Abstract: A portable system capable of receiving audio signals from one or more sources and reproducing the signals via speakers contained therein. The portable audio reproduction system can include a docking station or similar means for communicatively coupling an audio device to the portable audio reproduction system, thereby reducing desktop clutter and simplifying connecting the portable audio reproduction system with the audio device. The speakers of the portable audio reproduction system can preferably be received within a base portion of the system, thereby protecting the speakers during transport and reducing the overall size of the system for improved portability. External connections may also be provided, thereby enabling the portable audio reproduction system to receive audio signals from additional sources, and a mixer allows the system to reproduce signals from a portable audio device and an auxiliary source, such as a computer.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system includes a support base having a first speaker driver mounted thereto, the first speaker driver being adapted to reproduce sound across a first frequency band. The system further includes a speaker housing having at least one second speaker driver mounted therein, the second speaker driver being adapted to reproduce sound across a second frequency band, the high end of the second frequency band being higher than the high end of the first frequency band. A hinged connection is provided between the support base and the speaker housing, whereby the speaker housing can be vertically pivoted about a generally horizontal axis.

Abstract: A portable media reproduction system into which a portable media player can be inserted. The portable media reproduction system includes a docking component wherein the size of the docking component can be adjusted to fit a given portable media player. The portable media reproduction system also includes a video output connector, a subwoofer, and a passive radiator.

Abstract: A portable system capable of receiving audio signals from one or more sources and reproducing the signals via speakers contained therein. The portable media reproduction system includes a docking component for communicatively coupling a portable media player device to the portable media reproduction system, thereby reducing desktop clutter and simplifying connecting the portable media reproduction system with the media player device. The speaker component of the portable media reproduction system can preferably be engaged with a base component of the system, thereby protecting the docking component during transport and reducing the overall size of the system for improved portability.

Abstract: An automatic cable retracting system includes a base and a guide connected to the base, the guide translationally movable along a line parallel to the surface of the base. A biasing device is provided for resisting movement of the guide, in a direction along the line, over a range of motion. A cable having a middle section and a first and second end of the middle section is provided, a portion of the middle section being in contact with and changing direction around the guide. The system can be configured so that a tension on the first end causes the first end to move a length, and causes the guide to move a distance of at least a portion of the range of motion. The system can further be configured so that the length moved by the first end as a result of the tension is greater than the distance moved by the guide as a result of the tension. The system may be integrated into an electronic device, such as a speaker, a computer mouse, a keyboard or the like.

Abstract: A stand system with an integrated electrical plug for portable electronic devices such as speakers and the like includes a housing with a resting surface, the housing having a desired position upon a support surface. A female fitting is operably connected to the housing for conducting electrical signals. A male fitting integrated with a housing stand is further provided, the male fitting adapted to mate with the female fitting and conduct electrical signals. Mating the male fitting with the female fitting causes the housing stand to provide support for the housing, in combination with the resting surface, permitting the housing to maintain the desired position upon the surface, and permitting electrical signals to be conducted between the male fitting and the female fitting.

Abstract: An adapting device for adapting a first portable media player to emulate selected mechanical and electrical characteristics of a second portable media player includes a housing having first and second connectors. A signal converter may be operatively connected to the first connector and the second connector for converting a first signal representing at least one command received over the second connector into a second signal representing the command to be transmitted over the first connector. A mechanical interface is configured to interconnect the second connector with an accessory device that accommodates a second portable media player having the second connector.

Abstract: A portable media reproduction system preferably includes a housing with an attached docking component for receiving a portable media player, the docking component being recessed into the housing when in a closed position such that the first side forms a uniformly substantially flat surface. A latch is provided for holding the docking component in the closed position, and a connector connects to the portable media player. The connector is positioned on the docking component to receive the portable media player when the docking component is in an open position. A base component is recessed into the second side of the housing when in a closed position such that the second side of the housing forms a uniformly substantially flat surface. The base component is extendable into an open position such that the it supports the portable media reproduction system in a substantially upright position.

Abstract: A portable system capable of receiving audio signals from one or more sources and reproducing the signals via speakers contained therein. The portable audio reproduction system can include a docking station or similar means for communicatively coupling an audio device to the portable audio reproduction system, thereby reducing desktop clutter and simplifying connecting the portable audio reproduction system with the audio device. The speakers of the portable audio reproduction system can preferably be received within a base portion of the system, thereby protecting the speakers during transport and reducing the overall size of the system for improved portability. External connections may also be provided, thereby enabling the portable audio reproduction system to receive audio signals from additional sources, and a mixer allows the system to reproduce signals from a portable audio device and an auxiliary source, such as a computer.