EP4183738A1 - Device for extracting a sealing element - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for extracting a closure element placed at the level of an opening of a container, the device (1) comprising a body (2) and a needle (3), the needle (3) comprising an end (8) attached to said body (2) and a distal end (9) opposite said proximal end (8) and arranged to be introduced into said container through said obturation element, the needle (3) comprising a central channel (10) extending between the proximal end (8) and the distal end (9), pressure means (14) arranged to generate a fluid and introduce said fluid into the container via the needle (3), so that when the needle (3) is introduced through the closure element arranged at the level of the opening, the fluid is guided to the channel (10) of the needle (3) to be introduced into the container through the channel (10) opening at the distal end (9) of the needle (3) and allow the extraction of the sealing element. The pressure means (14) of the device comprise an actuator (19) to trigger the release of fluid and are configured to allow a radial inflow of fluid to the actuator (19).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for extracting a closure element, for example a bottle opener or corkscrew.

STATE OF THE ART

The stopper is the element which closes a container and which makes it possible to prevent the liquid from flowing out of the container during its handling.

The cork is traditionally used to close bottles containing an alcoholic drink, usually wine, even it is quite possible to use a cork to close other containers, for example a perfume bottle or a bottle of oil.

However, the cork is usually associated with wine. Despite the advent of screw caps and “bag in box” type bulk wines, the vast majority of wine bottles marketed in the world are bottles closed by a cylindrical cork inserted into the neck of the bottle. Traditionally, cylindrical stoppers are made of cork even if they can also be made of synthetic material, the share of the latter being moreover constantly increasing in recent years.

The cork stopper remains for many a guarantee of optimal conservation while allowing the essential gas exchanges between the wine and the external environment which allow an optimal aging of the wine, although certain recent studies suggest that the screw caps would also allow a interesting or even equivalent aging according to some.

Traditional bottle openers or corkscrews generally consist of a helical helix fixed perpendicularly to a support. The user grasps the support to insert the needle into the cork, then exerts a pulling force on the support to extract the cork from the bottle.

Alternatively, the needle can be mounted on a rack shaft on which meshes on either side two toothed wheels each fixed to the distal ends of two levers on which the user presses to drive the rack and extract the cork (corkscrew known as “General de Gaulle”).

Also known are so-called automatic bottle openers which allow the cork to be extracted by injecting gas into the bottle through the cork. The injection of gas into the bottle generates an overpressure which, due to the incompressibility of the liquid and the tightness of the container, exerts a force on the cork from inside the bottle thus allowing its extraction.

An automatic bottle opener includes a hollow needle that fits into the cork and through which the gas or other fluid flows. The fluid is under pressure to allow its introduction into the bottle and generates the overpressure which will allow the extraction of the cork. The presence of pressurized fluid poses obvious safety problems for the user who handles the automatic bottle opener.

Existing automatic bottle openers that use a gas cartridge are configured to withstand pressures between 6 and 8 bars. In certain situations, it would be advantageous to be able to use high pressure cartridges, typically around 160 bars, for example to extract corks that are particularly old or abnormally stuck to the bottle or to improve efficiency (speed, quality) removal of the cork.

When it is necessary to use a high pressure cartridge, it is not possible to use existing devices. Indeed, the pneumatic system of existing devices is not designed to withstand such pressure. The use of a high-pressure cartridge generally generates gas leaks, in particular during the first use of the cartridge, or even at least partial destruction of the device, thus compromising the safety of the user.

Consequently, it is necessary to improve the existing automatic bottle openers to allow the use of a high pressure fluid source.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is therefore to solve, or at least to minimize the disadvantages of the existing sealing element extraction devices described above, for example corkscrews or bottle openers, in particular automatic bottle openers.

These objects are at least partially achieved by the present invention.

• des moyens de pression agencés pour générer un fluide et introduire ledit fluide dans le récipient par l'intermédiaire de l'aiguille,
• de façon à ce que, lorsque l'aiguille est introduite à travers l'élément d'obturation disposé au niveau de l'ouverture, le fluide est guidé jusqu'au canal de l'aiguille pour être introduit dans le récipient par le canal débouchant à l'extrémité distale de l'aiguille et permettre l'extraction de l'élément d'obturation,
• le dispositif est caractérisé en ce que les moyens de pression comprennent un actuateur pour déclencher la libération de fluide, et en ce que les moyens de pression sont configurés pour permettre une arrivée radiale de fluide sur l'actuateur.

The present invention relates to a device for extracting a closure element arranged at the level of an opening of a container, the device comprising a body and a needle, the needle comprising a proximal end fixed to said body and a distal end opposite said proximal end and arranged to be introduced into said container through said obturation element, the needle comprising a central channel s extending between the proximal end and the distal end,

• pressure means arranged to generate a fluid and introduce said fluid into the container via the needle,
• so that, when the needle is introduced through the obturation element disposed at the level of the opening, the fluid is guided to the channel of the needle to be introduced into the container through the opening channel at the distal end of the needle and allow the extraction of the obturation element,
• the device is characterized in that the pressure means comprise an actuator for triggering the release of fluid, and in that the pressure means are configured to allow a radial inflow of fluid to the actuator.

