Patent Publication Number: US-2009229418-A1

Title: Hand-held device for removing an enclosure from a container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/036,332, filed Mar. 13, 2008 and entitled “Device for Removing an Enclosure from a Container.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to the removal of an enclosure from a container and, more particularly, to a jar opener or other similar hand-held device that rotatably removes a lid or other type of enclosure device from a jar or similar container. 
     It is well known that placing foodstuff into an enclosed jar or other container is advantageous to the preservation of the foodstuff. Specifically, producers, distributors and manufactures of various types of foodstuff often fasten the enclosure or lid to ajar or other container very tightly (e.g., air tight) to assure that the contents within the container are preserved throughout the shipment and shelf-life of the foodstuff. This process is advantageous because it allows for the preservation of the foodstuff for a relatively long period of time. However, such tightly secured enclosures or lids often become difficult for the end-user or consumer to remove from the container. To assist consumers or end-users in removing the enclosure or lid, various devices have been produced. 
     Specifically, there exists a variety of can or jar openers that allow the user to remove the enclosure or lid without directly gripping the lid. For example, there exists motorized jar openers that attach directly to the underside of a cabinet that allow the user to hold the jar or container body while the jar opener rotates the lid or enclosure to overcome the friction force inherent to the connection. However, there are drawbacks to this type of device. For instance, the jar openers require a solid or stable location to mount the jar opener, and the user is required to directly hold the jar or container body which may cause pain or discomfort to the user. Further, individuals with arthritis or other similar symptoms may have difficulty using such jar openers. 
     In addition, there exists jar openers that allow the user to directly grip the enclosure or lid and provide the user with increased leverage or friction force to remove the enclosure or lid from the container. For example, there exists gloves that a user places on or over the hands. The gloves including dimples or other protruding gripping surfaces on the palm and finger portions to provide increased friction to the user. However, there are disadvantages to these types of jar openers. Specifically, these types of openers require that the user directly hold the jar or container as well as the lid, which often causes discomfort or pain to certain individuals. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to create at least a partially automated hand-held device for removing enclosures or lids from containers that would allow a user to easily remove a lid or enclosure of a jar or other container without having to directly touch or grasp either the container or the enclosure. Specifically, it would be desirable to create a jar opener that provides a degree of “hands-free” operation. Further, it would be desirable to create a jar opener that uses the force and power of a motor to remove the lid from the jar without requiring additional energy or force from the user. Furthermore, it would be desirable to create a user friendly, compact and portable jar opener that can be easily and conveniently stored and/or transported. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly stated, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a hand-held device for removing an enclosure from a container. The device includes a housing at least partially enclosing at least one reversible motor and at least two spaced-apart cams pivotally attached to the housing. The cams are rotatable in a first rotational direction in which the cams grasp the container and in a second rotational direction in which the cams are rotated a predetermined distance away from the container. A wrench disk is operatively connected to and rotatable by the at least one motor. At least two spaced-apart wrenches are pivotally attached to the wrench disk for removably grasping the enclosure. Operation of the motor in a first direction rotates the wrench disk in a first rotational direction causing the wrenches to grasp and rotates the enclosure relative to the container. Operation of the motor in a second direction rotates the wrench disk in a second rotational direction causing the wrenches to rotate a predetermined distance away from the enclosure. 
     In another aspect, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a hand-held device for removing an enclosure from a container. The device includes a housing at least partially enclosing at least one motor and a ring gear operatively connected to and rotatable by the at least one motor. The ring gear has a pinion extending therefrom. A pair of rack sections are operatively connected to and movable by the pinion. The rack sections are movable in a first linear direction in which a container-gripping portion of each of the rack sections grasp the container and a second linear direction in which the container-gripping portion of each of the rack sections are moved a predetermined distance away from the container. A drive shaft is operatively connected to and rotatable by the at least one motor and at least two spaced-apart wrenches are pivotally attached to the drive shaft for removably grasping the enclosure. Operation of the motor rotates the drive shaft causing the wrenches to rotate in a first rotational direction to grasp and rotate the enclosure relative to the container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following detailed description of two preferred embodiments of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings two embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a front top perspective view of a hand-held device for removing an enclosure from a container in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top right perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 , with a housing of the device removed for clarity and a drive belt shown in phantom; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 , with the housing removed for clarity and the drive belt shown in phantom; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 , with the housing removed for clarity and the drive belt shown in phantom; 
         FIG. 6  is top plan view of a wrench disk and lid wrenches of the device showing in  FIG. 1  grasping a enclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a hand-held device for removing an enclosure from a container in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is top perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 7 , with a housing and one gear of a gear train removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 9  is a partially exploded bottom perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 7 , with the housing and one lid wrench removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the device shown in  FIG. 7 , with the housing, the gear train and at least one lid wrench removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional bottom plan view of a portion of an enclosure and a container-gripping mechanism of the device shown in  FIG. 7 , with portions of the mechanism shown in phantom for clarity; 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the device shown in  FIG. 7 , with portions of the device removed for clarity; and 
