Abstract: A photographic mount may include an adapter and a receiving plate having a recess configured for receiving the adapter. The adapter may have a connector configured for attaching a camera and a recess configured for receiving a fitting of a flash unit. The receiving plate may have a receptacle configured for receiving a shaft of a photographic accessory such as an umbrella.

Abstract: A photographic mount may include an adapter and a receiving plate having a recess configured for receiving the adapter. The adapter may have a connector configured for attaching a camera and a recess configured for receiving a fitting of a flash unit. The receiving plate may have a receptacle configured for receiving a shaft of a photographic accessory such as an umbrella.

Abstract: A cover for a portable electronic device may have a plurality of foldable panels and an easel that is positionable in a deployed position to support a readable object within a field viewable through an opening in one of the panels that is aligned with a camera of the portable electronic device so that the camera may capture an image of the readable object. The cover may also have an extendable and retractable sound reflector for reflecting sound from a speaker of the portable electronic device toward a user. A stand for such a portable electronic device may have a receptacle configured to receive the device and at least one leg configured to place the receptacle a predetermined distance away from a surface on which the stand is resting such that a readable object on the surface is readable by the camera through an opening in the receptacle.

Abstract: A cover for a portable electronic device may have a plurality of foldable panels and an easel that is positionable in a deployed position to support a readable object within a field viewable through an opening in one of the panels that is aligned with a camera of the portable electronic device so that the camera may capture an image of the readable object. The cover may also have an extendable and retractable sound reflector for reflecting sound from a speaker of the portable electronic device toward a user. A stand for such a portable electronic device may have a receptacle configured to receive the device and at least one leg configured to place the receptacle a predetermined distance away from a surface on which the stand is resting such that a readable object on the surface is readable by the camera through an opening in the receptacle.

Abstract: A catamaran may have a dinghy disposed underneath its foredeck between two hulls. The dinghy, which may rest in a cradle, may be moved up and down between a stowed position and a deployed position. The stern of the catamaran may have a retractable diving board or a retractable net for retrieving fish. A video camera may provide video images of an anchor chain relative to a hull as the anchor chain is deployed from and retracted by a windlass located generally amidships. A monitor may display the video images. A microprocessor in communication with a depth sensor may calculate a length of anchor chain to be deployed and may control operation of the windlass. Acoustic or optic sensors may indicate a position of the anchor chain relative to a hull. A yoke having a specially sized carabiner may be used to connect the anchor chain to a cleat.

Abstract: A strap for fastening an accessory to a photographic flash unit may have a stretchable substrate; an outer fastener strip attached to the stretchable substrate, the outer fastener strip having one of hook fastener material and loop fastener material; and an inner fastener strip attached to the stretchable substrate, the inner fastener strip having the other of hook fastener material and loop fastener material; wherein the outer fastener strip has at least one slack region having an amount of slack when the stretchable substrate is in an undeflected condition.

Abstract: A strap for fastening an accessory to a photographic flash unit may have a stretchable substrate; an outer fastener strip attached to the stretchable substrate, the outer fastener strip having one of hook fastener material and loop fastener material; and an inner fastener strip attached to the stretchable substrate, the inner fastener strip having the other of hook fastener material and loop fastener material; wherein the outer fastener strip has at least one slack region having an amount of slack when the stretchable substrate is in an undeflected condition.

Abstract: An integrated custom underwater diving system including backpack, weight system, bouyancy compensator, and equipment bag. The backpack has adjustable shoulder supports for conforming to the shape of the shoulders and torso of a diver and an integral weight system having a quick-release mechanism. The equipment bag has a plurality of compartments for storing and safely transporting diving equipment, the back and ends of which are provided with a semi-rigid sheath for protecting the contents of the bag during shipping, and compartments along the sides thereof for receiving diving fins which provide protection along the sides of the bag during shipment. The backpack is designed for removably mounting on the front of the equipment bag such that the backpack provides protection to the front of the bag during shipping and handling. The equipment bag is also provided with straps which allow the bag to be carried on the backpack to and from dive sites.