CN112545122A

CN112545122A - Watchband with braided strands

Info

Publication number: CN112545122A
Application number: CN202010644563.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·S·吕; O·八部; Z·P·马斯; C·J·麦克伊; B·A·史蒂文森; H·H·陈
Original assignee: Apple Inc
Current assignee: Apple Inc
Priority date: 2019-09-26
Filing date: 2020-07-07
Publication date: 2021-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2040-07-07
Also published as: CN117918624A; KR20210036797A; KR20220122589A; KR20230113232A; KR102437540B1; CN117918623A; KR102556870B1; CN117918625A; CN112545122B

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a watch band having braided strands. A stretchable watch band may include braided strands that provide a comfortable fit around a wrist of a user. The band may stretch and conform to the user based on the elasticity within each strand and based on the ability of the strands to move relative to each other. The end portion of the band may include an attachment element that securely connects the band to the case of the watch. The end portion may be configured to be releasably connected to the housing in a manner that is reliable and easy for a user. In addition, the wristband may provide a smooth transition from the size and/or shape of the case to the size and/or shape of the continuous portion of the wristband. In addition, the band may conceal its portions other than the braided strands when attached to the case of the watch.

Description

Watchband with braided strands

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 62/834,172 entitled "WATCH BAND WITH BRAIDED STRANDS" filed on 15.4.2019 and U.S. provisional application 62/906,638 entitled "WATCH BAND WITH BRAIDED STRANDS" filed on 26.9.9.2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the securing of wearable devices, and more particularly to watch bands having braided strands.

Background

Some electronic devices may be removably attached to a user. For example, a wristwatch or fitness/health tracking device may be attached to the user's wrist by wrapping around the wrist. In many cases, the wristband may have discrete available fit adjustment increments. For example, some straps have incrementally user adjustable dimensions (e.g., buckles, pins, eyelets, etc.), while other straps have substantially fixed dimensions that are adjustable only with specialized tools and/or expertise (e.g., folding watchbuckles, unfolding watchbuckles, snap-in watchbuckles, etc.). Other bands may be elastic extension bands that stretch to fit around the wrist of the user. The comfort and the degree of securing of the electronic device may depend on the function and arrangement of the wristband.

Drawings

Some of the features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purposes of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a watch having a watch band according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 shows a top view of the watch band.

Fig. 3 shows a top view of the wristband and case in a separated configuration.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the band and case of FIG. 3 in an attached configuration.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the watch band and case.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the wristband and case taken along line A-A of FIG. 4.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a strand having a core filament and an outer filament.

Fig. 8 shows a top view of the watch band.

Fig. 9 shows a top view of the band in a stretched configuration.

Fig. 10 shows a top view of a watch band in a stretched configuration with adhesive.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of a watch band after a portion thereof has been removed.

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the anchoring element.

Fig. 13 shows a view of anchoring elements extending from within a strand.

Fig. 14 shows a perspective and exploded view of the watch band.

Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of the band of fig. 14 in an assembled configuration.

Fig. 16 shows a perspective and exploded view of the watch band.

Fig. 17 shows a perspective view and an exploded view of the watch band.

Fig. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the band of fig. 17.

Fig. 19 shows a perspective and exploded view of the watch band.

Fig. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the band of fig. 19.

Fig. 21 shows a perspective and exploded view of the watch band.

Fig. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the band of fig. 21.

Fig. 23 shows a top view of the locking mechanism.

FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism taken along line B-B of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 shows a top view of the wristband and case.

FIG. 26 shows a cross-sectional view of the band and case of FIG. 25 taken along line C-C.

FIG. 27 shows a top view of a watch band and case.

FIG. 28 shows a cross-sectional view of the band and case of FIG. 27 taken along line D-D.

FIG. 29 shows a top view of a watch band and case.

FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the wristband and case taken along line E-E of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of a watch band.

FIG. 32 shows a cross-sectional view of the band of FIG. 31.

Detailed Description

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details shown herein and may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.

An electronic device such as a wristwatch or fitness/health tracking device may be attached to the wrist of a user by a wristband. It may be desirable to maintain a secure attachment to the wrist so that the electronic device does not become excessively dislodged or slip off of the user's wrist. The securing of the electronic device in close proximity to the user may also be important for the function of electronic components such as biometric sensors. Additionally, it may be desirable to maximize the comfort of the user when wearing the electronic device. Often, a secure attachment may exert an undesirable amount of force on the user's wrist. In many cases, if the wristband is too tight, conventional wristbands can snag, clamp, or pull on the user's hair or skin during use. In other cases, if the band is too loose, the band may slide along the user's wrist, rotate around the user's wrist, or may otherwise be uncomfortable or confusing to the user. These problems may be exacerbated during strenuous exercise, such as when running or performing athletic activities.