         FIG. 13  is a magnified cross-sectional top perspective view of a portion of the device shown in  FIG. 7 , with portions of the device removed for clarity. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only, and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “upper,” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in  FIGS. 1-6  a first preferred embodiment of a hand-held device for removing an enclosure from a container, such as a jar opener, indicated generally at  10 , in accordance with the present invention. The jar opener  10  is preferably an automated household or kitchen appliance for rotatably removing an enclosure or lid  38  ( FIGS. 3-6 ) from a jar (not shown) or other container (not shown) that provides the user with a degree of “hands-free” operation such that the user does not have to directly hold or grasp the lid  38  or jar or impart energy to remove the lid  38  from the jar. The phrase “hand-held jar opener” is defined herein as a jar opener that does not require direct support from below (i.e., on a table top, countertop or ground surface) or from above (by the underside of a cabinet, for example) to remove a lid from a jar. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the jar opener  10  includes a generally square-shaped housing  12  having a pivotable handle  13  attached thereto. Preferably, the housing  12  is constructed to be of the smallest size possible to create a more easily used, stored and/or transported jar opener  10 . Specifically, the housing  12  of the jar opener  10  of the first preferred embodiments has a height H of approximately 100 mm, a length L of approximately 150 mm and a width W of approximately 150 mm. However, it is preferably that the housing  12  has a height H, length L and width W less than those previously stated. It is understood by those of skill in the art that the size and shape of the housing  12  is not limited to the above-described characteristics, but can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     The handle  13 , which is generally U-shaped, is pivotable between an upright or use position ( FIG. 2 ) in which the handle  12  is generally perpendicular to a top surface of the housing  12  and a collapsed or storage position ( FIG. 1 ) in which the handle  13  is generally parallel to the top surface of the housing  12 . It is understood by those skilled in the art that the jar opener  10  is not limited to the inclusion of a handle  13  and the handle  13  and may be modified in size, shape or location without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the handle  13  does not necessarily need to be pivotable. For example, the handle  13  may be locked in any one of a variety of positions if so desired by the user. The housing  12  and handle  13  are preferably formed of a high-strength, light-weight material, such as a polymeric material. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the housing  12  and handle  13  may be formed of virtually any other suitable high strength, lightweight material, such as a metallic material. 
     The jar opener  10  is preferably powered by at least one disposable or rechargeable battery (not shown). The at least one battery is removably mountable within the housing  12  in a battery receptacle  14 . The battery receptacle  14  includes a removable cover, as is known in the art, to enclose the battery within the housing  12 . Preferably, the battery provides enough power to the jar opener  10  to allow the jar opener  10  to remove at least one hundred lids  38 . However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that virtually any type of power source, such as a conventional power cord (not shown) or solar powered energy cells (not shown), may be used to provide energy to the jar opener  10 . 
     The jar opener  10  of the preferred first embodiment is preferably designed to remove lids or enclosures ranging in size from 50 mm to 88 mm in diameter. Further, the jar opener  10  is designed to hold jars or other containers in a stationary or immobile position that have diameters ranging from 50 mm to 88 mm. However, it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the jar opener  10  can be modified to remove enclosures or lids  38  of larger or smaller sizes and of various shapes and to grasp containers of larger or smaller sizes and various shapes. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 3-5 , the housing  12  at least partially encloses and/or surrounds at least one reversible motor  30  (i.e., “primary motor”) and a multi-stage gear train  32 . A motor drive shaft  46  extends from one side of the motor  30  and rotates a motor pinion  48 . The motor pinion  48  is in direct engaging contact with the teeth of a first gear  32   a  of the gear train  32 . Power generated by the motor  30  is transferred from the motor drive shaft  46 , through the motor pinion  48 , to the first gear  32   a.  The first gear  32   a  of the gear train  32  engages and rotates the second gear  32   b,  which in turn rotates the third gear  32   c,  which in turn rotates the fourth gear  32   d.  A vertically extending shaft  50  extends from the center of the fourth and final gear  32   d  in the gear train  32  through an interior open space or cavity of the housing  12 . A second end of the shaft  50  is fixedly connected to a wrench disk  60 , which will be described in detail below. Thus, the wrench disk  60  is operatively connected to and rotatable by the primary motor  30 . It is understood by those skilled in the art that the gear train  32   a - 32   d  is not limited to the exact embodiment described above or shown herein. Alternatively, the gear train  32   a - 32   d  may include a greater or lesser number of gears of varying size, shape and/or configuration, for example. The motor  30  and gear train  32   a - 32   d  are preferably capable of applying up to 8.5 N-m of torque to the lid  38  of ajar to rotatably remove the lid  38  from the jar in the manner described below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the housing  12  includes a start button  16  and a release button  18  located on an exterior surface thereof. The start and release buttons  16 ,  18  are operatively connected to the motor  30 . Specifically, a printed circuit board PCB control (not shown) located within the housing  12  connects the start and release buttons  16 ,  18  to the motor  32  and to the battery or other power source. Thus, the start and release buttons  16 ,  18  allow the user to control the operation of the jar opener  10 . The specific operation of the start and release buttons  16 ,  18  will be described in further detail below. Further, the housing  12  may include additional control buttons (not shown) that turn on the jar opener  10  or activate an illumination feature (not shown), for example. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the jar opener  10  is not limited to the inclusion of the buttons  16 ,  18  and that the buttons my be modified in size, shape or location without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, instead of two buttons, the jar opener  10  may be designed to include only one button, the jar opener  10  may be voice activated or the jar opener  10  may include a touch-screen (not shown). 
