Abstract:
One aspect is a multi-axis clip hinge with a rotatable member having a spherical portion with a greatest outer diameter and a coupling portion for articulating said member. A clip is provided having an arm defining an inside diameter and comprising a connecting portion. The inside diameter of the arm is less than the greatest outer diameter of the spherical portion of the rotatable member and is engaged therewith such that it interferes with and grips the outside diameter of the spherical portion. A housing is configured to engage the connection portion of the clip thereby securing the clip to the housing. At least one of the clip and the housing prevents relative translational movement of the clip relative to the spherical portion yet allows the spherical portion to rotate in three axes of rotation relative to the clip.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/804,035, filed Mar. 21, 2013, entitled “MULTI-AXIS CLIP HINGE,” which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    So called “ball-and socket” type hinges, typically include a pivotable ball that allows adjustments for three-axis rotation in a single device. Most such devices, however, rely on flexible tabs or similar means of applying pressure that typically fail to give consistent positioning torque. Some such devices fail to give positioning torque sufficient to withstand gravitational and environmental forces, resulting in poor positioning and many give varying positioning torque for different axes of rotation. Some also include high “break-away” torque for initial movement and many require complex and costly additional hardware to increase force between the ball-and-socket. For these and other reasons, there is a need for the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]    The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts. 
           [0004]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a multi-axis hinge in accordance with the prior art. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a multi-axis clip hinge in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of a multi-axis clip hinge in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0007]      FIG. 4   a  is a cross-sectional view of a multi-axis clip hinge in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4   b  is an exploded cross-sectional view of a multi-axis clip hinge in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4   c  is cross-sectional view of a portion of a multi-axis clip hinge in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5   a  is an exploded perspective view of a multi-axis clip hinge in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5   b  is a perspective view of a portion of a multi-axis clip hinge in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5   c  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a multi-axis clip hinge illustrating sectional line c-c in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5   d  is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the multi-axis clip hinge in  FIG. 5   c  viewed from sectional line c-c. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5   e  is an enlarged view of the portion of the multi-axis clip hinge labeled E in  FIG. 5   d.    
           [0015]      FIGS. 6   a - 6   d  are perspective views of a clip from a multi-axis clip hinge illustrating forces in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is graph illustrating maximum torque varying as half angle changes for x-, y-, and z-axis rotation in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is perspective view of a clip from a multi-axis clip hinge illustrating forces in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is perspective view of a clip from a multi-axis clip hinge illustrating forces in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10   a  is a side view of a multi-axis clip hinge with a ghosted housing in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10   b  is a perspective view of a multi-axis clip hinge in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10   c  is an end view of a multi-axis clip hinge in accordance with one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 
         [0023]    It is to be understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  illustrates multi-axis hinge  10  in accordance with the prior art. Multi-axis hinge  10  is essentially a “ball-and socket” type hinge, including pivotable ball  12  and socket housing  14 . Pivotable ball  12  includes ball  12   a  and input rod  12   b.  Housing  14  includes a plurality of flexible tabs  16  within a socket  18  formed in one of its surfaces. Pivotable ball  12  fits into socket  18  by a simple snap-fit provided by flexible tabs  16  molded into the socket  18 . The diameter of ball  12   a  is slightly larger than the receiving diameter of socket  18  such that flexible tabs  16  are pushed outward thereby asserting an inward force on ball  12   a.    
         [0025]    Such a configuration is typically used in such applications as positioning of rear view mirrors in automobiles. Also, with the proliferation of personal electronic devices, such devices are also used to provide mounting and positioning for these personal devices. Such ball-and-socket type hinges for these mounting and adjustments allow for three-axis rotation in a single device. Specifically, as oriented in the view of  FIG. 1 , input rod  12   b  can be 1) rotated about its axis, as illustrated by arrow a, 2) moved up and down, as illustrated by arrows b, and 3) moved side to side, as illustrated by arrows c, as well as moved to the various locations between those arrows. Allowing all three of these axes of rotation is useful in many applications. 
         [0026]    Devices such as multi-axis hinge  10  allow three-axis rotation by virtue of the complementary geometries of the ball and socket, which also serve to position one element against the other to provide consistency of motion. In order to provide this positioning over many thousands of cycle, the ball-and-socket elements need to be loaded against each other to provide a resisting shearing force upon relative motion between the two, and to provide subsequent positioning of one element against disturbing forces such as gravity and vibration. Also, the material of the ball and socket must be chosen to provide long life and low wear over many thousands of cycles of relative motion. 
