WO2013000835A1

WO2013000835A1 - Corkscrew

Info

Publication number: WO2013000835A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/062121
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeremy Morgan
Original assignee: Le Creuset Sas
Priority date: 2011-06-27
Filing date: 2012-06-22
Publication date: 2013-01-03
Also published as: GB201110917D0

Abstract

A corkscrew (1) comprises an abutment arm (3) for abutment to an edge of a neck of a bottle, a handle (5) and a worm element (9) for insertion into a cork. The handle (5) is pivotally attached to one of the arm or the worm element by a first pivot (7). The other of the arm or the worm element is pivotally attached to a connector (13) by a second pivot (11). The connector is rotatably attached to the one of the arm or the worm element and is rotatably attached to the handle such that the distance between the first pivot and the second pivot is variable when, in use, the handle is rotated relative to the arm.

Description

CORKSCREW

This invention relates to a corkscrew and a method of removing a cork from the neck of a bottle.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Drinks such as wine are frequently stored in glass bottles prior to consumption, which are often sealed from the external atmosphere by means of a cork placed in the neck of the bottle. In order to gain access to the contents of such bottles, the cork must be removed from the mouth.

Corkscrews for aiding removal of corks are well known in the art. For example, wine-waiter's corkscrews have been specifically designed to make the process of removing a cork from the bottle as quick and as requiring as little effort as possible.

A conventional wine-waiter's corkscrew is a one-step corkscrew. This commonly operates as a second class lever having a handle attached to a worm and an abutment arm or support arm for resting on the neck of a bottle, pivotally attached to the handle. The support arm has a notch or shoulder capable of engaging with the neck of a bottle. The worm is screwed into the cork and the support arm is manoeuvred such that the notch engages with the neck of the bottle. The support arm is supported in position by the user as the handle is raised, and the cork is removed from the neck of the bottle. However, problems exist with such corkscrews. For example, it is usually not possible to get a complete extraction of the cork with just one extraction operation.

Two-step corkscrews exist in the art, where the support arm has two notches or shoulders at unequal distances from the pivot with the handle, each

independently capable of engaging with the neck of the bottle. The worm is screwed into the cork and the support arm is manoeuvred such that the notch closest to the pivot engages with the neck of the bottle. The support arm is supported in position by the user as the handle is raised, and the cork is partially removed from the neck of the bottle. Consequently, the cork is removed in two-steps, which provides improved leverage for the user over one step corkscrews.

If the cork to be extracted is short enough, the complete extraction of the cork could be carried out in a single step, without the need for use of a two step- corkscrew. Where long corks are concerned, two-step corkscrews are often employed.

One drawback of conventional corkscrews is that there is discomfort during use, especially in extraction of the final part of the cork. Towards the end of extracting stroke, the worm tends to move closer to the propping arm such that the cork is almost touching the propping arm. This can be a result of the invariable distance between the pivot connecting the worm to the handle and the pivot connecting the support arm to the handle. Furthermore, as the screw is extracted, it is not extracted along the axis of the bottle and is displaced to one side, which may increase friction between the cork and the side of the bottle.

Designs exist in the art which allow variation of the distance between the pivot connecting the worm to the handle and the pivot connecting the propping arm to the handle. US 4,584,91 1 discloses a corkscrew in which the handle defines an adjustment path and the pin of the screw is movable between notches in the adjustment path. Also disclosed is a corkscrew in which the handle defines an adjustment path and the pin of the propping arm is movable between notches in the adjustment path.

US 4,584,91 1 also discloses a corkscrew in which the support arm is connected to the handle by means of a coupling between a pin and a slide path. As the handle is rotated, a cam on the handle abuts a surface on the support arm to allow the pin to move from one end of the slide path to the other. During operation, the support portion and the pivot of the screw become further distanced from each other.

US 5,454,282 discloses a corkscrew with a handle defining a slot into which two pins from the support arm are situated. The handle is pivotable about each pin so as to increase the length of the extracting stroke during operation. Designs which rely on a combination of rotation and sliding may cause problems for smoothness of operation and ease of rotation. The slots are likely to deteriorate over time as the pins or pivots move back and forth in the slot under high forces.

