided with an integral worm for driving a simplified gear reducing mechanism connected directly to an output shaft carrying the can feed or drive wheel.

3,360,853 Patented Jan. 2, 1968 Further improvements reside in the simplified construction of the can lid holding device which includes a bifurcated plastic member pivotally mounted on supports on the housing for movement between a raised lid retaining position and a lowered inoperative position with the plastic member being mounted for facile removal from the supports and having a spring supported thereon and connected to the housing providing an overcenter action urging the plastic member towards either the raised or lowered positions.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an improved power driven can opener which is simple in construction and which has a very low manufacturing cost.

Another object of the invention is to provide a power Operated can opener characterized by simple construction and compact design.

Another object of the invention is to provide a power operated can opener having a molded housing of insulating material for supporting a drive motor and its associated components together with a gear reduction mechanism oriented in such position that a minimum number of simply constructed parts are utilized.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a simplified construction for supporting a manually operable lever for moving a cutter wheel into and out of penetrating engagement with the can.

It is another object of the invention to provide a simplified and improved lid retaining mechanism for use on power operated can openers which mechanism is constructed to permit ready removal from the can opener to facilitate cleaning or repair.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a power operated can opener having an operating lever carrying the cutter wheel and movable between inoperative and operative positions with a new and improved switch means being mounted within the can opener housing for actuation by the operating lever only when the latter is pivoted to its operative position in engagement with a stop limiting further pivotal movement.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a can opener using new and improved switch means of the character indicated above which acts as a spring for normally preventing operation of the switch until the operating lever is seated against its stop and which also serves to insulate the operating lever from the electrical current carried by the switch contacts.

The invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a can opener characterized by the features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary view showing the upper portion of the front of the can opener illustrated in FIG. 1 with the operating lever in the raised position and with the lid retaining mechanism also raised in preparation for reception of a can to be opened;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, sectional view taken along a line substantially corresponding to the line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along a line substantially corresponding to the line 44 in FIG. 3, assuming, of course, that the latter shows the entire can opener mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view taken along a line substantially corresponding to the line 5-5 in FIG. 4 and showing certain details of construction of the motor control switch;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along a line substantially corresponding to the line 6-6 in FIG. 3, again assuming that the latter shows the entire can open construction;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along a line substantially corresponding to the line 77 in FIG. 6 and shows particularly the support for the drive motor of the can opener;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, sectional view taken along a line substantially corresponding to the line 88 in FIG. 2 and shows particularly the lid retaining mechanism forming one of the important features of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along a line substantially corresponding to the line 99 in FIG. 8 assuming that the latter shows the entire lid retaining mechanism.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout the several views, a can opener characterized by the features of the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 10 and comprises a molded, phenolic, dielectric housing 11 having an open rear (FIG. 3) and mounted upon a base 12 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 6) formed of similar material. As is best shown in FIG 4, the housing 11 is secured to the base by means of a pair of elongated, self tapping screws 13, each of which extends through a molded cylindrical boss 12a formed integral with the underside of the base and is threaded into an axial opening in a post 11a formed integral with and near the bottom of the housing 11. A metal cover 14 closes the open rear of the housing 11 and is secured to the housing by means of five spaced apart, self-tapping screws 15, each of which is threaded into an axial opening in a post formed integral with the housing 11. Four of these posts are disposed adjacent the side walls of the housing with their axial openings facing outwardly and these have been identified by the reference numeral 16 (FIGS. 3, 4 and 6) while the fifth post is identified by the reference numeral 17 and is spaced from the side walls towards the center of the housing. The base 12 is provided at each of its four corners with an insert pad 18 formed of rubber or other soft material to permit the can opener to rest on a counter or other surface without marring or scratching the surface. As is best shown in FIG. 4, the base 12 is further provided with an opening 12b through which extends a two-conductor electric cord 19 terminating in a conventional male plug 20 (FIG. 1) for connection to an alternating current electrical outlet.

In order to permit use of the can opener in any desired location a relatively long cord 18 of about 4 feet is normally provided. However, since the can opener 10 is frequently used in a kitchen or other location where electric outlets are disposed within a foot or so from a counter 'or other storage area for the can opener, it is desirable to provide space within the housing 11 for storing the excess power cord. To this end, a wall 21 (FIGS. 3, 4 and 6) formed integrally within the housing 11 is connected to the interior post 17 and cooperates with the cover 14 and with the front wall and one side wall of the housing to define a cord receiving chamber 22 for accommodating some of the electrical cord 19 which may be pushed into the chamber through the opening 12b. The latter opening is sufiiciently large to permit passage of the male plug 20 therethrough during assembly of the can opener. The cord 19 passes from the chamber 22 to a cord receiving well 120 (FIGS. 3, 4 and 6) defined in the base 12 and then extends upwardly through the interior of the housing. As is best shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, an integral projection 23 formed on the housing 11 extends into the well 12c and cooperates therewith to clamp the electric cord, thereby forming a strain relief. As is best shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, the rear of the base 12 is provided with a small slot 12d for accommodating the cord 19 to permit the can opener to rest fiat onthe counter or other supporting surface.

Turning now to the mechanism for opening the can, it will be observed that there are two operative members, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, on the front of the can opener 10 for severing the can lid. One such member is a serrated can feed or drive wheel 24 mounted upon the outer end of a power driven shaft 46 while the other member is a freely rotatable cutter wheel 26 mounted above and in overlapping relation with the drive wheel. As is apparent from FIG. 3, the axis of rotation of the cutter wheel 26 is inclined at an angle with respect to the horizontal and also with respect to the axis of the drive wheel shaft. FIGS. 1 and 3 show the cutter wheel in its operative or can cutting position while FIG. 2 shows this wheel in its inoperative or can release position.