         [0027]    Multi-axis hinge  10  develops loading between ball  12  and socket  18  by integrally molded flexible tabs  16  in socket  18  which provide a snap fit. However, the deflection of these flexible tabs  16  often provides too little resulting holding force for an application. Subsequently, flexible tabs  16  often need to be supplemented with a metallic stiffening member to provide greater force for the same deflection. In some instances, the socket assembly needs to be further compressed against the ball by use of an external spring. Such added features complicate the design and are not always effective over many rotations. 
         [0028]    Furthermore, such devices often fail to give consistent positioning torque. They also often fail to give positioning torque sufficiently to withstand gravitational and environmental forces, resulting in poor positioning and unwanted movement when the device is jarred or subjected to unexpected outside forces. Such devices will also typically provide varying positioning torque for different axes of rotation. For some, high “break-away” torque is required to initiate movement and some may require additional hardware to increase force between the ball-and-socket. 
         [0029]    Accordingly,  FIG. 2  illustrates multi-axis clip hinge  20  in accordance with one embodiment, which is configured to provide consistent reliable torque performance over many thousands of cycles. Multi-axis clip hinge  20  includes pivotable ball  22  and housing  24 . Pivotable ball  22  includes ball  22   a  and input rod  22   b.  Rather than using a ball-and socket connection, however, housing  24  includes a clip  26  (illustrated in  FIG. 3 , for example) within housing  24  to provide three axes of rotation, such that input rod  22   b  can be 1) rotated about its axis, as illustrated by arrow a, 2) moved up and down, as illustrated by arrows b, and 3) moved side to side, as illustrated by arrows c, as well as moved to the various locations between those arrows. 
         [0030]    Allowing all three of these axes of rotation is useful in many applications. Furthermore, multi-axis clip hinge  20  is configured to give consistent positioning torque, including high enough positioning torque to withstand gravitational and outside environmental forces. In one embodiment, multi-axis clip hinge  20  is also configured to provide consistent positioning torque for different axes of rotation while requiring minimal break-away torque for initial movement. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  illustrates a portion of a multi-axis clip hinge  20  in accordance with one embodiment. Housing  24  (and some additional elements that will be discussed below) are removed so that clip  26  is visible positioned about the greatest diameter of ball  22   a,  thereby resulting in the greatest interference between ball  22   a  and clip  26 , and accordingly, the greatest positioning torque. It is this interference between the two that provides this positioning torque. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, clip  26  is a relatively thin metal clip having spaced apart arms  26   b  that form an inside diameter that is slightly smaller, when clip  26  is in a relaxed state, than the greatest outer diameter of ball  22   a.  Clip arms  26   b  are configured to substantially contain ball  22   a  when clip  26  is positioned over ball  22   a . As such, once clip  26  is positioned over ball  22   a,  clip  26  and arms  26   a  provide and inward force down upon ball  22   a  as a result of its inside diameter being forced slightly open by the larger ball  22   a  diameter. This results in favorable positioning torque as ball  22   a  is rotated in any of the three axes of rotation (a/b/c) described above. Clip  26  is further provided with feet  26   b  (one foot partially obscured in  FIG. 3 , but illustrated, for example, more fully in  FIG. 6   a ), which are configured to be engaged by housing  24  such that clip  26  cannot be rotated relative to housing  24  with rotation of pivotable ball  22 . 
         [0033]    Unlike snap-fit type features, which have large manufacturing tolerances and subsequent large torque variations, ball  22   a  and clip  26  are manufactured to small tolerances at low cost, with resulting high precision torque. In addition, ball  22   a  and clip  26  can be made from a variety of engineering materials to satisfy reliability and torque consistency requirements. For example, both ball  22   a  and clip  26  can be made from hardened steel and lubricated with grease in applications requiring very high torque in a small volume. In one embodiment, clip  26  may be stamped from sheet metal. 
