Improvements in Corkscrews.
Year: 1897

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION,
Improvements in Corkscrews.
I, WILLIAM WATSON, of 32ª Market Square, Lancaster, Lancashire, Hair
Dresser, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement:-
.
This invention relates to corkscrews, and has for its objects to increase the
efficiency of such articles and eo construct them that there will be less liability
than heretofore of particles of the cork becoming detached during its extraction
and falling into the bottle, or other receptacle, from which it is being withdrawn.
My improved corkscrew will be especially suitable for use in removing rotten or
broken corks, which do not enable an ordinary corkscrew to obtain a sufficient hold
of the cork to permit of its extraction, but allow the corkscrew to be pulled
through the cork in the endeavour to withdraw the same.
According to my invention I provide the corkscrew, at a suitable distance from
its point, with a hinged or pivoted piece or section which is adapted to lie or fit
within a recess in the screw, during the passage of this part of the screw through
the cork, so as not to present any impediment to its easy passage through the cork.
When, however, the portion of the screw carrying the section has passed out at
the lower end of the cork. the said section will turn on its hinge or pivot and fall
by gravity into a position approximately at right angles to the corkscrew, and will.
on slightly screwing back the same, come against the under side of the cork and
provide an increased bearing surface, so offering an effectual resistance to the
corkscrew's being pulled through the cork.
In order that my invention may be readily understood and carried into effect
I will describe the same more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
Figure 1 is an elevation of a corkscrew constructed according to my invention,
and
Figure 2 is a cross section on the line 1. 1. of Figure 1, shewing in dotted lines
the hinged or pivoted section turned into its engaging position.
Figures 3 and 4 are fragmentary views shewing, on a larger scale, a screw
provided with a modification of my invention; Figure 3 shewing the hinged or
pivoted section closed aud Figure 4 shewing it open.
In all the figures like letters refer to similar parts.
a is the corkscrew proper, having a portion thereof cut away or recessed to
receive the piece or section b, which is curved and shaped to snugly fit the said
recess so that the corkscrew will present a smooth and continuous surface. This
piece is hinged or pivoted to the corkscrew by a pin or rivet.c, which allows the
said piece b, when unsupported, to fall by the action of gravity into the open
position, shown in Figures 2 and 4. In Figures 1 and 2 the piece or section is
arranged to move in an approximately horizontal plane, while in Figures 3 and 4
it is arranged to move in an approximately vertical plane. The piece b is prevented
from opening or falling too far by reason of its end or face 6' coming against the
end a¹ of the recess in the corkscrew.
The mode of using my improved corkscrew is the same as that of an ordinary
corkscrew, it. being only necessary, before screwing it into the cork, to see that the
hinged piece or section is lying in its recess against the screw. Upon screwing in

page_text: the corkscrew through the cork until this piece passes out at the bottom of the
cork, it will automatically open by reason of its weight, ready to engage with the
bottom of the cork when the corkscrew is slightly turned in the reverse direction,
and thus enable the cork to be easily and completely withdrawn by pulling the
handle of the corkscrew in the ordinary manner, no matter how old or faulty the
*cork may be.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
⚫claim is :-
1. A corkscrew provided with a hinged or pivoted piece or section adapted to
open after the corkscrew has been inserted into the cork, substantially as described
and for the purpose specified.
2. A corkscrew constructed substantially as described with reference to Figures 1
and 2 or Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings and for the purpose
*specified.
Dated this 24th day of March 1897.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.