EP2764289A1

EP2764289A1 - A holding device for mobile electric devices

Info

Publication number: EP2764289A1
Application number: EP11767980.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Niklas MOLANDER; Tomas MOLANDER; Örjan MOLANDER
Original assignee: InspektionsSystem AB
Current assignee: InspektionsSystem AB
Priority date: 2011-10-04
Filing date: 2011-10-04
Publication date: 2014-08-13
Also published as: WO2013050065A1; CN104024719A

Abstract

This invention relates to a holding device (1 ) for mobile devices comprising a bottom member (2) having a flat first surface (2-1 ) and a second surface (2-2), a top member (3), a connecting member (4) having an elongated shape and extending along an axis (y), which axis extends upwardly in relation to the first surface of bottom member when the holding device is in an active position, and which extends along said surface of bottom member when the holding device is in a passive position. The bottom member comprises first recess (5) to receive part of the connecting member. The holding device comprises locking means (6) to permit releasable locking when the holding device is in the passive position and/or the active position. The invention also relates to a holder (14) for the holding device whereby the top member can be positioned in an opening (24) of the holder.

Description

Title: A holding device for mobile electric devices.

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention refers to a holding device for mobile electric devices according to the pre-characterized portion of claim 1 . The invention also relates to a holder configured to hold the holding device according to the pre-characterized portion of claim 17.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART The use of handheld computers, smartphones and such has increased over the past few years. Using these devices for writing messages, browsing the internet and such is not always convenient, because one hand is needed to hold the device firmly, while the other is needed to use the data screen. Holding the mobile device and operating the screen with one hand is also difficult. Care must be taken not to let the device slide out off the hand that is holding the device. It may for example become extremely tiring to read an eBook while lying down. Several attempts have been made to improve the gripping function of handheld devices.

FR 2779038 describes a T-shape handle that can be attached to the back side of a photo. The handle can be folded parallel to the surface of the photo or unfolded by moving the handle 90° perpendicularly to the surface. When folded, the end part of the handle extends beyond the edge of the photo surface.

US 7,878,718 describes a holding device for a VCR camera. The holding device comprises a rotatable bottom member with a lock, whereby the bottom member is attached by a hinge to a connecting member. The length of the connecting member can be adjusted. The connecting member is attached by another hinge to a top member. The holding device can be folded flat against the wall of the camera. The rotatable bottom member is embedded and part of the wall of the VCR camera. No locking mechanism seems to be present for either the open, active or closed, passive position of the holding device.

JP 631 1404 describes a holding device for portable equipment comprising a bottom member embedded in the wall of a VCR camera and a T-shaped connecting member rotatably connected to the bottom member.

JP20 0-268237 describes a holding device, which is a ring through which a finger can be fitted. The holding device is part of a holder used to cover or protect a portable device.

For most holding devices the outer shell of the mobile device needs to be altered, such as including holes or indentations in order to attach the holding device to the mobile device. As a consequence, these holding devices cannot be used together with mobile devices that have outer shells, which are not adjusted to be used together with the holding device. Production costs for the mobile device thus increases when used together with such holding devices.

Some mobile device such as VCR cameras are relatively heavy. Therefore, any holding device attached thereto will remain open due to the weight of the mobile device. Such holding devices do not need to be locked when the holding device is in an open position. When such holding devices would be used for lighter mobile devices such as mobile phones, however, the holding device would move in relation to the mobile device. Such movement of the holding device in relation to the mobile device may become inconvenient for the user. Fingers of the user may become squeezed and injured between the holding device and the mobile device, especially when the mobile device is being used during a longer time.