         [0034]    In order to ensure there is consistent torque as input rod  22   b  is moved in all three axes (about its axis (arrow a); moved up and down (arrows b); and moved side to side (arrows c)), ball  22   a  needs to remain centered within clip  26 . Accordingly, housing  24  is provided with features to secure ball  22   a  within clip  26 .  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c  illustrate additional details of multi-axis clip hinge  20 . Multi-axis clip hinge  20  includes pivotable ball  22 , housing  24  and clip  26  as discussed. Furthermore, housing  24  includes face plate  24   a,  housing body  24   b,  and clip restraint  24   c . Furthermore provided are first bearing support  28  and second bearing support  30 . As assembled, multi-axis clip hinge  20  retains ball  22   a  centered within clip  26  thereby allowing consistent torque as input rod  22   b  is moved in all three axes. 
         [0035]    In operation, first and second bearing support  28  and  30  secure ball  22   a  within housing allowing its rotation in the three axes of rotation, but preventing translational movement, that is, restricting movement along the x-axis illustrated in  FIG. 3  along input rod  22   b  (and restricting left and right movement as depicted in  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c ). Securing ball  22   a  translationally relative to clip  26  in this way ensures that the central or greatest diameter D 22  of ball  22   a  remains engaged with clip  26  throughout various rotations in the three axes of rotation in order for multi-axis clip hinge  20  to provide consistent torque. If the greatest diameter D 22  of ball  22   a  is allowed to move along the x-axis ( FIG. 3 ) with respect to clip  26 , the interference between them will be lowered and positioning torque will be affected. In one embodiment, unlike a traditional ball-and-socket joint, the geometries of clip  26  and ball  22   a  do not by themselves prevent translational motion or provide secure positioning between the centers of clip  26  and ball  22   a.    
         [0036]    In addition, face plate  24   a,  housing body  24   b,  and clip restraint  24   c  cooperate to hold clip  26  securely within housing  24 , yet still allow arms  26   b  ( FIG. 3 ) to flex as needed to accommodate rotation of the larger diameter ball  22   a . As best illustrated in  FIG. 4   c , clip restraint  24   c  is spaced slightly away from face plate  24   a,  by substantially the width of clip  26 , thereby providing a slot into which clip  26  fits. In this way, clip arms  26   b  are free to flex in the radial direction outward from interference from ball  22   a.  However, when assembled face plate  24   a  prevents the bending of arms  26   b  outward (relative to housing  24 ) and clip restraint  24   c  prevents bending of arms  26   b  inward (relative to housing  24 ) with applied forces to input rod  22   b.  Housing body  24   b  is also configured with a feature complementary to clip foot  26   a,  such that clip  26  cannot rotate relative to housing  24  with applied forces to input rod  22   b  once feet  26   a  are seated in the feature of housing body  24   b.    
         [0037]    In operation, multi-axis clip hinge  20  retains clip  26  securely within housing  24  such that ball  22   a  is securely retained centered within housing  24  and its greatest outer diameter retained centered within clip  26 . Multi-axis clip hinge  20  provides consistent positioning torque over all three axes of rotation, for thousands of rotations, without complicated designs, and without requiring an abundance of parts. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5   a  illustrates multi-axis clip hinge  50  in accordance with one embodiment. Multi-axis clip hinge  50  is configured to provide consistent reliable torque performance in all three axes of rotation, as described above with respect to multi-axis clip hinge  20 . Multi-axis clip hinge  50  includes pivotable ball  52  and first and second housing halves  58  and  60 . Pivotable ball  52  includes ball  52   a  and input rod  52   b.  When assembled, first and second housing halves  58  and  60  are mated together and secured with first and second fasteners  64  and  66  such that halves  58  and  60  secure and contain first and second clips  54  and  56  and secure and substantially contain pivotable ball  52 . 
         [0039]    Multi-axis clip hinge  50  is configured similarly to multi-axis clip hinge  20  above, but further includes two clips, rather than a single clip. In one embodiment, each of clips  54  and  56  are respectively seated within a slot formed within first and second housing halves  58  and  60 . Slot  62  in first housing half  58  is illustrated in  FIG. 5   a  holding first clip  54 . As illustrated, slot  62  conforms to first clip  54  such that it provides a complementary shape for clip feet  54   a.  In this way, there can be no relative movement of first housing half  58  and first clip  54 . As further illustrated, slot  62  accommodates clips arms  54   b  without interference so that clip arms  54   b  may flex radially as they are engaged in interference with ball  52   a . Second housing  60  has a mirror image slot configured to receive second clip  56  in the same way. 
