Patent Abstract:
The present invention relates to devices and methods for removing a stop from a bottle. In certain embodiments of the present invention, a stabilizer is provided to prevent the stop from being pushed into the bottle and insert members are provided for removing the stop without the outside of the stop adhering to the inner wall of the bottle. Such embodiments allow, among other things, removal of the stop from the bottle without destruction or partial destruction of the stop, as is sometimes the case with conventional corkscrews, yet without the risk of pushing the stop into the bottle as is sometimes the case with non-corkscrew bottle stop removers.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/696,774 filed Jul. 5, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to devices and methods for removing a stop from a bottle. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Some bottles, such as wine bottles, have a stop or cork like structure to retain the bottle&#39;s contents inside the bottle. In bottles with a stop, the stop is generally positioned with a friction or interference fit between the inner walls of the bottle opening to block the opening and prevent the contents from spilling, evaporating, spoiling or becoming contaminated. Often a stop, particularly a cork, cannot be easily removed from the bottle without a tool. 
   One tool used to remove stops from bottles is a corkscrew with a handle or lever. To remove the stop, the corkscrew is rotated into the stop and the handle is pulled or the lever is used to draw the corkscrew out of the bottle along with the stop. Using a corkscrew on older stops and corks, however, may result in the stop or cork being severed, damaged, or the middle of the stop or cork being pulled out of the bottle and the outer part of the stop or cork adhering to the inner wall of the bottle opening. Cork bits in the contents and other effects of such stop damage can be undesirable. 
   Another device used to remove stops or corks from bottles is a device commonly referred to as an “ah-so.” The ah-so has two elements, one typically longer than the other, connected to a handle. Using the handle, the longer element is inserted between the stop and bottle opening inner wall. As the shorter element is then similarly inserted, the handle is rocked and a downward force is applied, first on one element and then on the other, until both of the elements are substantially along the length of the stop. The elements are then twisted and pulled upward using the handle and the stop is removed by and with the elements. Conventional “ah-so” devices, however, may sometimes push the stop or cork, particularly older or fragile corks, into the bottle when the elements are being inserted. 
   Another device used to remove stops from bottles is a hollow needle that is punched through the stop and air is inserted through the hollow needle. The increasing air pressure in the bottle pushes the stop out of the bottle opening. The stop, however, may be pushed into the bottle in the effort to punch the needle through the stop. Additionally, some find that the liquid contents may be adversely affected by the increased pressure used to remove the cork. 
   Therefore, a need exists for a device for removing bottle stops that is less likely to, among other things, sever or damage the stop, leave the outer part of the stop adhering to the side of the bottle opening, or push the stop into the bottle. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention includes new devices and methods for removing stops from bottles. Such devices and methods allow removal of the entire stop, even if the stop is old and fragile, and with little risk that the stop might be pushed into the bottle. Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide a stabilizer for gaining purchase or gaining grip within the stop, together with an integrated or connected element that is preferably greater in at least one dimension than the inner diameter of the bottle opening for preventing the stop from being pushed into the bottle. Insert members may also be provided and may be inserted between the stop and the inner wall of the bottle. In some embodiments of the present invention, a handle may be connected directly to the insert members and/or connected detachably to the stabilizer for applying a force to insert the stabilizer and/or to insert the insert members and/or to extract the stop. 
   In particular embodiments of the invention, the stabilizer may prevent the stop from being pushed into the bottle when the insert members are inserted. The insert members may extract the stop without leaving the outside of the stop remaining on the inner wall of the bottle opening. 
   In certain embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the stabilizer is helically shaped, similar to a corkscrew, and may be essentially round and/or oval in cross section. In particularly preferred embodiments, the stabilizer is not used to extract the stop. Instead, the stabilizer prevents the stop from being pushed into the bottle. The stabilizer cross element may be an elongated structure with a length longer than the inner diameter of the bottle opening in order to prevent the stop from being pushed into the bottle by the insert members. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the cross element may rest against the top of the bottle and does not interfere with the insert members being inserted between the stop and inner wall of the bottle opening. Furthermore, the cross element may be smaller than the handle of a conventional corkscrew. 
