Patent Application
20110223447
The present disclosure relates to removable power packs for portable electronic devices.
Portable electronic devices such as smart phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, two-way pagers, music players and cellular telephones, for example, are typically powered by power packs, such as rechargeable batteries. Often, the devices include a removable power pack that is electrically connected to the device. Access to the power pack is typically provided via a cover that is physically coupled to a housing of the portable electronic device.
Certain operations require a user to remove the power pack. For example, if the user wishes to change a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, replace the power pack, change a microSD card, obtain serial number information and/or reset the portable electronic device. Resetting of the device may be done for testing purposes or to resolve issues such as sluggish or frozen device, radio coverage problems or email problems, for example.
In order to remove the power pack, a user typically removes the cover and removes the power pack from a power pack-receiving cavity. Because the power pack may be wedged tightly in the cavity, removal can be difficult and the user may find it difficult to remove the power pack without using a tool of some sort. Some power packs include recesses that are sized to receive fingernails for facilitating removal. The recesses are sometimes effective, however, reduce the overall size of the power pack, which may reduce the charge or the energy that the power pack can hold.
The following figures set forth embodiments in which like reference numerals denote like parts. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures.
There is provided herein a device including: a power pack body comprising a flattened cross section; a terminal plate located at an end of the power pack body, the terminal plate covering a part of a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board for electrically connecting the power pack body to a portable electronic device to provide power to the portable electronic device; and a label comprising a label body adhesively coupled to an underside surface of the power pack and a pull tab coupled to the label body, the pull tab for protruding from a power pack-receiving a cavity of the portable electronic device.
There is further provided herein a label for a power pack, the label including: a label body comprising a first side and a second side, the second side comprising an adhesive for coupling to an underside surface of the power pack; and a pull tab coupled to the label body for extending from the underside surface of the power pack to protrude from a power pack-receiving cavity of a portable electronic device when a cover of the power pack-receiving cavity is removed.
Referring to
The portable electronic device 10 includes a number of components including a processor 14, which controls the overall operation of the device 10. A communication subsystem 40 controls data and voice communication functions, such as email, PIN (Personal Identification Number) message functions, SMS (Short Message Service) message functions and cellular telephone functions, for example. The communication subsystem 40 is in communication with a wireless network 12, which may be a data-centric wireless network, a voice-centric wireless network or a dual-mode wireless network.
In
The wireless network 12 includes base stations (not shown) that provide a wireless link to the portable electronic device 10. Each base station defines a coverage area, or cell, within which communications between the base station and the portable electronic device 10 can be effected. It will be appreciated that the portable electronic device 10 is movable within the cell and can be moved to coverage areas defined by other cells. Data is delivered to the portable electronic device 10 via wireless transmission from the base station. Similarly, data is sent from the portable electronic device 10 via wireless transmission to the base station.
The communication subsystem 40 further includes a short range communications function, which enables the device 10 to communicate directly with other devices and computer systems without the use of the wireless network 12 through infrared or Bluetooth™ technology, for example.
Prior to the portable electronic device 10 being able to send and receive communication signals over the wireless network 12, network registration or activation procedures typically have been completed. In order to enable network communication, a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card 24 is inserted into a card interface 26. The SIM card, or Removable User Identity Module card, is used to identify the user of the mobile device, store personal device settings and enable access to network services, such as email and voice mail, for example, and is not bound to a particular portable electronic device 10.
The processor 14 is also connected to a Random Access Memory (RAM) 16 and a flash memory 18. An operating system and device software are typically stored in flash memory 18 and are executable by the processor 14. Some device software components may alternatively be stored in RAM 16. The portable electronic device 10 includes computer executable programmed instructions for directing the portable electronic device 10 to implement various applications. Some examples of applications that may be stored on and executed by the device 10 include: electronic messaging, games, calendar, address book and music player applications. Software applications that control basic device operation, such as voice and data communication, are typically installed during manufacture of the device 10. For devices that do not include a SIM card 24, user identification information may be programmed into the flash memory 18. The flash memory 18 may alternatively be a persistent storage, a Read-Only Memory (ROM) or other non-volatile storage.