Moreover, adjusting the size or fit of a conventional wristband typically requires multiple steps, special tools, and/or technical expertise. The sizing options available to the user may not be sufficient to obtain a proper fit. The fit may be different and/or may be perceived as different given a particular environment (e.g., temperature, humidity) or biological condition (e.g., sweat, inflammation). Some wearable electronic devices may be multi-purpose devices that provide both fitness/health tracking and timing functions. Thus, the user may prefer that the fit of the watch varies with use. For example, a user may prefer a looser fit in a time keeping mode and a tighter fit in a fitness/health tracking mode. Thus, users of conventional wristwatches and/or fitness/health tracking devices may need to frequently adjust between fixed discrete size increments.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a stretchable watch band with braided strands that provide a comfortable fit around a user's wrist. The band may stretch and conform to the user based on the elasticity within each strand and based on the ability of the strands to move relative to each other. This allows the wristband to assume a variety of different sizes as needed and in response to external forces. The wristband also distributes the force evenly across a wide area on the user's wrist. Such adaptability is provided without requiring the user to actively adjust the wristband (e.g., with a clasp, etc.).

While a substantial portion of the band may be stretchable and flexible, the end portions of the band may include attachment elements that securely connect the band to the case of the watch. The end portion may be configured to be releasably connected to the housing in a manner that is reliable and easy for a user. In addition, the wristband may provide a smooth transition from the size and/or shape of the case to the size and/or shape of the continuous portion of the wristband. For example, the watch may taper from a wider portion at the housing to a narrower portion extending away from the housing. The tapered portion may remain despite movement of the strands during bending, flexing, and stretching. In addition, the band may conceal its portions other than the braided strands when attached to the case of the watch. In this way, the braided strands may be the only visible portion of the band, providing an aesthetic appearance.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to fig. 1-16. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

According to some embodiments, such as shown in fig. 1, watch 2 includes a watch body 10 worn on the wrist with a band 50. Watch body 10 may be portable and also attached to other body parts of a user or other devices, structures, or objects. Band 50 may be flexible and wrap around at least a portion of a wrist of a user. By securing watch body 10 to a user, band 50 provides security and convenience. In some embodiments, watch body 10 includes a display 12 and a housing 16 for containing components.

While reference is made to a watch, it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may be applicable to a variety of watches and other consumer products, including wearable consumer products, electronic devices, and portable computing devices. Examples of other devices to which aspects of the present disclosure may be applied include cell phones, smart phones, tablets, laptops, timing devices, computerized glass and other wearable device navigation devices, sports devices, accessory devices, health monitoring devices, medical devices, wristbands, bracelets, jewelry, and the like.

For example, watch 2 may have the various functions and/or capabilities described above (e.g., computing, communication, time or time display, health monitoring, health tracking, and/or health output functions/capabilities, etc.). For example, the watch 2 is a wrist-worn multifunction device, and may include various components and/or modules. As another example, watch 2 may serve as an extension of another electronic device (or vice versa). For example, while watch 2 functions as a wrist-worn device, it may interact with a phone carried by (e.g., in a pocket) or otherwise associated with the user. As another example, watch 2 may include a wired or wireless connection system that enables the consumer product to interact with other devices. These other devices may include laptop computers, mobile phones, tablets, exercise equipment, electronic glasses, and the like.

The watch 2 may include a case 16. The outer case 16 serves to define the outer periphery 20 of the watch body 10 and to support the internal components of the wristwatch 2 in their assembled position. That is, housing 16 may enclose and support various internal components (including, for example, integrated circuit chips, processors, memory devices, and other circuitry) to provide computing and functional operations for watch 2. The case 16 may also help define the shape or form of the watch 2. That is, the outer periphery 20 of the case 16 may embody the external physical appearance of the watch 2. Thus, the housing may include various decorative and mechanical features that improve the aesthetic appearance and feel of the device.

