BATTERY PACK, HOLSTER, AND EXTENDIBLE PROCESSING AND INTERFACE PLATFORM FOR MOBILE DEVICES

• US 20110159324A1
• Filed: 11/02/2010
• Published: 06/30/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mophie Incorporated (Evercel, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Mophie Incorporated (Evercel, Inc.)
• Inventors: Huang, Daniel, Brand, Matthew
• Granted Patent: US 8,971,039 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 429/7
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/382 Arrangements for monitoring battery or accumulator variables, e.g. SoC
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/46 Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/488 Cells or batteries combined with indicating means for external visualization of the condition, e.g. by change of colour or of light density
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2220/30 Batteries in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/202 Casings or frames around the primary casing of a single cell or a single battery
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/247 specially adapted for portable devices, e.g. mobile phones, computers, hand tools or pacemakers
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00 Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 characterised by the mechanical construction
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0045 concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0048 Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3883 Arrangements for mounting batteries or battery chargers
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3888 Arrangements for carrying or protecting transceivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0254 comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0262 for a battery compartment
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0283 for providing a decorative aspect, e.g. customization of casings, exchangeable faceplate
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49108 Electric battery cell making

Abstract

A battery pack is provided for a mobile communication device, comprising a casing defining a cavity that conforms, at least partially, to the outer shape of the mobile communication device and one or more rechargeable power cells housed within the thickness of the casing. An internal interface engages a corresponding interface on the mobile communication device to provide power from the one or more rechargeable cells to the mobile communication device. An external interface is electrically coupled to the internal interface in order to transmit signals from the mobile communication device to an external device and may further serve to recharge the one or more rechargeable power cells. The battery pack may also serve as an extendible platform by providing additional integrated communication interfaces and/or processors that can be utilized by the mobile communication device to extend its communication and/or processing capabilities.

Claims

1-20. -20. (canceled)

21. A battery pack for a mobile device comprising:

(i) a bottom section comprising;

(1) a back plane upon which a back of a housing of the mobile device will be placed against, wherein the back plane comprises a top edge;

(2) a battery cell, enclosed in the bottom section;

(3) a processor, coupled to the battery cell;

(4) a bottom sidewall, connected to the back plane at an end opposite of the top edge, that will be positioned against a bottom side edge of the mobile device;

(5) an internal interface, on the bottom sidewall, positioned to connect to an interface on the mobile device, and coupled through the processor to the battery cell; and

(6) an external interface, positioned on an outside bottom side of the bottom section, coupled through the processor to the battery cell and internal interface; and

(ii) a top section comprising;

(1) a top side that will be positioned against a top side edge of the mobile device when the top section is seated against the bottom section; and

(2) an open side end, opposite of the top side,

wherein the top section slides onto the bottom section through the open side end,

wherein when the top section is seated against the bottom section, the top and bottom sections meet at and form a seam which extends across a back of the battery pack, and

when the top section is seated against the bottom section, a first open-polygon-shaped opening for the bottom section merges with a second open-polygon-shaped opening for the top section to form a cavity of the battery pack through which a screen of the mobile device will be visible, the cavity having a closed shape.

22. The battery pack of claim 21, wherein the bottom section further comprises:

(7) a back surface having a button, coupled to the processor, positioned on a side of the seam closer to the outside bottom side of the bottom section.

23. The battery pack of claim 21, wherein the first open-polygon-shaped opening comprises a U shape and the second open-polygon-shaped opening comprises an upside-down U shape.

24. The battery pack of claim 21, wherein when the top section is seated against the bottom section to form the back of the battery pack, and wherein the top section overlaps at least one portion of the bottom section to hold the top section to the bottom section.

25. The battery pack of claim 21, wherein the bottom section further comprises:

(7) a button, coupled to the processor, wherein by using the button, the battery pack is placed in a first mode during which synchronizing with the mobile device will be permitted or in a second mode during which charging of the mobile device will be permitted.

26. The battery pack of claim 25, wherein the bottom portion further comprises:

(8) a plurality of LED lights, coupled to the processor, and wherein after pressing the button, the LED lights indicate a power or charge level for the battery cell.

27. The battery pack of claim 21, wherein when connecting a cable to the external interface of the bottom section, the cable does not pass through any opening of the top section.

28. The battery pack of claim 21, wherein the external interface is positioned on an outside bottom side of the bottom section.

29. The battery pack of claim 21, wherein the external interface comprises a micro USB connector.

30. The battery pack of claim 21, wherein electronic components are provided on one or more circuit boards, enclosed within the bottom section.