     To effectuate removal of the enclosure  38  from the container, the jar opener  10  includes at least two, but preferably three or more, spaced-apart collapsible and/or pivotable lid wrenches  20 , which removably engage or grasp the lid. The lid wrenches  20  extend slightly below the housing  12  when viewed from the side ( FIG. 2 ) and are operatively connected to the motor  30  and gear train  32   a - 32   d  by the generally circular wrench disk  60 . Each lid wrench  20  has a generally arcuate shape when viewed from above ( FIGS. 4 and 6 ). Specifically, a first end  20   a  of each lid wrench  20  is rotatably connected or pivotally attached to the wrench disk  60  by at a pivot pin  62  located proximate an outer circumference of the wrench disk  60 . The wrench disk  60  may be comprised of a single disk or top wrench disk  64  and a bottom wrench disk  66  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  5 ) that are separated a predetermined distance to allow for a first end  20   a  of each lid wrench  20  to be pivotally secured therebetween. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the wrench disk  60  may be modified in size, shape and/or location. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 3-6 , a second end  20   b  of each lid wrench  20  is capable of directly grasping the body or sidewall of the lid  38 . The wrench disk  60  is directly connected to, and rotated by, the last gear  32   d  of the gear train  32   a - 32   d.  Thus, as the gear train  32   a - 32   d  rotates the wrench disk  60  in a counterclockwise direction (when viewed from above), for example, the rotational force of the wrench disk  60  causes each lid wrench  20  to grasp the enclosure or lid  38  of the jar, as is shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The lid wrenches  20  are preferably formed of a high strength, light weight material, such as a metallic material. However, the lid wrenches  20  may be constructed of virtually any material, such as a polymeric material, that can withstand the high stress placed on the lid wrenches  20 . As is understood by those skilled in the art, the lid wrenches  20  of the present embodiment are similar in structure to an automotive oil filter wrench. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the lid wrenches  20  are not limited to the particular size, shape or mounting location described above and shown in the attached drawings. For example, the lid wrenches  20  may be replaced by a continuous chain (not shown) that can removably grasp the lid  38  of a jar. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each lid wrench  20  preferably includes a rubber or thermal plastic elastomer (TPE) grip  70  located on the inner surface of the second end  20   b  to directly engage the enclosure or lid  38 . The grips  70  provide a friction force for holding and gripping the enclosure or lid  38 . It is understood by those skilled in the art that the size and shape of the grips  70  can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, each grip  70  may have a slightly concave inner surface to more closely match the shape of the sidewall of the enclosure or lid  38 . 
     To hold the container or jar in an immobile or stable position, the jar opener  10  includes at least two, but preferably three or more, spaced-apart individually collapsible and/or pivotable jar gripping cams  22  for removably gripping the body or sidewall of the jar or container. When viewing the jar opener  10  from the side ( FIG. 2 ), the gripping cams  22  extend in a plane generally parallel to and spaced a predetermined distance away from or below a plane in which at least a portion of the lid wrenches  20  extend. When viewing the jar opener  10  from above ( FIG. 4 ) or below, the gripping cams  22  generally surround the lid wrenches  20 . Each gripping cam  22  is generally oblong in shape, having one generally straight outer surface and a generally curved inner surface. The gripping cams  22  are preferably formed of a high strength, light-weight material, such as a metallic material. However, the gripping cams  22  may be constructed of virtually any material, such as a polymeric material, that can withstand the high stresses placed on the gripping cams  22 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , each gripping cam  22  includes a rubber or thermal plastic elastomer (TPE) pad  24  located on the inner surface thereof to directly engage the jar or container. The pads  24  provide a friction force for holding and gripping the container as the wrenches  20  rotatably remove the lid  38 . It is understood by those skilled in the art that the size and shape of the cams  22  and pads  24  can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, each gripping cam  22  may have a slightly concave inner surface to more closely match the shape of the sidewall of a container. 