In the present invention, the pressure means comprise an actuator for triggering the release of fluid, and these pressure means are configured to allow a radial inflow of fluid to the actuator. This feature allows the device to be compatible with a so-called high-pressure fluid source, namely having a pressure of up to 180 bar.

The pressure of fluid sources compatible with the device according to the present invention ranges from about 1 bar (above atmospheric pressure - 1.013 bars) to about 180 bars The device is therefore compatible with low pressure fluid sources ( typically between 6 and 8 bar) and high pressure (up to 180 bar).

In a device with a low pressure configuration as shown in the figure 6 , the fluid exerts a large majority of the axial force on the actuator. This device operates with a low pressure fluid source. When the pressure is too high, the axial force of the fluid is too great on the actuator, which can cause fluid leaks.

In the present invention, the pressure means are configured to allow a radial inflow of fluid to the actuator. In other words, the vast majority of the force exerted by the fluid on the actuator is carried out radially and not axially. Thus, this makes it possible to limit the axial force on the actuator as much as possible. The risk of fluid leakage is thus minimized. This makes it possible to provide a device compatible with high pressure fluid sources.

Preferably, the pressure means are configured to be compatible with pressurized fluid at a pressure of up to 180 bars. The pressure means of existing devices are not compatible with this type of so-called high-pressure fluid source. The arrival of the fluid radially on the actuator makes it possible to use high pressure fluid sources.

Preferably, the pressure means comprise a duct for conveying the fluid to the proximal end of the needle, said duct being arranged to allow a radial inflow of fluid to the actuator. Preferably, the duct comes from the assembly of several parts. Sealing between these parts is ensured by one or more sealing elements, for example a seal.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuator comprises a piston, said conduit being arranged to convey the fluid in a radial direction on the piston.

Preferably, the pressure means comprise a source of fluid arranged to generate said fluid, the release of fluid from the source being actuated by the actuator. Advantageously, thanks to the actuator, the user chooses when he wants to trigger the injection of fluid into the container, for example once he considers that the needle is correctly positioned in the closure element.

The device may also include protections around the actuator allowing the latter to be protected, this prevents accidental or unwanted pressing when the device is for example stored in a drawer or in a pocket.

Preferably, the source of fluid is a cartridge, preferably a cartridge which is screwed into the fluid holder. The fluid is preferably under pressure or pressurized, for example displaying a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure (approximately 1.013 bars) and less than or equal to 180 bars, preferably between 160 bars and 180 bars.

The fluid is preferably a gas, for example an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen or a mixture of gases.

Preferably, the conduit makes it possible to convey the fluid from the source to the proximal end of the needle, Preferably the conduit comprises a first portion between the source and the actuator and a second portion between the actuator and the distal end of the needle.

Preferably, the body includes a fluid holder in which the fluid source is housed. The fluid holder is the part in which the fluid source fits. Preferably, the source of fluid is fixed in the body by fastening means, for example, the fluid source is screwed into the fluid support. The fluid holder adds security when mounting and dismounting the fluid source, for example when replacing the fluid source. In the case where the source, for example a gas cartridge, is not empty during disassembly, this prevents it from suddenly emptying and, depending on the quantity of gas, exploding during disassembly. The unscrewing of the fluid source makes it possible to release the remaining fluid progressively, which gives the user security during disassembly.

Preferably, the pressure means comprises a pressure limiter to limit the pressure of the fluid released into the container. The limiter has the advantage of allowing a restriction of the released fluid which makes it possible to improve the control of the flow of fluid.

Preferably, the pressure means comprise an activator to activate the release of fluid by the fluid source, for example a striker, said activator is coupled to the actuator, and preferably to the limiter.

Preferably, the device comprises decompression means for releasing at least part of the fluid contained in the container when the pressure in the container exceeds a threshold value. The injection of fluid generates an overpressure in the container and this poses safety problems for the user. The decompression means make it possible to limit the pressure inside the container. Most containers, for example bottles of “still” wine, that is to say non-sparkling wine, are not designed to withstand internal overpressure. The increase in pressure in the container is temporary, that is to say between the injection of the fluid and the extraction of the stopper. Vessels are generally able to withstand this temporary overpressure. But if the overpressure persists, for example because the closure element is jammed, there may be a risk of the container bursting. The decompression means make it possible to avoid, or at least to minimize, this risk of bursting. This device ensures very high safety for the user, because it protects him against any risk of a glass element shattering.

