Abstract: A vehicle parking and mass transport beacon system (60) implemented with a beacon device (10) configured as a wireless identifier and authentication mechanism offers a user a capability of bypassing infrastructures of commercial parking lots and facilities, mass transit systems, and taxi services when using them. The beacon system includes a source beacon and a user beacon, the latter of which implemented in a user smart device (36) such as a smartphone. The use of a source beacon and user smart device enables elimination of reliance on a cellular communication connection from the time of the user's grant of permission for action to the time of separation of the user smart device and the beacon by a distance outside the range of connectivity between them. Such elimination of reliance on cellular communication connection avoids delay and communication coverage issues stemming from use of a cellular communication network.

Abstract: A vehicle parking and mass transport beacon system (60) implemented with a beacon device (10) configured as a wireless identifier and authentication mechanism offers a user a capability of bypassing infrastructures of commercial parking lots and facilities, mass transit systems, and taxi services when using them. The beacon system includes a source beacon and a user beacon, the latter of which implemented in a user smart device (36) such as a smartphone. The use of a source beacon and user smart device enables elimination of reliance on a cellular communication connection from the time of the user's grant of permission for action to the time of separation of the user smart device and the beacon by a distance outside the range of connectivity between them. Such elimination of reliance on cellular communication connection avoids delay and communication coverage issues stemming from use of a cellular communication network.

Abstract: A compact folding furniture piece constructed as a table is configured for convenient storage. The folding furniture piece comprises an object support assembly that is configured for operative connection to a mounting structure and includes a spring mechanism securing together as a flexible unit a support mount, an articulated vertebral column, and a table base. The spring mechanism exhibits flexibility properties such that the object support assembly assumes at rest an unfolded state and, in response to an externally applied bending force, assumes a folded state. In the unfolded state, the vertebral column is substantially straight to provide a closed support surface. In the folded state, the vertebral column is curved to provide a raised, open support surface on which an object can rest.

Abstract: A compact folding furniture piece constructed as a table is configured for convenient storage. The folding furniture piece comprises an object support assembly that is configured for operative connection to a mounting structure and includes a spring mechanism securing together as a flexible unit a support mount, an articulated vertebral column, and a table base. The spring mechanism exhibits flexibility properties such that the object support assembly assumes at rest an unfolded state and, in response to an externally applied bending force, assumes a folded state. In the unfolded state, the vertebral column is substantially straight to provide a closed support surface. In the folded state, the vertebral column is curved to provide a raised, open support surface on which an object can rest.

Abstract: A portable, compact folding furniture piece (10) constructed as a seat or table is configured for convenient storage. The folding furniture piece comprises an object support assembly (24) that is configured for operative connection to a mounting structure (12) and includes a spring mechanism (40, 42) securing together as a flexible unit a support mount (36), an articulated vertebral column (26), and a support base (38). The spring mechanism exhibits flexibility properties such that the object support assembly assumes at rest an unfolded state and, in response to an externally applied bending force, assumes a folded state. In the unfolded state, the vertebral column is substantially straight to provide a closed support surface (44). In the folded state, the vertebral column is curved to provide a raised, open support surface on which an object can rest. Depending on the embodiment of the furniture piece, the object can be a person or thing.

Abstract: A portable, compact folding furniture piece (10) constructed as a seat or table is configured for convenient storage. The folding furniture piece comprises an object support assembly (24) that is configured for operative connection to a mounting structure (12) and includes a spring mechanism (40, 42) securing together as a flexible unit a support mount (36), an articulated vertebral column (26), and a support base (38). The spring mechanism exhibits flexibility properties such that the object support assembly assumes at rest an unfolded state and, in response to an externally applied bending force, assumes a folded state. In the unfolded state, the vertebral column is substantially straight to provide a closed support surface (44). In the folded state, the vertebral column is curved to provide a raised, open support surface on which an object can rest.