Abstract: A sucker device includes a body, a sucking disk, and an operating mechanism; the body has a base, and a sleeve part joined on the base; the sleeve part has a hollow portion communicating with a bottom room of the base, and two slots, and is joined to a fixing support; the sucking disk is positioned in the bottom room of the base; an axial rod is joined on a middle of the disk, and held in the hollow portion of the sleeve part; the operating mechanism includes a knob, and a pressing rod, which is passed through the axial rod, and sticks out through the slots; the knob is positioned around and threadedly engaged with the sleeve part; thus, the middle of the disk can be moved farther away from a surface of an object for the disk to stick to the object by means of turning the knob.

Abstract: A support stand includes a base and a mounting post that is collapsible into the base. The support stand can be extremely compact and nearly flat with a very small height. The support stand also is very easy to use and can be quickly set up and utilized with a camera or other device to be mounted thereon.

Abstract: An improved magnetic mounting assembly for securely attaching a positionable object to be variably fixed in a desired selected position to a support, for universally moving the positionable object to a desired selected position, and for holding the positionable object during operation is provided, including a positioning element with a magnetizable ball attached to the positionable object. A support element includes a nonmagnetizable outer housing supporting a magnetizable inner housing with surfaces configured to support the magnetizable ball. A magnet assembly positioned within the inner housing includes a magnet in contact with the inner housing and a magnetizable cap spaced a functionally optimum distance from the inner housing and from the ball to produce the magnetic forces required to magnetize the inner housing, the cap portion and the ball so that the ball is securely but movably held in the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A camera-mounting device is provided that is inexpensive and resistive to vibration, and can generate a large coupling force with a small operation force. The camera-mounting device includes a ball shaft, a case main body provided with a ball-shaft receiver, a press plate that allows the ball shaft to be pressed onto the ball-shaft receiver and a cam that presses the press plate in a direction toward the ball shaft by a rotation of a lever, and in this structure, the rotation of the lever is made to have a multiplied force through the principle of the lever to push the press plate down so that the cam and a cam contact face are made in contact with each other on a flat face. With this arrangement, a large coupling force is generated by a small force so that the device is made resistive to vibration.

Abstract: A display is disclosed to include a base, a post coupled to the base through a ball and socket joint for free adjustment at different angles, a holder assembly coupled and movable along the post, a locking device mounted in the holder assembly for locking the holder assembly to the post at the desired height, and a screen pivotally coupled to a pivot member at the holder assembly.

Abstract: A ratcheting mounting device has a substantially rigid base that is formed with a receptor surface projected above a foot portion that is structured with one or more through holes for securing the base to an external surface such as a floor or wall; a substantially rigid ratcheting coupler that is formed with an insertion surface and an appendage coupler for securing an appendage thereto; a plurality of cooperating radially extended teeth and radially extended sockets arranged between the respective receptor and insertion surfaces of the base and ratcheting coupler for orienting the surface of the ratcheting coupler relative to the surface of the base in different stepwise angular orientations; and a clamping mechanism that is structured for constraining the respective receptor and insertion surfaces of the base and ratcheting coupler in different angular relationships.

Abstract: A camera pan head having two clamps locked connector. There is provided with a linkage locking mechanism, which is composed of the left and right clamp, the pendulum lever, the hinge, and the twist spring, in the connector. On one side of the camera pan head is provided with a extension handle. Under the sphere seat of the bottom of the camera pan head is provided with a turntable, and there is provided with a circular scale around outer circumference of the turntable.

Abstract: An illumination device includes a housing a portion of which has a ball-like outer surface, a positioning base and an annular ring. The housing is arranged to accommodate a Light Emitting Diode (LED) and is at least partially transparent to wavelengths the LED is capable of emitting. The positioning base has a front side provided with an opening and is arranged to rotatably support the ball-like outer surface portion of the housing. The front side of the positioning base has a front surface with a recess. The recess is arranged to accommodate the annular ring in such a way that an orientation of the housing can be tightened.

Abstract: A powered mechanism able to articulate about two orthogonal tilt axes, the powered mechanism having a sphere pivotally mounted in a ring or band and driven by a first pivotally mounted motor to articulate the sphere about the first axis, and a second pivotally mounted motor mounted to a fixed reference to drive the sphere about the second axis through ring or band.

