GENEVA: What do the automatic fish catcher, the easy sushi-maker, and the body-shaping petticoat all have in common? They're creations of some of the world's most innovative minds for the world's laziest bodies.

Hoping to turn their contraptions into capital, some 700 inventors from 42 countries have gathered at the International Exhibition of Inventions to show off gizmos ranging from a multifunction umbrella that contains an anti-mugger alarm to personal armor made of coconut-fiber.

The fair — the world's largest of its kind — features some 1,000 new inventions by industrial and commercial companies, independent researchers and even amateurs like one who offers a way to eat spare ribs without burning your fingers.

One notable invention is the spring-loaded fish hook — the equivalent of an underwater mouse trap. After attaching the float to the fishing pole, the "sportsman" lowers a lever into the set position. The fish has only to nibble on the bait to trigger the spring and find itself with a dart through the lips. (Caution: Do not bait the hook while the device is cocked, the pamphlet warns).

"Well, it could be," admitted inventor Michael Adcock, the only U.S. entry at the fair. "It's a lazy-man's way of fishing. That way you can drink more beer. That's what more fishermen are really out there for anyway. ... Normally, you've got to be watching the float. With this, you can look away, take a sip, do whatever."

Once they've nabbed their fresh fish, chefs who like to cut corners might be interested in Easy Sushi, a contraption that resembles a cigarette roller and allows any clumsy cook to whip up a masterful-looking maki in just minutes.

To parade her product, 47-year-old Taiwanese inventor and designer Pi-Yu Chuang donned one of the stylish body corsets, instantly reducing her waist from 29 to 23 inches (74 to 58 centimeters). The outfit, which costs around US$800 (€590, 965 Swiss francs), encases the torso and legs, is also bust-enhancing and has a handy full bottom snap-on flap.

According to inventor Karl Dorn's brother Aaron, a television in standby mode still uses up to 85 percent of the power it does when switched on. Leaving a TV on standby 16 hours a day in Britain can cost users an extra 17 pounds (US$34, €25, CHF 41) a year, he added. But he claimed the Standby Plug shuts down appliances completely after they go into standby mode, preventing the needless consumption of electricity.

The portable MacStrap, a lightweight emergency power pack for handheld portable appliances such as cell phones, digital cameras, MP3 players and iPods, seems like a must for hikers and campers. Worn outdoors for 35-40 minutes, the MacStrap can power a three-minute cell phone call. About 20 hours are needed to fully charge a phone, says creator Roark McMaster.

Made from paper but resembling a standard marble or wood plate, Memopack can be personalized with pictures, drawings, a lock of hair or letters before being placed on the coffin, and can be burned or fully biodegraded.

Inventions can only be entered only once at the Geneva show and must be patented. However, entries are not necessarily tested or screened by national authorities and cover a range from wonderful to wacky.

Some far-out ideas included scented socks; an automatic food distributor for animals that includes a medical check up; and the Q-Grip, a utensil designed to hold hot pieces of meat by the bone.

The PAP Ion Magnetic Inductor — also known as the Papimi — claims to increase the efficiency of the body on a cellular level through rapid electromagnetic pulses to help relieve pain. Austrian promoter Gernot Augustin also says he cured his mother of breast cancer with the apparatus.

A 75-member jury will select the best invention and award prizes in 45 other categories on Sunday. The "Oscar of Inventions" is also awarded on the basis of a popular vote from visitors.

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