Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a mechanical ball joint which is particularly useful in finishing tools. The finishing tools may be used, for example, to prepare drywall surfaces for decorating and/or painting. The mechanical ball joint may allow a body casting of the finishing tool to rotate in almost any direction with respect to a handle portion of the finishing tool. As a result, the body casting may be used to perform work on the drywall at many different angles, including ninety degree angles at the corners of most rooms. An opening in the ball joint of the finishing tool may secure a ball portion by, for example, a moveable rod having an indentation. The movable rod of the ball joint may allow the user to temporarily secure the ball within the opening of the ball joint. The movable rod is spring-loaded to secure the ball within the opening of the ball joint. The ball may be removed from the ball joint opening to, for example, clean, replace, repair, store or transport the finishing tool.

Abstract: A joint for a motor vehicle has a joint housing (2), with a pivot pin (5) mounted pivotably in same and with an angle-measuring device, which has a magnet (18) and a magnetic field-sensitive sensor, which cooperates with this magnet and by which the angle (?) of the pivot pin (5) relative to the joint housing (2) can be determined. The magnet (18) is fastened to the pivot pin (5) and the sensor to the joint housing (2) or the magnet (18) is fastened to the joint housing (2) and the sensor to the pivot pin (5) at least indirectly. The magnetic field-sensitive sensor is formed by an electric coil (17), which has a core (16) consisting of a magnetic material and which is part of an electrical oscillating circuit (15), by which electromagnetic waves (27) can be sent or are sent.

Abstract: A socket retainer for retaining a ball of a support post. The socket retainer includes a body with a channel formed therein for receiving the ball. A rotatable pin is disposed in the body substantially perpendicular to the channel. The pin has a cutout formed therein which corresponds to a diameter of the ball. The cutout aligns with the channel to allow entry of the ball into the channel. A spring is disposed at the pin for preventing an unintended rotation of the pin.

Abstract: A swivel bearing assembly consists of an outer housing, a ball and a shaft, a cover, and ball bearings, wherein a free-zone channel. A free-zone channel allows the ball bearings to roll freely in the assembly as they follow the motion of the ball and shaft. The ball bearings eliminate friction between ball and outer housing. The ball and shaft can have simultaneous rotational and angular motion. Only unidirectional load can be applied to the bearing in the direction of the mounting surface.

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: A ball and socket joint for a motor vehicle, especially for the chassis of the motor vehicle, has a ball and socket joint housing (1), which has a joint opening and in which a bearing shell (5) made of an insulating material is arranged. A ball pivot (4), which is made of an electrically conductive material, has a joint ball (2) and a pivot (3), and which is mounted with its joint ball (2) rotatably and pivotably in the bearing shell (5) and projects from the ball and socket joint housing with its pivot (3) through the opening of the joint. An electrode (14) is arranged in the wall of the bearing shell (5) at a distance (?) from the joint ball (2), and the electrode (14) and the joint ball (2) are electrically insulated against each other via the bearing shell (5). Furthermore, between the joint ball (2) and the ball and socket joint housing (1), the wall has at least two layers (12, 13) arranged one after another, between which the electrode (14) is arranged.

Abstract: A universal joint component is used for connecting two members, such as a reflector and a lamp body. The universal joint component includes a shaft, an installation section formed on one end of the shaft, and a spherical head formed on the other end of the shaft. The spherical head includes a joint base, a top end, and at least one gap formed on a side of the spherical head between the top end and the joining base. The gap is formed of a groove or through hole so as to straddle a phantom line substantially passing through a center of the spherical head and perpendicularly intersecting a shaft axis of the shaft. Split head sections are defined by the at least one gap so that the split head sections flexibly deform when the spherical head is inserted into a spherical socket.