Consequently, there is a desire to provide a single step corkscrew which is able to remove corks, especially long corks, in a single step, with greater ease and in a smooth operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a corkscrew as defined in the appended independent claims to which reference should now be made. Advantageous or preferred features are set forth in the dependent claims.

A corkscrew for removing a cork from a neck of a bottle, according to the present invention may advantageously comprise an abutment arm for abutment to an edge of the neck of the bottle; a handle; and a worm element for insertion into the cork, in which the handle is pivotally attached to one of the arm or the worm element by a first pivot, the other of the arm or the worm element is pivotally attached to a connector by a second pivot and the connector is rotatabiy attached to one of the arm or the worm element and rotatabiy attached to the handle, such that the distance between the first pivot and second pivot is variable when, in use, the handle is rotated relative to the arm.

Therefore, the corkscrew may be arranged such that the handle is pivotally attached to the arm by a first pivot, the worm element is pivotally attached to a connector by a second pivot and the connector is rotatabiy attached to the arm and rotatabiy attached to the handle.

Alternatively, the corkscrew may be arranged such that the handle is pivotally attached to the worm element by the first pivot, the arm is pivotally attached to the connector by the second pivot and the connector is rotatabiy attached to the arm and rotatabiy attached to the worm element. In a preferred example, in use, the distance between the first pivot and second pivot increases when the abutment arm is engaged with the neck of the bottle and the handle is either raised or lowered to lift the worm element. The corkscrew may operate as a first class or second class lever. If the corkscrew operates as a second class lever, raising the handle may increase the distance between the first and second pivots. If the corkscrew operates as a first class lever, lowering the handle may increase the distance between the first and second pivots. Preferably, the raising or lowering of the handle causes or affects the increase in distance between the first and second pivot.

As the distance between the first and second pivot is not fixed, the cork may be extracted substantially along the axis of the bottle which may reduce friction between the cork and the neck of the bottle. In addition, because the worm element is not brought into close proximity to the support or abutment arm at the final phase of extraction, the extracting stroke may be of greater length to allow removal of longer corks. Resistance usually encountered in the final phase of extraction may also be reduced.

Preferably, the distance between the first pivot and second pivot varies between a minimum of 24mm (millimetres) or about 24mm and a maximum of 38mm or about 38mm. The minimum distance between the first pivot and second pivot may be 20 to 28mm or 22 to 26mm. The maximum distance may be 34 to 42mm or 36 to 40mm. Preferably, the connector is rotatably attached to the handle, indirectly, by a linker, the linker being rotatable relative to the handle and rotatable relative to the connector. The linker may thus act as an intermediary between the connector and the handle and provide the means by which rotation about the first pivot, during operation, is converted to a movement of the second pivot away from the first pivot. The linker may thus act as a cam. The linker may permit lateral movement of the second pivot away from the first pivot. The second pivot may appear to 'slide', or move alongside, or move within a section of the handle when the handle is rotated relative to the abutment arm. Advantageously, the arrangement may mean that the distance between the first and second pivots is constantly and gradually evolving during cork extraction. This effect may be automatic and gradual, and initiated by raising or lowering of the handle.

The linker may be pivotally attached to the connector by a third pivot and pivotally attached to the handle by a fourth pivot.

Preferably, the third pivot and fourth pivot are arranged such that rotation of the handle relative to the abutment arm causes a surface of the linker to contact the abutment arm or the connector, limiting the extent to which the handle is rotatable relative to the abutment arm. In a preferred example, the linker comprises a first end and a second end. Preferably, the second end is at an opposite end of the linker to the first end. The third pivot may be located at the first end of the linker and the second pivot may be located at a position between the first end and second end of the linker, preferably approximately mid-way between the first end and second end of the linker. Preferably, the second end of the linker is not pivotally connected to the handle or the connector. The second end of the linker may function to provide a contact surface for contacting the abutment arm or the connector. For example, as the handle is raised during operation of the corkscrew, the linker may rotate such that the second end contacts the abutment arm or the connector and limits further rotation of the abutment arm relative to the handle. The linker may thus prevent the mechanism of the corkscrew from opening too far.

