Abstract: A reducible support system for supporting various items is presented in various embodiments. A reducible support structure, may comprise an operation element which may be attached to an orthogonal element. Limbs, preferably a tripod may be attached to the operation element and a plug element may provide a slide so that the limbs or tripod may open and collapse easily.

Abstract: Apparatus for and associated methods of controlling movement of a microphone that may be held in some manner by a microphone support boom are disclosed. More specifically, the invention focuses upon novel techniques for isolating yaw of a microphone support boom from the microphone stand that may provide a majority of the height required for a desired microphone spatial positioning. The invention also focuses on apparatus that may be used achieve preferential isolation of microphone support boom yaw with respect to motion in any other microphone support boom degree of freedom. A specific type of apparatus that may be used to achieve this preferential isolation—the double conical clutch—is also an aspect of the inventive technology.

Abstract: The present invention may provide a support assistive device for a user having a frame assembly (1), a vertical pelvis support element (2) connected to the frame assembly which may primarily support the ischial tuberosities (34), and a horizontal pelvis support element (3) which may primarily support the anterior superior iliac spines (35) of a pelvis (1a). It may provide such support with minimal or no hand or arm support. By supporting on the anterior superior iliac spine (35) on either side, a moment can be created to assist in turning even without the use of hands by simply turning the direction of the pelvis (1a). The created moment of the present invention is more natural to the user in turning the pelvis and as a result the device. The present invention may also provide a fluidic braking assembly (53) for any rotatable elements (48), which can be advantaged to assist a user in supplying an increase of force to actuate the braking action.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of restraint systems. Specifically, it relates to clamp restraint systems to achieve the restraint of a particular object, which may be particularly applicable to systems requiring the various and frequent adjustment of the clamped object. More particularly, the invention may relate to clamping systems providing force optimization and direction, facilitating varying degrees of adjustment, and coordinated or varying adjustment of multiple clamped objects within a more complex construction or framework. The invention may be particularly applicable to systems for clamping particular support elements or parts of racks, shelves, stands, or desks, and more particularly, may be particularly applicable for music instrument stands or racks, bicycle stands, and dental racks and stands.

Abstract: A high strength, engineered collapsible support has separate shear bearing surfaces and pivot elements which permit efficient manufacture and higher strength. Unitary brace attachment is achieved with designs which can be molded and yet both efficiently manufactured and made acceptably strong such that heavy items such as performance or commercial speakers can be mounted stably. An extendible sleeve permits adjustment; a semiautomatic as well as manual clutch assembly permits quick securement of the top mast to the tripod; compression rings allow a secure fitting to be established between various pieces; leg upper end caps allow the legs of the tripod to be coupled to the main mast of the tripod; an end plug can serve to reduce the number of parts necessary to couple the various leg braces to the bottom of the main mast. Strength is achieved through multiple shear surfaces located at a distance from a pivot retention element and with parallel braces.

Abstract: A support assistive device for a user having a frame assembly, a vertical pelvis support element connected to the frame assembly which may primarily support the user in the ischial tuberosity region, and a horizontal pelvis support element which may primarily support the anterior superior iliac spine region of a pelvis. It may provide such support with minimal or no hand or arm support. By supporting on the anterior superior iliac spine on either side, a moment can be created to assist in turning even without the use of hands by simply turning the direction of the pelvis. The created moment of the present invention is more natural to the user in turning the pelvis and as a result the device. Additionally, a fluidic braking assembly for any rotatable elements is provided, which can be advantaged to assist a user in supplying an increase of force to actuate the braking action.

Abstract: An instrument support system having positive locking mechanisms to substantially fix the position of articulated members. One embodiment of the invention uses radially opposed force receiving surfaces to lock pivot members and to distribute the inherent and operational forces transmitted to the radially opposed force receiving surfaces to multiple vectors. Another embodiment of the invention juxtaposes antagonist locking surfaces to hold dual position support members in a storage position. A restraining collar is also disclosed having operation position and storage position locking detents and a releasably coupled collar closure.

Abstract: A system for conveniently storing a wheel, tire or similar object. The invention allows a user to easily insert such an object into a support stand and establish a three point support of the object. Furthermore, the system has an actuation feature that allows a support stand to be easily and compactly configured for storage and shipment. The system uses a rotating support surface to establish contact with a wheel, tire or other similar object. In this fashion, a normal force can be exerted against the object while the support surface is free to turn. This allows an object with a rough surface area to be positioned by the force while not allowing the rough surface area to effect such positioning. A mechanism accommodates tires of different sizes, thereby allowing tires to be positioned on support settings unique to each sized tire. A self adjusting feature allows the movement arm to move in response to the tire size, thereby establishing the appropriate settings.

Abstract: The present invention is for an improved stand (2) typically of the music variety. The improvements consist of a stabilizing cam (10) and a compact, centrally located, adjustable position memory element (16). The stabilizing cam (10) may be used in a variety of structures to micro adjust the level of the stand (2) to provide better support and stability. The adjustable position memory element (16) may be used on a variety of devices as well including an articulable support stand such that the support stand can be returned upon reuse to a preselected position from a plurality of preselected available positions.

Abstract: A support stand is described which is stackable with other similar stands. The base in one embodiment includes at least one inwardly extending slot, and an upright member is secured to the base. In another embodiment a microphone stand is described which includes two upright members which are telescoped together. The uppermost upright member can be locked in a desired position by a rotatable collar.

Abstract: A collapsible keyboard stand is described which also serves as its own carrying case. The keyboard stand includes (a) an upright support column which includes a cavity at each end, (b) a handle member attached to the column between its upper and lower ends, (c) an openable cover at the upper end of the column, (d) at least two arm members detachably mounted on the support column to define a horizontal support for a keyboard, (e) at least three leg members pivotably attached to the lower end of the support column. The leg members are pivotable to a position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column and can be slidably received within the lower end of the support column for storage. The arm members can be detached and placed into a cavity at the upper end of the column for storage and transport. The leg members support the column in a manner such that it leans forwardly.