Abstract: A structure for a ball-and-socket joint connector is provided, including a connecting element, an encasing unit and a fastening unit. The connecting unit includes a ball-shaped connecting element at one end. The connecting element is placed inside the encasing unit to form a ball-and-socket joint structure. The fastening unit is engaged to the outer circumference of the top of the encasing unit to fasten the connecting unit and the encasing unit after the adjustment. The connecting element includes two layers of materials with different hardness. The outer layer is softer than the inner layer so as to increase the friction between the connecting element and the encasing unit after the fastening unit is applied to fasten the connecting unit and the encasing unit.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly for a vehicular steering or suspension application includes a cap-like housing in which is captured the articulating ball portion of a stud. A shank extends from the ball portion, outwardly from the housing cap, to provide a connection and anchoring interface for the suspension member or other anchoring component. The connection interface with the anchoring suspension member is characterized by a specially designed surface which is convenient to machine, provides increased surface-to-surface contact area, and provides additional advantages such as improved stress distribution and NVH benefits. A washer-like cone adaptor mates with a specially formed adaptor interface region on the stud. On its outer surface, the adaptor has a broad tapering feature designed to seat in a complementary-shaped receiving flare in the anchoring suspension member.

Abstract: An improved ball joint and tie rod for accommodating a relative agricultural vehicle includes a spherical ball, a stud end, and the spherical ball having a center. The stud end has a longitudinal rotational axis, wherein the center of the spherical ball is disposed away from the longitudinal rotational axis. In addition, the ball joint comprising the spherical ball end and the stud end is coupled to the steering knuckle and wherein a unitary, non-adjustable tie rod is coupled to the ball joint.

Abstract: A Multiple Axis Movement Yoke/Clevis Design (Articulated Clevis) provides a means of axial movement, within a clevis design, while transmitting force between two locations. The articulated clevis allows for a more direct linear arrangement within a linkage connection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kinematic mounting apparatus comprising: a plurality of spherical mount means; and a plurality of grooved mount means; wherein said mount means are operable to support a platform. The present invention relates to adjustable mounts. In particular, the present invention relates to mounting arrangements for optical devices requiring linear and tilt adjustment whereby a platform, which is usually either a mirror or a support for a mirror, should remain in a stress free condition at all times.

Abstract: A ball and socket housing incorporating a thick housing wall of deformable material adjacent a central bore opening to provide a closure system utilizing a deformable cover-plate. The deformable cover-plate is formed to a desired configuration within the central bore to achieve a consistent internal socket preload. The cover-plate is deformed into the housing opening beyond an elastic limit to control resiliency or spring-back characteristics, thereby achieving a high-degree of repeatability and precise control of the ball and socket preload during the assembly process. The deformed cover-plate is retained in the socket housing at the cover-plate seat by swaged or rolling the perimeter of the housing to capture the perimeter of the deformed cover plate within the housing central bore opening.

Abstract: An exemplary, non-limiting swivel fitting attachment apparatus includes a ball fitting and a swivel fitting. The ball fitting includes a base having an attachment portion, such as a flange, arranged for attachment to a structure and a ball attachable to the base. The ball may be removably attachable or fixedly attached to the base. The swivel fitting has a first end having a socket portion that is arranged to receive the ball therein and a second end having an attachment portion that is arranged for attachment to an object. The socket portion of the swivel fitting may be expandable and closeable over the ball, and may include first and second socket portion members that are urgeable toward and away from each other. The second end of the swivel fitting may be couplable to a clevis fitting.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint connection includes a retaining part having a fastening point and a journal slot; a ball-like component arranged in the retaining part; a rod part which is pivotable in a pivoting plane relative to the retaining part, the pivoting plane passing through the journal slot and the fastening point. A ball socket fixed to the rod part has a spherical recess in which the ball-like component is rotatably seated, a radially directed opening for receiving the ball-like component in the spherical recess, and a bearing shoulder between the spherical recess and the opening, the bearing shoulder retaining the ball-like component in the spherical recess.

