Abstract: A portable battery charger for a portable media player recharges the portable media player without needing to be plugged into a wall or other stationary power source. The portable battery charger also adds extra functionality to the portable media player by providing a command interface to control an electronic device and a wireless transmitter that operates on a frequency outside of the commonly used AM/FM bands. The portable media player preferably plugs into a cradle on the portable battery charger so that the two units seamlessly act as one unit. This combination seemingly creates a new portable media player with a longer battery life and the ability to wirelessly control devices.

Abstract: A portable battery charger for a portable media player recharges the portable media player without needing to be plugged into a wall or other stationary power source. The portable battery charger also adds extra functionality to the portable media player by providing a command interface to control an electronic device and a wireless transmitter that operates on a frequency outside of the commonly used AM/FM bands. The portable media player preferably plugs into a cradle on the portable battery charger so that the two units seamlessly act as one unit. This combination seemingly creates a new portable media player with a longer battery life and the ability to wirelessly control devices.

Abstract: A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other objects, includes a panel that replaces a substantial section of wallboard instead of being installed behind the wallboard. In preferred embodiments a rim extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a distance of less than ½ inch, and preferably by only ? inch or even 1/16 inch. The face of the object can be quite large, up to 40 in2 or more, and still be relatively small with respect to the panel. Panels are contemplated that have a width at least two, three or more times that of the face of the object, and along with optional wings are wider than the stud separation in the wall.

Abstract: A multi-zone audio system is provided that is portable to a handheld audio device at a plurality of locations. The system includes a multi-zone audio system controller having an audio input/output selection circuit for selectively regulating the source and distribution of audio signals. A plurality of handheld connector docks are distributed about the multi-zone system. Each connector dock is in communication with the audio system controller. The connector docks include a connector port, engagable to the handheld device, for communicating music/data/commands between the handheld device and the system controller. A plurality in-wall audio controllers are also distributed about the multi-zone system. Each in-wall controller is in communication with the audio system controller, and includes an input circuit for selective input of commands to regulate operation of the system controller and/or the handheld device.

Abstract: Mounting systems are described for installing components in walls or other structural barriers. A preferred mounting system has a rear bracket and a component holder that supports the component, and that cooperate with each other to sandwich the structural barrier. An intermediate piece mates with the component holder, and has a hole through which a portion of the component can extend. A cover mates with the component holders, and is preferably recessed within the intermediate piece such that the outward facing surface of the cover is flush with a spackle rim.

Abstract: A wall mounting bracket installed includes a body and a slidable wing that slides along the body and mates with the discrete attachment positions along the body. In preferred embodiments the body can have a substantially rectangular perimeter and a substantially rectangular opening or a substantially ovoid perimeter and a substantially ovoid opening. It is also contemplated that the body can a perimeter that is of a different shape than the opening or multiple of openings within one perimeter. The opening area preferably have an area of at least 20 in2 and the body has a perimeter-opening distance of less than 1 inch and at least one entry position with markings. Furthermore, the mating portion-opening distance of bracket is less than 0.9 in. Preferred embodiment includes a commercial product comprising the bracket with a body, the slidable wing in which the wing can be pre-attached to the body or not.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for mounting an electrical device on a wall. The electrical device has a mount and a base. The base connects to an electrical outlet on a surface, and has a first electrical connector, and a magnetic face plate. The electrical device has a magnet and a second electrical conductor that are positioned so that the magnet mates with the magnetic face plate, and the second electrical connector mates with the first electrical connector.

Abstract: A clamping system includes a clamp with an optional cap or other extender that adapts the clamp to walls, ceilings or other partitions of different thicknesses. Preferred clamping arms “toggle” out of the way during installation. Kits can include multiple extenders of different sizes. Contemplated systems can be used for installing speakers, lighting fixtures, television monitors, wall switches and myriad other devices.

Abstract: A speaker mount has differently shaped coverings. Preferred speakers have a mount that is coupled to a base. The speaker has two interchangeable covers with speaker grills that fit over the mount and have two visibly different shapes.

Abstract: A wall mounting bracket apparatus and system is provided. The apparatus and system has a body and a slidable wing that slides along the body and mates with the discrete attachment positions along the body. The body may have a perimeter and a corresponding opening. It is also contemplated that the body may have a perimeter that is of a different shape than the opening or plurality of openings within the perimeter. The opening area preferably have an area of at least 20 in2 and the body has a perimeter-opening distance of less than 1 inch and at least one entry position with markings. Furthermore, the mating portion-opening distance of bracket is less than 0.9 in. The preferred embodiment includes a commercial product comprising the bracket with a body, the slidable wing in which the wing can be pre-attached to the body or not.

