Device for cracking shelled objects

Abstract

A device for cracking the shell of an object is provided comprising at least three members, each including an outer surface, an inner surface, an attachment end, and a grasping portion located on the inner surface, each of the grasping portions including a plurality of protrusions for contacting a shelled object, each of the protrusions containing a pointed tip extending outward and down toward the grasping portion, and an attachment portion coupled to the attachment end such that the at least three members define an interior cracking region bounded by each of the grasping portions. A user can crack the shell of the shelled object by placing it in the cracking region and exerting a uniform force on each of the at least three members. The members can be attached by a ring, secured by pins, welded together, or screwed or snapped into an attachment portion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation-In-Part of Ser. No. 11/313,045 filed Dec. 21, 2006.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was not federally sponsored.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The embodiments of the invention relate to the field of food treatment devices. More specifically, the embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for disjoining the shell of a food object from another portion of the food object.

2. Description of the Related Art

The effective cracking of shelled objects, such as nuts, has been a problem facing humans throughout recorded history. Nuts, in particular, have long been sought as a good source of food, but most commonly eaten varieties are protected with a hard shell, which needs to be cracked before the nut can be removed from the shell and eaten. Presumably the first nut cracking invention was the use of a small rock to cracks nuts against a larger rock, but over time humans realized that using leverage, they could crack nuts by pulling two opposing cracking members toward each other when the cracking members were connected at their tops.

Humans living close to the ocean were also faced with the problem of how to crack the hard shell and legs of crabs and lobsters. It is thought that they also began smashing the shells with rocks, then trying to salvage the meat from the broken shells. Over time it was discovered that the same principles as were used with primitive nut crackers could be used to effectively crack—but not smash—the shells and leg portions of crabs and lobsters, thereby preserving more of the meat.

As humans evolved, however, so did their tool-making abilities and their desire for cleaner, more effective and less messy methods of removing a nut from a nutshell and meat from a crab or lobster leg or pincher.

Thus there has existed a long-felt need for a device that can effectively contain a shelled object, such as a nut, for cracking and prevent the nut from slipping out of the device as it is cracked open. A similar need has existed for a device which can efficiently crack open the shells, legs, and pinchers of lobsters and crabs in a manner which cracks the shells but does not crush the inside meat.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited in their application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments of the invention are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the invention involves a device for cracking the shell of an object comprising at least three members, each of the at least three members including an outer surface, an inner surface, an attachment end having a cavity extending horizontally therethrough, and a grasping portion located on the inner surface, each of the grasping portions including a plurality of protrusions for contacting a shelled object, each of the plurality of protrusions containing a substantially pointed tip region extending outward and down toward the grasping portion, and a ring coupled to the attachment end such that the at least three members define an interior cracking region bounded by each of the grasping portions, the ring extending through each of the cavities. A user can place a shelled object within the interior cracking region and can crack the shell of the shelled object by exerting a uniform force on each of the at least three members, causing the plurality of protrusions on each of the grasping members to exert a force on the shelled object until the shell is cracked.

The ring can comprise a top portion and a bottom portion such that each of the at least three members are attached around the ring by inserting the top portion or the bottom portion through the cavity such that the portion of each of the at least three members above the cavity is between the top portion and the bottom portion, and each of the at least three members are rotated around the ring until the portion of each of the at least three members above the cavity is no longer between the top portion and the bottom portion.

Another embodiment involves a device for cracking the shell of an object comprising at least three members, each of the at least three cracking members including an outer surface, an inner surface, an attachment end, and a grasping portion located on the inner surface, each of the grasping portions including a plurality of protrusions for contacting a shelled object, each of the plurality of protrusions containing a substantially pointed tip region extending outward and down toward the grasping portion, and an attachment portion coupled to each of the at least three members, the attachment portion comprising a central region and at least three attachment members extending from the central region, the attachment end of each of the at least three members coupled to each of the at least three attachment members. A user can place a shelled object within the interior cracking region and can crack the shell of the shelled object by exerting a uniform force on each of the at least three cracking members, causing the plurality of protrusions on each of the grasping members to exert a force on the shelled object until the shell is cracked.