   A particular method of the present invention for removing a stop from a bottle includes providing a stabilizer with a first portion for gaining purchase on a stop in a bottle and a second portion with at least one dimension greater than the inner diameter of the bottle opening. A separate device such as a prong may also be provided having a first portion that includes insert members for inserting between the stop and the inner wall of the bottle opening and a second portion with a handle to apply a force to insert the insert members and/or to extract the stop from the bottle. The stabilizer may be inserted into the stop, with a first portion gaining purchase and the prong insert members may then be inserted between the stop and the bottle inner wall. The stabilizer is preferably inserted until the second portion rests against the top of the bottle opening. The stabilizer preferably stabilizes the stop and prevents the stop from being pushed into the bottle when the insert members are inserted. The stop may then be removed by using the prong handle to retract the insert members, stabilizer, and the stop from the bottle opening. 
   An advantage of certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention is to provide a bottle stop remover that does not push the stop into the bottle. 
   A further advantage of certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention is to provide a bottle stop remover that removes the whole stop and does not leave part of the cork adhering to the bottle opening inner wall. 
   A still further advantage of certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention is to provide devices and methods for removing a bottle stop without causing the stop to be severed or damaged in a way that adversely affects the liquid contained in the bottle. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bottle stop remover stabilizer according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  shows, in perspective, the stabilizer of  FIG. 1  detachably connected to a prong according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a bottle stop remover stabilizer embodying a particular cross element according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the bottle stop remover stabilizer shown in  FIG. 3  connected to a prong according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a bottle stop remover stabilizer with a cross element adapted to be connected to a prong according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the bottle stop remover stabilizer shown in  FIG. 5  connected to a prong through openings in the prong insert members. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a bottle stop remover stabilizer with an elongated cross element according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 8  shows the bottle stop remover stabilizer of  FIGS. 1 and 2  being inserted into the stop of a bottle using the prong handle and insert members of  FIG. 2  according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 9  shows the prong insert members and handle of  FIG. 8  being disengaged from the stabilizer of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  shows the prong insert members of  FIG. 8  inserted between the stop and inner wall of the bottle opening. 
       FIG. 11  shows the stop being removed from the bottle with the prong insert members of  FIG. 8 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is a stabilizer  110  with a first portion  112  and second portion  114  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The first portion  112  may include a sharp-tipped end  116  for gaining purchase on the stop and a substantially helical shaped body portion  118 . The body portion  118  preferably has a helical shape for gaining purchase on a bottle stop. Alternatively, the body portion  118  may have a helical shape with a substantially flat top surface or the body portion  118  may be of any shape or configuration adapted to gain purchase on a stop when it is inserted. The second portion  114  includes a cross element  122  for connecting with insert members from a prong. The cross element  122  may be essentially perpendicular to the stabilizer body portion  118  and include an elongated portion  124  and openings  126 ,  128 ,  130  for receiving the prong insert members. Alternatively, cross element may include openings  126 ,  130  or any number of openings for receiving prong insert members. The cross element  122  preferably features at least one dimension greater than the inner diameter of the bottle opening to, as discussed in more detail below, prevent the stop from being pushed into the bottle. As an example of the greater dimension, the cross element  122  may be longer than that dimension. 
     FIG. 2  shows the stabilizer  110  of  FIG. 1  detachably connected to a prong  212 . The prong  212  preferably includes insert members  214 ,  216  that may be inserted into the cross element openings  126 ,  128 ,  130  of the stabilizer  110 . Alternatively, insert members  214 ,  216  may be inserted into openings  126 ,  130 , for example when the cross element  124  includes only openings  126 ,  130 , or otherwise. The prong  212  may also include a handle  218  connected to the insert members  214 ,  216 . The handle  218  may be used to rotate the stabilizer  110  into and thus gain a purchase on a bottle stop, as well as to insert the insert members  214 ,  216  between a stop and a bottle&#39;s inner wall. 
     FIG. 3  shows an alternative embodiment of a stabilizer  300  with a first portion  312  having a sharp-tipped end  314  and a substantially helical body portion  316  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The body portion  316  is preferably connected to a cross element  318  which may, for example, be made from a plastic, metal, or other material and includes openings  320 ,  322  to receive the insert members of the prong. The cross element  318  may further include an indented area  324  for receiving a portion of a prong handle. The cross-element  318  is preferably longer in length than the inner diameter of the bottle&#39;s opening with the indented area  324  having a length such that cross-element  318  does not interfere with the insertion of insert members between the stop and inner wall of the bottle opening. 