As shown in fig. 1, the housing 16 may have a rectilinear shape. However, the housing 16 may be configured in a variety of shapes. Housing 16 may also have a substantially planar or flat top surface and a substantially planar or flat bottom surface upon which display 12 may be positioned. Although the top surface of the housing 16 and the bottom surface of the housing 16 may be substantially planar, the transition between the top surface of the housing 16 and one or more side walls of the housing may be curved. In other words, the transition from the top surface of the housing to one or more side walls (e.g., including the side in which the channel 14 is located) may be rounded such that there is a smooth transition between the top surface and the side of the housing 16. Likewise, the transition from the bottom surface of the housing 16 to one or more sidewalls of the housing 16 may have a rounded-like shape and transition.

The housing 16 (which may sometimes be referred to as a shell or an enclosure) may be formed from plastic, glass, ceramic, fiber composite, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, etc.), other suitable materials, or a combination of these materials. Further, the surface of the housing 16 may be formed of any suitable material, including aluminum, steel, gold, silver and other metals, metal alloys, ceramics, wood, plastics, various types of glass, combinations thereof, and the like.

In some embodiments, watch 2 may include one or more I/O systems. For example, watch 2 may include a display 12 configured to output various information about watch 2. Display 12 may also output data from applications and other programs being executed by watch 2. For example, watch 2 may provide information regarding time, user health, status notifications, notifications or messages received from an externally connected device or communication device and/or software executing on such a device. Watch 2 may also provide information about the application or otherwise display messages, videos, operating commands, etc. that are being executed on the consumer product.

The display 12 may also be configured to receive input. Display 12 may be integrated or incorporated with a touch panel or touch sensor that includes an array of capacitive touch electrodes. In embodiments where the display 12 is configured to receive input, the display 12 may have an input area. The input area may cover the entire display 12 or substantially all of the display 12. In another embodiment, the input area may cover only a portion of the display 12. Further, display 12 may be a multi-touch display configured to receive and process various points of contact received on the display.

Display 12 may include image pixels formed from Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), Organic LEDs (OLEDs), plasma cells, electronic ink elements, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) components, or other suitable image pixel structures. Display 12 may be shaped to cover or substantially cover a top portion of housing 16.

The watch 2 may also include other input and output mechanisms. For example, watch 2 may include or interface with one or more buttons, crown, keys, dials, touch pads, microphones, and the like. Each of these input mechanisms may be disposed on a top surface of the housing 16 and/or on one or more side walls of the housing 16. The watch 2 may also include one or more speakers, a headset interface, and the like.

Watch 2 may also be configured to provide tactile output, audio output, visual output, or a combination thereof. With respect to the haptic output, watch 2 may have one or more haptic actuators configured to provide the haptic output. The tactile output and other forms of output provided above may vary based on a variety of factors. Some of these include, but are not limited to, how watch 2 is being used, which applications are executing, information output on display 12, and the like.

The watch 2 may also comprise operating components (potentially housed with a case 16). These components may include processors, memory, communication systems, antennas, and the like. For example, watch 2 may include a processor coupled to or in communication with a memory. Watch 2 may also include one or more communication interfaces that may provide electronic communication between the communication device and any external communication network, device, or platform, such as, but not limited to, a wireless interface, a bluetooth interface, a near field communication interface, an infrared interface, a USB interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a TCP/IP interface, a network communication interface, or any conventional communication interface.

The watch 2 may also include various sensors. These sensors may include, but are not limited to, biometric sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, light sensors, optical sensors, global positioning sensors, and the like. These sensors may assist watch 2 or otherwise provide functionality to the watch. Further, readings from these sensors may be analyzed by the watch 2 and/or may be transmitted to a companion device or other product.

As also shown in fig. 1, watch 2 may include a channel 14, groove, or other such opening configured to receive a portion of a band 50. Band 50 is interchangeable with respect to body 10. Thus, the band and the watch body, as well as various combinations thereof, can include an ecosystem whereby each component of the ecosystem can be interchanged with respect to one another. For example, one watch body may be used with various watch bands. As another example, a band may be used with various watch bodies.

Referring now to fig. 2, band 50 can provide a continuous structure extending between end portions 110 thereof, each of which is attached to the case. The watch band 50 can be stretchable to allow the watch band 50 to be worn and removed on a user's hand and securely coupled to the user's wrist. Thus, band 50 does not require separate parts to be connected together (e.g., with a clasp). Alternatively, band 50 may be assembled as separate parts that are connected together (e.g., with a snap ring) and optionally provide an adjustable size configuration. Such configurations may have terminal portion features as described herein.