Each of the at least three members can comprises a screw extending from the attachment end and each of the at least three attachment members can include a cavity therein for receiving the screw, wherein each of the at least three members are coupled to each of the at least three attachment members by the insertion of the screw within the cavity. Alternatively, each of the at least three members can further comprise a first prong extending from the attachment end and each of the at least three attachment members can include a cavity therein including a second prong, wherein each of the at least three members are coupled to each of the at least three attachment members by the engagement of the first prong with the second prong.

Still another embodiment of the invention involves a device for cracking the shell of an object comprising at least three members, each of the at least three members including an outer surface, an inner surface, an attachment end, and a grasping portion located on the inner surface, each of the grasping portions including a plurality of protrusions for contacting a shelled object, each of the plurality of protrusions containing a substantially pointed tip region extending outward and down toward the grasping portion, and a welding compound, whereby the welding compound is used to weld together each of the at least three members such that the at least three members define an interior cracking region bounded by each of the grasping portions. A user can place a shelled object within the interior cracking region and can crack the shell of the shelled object by exerting a uniform force on each of the at least three members, causing the plurality of protrusions on each of the grasping members to exert a force on the shelled object until the shell is cracked.

A further embodiment of the invention involves a device for cracking the shell of an object comprising at least three members, each of the at least three members including an outer surface, an inner surface, an attachment end having a receiving portion comprising a groove having an inner portion and an exterior portion, the inner portion having a larger diameter than the exterior portion, and a grasping portion located on the inner surface, each of the grasping portions including a plurality of protrusions for contacting a shelled object, each of the plurality of protrusions containing a substantially pointed tip region extending outward and down toward the grasping portion, and a ring coupled to the attachment end such that the at least three members define an interior cracking region bounded by each of the grasping portions, the ring being fitted within the receiving portion of each of the at least three members. A user can place a shelled object within the interior cracking region and can crack the shell of the shelled object by exerting a uniform force on each of the at least three members, causing the plurality of protrusions on each of the grasping members to exert a force on the shelled object until the shell is cracked.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, features of the embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the embodiments of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principals of the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a cracking member of another embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of yet another embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of still another embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects in the closed position.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a cracking member of still another embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of still another embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects in the open position.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a further embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects, in the closed position.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a further embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects, in the open position.

FIG. 10A is a side perspective view of a further embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects.

FIG. 10B is a cross-section view of a cracking member of a further embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects shown in FIG. 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts are identified by like reference numerals, FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects 10. Device 10 includes a body portion 20 and an attachment portion 40. Body portion 20 comprises at least three cracking members 22. Cracking members 22 each include a distal end 24, an attachment end 26, and an inner point 27. Attachment end 26 includes an eyelet 28 extending horizontally through cracking member 22. Cracking members 22 further include an outer surface 21 and an inner surface 23. Cracking members 22 also include a grasping portion 30 located on inner surface 23 between attachment end 26 and inner point 27. Grasping portion 30 includes a plurality of protrusions 32 located thereon. Protrusions 32 can include a substantially pointed tip region extending outward and down toward the grasping portion. Cracking members 22 are preferably comprised of a strong and durable metal such as iron, but can also be comprised of a polymer material with similar characteristics.

Attachment portion 40 is comprised of a slip ring 41, similar to a key ring, having a top portion 42 and a bottom portion 44. Cracking members 22 are attached around slip ring 41, such that the combined grasping portions 30 define a cracking region 50. Each of cracking members 22 are attached to slip ring 41 in a similar process as placing a key on a key ring, namely by inserting either top portion 42 or bottom portion 44 through eyelet 28, such that eyelet 28 is between top portion 42 and bottom portion 44, and then rotating cracking members 22 about slip ring 41 until they eyelet 28 is secured on slip ring 41 and no longer between top portion 42 and bottom portion 44.

