MULTIPOSITION FIXTURE HOLDER

Abstract

An arrangement including a fixture device that includes a holding device, a ball, a socket and a magnet. The holding device includes first and second holding elements and a biasing member arranged to force at least one of the two holding elements into a holding position. The ball is attached to the holding device. The socket includes a first side configured to receive at least part of the ball. A section of the ball is made of a magnetic material such that the ball is maintained in a selected position in relation to the socket by the magnet. A support includes a magnetic material wherein the fixture device is arranged to be removably attached to the support by a magnetic force and wherein the socket includes a second side attached to the support by the magnet and wherein the socket is movable along the surface of the support.

Claims

1. An arrangement comprising: a fixture device for removably holding components, said fixture device comprising; a holding device intended to removably holding components, said holding device comprising a first and a second holding element and a biasing member arranged to force at least one of the two holding elements into a holding position; a ball attached to the holding device; a socket comprising a first side configured to receive at least part of the ball such that the ball can slide in relation to the socket; and a magnet; wherein at least a section of the ball is made of a magnetic material such that the ball is maintained in a selected position in relation to the socket by the magnet, a support comprising a magnetic material wherein the fixture device is arranged to be removably attached to the support by a magnetic force and wherein the socket comprises a second side attached to the support by said magnet and wherein said socket is movable along the surface of the support.

2. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the magnet comprises a permanent magnet and wherein the ball comprises a ferromagnetic material.

3. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the socket is at least partly enclosing the ball.

4. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the socket comprises a friction member.

5. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first holding element comprises a first contact surface and the second holding element comprises a second contact surface and wherein said holding device is arranged to move between an open position and the holding position and wherein the first and second contact surface are arranged parallel to each other when the holding device is moving between the open position and the holding position.

6. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the fixture device is arranged for being in a tilted position and wherein the holding device comprises a protruding member for being in contact with the support and for aligning the fixture device with the support when in said tilted position.

7. The arrangement according to claim 6, wherein at least part of the holding device comprises a ferromagnetic material such that the magnet in the socket magnetizes the holding device and the protruding member of the holding device such that the holding device is intended to be removably attached to the support by the magnet when the fixture device is in said tilted position.

8. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the holding device comprises a top section comprising a ferromagnetic material and arranged to be received by the socket, and wherein the socket is further arranged to receive the top section by the magnet.

9. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the holding device comprises a rod connecting the ball and at least one of the first and second holding elements of the holding device, wherein at least part of said biasing member is arranged encircling at least part of the rod.

10. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the socket comprises a first section and a second section, wherein the first section comprises the magnet and the second section is arranged to at least partly enclose the ball.

11. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the socket comprises a spacer for creating a distance between the socket and the support when said socket is fastened to said support.

12. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the support comprises a ferromagnetic material.

13. The arrangement according to claim 1 comprising more than one fixture device arranged on the surface of the support, wherein each one of the more than one fixture device is configured to hold at least one component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] This and other aspects will now be described in more detail in the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings.

[0057] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the holding device according to an embodiment.

[0058] FIGS. 2a and 2b show a perspective and a side view respectively, of the fixture device according to an embodiment.

[0059] FIGS. 3a and 3b show a perspective and a side view respectively, of the fixture device according to an embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the fixture device according to an embodiment.

[0061] FIGS. 5a and 5b show a perspective and a sectional side view respectively, of the fixture device according to an embodiment.

[0062] FIGS. 5c and 5d show a perspective and a sectional side view respectively, of the fixture device according to an embodiment.

[0063] FIGS. 6a and 6b show perspective views of the fixture device according to at least one embodiment.

[0064] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of two fixture devices according to at least one embodiment.

[0065] FIG. 8a show a side view of the fixture device being attached to a support according an embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 8b show a side view of the fixture device being attached to a support according an embodiment.

[0067] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of two fixture devices being attached to a support according an embodiment.

[0068] All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the embodiments, wherein other parts may be omitted. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0069] A fixture device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The fixture device 100 in FIG. 1 comprises a holding device 110 intended to removably holding components. The holding device 110 comprising a first holding element 113, a second holding element 115 and a biasing member 112. The biasing member 112 may be arranged to force the two holding elements into a holding position. The fixture device 100 in FIG. 1 further comprises a ball 120 attached to the holding device 110 and a socket 130. The socket 130 may comprise a magnet 150. The socket 130 may further comprise a first side 134 configured to receive at least part of the ball 120 such that the ball 120 can slide in relation to the socket 130 and a second side 136 intended for fastening the fixture device to a support by the magnet 150. At least a section of the ball 120 may be made of a magnetic material such that the ball 120 may be maintained in a selected position in relation to the socket by the magnet 150.