Preferably, the decompression means comprise a decompression valve whose opening is controlled by a spring, the hardness of the spring defining the threshold value. Thus, it is possible to adjust the level of maximum pressure in the container by choosing the appropriate spring. For example, the spring compression can be modified, preferably with a knob, to increase or decrease the threshold value.

• le ressort pousse la bille afin d'obturer la sortie du fluide lorsque la pression interne (intérieur du récipient) est inférieure à la valeur seuil pour empêcher la sortie de fluide depuis le récipient, autrement dit la soupape est fermée ;
• au-delà de la valeur seuil, la pression interne de fluide pousse la bille qui comprime le ressort et permet l'ouverture de la soupape.

For example, the decompression means comprise a valve consisting of a ball/spring assembly:

• the spring pushes the ball in order to close the outlet of the fluid when the internal pressure (inside the container) is lower than the threshold value to prevent the outlet of fluid from the container, in other words the valve is closed;
• beyond the threshold value, the internal fluid pressure pushes the ball which compresses the spring and allows the valve to open.

For example, the threshold value is between 4 bars and 8 bars, preferably between 5 bars and 7 bars, for example 6 bars.

Preferably, the threshold value V is adjusted according to the pressure of the fluid source.

Preferably, the body includes a clamping ring to adjust the length (L) of said body. In other words, the clamping ring makes it possible to lengthen the body when it is added, or to shorten the body when it is removed. For example, the adjustment can be made according to the length of the needle.

• une position ouverte où l'aiguille est agencée pour pouvoir être insérée dans l'élément d'obturation ; et
• une position fermée où l'aiguille n'est pas agencée pour pouvoir être insérée dans l'élément ;

In a preferred embodiment, the needle is pivotable relative to the body around a pivot axis passing through the proximal end, the passage from the closed position to the open position making it possible to position the needle so that that the distal end can be inserted into the obturation element. In this embodiment, the present invention includes a body and a needle where the needle is pivoted or pivotable relative to the body. This pivot function makes it possible to confer two positions:

• an open position where the needle is arranged to be able to be inserted into the obturation element; And
• a closed position where the needle is not arranged to be able to be inserted into the element;

In other words, the open position is the position where the device is operational, that is to say capable of carrying out its function, i.e. extracting a closure element. In this open position, the distal end of the needle protrudes from the body, in other words the needle extends from the body towards the outside, which allows it to be inserted into a closure element. Preferably, the distal end of the needle is furthest away from the body.

In the closed position, the device is in a rest position where the needle is not arranged to be inserted into a closure element. In other words, the needle is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the body and cannot be inserted into a closure element arranged at the level of the opening of a container, for example a stopper of a bottle of wine.

The needle includes a proximal end attached to the barrel and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The axis of pivoting of the needle passes through the proximal end, in other words, during the pivoting of the needle between the open position and the closed position, the proximal end remains fixed on the body, while the end distal away from the body.

The device according to the present invention improves the safety of the user because the passage from the closed position to the closed position takes place without the user's hand passing close to the distal end of the needle (in other words the tip of the needle). The user manipulates only the portion of the needle between the two ends. For example, the user can hold the body in his hand, and induce pivoting by applying the thumb to a portion of the needle between the two ends between pivoting the needle. In other words, the pivot makes it possible to pass from the open position to the closed position (and vice versa) by maintaining a safety distance between the user (more precisely his thumb for example) and the tip of the needle (distal end) . The safety of the device according to the invention is thus improved compared to existing devices.

Advantageously, in the closed position, the needle is aligned along the body. In other words, the needle does not protrude from the body, but is positioned along the body, which also improves the safety of the device. This also makes it possible to reduce the volume of the device in the closed position compared with the volume of existing devices. This makes it possible, for example, to slip the device according to the invention more easily into a pocket for a sommelier, and also to take it out more easily.

The closure element is for example a stopper, in particular a solid cylindrical stopper. The invention is compatible with all types of closure elements. The closure element is at the level of an opening of the container, for example inserted into the opening, for example inserted into the neck of a bottle of wine if the container is a bottle of wine.

The needle preferably has a length greater than the length of the closure element along the longitudinal axis of the latter. Thus, the needle passes right through the closure element along the longitudinal axis of the latter so that the distal end through which the fluid exits is outside the closure element. The plugs can vary in length according to the diameters, for example according to the producers. Preferably the minimum length of a cylindrical plug is 38 mm ± 0.7 mm and the maximum length of a cylindrical plug is 53 mm ± 0.7 mm. These values are the most commonly used by cork makers. It is also possible to make a made-to-measure stopper outside these value ranges.

Preferably, the proximal end of the needle is mounted in a pivot element coupled to the body and arranged to pivot around the pivot axis, said element comprising blocking means arranged to bear on the body in such a way to limit the pivoting around the pivot axis between the open position and the closed position over a determined amplitude. The blocking means make it possible to limit the amplitude (we also speak of travel) between the open position and the closed position. The pivoting of the needle is limited to the amplitude authorized by the blocking means, the needle cannot go beyond the authorized amplitude. Thus, the blocking means make it possible to secure the pivoting over a determined amplitude. The blocking means prevent the user from damaging the device during its use. These blocking means also allow comfortable use of the device.

