WO2003048026A1 - Opening apparatus - Google Patents

Opening apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003048026A1
WO2003048026A1 PCT/GB2002/005319 GB0205319W WO03048026A1 WO 2003048026 A1 WO2003048026 A1 WO 2003048026A1 GB 0205319 W GB0205319 W GB 0205319W WO 03048026 A1 WO03048026 A1 WO 03048026A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
base member
engagement part
support means
lining
rotation member
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2002/005319
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Richard John Huxley
Michael John Topping
Original Assignee
Rehab Robotics Limited
Staffordshire University
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rehab Robotics Limited, Staffordshire University filed Critical Rehab Robotics Limited
Priority to AU2002356267A priority Critical patent/AU2002356267A1/en
Publication of WO2003048026A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003048026A1/en

Links

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
    • B67B7/18—Hand- or power-operated devices for opening closed containers for removing threaded caps
    • B67B7/182—Hand- or power-operated devices for opening closed containers for removing threaded caps power-operated

Definitions

  • This invention concerns improvements in or relating to opening apparatus, and particularly but not exclusively apparatus to aid persons and for instance elderly or handicapped persons, in opening items such as food and drink containers.
  • opening apparatus comprising a base member locatable on a work surface or the like, and a support means extending upwardly from the base member and defining an upwardly diverging upwardly open recess, whereby an article can be supportingly located in the support means whilst it is opened.
  • the inner walls of the support means may have a high friction lining such as rubber, maybe profiled, and/ or maybe ribbed.
  • the support means may be removably mounted on the base member.
  • the support means may comprise a substantially frusto-conical member.
  • the base member may include one or more tool locations in the form of recesses or other formations in or on which one or more tools can be held.
  • the tools may comprise any of a vacuum release tool, a bag sheer tool, a ring pull tin opener, or a bottle opener.
  • the base member may comprise means for engaging with the surface upon which it is located.
  • the underside of the base member may have a high friction surface, a profiled surface, and/or a resilient surface such as a rubber pad.
  • the base member may be fixable to a surface, by for instance screws or suction cups.
  • the apparatus may also comprise a rotation member, which member may comprise a grippable part and an engagement part engageable with an article in the support means whereby to remove a top or lid from an article which is non rotatably held in the support means.
  • a rotation member which member may comprise a grippable part and an engagement part engageable with an article in the support means whereby to remove a top or lid from an article which is non rotatably held in the support means.
  • the engagement part may comprise means defining in use an upwardly converging downwardly open recess.
  • the engagement part may be substantially frusto- conical.
  • the interior of the engagement part may have a high friction lining such as rubber, may be profiled, and/or may be ribbed.
  • the engagement part is preferably rotatable relative to the remainder of the rotation member whereby to unscrew a top or lid of an article.
  • the rotation member may comprise a motor which may be mains powered, powered by mains from a transformer, powered by battery, or maybe rechargeable.
  • a mains lead may be provided on the rotation member.
  • a lead may extend from the rotation member to the base member, with a mains lead extending from the base member.
  • the rotation member may be electrically connectable to the base member, for instance by restmg on or in the support means, to recharge the rotation member.
  • Manually operable control means for the engagement part may be provided on the grippable part.
  • the engagement part may be arranged to only rotate in an anticlockwise direction to unscrew closures, or may also be selectively rotatable in a clockwise direction to replace closures.
  • the engagement part may be selectively removable and replaceable with other items such as a rotatable corkscrew or whisk.
  • Fig. l is a perspective view of an opening apparatus according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a lower part of the apparatus of Fig. l;
  • Figs. 3 and 4 are respectively side and plan views of the lower part shown in Fig. a;