[0070] The ball 120 may move freely within the socket 130. In other words, the ball 120 may move freely within the socket 130 according to a three axis articulation. In yet other words, the ball 120 may swivel within the socket 130. The movement of the ball within the socket 130 may be limited based on the position of the holding device 110 and/or any part connecting the holding device 110 to the ball 120. The holding device may comprise a rod 160 or a connecting device suitable to connect the holding device 110 and the ball 120, wherein the rod 160 and/or the connecting device may be arranged to connect the ball and at least one of the first and second holding elements 113, 115 of the holding device 110. In other words, the holding device 110 may comprise the rod 160 connecting the ball 120 to at least one of the first and second holding elements 113,115 of the holding device 110. In other words, the holding device 110 may be connected to the ball 120 by a rod 160 or any connecting device suitable to connect the holding device 110 and the ball 120. The movement of the ball may, for example, be limited by the position of the rod 160 onto the ball 120. The magnet 150 may comprise a permanent magnet and the ball 120 may comprise a ferromagnetic material that may provide in a strong reception or attachment of the ball to the socket 130.

[0071] The fixture device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b. Similar to the fixture device 100 in FIG. 1, the fixture device 100 in FIGS. 2a and 2b may comprise a holding device 110 intended to removably hold components. The holding device 110 may comprise a first holding element 113, a second holding element 115 and a biasing member 112. The biasing member 112 may be arranged to force at least one of the two holding elements into a holding position. The fixture device 100 in FIGS. 2a and 2b further comprises a ball 120 attached to the holding device 110 and a socket 130. The socket 130 may comprise a magnet 150. The socket 130 may further comprise a first side 134 configured to receive at least part of the ball 120 such that the ball 120 can slide in relation to the socket 130 and a second side 136 intended for fastening the fixture device to a support by the magnet 150. At least a section of the ball 120 may be made of a magnetic material such that the ball 120 may be maintained in a selected position in relation to the socket by the magnet 150.

[0072] The first and the second holding element 113,115 of the fixture device in FIGS. 2a and 2b are parallel and the fixture device 100 is arranged in a holding position. The holding position may be a position wherein the first and the second holding element 113,115 are brought into contact with each other, such as seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b, and/or when the first and second holding element 113,115 are brought into contact with an item being held in place by said holding device 110. Hence, the holding position may be equivalent to a closed position of said holding device 110 when no component is being held by the holding device 110 or an at least partly open position. By an at least partly open position it may be meant a position of the holding elements 113,115 wherein the two holding elements 113,115 are kept apart by an item held by said holding device 110.

[0073] By an item it may be meant a component held in place by the fixture device 100 or parts thereof, such as the holding device 110. By an item it may be meant a component held in place by the first and second holding elements 113,115.

[0074] In other words, the holding position may be a position wherein the two holding elements 113,115 are be brought into contact with each other by force from the biasing member 112 as also seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The holding position may also be a position wherein the two holding elements 113,115 are brought into contact with an item held by the holding device by force from the biasing member 112.

[0075] By the holding position it may be meant that the holding device 110 is in equilibrium without any external forces applied. By no external forces it may be meant that only forces from the biasing member 112 may be present. By no external forces it may be meant that only forces from the biasing member 112 and forces from any item held by the holding device 110 may be present. To further clarify, by no external force it may be meant that no forces acting on the holding device to pry the holding device 110 apart such that at least one of a contact between the first and second holding element 113,115, a contact between the first holding element 113 and an item held by the holding device 110, and a contact between the second holding element 115 and an item held by the holding device 110. In other words, the sum of forces acting on the first holding element 113 and the second holding element 115 may be zero without any external forces applied to the device. In other words, the force(s) acting on the first holding element 113 and/or the second holding element 115 by the biasing member 112 may be cancelled by forces of same amount but in opposite direction acting on the first holding element 113 and the second holding element 115 from for example, any component held in between the holding device 110 when the fixture device 100 is in said holding position.

[0076] The holding device 110 in FIGS. 2a and 2b may comprise the rod 160 or a connecting device suitable to connect the holding device 110 and the ball 120. The rod 160 and/or the connecting device may be arranged to connect the ball and at least one of the first and second holding elements 113, 115 of the holding device 110. In other words, the holding device 110 may comprise the rod 160 connecting the ball 120 to at least one of the first and second holding elements 113,115 of the holding device 110. In other words, the holding device 110 may be connected to the ball 120 by a rod 160 or any connecting device suitable to connect the holding device 110 and the ball 120. The movement of the ball may, for example, be limited by the position of the rod 160 onto the ball 120. The magnet 150 may comprise a permanent magnet and the ball 120 may comprise a ferromagnetic material that may provide in a strong reception or attachment of the ball to the socket 130.

[0077] The second rod 170 may comprise for example steel, stainless steel or titanium. The material of the second holding element 115 may be of the same or different material than the material of the second rod 170. Preferably, the material of the second holding element 115 may be of a softer material than the material of the bent member 175. Hence, the material of the second holding element 115 may comprise for example steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, or a hard plastic material such as acrylic, PVC, polythene and/or polypropylene.

[0078] The biasing member 112 may be acting on at least one of the first holding element 113 and the second holding element 115. By the biasing member acting on at least one of the first holding element 113 and the second holding element 115 it may be meant that the biasing member biases at least one of the first holding element 113 and the second holding element 115. The biasing member 112 may be at least one of a helical spring, a coil spring, a torsion spring, a helical torsion spring, a mainspring and any other biasing member arranged to store mechanical energy. As seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b the biasing member 112 may be a coil spring and/or a helical spring. At least part of the biasing member 112 may be arranged encircling at least part of the holding device 110. At least part of the biasing member 112 may be arranged encircling at least part of the rod 160. As seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the coil spring and/or helical spring may be arranged encircling the rod 160 biasing the first holding element 113 and/or the second holding element 115 such that the holding device 110 is arranged in the holding position.