Preferably, the amplitude is between 0° and 200°, preferably between 0° and 180°, for example between 0° and +/-90°. If we consider the 0° position as the closed position where the needle is aligned along the body of the device, a 90° opening in the open position would allow right-handed use, and a -90° opening in the open position would allow left-handed use, so that in this case the amplitude is 180°.

Preferably, the device comprises a protection element pivotable relative to the body to cover the distal end of the needle in the closed position. The protective element covers the distal end of the needle, or at least the portion comprising the tip, to prevent the needle, in particular the tip, from coming into contact with the user in the closed position, for example with the fingers of the user, during handling, in particular when storing the device.

Preferably, the device comprises a protective element fixed integrally to the body, said protective element being arranged to partially cover the needle so as to cover the distal end in the closed position, the device further comprising a beveled groove between the body and said protection element intended to allow the passage of the needle, preferably from the distal end. This embodiment makes it possible to improve the safety of the device during its handling and makes it possible to avoid accidental needle exits. The user must exert sufficient pressure on the needle to allow the needle to exit (ie from the distal end) through the throat. In particular, the user must exert pressure on the needle in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the device to disengage the needle from the protective element, then pivot the needle and pass it through the groove. In the closed position, during pivoting the needle abuts on the protection element. The pressure exerted in the transverse direction makes it possible to position the needle opposite the groove so that the needle is able to engage through the groove by pivoting.

• Pour passer de la position fermée à la position ouverte : une pression sur la portion selon une direction transversale à l'axe longitudinal du corps pour rapprocher l'aiguille du corps ; puis un pivotement de l'aiguille selon l'axe de pivotement pour faire passer l'aiguille à travers la gorge et atteindre la position ouverte ;
• Pour passer de la position ouverte à la position fermée : un pivotement de l'aiguille selon l'axe de pivotement jusqu'à ce que l'aiguille vienne buter sur l'élément de protection ; puis une pression selon la direction transversale (mentionnée cidessus) pour rapprocher l'extrémité distale du corps ; et enfin un pivotement de l'aiguille à travers la gorge jusqu'à ce que l'élément de protection recouvre l'extrémité distale de l'aiguille.

In this last embodiment, the protective element conceals the distal end when the device is in the closed position. To pass into the open position, the needle must pass through the groove arranged between the protection element and the body. The groove or opening is bevel shaped where the tip of the bevel is close to the distal end of the needle when the device is in the closed position. In other words, the distal end and the tip of the bevel point in the same direction. The bevelled shape of the groove confers a progressive or multi-step opening of the device. The user must perform several successive actions (for example at least two, two or three) on a portion of the needle between the two ends (distal and proximal) to move from the closed position to the open position (and vice versa) :

• To pass from the closed position to the open position: pressure on the portion in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body to bring the needle closer to the body; then pivoting of the needle along the pivot axis to cause the needle to pass through the groove and reach the open position;
• To pass from the open position to the closed position: a pivoting of the needle along the pivot axis until the needle abuts on the protection element; then pressure in the transverse direction (mentioned above) to bring the distal end closer to the body; and finally pivoting the needle through the throat until the shield element covers the distal end of the needle.

. Preferably, the device comprises safety means which make it possible to block the release of fluid when the needle is in the closed position. This helps prevent accidental fluid release. For example, when the device comprises an actuator, the actuator is blocked when the needle is in the closed position, which prevents the release of fluid.

Preferably, the needle is removable. This makes it possible to change the needle if necessary, for example if it is damaged, or if another needle has to be fitted to adapt to the obturation element, for example a longer needle should be fitted.

For example, the needle is made of a material allowing optimal perforation of the closure element. The needle should preferably have optimum durability. The needle is for example made of hardened steel.

Preferably, the constituent elements of the device are made of a material capable of withstanding fluid pressure, for example steel.

Preferably, the needle is a straight needle or a helical needle, preferably straight. The needle is able to conduct the fluid, preferably the needle is hollow, in other words it comprises a central channel.

Preferably, the body comprises a blade arranged to cut out the lid which covers the neck of a container closed by a closing element, for example a blade pivotable with respect to the body. In another embodiment, the blade is fixed in a cavity arranged in the body of the device, the diameter of the cavity preferably being complementary to the diameter of the neck of the container. The blade is used to cut the protections of the sealing element (aluminum seal or wax for example) often present on containers such as wine or spirits bottles. For example, this blade has a number of small teeth for longer life and better cutting of cappings.