To permit insertion of a can to be opened, the cutter wheel is mounted, in a manner described more fully hereinafter, for movement to the position shown in FIG. 2 whereupon the lip of the can may be placed over the drive wheel 24 with the serrations in engagement with the un derside of the lip or head. The cutter wheel 26 is mounted upon the end of a boss 27 extending outwardly from a lever 28 and protruding through an opening 11b in the front Wall of the housing 11. The cutter wheel seats against a washer 29 which in turn seats on an inclined face 27w at the end of the boss 27. A screw 30 extends through aligned center holes formed in the cutter wheel and the washer 29 and has a shank portion threaded into a tapped opening in the boss 27 to mount the cutter wheel 26 on the boss for free rotation. The screw 30 may be easily removed to permit occasional cleaning of the cutter wheel and also to permit cleaning and replacement of the washer 29. As is apparent from FIG. 2, the cutter wheel is displaced upwardly from the drive wheel 24 when the lever 28 is manually moved to its vertical or inoperative position. This upward displacement is achieved by the eccentric mounting of the cutter wheel 26 caused by the inclination of the face 27a. After a can has been inserted with its lip resting on the feed wheel 24, the lever 28 is manually pivoted to its operative or can cutting position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 whereupon a sharp circular cutting edge 26a on the cutter wheel penetrates the lid or top of the can and cooperates with the drive wheel to grip the can head or lip firmly therebetween. The drive wheel 24 is then driven in a manner described in detail hereinafter to turn the can past the freely rotatable cutter wheel, thereby severing the can lid closely adjacent the head. The cutter wheel 26 is similar to that described in detail in US. Patent No. 3,002,274, granted Oct. 3, 1961, to Ivar Jepson et al., and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention.

Since the head around the top of the can is not always of uniform height or thickness, it is desirable to provide means to compensate for these variations. In accordance with the present invention this is accomplished by providing a new and improved but very simple pivotal mountn'g arrangement for the lever 28. Specifically, this mounting arrangement comprises the boss 27 which includes a horlzontal, hollow portion 27]) extending through the aforementioned opening 11b in the front wall of the housing 11 and having its outer surface slightly tapered so that it is frusto-conical in shape. As is shown in FIG. 3, the opening 11b is somewhat larger than the diameter of the tapered portion 27b to permit limited movement of the boss 27 within the opening. The latter opening includes an enlarged diameter portion 270 defining an annular shoulder 27d resting against a resilient washer 31 which may be formed of rubber or the like but which could also take the form of a metal wave-shaped washer. A fiat metal washer 32 is interposed between the resilient washer 31 and an enlarged diameter region 27e formed at the inner end of the boss 27. The resilient washer 31 permits the limited movement of the boss 27 described above so that the can opener functions properly with cans having beads of different size and shape. It will also be apparent that the boss 27, in addition to its function in supporting the cutter wheel 26, also cooperates with the walls around the opening 11b to form a pivot for the lever 28 to permit manual movement between the positions respectively shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. To this end, the lever is joined to the boss 27 via a key 28a (FIG. 6) which fits within an internal recess 27 in the boss. The lever and boss are retained in position by a thrust plate 33 and a bracket 34 which are secured to the housing '11 by screws 35. The bracket 34 is further secured to the housing by a jack screw 37 threaded into a molded nylon grommet 37w which is, in turn, inserted into an axial opening in a mounting post formed integral with the housing 11. During the can opening operation, the force on the cutter 26 tends to twist the boss 27 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 3. T o counteract this tendency and to compensate for dimensional variations the screw 37 is tightened through the grommet 37a thereby twisting the bracket 34 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 3 while at the same time, forcing the bracket outwardly. A handle or knob 38 with a knurled upper face is secured to the free end of the lever 28 to facilitate its movement between positions. The lever 28 extends through an elongated guide slot 11c (FIGS. 1 and 6) disposed along the top of the housing and along the upper portion of one side wall. The slot 11-c terminates in a blind end 11d which serves as a stop to limit the pivotal movement of the lever when the latter is in its can cutting position.

The drive wheel 24 is powered by a series wound A-C motor unit designated generally by the reference number 39 in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7 and having a rotatable armature 40 carried upon an elongated armature shaft 41 extending vertically within the housing. The upper end of the armature shaft 41 has a worm 41a formed integrally thereon for driving an intermediate gear 42 mounted for rotation on a stub shaft 43 molded onto a cylindrical boss 44 formed integral with the housing 11. The intermediate gear 42 comprises a large diameter spur gear 42a meshing with the worm 41a and a smaller spur gear 42b formed integrally and coaxially with the large gear. The small spur gear 42b in turn meshes with a relatively large diameter drive gear 45 mounted on the shaft 46 carrying the can drive wheel 24. As is best shown in FIG. 3, the shaft 46 comprises a center, metallic shaft portion having a metal disc or plate 47 secured to a nub 46a at its inner end. Nylon or similar plastic is molded over both the shaft 46 and the disc 47 to form a sleeve 48 encircling the shaft 46 and also to form around the disc 47 a plastic gear 49 having peripheral gear teeth. The end of the sleeve 48 abuts against an annular collar 46b formed integral with the shaft 46 while a knurled region 46c on the shaft engages the interior of the sleeve 48 to prevent slipping therebetween. The disc 47 is provided with three uniformly spaced openings 47a which are respectively aligned with three studs in the mold for supporting and locating the disc during molding, thereby forming three openings 49a in the gear 49. The shaft is supported for rotation within a cylindrical boss 50 formed integrally with the housing 11 with a central hub portion 4% on the gear seating against a washer which, in turn seats against the flat outer end of the boss 50. The shaft 46 has an externally threaded portion protruding beyond the front wall of the housing to receive the can drive wheel 24 which is threaded thereon. To facilitate the threading operation the drive wheel has an integral portion 51 shaped somewhat like a hexagonal nut for accommodating a wrench by means of which the drive wheel may be assembled (or disassembled) on the shaft 46.

The worm 41a and the gears 42 and 45 cooperate to provide a substantial gear reduction between the motor 39 and the drive wheel 24 for turning the can at a suitable rate during the can cutting operation. These components and the moving parts of the motor 39 are perma- 6 nently lubricated to insure a long operating life with a minimum of maintenance and repair.