[0079] The socket 130 may be at least partly enclosing the ball 120. The ball 120 may move freely within the socket 130. In other words, the ball 120 may move freely within the socket 130 according to a three axis articulation. In yet other words, the ball 120 may swivel within the socket 130. The movement of the ball within the socket 130 may be limited based on the position of the holding device 110 and/or any part connecting the holding device 110 to the ball 120. For example, the movement of the ball 120 within the socket 120 may be limited by the position of the rod 160 onto the ball 120. The magnet 150 may comprise a permanent magnet and the ball 120 may comprise a ferromagnetic material that may provide in a strong reception or and/or attachment of the ball 120 to the socket 130 by the magnet 150. In other words, a strong magnetic force between the ball and the socket may be achieved.

[0080] The socket 130 may at least partly enclose the ball 120. As seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b the ball 120 may be received by the socket 130 such that the socket 130 at least partly encloses the ball 120. In other words, the ball 120 may be arranged such that it is at least partly arranged within the socket 130.

[0081] As previously disclosed at least a section of the ball 120 may be made of a magnetic material such that the ball 120 may be maintained in the selected position in relation to the socket by the magnet 150. Hence, a position of the ball 120 and/or the holding device 110 in relation to the socket may be selected. The ball 120 may as previously disclosed be moving freely within the socket 130. Hence, the ball 120 and the holding device 110 may be rotated in any direction. The ball 120 and the holding device 110 may be tilted in any direction by the ball 120 rotating within the socket 130. In other words, any position of the ball 120 within the socket 130 may be selected. Hence, any position of the ball 120 and the holding device 110 in relation to the socket 130 may be selected.

[0082] The rod 160 may be elongated in a direction pointing away from the socket 130. The direction of the rod 160 in relation to the socket 130 may further be adjustable as described above. The holding device 110 may further comprise a protruding member 118. The protruding member 118 may be arranged such that a distance from the outer end of the protruding member and a center of the rod 160 is substantially the same as a distance between the center of the ball 120 to the second side 136 of the socket. By an outer end of the protruding member 118 it may be meant the part of the protruding member arranged furthest away from the center of the rod 160.

[0083] The socket 130 may be arranged for being attached to a support. The second side 136 of the socket may be arranged for attachment to the support. The protruding member 118 may be protruding in a direction perpendicular to the elongation of the rod 160. A previously disclosed any position of the ball 120 and the holding device 110 in relation to the socket 130 may be selected. Hence, a tilted position may be selected. Hence, the fixture device 100 may be arranged for being in a tilted position and the protruding member 118 may be arranged for being in contact with the support and for aligning the fixture device with the support when in said tilted position. Consequently, the protruding member 118 may facilitate aligning the fixture device 100 in a position where at least part of the fixture device 100 may be parallel to the first 134 and/or second side 136 of the socket 130. In other words, the protruding member 118 may be arranged for facilitating alignment of the fixture device 100 in a position where at least part of the fixture device 100 may be parallel to the support. The protruding member 118 may facilitate alignment of the fixture device 100 such that the rod 160 is arranged parallel to the first 134 and/or second side 136 of the socket 130. Hence, the protruding member 118 may be arranged for aligning the fixture device such that the rod 160 is arranged parallel to the support. When the fixture device is attached to a surface and/or support the protruding member 118 may facilitate alignment of the fixture device 100 such that the first and second holding elements 113,115 are directed parallel to a normal to the surface and/or support. The first and second holding elements 113,115 may be elongated and extend in a direction perpendicular to the elongation of the rod 160.

[0084] The holding device 110 may comprise a ferromagnetic material such that the magnet 150 in the socket 130 magnetizes the holding device 110 and the protruding member 118 of the holding device 110 by the magnet such that the holding device 110 may be intended to be removably attached to the support when in said tilted position. The rod 160 may comprise a magnetic material, for example a ferromagnetic material, such that the magnet 150 in the socket 130 magnetizes the holding device 110 or parts thereof. The rod 160 may comprise a magnetic material such that the magnet 150 in the socket 130 magnetizes the protruding member 118. The second holding element 115 may comprise the protruding member 118. Hence, at least part of the holding device may comprise a magnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic material. This may facilitate the magnetization of the protruding member 118, with in turn may provide a facilitated alignment of the fixture device 100 when in use together with a support. This is further discussed in relation to FIG. 8b.