Preferably, the body comprises means for decapsulating a capsule, for example the means for decapsulating being coupled to the protective element, for example a metal capsule. In another embodiment, the bottle opener is formed by a recess made in the body and by an abutment flush with the edge of the recess against which the capsule abuts allowing the capsule to be opened by leverage. Thus, the device can also serve as a bottle opener.

• empoigne le dispositif, de préférence place le corps dans sa main ;
• déploie l'aiguille pour passer de la position fermée à la position ouverte, par exemple en la manipulant avec un doigt, par exemple le pouce, pour dégager l'extrémité distale du corps de façon à ce que l'extrémité distale de l'aiguille pointe vers l'extérieur ;
• insère ensuite l'aiguille dans l'élément d'obturation jusqu'à ce que l'extrémité distale ait traversé de part en part l'élément d'obturation et soit libre dans le récipient ;
• injecte alors le fluide dans le récipient ce qui provoque une augmentation de la pression à l'intérieur du récipient ; l'élément d'obturation se désolidarise de l'ouverture du récipient, l'élément d'obturation est couplé à l'aiguille, ce permet l'extraction de l'élément d'obturation ;

To extract a closure element using the device according to the invention, the user:

• grabs device, preferably places body in hand;
• deploys the needle to pass from the closed position to the open position, for example by manipulating it with a finger, for example the thumb, to disengage the distal end of the body so that the distal end of the needle point outward;
• then inserts the needle into the obturation element until the distal end has passed right through the obturation element and is free in the container;
• then injects the fluid into the container which causes an increase in the pressure inside the container; the closure element separates from the opening of the container, the closure element is coupled to the needle, this allows the extraction of the closure element;

The invention according to the present invention may comprise one embodiment or several embodiments in combination.

According to the present invention, the expression a "means" (singular or plural) preceded or followed by a function ("means for / means of") can be replaced by the expression "module for" or "module of" or "unit for" or "unit of". For example, "a means of pressure" can be replaced by a "module of pressure".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

• Les figures 1a,b,c (de gauche à droite) représentent trois vues d'un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention ;
• Les figures 2a,b représentent deux vues respectivement de dessus et dessous du premier mode de réalisation du dispositif;
• Les figures 3a,b représentent le premier mode de réalisation du dispositif respectivement en position fermée et ouverte ;
• Les figures 4a,b,c,d (de gauche à droite) représentent quatre vues d'un deuxième mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention, la figure 4d étant un agrandissement de la figure 4a sur l'élément protecteur ;
• Les figures 5a-f (de gauche à droite) représentent six vues d'un troisième mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention, la figure 5f étant un agrandissement de la figure 6e sur l'élément de pivot;
• La figure 6 représente la circulation du fluide dans les premier et deuxième mode de réalisation;
• La figure 7 représente la circulation du fluide dans le troisième mode de réalisation;

Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the non-limiting description which follows of at least one particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the present invention, with regard to the appended figures, in which

• THE figures 1a,b,c (from left to right) represent three views of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention;
• THE figures 2a,b represent two views respectively from above and below of the first embodiment of the device;
• THE Figures 3a,b represent the first embodiment of the device respectively in the closed and open position;
• THE figures 4a,b,c,d (from left to right) represent four views of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, the 4d figure being an enlargement of the figure 4a on the protective element;
• THE figures 5a-f (from left to right) represent six views of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention, the figure 5f being an enlargement of Figure 6e on the pivot member;
• There figure 6 shows the flow of fluid in the first and second embodiments;
• There figure 7 shows the flow of fluid in the third embodiment;

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

This description is given on a non-limiting basis, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner. Note that the figures are not to scale. THE figures 1 to 4 represent a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, but the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

The device 1 is a device 1 for extracting a closure element placed at the level of an opening of a container. For example, the closure element is a cork stopper (not shown in the figures) which closes the neck of a bottle (said container) of wine (not shown in the figures).

As shown on the figures 1a,b,c , in the first embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention, the device 1 comprises a body 2 and a needle 3. In this example, the body 2 is a cylindrical element 4 whose wall 5 extends along the longitudinal axis of the element from a first circular face 6 to a second circular face 7, the distance between the first face 6 and the second face 7 defining the length "L" of the device 1, the diameter of the first face 6 and of the second face 7 defining the width "I" of the device 1.

There figure 2a represents a sectional view of the device 1 from the first face 6 (seen from the "top" or "above) while the figure 2b represents a sectional view from the second face 7 (view from the “bottom” or “below”).

In this example, device 1 has a length L of 171.3 mm, and a width I of 47.7 mm

In this example, needle 3 is straight, with a total length of 73 mm and a length that can pierce a 60 mm cork. Needle 3 comprises a proximal end 8 fixed to said body 2 and a distal end 9 opposite said proximal end 8. Needle 3 comprising a central channel 10 extending between the proximal end 8 and the distal end 9 .