Abstract: An orientatable mounting for optical and/or photo-cinematographic equipment including at least one universal joint having a first and a second joint component which are movably coupled together, a member applying an immobilizing friction load between the joint components including a hydrostatic pressure source and actuator for operative control of the pressure member, and the hydrostatic pressure source including a first and a second piston member.

Abstract: A mobile paint rack having a base and an upright mounted on the base, the upright receiving at least a pair of clamp arms releasably received by a pair of support carriages, each carriage for releasably receiving a clamp arm at a distal end thereof, one at each end of each carriage. A swivel clamp is mounted on each clamp arm to a swivel ball, the swivel ball in turn is mounted to the proximal end of each clamp arm. The swivel clamp on the clamp arm may be positioned in an extremely wide variety of positions on the end of the clamp arm. Once the swivel clamp is positioned in a desired manner, it is screw locked into place. Additionally, the clamp arms themselves may be adjusted such that where two swivel clamps are needed to securely position an article for spray painting, two swivel clamps may be positioned as close as 1 inch together and as far apart as 36 inches.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided including a shaft, a head connected to the shaft, and a connector capable of connecting the head to a supported object, such as an archery bow. The head is connected to the shaft to allow pivoting movement between the shaft and the head at a joint in pivotally in three dimensions. In one embodiment, the connector further includes a vibration and noise damper with a magnetic connection adapted to releaseably connect to the head. The connection between the head and the connector may allow axial rotation there between. A brake assembly controls extension of the shaft.

Abstract: A supporting device for computer peripheral equipments, such as a Webcam, includes a base for holding the Webcam. The base has a housing compartment to hold a moving member. The housing compartment has two sides, each having a sliding member. The moving member has two sides pivotally coupled on the sliding members. The sliding members can be swiveled and moved back and forth, relative to the base, to adjust the clamping space and clamping angle between the base and the moving member at the same time. The supporting device may also rest and stand on an operation surface in an upright manner.

Abstract: A fastening apparatus and a holding rack which includes a holding dock, a holding device and the fastening apparatus. The holding device has a holding bracket and a fastened member. The fastening apparatus includes a collet and a sleeve. The collet has a bottom and a plurality of jutting plates. The collet is mounted onto the holding dock to hold the fastened member. The jutting plates are located longitudinally on the bottom in a protrusive manner. Each of the jutting plates has an outer surface on which a portion is extended outwards greater than other portion. The collet is encased in the sleeve. The sleeve has a tubular wall which has a plurality of segments corresponding to the jutting plates. Each segment has an inner surface on which a portion is extended inwards greater than other portion. When the greater extended inward portion of the tubular wall is in contact with the greater extended outwards portion of the jutting plate, the jutting plate is tilted inwards to press the fastened member.

Abstract: A fastening mechanism is mounted on a suction cup including a pivotal ball in a receptacle and having surface recesses, a leg secured to the ball, and a channel open to both the external and the receptacle, the channel having an intermediate enlargement. The mechanism includes a shank in the channel and having an exposed end, a rod extended from the other end of the shank and inserted in the recess, a shoulder proximate the rod, and a resilient member compressed between the shoulder and an internal wall of the channel. Pulling the shank to clear the recess and compress the resilient member, pivoting the ball by rotating the leg until a predetermined angle thereof relative to the suction cup is obtained, and releasing the shank to cause the compressed resilient member to expand to push the shoulder will insert the rod in the adjusted recess and fasten the ball.

Abstract: The Tetraball™ provides four essentially equal and (generally) evenly spaced constraints on the ball. It is the equivalent of a ball and socket joint in which the “socket” is composed of four small constraining pads of equal size and equally spaced around the surface of the ball or sphere. If a sphere is constrained by four equidistant points, each point will exert the same amount of force on the sphere. If additional pressure is applied to one point, the pressure exerted by the other points will rise to match this increased pressure. The effect of constraining a smooth ball by four equidistant points is to create the equivalent of a ball and socket joint in which the force required to rotate the ball at a particular rate is substantially the same in any direction. The ball is constrained by four equidistant points such that the relative movement between the ball and housing is smooth and predictable in any direction.

