Battery systems and methods thereof

Battery systems and kits are disclosed and provide improved merchandizing opportunities. Battery systems comprise an adaptor including a recess having one or more walls and a base located in a portion of the adaptor. One or more batteries may be received by the recess. The batteries may include one or more battery contacts and may be sized to a depth substantially equivalent to a depth of the walls of the recess. At least one of the walls may include one or more first electrical contacts corresponding to the battery contacts. A portion of the adaptor may have one or more second electrical contacts corresponding to one or more electrical contacts of a portable electronic device or circuit board. The first electrical contacts are in communication with one or more of the second electrical contacts. These battery systems replace one or more dedicated battery systems associated with a portable electronic device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to batteries and, more specifically, to battery systems for portable electronic devices wherein the battery systems vary from one device to another, and to a merchandising method for such battery systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Manufacturers of portable electronic devices such as digital assistants, mobile (or cell) telephones, handheld telephones, laptop computers and the like have assigned a low priority to the design of battery systems. Consumer involvement with battery systems is low, and competition in the portable electronic device market is fierce. Together, these factors result in more emphasis being given to providing top-level functionality and attractive, overall device design. Moreover, the trend is to ever-increasing miniaturization of portable electronic devices. All of these factors combine to make the design of battery systems a back-end process. The shape of battery compartments is essentially whatever space is left over after accounting for the space needed by top-level functions and the demands of attractive, overall device design.

Because battery systems design is a back-end process, portable electronic devices lack uniform or compatible battery systems. In particular, most devices require dedicated batteries, i.e., batteries manufactured to fit and work with just one type and brand of portable electronic device. Throughout this disclosure, the term “dedicated battery” connotes the custom-manufactured battery or set of batteries intended by the manufacturer to be used in a particular portable electronic device.

The need for dedicated batteries poses several disadvantages to retailers and consumers to the extent batteries need to be replaced. In this connection, it should be noted that even rechargeable batteries have limited lives, because they depend on the use of chemicals that become spent after a certain number of recharge cycles.

First, the need for dedicated batteries means that retailers must stock and display different batteries for virtually every portable electronic device they carry. This can amount to dozens of different battery types needing to be stocked and displayed. The following example illustrates this: A retailer has fifteen regional outlets; each outlet carries four dozen different portable electronic devices; each device requires stock of dedicated replacement batteries; appropriate stock consists of five units per store. To accommodate these needs, the retailer must have inventory of 3,600 replacement batteries. Failing this, the retailer risks customer disappointment by being out of stock on replacement batteries, possibly causing customers to go elsewhere for replacement batteries and, worse, possibly losing more important purchases customers may have made had they stayed at the store, as well as customer good will. On the other hand, stocking such a large quantity of replacement batteries means not only an increased carrying cost of inventory, but also substantially increased exposure to the risk of unsold inventory. In the fast-changing portable electronic device market, where products rapidly become obsolete, this risk is especially great. As far as display is concerned, the disadvantage to retailers is even worse. Shelf space is an extremely valuable resource to retailers. Needing to display dozens of replacement battery SKUs is an appallingly bad use of retail shelf space.

Second, consumers dislike the confusion engendered by the lack of uniformity and compatibility of replacement batteries for portable electronic devices. Finding the right replacement battery for the right portable electronic device is a chore, because these items are not inherently interesting to consumers except insofar as they enable their devices to work. Since the replacement batteries lack distinctive features readily noticeable to consumers, in order to find the right replacement battery, consumers must match battery replacements to model numbers that, too, are invariably in formats lacking inherent distinctiveness or interest to consumers, e.g., “MOTOROLA T300p®” “Try Me”-type packaging, enabling consumers to plug an accessory into his or her device to check for compatibility without purchasing the accessory or breaking the seal of its packaging, is helpful, but (a) it is not really applicable to replacement batteries, and (b) it is relatively expensive and more difficult to maintain for proper shelf discipline and appearance. To the extent consumers rely on sales help to guide them through the maze of replacement battery types, this represents a drain on retailer resources (resulting in higher prices to consumers), as well as resources diverted from the sale of items leading to greater production of revenue.

Third, for all of the reasons listed above, consumers are more likely to err in the purchase of replacement batteries than other products. This results in customer disappointment and inconvenience. To the extent retailers make good these inevitable consumer mistakes, retailers must absorb increased packaging and labor costs to process returns.

Most of the foregoing is also true for Internet retailers and consumers. Though carrying cost and exposure to unsold inventory may be less for Internet retailers than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, consumers have limited patience to scan Web “shelf space,” meaning that a great advantage is to be gained by conserving it for primary goods as opposed to replacement batteries. Regarding opportunity for erroneous purchases, it is equal or greater on the Internet, where sales help is largely absent. Moreover, the cost of processing returns, as well as delay in customer satisfaction, are both greater on the Internet.

A number of different disclosures reveal strategies for providing claimed universal battery systems. However, these disclosures fall short of solving the foregoing problems.

