Apparatus and method for removing an internal closure from a container

A method comprising:

• inserting an extracting mechanism into an internal closure located in an opening of a container, the extraction mechanism attached to a handle, the handle being positioned above the opening;
• advancing the internal closure including the inserted extraction mechanism into the container, the advancement including providing purchase against a portion of a collar located near the opening of the container using a push lock of a fulcrum to and applying a first force to the handle in a direction towards the container, the advancement breaking the seal between the internal closure and the container, the fulcrum being attached to one end of the handle;
• and
• extracting the internal closure including the inserted extraction mechanism from the container, the extraction including engaging a pulling notch on the fulcrum with a top surface of the container and applying a second force to the handle in a direction opposite the first force, the second force allowing the extraction mechanism to extract the internal closure from the container.

An apparatus comprising:

• a handle;
• a fulcrum, the fulcrum mechanically coupled, at one end, to one end of the handle through a pivot point, the pivot point allowing rotational freedom along an orthogonal axis between the handle and fulcrum;
• and
• A worm assembly mechanically coupled to the handle, the worm assembly having a straight portion and a helical portion, a first end of the straight portion mechanical coupled to the handle through a second pivot point allowing rotational freedom along an orthogonal axis between the handle and fulcrum, a second of the straight portion mechanically coupled to a first end of the helical portion, and a second end of the helical portion configured to be driven into the internal closure when a rotational force is applied to the handle, the worm assembly configured to extract an internal closure out of an opening in a container when a force is applied to the handle in a direction away from the opening in the container, the internal closure sealing the container after the container is filled with material;
• wherein the fulcrum includes a container hold mechanism, the container hold mechanism configured to provide purchase on the container, allowing a force to be applied to the handle in a direction to advance the internal closure into the container prior to extracting from the container, and wherein the worm assembly includes a ram mechanically coupled to the worm assembly at the first end of the helical portion, the ram configured to apply the force in the direction to advance the internal closure into the container over at least a portion of a top surface of the internal closure.