31. The battery pack of claim 21, wherein the battery cell can be charged via the external interface and wherein the mobile device, when coupled to the internal interface, can communicate with an external device via the external interface.

32. The battery pack of claim 31, wherein a plurality of LED lights, visible on the back of the battery pack, indicate a power or charge level of the battery cell.

33. The battery pack of claim 23, wherein the closed shape comprises a contoured rectangle shape.

34. A method of making a mobile device battery pack, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a bottom section of the battery pack for the mobile device, the bottom section comprising;

(i) a base front surface; and

(ii) a base back surface,

wherein a housing of the mobile device will be placed against the base front surface;

(b) enclosing a battery cell between the base front surface and the base back surface;

(c) connecting one or more processors to the battery cell and an internal interface and external interface; and

(d) providing a top section for the battery pack for the mobile device that slides onto the bottom section,

wherein when the top section is seated against the bottom section, the top and bottom sections form a seam which extends across a back of the battery pack, and

when the top section is seated against the bottom section, a first open-shaped opening for the bottom section merges with a second open-shaped opening for the top section to form a cavity of the battery pack through which a screen of the mobile device will be visible, the cavity having a closed shape.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the internal interface engages an interface on the mobile device to provide power from the battery cell to the mobile device and wherein the external interface is coupled to the internal interface to transmit a signal from the mobile device to an external device.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the first open-open shaped opening comprises a U shape and the second open-shaped opening comprises an upside-down U shape.

37. The method of claim 34, further comprising the steps of:

(e) enclosing the one or more processors between the base front surface and the base back surface of the bottom section; and

(f) providing electronic components on one or more circuit boards that are enclosed within the bottom section.

38. A kit for a mobile device battery pack comprising:

(i) a foam tray comprising;

(1) a first compartment and

(2) a second compartment;

(ii) a cable, contained within the first compartment; and

(iii) a battery pack for the mobile device, contained within the second compartment,

wherein the mobile device battery pack comprises;

(1) a bottom section comprising;

(A) a base front surface;

(B) a base back surface;

(C) a battery cell, contained between the base front surface and the base back surface, wherein a housing of the mobile device will be placed against the base front surface; and

(D) a processor, coupled to the battery cell; and

(2) a top section, attached to the bottom section,

wherein a first open-polygon opening for the bottom section merges with a second open-polygon opening for the top section to form a cavity of the battery pack through which a screen of the mobile device will be visible, the cavity having a closed-polygon shape.

39. The kit of claim 38, wherein when the top section is attached to the bottom section, the top and bottom sections meet at and form a seam which extends across a back of the battery pack.

40. A case for an electronic device comprising:

a lower case portion comprising;

a base surface upon which a back of a housing of the electronic device will be placed against, wherein the base surface comprises a top edge;

a battery, enclosed in the lower case portion;

electronic circuitry, coupled to the battery;

a lower sidewall, connected to the base surface at an end opposite of the top edge, that will be positioned against a bottom side edge of the electronic device;

an inner connector, on the lower sidewall, positioned to connect to a connector of the electronic device, and coupled through the electronic circuitry to the battery; and

an outer connector, positioned on an outside bottom side of the lower case portion, coupled through the electronic circuitry to the battery and inner connector; and

an upper case portion comprising;

an upper sidewall that will be positioned against a top side edge of the electronic device when the upper case portion is seated against the lower case portion; and

an open side end, opposite of the upper sidewall,

wherein the upper case portion slides onto the lower case portion through the open side end in a direction along the base surface from the top edge to the lower sidewall,

wherein when the upper case portion is seated against the lower case portion, the upper and lower case portions meet at and form a seam which extends across a back of the case, and

when the upper case portion is seated against the lower case portion, a first open-polygon-shaped opening for the lower case portion merges with a second open-polygon-shaped opening for the upper case portion to form a front opening of the case through which a screen of the electronic device will be visible, the front opening having a closed shape.

