Ever been stuck in a social situation in which you had just your iPod or music-loaded iPhone (News - Alert), but no docking station to allow everyone to listen to music? A group of Australian designers traveling in Africa experienced just that scenario, and they solved their problem by creating Tembo Trunks, durable, non-electronic silicone amplifiers into which you can plug your iPod's ear buds, turning them into instant speakers. Tembo Trunks run at about $39 and will be available in four bright colors.

Made only of silicone rubber, Tembo Trunks use old-fashioned horn technology (think of the antique ear horns for the hard-of-hearing you've seen in old cartoons and illustrations) to amplify your tunes up to 80 decibels, writes Digital Trends. Simply pop open the collapsible trunks (you can actually crush them into your luggage), put your Apple (News - Alert) white earbuds into position, and press play on your iPod or iPhone.

Said the designers, “An idea sparked when traveling soon became a fun side project around our day jobs. Our goal was to create a product that was thoughtfully designed, sustainable, and built from superior materials. After several prototypes we are really happy with the quality, ease of use, and functionality of Tembo Trunks.”

If you're hoping to rock the house or have a music-thumping rave, you may be disappointed, but the volume and sound are sufficient (they allow you to go to about 80 decibels) for providing music at the beach, in the office, camping, or in a hotel room. With no moving or electrical parts, Tembo Trunks are completely waterproof and virtually indestructible. The “speakers” are also collapse and stackable, making them the perfect thing to throw in your backpack without worrying if they will be damaged or have enough battery power to last the day.

So where can you get a pair? You can't -- not quite yet. The Tembo Trucks won’t be available for a few months, but if the project gets backed on new product funding website Kickstarter, you'll be able to get your hands on a pair as soon as they are available.