Abstract: A support for apparatus in general and, in particular, for optical or photographic apparatus and the like. The support comprises a pillar arranged to receive the apparatus at a first end and to be housed with its stem in a seat extending through a spider of a tripod. The support also comprises, at the first end, an orientable platform for the levelling of the apparatus independently of the positioning of the tripod, and the pillar is structurally independent of the spider and can be inserted removably in the seat.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for an archery bow is disclosed. The mechanism can assist an archer in focusing on a target or prey without having to bear the weight of the bow while doing so.

Abstract: A novel universal detachable presentation bracket that is universally positionable by operating in a spherical coordinate system, and method for positionally adjusting a presentation device on the bracket within the spherical coordinate frame. According to one aspect of the invention the novel universal detachable presentation bracket is provided by two releasably interlockable rotationally and spherically rotatable ball-and-socket components that are formed between a substantially rigid spacing component and two part-spherical couplers. A suction cup clamp mechanism is coupled to one of the two part-spherical couplers, and a retention being coupled to a different one of the two part-spherical couplers.

Abstract: A multiply configurable mounting apparatus having an elongated permanently bendable support leg with a support base coupled to a first end of the support leg, the support base being structured for securing the mounting apparatus relative to an external surface; and a mounting platform coupled to a second end of the support leg opposite from the first end, the mounting platform is structured for mounting an external device to the second end portion of the permanently bendable support leg.

Abstract: A tripod head includes a cylindrical housing 1 having connection member at one end for a tripod, a ball joint (2) rotatably and pivotally arranged in the housing (1), a bearing element (4) for the ball joint (2), having a sliding surface (7) contacting the circumference of the ball joint (2) and arranged so as to be axially displaceable and rotatable in the housing (1), and a device (5) for fixing the ball joint (2) and having a support (6) for the bearing element 4 and an adjusting device (25) in operative connection with the support (6) in order to displace the bearing element against the ball joint to achieve the clamping action.

Abstract: A universal mounting assembly for quick mounting of an object to a stand device. The mounting assembly includes a body having a support surface, a front face and an opposed mounting surface configured to mount to the support stand. The front face intersects the support surface and defines an opening into a receiving socket of the body. The body further defines an elongated slot extending along and into the receiving socket from the support surface. The elongated slot having a transverse width dimension smaller than that of the receiving socket, although it is suitable to receive a transverse width dimension of the button device neck portion. The receiving socket is formed and dimensioned for sliding receipt of the transverse width dimension of the head portion therein as the neck portion simultaneously slides along the elongated slot to a dock position. The mounting assembly further includes a resilient retaining arm cantilever disposed in the receiving socket.

Abstract: An improved leveling device having a unique elongated adjusting leg and locking hub which permits the secure leveling of an appliance without the use of extraneous tools.

Abstract: A ball head assembly has a holding base, a clamping collar, a ball, a holder and an anti-escape mechanism. The anti-escape mechanism is mounted on the holding base, is connected to the ball and has a supporting rod, a supporting block, a dragging member and a nut. The supporting rod extends through the bottom of the holding base and has a spherical end rotatably connected to the ball and a threaded end. The supporting block is mounted around the supporting rod and rotatably mates with the bottom of the holding base. The dragging member is mounted around the supporting rod and has a first end abutting against the supporting block and a second end. The nut is screwed onto the threaded end of the supporting rod and abuts against the second end of the dragging member.

Abstract: A ball head has a ball with a single adjustment actuator. The single adjustment actuator has a locking mechanism that is low force high friction device. The locking mechanism supports a ball and socket gimbal mechanism with a fixed spherical contact zone built into the housing and a moveable spherical contact ring.

Abstract: The kinematic mount includes first and second plates and three connectors. The first plate has three grooves therein. The grooves are spaced 120 degrees apart from one another. The second plate has three indentations therein. Each of the indentations is located at a respective apex of an equilateral triangle. Each of the three connectors include first and second surfaces. The first surface is configured to contact a respective groove along two substantially parallel contact lines each having opposing ends. The first surface is formed such that each of the two contact lines is curved near its opposing ends. The second surface is coupled to the first surface. The second surface is configured to contact a respective indentation along an annular contact line. The curved ends of the contact lines prevent the connector from binding to the first plate when the kinematic mount is highly loaded.

