Can opener for tab-type closure

Abstract

A can opener is disclosed for opening the types of closures commonly used on beer and soft drink cans. Those types of closures typically include a ring member operatively connected to the end of the can for engagement with a weakened portion of the end of the can. The can opener of the invention comprises a body portion, a head portion, and a handle. A lower lip member and an upper lip member are connected to the proximal end of the head portion. To open the closure of the can, the lower lip member is inserted under the ring member of the closure. The handle is grasped and the body portion is pivoted on the rim of the can to pull the ring member away from the can to completely remove the weakened portion of the closure from the can thereby producing an opening in the end of the can. A mouth portion is provided within the proximal end of the head portion for receiving the ring member during the opening procedure. The mouth portion enables the ring member to rotate therein to prevent the ring member from being accidentally disengaged from the weakened portion. The bottom of the body portion includes a substantially wide, inwardly concaved configuration which pivots on the rim of the can during opening. Such a configuration prevents the opener from tilting from side to side during the opening of the closure thereby preventing the ring member from being accidentally disengaged from the weakened portion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.