Controllable connecting apparatus

Claim 1

Connecting apparatus providing a pivotal connection for controllably securing an actuating element at a preselected attitude, comprising: said actuating element having an end portion, threads on said end portion, and at least one slot extending through the threads and longitudinally along the end portion; an eye element having a longitudinal axis and first and second end portions and first and second ends, said first end portion having an opening extending therethrough substantially perpendicularly to the axis and said second end portion having a first threaded opening mateable with the threads of the actuating element and extending along the eye element axis, a second threaded opening at the second end portion and extending substantially perpendicularly to the eye element axis, and a slot at the eye element second end extending substantially perpendicularly to the eye element axis; a holding element of general "U" configuration having first and second legs and a middle portion in the installed position of the eye element on the actuating element, said first leg being of a size sufficient for extending along the actuating element slot, said middle portion being of a size sufficient for positioning in the slot of the eye element second end, and said second leg being of a construction sufficient for substantially completely encompassing the second threaded opening; and threaded means for mating with the threads of the second threaded opening of the eye element, extending over at least a portion of the second leg of the holding element and maintaining said second leg relative to said eye element.