[0085] The fixture device 100 may comprise a strut member 190. The fixture device may further comprise a biasing holder 180. The biasing holder 180 may be connected to the strut member 190. The biasing holder 180 may facilitate biasing of the biasing member 112. The biasing holder 180 may facilitate the compression of a helical spring and/or coil spring in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

[0086] The fixture device 100 may comprise a second rod 170. The rod 160 may be connected with the second rod 170 by the strut member 190. The rod 160 may be slidably connected to the strut member 190. The second rod 170 may be fixably connected to the strut member 190. The first holding element 113 may be connected to the second rod 170. The first holding element 113 may be fixably connected to the second rod 170. The second holding element may be fixably connected to the rod 160. The second rod 170 may be slidably connected to the second holding element 115. The biasing member 112 may act on the first and/or the second holding element 113,115. In other words, the biasing member 112 may bias the first and/or the second holding element 113,115. As seen in FIG. 2b, the biasing member 112 biases the first holding element 113 by forcing the strut member 190 towards the ball 120 such that the first holding element 113 is brought into contact with the second holding element 115. The second holding element 115 may comprise a through hole and the second rod 170 may be slidably connected to the through hole of the second holding element 115.

[0087] By slidably connected it may be meant that two components are connected and may slide in relation to one another. In other words, it may be meant that two components are connected and that the one of the two components being slidably connected may slide, i.e. move, in relation to the other component.

[0088] By fixably connected it may be meant that two components are connected without being able move in relation to each other. In other words, it may be meant that the components are connected and fixed in relation to each other.

[0089] The rod 160 and/or the second rod 170 may be elongated and have any cross-sectional shape. For example, the rod 160 and the second rod 170 in FIG. 2a-2b are elongated and comprises a round cross-sectional shape. The rod 160 and/or the second rod 170 may have any cross-sectional shape, i.e. at least one of the rod 160 and the second rod 170 may comprise at least one of a triangular, a rectangular and a round cross-sectional shape and any cross sectional shape with more sides than that of an rectangle.

[0090] The rod 160 and the second rod 170 may be arranged parallel to each other. The rod 160 and the second rod 170 may provide for improved stability in the holding device 110.

[0091] The second rod 170 may comprise for example steel, stainless steel or titanium. The material of the second holding element 115 may be of the same or different material than the material of the second rod 170. Preferably, the material of the second holding element 115 may be of a softer material than the material of the second rod 170. Hence, the material of the second holding element 115 may comprise for example steel, brass, copper, or a hard plastic material such as acrylic, PVC, polythene and/or polypropylene. Further, the hard plastic material may preferably be conductive plastic material. The rod 160 and/or the first holding element 113 may comprise the same material as the second rod 170.

[0092] The fixture device 100 in FIGS. 2a and 2b may further comprise a top section 117, 119 comprising a ferromagnetic material and may be arranged to be received by the socket 130, and wherein the socket 130 may further be arranged to receive the top section 117, 119 by the magnet 150. Hence, the holding device 110 and the ball 120 may be removed from the socket 130 and reattached to the socket 130 by turning the holding device 110 and the ball 120 upside down such that the top section 117, 119 may be received by the socket. The fixture device 100 may comprise at least one top section 117, 119. The fixture device 100 in FIGS. 2a and 2b comprises two top sections 117,119. In other words, the fixture device 100 may comprise a first and a second top section 117,119. Hence, the top sections 117, 119 in FIGS. 2a and 2b may comprise a ferromagnetic material and may be arranged to be received by the socket 130 by the magnet 150. The socket 130 in FIGS. 2a and 2b may be arranged to receive at least one of the top sections 117,119. This will be further discussed with reference to FIG. 4.

[0093] The fixture device 100 may preferably be grounded by connecting a grounded wire directly to the fixture device 100 and/or by grounding through the socket 130 which will be further discussed to FIGS. 5a-5c.

[0094] The fixture device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b. The fixture device 100 in FIGS. 3a and 3b may be similarly configured as the fixture device 100 described with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b, but the fixture device 100 in FIGS. 3a and 3b has the first holding element 113 and the second holding element 115 separated. This may illustrate that the fixture device 100 is arranged in the open position. The position of the first and second holding elements 113,115 in FIGS. 3a and 3b may be referred to a fully open position.

[0095] The first holding element 113 may comprise a first contact surface 114 and the second holding element 115 may comprise a second contact surface 116. The holding device 110 may be arranged to move between the open position and the holding position. The first and second contact surface 114, 116 may be arranged parallel to each other when the holding device is moving between the open position and the holding position.

[0096] Between the FIGS. 2(a & b) and 3(a & b), the strut member 190 and the first holding element 113 have been moved in relation to the rod 160 and the second holding element 115. Hence, moving the fixture device 100 from the holding position to the open position the strut member 190 may be moved in a direction towards the second holding element 115. The strut member 190 may be slidably connected to the rod 160 and may be arranged to move towards the second holding element 115 when the fixture device 100 is moved from the holding position to the open position.

[0097] The biasing member 112 may be biased by moving the strut member 190 towards the second holding element 115. The biasing member 112 may be arranged between strut member 190 and the second holding element 115. The biasing member 112 may be arranged between the biasing holder 180 and the second holding element 115. The biasing holder 180 may hold the biasing member when the biasing member is biased. In other words, the biasing holder 180 may hold the biasing member when the biasing member is compressed. The biasing holder 180 may at least partly enclose the biasing member 112. This may facilitate keeping the direction and orientation of the biasing member 112. The biasing holder 180 may be configured to provide a desired biasing of the biasing member 112.