The elongated armature shaft 41 is journaled for rotation within upper and

lower bearings

52 and 53 respecti-vely supported upon bearing blocks 54 and 55 formed integral with the housing 11 (FIGS. 3 and 4). Each of the bearing blocks has a recess therein containing a wick 56 for lubricating the associated bearing. As is best shown in FIG. 6, a reinforcing rib 57 formed integral with the housing 11 extends between the upper bearing block 54 and the cylindrical boss 44 while

similar ribs

58 and 59 extend between the bosses 44 and 50 and between the boss 44 and the wall 21. The

bearings

52 and 53 respectively are held on the

blocks

54 and 55 by means of straps 6t) and 61 secured to the respective blocks by means of screws 62 (FIG. 4). The lower end of the armature shaft 41 extends into a cylindrical well 63- formed on the top of the base 12 and a thrust washer 64 (FIG. 3) is disposed within this well to absorb the end thrust on the armature shaft. In this connection, it should be observed that the armature 40 is rotated to turn the gears 42 and 45in the direction of the arrow pointed lines 65 and 66 shown in FIG. 4 so that the thrust on the armature shaft produced by the worm 41a is directed downwardly as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Electrical current is supplied to the armature and field windings of the motor 39 through a commutator ring 67 carried by the shaft 41 immediately above the lower bearing 53. As is best shown in FIG. 4, the periphery of the commutator ring 67 is engaged by diametrically opposed brushes 68 and 69 respectively mounted within brush holding blocks 70 and 71 formed integral with the housing 11. Each brush is, of course, spring biased against the periphery of the commutator ring and each is held by a brush retainer 72 which also serves as an electrical terminal. The brush retainers 72 are mounted on the brush holding blocks by screws 73 and each is electrically connected to its associated brush 68 or 6-9. The brush 68- is connected directly to one of the conductors 19a of the electrical cord 19 while the second brush 69' is connected via a conductor 44 to one end of the field winding 75 (FIG. 7) of the electric motor. The other end of the field winding is electrically connected via conductor 76 (FIG. 4) to a normally open, motor control switch indicated generally by the reference numeral 77 in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. The conductor 76 extends through a slot 78 defined in a dividing shelf 79 which is formed integral with the housing 11 and which extends between one side wall of the housing and the upper bearing block 54. As is shown in FIG. 4, the second conductor 19b of the electrical cord also extends through the slot '78 and is connected directly to the switch 77.

The motor control switch 77 comprises a pair of resilient electrically conducting springs or leafs 8t! and 81 extending generally parallel to each other and each having a bent U-shaped contact portion near one end thereof. The contact portion of the spring 80' is indicated by the reference numeral 80a in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 while the contact portion for the spring 81 is identified by the reference numeral 81a. The springs 80' and 81 are supported in cantilever fashion upon a switch support block 82 (FIG. 6) formed integral with the housing 11 and having four rearwardly protruding integral pins. Three of these pins, identified by the reference numeral 83 in FIG. 6, are of equal length but the fourth pin 83a is somewhat longer than the other three and is inserted into a small aperture 8411 (FIG. 4) formed in a molded plastic member 84 mounted on the switch block. The plastic member 84 includes a fiat body portion seated on the flat outer ends of the three pins 83 and provided with the aforementioned aperture 84a. A screw 85 is threaded into an opening formed in a central boss 82a (FIG. 6) located on' the switch block 82 to hold the plastic member 84 in position. The central boss 82a is so located that the spring 80 fits snugly between one side of the boss and two of the pins 83 while the spring 81 fits between the other side of the boss and the other two pins. To limit lengthwise displacement of the

springs

80 and 81 there is provided a transversely extending rib 82b which engages corresponding notches in the

springs

80 and 81, as is best shown in FIGS. and 6. The plastic member 84 has a flexible arm 84b extending upwardly from the flat body portion as viewed in FIGS. 4 and 6 and this flexible arm is provided at its free end with an enlarged section 840 in engagement with the extreme upper end of the spring 81.

When the lever 28 is moved towards its horizontal or canv cutting position, it first engages the flexible arm 84b which acts as a spring opposing further movement of the lever. Thus, the flexible arm 84b will hold the lever 28 in the position shown in FIG. 4 unless the lever is firmly seated against the stop formed by the blind end 11d of the guide slot 110. Since the flexible arm 84b is Iormed of dielectric material, it also serves as an insulator to isolate the lever 28 from the

spring contacts

80 and 81, thereby to avoid the possibility of electrical shocks. When the lever 28 is pressed firmly against the blind end 11d of the guide slot, the flexible arm 84b is flexed slightly in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 4 whereupon the enlarged portion 84c flexes the spring 81 until the contact portion 81a engages the contact portion 80a to close the switch 77. The blind end 11d limits the movement of the lever 28 to prevent overstressing the flexible arm 84b and the

springs

80 and 81. When the switch 77 is closed, current is delivered to the armature and field windings of the motor through the commutator ring 67 and the

brushes

68 and 69 in conventional manner. The motor 39' is thus energized to drive the serrated can feed wheel 24 through the gears 42 and 45.

The field winding 75 of the motor is wound on a spool 75a which encircles the bight portion of a horseshoe shaped laminated core 86 embracing the motor armature 40 in the usual manner. As is best shown in FIG. 7, one leg 86a of the core lies adjacent the front wall of the housing 11 while the other leg 86b is disposed adjacent the rear cover 14. To facilitate mounting of the core on the housing 11, each leg of the core 86 has two vertical legs or posts 87 and 88 (FIGS. 4 and 6) extending downwardly from the bottom and two additional vertical posts 89 and 90 (FIGS. 6 and 7) extending upwardly from the top. As is best shown in FIG. 6, the

posts

87 and 89 formed on the front leg 86a are received within slots 91- and 92 defined in a motor support block 93 formed integral with the housing 11. The other two

posts

88 and 90 on the front leg 86a of the core are respectively seated against the flat ends of motor support blocks 94 and 95 formed integral with the housing 11. These four posts on the front leg 86a cooperate with the housing 11 to align the core 86 and its winding 75 properly with respect to the armature 40-. The motor mounting posts are held in position by the rear cover 14 which has a depression 96 formed therein of generally V-shaped crosssection (FIG. 3) with its apex 96a resting against the rear leg 86b of the core. The depression 96 is dimensioned to prevent movement of the core 86 when the cover is secured in position at the rear of the housing 11..As is shown in FIG. 3, the depression 96 has a flat portion 96b thereon seated against the flat outer end of the interior housing post 17.