This stopping function may be manipulated or modified by shaping the linker in a particular way. For example, the linker may comprise a dog-leg-shaped, v- shaped or angled portion. If the linker is shaped in this way, it is preferable that the third pivot is located at the first end of the linker and the fourth pivot is located at an apex of the linker. The second end may thus contact the abutment arm or connector to prevent further rotation. An angled linker may stop rotation at an earlier stage than if the linker were substantially straight or linear. The linker may be shaped in any way such that a portion of it contacts the abutment arm or connector during operation of the corkscrew, to prevent the mechanism from opening too far. For example, the linker may have a curved portion or have the second end wider than the first end. If the handle is pivotally attached to the arm by the first pivot and the worm element is pivotally attached to the connector by a second pivot, then the connector may also be pivotally attached to the arm. In a preferred example, the connector is attached to the arm by a pivot which is distinct or independent from the first pivot. Thus, the connector may be pivotally connected to the arm by a fifth pivot.

If the handle is pivotally attached to the worm element by the first pivot and the arm is pivotally attached to the connector by the second pivot, then the connector may also be pivotally attached to the worm element. Thus, the connector may be attached to the worm element by a pivot distinct from the first pivot, which may be a fifth pivot.

Preferably there are no slidable connections between the arm, connector or handle. Preferably, each pivotal connection is provided by a hinge or a pin.

Preferably, the corkscrew is a one-step corkscrew allowing extraction of the cork from the bottle in one stroke, without the need for lifting the handle twice and repositioning the abutment arm, from one shoulder to another shoulder, in between steps. Consequently, the abutment arm may have only one notch or shoulder for engagement with the edge of the neck of the bottle.

In a preferred example, the corkscrew acts as a second class lever, with, in use, the abutment arm acting as the fulcrum, the handle acting as a lever, and the load represented by the cork in the bottle, being positioned between the fulcrum and the position on the handle at which the user applies a force to remove the cork. However, it is appreciated that corkscrews of the invention could operate as first class levers.

Preferably, the corkscrew comprises a bottle top remover, preferably defined in the handle and preferably at the opposite end of the handle to that connected to the abutment arm. Alternatively or additionally, the handle may incorporate a cutting implement such as a knife. Preferably, the knife is pivotally attached to the end of the handle.

Typically, insertion of the worm element into the cork is preceded by relatively rotating the abutment arm away from the handle such that the corkscrew is in a fully extended or open configuration. In this configuration, there is minimal angulation between the abutment arm and the handle. It may be said that the handle and abutment arm are substantially straight or aligned. The worm element may be positioned such that it is substantially perpendicular to the abutment arm and the handle, creating a T-shape. It may be advantageous to maintain this configuration whilst inserting the worm element, as the handle/abutment arm may act as a lever to assist in rotating the worm.

However, it may be difficult to maintain the relative positions of the abutment arm and the handle in the extended configuration, as the abutment arm may have a tendency to rotate towards the handle. This may be problematic for the user as the handle and abutment arm may close around the user's hand during insertion into the cork.

Consequently, it is may be desirable to provide the corkscrew with a means to maintain, lock or clip the corkscrew in the open or extended configuration. The corkscrew may thus be configurable between a locked state, in which relative rotation of the handle towards the abutment arm is restricted, and an unlocked state, in which relative rotation of the handle towards the abutment arm is unrestricted. Preferably, the locked state is automatically initiated when the abutment arm is relatively rotated away from the handle and when the corkscrew substantially reaches full or maximum extension i.e. when the handle and abutment arm are not able to rotate any further away from each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the corkscrew comprises a releasable locking means such as a catch. Preferably, a portion of the connector releasably engages a portion of the linker. For example, the connector may comprise a resilient biasing means, such as a spring (e.g. a torsion spring, flat spring or spring plate) which engages the portion of the linker. When in an extended configuration, the portion of the linker may contact the resilient biasing means. This may retain the corkscrew in the locked state. It may be possible to configure the unlocked state by overcoming the biasing or retaining force exerted by the resilient biasing means by forcibly rotating the abutment arm towards the handle i.e. to a closed position. This may cause temporary deformation of the resilient biasing means and allow release of the portion of the linker from the connector. Similarly, configuration of the locked state from the unlocked state may be achieved by forcibly rotating the abutment arm away from the handle, which may cause temporary deformation of the resilient biasing means and allow the portion of the linker to be positioned such that when the resilient biasing means recoils, the portion of the linker is retained or caught by the resilient biasing means.

