Abstract: The present disclosure comprises a compact, sound recording equipment stand, which further comprises a support base, a microphone, a monitor, a sound filter, speakers, a tactile input and lighting source. The stand may additionally comprise a hydraulic pump for raising and lowering various pieces of attached components. In the preferred embodiment, the monitor is built inside a transparent sound filter, placed slightly above head level of an artist. The other components of the stand may similarly be covered in material to maximize sound absorption.

Abstract: A banner apparatus comprising a base having a substantially symmetrical central core formed in an upper end of the base and a banner-insert sub-assembly removably installed within the core from either open end. The core has a substantially symmetrical and central stepped inner surface that is accessible from each open end. The banner-insert sub-assembly comprises an insert having at least one passage therethrough and a windsock banner installed over the insert so as to be pinched between the insert and the core when the banner-insert sub-assembly is removably installed within the core during use, the banner having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one airflow channel in communication therebetween and with the passage and the core so as to allow airflow through the base and the banner to aid its substantially horizontal flight during use.

Abstract: A personal roll bar device for protecting a user's head, neck and back provides, in the exemplary embodiment, an impact member positioned adjacent the user's back and removably engaged with the user proximal the user's waist, the impact member extending upwardly therefrom above the user's head. A stabilizing means is removably engaged with the user's upper body and slidably coupled with the impact member, and is configured for maintaining the impact member adjacent the user's back during use. Thus, in the event the user experiences a head-first fall while using the device, an upper end of the impact member substantially protects the user's head and neck from initial impact, with the resulting impact forces being distributed through the impact member and substantially absorbed by the user's waist, thereby reducing the risk of burst and compression fractures in the user's neck and back.

Abstract: A multi-purpose air mattress apparatus is disclosed for use in at least a bed of a vehicle having an opposing pair of inwardly protruding wheel wells. The apparatus comprises, in one embodiment, an inflatable air mattress having a pair of opposing sidewalls, each defining a lateral recess sized for accepting at least a portion of the wheel wells therewithin and further defining recess ledges that selectively sit atop the wheel wells. With the apparatus positioned within the vehicle bed and the wheel wells positioned at least partially within the lateral recesses, the recess ledges in combination with a perimeter ledge cover substantially any exposed portions of the wheel wells, while a set of upper and lower perimeter chambers further maintain a stable structure of the apparatus during use both within a vehicle bed as well as on any other relatively flat surface in otherwise conventional fashion.

Abstract: A floating beverage cooler apparatus comprises, in an exemplary embodiment, a flotation bladder configured for removably receiving a beverage container. A protective cover is adapted to enclose and cover the flotation bladder and provides a bottom panel spanning an underside thereof. A storage flap is configured to be at least partially removably engaged substantially centrally with the bottom panel such that, when the apparatus is in use, a cavity is formed between the storage flap and bottom panel for providing added stability and resistance against lateral forces. When the apparatus is not being used, and the flotation bladder is deflated, the storage flap may be rotated about the protective cover and re-engaged with the bottom panel so that the storage flap lies over a top surface of the protective cover, thereby enclosing substantially all of the flotation bladder and protective cover, and optionally the beverage container, in a storage envelope.

Abstract: A combination compressor and vacuum pump apparatus comprising a common drive mechanism, a compressor piston-cylinder unit mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the compressor piston-cylinder unit comprising a hollow first piston rod connected to the drive mechanism at a first free end substantially opposite a first piston operable within a first cylinder so as to form the compressor piston-cylinder unit, and a vacuum pump piston-cylinder unit mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism, the vacuum pump piston-cylinder unit comprising a hollow second piston rod connected to the drive mechanism at a second free end substantially opposite a second piston operable within a second cylinder so as to form the vacuum pump piston-cylinder unit, whereby air is pulled into the compressor piston-cylinder unit through the first piston rod for compression therein and air is exhausted from the vacuum pump piston-cylinder unit through the second piston rod.