Abstract: A magnetic mounting assembly for securely attaching a positionable object to be variably fixed in a desired selected position to a support, for universally moving the positionable object to the desired selected position, and for holding the positionable object in that position during operation is provided, including a positioning element with a ball that is attached to the positionable object. A support element includes a socket configured to movably engage the ball. One of either the ball or socket includes a magnetic material and the other includes a magnetically attractive material to hold the ball in the socket by magnetic as well as frictional forces. An adjustment collar controls the axial movement of the ball to increase or decrease the magnetic force holding the ball in the socket. This mounting assembly is particularly useful for supporting a camera on a tripod.

Abstract: A multi-positionable mounting device that provides a substantially stable, load-bearing but relatively adjustable ball and socket mounting device. An interior surface of the socket is formed of first and second opposing part hemispherical socket portions that are relatively orientable with one another for forming therebetween a part spherical cavity. The interior surface of one socket portion is formed with multiple facets at a predetermined radial distance from a spherical center point of the cavity. The first and second opposing part hemispherical socket portions are securable in a relationship which forms the part spherical cavity therebetween. A part-spherical coupler substantially fills the spherical cavity. The mechanical securing means applies clamping force that acts between the first and second opposing socket portions and secures the coupler therebetween in fixed orientation with one of the faceted socket portion.

Abstract: A holder for attaching a remote control to a piece of furniture. A bracket attaches to the piece of furniture and a platform is pivotally attached to the bracket and holds the remote control. The bracket includes a mounting plate, a stationary arm, and a movable arm. The platform has a lowermost surface which is concave allowing the platform to be used with remote controls having either flat or convex lower surfaces by merely inverting the platform accordingly, and a first portion of hook and loop fasteners screwed to the platform. A second portion of hook and loop fasteners is attached to the remote control and releasably engages with the first portion of hook and loop fasteners so as to releasably engage the remote control with the platform. A joint pivotally attaches the platform to the bracket and includes a pair of plates and a post with a second ball bearing and a screw boss.

Abstract: A management system for wiring and/or cabling is disclosed. The wire management system comprises a base socket, a cable guide assembly, and a base pivot. The cable guide assembly may include a base member and a guide member that may be removably mounted to the base socket. The base pivot may be received within the base member for removably mounting the cable guide assembly to the base socket. The guide member of the cable guide assembly includes a plurality of vertically orientated ribs that assist in orientating the wiring and/or cabling in a generally vertical direction with respect to a heat emitting device so as to minimize the surface area of the wiring and/or cabling that is exposed to a heat emitting device, thereby minimizing heat buildup within an enclosure.

Abstract: The invention includes linkage assemblies comprising coupled links with metallic contact surfaces with improved stiffness. The inventors found significant mechanical problems with all previous descriptions of metallic contact links sufficient to preclude their commercial use. These metallic contact links are a significant improvement over existing plastic ball and metal joint, or all plastic beads as found in the prior art. The invention includes methods providing these links and high friction couplings between them, as well as the linkage assemblies and flexible arms resulting from these processes.

Abstract: A linkage arrangement for a rearview mirror is provided. One aspect includes a sliding piece, a first linkage component with a ball socket and a second linkage component with a projection configured to fit into the ball socket. A connection assembly connects the foregoing elements together. A variety of convex and concave profilings are provided on various surfaces of the elements to pivot the rearview mirror.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic mounting assembly for securely attaching a positionable object to be variably fixed in a desired selected position to a support, for universally moving the positionable object to the desired selected position, and for holding the positionable object in that position during operation. The mounting assembly of the present invention provides a positioning element, including a ball, that is attached to the positionable object. A support element attached to a support includes a socket configured to movably engage the ball portion. One of either the ball or the socket includes a magnetic material and the other includes a magnetically attractive material to hold the ball in the socket by magnetic as well as frictional forces. An adjustment collar controls the axial movement of the ball relative to the socket to increase or decrease the magnetic force holding the ball in the socket.

