Abstract: A de-thorning instrument that can be manipulated to gouge thorny processes on cactus petals, such as those found on the nopal cactus, for preparation as a food staple. The de-thorning instrument can be provided as a pre-shaped cutting instrument or shapable cutting instrument that gouges only the swelled base of the thorny process on the cactus petal in a single sweep of the de-thorning instrument. The de-thorning instrument is an edged instrument having an edged body structure including at least one concave edged portion and an adjacent expanded body portion that effects simultaneous cutting and removal of the cactus thorns. A handle member is attached to the edged body structure for ease of manipulating the apparatus.

Abstract: A container device that facilitates secondary use of plastic grocery bags of the type having a pair of opposed upper integral straps for use as carrying handles. The container includes a pair of opposed supports for receiving the plastic bag's integral straps. Each one of the opposed pair of supports is made up of a hinged flap portion that is provided with slits in alignment with the hinge axis and that effect receiving respective ones of the integral straps. The flap member is provided with a securement member in the form of hook fastening material that can be secured to a mating securement member in the form of loop fastening material located on the outer surface portion of the container. The mated securement members effect positive support of an internally disposed plastic grocery bags.

Abstract: A power transfer apparatus for imparting drive motion to followers. The power transfer apparatus mechanically and rotatably communicates with a driven wheel of a vehicle and transfers rotary power to the non-driven wheel of a vehicle. The present invention teaches a power distribution apparatus for mountain bicycles that mechanically and rotatably communicate with a pedal driven wheel and that transfers rotary power to the non-driven wheel to improve the forward propulsion of the mountain bicycle under rough terrain riding conditions. The power transfer apparatus includes a first caliper assembly having a driver idler and an auxiliary free wheeling idler for engaging a pedal driven wheel of a bicycle, a cable drive system coupled to the driver idler transfers drive motion from the driven wheel to a second caliper assembly having a receiver idler that engages the drive motion to the non-driven wheel.