Another important feature of the present invention resides in the lid retaining mechanism identified generally by the reference numeral 100 in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9. This mechanism comprises a lid 101 having bifurcated arms 101a and 101k mounted for pivotal movement upon a pair of horizontally spaced

posts

102 and 103 formed integral with and extending forwardly from the front wall of the housing 11. The lid 101 may be manually pivoted between an inoperative or vertical storage position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 wherein it lies adjacent the front wall of the housing and an upper, horizontal, can lid retaining position illustrated in FIGS. 2, 8 and 9 wherein the lid retaining mechanism is effective to engage and hold the top of a can after the latter has been completely severed by the coaction between the cutter wheel 26 and the drive wheel 24. For the purpose of magnetically attracting and holding the can top, a magnet assembly 104 is mounted for pivotal movement and limited vertical movement on the lid 101 when the latter is in its can lid retaining position. As is best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the magnet assembly 104 comprises a conventional, bar type, permanent magnet 105 held by a metallic support 106 having downwardly bent sides 106a firmly embracing and holding the bar magnet and also having upwardly bent end rims 1061). Each of the end rims 10Gb has an integral tongue 106a bent outwardly and each such tongue is inserted into an elongated slot 107a formed in thin wall portions 107 lying along each side of the lid 101 and formed integral therewith. The tongues 106a and their associated elongated slots 107a cooperate to provide a pivotal mounting for the magnet assembly 104 while, at the same time, permitting movement of the magnet assembly vertically within the slots 107a as viewed in FIG. 8. This mounting arrangement permits the bar magnet 10 5 to engage and hold the can lid even though cans of different size or shape are inserted between the drive wheel 24 and the cutter wheel 26. A magnet stop 108 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) formed integral with the housing 11 and extending outwardly from the front wall engages the magnet when the lid 101 is in its downward or inoperative position. As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer face of the stop 108 is of V- shape having an apex 108a defining a line of contact with the flat under surface of the bar magnet 105. When the lid retaining mechanism is in the storage position the magnet is attracted to the drive wheel 24 so that the magnet assembly 104 is held firmly against the stop 108. When the magnet rests against the stop 108, the cutter wheel 26 and the drive wheel 24 are protected by the

posts

102 and 103 and by the lid 101 to avoid the possibility of anyone inadvertently injuring himself through contact with the can opening mechanism. The stop 108 also serves as guide for a can during the can opening operation because the cylindrical side wall of the can rests against the extreme outer face of the stop. To further guide the can, a horizontal pin 109 formed integral with the housing 11 extends outwardly from the front wall to the left of the drive wheel 24 as viewed in FIG. 2. The pin 109 engages the cylindrical side wall of the can during the can opening operation and cooperates with the stop 108 to provide a simple arrangement for maintaining the can in proper position with respect to the drive wheel 24 and the cutter wheel 26-. As is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a trim plate 110 is seated within an appropriately shaped recess in the front wall of the housing 11 for decorative purposes.

A spring 111, best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, is interposed between the post 102 and the lid 101 in such fashion as to provide an over center action urging the lid towards either of its two extreme positions when the lid is manually moved beyond its intermediate or center position. The spring 111 comprises a single turn or coil 111a formed integral with elongated spring arms 111b and 1110 each of which has its outer end bent to provide a spring retaining book as is clearly illustrated in FIG. 9. The end hook on the spring arm 1111) is inserted within a slot 1071) (FIG. 8) formed in the thin wall 107 and this slot is aligned with an opening 101c (FIG. 9) formed in the top of the lid 101 to facilitate withdrawal of the spring 111 when the lid retaining mechanism is disassembled in the manner described below. The spring arm 1110 lies adjacent an elongated slot 102a formed in the post 102 and the hooked end of this arm is inserted into a spring retaining notch or recess 1021) lying at the inner end of this slot adjacent the front wall of the housing. The pivotal mounting of the lid 101 on the

posts

102 and 103 is effected by small, horizontally extending, pivot pins 112 (FIG. 9) which are formed integral with each of the arms 101a and 10112 of the lid 101. The two pivot pins 112 are horizontally aligned with each other and are inserted into suitable, horizontally aligned, pin receiving apertures respectively formed in the

posts

102 and 103. The end of each bifurcated arm of the lid 101 is rounded as indicated at 113 in FIGS. 1 and 8 and each rounded end is accommodated within its appropriately shaped recess formed in the side of its supporting

post

102 or 103. A shoulder 114 formed on the arm 1011: adjacent the rounded end is adapted to engage a similar shoulder 115 formed adjacent the recess in the post 103 (FIG. 1) to form a stop for limiting the pivotal movement of the lid 101 when the latter is in its operative or horizontal lid retaining position.

When it is desired to store the can opener 10, the lid 101 may be manually pivoted about the

posts

102 and 103 in a counter clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 8 to move it toward the vertical position shown in FIG. 1. After the lid 101 has moved through a portion of its movement, the spring 111 reaches its intermediate or center position whereupon continued movement of the lid causes the spring to exert a force urging the lid towards the position shown in FIG. 1 until the magnet assembly 104 seats against the stop 108. The lid 101 is held in this stored or inoperative position until it is subsequently returned manually to the horizontal or lid retaining position during the next succeeding use of the can opener. During the latter return movement the spring 111 again provides an over center action to urge the lid 101 towards the horizontal or can retaining position after the lid has been manually moved beyond the spring center or intermediate position. Since the lid 101 is formed of relatively thin plastic, the bifurcated arms 101a and 1011: are somewhat flexible so that the pins 112 can be readily removed from their associated pin retaining apertures by manually spreadinng the arms outwardly whereupon the lid 101 may be readily removed from the

posts

102 and 103 to permit cleaning of the pivot assembly and/or the other components of the lid retaining mechanism 100. The spring 111 may then be disengaged from the lid by lifting the hooked end of the spring arm 111b out of the aligned slots 10712 and 1016. Thus, any food or other foreign particles which may become lodged in the pivot assembly for the lid 101 can be removed to insure a long operating life for the lid retaining mechanism 100.

In view of the foregoing description, it will be recognized that the structure illustrated and described is effective to accomplish the enumerated objects of the invention. While a particular embodiment of the can opener of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be recognized that various changes and modifications will readily occur to those skil ed in this art and it is, therefore, intended in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A can opener comprising a housing having front, top and side walls, means defining a guide slot extending along said top wall and partially along one of said side walls, means defining a generally circular opening in said front wall, a manually operated lever having a generally cylindrical pivot means thereon extending through said opening to support said lever for movement about a horizontal axis from a can release position to a can opening position, said lever extending through said slot and being seated within the portion of the slot formed in said one side wall when the lever is in its can opening position, said pivot means having a face thereon formed forwardly of said front wall and inclined with respect to said pivot axis, a cutter wheel mounted on said pivot means adjacent said face, said opening having a diameter slightly greater than that of said pivot means to permit limited movement of said lever relative to the center of said opening, thereby to adjust the position of said cutter wheel, an annular shoulder formed by an enlarged diameter portion of said pivot means intern-ally of the housing, a resilient washer interposed between said shoulder and said opening defining means to seal said opening while at the same time permitting said limited movement, and a retainer secured to said front wall for retaining said lever on said housing for manual pivotal movement between said positions.

