Patent Description:
A handheld device includes, but not limited to, a computer mouse, a remote controller, a remote controller gamepad, or a virtual reality (VR) controller. Most of these handheld devices are configured for single handed usage. Accordingly, weight distribution is an important aspect of such single handed handheld device. However, due to different hand sizes as well as different wrist strength which vary between different users, the handheld device may not be suitable for every users. Further, the usage requirements may also be different for different usage scenarios and/or applications which may require different weight distribution. Accordingly, user has to find handheld devices that are suitable for their hand sizes and wrist strength, and may also have to own multiple handheld devices to meet the different usage requirements.

<CIT> discloses an adjustable battery box and an electronic device using the adjustable battery box, wherein the adjustable battery box can adjust a battery retaining space for mounting batteries of different sizes. <CIT> discloses a kind of mouse that battery cover is easy to disassemble so as to facilitate ease of assembling and disassembling as well as allowing battery of different sizes to be fitted. <CIT> discloses a mouse with elastic elements provided in the battery accommodation area for engaging side walls of the battery such that different types of battery may be fitted in the battery accommodation area to vary an overall weight of the mouse. <CIT> discloses a mouse with a tunable center of gravity, the mouse including a moveable weight system that is used to move one or more weights from one position to another in the mouse so as to change the center of gravity of the mouse. <CIT> discloses a mouse without rotating shaft and without battery cover at the rear end of the case member such that a length of the mouse is shorter than the length of the conventional mouse.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a simpler and more versatile solution.

In the following description, various embodiments and examples useful for understanding the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:.

Embodiments described below in context of the apparatus are analogously valid for the respective methods, and vice versa. Furthermore, it will be understood that the embodiments described below may be combined, for example, a part of one embodiment may be combined with a part of another embodiment.

It should be understood that the terms "on", "over", "top", "bottom", "down", "side", "back", "left", "right", "front", "lateral", "side", "up", "down" etc., when used in the following description are used for convenience and to aid understanding of relative positions or directions, and not intended to limit the orientation of any device, or structure or any part of any device or structure. In addition, the singular terms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word "or" is intended to include "and" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Various embodiments generally relate to a battery-operated computer mouse. Accordingly, various embodiments may be related to a standalone battery-operated computer mouse. Further, the standalone battery-operated computer mouse may be used with one hand.

According to various embodiments, the battery-operated computer mouse may be configured with customizable weight distribution. Accordingly, the user may adjust or customize or vary a weight distribution of the battery-operated computer mouse so as to customize the battery-operated computer mouse for their hand sizes and wrist strength, as well as the different usage scenarios and/or requirements. According to various embodiments, the battery-operated computer mouse may be powered by only one single battery, and may be configured to accept different batteries of different battery sizes (for example, AA and AAA, or a cylindrical battery and a button cell) so as to adjust or customize or vary the weight distribution of the battery-operated computer mouse. Accordingly, in addition to customizing or varying weight distribution, the user may also have the flexibility of using different battery sizes at their disposal. Hence, the user may have the option to use smaller battery to reduce the overall weight of the device or to use larger battery if battery life is more important. According to various embodiments, batteries of different battery sizes may differ in terms of dimensions and/or shape. While AA and AAA size batteries are described as examples for convenience in the rest of the description, it is understood that the different battery sizes may include, but not limited to, cylindrical battery of A size or AA size or AAA size or AAAA size or B size or C size or D size or F size or N size or A11 size or A23 size or A27 size or BA5800 size, or rectangular battery of <NUM>-volt size or <NUM>-volt size or <NUM>-volt size, or button cell of various sizes, or pouch battery of various sizes. According to various embodiments, the battery-operated computer mouse may be configured to ensure that the weight distribution remain optimal when any one of the different batteries with different battery sizes is used. Accordingly, the battery-operated computer mouse may provide flexibility of using different batteries depending on availability, as well as a choice of using different batteries for adjusting or customizing or varying the weight distribution of the batter-operated computer mouse. For example, the weight distribution of the battery-operated computer mouse may be varied in terms of being lighter or heavier, and/or shifting of centre of gravity.

According to various embodiments, the battery-operated computer mouse may be configured with customizable weight distribution by inserting batteries of different battery sizes into different battery slots. For example, the battery-operated computer mouse may include a battery holder or compartment having at least two side-by-side battery slots, wherein a first battery slot may hold a first battery of a first battery size (e.g. AA) and a second battery slot may hold a second battery of a second battery size (e.g. AAA). According to various embodiments, the battery-operated computer mouse may include a cover for concealing the battery holder or compartment, the cover may include a stopper rib (or a protrusion) disposed underneath the cover such that the stopper rib may be directed towards the battery when the cover is placed over the battery holder or compartment. Accordingly, the stopper rib may prevent the battery from being displaced or dislodged from the battery holder or compartment such that the stopper rib may stabilize the battery when the battery-operated handheld device is moved vigorously during used. According to various embodiments, the battery holder or compartment may be configured to hold only one type of battery at any time. In other words, when the first battery of the first battery size is inserted into the battery holder or compartment, the second battery of the second battery size may not be inserted. Hence, when the battery holder or compartment have only two battery slots for different batteries, only one battery may be inserted into the battery holder or compartment at any time. Accordingly, batteries of different battery sizes may not be fitted into the batter holder or compartment at the same time. According to various embodiments, the battery-operated handheld device may be configured such that a centre of gravity of the battery-operated computer mouse without batteries and a centre of gravity of the battery-operated computer mouse with the first battery inserted may align or coincide with each other. Accordingly, when the second battery is inserted into the second battery slot of the battery holder or compartment and with the first battery removed, the centre of gravity of the battery-operated computer mouse may be shifted.