Abstract: A camera steadying device for steadying a camera while taking a picture. The camera steadying device includes a body member being designed for being coupled to the camera being held by a user. A flexible extension member extends from the body member. The flexible extension member is designed for being stepped on by the user opposite the camera whereby the flexible extension member resists upward vertical movement of the camera for steadying the camera when the user is taking a picture.

Abstract: A fixture for fixing camera and the likes which is capable of adjusting the pitching angle of the camera and generally comprises a coupling device, an universal joint, a platform, a fixing member and a locking assembly. Wherein the coupling device is provided with concave gaps so as to engage with strip-shape objects, by virtue of the fixing member together with locking assembly the platform is able to revolve round the universal joint, thereby the camera fixed on the platform can be vertically, laterally or even irregularly adjusted according to the user's needs.

Abstract: The kinematic mount preferably includes a first plate, a second plate, and a three connectors. The first plate has three indentations therein, where the indentations are each located at respective apexes of an equilateral triangle. The second plate has three grooves therein, where the grooves are spaced 120 degrees apart from one another. Each connector comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface forms an annular contact line between the first surface and one of the indentations. The second surface is coupled to the first surface and defines two substantially parallel contact lines between the second surface and one of the grooves. In a preferred embodiment, the first surface defines a spherical surface and the second surface defines a cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A universal mounting system for a device that employs a directional element in the operation of that device (e.g., scanning, tracking, aiming, or firing) is disclosed. The system is designed to perform pan and tilt operations associated with an attached device in a single movement without the need for operator adjustments. The design allows for mounting the system via a specific method or a commonly utilized method. Additional components may include an elevation adjustment to the system and a friction adjustment to the means used for the pan and tilt operations.

Abstract: The kinematic mount preferably includes a first plate, a second plate, and a three connectors. The first plate has three indentations therein, where the indentations are each located at respective apexes of an equilateral triangle. The second plate has three grooves therein, where the grooves are spaced 120 degrees apart from one another. Each connector comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface forms an annular contact line between the first surface and one of the indentations. The second surface is coupled to the first surface and defines two substantially parallel contact lines between the second surface and one of the grooves. In a preferred embodiment, the first surface defines a spherical surface and the second surface defines a cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A piñata-manipulating stand for more easily maneuvering and controlling a piñata. The piñata-manipulating stand includes an arm assembly for supporting and controlling a piñata. An upright support member is provided for supporting the arm assembly. A coupling assembly is coupled to and positioned between the arm assembly and the upright support member for rotationally coupling the arm assembly to the upright support member. A base member is mounted to an end of the upright support member for supporting the upright support member in an upright position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bracket comprising a first bracket part (1) with a first spherical surface (2), a second bracket part (3) with a second spherical surface (4), and a fastening element (5) for fastening the first bracket part (1) movably to the second bracket part (3). The second bracket part (3) comprises a groove (6) or the like, the fastening element (5) is at least partly placed in the groove (6), the first bracket part (1) is movable with respect to the second bracket part (3) so that a relative movement is generated between the fastening element (5) and the groove (6), and the first bracket part (1) is turnable with respect to the second bracket part (3) so that the fastening element (5) simultaneously remains substantially in its place with respect to the groove (6).

Abstract: A detachable universal display mount to be used for front or rear seat viewing of displays or other information management devices while in a vehicle. The mount has unique telescoping and pivot features that allow for perfect straight-on viewing of the devices on the mount without excessive sun glare. The pivot feature further enables storage of the mount in either a horizontal or vertical position. The mount can be used on a free-standing base or attached to a wall of the vehicle and is completely detachable so that the mounted device may be removed and stored out of sight.

Abstract: A multi-positionable mounting device that provides a substantially stable, load-bearing but relatively adjustable ball and socket mounting device. An interior surface of the socket is formed of first and second opposing part hemispherical socket portions that are relatively orientable with one another for forming therebetween a part spherical cavity. The interior surface of one socket portion is formed with multiple facets at a predetermined radial distance from a spherical center point of the cavity. The first and second opposing part hemispherical socket portions are securable in a relationship which forms the part spherical cavity therebetween. A part-spherical coupler substantially fills the spherical cavity. The mechanical securing means applies clamping force that acts between the first and second opposing socket portions and secures the coupler therebetween in fixed orientation with one of the faceted socket portion.

