WO2008065309A1

WO2008065309A1 - Device for opening a bivalve

Info

Publication number: WO2008065309A1
Application number: PCT/FR2007/052417
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick Lesage
Original assignee: Patrick Lesage
Priority date: 2006-12-01
Filing date: 2007-11-29
Publication date: 2008-06-05
Also published as: FR2909272B1; FR2909272A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (110) for opening a bivalve (112) having two valves (114, 116) stuck together along an interface (I), the two valves being connected by a muscle. The invention is characterized in that the device comprises: first clamping means (122), which take the form of a V-shaped wedge provided with a first edge, and second clamping means (124), which take the form of a V-shaped wedge provided with a second edge, the first and second clamping means being arranged in such a way that they can clamp the bivalve (112) so that the interface (I) of the bivalve (112) extends approximately in a plane (P) defined by said first and second edges, a blade (126) extending approximately in said plane (P) and being insertable between the two valves (114, 116) in order to cut the muscle (118) and allow the bivalve to be opened, the device being characterized in that it also comprises a punch (210) for making, before the blade is inserted, a notch (220) on the edge of the bivalve through which the blade is inserted.

Description

Device for opening a bivalve

The present invention relates to the field of utensils for opening crustaceans, including bivalves such as oysters for example.

The present invention more particularly relates to a device for opening a bivalve having two valves contiguous to one another along an interface, the two valves being interconnected by a muscle. It is known that the muscle of the bivalve exerts an action tending to firmly hold the two valves contiguous against each other, so much so that the opening of the bivalve generally requires the cutting of this muscle.

Traditionally, devices of this type are in the form of a flat blade knife that the user must insert inside the bivalve to sever the muscle.

In practice, the user holds the bivalve in one hand and the knife in the other hand.

As the two valves are firmly contiguous to one another, it is particularly difficult and difficult to correctly introduce the blade between the two valves.

If by chance the blade is positioned incorrectly relative to the bivalve, the latter can slide so that the blade can come to hurt the hand of the user who holds the bivalve. There may also be damage to the bivalve in the case where the blade perforates one of the valves instead of cutting the muscle.

An object of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages. The invention achieves its object by the fact that the device according to the present invention comprises;

first locking means, which are in the form of a V-shaped corner provided with a first edge,

second locking means, which are in the form of a V-shaped wedge provided with a second edge, the first and second locking means being arranged so that they can block the bivalve so that the interface of the bivalve extends substantially in a plane defined by said first and second edges,

- A blade extending substantially in said plane and being adapted to be inserted between the two valves to cut the muscle so as to allow the opening of the bivalve.

Thus, thanks to the present invention, the user does not himself hold the bivalve, which avoids any risk of injury.

Moreover, the bivalve is advantageously positioned so that the blade enters the bivalve extending in the plane of the interface of the bivalve, as a result of which it avoids any damage to the latter.

Preferably, each of the "V" -shaped wedges furthermore has two surfaces connected to one another along the edge of said corner, these two surfaces delimiting a hollow space capable of receiving one end of the bivalve. The edges of the bivalve can slide along the lower flanks of the "V" corners thus allowing automatic positioning of the bivalve in the device.

It is understood that when the bivalve is blocked by the wedges in the shape of "V", the surfaces of the corners bear against the lower and upper edges of the bivalve as a result of which the interface of the bivalve is positioned naturally opposite the edges of the corners in the shape of "V". As a result, the interface of the bivalve extends substantially in the plane defined by said first and second edges.

Preferably, the blade is also capable of severing a hinge ligament of the bivalve.

Advantageously, the first and second locking means are able to be arranged on either side of the bivalve.

Thanks to this advantageous arrangement, the opening of the bivalve can take place while maintaining the blocking of the bivalve, unlike known devices where the two valves are enclosed.

Preferably, the first and second locking means are adapted to be arranged on either side of the bivalve considered in the longitudinal direction, the bivalve being held by its edges.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention further comprises guide means for guiding the displacement of the blade between the two valves through the interface via the first edge of the first blocking means.

Preferably, the guiding means also comprise means for inclining the blade relative to said plane during its displacement.

The inclination of the blade advantageously allows to separate the valves from one another, to cut the muscle as close to the inner face of the valve before returning to the plane to complete the opening of the bivalve by severing the ligament of the hinge of the bivalve.