[0098] At least one of the first and second holding elements 113,115 may be fixably arranged to the rod 160. At least one of the first holding element 113 and the strut member 190 may comprise a first through hole wherein the rod 160 may be configured to slide. The second holding element 115 may comprise a second through hole wherein the second rod 170 may be configured to slide. In FIGS. 3a and 3b, the strut member 190 comprises a first through hole wherein the rod 160 is arranged to slide and the second holding element 115 comprises a second through hole wherein the second rod 170 is arranged to slide. The first holding element 113 may be fixably arranged to the second rod 170 and the second rod 170 may be fixably arranged to the strut member 190. The first holding element 113, the second rod 170 and the strut member 190 may be arranged as a composite part forming the first holding element 113, hence, the first holding element 113 may comprise the first through hole. This may provide for a facilitated guidance of at least one of the first and second holding elements 113,115.

[0099] By fixably arranged it may be meant that two components are arranged to each other without being able move in relation to each other. In other words, it may be meant that the two components are connected to each other without being able to move in relation to each other. In yet other words, it may be meant that the components are connected and fixed in relation to each other.

[0100] As previously discussed, the fixture device 100 in FIGS. 3a and 3b is arranged in the open position. Any position of the first and second holding elements 113,115 between the open position of the fixture device 100 in FIGS. 3a and 3b and the holding position illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b may be a partly open position. As previously disclosed this partly open position may be a position wherein an item may be arranged between the first and second hold elements 113,115.

[0101] The configuration of the rod 160 and the second rod 170 according to the present disclosure may provide for an improved stability of the fixture device 100.

[0102] The rod 160 and the second rod 170 may be arranged parallel to each other and further facilitating the guidance of at least one of the first and second holding element. This may also provide in an improved stability of the device.

[0103] With reference to FIG. 3a the movement of the ball 120 in relation to the socket 130 may be further clarified. As previously disclosed, the ball 120 may be arranged to move freely within the socket 130. The ball 120 may move according to a 3-axis articulation. Hence, the ball 120 and the holding device 110 may change its position according to a 3-axis articulation.

[0104] By a 3-axis articulation it may be meant rotation about three axes' being perpendicular to each other. In other words, it may be meant that the ball 120 may be moved freely within the socket 130. This may be illustrated by FIG. 3a wherein three axes' (A, B, C) are arranged perpendicular to each other. Hence, a first axis A may be perpendicular to a second axis B and a third axis C. Additionally, the second axis B may be perpendicular to the third axis C. The ball 120 may be arranged to rotate about at least one of the first axis A, the second axis B and the third axis C. Hence, the ball 120 may move freely within the socket 130.

[0105] The fixture device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The fixture device 100 in FIG. 4 may be similarly configured as the fixture device 100 described with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b and FIGS. 2a and 2b, but the fixture device 100 in FIG. 4 is arranged with the top section 119 attached to the socket 130.

[0106] As previously disclosed, the holding device 110 may comprise a top section 117,119 comprising a ferromagnetic material. The top section 117,119 may be arranged to be received by the socket 130. In other words, the top section 117,119 may be arranged to be attached to the socket 130. The socket 130 may further be arranged to receive the top section 117, 119 by the magnet 150.

[0107] As mentioned to FIGS. 2a and 2b the top sections 117, 119 may comprise a ferromagnetic material and may be arranged to be received by the socket 130 by the magnet 150. The socket 130 in FIG. 4 may be arranged to receive at least one of the top sections 117,119.

[0108] In FIG. 4, the holding device 110 and the ball 120 may have been removed from the socket 130 and reattached to the socket 130 by turning the holding device 110 and the ball 120 upside down such that the top section 117, 119 is attached to the socket 130. More specifically, the holding device is attached to the socket by the first top section 119 in FIG. 4. This may facilitate position of the holding elements 113,115 at a shorter distance from the socket 130 than if the ball 120 would be attached to the socket 130. Hence, this may facilitate holding items by the holding device 110 at a shorter distance from the socket 130. In turn this may facilitate positioning items at a relatively short distance from a surface and/or support when the fixture device is attached to a surface and/or a support.

[0109] The holding device 110 may be attached to the socket 130 by the second top section 119. In other words, the second top section 119 may be configured to be received by the socket 130. This may further facilitate position of the holding elements 113,115 at an even shorter distance from the socket 130 than when attaching the first top section 117 to the socket 130. Hence, this may facilitate holding items by the holding device 110 at a shorter distance from the socket 130. In turn this may facilitate positioning items at a relatively short distance from a surface and/or support when the fixture device is attached to a surface and/or a support.

[0110] Hence, the first and second top section 117,119 may provide for facilitated position and/or orientation of the holding device 110 in relation to the socket 130.