Abstract: An anti-aging pillow provides, in the exemplary embodiment, a top surface providing a substantially central supine section flanked by an upwardly sloping left side section and a substantially symmetrical right side section, the left and right side sections elevated relatively higher than the supine section. The supine section is configured for accommodating a user when lying in a supine position, while each of the left and right side sections is configured for accommodating the user when lying in a respective side position. This configuration enables the pillow to both substantially prevent the user from unintentionally changing sleep positions as well as substantially assist in physically directing the user in selectively transitioning between each of the supine position and left and right side positions as desired, while substantially maintaining the user's head, neck, shoulders, and back in neutral alignment and substantially preventing facial contact with the pillow or underlying sleeping surface.

Abstract: A saddle horn cover apparatus is disclosed comprising, in one embodiment, a cover sized for engagement on a saddle horn and a padding configured for being received within the cover in a position between the saddle horn and an inner surface of the cover. Thus, with the apparatus so engaged on a saddle horn, the apparatus provides padding to protect the user from injuring their hands while performing various horseback riding activities.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and tracking the position of a subject comprises, in an exemplary embodiment, the steps of embedding a transponder into an article to be worn by the subject and installing software in a GPS-enabled receiver, such as a cell phone or the like, for synchronizing and communicating with the transponder. The receiver is to be maintained by a user, such as a guardian or the like, and stores a unique transponder code, allowing the receiver to synchronize with the transponder. The receiver may remotely activate the transponder manually or automatically, at which point the receiver triangulates the geographic position of the transponder and determines distance and direction of the transponder from the receiver in order to guide the user in the direction of the transponder. In further embodiments, the receiver communicates the subject's information and tracking code to other subscribing receivers to increase the number of searchers.

Abstract: A baby monitoring system for remotely monitoring a child's breath rate and body orientation is disclosed. The system comprises, in one embodiment, a parent unit retained by a supervisor, a sensor unit removably engaged around the child's abdomen, and a nursery unit positioned proximal the child, preferably in the same room. The sensor unit provides at least two tri-axial accelerometers positioned and configured such that each is independently capable of measuring both the child's breath rate and body orientation, even where the child's body is oriented such that movement of at least one of the accelerometers is restricted. The sensor unit then wirelessly transmits this information to the nursery unit, which performs necessary calculations and transmits this data to the parent unit, which displays the data on a display screen. Additionally, the system is capable of recording and reproducing a heart beat sound of the child's mother.

Abstract: A portable abdominal exercise mat apparatus is disclosed comprising, in one embodiment, an elongate, flexible mat having a relatively rigid elongate handle portion engaged at one end of the mat, the apparatus being sized and configured for providing adequate support for a user's back, neck and head while the user performs a wide range of abdominal exercises. In further embodiments, the handle portion is configured for removably accepting a variety of attachment accessories, some of which are designed to allow the user to selectively add resistance to their abdominal exercises. Other attachment accessories allow the user to perform various non-abdominal exercises using the apparatus. When the apparatus is not being used, it can be easily rolled up or laid flat for storage or transport with very little space or weight requirements.

Abstract: A secondary audio system for use in a vehicle equipped with a primary audio system connected to a power source of the vehicle and including at least an in-dash head unit. The secondary audio system includes an amplifier installed in the vehicle and directly connected to the power source and to at least one speaker installed in the vehicle, the amplifier comprising at least one means for receiving audio content. A portable media player having audio content stored therein is operably connected to the amplifier through the at least one receiving means, whereby the amplifier is powered by the power source for playing the audio content stored in the portable media player through the at least one speaker, such that the secondary audio system is operably installed within the vehicle without affecting the primary audio system and specifically without utilizing, removing or rendering inoperable the head unit.

Abstract: A water sport training device is disclosed comprising, in one embodiment, a raft having a distal nose portion and a proximal rear portion. A relatively rigid platform is positioned within the raft and configured to provide a stable surface for the person during use of the device. A tow rope attachment means is secured to the raft for selectively towing the device over a body of water, the attachment means comprising at least one tow rope attachment point located on the nose portion of the raft, below a nose portion mid-plane. The device is configured such that a back half of the device has a center buoyancy sufficient for providing a stable surface to support the weight of a person while floating on water both at standstill and as being pulled through the water as by a boat.