     Further, each gripping cam  22  is rotatably secured and/or pivotally attached to the housing  12  via a vertically extending shaft  26 . Thus, the jar opener  10  has at least two, but preferably three or more, spaced-apart generally parallel shafts  26 , each corresponding to a gripping cam  22 . Preferably, each shaft  26  generally extends perpendicularly from a bottom surface of the housing  12 . Specifically, a lower end of each shaft  26  is fixedly attached by welding, for example, to a gripping cam  22 . An upper end of each shaft  26  extends through a bottom surface of the housing  12  and terminates at a generally circular head  52  situated in a generally open cavity or interior space within the housing  12 . The upper end of each shaft  26  is fixedly attached by welding, for example, to a lower surface of the circular head  52 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 1 , a drive belt  44  (shown in phantom) is at least partially enclosed by the housing  12  and at least partially surrounds a portion of each head  52 , such that the gripping cams  22  can be pivoted and/or rotated in a first rotational direction (e.g., inwardly or clockwise direction when viewed from above) and/or in a second rotational direction (e.g., outwardly or counterclockwise direction when viewed from above) as one unit depending on the direction of movement of the drive belt  44 . Specifically, an inner surface of the drive belt  44  may include teeth or protrusions (not shown) that engage corresponding teeth or protrusions  52   a  at a mid-section of each head  52 . It is understood by those skilled in the art that the jar opener  10  is not limited to the use of a drive belt  44  to actuate the motion of the cams  22 . For example, the drive belt  44  may be replaced by a large ring gear (not shown) or a cable (not shown), for example. 
     To collapse and/or rotate the gripping cams  22 , the housing  12  may include a second reversible motor  80  (i.e., “complimentary motor”) (shown in phantom in  FIG. 2 ) operatively connected to the drive belt  44 , which allows the user to automate the rotation of the drive belt  44 . Specifically, operation of the complimentary motor  80  in a first direction rotates the drive belt  44  in the first rotational direction (e.g., inwardly or clockwise when viewed from above) causing the gripping cams  22  to grasp the container. Conversely, operation of the complimentary motor  80  in the second direction rotates the drive belt  44  in the second rotational direction (e.g., outwardly or counterclockwise when viewed from above) causing the gripping cams  22  to rotate a predetermined distance away from the container. 
     In conjunction with the complimentary motor  80 , the jar opener  10  may include a switch or lever  90  that is operatively connected to the complimentary motor  80  to allow the user to control the operation of the complimentary motor  80 . Specifically, when the user activates the switch or lever  90 , the drive belt  44  is preferably rotated in the specified direction to cause the gripping cams  22  to rotate together either inwardly or outwardly from the center of the jar opener  10 . Further, the gripping cams  22  may be designed to automatically retract or rotate inwardly toward the jar once power has been supplied to the jar opener  10 . For example, once the jar opener  10  has been turned on, the gripping cams  22  may be designed to automatically rotate inwardly after a predetermined time. Further, once the lid wrenches  20  have rotatably removed the lid  38  from the container, the gripping cams  22  may automatically be rotated outwardly, away from the jar or container, after a predetermined time. 
     It is understood by those skilled in the art that the jar opener  10  is not limited to the inclusion of the switch or lever  90 . For example, the gripping cams  22  may be manually. rotated by the user to engage the sidewall of the jar or container since the manual rotation of one of the cams  22  causes all three cams  22  to rotate together. Further, the jar opener  10  is not limited to the inclusion of the complimentary motor  80 . Alternatively, the jar opener  10  may include a connector (not shown) on the housing  12  to matingly engage a hand tool (not shown), such as a screw driver. In this embodiment, rotation of the hand tool rotates an adapter (not shown) or set of gears (not shown), which in turn causes rotation of the drive belt  44  in the specified direction. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , a plurality of spaced-apart legs  54  preferably generally extend orthogonally from a bottom surface of the housing  12  such that the jar opener  10  may be placed on a countertop or tabletop without the gripping cams  22  or the lid wrenches  20  touching the supporting surface. Thus, the legs  54  maintain a predetermined distance between the cams and the supporting surface when the jar opener  10  is placed on the supporting surface. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the jar opener  10  is not limited to the use of the legs  54  or the specific embodiment shown and described herein. For example, there may be more or fewer legs of various size and shape to support the weight of the jar opener  10  on the tabletop or countertop. 
     To operate the jar opener  10 , the user pivots the handle  13  to the upright or use position ( FIG. 2 ) and lifts the entire jar opener  10  above the lid  38  of the jar. Next, the user lowers the entire jar opener  10  onto or proximate the top of the lid  38 . Then, the user activates the switch or lever  90  to activate the complimentary motor  80 , which in turn causes the drive belt  44  to rotate the gripping cams  22  in the first rotational direction (e.g., inwardly or clockwise when viewed from above) so that the pads  24  of the gripping cams  22  firmly grip the side wall of the jar or container. Alternatively, in an embodiment that does not include the switch or lever  90  or the complimentary motor  80 , the user may rotate one of the cams  22  such that all of the cams  22  are pivoted inwardly so that the pads  24  of the cams  22  engage the side wall of the jar or container. Or, the user may rotate a hand tool to effectuate rotation of the drive belt  44 , which in turn rotates the three cams  22  in unison. 
