CORK REMOVING TOOL

Abstract

 A cork removing tool (100), used with a cork puller (200) having two insertion plates (201,202) to be inserted between a cork (3) and an inner wall (4) of the bottleneck (2) of a wine bottle (1), includes a helical member (10), a main body (20), and two through areas (30,40) on two sides of the main body (20). The helical member (10) has a connecting portion (11) and a helical section (12) for being screwed into the cork (3) in the bottleneck (2). The main body (20) has a first force-applying portion (21), a second force-applying portion (22), and a combining portion (23) between the first and second force-applying portions (21,22). The first and second force-applying portions (21,22) are used for user to push the lateral sides of the two insertion plates (201,202) of the cork puller (200). The two through areas (30,40) allow the two insertion plates (201,202) to pass therethrough to be inserted between the cork (3) and the inner wall (4) of the bottleneck (2).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention:

[0001] The present invention relates to cork removing tools, and more particularly, to a cork removing tool capable of removing a cork in a bottleneck of a wine bottle.

2. Description of the Related Art:

[0002] With the standard of living continuously rising, people take alcoholic drinking culture seriously. Red wine, especially, is one of the favorite alcoholic drinks in banquets. However, a corkscrew is usually needed for people to remove the cork in the bottleneck of the wine bottle.

[0003] As shown by US 7,237,455, a known corkscrew comprises: a stabilizer having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is used to pull up the cork in the bottleneck of the wine bottle, and the size of the second portion is larger than the size of the inner wall of the bottleneck for preventing the stabilizer from being pushed into the wine bottle; a prong having a first part and a second part, wherein the first part includes two insert members for being inserted between the cork and the inner wall of the bottleneck, and the second part has a handle connected with the first part of the prong in order to be used for pulling the cork out of the bottleneck after the insert members being inserted between the cork and the inner wall of the bottleneck.

[0004] Two ends of the second portion are provided with openings for the two insert members to be inserted therein. However, the distance between the two openings remains consistent. During operation, if the helically shaped first portion of the stabilizer does not aim at the central point of the cork, when the insert members are inserted into the openings, the depth of the first portion of the stabilizer inserted into the cork is insufficient. As a result, the stabilizer has to be pulled out and inserted into the cork repeatedly. Such a repeating insertion causes a structural damage upon the cork, and the fragments of the cork may fall into the wine bottle, affecting the flavor of the wine. Therefore, the inconvenience caused by the conventional corkscrew failing to be aimed at the central point of the cork shall be improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] For improving aforementioned issues, a cork removing tool is disclosed, wherein a cork puller is able to pass through the cork removing tool and be inserted into the bottleneck of a wine bottle without the necessity of aiming the cork removing tool at the central point of the cork for removing the cork.

[0006] For achieving the objectives above, a cork removing tool is provided by the present invention for being used with a cork puller, wherein the cork puller is provided with a first insertion plate and a second insertion plate for being inserted between a cork and an inner wall of a bottleneck of a wine bottle. The cork removing tool comprises:

a helical member, having a connecting portion and a helical section disposed on one end of the connecting portion for screwing into the cork in the bottleneck;

a main body, having a first force-applying portion, a second force-applying portion, and a combining portion connected between the first and second force-applying portions, the combining portion connected with the connecting portion of the helical member, the first and second force-applying portions rotated by an user, such that the helical member rotating around an Z axis. An X axis vertically crosses the Z axis; the X axis and the Z axis form an XZ surface; the XZ surface divides the main body into a rear side and a front side; the first force-applying portion has a first pushing side facing the XZ surface; the first pushing side is disposed on the rear side and separated with the XZ surface, and allowed to push a lateral side of the first insertion plate; the second force-applying portion has a second pushing side facing the XZ surface; the second pushing side is disposed on the front side and separated with the XZ surface, and allowed to push a lateral side of the second insertion plate; a Y axis passes through the combining portion of the main body and vertically crosses the Z axis and the X axis; the Y axis and Z axis form a YZ surface, and the YZ surface divides the main body into a right side and a left side; the combining portion has a first side and a second side, and the first side is located on the right side of the main body and faces away from the YZ surface; and the second side is located on the left side of the main body and faces away from the YZ surface; the X axis and the Y axis form an XY surface, and the XY surface divides the main body into an upper side and a lower side; the helical section is disposed on the lower side of the main body;

a first through area, disposed on the right side of the main body, extending along the XZ surface, and neighboring the first pushing side, such that the first insertion plate of the cork puller passes through the first through area and is inserted between the cork and the inner wall of the bottleneck;