Abstract: The invention discloses a utility vehicle, in particular an agricultural tractor, with a steering system having single-wheel-suspended steering wheels, which are mounted on a respective wheel carrier (11). Each wheel carrier (11) may be swivelled about the axis of at least one rigidly connected bolt (18) and is connected via a ball-and-socket joint (9) on the at least one bolt, to a transverse steering element (1) that is articulated to the vehicle body. Associated with the ball-and-socket joint (9) is a steering angle sensor (22) comprising a rotatable input member (23), which is located at least approximately in the extension of the axis of the swivel bolt (18). The rotatable input member (23) is connected to the bolt via an entrainment element (25) that transmits the swivel motion of the bolt in an angularly precise manner to detect the current swivel position of the wheel carrier (11).

Abstract: A connecting element is illustrated, suited for releasably connecting a first component and a second component, particularly for releasably connecting an actuator with a pedal of a motor vehicle, wherein forces parallel to the assembly direction are transmitted by the connecting element. The connecting element comprises a connecting mechanism which is attached to the second component and a sled, which can receive a fastening end of the first part and which latches in the connecting mechanism in its fastening position. The connecting mechanism is preferably configured in one-piece-form as a housing, wherein the sled, which is connected to the actuator, is connected to the housing in fastened condition and wherein the sled can be released by means of a tool.

Abstract: An improved, light weight ball member for universal connections having a hollow interior both in its ball portion and connecting portion for providing high strength and light weight and method for forming it through an improved forging process, using improved forging dies.

Abstract: A ceramic control valve includes a valve casing, and a control device including a linking seat and a control lever. The drive block of the control lever has a spherical surface. The receiving hole of the linking seat has a wall having a first portion in contact with the spherical surface of the drive block and a second portion spaced from the spherical surface of the drive block, thereby forming a plurality of gaps. Thus, the gaps located between the drive block and the receiving hole keep a smooth circulation of the air flow, thereby preventing the drive block from being jammed in the receiving hole due to deformation of heat expansion, so that the control lever is operated normally.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method includes a socket having a substantially spherical inner contour being accessible via an opening. A member having a partial spherical shape substantially similar to the spherical inner contour. A cross-sectional profile of the member is adapted to pass through the opening into the socket and to remain uncoupled with the socket when the socket and the member are in a first relative orientation. The member is further adapted to couple with the socket when the member is in the socket and in a second relative orientation with the socket.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for a motor vehicle, especially for the chassis of the motor vehicle has a ball-and-socket joint housing (i), which has a joint opening and in which a bearing shell (5) made of an insulating material is arranged. A ball pivot (4) is made of an electrically conductive material and has a joint ball (2) and a pivot (3) mounted rotatably and pivotably with its joint ball (2) in the bearing shell (5) and protrudes with its pivot (3) from the ball-and-socket joint housing (1) through the joint opening. An electrode (14) is arranged in the wall (12) of the bearing shell (5) at a spaced location from the joint ball (2), and the electrode (14) and the joint ball (2) are electrically insulated against each other via the bearing shell (5).

Abstract: A ball joint with a housing wherein the housing has a weld section, which allows it to be welded to a chassis component.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint has a pivot pin accommodated rotatably and tiltably with a spherical joint area in a bearing shell. The bearing shell is in turn arranged in the recess of a joint housing. A closing ring fixes the bearing shell in the joint housing in the axial longitudinal direction of the pivot pin by at least one surface pair. Corresponding to a first solution variant, an intermediate element made of an elastic material may be arranged between the corresponding contact surfaces of the surface pair on the bearing shell and the closing ring. As an alternative an insert element may be arranged between the outer contour of the bearing shell and the bottom area of the recess, wherein at least one intermediate element made of an elastic material is arranged between the outer surface of the insert element and the corresponding inner surface of the recess.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint, for example for use with an articulated support in an automobile, includes an essentially ring-shaped or cup-shaped joint housing and a bearing shell disposed in an interior space of the joint housing. The ball of a ball pin is slidingly received in the bearing shell. The inside contour of the joint housing and the outside contour of the bearing shell are essentially shaped as a truncated cone. The bearing shell can be essentially freely positioned in the joint housing in an axial direction of the ball pin. The position at which the bearing shell is anchored in the joint housing can then be precisely and reproducibly adjusted by way of the truncated conical surfaces. The service life, robustness and quality of ball-and-socket joints can be significantly improved during manufacture, while simplifying their fabrication and reducing their manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A ball coupling includes socket member and a ball member. The ball member can be placed and retained in, and also removed from, the socket member in an expedient manner. The socket member can be formed by machining, may be connected to a rod or other movable element, and does not require a recess to be forged or cast. The ball member is also simple to construct and may be attached to another rod or movable element, such that a relatively large angular travel is permitted between the socket member and the ball member.