Configuration between the locked state and the unlocked state may be achieved by rotating the handle relative to the abutment arm with a force above a pre-determined force. The pre-determined force may be determined by the resilience of the resilient biasing means.

Alternatively, the linker may comprise a resilient biasing means in addition to, or instead of, the resilient biasing means of the connecting portion.

Depression and subsequent recoil of the resilient biasing means during transition between the locked state and the unlocked state may mean that the corkscrew clicks into the locked state and clicks into the unlocked state. This may provide an indication to the user that a particular state has been configured.

The linker may comprise a protrusion or recess that engages with a

corresponding protrusion or recess in the connector, to form the catch.

A method of removing a cork, according to the present invention, may comprise obtaining a corkscrew in any form as described above; screwing the worm element into the cork; abutting the abutment arm against the neck of the bottle; and rotating the handle upwards or downwards relative to the abutment arm.

The embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a corkscrew according to an embodiment of the invention with part of the handle removed to allow the mechanism to be viewed. Figure 2 shows a side view of the corkscrew of figure 1 in a first configuration, also with part of the handle removed for clarity.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the corkscrew of figure 1 and figure 2 in a second configuration, also with part of the handle removed for clarity.

Figure 4a shows a three dimensional view of the corkscrew of figures 1 -3 in a first stage of operation to remove a cork from a bottle.

Figure 4b shows a three dimensional view of the corkscrew of figures 1 -3 in a second stage of operation to remove the cork from the bottle.

Figure 4c shows a three dimensional view of the corkscrew of figures 1 -3 in a third stage of operation to remove the cork from the bottle.

Figure 4d shows a three dimensional view of the corkscrew of figures 1 -3 in a fourth stage of operation to remove the cork from the bottle.

Figure 5 shows a side view of a corkscrew according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, with part of the handle removed to allow the mechanism to be viewed.

Figure 6a shows a side view of a corkscrew according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, in a first stage of cork extraction.

Figure 6b shows a side view of the corkscrew of Figure 6a in a second stage of cork extraction.

Figure 7 shows a side view, in section, of a corkscrew according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 shows a side view, in section, of a corkscrew according to another embodiment of the invention.

The corkscrew 1 according to the example shown in figures 1 , 2, 3 and 4a to 4d, comprises an abutment arm, support arm, bottle neck support or propping arm 3 for abutment to an edge of the neck of the bottle; a handle or lever arm 5 pivotally connected to the abutment arm by a first pivot in the form of a hinge or pin 7; and a worm element or screw 9, pivotally mounted on a connector, connecting portion or bridging portion 13 by a second pivot in the form of a hinge or pin 1 1 . The connector is rotatably attached to the abutment arm and rotatably attached to the handle such that the distance between the first pivot and the second pivot is variable when, in use, the handle is rotated relative to the arm.

The abutment arm 3 has a shoulder or notch 23 at one end, shaped to fit against the edge of the neck of the bottle. It is rotatably connected directly to the handle 5 by the first pivot or pin 7. The abutment arm is also directly attached to the connector 13 by a separate, fifth, pivot or pin 21 .

The connector 13 is not directly pivotally attached to the handle 5, but is rotatably attached by a linker 15. The linker is pivotally attached to the connector by a third pivot or pin 17 and is also pivotally attached to the handle by a fourth pivot or pin 19. The connector is also pivotally attached to the worm 9 via the second pivot 1 1 . In Figures 1 -3, the connector is shown in section, such that its connections with the worm and linker can be viewed.

The linker 15 is shaped like a dog leg with the third pivot 7 situated at a first end 16a of the linker. The fourth pivot 19 is situated at the apex 16c of the linker. There is no pivot situated at the second end 16b of the linker. The first end of the linker is at an opposite end of the linker to the second end of the linker.

The handle of the corkscrew defines a cavity or housing 29, within which the connector is wholly or partially located and in which part of the abutment arm is also situated. Figures 1 -3 show a side view of the cork screw with part of the handle removed to show the interior of the cavity. The cork screw without the part of the handle removed is shown in figures 4a-4d. An inner end of the handle is attached to the abutment arm and an outer end of the handle defines a bottle opener 25. The corkscrew is partially or wholly manufactured from metal, preferably stainless steel. The corkscrew may also incorporate plastics and/or wood.

In use, the corkscrew operates as a second class lever and the cork is extracted as illustrated in the stages shown in figures 4a-4d.

Firstly, the worm 9 is screwed into the cork 28 of the bottle 27 by rotating handle 5 and exerting downward pressure on the worm. This is illustrated in figure 4a.

Once the worm is inserted into the cork, the abutment arm 3 is manoeuvred such that the shoulder 23 engages with the neck of the bottle 27 by abutting the edge of the neck of the bottle. The handle 5 is also manoeuvred such that the outer end is lowered and an acute angle is formed between the handle and abutment arm. This step is illustrated in figure 4b.

To extract the cork 28, the abutment arm 3 is held in position by the user and the handle 5 is raised. The raising of the handle raises the worm 9 which is indirectly connected to the handle by the linker 15 and connector 13. This step is illustrated in figure 4c. Figure 4d shows the cork having been fully removed from the neck of the bottle, in one stroke, with the handle being in raised configuration.

The arrangement of the cork screw 1 immediately prior to cork extraction is shown in figure 2. The arrangement immediately following cork extraction is shown in figure 3. In a direct comparison between the two configurations, it can be seen that the distance X, indicating the distance between the first pivot 7 and second pivot 1 1 is greater in figure 2 than in figure 3. The distance X in figure 2 is about 24mm whereas the distance X in figure 3 is about 38mm. This distance increases gradually in the transition between the configuration of the corkscrew as shown in figure 3 and the configuration as shown in figure 4.

As the handle 5 is raised, and rotates about the first pivot 7 in relation to the abutment arm 3, the connector 13 is able to move relative to the handle as a result of its indirect connection with the handle via the linker 15. As the connector rotates about the third pivot 17 relative to the linker and as the handle rotates about the fourth pivot 19, relative to the linker, the distance between the first and second pivot gradually increases, allowing the second pivot to move within the cavity. The cork 28 is thus extracted in a vertical manner with the pulling effort maintained predominantly along the axis of the bottle.

Figure 1 illustrates the maximum extent to which the abutment arm 3 can rotate relative to the handle 5. The second end 16b of the linker 15 contacts the abutment arm and/or the connector 13, preventing further rotation.

An alternative example of a corkscrew embodying the invention is shown in figure 5. Similar features have been given like reference numerals. In contrast to the example shown in figures 1 , 2, 3, and 4a - 4d, the handle 5 is pivotally attached to the worm element 9 by a first pin 7 and the abutment arm 3 is pivotally attached to the connector 13 by a second pin 1 1. The linker 15 is connected to the handle and connector by third and fourth pins 17,19 as described in relation to figures 1 , 2, 3 and 4a-4d above. The worm element is also pivotally connected to the connector by a fifth pin 21.

In use, the corkscrew operates as a first class lever. Once the worm element 9 has been inserted into the cork and the abutment arm 3 has been manoeuvred such that the shoulder 23 engages with the neck of the bottle, the handle is lowered, which raises the worm element. Lowering the handle increases the distance between the first pin 7 and the second pin 1 1 , in a gradual manner.

