Abstract: Methods and devices for providing access to an intervertebral disc using the patient's bony pedicle as an anchoring spot for a pedicle screw that temporarily attaches to an access port are disclosed herein. The disclosed methods and devices can eliminate the need for a surgical table as an anchor, as well as the need for components extending from the table to the port at the access site, thereby unencumbering the surgeon's view and workspace while providing minimally invasive access.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus for guiding an instrument may be provided, the apparatus comprising a main body; a holding member for holding an instrument, the holding member coupled to the main body; and one or more actuating members configured to effect movement of the holding member such that said movement of the holding member is capable of providing rotational movement of an instrument about a pivot point external the apparatus. The holding member may preferably be configured to co-operate with a compliance device, said compliance device capable of holding the instrument.

Abstract: A vanity plate assembly includes a plate that has indicia printed thereon. A strip is positionable against the plate. A pair of brackets is provided and each of the brackets releasably engages the strip. A pair of fasteners is each extendable through the plate, the strip and the brackets for coupling the plate, the strip and the brackets together. A pair of couplers is provided and each of the couplers releasably engages a respective one of the brackets. Each of the couplers releasably engages a respective one of a pair of chain supports on a hitch receiver of a vehicle. In this way the plate is suspended beneath the hitch receiver without interfering with using the hitch receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a camera mount system (CMS) releasably mountable to vehicle surfaces via a plurality of leg members, each leg member extending radially from a hub to support an articulating wrist member with a distal suction attachment. In an illustrative example, the articulating wrist may adjust vertically to permit secure sealing of the suction attachment to a local vehicle roof surface. Each of the articulating wrists may couple to a corresponding distal end of one of the leg members via, for example, a ball joint. The wrist angle relative to the leg member may be releasably locked by hand operation of a locking control that, for example, also locks the angle of the wrist relative to the suction attachment. Some systems may advantageously be quickly, releasably and securely mounted from non-planar and/or irregularly shaped vehicle surfaces, for example, roofs, roll cages, hulls, doors, hoods, and bodies.

Abstract: A water resistant LED light fixture having a fixture body with a water tight wire sealing compartment and a mounting mechanism for mounting the light fixture and enabling it to be positioned at various selected angles to facilitate aiming of the illumination provided by the fixture.

Abstract: A mount for a device such as a camera or similar equipment includes a rotational element that receives and secures the device within the rotational element. The rotational element has an outer circumference that provides an outer contact surface to the inner contact surface of a ring clamp. The ring clamp may clamp the rotational element and device in a wide array of selectable orientations. The ring clamp may include an attachment for attaching the ring clamp to a larger element.

Abstract: An adjustable support arm device includes a plurality of segments. Ball-and-socket joints each connect two adjacent segments. Each joint includes a plurality of interleaved friction layers between a ball and a socket of that joint. A locking mechanism applies a normal force to the friction layers to lock the joints, the mechanism being releasable to enable bending of the joints.

Abstract: An inbuilt support structure for holding an electronic device includes a stand and a holding mechanism. The stand includes a support body and a shaft. The shaft is connected to a first end of the support body. The holding mechanism includes a holding portion and a connecting portion. The connecting portion is positioned on the holding portion and receives the shaft. The holding portion holds the electronic device. A second end of the support body rests stably on an external surface so as to support the electronic device when being viewed.

Abstract: A tripod head includes a shell, an adjusting member, a supporting member, and a locking member. The shell defines a receiving space and an adjusting opening communicating with the receiving space. The adjusting member includes a spherical adjusting portion and a connecting portion connected to the adjusting portion. The adjusting portion is received in the receiving space, and the connecting portion passes out of the shell through the adjusting opening. The adjusting portion adjusts a position and angle of the connecting portion relative to the shell by rotating in the receiving space. The supporting member supports the adjusting portion in the receiving space. The locking member locks the adjusting portion between the supporting member and the shell.

Abstract: A mount that is useful for mounting electronics equipment such as audio or video equipment such as a microphone or a camera in a desired orientation has first and second interconnected body members that retain a swivel adapter that is movable in a ball and socket swivel joint relative to the body members. The body members rotated on threaded connections to thereby adjust the tightness of the swivel adaptor retained between the body members. A stop prevents inadvertent disassembly of the assembled mounting apparatus.

Abstract: A load-absorbing device introduces load forces such as cable forces or tensioning forces of sheet-shaped structures into supporting structures (10). At least one load-absorbing part (36, 40) can be anchored on the supporting structure (10) via a bearing element (24). The load-absorbing part (36, 40) has a transmission body (36) forming a convexly shaped transmission surface guided on the bearing element (24) on a carrier surface formed from surface parts adapted to the convexity of the transmission surface.