a second through area, disposed on the left side of the main body, extending along the XZ surface, and neighboring the second pushing side, such that the second insertion plate of the cork puller passes through the second through area and is inserted between the cork and the inner wall of the bottleneck.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance from the first side of the combining portion along the XZ surface to the second side of the combining portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the bottleneck and larger than the largest outer diameter of the helical section.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance from the first side of the combining portion along the XZ surface to the second side of the combining portion is not larger than the outer diameter of the helical section.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first pushing side of the first force-applying portion is almost disposed in parallel to the XZ surface, and the second pushing side of the second force-applying portion is almost disposed in parallel to the XZ surface. The first through area has a width extending from the first pushing side of the first force-applying portion toward the XZ surface. The width of the first through area is larger than the width of the first insertion plate of the cork puller. The first through area also has a length extending from the first side to away from the YZ surface; the length of the first through area is larger than the distance of the inner diameter of the bottleneck excluding the largest outer diameter of the helical section. The second through area has a width extending from the second pushing side of the second force-applying portion toward the XZ surface. The width of the second through area is larger than the width of the second insertion plate of the cork puller. The second through area also has a length extending from the second side away from the YZ surface; the length of the second through area is larger than the inner diameter of the bottleneck excluding the largest outer diameter of the helical section.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first force-applying portion extends almost in parallel to the X axis and forms a free end. The length of the first force-applying portion is larger than double of the inner diameter of the bottleneck. The second force-applying portion extends almost in parallel to the X axis and forms another free end. The length of the second force-applying portion is larger than double of the inner diameter of the bottleneck.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the rear side and the right side of the main body overlap to form a first quadrant; the rear side and the left side of the main body overlap to form a second quadrant; the front side and the left side of the main body overlap to form a third quadrant; the front side and the right side of the main body overlap to form a fourth quadrant. The helical section extends in clockwise. The first force-applying portion is positioned in the first quadrant; the second force-applying portion is positioned in the third quadrant.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first force-applying portion has a first force-applying side facing away from the XZ surface. The first force-applying side of the first force-applying portion is formed in a convex arc shape. The first pushing side of the first force-applying portion is formed in a concave arc shape. The length of the first force-applying portion is triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck. The second force-applying portion has a second force-applying side facing away from the XZ surface. The second force-applying side of the second force-applying portion is formed in a convex arc shape. The second pushing side of the second force-applying portion is formed in a concave shape. The length of the second force-applying portion is triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first side of the combining portion is connected between the first pushing side of the first force-applying portion and the second force-applying side of the second force-applying portion; the second side of the combining portion is connected between the second pushing side of the second force-applying portion and the first force-applying side of the first force-applying portion. The combining portion extends along the Y axis, and the length of the combining portion on the Y axis is equal to the inner diameter of the bottleneck.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body has a bottom sidetop side facing away from the XY surface and disposed on the upper side and a bottom edge facing away from the XY surface and disposed on the lower side. The distance from the bottom sidetop side to the bottom edge is smaller than the length of the combining portion. The thickness of the first force-applying portion and the second force-applying portion is smaller than the distance from the bottom sidetop side to the bottom edge of the main body.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the first through area is smaller than triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck. The width of the first through area is smaller than 1.5 times the width of the first insertion plate of the cork puller. The length of the second through area is smaller than triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck. The width of the second through area is smaller than 1.5 times the width of the second insertion plate of the cork puller.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance from the first pushing side of the first force-applying portion to the XZ surface is not larger than the width of the first insertion plate of the cork puller. The distance from the second pushing side of the second force-applying portion to the XZ surface is not larger than the width of the second insertion plate of the cork puller.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the combining portion has an installation bore disposed on the upper side of the main body for a decoration member to be installed therein.

[0018] With such configuration, the cork removing tool does not need to be aim at the central point of the cork during operation; also, the two through areas are used for the cork puller to pass through and be inserted between the inner wall of the bottleneck and the cork, such that the cork removing process is facilitated, providing the convenience of usage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] 

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the cork removing tool in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the cork removing tool in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the operation status of the cork removing tool applied with a cork puller illustrating the helical member rotating in clockwise and entering into a cork in a bottleneck.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the cooperation between the cork removing tool and the cork puller illustrating the cork puller passing through the cork removing tool and being inserted between the cork and the inner wall of the bottleneck.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a top view of Fig. 4, illustrating the two insertion plates inserted between the cork and the inner wall of the bottleneck.

