CA2666328C - Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices - Google Patents
Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2666328C CA2666328C CA2666328A CA2666328A CA2666328C CA 2666328 C CA2666328 C CA 2666328C CA 2666328 A CA2666328 A CA 2666328A CA 2666328 A CA2666328 A CA 2666328A CA 2666328 C CA2666328 C CA 2666328C
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- Prior art keywords
- cover
- battery
- battery compartment
- side walls
- sizes
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
- H04M1/026—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components
- H04M1/0262—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components for a battery compartment
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1635—Details related to the integration of battery packs and other power supplies such as fuel cells or integrated AC adapter
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/267—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders having means for adapting to batteries or cells of different types or different sizes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
- H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
- H04B1/3883—Arrangements for mounting batteries or battery chargers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
- H05K5/0086—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus portable, e.g. battery operated apparatus
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
- Electric Clocks (AREA)
- Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
- Hybrid Cells (AREA)
Abstract
In a portable electronic device having a battery compartment and a removable cover therefor, the battery compartment and cover are configured to accommodate batteries of at least two different sizes.
Description
EXPANDABLE BATTERY COMPARTMENT
FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to portable electronic devices, including but not limited to handheld wireless communication devices. More particularly, this invention relates to means of accommodating batteries of different sizes in such devices.
Certain portable electronic devices, handheld wireless communication devices in particular, are designed to provide various battery life options, depending on different capacity batteries being used. Batteries of different capacity tend to have different physical dimensions. These differences in dimension are typically compensated for by providing battery area access doors of varying dimension, i.e. a separate battery door for each possible battery. It would be preferable to avoid such separate battery doors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention therefore provides various means for accommodating batteries of different dimensions, without requiring separate battery doors.
Reference will be made to "relatively thin" batteries, and "somewhat thicker"
batteries. It should be understood that "relatively thin" means relative to the thickness of the "somewhat thicker" batteries, and is not intended to indicate that the "relatively thin" battery is in fact thin compared to batteries in general.
In the invention, a portable electronic device having a battery compartment and a removable cover therefor, has the battery compartment and cover being configured to accommodate batteries of at least two different sizes.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the cover has at least one elastomeric element beneath it to bear against an installed battery, the elastomeric element(s) being compressible from a position adapted to accommodate a relatively thin battery, to a position where a somewhat thicker battery can be accommodated.
According to another exemplary embodiment, for the cover has a generally rigid outer frame and a generally rigid centre portion, the outer frame and centre portion being connected by an elastomeric web portion whereby the centre portion may be displaced outwardly to accommodate a somewhat thicker battery.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the cover has a generally rigid outer frame and an elastomeric centre portion secured to the outer frame, whereby the centre portion may be displaced outwardly to accommodate a somewhat thicker battery.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the cover has an outer surface and side walls configured to encompass an installed battery, the side walls having flexible engagement means extending outwardly therefrom, to engage recesses in said battery compartment, the recesses being provided at at least two relative heights.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the cover has an outer surface and side walls configured to encompass an installed battery, the battery compartment having flexible engagement means extending inwardly therefrom, to engage recesses in the battery cover side walls, the recesses being provided at at least two relative heights.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the cover has a generally rigid outer frame and a generally rigid centre portion, the outer frame and centre portion being connected by a springy material biasing the centre portion to a position to accommodate a relatively thin battery, the centre portion being displaceable outwardly to accommodate a somewhat thicker battery.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the cover has a generally rigid outer frame and a generally rigid centre portion securable to the outer frame in
FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to portable electronic devices, including but not limited to handheld wireless communication devices. More particularly, this invention relates to means of accommodating batteries of different sizes in such devices.
Certain portable electronic devices, handheld wireless communication devices in particular, are designed to provide various battery life options, depending on different capacity batteries being used. Batteries of different capacity tend to have different physical dimensions. These differences in dimension are typically compensated for by providing battery area access doors of varying dimension, i.e. a separate battery door for each possible battery. It would be preferable to avoid such separate battery doors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention therefore provides various means for accommodating batteries of different dimensions, without requiring separate battery doors.