Band 50 may include a plurality of strands 60 woven together along the length of band 50. Strands 60 may be braided together in a repeating braid pattern that may extend along a substantial length of band 50. Additionally or alternatively, multiple weave patterns may be applied at various portions of band 50. The braiding pattern may vary over the number of bundled strands grouped together. For example, the strands may be braided together by crossing a single strand or by crossing groups of multiple strands running alongside each other. The weave pattern may vary over the number of strands crossed by any given strand or group of strands. For example, the strands 60 may cross 1, 2, 3, 4, or more than 4 other strands per pass (e.g., cross above or below the other strands). Strands 60 may be turned at the edges of band 50 to continue the weave pattern. The weave pattern may allow the strands to extend generally transversely (e.g., obliquely or diagonally) relative to a longitudinal axis of band 50. Thus, the helix angle of the strands 60 relative to the longitudinal axis is offset during use to allow the band 50 to stretch (e.g., elongate) and reduce its width or contract (e.g., shorten) and increase its width. In addition, the elasticity of the individual strands 60 may contribute to the stretch ability of band 50. Thus, band 50 can be stretched to facilitate donning and removal and to facilitate comfort during use. The strands 60 may also move (e.g., flex) relative to one another to provide conformability to the wrist of a user. The weave pattern may also provide a breathable structure that allows air to pass through for cooling and moisture wicking.

As used herein, a strand is any elongate object, including a single elongate object or a collection of elongate objects (e.g., filaments, or fibers) that are arranged (e.g., braided, twisted, pleated, or laid in parallel) to form a unit for further arrangement (e.g., braided, twisted, pleated, or laid in parallel) with other strands. As used herein, a braid is an arrangement of multiple strands or other units forming a cross pattern, where the strands extend transversely (e.g., obliquely or diagonally) relative to a longitudinal axis of the braid. The braid may comprise pleated strands, interwoven strands, twisted strands, and the like.

The band 50 includes end portions 110 at opposite ends of the band 50 that fit within corresponding grooves or channels of the case 16 and allow the band 50 to be removably attached to the case of the watch body. Generally, end portion 110 can lock into the channel, thereby maintaining the connection between wristband 50 and the case.

The band 50 can provide attachment elements 70 at each of the end portions 110. The attachment element 70 may be coupled to the strand 60 that extends and/or terminates within the end portion 110. For example, the attachment elements 70 may surround and/or cover at least some of the ends of the strands 60. The attachment element 70 may provide rigid structural support for the end portion 110 for insertion into the channel. For example, the attachment element 70 is formed of metal or other rigid material. The attachment elements 70 may retain a defined shape that corresponds to the shape of the channel into which each attachment element is inserted. The attachment elements 70 may cover only a portion of the strands at the respective end portions, as further described herein.

Watchband 50 can have a locking mechanism 190 at attachment element 170. The locking mechanism 190 may protrude beyond the outer surface of the attachment element 70 to engage a portion of the watch body, such as within or adjacent to the channel of the housing. The user may release the locking mechanism 190 to allow the end portion 110 to slide out or otherwise move out of the channel. It should be understood that various locking mechanisms can be employed, such as locks, snaps, clasps, threads, and pins included on the band 50 and/or the watch body for securely attaching the band 50 to the watch body.

The band 50 may have one or more friction pads 192 integrated with the attachment element 70. Friction pads may be positioned at various locations on attachment element 70 of band 50 and serve to increase friction, limit movement, and maintain spacing of end portions 110 within the channel. At least a portion of the or each friction pad 192 extends or protrudes from one or more surfaces of the attachment element 70. The portion of the friction pad 192 that extends beyond the outer surface of the attachment element 70 functions to: (1) increasing friction between the end portion 110 and a channel of an electronic device housing in which the end portion 110 is to be placed; and (2) maintain or substantially maintain a spacing between one or more surfaces of the end portion 110 and a channel surface of an electronic device housing in which the end portion 110 is to be placed. Because the friction pad 192 helps maintain the spacing between the tip portion 110 and the channel, undesirable movement, rattling, and/or noise caused by any movement of the tip portion 110 may be reduced when the tip portion 110 is contained within the channel. Additionally or alternatively, end portion 110 of band 50 can have a thickness that can be slightly greater than the channel dimension. As such, the end portion 110 may have to be compressed to enter the channel, but expanded within the channel to secure the end portion 110 within the channel.

Referring now to fig. 3 and 4, the band is insertable into the channel of the watch body. As shown in fig. 3, the end portion 110 including the attachment element 70 may be slid laterally into the channel 14 formed in the case 16 of the watch body 10. The attachment element 70 may provide structural rigidity during insertion.

