Can flattening apparatus

Claim 1

Apparatus for individually flattening selected size cylindrical metal cans comprising: a. a horizontally disposed base having an elongated concave depression formed in the planar upper surface thereof for supporting a cylindrical can lying in said depression; b. a moment arm; c. hinge means hinging said arm to said base for pivotal movement of said arm downward toward said base transverse to said depression; d. an arcuate die member fixed to said arm presenting a convex face towards said base, the radius of curvature of said convex face being substantially the same as the radius of said concave depression, said die member being arranged on said moment arm to press against the body of a can lying in said depression when said moment arm is pivoted downwardly toward said base; e. two cutting members each which tapers to a point, one said cutting member fixed along each end of said die member protruding beyond its said face, for shearing into a can slightly back from the ends thereof in advance of said die member when said moment arm pivots said die member downwardly to press flat the body of a can lying in said depression in said base.