The proximal end 8 of the needle is coupled to the body 2 by a pivot element 11, here a knob 12, which ensures the pivoting of the needle 3 relative to the body 2 around a pivot axis P which passes by the proximal end 8 and the center of the wheel 12.

There picture 3a represents the device 1 in the closed position where the needle 3 is positioned along the body 2 along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body 2.

There figure 3b represents the device 1 in the open position where the needle 3 is positioned along the body 2 along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body 2.

In this example, the pivot element 11 comprises locking means 13 to limit the pivoting around the pivot axis P to an amplitude of 90°. The locking means 13 abut the body 2 to prevent pivoting beyond 90°. The blocking means comprise for example a set of stops or protrusions which come to rest on the body 2 or on a part of the body complementary to said stops or protrusions.

The device 1 comprises pressure means 14 arranged to generate a fluid and introduce said fluid into the bottle via the needle 3. In this example, the fluid is an inert gas.

The pressure means 14 comprise a source of fluid 15 arranged to generate said fluid. In this example, the fluid source 15 is a gas cartridge 16. The cartridge is housed in a fluid holder which is screwed into the body 2.

The gas is routed from the cartridge 16 to the proximal end 9 of the needle 3 (more precisely to the central channel 10 which begins at the proximal end) through a conduit 18.

The pressure means 14 comprise an actuator 19, for example a push button, positioned on the first face 6 of the body to trigger the release of fluid. The actuator 19 may comprise a button to be pressed 19 and a piston actuated by said actuator 19.

The pressure means 14 comprise a striker 20 which activates the release of gas from the cartridge 16 (i.e. activator). A pressure limiter 21 is also positioned at the outlet of cartridge 16 to limit the pressure of gas released.

The device also comprises a blade 26 pivotable relative to the body 2. The blade is fixed close to the second circular face 7 of the body and extends along the longitudinal axis of the body 2.

Advantageously, the device 1 further comprises a protection element 27 pivotable to cover the distal end 9 of the needle in the closed position, in particular the tip of the distal end 9. The protection element 27 is fixed near of the second circular face 7 of the body and extends along the longitudinal axis of the body 2. The pivot axis of the protective element 27 is parallel to that of the blade 26, these two pivot axes being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body 2 along the length L.

The blade protection element 27 comprises on its part closest to the second face 7 a bottle opener 28.

• Pivoter l'élément de protection de façon à le dégager de l'extrémité distale 9 ;
• Exercer une première pression sur une portion de l'aiguille 2 entre l'extrémité distale 9 et l'extrémité proximale 8 de façon à faire pivoter l'aiguille selon l'axe de pivotement P sur une amplitude de 90° selon une première direction pour arriver à la position ouverte;
• Exercer une deuxième pression sur une portion de l'aiguille 2 entre l'extrémité distale 9 et l'extrémité proximale 8 de façon à faire pivoter l'aiguille 3 selon l'axe de pivotement P sur une amplitude de 90° selon une deuxième direction opposée à la première direction pour arriver à la position fermée ou l'aiguille 3 est alignée selon l'axe longitudinale du corps 2;
• Pivoter l'élément de protection de façon à recouvrir l'extrémité distale 9 ;

In the embodiment shown in the figures 1a-c , the user performs the following manipulations to move from the closed position to the open position and vice versa:

• Pivot the protective element so as to disengage it from the distal end 9;
• Exert a first pressure on a portion of the needle 2 between the distal end 9 and the proximal end 8 so as to cause the needle to pivot along the pivot axis P over an amplitude of 90° along a first direction to come to the open position;
• Exert a second pressure on a portion of the needle 2 between the distal end 9 and the proximal end 8 so as to cause the needle 3 to pivot along the pivot axis P over an amplitude of 90° in a second direction opposite the first direction to arrive at the closed position where the needle 3 is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the body 2;
• Pivot the protective element so as to cover the distal end 9;

In another embodiment shown in the figures 5a-d , the protection element 27 is fixed integrally to the body 2.

There is a space called a groove 29 between the body 2 and the protective element 27 intended to allow the needle to pass when the user exerts pressure on the latter.

• Exercer une pression sur une portion de l'aiguille 3 entre l'extrémité distale 9 et l'extrémité proximale 8 selon une première direction pour rapprocher l'extrémité distale 9 du corps 2 et placer l'aiguille 3 au regard de la gorge 29; par exemple, l'utilisateur place le dispositif 1 entre le pouce et l'index et pince l'aiguille 3 sur le corps 2 ;
• Exercer une pression sur une portion (identique ou différente de celle de l'étape précédente) de l'aiguille 3 entre l'extrémité distale 9 et l'extrémité proximale 8 pour faire pivoter l'aiguille 3 selon l'axe de pivotement P pour faire passer l'aiguille 3 à travers la gorge 29 ;
• Continuer le mouvement de pivotement sur une amplitude de 90° pour arriver à la position ouverte;
• Exercer une pression sur une portion (identique ou différente de celle de l'étape précédente) de l'aiguille 3 entre l'extrémité distale 9 et l'extrémité proximale 8 pour faire pivoter l'aiguille selon l'axe de pivotement P jusqu'à ce que l'extrémité distale 9 bute sur l'élément de protection 27 ;
• Exercer une pression sur une portion de l'aiguille 3 entre l'extrémité distale 9 et l'extrémité proximale 8 de façon pour selon la première direction pour rapprocher l'extrémité distale 9 du corps 2 et placer l'aiguille 3 au regard de la gorge 29, puis faire pivoter l'aiguille à travers la gorge 29 jusqu'à ce que l'élément de protection recouvre l'aiguille 3 ;
• Relâcher la pression sur la portion de l'aiguille 3 pour arriver à la position fermée ;