<FIG> shows a schematic diagram of a battery-operated handheld device <NUM> as an example useful for understanding the invention. The battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be an exterior casing of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may define an inner cavity to house or encase or enclose electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. The electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may include, but not limited to, one or a combination of a circuit board, integrated circuits, electronic components, sensors, detectors, receivers, transmitters, switches, processors, display, or memory. The electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be configured for performing the functions of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may include a front region <NUM> and a rear region <NUM>. The front region <NUM> may be directed away from a user and the rear region <NUM> may be directed towards the user when the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> is in use while being held in a hand of the user. For example, when the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> is a remote controller, a remote controller gamepad, or a virtual reality (VR) controller, the front region <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be a side or a face of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> that is to be directed or pointed to a corresponding device or receiver. Accordingly, the rear region <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be opposite the front region <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. Hence, when the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> (in the form of a remote controller, a remote controller gamepad, or a virtual reality (VR) controller) is in use and is being held in the hand of the user, the user may direct or point the front region <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> to the corresponding device or receiver, while the rear region <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be directed or pointed to the user. As another example, when the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> is a computer mouse placed on a table, the rear region <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be received by a palm of the user with the user holding the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> such that the front region <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be directed or pointed away from the user. Accordingly, when the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> (in the form of a computer mouse) is in use and is being held in the hand of the user, the user may hold the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> with the front region <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> directed or pointed away from the user while the rear region <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be directed or pointed to the user.

The housing <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be an elongated housing 110a. The elongated housing 110a of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may include a longitudinal front end portion 112a and a longitudinal rear end portion 114a. The longitudinal front end portion 112a and the longitudinal rear end portion 114a may be two opposite longitudinal end portions of the elongate housing 110a. The longitudinal front end portion 112a may serve as the front region <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> and the longitudinal rear end portion 114a may serve as the rear region <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. Accordingly, the longitudinal front end portion 112a may be directed away from the user and the longitudinal rear end portion 114a may be directed towards the user when the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> is in use while being held in the hand of the user.

The battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may include a battery holder <NUM>. The battery holder <NUM> may be disposed within the housing <NUM> or the elongated housing 110a. Accordingly, the battery holder <NUM> may be housed or encased or enclosed by the housing <NUM> or the elongated housing 110a.

The battery holder <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may include at least two (or two or more) battery slots <NUM>, <NUM> (or battery bays) for receiving at least two (or two or more) different types of batteries <NUM>, <NUM> (see for example <FIG>). The different types of batteries <NUM>, <NUM> may be of different battery sizes. For example, a first type of battery <NUM> may have a first battery size and a second type of battery <NUM> may have a second battery size, which is different from the first battery size. The first battery size and the second battery size may be any two different battery sizes, each including, but not limited to, cylindrical battery of A size or AA size or AAA size or AAAA size or B size or C size or D size or F size or N size or A11 size or A23 size or A27 size or BA5800 size, or rectangular battery of <NUM>-volt size or <NUM>-volt size or <NUM>-volt size, or button cell of various sizes, or pouch battery of various sizes. The at least two battery slots <NUM>, <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be in a side-by-side arrangement. The electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be configured to be powered by one or more batteries of the same battery sizes. Accordingly, the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be powered when one or more batteries of the first type is fitted into the battery holder <NUM> or when one or more batteries of the second type is fitted into the battery holder <NUM>. When different types of batteries <NUM>, <NUM> of different battery sizes are used in the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>, a weight distribution of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be changed or varied or altered or adjusted or customized. Accordingly, the user may selectively switch between using different types of batteries <NUM>, <NUM> of different battery sizes to power up the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> so as to vary or adjust or customize the weight distribution of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> depending on the hand sizes and wrist strength, as well as the different usage scenarios and/or requirements. For example, the user may flexibly switch between different types of batteries <NUM>, <NUM> of different battery sizes to use smaller battery for reducing the overall weight of the handheld device <NUM> or to use larger battery if battery life is more important.

The battery holder <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may include a first battery slot <NUM> (or first battery bay) and a second battery slot <NUM> (or second battery bay). Each of the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM> may be a channel or a groove or a narrow elongated depression. The first battery slot <NUM> may be sized to hold the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size. The second battery slot <NUM> may be sized to hold the second battery <NUM> of the second battery size. The first battery size and the second battery size may be different battery sizes. The second battery slot <NUM> may be alongside the first battery slot <NUM> so as to be in a side-by-side arrangement with the first battery slot <NUM>. Accordingly, the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM> may be parallel to each other, and may be immediately adjacent to each other such that the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM> may be bordering each other.

The electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be powered by either the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>, or the second battery <NUM> of the second battery size inserted into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>. Accordingly, the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be powered with only the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>. The electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may also be powered with only the second battery <NUM> of the second battery size inserted into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>. Hence, the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may only require one of the first battery <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> to be fitted to the battery holder <NUM> to power the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>.

The battery holder <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be disposed in a manner so as to serve as an adjustable weight distribution mechanism to shift the centre of gravity of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. Accordingly, by fitting the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> or fitting the second battery <NUM> of the second battery size into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>, the centre of gravity of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be changed or varied or altered or adjusted or customized. Hence, by selectively fitting the first battery <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> to the battery holder <NUM> for powering the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>, the weight distribution of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be changed or varied or altered or adjusted or customized so as to suit the user's hand sizes and/or wrist strength, as well as the different usage scenarios and/or requirements. Further, the battery holder <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may also serve to provide flexibility of using different battery sizes at the user's disposal. For example, providing the user the options of using smaller battery for reducing the overall weight of the handheld device <NUM> or using larger battery if battery life is more important.

