Abstract: A respirator comprises: a nose and mouth covering porous filter body and a flexible restraining device arranged so that the body may pivot in its vertical plane of symmetry about its nose contact portion, and the restraining device attaches to the body at positions where its restraining force imparts torque in the body about said nose contact portion so that the chin contact portion of said body bears against the user's chin. In use, the resulting chin contact force may be less than the opposing user expiration force on the filter body, so the periphery of the chin contact portion may separate from the user's chin during expiration to benefit user comfort and mitigate eyeglass condensation.

Abstract: A respirator comprises: a nose and mouth covering porous filter body and a flexible restraining device arranged so that the body may pivot in a transverse plane about its nose contact portion, and the restraining device attaches to the body at positions where its restraining force imparts torque in the body about said nose contact portion so that the chin contact portion of said body bears against the user's chin.

Abstract: A trivet as may be used to elevate food serving dishes from a table top features the form of an articulated multi-pointed star. A user can easily transform its shape into a form that occupies a smaller volume that is more convenient to store. It also provides a construction that can be economically manufactured using multiples of a single common structural element.

Abstract: A hand-held jar opener first stores rotational user energy in a clock spring while progressively closing a grip means to engage lids of different sizes. Next it grips the lid and provides mechanical advantage to the user to initially loosen it. Lastly it releases said stored rotational user energy to further unscrew the lid without additional user effort.