         [0040]    As such, when multi-axis clip hinge  50  is assembled, first and second housing halves  58  and  60  secure first and second clips  54  and  56  such that forces applied to input rod  52   b  will not move clips  54  and  56  relative to ball  52   a . Furthermore, when multi-axis clip hinge  50  is assembled and first and second housing halves  58  and  60  are brought together, ball  52   a  is firmly held by interference contact with arms  54   b  and  56   b  of clips  54  and  56 . This allows rotation of input rod  52   b  in the three axes of rotation, but preventing translational movement of ball  52   a  relative to clips  54  and  56 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 5   b  illustrates a portion of multi-axis clip hinge  50  with first and second housing halves  58  and  60  removed, such that first and second clips  54  and  56  are provided over ball  52   a.  In one embodiment, first and second clips  54  and  56  are centered over the center or greatest diameter D 52  of ball  52   a,  such that the center of ball  52   a  falls between first and second clips  54  and  56 . Each of first and second clips  54  and  56  form an inside diameter when in a relaxed state that is slightly smaller than the greatest outside diameter D 52  of ball  52   a.  As such, there is an interference fit between each of first and second clips  54  and  56  and ball  52   a  when the clips are forced over the ball, and first and second clips  54  and  56  essentially capture the greatest outside diameter D 52  of ball  52   a  between them. 
         [0042]      FIG. 5   c  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of multi-axis clip hinge  50  with first and second housing halves  58  and  60  removed. Also,  FIG. 5   c  illustrates sectional line c-c extending through ball  52   a  and portions of first and second clips  54  and  56 .  FIG. 5   d  is a cross-sectional view of that portion of multi-axis clip hinge  50  as viewed from line c-c of  FIG. 5   c . Portions of first and second clips  54  and  56  are illustrated over ball  52   a,  and an enlarged section E is designated. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5   e  illustrates an enlarged view of the section E of first and second clips  54  and  56  over ball  52   a  illustrated from  FIG. 5   d . As indicated, each of first and second clips  54  and  56  respectively have a clip width W 54  and W 56  in the x-axis direction. The centerline C of ball  52   a  is also illustrated and falls between first and second clips  54  and  56 . Once first and second housing halves  58  and  60  are secured over first and second clips  54  and  56  and ball  52   a,  with first and second clips  54  and  56  seated in the slots provided in the halves, rotational movement of ball  52   a  in the three axes is allowed within first and second clips  54  and  56 , but no translational movement is allowed between ball  52   a  and first and second clips  54  and  56 . Stated another way, the force fit between first and second housing halves  58  and  60  and first and second clips  54  and  56  over ball  52   a  prevents ball  52   a  from moving relative to the width W 54  and W 56  of clips  54  and  56  in the x-axis. 
         [0044]      FIG. 5   e  also illustrates first and second surface portions  70  and  72  of clips  54  and  56 . In one embodiment, first and second clips  54  and  56  are stamped from a sheet of metal, for example, using a die. As the die first penetrates the metal, the surface of the cut portion tends to be fairly smooth and fairly faithful to the dimensions of the die tool. As the die penetrates deeper into the metal however, the die tends to tear the metal leaving a less straight portion of the surface. First surface portion  70  illustrates where die-stamped first and second clips  54  and  56  were first penetrated with the die and are relatively straight. Second surface portions  72  illustrate where die-stamped first and second clips  54  and  56  were torn with the die and are less straight and more angled. 
         [0045]    In one embodiment, first and second clips  54  and  56  are oriented relative to each other and to ball  52   a  such that second surface portions  72 , or the torn portions, are next to each other. In one example, this provides a smoother overall torque profile for multi-axis clip hinge  50 . In one embodiment, first and second clips  54  and  56  are oriented relative to each other and to ball  52   a  such that first surface portions  70 , or the cut portions, are next to each other. In one example, this provides a higher density torque profile for multi-axis clip hinge  50 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 6   a  illustrates clip  80 , such as could be used in either multi-axis clip hinge  20  or  50  described above. Clip  80  includes clip arms  80   b  and clip feet  80   a . Clip arms  80   b  substantially define a clip inside diameter D 80 . Illustrated on clip  80  are two zones of constant force CF on either side of clip  80 . In one embodiment, when clip  80  is engaged with ball  22   a  or  52   a  as described in the above embodiments, constant force CF zones are created by the interference between the greatest outside diameter D 22  or D 52  of ball  22   a  or  52   a  and the inside diameter D 80  of clip  80 . Constant force is also illustrated by the equal magnitude force arrows directed along radial lines extending outward from the inside diameter of clip  80 , where ball  22   a  or  52   a  applies the force by virtue of its outside diameter being larger than the inside diameter of clip  80 . 