Abstract: The present general inventive concept provides an adjustable accessory bracket assembly having an adjustment mechanism to adjust one or more axes of rotation of a bracket assembly in order to adjustably position accessory devices, such as a bracket for a mirror or other accessory device. The adjustable accessory bracket assembly can include a handle member, a push rod assembly, and a mounting member such that the handle member pivots with respect to the mounting member. In some embodiments, adjustment of a single rotation axis is provided; other embodiments may be configured to simultaneously adjust multiple axes of freedom for multi-position bracket assemblies.

Abstract: A load-absorbing device initiates load forces such as cable forces or tensioning forces of sheet-shaped structures into supporting structures (10). At least one bearing element (24, 80) is anchored on supporting structure (10). A tie rod (40) of a load-absorbing part (36, 40) is connected to the bearing element. A connection device (50) for tension members (16; 98) cooperates with the tie bar (40). The connection device (50) has at least one connection wing (66) projecting laterally from the longitudinal axis (A) and forming at least one connection point (69a) offset with respect to the longitudinal axis (A).

Abstract: A holding device for medical instruments with a bracket on which at least one medical instrument can be affixed and with at least one joint to position the bracket and/or the medical instrument, so that the at least one joint is configured as a ball and socket joint that is equipped with at least one bearing shell and one pivot ball and whose pivot angle around the longitudinal axis of the joint is restricted by a pivot guard. The pivot guard is positioned inside the pivot ball to provide a holding device for medical instruments whose pivot guard allows for a compact structure of the ball and socket joint.

Abstract: A holder for sustaining a handheld electronic device is provided. The holder includes a sucker and a positioning device. The sucker has a central and peripheral portion. The positioning device, which is disposed on a side of the sucker, comprises a housing, a ball, a clamping assembly and a rod. The housing is disposed on the sucker and has a receiving space for the ball and the clamping assembly. The rod has a first end connecting to the central portion of the sucker and a second end extending towards the receiving space. When the rod is led to position the sucker onto an object, the clamping assembly is adapted to restrict the ball simultaneously.

Abstract: A joint unit comprises a lock mechanism in which a ball-like joint section provided at the base end of an arm is housed in a holder formed at an end of a cylindrical case. As the joint section is brought into pressed contact against an inner surface of the holder, the lock mechanism locks a pivotal angle. In the lock mechanism, in response to a manual operation of a knob, a bolt is caused to project into the case and this pressing force is transmitted to a roller-like first pressing body and then to a second pressing body placed in contact therewith. Further, the pressing force from the first pressing body is transmitted to a pressure block and then the pressing force from this pressure block brings the joint section into pressed contact against the holder inner surface.

Abstract: A holding device for medical instruments, with a bracket on which at least one medical instrument can be affixed and with at least one joint to position the bracket and/or the medical instrument, so that the at least one joint is configured as a ball and socket joint that is provided with at least one bearing shell and a pivot ball and that can be converted between a position that releases the joint and one that blocks the joint. To provide a holding device for medical instruments that is simple to operate, makes possible a rapid blocking and releasing of the at least one joint, and in addition ensures that unintentional release of the blocking is excluded to the greatest extent possible, it is proposed with the invention that the bearing shell should be of rigid configuration and the pivot ball should be capable of being affixed in the bearing shell by clamping by at least one blocking element.

Abstract: A portable and adjustable stand includes a base assembly having at least three legs pivotally coupled to an end cap and movable between retracted and extended configurations. The stand includes a length adjustable rod having first and second rod members for selectively adjusting the height thereof. The end cap is slidably coupled to a lower end of the first rod member. A drink holder assembly is mounted atop the second rod member. An auxiliary rod member and umbrella holder may be coupled to the second rod member.

Abstract: An attachment for a photographic instrument including a camera, comprising a transverse rotatable member having a top arcuate vertical support. A first top arcuate member is comprised of a gap and a second top arcuate member has an arcuate recess, wherein the top arcuate vertical support is connected to the respective first and second top arcuate member, which forms a seat as a housing of a universal joint. The universal joint is affixed to a shaft having a concentric bearing, which is further affixed to the camera mount, so that the camera mount can be rotated. A pin is affixed to the universal joint opposite to where the shaft is affixed. When the shaft having the bearing is downwardly and rotatably positioned inside of the recess, the pin is also upwardly positioned inside of the gap.