2. The apparatus defined by claim 1 wherein there is further provided a switch actuated by said lever when the latter is in the can opening position, and power driven means actuated by said switch for driving the can with respect to said cutter wheel.

3. A can opener comprising a housing having front, top and side walls, means defining a generally circular opening in said front wall, a manually operated lever having a generally cylindrical pivot means thereon extending through said opening to support said lever for movement about a horizontal axis from a can release position to a can opening position, said pivot means having a face thereon formed forwardly of said front wall and inclined with respect to said pivot axis, a cutter wheel mounted on said pivot means adjacent said face, said opening having a diameter slightly greater than that of said pivot means to permit limited movement of said lever relative to the center of said opening, thereby to adjust the position of said cutter wheel, an annular shoulder formed by an enlarged diameter portion of said pivot means internally of the housing, a resilient washer interposed between said shoulder and said opening defining means to seal said opening while at the same time permitting said limited movement, and a retainer secured to said front wall for retaining said lever on said housing for manual pivotal movement between said positions.

4. The apparatus defined by claim 3 wherein there is further provided a switch actuated by said lever when the latter is in the can opening position, said switch comprising a switch support secured to said housing, a flexible insulating arm having one end secured to said support and extending outwardly from said support, a pair of normally open, flexible switch contacts each mounted at one end on said support and each extending outwardly from said support adjacent said arm, said arm being interposed between said contacts and said lever and being engaged by said lever to flex the arm when said lever is in its can opening position, at least one of said contacts being engaged by said arm to close said pair of contacts when said arm is flexed, and power driven means actuated when said switch contacts are closed for driving the can during the can opening operation.

5. The apparatus defined by claim 4 wherein stop means are provided for limiting movement of the lever when the latter is in the can opening position, thereby to prevent excessive flexing of said arm and said switch contacts, said arm being effective to prevent closing of said switch contacts unless the lever is moved against the stop mean.

6. The'apparatus defined by claim 5 where n the lever extends through a guide slot formed along said top wall and partially along one side wall of the housing, said stop means being formed by a blind end of the portion of the guide slot extending along said one side wall.

7. In a can opener, the combination of a can opener housing having front, top and side. walls, means defining a guide slot extending along the top of said housing and having a portion extending partially along one of said side walls, an operating lever extending through said slot and mounted on said housing for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis between a can release position and a can opening position, the portion of said slot extending along said one side wall terminating in a blind end which serves as a stop for limiting pivotal movement of said lever when the latter is in the can opening position, switch means mounted on said housing for engagement by said lever when the latter is moved to the can opening position, said switch means including a switch support secured to the housing and a flexible insulating member extending outwardly from said support and engageable by said lever to flex said member when the lever is in the can opening position, said switch also including a pair of normally open switch contacts extending outwardly from said support adjacent said member, said contacts being closed by said flexing of said arm to engage at least one of said contacts, said arm being interposed between said lever and said switch contacts to isolate said lever electrically from said contacts, the blind end of said slot serving as a stop to limit the flexure of said flexible member, and power driven means actuated when said switch contacts are closed for driving a can during the can opening oporation.

8. In a can opener, the combination of a can opener housing having front, top and side walls, means forming a guide slot in at least one of the walls of said housing, an operating lever extending outwardly through said slot and mounted on said housing for pivotal movement between a can release position and a can opening position, switch means mounted on said housing for engagement by said lever when the latter is moved to the can opening position, said switch means including a switch support secured to the housing and an insulating flexible arm extending outwardly from said support and engageable by said lever within the housing to flex the arm when the latter is in the can opening position, said switch also including normally open, flexible switch contacts mounted at one end on and extending outwardly from said support with free ends thereof lying adjacent said arm, said arm being interposed between said contacts and said lever to isolate said contacts electrically from said lever, at least one of said contacts being engaged by said arm to close said contacts when said arm is flexed, said flexible arm having sufiicient strength normally to prevent said lever from closing said contacts unless said lever is moved manually with suflicient force to flex said arm, thereby to prevent inadvertent closure of said switch contacts, and power driven means actuated when said switch contacts are closed for driving the can during the can opening operation.

9. The apparatus defined by claim 8 wherein said guide slot includes a blind end forming stop means for limiting movement of the lever when the latter is in its can opening position, thereby to prevent excessive flexing of said arm and said switch contacts, said arm being effective to prevent closing of said switch contacts unless the lever is moved against said stop means.

10. A can opener comprising a can opener housing, a motor having a field core and field winding supported on said housing, said motor having an armature disposed within said core, an armature shaft carrying said armature, an intermediate gear assembly driven by said shaft, a drive gear driven by said intermediate gear, a gear shaft carrying said drive gear and having an outer end protruding beyond said housing, an integral bushing on said housing journalling said gear shaft for rotation, a can feed wheel mounted on said outer end for engagement with the rim of a can to be opened, said gear shaft having a central metallic shaft portion, a disc secured to one end of said shaft portion and a cover of insulating material molded over said shaft portion and over said disc and having gear teeth lying beyond the periphery of said disc to form said drive gear, the portion of said insulating material molded over said shaft portion fitting snugly within said bushing to permit rotation of said gear shaft.

11. The apparatus defined by claim 10 wherein said field core has a plurality of mounting members thereon, means defining slots in said housing for receiving said members, and a detachable rear cover for said housing engaging said core to hold said members in said slots.

12. In a can opener having a lid retaining mechanism including magnet holding structure, a can opener housing having first and second spaced apart supporting members thereon, said magnet holding structure being formed of injection molded plastic and including a body portion spaced from said members and having a pair of flexible integral arms extend-ing from said body portion and respectively pivotable upon said first and second members to mount said structure for manual pivotal movement about a horizontal pivot axis between a lower storage position wherein the body portion of said structure lies adjacent said housing and a raised lid retaining position wherein said structure extends generally horizontally, said arms being sufliciently flexible to permit breaking of the pivot connection between the first and second members and the magnet holding structure in order to permit removal of the magnet holding structure from the can opener housing, a stop formed integrally with at least one of said arms adjacent said pivot axis and engageable with one of said members when said magnet holding structure is in said lid retaining position to prevent pivotal movement of said structure beyond the latter position, an over center spring connected between said structure and said housing to urge said structure towards each of said positions whenever the structure is manually moved beyond a predetermined intermediate position, stop means projecting from said housing and spaced from said sup porting members for preventing movement of said structure beyond said storage position, said body portion having a pair of spaced apart, elongated, horizontally aligned slots therein, and a bar magnet assembly engageable with the lid of a can and mounted both for limited vertical movement within said slots when the structure is in the lid retaining position and for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis.

13. In a can opener having a lid retaining mechanism including magnet holding structure, a can opener housing having first and second spaced apart supporting members thereon, said magnet holding structure being formed of injection molded plastic and including a body portion spaced from said members and having a pair of integral arms extending from said body portion, each of said arms having an integral pin formed near the free end thereof for insertion into an opening formed in one of said members, thereby to mount said structure for manual pivotal movement about a horizontal pivot axis between a lower storage position wherein the body portion of said structure lies adjacent said housing and a raised lid retaining position wherein said structure extends generally horizontally, a stop formed integrally with at least one of said arms adjacent said pivot axis and engageable with one of said members when said magnet holding structure is in said lid retaining position to prevent pivotal movement of said structure beyond the latter position, an over center spring connected between said structure and said housing to urge said structure towards each of said positions whenever the structure is manually moved beyond a predetermined intermediate position, stop means projecting from said housing and spaced from said supporting members for preventing movement of said structure beyond said storage position, said body portion having a pair of spaced apart, elongated, horizontally aligned slots therein, and a bar magnet assembly engageable with the lid of a can and mounted both for limited vertical movement within said slots when the structure is in the lid retaining position and for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis.

14. In a can opener having a lid retaining mechanism including magnet holding structure, a can opener housing having first and second spaced apart supporting members thereon, said magnet holding structure being formed of injection molded plastic and including a body portion spaced from said members and having a pair of flexible integral arms extending from said body portion, each of said arms having an integral pin formed thereon for insertion into an opening formed in one of said members, thereby to mount said structure for manual pivotal movement about a horizontal pivot axis between a lower storage position wherein the body portion of said structure lies adjacent said housing and a raised lid retaining position wherein said structure extends generally horizontally, said arms being sufliciently flexible to permit breaking of the pivot connection between the first and second members and the magnet holding structure in order to permit removal of the magnet holding structure from the can opener housing, a stop formed integrally with at least one of said arms adjacent said pivot axis and engageable with one of said members when said magnet holding structure is in said lid retaining position to prevent pivotal movement of said structure beyond the latter position, stop means projecting from said housing and spaced from said supporting members for preventing movement of said structure beyond said storage position, said body portion having a pair of spaced apart, elongated, horizontally aligned slots therein, and a bar magnet assembly engageable with the lid of a can and mounted both for limited vertical movement within said slots when the structure is in the lid retaining position and for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis.

15. In a can opener having a lid retaining mechanism including magnet holding structure, a can opener housing having first and second spaced apart supporting members thereon, said magnet holding structure being formed of injection molded plastic and including a body portion spaced from said members and having a pair of flexible integral arms extending from said body portion, each of said arms having an integral pin formed near the free end thereof for insertion into an opening formed in one of said members, thereby to mount said structure for manual pivotal movement about a horizontal pivot axis between a lower storage position wherein the body portion of said structure lies adjacent said housing and a raised lid retaining position wherein said structure extends generally horizontally, said arms being sufficiently flexible to permit breaking of the pivot connection between the first and second members and the magnet holding structure in order to permit removal of the magnet holding structure from the can opener housing, a stop formed integrally with at least one of said arms adjacent said pivot axis and engageable with one of said members when said magnet holding structure is in said lid retaining position to prevent pivotal movement of said structure beyond the latter position, an over center spring connected between said structure and said housing to urge said structure towards each of said positions whenever the structure is manually moved beyond a predetermined intermediate position, said body portion having a pair of spaced apart, elongated, horizontally aligned slots therein, and a bar magnet assembly engageable with the lid of a can and mounted both for limited vertical movement within said slots when the structure is in the lid retaining position and for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis.

16. In a can opener, a housing comprising a molded insulating casing having from, top and side walls and a plurality of spaced supporting means formed integral with the casing, a motor having a field core and field winding mounted directly on a firstof said supporting means, said motor having an armature disposed within said core, an elongated shaft carrying said armature and extending generally vertically within said housing, a

worm on the upper end ofsa-id shaft, upper and lower bearings on said shaft respectively mounted on second and 14 third vertically spaced apart ones of said integral supporting means to journal said armature shaft for rotation about a vertical axis, bearing retainers detachably secured to said second and third supporting means to retain said upper and lower bearings in position, a commutator carried by said armature shaft, a pair of spaced apart brush means mounted for movement radially of said armature shaft upon a fourth of said integral supporting means and engaging spaced apart areas of said commutator, an intermediate gear assembly including a large spur gear meshing with said worm and a smaller gear formed integral and coaxial with said spur gear, shaft means carrying said intermediate gear assembly and mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis upon the front wall of said housing by a fifth of said integral support means disposed vertically above the first, second, third and fourth supporting means, a relatively large drive gear engaging said smaller gear, a horizontal shaft carrying said drive gear and supported upon said front wall by a sixth of said supporting means disposed vertically above said fifth supporting means, said horizontal shaft extending through an opening in the front wall of the housing and having an outer end protruding beyond said front wall, a can feed wheel mounted on said outer end for engagement with the rim of a can to be opened, a manually operated lever having a pivot means thereon which extends through an opening formed in a sixth of said integral supporting means located near the top of said housing and above said fifth support means, said lever being manually movable between a can release position and a can opening position, and a cutter Wheel mounted upon said pivot means externally of said housing and cooperating with said can feed wheel to open the can.

17. The apparatus defined by claim 16 wherein there is further provided a base secured to said housing and having a well therein accommodating one end of said elongated armature shaft, and thrust washer means disposed within said well for taking up the axial thrust imparted to said elongated shaft.

18. The apparatus defined by claim 16 wherein said field core has a plurality of mounting members extending vertically from the top and bottom of the core, means defining slots in said housing for receiving said mounting members, said detachable rear cover engaging said core to hold said mounting members in said slots.