Reference will be made to "relatively thin" batteries, and "somewhat thicker"
batteries. It should be understood that "relatively thin" means relative to the thickness of the "somewhat thicker" batteries, and is not intended to indicate that the "relatively thin" battery is in fact thin compared to batteries in general.
In the invention, a portable electronic device having a battery compartment and a removable cover therefor, has the battery compartment and cover being configured to accommodate batteries of at least two different sizes.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the cover has at least one elastomeric element beneath it to bear against an installed battery, the elastomeric element(s) being compressible from a position adapted to accommodate a relatively thin battery, to a position where a somewhat thicker battery can be accommodated.
According to another exemplary embodiment, for the cover has a generally rigid outer frame and a generally rigid centre portion, the outer frame and centre portion being connected by an elastomeric web portion whereby the centre portion may be displaced outwardly to accommodate a somewhat thicker battery.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the cover has a generally rigid outer frame and an elastomeric centre portion secured to the outer frame, whereby the centre portion may be displaced outwardly to accommodate a somewhat thicker battery.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the cover has an outer surface and side walls configured to encompass an installed battery, the side walls having flexible engagement means extending outwardly therefrom, to engage recesses in said battery compartment, the recesses being provided at at least two relative heights.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the cover has an outer surface and side walls configured to encompass an installed battery, the battery compartment having flexible engagement means extending inwardly therefrom, to engage recesses in the battery cover side walls, the recesses being provided at at least two relative heights.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the cover has a generally rigid outer frame and a generally rigid centre portion, the outer frame and centre portion being connected by a springy material biasing the centre portion to a position to accommodate a relatively thin battery, the centre portion being displaceable outwardly to accommodate a somewhat thicker battery.
According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the cover has a generally rigid outer frame and a generally rigid centre portion securable to the outer frame in
-2-either one of at least two positions, each position corresponding to a different battery thickness.
In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable electronic device comprising a battery compartment; and a removable cover therefor, wherein said battery compartment and cover being configured to engage each other in one of at least two discrete relative positions, each said position providing a different battery compartment depth to accommodate batteries of different sizes;
wherein said cover has an outer surface and side walls configured to encompass an installed battery, wherein said side walls have engagement means extending outwardly therefrom to engage recesses in side walls of said battery compartment or said battery compartment has flexible engagement means extending inwardly therefrom to engage recesses in said battery cover side walls, said recesses being provided at least two relative heights.
In yet another aspect, there is provided a portable electronic device comprising a battery compartment; and a removable cover therefor, wherein said battery compartment and cover being configured to engage each other in one of at least two discrete relative positions, each said position providing a different battery compartment depth to accommodate batteries of different sizes; wherein said cover has engagement elements extending outwardly therefrom, to engage recesses in side walls of said battery compartment, said engagement elements located away from a centre plane of said cover, whereby rotation of said cover between alternate orientations about an axis in the plane of the cover produces a smaller battery compartment in one orientation than in the other orientation.
The invention contemplates batteries not only of discrete sizes, but in at least some embodiments, sizes which may vary along a continuum of sizes.
Aspects of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description and drawings of specific embodiments of the invention, as examples only.
In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable electronic device comprising a battery compartment; and a removable cover therefor, wherein said battery compartment and cover being configured to engage each other in one of at least two discrete relative positions, each said position providing a different battery compartment depth to accommodate batteries of different sizes;
wherein said cover has an outer surface and side walls configured to encompass an installed battery, wherein said side walls have engagement means extending outwardly therefrom to engage recesses in side walls of said battery compartment or said battery compartment has flexible engagement means extending inwardly therefrom to engage recesses in said battery cover side walls, said recesses being provided at least two relative heights.
In yet another aspect, there is provided a portable electronic device comprising a battery compartment; and a removable cover therefor, wherein said battery compartment and cover being configured to engage each other in one of at least two discrete relative positions, each said position providing a different battery compartment depth to accommodate batteries of different sizes; wherein said cover has engagement elements extending outwardly therefrom, to engage recesses in side walls of said battery compartment, said engagement elements located away from a centre plane of said cover, whereby rotation of said cover between alternate orientations about an axis in the plane of the cover produces a smaller battery compartment in one orientation than in the other orientation.
The invention contemplates batteries not only of discrete sizes, but in at least some embodiments, sizes which may vary along a continuum of sizes.
