Abstract:
A device designed to aid in opening jars is herein disclosed, comprising a general form of a lever with a movable “C”-shaped jaw section. An upper jaw is designed to press down in the center area of a lid while a lower jaw presses upward on the edge or rim of the lid. In such a manner the device will break the seal of the jar and “pop” the lid. Once the seal has been broken, it is generally a simple issue to open the lid. An alternate embodiment provides for a lower adjustable section of the jaw which operates in a slip-joint manner similar to that of a pair of Channel-Lock® pliers to accommodate any size lid. The handle is fitted with a grip area for each finger and is covered with non-slip rubber to facilitate use and comfort. The device is generally small in size and can be easily stored in a kitchen drawer.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Dec. 5, 2007, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a device to aid in opening jars and, more particularly, to said device comprising an upper jaw designed to press down in a center area of a lid while a lower jaw presses upward on an edge or rim of the lid, thereby breaking a seal of the jar and making it easier for a user to open the lid. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A great deal of food products are shipped and stored in glass jars with metal lids. While such a storage method has worked well for years and will likely be around for many more years in the future, it is not without its disadvantages. Perhaps the biggest of these disadvantages is the difficulty encountered when opening the jar for the first time. Even the strongest of us sometimes have difficulty in open such jar lids and must resort to aids such as flexible grippers, rapping the lid with a table knife handle, or similar actions. However such aids still rely on physical strength and/or are not effective. Such efforts are difficult and waste time for the even the strongest person, but those who are elderly, disabled, small in stature, or those with reduced diminished strength find the task impossible. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which jars can be opened in an easy manner without the disadvantages as listed above. The development of the invention herein described fulfills this need. 
     A particular problem arises from jars that have been used for canning. These jars are made of glass. Inserting a table knife between the lid and the glass container can cause the jar to break or at least chip, resulting in a possible injury. These jars are difficult to open with available means such as a gripping pad. The use of the device described herein will greatly aid those attempting to open jars that have been used for canning. 
     There have been attempts made in the past to develop openers for jars. U.S. Pat. No. D 440,842 issued to Vandergaw discloses a jar opener that appears to comprise a pair of gripping surfaces that attach to the lateral surfaces of a jar lid and utilize a handle to torque the lid from the jar. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed device, nor does it appear to disclose a jar lid opener that is capable of utilizing a hook and a handle to remove the vacuum from a jar before applying rotational force to a jar lid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D 371,287 issued to Gilbert appears to disclose a pair of pliers for a drain nut. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed device, nor does it appear to disclose a jar lid opener that is capable of utilizing a hook and a handle to remove the vacuum from a jar before applying rotational force to a jar lid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D 350,264 issued to Friend appears to disclose a traditional jar opener that punctures the lid of a can or jar with a handle that appears to be capable of reducing pressure inside of a jar. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed device, nor does it appear to be capable of applying rotational torque to a jar lid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,485 Wu appears to disclose a container lid opener comprising a lever arm, a support arm, and a grasp block that encircles a jar lid to provide rotational torque for removal of said lid. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a jar lid opener that comprises a hook that may be used to reduce pressure within a jar and to consequently make the application of rotational force to torque the jar lid open easier. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,990,213 issued to Kolacinski discloses a holding device that appears to be a similar to a pair of pliers with a movable plate on the upper arm. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a jar lid opener that comprises an upper jaw assembly, a hook, and a handle to vent air into a jar and permit the application of rotational torque to open a jar lid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,931,258 issued to Ronning discloses an opener for screw caps that appears to be a device that permits width adjustment for various jar lids and uses rotational torque to remove the lids. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed device, nor does it appear to disclose a jar lid opener that is capable of utilizing a hook and a handle to remove the vacuum from a jar before applying rotational force to a jar lid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 894,626 issued to Givens appears to disclose a jar opener comprising a pair of handles attached to a gripping section that are applied laterally about a jar lid for the application of rotational torque to open a jar. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a jar lid opener that comprises a hook that may be used to reduce pressure within a jar and to consequently make the application of rotational force to torque the jar lid open easier. 