Another drawback of existing holding devices is the volume of the holding device. Mobile devices such as mobile phones are often put in pockets of trousers. The volume of the mobile phone should preferably not increase by the attachment of a holding device. Preferably, the holding device does not stick out from the edges of the mobile device. The mobile device may otherwise get caught into a pocket or bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of this invention is to provide a holding device that can be attached to any handheld electric device. The holding device can preferably be used such that the mobile electric device, especially the outer shell of the device, does not need to be adjusted by providing openings or indentations in a shell of the mobile device in order to attach the holding device. It is also an object to provide a holding device that does not increase the volume of the mobile device substantially. It is a further object to provide a holding device, which can be locked in an active position and which can be locked in a passive position. Preferably, the holding device is light and easy to use. A further object is to provide a holding device, which is easy to manufacture at low cost. Another object is to provide a holding device, which can also serve as a stand or support for holding the mobile device in an upright or tilted position

The object is achieved by a holding device initially defined according to the pre-characterized portion of claim 1 , which is characterized in that the holding device comprises a first locking means configured to permit releasable locking of the connecting member in relation to the bottom member when the holding device is in the passive position. In one embodiment, the first locking means is configured to permit releasable locking of the connecting member in relation to the bottom member when the holding device is in the active position. An advantage of the locking means is that the holding device does not move in relation to the electric mobile device once locked in position. The (double) locking mechanism provides for a stable structure/grip, whereby the different members do not move in relation to each other. When the holding device is in the active position, the user can freely rotate the mobile device, while the device remains in the active and open position. When the holding device is in the passive or closed position, the device is locked, which prevents the holding device from opening when the holding device is positioned in a pocket or a bag. This makes it possible to use the holding device for light devices such as mobile phones, where, in contrast to the heavier VCR cameras, the weight of the mobile device does not hold the holding device in an open position. Another advantage of the new holding device is that the mobile device does not need to be altered in any way. The outer cover of the mobile device does not need to be opened or manipulated. The holding device can be fixedly attached to the mobile device by using an adhesive such as glue or tape.

The holding device comprises of a few parts, which can be easily constructed and put together. The manufacturing costs are therefore low. In one embodiment, the electric mobile device is one of a mobile phone, a smartphone, a camera, a GPS device, a tablet or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The holding device may be attached to any device, electric or not, that needs to be hold by hand. The holding device is especially suitable for handholding devices that are to be operated while holding in one hand such as mobile phones. Falling out of the hand can be prevented by holding the mobile device using a holding device according to the invention.

In another embodiment, the releasable locking is achieved by friction between the connecting member and the bottom member. Friction provides appropriate locking means. Such locking means are relatively easy to construct.

In another embodiment, the first locking means is associated with the first recess. In a further embodiment, the first locking means comprises a first locking member, associated with the first recess of the bottom member, and a second locking member associated with the connecting member and complementary to the first locking member to provide at least said releasable locking of the connecting member when the holding device is in the passive position. In yet another embodiment, the first locking member comprises one or more groove and/or bulge, and the second locking member comprises complementary one or more bulge and/or groove. Complementary forms between the different members of the holding device provide for suitable locking means. The locking means of the new holding device are easy to manufacture at low cost. No hinges are needed for the functioning of the holding device.

In one embodiment, the top member has a first surface and a second surface and comprises a second recess having two lateral sides and a bottom side, and whereby the second recess is configured to receive a part of the connecting member when the holding device is in the passive position. A well shaped top member, whereby the fingers of the user are prevented from slipping off the holding device, makes it easier to hold the mobile device that is attached to the holding device. For aesthetic purposes, the top member may have the same form and shape as the bottom member. The holding device can easily be rotated by hand to rotate the mobile device. The holding device can even serve a dual function as it may be used as a stand or support for holding the mobile device in an upright or tilted position. In another embodiment, the holding device comprises a second locking means configured to permit releasable locking of the top member in relation to the second end of the connecting member. In a further embodiment, the releasable locking is achieved by friction between the connecting member and the top member. In one embodiment, the second locking means is associated with the second recess. In another embodiment, the second locking means comprises a third locking member, associated with the second recess of the top member, and a fourth locking member associated with the connecting member and complementary to the third locking member to provide at least said releasable locking of the connecting member in relation to the top member when the holding device is in the passive position. In a further embodiment, the third locking member comprises one or more groove and/or bulge, and the fourth locking member comprises complementary one or more bulge and/or groove.

The additional locking means in the top member prevents the top member from moving in relation to the connecting member. This is not only more convenient for the user, it also improves the grip for the user on the mobile device. Further, injuries due to squeezing of fingers between the mobile device and the holding device can be prevented.

In one embodiment, the first surface of the top member is facing the second surface of the bottom member when the holding device is in the active position.