Aspects of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description and drawings of specific embodiments of the invention, as examples only.
-3-BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the first embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the first embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 5 is another perspective view of the second embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the second embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the second embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
- 3a-Fig. 9 is another perspective view of the third embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the third embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the third embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment;
Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fourth embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fourth embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 16 is another perspective view of the fifth embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fifth embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fifth embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a sixth embodiment, similar to the fifth embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the sixth embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment;
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the first embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the first embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 5 is another perspective view of the second embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the second embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the second embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
- 3a-Fig. 9 is another perspective view of the third embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the third embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the third embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment;
Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fourth embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fourth embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 16 is another perspective view of the fifth embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fifth embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fifth embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a sixth embodiment, similar to the fifth embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the sixth embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment;
-4-Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the seventh embodiment;
Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the seventh embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the seventh embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an eighth embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the cover of the eighth embodiment;
Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the eighth embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the battery cover of a ninth embodiment, in a position for a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional elevation view the cover, corresponding to Fig.
28;
Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the battery cover of the ninth embodiment, in a position for a somewhat thicker battery; and Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional elevation view the cover, corresponding to Fig.
30.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The accompanying drawings illustrate various aspects and exemplary embodiments to accommodate batteries of different sizes.
According to a first exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1-3, the handheld device I with a cover 2 secured to the device by any suitable conventional means, over a battery compartment 3. Inside the battery compartment, under
Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the seventh embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the seventh embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an eighth embodiment, with a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the cover of the eighth embodiment;
Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the eighth embodiment, with a somewhat thicker battery;
Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the battery cover of a ninth embodiment, in a position for a relatively thin battery;
Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional elevation view the cover, corresponding to Fig.
28;
Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the battery cover of the ninth embodiment, in a position for a somewhat thicker battery; and Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional elevation view the cover, corresponding to Fig.
30.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The accompanying drawings illustrate various aspects and exemplary embodiments to accommodate batteries of different sizes.
According to a first exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1-3, the handheld device I with a cover 2 secured to the device by any suitable conventional means, over a battery compartment 3. Inside the battery compartment, under
-5-the cover, are one or more elastomeric elements 4 which bear against an installed battery, 5 or 5'. Fig. 2 shows a relatively thin battery 5, such that the elastomeric elements are not compressed, or are compressed only sufficiently to keep the battery in position. Fig. 3 shows a somewhat thicker battery 5', such that the elastomeric elements are somewhat compressed, the compression creating more space to accommodate the larger battery.
According to a second exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figs. 4-7, the handheld device 1 has a cover 2 secured to the device by any suitable conventional means, over the battery compartment 3. The cover has a generally rigid outer frame 6, for example of hard plastic or metal, and a generally rigid centre portion 7, again for example of hard plastic or metal. The outer frame and centre portion are connected by an elastomeric web portion 8, molded with or otherwise connected to both the outer frame and the centre portion. As can be seen from a comparison between Figs. 4 and 5, or especially between Figs. 6 and 7, the centre portion 7 is in one position in Figs. 4 and 6, relatively flat or generally co-planar with the outer frame 6 for example, to accommodate a relatively thin battery 5. In Figs. 5 and 7, the elastomeric web 8 is stretched, and the centre portion 7 is displaced outwardly, thereby accommodating a somewhat thicker battery 5'.
A third exemplary embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, is shown in Figs. 8-11. In this embodiment, there is no generally rigid centre portion.
Instead, there is an elastomeric portion 9 secured to the outer frame 6, spanning across the battery compartment. As can be seen from a comparison between Figs. 8 and 9, or especially between Figs. 10 and 11, the elastomeric portion is in one position in Figs. 8 and 10, relatively flat or generally co-planar with the outer frame 6 for example, to accommodate a relatively thin battery 5. In Figs. 9 and 11, the elastomeric portion 9 is stretched, particularly towards outer edges thereof, thereby accommodating a somewhat thicker battery 5'.