     Next, the user depresses the start button  16  to activate the motor  30  for rotation of the motor drive shaft  46  in the first direction. This rotation of the motor  30  rotates the drive train  32   a - 32   d,  which in turn causes the wrench disk  60  to rotate in a first rotational direction (e.g. counterclockwise direction when viewed from above). This rotation of the wrench disk  60  causes each lid wrench  20  to rotate inwardly so that the grip  70  firmly grasps at least a portion of the side wall of the lid  38 . At this point, since the gripping cams  22  are securely holding the jar in place, the continued inward rotation of the lid wrenches  20  overcomes the friction force between the lid  38  and the jar and causes the lid  38  to rotate in the unscrew or removal direction with respect to the jar. 
     To release the cams  22  from the container, the user activates the switch or lever  90  to activate the complimentary motor  80  in a second direction, which in turn causes the drive belt  44  to rotate the gripping cams  22  in the second rotational direction (e.g., outwardly or counterclockwise when viewed from above), such that the cams  22  are rotated a predetermined distance away from the container. Alternatively, in an embodiment that does not include the switch or lever  90  of the complimentary motor  80 , the user may rotate one of the cams  22  such that all of the cams  22  are pivoted outwardly a predetermined distance away from the side wall of the jar or container. 
     Finally, the user may depress the release button  18 , which in turn causes the motor  30  and drive train  32   a - 32   d  to rotate the wrench disk  60  in the second rotational direction (i.e. clockwise when viewed from above). Alternatively, the wrench disk  60  may be designed to automatically rotate in a clockwise direction after a predetermined time. This rotation of the wrench disk  60  causes the second end  20   b  of each lid wrenches  20  to pivot away from the wrench disk  60  and lid  38  such that grips  70  of the lid wrenches  20  no longer engage the lid  38 . Thus, the lid  38  is released from the jar opener  10  and the user may raise the housing  12  away from the jar to access the contents therein. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the jar opener  10  is not limited to the inclusion of both the start and release buttons  16 ,  18 . For example, the lid wrenches  20  and gripping cams  22  may be rotated either inwardly or outwardly by activation of only a single button, switch, or touch screen, for example. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-13 , a second preferred embodiment of the hand-held device for removing an enclosure from a container is shown, wherein like numerals are utilized to indicate like elements throughout and a prime symbol (′) is utilized to distinguish like components of the jar opener  10 ′ of the second preferred embodiment from the jar opener  10  of the first preferred embodiment. The jar opener  10 ′ of the second preferred embodiment is substantially similar in structure and operation to that of the first preferred embodiment described above. For example, similar to the first preferred embodiment, the jar opener  10 ′ of the second preferred embodiment is preferably an automated household or kitchen appliance for rotatably removing an enclosure or lid (not shown) from ajar or other container  92  ( FIG. 11 ) that provides the user with a degree of “hands-free” operation such that the user does not have to directly hold or grasp the lid or the jar or impart energy to remove the lid from the jar. 
     As seen in  FIG. 7 , the jar opener  10 ′ includes a generally ovular housing  12 ′ having cut-outs or indentations diametrically opposed therein that form an integral handle  13 ′. Preferably, the housing  12 ′ is design to be the smallest size possible to create a more easily used, stored and/or transported jar opener  10 ′. The handle  13 ′ may be removably or pivotably attached to at least a portion of the housing  12 ′, but the housing  12 ′ is not limited to the inclusion of a handle  13 ′. Preferably, the housing  12 ′ at least partially encloses at least one motor  30 ′ and the exterior of the housing  12 ′ includes a button or switch (not shown) which allows the user to selectively operate the motor  30 ′. However, the jar opener  10 ′ may include two or more motors (not shown) and two or more buttons or switches (not shown) to allow the user to control operation of the motors or selectively reverse operation of one or both of the motors. The jar opener  10 ′ is preferably powered by at least one disposable or rechargeable battery (not shown) enclosed within a portion of the housing  12 ′. However, virtually any type of power source, such as a conventional power chord (not shown), a conventional battery (not shown), or solar powered energy cells (not shown), for example, may be used to provide energy to the motor  30 ′ of the jar opener  10 ′. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the housing  12 ′ preferably at least partially encloses a multi-stage gear train  32 ′. In  FIG. 8  the gear train  32 ′ is only partially shown for clarity of other structure of the jar opener  10 ′. As will be described in more detail below, the gear train  32 ′ preferably operatively connects the at least one motor  30 ′ to a ring gear  72  and a drive shaft  50 ′ of the jar opener  10 ′. As is understood by those skilled in the art, a motor drive shaft  46 ′ extends from a portion of the motor  30 ′ and rotates a motor pinion  48 ′. The motor pinion  48 ′ is in direct engagement contact with the teeth of a first gear or drive gear  32   a ′ of the gear train  32 ′. Thus, power generated by the motor  30 ′ is transferred directly to the first gear  32   a ′. The first gear  32   a ′ of the gear train  32 ′ includes a pinion which engages and rotates a second gear or idle gear  32   b ′ (not shown in  FIG. 8  for clarity) having a pinion, which in turn rotates a third gear or sun gear  32   c ′. A pinion portion of the third gear  32   c ′ is operatively connected to and engages three spaced-apart planetary gears  78   a - 78   c  that are at least partially housed within the ring gear  72 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a planet gear plate  81  is preferably positioned beneath the three planetary gears  78   a - 78   c  and within a portion the ring gear  72 . The planet gear plate  81  includes a first or upper portion  81   a  including upwardly extending shafts  94  which directly support the three planetary gears  78   a - 78   c  for rotation and a second or lower portion  81   b  that extends downwardly therefrom. The second portion  81   b  includes a recess or depression  96  that is sized and shaped to matingly receive a portion of the drive shaft  50 ′. The three spaced-apart shafts  94 , which preferably extend perpendicularly from the first portion  81   a  of the planet gear  81 , are each sized and shaped to receive one of the planetary gears  78   a - 78   c.  Thus, as is understood by those skilled in the art, the planet gear plate  81  operatively connects the planetary gears  78   a - 78   c  to the drive shaft  50 ′. Further, the ring gear  72  is operatively connected to and rotatable by the at least one motor  30 ′. The ring gear  72  includes an upper portion  72   a,  which generally surrounds the three planetary gears  78   a - 78   c  and the planet gear plate  81 , and a second or lower portion  72   b  that extends therefrom and is in the form of a pinion. The upper portion  72   a  is generally circular in shape when viewed from above or below and includes a series of teeth on an interior surface thereof to establish the ring gear  72  and to mesh with the teeth of each of the three planetary gears  78   a - 78   c.    
     As seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a pair of generally elongated rack sections  74   a,    74   b  include teeth which are operatively connected to and movable by the pinion  72   b  of the ring gear  72 . The rack sections  74   a,    74   b  are movable in a first linear direction (i.e., inwardly toward a geometric center of the jar opener  10 ′), in which a container-gripping portion or mechanism  76   a,    76   b  of each of the rack sections  74   a,    74   b  grasps at least a portion of the container  92 , and a second linear direction (i.e., outwardly away from the center of the jar opener  10 ′), in which the container gripping portion  76   a,    76   b  of each rack section  74   a,    74   b  is moved a predetermined distance away from the container  92 . Each rack section  74   a,    74   b  is generally “C” shaped when view from the side and includes a first or top surface  98   a,    98   b  and a second or bottom surface  100   a,    100   b  spaced therefrom by a sidewall  102   a,    102   b  extending generally perpendicularly from both the top and bottom surfaces  98   a,    98   b,    100   a,    100   b.  Preferably, each first surface  98   a,    98   b  includes at least one but preferably two spaced-apart slots or grooves  104   a,    104   b  that are each sized and shaped to conform to and/or receive at least a portion of the opposing top surface  98   a,    98   b,  such that the rack sections  74   a,    74   b  can be slid inwardly and outwardly in a smooth or fluid manner. Preferably, one of the grooves  104   a,    104   b  in each of the first surfaces  98   a,    98   b  is an opening or passageway that extends completely through the first surface  98   a,    98   b,  while the other groove  104   a,    104   b  is merely a depression or channel formed in the first surface  98   a,    98   b  that does not extend through the first surface  98   a,    98   b.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-9  and  11 , the container-gripping portion  76   a,    76   b  of at least one of the rack sections  74   a,    74   b  includes at least one but preferably two spaced-apart elastomeric bodies  88   a,    88   b,  which directly contact a portion of the container  92  when the rack sections  74   a,    74   b  have been moved in the first linear direction. Specifically, at least one of the container-gripping portions  76 ,  76   b  of at least one of the rack sections  74   a,    74   b  preferably is formed by the second or bottom surface  100   a,    100   b  and a third surface  106  that is spaced from and extends generally parallel to the second surface  100   a,    100   b.  