41. A case for an electronic device comprising:

a first case portion comprising;

a base surface upon which a back of a housing of the electronic device will be placed against, wherein the base surface comprises a top edge;

a battery, enclosed in the first case portion;

electronic circuitry, coupled to the battery;

a lower sidewall, connected to the base surface at an end opposite of the top edge, that will be positioned against a bottom side edge of the electronic device;

an inner connector, on the lower sidewall, positioned to connect to a connector of the electronic device, and coupled through the electronic circuitry to the battery; and

an outer connector, positioned on an outside of the first case portion, coupled through the electronic circuitry to the battery and inner connector; and

a second case portion comprising;

an upper sidewall that will be positioned against a top side edge of the electronic device when the second case portion is seated against the first case portion; and

an open side end, opposite of the upper sidewall,

wherein the second case portion slides onto the first case portion through the open side end,

wherein when the second case portion is seated against the first case portion, the first and second case portions meet at and form a seam which extends across a back of the case, and

when the second case portion is seated against the first case portion, a first open-shaped opening for the first case portion merges with a second open-shaped opening for the second case portion to faun a front opening of the case through which a screen of the electronic device will be visible, the front opening having a closed shape.

42. A method of making an electronic device case comprising:

providing a lower case portion of the electronic device case comprising a base front surface and base back surface, wherein a housing of an electronic device will be placed against the base front surface;

enclosing a battery between the base front surface and base back surface;

connecting electronic circuitry to the battery and an inner and outer connector; and

providing an upper case portion for the electronic device case that slides onto the lower case portion, wherein when the upper case portion is seated against the lower case portion, the upper and lower case portions form a seam which extends across a back of the case, and

when the upper case portion is seated against the lower case portion, a first open-shaped opening for the lower case portion merges with a second open-shaped opening for the upper case portion to form a front opening of the case through which a screen of the electronic device will be visible, the front opening having a closed shape.

43. A method of making an electronic device case comprising:

providing a first case portion of the electronic device case comprising a base front surface and base back surface, wherein a housing of an electronic device will be placed against the base front surface;

enclosing a battery between the base front surface and base back surface;

connecting electronic circuitry to the battery and an inner and outer connector, wherein the electronic circuitry implements a charging mode during which the battery can be charged via the outer connector, and a sync mode during which an electronic device when coupled to the inner connector can be synchronized with another electronic device coupled to the outer connector; and

providing a second case portion for the electronic device case that slides onto the first case portion, wherein when the second case portion is seated against the first case portion, the first and second case portions form a seam which extends across a back of the case, and

when the second case portion is seated against the first case portion, a first open-shaped opening for the first case portion merges with a second open-shaped opening for the second case portion to form a front opening of the case through which a screen of the electronic device will be visible, the front opening having a closed shape.

44. A kit for a case for an electronic device comprising:

a foam tray comprising a first compartment and a second compartment;

a cable, contained within the first compartment; and

the case for the electronic device, contained within the second compartment, wherein the case comprises;

a lower case portion comprising a base front surface and base back surface;

a battery, contained between the base front surface and base back surface, wherein a housing of the electronic device will be placed against the base front surface;

electronic circuitry, coupled to the battery; and

an upper case portion, attached to the lower case portion, wherein a first open-polygon opening for the lower case portion merges with a second open-polygon opening for the upper case portion to form a front opening of the case through which a screen of the electronic device will be visible, the front opening having a closed-polygon shape.

45. A case for an electronic device comprising:

a first case portion comprising;

a base surface upon which a back of a housing of the electronic device will be placed against, wherein the base surface comprises a top edge;

a battery, enclosed in the first case portion;

a first printed circuit board comprising electronic circuitry, coupled to the battery;

a lower sidewall, connected to the base surface at an end opposite of the top edge, that will be positioned against a bottom side edge of the electronic device;

an inner connector on the lower sidewall, positioned to connect to a connector of the electronic device, wherein the inner connector is coupled to a second printed circuit board, and the second printed circuit board is coupled to the battery through the first printed circuit board;

an outer connector, positioned on an outside of the first case portion, coupled through the electronic circuitry to the battery and inner connector;

a metallic shield, positioned between a first side of the first printed circuit board and the base surface; and

a plurality of light emitting diodes, positioned on a second side of the first printed circuit board, opposite of the first side of the first printed circuit board; and

a second case portion comprising;

an upper sidewall that will be positioned against a top side edge of the electronic device when the second case portion is seated against the first case portion; and

an open side end, opposite of the upper sidewall, wherein the second case portion slides onto the first case portion through the open side end, wherein when the second case portion is seated against the first case portion, the first and second case portions meet at and form a seam which extends across a back of the case, and

when the second case portion is seated against the first case portion, a first open-shaped opening for the first case portion merges with a second open-shaped opening for the second case portion to form a front opening of the case through which a screen of the electronic device will be visible, the front opening having a closed shape.