For example, Law et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,674, disclosed a power supply system allowing a user to standardize one or two battery types, and to use these supported types to power portable electronic devices designed to use other, non-supported battery types. However, Law et al. primarily sought to overcome the problem that, due to the lack of uniformity and compatibility among replacement batteries for portable electronic devices, power is likely to be unavailable when needed upon failure of the dedicated battery. Law et al. thus focused on a battery system able to use standard batteries, i.e., AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, 6-volt, 9-volt and 12-volt batteries, that are widely available wherever and whenever the dedicated battery fails. At the time of Law et al.'s disclosure, small, powerful batteries such as Lithium-ion and Lithium-polymer batteries with a voltage rating of 3.6 to 3.7 volts were unavailable. Consequently, Law et al. revealed a complicated, cumbersome battery pack configured to accommodate relatively large batteries. More to the point, Law et al. revealed a battery pack that changes the look and feel of a portable electronic device, rather than just replace the batteries of the device. This is understandable, given the disclosure's emphasis on immediate availability of power after battery failure. However, it does not represent a viable market solution to the problems set forth above, since retailers and consumers are unlikely to accept compromise to the look and feel of portable electronic devices in order to accommodate a bulky, cumbersome alternative battery pack.

As will be discussed below in the Description of the Invention, many other prior art references also describe attempts to supply “universal batteries” or “adaptors using an external add-on” or “adaptors that can be extended to fit into a specific battery compartment”. However, to the extent these disclosures consist of specially designed, adaptable battery compartments for portable electronic devices, such solutions are manufacturer-based, not retailer-based or consumer-based. They do not solve the predominant situation where manufacturers give lowest design priority to battery compartments, and simply fail to provide standard or adaptable battery compartments. To the extent these disclosures comprise means to adapt standard batteries, they either comprise means to adapt standard batteries into other standard batteries (e.g., turning a AAA battery into a AA battery), or unacceptably change the look and feel of the portable electronic device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current disclosure is directed to replacement battery systems using shell assemblies/adaptors mimicking the dedicated battery of a portable electronic device. Such replacement battery systems are configured to receive one or more smaller-sized batteries fitting into one or more shell assemblies/adaptors in order to provide retailers and consumers with a more cost-effective and convenient way to sell and buy replacement batteries for portable electronic devices.

For example, in an embodiment of the invention, a single merchandising package may comprise a small Lithium-ion or Lithium-polymer battery adapted to power a broad set of portable electronic devices. The package also may comprise a set of inexpensive shell assemblies/adaptors, each of which may be configured to accept the battery, and each one of which may mimic the look, feel and function of the dedicated battery system of a different portable electronic device. As described herein, “look and feel” refers here to the shape of the dedicated battery and, to the extent the dedicated battery acted as an exterior surface of the device to which it was dedicated, its finish. “Function” refers here to enabling the battery and shell assembly/adaptor combination to operate or be used in a manner altogether equivalent to the dedicated battery of a selected portable electronic device. This may be accomplished by providing the shell assembly/adaptor with circuitry connecting the battery to a contact point or points on the outside of the shell assembly/adaptor equivalent to the point or points where the dedicated battery it mimics made contact with its dedicated, portable electronic device or PC board.

The shell assemblies/adaptors are very low cost, so that all but the one shell assembly/adaptor needed for a selected portable electronic device may be readily discarded. Thus, at low cost, a single merchandising package for replacement batteries may be used where, formerly, as many as a dozen different merchandising packages were needed. Given the example above, where a retailer was required to stock 3,600 battery replacement units, instead with the present invention, only 300 units would be needed. Further, where four dozen SKUs were required to be displayed (to the bewilderment of consumers), only four SKUs would be needed.

In accordance with an embodiment of this invention, a battery system is disclosed. The battery system comprises, in combination, an adaptor including a recess having one or more walls and a base, the recess being located in a portion of the adaptor. One or more batteries may be selectively receivable into the recess. The one or more batteries may include one or more battery contacts and the one or more batteries may be sized to a depth substantially equivalent to a depth of the one or more walls of the at least one recess, wherein a portion of a surface of the one or more batteries is substantially adjacent to a portion of a surface of the adaptor when the one or more batteries are inserted into (or engage) the recess. At least one of the walls may include one or more first electrical contacts corresponding to the one or more battery contacts of the one or more batteries. A portion of the adaptor may have one or more second electrical contacts corresponding to one or more electrical contacts of a portable electronic device or PC board, wherein the electronic portable device is powered when the one or more batteries is received in the recess. The one or more first electrical contacts may be in communication with one or more of the second electronic contacts, wherein the battery system may be adapted to replace one or more dedicated battery systems associated with the portable electronic device.

In another aspect, the battery may further comprise at least one latch mechanism located on a portion of the adaptor. Furthermore, the one or more batteries may comprise, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, or a battery type not yet existing in the art.

According to another embodiment of this invention, an adaptor kit configured for one or more portable electronic devices is disclosed. The adaptor kit may comprise, in combination, one or more adaptors, each of the adaptors having a recess located in a portion of each of the adaptors. The recess may have one or more walls and a base. The one or more walls may be sized to a depth to selectively receive one or more batteries, wherein a portion of a surface of the one or more batteries is substantially adjacent to a portion of a surface of the adaptor when the one or more batteries engage the recess. At least one of the walls may include one or more first electrical contacts corresponding to one or more battery contacts of the one or more batteries. A portion of the one or more adaptors may have one or more second electrical contacts corresponding to one or more electrical contacts of a portable electronic device or PC board, wherein the electronic portable device is powered when the one or more batteries is received in the recess. The one or more first electronic contacts may be in communication with one or more of the second electrical contacts, wherein the one or more adaptors are adapted to replace one or more dedicated battery systems associated with each of the one or more portable electronic devices. The one or more adaptors may be located in a package suitable for displaying the one or more adaptors.