In another embodiment, the first surface of the connecting member and optionally the first surface of the top member are adjacent and parallel to the first surface of the bottom member when the holding device is in the passive position. Advantageously, the holding device is a flat coherent surface of the two or three members and does preferably not extend beyond the edges of the surface to which it is attached. Thereby, the volume of the mobile device does not increase more than a single layer when the holding device is attached and in the passive position. This reduces the risk for the holding device to become entangled with other items in a bag or snagged into a seam in pockets of trousers.

In a further embodiment, the top member is part of the connecting member and comprises protruding arms extending from and transversally to the longitudinal axis of the connecting member. This holding device is easy to manufacture at low cost.

The invention also relates to a holder configured to hold a holding device, characterised in that the holder comprises a back member having a first surface and a second surface, whereby the first surface is configured to be attached to an external surface,

a front member having a first surface and a second surface, whereby the first surface is attached to the second surface of the back member,

a pocket member having a first surface and a second surface, whereby the first surface is attached to the second surface of the front member,

an opening between the second surface of the front member and the first surface of the pocket member. The holder can easily be attached to an external surface such as a dashboard of a car. The holder is easy to construct. The holder provides a pocket or opening with complementary shape to the top member of the holding device. The holder thus provides a stand or support in which the holding device, together with any mobile device attached thereto, can be positioned in a stable and reliable manner. Separate car kits for different brands of mobile phones are no longer needed when using the holding device together with the holder according to this invention. In one embodiment, the holding device described above is removably attached to the holder described above, whereby the top member of the holding device is configured to be positioned in the opening. In a further embodiment, one or more positioning means are positioned between the back member and the external surface, whereby the positioning means comprises

a first surface configured to be attach to the external surface, a second surface configured to be attached to the first surface of the back member of the holder, and

whereby said first surface and said second surface extend at an angle in relation to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig 1 a shows a schematic view of one embodiment of a holding device in an active position.

Fig 1 b shows a side view of a holding device of Fig 1 a in an active position.

Fig 1 c shows a top view of a holding device of Fig 1 a in an active position.

Fig 2 shows a holding device in an active position attached to a mobile electric device.

Fig 3 shows a schematic view of a holding device in a passive position.

Fig 4 shows a holding device in a passive position attached to a mobile electric device.

Fig 5 shows a schematic view of a connecting member. Fig 6 shows a holding device in an intermediate position. Fig 7 shows a connecting member attached to a first and second locking member.

Fig 8 shows a locking member.

Fig 9a shows a schematic view of another embodiment of the invention.

Fig 9b shows a top view of a holding device of Fig 9a in an active position.

Fig 9c shows a top view of a holding device of Fig 9a in a passive position.

Fig 10 shows a schematic view of a holder.

Fig 1 1 a shows positioning means.

Fig 11 b shows the holder of Fig 10 attached to two positioning means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS THE INVENTION

Figure 1 and 2 show a holding device 1 in an active position. Fig 1 b shows a side view and Fig 1 c shows a top view of the holding device according to one embodiment of the invention in the active position. Figure 3 and 4 show the same holding device 1 in a passive position. Figure 6 shows the holding device 1 in an intermediate position between the active and passive position. in Fig 2, 4 and 6 the holding device 1 is attached to a mobile electric device.

The bottom member 2 has a flat first or bottom surface 2-1 . This flat surface 2-1 ensures a proper attachment of the holding device 1 to a mobile device. The mobile device is preferably an electric device such as a mobile phone or smartphone. Other mobile devices may be tablets and personal digital assistants such as iPad®, eBooks and such. GPS devices are another example of mobile electric devices. In principle, any handheld device may benefit from being attached to the holding device 1 according to this invention, including paper books and small computers.

The second surface 2-2 of the bottom member 2 may be flat, concave or convex. Or the second surface 2-2 may have any other form. Preferably, the second surface 2-2 has a form that does not increase the volume of the mobile device once the holding device 1 is attached thereto. In one embodiment the second surface 2-2 is a flat surface.

The bottom member 2 comprises a first recess 5. This first recess 5 has two lateral sides and a bottom side.