A fourth exemplary embodiment, also similar to the second embodiment, is shown in Figs. 12-14. In this embodiment, the cover again has a generally rigid
According to a second exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figs. 4-7, the handheld device 1 has a cover 2 secured to the device by any suitable conventional means, over the battery compartment 3. The cover has a generally rigid outer frame 6, for example of hard plastic or metal, and a generally rigid centre portion 7, again for example of hard plastic or metal. The outer frame and centre portion are connected by an elastomeric web portion 8, molded with or otherwise connected to both the outer frame and the centre portion. As can be seen from a comparison between Figs. 4 and 5, or especially between Figs. 6 and 7, the centre portion 7 is in one position in Figs. 4 and 6, relatively flat or generally co-planar with the outer frame 6 for example, to accommodate a relatively thin battery 5. In Figs. 5 and 7, the elastomeric web 8 is stretched, and the centre portion 7 is displaced outwardly, thereby accommodating a somewhat thicker battery 5'.
A third exemplary embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, is shown in Figs. 8-11. In this embodiment, there is no generally rigid centre portion.
Instead, there is an elastomeric portion 9 secured to the outer frame 6, spanning across the battery compartment. As can be seen from a comparison between Figs. 8 and 9, or especially between Figs. 10 and 11, the elastomeric portion is in one position in Figs. 8 and 10, relatively flat or generally co-planar with the outer frame 6 for example, to accommodate a relatively thin battery 5. In Figs. 9 and 11, the elastomeric portion 9 is stretched, particularly towards outer edges thereof, thereby accommodating a somewhat thicker battery 5'.
A fourth exemplary embodiment, also similar to the second embodiment, is shown in Figs. 12-14. In this embodiment, the cover again has a generally rigid
-6-outer frame 6 and a generally rigid centre portion 7, and the outer frame and centre portion are again connected by an elastomeric web portion. However, the elastomeric web portion 8', is in the form of a flexible membrane, molded with or otherwise connected to both the outer frame and the centre portion. The membrane tucks into a small gap 10 between the battery 5 or 5' and the side wall 11 of the battery compartment. As with the previous embodiments, Figs. 13 and 14 show the comparison between accommodating a relatively thin battery 5 and a somewhat thicker battery 5'.
A fifth exemplary embodiment is shown in Figs. 15-18. In this embodiment, a battery cover 12 has an outer surface 13 and side walls 14 encompassing the battery 5 or 5'. The battery cover preferably is generally rigid, but could be somewhat flexible. Extending outwardly from the side walls 14 are flexible engagement means 15 such as elastomeric or otherwise flexible tabs or a flange, which can engage corresponding recesses 16 or 16' at two or more relative heights. The battery cover is installed by pressing it downwardly into the battery compartment, such that the flexible engagement means snap or pop into the relevant recess or recesses. One recess height, shown in Fig. 17, corresponds to a relatively thin battery 5, while the other recess height, shown in Fig. 18, corresponds to a somewhat thicker battery 5'. There could be additional recess heights if desired. The flexible engagement means 15 could be tabs placed at several locations around the circumference of the battery cover, with recesses at corresponding locations, or could be in the form of a continuous flange extending all the way around the battery cover. The tabs or flange could be integral to the battery cover, or could be a separate piece. Although elastomeric tabs or an elastomeric flange are primarily contemplated, it should be appreciated that analogous means could be employed instead. For example, the battery cover could be provided with a ball-spring arrangement, to engage detents at different heights in the battery compartment, or the reverse could be provided, i.e. ball-spring arrangements in the battery compartment, engaging detents in the side walls of the battery cover.
A fifth exemplary embodiment is shown in Figs. 15-18. In this embodiment, a battery cover 12 has an outer surface 13 and side walls 14 encompassing the battery 5 or 5'. The battery cover preferably is generally rigid, but could be somewhat flexible. Extending outwardly from the side walls 14 are flexible engagement means 15 such as elastomeric or otherwise flexible tabs or a flange, which can engage corresponding recesses 16 or 16' at two or more relative heights. The battery cover is installed by pressing it downwardly into the battery compartment, such that the flexible engagement means snap or pop into the relevant recess or recesses. One recess height, shown in Fig. 17, corresponds to a relatively thin battery 5, while the other recess height, shown in Fig. 18, corresponds to a somewhat thicker battery 5'. There could be additional recess heights if desired. The flexible engagement means 15 could be tabs placed at several locations around the circumference of the battery cover, with recesses at corresponding locations, or could be in the form of a continuous flange extending all the way around the battery cover. The tabs or flange could be integral to the battery cover, or could be a separate piece. Although elastomeric tabs or an elastomeric flange are primarily contemplated, it should be appreciated that analogous means could be employed instead. For example, the battery cover could be provided with a ball-spring arrangement, to engage detents at different heights in the battery compartment, or the reverse could be provided, i.e. ball-spring arrangements in the battery compartment, engaging detents in the side walls of the battery cover.