Fig. 7 is another schematic view of the operation status of the present invention, illustrating the helical member not aiming at the central point of the cork and the cork puller still capable of passing the two through areas and being inserted between the cork and the inner wall of the bottleneck.

Fig. 8 is another schematic view of the operation status of the present invention, illustrating the helical member biasedly rotating into the cork and the cork puller still capable of passing the two through areas and being inserted between the cork and the inner wall of the bottleneck.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cork removing tool in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The aforementioned and further advantages and features of the present invention will be understood by reference to the description of the preferred embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings where the components are illustrated based on a proportion for explanation but not subject to the actual component proportion.

[0021] Referring to Fig. 1 to Fig. 8, a cork removing tool 100 is allowed to be used with a cork puller 200. The cork puller 200 comprises a first insertion plate 201 and a second insertion plate 202 for being inserted between a cork 3 and an inner wall 4 of a bottleneck 2 of a wine bottle 1, such that the cork 3 is clamped by the first insertion plate 201 and a second insertion plate 202. The cork puller 200 further has a handle 203. The cork removing tool 100 comprises a helical member 10 and a main body 20.

[0022] The helical member 10 has a connecting portion 11 and a helical section 12. The helical section 12 structurally rotates in clockwise and is connected on one end of the connecting portion 11. The helical section 12 is used to be rotated into the cork 3. The connecting portion 11 is formed a rectangular shape.

[0023] The main body 20 is integrally provided with a first force-applying portion 21, a second force-applying portion 22, and a combining portion 23 connected between the first force-applying portion 21 and the second force-applying portion 22, such that the combining portion 23 divides the first force-applying portion 21 from the second force-applying portion 22. The combining portion 23 is connected with the connecting portion 11 of the helical member 10. The first force-applying portion 21 and the second force-applying portion 22 are rotated by the user, such that the helical member 10 rotates with a Z axis as the rotation axle. The combining portion 23 is provided with an installation bore 24 disposed on the Z axis. Furthermore, a rectangular groove 241 is disposed on the Z axis and positioned away from the installation bore 24 for the connecting portion 11 of the helical member 10 to be affixed thereon. A decoration member 50 is installed in the installation bore 24.

[0024] An X axis passes through the combining portion 23 and vertically crosses the Z axis. The X axis and the Z axis form an XZ surface, which divides the main body 20 into a rear side 20a and a front side 20b.

[0025] The first force-applying portion 21 has a first pushing side 211 facing the XZ surface and a first force-applying side 212 facing away from the XZ surface. The first pushing side 211 and the first force-applying side 212 are disposed on the rear side 20a of the main body 20 and separated from the XZ surface, respectively. The first pushing side 211 is used to push a lateral side of the first insertion plate 201 of the cork puller 200. The distance from the first pushing side 211 of the first force-applying portion 21 to the XZ surface is not larger than the width of the first insertion plate 201 of the cork puller 200.

[0026] The second force-applying portion 22 has a second pushing side 221 facing the XZ surface and a second force-applying side 222 facing away from the XZ surface. The second pushing side 221 and the second force-applying side 222 are disposed on the front side 20b of the main body 20 and separated from the XZ surface, respectively. The second pushing side 221 is used to push a lateral side of the second insertion plate 202 of the cork puller 200. The distance from the second pushing side 221 of the second force-applying portion 22 to the XZ surface is not larger than the width of the second insertion plate 202 of the cork puller 200.

[0027] A Y axis passes through the combining portion 23 of the main body 20. The Y axis vertically crosses the Z axis and the X axis simultaneously. The Y axis and the Z axis form a YZ surface, which divides the main body 20 into a right side 20c and a left side 20d. The combining portion 23 extends along the Y axis, and the length of the combining portion 23 on the Y axis is equal to the inner diameter of the bottleneck 2. In an embodiment of the present invention, the rear side 20a and the right side 20c of the main body 20 overlap to form a first quadrant I; the rear side 20a and the left side 20d of the main body 20 overlap to form a second quadrant II; the front side 20b and the left side 20d of the main body 20 overlap to form a third quadrant III; the front side 20b and the right side 20c overlap to form a fourth quadrant IV. The first force-applying portion 21 is positioned in the first quadrant I; the second force-applying portion 22 is positioned in the third quadrant III.