A first locking member 7 is associated with the first recess 5 of the bottom member 2. Fig 8 shows an example of a locking member 7, whereby the locking member 7 comprises a first section 18 and a second section 19. An indentation 20 and channel 13 may be provided in the second section 19. The first locking member 7 may be attached to the bottom member 2 by means of an opening (not shown) in the bottom side of the recess 5, whereby the first section 18 of the locking member 7 is inserted into the opening at the bottom side of the recess 5. Also shown is groove 6c, which is part of the first locking means 6.

The holding device 1 also comprises a connecting member 4 having a first surface 4-1 and a second surface 4-2. The first surface 4-1 is preferably flat. The second surface 4-2 may be flat, concave or convex. Or the second surface 4-2 may have any other form. Preferably, the second surface 4-2 had a form that does not increase the volume of the mobile device once the holding device is attached thereto. In one embodiment, the second surface 4-2 is a flat surface. For esthetic purposes the form of the second surface 4-2 of the connecting member 4 is complementary to the form of the second surface 2-2 of the bottom member 2. As shown in Fig 1 and 3, the connecting member 4 has an elongated shape and extends along a longitudinal axis y. The axis y extends upwardly in relation to the flat first surface 2-1 of the bottom member 2 when the holding device 1 is in the active position as shown in Fig 1. Fig 2 shows an embodiment, wherein the axis y extends perpendicularly to the flat surface 2-1 of the bottom member 2. The axis y extends along the flat first surface 2-1 of the bottom member 2 when the holding device 1 is in the passive position (Fig 3). Fig 4 shows an embodiment, wherein the axis y extends parallel to the flat surface 2-1 of the bottom member 2.

The connecting member 4 further comprises at least one recess 21 at a first end of the connecting member 4. The connecting member 4 may have two recesses 21 at the first end and at a second end of the connecting member 4 as shown in Fig 5.

The recess 5 is configured to receive a part of the connecting member 4. Therefore, the form of the recess 5 with the locking member 7 positioned in the recess 5, is preferably complementary to the form of the first end of the connecting member 4, including recess 21 . The second locking member 8 is present at the first end of the connecting member 4.

The holding device 1 may also comprise a top member 3 configured to hold fingers of a user between the bottom member 2 and the top member 3. One or two fingers can be positioned at either side of the connecting member 4. The top member 3 prevents the fingers of the user from sliding off the holding device 1.

The top member 3 may have a first surface 3-1 and a second surface 3-2. The first surface 3-1 is preferably flat. The second surface 3-2 may be flat, concave or convex. Or the second surface 3-2 may have any other form. Preferably, the second surface 3-2 had a form that does not increase the volume of the mobile device once the holding device is attached thereto. In one embodiment, the second surface 3-2 is a flat surface. For esthetic purposes, the form of the second surface 3-2 of the top connecting member 3 is complementary to the form of the second surface 2-2 of the bottom member 2 and the form of the second surface 4-2 of the connecting member 4. For example, in the passive or closed position the second surfaces 2-2, 3-2, 4-2 together may form an adjacent and parallel, or contiguous flat surface as shown in Fig 3 and 4. Instead of a flat surface, this adjoining surface of the members may have any other form or shape such as being slightly convex, concave, a wave in any direction, etc. In the active position as shown in Fig 1 a, the first surface 3-1 of the top member 3 is facing the second surface 2-2 of the bottom member 2.

The top member 3 may comprise a second recess 9 having two lateral sides and a bottom side. The second recess 9 is configured to receive a part of the connecting member 4 when the holding device 1 is in the passive position ad shown in Fig 3 and 4. A third locking member 1 1 is associated with the second recess 9 of the bottom member 2. Fig 8 shows an example of a second locking member 1 1 . The third locking member 1 1 may be attached to the top member 3 by means of an opening (not shown) in the bottom side of the recess 9, whereby the first section 18 of the locking member 1 1 is inserted into the opening at the bottom side of the recess 9.

The form of the recess 9 with the locking member 11 positioned in the recess 9, is preferably complementary to the form of the second end of the connecting member 4, including recess 21 . The fourth locking member 12 is present at the second end of the connecting member 4.

The first end of the connecting member 4 is rotatably attached to the bottom member 2. The second end of the connecting member 4 may be connected to the top member 3. The connection to the top member 3 may be rotatably. The connecting member 4 may be pivotally attached to the bottom member 2 and optionally to the top member 3. The locking members 7 and 1 and the connecting member 4 may comprise a channel 13 for receiving a pivot pin 22.