     FIG. 4  shows a bottle stop remover  400  according to one embodiment of the present invention including the stabilizer  300  of  FIG. 3  detachably connected to a prong  410  having a handle  416  with prong insert members  412 ,  414  inserted through stabilizer cross-element slots  320 ,  322 . The handle  416  includes a handle lower portion  418  that may preferably be located, and in some instances fitted, in the cross-element indented area  324  of the cross element  318  and may be, for example, initially retained in the indented area  324  by side members  325 ,  327  in the upper portion of the stabilizer cross element  318 . The insert members  412 ,  414  are preferably inserted in the openings  320 ,  322  of the cross element  318  in  FIG. 3 . The handle  416  may preferably be used to rotate and insert the stabilizer  300  into a stop, detach the insert members  412 ,  414  from the stabilizer  300  and insert the prong insert members  412 ,  414  between a stop and the inner wall of a bottle opening. Finally, the handle  416  may be used to remove the stabilizer  300 , insert members  412 ,  414 , and stop from the bottle opening. 
     FIG. 5  shows another alternative embodiment of a stabilizer  500  according to the present invention, this embodiment having a first helical shaped portion  510  and a second cross element portion  512 . The cross element  512  includes a body portion  514  that is preferably greater in at least one dimension than the inner diameter of the bottle opening. The cross element  512  also includes first  516  and second  518  ends that may be attached to insert members of the prong by any method or structure or otherwise. 
     FIG. 6  shows a bottle stop remover  600 , which uses the stabilizer  500  of  FIG. 5  detachably connected to a prong  610  by prong insert members  612 ,  614 . The insert members  612 ,  614  have openings  618 ,  620  along the length of the insert members  612 ,  614 . The openings  618 ,  620  allow the insert members  612 ,  614  to be detachably connected to the stabilizer  500  at the cross element ends  516 ,  518  by sliding the insert member openings  618 ,  620  along the cross element ends  516 ,  518 . In some embodiments of the present invention, the openings  618 ,  620  may be slotted. The ends  516 ,  518  are configured to prevent the insert members  612 ,  614  from becoming accidentally detached from the stabilizer  500  when the stabilizer  500  and insert members  612 ,  614  are connected. A prong handle  616  may preferably be used to rotate and insert the stabilizer  500  into a stop, detach the prong insert members  612 ,  614  from the stabilizer  500 , insert the prong insert members  612 ,  614  between a stop and the inner wall of a bottle opening, and remove the stabilizer  500 , prong insert members  612 ,  614 , and stop from the bottle opening. 
     FIG. 7  shows another alternative embodiment of a stabilizer  1100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The stabilizer  1100  may include a first portion  1102  and an integrated, connected, or otherwise second portion  1104 . The first portion  1102  may include a sharp-tipped end  1103  for insertion into the stop and a substantially helical shaped body portion  1108 . The body portion  1108  preferably has a helical shape for gaining purchase of a bottle stop. Alternatively, the body portion  1108  may be of any shape adapted to gain purchase of a stop or the helical body portion may have flattened top and/or bottom cross section. The second portion  1104  includes a cross element  1112  for inserting the stabilizer  1100  into a stop preferably until, for example, the second portion  1104  rests on the top of the bottle opening. The cross element  1112  may be essentially perpendicular to the stabilizer body portion  1108  and include an elongated portion  1114 . The cross element  1112  is preferably longer than the diameter of the bottle opening to facilitate inserting the stabilizer  1100  into the stop and then, after gaining purchase on the stop, to prevent the stop from being pushed into the bottle. 
   The stabilizer  1100  may be rotated into the stop and gain a purchase on the stop. The stabilizer  1100  may be manually rotated into the stop using the fingers or any desired tool or device. Alternatively, a handle may be detachably, or otherwise, connected to the stabilizer  1100  for inserting the stabilizer into the cork. The stop and stabilizer  1100  may then be removed using a separate device. 
     FIGS. 8–11  are a sequence of illustrations that show a bottle stop remover  700  according to one embodiment of the present invention ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) removing a stop  701  from a bottle  703 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , a stabilizer  710  is provided with a first helical shaped portion  712  and a second cross-element portion  714 . The helically shaped portion  712  may include a sharp-tipped end (not shown) and a body portion  716  for gaining purchase on the stop  701 . Alternatively, the stabilizer  710  may be of any configuration to gain purchase on the stop  701 . The cross element portion  714  includes an elongated portion  720  that is longer than the inner diameter of the bottle opening  705 . The elongated portion  720  includes end openings  722 ,  724 ,  726  for detachably connecting to a prong  728 . 