In another aspect, the kit may further comprise one or more batteries adapted to be received by the recess. The kit may further comprise one or more instructions. Additionally, the package may comprise a see-through plastic to permit facile viewing of the contents of the package.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a method of merchandising one or more adaptor kits configured for one or more portable electronic devices is disclosed. The method comprises a number of steps. The adaptor kits may be provided and each of the adaptor kits may include one or more adaptors with each of the adaptors having a recess located in a portion of each of the adaptors. The recess of each of the adaptors may have one or more walls and a base with one or more walls sized to a depth to selectively receive one or more batteries, wherein a portion of a surface of the one or more batteries is substantially adjacent to a portion of a surface of its corresponding adaptor when the one or more batteries engage the recess. At least one of the walls may include one or more first electrical contacts corresponding to one or more battery contacts of the one or more batteries. A portion of the adaptor may have one or more second electrical contacts corresponding to one or more electrical contacts of a portable electronic device or PC board, wherein the electronic portable device is powered when the one or more batteries is received in the recess. The one or more first electrical contacts may be in communication with one or more of the second electrical contacts, wherein the one or more adaptors may be adapted to replace one or more dedicated battery systems associated with each of the one or more portable electronic devices. The one or more adaptors may be located in a package suitable for displaying the one or more adaptors. In another step the adaptors may be selected for each one of the adaptor kits as determined by economic desires. In yet another step one or more of the adaptor kits may be distributed to one or more of the following: wholesalers, retailers and consumers.

In other aspects of the method one or more batteries may be added to the adaptor kits. Further, a set of instructions may be added to the adaptor kits. Yet further the adaptor kits may be displayed in a retail setting to minimize the amount of shelf space devoted to batteries for portable electronic devices. Furthermore, one or more of the adaptor kits may be selected by one or more purchasers.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more detailed description of the various embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and photographs.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For clarity and conciseness, several of the drawings show in schematic, or omit, parts that are not essential in that drawing to a description of a particular feature, aspect or principle of the invention being disclosed. Thus, the best mode embodiment of one feature may be shown in one drawing, and the best mode of another feature may be called out in another drawing.

The Figures are numbered and annotated so that one skilled in the art of battery and battery pack systems use and construction, by reference to the Figures, will easily be able to understand the materials and method of construction and will be able to easily assemble the parts to achieve the functionality shown.

In the Summary and Preferred Embodiments above, the Description of the Invention, and the Claims and Abstract below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference may be made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that this disclosure includes most possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature may also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps may be implemented in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility). Moreover, the method may include one or more other steps that may be implemented before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

The term “at least” as denoted herein means one or more, while the term a “plurality” means two or more.

The term “or” is used herein as a conjunction used to link alternatives in a series of alternatives. The term “and/or” is used herein as a conjunction meaning that either or both of two options may be valid.

The term “and” is used herein as a conjunction to indicate an additional thing, situation or fact.

When used in the appended claims the term “comprising at least one of A and B” as used herein (depending on the context of the specification) may mean: comprising either one of A or of B (and more), or comprising both of A and of B (and more). As is understood in the patent art, “comprising A” means “A and more,” while “comprising B” means “B and more.” Thus if A is excluded according to the context of the specification in the phrase “comprising at least one of A and B,” then A cannot be part of the “and more” and similarly for B if B is excluded according to the context of the specification.

Within this application the terms “mobile telephone,” “cell telephone” and “cellular telephone” as used in common understanding of a wireless sending and receiving device are considered to be equivalent electronic devices.

FIG. 1depicts a front perspective view of a prior art battery pack for laptop computers according to the disclosure of Wah, U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,947. Wah discloses a battery casing adapted to fit into at least two different receiving bays of different sizes in laptop computers. Wah allegedly solved the problem of different-sized bays by providing an adaptor panel, which may be configured into two different positions, and therefore allow the battery pack to sit tightly in two bays of different sizes. However, Wah does not address the problem of battery packs for laptop computers having differently-shaped, not just differently-sized receiving bays, much less the problem of different battery systems of other portable electronic devices.

FIG. 1Bdepicts a front perspective view of a prior art mobile phone/battery arrangement according to the disclosure of Yu et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,146,198. Furthermore,FIG. 1Cdepicts a side elevation view of another prior art mobile phone/battery arrangement according to the disclosure of Remes et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,193. Both of these disclosures relate to the art of securely attaching and easily removing a battery into a casing of a mobile phone configured to receive a specifically-shaped battery. Thus, neither of these prior art references address the issue of a universal battery for any mobile phone (or indeed any electronic device). Instead, both of these disclosures illustrate the concept of a systems approach to providing new mobile telephones into the market having enhanced, but ultimately different and incompatible features.