As shown in Fig 9a, 9b, 9c, the top member 3 may be part of the connecting member 4 and comprise protruding arms. These arms may extend from and transversally to the longitudinal axis y of the connecting member 4. The connecting member 4 may for example form a T-shape together with the top member 3.

The distance between the first surfaces 2-1 , 3-1 , 4-1 and second surfaces 2-2, 3-2, 4-2 of the bottom, connecting and top member 2, 4, 3 is preferably 3 to 8 mm or less, or 7, or 6, or 5, or 4 mm or less. When the holding device 1 is in the passive position, the device 1 extends beyond the surface of the mobile device, to which it is attached, preferably by 3 to 8 mm or less, or 7, or 6, or 5, or 4 mm or less. Once attached to a mobile device the holding device 1 preferably dos not extend beyond the edges A of the mobile device.

The holding device 1 comprises a first locking means 6. This locking means is configured to permit releasable locking of the connecting member 4 in relation to the bottom member 2 when the holding device 1 is in the passive position. The first locking means 6 may also be configured to permit releasable locking of the first end of the connecting member 4 in relation to the bottom member 2 when the holding device 1 is in the active position. The holding device 1 may further comprise a second locking means 10, which is configured to permit releasable locking of the top member 3 in relation to the connecting member 4. Releasable locking between the top member and the connecting member may be provided in the active and in the passive position.

The releasable locking may be achieved in any way that provides for locking of the bottom member 2 and optionally the top member 3 with the connecting member 4. Locking is hereby defined as any means that assures that the connecting member 4 does not move in relation to the bottom member 2 and optionally the top member 3 once the members are in the active or i the passive position. In one embodiment the releasable locking is achieved by friction.

The first locking means 6 may be associated with the first recess 5 and the first locking member 7 positioned in the first recess 5. The connecting member 4 may comprise a second locking member 8. The first locking means 6 may be associated with this second locking member 8. Preferably, the first locking member 7 is complementary to the second locking member 8 in order to provide releasable locking of the connecting member 4 in relation to the bottom member 2 when the holding device 1 is in the passive and/or in the active position.

The second locking means 10 may be associated with the second recess 9 and the third locking member 1 1 positioned in the second recess 9. The connecting member 4 may comprise a fourth locking member 12. The second locking means 10 may be associated with this fourth locking member 12. Preferably, the third locking member 1 1 is complementary to the fourth locking member 12 in order to provide releasable locking of the connecting member 4 in relation to the top member 3 when the holding device 1 is in the passive and/or in the active position. Releasable locking as provided by the locking means 6, 10 may be affected by friction between sides of the connecting member 4 and the sides of the bottom member 2 and/or top member 4 that come into contact with one another. These sides are the areas between the first and second surfaces of the respective bottom, connecting and top members 2, 3, 4. These sides may include the sides of the recess 5, 9, and the sides of the first and third locking member 7, 1 1 as well as the sides of the connecting member 4. The sides of the connecting member 4 are comprised in the second locking member 8 and the fourth locking member 12 at the first end, respectively second end.

The sides of the first and third locking members 7, 1 1 may comprise one or more groove 6c or bulge 6a. The sides in section 19 of the locking members 7, 11 between the first surface 2-1 , 3-1 and second surface 2-2, 3-2 may comprise one or more groove or bulge 6a, 6c along at least part of the length or substantially the whole length of section 19. In Fig 8 is also shown groove 6b, which extends perpendicularly in relation to groove and bulge 6a, 6c.

The lateral side of the recess 5, 9 may also have one or more groove or bulge 6a, 6c along at least part of the length or substantially the whole length of the lateral side of the recess 5, 9.

The connecting member 4 may have complementary one or more groove or bulge 8a, 8c at all the sides in the recess 21 and at the outer side between the first surface 4-1 and second surface 4-2.

The connecting member 4 may have one or two additional complementary one or more groove or bulge 8b to lock the connecting member 4 with the bottom member 2 and optionally the top member 3 when the connecting member is in the upright position. See Fig 5. This bulge or alternatively groove 8b may be provided at the first end and at the second end of the connecting member 4 extending perpendicularly to the groove and bulge 8a, 8c in order to releasable lock into groove or alternatively bulge 6b (20).