Abstract: A multi-zone audio system is provided that is portable to a handheld audio device at a plurality of locations. The system includes a multi-zone audio system controller having an audio input/output selection circuit for selectively regulating the source and distribution of audio signals. A plurality of handheld connector docks are distributed about the multi-zone system. Each connector dock is in communication with the audio system controller. The connector docks include a connector port, engagable to the handheld device, for communicating music/data/commands between the handheld device and the system controller. A plurality in-wall audio controllers are also distributed about the multi-zone system. Each in-wall controller is in communication with the audio system controller, and includes an input circuit for selective input of commands to regulate operation of the system controller and/or the handheld device.

Abstract: A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other components, includes a panel that is finished to provide at least a superficially continuous junction between the edges of the panel and the surrounding wall, ceiling, or other structure. A rim advantageously extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a small distance, which in currently preferred embodiments is about 1/16th inch to ?th inch. A collar is preferably installed about the inner edge of the opening, and a receiver is attached to the collar or directly to the panel. Magnetic, threaded, detent, and frictional means are contemplated for maintaining the component in position relative to the receiver.

Abstract: A flush-mounting system includes a mounting bracket with an opening that is coupled to a support extending substantially in a plane to allow the mounting bracket to move along the support. An inner bracket is disposed with the mounting bracket's opening and can be slide in and out of the opening to adjust accordingly. Among the many different possibilities, the flush mounting system also has a second support extending parallel to the first support and a mechanism coupling an opposite side of the bracket to the second support. It is further contemplated that the structure is a stud of any structure in a building such as wood, cement, masonry, and stone. A wallboard is then provided to cover the mounting system for a flush-mounting look.

Abstract: A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other objects, includes a panel that replaces a substantial section of wallboard instead of being installed behind the wallboard. In preferred embodiments a rim extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a distance of less than ½ inch, and preferably by only ? inch or even 1/16 inch. The face of the object can be quite large, up to 40 in2 or more, and still be relatively small with respect to the panel. Panels are contemplated that have a width at least two, three or more times that of the face of the object, and along with optional wings are wider than the stud separation in the wall.

Abstract: A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other components, includes a panel that is finished to provide at least a superficially continuous junction between the edges of the panel and the surrounding wall, ceiling, or other structure. A rim advantageously extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a small distance, which in currently preferred embodiments is about 1/16th inch to ?th inch. A collar is preferably installed about the inner edge of the opening, and a receiver is attached to the collar or directly to the panel. Magnetic, threaded, detent, and frictional means are contemplated for maintaining the component in position relative to the receiver.

Abstract: A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other objects, includes a panel that replaces a substantial section of wallboard instead of being installed behind the wallboard. In preferred embodiments a rim extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a distance of less than ½ inch, and preferably by only ? inch or even 1/16 inch. The face of the object can be quite large, up to 40 in2 or more, and still be relatively small with respect to the panel. Panels are contemplated that have a width at least two, three or more times that of the face of the object, and along with optional wings are wider than the stud separation in the wall.

Abstract: A multi-zone audio system is provided that is portable to a handheld audio device at a plurality of locations. The system includes a multi-zone audio system controller having an audio input/output selection circuit for selectively regulating the source and distribution of audio signals. A plurality of handheld connector docks are distributed about the multi-zone system. Each connector dock is in communication with the audio system controller. The connector docks include a connector port, engagable to the handheld device, for communicating music/data/commands between the handheld device and the system controller. A plurality in-wall audio controllers are also distributed about the multi-zone system. Each in-wall controller is in communication with the audio system controller, and includes an input circuit for selective input of commands to regulate operation of the system controller and/or the handheld device.

Abstract: A pivoting panel-mount speaker assembly comprises a speaker housing. The speaker housing has a perimeter flange portion, an exterior housing wall extending rearwardly from the perimeter flange portion, and an interior curved track extending rearwardly from the perimeter flange portion. The interior curved track has an outward facing convex surface and an inward facing concave surface. The speaker assembly further comprises a speaker unit having a transducer element and a speaker frame supporting the transducer element. The speaker frame has an outward facing surface configured to slidably engage the inward facing concave surface of the housing interior curved track. The speaker assembly further comprises a speaker support member attached to the speaker unit. The speaker support member also has an inward facing surface configured to slidably engage the outward facing convex surface of the housing interior curved track.

Abstract: A multi-zone audio system is provided that is portable to a handheld audio device at a plurality of locations. The system includes a multi-zone audio system controller having an audio input/output selection circuit for selectively regulating the source and distribution of audio signals. A plurality of handheld connector docks are distributed about the multi-zone system. Each connector dock is in communication with the audio system controller. The connector docks include a connector port, engagable to the handheld device, for communicating music/data/commands between the handheld device and the system controller. A plurality in-wall audio controllers are also distributed about the multi-zone system. Each in-wall controller is in communication with the audio system controller, and includes an input circuit for selective input of commands to regulate operation of the system controller and/or the handheld device.