The battery holder <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> serving as the adjustable weight distribution mechanism may shift the centre of gravity of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> between a first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> and a second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the second battery <NUM> of the second battery size inserted into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>. The second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may be rearward of the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> with respect to the front region <NUM> and the rear region <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal front end portion 112a and the longitudinal rear end portion 114a of the elongated housing 110a). Accordingly, the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may be closer to the rear region <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal rear end portion 114a of the elongated housing 110a). Hence, the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may be closer to the front region <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal front end portion 112a of the elongated housing 110a) and may be forward of the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM>.

The battery holder <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be configured to serve as the adjustable weight distribution mechanism for switching the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> between different weight modes, including but not limited to, at least a balanced-weight mode and a rear-heavy mode, or a front-heavy mode and a balanced-weight mode, or a front-heavy mode and a rear-heavy mode. In the balanced-weight mode, the centre of gravity of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be around a middle or centre of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. In the front-heavy mode, the centre of gravity of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be ahead of the middle or centre of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> and towards the front region <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal front end portion 112a of the elongated housing 110a). In the rear-heavy mode, the centre of gravity of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be after the middle or centre of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> and towards the rear region <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal rear end portion 114a of the elongated housing 110a).

The first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be aligned to a battery-free centre of gravity of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. The battery-free centre of gravity of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be the centre of gravity of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> when no batteries are inserted or fitted to the battery holder <NUM>. In order words, the battery-free centre of gravity of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be the centre of gravity of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> when unladen or not loaded with batteries. Accordingly, the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> and the battery-free centre of gravity of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may coincide. Hence, the centre of gravity of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may not shift forward or rearward with respect to the front region <NUM> and the rear region <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal front end portion 112a and the longitudinal rear end portion 114a of the elongated housing 110a) regardless of whether the first battery <NUM> is inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>.

The first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may correspond to the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. Accordingly, the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may serve as a visual indicator for a location of the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. For example, a centre of the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be aligned to or may coincide with the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. Hence, the centre of the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may provide a visual reference for the location of the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>.

The second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may correspond to the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. Accordingly, the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may serve as a visual indicator for a location of the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. For example, a centre of the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be aligned to or may coincide with the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. Hence, the centre of the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may provide a visual reference for the location of the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>.

The battery holder <NUM> may be disposed within the housing <NUM> (or the elongated housing 110a) in a manner such that each of the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM> may be non-parallel with a front-and-rear centreline <NUM> extending perpendicularly between the front region <NUM> and the rear region <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal front end portion 112a and the longitudinal rear end portion 114a of the elongated housing 110a). The front-and-rear centreline <NUM> may run through a centre of the housing <NUM> (or the elongated housing 110a) from the front region <NUM> to the rear region <NUM> (or from the longitudinal front end portion 112a to the longitudinal rear end portion 114a) so as to divide the housing <NUM> (or the elongated housing 110a) into two equal lateral portions. Accordingly, a slot axis of the first battery slot <NUM> may be at an angle or slanted with respect to the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. Similarly, a slot axis of the second battery slot <NUM> may be at an angle or slanted with respect to the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. Each of the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM> may intersect the front-and-rear centreline <NUM> at an angle. For example, each of the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM> may intersect the front-and-rear centreline <NUM> diagonally or transversely. Accordingly, each of the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM> may be oriented diagonally or transversely with respect to the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>.

The first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the second battery <NUM> of the second battery size inserted into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be along the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. Accordingly, each of first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may lie on the front-and-rear centreline <NUM> and be spaced apart from each other. Hence, by selectively fitting the first battery <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> to the battery holder <NUM>, the weight distribution of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be switched between the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> along the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>.

The first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the second battery <NUM> of the second battery size inserted into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be laterally offset from the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. Accordingly, each of first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may not lie on the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. The first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may be laterally offset to a same side from the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. The first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may be laterally offset to opposite sides from the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. One of the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may be along the front-and-rear centreline <NUM> while another one of the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may be laterally offset from the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. However, regardless of whether the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> is along the front-and-rear centreline <NUM> or laterally offset from the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>, the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may still be spaced rearward from the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> with respect to the with respect to the front region <NUM> and the rear region <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal front end portion 112a and the longitudinal rear end portion 114a of the elongated housing 110a).

<FIG> shows a schematic diagram of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> with the first battery <NUM> fitted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>. <FIG> shows a schematic diagram of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> with the second battery <NUM> fitted into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>. A width of the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be smaller than a width of the first battery <NUM> and a width of the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be smaller than a width of the second battery <NUM>. When the first battery <NUM> is fitted to the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>, a side of the first battery <NUM> may protrude from a border of the first battery slot <NUM> so as to extend over or into the second battery slot <NUM> due to the width of the first battery <NUM> being wider than the width of the first battery slot <NUM>. When the second battery <NUM> is fitted to the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>, a side of the second battery <NUM> may protrude from a border of the second battery slot <NUM> so as to extend over or into the first battery slot <NUM> due to the width of the second battery <NUM> being wider than the width of the second battery slot <NUM>. Accordingly, the battery holder <NUM> may prevent the first battery slot <NUM> receiving the first battery <NUM> simultaneously with the second battery slot <NUM> receiving the second battery <NUM>. Hence, the battery holder <NUM> may not be fitted with the first battery <NUM> into the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery <NUM> into the second battery slot <NUM> at the same time.

<FIG> show schematic cross-sectional diagrams of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> (or the elongated housing 110a) may include a cover part <NUM>. The cover part <NUM> may be removably placed over the battery holder <NUM> to conceal the battery holder <NUM>. The cover part <NUM> may be removably attached to the rest of the housing <NUM> (or the elongated housing 110a), or may be removably attached to the battery holder <NUM>, or may be removably attached to internal frame structures of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>.