Abstract: A connection device for adjustably connecting a surgical apparatus connected to a first end of the connection device to an attachment part on a stationary device, such as an operating table, which can be connected to a second end of the connection device. The connection device has a first holding arm and a second holding arm, connected to the first holding arm in a hinged fashion via a ball and socket joint. A clamping apparatus is provided for detachably clamping the ball of the ball and socket joint in the ball and socket joint receptacle. A hydraulic apparatus is also provided which, when operated, loads the clamping apparatus with a force opposing the clamping force. Further, a clamping force transformation apparatus transforms the force applied by the clamping apparatus into a larger clamping force.

Abstract: An instrument assembly support apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the instrument assembly support apparatus may be for supporting an instrument assembly. The instrument assembly may include an instrument support arm. In some embodiments, the instrument assembly support apparatus may include a base fixedly mountable onto the external frame, a pivot assembly mounted for pivoting relative to the base, an arm assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, and a support assembly configured to support the instrument assembly on the arm assembly.

Abstract: A stand for a display device, such as a flat-panel display, selectively accommodates mounting surfaces having disparate orientations with improved stability and durability, to facilitate viewing of the flat-panel display in either of at least two physical states of orientation as necessary or desired, specifically, with respect to both horizontal and vertical mounting surfaces.

Abstract: A double ball joint device comprises a housing, a first joint element having a first ball mounted in the housing, and a first shaft attached to a portion of the first ball protruding through an opening in the housing, and a second joint element having a second ball, which is mounted similar to the first ball and is provided with a corresponding second shaft. A locking washer is arranged between the first and second balls and has a first seat for receiving the first ball, and an opposite second seat for receiving the second ball. An operation member is operable between a released state, where the joint elements are pivotable, and a locked state, where it urges the locking washer to clamp lock the joint elements in a current position. When moving the operation member to the locked state it urges the washer to an off-centre position.

Abstract: A universal support is provided in the present invention. The universal support includes a brace unit, a mounting unit and a connecting unit, in which the brace unit has several joint assemblies with stronger mechanical strength and several quick-release clamp unit to carry heavier load, while the connecting unit can be securely fastened to a stationary object and the mounting unit can perform universally rotation so as to perfectly satisfy every need of the users.

Abstract: A hinge device includes a bearing seat, a spherical joint, a plurality of positioning pins, and a retaining ring. The bearing seat has a containing recess. The spherical joint is rotatably disposed in the containing recess, and the surface of the spherical joint has a plurality of positioning holes. The positioning pins are disposed at the bearing seat and capable of sliding toward or away from the spherical joint. The positioning pins correspond to parts of the positioning holes respectively when the spherical joint rotates to a specific position relative to the bearing seat. The retaining ring is disposed at an opening of the containing recess of the bearing seat and surrounds the positioning pins, the retaining ring is against the positioning pins to allow the positioning pins to be fastened in the corresponding positioning holes when the spherical joint rotates to the specific position relative to the bearing seat.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for use in an electric fryer that rotates heating elements out of a frypot, and a pivot housing that prevents the passage of outside contaminants from entering the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly comprises a tube that has mounting position for heating elements, and the elements can be lowered and raised into the frypot. The pivot housing comprises a hood that fits over the pivot assembly and forms a seal around the assembly, preventing the passage of oil therethrough. The tube of the pivot assembly can comprise one or more heating elements, and the heating elements can be lowered or raised independently of one another.

Abstract: A multi-directional mechanical jointed arm for supporting and suspending articles and its use as a free hand accessory, characterized by comprising at least three ball and socket joints, adjustable at any spatial position and direction providing a three-dimension movability and ability to hold suspended articles in a specific determined point selected at such space.

Abstract: The invention includes a mount with a knob including a shaft extending therefrom. A two piece socket housing defines a socket therebetween. The two piece socket has a portion formed as a first clamp element. A ball member is disposed in the socket and includes a slot and an attachment structure. A second clamp element has a connector, preferably an internally threaded nut captured therein. The shaft passes through a first portion of the two piece socket, the slot of the ball member, a second portion the two piece socket and terminates in the second clamp element, such that when the knob is manipulated, the two piece socket fixes the ball member in position and a clamping force is generated between the first clamp element and the second clamp element.

Abstract: An outdoor swivel head spotlight is described. A light bulb hood comprises a reflector and base. The base comprises a spherical socket having an internal seat. A support arm comprising a spherical end and a distal end connected to the spherical end by a through conduit is provided. The spherical end is seated in the internal seat. An internally threaded nut comprising an inwardly projecting lip having an open interior diameter at least as large as the external diameter of the spherical end, is coupled with the spherical socket. A washer between the spherical end and the lip of the nut is provided. When the nut is in a loosened position, the hood may be positioned to a desired angular position and when the nut is in a tightened position, the washer presses the spherical end into the internal seat to fix the angular position of the light hood.