     None of the prior art particularly describes a device to aid in opening jars comprising an upper jaw designed to press down in a center area of a lid while a lower jaw presses upward on an edge or rim of the lid, thereby breaking a seal of the jar and making it easier for a user to open the lid that the instant invention possesses. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which jars can be opened in an easy manner that operates without the disadvantages as described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In light of the disadvantages as described above in the prior art, it is apparent that there is a need for a jar lid opener which provides a means for overcoming a vacuum-sealed lid by introducing air into a vacuum-sealed jar. 
     An object of the jar lid opener is envisioned to engage an outer lip of a common lid used to seal a common jar and provide a venting means thereto the internal vacuum between the jar and the sealed lid easing the lid removal process. 
     Another object of the jar lid opener is made of a strong, durable metal such as a steel alloy or the like which will prevent corrosion. 
     A further object of the jar lid opener is that it is small enough in size to be stored within a drawer or be carried with a user during outings. 
     An aspect of the jar lid opener comprises a handle, a “C”-shaped body, an upper jaw assembly, and a lower jaw. 
     Another aspect of the jar lid opener comprises a handle that acts as a lever providing a mechanical advantage along a rotational axis along the top center of the lid. The handle further comprises an ergonomic grip preferably made of a rubber material to provide a non-slip comfortable gripping surface for a hand of a user. 
     A further aspect of the jar lid opener is a “C”-shaped body that extends from the handle forming the mouth of the device which correspondingly engages a lip of a lid of a jar to be opened. 
     Still a further aspect of the jar lid opener comprises an upper jaw assembly pivotally attached thereto the distal end of the “C”-shaped body. The upper jaw assembly provides a contact surface and pivot means for the device when engaged with the top surface of the lid. 
     Yet another aspect of the jar lid opener comprises an upper jaw assembly further comprising a base, two (2) flanges, and a fastener. The base comprises a partially hemispherical section and a flat underside contact surface and provides a support means for the lever action of the device when engaged with the lid. The base is pivotally attached thereto the “C”-shaped body via a fastener engaging through the flanges and the “C”-shaped body and provides the axis by which the device rotates. 
     Still another aspect of the jar lid opener comprises a lower jaw with arcuate profile curving upwardly and comprising a pointed hook located at the distal end. The pointed hook engages the lower outside perimeter edge of the lid and provides a hooking and lifting means for the outer edge of the lid from the jar, thereby venting the internal vacuum. 
     Another aspect of the jar lid opener alternately adjustable jar lid comprises a sliding lower jaw, an alternate hook and a pivot. The pivot is permanently attached to the lower portion of the alternate “C”-shaped body. The sliding lower jaw comprises a mechanism that allows the pivot point to slide into one (1) of several positions thereby providing an adjustability means. The adjustable lower jaw assembly also comprises an alternate hook which engages the underside perimeter edge of the jar lid in a similar manner as the preferred hook. 
     An aspect of the jar lid opener alternately comprises a rigid “C”-shaped body without an upper jaw assembly. The rigid “C”-shaped body is similar to the preferred “C”-shaped body including the preferred lower jaw and hook with a rigid upper jaw. The rigid upper jaw provides a permanent rigid attachment between the rigid “C”-shaped body and the rigid base. The rigid base also comprises a contact surface. 
     An aspect of the jar lid opener in an alternate rigid adjustable jar lid opener comprises similar materials and functions as the adjustable jar lid opener embodiment with an alternate rigid “C”-shaped body. 