A user operates device 10 by placing a shelled object, such as a nut (not shown), within cracking region 50. A user then uses either one hand or both hands to grasp each of cracking members 22 and apply, at the same time, an inward force upon each of cracking members 22 to compress them against the object until the shell of the object cracks. A user can then pull the cracked shell and the inner portion of the object out of cracking region 50 to consume the inner portion of the object.

As most nut crackers are relatively two-dimensional and have an appearance based solely upon function and not appearance, they do not lend themselves to functionality as standing objects or as objects of art. Because of the use of three cracking members 22, device 10 can be stored or displayed in an upright position when not in use, as illustrated in this figure. The use of three or more cracking members 22 solves another problem often found with traditional nut crackers containing only two cracking members—that even if the user successfully keeps the nutshell within the grasp of the two cracking members, sometimes the actual nut will fall outside of the cracking region and onto the floor. With three or more cracking members, there is a greater chance that even if the nutshell is cracked such that the nut travels out an opening of the nutshell, the nut will be trapped by one or more of the cracking members and retained by the user for consumption.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a device for cracking shelled objects 100. Device 100 includes a body portion 110 and an attachment portion 130. Body portion 110 comprises at least three cracking members 112. Cracking members 112 each include a distal end 114, an attachment end 116, and an inner point 117. Cracking members 112 further include an outer surface 111 and an inner surface 113. Attachment end 116 includes a receiving portion 118 located on outer surface 111. Receiving portion 118 is shaped to receive attachment portion 130 and is defined by receiving members 113 and 115. The inner portion of receiving portion 118, that portion closest to inner surface 113, has a larger diameter than the exterior portion of receiving portion 118, that portion furthest from inner surface 113. Cracking members 112 also include a grasping portion 120 located on inner surface 113 between attachment end 116 and inner point 117. Grasping portion 120 includes a plurality of protrusions 122 located thereon.

Attachment portion 130 is comprised of a slip ring 132. Cracking members 112 are attached around slip ring 132 such that the combined grasping portions 120 define a cracking region 50. Cracking members 112 are attached to slip ring 132 by receiving portion 118 being snapped onto slip ring 132. Cracking members 112 are preferably comprised of a strong and durable metal such as iron, but can also be comprised of a polymer material with similar characteristics.

A user operates device 100 by placing a shelled object, such as a nut (not shown), within cracking region 140. A user then uses either one hand or both hands to grasp each of cracking members 112 and apply, at the same time, an inward force upon each of cracking members 112 to compress them against the object until the shell of the object cracks. A user can then pull the cracked shell and the inner portion of the object out of cracking region 140 to consume the inner portion of the object.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a cracking member 112, particularly illustrating receiving portion 118. Cracking members 112 include a grasping portion 120 located on inner surface 113 between attachment end 116 and inner point 117. Grasping portion 120 includes a plurality of protrusions 122 located thereon. Cracking members 112 are attached to slip ring 132 by receiving portion 118 being snapped onto slip ring 132 (see FIG. 2).

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of yet another embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects 200. Device 200 includes at least three cracking members 210 and an attachment point 220. Cracking members 210 each include a distal end 212, an attachment end 214. Cracking members 210 further include an outer surface 211 and an inner surface 213. Cracking members 210 also include a grasping portion 216 located on inner surface 213. Grasping portion 216 includes a plurality of protrusions 218 located thereon. Cracking members 112 are preferably comprised of a strong and durable metal such as iron, but can also be comprised of a polymer material with similar characteristics.

The attachment end 214 of each of cracking members 210 is attached at attachment point 220. The attachment end 214 of each of cracking members 210 is attached at attachment point 220. Attachment ends 214 are preferably attached by being welded together. Various welding methods and welding compounds can be utilized, as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. After attachment ends 214 are welded together, cracking members 210 will define a cracking region 230 located between grasping portions 216.