FIG. 1Ddepicts a front perspective view of a prior art piggyback-style battery adaptor configured for coupling to a portion of a conventional mobile phone battery according to the disclosure of Kaufman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,710,576. Kaufman et al. disclose an adaptor that fits on a cellular phone so that a plurality of batteries can be connected in parallel. According to Kaufman et al., the inconvenience of recharging a mobile phone battery and/or changing out a battery, during which time the mobile phone cannot be used as effectively as desired would be diminished if the Kaufman et al. adaptor were made available to consumers.

BothFIG. 1EandFIG. 1Fdepict a front perspective view of prior art adaptors configured to attach to conventional mobile phones to recharge on-board batteries. Thus,FIG. 1Edisclosed by Geiger, U.S. Pat. No. 7,183,743 andFIG. 1Fdisclosed by Bouskila, U.S. Pat. No. 6,727,677 are directed to adaptors. These adaptors relate to charging an on-board battery in a mobile telephone, and attempt to provide universality to the various types of charging systems for batteries used in mobile telephones (or possibly other electronic devices), since these references recognize different chargers may be required for different batteries. However, these prior art references and any similarly directed prior art references that may have been revealed do not read on the disclosure herein, for they are limited to recharging batteries, not replacing them.

Referring now toFIG. 2, in an exemplary embodiment depicting a mobile phone, a battery system comprises a battery10and an adaptor20configured to receive the battery. Without limiting the disclosure and only for the purpose of describing salient features, the battery10may comprise one or more contacts12wherein the contacts may be coupled to one or more circuit boards (not shown) to protect the battery from overheating. Furthermore, the battery10may comprise firmware (not shown) located on the circuit boards that may protect the proprietary nature and perhaps quality of the battery from being copied by another manufacturer. In other words, the firmware may comprise software that may be coupled to one or more signal sources that determine whether the battery system may be used with a specific hardware such as a mobile telephone or any other electronic device and the like adapted to accept the battery system.

The battery10may further comprise one or more cells (not shown) that provide electrolytic energy to make the battery effective. In most current applications, typically the battery10may be recharged with an external recharger (not shown). The elements of the battery10described herein may include any type of electrolytic material as is currently known in the art or that may be available in the future. Thus, without limiting the disclosure, in an aspect the battery's electrolytes may be a nickel metal hydride or a lithium ion or lithium polymer formulation as is currently understood, or something else that may be developed in the future art. Conventionally, the cells of a battery may substantially comprise only a single type of electrolytic formulation. However, it should be understood that cells with different electrolytic compositions may also provide adequate electromotive force to be useful as components of the battery10.

Naturally, since portable electronic devices tend to be small devices—smallness being a generally desirable feature of such devices—the battery10must be smaller than the portable electronic device when design considerations require that the battery fit into a portion of the device. In some instances though, the battery10may comprise a battery pack, which forms a portion of the portable electronic device, such as a mobile telephone. In this situation, the battery pack may be shaped according to the outer dimensions of the device and the battery pack may be coupled to the mobile telephone. A number of patent disclosures provide special and secure coupling means between the battery pack and a portable electronic device. Such battery packs provide a “proprietary” position for the device manufacturer and therefore provide yet another income source to a portable electronic device manufacturer based on a disposable dedicated battery system.

Furthermore, referring toFIG. 2, besides the above-described battery elements, the battery10may comprise an outer casing14. The outer casing14may comprise any material and more often comprises a polymeric material that may bundle inner portions of the battery such as circuit boards, and the battery's cells encased in a metal casing (not shown) that resists the corrosive electrolytic chemicals of the battery's cells. Without limiting the disclosure the outer casing14may comprise polymers and/or copolymers such as: polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polystyrene, polysiloxane, ethylenedicyclopentadiene monomers, CTBN rubbers and the like. Furthermore, the polymeric outer casing14may comprise fillers such as carbon black, and other processing additives as is well understood in the art. The outer casing14may be manufactured conveniently by injection molding or any other suitable plastics processing procedure, as understood in the art.

According toFIG. 2, the battery system may further comprise an adaptor20configured to receive the battery10. The adaptor20may vary in shape according to the type of dedicated battery system being replaced. In an aspect, the adaptor20may have an indentation (or recess) configured to receive the battery10and may further comprise one or more first contacts22located on a portion of a wall26bof a plurality of walls26a-26d. The indentation may be defined by one or more adjacent walls26a-26dand a base26sized to receive the battery10. In an aspect the indentation may comprise one or more elements (not shown) to secure the battery10to the adaptor20. Naturally, the indentation could have any suitable shape to receive any suitable complementary battery. The adaptor20may further comprise one or more second contacts24located on a portion of the adaptor, wherein the first contacts22may be coupled to the second contacts (not shown inFIG. 2, but shown in dotted lines inFIGS. 2A-2G). Of course, the coupling of the one or more first contacts22and the one or more second contacts24may be mediated by a number of elements such as one or more circuit boards, one or more chips and the like (not shown). Such circuit boards and chips may comprise hardware encoded with one or more programs as discussed above with respect to firmware and proprietary software. The second contacts24may interface with yet another set of contacts (not shown) located on a portion of a portable electronic device such as a mobile telephone thereby providing power to drive the mobile telephone's circuitry.

