Abstract: A suction cup (10) for holding an attached object to a host surface. The suction cup comprises a stem element (12), a cup element (14) and a hold/release element (16). Cup element (14) is elastic and moveable between an inactive position (that is, unattached to a host surface), and an active position (that is, attached to a host surface). Hold/release element (16) comprises a rigid or semi-rigid web spanning from the upper portion of the suction cup's stem element (12) radially outward to the peripheral edge of the cup element (14), and filling in the remaining space between the element (14) and the stem element (12). The hold/release element (16) is positioned such that when cup element (14) is in the active position, element (12) is generally perpendicular to the host surface.

Abstract: A stand (10) for supporting a musical instrument (12), such as a guitar, in an upright position when not in use and for retention on the instrument when the instrument is in use. The stand comprises a mounting base (22) secured to the rear surface of the instrument (18), and a support member (24) pivotally connected to the mounting base (22) and containing first and second foot portions (34A & B) and third foot portion (56). The pivotal attachment allows the support member (24) to be transitioned between a storage position adjacent the rear surface of the instrument (18) and a deployed position spaced away from the rear surface of the instrument (18) where, together with the bottom edge of the instrument (20), the first and second foot portions (34A & B) act to support the instrument (12).