Corkscrew with fulcrum plate with distanced lip support

Abstract

Corkscrew (1) provided for extracting a stopper (T) housed in a neck (C) of a bottle, said neck being provided with an interior radius (Ri), a collar (G) and a lip (RB), the corkscrew (1) comprising a handle (10) on which a worm (20) provided for insertion into the stopper and a fulcrum plate (3D) provided for resting on the lip during the extraction of the stopper are coupled, where the worm comprises an axis of rotation (21) with respect to which it rotates to insert itself into the stopper, said worm being coupled to the handle through a hinge-type articulation such that the axis of rotation generates a pivot plane (PPH) when said worm pivots with respect to the articulation (11), the fulcrum plate comprising a flat region (31D) situated parallel to the pivot plane (PPH) at a distance from said pivot plane greater than the interior radius of the neck, where said flat region comprises a lip support portion (31DR) provided to rest on the lip.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] CORKSCREW WITH A FULCRUM PLATE COMPRISING A CONVEX-FLANGED SUPPORT PORTION FOR RESTING ON AND ROLLING ON THE RIM OF A BOTTLE MOUTH

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] The present invention relates to manually operated corkscrews, commonly known as waiter's corkscrews or openers.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In the state of the art, different types of corkscrews have been developed to facilitate the removal of a bottle stopper with the least possible effort from the user, always bearing in mind maintaining the integrity of both the stopper and the bottle until it is completely removed so as not to contaminate the drink with possible pieces or particles of said stopper or bottle.

[0007] With this objective in mind, various types of corkscrews have been developed, some even being automatic, where you simply place the bottle and the device takes care of the entire cork removal process. Other, less sophisticated ones, commonly known as electric corkscrews, have a small motor that assists the helix in inserting and removing the cork, although they still require user intervention to complete the extraction. However, these types of corkscrews, and others like them, are too large, expensive, and cumbersome for continuous use in environments such as the hospitality industry, where the helix can also completely pierce the cork during normal use, with the consequent risk of contaminating the beverage inside the bottle.

[0008] Therefore, a type of corkscrew commonly known as a "waiter's corkscrew" has become widely used. It basically consists of a handle that is pressed to extract the cork vertically from the bottle using a lever. This type of corkscrew is easy to use, portable (it can be carried in a pocket), and, due to its simple design, inexpensive. Some of the drawbacks of a waiter's corkscrew include the fact that if the lever is not positioned correctly—either due to incorrect insertion of the helix vertically and in the center of the cork, or inadequate support of the fulcrum on the bottle's opening—the cork tends to bend and come out at an angle during extraction. This can cause the cork to break, contaminating the drink, or the helix to bend and permanently deform, causing the corkscrew to malfunction.Other problems can include insufficient insertion of the helix into the stopper, which ends up causing the latter to break, or that the leverage effect with the fulcrum is not enough to extract the entire stopper from the bottle and the user has to pull the corkscrew to finish the extraction, or even the fracture of the mouth of the bottle due to the unbalanced pressure of the fulcrum.

[0009] To address some of these drawbacks, different corkscrew developments have been implemented in the state of the art with the aim of improving their effectiveness.

[0010] An example of these developments can be seen in Spanish patent ES2476365T3, which discloses a double-lever device with two support points for a lever-operated corkscrew and winemaker's tool. This device includes one lever with a support axis approximately aligned with the propeller axis, and a second lever with a support axis further from this axis, supported by a connecting rod. This second lever slides within the first lever to automatically take over its function when it reaches the end of its stroke. This prolongs the pressure on the bottle neck rim, giving the auger a greater traction distance to fully extract the cork. The second lever is displaced by a connecting rod that supports the corkscrew body via its axis and acts on the second lever, causing it to slide automatically within the lever according to its different positions.The connecting rod's axis is further from the propeller axis than the lever's axis in order to give the lever a greater distance of action than the lever and take over from it to automatically prolong the pressure action on the rim of the bottle neck and give the auger a greater traction distance and thus fully extract the stopper.