-7-Figs. 19 and 20 show a sixth exemplary embodiment, very similar to the preceding embodiment, in which the flexible engagement means 15' is in the form of elastomeric dimples engaging corresponding recesses. The ball-spring arrangement referred to above would be somewhat similar in concept and appearance.
Figs. 21-24 show a seventh exemplary embodiment, similar in concept to the second and fourth embodiments in particular. In this embodiment, the cover has a generally rigid outer frame 6, for example of hard plastic or metal, and a generally rigid centre portion 7', again for example of hard plastic or metal.
The outer frame and centre portion are connected by a web portion 8', molded with or otherwise connected to both the outer frame and the centre portion. This web portion 8' is of a springy material, biased to the position shown in Fig. 23.
To accommodate a somewhat thicker battery 5', the web portion 8' expands outwardly as shown in Fig. 24.
Figs. 25-27 show an eighth exemplary embodiment, in which the battery cover itself, or a portion thereof, is reversible and has tabs or flanges 21 displaced from the centreline. As can be seen from comparing Figs. 25 and 27, flipping the cover or cover portion thus creates a smaller or larger space for the battery 5 or 5.
20 Figs. 28-31 show a ninth exemplary embodiment, in which the battery cover 2 is in two pieces, namely an outer frame 24, and a central portion 25. As can be readily seen from the drawings, the centre portion can be installed in one of two positions, according to a principle somewhat similar to the preceding embodiment. Depending on which orientation is used, a smaller or larger space for the battery 5 or 5' is created.
The preceding embodiments illustrate various aspects of the invention, but as examples only. It will be appreciated that many additional variations and examples are possible, and will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the field
Figs. 21-24 show a seventh exemplary embodiment, similar in concept to the second and fourth embodiments in particular. In this embodiment, the cover has a generally rigid outer frame 6, for example of hard plastic or metal, and a generally rigid centre portion 7', again for example of hard plastic or metal.
The outer frame and centre portion are connected by a web portion 8', molded with or otherwise connected to both the outer frame and the centre portion. This web portion 8' is of a springy material, biased to the position shown in Fig. 23.
To accommodate a somewhat thicker battery 5', the web portion 8' expands outwardly as shown in Fig. 24.
Figs. 25-27 show an eighth exemplary embodiment, in which the battery cover itself, or a portion thereof, is reversible and has tabs or flanges 21 displaced from the centreline. As can be seen from comparing Figs. 25 and 27, flipping the cover or cover portion thus creates a smaller or larger space for the battery 5 or 5.
20 Figs. 28-31 show a ninth exemplary embodiment, in which the battery cover 2 is in two pieces, namely an outer frame 24, and a central portion 25. As can be readily seen from the drawings, the centre portion can be installed in one of two positions, according to a principle somewhat similar to the preceding embodiment. Depending on which orientation is used, a smaller or larger space for the battery 5 or 5' is created.
The preceding embodiments illustrate various aspects of the invention, but as examples only. It will be appreciated that many additional variations and examples are possible, and will be apparent to those knowledgeable in the field
-8-of the invention. Thus the scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims, is not limited to these specific examples.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, further aspects may include, for example, any other obvious variations as to how the battery cover may be configured or installed to provide varying battery compartment sizes; any obvious variations in choices of materials, degree of flexibility or resilience, if any, and any obvious variations in size, shape or other characteristics not relevant to the point of the invention. It should also be noted that although certain of the exemplary embodiments above lend them selves to discrete battery sizes only, others (for example embodiments with elastomeric elements) may lend themselves to a variety of battery sizes, along a continuum).