The cover part <NUM> may include a protrusion <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> may extend from an underneath surface of the cover part <NUM>. The underneath surface of the cover part <NUM> may be facing the battery holder <NUM> when the cover part <NUM> is placed over the battery holder <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> may be extending towards the battery holder <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> may serve as a retainer or a stopper rib to prevent the first battery <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> from displacing or dislodging out of the first battery slot <NUM> or the second battery slot <NUM> respectively. Accordingly, an end face of the protrusion <NUM> may be suspended above the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM>. Hence, when the first battery <NUM> is fitted into the first battery slot <NUM>, a first portion of the end face of the protrusion <NUM> may be suspended above the first battery slot <NUM> so as to be loosely abutting the first battery <NUM>. Similarly, when the second battery <NUM> is fitted into the second battery slot <NUM>, a second portion of the end face of the protrusion <NUM> may be suspended above the second battery slot <NUM> so as to be loosely abutting the second battery <NUM>. Thus, the first portion and the second potion of the end face of the protrusion <NUM> may respectively block or obstruct the first battery <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> from being displaced or dislodged out of the first battery slot <NUM> or the second battery slot <NUM> respectively.

<FIG> shows a schematic diagram with further details of the battery holder <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. The first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may include a first pair of opposing support walls <NUM>, <NUM> for respectively engaging a cap and a base of the first battery <NUM> (for example see <FIG>) so as to hold the first battery <NUM> therebetween. The first pair of opposing support walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be at opposite longitudinal ends of the first battery slot <NUM> so as to define a length of the first battery slot <NUM>. Accordingly, the first pair of opposing support walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be spaced apart by a first predetermined distance, for defining the length of the first battery slot <NUM>, so as to be sized to hold the first battery <NUM>. Hence, the first predetermined distance may be equal or longer than a length of the first battery <NUM>. The second battery slot <NUM> may include a second pair of opposing support walls <NUM>, <NUM> for respectively engaging against a cap and a base of the second battery <NUM> (for example see <FIG>) so as to hold the second battery <NUM> therebetween. The second pair of opposing support walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be at opposite longitudinal ends of the second battery slot <NUM> so as to define a length of the second battery slot <NUM>. Accordingly, the second pair of opposing support walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be spaced apart by a second predetermined distance, for defining the length of the second battery slot <NUM>, so as to be sized to hold the second battery <NUM>. Hence, the second predetermined distance may be equal or longer than a length of the second battery <NUM>. The second predetermined distance may be different from the first predetermined distance since the first battery <NUM> and the second battery <NUM> are of different battery sizes. For example, the second predetermined distance may be shorter than the first predetermined distance when the first battery <NUM> is of a battery size (e.g. AA) that is longer than the second battery <NUM> of another battery size (e.g. AAA).

A first wall <NUM> of the first pair of opposing support walls of the first battery slot <NUM> may include a tab <NUM> and a second wall <NUM> of the first pair of opposing support walls of the first battery slot <NUM> may include a spring <NUM>. The tab <NUM> and the spring <NUM> of the first battery slot <NUM> may respectively press against the cap and the base of the first battery <NUM> so as to cooperatively hold the first battery <NUM> in the first battery slot <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may include, but not limited to, coil spring, conical spring, volute spring, flat spring, torsion spring, or disc spring. The tab <NUM> may be made of a conductive material for connecting a positive terminal of the first battery <NUM> at the cap of the first battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may be made of a conductive material for connecting a negative terminal of the first battery <NUM> at the base of the first battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>.

A first wall <NUM> of the second pair of opposing support walls of the second battery slot <NUM> may include a tab <NUM> and a second wall <NUM> of the second pair of opposing support walls of the second battery slot <NUM> may include a spring <NUM>. The tab <NUM> and the spring <NUM> of the second battery slot <NUM> may respectively press against the cap and the base of the second battery <NUM> so as to cooperatively hold the second battery <NUM> in the second battery slot <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may include, but not limited to, coil spring, conical spring, volute spring, flat spring, torsion spring, or disc spring. The tab <NUM> may be made of a conductive material for connecting a positive terminal of the second battery <NUM> at the cap of the second battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may be made of a conductive material for connecting a negative terminal of the second battery <NUM> at the base of the second battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the tab <NUM> of the first battery slot <NUM> and the tab <NUM> of the second battery slot <NUM> may be independently connected to the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>, and the spring <NUM> of the first battery slot <NUM> and the spring <NUM> of the second battery slot <NUM> may be independently connected to the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. Accordingly, inserting the first battery <NUM> into the first battery slot <NUM> may connect the positive terminal of the first battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> via the tab <NUM> of the first battery slot <NUM>, and may connect the negative terminal of the first battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> via the spring <NUM> of the first battery slot <NUM>. Similarly, inserting the second battery <NUM> into the second battery slot <NUM> may connect the positive terminal of the second battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> via the tab <NUM> of the second battery slot <NUM>, and may connect the negative terminal of the second battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> via the spring <NUM> of the second battery slot <NUM>. Hence, the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be powered by selectively inserting the first battery <NUM> into the first battery slot <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> into the second battery slot <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a variation in a connection between the battery holder <NUM> and the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. The tab <NUM> of the first battery slot <NUM> and the tab <NUM> of the second battery slot <NUM> may be interconnected. For example, the battery holder <NUM> may include a first conducting track <NUM> to interconnect the tab <NUM> of the first battery slot <NUM> and the tab <NUM> of the second battery slot <NUM>. The first conducting track <NUM> may then be connected to the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. The spring <NUM> of the first battery slot <NUM> and the spring <NUM> of the second battery slot <NUM> may be interconnected. For example, the battery holder <NUM> may include a second conducting track <NUM> to interconnect the spring <NUM> of the first battery slot <NUM> and the spring <NUM> of the second battery slot <NUM>. The second conducting track <NUM> may then be connected to the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. Accordingly, inserting the first battery <NUM> into the first battery slot <NUM> may connect the positive terminal of the first battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> via the first conducting track <NUM> through the tab <NUM> of the first battery slot <NUM>, and may connect the negative terminal of the first battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> via the second conducting track <NUM> through the tab <NUM> of the second battery slot <NUM>. Similarly, inserting the second battery <NUM> into the second battery slot <NUM> may connect the positive terminal of the second battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> via the first conducting track <NUM> through the spring <NUM> of the first battery slot <NUM>, and may connect the negative terminal of the second battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> via the second conducting track <NUM> through the spring <NUM> of the second battery slot <NUM>. Hence, the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> may be powered by selectively inserting the first battery <NUM> into the first battery slot <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> into the second battery slot <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic diagram of the first battery <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> connected to the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. The electrical components <NUM> may include an overcurrent circuit at the connection between the electrical components <NUM> and the first battery <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> to protect against overcurrent. For example, the overcurrent circuit may include, but not limited to, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) fuse. According to various embodiments, the electrical components <NUM> may include an overvoltage circuit at the connection between the electrical components <NUM> and the first battery <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> to protect against overvoltage. The overvoltage circuit may be configured to cutoff the supply when the input voltage exceeds a preset value or to regulate the input voltage such that it is always lesser than or equal to the preset value. For example, the overvoltage circuit may include, but not limited to, a Zener diode and a bipolar transistor. The electrical components <NUM> may include a battery reverse polarity protection circuit at the connection between the electrical components <NUM> and the first battery <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> to protect against the battery being inserted in reverse polarity. The battery reverse polarity protection circuit may be configured to prevent damage to the electrical components <NUM> when the battery polarity is reversed. For example, the battery reverse polarity protection circuit may include, but not limited to, a diode.