[0011] Another example of corkscrew development is disclosed in Spanish patent ES2292443T3, which presents a corkscrew consisting of a handle, a short element, a long element, and a helical body. The helical body is articulated at its upper end to the handle. The short and long elements are each articulated to the handle at their respective upper ends and each has a protrusion at its respective lower end. The protrusions are oriented towards the helical body. The long element is articulated at one end of the handle, and the short element is articulated closer to the articulation of the helical body than the articulation of the long element. Both the short and long elements are located on the same longitudinal side of the handle, so that when used, when the helical body is inserted into the bottle,Each of the protrusions can rest on the perimeter of the bottle neck in order to exert leverage.

[0012] Despite the aforementioned prior art disclosures, there remains a need to implement improvements in a waiter's corkscrew to ensure the integrity of the cork and the bottle during extraction, as well as to ensure that the leverage provided by the corkscrew is sufficient to fully extract the cork from the bottle, preventing the user from having to pull on the corkscrew to complete the extraction.

[0013] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] To address these remaining needs in the art, the present invention provides a waiter's corkscrew, in particular a second-class lever corkscrew, as disclosed in claim 1, wherein this corkscrew comprises a handle on which a helix and a fulcrum plate are articulated and folded-unfolded.

[0015] The helix is ​​designed to be inserted into a stopper housed in a bottle neck, while the fulcrum plate is configured to rest on the rim of the neck opening and for the step-by-step removal of said stopper.

[0016] The handle, in turn, comprises a pivot point to which the fulcrum plate is articulated and about which it pivots, and also comprises a joint to which the propeller is articulated and about which it pivots on the handle. In this respect, the propeller joint is preferably of the hinge type, such that when the propeller pivots about the joint, an imaginary pivot plane is generated. This pivot plane is generated by the axis of rotation of the propeller, about which it rotates to insert itself into the plug.

[0017] The extraction of the plug is done in at least one stage, preferably in several stages, by inserting the helix into the plug, and supporting at least one flat region arranged on the fulcrum plate, said flat region being located parallel to the pivot plane at a distance from it greater than the inner radius of the neck, wherein said flat region comprises a flange support portion provided to rest on the flange.

[0018] Thus, when the flange support portion of the flat strip of the fulcrum plate rests on the flange of the bottle neck and a pulling force is then applied to the handle, a lever is generated between the fulcrum plate and the handle, which urges the helix to move in the vertical direction, consequently moving the stopper out of the bottle when the helix is ​​inserted into the stopper.

[0019] Unlike a conventional waiter's corkscrew, in which the fulcrum rests minimally on the rim, providing unstable support that makes extraction difficult and even compromises the integrity of the rim, in the corkscrew of the present invention, the rim support portion of the fulcrum plate has a larger contact area with the rim of the bottle neck.Furthermore, with respect to the flat region and, therefore, the fulcrum plate, it should be noted that its position relative to the pivot plane has the double technical advantage of, on the one hand, not encroaching at any time on the path of the plug during extraction, since it is arranged parallel to the pivot plane, in which the central axis of the plug and the axis of rotation of the helix are located, beyond the inner radius of the neck and, therefore, does not touch said plug nor bend or deform it at any time during extraction, as well as, on the other hand, the technical advantage of allowing the different flange support portions of any stage of extraction to always rest on the same point of the flange, preferably on diametrically opposite points of the flange.

[0020] On the other hand, the resistance arm of the lever formed, which is the distance between the pivot point of the helix and the pivot point on the fulcrum plate handle, can be as small as technology allows. Therefore, the force required to remove the cork is less than with a conventional corkscrew, thanks to the optimal use of the lever principle. This is a crucial achievement because it allows the pivot point on the helix handle and the pivot point of the fulcrum plate to be brought as close together as desired, making the resistance arm as short as needed.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the fulcrum plate also comprises at least one neck support region intended to rest on the neck or bead. Even more preferably, this neck support region is adjacent to the flange support portion, forming a tandem of supports on the fulcrum plate that facilitates proper removal, as the neck support region provides a second support for plug removal and a working guide to ensure that the flange support portion always rests flat and at a specified depth.