It will be readily appreciated that the geometric appearance of the adaptor20may be varied according to the geometrical profile of the portable electronic device and thus would be an integral portion of the portable electronic device. Thus, the battery system comprises the adaptor20configured to receive the battery10. The battery10may comprise any suitable battery that provides sufficient electromotive force (such as a 3.6V lithium ion or lithium polymer composition). Of course the battery system may be configured with any suitable battery10that would fit into the indentation (or recess)26of the adaptor20. As will be appreciated, the indentation26may be substantially defined by the walls26a,26b,26c,26dand a base portion of the adaptor20. In an aspect, the depth of the walls26a,26b,26cand26dmay be configured to be substantially equivalent to the depth of the battery10. Thus, when the battery10is installed into the adaptor's indentation26and seated between the walls26a, b, candd, in one aspect (seeFIGS. 2,2A,2B,2C,2D,2E,2F and2G), a portion of a surface of each adaptor20,30,40,50,60,70and80(see also description below) would be substantially adjacent to a portion of a surface of the outer casing14of the battery.

FIG. 2Adepicts a plan view of the battery system comprising the battery10ofFIG. 2coupled to the adaptor20ofFIG. 2. As configured, the battery system ofFIG. 2Amay replace the dedicated battery of a portable electronic device, which, in this case for purposes of illustration, is the dedicated battery of a mobile telephone. In operation, a user of such a dedicated battery that had become spent after multiple recharges would simply purchase the universal battery10along with the adaptor20, alone or as part of a kit (as described below), whereupon the adaptor20retrofits into the mobile phone's battery space and receives the universal battery10. If purchased as part of a kit (as described below), then the battery system ofFIG. 2Apresents the significant advantages of retailer and consumer savings and convenience described in detail below. Whether purchased as part of a kit or alone, the battery system ofFIG. 2Apresents the further advantage of enabling the economic and simple replacement of the battery10of the battery system ofFIG. 2Aitself, once the universal battery10becomes spent after multiple recharges. Rather than needing to search out and purchase the dedicated battery of the mobile phone, for example, or even the battery replacement kit described below, a user may simply purchase another universal battery10and insert it into the retained adaptor20, which, in turn, retrofits into the mobile phone's battery space. Naturally, this discussion would be applicable to each embodiment of the battery system as discussed hereunder. Since the universal battery10may be economically competitive with an entirely new battery, a consumer benefits and furthermore does not need to hunt for the original battery from multiple retail outlets. Instead, the universal battery10would be readily available for purchase, and would be suitable for use in any adaptor20capable of receiving the universal battery.

To further illustrate this concept (and to show below how the adaptors described in this disclosure may be packaged together in a kit for retailer and consumer savings and convenience), referring now toFIG. 2B, a battery system may comprise an adaptor30and a universal battery10coupled to the adaptor. As illustrated inFIG. 2B, the adaptor30comprises a first set of contacts32located on a wall of an indentation or recess (not shown, but similar to that described above with respect toFIG. 2). The first set of contacts32may electrically couple to the battery's contacts12as described above with reference toFIGS. 2 and 2Awhen the battery is inserted into the recess. Additionally, a portion of the adaptor30may comprise one or more second contacts34(four shown inFIG. 2B) located on a portion of an end of the adaptor that correspond to one or more contacts of a different portable electronic device (a MOTOROLA STARTAC® mobile telephone). As illustrated inFIG. 2B, and without limiting the disclosure by showing details, each of the first set of contacts32may be coupled to one or more of the second contacts34(depicted as dotted lines). Further, the adaptor30has a different shape compared to the adaptor20, since the adaptor30may be configured to be used in a MOTOROLA STARTAC® mobile telephone. The adaptor30further comprises a latch mechanism36located on a portion of the end of the adaptor to securely couple the adaptor to a portion of a MOTOROLA STARTAC® mobile telephone (not shown) adapted to receive a corresponding MOTOROLA® dedicated battery having the same shape as the adaptor30. With the adaptor30available and the universal battery10available, the battery system ofFIG. 2Bmay replace the dedicated battery of the MOTOROLA STARTAC® mobile telephone. In operation, a user of such a dedicated battery that had become spent after multiple recharges would simply purchase the universal battery10along with the adaptor30, alone or as part of a kit (as described below), whereupon the adaptor30retrofits into the mobile phone's battery space and receives the universal battery10. If purchased as part of a kit (as described below), then the battery system ofFIG. 2Bpresents the significant advantages of retailer and consumer savings and convenience described in detail below. Whether purchased as part of a kit or alone, the battery system ofFIG. 2Bpresents the further advantage of enabling the economic and simple replacement of the battery10of the battery system2B itself, once the universal battery10becomes spent after multiple recharges. Rather than needing to search out and purchase the dedicated battery of the MOTOROLA STARTAC® mobile telephone, for example, or even the battery replacement kit described below, a user may simply purchase another universal battery10and insert it into the retained adaptor30, which, in turn, retrofits into the mobile phone's battery space. Naturally, in one aspect, a portion of a surface of the adaptor30would be substantially adjacent to a portion of a surface of the outer casing14of the battery10when the battery was installed into the adaptor's indentation (not shown, but similar toFIGS. 2 and 2A, see description above).