For example, the connection member 4 may comprise grooves and bulges 8a, 8b, 8c, while the complementary grooves and bulges 6a, 6b, 6c are provided on the sides between the first surface 2-1 , 3-1 and second surface 2-2, 3-2 of the bottom member 2 and optionally the top member 3.

The top member 3 may have one or more indentations or grooves at the outer circumferential side that faces away from the bottom member 2 when the holding device 1 is in the passive position between the first surface 3-1 and the second surface 3-2 (Fig 3, 4). Such indentations or grooves may extend along at least part of the length or substantially the whole length of the circumferential side that extends between the lateral sides of the recess 9 of the top member 3. Such indentations or grooves assist a user in moving the top member 3 of the holding device 1 from the passive position to the active position (i.e. opening the holding device 1 ).

Lifting the top member 3, releases the locking means 6 and 10. The contacting grooves and bulges of the members 2, 3, 4 become separated. When the connecting member 4 moves upwardly in relation to the bottom member 2, the grooves and bulges 6b, 8b connect and releasable lock the holding device 1 in the active position. The holding device 1 may be closed by pushing the connecting member 4 and/or top member 3 in the direction of recess 5. The bulges and grooves 6b, 8b become hereby separated. The holding device 1 can be closed in the passive position by pushing the top member 3 down such that the grooves and bulges 6a, 6c of the bottom member 2 and top member 3 connect with grooves and bulges 8a, 8c of the connecting member 4. The first surface 2-1 of the bottom member 2 may be attached to a mobile device such as the back side of a mobile phone. This attachment may be permanent or not. Glue or tape may be used to attach the holding device 1 to the mobile device. Alternatively, suction means such as sucking cups may be used to attach to the first surface 2-1 of the bottom member 2 to a mobile device. The holding device 1 is preferably attached to the centre of the back side of a mobile device.

The holding device 1 can serve a dual function. It may also be used as a stand or support for holding the device in an upright or tilted position. For this purpose, the holding device 1 may be attached out of the centre of the back side of a mobile device.

This invention also relates to a holder 14, in which the holding device 1 can be placed (Fig 10). The holder 14 comprises a back member 15 configured to be attached to an external surface,

a front member 16 rotatably attached to the back member 15, and

a pocket member 17 attached to the front member, whereby an opening 24 is formed between the front member 16 and the pocket member 17.

The holder 14 comprises preferably of a back member 15 having a first surface 15-1 and a second surface 15-2. The holder 14 can be attached to an external surface by attaching the first surface 15-1 of the back member 15 to the external surface. For this purpose, the first surface 15-1 is preferably flat. The flat first surface 15-1 of the back member 15 may for example be fixedly attached to a dashboard of a car by using glue or any other attachment means. Sucking cups may likewise be used to attach the first surface 15-1 of the back member 15 to an external surface. A temporarily attachment means has the advantage that the electric mobile device can be used in a convenient manner in a plane, train, etc, when using the holding device 1 together with the holder 14.

The front member 16 has a first surface 16-1 and a second surface 16-2. The first surface 16-1 of the front member 16 is attached to the second surface 15-2 of the back member 15. Preferably, the front member 16 is rotatably attached to the back member 15. Any rotatable attachment means may be used. For example the back member 15 may comprise a circular bulge 23 in the centre of the member, which is attached to a circular complementary groove on the first surface 16-1 of the front member 16. Any other attachment means may be used and the invention is not limited to any attachment means. The rotatable attachment of the front member 16 improves the convenience for the user of the holding device 1 when the holding device 1 is inserted in the opening 24 between the front member 16 and the pocket member 17.

The first surface 16-1 of the front member 16 may cover the second surface 15-2 of the back member 15 partially or completely. In one embodiment, the second surface 15-2 of the back member 15 is completely covered by the first surface 16-1 of the front member 16. The pocket member 17 also has a first surface 17-1 and a second surface 17-2. The pocket member 17 may comprise the first surface 17-1 and an edge 17-3 extending upwardly from the first surface 17-1 at least partly around the circumference of the first surface 17-1 of the pocket member 17. Preferably, the pocket member 17 is fixedly attached to the second surface 16-2 of the front member 16. Any attachment means may be used for this purpose such as glue or solder. The pocket member 17 may cover the front member 16 partially. Preferably, the pocket member 17 covers substantially half the area of the second surface 16-2 of the front member 16. In one embodiment, the pocket member 17 covers substantially half the diameter of the front member 16 as shown in Fig 10.

