Patent ID: 6384993
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An adjustable optical device comprising:a housing having a substantially spherical outer surface; an optical element disposed within said housing; a base having a substantially spherical inner surface, said base inner surface overlying a portion of said housing outer surface, said base inner surface and said housing outer surface frictionally engaged; a cover having a substantially spherical inner surface, said cover inner surface overlying a portion of said housing outer surface, said cover inner surface and said housing outer surface frictionally engaged, said housing disposed between said base and said cover; and a spacer member located between said base and said cover; wherein the frictional engagement between said base and said housing, and said cover and said housing, has a first level and a second level, said first level substantially less than said second level, said spacer member being substantially in compression at said first and second levels, whereby relative movement between said housing and said base is resisted yet permitted at said first frictional engagement level and relative movement between said housing and said base is prevented at said second frictional engagement level.