Preferably, a predetermined and constant gap or spacing is maintained between the second surface  100 ,  100   b  and the third surface  106 . The elastomeric bodies  88   a,    88   b  are at least partially sandwiched between the two surfaces  100 ,  100   b,    106  and are positioned at least partially within the spacing. It is preferred that the elastomeric bodies  88   a,    88   b  are fixed in place with respect to the surfaces  100 ,  100   b,    106 . Preferably, the elastomeric bodies  88   a,    88   b  extend at least slightly beyond an inner end of the surfaces  100 ,  100   b,    106 , such that portions of the elastomeric bodies  88   a,    88   b  will contact and/or engage and grip at least a portion of the container  92  (see  FIG. 11 ) when the rack sections  74   a,    74   b  are moved in the first linear direction to grasp the container  92 . The portion of each elastomeric body  88   a,    88   b  that contacts the container  92  is preferably concavely shaped to conform to at least a portion of the convexly shaped container  92 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 11 , a cam  91  is preferably rotatably positioned between the two spaced-apart elastomeric bodies  88   a,    88   b  and between the surfaces  100   a,    100   b,    106 . The cam  91  is generally eccentric in shape when viewed from above or below and has a predetermined height or thickness. A biasing member  93 , such as a coil spring, may be positioned adjacent to at least one side of the cam  91  and between the two spaced-apart elastomeric bodies  88   a,    88   b  and between the surfaces  100   a,    100   b,    106  to urge the cam  91  to a particular or desired rotational position. However, the jar opener  10 ′ is not limited to the inclusion of the biasing member  93 , as the cam  91  may be freely rotatable between the two spaced-apart elastomeric bodies  88   a,    88   b  and between the surfaces  100   a,    100   b,    106 . In operation, the cam  91  helps to prevent slippage of the container  92  by engaging the container  92 . Specifically, if the jar  92  begins to slip after the rack sections  74   a,    74   b  are moved in the first linear direction, the movement of the jar  92  rotates the cam  91 . As the cam  91  rotates, the distance between a pivot point and a cam profile gets larger, pushing harder into the jar  92  and thus increasing the friction force which helps to stop the slippage of the jar  92 . One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the cam  91  creates a break or stop in a similar manner as to that of a door stop, such that the harder the cam  91  gets pushed/turned by the jar  92 , the harder the cam  91  grabs or grips the jar  92  to prevent slippage or continued movement. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  12  and  13 , the drive shaft  50 ′ is operatively connected to and rotatable by the at least one motor  30 ′. Preferably, the drive shaft  50 ′ is co-axially aligned with the ring gear  72 , the planet gear plate  81  and the three planetary gears  78   a - 78   c.  The drive shaft  50 ′ is preferably in the shape of a “T” when viewed from the side, having an upper horizontally extending flange section  50   a  and a lower shaft portion  50   b.  The upper horizontally extending flange section  50   a  of the drive shaft  50 ′ preferably matingly fits within the similarly sized and shaped recess  96  of the planet gear plate  81 , such that rotation of the planet gear plate  81  directly rotates the drive shaft  50 ′. When viewed from above or below, both the flange section  50   a  and shaft portion  50   b  of the drive shaft  50 ′ are preferably eccentrically shaped to prevent rotation of the drive shaft  50 ′ with respect to certain portions of the jar opener  10 ′ 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-9 ,  12  and  13 , the jar  10 ′ of the second preferred embodiment includes a lid wrench mechanism that preferably has at least two but preferably three equidistantly spaced-apart wrenches  20 ′ pivotably attached to the drive shaft  50 ′ for removably grasping the enclosure. The lid wrench mechanism also preferably includes a wrench disk  60 ′ formed of a top wrench disk  64 ′ and a bottom wrench disk  66 ′ that are separated a predetermined distance to allow for a first end  20   a ′ of each of the lid wrenches  20 ′ to be pivotably secured therebetween. Each lid wrench  20 ′ is preferably arcuate in shape when viewed from above or below and preferably includes a series of teeth  82  proximate the first end  20   a ′ thereof. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  12 , a drive gear  84  is preferably fixedly attached to the shaft portion  50   b  of the drive shaft  50 ′. In operation, the series of teeth  82  of each wrench  20 ′ preferably operatively mate with the drive gear  84 , such that operation of the motor  30 ′ rotates the drive gear  84 , which in turn rotates each of the wrenches  20 ′. As seen in  FIG. 10 , the drive shaft  50 ′ preferably extends through the top wrench disk  64 ′, through the drive gear  84  and through the bottom wrench disk  66 ′. In addition, as seen in  FIGS. 10 ,  12  and  13 , at least a portion of each wrench  20 ′ extends through an opening within the top wrench disk  64 ′. Specifically, an extension  108  at the first end  20   a ′ of each wrench  20 ′ extends through an arcuate-shaped slot or opening  110  within the top wrench disk  64 ′. Thus, the top wrench disk  64 ′ includes three equidistantly spaced apart slots  110  therein which are sized and shaped to receive the extension  108  of one of the wrenches  20 ′ and conform to the path of motion of the extension  108  during operation of the wrenches  20 ′. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , a torsion spring  86  preferably surrounds at least a portion of the drive shaft  50 ′. In operation, the spring  86  exerts a force on a portion the lid wrench mechanism, which causes the wrenches  20 ′ to rotate in the second rotational direction and a predetermined distance away from the enclosure. Specifically, a first arm  86   a  of the spring  86  abuts a partition  112  that extends from the top wrench disk  64 ′ and a second arm  86   b  of the spring  86  is mounted on the drive shaft  50 ′. Preferably, a free end of the second arm  86   b  is securely positioned within an opening in a side of the drive shaft  50 ′, such that the spring  86  is wound when the drive shaft  50 ′ turns while the wrench disk  60 ′ is stationary. 
