IMPROVEMENTS IN STOPPERS FOR BOTTLES AND IN THE MEANS OF SECURING STOPPERS IN BOTTLES
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William North, of Sheepridge, Huddersfield, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN STOPPERS FOR BOTTLES AND IN THE MEANS
OF SECURING STOPPERS IN BOTTLES."
Sealed the 9th November 1877, and dated the 17th September 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William North at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th September 1877.
"
WILLIAM NORTH, of Sheepridge, Huddersfield, IMPROVEMENTS IN STOPPERS
FOR BOTTLES AND IN THE MEANS OF SECURING STOPPERS IN BOTTLES."
The object of this Invention is to facilitate and greatly increase the rapidity of
opening bottles, and is specially adapted for malt liquors, champagne, and all effer-
vescent liquors. For this purpose I fasten a steel or metal wire round the groove
in the neck of the bottle, which wire is at one end formed into a loop and bent
upwards to a little above the mouth of the bottle. The other end of the wire is
twisted into the shape of twine, and is also bent upwards to a little above the mouth
of the bottle, where it is formed with a short bend outwards, which serves as a catch
for holding down the stopper. This latter I make of metal, in one piece, with two
projecting parts directly in front of each other across the centre, the one projection
being perforated horizontally for the loop of the steel or metal wire to pass through
so as to form a hinge, the other and opposite projection being perforated vertically
so as to allow of the catch or bend on the steel or metal wire to pass through such
perforation when the stopper is pressed down. The projection at the hinge portion
of the stopper is of an angular form and so made that the stopper readily springs
open, but is prevented from closing again by the corner of the angle coming in
contact with the edge of the mouth of the bottle. That part of the stopper which
fits into the mouth of the bottle I make of a somewhat conical or taper form, to
which I attach a band or ring or rings of india-rubber or other elastic substance, by
the use of which the bottle is hermetically closed.

page_text: The catch or that part of the steel or metal wire where the projection on the
stopper locks into the same is tempered, so as to act as a spring, which on being
pressed back horizontally releases the stopper, which flies open, leaving the mouth
of the bottle free.
In order that my Invention may be more readily understood, I attach hereto a
Sheet of Drawings, where A indicates the stopper; B, the elastic band on same; C,
the angular projection on the stopper through which the steel wire passes;
D, the opposite projection on the stopper by which the spring catch holds it
down.
Figure 1 shews the mouth of the bottle closed by my improved stopper.
Figure 2 shews the same open, and the stopper prevented from returning to the
neck of the bottle by the action of the angular projection.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William North in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 16th March
1878.
WILLIAM NORTH, of Sheepridge, Huddersfield.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN STOPPERS
FOR BOTTLES AND IN THE MEANS OF SECURING STOPPERS IN BOTTLES."
The object of this Invention is to facilitate and greatly increase the rapidity of
opening bottles, and is especially adapted for malt liquors, champagne, and all
effervescent liquors.
The stopper which I employ is of the external class, and consists of a cap or disc
of metal having a taper plug on the under side, to which I attach a washer or ring
of india-rubber or other elastic substance, by the use of which the bottle may be
rendered perfectly air-tight.
The stopper is attached to the bottle neck by a metal band or wire, at one side of
which is formed a loop which stands up a little above the mouth of the bottle and
on which the stopper is hinged. On the other side of the bottle neck is another
upright strip of metal, which is perforated for the reception of the catch piece of the
stopper. Upon the hinge portion of the stopper is an angular or cam-shaped
projection, so made as to allow the stopper to open freely, but to prevent it from
returning by coming in contact with the edge of the mouth of the bottle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
In order that my Invention may be more readily understood; I herein give
reference to the accompanying Sheet of Drawings, in which,-
Fig. 1 shews the mouth of the bottle closed by my improved stopper.
Fig. 2 shews the same open, and the stopper prevented from returning to the neck
of the bottle by the action of the angular projection.
Fig. 3 is a view of back part of bottle neck and stopper.
A indicates the stopper; B, the elastic band or washer; C, the angular projection

page_text: on the stopper through which the steel wire or hinge pin b passes; D is the catch
which enters into perforated strip or blade F.
It will be readily seen that the shape of the projection C allows the stopper to
open to the full extent, as shewn in Fig. 2, and also retains it in that position so
long as required. The metal strip or wire to which the stopper is hinged is
tempered sufficiently to bend and return to its original position at each movement
of the stopper.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, I would have it understood
that I claim the employment of the projection C or its substantial equivalent, as and
for the purpose herein shewn and described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William North, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Thirteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
W. NORTH. (L.S.)