[0111] The socket 130 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b. As seen in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the socket 130 may comprise the magnet 150. The socket 130 may comprise a socket housing 135. The socket may comprise a spacer 137 for creating a distance between the socket and the support when said socket is fastened to said support. Hence, the spacer 137 may be arranged on the second side 136 of the socket 130. The housing 135 may be interconnected to the spacer 137. The housing 135 and the spacer 137 may be formed in one piece. The socket 130 may comprise a friction member 140. The friction member 140 may comprise at least one of a polymer, rubber and any material suitable to create friction between at least part of the ball 120 and the socket 130. The friction member 140 may comprise a plastic material. The friction member 140 may provide in increased friction between the ball 120 and the socket 130 when the ball 120 is attached to the socket 130. The spacer 137 may be arranged to cover the second side 136 of the socket at least partially. Hence, the spacer 137 may fully cover the magnet 150 arranged in the socket or the spacer 137 may be circumferentially arranged on the second side 136 of the socket 130 such that a though hole is formed through the socket 130.

[0112] The socket 130 may comprise electrically conductive material. At least one of the friction member 140 and the housing 135 may thus comprise electrically conductive material, preferably an electrically conductive plastic. This may be advantageous when the socket is fastened to, i.e. arranged on, a support, the support may be grounded providing a grounded fixture device 100. This is beneficial when working with components sensitive to ESD and when these components are held by the fixture device 100.

[0113] The first side 134 of the socket 130 may comprise chamfered edges arranged in the center of the socket 130. By chamfered edges it may be meant beveled edges and/or sloping edges. The chamfered edges may form a recess 148 arranged substantially in the center of the socket 130. The recess 148 formed by the chamfered edges may be round and/or circular.

[0114] In other words, the socket 130 may comprise the recess 148 arranged in the center of the first side 134 of the socket 130. The recess 148 may be round and/or circular. The recess 148 may comprise at least one chamfered edge. The chamfered edge may be arranged around the recess 148. Hence, the recess 148 may comprise at least one circumferentially arranged chamfered edge.

[0115] The chamfered edges may be arranged to facilitate reception of the ball 120. The recess 148 may comprise the friction member 140. The chamfered edges may be interconnected to a through hole of the socket 130, wherein the through hole may be arranged in the center of the socket 130 proving a passage from the first side 134 to the second side 136.

[0116] The friction member 140 may be arranged within the chamfered edges. Hence, the friction member 140 may be arranged in the center of the socket 130. The friction member 140 may be arranged on at least part of the surface of the socket 130 on its first side 134. The friction member 140 may be arranged on at least part of the chamfered edges enclosing the recess 148.

[0117] The socket 130 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5c and 5d. The socket 130 in FIGS. 5c and 5d may be similarly configured as the socket 130 described with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b, but the socket 130 in FIGS. 5c and 5d comprises a first section 130a and a second section 130b, wherein the first section 130a comprises the magnet 150 and the second section 130b is arranged to at least partly enclose the ball 120. Hence, the second section 130b may comprise the first side 134 of the socket 130. The second section 130b may comprise circumferential chamfered edges arranged around in the center of the socket 130. By chamfered edges it may be meant beveled edges and/or sloping edges. The chamfered edges may form the recess 148 arranged substantially in the center of the socket 130. The chamfered edges may be arranged to facilitate reception of the ball 120. The recess 148 formed by the chamfered edges may be circular and/or round. The recess 148 may comprise the friction member 140. In other words, the friction member 140 may be arranged in said recess 148.

[0118] Turning to FIGS. 6a and 6b the fixture device 100 is further described. The fixture device 100 in FIGS. 6a and 6b may be identical to the fixture device 100 previously described to the FIGS. 2-4, except that the strut member 190, second rod 170, the first holding element 113 of the fixture device 100 in FIG. 6a is replaced by a bent member 175. The bent member may comprise three sections, a first section bent member section 175a, a second bent member section 175b and a third bent member section 175c wherein the first and third bent member sections 175a,175c are parallel to each other and the second bent member section 175b may be perpendicular to the first and third bent member sections 175a,175c. The third bent member section 175c may be arranged parallel to the rod 160.

[0119] The bent member 175 may be formed by an elongated sheet metal. The bent member 175 may be typically rigid to resist deformation from forces acting on the bent member 175 during use of the fixture device 100. The bent member 175 may comprise for example steel, stainless steel or titanium. The material of the second holding element 115 may be of the same or different material than the material of the bent member 175. Preferably, the material of the second holding element 115 may be of a softer material than the material of the bent member 175. Hence, the material of the second holding element may comprise for example steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, or a hard plastic material such as acrylic, PVC, polythene and/or polypropylene.

[0120] It should be understood that (only) the second rod 170 and at least one of the strut member 190 and the first holding element 113 may be replaced by the bent member 175. In other words, the strut member 190 and the second rod 170 may be replaced by the bent member 175 comprising the first and second bent member sections 175a,175b in connection with the first holding element 113. Alternatively, the first holding element 113 and the second rod 170 may be replaced by the bent member 175 comprising the second bent member section 175b and the third bent member section 175c connected to the strut member 190. By replacing at least one of the strut member 190 and the first holding element 113 together with the second rod 170 by the bent member 175 a facilitated manufacturing of the fixture device 100 may be achieved.