Abstract: An improved ball joint for use in a motor vehicle steering or suspension system comprises a ball joint having a shank portion and a ball portion disposed in a socket shell. A ball joint retention member is provided having a first end operatively secured to the socket shell and a second end operatively secured to the shank portion.

Abstract: A joint for positioning between first and second elements includes an outer member and an inner member. The first and second elements are arranged for linear motion along a common axis. The outer member is configured for movement relative to the first and second elements along a first axis perpendicular to the common axis, and the inner member is mounted within the outer member for rotation relative to the outer member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and the common axis and for movement relative to the outer member along the second axis. The outer member is restrained from movement along the second axis. The outer member defines first and second parallel flat sides. Each flat side defines a plane perpendicular to the common axis. The outer and inner members each defining an opening for receiving a drive arm.

Abstract: A rocker pendulum for a motor vehicle, has an elongated, especially hollow basic body (1). The basic body (1, 11, 21, 31) has at least one section (1a, 11a, 21a, 31a), which forms or has a bearing shell of a ball and socket joint.

Abstract: A rotary adapter includes of a left and right connection parts having through-holes for transfixing cables. The left connection part is provided with a rotor body, the right connection part is provided with a rotary seat to fit with the rotor body, and the rotary seat is larger than the rotor body such that the rotary body can be latched into the rotary seat. A through-hole is opened along a direction of diameter of the aforementioned rotor body. Two steel beads are defined in the through-hole, and a spring is fixed between the two steel beads. Grooves are opened symmetrically in the rotary seat of the right connection part to fit with the steel beads. The left and right connection parts are connected with a connector respectively, and through a rotation of the rotor body in the rotary seat, a rotation of two-way connector can be implemented.

Abstract: A cover includes a cover body, a grommet, and a projection. The cover body includes a socket disposed on one of the front and rear opposite surfaces. The grommet is deformable, is held in the socket, and includes a fitting hole. The projection projects from an installation member to which the cover is installed, and is fitted into the fitting hole of the grommet, whereby holding the cover body detachably to the installation member. The grommet further includes convexities disposed on the outer peripheral surface at least, protruding in radial directions, and contacting with the inner peripheral surface of the socket at least. By the elastically deforming convexities, not only the cover is improved in terms of the attachment and detachment operability but also is enhanced in terms of the stability when being installed to the installation member.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a housing that defines a longitudinal axis and a channel extending therethrough. The housing also includes a socket which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis and is in fluid communication with the channel. The socket defines a socket radius. The ball joint assembly includes a ball that is receivable by the socket. The ball defines a ball channel extending therethrough. The ball joint assembly includes a plate that is fixedly secured to the housing to secure the ball and the channel. A plurality of seals extend about the ball preventing air from passing through the channel around the ball. Plates having rims of different thicknesses will provide different levels of tightness between the ball and the socket to vary the amount of freedom of movement the ball has with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A bail joint for a wheel suspension in a vehicle, said bail joint including a bearing shell (3), a bail (2) and housing (4). The ball is supported in the bearing shell; said bearing shell (3) being subdivided into lip elements (9) by slots (8). The slots (8) are arranged in the bearing shell (3) from its middle part and up to its upper rim. The lip elements (9) may be bent outwards at a compression groove (10) to admit the bail (2) when it is introduced into the shell.

