Abstract: A buoyant system reconfigures into an assortment of functional and ornamental configurations for supporting a user or object, creating an ornamental effect, and regulating buoyancy. The system adjustably reconfigures into an eclectic assortment of shapes, support structures, entertainment utilities, and ornamental objects while retaining buoyancy in a fluid. A frame member forms the base frame for the system. The frame member includes a plurality of hollow, lightweight, air filled tubes that join at a plurality of junctions. Each tube can rotate, swivel, bend, extend, retract, or detach to adjust the configuration of the system. A buoyant member, such as foam, encapsulates the frame member to provide a protective, aesthetic exterior shell. The buoyancy can also be adjusted by manipulating the volume and number of tubes and buoyant member, and releasing air from within the tubes.

Abstract: An adjustable tuning barrel is disclosed for use with a woodwind instrument that allows the instrument to be easily tuned during play. The tuning barrel includes a fixed element, an adjusting ring coaxial with the fixed element and held in rotatable contacting relationship therewith, and an extending element in rotatable and threaded relationship with the adjusting ring, and in rotatable and motionally resisting relationship with the fixed element. The adjusting ring is wide enough to be comfortably located and manipulated during play. The fixed and extending elements are adapted to facilitate thermal exchange with the ambient environment.

Abstract: A mouthpiece is disclosed for use with a single-reed woodwind instrument such as a clarinet or saxophone. The mouthpiece has a unique reed holding assembly which includes a slot for constraining lateral movement of a reed and facilitating its longitudinal positioning. The reed is held in place by a holding device that includes at least one resilient band seated in at least one locating groove formed about the circumference and disposed in a central region along the mouthpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece includes a chamber and proximal portion which are constructed of two distinct materials with different acoustical resonance properties, thereby providing improved tonal and acoustic performance. In the embodiment for use with a clarinet, the chamber portion includes clarinet sealing rings for forming a durable and tight seal with the barrel of the clarinet.