Advantageously, the first locking means comprise a movable part able to be moved away from one of the valves of the bivalve during the insertion of the blade between the two valves in order to allow the lifting of said valve, thus leading to the opening of the bivalve. When the blade is inserted, even partially, between the two valves, it is understood that the blade prevents the lifting of the other valve, that is to say, it maintains that of the two valves which is not intended to rise up.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the device according to the invention further comprises a punch capable of producing, prior to the insertion of the blade, a notch on the edge of the bivalve through which the blade is inserted.

This indentation facilitates insertion of the blade into the bivalve. Indeed, the edge of the bivalve where the two valves meet is usually tapered, we understand that the blade, in the absence of indentation, must be perfectly coplanar with the interface of the bivalve to prevent slipping of the blade when his contact with the edge of the bivalve.

The indentation locally reduces the taper of the edge of the bivalve forming a thick edge through which the blade is intended to be inserted.

It is thus understood that the blade, even if it is not perfectly coplanar with the interface of the bivalve, can still come into contact with the thick edge and be introduced between the two valves. This minimizes the risk of skidding of the blade. Advantageously, the punch is able to be actuated by the displacement of the blade.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention further comprises means for moving the first and second locking means relative to each other so as to block the bivalve.

These means may in particular be constituted by the hand of the user or by mechanical means such as a jack for example.

It will be understood that when approaching the "V" shaped corners of each other, at least one of the edges of the bivalve slides on one of the two surfaces of one of the corners until that said edge is blocked by the other surface of said corner, as a result of which, the bivalve is blocked by said corner.

Preferably, the first locking means can translate relative to the second locking means, in order to adapt the device to the dimensions of the bivalve.

The invention will be better understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, of an embodiment shown by way of non-limiting example. The description refers to the drawings, in which: FIG. 1A is a schematic view of the device according to the present invention, before the insertion of the blade into the bivalve; Figure IB is a schematic view of the device according to the present invention, after cutting the muscle of the bivalve; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention wherein the bivalve is held by the locking means, the blade is not inserted into the bivalve; Figure 3 is a partial top view of the device according to the invention showing the position of the movable portion of the first blocking means before the insertion of the blade; Figure 4 is a sectional side view of the device according to the invention before the insertion of the blade; Figure 5 is a sectional side view of the device according to the invention showing the embodiment of the notch during the action of the punch; Figure 6 is a partial top view of the device according to the invention showing the displacement of the movable portion of the first blocking means during the insertion of the blade into the bivalve; and Figure 7 is a sectional side view of the device according to the invention showing the lifting of the upper valve after cutting the muscle of the bivalve.

With the aid of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the principle of operation of a device 10 according to the present invention will firstly be described, this device allowing the opening of a bivalve 12, such as for example but not necessarily a Oyster.

As can be seen in these two figures, the bivalve 12 consists of a first valve 14 and a second valve 16 interconnected by a muscle 18 disposed within the bivalve, the function of this muscle being to control the opening and closing of the bivalve. The two valves 14 and 16 are hinged together by means of a hinge ligament disposed on an edge of the bivalve.

When the bivalve 12 is closed, as shown in FIG IA, the two valves 14 and 16 are contiguous to each other along an interface I which is substantially planar. In this position, the muscle 18 of the bivalve 12 exerts a force of contraction tending to firmly hold the valves 14,16 contiguous to each other.

According to the invention, the device 10 makes it possible to cut this muscle 18 and subsequently to allow the opening of the bivalve 12. To do this, the device 10 comprises first blocking means 22 which have the form of a shaped wedge "V" and second locking means 24 which also have the shape of a wedge shaped "V".

As shown in Figures IA and IB, it is found that the first and second locking means 22,24 maintain the bivalve 12 by its edges, and more particularly by two substantially opposite edges.

Preferably, the second locking means 24 rest on the edge of the bivalve 12 where the ligament 20 is located while the first locking means 22 bear on the edge of the opposite bivalve. According to the invention, the "V" corner of the first locking means 22 is provided with a first edge 22a, as well as two surfaces 22b and 22c, while the "V" corner of the second locking means 24 is provided with a second edge 24a, as well as two surfaces 24b and 24c.

Advantageously, the first and second locking means 22,24 are arranged so that they can block the bivalve 12 in a position in which the interface I extends substantially in a plane P defined by the first and second edges 22a, 24a. The device 10 according to the invention further comprises a blade 26 extending substantially in the plane P as seen more particularly in Figure IA.

As seen in FIG. 1B, this blade 26 is able to be inserted between the two valves 14 and 16 in order to cut the muscle 18 so as to allow the opening of the bivalve 12 by the lifting of the first valve 14.