As further shown in fig. 3, band 50 (e.g., strands 60) may form end portions 110 for residing within channels 14. The end portion 110 may have a first width 112. The first width 112 may be the maximum width of the end portion 110 or any width of the end portion 110 that is within the channel 14 when the end portion 110 is in the channel 14. The first width 112 may be defined by one or more outer strands 60A positioned at opposite sides of the attachment element 70. The outer strands 60A may define at least a portion of the outermost periphery of the end portions 110, as further described herein.

Band 50 (e.g., strands 60) may also form tapered portion 120 for residing outside of channel 14. The tapered portion 120 may extend away from the tip portion 110.

Band 50 (e.g., strands 60) may also form an extension 130 that extends away from tapered portion 120. The extension portion 130 can have a second width 132 that is substantially uniform along the length of the extension portion 130. It should be understood that the width will vary based on the location and diameter of the strands 60 that are turned around the edge of the extension 130. As used herein, the width is substantially uniform along the length of the extension 130 if the width variation is less than the diameter of the strands forming the extension 130. Thus, even if the second width 132 varies slightly based on the diameter of the strands 60, the weave pattern may provide an evenly distributed pitch of the strands at a consistent helix angle to maintain a substantially uniform second width 132.

The tapered portion 120 tapers from the first width 112 to the second width 132 along the length of the tapered portion 120 as compared to the substantially uniform second width 132 of the extension portion 130. The taper may have, for example, a linear, curved, logarithmic, elliptical, exponential, parabolic shape, and combinations thereof.

As shown in fig. 4, the end portion 110 may be inserted and secured within the channel 14. The end portion 110 may have a contoured shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the contoured shape of the housing 16, such as at the outer perimeter 20. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the width of channel 14 may be substantially equal to the width of end portion 110 of band 50. When the end portion 110 is fully inserted, as shown in fig. 4, at least a portion of the outer surface of the end portion 110 is flush or substantially flush with the outer periphery 20 defined by the outer shell 16. The outer strands 60A may be located at opposite lateral ends thereof within the channel 14 and on opposite sides of the attachment element 70. The outer strands 60A may be located entirely within, aligned with, or protruding from the outer periphery 20 defined by the outer shell 16.

When the end portion 110 is inserted into the channel 14, the attachment element 70 may be completely enclosed within the channel 14. For example, no portion of the attachment element 70 may extend outside of the channel 14.

The attachment element 70 may be arranged such that no portion of the attachment element 70 is visible from outside the channel 14. The tapered portion 120 may cover (e.g., optically block) at least a portion of the channel 14. Additionally, the outer strands 60A may cover (e.g., optically block) at least a portion of the channels 14. On the other side of the attachment element 70, the inner surface of the housing 16 may abut the attachment element 70, and the housing 16 may cover (e.g., optically block) at least a portion of the channel 14. Thus, no portion of the attachment element 70 is visible from the exterior of the channel 14 when located within the channel 14. The results include that only the strands are visible, providing an appearance based only on the strands and not any other support structure.

When the tip portion 110 is located in the channel 14, the tapered portion 120 may be located outside the channel. Thus, the tapered portion 120 may be located outside the channel and visible to the user. The tapered portion 120 may taper from both the first width 112 of the tip portion 110 and the outer periphery 20 of the outer shell 16. Thus, the profile of the outer periphery 20 of the shell 16 may smoothly transition to the tapered width of the tapered portion 120, which in turn transitions to the substantially uniform second width 132 of the extension portion 130. Thus, tapered portion 120 can provide a smooth contour that imparts a continuous appearance across case 16 and band 50. The result includes a visually appealing appearance of a well integrated case and wristband.

Tapered portion 120 may extend along a significant length of band 50 to provide a gradual transition. For example, the tapered portion 120 may extend between 2mm and 20mm along the longitudinal length, such as about 5mm along the length. As another example, the tapered portion 120 may extend along a length that spans the intersection of at least two strands. Thus, the taper is distributed across the plurality of strand crossing portions. In contrast, stretching only the ends of the outermost strands will not provide such distributed tapers, but will instead widen the segment spanning about one strand crossing. The distribution of the tapers described herein may be achieved by spreading multiple strands, as further described herein.

Referring now to fig. 5 and 6, the band is insertable into the channel of the watch body. As shown in fig. 5, the outer strands 60A may cover (e.g., optically block) at least a portion of the channels 14. The outer strands 60A may form loops at the channels 14 (e.g., within the channels) such that the ends of the outer strands 60A are formed by continuous portions of the outer strands 60A. The shape of the ring may be similar to the shape of the channel 14 such that the ring fits within the channel and substantially fills the end of the channel 14.