<FIG> shows different views of a computer mouse <NUM> (or a battery-operated computer mouse) according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the computer mouse <NUM> includes all the features and limitations of the example of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM> of <FIG> previously described, and is further described in the following with the same reference characters referring to the same/common parts throughout. <FIG> shows the computer mouse <NUM> with the cover part <NUM> of the housing <NUM> removed and with the second battery <NUM> inserted into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> according to various embodiments. <FIG> shows another view of the computer mouse <NUM> to illustrate an underneath surface 516a of the cover part <NUM> of the housing <NUM> according to various embodiments. <FIG> shows a top view of the computer mouse <NUM> without the cover part <NUM> and with the second battery <NUM> inserted into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> according to various embodiments. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional side view of the computer mouse <NUM> with the second battery <NUM> inserted into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> and a representation of the first battery <NUM> at the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the computer mouse <NUM> includes the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be an exterior casing of the computer mouse <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the housing <NUM> may define an inner cavity to house or encase or enclose the electrical components <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the electrical components <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may include, but not limited to, one or a combination of a circuit board, integrated circuits, electronic components, sensors, detectors, receivers, transmitters, switches, processors, or memory. The electrical components <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may be configured for serving as a handheld pointing device to control a graphical user interface of a computer.

According to various embodiments, the housing <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> includes the front region <NUM> and a rear palm-rest region 514b as the rear region <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the front region <NUM> may be directed away from a user and the rear palm-rest region 514b may be directed towards the user when the computer mouse <NUM> is in use while being held in the hand of the user. Accordingly, when the computer mouse <NUM> is placed on a table, the rear palm-rest region 514b of the computer mouse <NUM> may be received by the palm of the user with the user holding the computer mouse <NUM> such that the front region <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may be directed or pointed away from the user. Hence, when the computer mouse <NUM> is in use and is being held in the hand of the user, the user may hold the computer mouse <NUM> with the front region <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> directed or pointed away from the user while the rear palm-rest region 514b of computer mouse <NUM> may be directed or pointed to the user. The front region <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> is opposite the rear palm-rest region 514b of computer mouse <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the housing <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may be an elongated housing 110a. According to various embodiments, the elongated housing 110a of the computer mouse <NUM> may include a longitudinal front end portion 112a and a longitudinal rear end portion 114a. The longitudinal front end portion 112a and the longitudinal rear end portion 114a may be two opposite longitudinal end portions of the elongate housing 110a. According to various embodiments, the longitudinal front end portion 112a may serve as the front region <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> and the longitudinal rear end portion 114a may serve as the rear palm-rest region 514b of the computer mouse <NUM>. Accordingly, the longitudinal front end portion 112a may be directed away from the user and the longitudinal rear end portion 114a may be directed towards the user when the computer mouse <NUM> is in use while being held in the hand of the user.

According to various embodiments, the computer mouse <NUM> includes a battery holder <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the battery holder <NUM> is disposed within the housing <NUM> or the elongated housing 110a. Accordingly, the battery holder <NUM> may be housed or encased or enclosed by the housing <NUM> or the elongated housing 110a.

According to various embodiments, the battery holder <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may include at least two (or two or more) battery slots <NUM>, <NUM> (or battery bays) for receiving at least two (or two or more) different types of batteries <NUM>, <NUM> (see for example <FIG>). The different types of batteries <NUM>, <NUM> may be of different battery sizes. For example, a first type of battery <NUM> may have a first battery size and a second type of battery <NUM> may have a second battery size, which is different from the first battery size. According to various embodiments, the at least two battery slots <NUM>, <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be in a side-by-side arrangement. According to various embodiments, the electrical components <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may be configured to be powered by one or more batteries of the same battery sizes. Accordingly, the electrical components <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may be powered when one or more batteries of the first type is fitted into the battery holder <NUM> or when one or more batteries of the second type is fitted into the battery holder <NUM>. According to various embodiments, when different types of batteries <NUM>, <NUM> of different battery sizes are used in the computer mouse <NUM>, a weight distribution of the computer mouse <NUM> may be changed or varied or altered or adjusted or customized. Accordingly, the user may selectively switch between using different types of batteries <NUM>, <NUM> of different battery sizes to power up the computer mouse <NUM> so as to vary or adjust or customize the weight distribution of the computer mouse <NUM> depending on the hand sizes and wrist strength, as well as the different usage scenarios and/or requirements. For example, the user may flexibly switch between different types of batteries <NUM>, <NUM> of different battery sizes to use smaller battery for reducing the overall weight of the computer mouse <NUM> or to use larger battery if battery life is more important.