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, further aspects may include, for example, any other obvious variations as to how the battery cover may be configured or installed to provide varying battery compartment sizes; any obvious variations in choices of materials, degree of flexibility or resilience, if any, and any obvious variations in size, shape or other characteristics not relevant to the point of the invention. It should also be noted that although certain of the exemplary embodiments above lend them selves to discrete battery sizes only, others (for example embodiments with elastomeric elements) may lend themselves to a variety of battery sizes, along a continuum).
-9-
Claims (8)
1. A portable electronic device comprising:
a battery compartment; and a removable cover therefor, wherein said battery compartment and cover being configured to engage each other in one of at least two discrete relative positions, each said position providing a different battery compartment depth to accommodate batteries of different sizes;
wherein said cover has an outer surface and side walls configured to encompass an installed battery, wherein said side walls have engagement means extending outwardly therefrom to engage recesses in side walls of said battery compartment or said battery compartment has flexible engagement means extending inwardly therefrom to engage recesses in said battery cover side walls, said recesses being provided at least two relative heights.
a battery compartment; and a removable cover therefor, wherein said battery compartment and cover being configured to engage each other in one of at least two discrete relative positions, each said position providing a different battery compartment depth to accommodate batteries of different sizes;
wherein said cover has an outer surface and side walls configured to encompass an installed battery, wherein said side walls have engagement means extending outwardly therefrom to engage recesses in side walls of said battery compartment or said battery compartment has flexible engagement means extending inwardly therefrom to engage recesses in said battery cover side walls, said recesses being provided at least two relative heights.
2. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein said engagement means are flexible and are at a plurality of locations around said side walls of the cover.
3. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein said engagement means are flexible and are at a plurality of locations around said side walls of the battery compartment.
4. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein said engagement means is a flexible flange extending around said side walls of the cover.
5. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein said engagement means is a flexible flange extending around said side walls of the battery compartment.
6. A portable electronic device comprising:
a battery compartment; and a removable cover therefor, wherein said battery compartment and cover being configured to engage each other in one of at least two discrete relative positions, each said position providing a different battery compartment depth to accommodate batteries of different sizes;
wherein said cover has engagement elements extending outwardly therefrom, to engage recesses in side walls of said battery compartment, said engagement elements located away from a centre plane of said cover, whereby rotation of said cover between alternate orientations about an axis in the plane of the cover produces a smaller battery compartment in one orientation than in the other orientation.
a battery compartment; and a removable cover therefor, wherein said battery compartment and cover being configured to engage each other in one of at least two discrete relative positions, each said position providing a different battery compartment depth to accommodate batteries of different sizes;
wherein said cover has engagement elements extending outwardly therefrom, to engage recesses in side walls of said battery compartment, said engagement elements located away from a centre plane of said cover, whereby rotation of said cover between alternate orientations about an axis in the plane of the cover produces a smaller battery compartment in one orientation than in the other orientation.
