Abstract: A transformable holster (10) for a portable product (12) can include a lower base portion (22) having a receptacle for receiving a lower portion of the portable product, and an upper base portion (14) coupled to the lower base portion. The lower base portion moves relative to the upper base portion and the transformable holster can transform into a compact holster when the upper base portion is detached from the portable product. The holster can optionally include an intermediary portion (20) pivotably hinged to the lower base portion and the upper base portion and a biasing member such as one or more spring loaded pivot joints (17 and/or 19). In one alternative (70) using a dove tail arrangement, one among an upper base portion (72) and the lower base portion (74) can slide into each other to form the compact holster.

Abstract: A spring system comprising flat plate-springs with one end mounted rigidly to an un-sprung first base and the opposite end mounted rigidly to a sprung second base. The spring system is fitted with cams as strain-control surfaces, mounted tangent to the plate springs and spaced progressively from the said plate-springs beginning at the tangency. The strain-control cams are movable to provide for adjustable spring rates, actively repositioned upon demand therein providing an adaptive active spring-rate system or suspension.