Patent ID: 6401569
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: B67B

Abstract:
In a corkscrew (10) including a handle (12), the handle having a portion forming a cap (18) and being mounted to an upper stem portion (14) of a screw (16), the stem portion (14) extending within the cap (18), the cap configured to contain, in an operable position, upper prong ends (42) of two prongs (40), the prongs (40) having semi-circular lower ends (48), said lower ends (48) having shoulder stops (64) adapted for engagement on a bottle neck, the lower ends (48) configured to surround said screw (16) in said operable position, the screw having, at a lower end, a tip (78) adapted for entering a cork to be pulled between said lower ends (48) of the prongs (40), the improvement wherein:said upper prong ends (42) are articulated to a core unit (20) within the cap (18); said upper prong ends (42) of said prongs (40) being spring-biased to provide a force spreading prongs (40) towards a perimeter of the cap (18) so as to enable the lower ends (48) of said prongs (40) to fit easily over bottle necks of various sizes, the cap (18) includes a lower peripheral edge (60) serving as a stop to an outer portion (62) of each of said upper prong ends (42), and the screw stem (14) is guided in a guide bush (22) that is integral with the core unit (20).