     To operate the jar opener  10 ′, the user preferably manually pulls the rack section  74   a,    74   b  in the second linear direction away from the geometric center of the jar opener  10 ′ and places the jar opener  10 ′ on top of a jar. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the initial step of moving the rack sections  74   a,    74   b  may be automated such that the user presses a complimentary button (not shown) or actuates a complimentary switch (not shown) to automatically move the rack sections  74   a,    74   b  away from the geometric center of the jar opener  10 ′. Next, the user pushes and/or slides the button or switch, or possibly the complimentary button or switch, to activate the motor  30 ′. As the motor  30 ′ turns, the force generated from the motor  30 ′ is transmitted through the gear train  32 ′ to the third gear  32   c ′. The third gear  32   c ′ is turned counterclockwise (when viewed from above) and rotates the three planetary gears  78   a - 78   c,  which turn clockwise and drive the ring gear  72 . The ring gear  72  turns clockwise and pulls the rack sections  74   a,    74   b  in the first linear direction inwardly to grasp the container  92 . The rack sections  74   a,    74   b  move toward a geometric center of the jar opener  10 ′ until the container-gripping portions  76   a,    76   b  of each of rack sections  74   a,    74   b  touch and engage the container  92 . As was described above, the elastomeric bodies  88   a,    88   b  and the cam  91  help to maintain a tight grip on the container  92 . 
     Once the container-gripping portion  76   a,    76   b  of the rack sections  74   a,    74   b  have a firm grip on the container  92 , the rack sections  74   a,    74   b  cannot move inwardly any further and the ring gear  72  cannot turn. At this point, the planet gear plate  81  begins to turn or rotate clockwise (when viewed from above) because the ring gear  72  is stationery while the three planetary gears  78   a - 78   c  are still turning or rotating. The rotation of the planet gear plate  81  is what drives the lid wrench mechanism. The entire lid wrench mechanism would turn counterclockwise (when viewed from above), however the top and bottom wrench disks  64 ′,  66 ′ can not turn because the jar opener  10 ′ is placed on ajar lid, thus preventing the rotation. 
     While the top and bottom wrench disks  64 ′,  66 ′ are stationery in this position, the drive shaft  50 ′ continues to rotate by operation of the motor  30 ′. Thus, the drive shaft  50 ′ rotates the drive gear  84  in a counterclockwise direction (when viewed from above) and, in turn, engages the series of teeth  82  on each wrench  20 ′, thus rotating and pulling the wrenches  20 ′ inwardly toward a geometric center of the jar opener  10 ′. Meanwhile, the torsion spring  86 , which is mounted between the drive shaft  50 ′ and the top wrench disk  64 ′, is being wound because the drive shaft  50 ′ is turning relative to the stationery top wrench disk  64 ′. Once the wrenches  20 ′ rotate inwardly and tighten against the lid or enclosure, the drive shaft  50 ′ and drive gear  84  can no longer rotate the wrenches  20 ′. From this moment, the entire lid wrench mechanism starts to rotate, which rotates the lid relative to the container  92 . Once the user determines that the lid has been rotated free from the container  92 , the user stops the motion by preferably letting go of the button or sliding the switch on the housing  12 ′ such that the motor  30 ′ stops. At this point, the wound torsion spring  86  inherently wants to relax and rotate the wrenches  20 ′ to their original position. However, the wrench disk  60 ′ can not move because it is still sitting on the jar. 
     Next, to remove the lid from the jar opener  10 ′, the user spreads the rack sections  74   a,    74   b  in the second linear direction such that the rack sections  74   a,    74   b  are moved a predetermined distance away from the container. Next, the user lifts the jar opener  10 ′ away from the container  92 . Now, as the jar opener  10 ′ is not sitting on the jar anymore, the lid wrench mechanism is free to rotate. As the wrench disk  60 ′ turns counterclockwise (when viewed from above) due to the unwinding of the torsion spring  86 , the wrenches  20 ′ rotate outwardly away from the geometric center of the jar opener  10 ′ because the drive shaft  50 ′ and the drive gear  84  are stationery. At this point, the lid can be removed from the lid wrench mechanism and the wrenches  20 ′ are back to their initial position and the jar opener  10 ′ is ready to begin operation again. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention.