CA2292029C - Apparatus for extracting a cork from a bottle - Google Patents
Apparatus for extracting a cork from a bottle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2292029C CA2292029C CA 2292029 CA2292029A CA2292029C CA 2292029 C CA2292029 C CA 2292029C CA 2292029 CA2292029 CA 2292029 CA 2292029 A CA2292029 A CA 2292029A CA 2292029 C CA2292029 C CA 2292029C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cork
- corkscrew
- bottle
- unit
- elongated tubular
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
- B67B7/00—Hand- or power-operated devices for opening closed containers
- B67B7/02—Hand- or power-operated devices for opening closed containers for removing stoppers
- B67B7/04—Cork-screws
- B67B7/0417—Cork-screws with supporting means for assisting the pulling action
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
- B67B7/00—Hand- or power-operated devices for opening closed containers
- B67B7/02—Hand- or power-operated devices for opening closed containers for removing stoppers
- B67B7/04—Cork-screws
- B67B7/0417—Cork-screws with supporting means for assisting the pulling action
- B67B7/0441—Cork-screws with supporting means for assisting the pulling action whereby the supporting means abut around the whole periphery of the neck of the bottle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
- B67B7/00—Hand- or power-operated devices for opening closed containers
- B67B7/02—Hand- or power-operated devices for opening closed containers for removing stoppers
- B67B7/04—Cork-screws
- B67B2007/047—Means for reducing friction
- B67B2007/0476—Means for reducing friction by coating the screw
Abstract
The present invention relates to a cork extraction device comprising a corkscrew unit and an elongated tubular member. The cork extraction device enables the removal of a cork from a bottle and additionally enables easy removal of the cork from the device upon its removal from a bottle. The corkscrew unit comprises a helical shaped member, wherein one end of the helical shaped member has a handle connected thereto and the opposite end of the helical shaped member is adapted for ease of penetration of a cork. The elongated tubular member has two open ends wherein one end is adapted such that the member can be placed over the neck of a bottle and rest on the shoulders thereof. The opposite end of the elongated tubular member is adapted for the insertion of the corkscrew unit. The internal cross sectional area of the elongated tubular member is sufficient to allow a cork to pass therethrough and exit at either of the open ends. This feature enables the separation of the corkscrew unit and the elongated tubular member when the corkscrew unit has a cork attached thereto. The user is then able to easily restrain the cork during its removal from the corkscrew unit.
Description
APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTING A CORK FROM A BOTTLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to devices for extracting corks from bottles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Corkscrew openers have been an invaluable tool for many years, and enable content-preserving elements such as corks to be removed from containers so that people may enjoy their drinks.
A first prior art corkscrew is illustrated in Figure 1 and includes a handle and a helical coil secured to the handle to extract a cork from the bottle, a distal tip of the coil must first be centered in a top face of the cork, which in itself is not easy. If the centering is not done correctly it may lead to the coil penetrating a side of the cork whereby the cork may disintegrate when pulled by a user. Once centered, the coil must be screwed into the cork until an appropriate depth of the penetration is reached whereafter the corkscrew is pulled away the bottle in the hope that the cork accompanies it.
A second prior art corkscrew is illustrated in Figure 2 and includes a body, a helical coil with a handle at a top thereof, and two levers rotatably receiving the coil and pivotally attached to the body. The body has a circulax opening sized to abut a top of a neck of bottle, yet through which a cork can pass. In operation, the opening is mated with the top of the bottle and the levers are raised to an uppermost position. A distal tip of coil is placed on the center of the cork and then both downward and twisting forces are applied to the handle whereby the cork is penetrated.
Once the required depth of penetration is reached, the handles are brought downward whereby distal tips thereof urge the top of the bottle and so the cork is usually drawn out of the bottle.
Again inappropriate force on the cork may result in pushing it into the bottle, and rotation or disintegration of the cork.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to devices for extracting corks from bottles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Corkscrew openers have been an invaluable tool for many years, and enable content-preserving elements such as corks to be removed from containers so that people may enjoy their drinks.
A first prior art corkscrew is illustrated in Figure 1 and includes a handle and a helical coil secured to the handle to extract a cork from the bottle, a distal tip of the coil must first be centered in a top face of the cork, which in itself is not easy. If the centering is not done correctly it may lead to the coil penetrating a side of the cork whereby the cork may disintegrate when pulled by a user. Once centered, the coil must be screwed into the cork until an appropriate depth of the penetration is reached whereafter the corkscrew is pulled away the bottle in the hope that the cork accompanies it.
A second prior art corkscrew is illustrated in Figure 2 and includes a body, a helical coil with a handle at a top thereof, and two levers rotatably receiving the coil and pivotally attached to the body. The body has a circulax opening sized to abut a top of a neck of bottle, yet through which a cork can pass. In operation, the opening is mated with the top of the bottle and the levers are raised to an uppermost position. A distal tip of coil is placed on the center of the cork and then both downward and twisting forces are applied to the handle whereby the cork is penetrated.
Once the required depth of penetration is reached, the handles are brought downward whereby distal tips thereof urge the top of the bottle and so the cork is usually drawn out of the bottle.
Again inappropriate force on the cork may result in pushing it into the bottle, and rotation or disintegration of the cork.
Furthermore, self pulling cork extractors are well-known in the art. For example, the patent to Allen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,673 (the "673 patent"), discloses an extractor comprising a holder, an elongated handle and a movable portion including a helical corkscrew. The holder is provided to engage the neck of a bottle (such as a wine bottle) and position and guide the corkscrew into the cork. The handle is designed to be attached to the top of the corkscrew and extend radially therefrom. The handle further includes an elongated arm having a formation on the end distal the corkscrew to engage a human finger and restrain such finger from outward movement with respect to the arm. The device is operated by driving the corkscrew, which has a sharpened tip, into the cork by rotating the corkscrew (by radially rotating the handle) and simultaneously applying downward pressure until the lip of the bottle abuts a "stop shoulder"
in the base of the holder. Further rotation of the corkscrew, without further upward movement of the bottle, will draw the cork upwardly along the corkscrew, thereby extracting it from the bottle.
Attempts have been made to provide a cork extractor which can be stored and transported easily and safely. For example, the handle of the '673 patent is removable and contains a bore which is adapted to be inserted through the lower end of the base and over the corkscrew. While this configuration provides for safe storage and transport, the elongated handle exerts large angular stress on the corkscrew during axial rotation, thereby causing excessive wear-and-tear on the aperture which guides the corkscrew and may result in difficulty in driving the corkscrew straight into the cork.
The Entwistle patent (U.S. Pat. No. Des. 364,324) also illustrates a cork extractor of the self pulling type which comprises a guide member having a separable handle from which the worm extends. An aperture is located in the upper portion of the guide member through which the worm is inserted. Cutting wheels are located on the inner surface of the lower portion of the guide member just below the reaction surface of the guide member, which assist in removing the foil from the bottle. The handle is stored in the guide member in the same manner in which it is positioned during use, leaving the sharp tip of the worm disadvantageously exposed.
The Delisle patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,663) discloses a corkscrew worm that is encased during transport and storage, thereby minimizing risk to the user. However, this corkscrew is not of the self pulling type but rather relies on fulcrum created with the neck of the bottle for cork extraction.
Thus, there is a long an unfulfilled need fox a corkscrew which is easy to use, and prevents damage to the cork when being removed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for extracting a cork from a bottle.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for extracting a cork from a bottle, said apparatus comprising: a corkscrew unit having a handle at a first end, a cork engaging means at a second end and a helical shaped member therebetween; and an elongated tubular member having two open ends, at least one end adapted for receiving a bottle's neck, each of said open ends having a cross sectional area greater than or equal to a cork's cross sectional area, thereby enabling a cork to pass therethrough;
wherein during use of the apparatus, rotation of the corkscrew unit, the cork translates along the helical shaped member towards the handle end of the corkscrew unit, wherein upon contact between the elongated tubular member and the handle, a bearing pressure is exerted upon the bottle thereby enabling the extraction of the cork from the bottle.
An object of the present invention is to provide a bottle opener which is easy to use.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a bottle opener which provides easy of access to a cork once removed from a bottle.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a bottle opener which is less prone to damage after continued use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 is a side view of a first prior art bottle opener.
Figure 2 is a side view of a second prior art bottle opener.
Figure 3 is a side view of a bottle opener according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a side view of the components of a bottle opener according to one embodiment of the present invention, during one phase of the cork removal process.
Figure 5 is a side view of the components of a bottle opener according to one embodiment of the present invention, during another phase of the cork removal process.
Figure 6 is a side view of the components of a bottle opener according to one embodiment of the present invention, upon removal of a cork from a bottle.
Figure 7 is a side view of another embodiment of the bottle opener according to the present invention.
Figure 8 is a side view of another embodiment of the bottle opener according to the present invention.
Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the handle according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cork extraction device comprising a corkscrew unit and an elongated tubular member. The cork extraction device enables the removal of a cork from a bottle and additionally enables easy removal of the cork from the device upon its removal from a bottle. The corkscrew unit comprises a helical shaped member, wherein one end of the helical shaped member has a handle connected thereto and the opposite end of the helical shaped member is adapted for ease of penetration of a cork. The elongated tubular member has two open ends wherein one end is adapted such that the member can be placed over the neck of a bottle and rest on the shoulders thereof. The opposite end of the elongated tubular member is adapted for the insertion of the corkscrew unit. The internal cross sectional area of the elongated tubular member is sufficient to allow a cork to pass therethrough and exit at either of the open ends. This feature enables the separation of the corkscrew unit and the elongated tubular member when the corkscrew unit has a cork attached thereto. The user is then able to easily restrain the cork during its removal from the corkscrew unit.
Corkscrew Llnat The corkscrew unit comprises a helical shaped member, wherein one end of the helical shaped member has a handle connected thereto and the opposite end of the helical shaped member is adapted for ease of penetration of a cork during use.
In one embodiment of the invention, the handle, which is rigidly connected to one end of the helical shaped member, is attached transverse to the longitudinal direction of the helix. The handle provides a means for a user to rotate the corkscrew unit during use of the device of the present invention, in addition to providing a mechanical advantage during operation as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
The end of the helical shaped member opposite the handle is adapted for ease of penetration of the cork during use of the device. This end of the helical shaped member can be manufactured such that a point or a knife edge is formed, for example. Any other type of shape which provides for the ease of penetration of the cork by the helical shaped member during use may be formed at the end of the helical shaped member, as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
The length of the helical shaped member is sufficient such that upon the use of the device of the present invention, the cork is sufficiently penetrated such that the application of a force for removal of the cork, generally speaking, will not fracture the cork during extraction. For example, if an insufficient portion of the cork has not been penetrated the helical shaped member may be pulled from the cork without extracting of the cork from the bottle.
The helical shaped member can be fabricated from a number of different materials including metal, alloys, stainless steel, plastic or any other material as would be known to a worker skilled in the art, however the helical shaped member must have sufficient strength to transmit the extraction force to the cork in order to withdraw the cork from a bottle. In addition, the handle of the corkscrew unit can be fabricated from one or a combination of a plurality of materials including metal, wood, alloys, plastic, carbon fibre, fibreglass, brass, silver or any other material as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. In choosing the material from which each component of the corkscrew unit is made the selection can be based on for example, strength, cost, durability or any other criteria as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
In one embodiment of the invention, the helical shaped member can be coated with a material having a low frictional coefficient in order to assist the passage o:f the helical shaped member through a cork. For example, the helical shaped member can be coated with TeflonTM or any other appropriate substance as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
In one embodiment of the invention, the corkscrew unit may be fabricated with ornamental features, for example, an ornamental handle as illustrated in Figure 8. As an example, the handle of the corkscrew unit can be a cylindrical shape having indentations at the ends for placement of the fingers for example, during use. T'he handle may optionally be an oval, rectangular or any other shape, as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
Elongated Tubular Member The elongated tubular member has two open ends wherein one end is adapted such that the member can be placed over the neck of a bottle and rest on the shoulders thereof. The opposite -~~-°'~~,~""""~"" "~"'" .'"~~ °."m""A~. , ~~sun zavaa.m-,«-.~w~.. .~ .._-..,..r".,~..~,"«".""".,~Mh~aa~._..,. apce:sn~n~av~arm~~. m .. .
~...~.~.»m.
end of the elongated tubular member is adapted for the insertion of the corkscrew unit. The internal cross sectional area of the elongated tubular member is sufficient to allow a cork to pass therethrough and exit at either of the open ends. In this manner, the cork, upon its extraction from a bottle, can be easily removed from the corkscrew unit without having the elongated tubular member hindering the process.
In one embodiment, the elongated tubular member is fabricated such that either of its open ends may be placed over the neck of a bottle. Optionally, each end of the elongated tubular member is fabricated for a particular purpose, for example a first end is designed for the insertion of a bottle neck and the opposite end is designed for the insertion of the corkscrew unit.
However, in each of these embodiments, the cross sectional area of both of the open ends is sufficient for a cork to pass therethrough.
In one embodiment of the invention, the external cross sectional shape of the elongated tubular member can have any of a plurality of shapes, for example, circular, square, rectangular, elliptical or any other shape as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. The internal cross sectional shape of the elongated tubular member can similarly be any of a plurality of different shapes. However, the internal cross sectional dimensions of the elongated tubular member are selected such that a neck of a bottle may inserted within the tubular member and rest on the shoulders thereof. Additionally, the internal cross section must be selected such that a cork may travel along the length of the member and exit at either end of the elongated tubular member.
The length of the elongated tubular member must be of sufficient length such that the handle of the corkscrew unit can remain in contact with the elongated tubular member upon the complete extraction of a cork from a bottle. As would be known to a worker skilled in the art, the length of the elongated tubular member may be different depending on the dimensions of a bottle and the dimensions of a cork.
The elongated tubular member can be fabricated from one or a combination of a plurality of materials including metal, wood, alloys, plastic, carbon fibre, fibreglass, brass, silver or any other material as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. The selection of an appropriate material or combination of materials can be based on for example, strength, cost, durability or any other criteria as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
In one embodiment of the invention, the elongated tubular member can be a cylindrical tube as illustrated in Figure 3. In this embodiment, either of the open ends of the cylindrical tube may be inserted over the neck of the bottle.
In another embodiment of the invention, the elongated tubular member can have a changing cross section over its length as illustrated in Figure 7. In this example, the elongated tubular member must be oriented in a particular manner in order for the device to operate.
In one embodiment of the invention, the elongated tubular member may be fabricated with ornamental features, as illustrated in Figure 8, for example.
Use of the Cork Extraction Device During use of the cork extraction device, the following method can be applied for the removal of a cork from a bottle. Initially, the elongated tubular member is placed over the neck of a bottle such that one end rests on the shoulders of the bottle. The corkscrew unit is subsequently inserted into the open end of the elongated tubular member, such that the end of the helical shaped member which is adapted for cork penetration makes contact with the cork within the bottle. The handle of the corkscrew unit is subsequently rotated such that the helical shaped member commences penetration of the cork. During rotation of the corkscrew unit the handle translates towards the elongated tube. Upon contact between the handle and the elongated tubular member a bearing force is applied to the shoulders of the bottle and translated through the helical shaped member to the cork, thereby extracting the cork from the bottle during continued rotation of the handle. Upon the complete extraction of the cork from the bottle, the corkscrew unit, with the cork attached, is removed from the elongated tubular member. The user can subsequently restrain the cork and rotate the corkscrew unit such that the cork is removed from the corkscrew member. In this manner, the user is able to restrain the cork for removal from the corkscrew unit, without the elongated tubular member hindering this action.
EXAMPLES:
Example 1.
In one embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figure 3, the elongated tubular member 10 comprises a first end 20 representing the bottle receiving end and a second end 30 representing the corkscrew unit receiving end. The elongated tubular member (ETM) 10 may have a circular, rectangular, square or triangular shape that has an inner diameter greater or equal to the diameter of the neck of commonly used bottles. The ETM 10 may also have an opening 60 in the central region, wherein this opening 60 may permit viewing of the top of the bottle 50 or the cork, for example. The ETM 10 is positioned on the shoulders 40 of a bottle 50 such that the bottle receiving end 20 is in contact with the shoulders 40. The corkscrew unit 70 comprises a helical shaped member 80, having a cork engaging end (cork end) 90 adapted for easy penetration of a cork and an opposite end having a handle 100. The handle further comprises a recess 110 centered at the connection point between the helical shaped member 80 and the handle 100.
In one embodiment of the invention and with reference to Figure 4, the corkscrew unit 70 is positioned over the ETM 10 and the cork end 90 is inserted into the corkscrew receiving end 30 of the ETM 10. The corkscrew unit 70 is lowered into the ETM 10 until the cork end 90 makes contact with the cork 120. Once the cork end 90 has made contact with the cork 120, rotation of the handle 100 engages the cork end 90 thereby penetrating the cork 120.
During continued rotation of the handle 100, the cork end 90 travels through the cork 120 and simultaneously the handle 100 travels towards the corkscrew receiving end 30 of the ETM 10. The translation of the handle 100 will continue until the recess 110 within the handle 110 makes contact with the corkscrew receiving end 30 of the ETM 10.
In one embodiment and with reference to Figure 5, the recess 110 abuts the corkscrew receiving end 30 and stabilizes the movement of the helical shaped member 80 during rotation. Upon continuous rotation at this stage, the cork 120 will travels towards the handle 100 of the corkscrew unit 70 along the helical shaped member 80. Upon sufficient rotation of the handle 100, the cork 120 will have traveled a distance along the length of the helical shaped member 80 such that the cork 120 is extracted from the bottle 50.
In one embodiment and with reference to Figure 6, the cork 120 is interconnected with the helical shaped member 80 and is removed from the bottle S0. The corkscrew unit 70 may be removed from the ETM 10 by pulling the handle 100 away from the ETM 10 until the cork end 90 of the corkscrew unit 70 clears the corkscrew receiving end 30 of the ETM
10. Thus the user is provided with easy access to the cork 120, thereby providing ease of removal of the cork 120 from the helical shaped member 80 without the ETM 10 hindering this process.
Exarhple IL~
In one embodiment and with reference to Figure 7, the ETM 10 has a first end 20 and a second end 30, wherein the first end 20 is the bottle receiving means and the second end 30 is corkscrew receiving means. The ETM 10 additionally has an opening 60 which may permit viewing of the top of the bottle 50 or the cork, for example. The ETM 10 has a circular hollow body wherein the cross sectional diameter at the ETM 10 changes over its length. In this embodiment, the bottle receiving end is larger than the diameter at the corkscrew receiving end 30, however, the inner diameter of the ETM 10 is at least equal to or greater than the diameter of a cork thereby allowing a cork to travel along the entire length of the ETM 10 anal exit at either end thereof.
In one embodiment and with further reference to Figure 7, the helical shaped member 80 has a cork end 90 and a handle 100 wherein a cap 130 is positioned on the handle 100. The cap 130 meshes with the second end 30 of the ETM 10 and provides stability of the corkscrew unit 70 during rotation of the handle 100. Guides 140 are also located within the inner diameter of the ETM 10, in order to guide the helical shaped member 80 towards the cork 120 prior to contact with the cork.