An opening 24 is present between the second surface 16-2 of the front member 16 and the first surface 7-1 and edge 17-3 of the pocket member 17. The top member 3 of the holding device 1 can be mounted in the opening or pocket 24. Preferably the form of the opening or pocket 24 is complementary to the form of the top member 3 of the holding device 1. In order to improve the fit of the holding device 1 in the opening 24, the pocket member 17 may have an indentation 25. Preferably, the form of the indentation 25 is complementary to the form of the connecting member 4 of the holding device 1. The sides of the back member 15 and the front member 16 between respective first surface 15-1 , 16-1 and second surface 15-2, 16-2 and the edge 17-3 of the pocket member 17 may be flat or comprise one or more bulges or grooves. In one embodiment, the sides and edge 17-3 comprise grooves around the whole sides and edge 17-3. The edge 17-3 may also comprise one or more grooves or bulges on the inside of the opening 24 complementary to the grooves or bulges on the circumferential outer side of the top member 3 extending between the lateral sides of the recess 9 and between the first surface 3-1 and the second surface 3-2. Such complementary forms have an aesthetic purpose. The forms may also improve the attachment of the holding device 1 in the holder 14, especially between the top member 3 and the pocket member 17. The shape of the members 2, 3, 15, 16 and 17 may be circular, oval, square, rectangular or any other shape. Preferably, all the members have a circular shape as shown Fig 1 to 8 and 10.

Preferably, the holding device holder 1 is removably attached to the holder 14, whereby the top member 3 of holding device 1 is configured to be positioned in the opening 24 between the front member 16 and the pocket member 17. Preferably, the holding device 1 can be rotated in relation to the holder 14 once the holding device 1 is positioned in the holder 14.

Positioning means 26 may be positioned between the first surface 15-1 of the back member 15 of the holder 14 and an external surface. The positioning means 26 may comprise a first surface 26-1 configured to be attached to the external surface and an opposite second surface 26-2 configured to be attached to the first surface 15-1 of the back member 15. The positioning means 26 may be a rectangular or circular cylinder, or the first surface 26-1 and the second surface 26-2 extend at an angle a in relation to each other. The angle a may be 0° (i.e. a cylinder with parallel surfaces 26-1 , 26-2), or the angle a may be between 0° and 90°, or between 20° and 45°. See Fig 1 1 a. One or more positioning means 26 may be used to position the holder 14 on an external surface as shown in Fig 11 b.

The second surface 26-2 of the positioning means 26 may cover the first surface 15-1 of the back member 15 partially or completely. In one embodiment, the first surface 15-1 of the back member 15 is completely covered by the second surface 26-2 of the positioning means 26.

The shape of the positioning means 26 may be the same or different as the shape of members 2, 3, 15, 16 and 17, and may be circular, oval, square, rectangular or any other shape. Preferably, the positioning means 26 has a circular shape as shown in Fig 1 1 .

This invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A holding device (1 ) for facilitating gripping and holding an electric mobile device, comprising

a bottom member (2) having a flat first surface (2-1 ) and a second surface (2-2),

a top member (3) configured to hold fingers of a user between the bottom member (2) and the top member (3),

a connecting member (4) having a first surface (4-1 ) and a second surface (4-2), a first end rotatably attached to the bottom member (2) and a second end connected to the top member (3), whereby the connecting member (4) has an elongated shape and extends along a longitudinal axis (y), which axis (y) extends upwardly in relation to the flat first surface (2-1 ) of the bottom member (2) when the holding device (1 ) is in an active position, and which axis (y) extends along the flat first surface (2-1 ) of the bottom member (2) when the holding device (1 ) is in a passive position, and

whereby the bottom member (2) comprises a first recess (5) having two lateral sides and a bottom side configured to receive at least a part of the connecting member (4) when the holding device (1 ) is in the passive position, characterised in that the holding device (1 ) comprises a first locking means (6) configured to permit reieasable locking of the connecting member (4) in relation to the bottom member (2) when the holding device (1 ) is in the passive position.

