Can edge riding can opener

A can opener of the type adapted to open cans by unfolding the can ridge that is formed at one end of the can by folding the end rims of the can end closure and can side wall against the side of the can to define one ridge edge that projects away from the can, a second opposing ridge edge that lies about the can side wall, and a composite flange structure separating said ridge ends that lies about the can side wall in juxtaposition therewith and defines inner and outer ridge side wall sides in circumambient relation about the can ridge, said opener comprising:

• a clamping disc, a traction disc, and a wedge disc in coaxial relation about a common rotational axis,
• said traction disc being interposed between one side of said clamping disc and one side of said wedge disc,
• said traction disc having its periphery knurled for riding on the can said one ridge edge in the operative position of said opener with said clamping disc one side facing the ridge inner wall surface and the wedge disc one side facing the ridge outer wall surface,
• said clamping disc being proportioned to define a rim portion projecting radially thereof beyond said traction disc periphery and having said rim portion thereof on said one side thereof smoothly contoured for camming engagement with the can ridge inner side,
• and means for rotating said discs about said axis to roll said traction disc along the can ridge one edge in the direction to roll said wedge disc wedging rim in wedging camming relation against the can ridge second edge for swinging the can ridge flange structure about the can ridge one edge and away from the can side wall, as said discs roll along the can ridge, to separate the can end rim from the can side wall rim.