Hello: My name is Jerry Russell. I am the inventor of the Jaromatic, and the unique mechanism that makes it work. Please take a few minutes to read about this new appliance. Jaromatic might be just what you need!
Several years ago, I was inspired by this statement from my dear friend Kathleen:"Everyone has CAN openers. Why isn't there a JAR opener?"She had been trying to open a jar for several minutes, with no success, and came to the garage to get my help. This was the challenge that led me to invent the Jaromatic
Looking back on my career as a home builder and remodeler, I remember the many times I was asked to open jars and bottles by my customers, both young and old. My hands and wrists are very strong due to my occupation, but others are not so lucky. Ailments such as arthritis, carpal tunnel, breast cancer, loss of dexterity, stroke, and conditions of weak fingers and wrists, made opening jars and bottles difficult, if not impossible. That's when I would be asked to help. Believe me, some were so tight, I would have to struggle to get them open, especially small bottles of pepper sauce with the little cap, face cream jars, jam and jelly jars, and the ever-difficult one, canning jars. Frustrated, they would have to ask for my help. Most people strive to live independent lives, so asking for help to do something as simple as opening a jar is both humbling and demeaning to them.
My challenge was to design a machine that would clamp onto the lid tightly and loosen it. Using my mechanical engineering background, and experimenting with different configurations, I created the Jaromatic.. I built my first prototype in 1998. Using thin plywood for the case, plastic pipe for the rotating cylinder, a spring, a threaded rod with a gear, and a small drill motor, I created the first practical jar opening machine. By inserting the jar and pressing the switch, the motor would lower the mechanism, clamp the jar, then rotate the lid loose enough to be removed with just 2 fingers, or the palm, with no effort. It worked as I had envisioned: It would open even the most difficult jars and bottles with just the push of a button! I knew I had created something entirely new and useful. I have opened hundreds of jars and bottles with this original prototype and it still works.
Using this prototype, I applied for a patent on my unique new appliance, and was granted a utility patent from the U.S.Patent office in November, 2000. Utility patents are distinct from design patents: they convey uniqueness of the mechanism and preclude anyone from copying and selling the invention unless they have a license from the inventor to incorporate it into their design.
This is a needed product and I am commited to getting it mass produced at a reasonable cost for all the people it would benefit. I have presented it to several appliance manufacturing companies, but they are reluctant to invest in something that has no previous sales record. However, working with designers and manufacturers on my own, I have perfected the design and components so it can be manufactured overseas.