In yet another aspect, referring now toFIG. 2C, a battery system may comprise an adaptor40and a universal battery10coupled to the adaptor. As illustrated inFIG. 2C, the adaptor40comprises a first set of contacts42located on a wall of an indentation or recess (not shown, but similar to that described above with respect toFIG. 2). The first set of contacts42may electrically couple to the battery's contacts12as described above with reference toFIGS. 2 and 2A. Additionally, a portion of the adaptor40may comprise one or more second contacts44(six shown inFIG. 2C) located on a portion of an end of the adaptor that correspond to one or more contacts of a different portable electronic device (a NOKIA® mobile telephone). As illustrated inFIG. 2C, and without limiting the disclosure by showing details, each of the first set of contacts42may be coupled to one or more of the second contacts44(depicted as dotted lines). Once again, the adaptor40has a different shape compared to the adaptors20and30, since the adaptor40may be configured to be used in a NOKIA® mobile telephone. The adaptor40further comprises a latch mechanism (not shown) on an opposite side of the adaptor to securely couple the adaptor to a portion of a NOKIA® mobile telephone (not shown) adapted to receive a corresponding NOKIA® battery having the same shape as the adaptor40. With the adaptor40available and the universal battery10available, the battery system ofFIG. 2Cmay replace the dedicated battery of the NOKIA® mobile telephone. In operation, a user of such a dedicated battery that had become spent after multiple recharges would simply purchase the universal battery10along with the adaptor40, alone or as part of a kit (as described below), whereupon the adaptor40retrofits into the mobile phone's battery space and receives the universal battery10. If purchased as part of a kit (as described below), then the battery system ofFIG. 2Cpresents the significant advantages of retailer and consumer savings and convenience described in detail below. Whether purchased as part of a kit or alone, the battery system ofFIG. 2Cpresents the further advantage of enabling the economic and simple replacement of the battery10of the battery system ofFIG. 2Citself, once the universal battery10becomes spent after multiple recharges. Rather than needing to search out and purchase the dedicated battery of the NOKIA® mobile telephone, for example, or even the battery replacement kit described below, a user may simply purchase another universal battery10and insert it into the retained adaptor40, which, in turn, retrofits into the mobile phone's battery space. Once again, naturally, in one aspect, a portion of a surface of the adaptor40would be substantially adjacent to a portion of a surface of the outer casing14of the battery10when the battery was installed into the adaptor's indentation (not shown, but similar toFIGS. 2 and 2A, see description above).

Turning now toFIG. 2D, a battery system may comprise an adaptor50and a universal battery10coupled to the adaptor. As illustrated inFIG. 2C, the adaptor50comprises a first set of contacts52located on a wall of an indentation or recess (not shown, but similar to that described above with respect toFIG. 2). The first set of contacts52may electrically couple to the battery's contacts12as described above with reference toFIGS. 2 and 2A. Additionally, a portion of the adaptor50may comprise one or more second contacts54(three shown inFIG. 2D) located on a portion of an end of the adaptor50that correspond to one or more contacts of yet another portable electronic device (a SAMSUNG® mobile telephone). As illustrated inFIG. 2D, and without limiting the disclosure by showing details, each of the first set of contacts52may be coupled to one or more of the second contacts54(depicted as dotted lines). Once again, the adaptor50has a different shape compared to the adaptors20,30and40, since the adaptor50may be configured to be used in a specific SAMSUNG® mobile telephone. The adaptor50further comprises a latch mechanism56located on a portion of an opposite end of the adaptor to securely couple the adaptor to a portion of the specific SAMSUNG® mobile telephone (not shown) adapted to receive a corresponding dedicated battery having the same shape as the adaptor50. However (as described above with respect to adaptors20,30and40), with the adaptor50available and the universal battery10available, the battery system ofFIG. 2Dmay replace the dedicated battery of the SAMSUNG® mobile telephone. In operation, a user of such a dedicated battery that had become spent after multiple recharges would simply purchase the universal battery10along with the adaptor50, alone or as part of a kit (as described below), whereupon the adaptor50retrofits into the mobile phone's battery space and receives the universal battery10. If purchased as part of a kit (as described below), then the battery system ofFIG. 2Dpresents the significant advantages of retailer and consumer savings and convenience described in detail below. Whether purchased as part of a kit or alone, the battery system ofFIG. 2Dpresents the further advantage of enabling the economic and simple replacement of the battery10of the battery system ofFIG. 2Ditself, once the universal battery10becomes spent after multiple recharges. Rather than needing to search out and purchase the dedicated battery of the SAMSUNG® mobile telephone, for example, or even the battery replacement kit described below, a user may simply purchase another universal battery10and insert it into the retained adaptor50, which, in turn, retrofits into the mobile phone's battery space. Similarly, in one aspect, a portion of a surface of the adaptor50would be substantially adjacent to a portion of a surface of the outer casing14of the battery10when the battery was installed into the adaptor's indentation (not shown, but similar toFIGS. 2 and 2A, see description above).

