Abstract A can crusher comprises piercing means operative to pierce the underside of a metal can so as to form an opening or openings in the underside of the can, and crushing means operative to crush the pierced can so as to cause or assist in causing the contents of the can to be expelled through the opening or openings. The piercing means includes a piercing tool which is formed with an overhanging portion, preferably in the form of a barb, such that when the tool pierces the underside of the can to form an opening in it, that portion enters the can, and when the tool is subsequently withdrawn through the opening the overhanging portion pulls downwards the adjacent part of the can bordering the opening. The tool may be of symmetrical form with a tapering head, a shank of constant width, and a stock provided with a threaded stud by means of which the tool is mounted in the crusher.
A can crusher comprising a piercing tool provided with at least one overhanging portion, piercing means operative to cause said tool to pierce a can and to insert said tool into the can through the opening thus formed in the can to an extent such that said overhand enters the can, withdrawal means operative to cause said tool to be withdrawn from the can through said opening whereby said overhanging portion pulls outwards the adjacent said opening, crushing means operative to crush said can and means operative to effect operation of said crushing means so that at least the final stages of crushing occur after the withdrawal of said tool.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A can crusher comprising a piercing tool provided with at least one overhanging portion, piercing means operative to cause said tool to pierce a can and to insert said tool into the can through the opening thus formed in the can to an extent such that said overhand enters the can, withdrawal means operative to cause said tool to be withdrawn from the can through said opening whereby said overhanging portion pulls outwards the adjacent said opening, crushing means operative to crush said can and means operative to effect operation of said crushing means so that at least the final stages of crushing occur after the withdrawal of said tool.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
A can crusher according to claim 1 in which said crushing means comprises a movable crushing head which is operative to locate the can while said tool pierces the can, and is also operative to crush the can after it has been pierced.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
78 words
A can crusher according to claim 1 in which said at least one overhanging portion comprises two parallel overhanging portions which are long in comparison with the distance between them and which are disposed on opposite sides of said tool, whereby said opening is shaped substantially as a slot, and said overhanging portions are operative to pull outwards the parts of the can bordering the longer sides of that slot when said tool is withdrawn from the can.