Another example of a corkscrew, embodying the invention is shown in Figures 6a and 6b. Similar features have been given like reference numerals.

The handle 5 is pivotally attached to the worm element 9 by a first pin 7 and the abutment arm 3 is pivotally attached to the connector 13 by a second pin 1 1.

The linker 15 is connected to the connector by a third pin 17 and is connected to the handle by a fourth pin 19. The worm element is also pivotally connected to the connector by a fifth pin 21 . In use, the corkscrew 1 operates as a second class lever. Figure 6a shows the configuration of the corkscrew once the worm element 9 has been inserted into the cork (not shown), but has not yet been removed. Figure 6b shows the configuration of the corkscrew as the cork is being removed from the bottle. The handle 5 is raised to lift the cork from the bottleneck. As this occurs, the linker 15 operates to gradually increase the distance between the first pin 7 and second pin 1 1.

A further example of a corkscrew 1 embodying the invention is shown in Figure 7. Similar features to those described in relation to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 , 2, 3, 4a-4d, 5 and 6a-6b, have been given like reference numerals.

The corkscrew 1 is similar to the embodiment of Figures 1 , 2, 3 and 4a-4d. However, the linker 15 has a protrusion 30 on one side. The protrusion has a sloped edge 31 and an apex 32. The sloped edge slopes outwardly from a point about mid-way between the first end 16a and second end 16b of the linker towards the apex 32 at the second end 16a of the linker.

The connector has a spring 41 positioned around a spring-holding steel ball 39. Alternatively, a pin could be used instead of a ball. A first end of the spring 43 abuts a first internal surface 35 in the connector. The second end of the spring 45 abuts a second internal surface 37 in the connector. The second internal surface is adjacent to the fifth pin 21 and is substantially opposite the first internal surface. A protrusion or bump 49 is located in the spring between the first and second ends of the spring. The second end of the spring exerts a biasing force against the second internal surface of the connector, and the first end of the spring exerts a biasing force against the first internal surface of the connector, which maintains the spring in position.

In use, configuration of a locked state is achieved by relatively rotating the abutment arm 3 away from the handle 5 so that the corkscrew 1 adopts a fully extended configuration resulting in minimal angulation between the abutment arm and the handle. As the corkscrew approaches full extension, the sloped edge 31 of the linker 15 initiates contact with the spring 41 and increasingly deforms or depresses the spring. When the spring protrusion contacts the apex 32, deformation of the spring is greatest. However, further rotation of the abutment arm away from the handle relieves the pressure on the spring, enabling the spring to recoil. The spring protrusion 49 moves from the sloped edge 31 across the apex to the other side of the linker protrusion 30, and is then in a position to resist relative rotation of the linker and the connector and consequently resist relative rotation of the abutment arm towards the handle. Figure 7 shows the extended, locked configuration.

In the locked configuration, the user may insert the worm 9 into the cork and use the abutment arm 3 and handle 5 as a lever to increase torque during the insertion. Maintaining the relative positions of the linker and the connector can prevent the abutment arm and the handle from rotating towards each other (i.e. closing) during insertion of the worm into the cork.

Following insertion of the worm into the cork, an unlocked configuration (not shown) is achieved by forcibly rotating the abutment arm 3 relatively towards the handle 5, which depresses the spring 41 . As the abutment arm is rotated towards the handle, the spring protrusion 49 depresses and moves across the apex 32 of the linker protrusion to the sloped edge 31 of the linker 5. The sloped edge does not provide resistance to the rotation of the abutment arm relative to the handle. Further rotation of the handle towards the abutment arm causes the spring to cease contact with the linker.

Another example embodying the invention is shown in figure 8. Similar features to those described in relation to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 , 2, 3, 4a- 4d, 5, 6a-6b and 7, have been assigned like reference numerals.

The corkscrew 1 is similar to the embodiment in Figures 1 , 2, 3, 4a-4d.

However, the linker 15 has a protrusion 30 at its first end 16a. The protrusion has an apex 32 and a sloped edge 31 on one side of the apex. The connector 13 has a resilient biasing means in the form of a spring 41 positioned on the inside of the connector. The spring has a protrusion or bump 49.

