# US 11,111,952 B2 · Configurable ball mount system

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- Number: US 11,111,952 B2
- Document ID: US11111952B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/688,664
- Filed: 2019-11-19
- Published: 2021-05-20
- Granted: 2021-09-07
- Earliest claimed: 2019-11-19
- Assignees: New Ideas Manufacturing LLC
- Applicants: David Clark; Nathan Kanner; Aaron David Sheppard
- Inventors: David Clark; Nathan Kanner; Aaron David Sheppard
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11111952B2

## CPC

- F16C 11/0695: {Mounting of ball-joints, e.g. fixing them to a connecting rod}
- F16C 11/0609: {made from two or more parts}
- F16C 11/0685: {Manufacture of ball-joints and parts thereof, e.g. assembly of ball-joints}
- F16M 11/041: {Allowing quick release of the apparatus}
- F16M 11/14: with ball-joint (ball-jointed hinges F16C11/06 {; adjustable mountings employing universal joints for lighting devices F21V21/26 - F21V21/30})
- G03B 17/561: {Support related camera accessories}
- F16C 2226/60: with threaded parts, e.g. bolt and nut connections
- F16M 11/32: Undercarriages for supports with three or more telescoping legs
- F16C: SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16M: FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- G03B: APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR (optical parts of such apparatus G02B; photosensitive materials or processes for photographic purposes G03C; apparatus for processing exposed photographic materials G03D)

## Abstract

A configurable ball mount system that allows the user to use different spherical structure sizes and removable stem inserts to accommodate various articles being secured by the configurable ball mount system. The configurable ball mount system comprises a spherical structure having a first aperture designed to receive a removable stem insert having different attachment members and adapters. Custom configuration allows the user to interface with multiple articles of more than one manufacturer or brand.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A configurable ball mount system comprising:
a spherical structure having a first external surface;
a removable stem insert having a proximal end, a distal end, and a second external surface;
a first aperture having an internal surface and extending into the spherical structure, wherein the internal surface engages with the second external surface of the removable stem insert; and
a top interfacing surface positioned upon the distal end of the removable stem insert and having two opposing protrusions, wherein the top interfacing surface is configured to engage with a mount for tripod equipment configured to hold camera, sporting, or recreational equipment.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the spherical structure is constructed from a lightweight material and the removable stem is constructed from a hard, rigid material.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The system of claim 2, wherein the adapter is configured to substantially match and conform to a portion of a commercially available camera article.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The system of claim 2, wherein the adapter is interchangeable with additional adapters, wherein each adapter is configured to receive a camera article of a number of different manufacturers, such that the configurable ball mount system may be used with the number of different manufacturers.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the top interfacing surface further comprises an attachment member and/or an adapter.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the second external surface of the removable stem insert and the internal surface of the first aperture are threaded to interface during assembly.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the internal surface and/or the second external surface further comprises an attachment member.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the first external surface further comprises a bottom interfacing surface positioned substantially normal to the first aperture.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the first aperture extends through the spherical structure.