This invention relates to an opener for the class of molluscs called Bivalvia because they have hinged double shells or valves. As oysters and scallops are the best known members of this class it is convenient to entitle this application 'An Oyster or Scallop

Opener ¹ - and for the sake of consistency the following description of a preferred form is devoted to oysters - but it is to be understood that it has a broad connotation and extends to other members in this class, known in zoology as Lamellibranchia and Pelecypoda.

Opening of oysters presents a problem to most people and current available oyster openers are difficult and to some extent unsatisfactory. In some cases, unless carefully manipulated, damage may be caused to the operator's hand. This is so, not only because the oyster may have irregular and sharp edges but also because there may be a need to grip the oyster tightly, and further because many openers have sharp blades. It is a primary object of this invention to provide an opener which may be rapidly and efficiently operated by a user who is not professionally skilled, and not accustomed to opening oysters.

One broad form of the invention resides in a hand tool for opening molluscs comprising a hand grip portion and a pair of jaws, said jaws being openable and closeable by operation of said hand grip portion, one of said jaws including a portion directed towards a face of the other jaw and terminating in a form adapted to puncture the shell of a mollusc, the other jaw being substantially flat on said face whereby, in use, to support a mollusc, and having an extended portion in the form of a blade-like member adapted to complete the opening of a shell in use, and to remove the soft body therefrom. In one preferred aspect this invention provides an oyster opener of the kind illustrated in the accompanying drawing, Figure 1. As shown the device

is a plier-like utensil having two handles 1, 2 which pivot at 3. The operating mechanism is an upper jaw 4 of a generally curved configuration having a chisel¬ like end 4a and a lower or supporting jaw 5 extending beyond the upper jaw 4. Preferably the lower jaw is substantially straight over most of its length but it may have a small angular deviation towards its end 6. Member 6 may be considered as a blade-like member. In operation the oyster may be held in one hand without the need to grip it tightly and the opener operated with the other hand. The oyster is placed between the jaws at its fringe end. The upper shell is punctured by the curved member 4. The blade-like member 6 is then used to separate the two flaps of the mantle and to remove the soft body of the oyster. The operation may be performed successfully at the hinge end.

As illustrated, the tool is plier-like with two pivotted members 1 and 2. However, this is not essential, the requirement being that operation of a hand grip closes a pair of jaws. Further, member 4 as illustrated is curved, and with a chisel-like end. This form is simple to manufacture. It could however be any other shape terminating in a portion capable of puncturing the shell of the oyster. it may be mentioned that the device of this invention can be made by any conventional means. Additionally, it may be made of any suitable material such as steel or stainless steel. If desired the handles may be coated or covered with plastics material. It is also contemplated that the device could be of steel and electroplated with a suitable material to reduce any tendency to rust.

It is reiterated that the present invention is not restricted to the specific embodiment described but is to be given a broad interpretation. It is, therefore, understo that mechanical equivalents as occur to those skilled in the art are embraced.