2. The holding device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the first locking means (6) is configured to permit reieasable locking of the connecting member (4) in relation to the bottom member (2) when the holding device (1 ) is in the active position,

3. The holding device (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the electric mobile device is one of a mobile phone, a smartphone, a camera, a GPS device, a tablet or a personal digital assistant (PDA).

4. The holding device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the releasable locking is achieved by friction between the connecting member (4) and the bottom member (2).

5. The holding device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the first locking means (6) is associated with the first recess (5).

6. The holding device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the first locking means (6) comprises a first locking member (7), associated with the first recess (5) of the bottom member (2), and a second locking member (8) associated with the connecting member (4) and complementary to the first locking member (7) to provide at least said releasable locking of the connecting member (4) when the holding device (1 ) is in the passive position.

7. The holding device (1 ) according to claim 6, characterised in that the first locking member (7) comprises one or more groove and/or bulge, and the second locking member (8) comprises complementary one or more bulge and/or groove.

8. The holding device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the top member (3) has a first surface (3- 1 ) and a second surface (3-2) and comprises a second recess (9) having two lateral sides and a bottom side, and whereby the second recess (9) is configured to receive a part of the connecting member (4) when the holding device (1 ) is in the passive position.

9. The holding device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the holding device (1 ) comprises a second locking means (1 0) configured to permit releasable locking of the top member (3) in relation to the second end of the connecting member (4).

10. The holding device (1 ) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterised in that the releasable locking is achieved by friction between the connecting member (4) and the top member (3).

1 1 . The holding device (1 ) according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the second locking means (10) is associated with the second recess (9).

12. The holding device (1 ) according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , characterised in that the second locking means (10) comprises a third locking member (11 ), associated with the second recess (9) of the top member (3), and a fourth locking member (12) associated with the connecting member (4) and complementary to the third locking member (1 1 ) to provide at least said releasable locking of the connecting member (4) in relation to the top member (3) when the holding device (1 ) is in the passive position.

13. The holding device (1 ) according to claim 12, characterised in that the third locking member (11 ) comprises one or more groove and/or bulge, and the fourth locking member (12) comprises complementary one or more bulge and/or groove.

14. The holding device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the first surface (3-1 ) of the top member

(3) is facing the second surface (2-2) of the bottom member (2) when the holding device (1 ) is in the active position.

15. The holding device (1 ) according to any one of claim 1 to 14, characterised in that the first surface (4-1 ) of the connecting member (4) and optionally the first surface (3-1 ) of the top member (3) are adjacent and parallel to the first surface (2-1 ) of the bottom member (2) when the holding device (1 ) is in the passive position.

16. The holding device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the top member (3) is part of the connecting member (4) and comprises protruding arms extending from and transversaily to the longitudinal axis (y) of the connecting member (4).

17. A holder (14) configured to hold a holding device (1 ), characterised in that the holder (14) comprises

a back member (1 5) having a first surface (15-1 ) and a second surface (15-2), whereby the first surface (15-1 ) is configured to be attached to an external surface,

a front member (16) having a first surface (16-1 ) and a second surface (16-2), whereby the first surface (16-1 ) is attached to the second surface (15-2) of the back member (15),

a pocket member (17) having a first surface (17-1 ) and a second surface (17-2), whereby the first surface (17-1 ) is attached to the second surface (16-2) of the front member (16),

an opening (24) between the second surface (16-2) of the front member (16) and the first surface (17-1 ) of the pocket member (17).

18. A holding device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the holding device (1 ) is removably attached to the holder (14) according to claim 17, whereby the top member (3) of the holding device (1 ) is configured to be positioned in the opening (24).

19. A holding device (1 ) according to claim 18, characterised in that one or more positioning means (26) are positioned between the back member (15) and the external surface, whereby the positioning means (26) comprises a first surface (26-1 ) configured to be attach to the external surface,

a second surface (26-2) configured to be attached to the first surface (15-1 ) of the back member (15) of the holder (14), and whereby said first surface (26-1 ) and said second surface (26-2) extend at an angle (a) in relation to each other.