Connectors for mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors are designed and constructed such that the interference fit of the ball and socket causes creep in the material resulting in more even frictions in the various ball and socket joints. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping. In an exemplary embodiment utilizing the aforementioned ball and socket joint connectors, a tripod apparatus uses legs comprising the ball and socket joint connectors for support and for gripping objects.

1 . An interconnected connector assembly, said assembly comprising: 
 an interconnect connector; and    a body portion connector.    
   
   
       2 . The interconnected connector assembly of  claim 1  further comprising an intermediate connector, said intermediate connector comprising: 
 a first end portion;    a second end portion; and    a socket engaging end surface at said first end portion, said socket engaging end surface being the external surface at said first end portion; and an internal socket receiving cavity at said second end portion.    
   
   
       3 . The interconnected connector assembly of  claim 2  wherein said interconnect connector comprises: 
 a first end portion, said first end portion comprising an internal socket receiving cavity; and    a second end portion, said second end portion comprising a receiver for a removable clip,    and wherein said socket engaging end surface of said intermediate connector is attached within said internal socket receiving cavity of said interconnect connector.    
   
   
       4 . The interconnected connector assembly of  claim 3  wherein said body portion connector comprises a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said body portion connector comprises a plurality of internal socket receiving cavities, said plurality of internal socket receiving cavities flared at an angle from each other, and wherein said second end of said body portion connector comprises a socket engaging end surface, and wherein said socket engaging end surface of said second end of said body portion connector is attached within said internal socket receiving cavity of said intermediate connector.  
   
   
       5 . The interconnected connector assembly of  claim 4  wherein said interconnect connector further comprises a spring loaded lever.  
   
   
       6 . The interconnected connector assembly of  claim 4  wherein said interconnect connector further comprises a tab adapted to capture a removable clip.  
   
   
       7 . The interconnected connector assembly of  claim 6  wherein said receiver further comprises a flat surface, wherein said tab protrudes through said flat surface.  
   
   
       8 . The interconnected connector assembly of  claim 5  wherein said spring loaded lever rotates around a pivot within said interconnect connector.  
   
   
       9 . The interconnected connector assembly of  claim 8  wherein said spring loaded lever further comprises a lever button, and wherein said tab rotates down through said flat surface when said spring loaded lever rotates around said pivot.  
   
   
       10 . The interconnect connector of  claim 3  wherein said first end portion further comprises a gripping portion around its exterior surface.  
   
   
       11 . The interconnect connector of  claim 10  wherein said first end portion further comprises a circumferential groove along its external surface, and wherein said gripping portion is molded at least in part into said groove.  
   
   
       12 . An interconnect connector, said interconnect connector comprising: 
 a first end portion, said first end portion comprising an internal socket receiving cavity; and    a second end portion, said second end portion comprising a receiver for a removable clip.    
   
   
       13 . The interconnect connector of  claim 12  wherein said interconnect connector further comprises a spring loaded lever.  
   
   
       14 . The interconnect connector of  claim 12  further comprising a tab adapted to capture a removable clip.  
   
   
       15 . The interconnect connector of  claim 14  wherein said receiver further comprises a flat surface, wherein said tab protrudes through said flat surface.  
   
   
       16 . The interconnect connector of  claim 13  wherein said spring loaded lever rotates around a pivot within said interconnect connector.  
   
   
       17 . The interconnect connector of  claim 16  wherein said spring loaded lever further comprises a lever button, and wherein said tab rotates down through said flat surface when said spring loaded lever rotates around said pivot.  
   
   
       18 . The interconnect connector of  claim 12  wherein said first end portion further comprises a gripping portion around its exterior surface.  
   
   
       19 . The interconnect connector of  claim 18  wherein said first end portion further comprises a circumferential groove along its external surface, and wherein said gripping portion is molded at least in part into said groove.  
   
   
       20 . An interconnect connector, said interconnect connector comprising: 
 a first end portion, said first end portion comprising a socket engaging end surface; and    a second end portion, said second end portion comprising a receiver for a removable clip.    
   
   
       21 . A body portion connector, said body portion connector comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said body portion connector comprises a plurality of internal socket receiving cavities, said plurality of internal socket receiving cavities flared at an angle from each other, and wherein said second end of said body portion connector comprises a socket engaging end surface.  
   
   
       22 . A body portion connector, said body portion connector comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said body portion connector comprises a plurality of internal socket receiving cavities, said plurality of internal socket receiving cavities flared at an angle from each other, and wherein said second end of said body portion connector comprises an internal socket receiving cavity.