  • Figs. 5 and 6 are respectively side and front views of a top part of the apparatus of Fig. 1;
  • Figs. 7 and 8 are respectively top and side views of a further part of the apparatus of Fig. 1.
  • the drawings show an opening apparatus 10 suitable for instance for opening jar or bottle lids, or a number of other purposes.
  • the apparatus 10 comprises a lower part 12 and an upper part 14, which are shown in Fig. 1 with the upper part 14 resting on the lower part in Fig.10 for storage purposes.
  • the lower part 12 comprises a base 16 which may be decorative as shown in the drawings representing a lily leaf.
  • a base 16 which may be decorative as shown in the drawings representing a lily leaf.
  • Four equispaced recesses 18 are provided around the base 16 which selectively locate opening tools 20 which are shown diagrammatically in Figs. 7 and 8.
  • Such tools 20 may comprise a vacuum release tool for vacuum sealed metal lug caps, which such caps are commonly used on jam jars.
  • the tools may comprise a bag sheer for safe slicing open of flexible plastics material packaging.
  • Such tools 20 could also comprise a ring pull tin opener, and/ or a bottle opener.
  • the tools 20 can slidingly locate in the recesses 18 with the ends of their handles 22 locating therein to provide the appearance of petals on a lily pad.
  • An upwardly converging frusto-conical portion 24 extends centrally upwardly from the base 16 and extends into a downwardly converging frusto- conical portion 26.
  • the top portion 26 has a rubber lining 28 with contours 30 thereon which help to grip items located therein.
  • the lower part may be fixable to a work surface for instance by screws or suction cups.
  • the upper part 14 is intended for rotating part of an item held in the lower part 12 to open a closure or otherwise.
  • the upper part 14 comprises a top grippable part 32 which contains a motor (not shown).
  • a control burton 34 for the motor is provided towards the top of the grippable part 32 and may be in the form of an on/ off push button, or may comprise a toggle switch permitting three way switching.
  • a hollow engagement part 36 extends from the grippable part 32 and the interior of the engagement part 36 comprises a frusto-conical rotatable member (not shown) with a ribbed lining.
  • a mains lead 38 extends from the top of the upper part 14 for providing power to the motor therein.
  • a jam jar could be opened by locating the jar in the lower part 12 and then placing the upper part 14 thereon and engaging the button 34 to unscrew the lid. It is to be realised that such an operation could be carried out one hand with the torque being provided by the motor. If a three way button 34 is provided the lid could be screwed back on in a similar manner.
  • the tools 20 can be selectively removed from the base 16 and used to open various packaging conveniently placed on the base 16.
  • the apparatus provides the power to unscrew lids which otherwise would be problematic.
  • the apparatus is of relatively straightforward construction and can thus be robustly and inexpensively manufactured.
  • the apparatus is aesthetically quite pleasing and can be used by all members of society without any particular stigma attaching thereto.
  • the upper part could be arranged to be usable with a corkscrew for instance by removal of the engagement part, to open a bottle held in the lower part.
  • the upper part could also be usable with other implements such as a whisk, with a bowl or other container held in the lower part if required.
  • the base may have a different form and part thereof may be removable for washing purposes. Whilst the upper part is shown as being mains powered, it could be battery powered or powered from a transformer. The transformer could for instance be located in the lower portion
  • the interior of the grippable part and/or support portion may have different linings.
  • Cooperable engagement formations may be provided respectively on the base and upper part.
  • the upper part could be rechargable, and be charged from a charging unit in the base through such formations.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Devices For Opening Bottles Or Cans (AREA)

Abstract

Opening apparatus (10) suitable for instance for opening jar or bottle lids. The apparatus (10) comprising a lower part (12) with four recesses (18) to locate opening tools (20). A downwardly converging frusto-conical portion (26) with a rubber lining (28) is provided to grip items located therein. The upper part (14) is locatable on the item to unscrew a closure thereon and comprises a upwardly converging frusto-conical rotatable member (36) with a ribbed lining. A motor is provided in the upper part (14) to rotate the engagement part (36).