         [0047]    Also illustrated in the figure is the angle θ between the y-axis and the first point of interference between arm  80   b  and a ball (such as ball  22   a  or  52   a ). Where clip  80  is symmetrical as illustrated, the points of interference on either side will be 2θ. 
         [0048]    Although the two zones of constant force CF provide consistent torque for multi-axis clip hinges  20  and  50  over any given axis of rotation, there can be variation of torque among the three axes of rotation in some embodiments.  FIG. 6   b  illustrates forces for a ball (such as ball  22   a  or  52   a ) along the inside diameter of clip  80  rotating about the z-axis (only one zone of constant force CF is labeled for simplicity on the figure). As illustrated, the rotation of the ball results in a frictional force FF at right angles with each element of pressure or normal force NF in the direction of rotation, each also at a constant radius R of half the clip inside diameter D 80 . Thus each element of pressure results in an equivalent element of torque. (For ease of illustration, only a single quadrant is shown in this and in the following comparative figures). 
         [0049]    However, rotating the ball about the y-axis gives a different result, as illustrated in  FIG. 6   c . Here each element of pressure along a radial line NF results in a frictional force FF along the z-axis. However, these frictional forces act along varying radii from the axis of rotation y (dotted lines)—from R to R Cos θ—to create a different total torque than illustrated in  FIG. 6   b.    
         [0050]    Similarly, rotation about the x-axis as illustrated in  FIG. 6   d  will yield yet a different result. Here the frictional force FF in the quadrant illustrated is again directed along the z-axis, but along varying radii from the x-rotational axis (dotted lines), again resulting in a unique torque for this rotational direction. (The radius in this case varies from 0 to R Sin θ.) 
         [0051]    By varying the angle θ, which governs the extent of the constant pressure zones, different torques may be configured in each axis of rotation (albeit these are not independent).  FIG. 7  shows a graph of how varying theoretically influences the torque in each axis of rotation, the toque is illustrated for the z-axis rotation, y-axis rotation and x-axis rotation. The results are shown as a percentage of maximum torque rotating about the z-axis. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , for small angles of θ, y-axis and x-axis torque are nearly equal, but both less than z-axis torque. As θ increases, z-axis and y-axis torque are more nearly equal, and both are greater than x-axis torque.  FIG. 6   a  shows a clip design for θ=26 degrees, and is referenced in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0053]    As such, by designing clip  80  with appropriate constant force CF zones, desired torque characteristics for a given application of multi-axis clip hinges  20  and  50  can be achieved. Such clips can be configured by forming or stamping clips to the desired configurations, or relieving certain areas along the inside diameter of the clip. For example, to ensure constant force CF zones in  FIG. 6   a , clip  80  may be relieved in area  80   c,  between the two constant force CF zones to minimize any interference in that area between the clip and the ball. This can be accomplished by slightly grinding a very thin layer of material of the inside diameter of clip  80  at area  80   c.  In this way, there will be very little interference between clip  80  and the ball in area  80   c,  and instead interference with the ball will be focused in the two constant force CF zones. 
         [0054]    Other configurations are also possible for clips such that different zones of force are created. Such alternative configurations can achieve different torques in the three rotational axes. Although two constant pressure zones are illustrated in the previous examples, the clip may be configured with greater or fewer zones of pressure. For example,  FIG. 8  illustrates shows clip  80  configured with three zones of constant force CF. This configuration of clip  80  results in a different torque profile than given in  FIG. 7  for the two zone pressure clip. 
         [0055]    A clip  80  with three constant force CF zones such as in  FIG. 8  can be configured by forming or stamping clips to the desired configurations, or relieving certain areas along the inside diameter of the clip. For example, clip  80  may be relieved in areas  80   c,  each between the two constant force CF zones, in order to minimize any interference in that area between the clip and the ball. More or less zones of constant force CF can be created. 
