Abstract: Apparatus comprising a worm (14) that engages with a control nut (9), such that the worm spirals through the nut into the cork (4) on insertion while the nut remains stationary, then the cork is extracted by an upward force on the nut. Mechanical advantage may feature on the insertion and/or extraction processes. Both the upward force and the torque on the worm from the nut are balanced by non-frictional forces from the cork, arising from frictional forces between the bottle (2) and the cork. Having independent insertion and extraction mechanisms enables these mechanisms to be controlled independently and enables the worm to be inserted to and extracted from different depths, depending on the length of the cork. This is not possible in previous nut corkscrews, which rely either on latches at the end of the insertion stroke or on friction between the cork and the worm.

Abstract: A reusable cooling and insulating device for bottles and the like is provided in the form of a jacket having a single or plurality of flexible compartments which are interconnected having an inner chamber and an outer chamber therein. A heating and cooling temperature conditionable liquid is housed in the inner chamber which enables the inner diameter of the jacket formed by the inner chamber to confirm with the surface of the object on the which the jacket is positioned for heating or cooling. A flexible insulator of air or air and flexible plastic is positioned in the outer chamber of each compartment for directing a greater temperature transfer from liquid to the object and less heat exchange from the liquid to the environment. The liquid is continuously in direct contact with and pressed upon the bottle or object which contact determines the cooling/heating. The jacket is recharged in a freezer or heated in a microwave depending on the function to be performed.