Corkscrew

Abstract

A corkscrew (10) has a handle (12) mounted to a screw stem (14) rotatably guided within a cap (18) which contains upper ends of two prongs (40). The prongs have semi-circular lower ends (48) which surround a screw (16) and comprise inner shoulder stops (64) for engaging on a bottleneck. Upper ends (42) of the prongs are articulated to a core unit (20) having a guide bush (22) for the screw stem (14). Cap (18) may be integral with the handle (12). Alternatively, the handle may be screw-fitted to a tapped stem (84) guided by the cap. Bearing means for the upper prong ends, on which expanding springs (65) bear, find stops at a lower peripheral edge of cap (18). A lug (50) supports each upper prong end (42) on a pin (34) that traverses a guiding cheek (30) on the guide bush (22). Radial bell ribs (44) have lower leading edges (45) in each central portion (46) of the prongs (40). Various screw types may be exchangeably used, and a preferred type is a bladed type (16; 16′) having wide sharp flares or a round wire hollow helix (16″), either ending in a pointed tip (78). A sleeve (80) may first be put over a captive screw (16′) whereupon the screw top can be mounted to handle (12). A widened lower screw end cannot pass beyond sleeve (80) and is thus movably retained therein. The screw made of steel may be surface-treated by plating, enameling, teflon-coating or the like for minimum friction.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.