Abstract: A tripod is constructed to include a platform unit, which enables the platform thereof to be adjusted horizontally through 360°, a support unit for enabling the platform unit to be adjusted to the desired tilting angle, the support unit having a rear leg pivoted to a center post thereof, and a mounting leg unit adapted for securing the support unit to a tree, table top, or the like, the mounting leg unit having a short leg and a long leg adapted for making a scissors action, a clamping foot member pivoted to the short leg, a lock adapted for locking the legs, and an adjustment screw adapted for moving the clamping foot member relative to the long leg.

Abstract: A positively-positionable mounting apparatus having a ball mount, a multisided positionable mount, and a coupler. The coupler includes two relatively rigid arm members and a clamp structured to secure the arm members together in an operatively juxtaposed configuration. Each of the arm members is formed with a part hemispherical socket adjacent to a first end, the socket structured to cooperate with the ball mount to form a securely positionable ball-and-socket assembly. Each of the arm members is also formed with a multisided partial collar adjacent to a second end, the partial collar structured to cooperate with the multisided positionable mount to form a positively-positionable wheel-and-axle assembly.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display with a ball-and-socket mounting joint is provided. The liquid crystal display comprises a display body, a ball-and-socket mounting joint and a base. The ball-and-socket mounting joint is disposed on the display body. The base is connected with the display body via the ball-and-socket mounting joint so that the display body is rotatably disposed on the base. Thus, the liquid crystal display can rotate smoothly with a simpler structure and at a lower cost.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting apparatus includes a mounting post having a ball at one end. Opposed clamping members clamp the ball from opposite sides of the mounting post. The clamping members engage the ball with line contact. The clamping members are at a fixed distance apart from each other on a first side of the ball. An adjustable locking member secures the clamping members together on a second side of the ball for loosening and tightening the clamping members about the ball. This allows the clamping members to be rotated about the ball and tightened thereon. A mounting fixture is secured to the clamping members to allow devices to be mounted thereon.

Abstract: The apparatus for supporting a model aerospace craft in multiple positions comprises a pedestal, an upright stand, a ball within a socket assembly, and attaching means adapted to attach the apparatus to the aerospace craft. The pedestal provides a base support for the apparatus. In one embodiment the pedestal can comprise a flat base. In another embodiment the pedestal comprises a base tripod.

Abstract: The ZWJ-ANGLE-ADJUSTMENT (Z-A-A) is a new device that is used to adjust inclination angle or rotation angle for instruments and machines. Adjustment in the two phases can be brought about individually or simultaneously by two adjust-screws of the device. Adjustment can be achieved accurately, conveniently and smoothly. Some of common angle-adjustments, for example, the sphere-joint-angle-adjustment and camera-platform, are difficult to achieve high accuracy. The others such as worm gearing can work accurately, but they are complicated and expensive. The characteristic of the presented invention is, the angle in two phases (inclination and rotation) can be adjusted accurately in one sphere-head-shaft, adjusting in each phase (goes up and down) by one screw only. So presented invention provides a small-size device of simple structure. Also, its low production cost makes mass production possible so that potential marketing benefit is considerable.

Abstract: A joint for an articulated mechanism includes a housing and a rotatable member within the housing. There is a friction member mounted on the housing between the housing and the rotatable member. There is a spring normally biasing the friction member against the rotatable member to inhibit the rotation of the rotatable member. There is an actuator within the housing operatively coupled to the housing. The actuator member moves the friction member away from the rotatable member when actuated to facilitate rotation of the rotatable member. A plurality of joints are used to connect together a series of shafts, some of which may be equipped with clamps or other tools for securing workpieces.

Abstract: An adjustable camera mounting device or bracket is disclosed. The camera mounting device includes a base member having a curved recess portion which receives a camera mounting member having a complementary curved configuration. A spring-biased pressure member and oppositely positioned guide members are mounted within the curved recess portion of the base member and are received within a complementary groove in the camera mounting member permitting the camera mounting member to be rotatably movable within the base member. Spaced-apart pressure members provided within the base member apply a compressive force to the camera mounting member permitting the camera mounting member to be rotatable within the curved recess portion of the base member and to be grippingly retained after the desired orientation of the camera has been attained.