[0022] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the fulcrum plate comprises a plurality of flat regions located parallel to the pivot plane at a distance from said pivot plane greater than the inner radius of the neck, where each flat region comprises a flange bearing portion intended to rest on the flange and preferably comprises a plurality of neck bearing regions intended to rest on the neck, the flange bearing portions and neck bearing regions being adjacent to each other, each of the flange bearing portions being spaced along the length of the fulcrum plate such that the removal of the plug is carried out in as many stages as there are pluralities of flat regions on the fulcrum plate.The arrangement of the plurality of supports allows, at each stage, simultaneous support to be provided at a different height to cover the entire length of the plug, so that its extraction is done in the plurality of flat regions defined on the fulcrum plate.

[0023] Likewise, when the fulcrum plate pivots to change from one flange support portion to the next, the flange support portions or neck support regions never encroach on the path of the plug during extraction, so they never come into contact with the plug, preventing breakage.

[0024] Furthermore, regardless of the number of flange support portions or neck support regions, extraction is always performed along the central axis of the bottle neck and the axis of rotation of the helix. This requires less extraction force while ensuring the integrity of the cork, as it does not deform during extraction. It is important to note that the possible number of extraction stages—that is, the number of flange support portions and neck support regions—is limited only by the degrees of rotation allowed by the bottle neck width and the manufacturing limitations of the technology used. Therefore, for a given cork length, a greater number of stages results in a shorter resistance arm, and, thanks to the principle of leverage, easier extraction.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the corkscrew of the invention comprises another fulcrum plate, hereinafter referred to as the second fulcrum plate, which is positioned opposite the first fulcrum plate described above, with respect to the pivot plane. The second fulcrum plate is hinged at the pivot point provided on the handle and is structurally identical to the first fulcrum plate. Thus, during cork extraction, the fulcrum plates partially surround or enclose the cork without coming into contact with it. This second fulcrum plate provides greater stability and efficiency thanks to the double support at both the rim and the neck of the cork at each stage of extraction.

[0026] Alternatively, the first fulcrum plate and the second fulcrum plate are joined by a connecting plate. This arrangement forms an assembly called a fulcrum arm.

[0027] The advantage of this connecting plate is that it provides a secure grip for the fulcrum plates against the bottle neck throughout the extraction process. At each stage, it assists the simultaneous rotation of the fulcrum plates, facilitating the complete vertical removal of the cap. Furthermore, the connecting plate prevents fingers from touching the bottle neck, ensuring extra hygiene when dispensing the liquid.

[0028] In preferred embodiments, the fulcrum arm is machined from a single piece, such that the plurality of flat regions with their respective flange support portions or neck support regions are formed as recesses, notches, folds, or similar features in the fulcrum plates, being appropriately spaced on the fulcrum plates according to the number of stages in which the cork will be extracted. In this respect, to obtain a plurality of flat regions, i.e., a multi-step corkscrew, no machining of the fulcrum plates, as in known corkscrews, would be necessary. Nor is it necessary to articulate fulcrums (flange support regions), nest several fulcrums within one another, add springs, or add pawls, thus simplifying manufacturing and assembly, reducing the risk of failure, and increasing ease of use.

[0029] Building the multi-step fulcrum arm, as described, generates advantageous technical effects by simultaneously solving two problems: making the resistance arm as small as required and making a one-piece multi-step.

[0030] In alternative embodiments of the corkscrew, the fulcrum arm comprises a pair of distal regions arranged so that they face each other with respect to the pivot plane on a distal portion of each fulcrum plate, first and second, such distal regions being convergently oriented towards each other and configured to fit the curvature of the rim, in particular the transition where the rim joins at the neck, and to rest on this part by adding an additional extraction step.

