Abstract: Conventional multi-tined implements such as cutlery and serving forks, pitchforks and front-end loader machine forks, all have smooth tine surfaces from which the respective items being picked up and transferred by a user may unintentionally slip off and cause harm. All such implements are provided enhanced ability to retain their respective loads during their intentional transfer by a user by the provision of a plurality of topographic discontinuities on selected load-contacting surfaces of their tines. These topographic discontinuities include small barb-like elements generated by wedge-shaped recesses extending into the tines and/or by barb-like projections extending from the tines into inter-tine gaps between adjacent tines. On thus improved food-handling implements all intersections, corners, edges and points incidental to formation of any topographic discontinuities are smoothed out to prevent physical harm to users.

Abstract: A “minimalized” key has the smallest length, overall volume and weight commensurate with the ability to operate a lock in the same manner as a corresponding conventional key. It is easily formed from a conventional key blank, preferably after unique edge profiling to suit the lock, by eliminating the head portion and providing an aperture in the remaining body portion for attachment of means that facilitate application of a torque to turn it to operate the lock. Minimalized key blanks are also easily and inexpensively made from strip stock of rectangular cross-section of appropriate dimensions by forming longitudinal grooves and an aperture in selected lengths thereof, and the minimalized key blanks so formed are then individually profiled to make minimalized keys to fit specific locks. They may also be color-coded to make them visibly distinguishable from one another.

Abstract: A conventional funnel that has a rimmed open bowl atop a spout, to guide a fluid flow poured in from a fluid-contributing source or container into a fluid-receiving container, is improved by the provision of a curved-in lip around the bowl rim. The curved-in lip intercepts any fluid seeking to splash out of the funnel for a variety of reasons, and redirects it back into the bowl to counter undesirable splash-out. The curved-in rim, even when of very small span, is effective in countering splash-out of true liquids, mixtures of non-sticking solid particulates in a liquid, dry flowing particulates and even small sized objects like peanuts.

Abstract: Any commonly used sheet of any shape or size, e.g., a flat bed-sheet, blanket, tablecloth, bath-sheet, spare or selected fabric piece, or the like can be easily adapted per this invention to become very conveniently, securely, and safely anchored on a beach or lawn by simple, inexpensive anchors. During their intended use, and also when the sheet is being put to alternative use, the adaptation elements provided on the sheet are unobtrusive and mostly remain discreetly out of sight. Likewise, when the sheet is anchored to ground for use even under windy conditions it is only the top surface of the sheet that is primarily visible, and no parts of any of the anchors project above the sheet where they might pose a danger of tripping up unwary users, especially small children.

Abstract: Conventional multi-tined implements such as cutlery and serving forks, pitchforks and front-end loader machine forks, all have smooth tine surfaces from which the respective items being picked up and transferred by a user may unintentionally slip off and cause harm. All such implements are provided enhanced ability to retain their respective loads during their intentional transfer by a user by the provision of a plurality of topographic discontinuities on selected load-contacting surfaces of their tines. These topographic discontinuities include small barb-like elements generated by wedge-shaped recesses extending into the tines and/or by barb-like projections extending from the tines into inter-tine gaps between adjacent tines. On thus improved food-handling implements all intersections, corners, edges and points incidental to formation of any topographic discontinuities are smoothed out to prevent physical harm to users.

Abstract: A “minimalized” key has the smallest length, overall volume and weight commensurate with the ability to operate a lock in the same manner as a corresponding conventional key. It is easily formed from a conventional key blank, preferably after unique edge profiling to suit the lock, by eliminating the head portion and providing an aperture in the remaining body portion for attachment of means that facilitate application of a torque to turn it to operate the lock. Minimalized key blanks are also easily and inexpensively made from strip stock of rectangular cross-section of appropriate dimensions by forming longitudinal grooves and an aperture in selected lengths thereof, and the minimalized key blanks so formed are then individually profiled to make minimalized keys to fit specific locks. They may also be color-coded to make them visibly distinguishable from one another.

Abstract: A lightweight, inexpensive, compactly portable, readily recognized sheet is easily located securely to ground at a sandy beach or a lawn to provide one or more users a comfortable defined resting surface. The sheet is anchored to ground with a plurality of anchors that resist inadvertent lifting even by strong wind gusts, but the anchors remain with the sheet until the user chooses to separate them, e.g., to wash the sheet.

