Ball and socket joint where in the ball is split into two sections such that when the sections are moved apart the ball is locked into position in the socket

摘要

A ball and socket joint comprising: a substantially spherical ball including a first section and a second section formed by passing a cutting plane through the ball, that is spaced from a plane containing a maximum circle of the ball, said first and second sections having spherical outer surface areas terminating in juxtaposed planar base surfaces defined by said cutting plane; a socket having a cavity formed therein that is sized to receive at least a portion of said ball; and said first section of said ball being moveable inwardly towards and outwardly away from second section of said ball, said ball being in an unlocked position permitting rotation of said socket with respect to said ball when the planar base surface of said first section is in abutment with the planar base surface of said second section of said ball; said ball being in a locked position preventing movement of said socket with respect to said ball when said first section is moved outwardly away and spaced from the planar base surface of said second section and the spherical outer surface of said first section is in engagement with the cavity of said socket.