[0028] The first pushing side 211 of the first force-applying portion 21 is almost in parallel to the XZ surface; the second pushing side 221 of the second force-applying portion 22 is almost in parallel to the XZ surface. The first force-applying portion 21 extends almost in parallel to the X axis and forms a free end 213, and the length of the first force-applying portion 21 is larger than double of the inner diameter of the bottleneck 2. The second force-applying portion 22 extends almost in parallel to the X axis and forms a free end 223, and the length of the second force-applying portion 22 is larger than double of the inner diameter of the bottleneck 2. In an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the first force-applying portion 21 is equal to triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck 2; the length of the second force-applying portion 22 is equal to triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck 2.

[0029] The combining portion 23 has a first side 231 and a second side 232 oppositely disposed against the first side 231. The first side 231 is disposed on the right side 20c of the main body 20 and faces away from the YZ surface. The second side 232 is disposed on the left side 20d of the main body 20 and faces away from the YZ surface. The distance from the first side 231 along the XZ surface to the second side 232 of the combining portion 23 is smaller than the inner diameter of the bottleneck 2 and larger than the largest outer diameter of the helical section 12; alternately, the distance from the first side 231 along the XZ surface to the second side 232 of the combining portion 23 is not larger than the largest outer diameter of the helical section 12. Also, the first side 231 of the combining portion 23 is connected between the first pushing side 211 of the first force-applying portion 21 and the second force-applying side 222 of the second force-applying portion 22; the second side 232 of the combining portion 23 is connected between the second pushing side 221 of the second force-applying portion 22 and the first force-applying side 212 of the first force-applying portion 21.

[0030] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X axis and the Y axis form an XY surface, which divides the main body 20 into an upper side 20e and a lower side 20f. The helical section 12 is disposed on the lower side 20f of the main body 20, and the installation bore 24 is disposed on the upper side 20e.

[0031] A first through area 30 is disposed on the right side 20c of the main body 20 and extends through the XZ surface to neighbor the first pushing side 211. The first insertion plate 201 of the cork puller 200 passes through the first through area 30 and is inserted between the cork 3 and the inner wall 4 of the bottleneck 2. The first through area 30 has a width extending from the first pushing side 211 of the first force cast portion 21 toward the XZ surface. The width of the first through area 30 is larger than the width of the first insertion plate 201 of the cork puller 200. In addition, the first through area 30 has a length extending from the first side 231 away from the YZ surface. The length of the first through area 30 is larger than the inner diameter of the bottleneck 2 excluding the largest outer diameter of the helical section 12. In an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the first through area 30 is smaller than triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck 2; the width of the first through area 30 is smaller than 1.5 times the width of the first insertion plate 201 of the cork puller 200.

[0032] A second through area 40 is disposed on the left side 20d of the main body 20 and extends through the XZ surface to neighbor the second pushing side 221. The second insertion plate 202 of the cork puller 200 passes through the second through area 40 and is inserted between the cork 3 and the inner wall 4 of the bottleneck 2. The second through area 40 has a width extending from the second pushing side 221 of the second force-applying portion 22 toward the XZ surface. The width of the second through area 40 is larger than the width of the second insertion plate 202 of the cork puller 200. In addition, the second through area 40 has a length extending from the second side 232 away from the YZ surface. The length of the second through area 40 is larger than the inner diameter of the bottleneck 2 excluding the largest outer diameter of the helical section 12. In an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the second through area 40 is smaller than triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck 2; the width of the second through area 40 is smaller than 1.5 times the width of the second insertion plate 202 of the cork puller 200.

[0033] In addition, the main body 20 has a bottom sidetop side 25 and a bottom edge 26, wherein the bottom sidetop side 25 faces away from the XY surface and is disposed on the upper side 20e, and the bottom edge 26 faces away from the XY surface and is disposed on the lower side 20f. The distance from the bottom sidetop side 25 to the bottom edge 26 of the main body 20 is smaller than the length of the combining portion 23. The thickness of the first force-applying portion 21 and the second force-applying portion 22 is smaller than the distance from the bottom sidetop side 25 to the bottom edge 26 of the main body 20.