Abstract: The invention provides a holding apparatus. The holding apparatus comprises a loading stand and a positioning pivot pillar. A pivoting part comprising at least one adjusting unit is set on the loading stand. A pivot member comprising a plurality of locking units is set on one end of the positioning pivot pillar. The pivot member is movably pivoted to the pivoting part. When one of the at least one adjusting unit and one of the plurality of locking units are locked due to a rotation occurred between the loading stand and the positioning pivot pillar, the loading stand and the positioning pivot pillar will form a locked state.

Abstract: A medical instrument mounting and positioning device is disclosed, comprising a platform with bilateral clamps to hold a camera or other instrument, said platform being movable via a swivel ball-and-socket joint and connected to a spring-tensioned articulated arm having a flexible coil and three longitudinal members connected by pivot screw joints. Another swivel ball joint is located at the non-instrument end of the articulated arm, to connect the arm to a support member that is anchorable to a surgical table or other surface.

Abstract: A seat sliding apparatus includes a lower rail, an upper rail fixed to a vehicle seat and mounted on the lower rail to move, a lock mechanism having a lock lever for locking the upper rail with the lower rail, a slide supporting member disposed between the rails, a sliding portion provided at both the rails, with which the slide supporting member contact, lock portions provided at one of the rails facing each other, another lock portion provided at the other one of the rails locating between the lock portions, the lock lever being fitted into at least one of the lock portions. The sliding portion of the upper rail is formed along a longitudinal direction over an entire length of the upper rail and the lock portions of the upper rail are arranged at one of an upper side and a lower side of the sliding portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a adjustable mounting assembly. There is a need for a simple adjustable and lockable mounting assembly. A mounting assembly adjustably supports a platform relative to a base. The assembly includes a plurality of adjustable length legs. Each leg has a first end pivotally coupled to the base and a second end pivotally coupled to the platform. An arm projects transversely away from each leg into the space surrounded by the legs. A locking or clamping device is located in the space surrounded by the legs and pivotally receives an inner end of each arm. The clamping device including a tension adjust member which can be tightened to prevent relative movement between the arms, and thus, the legs. The clamping device includes first and second plates which form a plurality of apertures therebetween. Each aperture pivotally receives a pivot ball on the inner end of each arm.

Abstract: A wall bracket for a loudspeaker or the like, particularly for use in the home theatre context, and comprising a wall plate (20) arranged for attachment to a wall, the plate having at least a pair of raised, laterally outward projecting flanges (21a, 21b); a bracket base arranged for engaging with the flanges and being thereby held to the wall plate, the bracket base having two substantially similar opposing parts (30, 40) each incorporating a substantially hemispherical socket (34); and a bracket mount (50) arranged for attachment to the loudspeaker etc, the bracket mount incorporating a ball member (51) adapted to be gripped between the bracket base sockets in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: A stand for a display device, such as a flat-panel display, selectively accommodates mounting surfaces having disparate orientations with improved stability and durability, to facilitate viewing of the flat-panel display in either of at least two physical states of orientation as necessary or desired, specifically, with respect to both horizontal and vertical mounting surfaces.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a flat screen monitor support assembly having a base that is coupled to the edge of a desk, or to a grommet hole in a desk. A distal end of the monitor support assembly is securable to the back of the flat screen monitor. Torsilastic assemblies allow for adjustment of the biasing required to maintain the vertical spacing of the monitor from the desktop surface with pivot pins providing horizontal rotation. The torsilastic assemblies accommodate monitors of different weight as well as normal aging of the elastomeric elements within the assemblies. The support base further includes an offset pivot providing additional rotation aspects without the need for support bracket movement.

Abstract: A fastening holding rack includes a holding dock, a holding device and a 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 another 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 another 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: Positioning apparatuses mountable to a wheelchair or other such device are disclosed. An illustrative positioning apparatus can include a base unit, a number of armatures each defining an extension of the apparatus, a number of rotatable joints adapted to permit movement of the armatures, and a platform adapted to support one or more objects. A number of actuation levers connected to the rotatable joints can be used to simultaneously unlock each of the joints in a single step, allowing the apparatus to be easily repositioned. A locking mechanism within each joint may permit one or more user-defined locking positions to be set on the joint. A temporary lock-out mechanism within each joint results in the unlocking of each joint until the armatures are rotated away from the locked position, allowing operation of the device with one hand.