Description

Opening Apparatus
This invention concerns improvements in or relating to opening apparatus, and particularly but not exclusively apparatus to aid persons and for instance elderly or handicapped persons, in opening items such as food and drink containers.
A number of persons, and particularly those who are elderly or handicapped, encounter problems in opening a variety of packaging types. For instance, problems can be encountered in unscrewing the lids of food or drink containers. Persons may also have trouble in slicing opening flexible plastic packaging, opening ring pull cans, and/or removing corks from bottles.
According to the present invention there is provided opening apparatus, the apparatus comprising a base member locatable on a work surface or the like, and a support means extending upwardly from the base member and defining an upwardly diverging upwardly open recess, whereby an article can be supportingly located in the support means whilst it is opened.
The inner walls of the support means may have a high friction lining such as rubber, maybe profiled, and/ or maybe ribbed.
The support means may be removably mounted on the base member. The support means may comprise a substantially frusto-conical member.
The base member may include one or more tool locations in the form of recesses or other formations in or on which one or more tools can be held. The tools may comprise any of a vacuum release tool, a bag sheer tool, a ring pull tin opener, or a bottle opener.
The base member may comprise means for engaging with the surface upon which it is located. The underside of the base member may have a high friction surface, a profiled surface, and/or a resilient surface such as a rubber pad. The base member may be fixable to a surface, by for instance screws or suction cups.
The apparatus may also comprise a rotation member, which member may comprise a grippable part and an engagement part engageable with an article in the support means whereby to remove a top or lid from an article which is non rotatably held in the support means.
The engagement part may comprise means defining in use an upwardly converging downwardly open recess. The engagement part may be substantially frusto- conical. The interior of the engagement part may have a high friction lining such as rubber, may be profiled, and/or may be ribbed.
The engagement part is preferably rotatable relative to the remainder of the rotation member whereby to unscrew a top or lid of an article. The rotation member may comprise a motor which may be mains powered, powered by mains from a transformer, powered by battery, or maybe rechargeable.
A mains lead may be provided on the rotation member. Alternatively a lead may extend from the rotation member to the base member, with a mains lead extending from the base member.
As a further alternative the rotation member may be electrically connectable to the base member, for instance by restmg on or in the support means, to recharge the rotation member.
Manually operable control means for the engagement part may be provided on the grippable part. The engagement part may be arranged to only rotate in an anticlockwise direction to unscrew closures, or may also be selectively rotatable in a clockwise direction to replace closures.
The engagement part may be selectively removable and replaceable with other items such as a rotatable corkscrew or whisk.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Fig. l is a perspective view of an opening apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a lower part of the apparatus of Fig. l;
Figs. 3 and 4 are respectively side and plan views of the lower part shown in Fig. a;
Figs. 5 and 6 are respectively side and front views of a top part of the apparatus of Fig. 1; and
Figs. 7 and 8 are respectively top and side views of a further part of the apparatus of Fig. 1.
The drawings show an opening apparatus 10 suitable for instance for opening jar or bottle lids, or a number of other purposes. The apparatus 10 comprises a lower part 12 and an upper part 14, which are shown in Fig. 1 with the upper part 14 resting on the lower part in Fig.10 for storage purposes.
The lower part 12 comprises a base 16 which may be decorative as shown in the drawings representing a lily leaf. Four equispaced recesses 18 are provided around the base 16 which selectively locate opening tools 20 which are shown diagrammatically in Figs. 7 and 8. Such tools 20 may comprise a vacuum release tool for vacuum sealed metal lug caps, which such caps are commonly used on jam jars. The tools may comprise a bag sheer for safe slicing open of flexible plastics material packaging. Such tools 20 could also comprise a ring pull tin opener, and/ or a bottle opener. The tools 20 can slidingly locate in the recesses 18 with the ends of their handles 22 locating therein to provide the appearance of petals on a lily pad.
An upwardly converging frusto-conical portion 24 extends centrally upwardly from the base 16 and extends into a downwardly converging frusto- conical portion 26. The top portion 26 has a rubber lining 28 with contours 30 thereon which help to grip items located therein. The lower part may be fixable to a work surface for instance by screws or suction cups.
The upper part 14 is intended for rotating part of an item held in the lower part 12 to open a closure or otherwise. The upper part 14 comprises a top grippable part 32 which contains a motor (not shown). A control burton 34 for the motor is provided towards the top of the grippable part 32 and may be in the form of an on/ off push button, or may comprise a toggle switch permitting three way switching.
A hollow engagement part 36 extends from the grippable part 32 and the interior of the engagement part 36 comprises a frusto-conical rotatable member (not shown) with a ribbed lining. A mains lead 38 extends from the top of the upper part 14 for providing power to the motor therein.
In use a jam jar could be opened by locating the jar in the lower part 12 and then placing the upper part 14 thereon and engaging the button 34 to unscrew the lid. It is to be realised that such an operation could be carried out one hand with the torque being provided by the motor. If a three way button 34 is provided the lid could be screwed back on in a similar manner. The tools 20 can be selectively removed from the base 16 and used to open various packaging conveniently placed on the base 16.
There is thus described an opening apparatus which provides for ready one handed opening of otherwise problematic articles. The apparatus provides the power to unscrew lids which otherwise would be problematic. The apparatus is of relatively straightforward construction and can thus be robustly and inexpensively manufactured. The apparatus is aesthetically quite pleasing and can be used by all members of society without any particular stigma attaching thereto.