[0034] During operation, referring to Fig. 3 to Fig. 6, the user casts a force by use of the first force-applying portion 21 and the second force-applying portion 22 of the main body 20 along the direction pointed by the solid arrow head in Fig. 3, so as to rotate the helical member 10 in clockwise into the cork 3. Subsequently, according to the hollow arrow head in Fig. 4, the cork puller 200 is simultaneously swung back and forth and pressed downward, whereby the first insertion plate 201 and the second insertion plate 202 pass through the first and second through areas 30, 40 and are inserted between the cork 3 and the inner wall 4 on two sides of the bottleneck 2, respectively, such that the periphery of the cork 3 is clamped. Next, the user rotates the first and second force-applying portions 21, 22 (along the direction of the solid arrow head in Fig. 4) for triggering the first and second pushing sides 211, 221 to push the first and second insertion plates 201, 202 of the cork puller 200, whereby the first and second insertion plates 201, 202 of the cork puller 200 move along between the cork 3 and the inner wall 4 of the bottleneck 2. As a result, the cork 3 no longer tightly adheres to the inner wall 4. Therefore, the user is allowed to pull the cork puller 200 upward by use of the first and second force-applying portions 21, 22, thereby pulling up the cork removing tool 100, the cork puller 200, and the cork 3 altogether, thus easily removing the cork 3 from the bottleneck 2 of the wine bottle 1.

[0035] The cork removing tool 100 disclosed by the present invention is suitable for being used upon an aged wine bottle 1 having the cork 3 incapable of being removed from the bottleneck 2. At the same time, with the appropriate length of the first and second force-applying portions 21, 22, the situation of the cork 3 accidentally falling into the wine bottle 1 during the cork removing process is prevented. Furthermore, with the use of the cork puller 200, the situation of the cork 3 broken during being pulled out by the helical member 10 is also prevented, such that the cork 3 remains complete and is able to be re-positioned into the bottleneck 2, preserving the flavor of the wine for a longer period before expiration.

[0036] Further referring to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, when the helical member 10 of the cork removing tool 100 does not aim at the central point of the cork 3 (as shown in Fig. 7) or when the helical member 10 is biasedly inserted into the cork 3 (as shown in Fig. 8), due to an appropriate length and width provided by the first and second through areas 30, 40, the first and second insertion plates 201, 202 of the cork puller 200 are still able to pass the first and second through areas 30, 40 and be inserted between the cork 3 and the inner wall 4 of the bottleneck 2 for clamping the cork 3. Therefore, the cork removing tool 100 is still allowed to be used to removing the cork 3 from the bottleneck 2 according to aforementioned operation steps.

[0037] Due to the fact that the distance from the first side 231 along the XZ surface to the second side 232 of the combining portion 23 is smaller than the inner diameter of the bottleneck 2 and larger than the largest outer diameter of the helical section 12, or alternately, the distance from the first side 231 along the XZ surface to the second side 232 of the combining portion 23 is not larger than the largest outer diameter of the helical section 12, a range of the combining portion 23 of the cork removing tool 100 corresponding to the bottleneck 2 enables the first and second insertion plates 201, 202 of the cork puller 200 to pass through the main body 20 and be inserted between the cork 3 and the inner wall 4 of the bottleneck 2, facilitating the cork 3 removal. Therefore, during the operation, the cork removing tool 100 is able to be used with the cork puller 200 to remove the cork 3 even if the helical section 12 fails to aim at the central point of the cork 3. The convenience of usage is provided, and the positioning process is easily accomplished.

[0038] Also, the cork removing tool 100 disclosed by the present invention is allowed to be solely applied for usage. The helical member 10 is screwed into the cork 3 for directly pulling the cork 3 from the bottleneck 2. A different method of using is provided, achieving a higher practicability.

[0039] Still more, referring to another embodiment illustrated in Fig. 9, the first force-applying side 212 of the first force-applying portion 21 is formed in a convex arc shape, and the first pushing side 211 of the first force-applying portion 21 is formed in a concave arc shape; the second force-applying side 222 of the second force-applying portion 22 is formed in a convex arc shape, and the second pushing side 221 of the second force-applying portion 22 is formed in a concave arc shape. With such embodiment, better aesthetical appearance and operational sensation are provided.

[0040] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cork removing tool (100) used with a cork puller (200) provided with a first insertion plate (201) and a second insertion plate (202) for being inserted between a cork (3) and an inner wall (4) of a bottleneck (2) of a wine bottle (1), the cork removing tool (100) comprising:

a helical member (10), having a connecting portion (11) and a helical section (12) disposed on one end of the connecting portion (11) for screwing into the cork (3) in the bottleneck (2);