The processor 14 receives input from various input devices including a keypad 38 and other input devices 36. The keypad 38 may be a complete alphanumeric keypad or telephone-type keypad. The other input devices 36 may replace or complement the keypad 38 to facilitate input and may include devices such as: single or multi-function buttons, a touch screen, a mouse, a trackball, a capacitive touch sensor or a roller wheel with dynamic button pressing capability. The portable electronic device 10 of
The processor 14 outputs to various output devices including an LCD display screen 20. A microphone 32 and speaker 22 are connected to the processor 14 for cellular telephone functions. A data port 34 is connected to the processor 14 for enabling data communication between the portable electronic device 10 and another computing device. The data port 34 may include data lines for data transfer and a supply line for charging a power pack 30 of the portable device 10. Interface 28 allows for electrical communication between the power pack 30 and the processor 14.
The portable electronic device 10 is operable in a data communication mode and a voice communication mode. In the data communication mode, a received data signal representing information such as a text message, an email message, a media file to be transferred, or web page download is processed by the communication subsystem 40 and input to the processor 14. The processor 14 further processes the signal and renders images for display on the display screen 20. Alternatively, the processed signals may be output to another computing device through the data port 34. In order to transmit information in the data communication mode, the user of the portable electronic device 10 composes information for transmission, such as email messages, for example, using the keypad 38 and other input devices 36 in conjunction with the display screen 20. The composed information is transmitted through the communication subsystem 40 over the wireless network 12 or via short range communications. Operation of the portable electronic device 10 in the voice communication mode is similar to the data communication mode, however, the received signals are output to the speaker 22, or an auxiliary device such as a headset or headphones, and signals for transmission are generated by the microphone 32. The portable electronic device 10 may also include other voice subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, for example. Audio jack 42 is provided for receiving an audio accessory such as headphones, a headset, amplified speakers or amplified headphones, for example. Audio jack 42 may also receive other accessories such as a multi-media accessory including play, pause, stop and rewind buttons or a TV-out accessory that allows for connection of the portable electronic device to a TV, for example.
Only a limited number of device subsystems have been described. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that additional subsystems corresponding to additional device features may also be connected to the processor 14. Further, although many subsystems that use electrical power have been described, the concepts described herein may be applicable to devices that include subsystems that use electrical power, even if such subsystems have not been specifically described.
Referring to
Referring to
When installed in the portable electronic device 10, the battery pack 48 is oriented such that underside surface 54 faces the cavity 46 and exposed surface 52 can be seen by the user when the battery cover 50 is removed. In addition, the terminals 68 contact mating terminals (not shown) of the interface 28 in the cavity 46.
A label 70 having a pull tab 76 and a pair of securing tabs 64, 66 is adhered to the battery pack 48. The label 70 includes a label body 71 having a front portion 92, which is physically coupled to the exposed surface 52 adjacent to the battery cover 50, and a back portion 94, which is coupled to the underside surface 54. In general, components are physically coupled when they are attached to one another, directly or indirectly. Coupled components include components that are joined together as well as components that are parts of a unitary structure. Such coupling may be, but need not be, permanent. The label 70 is foldable at designated bending areas to wrap around the battery pack 48, as shown. In the embodiment of
Referring also to
In one embodiment the adhesive is applied to the label 70 during manufacture. In another embodiment, the label 70 is manufactured without an adhesive and the adhesive is applied to the battery pack 48 and label 70 at the time of installation. The label 70 may be adhesively coupled to the power pack body 49 in any fashion. The adhesive may be any kind of adhesive, including but not limited to glue, wax, plastic, or any combination thereof.
The label 70 is foldable at a label bending area 78, which is provided between front portion 92 and back portion 94. The securing tabs 64, 66, are foldable at first bending areas 80, 88 and second bending areas 82, 90, respectively. The pull tab 76 is foldable at first and second pull tab bending areas 84, 86 and may include an aperture 77.
