Abstract: Tongue and groove pliers include a first member having a slot, and a second member connected to the first member by a pin in the slot. The first member has a plurality of arcuate ribs defining open ended grooves on the side adjacent to the second member. The second member has a tongue on the side facing the first member. The tongue fits in a selected groove to adjust the spacing between opposing jaws on the respective first and second members. The pliers have at least one visual alignment feature to align the tongue with a desired groove. The alignment feature can be readily visible marks indicating locations of the tongue and/or grooves.

Abstract: Tongue and groove pliers include a first member having a slot, and a second member connected to the first member by a pin in the slot. The first member has a plurality of arcuate ribs defining open ended grooves on the side adjacent to the second member. The second member has a tongue on the side facing the first member. The tongue fits in a selected groove to adjust the spacing between opposing jaws on the respective first and second members. The pliers have at least one visual alignment feature to align the tongue with a desired groove. The alignment feature can be readily visible marks indicating locations of the tongue and/or grooves.

Abstract: A handheld bulber for use in planting and gardening is disclosed. The bulber has a rigid steel inverted conical frustum body of at least two opposing and slightly overlapping sidewall members pivotably joined together and a handle attached opposite a serrated cutting edge of the body. A movable dirt release mechanism is positioned between the handle and the pivot point such that moving the mechanism toward the handle, i.e., a squeezing hand motion, forces the handle end of the side members inward, thereby pivoting the digging end of the sidewall members outward. The dirt release mechanism may be attached within the slotted openings by a slider, rollers, or any other suitable means.

Abstract: A hand tool has two crossed members each having a handle and a jaw connected to each other at a pivot point. A leaf spring biases the handles towards an open position. The leaf spring can be selectively engaged or disengaged by the user.

Abstract: A fluid-dispensing kitchen apparatus has a body including a fluid reservoir and a handle, the reservoir being closed by an end plate which is welded to the body and is, in turn, latched to a cleaning medium block. An embodiment has a resilient tab on the block engaging an edge of the housing plate. Aligned holes through the plate and the block which provide communication between the reservoir and the plate is openable and closeable by a valve actuated by an increase in pressure provided by depressing a resilient button. In an embodiment, the resilient button includes a bias member to return the button to its rest position.

Abstract: A mashing tool is provided having a pair of arms attached to a mashing plate and a blade on each arm formed of a flexible resilient material in order to provide for scraping members and mixing members of the mashing tool. A non-scratch, noise-reduction, flexible coating is provided on the majority of the surfaces of the mashing tool and an improved fabrication method is provided thereby.

Abstract: A food press is provided having a presser arm and a presser plate which is received by a basket formed in a handle, and a pivotally attached perforated strainer plate is locatable within the basket. The strainer plate is pivotally attached to the handle at a point which is at a side of the basket opposite a hinge which pivotally attaches the handle to the presser arm. The food press provides for the pivoting of the strainer plate from a first position in the basket, where the food article may be pressed against the strainer plate, and a second position exposing the upper surface and lower surface of the strainer plate for easy access and cleaning of the perforated strainer plate.

Abstract: A fluid-dispensing kitchen apparatus has a body including a fluid reservoir and a handle, the reservoir being closed by an end plate which is welded to the body and is, in turn, latched to a cleaning medium block. An embodiment has a resilient tab on the block engaging an edge of the housing plate. Aligned holes through the plate and the block which provide communication between the reservoir and the plate is openable and closeable by a valve actuated by an increase in pressure provided by depressing a resilient button. In an embodiment, the resilient button includes a bias member to return the button to its rest position.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a jar opener assembly including a torquing tool and a pad which are used in conjunction with each other in order to easily remove a lid from a jar by placing the pad under the jar and attaching the torquing tool so that a cavity having serrated edges abuts against the jar lid in order to apply torque thereto. The torquing tool includes a pad receiving area to which the pad is mounted when not in use.

Abstract: A mashing tool is provided having a pair of arms attached to a mashing plate and a blade on each arm formed of a flexible resilient material in order to provide for scraping members and mixing members of the mashing tool. A non-scratch, noise-reduction, flexible coating is provided on the majority of the surfaces of the mashing tool and an improved fabrication method is provided thereby.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a jar opener assembly including a torquing tool and a pad which are used in conjunction with each other in order to easily remove a lid from a jar by placing the pad under the jar and attaching the torquing tool so that a cavity having serrated edges abuts against the jar lid in order to apply torque thereto. The torquing tool includes a pad receiving area to which the pad is mounted when not in use.

Abstract: A drain stopper includes a suction cup. The drain stopper is configured to block a drain opening and prevent water from entering the drain. The suction cup allows the drain stopper to be stored on a variety of surfaces, such as a vertical bathtub wall. In one form, the suction cup is on the bottom of the drain stopper and fits within the drain opening.

Abstract: A food press is provided having a presser arm and a presser plate which is received by a basket formed in a handle, and a pivotally attached perforated strainer plate is locatable within the basket. The strainer plate is pivotally attached to the handle at a point which is at a side of the basket opposite a hinge which pivotally attaches the handle to the presser arm. The food press provides for the pivoting of the strainer plate from a first position in the basket, where the food article may be pressed against the strainer plate, and a second position exposing the upper surface and lower surface of the strainer plate for easy access and cleaning of the perforated strainer plate.