Referring now toFIG. 2E, a battery system may comprise an adaptor60and a universal battery10coupled to the adaptor. As illustrated inFIG. 2E, the adaptor60comprises a first set of contacts62located on a wall of an indentation or recess (not shown, but similar to that described above with respect toFIG. 2). The first set of contacts62may electrically couple to the battery's contacts12as described above with reference toFIGS. 2 and 2A. Additionally, one or more projections of the adaptor60may each comprise one or more second contacts64(two pairs on each of two projections shown inFIG. 2E) located on a portion of an end of the adaptor that correspond to one or more contacts of a different portable electronic device (in this case, a different mobile telephone). As illustrated inFIG. 2E, and without limiting the disclosure by showing details, each of the first set of contacts62may be coupled to one or more of the second contacts64(depicted as dotted lines). Once again, the adaptor60has a different shape compared to the adaptors20,30,40and50, since the adaptor60may be configured to be used in yet a different brand or type of mobile telephone. The adaptor60further may comprise a latch mechanism (not shown) of the adaptor to securely couple the adaptor to a portion of the mobile telephone (not shown) adapted to receive a corresponding dedicated battery having the same shape as the adaptor60. However (as described above with respect to adaptors20,30,40and50), with the adaptor60available and the universal battery10available, the battery system ofFIG. 2Emay replace the dedicated battery of the corresponding mobile telephone. In operation, a user of such a dedicated battery that had become spent after multiple recharges would simply purchase the universal battery10along with the adaptor60, alone or as part of a kit (as described below), whereupon the adaptor60retrofits into the mobile phone's battery space and receives the universal battery10. If purchased as part of a kit (as described below), then the battery systemFIG. 2Epresents the significant advantages of retailer and consumer savings and convenience described in detail below. Whether purchased as part of a kit or alone, the battery systemFIG. 2Epresents the further advantage of enabling the economic and simple replacement of the battery10of the battery systemFIG. 2Eitself, once the universal battery10becomes spent after multiple recharges. Rather than needing to search out and purchase the dedicated battery of this mobile telephone, for example, or even the battery replacement kit described below, a user may simply purchase another universal battery10and insert it into the retained adaptor60, which, in turn, retrofits into the mobile phone's battery space. Again, in one aspect, a portion of a surface of the adaptor60would be substantially adjacent to a portion of a surface of the outer casing14of the battery10when the battery was installed into the adaptor's indentation (not shown, but similar toFIGS. 2 and 2A, see description above).

In another aspect with reference toFIG. 2F, a battery system may comprise an adaptor70and a universal battery10coupled to the adaptor. As illustrated inFIG. 2F, the adaptor70comprises a first set of contacts72located on a wall of an indentation or recess (not shown, but similar to that described above with respect toFIG. 2). The first set of contacts72may electrically couple to the battery's contacts12as described above with reference toFIGS. 2 and 2A. Additionally, one or more portions of the adaptor70may each comprise one or more second contacts74(four shown inFIG. 2F) located on a portion of a side of the adaptor that correspond to one or more contacts of a different portable electronic device (in this case, a different mobile telephone). As illustrated inFIG. 2F, and without limiting the disclosure by showing details, each of the first set of contacts72may be coupled to one or more of the second contacts74(depicted as dotted lines). Once again, the adaptor70has a different shape compared to the adaptors20,30,40,50and60, since the adaptor70may be configured to be used in yet a different brand or type of mobile telephone. The adaptor70may further comprise a latch mechanism (not shown) of the adaptor to securely couple the adaptor to a portion of the mobile telephone (not shown) adapted to receive a corresponding dedicated battery having the same shape as the adaptor70. However (as described above with respect to adaptors20,30,40,50and60), with the adaptor70available and the universal battery10available, the battery system ofFIG. 2Fmay replace the dedicated battery of the corresponding mobile telephone. In operation, a user of such a dedicated battery that had become spent after multiple recharges would simply purchase the universal battery10along with the adaptor70, alone or as part of a kit (as described below), whereupon the adaptor70retrofits into the mobile phone's battery space and receives the universal battery10. If purchased as part of a kit (as described below), then the battery systemFIG. 2Fpresents the significant advantages of retailer and consumer savings and convenience described in detail below. Whether purchased as part of a kit or alone, the battery systemFIG. 2Fpresents the further advantage of enabling the economic and simple replacement of the battery10of the battery systemFIG. 2Fitself, once the universal battery10becomes spent after multiple recharges. Rather than needing to search out and purchase the dedicated battery of this mobile telephone, for example, or even the battery replacement kit described below, a user may simply purchase another universal battery10and insert it into the retained adaptor70, which, in turn, retrofits into the mobile phone's battery space. Again, in one aspect, a portion of a surface of the adaptor70would be substantially adjacent to a portion of a surface of the outer casing14of the battery10when the battery was installed into the adaptor's indentation (not shown, but similar toFIGS. 2 and 2A, see description above).

