Abstract: A compact folding furniture piece constructed as a table is configured for convenient storage. The folding furniture piece comprises an object support assembly that is configured for operative connection to a mounting structure and includes a spring mechanism securing together as a flexible unit a support mount, an articulated vertebral column, and a table base. The spring mechanism exhibits flexibility properties such that the object support assembly assumes at rest an unfolded state and, in response to an externally applied bending force, assumes a folded state. In the unfolded state, the vertebral column is substantially straight to provide a closed support surface. In the folded state, the vertebral column is curved to provide a raised, open support surface on which an object can rest.

Abstract: A portable, compact folding furniture piece (10) constructed as a seat or table is configured for convenient storage. The folding furniture piece comprises an object support assembly (24) that is configured for operative connection to a mounting structure (12) and includes a spring mechanism (40, 42) securing together as a flexible unit a support mount (36), an articulated vertebral column (26), and a support base (38). The spring mechanism exhibits flexibility properties such that the object support assembly assumes at rest an unfolded state and, in response to an externally applied bending force, assumes a folded state. In the unfolded state, the vertebral column is substantially straight to provide a closed support surface (44). In the folded state, the vertebral column is curved to provide a raised, open support surface on which an object can rest. Depending on the embodiment of the furniture piece, the object can be a person or thing.

Abstract: A portable, compact folding furniture piece (10) constructed as a seat or table is configured for convenient storage. The folding furniture piece comprises an object support assembly (24) that is configured for operative connection to a mounting structure (12) and includes a spring mechanism (40, 42) securing together as a flexible unit a support mount (36), an articulated vertebral column (26), and a support base (38). The spring mechanism exhibits flexibility properties such that the object support assembly assumes at rest an unfolded state and, in response to an externally applied bending force, assumes a folded state. In the unfolded state, the vertebral column is substantially straight to provide a closed support surface (44). In the folded state, the vertebral column is curved to provide a raised, open support surface on which an object can rest.

Abstract: A hanger assembly allows a user to hang a pullover garment from its top and remove the pullover garment quickly and easily without damaging it. The hanger assembly includes a handle to which is joined an elongated flexible holder. The handle has a hook portion including a flexible tip and a holder carrier portion including first and second opposed coupling members. The flexible holder is operationally coupled for slidable engagement with the first and second coupling members to allow the flexible holder to transition between a lengthwise compressed state and a partly relaxed state to hang the garment and between the partly relaxed state and a break-free state to remove the garment without stretching its neck opening. The flexible tip prevents the hanger assembly from jumping off a hanger rod as the user pulls down on the pullover garment to remove it.

Abstract: A lamp shade envelops and holds a lamp assembly that includes a light bulb having an enclosure portion and a connector portion connected to a lamp socket. The lamp shade includes two sheets joined at opposite side margins to form an envelope with separable top and bottom side margins. Each sheet is characterized by a rigidity property exhibiting an elastic restorative force that urges together the separable top and the bottom side margins in the absence of a lamp assembly positioned between the sheets. Spatially aligned openings in the sheets form a two-sided lamp shade aperture from which sections of the enclosure portion protrude when the lamp assembly is positioned within an interior space between the joined sheets. The sheets bend around the enclosure portion to expand the envelope to a convex shape, and the elastic restorative force holds the enclosure portion in place within the interior space.

Abstract: A hanger assembly allows a user to hang a pullover garment from its top and remove the pullover garment quickly and easily without damaging it. The hanger assembly includes a rigid handle to which is joined an elongated flexible holder. The rigid handle has a hook portion and a holder carrier portion including first and second opposed coupling members. The flexible holder is operationally coupled for slidable engagement with the first and second coupling members to allow the flexible holder to transition between a lengthwise compressed state and a partly relaxed state to hang the garment and between the partly relaxed state and a break free state to remove the garment without stretching its neck opening.

Abstract: A configurable modular communication device is composed of an information delivery module and an information input module that are matable to each other. The information delivery module is a single base unit that can work with a touchscreen keypad or a number of modular keypad or other information input attachments. The information input module enables a user to change the look of the modular communication device according to personal taste and enhances its functionality to fit the exact occasion and mode of use. The information delivery module acts on its own as the navigation key and provides on its display screen menu (including an on-screen touch sensing keypad) user access to all functionality including telephone, PDA (personal digital assistant), camera, clock, GPS, and MP3 music player. User-controlled navigation takes place on or in the vicinity of the display screen, whether by hard or soft key actuation.

Abstract: A configurable modular communication device (200) is composed of an information delivery module (204) and an information input module (202) that are matable to each other. The information delivery module is a single base unit that can work with a touchscreen keypad (216) or a number of modular keypad or other information input attachments. The information input module enables a user to change the look of the modular communication device according to personal taste and enhances its functionality to fit the exact occasion and mode of use. The information delivery module acts on its own as the navigation key and provides on its display screen menu (including an on-screen touch sensing keypad) user access to all functionality including telephone (320), PDA (personal digital assistant) (270), camera (246), clock (80), and MP3 music player (280). User-controlled navigation takes place on or in the vicinity of the display screen, whether by hard or soft key actuation.