Mounting Apparatus Using Ball and Socket Joints With Composite Connectors

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. Each connector includes a body with a first and second end portion. An external socket engaging surface is provided at one end of the body. The other end of the body has an internal cavity. The socket engaging surface of one connector is snapped into the internal cavity of another to interconnect the connectors. The internal cavity end portion may be of a material that is less subject to creep, and which may have high stiffness. The socket end portion may be made of a softer material that allows for sufficient deflection to allow for mating but is not as subject to creep as this portion is predominantly in compression.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tripod comprising:
 a body portion;   an interconnect portion connected to said body portion; and   a plurality of flexible legs, said flexible legs comprising a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said body portion; wherein each of said three flexible legs is composed of a multiplicity of connector pieces that join together in ball and socket joints that permit pivotable movement between connecting ball and socket components to together provide each leg with sufficient flexibility to substantially wrap around an object, said connectors comprising:
 a connector body, said connector body comprising:
 a ball end comprising a first material; 
 a socket end comprising a second material; and 
 a gripping portion, said gripping portion attached to the outside of the socket end of said connector, 
 
   
       wherein said first material comprises plastic, and where said second material comprises metal. 
     
     
         2 . The tripod of  claim 1  wherein said ball end is molded onto said socket end. 
     
     
         3 . The tripod of  claim 1  wherein said gripping portion comprises a circumferential ring molded onto the outer surface of said socket end of said connector body. 
     
     
         4 . The tripod of  claim 2  wherein said gripping portion comprises a circumferential ring molded onto the outer surface of said socket end of said connector body. 
     
     
         5 . The tripod of  claim 1  wherein said interconnect portion comprises a threaded post adapted to support a device. 
     
     
         6 . The tripod of  claim 2  wherein said interconnect portion comprises a threaded post adapted to support a device. 
     
     
         7 . The tripod of  claim 3  wherein said interconnect portion comprises a threaded post adapted to support a device.