Cork extractor

Abstract

Apparatus for extracting a cork from a bottle comprising a corkscrew rotatably mounted on a carrier, the carrier in turn being mounted for longitudinal reciprocation on a frame. The apparatus further includes a control nut having a screw passage positioned to receive the corkscrew and configured to mate with the configuration of the corkscrew whereby, upon longitudinal movement of the corkscrew in the screw passage, rotational movement will be imparted to the corkscrew. A latch, engageable and releasable independently of the force of gravity is provided for releasably latching the control nut to the frame to restrain relative longitudinal movement therebetween. Relative rotation between the control nut and the frame is also prevented. A bottle-engaging assembly is connected to the frame for positioning a bottle with respect to the frame in longitudinal alignment with the screw passage. The bottle-engaging assembly is associated with the latch and, when a bottle is engaged therein, is operative cooperatively with the engaged bottle to release the latch. The apparatus further comprises guide means laterally spaced from the corkscrew and cooperative between the frame and the carrier for guiding the latter in a longitudinal path. Means are also provided for restricting rotation of the corkscrew as it is raised from the bottle with the cork.