Disclosed are various examples of support assemblies comprising multiple elements engaged together and independently rotatable within or substantially parallel to a reference plane while resisting twisting, rotation, or other movement in directions other than substantially within or parallel to the reference plane. The elements typically include projecting members received within cavities of adjacent elements that are configured to allow the resulting assembly to collectively flex within, or substantially parallel to, the reference plane while resisting movement in other directions.

A holder for handheld electronic devices, such as a smartphone. The holder includes a hoop body configured to be worn around a waist of a person. The hoop body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end and the distal end having a quick release lock to couple to the proximal end to the distal end. The hoop body having a tunnel configured around its outer periphery. A runner connected to a bracket through a semi-rigid extension. The runner, slidably received in the tunnel, can revolve along its length. The bracket can mount the handheld electronic device.

A method and apparatus for mounting a projector holder to or placing a projector holder on an object for displaying an image onto a surface is disclosed. The projector holder includes a body within which a projector is at least partially disposed. The body includes one or more pliable appendages that are adapted to be manipulated and deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration. In some embodiments, the body is formed in the shape of an animal.

A method and apparatus for mounting a projector holder to or placing a projector holder on an object for displaying an image onto a surface is disclosed. The projector holder includes a body within which a projector is at least partially disposed. The body includes one or more pliable appendages that are adapted to be manipulated and deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration. In some embodiments, the body is formed in the shape of an animal.

A deployable prop is provided that is capable of transitioning from an undeployed state to a deployed state in which the prop can be used to support an object against or adjacent to a structural surface. In one embodiment, the deployable prop includes a bistable “carpenter's” tape, a foot member that is engaged to one end of the tape, and a head member that is engaged to the other end of the tape. The tape, foot member, and head member can be placed in an undeployed state that has “roll” shape and in a deployed state in which the tape extends substantially linearly between the foot and head members and can be used to support an object against or adjacent to a structural surface.

A deployable prop is provided that is capable of transitioning from an undeployed state to a deployed state in which the prop can be used to support an object against or adjacent to a structural surface. In one embodiment, the deployable prop includes a bistable “carpenter's” tape, a foot member that is engaged to one end of the tape, and a head member that is engaged to the other end of the tape. The tape, foot member, and head member can be placed in an undeployed state that has “roll” shape and in a deployed state in which the tape extends substantially linearly between the foot and head members and can be used to support an object against or adjacent to a structural surface.

A product-display system for displaying and securing a retail product. The system may include a retainer having a retainer bracket and a retainer body coupled to the retainer bracket. A retaining cable may be coupled to the retainer body at an opening in the retainer body. A fastener that may be unfastened to release the product from the retainer may only be accessed through the opening of the retainer body such that when the retaining cable is coupled to the opening, no fasteners of the retainer may be visible or accessible. The system may also include a display stem for holding the retainer and product. The display stem may include a recess for receiving at least a portion of the retainer body. The retaining cable may extend through the display stem and may simultaneously transmit power and data to a displayed product. The retainer may be returned to and held on top of the display stem using a retaining cable. The retainer may be oriented on top of the display stem in one or more predetermined positions through the use of magnetic forces.

Extending sockets, formed of accordions generally with buttons attached at their distal ends, for attaching to portable media players or portable media player cases. Cases having attached sockets serve purposes beyond protection of the player, such as managing a headset, attaching to belts or the like, forming stand legs to prop the player at a desired angle, forming grips for gaming, forming a grip for securely holding and manipulating player with one hand, and forming extended legs for wedging players that are phones between the ear and shoulder. The sockets are structured to allow headset cords to be wound around the accordions when the sockets are extended, to prevent the cords from tangling. Space in an attached case may be provided so that the sockets may be partially or fully retracted with headphone cords wrapped around them to save space.

Extending sockets, formed of accordions generally with buttons attached at their distal ends, for attaching to portable media players or portable media player cases. Cases having attached sockets serve purposes beyond protection of the player, such as managing a headset, attaching to belts or the like, forming stand legs to prop the player at a desired angle, forming grips for gaming, forming a grip for securely holding and manipulating player with one hand, and forming extended legs for wedging players that are phones between the ear and shoulder. The sockets are structured to allow headset cords to be wound around the accordions when the sockets are extended, to prevent the cords from tangling. Space in an attached case may be provided so that the sockets may be partially or fully retracted with headphone cords wrapped around them to save space.

A system for detecting and projecting a vein pattern onto a patient comprises a smartphone and an accessory. The accessory contains a IR light source for illuminating the vein pattern of a patient and a visual image projector arranged to project the vein pattern onto the patient. The camera of the smartphone captures the reflected IR vein pattern image and communicates the vein pattern to the visual image projector within the accessory which in turn projects the visual vein image back onto the patient.