In the embodiment (2 ^nd embodiment) shown in the figures 4a-c , the user performs the following manipulation to use the device:

• Exert pressure on a portion of the needle 3 between the distal end 9 and the proximal end 8 in a first direction to bring the distal end 9 closer to the body 2 and place the needle 3 facing the groove 29; for example, the user places the device 1 between the thumb and the index finger and pinches the needle 3 on the body 2;
• Exert pressure on a portion (identical or different from that of the previous step) of the needle 3 between the distal end 9 and the proximal end 8 to cause the needle 3 to pivot along the pivot axis P to pass the needle 3 through the groove 29;
• Continue the pivoting movement over an amplitude of 90° to arrive at the open position;
• Exert pressure on a portion (identical or different from that of the previous step) of the needle 3 between the distal end 9 and the proximal end 8 to cause the needle to pivot along the pivot axis P until in that the distal end 9 abuts against the protective element 27;
• Exert pressure on a portion of the needle 3 between the distal end 9 and the proximal end 8 so as to follow the first direction to bring the distal end 9 closer to the body 2 and place the needle 3 facing the groove 29, then pivot the needle through groove 29 until the protective element covers needle 3;
• Release the pressure on the portion of needle 3 to reach the closed position;

• L'aiguille 3 sort dans la chambre 32 par le coté ouvert 30 par pivotement dans la première direction:
• L'aiguille 3 entre dans la chambre 32 par pivotement à travers le coté ouvert par pivotement dans la deuxième direction;

In another embodiment (3 ^rd embodiment) represented on the figure 5 , the protection element 27 is fixed integrally to the body 2. The protection element 27 comprises an open side 30 and a closed side 31 which delimit a chamber 32:

• The needle 3 comes out in the chamber 32 by the open side 30 by pivoting in the first direction:
• Needle 3 enters chamber 32 by pivoting through the open side by pivoting in the second direction;

In this embodiment, the blade 26 is fixed in a cavity 33 arranged in the body 2 of the device 1, the diameter of the cavity 33 preferably being complementary with the diameter of the neck of the container.

In this embodiment, the bottle opener 28 is formed by a recess 34 provided in the body 1 and by an abutment 35 flush with the edge of the recess 34 on which abuts the capsule allowing the capsule to be opened (not shown) by leverage. .

In this embodiment, as shown in the figure 6 ^e and f, the decompression means 22 are placed in the knob 12 to release at least part of the gas contained in the container when the pressure in the container exceeds a threshold value V. In other words, the decompression means 22 are placed in downstream of the actuator 19 which makes it possible to limit fluid leaks after percussion. This also allows better resistance to pressure (high pressure), contributing to an improvement in the safety of the device 1.

In this example, the decompression means 22 comprise a decompression valve 23 consisting of a ball 24/spring 25 assembly, the hardness of the spring 25 defining the threshold value V.

In this embodiment, the threshold value V is adjusted to the high pressure of the source: the threshold value V the device 1 is configured for high pressure fluid sources, for example beyond 100 bars, in particular 160 bars .

In this embodiment, the device 1 comprises a clamping ring 38.

THE figures 6 and 7 compare the flow of fluid between, on the one hand, an existing device configured for low-pressure fluid sources (so-called low-pressure configuration), and, on the other hand, a device according to the invention (FIG. 8) in a high-pressure configuration (the fluid circulation is represented by the arrows on the figures 6 and 7 ).

To release the fluid from the source, the first stage is common to the low pressure and high pressure configuration. The user actuates the actuator 19 by pressing the button 36 which makes it possible to slide the piston 37 secured to the button and actuates the firing pin 20. The percussion of the source, here a cartridge, releases the fluid, here pressurized gas .

In the low pressure configuration, the device 1 is compatible with a low pressure fluid source, for example a gas cartridge between 6 and 8 bars. In a high pressure configuration, the device is compatible with a source of fluid at a pressure higher than that compatible in the low pressure configuration, typically up to 160 bars or 180 bars.