Abstract: A cardan shaft structure with tightness adjustable functions has a through-hole passing through spheres located at both ends of the cardan shaft body, and a taper socket respectively installed into the opening end of each sphere. A bolt is inserted into both spheres and the body, fixed and locked together in conjunction with a nut. The cardan shaft structure works together with two clamping components wrapping around the spheres. When the sphere is being pushed against (or freed from) the inner wall of the clamping component by tightening (or loosing) the bolt so as to make the sphere either expand (or recover), the angle displacement of the clamping component becomes adjustable accordingly.

Abstract: A structure for a ball-and-socket joint connector is provided, including a connecting element, an encasing unit and a fastening unit. The connecting unit includes a ball-shaped connecting element at one end. The connecting element is placed inside the encasing unit to form a ball-and-socket joint structure. The fastening unit is engaged to the outer circumference of the top of the encasing unit to fasten the connecting unit and the encasing unit after the adjustment. The connecting element includes two layers of materials with different hardness. The outer layer is softer than the inner layer as to increase the friction between the connecting element and the encasing unit after the fastening unit is applied to fasten the connecting unit and the encasing unit.

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: An apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention includes a socket having at least three ball support points to constrain a ball, and a yoke rotatably coupled to the socket, the yoke having an axis of rotation that intersects the ball when the ball is positioned in the socket, the yoke rotatable to a closed position in which the yoke captures the ball in the socket, and the yoke rotatable to an open position in which the yoke does not capture the ball in the socket. According to some embodiments, the yoke is biased in the closed position such as, for example, by a spring. The yoke may be rotationally coupled to the socket at one or more locations, and the axis of rotation may intersect the ball when the ball is in the socket either through the center of the ball or at an off-center location.

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 rolling bearing and a rod end bearing are provided with a tilt mechanism and a rotary mechanism that are mutually independent. The tilt mechanism has a non-lubricated type spherical sliding bearing structure. The rotary mechanism has a rolling bearing structure which may or may not be sealed. By means of the non-lubricated type spherical sliding bearing structure, a tilt of the shaft center is made possible, and by means of a sealed rolling bearing structure, problems such as a lubrication oil leak are avoided, and carrying out high speed rotation and continuous rotation become possible. Because the sealed rolling bearing structure of the rotary mechanism does not call for a shaft center tilt function at all, the material of the seal can be chosen such that it emphasizes sliding resistance and high durability.

Abstract: In a universal joint arrangement between an apparatus holder and an apparatus support console including a receiver element mounted to the console, a ball joint element projecting from the holder, a ball element for engaging the ball joint element and the receiver element and a clamping mechanism comprising a bolt and a nut, the bolt extends through the ball joint element and the receiver element and the nut or the bolt head is retained in an operating wheel which is disposed adjacent the receiver element so as to be rotatable by the fingers of a user for adjusting the clamping force engaging the ball joint element between the receiver element and the ball element.

Abstract: A pivot joint has a first structure comprising a ball mounted in a receptacle, wherein the location of the ball is held with respect to the receptacle, and a second structure mounted on and movable with respect to the ball, wherein the second structure has at least one bearing surface which defines its position with respect to the ball. The ball may be held in location by contact with the receptacle at at least two positions. At least one of the positions of contact may be adjustable.

Abstract: A universal joint has a ball retainer having a retainer body made of a structurally rigid material and a relatively soft elastomeric seal bonded to the body at an axial end in a recess so as to wipe lubricant back on the ball that is retained by the body. Cavity plates in a housing of the universal joint partially close off lubricant reservoir recesses to retain lubricant in the reservoirs and act as wear plates that stabilize the centering plate orbiting in the recess. Seals can be provided between the retainer and the ball socket, between the centering plate and the wear plates and between the wear plates and the cavity plates. Passageways connect the center cavity of the housing with the ball sockets through an orifice.