Example IIL
.. _._ _._~ ~,..~ ~~.~"~,,~ . .._.... _ _....____.~._~..~,.~ ,.
In one embodiment and with reference to Figure 8, the shape of the handle 100 and the ETM 10 may be modified to have a stylish appearance. As illustrated in Figure 8, the handle has a cylindrical shaped middle portion and the ends of the handle have recesses therein. These recesses may be concave shapes for example, which may provide for easy gripping of the handle by the user. Additionally, as illustrated in Figure 8, the elongated tubular member may be designed having a plurality of external cross sectional area changes thereby creating a potentially more attractive design.
Example IV~
In one embodiment and with reference to Figure 9, vaxious other embodiments of the handle 100 may be utilized. The handle 100 may incorporate a cap 150 which rests on the second end 20 of the ETM 10. The cap 160 has a first extended member 160 which surrounds the external perimeter of the second end 20 of the ETM 10. In accordance with this embodiment, during the rotation of the corkscrew unit 70 the cap 150 typically remains stationary. In another embodiment of the invention, the cap 150 may further comprise a second extended member which can fit within the internal cross section of the second end 20 of the ETM 10. This second extended member can be envisioned as a plug type of member. Optionally, the cap may comprise either the first extended member or the second extended member.
All dimensions included in the drawings should only be considered as an embodiment of the present invention and slight variations from these dimensions do not fall outside the scope of the present invention. While the foregoing description has shown and described the fundamental features as applied to the preferred embodiment of the bottle opener of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that modification embodied in various forms may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
-.- - ~.,..~..-~~"~~.F.:.~A,«m~~.~.."~.~~. ___.________._.__~..,.m ~ ,~,~",~
~___._.
in the base of the holder. Further rotation of the corkscrew, without further upward movement of the bottle, will draw the cork upwardly along the corkscrew, thereby extracting it from the bottle.
Attempts have been made to provide a cork extractor which can be stored and transported easily and safely. For example, the handle of the '673 patent is removable and contains a bore which is adapted to be inserted through the lower end of the base and over the corkscrew. While this configuration provides for safe storage and transport, the elongated handle exerts large angular stress on the corkscrew during axial rotation, thereby causing excessive wear-and-tear on the aperture which guides the corkscrew and may result in difficulty in driving the corkscrew straight into the cork.
The Entwistle patent (U.S. Pat. No. Des. 364,324) also illustrates a cork extractor of the self pulling type which comprises a guide member having a separable handle from which the worm extends. An aperture is located in the upper portion of the guide member through which the worm is inserted. Cutting wheels are located on the inner surface of the lower portion of the guide member just below the reaction surface of the guide member, which assist in removing the foil from the bottle. The handle is stored in the guide member in the same manner in which it is positioned during use, leaving the sharp tip of the worm disadvantageously exposed.
The Delisle patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,663) discloses a corkscrew worm that is encased during transport and storage, thereby minimizing risk to the user. However, this corkscrew is not of the self pulling type but rather relies on fulcrum created with the neck of the bottle for cork extraction.
Thus, there is a long an unfulfilled need fox a corkscrew which is easy to use, and prevents damage to the cork when being removed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for extracting a cork from a bottle.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for extracting a cork from a bottle, said apparatus comprising: a corkscrew unit having a handle at a first end, a cork engaging means at a second end and a helical shaped member therebetween; and an elongated tubular member having two open ends, at least one end adapted for receiving a bottle's neck, each of said open ends having a cross sectional area greater than or equal to a cork's cross sectional area, thereby enabling a cork to pass therethrough;
wherein during use of the apparatus, rotation of the corkscrew unit, the cork translates along the helical shaped member towards the handle end of the corkscrew unit, wherein upon contact between the elongated tubular member and the handle, a bearing pressure is exerted upon the bottle thereby enabling the extraction of the cork from the bottle.
An object of the present invention is to provide a bottle opener which is easy to use.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a bottle opener which provides easy of access to a cork once removed from a bottle.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a bottle opener which is less prone to damage after continued use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 is a side view of a first prior art bottle opener.
Figure 2 is a side view of a second prior art bottle opener.
Figure 3 is a side view of a bottle opener according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a side view of the components of a bottle opener according to one embodiment of the present invention, during one phase of the cork removal process.
Figure 5 is a side view of the components of a bottle opener according to one embodiment of the present invention, during another phase of the cork removal process.
Figure 6 is a side view of the components of a bottle opener according to one embodiment of the present invention, upon removal of a cork from a bottle.
Figure 7 is a side view of another embodiment of the bottle opener according to the present invention.
Figure 8 is a side view of another embodiment of the bottle opener according to the present invention.
Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the handle according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cork extraction device comprising a corkscrew unit and an elongated tubular member. The cork extraction device enables the removal of a cork from a bottle and additionally enables easy removal of the cork from the device upon its removal from a bottle. The corkscrew unit comprises a helical shaped member, wherein one end of the helical shaped member has a handle connected thereto and the opposite end of the helical shaped member is adapted for ease of penetration of a cork. The elongated tubular member has two open ends wherein one end is adapted such that the member can be placed over the neck of a bottle and rest on the shoulders thereof. The opposite end of the elongated tubular member is adapted for the insertion of the corkscrew unit. The internal cross sectional area of the elongated tubular member is sufficient to allow a cork to pass therethrough and exit at either of the open ends. This feature enables the separation of the corkscrew unit and the elongated tubular member when the corkscrew unit has a cork attached thereto. The user is then able to easily restrain the cork during its removal from the corkscrew unit.
Corkscrew Llnat The corkscrew unit comprises a helical shaped member, wherein one end of the helical shaped member has a handle connected thereto and the opposite end of the helical shaped member is adapted for ease of penetration of a cork during use.
In one embodiment of the invention, the handle, which is rigidly connected to one end of the helical shaped member, is attached transverse to the longitudinal direction of the helix. The handle provides a means for a user to rotate the corkscrew unit during use of the device of the present invention, in addition to providing a mechanical advantage during operation as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
The end of the helical shaped member opposite the handle is adapted for ease of penetration of the cork during use of the device. This end of the helical shaped member can be manufactured such that a point or a knife edge is formed, for example. Any other type of shape which provides for the ease of penetration of the cork by the helical shaped member during use may be formed at the end of the helical shaped member, as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
The length of the helical shaped member is sufficient such that upon the use of the device of the present invention, the cork is sufficiently penetrated such that the application of a force for removal of the cork, generally speaking, will not fracture the cork during extraction. For example, if an insufficient portion of the cork has not been penetrated the helical shaped member may be pulled from the cork without extracting of the cork from the bottle.
The helical shaped member can be fabricated from a number of different materials including metal, alloys, stainless steel, plastic or any other material as would be known to a worker skilled in the art, however the helical shaped member must have sufficient strength to transmit the extraction force to the cork in order to withdraw the cork from a bottle. In addition, the handle of the corkscrew unit can be fabricated from one or a combination of a plurality of materials including metal, wood, alloys, plastic, carbon fibre, fibreglass, brass, silver or any other material as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. In choosing the material from which each component of the corkscrew unit is made the selection can be based on for example, strength, cost, durability or any other criteria as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
In one embodiment of the invention, the helical shaped member can be coated with a material having a low frictional coefficient in order to assist the passage o:f the helical shaped member through a cork. For example, the helical shaped member can be coated with TeflonTM or any other appropriate substance as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
In one embodiment of the invention, the corkscrew unit may be fabricated with ornamental features, for example, an ornamental handle as illustrated in Figure 8. As an example, the handle of the corkscrew unit can be a cylindrical shape having indentations at the ends for placement of the fingers for example, during use. T'he handle may optionally be an oval, rectangular or any other shape, as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
Elongated Tubular Member The elongated tubular member has two open ends wherein one end is adapted such that the member can be placed over the neck of a bottle and rest on the shoulders thereof. The opposite -~~-°'~~,~""""~"" "~"'" .'"~~ °."m""A~. , ~~sun zavaa.m-,«-.~w~.. .~ .._-..,..r".,~..~,"«".""".,~Mh~aa~._..,. apce:sn~n~av~arm~~. m .. .
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end of the elongated tubular member is adapted for the insertion of the corkscrew unit. The internal cross sectional area of the elongated tubular member is sufficient to allow a cork to pass therethrough and exit at either of the open ends. In this manner, the cork, upon its extraction from a bottle, can be easily removed from the corkscrew unit without having the elongated tubular member hindering the process.
In one embodiment, the elongated tubular member is fabricated such that either of its open ends may be placed over the neck of a bottle. Optionally, each end of the elongated tubular member is fabricated for a particular purpose, for example a first end is designed for the insertion of a bottle neck and the opposite end is designed for the insertion of the corkscrew unit.
However, in each of these embodiments, the cross sectional area of both of the open ends is sufficient for a cork to pass therethrough.
In one embodiment of the invention, the external cross sectional shape of the elongated tubular member can have any of a plurality of shapes, for example, circular, square, rectangular, elliptical or any other shape as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. The internal cross sectional shape of the elongated tubular member can similarly be any of a plurality of different shapes. However, the internal cross sectional dimensions of the elongated tubular member are selected such that a neck of a bottle may inserted within the tubular member and rest on the shoulders thereof. Additionally, the internal cross section must be selected such that a cork may travel along the length of the member and exit at either end of the elongated tubular member.
The length of the elongated tubular member must be of sufficient length such that the handle of the corkscrew unit can remain in contact with the elongated tubular member upon the complete extraction of a cork from a bottle. As would be known to a worker skilled in the art, the length of the elongated tubular member may be different depending on the dimensions of a bottle and the dimensions of a cork.