Abstract: A small hand-held tool has a concavely open, center-symmetric, cutting edge at a forward end. To cut an elongate object such as a woody weed stem in a garden, the cutting edge is forcibly applied, preferably horizontally, at about or just below ground level in a forward direction simultaneously with an alternating side-to-side horizontal force to turn the tool and the cutting edge in a to-and-fro motion around the elongate object being cut. Forwardly inclined, center-symmetrically disposed saw teeth on the cutting edge will quickly cut the woody stem below ground so that no stubs are left sticking out of the ground to later trip the unwary. If the tool is fitted instead with a cutting blade provided with, for example, tungsten carbide-tipped teeth, or even a toothless edge coated with a layer of tungsten carbide grit, a patient user could apply the thus adapted tool to cleanly cut through much harder objects like steel bars or pipes, e.g., right where they are projecting from a wall or a concrete floor.

Abstract: A smooth-surfaced, firm, and flexibly bendable elongate element has a clog-snagging end portion which is provided at least one clog-snagging outwardly extended clog-snagging element. The clog-snagging portion is forcibly inserted through a drain hole into a water trap in which a fibrous clog has formed and is to be removed. A portion of the elongate element outside the water trap is flexibly shaped into a crank shape by the hands of the user, and is manually rotated to cause engagement between the clog-snagging element and twisting thereon of fibrous material contained in the clog. Upon such engagement, the elongate element is forcibly withdrawn from the drain hole with a portion of the clog detached from the water trap and engaged thereto.

Abstract: A light-weight shelter to protect a user from exposure to chill winds and material entrained therein has a peripheral wall inclined inwardly. The upper edge of the wall is supported by substantially vertical elements which also hold down the lower edge of the wall. Wind-entrained material, upon contacting the outer surface of the inwardly inclined wall, initially will tend to move upward. The wind passes over a sheltered zone defined within the wall, and any entrained matter is slowed down by friction with the wall and eventually falls to accumulate around a bottom edge outside of the wall. In one aspect of the invention, the wall is attached to a base having an outwardly extending portion on which the initially entrained particulate matter accumulates, and one or more outwardly extending flanges are provided to extend outwardly from the wall to even more effectively intercept entrained particulate matter from oncoming wind. The wall may be made to any suitable height.

Abstract: Overall shape replicates of objects of known shape and size are formed of a thin sheet material and are provided on a first side with one or more reference marks and/or apertures at positions which correspond to specific locations on the corresponding object at which support force should be provided for securely mounting the object to a supporting surface. In a preferred embodiment, the other side of each replicate is provided with a pressure-sensitive, releasable adhesive material, preferably leaving an edge portion of each replicate free of adhesive to enable temporary releasable adhesion of the replicate to the support surface. Repeatable removal of a replicate enables the user to visualize the corresponding object in harmony with other objects and/or nearby features.

Abstract: Overall shape replicates of objects of known shape and size are formed of a thin sheet material and are provided on a first side with one or more reference marks and/or apertures at positions which correspond to specific locations on the corresponding object at which support force should be provided for securely mounting the object to a supporting surface. In a preferred embodiment, the other side of each replicate is provided with a pressure-sensitive, releasable adhesive material, preferably leaving an edge portion of each replicate free of adhesive to enable temporary releasable adhesion of the replicate to the support surface. Repeatable removal of a replicate enables the user to visualize the corresponding object in harmony with other objects and/or nearby features.

Abstract: A thin, flexible, elongate sheet is marked on one side, preferably with sets of intersection lines and has through apertures formed at selected intersections of these lines, the other side of the sheet being provided with a thin coating of a pressure responsive, readily releasable, adhesive at least immediately around the apertures. An edge portion of the sheet is defined by a line of closely spaced fine perforations along and spaced from an edge portion of the sheet, to thereby define an elongate narrow portion having the plurality of evenly spaced-apart apertures. The edge portion can be torn off at the perforations to provide an elongate ribbon-like segment of the sheet. In both aspects, the elongate ribbon-like material is lightly pressed to a wall surface to provide an easily movable and removable reference for placing a nail, screw or other object-supporting means on the wall. An extended length of the sheet is placed on a substantially horizontal work surface with the adhesive side lowermost.