Patent ID: 7587831

Claim:
A can opener comprising: first and second handle members pivotally connected to each other; a rotatable traction wheel and a rotatable cutter blade movable by the first and second handle members respectively between an inoperative position in which the wheel and the blade are spaced apart for receiving an edge of a can to be opened and an operative position in which the wheel and the blade are close together for turning and cutting the edge of said can; an operating lever supported for pivotal reciprocation relative to the handle members; a ratchet assembly arranged to be driven by the operating lever upon reciprocation for operating the traction wheel and the cutter blade, the ratchet assembly comprising a ratchet wheel in engagement with the traction wheel and a spring-loaded pawl engaged with the ratchet wheel, the ratchet assembly being enclosed by a casing; and a lock releasably engaged with the first handle member or the second handle member for holding the first handle member and second handle member adjacent to one another, wherein the lock comprises a knob extending from the first handle member toward the second handle member, the knob having a lower surface that mates with a corresponding shoulder formed on the second handle member to lock the first handle member to the second handle member.