19. The apparatus defined by claim 16 wherein said drive gear and said horizontal shaft comprise a horizontally disposed shaft portion formed of metal and carrying a reinforcing disc at one end extending normal to the axis of the shaft portion, and an insulating cover molded over said shaft portion and said disc and having gear teeth formed beyond the periphery of said disc.

20. The apparatus defined by claim 16 wherein there is further provided an electrical circuit including said brush means for energizing the field winding and the armature of said motor, said circuit including a switch actuated by said lever when the latter is in the can open ing position, said switch comprising a switch support secured to said housing, a flexible insulating arm having one end secured to said support and extending outwardly from said support, a pair of normally open, flexible switch contacts each mounted at one end on said support and each extending outwardly from said support adjacent said arm, said arm being interposed between said contacts .and said lever and being engaged by said lever to flex the arm when said lever is in its can opening position, at least one of said contacts being engaged by said arm to close said pair of contacts when said arm is flexed, thereby to complete said electrical circuit.

21. The apparatus defined by claim 20 wherein stop means are provided for limiting movement of the lever when the latter is in the can opening position, thereby to prevent excessive flexing of said arm and said switch contacts, said arm being effective to prevent closing of said 15 switch con-tacts unless the lever is moved against the stop means.

22. The apparatus defined by claim 21 wherein the lever extends through a guide slot formed along said top wall and partially along one side wall of the housing, said stop means being formed by a blind end of the portion of the guide slot extending along said one side wall.

23 In a can opener, the combination of a can opener housing having front, top and side walls, an operating lever mounted on said housing for pivotal movement between a can release position and a can opening position, switch means mounted on said housing for engagement by said lever when the latter is moved to the can opening position, said switch means including a switch support secured to the housing and an insulating flexible arm extending outwardly from said support and engageable by said lever to flex the arm when the latter is in the can opening position, said switch also including normally open, flexible switch contacts mounted at one end on and extending outwardly from said support with free ends thereof lying adjacent said arm, said arm being interposed between said contacts and said lever to isolate said contacts electrically from said lever, at least one of said contacts being engaged by said arm to close said contacts when said arm is flexed, means defining a guide slot extending along the top wall of the housing and partially along one side wall of the housing, said lever extending through said slot, stop means formed by a blind end of the portion of said guide slot extending along said one side wall for limiting movement of the lever when the latter is in its can opening position, thereby to prevent excessive flexing of said arm and said switch contacts, and said arm being effective to prevent closing of said switch contacts unless the lever is moved against said stop means, and power driven means actuated when said switch contacts are closed for driving the can during the can opening operation.

24. A can opener comprising a combined housing and support member of injection molded plastic, said member being of cup-shaped configuration with a rearwardly facing opening and having front, side and top walls, a horizontal shaft having a can feed wheel mounted on the outer end thereof, a first horizontally extending bearing formed integrally with said member for journaling said shaft for rotation with said feed wheel positioned outside said front wall for engagement with the rim of a can to be opened, a can cutter mounted on said member for movement relative to said shaft, pivot means supporting said cutter for movement into overlapping relation with said feed wheel, a second bearing formed integrally in said member and vertically above said first bearing for journaling said pivot means for rotation about a horizontal axis, a motor having a field core and field windings supported on said member, said motor having an armature shaft supported for rotation on motor bearings respectively carried by said shaft and supported on vertically spaced integral projections formed on said member and below said first and second bearings, retainers respectively se cured to said projections for holding said motor bearings in position, said pivot means including a generally cylindrical portion extending through a generally circular opening in the front wall of said member, the latter opening being slightly larger than said generally cylindrical portion to permit limited movement of said cutter, thereby to adjust the position of said cutter relative to said feed wheel, an annular shoulder formed by an enlarged diameter portion of said pivot means internally of the housing, and a resilient washer interposed between the front wall of said member and said shoulder to close said opening while at the same time permitting 25. A can opener comprising a combined housing and support member of injection molded plastic, said member being of cup-shaped configuration with a rearwardly facing opening and having front, side and top walls, a horizontal shaft having a can feed wheel mounted on the outer end thereof, a first horizontally extending bearing formed integrally with said member for journaling said shaft for rotation with said feed wheel positioned outside said front wall for engagement with the rim of a can to be opened, a can cutter mounted on said member for movement relative to said shaft, pivot means supporting said cutter for movement into overlapping relation with said feed wheel, a second bearing formed integrally in said member and vertically above said first bearing for journaling said pivot means for rotation about a horizontal axis, a motor having a field core and field windings supported on said member, said motor having an armature shaft supported for rotation on motor bearings respectively carried by said shaft and supported on vertically spaced integral projections formed on said member and below said first and second bearings, retainers respectively secured to said projections for holding said motor hearings in position, said field core including end projections seated within slots formed in the front wall of said member, a rear cover detachably secured to said housing and engaging said core to hold said end projections within said slots, and reduction gearing journaled on integral support means on said member and drivingly interconnecting said armature shaft and said horizontal shaft.

26. A can opener comprising a combined housing and support member of injection molded plastic, said member being of cup-shaped configuration with a rearwardly facing opening and having front, side and top walls, a horizontal shaft having a can feed wheel mounted on the outer end thereof, a first horizontally extending bearing formed integrally with said member for journaling said shaft for rotation with said feed wheel positioned outside said front wall for engagement with the rim of a can to be opened, a can cutter mounted on said member for movement relative to said shaft, pivot means supporting said cutter for movement into overlapping relation with said feed wheel, a second bearing formed integrally in said member for journaling said pivot means for rotation about a horizontal axis, a motor having a field core and field windings supported on said member, said motor having an armature shaft supported for rotation on motor bearings respectively carried by said shaft and supported on integral projections formed on said member, said field core including support members seated within openings in the front wall of said housing, a rear cover detachably secured to said housing and engaging said core to hold the support members on the core within said openings, and reduction gearing journaled on said member and drivingly interconnecting said armature shaft and said horizontal shaft.