The elongated tubular member can be fabricated from one or a combination of a plurality of materials including metal, wood, alloys, plastic, carbon fibre, fibreglass, brass, silver or any other material as would be known to a worker skilled in the art. The selection of an appropriate material or combination of materials can be based on for example, strength, cost, durability or any other criteria as would be known to a worker skilled in the art.
In one embodiment of the invention, the elongated tubular member can be a cylindrical tube as illustrated in Figure 3. In this embodiment, either of the open ends of the cylindrical tube may be inserted over the neck of the bottle.
In another embodiment of the invention, the elongated tubular member can have a changing cross section over its length as illustrated in Figure 7. In this example, the elongated tubular member must be oriented in a particular manner in order for the device to operate.
In one embodiment of the invention, the elongated tubular member may be fabricated with ornamental features, as illustrated in Figure 8, for example.
Use of the Cork Extraction Device During use of the cork extraction device, the following method can be applied for the removal of a cork from a bottle. Initially, the elongated tubular member is placed over the neck of a bottle such that one end rests on the shoulders of the bottle. The corkscrew unit is subsequently inserted into the open end of the elongated tubular member, such that the end of the helical shaped member which is adapted for cork penetration makes contact with the cork within the bottle. The handle of the corkscrew unit is subsequently rotated such that the helical shaped member commences penetration of the cork. During rotation of the corkscrew unit the handle translates towards the elongated tube. Upon contact between the handle and the elongated tubular member a bearing force is applied to the shoulders of the bottle and translated through the helical shaped member to the cork, thereby extracting the cork from the bottle during continued rotation of the handle. Upon the complete extraction of the cork from the bottle, the corkscrew unit, with the cork attached, is removed from the elongated tubular member. The user can subsequently restrain the cork and rotate the corkscrew unit such that the cork is removed from the corkscrew member. In this manner, the user is able to restrain the cork for removal from the corkscrew unit, without the elongated tubular member hindering this action.
EXAMPLES:
Example 1.
In one embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figure 3, the elongated tubular member 10 comprises a first end 20 representing the bottle receiving end and a second end 30 representing the corkscrew unit receiving end. The elongated tubular member (ETM) 10 may have a circular, rectangular, square or triangular shape that has an inner diameter greater or equal to the diameter of the neck of commonly used bottles. The ETM 10 may also have an opening 60 in the central region, wherein this opening 60 may permit viewing of the top of the bottle 50 or the cork, for example. The ETM 10 is positioned on the shoulders 40 of a bottle 50 such that the bottle receiving end 20 is in contact with the shoulders 40. The corkscrew unit 70 comprises a helical shaped member 80, having a cork engaging end (cork end) 90 adapted for easy penetration of a cork and an opposite end having a handle 100. The handle further comprises a recess 110 centered at the connection point between the helical shaped member 80 and the handle 100.
In one embodiment of the invention and with reference to Figure 4, the corkscrew unit 70 is positioned over the ETM 10 and the cork end 90 is inserted into the corkscrew receiving end 30 of the ETM 10. The corkscrew unit 70 is lowered into the ETM 10 until the cork end 90 makes contact with the cork 120. Once the cork end 90 has made contact with the cork 120, rotation of the handle 100 engages the cork end 90 thereby penetrating the cork 120.
During continued rotation of the handle 100, the cork end 90 travels through the cork 120 and simultaneously the handle 100 travels towards the corkscrew receiving end 30 of the ETM 10. The translation of the handle 100 will continue until the recess 110 within the handle 110 makes contact with the corkscrew receiving end 30 of the ETM 10.
In one embodiment and with reference to Figure 5, the recess 110 abuts the corkscrew receiving end 30 and stabilizes the movement of the helical shaped member 80 during rotation. Upon continuous rotation at this stage, the cork 120 will travels towards the handle 100 of the corkscrew unit 70 along the helical shaped member 80. Upon sufficient rotation of the handle 100, the cork 120 will have traveled a distance along the length of the helical shaped member 80 such that the cork 120 is extracted from the bottle 50.
In one embodiment and with reference to Figure 6, the cork 120 is interconnected with the helical shaped member 80 and is removed from the bottle S0. The corkscrew unit 70 may be removed from the ETM 10 by pulling the handle 100 away from the ETM 10 until the cork end 90 of the corkscrew unit 70 clears the corkscrew receiving end 30 of the ETM
10. Thus the user is provided with easy access to the cork 120, thereby providing ease of removal of the cork 120 from the helical shaped member 80 without the ETM 10 hindering this process.