Abstract: A cable duct coupler for coupling a first cable duct section to a second cable duct section without the need for tools, the cable duct coupler comprising a channel portion, a first outer guide element and a second outer guide element, a barb mount extending from at least one of the channel portion and the outer guide elements, and a barb having a body and first and second arms extending from the body, the barb being mounted on the barb mount, wherein at least a portion of the first arm extends at an angle between the first portion of the channel portion and the barb body and at least a portion of the second arm extends at an angle between the second portion of the channel portion and the barb body.

Abstract: A snap-in coupling for releasably connecting a first structural member and a second structural member. The snap-in coupling comprises a female coupling member comprising a plastic support member and a metallic spring clamp, said support member being insertable into a socket provided at said first structural member such that the female coupling member is retained therein, and a male coupling member comprising a mounting portion for being fixed to said second structural member, and a head portion. Said spring clamp and said head portion are arranged to snappingly engage each other when said female coupling member and said male coupling member are inserted into each other.

Abstract: A system for sensing relative position between chassis (5a, 5b) and axle (3) on a vehicle, which vehicle is provided with a so-called V-rod (1) mounted between the chassis (5a, 5b) and the axle (3) where the pointed end of the V is connected by a ball joint (2) to the axle (3) of the vehicle and the opposite ends (1a, 1b) of the V-rod (1) are connected to the chassis (5a, 5b) of the vehicle, which ball joint (2) comprises a partly ball-shaped body (8) permanently fixed to the axle or the v-rod, encircled by a complementarily shaped collar (9) arranged round the whole or parts of the ball-shaped body (8) which ball joint (2) is covered by a cap or housing.

Abstract: A steering post for use with a recreational vehicle, particularly a snowmobile or ATV, is described. The steering post includes a steering shaft having upper and lower ends; at least two steering arms, the two steering arms being positioned at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the steering shaft; a ball joint assembly positioned at the lower end of the steering shaft; and a stop. An upper bearing for supporting a steering post on a recreational vehicle may have a radiused inner surface that can accept some misalignment of the shaft. A steering system also can include a double ball joint linkage that permits an easier and simpler adjustment of the steering system. A recreational vehicle such as snowmobile or ATV making use of these features also is described.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for motor vehicles provided, with a joint ball and a pivot pin, a housing part formed of a shaped metal tube having a top end with an opening and having an opposite end with a pivot pin opening through which the pivot pin protrudes and with a molded material molded on a portion of the housing, the molded on material forming functional surfaces on each of an inside and an outside of the housing part.

Abstract: A sealing bellows is provided having a jacket (1b) arranged between first and second edges (1a, 1c) of the sealing bellows. The edges (1a, 1c) of the sealing bellows are sealingly in contact with components in the assembled state of the sealing bellows (1). At least a first edge (1a) of the sealing bellows has radially inwardly pointing teeth (3a), which engage a contour of a component or a housing (2) of a ball and socket joint to form a snap connection.

Abstract: A gas spring is mounted through a unique mount structure including a socket joint. The socket joint is mounted in a yoke for rotation through 180° about an axis of the yoke. The inventive structure provides greater freedom of movement than the prior art, and in many applications will allow rotation for more than 180°.

Abstract: The joining device serves for connecting two adjacent individual elements (5, 11) of a sheet pile retaining wall which are to be pile-driven in each case, e.g. for connecting two adjacent pipes of a sheet piling. The first joining element comprises a button strip (9) which is received in a hollow space (15) between two hook strips (14) of a second joining element (2). In order to be able to better absorb tensile forces occurring during driving, the first joining element (2) comprises holding portions, e.g. holding strips (16) which at least partly encompass the hook strips (14) of the second joining element (3) and thus prevent a widening of the hook strips during driving.

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.