Abstract: A speaker mount includes a support structure attachment, an adjustable mount connected to the structure attachment and including a first connector, and a speaker attachment including a second connector. The first and second connectors may selectively be connected or disconnected, permitting a speaker to be connected to and disconnected from the remainder of the mount. The first connector is mounted to a ball. A lock plate is mounted at an opposing side of the ball from the first connector. A fastener controls the distance between the first connector and the lock plate. In one position, the fastener draws the lock plate and first connector towards one another, fixing the lock plate in a position on the ball, and in another position allows the first connector to be moved relative to the ball. The mount permits orientation of a speaker in a variety of positions relative to a support structure.

Abstract: The invention includes a mount with a knob including a shaft extending therefrom. A two piece socket housing defines a socket therebetween. The two piece socket has a portion formed as a first clamp element. A ball member is disposed in the socket and includes a slot and an attachment structure. A second clamp element has a connector, preferably an internally threaded nut captured therein. The shaft passes through a first portion of the two piece socket, the slot of the ball member, a second portion the two piece socket and terminates in the second clamp element, such that when the knob is manipulated, the two piece socket fixes the ball member in position and a clamping force is generated between the first clamp element and the second clamp element.

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 pivotable suspension element includes a support member having a part-spherical bearing surface clamp element and a body portion, the body portion having an integral formation of a slot to receive a part of a component to which the pivotable suspension element may be secured; a locator formation for the clamp element whereby, in use, the clamp element may be operated to clamp a flange in the slot; a part-spherical seat, and a through-passage extending through the body from the part-spherical seat, wherein the curvature of the part-spherical seat of the body portion corresponds substantially with that of the bearing surface of the support member and wherein the cross-sectional size of the through-passage increases in a direction away from the part-spherical seat.

Abstract: With a display device in which a main display component is supported in a tilted orientation by a stand unit, the leg of the stand unit will not be pushed in, causing the main display component to readily fall over backwards, even if the main display component in a tilted orientation should be accidentally pushed by hand. A stand unit A has a slider 2 affixed to the upper end of a leg 3, a case 1 that houses the slider 2, and a slider position restriction means 5 for restricting the slider 2 to two positions: an upper position and a lower position. The slider position restriction means 5 is equipped with a cam component 6 and a spring 7. The spring 7 has an engagement component 71, and the cam component 6 is equipped with a upper latching component 61, a lower latching component 62, and a wavy serrated face 65 that links these. The function of increasing the moving resistance when the engagement component 71 moves is imparted to the serrated face 65.

Abstract: An adjustable bearing composed of top plate, top seat, ball hinge, stud, locking nut, stud seat and locking screw, the adjustable bearing of the invention can be steplessly adjusted vertically and horizontally, making the installation, replacement and adjustment more convenient, it has the special feature of low compression deformation, high precision, low cost and maintenance-free.

Abstract: A prop head bearing between the roof bar and the prop (4) of a shield-type support frame, comprising a ball-joint socket (3) on the roof bar and open towards the prop for receiving a ball-joint head (2) on the prop (4), with at least one movable securing element (6, 7) which, when in a secured position, engages in a recess (12, 13) in the joint head (2) to prevent accidental lifting of the joint head (2) out of the socket (3), and with a bolt which locks the securing element (6, 7) in the secured position, in which that the securing element is in the form of a securing pin (6, 7) movable along its longitudinal axis between the secured position and an assembly position, wherein the securing pin (6, 7) is lockable by the bolt (14, 19) in the assembly position, in which it does not engage in the recess (12, 13) in the joint head (2).

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 mounting assembly comprises a mounting element for attachment to a surface, a cap engaged with the mounting element for angular movement relative thereto and having a slot therein through which extends an arm of a support member, there being at one end of the arm a ball which is received in a socket defined between the cap and the mounting element. A coupling nut is engagable with the mounting element so that in a first, tightened state, the nut locks the cap in its selected angular orientation relative to the mounting element, thereby retaining the arm in its selected position in the slot and the support member in its selected rotational position relative to the cap. In its second, unscrewed state, the nut allows adjustment of the cap, arm and support member correspondingly to adjust the orientation of an object mounted by the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a connecting subassembly having first and second exterior arms, and an interior arm having first and second ends disposed between the first and second exterior arms. The first end of the interior arm and a portion of the first exterior arm define a first socket. The second end of the interior arm and a portion of the second exterior arm define a second socket. First and second mounting members disposed in the respective first and second sockets.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention achieved by adjustable linkage mounting member for shaft members associated with articulating positioning arm members of a dental x-ray assembly wherein each adjustable linkage mounting member is comprised of a housing member mounted within a chamber thereof for receiving a shaft member of a positioning arm member and having a brake shoe disposed in the chamber in frictional contact with the shaft member and wherein frictional contact is adjustable in response to a threaded member disposed in the chamber.

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.