Patent ID: 7168170

Claim:
A can opener comprising: first and second handle members pivotable relative to each other; a rotary traction wheel and a rotary disc cutter movable by the first and second handle members respectively between an inoperative position in which the wheel and the cutter are spaced apart for receiving an edge of a can to be opened and an operative position in which the wheel and the cutter are close together for turning and cutting the edge of the can; an operating member supported for pivotal reciprocation in opposite first and second directions relative to the handle members; a first ratchet assembly driven by the operating member, upon pivotal movement in the first direction, for rotating the traction wheel in an operating direction to operate the traction wheel and the disc cutter; and a second ratchet assembly driven by the operating member, upon pivotal movement in the second direction, for rotating the traction wheel in the operating direction to operate the traction wheel and the disc cutter, wherein, upon pivotal reciprocation in opposite first and second directions, the operating member rotates the traction wheel in the operating direction, to operate the traction wheel and the disc cutter substantially continuously, turning and cutting the edge of the can.