[0031] It should be noted that the exposed construction of the multi-step fulcrum arm for any number of steps facilitates the advantageous effect of having greater extraction lengths for complete cork removals, without needing to touch either the corks or the rim of the bottle that comes into contact with the wine during wine service, preventing dirt, viruses and bacteria from entering the glass.

[0032] Taking into account this additional extraction stage provided by the distal regions, to have three extraction stages, the fulcrum plates each comprise two rim support portions and two neck support regions.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The above and other advantages and features will be fully understood from the following detailed description of some embodiment examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, which should be considered for illustrative purposes and not limiting purposes, in which: Fig. 1 is a general perspective view of the corkscrew of the invention in which most of the elements that make it up can be seen.

[0035] Fig. 2 is a general perspective view of the corkscrew of the invention in a position in which the helix has been inserted into the stopper and the flange support portions and neck support lines of the fulcrum plates are resting in the places for which they have been intended in a first stage of cork extraction.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the corkscrew of the invention in which the helix has been inserted into the stopper.

[0037] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The following detailed description presents numerous specific examples to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it will be evident to those skilled in the subject that these teachings can be put into practice without such details.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the present invention provides a corkscrew (1) comprising a handle (10) provided with a hinge-type joint (11), to which a helix (20) is articulated, comprising a rotation axis (21) about which it rotates to insert into the stopper (T) housed in a neck (C) of a bottle, such that the rotation axis (21) generates a pivot plane (PPH) when said helix (20) pivots about the joint (11), and a pivot point (12) on which a fulcrum plate (3D), first fulcrum plate (3D), and a fulcrum plate (3I), second fulcrum plate (3I), are articulated, said fulcrum plates (3D) (3I) being provided for the step-by-step extraction of said stopper (T).This handle (10), which can be manufactured as a single piece or be the result of assembling separate parts, comprises a gripping portion (10A) on which a user rests or places their hand to apply an extraction force which, through leverage between the fulcrum plates (3D) (3I) and the helix (20), makes it possible to extract the plug (T).

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the fulcrum plates (3D) (3I) are coupled together by a connecting plate (3S). In the preferred embodiment, the first fulcrum plate (3D), the second fulcrum plate (3I), and the connecting plate (3S) are formed as a single piece, called the fulcrum arm (3). Hereafter, for ease of describing the invention, reference will be made interchangeably to the fulcrum arm (3) or to the fulcrum plates (3D) or (3I), as required.

[0041] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the hinge (11) of the helix (20) is located between the clamping portion (10A) where the pulling force is applied and the pivot point (12) where the fulcrum arm (3) is hinged, providing second-class leverage that facilitates the use of the corkscrew (1).

[0042] The fulcrum plate (3D) and the fulcrum plate (31) comprise two flat regions (31D)(311), where each flat region (31D)(311) is parallel to the pivot plane (PPH). The flat regions (31D)(311) face each other with respect to the pivot plane (PPH) and are located at a distance from it greater than the inner radius (Ri) of the neck (C), as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The flat regions (31D)(311) further comprise flange bearing portions (31DR) and (31IR) configured to rest on the flange (RB) of the neck (C). The fulcrum plates (3D)(3I) also comprise two neck bearing regions (31DG)(31IG) configured to rest on the neck (G) of the neck (C).

[0043] The flange support portions (31 DR) (31 IR) are each designed to rest on the flange (RB) at a distance from the pivot plane (PPH) that is greater than the inner radius (Ri) of the neck (C), allowing them to penetrate further into the flange (RB) compared to the fulcrums of other conventional corkscrews, thus providing better support on the flange (RB) for extraction. Furthermore, as mentioned, each of the flat regions (31 D) (311) extends parallel to the pivot plane (PPH), so that, during cork (T) extraction, the fulcrum plates (3D) (31) do not come into contact with the cork (T).The flange support portions (31 DR) (31 IR) form the main support point of the second-class lever for extracting the plug (T), while the neck support regions (31 DG) (31 IG) provide a second support assisting in the extraction of the plug (T), ensuring that the flange support portions (31 DR) (31 IR) rest on the flange (RB) and penetrate the flange (RB) itself to the specified depth.