A user operates device 200 by placing a shelled object, such as a nut (not shown), within cracking region 230. A user then uses either one hand or both hands to grasp each of cracking members 210 and apply, at the same time, an inward force upon each of cracking/members 210 to compress them against the object until the shell of the object cracks. A user can then pull the cracked shell and the inner portion of the object out of cracking region 230 to consume the inner portion of the object.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of still another embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects in the closed position 300. Device 300 includes a body portion 310 and an attachment portion 330. Body portion 310 includes at least three cracking members 312. Cracking members 312 each include a distal end 314, an attachment end 316. Cracking members 312 further include an outer surface 311 and an inner surface 313. Cracking members 312 also include a grasping portion 320 located on inner surface 313. Grasping portion 320 includes a plurality of protrusions 322 located thereon. Cracking members 312 are preferably comprised of a strong and durable metal such as iron, but can also be comprised of a polymer material with similar characteristics.

Attachment portion 330 is comprised of a central region 332 and at least three attachment members 334. Attachment ends 316 are each attached to an attachment member 334. After attachment ends 316 are attached to attachment members 334, cracking members 312 will define a cracking region 340 located between grasping portions 320.

A user operates device 300 by placing a shelled object, such as a nut (not shown), within cracking region 340. A user then uses either one hand or both hands to grasp each of cracking members 312 and apply, at the same time, an inward force upon each of cracking members 312 to compress them against the object until the shell of the object cracks. A user can then pull the cracked shell and the inner portion of the object out of cracking region 340 to consume the inner portion of the object.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a cracking member 312, including distal end 314, attachment end 316, outer surface 311, inner surface 313, and grasping portions 320 including protrusions 322 located thereon. In this embodiment, cracking members 312 include an attachment prong 317 disposed within attachment end 316 and protruding out of cracking member 312. Further, attachment member 334 includes an opening 335 therein that includes an engagement prong 336 configured to engage with attachment prong 317 to secure cracking member 312 to attachment portion 330. As shown, attachment prong 317 and engagement prong 336 comprise an elongated member with a rounded and curved end. Cracking member 312 is secured to attachment portion 330 by attachment prong 317 being inserted into opening 335 until attachment prong 317 engages with engagement prong 336 such that the rounded and curved ends of each of attachment prong 317 and engagement prong 336 are secured against one another.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of another embodiment a cracking member 370 for still another embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects in the closed position 300. Cracking member 370 includes a distal end 374, an attachment end 376, outer surface 371, inner surface 373, and grasping portions 380 including protrusions 382 located thereon. In this embodiment, cracking members 370 include an attachment screw opening 384 disposed within attachment end 376. Further, attachment member 334 includes an opening 337 therein that includes an attachment screw 338. Attachment screw 338 is configured to extend out of attachment member 334, and is configured to screw into opening 384 to secure cracking member 370 to attachment portion 330. Cracking member 370 is secured to attachment portion 330 by attachment screw 338 being fully screwed into opening 384. It is also to be recognized that in another embodiment, attachment member 334 can alternatively comprise an attachment screw opening and cracking member 370 can comprise the attachment screw.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a further embodiment of the device for cracking shelled objects 400. Device 400 includes a body portion 410 and an attachment portion 430. Body portion 410 comprises at least three cracking members 412. Cracking members 412 each include a distal end 414, an attachment end 416, and an inner point 418. Cracking members 412 further include an outer surface 411 and an inner surface 413. Attachment end 416 includes an eyelet 424 extending horizontally through cracking member 412 and an attachment portion receiving region 426. Attachment portion receiving region 426 is preferably a countersunk region. Cracking members 412 also include a grasping portion 420 located on inner surface 413 between attachment end 416 and inner point 418. Grasping portion 420 includes a plurality of protrusions 422 located thereon. Cracking members 412 are preferably comprised of a strong and durable metal such as iron, but can also be comprised of a polymer material with similar characteristics.