[0121] Accordingly, the fixture device 100 may comprise a bent member 175. The bent member 175 may comprise at least one bend, preferably 90 degrees, forming a L-shaped bent member comprising the second bent member section 175b and at least one of the first and third bent member sections 175a,175c. The bent member 175 may comprise two bends, both preferably 90 degrees, forming a Z-shaped bent member comprising the first, second and third bent member sections 175a,175b,175c.

[0122] The bent member 175 may form the first holding element 113. The first bent member section 175a may be slidably connected to the rod 160. The third bent member section 175c may form the first holding element 113. The second bent member section 175b may connect the first bent member section 175a to said third bent member section 175c or the first holding element 113. Alternatively, the second bent member section 175b may connect the strut member 190 to said third bent member section. The bent member 175 may comprise a through hole wherein the rod 160 may be configured to slide, identical to the strut member described to FIGS. 2-4. The through hole may be arranged in one end of the bent member 175.

[0123] In the same manner as the strut member 190 may be connected to a biasing holder 180 in FIG. 2a-2b, the bent member 175 may be connected to the biasing holder 180. The biasing member 112 may act on the second holding element 115 and the bent member 175. The biasing member 112 may force the bent member 175 towards the ball 120 such that the first holding element 113 are forced towards the second holding element 113.

[0124] As described to FIGS. 2a-2b, the second holding element 115 may comprise a through hole. The bent member 175 may be slidably connected to the through hole of the second holding element 115. The though hole of the second holding element 115 may have a corresponding shape as a cross-section of the bent member 175.

[0125] The bent member 175 may further comprise at least one abutment 177 for limiting the movement of the bent member 175 towards the second holding element 115. The at least one abutment 177 may be formed as a protrusion of the bent member 175 such that at least part of the bent member 175 may be too large to slide trough the through hole of the second holding element 115. The at least one abutment 177 may be arranged on the second bent member section 175b. By limiting the movement of the bent member 175 towards the second holding element 115 the force on the biasing member 112 may be reduced, further decreasing wear and tear of the biasing member 112 and thus proving increased life time of the biasing member 112.

[0126] Further, the protruding member 118 is not shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, however it should be understood that the protruding member 118 as shown in FIGS. 2-4 may be present. Alternatively, the second holding element 115 may be arranged to contact with a support without having the protruding member 118 present when the fixture device 100 is arranged in the tilted position. Thus, an end part of the second holding element 115 may be arranged to contact with a support when the fixture device 100 is arranged in the tilted position.

[0127] The second bent member section 175b may comprise a bent member through hole 125. The bent member through hole 125 may be arranged to receive a bar 126. Further, the first and second holding elements 113,115 may both be provided with fixating elements 121,122 for facilitating fixation of components between the first and second holding elements 113,115. At least one of the fixating elements 121,122 may comprise an elongated first groove 123 for receiving said bar 126, further facilitating fixation and alignment of said bar 126 between the first and second holding elements 113,115. At least one of the fixating elements 121,122 may comprise a second elongated groove 124 for holding cables or similar in place when using said fixture device. The second elongated groove 124 may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the first elongated grove 123. The bar 126 may be used to force components in place when the fixture device 100 is equipped with the bar 126. This may typically be used when having more than one fixture device 100 arranged adjacent to each other where the fixture device 100 equipped with the bar 126 forces components in place held by a second fixture device 100. The bar 126 may be elongated have any cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular, squared, round or oval. Hence, the bar 126 may be formed as a rod or an elongated rectangular slab.

[0128] The fixating elements 121,122 may comprise a jagged surface structure 127 for facilitating holding components or similar between the first and second holding elements 113,115. In the Figure, the jagged surface structure 127 on the first holding element 113 is arranged facing away from the second contact surface 116 of the second holding element, 113. However, it should be understood that the fixating elements 121,122 of the first and/or the second holding element 113,115 may be arranged having the jagged surface structure 127 facing the contact surface of the opposite holding element. In other words, the contact surfaces 114,116 may comprise the jagged surface structure 127.

[0129] The fixating elements 121,122 may be removably attached to the respective first and second holding elements 113,115. The fixating elements 121,122 may be adjusted by turning them 180 degrees such that the contact surfaces 114,116 comprise either at least one of the first and second groove 123, 124 or the jagged surface structure 127. The fixating elements 121,122 may comprise a plastic material, preferably an electrically conducting plastic material. This facilitates working with components sensitive to ESD and when the fixture device 100 is grounded.

[0130] Turning to FIG. 7 which illustrates two fixture devices 100, e.g. an upper and a lower fixture device 100. Each one of the fixture devices 100 in FIG. 7 may be identical to the fixture device 100 according to anyone of the previous embodiments. One of the two fixture devices 100, e.g. the upper fixture device 100 is illustrated as being stacked on top of the other of the two fixture devices 100, e.g. the lower fixture device 100. In other words, the fixture device 100 may be stackable in order to facilitate working with device at different heights above a surface, such as a support, on which the lower fixture device 100 is attached. The upper fixture device 100 may be attached by a magnetic force onto the lower fixture device 100. In other words, the upper fixture device 100 may be magnetically attached to the lower fixture device 100. It should be understood that each one of the two fixture device 100 in FIG. 7 may be arranged in any position by having the ball 120 rotate in the socket 130 of the respective fixture device 100.