         [0056]    In addition to constant force zones, clips can be designed with non-constant pressure zones, such as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In this configuration, clip  80  is configured to have maximum interference between clip  80  and a ball near the ends of arms  80   b  where the ball and arms  80   b  first engage P max . Clip  80  is then configured to have gradually decreasing interference between clip  80  and a ball moving from the ends of clips arms  80   a  down toward the clip center, at which point the interference reaches a minimum P min . This configuration for clip  80  will again alter the relationship between the torque in three axes. Each of the various configurations of clip  80  in  FIGS. 6-9  can be used in any of the embodiments herein described to achieve the desired torque profile for a given application. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 10   a - 10   c  illustrates side, perspective and end views of multi-axis clip hinge  100  in accordance with one embodiment. Multi-axis clip hinge  100  is configured to provide consistent reliable torque performance in all three axes of rotation, as described above with respect to multi-axis clip hinges  20  and  50 . Multi-axis clip hinge  100  includes pivotable ball  102  and housing  104 . In  FIG. 10   a , housing  104  is ghosted to reveal components therein. Pivotable ball  102  includes ball  102   a  and input rod  102   b.  Furthermore, multi-axis clip hinge  100  includes first, second and third clips  106 ,  108  and  110 . When assembled within housing  104 , first, second and third clips  106 ,  108  and  110  and pivotable ball  102  are secured and substantially contained. 
         [0058]    Multi-axis clip hinge  100  is configured similarly to multi-axis clip hinges  20  and  50  above, but further includes three clips. In one embodiment, each of clips  106 ,  108  and  110  are respectively seated within a slot formed within housing  104 . Slot  112  in housing  104  is illustrated in  FIG. 10   b  holding third clip  110 . As illustrated, slot  112  conforms to third clip  110  such that it provides a complementary shape for clip feet  110   a.  In this way, there can be no relative movement of housing  104  third clip  110  (or the other two clips by virtue of their being seated in analogous slots). As further illustrated, slot  112  accommodates clips arms  110   b  without interference so that clip arms  110   b  may flex radially as they are engaged in interference with ball  102   a.  Housing  104  has similar slots configured to receive first and second clips  106  and  108  in the same way. 
         [0059]    As such, when multi-axis clip hinge  100  is assembled, housing  104  secures first, second and third clips  106 ,  108  and  110  such that forces applied to input rod  102   b  will not move first, second and third clips  106 ,  108  and  110  relative to housing  104 . Furthermore, when multi-axis clip hinge  100  is assembled, ball  102   a  is firmly held by interference contact with the arms of clips  106 ,  108  and  110 . Again, each of first, second and third clips  106 ,  108  and  110  have an inside diameter at a relaxed state that is smaller than the greatest outside diameter of ball  102   a,  thereby creating the interference contact when the clips are forced over the ball. This allows rotation of input rod  102   b  in the three axes of rotation, but prevents translational movement of ball  102   a  relative to clips  106 ,  108  and  110 . 
         [0060]    Furthermore,  FIGS. 10   a - 10   c  illustrate that first, second and third clips  106 ,  108  and  110  are not all oriented in the same angular position relative to each other. As shown, first and third clips  106  and  110  are oriented with the same angular position, and second clip  108  is offset by 120 degrees. This configuration will result in yet another unique configuration of torque in three axis. 
         [0061]    In multi-axis clip hinge  100 , only second clip  108  is at maximum interference with the ball  102   a.  Second clip  108  is centered on the greatest diameter of ball  102   a,  while first and third clips  106  and  110  are positioned on a slightly lesser diameter of the ball on either side, thereby giving—for a common clip configuration—less interference and less torque. This also provides the possibility of configuring clips that are not centered on the ball to give more equivalent torque by making them stiffer. As such, using multiple clips oriented differently with respect to one another is another way to alter the magnitude of torque in the three axes. 
         [0062]    Furthermore, alternative embodiments such as those that combine one or more features from multi-axis clip hinges  20 ,  50  and  100  as described previously, are possible. Also, other housing combinations are possible. For example, portions of multi-axis clip hinges  20  and  50  illustrated respectively in  FIGS. 3 and 5   b  can be overmolded with a plastic housing such that the clips and housing can be fixed together preventing relative translational movement of the clips and ball, but still affording relative rotational movement in the three axes of rotation. 
         [0063]    Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.