According to various embodiments, the battery holder <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> includes a first battery slot <NUM> (or first battery bay) and a second battery slot <NUM> (or second battery bay). According to various embodiments, each of the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM> may be a channel or a groove or a narrow elongated depression. According to various embodiments, the first battery slot <NUM> is sized to hold the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size. According to various embodiments, the second battery slot <NUM> is sized to hold the second battery <NUM> of the second battery size. The first battery size and the second battery size are different battery sizes. According to various embodiments, the second battery slot <NUM> is alongside the first battery slot <NUM> so as to be in a side-by-side arrangement with the first battery slot <NUM>. Accordingly, the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM> may be parallel to each other, and may be immediately adjacent to each other such that the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM> may be bordering each other.

According to various embodiments, the electrical components <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> are powered by either the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>, or the second battery <NUM> of the second battery size inserted into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>. Accordingly, the electrical components <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may be powered with only the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>. The electrical components <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may also be powered with only the second battery <NUM> of the second battery size inserted into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>. Hence, the electrical components <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may only require one of the first battery <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> to be fitted to the battery holder <NUM> to power the electrical components <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the battery holder <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may be disposed in a manner so as to serve as an adjustable weight distribution mechanism to shift the centre of gravity of the computer mouse <NUM>. Accordingly, by fitting the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> or fitting the second battery <NUM> of the second battery size into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>, the centre of gravity of the computer mouse <NUM> may be changed or varied or altered or adjusted or customized. Hence, by selectively fitting the first battery <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> to the battery holder <NUM> for powering the electrical components <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM>, the weight distribution of the computer mouse <NUM> may be changed or varied or altered or adjusted or customized so as to suit the user's hand sizes and/or wrist strength, as well as the different usage scenarios and/or requirements. Further, the battery holder <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may also serve to provide flexibility of using different battery sizes at the user's disposal. For example, providing the user the options of using smaller battery for reducing the overall weight of the computer mouse <NUM> or using larger battery if battery life is more important.

According to various embodiments, the battery holder <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> serving as the adjustable weight distribution mechanism may shift the centre of gravity of the computer mouse <NUM> between a first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> and a second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the second battery <NUM> of the second battery size inserted into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> is rearward of the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> with respect to the front region <NUM> and/or the rear palm-rest region 514b of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal front end portion 112a and/or the longitudinal rear end portion 114a of the elongated housing 110a). Accordingly, the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may be closer to the rear palm-rest region 514b of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal rear end portion 114a of the elongated housing 110a). Hence, the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may be closer to the front region <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal front end portion 112a of the elongated housing 110a) and may be forward of the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the battery holder <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may be configured to serve as the adjustable weight distribution mechanism for switching the computer mouse <NUM> between different weight modes, including but not limited to, at least a balanced-weight mode and a rear-heavy mode, or a front-heavy mode and a balanced-weight mode, or a front-heavy mode and a rear-heavy mode. According to various embodiments, in the balanced-weight mode, the centre of gravity of the computer mouse <NUM> may be around a middle or centre of the computer mouse <NUM>. According to various embodiments, in the front-heavy mode, the centre of gravity of the computer mouse <NUM> may be ahead of the middle or centre of the computer mouse <NUM> and towards the front region <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal front end portion 112a of the elongated housing 110a). According to various embodiments, in the rear-heavy mode, the centre of gravity of the computer mouse <NUM> may be after the middle or centre of the computer mouse <NUM> and towards the rear palm-rest region 514b of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal rear end portion 114a of the elongated housing 110a).

According to various embodiments, the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be aligned to a battery-free centre of gravity of the computer mouse <NUM>. The battery-free centre of gravity of the computer mouse <NUM> may be the centre of gravity of the computer mouse <NUM> when no batteries are inserted or fitted to the battery holder <NUM>. In order words, the battery-free centre of gravity of the computer mouse <NUM> may be the centre of gravity of the computer mouse <NUM> when unladen or not loaded with batteries. Accordingly, the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> and the battery-free centre of gravity of the computer mouse <NUM> may coincide. Hence, the centre of gravity of the computer mouse <NUM> may not shift forward or rearward with respect to the front region <NUM> and the rear palm-rest region 514b of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal front end portion 112a and the longitudinal rear end portion 114a of the elongated housing 110a) regardless of whether the first battery <NUM> is inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may correspond to the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM>. Accordingly, the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may serve as a visual indicator for a location of the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM>. For example, a centre of the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be aligned to or may coincide with the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM>. Hence, the centre of the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may provide a visual reference for the location of the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may correspond to the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM>. Accordingly, the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may serve as a visual indicator for a location of the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of computer mouse <NUM>. For example, a centre of the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be aligned to or may coincide with the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM>. Hence, the centre of the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may provide a visual reference for the location of the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the battery holder <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may be disposed within the housing <NUM> (or the elongated housing 110a) in a manner such that each of the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM> may be non-parallel with a front-and-rear centreline <NUM> extending perpendicularly between the front region <NUM> and the rear palm-rest region 514b of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal front end portion 112a and the longitudinal rear end portion 114a of the elongated housing 110a). The front-and-rear centreline <NUM> may run through a centre of the housing <NUM> (or the elongated housing 110a) from the front region <NUM> to the rear palm-rest region 514b (or from the longitudinal front end portion 112a to the longitudinal rear end portion 114a) so as to divide the housing <NUM> (or the elongated housing 110a) into two equal lateral portions. Accordingly, a slot axis of the first battery slot <NUM> may be at an angle or slanted with respect to the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. Similarly, a slot axis of the second battery slot <NUM> may be at an angle or slanted with respect to the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. According to various embodiments, each of the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM> may intersect the front-and-rear centreline <NUM> at an angle. For example, each of the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM> may intersect the front-and-rear centreline <NUM> diagonally or transversely. Accordingly, each of the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM> may be oriented diagonally or transversely with respect to the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in the computer mouse <NUM>, the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the second battery <NUM> of the second battery size inserted into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be along the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. Accordingly, each of first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may lie on the front-and-rear centreline <NUM> and be spaced apart from each other. Hence, by selectively fitting the first battery <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> to the battery holder <NUM>, the weight distribution of the computer mouse <NUM> may be switched between the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> along the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in the computer mouse <NUM>, the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the first battery <NUM> of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> associated with the second battery <NUM> of the second battery size inserted into the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be laterally offset from the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. Accordingly, each of first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may not lie on the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may be laterally offset to a same side from the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may be laterally offset to opposite sides from the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. According to various embodiments, one of the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may be along the front-and-rear centreline <NUM> while another one of the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may be laterally offset from the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>. However, regardless of whether the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> and the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> is along the front-and-rear centreline <NUM> or laterally offset from the front-and-rear centreline <NUM>, the second predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> may still be spaced rearward from the first predetermined centre of gravity <NUM> with respect to the with respect to the front region <NUM> and the rear palm-rest region 514b of the housing <NUM> (or the longitudinal front end portion 112a and the longitudinal rear end portion 114a of the elongated housing 110a).