In the low pressure configuration represented on the figure 7 , the fluid exits axially from the source and consequently exerts a large majority of the axial force on the actuator 19 (here constituted by the piston 37 and the button 36). On the figure 7 , after percussion, the gas from the cartridge exerts a very high axial force on the piston 37 coupled to the button 36. This system operates with a low-pressure fluid source. When the pressure is too high, the axial force of the fluid is too great on the actuator 19 which can cause fluid leaks.

In the high-pressure configuration represented in FIG. 8, the vast majority of the force exerted by the fluid on the actuator 19 is radial. After percussion, the fluid exits axially then travels along the piston 37 to reach the piston 37 radially. The axial force on the piston 37 (ie on the actuator 19) is limited to the exit of the fluid from the source, the majority of the force on the piston 37 (ie on the actuator 19) is exerted radially . Thus, this makes it possible to limit the axial force on the actuator 19 as much as possible, minimizing the risk of fluid leakage. This makes it possible to provide a device 1 compatible with high pressure fluid sources.

REFERENCE NUMBER

1

device

2

body

3

needle

4

Cylindrical element

5

wall

6

first side

7

second side

8

Proximal end

9

Distal end

10

center channel

11

Pivot element

12

scroll wheel

P

Pivot axis

13

Means of blocking.

14

Pressure tactics

15

Source of fluid

16

Gas cartridge

17

fluid holder

18

leads

19

actuator

20

striker

21

Pressure limiter

22

Decompression means

23

Decompression valve

24

ball

25

spring

26

blade

27

protective element

28

bottle opener

29

Throat

30

Open side of the shutter element

30

Open side of the shutter element

31

Closed side of the shutter element

32

Bedroom

33

Cavity

34

Recess

35

stopper

36

Button

37

Piston

38

Tightening ring

Claims (15)

Device (1) for extracting a sealing element arranged at the level of an opening of a container, the device (1) comprising a body (2) and a needle (3), the needle (3) comprising a proximal end (8) fixed to said body (2) and a distal end (9) opposite to said proximal end (8) and arranged to be introduced into said container through said obturation element, the needle (3) comprising a central channel (10) extending between the proximal end (8) and the distal end (9), pressure means (14) arranged to generate a fluid and introduce said fluid into the container via the needle (3), so that, when the needle (3) is introduced through the obturation element arranged at the level of the opening, the fluid is guided to the channel (10) of the needle (3) to be introduced into the container through the channel (10) opening at the distal end (9) of the needle (3) and allow the extraction of the closure element, the device (1) is characterized in that the pressure means (14) comprise an actuator (19) to trigger the release of fluid, and in that the pressure means (14) are configured to allow a radial inflow of fluid to the actuator (19). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the pressure means (14) are configured to be compatible with a pressurized fluid at a pressure of up to 180 bars. Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 or 2, in which the pressure means (14) comprise a conduit (18) for conveying the fluid to the proximal end (8) of the needle (3) , said duct being arranged to allow a radial inflow of fluid to the actuator (19). Device (1) according to Claim 3, in which the actuator comprises a piston (36), the said conduit (18) being arranged to convey fluid in a radial direction over the piston (36). Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the pressure means (14) comprise a source of fluid (15) arranged to generate the said fluid, the release of fluid from the source being actuated by the actuator (19). Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the pressure means (14) comprise a pressure limiter (21) for limiting the pressure of the released fluid. Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the pressure means (14) comprise an activator for activating the release of fluid by the source of fluid (15), for example a striker (20), said activator is coupled to the actuator, and preferably to the limiter (21). Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the device (1) comprises decompression means (22) for releasing at least part of the fluid contained in the container when the pressure in the container exceeds a value threshold. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the decompression means (22) comprise a decompression valve (23) the opening of which is controlled by a spring (25), the hardness of the spring (25) defining the threshold value . Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the needle (3) is pivotable relative to the body (2) about a pivot axis (P) passing through the proximal end (8) , the passage from the closed position to the open position making it possible to position the needle (3) so that the distal end (9) can be inserted into the obturation element. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the proximal end (8) of the needle (3) is mounted in a pivot element (11) coupled to the body (2) and arranged to pivot around the axis (P), said element (11) comprising blocking means (13) arranged to bear on the body (2) so as to limit the pivoting around the pivot axis (P) between the open position and the closed position over a determined amplitude. Device (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 11, in which the device comprises a protective element (27) pivotable relative to the body (2) to cover the distal end (9) of the needle (3) in closed position. Device (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 12, in which the device (1) comprises a protective element (27) integrally fixed to the body (2), the said protective element (27) being arranged to partially cover the needle (2) so as to cover the distal end (9) in the closed position, the device (1) further comprising a bevelled groove (29) between the body (2) and the said protection (27) intended to allow the passage of the needle (3), preferably of the distal end (9). Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, in which the body (2) comprises a blade (26) arranged to cut out the lid which covers the neck of a container closed by a closure element. Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, in which the body (2) comprises means for decapsulating a capsule.

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