Abstract: A multi-purpose implement is provided, including a racquet, having a handle portion and a flexible planar area held under tension by a frame, and a ball basket attached to the racquet and adapted to lift a ball directly from a generally horizontal surface. A method of using the implement, without contacting the ball with one's hands, includes holding the handle portion in one or both hands, maneuvering the ball basket into contact with a ball lying on a generally horizontal surface, lifting the ball directly from the generally horizontal surface with the ball basket, tossing the ball from the ball basket into the air, and while the ball is in the air, striking the ball with the racquet.

Abstract: An artificial nail having a three dimensional feature. The three dimensional feature may be a three dimensional representation of any known or imagined person, place or thing. The three dimensional feature may have a protrusion that is graspable. The protrusion may be used to assist in placing the artificial nail onto a fingernail or toenail. The artificial nail may include a tool or writing implement that may be extendible/retractable, movable and/or rotatable. The artificial nail may include removably attached three dimensional features. The three dimensional feature may include hair. The three dimensional feature may include a sound emitter or be designed to emit sound. The three dimensional feature may be plush or made from fabric. The artificial nail may include a power source and a light emitter to emit light from a portion of the three dimensional feature.