     Another aspect of the jar lid opener alternately comprises an alternate rigid “C”-shaped body similar to the alternate “C”-shaped body, including the adjustable lower jaw assembly, sliding lower jaw, pivot, and alternate hook with an alternate rigid upper jaw. The alternate rigid upper jaw provides a permanent rigid attachment between the alternate rigid “C”-shaped body and the alternate rigid base. The alternate rigid base further comprises a contact surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side environmental view of a jar lid opener  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a jar lid opener  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a close up perspective view of an upper jaw assembly  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an adjustable jar lid opener embodiment  50 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of rigid jar lid opener embodiment  70 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a rigid adjustable jar lid opener  80 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  jar lid opener 
               20  handle 
               22  grip 
               30  upper jaw assembly 
               32  “C”-shaped body 
               33  alternate “C”-shaped body 
               34  base 
               35  contact surface 
               36  flange 
               38  fastener 
               40  lower jaw 
               42  hook 
               50  adjustable jar lid opener embodiment 
               60  adjustable lower jaw assembly 
               62  sliding lower jaw 
               64  pivot 
               66  alternate hook 
               70  rigid jar lid opener embodiment 
               72  rigid upper jaw 
               74  rigid “C”-shaped body 
               76  rigid base 
               80  rigid adjustable jar lid opener embodiment 
               82  alternate rigid upper jaw 
               84  alternate rigid “C”-shaped body 
               86  alternate rigid base 
               100  jar 
               105  lid 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3  and alternatively in  FIGS. 4 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a device and method for a jar lid opener (herein described as the “device”)  10 , which provides a means for overcoming a vacuum-sealed lid  105  by introducing air therein a vacuum-sealed jar  100 . The device  10  is envisioned to engage an outer lip of a common lid  105  used to seal a common jar  100 . When engaged, the device  10  is envisioned to provide a venting means thereto the internal vacuum therebetween the jar  100  and the sealed lid  105  thereby easing the lid  105  unscrewing process. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , side views of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  comprises a handle  20 , an upper jaw assembly  30 , a “C”-shaped body  32 , and a lower jaw  40 . The device  10  is preferably made of a strong, durable metal such as a steel alloy or the like which will prevent corrosion. The device  10  is envisioned as being small enough in size to be stored therewithin a drawer or be carried with a user during outings. The handle  20  acts as a lever providing a mechanical advantage along a rotational axis along the top center of the lid  105 . The handle  20  comprises an ergonomic grip  22  preferably made of a rubber material to provide a non-slip comfortable gripping surface for a hand of a user. The “C”-shaped body  32  extends from the handle  20  forming the mouth of the device  10  which correspondingly engages a lip of a lid  105  of a jar  100 . The upper jaw assembly  30  is pivotally attached thereto the distal end of the “C”-shaped body  32 . The upper jaw assembly  30  provides a contact surface and pivot means for the device  10  when engaged thereto the top surface of the lid  105 . The lower jaw  40  is envisioned as having an arcuate profile curving upwardly and comprising a pointed hook  42  located thereat the distal end. The hook  42  engages the lower outside perimeter edge of the lid  105  and provides a hooking and lifting means for the outer edge of the lid  105  therefrom the jar  100 , thereby venting the internal vacuum. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a close up perspective view of the upper jaw assembly  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The upper jaw assembly  30  comprises a base  34 , two (2) flanges  36 , and a fastener  38 . The base  34  comprises a partially hemispherical section and a flat underside contact surface  35  and provides a support means for the lever action of the device  10  when engaged therewith the lid  105 . The contact surface  35  is preferably made of a rubber or plastic material. The base  34  is pivotally attached thereto the “C”-shaped body via a fastener  38  such as a rivet or similar means. The distal end of the “C”-shaped body  32  makes contact therebetween the two (2) flanges  36  located thereon the center of the top surface of the base  34 . The fastener  38  engages therethrough the flanges  36  and the “C”-shaped body  32  and provides the axis by which the device  10  rotates. 
     Referring finally to  FIG. 4 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention  10  comprises an adjustable jar lid opener embodiment  50 . The adjustable jar lid embodiment  50  comprises similar materials and functions as the preferred embodiment  10  with particular enhancements including an adjustable lower jaw assembly  60  which provides for an adjustability means for the alternate embodiment  50  to be used on a variety of sizes of jars  100  and lids  105 . The alternate embodiment  50  comprises an alternate “C”-shaped body and a slip-joint similar to common Channel-Lock® type pliers. The alternate “C”-shaped body is similar to the preferred “C”-shaped body with the preferred lower jaw  40  and hook  42  removed. The adjustable lower jaw assembly  60  comprises a sliding lower jaw  62  and a pivot  64 . The pivot  64  is permanently attached thereto the lower portion of the alternate “C”-shaped body  33  and is preferably a durable rivet or the like. The sliding lower jaw  62  comprises a mechanism that allows the pivot point  64  to slide into one (1) of several positions thereby providing the adjustability means for the alternate embodiment  50 . The adjustable lower jaw assembly  60  also comprises an alternate hook  66  which engages the underside perimeter edge of the lid  105  in a similar manner as the preferred embodiment hook  40 . 