[0044] The preferred embodiment takes into account that standard 750ml bottles (the most commonly used) have a standardized inner radius (Ri) of 9.25mm. Therefore, when referring to "greater than the radius (Ri)" for the flat region with respect to the pivot plane (PPH), it means that it is greater than this value, for example, 9.3mm. This value should not be considered restrictive, but rather illustrative, since the inner radius (Ri) will vary depending on the type of bottle and its capacity.

[0045] As shown in the figures, the fulcrum plates (3D) (3I) are structurally identical and, at the same time, are opposite each other with respect to the pivot plane (PPH). Furthermore, each fulcrum plate (3D) (3I) comprises a plurality of flat regions with respective flange bearing portions and optionally an identical plurality of neck bearing regions, the flange bearing portions and neck bearing regions being adjacent to each other, such that the removal of the plug (T) is carried out in as many stages as there are pluralities of flat regions on the fulcrum plates (3D) (3I).

[0046] Preferably, the fulcrum arms (3D) (31) each comprise a pair of distal regions (3DD) (3DI) arranged opposite each other with respect to the pivot plane (PPH) on a distal portion of each fulcrum plate (3D) (3I), i.e., opposite the pivot point (12), these distal regions (3DD) (3DI) being convergently oriented towards each other. The distal regions (3DD) (3DI) in turn have respective distal ridge support portions (3DDR) (3DIR) adapted to the curvature of the ridge (RB) to bear against it during the final extraction step. These distal regions (3DD) (3DI) provide an additional extraction step, enabling complete removal of the plug.

[0047] Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the corkscrew (1) is a three-step or three-stage device, such that, for the first two steps, each of the fulcrum plates (3D) (3I) comprises two flat regions (31D) (311) (32D) (321), these flat regions having flange support portions (31DR) (31IR) (32DR) (32IR) located at their ends. In this embodiment, each fulcrum plate (3D) (31) also has two neck support regions (31DG) (31IG) (32DG) (32IG). The third extraction step is provided by the distal regions (3DD) (3DI).

[0048] Since, as mentioned, the fulcrum plates (3D) and (31) are joined by the joining plate (3S), constituting the fulcrum arm (3) which can be manufactured in one piece, said fulcrum arm (3) can comprise a plurality “n” of both flange support portions and neck support regions, where each of said supports, being adjacent, can be formed as a recess, notch, fold arm or the like in said fulcrum arm (3).

