Can opener

A can opener comprising:

• first and second handle members pivotally connected to one another at one end to be relatively rotatable about an axis between an open position in which a prescribed angle exists between them and a closed position in which a minimum angle exists between them,
• a drive shaft rotatable within the first handle member,
• a drive wheel having a serrate periphery secured to one end of the drive shaft,
• a transmission means between the second handle member and the drive shaft for transmitting rotational movement of the second handle member relative to the first handle member about the axis to the drive shaft, the transmission means including a one-way drive mechanism such that (a) for one direction of rotation of the second handle member relative to the first handle member about the axis the drive shaft is engaged by the second handle member to rotate the drive shaft and (b) for the other direction of rotation the drive shaft is not so engaged by the second handle member,
• a cutting element supported on a cutting element carrier, the cutting element carrier being supported by the first handle member and movable relative thereto between a nip position in which the cutting element and the drive wheel are disposed to embrace the rim of a can and a non-nip position in which there is a distance between these for removal or insertion of a can,
• an inter-engagement mechanism between the first and second handle members including
• (a) a moving means, actuated by the rotational movement of an initial closing of the handle members from the open position to the closed position, for moving the cutting element carrier from the non-nip position to the nip position so that the cutting element penetrates the can, and
• (b) a keeping means for keeping, in a following opening of the handle members from the closed position to an intermediate position and in subsequent closing and opening movements of the handle members between the intermediate and closed positions, the cutting element carrier in the nip position, whereby for closing or opening movements of the handle members the drive wheel is rotated around the can and the cutting element cuts the can.