Lateral-cutting can opener with integrated lid removal feature and method for using same

A method of opening a can, comprising:

• (a) providing a can having a side wall, a lid, and a raised rim that encircles the lid, the raised rim having a circumferential outer surface;
• (b) providing an automatic lateral cutting can opener, comprising:
• a housing having upper and lower surfaces;
• a cutting wheel rotatably mounted relative to and extending downwardly from the lower surface of the housing, the cutting wheel including a circumferential blade, the cutting wheel mounted to rotate about a first axis that is generally normal to the lower surface;
• a drive gear rotatably mounted relative to and extending downwardly from the lower surface of the housing, the drive gear forming a gap with the cutting wheel, the gap sized to receive a raised rim of a can;
• a drive system residing in the housing and coupled to the drive gear to rotate the drive gear about a second axis that is substantially normal to the lower surface;
• and
• a pry lip mounted to the lower surface of the housing and extending toward the drive gear, the pry lip configured to be inserted into a seam cut into the rim of the can;
• (c) engaging the raised rim with the blade of the cutting wheel and the drive gear;
• (d) revolving the can opener relative to the can to form a seam in the outer surface of the raised rim of the can;
• (e) inserting the pry lip into the seam while engaging the lid with the cutting wheel;
• and
• (f) raising the pry lip as the cutting wheel remains engaged with the lid to dislodge the lid of the can from the side wall.