Abstract: Finger-actuated device for cutting slender articles at a distance, including a first end including an anvil and a cutting edge articulated about a common axis and arranged to temporarily accept a slender article therebetween, a second end including a handle and a finger-actuated trigger, an elongated rigid shaft holding the first end remote to the second end and, means actuated by the finger-actuated trigger along the shaft to cause the cutting edge to pivot forcibly into contact with the anvil.

Abstract: A single-hand actuated pick-up tool, including an elongated hollow stalk terminating at spaced-apart distal and proximal ends, first and second short, flexible, spring pick-up fingers extending divergently outward from the distal end of the stalk and including flexible elements terminating the outer ends of the fingers for grasping an object when brought toward one another, a center strap extending from the first pick-up finger interiorly along the stalk and then back interiorly to the second pick-up finger, a handle formed in cooperation with the stalk including a handle member pivotally mounted to the stalk and further including a device for drawing the center strap rearward the fingers when the handle member is pivoted toward the stalk, and a first hollow stalk plug for slidable insertion in the distal end of the stalk for retaining the fingers by friction in mounted position in the stalk.

Abstract: A shoe butler, for putting on and taking off one's shoes, having an elongated shaft with an upper handle and a lower shoe horn, a rubber chock held apart from behind the shoe horn by a spring attached to the shaft and band means, operable through a finger-actuable trigger adjacent the handle, to draw the chock in an upwardly arcuate path into sliding contact with the rear of the shoe horn to clasp the rear wall of the shoe therebetween. A tongue extends from a lower end of the shaft to engage the band means as the chock is drawn into contact with the shoe horn to lock the chock tightly against the shoe.