Since the blade advantageously extends in the same plane as that of the interface I, it is understood that the blade can be easily inserted between the two valves during the translational movement of the blade 26. To do this, the device 10 according to the invention further comprises, preferably, guide means (described below) for guiding the displacement of the blade 26 between the two valves 14, 16 through the interface I via the first edge 22a of the first Locking means 22. Preferably, the lifting of the first valve 14 is rotated around the hinge ligament.

With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, it can be seen that the first blocking means 22 comprise a movable part 221 and a fixed part 222, the movable part 221 being able to be moved away from the edge of the first valve 14 during the insertion of the blade 26 to allow the lifting of the valve 14.

According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the guide means (detailed below) comprise means for inclining the blade relative to the plane P during its displacement. Preferably, the inclination of the blade 26 takes place after the cutting of the muscle 18 by the blade 26. With the aid of FIG. 1B it is understood that the inclination of the blade makes it possible to lift the first valve 14, thus facilitating the opening of the bivalve 12.

With the help of Figures 2 to 7, will now be described an embodiment of a device 110 according to the invention.

For the sake of clarity, the elements described below which are identical to those described above carry the same numerical reference plus the value cent.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device 110 according to the invention, shown in a position in which a bivalve 112 is held between the first blocking means 122 and the second blocking means 124. As seen in this figure , the device

110 comprises means 200 for moving the first and second locking means 122, 124 relative to each other so as to block the bivalve 112.

More specifically, the second locking means 124 are movable in translation relative to the first blocking means 122 which makes it possible to block bivalves of several sizes.

As already explained above, the first and second locking means 122, 124 respectively comprise first and second edges arranged so that the interface of the bivalve 112, whatever its size, extends substantially in the plane defined by these two edges.

It can also be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 that the first locking means 122 comprise a mobile part 321 comprising a first arm 321a and a second arm 321b able to come into contact with two lateral edges of the bivalve 112 to ensure its maintenance.

In addition, the device 110 comprises a flat blade 126 whose one end has a tip, this blade 126 being intended to cut the muscle 118 of the bivalve 112 during its insertion into the bivalve 112.

As seen in Figure 2 and more particularly in Figure 4, the blade 126 extends substantially in the plane of the interface I of the bivalve 112, this plane also corresponding to the plane defined by the edges of the first and second means blocking 122,124. During its displacement, the blade 126 is guided in translation so that the tip of the blade 126 can be inserted between the two valves 114 and 116 of the bivalve 112.

The device 110 according to the present invention furthermore advantageously comprises a punch 210 intended to produce, before the insertion of the blade 126 into the bivalve 112, a notch 220 on the edge of the bivalve 112 through which the blade is inserted. 126.

The embodiment of the indentation is particularly visible in Figure 5. The punch 210 is in the form of a finger pivotable about an axis A orthogonal to the direction of movement of the blade 126, the axis A of rotation of the punch being disposed under the plane of the blade away from the first edge of the first locking means 122.

When the bivalve is placed in the device and before any displacement of the blade 126, the punch 210 is inclined so that its upper end 212 bears on the first valve

114 while crossing the plane in which the blade 126 extends, as shown in Figure 4.

It will be understood from FIG. 5 that during its displacement, the blade 126 comes into contact with the punch 210 thus forcing it to pivot about the axis A, so that the punch 210 locally breaks the first valve 114 then the second valve 116 thus making a notch 220 in the edge of the bivalve 112.

Preferably, the blade 126 is inclined towards the valve 116 in order to actuate the punch 210 and to penetrate between the two valves 114, 116.

It is understood that when the blade 126 reaches the edge of the bivalve 112, the notch 220 is formed and the upper end of the punch 210 is below the plane of the blade 126, whereby the displacement of the blade 126 is not bothered by the punch 210.

In addition, as already explained above, the presence of the indentation facilitates the insertion of the blade 126 between the two valves 114,116.

When the blade begins to penetrate between the two valves 114 and 116, the blade 126 is preferably positioned in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the interface I and then the edges of the tip. of the blade 126 come into contact with the arms 321a and 321b causing them to move away from the first valve 114, as shown schematically by arrows in FIG. 6.

As a result, when the blade 126 has penetrated into the bivalve, the arms 321a and 321b are spaced apart and are therefore no longer in contact with the first valve, so that said arms no longer rest on the first valve 114. moment, it is the blade 126 that holds the second valve

116.