27. A can opener comprising a combined housing and support member of injection molded plastic, said member being of cup-shaped configuration with a rearwardly facing opening and having front, side and top walls, a horizontal shaft having a can feed wheel mounted on the outer end thereof, a first horizontally extending bearing formed integrally with said member for journaling said shaft for rotation with said feed wheel positioned outside said front wall for engagement with the rim of a can to be opened, a can cutter mounted on said member for movement relative to said shaft, pivot means supporting said cutter for movement into overlapping relation with said feed wheel, a second bearing formed integrally in said member for journaling said pivot means for rotation about a horizontal axis, said pivot means including a generally cylindrical portion extending through a generally circular opening in the front wall of said housing, the latter opening being slightly larger than said generally cylindrical portion to permit limited movement of said cutter, thereby to adjust the position of said cutter relative to said feed wheel, an annular shoulder formed by an enlarged diameter portion of said pivot means internally of said member, and a resilient washer interposed between the front wall of said member and said shoulder to close said opening while at the same time permitting said limited movement, a motor having a field core and field windings supported on said member, and reduction gearing journaled on integral support means on said member and drivingly intreconnecting said armature shaft and said horizontal shaft.

28. A can opener comprising a combined housing and support member of injection molded plastic, said member being of cup-shaped configuration with a rearwardly facing opening and having front, side and top walls, a guide slot formed in at least one of said walls, a horizontal shaft having a can feed wheel mounted on the outer end thereof, a first horizontally extending bearing formed integrally with said member for journaling said shaft for rotation with said feed wheel positioned outside said front wall for engagement with the rim of a can to be opened, a can cutter mounted on said member for movement relative to said shaft, pivot means including a lever extending through said slot for supporting said cutter for movement to a can cutting position wherein said cutter is in overlapping relation with said feed wheel, a second bearing formed integrally in said member and vertically above said first bearing for journaling said pivot means for rotation about a horizontal axis, a motor having a field core and field windings supported on said member, said motor having an armature shaft extending vertically within the housing and supported for rotation on motor bearings respectively carried by said shaft and supported on vertically spaced integral projections formed on said member and below said first and second bearings, retainers respectively secured to said projections for holding said motor bear- 18 ings in position, switch means having flexible switch contacts electrically connected to said field windings and mounted within said housing, said switch means including an insulated flexible arm interposed between said switch contacts and said lever to normally prevent said arm from closing said switch contacts and engageable by said lever within the housing when the lever is moved to the can cutting position to flex said arm and operate said switch means, said slot including a blind end forming a stop for limiting movement of said lever when the latter is in the can cutting position, and reduction gearing journaled on integral support means on said member and drivingly interconnecting said armature shaft and said horizontal shaft.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,031,751 5/1962 Hart 304 3,075,322 1/ 1963 Uthoff.

3,254,406 6/ 1966 Hubrich 30-4 2,688,184 9/1954 Jepson 3043.9 2,897,589 8/1959 Bodle 30-4 3,002,274 10/ 1961 Jepson et al 30-4 3,031,752 5/1962 Bowlby 3M 3,057,059 10/ 1962 La Forte 304 3,097,318 7/1963 Jepson 310-68 3,105,297 10/ 196 3 Clowers 306.4 3,121,285 2/1964 Freeman et al. 304 3,216,108 11/196'5 Jepson et al 30-4 FOREIGN PATENTS 942,292 11/ 1963 Great Britain.

WILLIAM FELDMAN, Primary Examiner. G. WEIDENFELD, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

28. A CAN OPENER COMPRISING A COMBINED HOUSING AND SUPPORT MEMBER OF INJECTION MOLDED PLASTIC, AND MEMBER BEING OF CUP-SHAPED CONFIGURAION WITH A REARWARDLY FACING OPENING AND HAVING FRONT, SAID AND TOP WALLS, A GUIDE SLOT FORMED IN AT LEAST ONE OF SAID WALLS, A HORIZONTAL SHAFT HAVING A CAN FEED WHEEL MOUNTED ON THE OUTER END THEREOF, A FIRST HORIZONTALLY EXTENDING BEARING FORMED INTEGRALLY WITH SAID MEMBER FOR JOURNALING SAID SHAFT FOR ROTATION WITH SAID FEED WHEEL POSITIONED OUTSIDE SAID FRONT WALL FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RIM OF A CAN TO BE OPENED, A CAN CUTTER MOUNTED ON SAID MEMBER FOR MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO SAID SHAFT, PIVOT MEANS INCLUDING A LEVER EXTENDING THROUGH SAID SLOT FOR SUPPORTING SAID CUTTER FOR MOVEMENT TO A CAN CUTTING POSITION WHEREIN SAID CUTTER IS IN OVERLAPPING RELATION WITH SAID FEED WHEEL, A SECOND BEARING FORMED INTEGRALLY IN SAID MEMBER AND VERTICALLY ABOVE SAID FIRST BEARING FOR JOURNALING SAID PIVOT MEANS FOR ROTATION ABOUT A HORIZONTAL AXIS, A MOTOR HAVING A FIELD CORE AND FIELD WINDINGS SUPPORTED ON SAID MEMBER, SAID MOTOR HAVING AN ARMATURE SHAFT EXTENDING VERTICALLY WITHIN THE HOUSING AND SUPPORTED FOR ROTATION ON MOTOR BEARINGS RESPECTIVELY CARRIED BY SAID SHAFT AND SUPPORTED ON VERTICALLY SPACED INTEGRAL PROJECTIONS FORMED ON SAID MEMBER AND BELOW SAID FIRST AND SECOND BEARINGS, RETAINERS RESPECTIVELY SECURED TO SAID PROJECTIONS FOR HOLDING SAID MOTOR BEARINGS IN POSITION, SWITCH MEANS HAVING FLEXIBLE SWITCH CONTACTS ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO SAID FIELD WINDINGS AND MOUNTED WITHIN SAID HOUSING, SAID SWITCH MEANS INCLUDING AN INSULATED FLEXIBLE ARM INTERPOSED BETWEEN SAID SWITCH CONTACTS AND SAID LEVER TO NORMALLY PREVENT SAID ARM FROM CLOSING SAID SWITCH CONTACTS AND ENGAGEABLE BY SAID LEVER WITHIN THE HOUSING WHEN THE LEVER IS MOVED TO THE CAN CUTTING POSITION TO FLEX SAID ARM AND OPERATE SAID SWITCH MEANS, SAID SLOT INCLUDING A BLIND END FORMING A STOP FOR LIMITING MOVEMENT OF SAID LEVER WHEN THE LATTER IS IN THE CAN CUTTING POSITION, AND REDUCTION GEARING JOURNALED ON INTEGRAL SUPPORT MEANS ON SAID MEMBER AND DRIVINGLY INTERCONNECTING SAID ARMATURE SHAFT AND SAID HORIZONTAL SHAFT.