It is to be realised that a wide range of modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, the upper part could be arranged to be usable with a corkscrew for instance by removal of the engagement part, to open a bottle held in the lower part. The upper part could also be usable with other implements such as a whisk, with a bowl or other container held in the lower part if required.
Different tools may be mountable on the base. The base may have a different form and part thereof may be removable for washing purposes. Whilst the upper part is shown as being mains powered, it could be battery powered or powered from a transformer. The transformer could for instance be located in the lower portion
of the lower part with a lead extending therefrom the upper part. Where mains powered the mains could still enter the base and then a short lead be provided extending therefrom to the upper part.
The interior of the grippable part and/or support portion may have different linings. Cooperable engagement formations may be provided respectively on the base and upper part. The upper part could be rechargable, and be charged from a charging unit in the base through such formations.
Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. Opening apparatus, the apparatus comprising a base member locatable on a work surface or the like, and a support means extending upwardly from the base member and defining an upwardly diverging upwardly open recess, whereby an article can be supportingly located in the support means whilst it is opened.
2. Apparatus according to claim l, in which the inner walls of the support means have a high friction lining.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, in which the lining is rubber.
4. Apparatus according to claims 2 or 3, in which the lining is profiled.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, in which the lining is ribbed.
6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the support means is removably mounted on the base member.
7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the support means comprises a substantially frusto-conical member.
8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the base member includes one or more tool locations in the form of recesses or other formations in or on which one or more tools can be held.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, in which the tools comprise any of a vacuum release tool, a bag slicer tool, a ring pull tin opener, or a bottle opener.
10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the base member comprises means for engaging with the surface upon which it is located.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, in which the underside of the base member has a high friction surface.
12. Apparatus according to claims 10 or n, in which the underside of the base member has a profiled surface.
13. Apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12, in which the underside of the base member has a resilient surface such as a rubber pad.
14. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the base member is fixable to a surface.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14, in which the base member is fixable to a surface, by screws or suction cups.
16. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus also comprises a rotation member.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16, in which the rotation member comprises a grippable part and an engagement part engageable with an article in the support means whereby to remove a top or lid from an article which is non rotatably held in the support means.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17, in which the engagement part comprises means defining in use an upwardly converging downwardly open recess.
19. Apparatus according to claim 18, in which the engagement part is substantially frusto-conical.
20. Apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 19, in which the interior of the engagement part has a high friction lining.
21. Apparatus according to claim 20, in which the engagement part lining is rubber.
22. Apparatus according to claims 20 or 21, in which the engagement part lining is profiled.
23. Apparatus according to claim 22, in which the engagement part lining is ribbed.
24. Apparatus according to any of clams 17 to 23, in which the engagement part is rotatable relative to the remainder of the rotation member whereby to unscrew a top or lid of an article.
25. Apparatus according to claim 24, in which the rotation member comprises a motor.
26. Apparatus according to claim 25, in which the motor is mains powered.
27. Apparatus according to claims 25 or 26, in which the motor is powered by mains from a transformer.
28. Apparatus according to claim 25, in which the motor is powered by battery.
29. Apparatus according to claims 25 or 28, in which the motor is rechargeable.
30. Apparatus according to claims 26 or 27, in which a mains lead is provided on the rotation member.
31. Apparatus according to claims 26 or 27, in which a lead extends from the rotation member to the base member, with a mains lead extending from the base member.
32. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 29, in which the rotation member is electrically connectable to the base member.
33. Apparatus according to claim 32, in which the rotation member is electrically connectable to the base member by resting on or in the support means, to recharge the rotation member.
34. Apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 33, in which manually operable control means for the engagement part are provided on the grippable part.
35. Apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 34, in which the engagement part is arranged to only rotate in an anti-clockwise direction to unscrew closures.
36. Apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 34, in which the engagement part is arranged to be selectively rotatable in a clockwise direction to replace closures.
37. Apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 36, in which the engagement part is selectively removable and replaceable with other items such as a rotatable corkscrew or whisk.
38. Opening apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
39. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.
PCT/GB2002/005319 2001-11-28 2002-11-26 Opening apparatus WO2003048026A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002356267A AU2002356267A1 (en) 2001-11-28 2002-11-26 Opening apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0128428A GB0128428D0 (en) 2001-11-28 2001-11-28 Opening apparatus
GB0128428.0 2001-11-28