Attachment portion 430 is comprised of a base portion 431 comprised of at least three prongs 432 each having a hole 434 therein. To secure a cracking member 412 to attachment portion 430, a prong 432 is aligned with attachment portion receiving region 426 such that eyelet 424 and hole 434 align. Next, a securing pin 436 is inserted through the opening formed by eyelet 424 and hole 434. Cracking members 412 are attached to attachment portion 430 such that the combined grasping portions 420 define a cracking region 440.

Each securing pin 436 has a round body part slightly smaller than the diameter of eyelets 424 and holes 434, and an end part which is slightly larger than eyelets 424, such that when securing pin 436 is inserted into an eyelet 424 and hole 434, securing pin 436 can slide through eyelet 424 and hole 434 until the end part of securing pin 436 is pushed past the outer edge of cracking member 412 and enters a countersunk cavity in eyelet 424 (not shown), whereupon the end part of securing pin 436 will snap into the countersunk cavity of eyelet 424 and be retained there, thereby securing each cracking member 412 to attachment portion 430. With this attachment, each cracking member 412 can rotate about an axis defined by the direction of the securing pin 436 from either an open position (see FIG. 9) to a closed position (this figure) or vice versa.

A user operates device 400 by placing a shelled object, such as a nut (not shown), within cracking region 440. A user then uses either one hand or both hands to grasp each of cracking members 412 and apply, at the same time, an inward force upon each of cracking members 412 to compress them against the object until the shell of the object cracks. A user can then pull the cracked shell and the inner portion of the object out of cracking region 440 to consume the inner portion of the object.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of device 400 in the open position, wherein each of cracking members 412 is extended in an outward position.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, FIG. 10A is a side perspective view of a cracking member 412, while FIG. 10B is a cross section view of a cracking member 412 along section A-A′ as illustrated in FIG. 10A. Cracking member 412 includes a distal end 414, attachment end 416, inner point 418, outer surface 411, inner surface 413, eyelet 424, attachment portion receiving region 426, and grasping portion 420 including protrusions 422 located thereon. In particular, these figures illustrate the spatial arrangement of protrusions 422 along grasping portion 420, along with the dimensioning of protrusions 422. The arrangement shown helps to ensure that a shelled object does not slip out of cracking region 440 during use of device 400.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of device 400. This figure illustrates the various components of device 400, including cracking members 412 including distal end 414, attachment end 416, inner point 418, outer surface 411, inner surface 413, eyelet 424, attachment portion receiving region 426, and grasping portion 420 including protrusions 422 located thereon, attachment portion 430 including base portion 431 having at least three prongs 432 each having a hole 434, and securing pins 436.

With respect to the above description it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents fall within the scope of the present invention.

The above description, together with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific advantages attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to quickly determine the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Claims

1. A device for cracking the shell of an object comprising:

a) at least three members, each of the at least three members including an outer surface, an inner surface, an attachment end, and a grasping portion located on the inner surface, each of the grasping portions including a plurality of protrusions for contacting a shelled object, each of the plurality of protrusions containing a substantially pointed tip region extending outward and down toward the grasping portion; and

b) means for attachment coupled to the attachment end such that the at least three members define an interior cracking region bounded by each of the grasping portions,

whereby a user can place a shelled object within the interior cracking region and can crack the shell of the shelled object by exerting a uniform force on each of the at least three members, causing the plurality of protrusions on each of the grasping members to exert a force on the shelled object until the shell is cracked.

2. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 1, wherein the means for attachment is a ring and each of the attachment ends include a cavity extending horizontally therethrough, wherein the ring extends through each of the cavities.

3. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 1, wherein the ring comprises a top portion and a bottom portion such that each of the at least three members are attached around the ring by inserting the top portion or the bottom portion through the cavity such that the portion of each of the at least three members above the cavity is between the top portion and the bottom portion, and each of the at least three members are rotated around the ring until the portion of each of the at least three members above the cavity is no longer between the top portion and the bottom portion.

4. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 1, wherein the attachment end of each of the at least three members includes a receiving portion shaped to receive the means for attachment.

5. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 4, wherein the receiving portion comprises a groove having an inner portion and an exterior portion, the inner portion having a larger diameter than the exterior portion.

6. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 1, wherein the means for attachment comprises a central region and at least three attachment members extending from the central region, the attachment end of each of the at least three members coupled to each of the at least three attachment members.

7. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 6, wherein each of the at least three members further comprise a screw extending from the attachment end and each of the at least three attachment members include a cavity therein for receiving the screw, wherein each of the at least three members are coupled to each of the at least three attachment members by the insertion of the screw within the cavity.

8. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 6, wherein each of the at least three members further comprise a first prong extending from the attachment end and each of the at least three attachment members include a cavity therein including a second prong, wherein each of the at least three members are coupled to each of the at least three attachment members by the engagement of the first prong with the second prong.

9. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 6, wherein the means for attachment comprises a non-metallic material.

10. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 1, wherein the means for attachment comprises a welding compound, whereby the welding compound is used to weld together each of the at least three members.

11. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged in two arrays along the length of each of the grasping portions.

12. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 1, wherein the at least three members are comprised of a metallic material.

13. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 1, wherein each of the attachment ends include a cavity extending horizontally therethrough and the means for attachment comprises a base portion comprised of at least three prongs each having a hole therein, wherein to secure each of the at least three members to the means for attachment, the cavity is aligned with the hole and a securing pin is inserted through the opening formed by the alignment of the cavity and the hole.

14. A device for cracking the shell of an object comprising:

a) at least three members, each of the at least three members including an outer surface, an inner surface, an attachment end having a cavity extending horizontally therethrough, and a grasping portion located on the inner surface, each of the grasping portions including a plurality of protrusions for contacting a shelled object, each of the plurality of protrusions containing a substantially pointed tip region extending outward and down toward the grasping portion; and

b) a ring coupled to the attachment end such that the at least three members define an interior cracking region bounded by each of the grasping portions, the ring extending through each of the cavities

whereby a user can place a shelled object within the interior cracking region and can crack the shell of the shelled object by exerting a uniform force on each of the at least three members, causing the plurality of protrusions on each of the grasping members to exert a force on the shelled object until the shell is cracked.

15. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 14, wherein the ring comprises a top portion and a bottom portion such that each of the at least three members are attached around the ring by inserting the top portion or the bottom portion through the cavity such that the portion of each of the at least three members above the cavity is between the top portion and the bottom portion, and each of the at least three members are rotated around the ring until the portion of each of the at least three members above the cavity is no longer between the top portion and the bottom portion.

16. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 14, wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged in two arrays along the length of each of the grasping portions.

17. A device for cracking the shell of an object comprising:

a) at least three members, each of the at least three members including an outer surface, an inner surface, an attachment end, and a grasping portion located on the inner surface, each of the grasping portions including a plurality of protrusions for contacting a shelled object, each of the plurality of protrusions containing a substantially pointed tip region extending outward and down toward the grasping portion; and

b) an attachment portion coupled to each of the at least three members, the attachment portion comprising a central region and at least three attachment members extending from the central region, the attachment end of each of the at least three members coupled to each of the at least three attachment members

whereby a user can place a shelled object within the interior cracking region and can crack the shell of the shelled object by exerting a uniform force on each of the at least three members, causing the plurality of protrusions on each of the grasping members to exert a force on the shelled object until the shell is cracked.

18. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 17, wherein each of the at least three members further comprise a screw extending from the attachment end and each of the at least three attachment members include a cavity therein for receiving the screw, wherein each of the at least three members are coupled to each of the at least three attachment members by the insertion of the screw within the cavity.

19. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 1, wherein each of the at least three members further comprise a first prong extending from the attachment end and each of the at least three attachment members include a cavity therein including a second prong, wherein each of the at least three members are coupled to each of the at least three attachment members by the engagement of the first prong with the second prong.

20. The device for cracking the shell of an object of claim 17, wherein the attachment portion comprises a non-metallic material.