According to various embodiments, in the computer mouse <NUM> (for example as shown in <FIG>), the width of the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be smaller than the width of the first battery <NUM> and the width of the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may be smaller than the width of the second battery <NUM>. According to various embodiments, when the first battery <NUM> is fitted to the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>, the side of the first battery <NUM> may protrude from the border of the first battery slot <NUM> so as to extend over or into the second battery slot <NUM> due to the width of the first battery <NUM> being wider than the width of the first battery slot <NUM>. According to various embodiments, when the second battery <NUM> is fitted to the second battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM>, the side of the second battery <NUM> may protrude from a border of the second battery slot <NUM> so as to extend over or into the first battery slot <NUM> due to the width of the second battery <NUM> being wider than the width of the second battery slot <NUM>. Accordingly, the battery holder <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may prevent the first battery slot <NUM> receiving the first battery <NUM> simultaneously with the second battery slot <NUM> receiving the second battery <NUM>. Hence, the battery holder <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may not be fitted with the first battery <NUM> into the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery <NUM> into the second battery slot <NUM> at the same time.

According to various embodiments, in the computer mouse <NUM>, the housing <NUM> (or the elongated housing 110a) may include the cover part <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the cover part <NUM> may be removably placed over the battery holder <NUM> to conceal the battery holder <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the cover part <NUM> may be removably attached to the rest of the housing <NUM> (or the elongated housing 110a), or may be removably attached to the battery holder <NUM>, or may be removably attached to internal frame structures of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. According to various embodiments, in the computer mouse <NUM>, the cover part <NUM> may be an upper part <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (or the elongated housing 110a). According to various embodiments, the housing <NUM> (or the elongated housing 110a) may include the upper part <NUM> and a base part <NUM>. The upper part <NUM> and the base part <NUM> may be two separate parts of the housing <NUM> (or the elongated housing 110a). The upper part <NUM> may be a top case cover of the exterior casing of the computer mouse <NUM>. The base part <NUM> may be a bottom case cover of the exterior casing of the computer mouse <NUM>. According to various embodiments, assembling the upper part <NUM> and the base part <NUM> together may define the inner cavity for housing, or encasing, or enclosing the internal components <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM>. Accordingly, the upper part <NUM> may be removably coupled to the base part <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the battery holder <NUM> may be fixedly coupled to or be integral with the base part <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (or the elongated housing 110a).