Exarhple IL~
In one embodiment and with reference to Figure 7, the ETM 10 has a first end 20 and a second end 30, wherein the first end 20 is the bottle receiving means and the second end 30 is corkscrew receiving means. The ETM 10 additionally has an opening 60 which may permit viewing of the top of the bottle 50 or the cork, for example. The ETM 10 has a circular hollow body wherein the cross sectional diameter at the ETM 10 changes over its length. In this embodiment, the bottle receiving end is larger than the diameter at the corkscrew receiving end 30, however, the inner diameter of the ETM 10 is at least equal to or greater than the diameter of a cork thereby allowing a cork to travel along the entire length of the ETM 10 anal exit at either end thereof.
In one embodiment and with further reference to Figure 7, the helical shaped member 80 has a cork end 90 and a handle 100 wherein a cap 130 is positioned on the handle 100. The cap 130 meshes with the second end 30 of the ETM 10 and provides stability of the corkscrew unit 70 during rotation of the handle 100. Guides 140 are also located within the inner diameter of the ETM 10, in order to guide the helical shaped member 80 towards the cork 120 prior to contact with the cork.
Example IIL
.. _._ _._~ ~,..~ ~~.~"~,,~ . .._.... _ _....____.~._~..~,.~ ,.
In one embodiment and with reference to Figure 8, the shape of the handle 100 and the ETM 10 may be modified to have a stylish appearance. As illustrated in Figure 8, the handle has a cylindrical shaped middle portion and the ends of the handle have recesses therein. These recesses may be concave shapes for example, which may provide for easy gripping of the handle by the user. Additionally, as illustrated in Figure 8, the elongated tubular member may be designed having a plurality of external cross sectional area changes thereby creating a potentially more attractive design.
Example IV~
In one embodiment and with reference to Figure 9, vaxious other embodiments of the handle 100 may be utilized. The handle 100 may incorporate a cap 150 which rests on the second end 20 of the ETM 10. The cap 160 has a first extended member 160 which surrounds the external perimeter of the second end 20 of the ETM 10. In accordance with this embodiment, during the rotation of the corkscrew unit 70 the cap 150 typically remains stationary. In another embodiment of the invention, the cap 150 may further comprise a second extended member which can fit within the internal cross section of the second end 20 of the ETM 10. This second extended member can be envisioned as a plug type of member. Optionally, the cap may comprise either the first extended member or the second extended member.
All dimensions included in the drawings should only be considered as an embodiment of the present invention and slight variations from these dimensions do not fall outside the scope of the present invention. While the foregoing description has shown and described the fundamental features as applied to the preferred embodiment of the bottle opener of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that modification embodied in various forms may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
-.- - ~.,..~..-~~"~~.F.:.~A,«m~~.~.."~.~~. ___.________._.__~..,.m ~ ,~,~",~
~___._.
Claims (4)
1. An apparatus for extracting a cork from a bottle, said apparatus comprising:
(a) a corkscrew unit having a handle at a first end, a cork engaging means at a second end and a helical shaped member therebetween, and (b) an elongated tubular member having two open ends, at least one end adapted for receiving the neck of the bottle, each of said open ends having a cross sectional area greater than or equal to cross sectional area of the cork, thereby enabling the cork to pass therethrough;
wherein during use of the apparatus, rotation of the corkscrew unit, the cork translates along the helical shaped member towards the first end of the corkscrew unit, wherein upon contact between the elongated tubular member and the handle, a bearing pressure is exerted upon the bottle thereby enabling extraction of the cork from the bottle.
(a) a corkscrew unit having a handle at a first end, a cork engaging means at a second end and a helical shaped member therebetween, and (b) an elongated tubular member having two open ends, at least one end adapted for receiving the neck of the bottle, each of said open ends having a cross sectional area greater than or equal to cross sectional area of the cork, thereby enabling the cork to pass therethrough;
wherein during use of the apparatus, rotation of the corkscrew unit, the cork translates along the helical shaped member towards the first end of the corkscrew unit, wherein upon contact between the elongated tubular member and the handle, a bearing pressure is exerted upon the bottle thereby enabling extraction of the cork from the bottle.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each open end of the elongated tubular member is of equal cross-sectional area.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle of the corkscrew unit has a recess into which at least one end of the elongated tubular member can be received.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle has a middle portion and two ends, wherein the middle portion is a cylindrical shape and the two ends have recesses therein.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2292029 CA2292029C (en) | 1999-12-09 | 1999-12-09 | Apparatus for extracting a cork from a bottle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2292029 CA2292029C (en) | 1999-12-09 | 1999-12-09 | Apparatus for extracting a cork from a bottle |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2292029A1 CA2292029A1 (en) | 2001-04-02 |
| CA2292029C true CA2292029C (en) | 2003-11-04 |
Family
ID=4164839
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2292029 Expired - Fee Related CA2292029C (en) | 1999-12-09 | 1999-12-09 | Apparatus for extracting a cork from a bottle |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2292029C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN2543941Y (en) * | 2002-02-01 | 2003-04-09 | 叶仲伦 | Bottle opener |
-
1999
- 1999-12-09 CA CA 2292029 patent/CA2292029C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2292029A1 (en) | 2001-04-02 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20131210 |