Battery replacement techniques and enhancement features for a mobile computing device

Abstract

Battery replacement techniques and enhancement features for a mobile computing device are disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosed techniques may be implemented in structural device features that provide for easily and rapidly accessing and removing a battery from a mobile computing device. The disclosed techniques may be used, for example, in replacing a depleted mobile phone battery efficiently with an energized replacement battery. Various enhancement features also may be implemented, facilitating operation of the mobile computing device by the user. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A case for a mobile computing device, the case comprising:
 a body portion configured to receive and retain a first battery for the mobile computing device;   wherein the case is configured to be interfaced with a housing of the mobile computing device such that the first battery is electrically coupled with electronics of the mobile computing device to provide for at least one of:
 electrical powering of the mobile computing device directly; and 
 electrical charging of a second battery of the mobile computing device. 
   
     
     
         2 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the case is configured to permit the first battery to be mounted directly on the housing of the mobile computing device. 
     
     
         3 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the case is configured to permit the first battery to be mounted indirectly on the housing of the mobile computing device via at least one intervening element. 
     
     
         4 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the case is configured such that, in removing the case from interfacing with the housing of the mobile computing device, the first battery is removed from being electrically coupled with the electronics of the mobile computing device in tandem. 
     
     
         5 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the case is configured to be interfaced with the housing of the mobile computing device such that the first battery is disposed within a battery compartment of the mobile computing device. 
     
     
         6 . The case of  claim 5 , wherein the case is configured such that, in removing the case from interfacing with the housing of the mobile computing device, the first battery is removed from the battery compartment and being electrically coupled with the electronics of the mobile computing device in tandem. 
     
     
         7 . The case of  claim 5 , wherein the battery compartment is an opening defined in a side of the housing of the mobile computing device. 
     
     
         8 . The case of  claim 5 , wherein the case is configured to permit the first battery to slide into the battery compartment. 
     
     
         9 . The case of  claim 5 , wherein the case is configured to permit the first battery to snap onto the battery compartment. 
     
     
         10 . The case of  claim 5 , wherein the case is configured to provide for electrical coupling of the first battery and the second battery in parallel such that, upon removal of the first battery from the battery compartment, the mobile computing device draws power from the second battery. 
     
     
         11 . The case of  claim 5 , wherein the case is configured such that the first battery, when disposed within the battery compartment, is co-planar with an exterior surface of the housing of the mobile computing device. 
     
     
         12 . The case of  claim 5 , wherein the case is configured such that the first battery, when disposed within the battery compartment, occupies a full width of the housing of the mobile computing device. 
     
     
         13 . The case of  claim 5 , wherein the case is configured such that the first battery, when disposed within the battery compartment, occupies less than a full width of the housing of the mobile computing device. 
     
     
         14 . The case of  claim 1 , further comprising a photovoltaic cell configured to be electrically coupled with the electronics of the mobile computing device to provide for at least one of:
 electrical charging of the first battery;   electrical charging of the second battery; and   electrical powering of the mobile computing device directly.   
     
     
         15 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the mobile computing device is a cellular phone. 
     
     
         16 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the mobile computing device is a tablet computer. 
     
     
         17 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the mobile computing device is a notebook computer or a notepad computer. 
     
     
         18 . A system comprising:
 the case of  claim 1 ; and   the first battery.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the first battery includes a guidance feature configured to physically guide the first battery into position with respect to a battery compartment of the mobile computing device. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the guidance feature comprises either a protruding lip or a recessed channel configured to permit the first battery to slide into position with respect to the battery compartment of the mobile computing device.