   The prong  728  is provided having insert members  730 ,  732  connected to a handle  734 . In some embodiments of the present invention, one insert member  732  is preferably longer than the other insert member  730 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the insert members  730 ,  732  are inserted in the stabilizer end openings  722 ,  724 ,  726  and the stabilizer end is located approximately in the center of the stop  701 . The handle  734  may then be used to rotate the prong and thus the stabilizer  710  (here as an example in the clockwise direction) and with a slight force downward with respect to the stop  701  to gain purchase in the stop. The stabilizer  710  is inserted and rotated into the stop until the cross element  714  is at the top of the bottle opening  705 , and preferably against the top of the bottle opening  705  as shown in  FIG. 9 . Alternatively, the stabilizer  710  may be inserted and rotated into the stop manually. The prong  728  is then removed from the stabilizer end openings  722 ,  724 ,  726  by pulling upward on the handle  734 . 
   The handle  734  and prong  728  are then rotated, preferably 90 degrees with respect to cross element  714 , but may be rotated as desired to allow the insert members  730 ,  732  to be inserted between the stop  701  and the inner wall of the stop opening  705 . Using the handle, the insert members  730 ,  732  are inserted between the stop  701  and the inner wall of the bottle opening  705  by partially inserting one insert member  732 , preferably the longer insert member, pressing down and rocking the insert member  732 , as needed, to partially insert it, and then inserting the other insert member  730  and pressing down slightly. Using the handle  734 , the insert members  730 ,  732  may be alternately pressed down, as needed, until the bottom of the handle is located at the top of the bottle opening  705  and the insert members  730 ,  732  extend along the stop  701 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
   In one embodiment, the insert members  730 ,  732  are preferably attached to the stabilizer  710 . The stabilizer  710  is inserted into the stop  701 . The insert members  730 ,  732  are preferably inserted between the stop  701  and the inner wall of the bottle opening  705  without detaching the insert members  730 ,  732  from the stabilizer  710  and/or rotating the insert members  730 ,  732 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the handle  734  may be twisted slightly and pulled upward, thereby removing the insert members  730 ,  732 , stabilizer  710 , and stop  701  from the bottle  703 . The stop  701 , removed from the bottle  703  with the insert members  730 ,  732 , is separated from the stabilizer  710  for reuse by preferably holding the stop to prevent the stop from rotating and rotating the stabilizer  710  counter-clockwise relative to the top of the stop. 
   The following is an example of a particularly preferred embodiment of the bottle stop remover and specifically an embodiment for removing a cork from most wine bottles. The stop remover illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  includes a stabilizer  300  having a body portion  316  and a cross element  318 . The body portion  316  is made from spring or annealed steel, has a helical shape, a sharp-tipped point  314 , and is approximately 2.35 inches in length. At least a part of the cross element (not shown) is also made from steel and connected directly to the body portion  316 . A cross element body  326  made from plastic or metal encloses the cross element portion that is connected directly to the body portion  316  and they together form the cross element  318 . An indented area  324  is included within the cross element  318  to permit insert members  412 ,  414  to be inserted between the stop and inner wall of a bottle opening while the stabilizer is preferably gaining purchase on the stop. In addition, the indented area  324  may receive and retain a prong handle. Below the indented area  324 , the cross element  318  has a top to bottom dimension  329  that is at least equal to the difference in length between insert member  412  and insert member  414 . The cross-element  318  also includes openings  320 ,  322  through which the insert members  412 ,  414  are located. The openings  320 ,  322  are approximately 0.1 inches wide, 0.25 inches long, and 0.7 inches apart. 
   The preferred bottle stop remover also includes a handle  416  and insert members  412 ,  414 . The handle  416  is made from metal while the insert members  412 ,  414  are made from one piece of spring or annealed steel that is shaped in an essentially squared U-shape and connected to the handle  416 . One prong  412  is longer than the other prong  414 . Prong  412  has a length of 2.3 inches while prong  414  has a length of 2.45 inches. 
   Unless otherwise stated, terms used herein such as “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” and the like are used only for convenience of description and are not intended to limit the invention to any particular orientation.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1