239
Woodman
’
s Patent
On June 29, 1886 Wilbur B. Woodman of Newark,
New Jersey was granted U. S. Patent No. 344,556
for his corkscrew invention. Woodman said he
wanted to
“
obviate the awkward pulling
operation.
”
He added, as so many others have
said in their patent applications, that he wanted
“
to provide a corkscrew which shall be simple and
economical in construction, and at the same time
durable and efficient in use.
”
Woodman attached a frame to a cast handle. At
the top of the handle is a hook and at the top of
the shaft is a hanging ring which also serves to
lock onto the pin when the worm is inserted into
the cork. The ring is then released and continuous
turning lifts the cork into the frame. The worm and the shaft are formed from
one piece of wire.
Woodman
‟
s corkscrew handle has a January 8, 1886 patent date cast into one
side. I have no explanation for this wrong date. His application was submitted
September 11, 1885 so that does not explain it. Woodman
‟
s own name is
prominently displayed on the other side.