[0131] An arrangement 400 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8a and 8b. The arrangement 400 may comprise at least one fixture device 100 according to any of the preceding embodiments. The arrangement 400 may further comprise a support 410. The support 410 may comprise a magnetic material. The at least one fixture device 100 may be arranged to be removably attached to the support 410 by a magnetic force.

[0132] The support 410 may comprise a ferromagnetic material. This may facilitate the attachment of the socket 130 to the support 410. The socket 130 may move in any direction parallel to the surface of the support 410. The socket 130 may be attached to the support 410 such that the socket 130 may be removably attached to the support 410. By applying a force at least partly directed in a direction parallel to the support 410, the socket 130 may be moved along the surface of the support 410. Hence, the socket 130 may be movable along the surface of the support 410. In other words, the fixture device 100 may be movably arranged on the surface of the support 410. By moving the socket 130 along the surface of the support 410 may provide adjustable positioning of the fixture device 100 along the surface of the support 410. As previously disclosed, the first side 134 of the socket 130 may be arranged to receive the ball 120. The second side 136 of the socket 130 may be arranged to be attached to the support 410. In other words, the socket 130 may be attached to the support 410 by the magnet 150. In other words, the socket 130 may be arranged to attach to the support by a magnetic force. Hence, the magnet 150 may be arranged to attract the socket 130 to the support 410 by a magnetic force.

[0133] As previously disclosed, the fixture device 100 may be arranged for being in a tilted position. In FIG. 8b an embodiment of the tilted position is illustrated, the holding device 110 and the ball 120 may be rotated such that the fixture device 100 is arranged in the tilted position. The holding device 110 may comprise the protruding member 118 for being in contact with the support and for aligning the fixture device with the support when in said tilted position. The strut member 190 may be arranged such that it is brought into contact with the support 410 while the protruding member 118 is brought in contact with the support 410. In other words, fixture device 100 may be arranged such that both the strut member 190 and the protruding member 118 may be in contact with the support 410 when the fixture device 100 is in said tilted position. The strut member 190 may comprise a magnetic material. The strut member 190 may comprise a ferromagnetic material.

[0134] As been discussed, the rod 160 may comprise a magnetic material, for example a ferromagnetic material, such that the magnet 150 in the socket 130 magnetizes the holding device 110 or parts thereof. When the rod 160 comprises a magnetic material, it may also provide magnetization of the strut member 190. The rod 160 may comprise a magnetic material, e.g. a ferromagnetic material, such that the magnet 150 in the socket 130 magnetizes at least one of the protruding member 118 and the strut member 190. The second holding element 115 may comprise the protruding member 118.

[0135] In other words, the fixture device 100 may comprise a magnetic material, e.g. a ferromagnetic material, such that the magnet 150 in the socket 130 magnetizes at least one of the holding device 110 and the strut member 190. This may facilitate attachment of the fixture device 100 to the support 410 when the fixture device 100 is in said tilted position since the holding device 110 may be intended to be removably attached to the support by at least one of the protruding member 118 and the strut member 190 when in said tilted position. By the fixture device comprising a magnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic material, a facilitated magnetization of the protruding member 118 and/or the strut member 190 may be provided. This may in turn provide a facilitated alignment of the fixture device 100 when in use together with the support 410. The support 410 may be grounded facilitating grounding of the fixture device 100 arranged on the support 410. The surface of the support 410 may be lacquered with an electrically conductive lacquer that may provide a desirable appearance of the support while maintaining the provided effect of grounding the fixture device 100.

[0136] Turning to FIG. 9, which illustrates two fixture devices 100 arranged on the support 410. The support 410 may be identical to the support 410 discussed to FIG. 8. Further, the fixture devices 100 may be identical to any one of the previous embodiments of the fixture device 100, i.e. the fixture devices 100 in FIG. 9 may be identical to the fixture device 100 discussed to anyone of FIGS. 2-4, and 6. Further, in FIG. 9 a first and a second component 420,430 held by the more than one fixture device 100 is shown. Accordingly, there may be more than one fixture device 100, e.g. a first and a second fixture device 100, arranged on the surface of the support 410. Each one of the more than one fixture device 100 may be configured to hold at least one component 420,430. The more than one fixture device 100 may in combination be arranged to hold the at least one component 420,430. Hence, the more than one fixture device 100 may be configured to align two components, the first component 420 and the second component 430 such that the first and second components 420,430 are brought and held in contact with each other in order to facilitate working with the components, such as soldering of parts of the first component to parts of the second component. Further, as the fixture devices 100 are movably arranged on the surface of the support 410, the fixture devices 100 may be arranged on the support in a suitable manner for working with different types of components.

[0137] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0138] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. For example, the description of the socket 130 in relation to FIGS. 5a-d may be applicable to the embodiments described to the other Figures. Analogously, the description of the fixture device 100 in FIGS. 1-4 and FIGS. 6a-6b and 7 may be applicable to FIGS. 8a-b and FIG. 9.