Abstract: A can crusher has a handle that pivots about a first axis. A first plate is fixed to the handle. A bottom plate is movable along the handle. A rod rotates about a second axis in response to pivoting of the handle to move the second plate, guided by a carrier, toward the first plate and thereby crush a can between the plates. In a modified embodiment, the second plate tilts relative to the first plate in two steps as the bottom plate approaches the top plate.

Abstract: A can crusher comprises a bottom plate and a handle that rotate about a first axis. A top plate is slidable along the handle. A link pivotally connects the top plate to a second axis offset from the first axis. Rotating the handle and bottom plate tends to revolve the top plate away from the second axis, but the link keeps the top plate at a fixed distance from the second axis by controlling the top plate to slide along the handle toward the bottom plate. A can or other object placed between the top and bottom plates is crushed between them as the handle rotates. The handle normally rotates from a vertical attitude toward a horizontal attitude during the crushing operation. The handle and bottom plate can rotate to a stable rest configuration below the first axis.