     Referring finally to  FIG. 5 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention  10  comprises a rigid jar lid opener embodiment  70 . The rigid jar lid opener  70  comprises similar materials and functions as the preferred embodiment  10  with particular enhancements including a rigid “C”-shaped body  74 . The rigid “C”-shaped body  74  is similar to the preferred “C”-shaped body  32  including the preferred lower jaw  40  and hook  42  with particular enhancements including a rigid upper jaw  72 . The rigid upper jaw  72  provides a permanent rigid attachment therebetween the rigid “C”-shaped body  74  and the rigid base  76 . The rigid base  76  also Comprises a contact surface  35 . 
     Referring finally to  FIG. 6 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention  10  comprises a rigid adjustable jar lid opener embodiment  80 . The rigid adjustable jar lid opener  80  comprises similar materials and functions as the adjustable jar lid opener embodiment  50  with particular enhancements including an alternate rigid “C”-shaped body  84 . The alternate rigid “C”-shaped body  84  is similar to the alternate “C”-shaped body  32  including the adjustable lower jaw assembly  60 , sliding lower jaw  62 , pivot  64 , and alternate hook  66  with particular enhancements including an alternate rigid upper jaw  82 . The alternate rigid upper jaw  82  provides a permanent rigid attachment therebetween the alternate rigid 
     “C”-shaped body  84  and the alternate rigid base  86 . The alternate rigid base  86  also comprises a contact surface  35 . 
     The alternate embodiments  70 ,  80  illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6  are envisioned to provide repeated applications to a particularly sized container  100  with a common lid  105  having the same height and diameter. The alternate embodiments  70 ,  80  are envisioned to be introduced in a variety of sizes based upon a particular jar lid  105  design. The alternate embodiments  70 ,  80  are envisioned to provide certain economic and manufacturing advantages as compared to the preferred embodiment  10 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . 
     The method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: retrieving the device  10 ; retrieving an unopened jar  100  with a vacuum-sealed lid  105 ; securing the jar  100  therewith one (1) hand; manipulating the device  10  therewith an opposing hand; placing the contact surface  35  of the base  34  thereon the top outside surface of the lid  105 ; lifting the device  10  in an upward rotational motion until the tip of the hook  42  engages thereto the underneath perimeter edge of the lid  105 ; applying an upwardly lifting lever action thereto the device  10 ; pulling the outer perimeter edge of the lid  105  therefrom the jar  100 ; venting the internal vacuum therewithin the jar  100 ; disengaging the device  10  therefrom the lid  105 ; opening the jar  100  as normal by unscrewing the lid  105  which is now much less difficult; and, benefiting from the improved convenience and ease in jar opening afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     The method of utilizing the alternate embodiment  50  may be achieved by performing similar steps as detailed in the preferred embodiment  10  with the following additional steps: sliding the adjustable lower jaw assembly  60  therealong the pivot  64  to an appropriate position based on the size of the lid  105 ; engaging the outer lip of the lid  105  with the alternate hook  66 ; pulling the outer perimeter edge of the lid  105  therefrom the jar  100 ; venting the internal vacuum therewithin the jar  100 ; disengaging the device  10  therefrom the lid  105 ; opening the jar  100  as normal by unscrewing the lid  105  which is now much less difficult; and, benefiting from the improved convenience and ease in jar opening afforded a user of the preferred embodiment  50 . 
     The method of utilizing the rigid jar lid opener alternate embodiment  70  is envisioned to apply to a large quantity of same sized jars  100  and lids  105  and may be achieved by performing similar steps as detailed in the preferred embodiment  10  with the following additional steps: choosing the appropriately sized model of the rigid jar lid opener embodiment  70 ; engaging with a jar lid  105 ; and, repeating. 
     The method of utilizing the rigid adjustable jar lid opener embodiment  80  is envisioned to apply to a large quantity of same sized jars  100  and lids  105  and may be achieved by performing similar steps as detailed in the alternate embodiment  50  with the following additional steps: choosing the appropriately sized model of the rigid adjustable jar lid opener embodiment  80 ; engaging with a jar lid  105 ; and, repeating. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.