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003048026A1 true WO2003048026A1 (en) 2003-06-12

Family

ID=9926562

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2002/005319 WO2003048026A1 (en) 2001-11-28 2002-11-26 Opening apparatus

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2002356267A1 (en)
GB (1) GB0128428D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2003048026A1 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US784868A (en) * 1904-06-09 1905-03-14 Numa Huguenin Bottle support and protector.
US2060726A (en) * 1935-08-14 1936-11-10 Alfred P Draper Apparatus for use with container covers
US2673481A (en) * 1950-02-23 1954-03-30 Alfred H Hanson Screw cap wrench with friction base
US3950801A (en) * 1974-12-06 1976-04-20 Marvin Glass & Associates Combination jar and can opener
DE29612501U1 (en) * 1996-02-15 1996-10-02 Guggenberger, Michael, 86391 Stadtbergen Household device for opening and / or closing containers with a screw cap
US6293170B1 (en) * 1999-06-29 2001-09-25 Mohammed Ali Hajianpour Apparatus for opening containers with twist-off tops

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US784868A (en) * 1904-06-09 1905-03-14 Numa Huguenin Bottle support and protector.
US2060726A (en) * 1935-08-14 1936-11-10 Alfred P Draper Apparatus for use with container covers
US2673481A (en) * 1950-02-23 1954-03-30 Alfred H Hanson Screw cap wrench with friction base
US3950801A (en) * 1974-12-06 1976-04-20 Marvin Glass & Associates Combination jar and can opener
DE29612501U1 (en) * 1996-02-15 1996-10-02 Guggenberger, Michael, 86391 Stadtbergen Household device for opening and / or closing containers with a screw cap
US6293170B1 (en) * 1999-06-29 2001-09-25 Mohammed Ali Hajianpour Apparatus for opening containers with twist-off tops

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2002356267A1 (en) 2003-06-17
GB0128428D0 (en) 2002-01-16

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