7. The improvement of claim 6, wherein said at least two sizes are discrete sizes.
8. The improvement of claim 6, wherein said at least two sizes are various sizes along a continuum of sizes.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2726141A CA2726141C (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2006-08-25 | Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP05109309.4 | 2005-10-07 | ||
| EP05109309A EP1772797B1 (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2005-10-07 | Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices |
| CA002557382A CA2557382C (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2006-08-25 | Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002557382A Division CA2557382C (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2006-08-25 | Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2726141A Division CA2726141C (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2006-08-25 | Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2666328A1 CA2666328A1 (en) | 2007-04-07 |
| CA2666328C true CA2666328C (en) | 2011-03-22 |
Family
ID=36021150
Family Applications (3)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002557382A Active CA2557382C (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2006-08-25 | Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices |
| CA2666328A Active CA2666328C (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2006-08-25 | Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices |
| CA2726141A Active CA2726141C (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2006-08-25 | Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002557382A Active CA2557382C (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2006-08-25 | Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2726141A Active CA2726141C (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2006-08-25 | Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (4) | EP1881392B1 (en) |
| AT (4) | ATE364865T1 (en) |
| CA (3) | CA2557382C (en) |
| DE (3) | DE602005023917D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP5444741B2 (en) * | 2008-03-03 | 2014-03-19 | パナソニック株式会社 | Electronics |
| CN104244617B (en) * | 2013-06-09 | 2018-05-29 | 比亚迪股份有限公司 | A kind of housing and its preparation method and application |
| KR102296909B1 (en) * | 2015-01-09 | 2021-09-01 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Portable device comprising auxiliary battery and auxiliary battery charging method thereof |
| US11196119B2 (en) | 2018-09-26 | 2021-12-07 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Collapsible cover for a battery pack |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4431717A (en) * | 1981-01-31 | 1984-02-14 | Sony Corporation | Battery case |
| US5015546A (en) * | 1989-06-12 | 1991-05-14 | Grid Systems Corporation | Battery compartment |
| US5744930A (en) * | 1997-02-06 | 1998-04-28 | Motorola, Inc. | Universal battery compartment |
| JPH113691A (en) * | 1997-06-09 | 1999-01-06 | Sony Corp | Electronics |
| US6048642A (en) | 1997-06-30 | 2000-04-11 | Lsi Logic Corporation | Adaptive clamping of an electrochemical cell within a replaceable container tray |
| US6228528B1 (en) * | 1998-12-21 | 2001-05-08 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Protective electrochemical cell package |
| DE29916458U1 (en) * | 1999-09-18 | 2000-01-13 | Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG, 30900 Wedemark | Housing for a portable electrical device |
| JP3910507B2 (en) * | 2002-08-19 | 2007-04-25 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | Electronics |
| JP2004266407A (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2004-09-24 | Hitachi Ltd | Mobile terminal adapter, mobile terminal, and method for selectively mounting mobile terminal adapter |
| US7299941B2 (en) * | 2003-04-15 | 2007-11-27 | Dart Industries Inc. | Container seal with flexible central panel |
| EP1603246B1 (en) | 2004-06-02 | 2007-03-21 | Research In Motion Limited | Slim line battery pack |
-
2005
- 2005-10-07 DE DE602005023917T patent/DE602005023917D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2005-10-07 AT AT05109309T patent/ATE364865T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-10-07 AT AT08166615T patent/ATE483191T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-10-07 EP EP07104434A patent/EP1881392B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2005-10-07 DE DE602005001403T patent/DE602005001403T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2005-10-07 EP EP05109309A patent/EP1772797B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2005-10-07 EP EP08166615A patent/EP2012215B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2005-10-07 DE DE602005014285T patent/DE602005014285D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2005-10-07 AT AT10166947T patent/ATE539398T1/en active
- 2005-10-07 EP EP10166947A patent/EP2241954B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2005-10-07 AT AT07104434T patent/ATE430337T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2006
- 2006-08-25 CA CA002557382A patent/CA2557382C/en active Active
- 2006-08-25 CA CA2666328A patent/CA2666328C/en active Active
- 2006-08-25 CA CA2726141A patent/CA2726141C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP2241954A1 (en) | 2010-10-20 |
| CA2666328A1 (en) | 2007-04-07 |
| EP2012215A3 (en) | 2009-04-15 |
| ATE430337T1 (en) | 2009-05-15 |
| EP1881392B1 (en) | 2009-04-29 |
| CA2726141C (en) | 2016-03-15 |
| ATE483191T1 (en) | 2010-10-15 |
| DE602005023917D1 (en) | 2010-11-11 |
| DE602005001403D1 (en) | 2007-07-26 |
| ATE539398T1 (en) | 2012-01-15 |
| EP1881392A1 (en) | 2008-01-23 |
| CA2557382A1 (en) | 2007-04-07 |
| DE602005014285D1 (en) | 2009-06-10 |
| EP2012215A2 (en) | 2009-01-07 |
| EP1772797A1 (en) | 2007-04-11 |
| CA2557382C (en) | 2010-02-02 |
| ATE364865T1 (en) | 2007-07-15 |
| CA2726141A1 (en) | 2007-04-07 |
| EP1772797B1 (en) | 2007-06-13 |
| EP2012215B1 (en) | 2010-09-29 |
| DE602005001403T2 (en) | 2008-02-21 |
| EP2241954B1 (en) | 2011-12-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |