CAN OPENER APPLIANCE HAVING A SIDE-CUTTING MECHANISM

摘要

This invention is directed to a can opener appliance with a side cutting mechanism. The can opener appliance includes housing portions, which include a cutter support mounted therein. A cutter wheel is mounted at least partially within the cutter support and has a cutting edge for severing a can wall. A traction wheel is also positioned inside the housing portions of the can opener appliance. The traction wheel has a gripping surface to engage the can. The cutter wheel and the traction wheel are rotatable and the axes of rotation of the wheels are substantially perpendicular to each other. The wheels are positioned adjacent and spaced apart from each other to define a gap to accept a can to be opened. One of the wheels is moveable towards the other to engage and lock the can between the wheels. The cutter wheel then acts to sever the can wall and the traction wheel acts to move the can past the cutter wheel. The cutter wheel is formed of a drawn tool steel with a Rockwell C hardness from about 53 to about 57.