Universal holder

A method for securing an object in position, the method comprising:

• positioning an attachment at a desired orientation,
• wherein the attachment is connected to a first ball and socket of a holder system, and
• wherein the attachment is configured to hold the object;
• tightening a tightening mechanism operatively connected to a fastening rod,
• wherein the fastening rod is configured to engage when the tightening mechanism is tightened;
• engaging, by the fastening rod, a first engagement mechanism,
• wherein the first engagement mechanism is positioned within a first articulating rod;
• engaging, by the first engagement mechanism, a first engagement rod,
• wherein a proximate end of the first engagement rod is operatively connected to a distal end of the first engagement mechanism;
• securing, by the first engagement rod, a first ball and socket,
• wherein the first ball and socket is configured to resist being moved when secured, and
• wherein the first ball and socket is operatively connected to the attachment;
• engaging, by the fastening rod, a second engagement mechanism,
• wherein the second engagement mechanism is positioned within a second articulating rod;
• engaging, by the fastening rod, at least one rosette gear,
• wherein the at least one rosette gear is configured to secure the first articulating rod and the second articulating rod in a fixed position relative to each other when engaged;
• engaging, by the second engagement mechanism, a second engagement rod,
• wherein a proximate end of the second engagement rod is operatively connected to a distal end of the second engagement mechanism;
• and
• securing, by the second engagement rod, a second ball and socket,
• wherein the second ball and socket is configured to resist being moved when secured, and
• wherein the second ball and socket is operatively connected to a clamp.

An apparatus for holding an object, comprising:

• an articulating rod comprising a first end and a second end;
• a first ball and socket positioned at the first end of the articulating rod,
• wherein the first ball and socket is configured to engage with a first attachment;
• a second ball and socket positioned at the second end of the articulating rod,
• wherein the second ball and socket is configured to engage with a second attachment;
• a tightening mechanism operatively connected to the articulating rod;
• a fastening rod operatively connected to the tightening mechanism,
• wherein the fastening rod is configured to engage when the tightening mechanism is tightened, and
• wherein the fastening rod extends through the articulating rod, an engagement mechanism positioned within the articulating rod,
• wherein the engagement mechanism is operatively connected to the fastening rod, and
• wherein the engagement mechanism is configured to engage an engagement rod when the tightening mechanism is tightened;
• and
• the engagement rod comprising a proximate end and a distal end positioned within the articulating rod,
• wherein the proximate end of the engagement rod is operatively connected to the engagement mechanism, and
• wherein the distal end of the engagement rod is configured to secure the first ball and socket in place when engaged.