A rotating, pivoting mount for mounting a panel is disclosed. The mount can include a mounting block, a driveshaft, and a base. A socket in the mounting block can be mounted on a ball of the base to pivotally couple the panel to a structure. The ball can also include a cam profile, while the mounting block can include a complementary cam follower. As the mounting block rotates, therefore, the cam follower can follow a path set forth by the cam profile to tilt the mounting block about one axis as the mounting block rotates about a second axis. In this manner, the panel can be rotated and tilted—or moved about two axes—using a single motor. The use of a single motor can, in turn, reduce the cost and complexity of the system, while maintaining high efficiency for the panel (e.g., a solar panel) mounted thereon.

The invention pertains to a connecting device for connecting a first structural component and a second structural component that can be moved relative to the first structural component in an articulated fashion such that three rotatory degrees of freedom are provided.

A self-adjusting rod end (10) comprising a rod end housing (12) including a connector portion (16), a ball housing portion (14) having an opening (18), and a race insert (26) disposed in the opening (18). A rod end ball (20) is disposed in the race insert (26) and a rod end tensioner (30) is positioned to apply a force (F) against an end of the rod end ball (20). The rod end tensioner (30) includes a clip portion (32) with a spring arm (34) extending therefrom, wherein the clip portion (32) includes a pair of tangs (38) positioned to engage the connector portion (16). The spring arm (34) includes a contact tip (36) confronting the end of the rod end ball (20).

A stand assembly for holding handheld electronic devices in a multitude of positions or locations having a first section with a curved end magnetically attached to second section having and indented surface. The first section also attaches to a surface, the second section either is contiguous with a portable electronic device, a carrying case, or other item; or has a means to attach to another surface. A high-friction elastomeric material, or similar friction producing material, helps to secure the first and second sections together, or the second section against another flat magnetic surface.

An adjustable connection joint has a partially shaped spherical member attached to a first member to be adjusted with respect to a second member. A slidable base member slides in a bushing which is attached to the second member. A bolt extends through a washer that spreads a slotted end of the slidable base member against the bushing. Tightening the bolt pulls a locking member against an inside of the partially spherically shaped member and pulls it against a conical cavity on an end of the slidable member. Tightening the bolt concurrently locks the slidable member in the bushing and locks a position of the partially shaped cylindrical member in the conical cavity at the end of the slidable member.

One example of a ball and socket joint for a device enclosure includes a ball member configured to facilitate connection to an electronic equipment. The ball member includes a first portion, and a second portion configured to mate with the first portion to form a passage to pass one or more cables for connection to the electronic equipment. The ball and socket joint also comprises a socket comprising a hollow portion configured to receive the ball member.

A stand assembly for holding handheld electronic devices in a multitude of positions or locations having a first section with a curved end magnetically attached to second section having and indented surface. The first section also attaches to a surface, the second section either is contiguous with a portable electronic device, a carrying case, or other item; or has a means to attach to another surface. A high-friction elastomeric material, or similar friction producing material, helps to secure the first and second sections together, or the second section against another flat magnetic surface.

A stand assembly for holding handheld electronic devices in a multitude of positions or locations having a first section with a curved end magnetically attached to second section having and indented surface. The first section also attaches to a surface, the second section either is contiguous with a portable electronic device, a carrying case, or other item; or has a means to attach to another surface. A high-friction elastomeric material, or similar friction producing material, helps to secure the first and second sections together, or the second section against another flat magnetic surface.

The ball socket assembly includes a housing with at least one open end and with an inner surface that surrounds an inner bore which extends along a central axis. The ball socket assembly also includes a ball stud that has a ball portion and a shank portion. The ball portion is disposed in the inner bore of the housing and has an outer diameter which is in a spherical fit relationship with the inner surface of the housing. The shank portion of the ball stud extends out of the inner bore through the at least one open end of the housing. The ball portion is out of contact with any bearings on opposite axial sides of the ball portion such that the ball stud is able to move along the central axis relative to the housing.

Disclosed are the design and utilitarian characteristics of a support device for supporting a cover wherein such cover is typically used to cover a vehicle such as a boat or automobile. The invention includes a dome shaped support device with a depending base configured for extending through a cover. The depending base defines an interface for being associated with a support structure such as a pole and such interface may be a swivel interface. Additionally, the support device may define a suspension interface so that a tether may be used to apply a support force from above the support device. The support device may also define a swivel device configured for being associated with a support surface such as a floor.