The pull tab 76 forms part of the back portion 94 of the label 70. This ensures that when the label 70 is applied to the battery pack 48 and a user pulls on the pull tab 76 to remove the battery pack 48 from the portable electronic device 10, the back portion 94 of the label 70 is pulled toward the battery pack 48. As such, the pull tab 76 of the label 70 facilitates removal of the battery pack 48 without pulling the label 70 away from the battery pack 48 and relying on the integrity of the adhesive between the label 70 and the battery pack 48. This reduces the likelihood of any damage to the label 70 occurring.
In one embodiment, the label 70 is made of polyester having a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm and includes an acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the second side thereof. The polyester is printable with artwork, instructions, logos or other text and graphics. Other materials may alternatively be used such as lexan, mylar or other suitable film materials. Other label thicknesses are also possible, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.
Because the pull tab 76 is integrated into the label 70 in a single piece of material, the connection between the pull tab 76 and the label 70 is strong. There is no concern about the structural integrity of a joint between two separate pieces.
To physically couple the label 70 to the battery pack 30, the front portion 92 of the label 70 is first adhered to the exposed surface 52 of the battery pack 48. Then, securing tabs 64, 66 are folded about their respective bending areas 80, 88, 82, 90 and adhered to the first end 56 and second end 55, respectively, and the underside surface 54 of the battery pack 48. Once the securing tabs 64, 66 are in place, the back portion 94 of the label 70 is adhered to the underside surface 54 of the battery pack 48 covering a portion of the securing tabs 64, 66. Pull tab 76 is then folded about the first and second pull tab folding areas 84, 86 and a free end 96 of the pull tab 76 is folded back onto the pull tab 76, as shown in
In operation, the battery cover 50 is removed to reveal the battery pack 48 including the label 70, which is received in the cavity 46 of the portable electronic device 10, as shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the label 70 is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the label 70 may be cut from a piece of material in such a way as to move the location of the pull tab 76 so that it is adjacent any one of the first side 62, terminal plate 58, first end 56 or second end 55 at any location therealong. Further, more that one pull tab 76 may be provided. A pair of opposed pull tabs 76 may further facilitate removal of the battery pack 48.
In one embodiment, the label 70 is made of more than one piece of material. For example, the securing tabs 64, 66 may be separate pieces of material that are secured to the second side 75 of the label 70 following installation of the label 70. Alternatively, the front portion 92 and back portion 94 may be separate pieces that overlap to form the label 70.
In another embodiment, the securing tabs are omitted from the label 70. In yet another embodiment, the front 92 and back 94 portions of the label 70 cover a reduced area of the surfaces 52, 54 of the battery pack 48.
In another embodiment, the pull tab 76 includes a “tear-away” feature to allow a user who finds the pull tab 76 to be bothersome to easily remove the pull tab 76. The tear-away feature may be a perforated joint, for example, or another feature that allows for removal of the pull tab 76 without the use of a tool. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any such feature would be selected to maintain the performance of the pull tab 76, when intact.
Most battery packs are provided with a label to convey battery information, branding information and/or other information to the user. By integrating the pull tab into the label, an existing part is now able to perform two functions: providing information and facilitating battery removal, which may reduce cost as well as reduce manufacturing time.
Another potential advantage of the label 70 is that the pull tab 76 includes an adhesive portion 79 that temporarily maintains the pull tab 76 in generally the same plane as the battery pack so that the pull tab 76 does not interfere with the battery cover
Yet another potential advantage of the label 70 is that the size of the battery pack 48 can be enlarged because there is no portion of the battery pack volume that is dedicated to accommodating fingernail recesses. In addition, the cavity 46 of the portable electronic device does not need to include similar features to allow for battery removal access. Further, the label 70 does not significantly increase the thickness of the battery pack 48.
Still another potential advantage of the label is that it may be used with any battery pack 48.
Specific embodiments have been shown and described herein. However, modifications and variations may occur to those skilled in the art. All such modifications and variations are believed to be within the scope and sphere of the present embodiments.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61314086 | Mar 2010 | US |
