The Can Opener

The Can opener (US patent 30-400 according to my research) has been a fantastic patented item. Granted it was a little late to be invented, 48 years after the first canned goods, products labels previously would read: "cut around on the top near to outer edge with a chisel and hammer." which is rather troglodytish in comparison to the wonder that is the can opener. It removes the excessive effort required to cut open a tin. This comes in especially handy when the contents need to be drained, such as tuna or other contents encased in brine. Using a tin opener causes the lid to be removed, and can be used advantageously to press down to remove the liquid contents of the tin. The tin can be opened upright, requires no extra things to hold it steady. The tin is gripped flawlessly between the gripping arm due to the pressure exerted by the weak hand, while the stronger hand turns the rotor (which is also gripping the tin) so that the blade slices through the sheet of metal easily due to the small area of the blade combined with the force through turning, resulting in a high pressure. I’m pretty sure that the invention of this item has prevented many mishaps with hammers and chisels, so therefore the can opener has potentially saved lives. It has definitely saved sore wrists, mess, and time. Simple as this item is, it is necessary in modern life.

Submitted by: Emma Whittemore