In yet a further aspect, with reference toFIG. 2G, a battery system may comprise an adaptor80and a universal battery10coupled to the adaptor. As illustrated inFIG. 2G, the adaptor80comprises a first set of contacts82located on a wall of an indentation or recess (not shown, but similar to that described above with respect toFIG. 2). The first set of contacts82may electrically couple to the battery's contacts12as described above with reference toFIGS. 2 and 2A. Additionally, one or more portions of the adaptor80may each comprise one or more second contacts84(four shown inFIG. 2G) located on a portion of an end of the adaptor that correspond to one or more contacts of a different type of portable electronic device (in this case, a different type of mobile telephone). As illustrated inFIG. 2G, and without limiting the disclosure by showing details, each of the first set of contacts82may be coupled to one or more of the second contacts84(depicted as dotted lines). Once again, the adaptor80has a different shape compared to the adaptors20,30,40,50,60and70, since the adaptor80may be configured to be used in yet a different brand or type of mobile telephone. The adaptor80may further comprise a latch mechanism (not shown) of the adaptor to securely couple the adaptor to a portion of the mobile telephone (not shown) adapted to receive a corresponding dedicated battery having the same shape as the adaptor80. However (as described above with respect to adaptors20,30,40,50,60and70), with the adaptor80available and the universal battery10available, the battery system ofFIG. 2Gmay replace the dedicated battery of this mobile telephone. In operation, a user of such a dedicated battery that had become spent after multiple recharges would simply purchase the universal battery10along with the adaptor80, alone or as part of a kit (as described below), whereupon the adaptor80retrofits into the mobile phone's battery space and receives the universal battery10. If purchased as part of a kit (as described below), then the battery systemFIG. 2Gpresents the significant advantages of retailer and consumer savings and convenience described in detail below. Whether purchased as part of a kit or alone, the battery systemFIG. 2Gpresents the further advantage of enabling the economic and simple replacement of the battery of the battery systemFIG. 2Gitself, once the universal battery10becomes spent after multiple recharges. Rather than needing to search out and purchase the dedicated battery of this mobile telephone, for example, or even the battery replacement kit described below, a user may simply purchase another universal battery10and insert it into the retained adaptor80, which, in turn, retrofits into the mobile phone's battery space. Again, in one aspect, a portion of a surface of the adaptor80would be substantially adjacent to a portion of a surface of the outer casing14of the battery10when the battery was installed into the adaptor's indentation (not shown, but similar toFIGS. 2 and 2A, see description above).

In another embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 3, a kit100may comprise a universal battery10and a multiplicity of adaptors, such as adaptors20,30,40,50,60,70and80, configured to receive one or more of the universal batteries10located in a package90suitable for sale to consumers. In one aspect, the package90may comprise a see-through package and the like as is understood in the art so that a consumer may readily see whether the specific kit100would comprise one or more of the battery systems20-80the consumer may desire. The see-through package may comprise a substantially transparent or translucent thermoplastic as is known in the art or may be developed in the future of packaging materials. Further, the package may comprise a cardboard or paper backing such as found in blister packaging. Naturally, the kit100may comprise a smaller package or a larger package as desired. In an aspect, the kit100may comprise a variety of battery systems of a specific manufacturer (such as only NOKIA® or only MOTOROLA®), so that a consumer may select the kit based on the consumer's desire for a specific manufacturer's portable electronic product. From a retailer's perspective, advantageously, the retailer would no longer be required to stock a multiplicity of batteries or battery systems, thereby reducing valuable shelf space needed to merchandise and service the electronic portable devices.

In operation, in a first step S1, one or more adaptors (such as adaptors20-80) may be arranged or selected in a package90. Additionally, in a second step S2, one or more universal batteries10may also be arranged or selected in the package90. In a further step S3, one or more instructional materials92my also be inserted in the package90. Subsequently, in a further step S4, the package90may be sealed. Sealing may be accomplished adhesively, ultrasonically, thermally or by other processes as are understood in the art depending on the nature of the materials forming the package. In a further step S5, one or more kits100may be packaged for distribution and distributed to one or more wholesale outlets. Further, in a step S6, one or more wholesalers may distribute one or more kits100to one or more retailers. Advantageously, wholesalers would require less inventory control, because a multiplicity of battery systems would be consolidated within each kit100offered for sale. Moreover, retailers would require less inventory and less display space. In a further step S7, one or more retailers may display one or more kits100and/or one or more universal batteries10to be offered for sale to consumers. In yet a further step S8, consumers may select one or more kits100and/or universal batteries10associated with the kits. Thus, consumers would be able to readily obtain the appropriate adaptors suitable for their portable electronic devices and the universal batteries associated with the adaptors without having to be subjected to a tedious and time-consuming search process. While greatest advantage for this merchandising concept may ensue in a normal distribution chain from manufacturers to wholesalers and then to retailers and finally to consumers, naturally other distribution channels may also be used such as internet selling.

Turning now toFIGS. 4A,4B and4C, various different kinds of universal battery packs are illustrated for portable electronic devices other than mobile phones. Such battery packs track the dedicated battery packs of portable electronic devices available in the current marketplace. Since these universal battery packs have similar features to the improved mobile phone adaptors described herein (see above), including the feature of delivering significant retailer and consumer advantages by being packaged in kits as described above, theseFIGS. 4A,4B,4C will not be described in any detail. However, as may be seen with reference toFIG. 4A, an embodiment of an adaptor housing for the universal battery10, may be configured as a digital camera adaptor150. Moreover, according toFIG. 4Ba battery system may comprise a universal battery10and a laptop battery adaptor160such as a MACBOOK PRO® laptop battery. And in yet another example,FIG. 4Cdepicts a front perspective view of a battery system comprising a universal battery10and an embodiment of a camcorder adaptor170.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited by the specific examples set out herein.