According to various embodiments, in the computer mouse <NUM>, the cover part <NUM> may include the protrusion <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the protrusion <NUM> may extend from the underneath surface 516a of the cover part <NUM>. The underneath surface 516a of the cover part <NUM> may be facing the battery holder <NUM> when the cover part <NUM> is placed over the battery holder <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the protrusion <NUM> may be extending towards the battery holder <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the protrusion <NUM> may serve as the retainer or the stopper rib to prevent the first battery <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> from displacing or dislodging out of the first battery slot <NUM> or the second battery slot <NUM> respectively. Accordingly, an end face 518a of the protrusion <NUM> may be suspended above the first battery slot <NUM> and the second battery slot <NUM>. Hence, when the first battery <NUM> is fitted into the first battery slot <NUM>, a first portion 518b of the end face 518a of the protrusion <NUM> may be suspended above the first battery slot <NUM> so as to be loosely abutting the first battery <NUM>. Similarly, when the second battery <NUM> is fitted into the second battery slot <NUM>, a second portion 518c of the end face 518a of the protrusion <NUM> may be suspended above the second battery slot <NUM> so as to be loosely abutting the second battery <NUM>. Thus, the first portion 518b and the second potion 518c of the end face of the protrusion <NUM> may respectively block or obstruct the first battery <NUM> or the second battery <NUM> from being displaced or dislodged out of the first battery slot <NUM> or the second battery slot <NUM> respectively. The first portion 518b of the end face 518a of the protrusion <NUM> may have a profile corresponding to the first battery <NUM>. The second portion 518c of the end face 518a of the protrusion <NUM> may have a profile corresponding to the second battery <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the battery holder <NUM> of the computer mouse <NUM> may include a dongle socket <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the dongle socket <NUM> may be configured to hold a dongle <NUM> for the computer mouse <NUM>. The dongle <NUM> may be for plugging to a computer such that the computer mouse <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to the computer. According to various embodiments, the dongle socket <NUM> may be adjacent the second battery slot <NUM> such that the second battery slot <NUM> may be between the first battery slot <NUM> and the dongle socket <NUM>. Accordingly, the dongle socket <NUM> may be alongside a longitudinal side of the second battery slot <NUM> that is opposite the first battery slot <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the dongle socket <NUM> may be oriented parallel to the second battery slot <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in the computer mouse <NUM>, the first battery slot <NUM> of the battery holder <NUM> may include the first pair of opposing support walls <NUM>, <NUM> for respectively engaging the cap and the base of the first battery <NUM> so as to hold the first battery <NUM> therebetween. According to various embodiments, the first pair of opposing support walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be at opposite longitudinal ends of the first battery slot <NUM> so as to define the length of the first battery slot <NUM>. Accordingly, the first pair of opposing support walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be spaced apart by the first predetermined distance, for defining the length of the first battery slot <NUM>, so as to be sized to hold the first battery <NUM>. Hence, the first predetermined distance may be equal or longer than the length of the first battery <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the second battery slot <NUM> may include the second pair of opposing support walls <NUM>, <NUM> for respectively engaging against the cap and the base of the second battery <NUM> so as to hold the second battery <NUM> therebetween. According to various embodiments, the second pair of opposing support walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be at opposite longitudinal ends of the second battery slot <NUM> so as to define the length of the second battery slot <NUM>. Accordingly, the second pair of opposing support walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be spaced apart by the second predetermined distance, for defining the length of the second battery slot <NUM>, so as to be sized to hold the second battery <NUM>. Hence, the second predetermined distance may be equal or longer than the length of the second battery <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the second predetermined distance may be different from the first predetermined distance since the first battery <NUM> and the second battery <NUM> are of different battery sizes. For example, the second predetermined distance may be shorter than the first predetermined distance when the first battery <NUM> is of a battery size (e.g. AA) that is longer than the second battery <NUM> of another battery size (e.g. AAA).

According to various embodiments, in the computer mouse <NUM>, the first wall <NUM> of the first pair of opposing support walls of the first battery slot <NUM> may include the tab <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> of the first pair of opposing support walls of the first battery slot <NUM> may include the spring <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the tab <NUM> and the spring <NUM> of the first battery slot <NUM> may respectively press against the cap and the base of the first battery <NUM> so as to cooperatively hold the first battery <NUM> in the first battery slot <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the spring <NUM> may include, but not limited to, coil spring, conical spring, volute spring, flat spring, torsion spring, or disc spring. According to various embodiments, the tab <NUM> may be made of a conductive material for connecting the positive terminal of the first battery <NUM> at the cap of the first battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the spring <NUM> may be made of a conductive material for connecting the negative terminal of the first battery <NUM> at the base of the first battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first wall <NUM> of the second pair of opposing support walls of the second battery slot <NUM> may include the tab <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> of the second pair of opposing support walls of the second battery slot <NUM> may include the spring <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the tab <NUM> and the spring <NUM> of the second battery slot <NUM> may respectively press against the cap and the base of the second battery <NUM> so as to cooperatively hold the second battery <NUM> in the second battery slot <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the spring <NUM> may include, but not limited to, coil spring, conical spring, volute spring, flat spring, torsion spring, or disc spring. According to various embodiments, the tab <NUM> may be made of a conductive material for connecting the positive terminal of the second battery <NUM> at the cap of the second battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the spring <NUM> may be made of a conductive material for connecting the negative terminal of the second battery <NUM> at the base of the second battery <NUM> to the electrical components <NUM> of the battery-operated handheld device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in the computer mouse <NUM>, the first wall <NUM> of the first pair of opposing support walls of the first battery slot <NUM> and the first wall <NUM> of the second pair of opposing walls of the second battery slot <NUM> may be aligned. Accordingly, the first wall <NUM> of the first battery slot <NUM> and the first wall <NUM> of the second battery slot <NUM> may be side-by-side and may be continuous in a straight manner without interruption.

Claim 1:
A battery-operated computer mouse (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising
a housing (<NUM>) to enclose electrical components (<NUM>) of the computer mouse (<NUM>), the housing having a rear palm-rest region (514b, <NUM>) and a front region (<NUM>) opposite the rear palm-rest region (514b, <NUM>); and
a battery holder (<NUM>) disposed within the housing (<NUM>),
characterised in that the battery holder (<NUM>) comprises
a first battery slot (<NUM>) sized to hold a first battery (<NUM>) of a first battery size, and
a second battery slot (<NUM>) alongside the first battery slot (<NUM>) so as to be in a side-by-side arrangement with the first battery slot (<NUM>), the second battery slot (<NUM>) sized to hold a second battery (<NUM>) of a second battery size, the second battery size being different from the first battery size,
wherein the electrical components (<NUM>) of the computer mouse (<NUM>, <NUM>) are powered by either the first battery (<NUM>) of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot (<NUM>) of the battery holder (<NUM>) or the second battery (<NUM>) of the second battery size inserted into the second battery slot (<NUM>) of the battery holder (<NUM>),
wherein the battery holder (<NUM>) is disposed in a manner so as to serve as an adjustable weight distribution mechanism to shift a centre of gravity of the computer mouse (<NUM>, <NUM>) between a first predetermined centre of gravity associated with the first battery (<NUM>) of the first battery size inserted into the first battery slot (<NUM>) of the battery holder (<NUM>) and a second predetermined centre of gravity associated with the second battery (<NUM>) of the second battery size inserted into the second battery slot (<NUM>) of the battery holder (<NUM>), wherein the second predetermined centre of gravity is rearward of the first predetermined centre of gravity with respect to the front region (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>).