Abstract: Skins for light reflecting umbrellas and for methods of using light reflecting umbrellas. The invention includes skins with a series of panels in stripes of alternating colors, in a shifted configuration, in a checkered shift configuration, in a half and half configuration, in a modified half and half configuration with a center portion having a separate color combination, in a tricolor configuration, in a shifted tricolor configuration and in a center black configuration.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for reflectors such as reflector umbrellas for lighting used in motion picture and still photography. The apparatus secures the reflector by retaining elements and the reflector may be removed efficiently from the apparatus and replaced by another reflector if desired by rotating one of the retaining elements about a hinge. The angular position of the reflector may be adjusted by rotating supports for the retaining elements to desired angular configurations by activation of a gear mechanism in a housing. The apparatus includes an indicator that indicates the position or angular orientation of the reflector and allows a user to orient the reflector into one or more desired angular configurations and remove the reflector while maintaining the orientation of the supports.

Abstract: A platform or mat for exercising and dancing that is lightweight, has non-slip features and can be folded up for storage. The platform allows a user to determine foot position without having to look down at the platform thus allowing the user to watch a display screen while exercising or dancing. The platform includes tactile indicia molded that foot placement is determined by feel by the user's foot touching the tactile indicia. The material used to make the platform surface includes ethylene vinyl acetate. The platform includes electrically conductive switches that are activated by a force from the user's foot on a segment while exercising or dancing. Placing a user's foot on a segment communicates signals about the user's foot placement to a control device. The control device includes popular video game player devices and computers and includes the use of a display screen.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods that includes a gel holder and an optional shade holder that allows a user to add color or eliminate or reduce reflected color and to shape, shade, diffuse, soften, absorb, block, reflect, retract and dim light inside photographic reflectors such as photographic umbrellas or other reflective apparatus. The invention allows a user to mix, blend or shape light at the source and the resulting light can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The invention allows a user to more efficiently add texture, eliminate hotspots and create shadows by changing positions of a gel holder with a gel and one or more shade holders with shades on a reflector focus tube.

Abstract: A form for a package for holding consumer articles including optically-based media. The form is comprised of a base member comprised of a first section with one or more tandem slots and a second section with one or more corresponding tandem fold lines. The first section is folded over onto the second section and then secured to the second section so that the tandem slots at least partially fit over the corresponding set of tandem fold lines. Holders, such as one or more trays for digital video disks, can be secured to this two layer thick assembly. The assembly with the holders and their contents can then be folded-up along the tandem fold lines into a book-like configuration without substantial binding or creasing of the overlying first section. The invention includes the package made from the form and a method of making that package.