There is also a cutting implement 51 , pivotably attached to the end of the handle 5. In use, configuration of a locked state is achieved by rotating the abutment arm 3 away from the handle 5 so that the corkscrew 1 adopts a fully extended configuration. The sloped edge 31 of the linker 15 abuts the spring 41 and increasingly deforms or depresses the spring such that the spring protrusion 49 is depressed. The spring protrusion 49 moves from the sloped edge 31 across the apex to the other side of the linker protrusion 30. As the spring recoils, it is positioned to resist rotation of the linker relative to the connector and consequently resist rotation of the abutment arm towards the handle. Recoil of the spring means that the corkscrew clicks into the locked configuration. Thus, similar to the embodiment of Figure 7, the linker protrusion and the spring forms a catch mechanism. Figure 8 shows the extended, locked configuration. As with the embodiment of Figure 7, this mechanism prevents the abutment arm and the handle from rotating towards each other (i.e. closing) during insertion of the worm into the cork.

The unlocked state (not shown) is achieved by forcibly rotating the abutment arm 3 relatively towards the handle 5. The linker protrusion 30 depresses the spring 41 and the spring protrusion 49 moves across the apex 32 of the linker protrusion to the sloped edge 31 of the linker 15. The spring can then recoil and the corkscrew clicks into the unlocked state. The sloped edge does not provide resistance to the relative rotation of the abutment arm towards the handle.

Claims

1. A corkscrew for removing a cork from a neck of a bottle, comprising an abutment arm for abutment to an edge of the neck of the bottle; a handle; and

a worm element for insertion into the cork,

in which the handle is pivotally attached to one of the arm or the worm element by a first pivot, the other of the arm or the worm element is pivotally attached to a connector by a second pivot and the connector is rotatably attached to the one of the arm or the worm element and rotatably attached to the handle, such that the distance between the first pivot and second pivot is variable when, in use, the handle is rotated relative to the arm.

2. A corkscrew according to claim 1 , in which the connector is rotatably attached to the handle by a linker, the linker being rotatable relative to the handle and rotatable relative to the connector.

3. A corkscrew according to claim 2, in which the linker is pivotally attached to the connector by a third pivot and is pivotally attached to the handle by a fourth pivot.

4. A corkscrew according to claim 3, in which third pivot and fourth pivot are arranged such that rotation of the handle relative to the abutment arm causes a surface of the linker to contact the abutment arm or the connector, limiting the extent to which the handle is rotatable relative to the abutment arm.

5. A corkscrew according to claim 4, in which the linker comprises a first end and a second end, the third pivot being located at the first end and the fourth pivot being located at a position between the first end and second end, such that the second end of the linker is contactable with the abutment arm or the connector when the handle is rotated relative to the abutment arm.

6. A corkscrew according to any of claims 3 to 5, in which the connector is pivotally attached to one of the abutment arm or the worm element by a fifth pivot.

7. A corkscrew according to any preceding claim, which operates as a one- step corkscrew.

8. A corkscrew according to any preceding claim, which is configurable between a locked state and an unlocked state, the unlocked state defined by a restriction of rotation of the handle towards the abutment arm.

9. A corkscrew according to claim 8, in which the locked state is configured when the handle is rotated away from the abutment arm such that the corkscrew is substantially fully extended.

10. A corkscrew according to claim 8 or claim 9, which comprises a releasable catch. 1. A corkscrew according to any of claims 8 to 10, in which the releasable catch is formed from a portion of the linker and a portion of the connector,

12. A corkscrew according to claim 1 1 , in which the portion of the connector comprises a resilient biasing means which is releasably engagable with the portion of the linker.

13. A method of removing a cork from the neck of a bottle comprising:

obtaining a corkscrew as described in any of claims 1 to 12;

inserting the worm element into the cork;

abutting the abutment arm against the neck of the bottle; and

rotating the handle relative to the abutment arm.

14. A corkscrew substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

15. A method substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.