With the aid of FIG. 7, it is understood that the blade 126 cuts the muscle 118 when it penetrates sufficiently into the bivalve 112,

Preferably, the blade 126 is inclined such that the blade 126 cuts the muscle closest to the inner face of the valve 114.

Still preferably, the end of the progression of the blade is coplanar to the plane of the interface I in order to complete the opening operation and to cut the ligament 120 forming a hinge.

Preferably, the device 110 further comprises guide means 240 of the blade 126 which will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7. The blade 126 is fixed to a carriage 241 that is mobile in translation relative to to a frame 243 of the device 110.

The frame 243 is further provided with a guide path 242 extending in the longitudinal direction of the device (i.e. in the direction of travel of the blade 126), in which a follower 244 moves which is attached to the end of the blade 126 opposite the tip.

The follower 244 is also movable in a light of the carriage 241 orthogonal to the plane of the interface I.

Preferably, the device 110 further comprises means 250 for moving the blade 126 comprising a notched pinion rotatably mounted on the carriage 241, said pinion being rotatable by means of an arm 254 fixed to said pinion 252.

To allow the carriage to move, the means 250 for moving the blade 126 further comprise a rack 256 meshing with the pinion 252, said rack being secured to the frame 243 as seen in FIG. 7. As the rack 256 is integral with the frame, it is understood that the rotation of the arm 254, so the pinion 252, causes the translational movement of the carriage 241 and, consequently, that of the blade 126. It could also be provided, without leaving the frame of the present invention, a jack for moving the carriage 241.

Most of the guide path 242 is substantially contained in the plane of the interface I of the bivalve 126 so that the blade 126 is constrained to move in this plane, it being understood that said blade also bears on a surface guide 245 of the frame 243, said surface still extending substantially in the plane of the interface I. This allows the displacement in rectilinear translation of the blade 126, as understood with the aid of FIG.

Further, the guide path 242 advantageously has a curved portion 246 in the plane of the interface I, so that when the follower 244 is located in this curved portion 246, the blade 126 tilts as is shown in Figure 7.

The guide path may also comprise a curved portion above the plane of the interface I so that the blade 126 may be directed towards the valve 116, in particular at the beginning of translation in order to facilitate the penetration of the blade 126 between the two. valves

114,116, as explained above.

The inclination of the blade 126 is also guided by a bar 248 transverse to the frame 243.

As can be understood from FIG. 7, when the blade 126 tilts, its tip raises the first valve 114 thus allowing easy opening of the bivalve 112.

Thus, in a single action on the arm 254, the user can properly open the bivalve and this, safely.

Claims

1. Device for opening a bivalve (12,112) having two valves (14,16,114,116) contiguous to one another along an interface (I), the two valves being connected by a muscle (18,118 ), the device comprising: first locking means (22,122), which are in the form of a "V" -shaped wedge provided with a first edge (22a), - second locking means (24,124), which have the shape of a "V" -shaped wedge with a second edge (24a), the first and second locking means being arranged so that they can block the bivalve (12, 112) so that the interface (I) of the bivalve extends substantially in a plane (P) defined by said first and second edges,

a blade (26, 126) extending substantially in said plane (P) and being able to be inserted between the two valves

(14,16,114,116) to cut the muscle so as to allow the opening of the bivalve, the device being characterized in that it further comprises a punch (210) capable of producing, prior to insertion of the blade, an indentation (220) on the edge of the bivalve through which the blade is inserted.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second locking means (22,24,122,124) are adapted to be arranged on either side of the bivalve (12,112).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises guide means (240,241,242,244) for guiding the movement of the blade (26,126) between the two valves through the interface via the first edge. first blocking means.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide means (240,241,242,244,246) comprise means (246) for tilting the blade (26,126) relative to said plane (P) as it moves.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first locking means (22,122) comprise a movable portion (221,321a, 321b) adapted to be remote from one of the valves (14,114) of the bivalve (12,112) during the insertion of the blade (26,126) between the two valves to allow the lifting of said valve (14,114).

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the punch (210) is adapted to be actuated by the displacement of the blade (126).

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises means (200) for moving the first and second locking means (122,124) relative to each other. to be able to block the bivalve (112).

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises means (250,252,254,256) for moving the blade (126) relative to the first and second locking means (122,124).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said means comprise a pinion (252) and a rack (256), and / or a jack.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the blade (26,126) is also capable of cutting a ligament (20,120) hinge forming the bivalve (12,112).