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 13 March 2026 (13.03.2026) Corkscrew (1) provided for extracting a stopper (T) housed in a neck (C) of a bottle, saidck (C) being provided with an interior radius (Ri), a collar (G) and a lip (RB), the corkscrew (1)mprising a handle (10) on which a worm (20) provided for insertion into the stopper (T) and acrum plate (3D) provided for resting on the lip (RB) during the extraction of the stopper (T) areupled, where the worm (20) comprises an axis of rotation (21) with respect to which it rotates to ert itself into the stopper (T), said worm (20) being coupled to the handle (10) through a hingee articulation (11) such that the axis of rotation (21) generates a pivot plane (PPH) when said rm (20) pivots with respect to the articulation (11), wherein said fulcrum plate (3D) comprises at region (31 D) situated parallel to the pivot plane (PPH) at a distance from said pivot plane (PPH)eater than 9,25 mm, where said flat region (31 D) comprises a lip support portion (31 DR) provided rest on the lip (RB). Corkscrew (1) according to claim 1 , where the fulcrum plate (3D) comprises at least oneck support region (31 DG) provided to rest on the collar (G) and / or on the neck (C), said neckpport region (31 DG) being adjacent to the lip support portion (31 DR). Corkscrew (1) according to any of the preceding claims, where the fulcrum plate (3D)mprises a plurality of flat regions (31 D) (32D) situated parallel to the pivot plane (PPH) at a tance from said pivot plane (PPH) greater than 9.25 mm, such that the extraction of the stopper is performed in as many stages as there are flat regions (31 D) (32D) in the fulcrum plate (3D). Corkscrew (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a second fulcrum plate) arranged opposite to the fulcrum plate (3D) with respect to the pivot plane (PPH), said fulcrum te (3I) being structurally identical to the fulcrum plate (3D). Corkscrew (1) according to claim 4, where the fulcrum plate (3D) and the second fulcrum te (3I) are joined by a connecting plate (3S). Corkscrew (1) according to claims 4 and 5, where the fulcrum plate (3D), the secondcrum plate (3I), and the connecting plate (3S) form a fulcrum arm (3) made from a single piece. Corkscrew (1) according to any of claims 4 to 6, comprising a pair of distal regions (3DD)DI) arranged facing each other with respect to the pivot plane (PPH) in a distal portion of eachcrum plate (3D) (3I) and oriented in a convergent manner towards each other, said distal regions DD) (3DI) being configured to adapt to the curvature of the lip (RB) and to rest on the latter to add additional extraction step. Corkscrew (1) according to claims 4 to 7, where the fulcrum plates (3D) (3I) each comprise two support portions (31 DR) (32DR) (311 R) (32IR) and two neck support regions (31 DG) (32DG) IG) (32IG), such that, together with the distal regions (3DD) (3DI), the extraction of the stopper is performed in three stages. [0001] [0002]DECLARACION SEGUN EL ARTICULO 19 (1) [0003]Amendments to the claims are submitted under Article 19 PCT. [0004]The amendments are as follows: [0005]Claim 1 - Amended [0006]1. Corkscrew (1) provided for extracting a stopper (T) housed in a neck (C) of a bottle, said neck (C) being provided with an interior radius (Ri), a collar (G) and a lip (RB), the corkscrew (1) comprising a handle (10) on which a worm (20) provided for insertion into the stopper (T) and a fulcrum plate (3D) provided for resting on the lip (RB) during the extraction of the stopper (T) are coupled, where the worm (20) comprises an axis of rotation (21) with respect to which it rotates to insert itself into the stopper (T), said worm (20) being coupled to the handle (10) through a hingetype articulation (11) such that the axis of rotation (21) generates a pivot plane (PPH) when said worm (20) pivots with respect to the articulation (11), the corkscrew (1) being characterized in that wherein said fulcrum plate (3D) comprises a flat region (31 D) situated parallel to the pivot plane (PPH) at a distance from said pivot plane (PPH) greater than the interior radius (Ri) of the neck (Q9,25 mm, where said flat region (31 D) comprises a lip support portion (31 DR) provided to rest on the lip (RB)., [0007]Claim 3 - Amended [0008]3. Corkscrew (1) according to any of the preceding claims, where the fulcrum plate (3D) comprises a plurality of flat regions (31 D) (32D) situated parallel to the pivot plane (PPH) at a distance from said pivot plane (PPH) greater than the interior radius (RD of the neck (09.25 mm, such that the extraction of the stopper (T) is performed in as many stages as there are flat regions (31 D) (32D) in the fulcrum plate (3D). [0009]Explanation of amendments: [0010]According to the International Search Report and Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority we would like to point out that the D1 document does not disclose flat plates parallel to the plane (PPH) for any extraction steps. The amendments are submitted regarding the D2 document disclosures and the Article 6 PCT - Lack of clarity observation, to specify the standard distance of 9.25mm already described in the description of this PCT. [0011]Claims 2, 4 - 8 remain unchanged. [0012]Reference is made to the document "Amended Claims" for the full final text of the amended claims. [0013]Date: 13 March 2026 [0014]Xavier Hernández [0015]INICIATIC DIGITAL SERVICES, S.L.U.

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