a main body (20), having a first force-applying portion (21), a second force-applying portion (22), and a combining portion (23) connected between the first and second force-applying portions (21,22), the combining portion (23) connected with the connecting portion (11) of the helical member (10), the first and second force-applying portions (21,22) used for being rotated by an user for the helical member (10) to rotate around an Z axis, an X axis vertically crossing the Z axis, the X axis and the Z axis forming an XZ surface, the XZ surface dividing the main body (20) into a rear side (20a) and a front side (20b), the first force-applying portion (21) having a first pushing side (211) facing the XZ surface, the first pushing side (211) disposed on the rear side (20a) and separated with the XZ surface for pushing a lateral side of the first insertion plate (201) of the cork puller (200), the second force-applying portion (22) having a second pushing side (221) facing the XZ surface, the second pushing side (221) disposed on the front side (20b) and separated with the XZ surface for pushing a lateral side of the second insertion plate (202) of the cork puller (22), a Y axis passing through the combining portion (23) of the main body (20) and vertically crossing the Z axis and the X axis, the Y axis and Z axis forming a YZ surface dividing the main body (20) into a right side (20c) and a left side (20d), the combining portion (23)having a first side (231) and a second side (232), the first side (231) located on the right side (20c) of the main body (20) and facing away from the YZ surface, the second side (232) located on the left side (20d) of the main body (20) and facing away from the YZ surface, the X axis and the Y axis forming an XY surface dividing the main body (20) into an upper side (20e) and a lower side (20f), and the helical section (12) disposed on the lower side (20f) of the main body (20);

a first through area (30), disposed on the right side (20c) of the main body (20), extending along the XZ surface, and neighboring the first pushing side (211), such that the first insertion plate (201) of the cork puller (200) passes through the first through area (30) to be inserted between the cork (3) and the inner wall (4) of the bottleneck (2);

a second through area (40), disposed on the left side (20d) of the main body (20), extending along the XZ surface, and neighboring the second pushing side (221), such that the second insertion plate (202) of the cork puller (200) passes through the second through area (40) to be inserted between the cork (3) and the inner wall (4) of the bottleneck (2).

2. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the distance from the first side (231) along the XZ surface to the second side (232) is smaller than the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2) and larger than the largest outer diameter of the helical section (12).

3. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the distance from the first side (231) along the XZ surface to the second side (232) is not larger than the largest outer diameter of the helical section (12).

4. The cork removing tool (100) of anyone from claim 1 to claim 3, wherein the first pushing side (211) is almost parallel to the XZ surface, and the second pushing side (221) is almost parallel to the XZ surface; the first through area (30) has a width extending from the first pushing side (211) of the first force-applying portion (21) toward the XZ surface, and the width of the first through area (30) is larger than the width of the first insertion plate (201) of the cork puller (200); the first through area (30) has a length extending from the first side (231) away from the YZ surface, and the length of the first through area (30) is larger than the distance of the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2) excluding the largest outer diameter of the helical section (12); the second through area (40) has a width extending from the second pushing side (221) of the second force-applying portion (222) toward the XZ surface, and the width of the second through area (40) is larger than the width of the second insertion plate (202) of the cork puller (200); the second through area (40) has a length extending from the second side (232) away from the YZ surface, and the length of the second through area (40) is larger than the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2) excluding the largest outer diameter of the helical section (12).

5. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 4, wherein the first force-applying portion (21) extends almost in parallel to the X axis and forms a free end (213); the length of the first force-applying portion (21) is larger than double of the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2); the second force-applying portion (222) extends almost in parallel to the X axis and forms another free end (223); the length of the second force-applying portion (222) is larger than double of the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2).

6. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 5, wherein the rear side (20a) and the right side (20c) of the main body (20) overlap to form a first quadrant (I); the rear side (20a) and the left side (20d) of the main body (20) overlap to form a second quadrant (II); the front side (20b) and the left side (20d) of the main body (20) overlap to form a third quadrant (III); the front side (20b) and the right side (20c) of the main body (20) overlap to form a fourth quadrant (IV); the helical section (12) extends in clockwise; the first force-applying portion (21) is positioned in the first quadrant (I), and the second force-applying portion (22) is positioned in the third quadrant (III).

7. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 6, wherein the first force-applying portion (21) has a first force-applying side (212) facing away from the XZ surface; the first force-applying side (212) of the first force-applying portion (21) is formed in a convex arc shape, and the first pushing side (211) of the first force-applying portion (21) is formed in a concave arc shape; the length of the first force-applying portion (21) is triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2); the second force-applying portion (22) has a second force-applying side (222) facing away from the XZ surface; the second force-applying side (222) of the second force-applying portion (22) is formed in a convex arc shape, and the second pushing side (221) of the second force-applying portion (20) is formed in a concave shape; the length of the second force-applying portion (22) is triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2), such that the first side (231) of the combining portion (23) is connected between the first pushing side (211) of the first force-applying portion (21) and the second force-applying side (222) of the second force-applying portion (22), and the second side (232) of the combining portion (23) is connected between the second pushing side (221) of the second force-applying portion (22) and the first force-applying side (212) of the first force-applying portion (21); the combining portion (23) extends along the Y axis, and the length of the combining portion (23) on the Y axis is equal to the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2); the main body (20) has a bottom sidetop side (25) facing away from the XY surface and disposed on the upper side (20e) and a bottom edge (26) facing away from the XY surface and disposed on the lower side (20f); the distance from the bottom sidetop side (25) to the bottom edge (26) is smaller than the length of the combining portion (23); the thickness of the first force-applying portion (21) and the second force-applying portion (22) is smaller than the distance from the bottom sidetop side (25) to the bottom edge (26).

8. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 7, wherein the length of the first through area (30) is smaller than triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2), and the width of the first through area (30) is smaller than 1.5 times the width of the first insertion plate (201) of the cork puller (200); the length of the second through area (40) is smaller than triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2), and the width of the second through area (40) is smaller than 1.5 times the width of the second insertion plate (202) of the cork puller (200).

9. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 8, wherein the distance from the first pushing side (211) of the first force-applying portion (21) to the XZ surface is not larger than the width of the first insertion plate (201) of the cork puller (200), and the distance from the second pushing side (221) of the second force-applying portion (22) to the XZ surface is not larger than the width of the second insertion plate (202) of the cork puller (200).

10. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 4, wherein the combining portion (23) has an installation bore (24) disposed on the upper side (20e) of the main body (20) for a decoration member (50) to be installed therein.

Amended claims

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.

1. A cork removing tool (100) used with a cork puller (200) provided with a first insertion plate (201) and a second insertion plate (202) for being inserted between a cork (3) and an inner wall (4) of a bottleneck (2) of a wine bottle (1), the cork removing tool (100) comprising:

a helical member (10), having a connecting portion (11) and a helical section (12) disposed on one end of the connecting portion (11) for screwing into the cork (3) in the bottleneck (2);

a main body (20), having a first force-applying portion (21), a second force-applying portion (22), and a combining portion (23) connected between the first and second force-applying portions (21,22), the combining portion (23) connected with the connecting portion (11) of the helical member (10), the first and second force-applying portions (21,22) used for being rotated by an user for the helical member (10) to rotate around an Z axis, an X axis vertically crossing the Z axis, the X axis and the Z axis forming an XZ surface, the XZ surface dividing the main body (20) into a rear side (20a) and a front side (20b), the first force-applying portion (21) having a first pushing side (211) facing the XZ surface, the first pushing side (211) disposed on the rear side (20a) and separated with the XZ surface for pushing a lateral side of the first insertion plate (201) of the cork puller (200), the second force-applying portion (22) having a second pushing side (221) facing the XZ surface, the second pushing side (221) disposed on the front side (20b) and separated with the XZ surface for pushing a lateral side of the second insertion plate (202) of the cork puller (22), a Y axis passing through the combining portion (23) of the main body (20) and vertically crossing the Z axis and the X axis, the Y axis and Z axis forming a YZ surface dividing the main body (20) into a right side (20c) and a left side (20d), the combining portion (23)having a first side (231) and a second side (232), the first side (231) located on the right side (20c) of the main body (20) and facing away from the YZ surface, the second side (232) located on the left side (20d) of the main body (20) and facing away from the YZ surface, the X axis and the Y axis forming an XY surface dividing the main body (20) into an upper side (20e) and a lower side (20f), and the helical section (12) disposed on the lower side (20f) of the main body (20);

a first through area (30), disposed on the right side (20c) of the main body (20), extending along the XZ surface, and neighboring the first pushing side (211), such that the first insertion plate (201) of the cork puller (200) passes through the first through area (30) to be inserted between the cork (3) and the inner wall (4) of the bottleneck (2);

a second through area (40), disposed on the left side (20d) of the main body (20), extending along the XZ surface, and neighboring the second pushing side (221), such that the second insertion plate (202) of the cork puller (200) passes through the second through area (40) to be inserted between the cork (3) and the inner wall (4) of the bottleneck (2),

wherein when the cork removing tool (100) is inserted into the cork (3), and the cork puller (200) is inserted between the cork (3) and an inner wall (4) of a bottleneck (2) for removing the cork (3), the main body (20) of the cork removing tool (100) is arranged in transverse linear alignment with the cork puller (200).

2. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the distance from the first side (231) along the XZ surface to the second side (232) is smaller than the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2) and larger than the largest outer diameter of the helical section (12).

3. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the distance from the first side (231) along the XZ surface to the second side (232) is not larger than the largest outer diameter of the helical section (12).

4. The cork removing tool (100) of anyone from claim 1 to claim 3, wherein the first pushing side (211) is almost parallel to the XZ surface, and the second pushing side (221) is almost parallel to the XZ surface; the first through area (30) has a width extending from the first pushing side (211) of the first force-applying portion (21) toward the XZ surface, and the width of the first through area (30) is larger than the width of the first insertion plate (201) of the cork puller (200); the first through area (30) has a length extending from the first side (231) away from the YZ surface, and the length of the first through area (30) is larger than the distance of the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2) excluding the largest outer diameter of the helical section (12); the second through area (40) has a width extending from the second pushing side (221) of the second force-applying portion (222) toward the XZ surface, and the width of the second through area (40) is larger than the width of the second insertion plate (202) of the cork puller (200); the second through area (40) has a length extending from the second side (232) away from the YZ surface, and the length of the second through area (40) is larger than the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2) excluding the largest outer diameter of the helical section (12).

5. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 4, wherein the first force-applying portion (21) extends almost in parallel to the X axis and forms a free end (213); the length of the first force-applying portion (21) is larger than double of the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2); the second force-applying portion (222) extends almost in parallel to the X axis and forms another free end (223); the length of the second force-applying portion (222) is larger than double of the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2).

6. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 5, wherein the rear side (20a) and the right side (20c) of the main body (20) overlap to form a first quadrant (I); the rear side (20a) and the left side (20d) of the main body (20) overlap to form a second quadrant (II); the front side (20b) and the left side (20d) of the main body (20) overlap to form a third quadrant (III); the front side (20b) and the right side (20c) of the main body (20) overlap to form a fourth quadrant (IV); the helical section (12) extends in clockwise; the first force-applying portion (21) is positioned in the first quadrant (I), and the second force-applying portion (22) is positioned in the third quadrant (III).

7. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 6, wherein the first force-applying portion (21) has a first force-applying side (212) facing away from the XZ surface; the first force-applying side (212) of the first force-applying portion (21) is formed in a convex arc shape, and the first pushing side (211) of the first force-applying portion (21) is formed in a concave arc shape; the length of the first force-applying portion (21) is triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2); the second force-applying portion (22) has a second force-applying side (222) facing away from the XZ surface; the second force-applying side (222) of the second force-applying portion (22) is formed in a convex arc shape, and the second pushing side (221) of the second force-applying portion (20) is formed in a concave shape; the length of the second force-applying portion (22) is triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2), such that the first side (231) of the combining portion (23) is connected between the first pushing side (211) of the first force-applying portion (21) and the second force-applying side (222) of the second force-applying portion (22), and the second side (232) of the combining portion (23) is connected between the second pushing side (221) of the second force-applying portion (22) and the first force-applying side (212) of the first force-applying portion (21); the combining portion (23) extends along the Y axis, and the length of the combining portion (23) on the Y axis is equal to the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2); the main body (20) has a bottom sidetop side (25) facing away from the XY surface and disposed on the upper side (20e) and a bottom edge (26) facing away from the XY surface and disposed on the lower side (20f); the distance from the bottom sidetop side (25) to the bottom edge (26) is smaller than the length of the combining portion (23); the thickness of the first force-applying portion (21) and the second force-applying portion (22) is smaller than the distance from the bottom sidetop side (25) to the bottom edge (26).

8. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 7, wherein the length of the first through area (30) is smaller than triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2), and the width of the first through area (30) is smaller than 1.5 times the width of the first insertion plate (201) of the cork puller (200); the length of the second through area (40) is smaller than triple of the inner diameter of the bottleneck (2), and the width of the second through area (40) is smaller than 1.5 times the width of the second insertion plate (202) of the cork puller (200).

9. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 8, wherein the distance from the first pushing side (211) of the first force-applying portion (21) to the XZ surface is not larger than the width of the first insertion plate (201) of the cork puller (200), and the distance from the second pushing side (221) of the second force-applying portion (22) to the XZ surface is not larger than the width of the second insertion plate (202) of the cork puller (200).

10. The cork removing tool (100) of claim 4, wherein the combining portion (23) has an installation bore (24) disposed on the upper side (20e) of the main body (20) for a decoration member (50) to be installed therein.

Drawing