Abstract: A portable postal scale for determining whether the weight of a letter exceeds the maximum for a given amount of postage, for example, one ounce. The scale comprises an elongated beam having a letter holder, a fulcrum, a leveling assembly and a preloaded portion and a wedge shaped piece. The letter holder comprises two upward facing arms forming a narrow slot for holding the letter to be weighed in an upright position. The leveling assembly, which allows the scale to be used on an unlevel surface, comprises a leveling bubble with scribe lines. The portion of the beam from the fulcrum to the end opposite the letter holder is the preloaded portion that has sufficient weight to balance the beam when a letter of predetermined weight is placed in the letter holding slot. In use, the end of the beam opposite the letter holder is placed on top of the wedge shaped piece, which is moved forward or backward until the leveling assembly is level.

Abstract: A sanitary opener with bumper for attachment to a door for use by an operator to open the door with his forearm or elbow is described. The opener comprises a first portion generally parallel to and for attachment to the door, a second portion extending away for the door, a third portion running generally parallel to the door and at a distance from the door and a fourth outer portion which serves as a bumper to prevent injury should an operator be struck by the opener. The bumper is formed by curving the outer portion and by positioning its free end to prevent operator exposure to sharp edges. To open the door, an operator places his forearm behind the third portion and pulls. A sanitary advantage is achieved since the operator's hands do not touch the door.

Abstract: A sanitary opener for attachment to a door for use by an operator to open the door with his forearm or elbow is described. The opener comprises a first portion generally parallel to the door for attachment to the door, a second portion extending away for the door and a third portion with a generally planar contact surface facing the door. To open the door, the operator places his forearm behind the third portion and against the contact surface and pulls. A sanitary advantage is gained since an operator's hands do not touch the door. An alternate embodiment provides for a foot operated opener.

Abstract: A portable postal scale for determining whether the weight of a letter exceeds the maximum for a given amount of postage, for example, one ounce. The scale comprises an elongated beam having a letter holding means, a fulcrum and a preloaded portion. The letter holding means comprises two upward facing arms forming a narrow opening or slot for holding the letter to be weighed in an upright position. The part of the beam from the fulcrum to the end opposite the letter holding means is the preloaded portion; the preloaded portion has sufficient weight to balance the beam when a letter of predetermined weight is placed in the slot. A calibration means for the beam and longitudinally located recesses made suitable to accept a movable counterweight for determining additional increments of weight are provided in other embodiments.

Abstract: An implement is described for cleaning the gutters of a building wherein the implement is operated by pulling in a left-to-right or right-to-left scraping and scooping motion by a person standing on the ground. The implement comprises a longitudinal channel body, an inverted "U" shaped connecting bracket, an elongated handle and a pivot connection attaching the bracket to the handle. In the preferred embodiment, a remotely engagable locking feature is provided for the pivot connection and a separate pivotal member with integral end plate is specified to close either end of the channel body thereby forming a scoop.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for insulating outside water faucets during cold weather including a rigid eliptical plastic shell, an end seal and a fastening means which is a two-piece pawl and ratchet type fastener having the pawl in a separate retainer and the ratchet on a strap with a loop in one end so that the end seal is fixed over the pipe extending from a wall, the strap is placed through a slot in the shell and through the retainer and the looped end hooked over the faucet, then the strap is held in one hand and the retainer and shell are pushed tight to the wall placing the strap under tension, the shell and end seal in sealing relationship with each other and the wall until released by depressing the pawl.