As shown in fig. 6, the channel 14 may have an undercut that retains the tip portion 110 within the channel 14. The channel 14 of the housing 16 has an open height at the opening of the channel 14 and a maximum width within the channel 14. The maximum width may be greater than the opening width to form an undercut. Thus, due to the undercut formed by the channel 14, the opening width of the channel may be configured to limit movement of the tip portion 110 in a direction perpendicular to the lateral insertion and removal directions.

As further shown in fig. 6, the attachment element 70 may be arranged such that no portion of the attachment element 70 is visible from outside the channel 14. The strands 60, outer strands 60A, and outer shell may cover (e.g., optically block) at least a portion of the channels 14. Thus, no portion of the attachment element 70 is visible from the exterior of the channel 14 when located within the channel 14.

As further shown in fig. 6, the end portion 110 includes a locking mechanism 190. The locking mechanism 190 may extend through one or more openings of the attachment element 70. The locking mechanism 190 may engage a portion of the housing 16, such as the groove 22 extending from the channel 14. The locking mechanism is configured to securely engage the housing 16 until actuated by a release button 18 within the housing 16. The locking mechanism may be biased to engage the housing 16 when the end portion 110 is inserted into the passage 14. The release button 18 may be biased away from the locking mechanism 190 and accessible to a user for actuation.

Referring now to fig. 7, each strand 60 may be formed in one of a variety of arrangements. For example, as shown in fig. 7, each strand 60 may include one or more filaments 62. Where multiple filaments 62 are used, the filaments 62 may extend parallel to one another or may be woven or otherwise bonded together. The filaments 62 may be stretched or elongated along their longitudinal length. The filaments 62 may include an elastic material, an elastomer, a rubber, a nitrile, a hydrogenated nitrile, ethylene-propylene, a fluorocarbon compound, chloroprene, a silicone, a fluorosilicone, a polyacrylate, an ethylene acrylic acid, a styrene butadiene, a polyurethane, a natural rubber, or combinations thereof.

In some examples, one or more filaments 62 may be surrounded by braided filaments 64. Braided filaments 64 may form a cylindrical sheath that surrounds and binds one or more filaments 62 together. Thus, braided filaments 64 may define an interior portion within which filaments 62 reside. Braided filaments 64 may be stretched along their respective lengths and offset with respect to one another. Filaments 64 may provide the outer surface of strand 60. Various aspects of filaments 64 (e.g., color, thickness, number, pattern) may be selected accordingly. Filaments 64 may include an elastic material, an elastomer, a rubber, a nitrile, a hydrogenated nitrile, ethylene propylene, a fluorocarbon, chloroprene, a silicone, a fluorosilicone, a polyacrylate, an ethylene acrylic, a styrene butadiene, a polyurethane, a natural rubber, or combinations thereof. The material of filaments 64 may be the same as or different from the material of filaments 62.

Referring now to fig. 8-11, the strands 60 of the band may be spread apart to form widened end portions and tapered portions. As shown in fig. 8, the strands 60 may be arranged in a braided pattern. The weave pattern may be uniform along at least a portion of the length of the band. One or more (e.g., a pair) of the strands may be separated to form the outer strands 60A on opposite sides. The outer strand 60A may remain separated from the other strand 60. The stitches 80 may be disposed across the width of the band such that the stitches 80 cross and engage the plurality of strands 60. The stitches 80 may be formed from one or more filaments in a stitch pattern. The stitches 80 may be stretchable based on the elasticity of the material and/or its arrangement. The stitches 80 may engage one or more (e.g., all) of the strands 60 across the width of the band.

As shown in fig. 9, the stitch 80 may be stretched by pulling on the ends of the stitch. Because the stitches 80 engage the one or more strands 60 of the band across the width of the band, stretching the stitches 80 causes the strands 60 to spread apart and move away from each other to increase the overall width in localized areas (e.g., from the second width 132 to the first width 112). The spreading of the strands 60 may be substantially uniform such that the density of the strands decreases uniformly across the entire stitch area. Likewise, the spreading of the strands 60 may cause each strand to move based on how far it is from a central location within the band. Thus, the spreading of the strands 60 at the stitch 80 causes a corresponding spreading in the area further away from the stitch 80. This expansion provides the shape and form of the tapered portion.

As shown in fig. 10, adhesive 90 may be provided to the strands 60 adjacent the stitches 80. For example, adhesive 90 may be applied to one or more sides of the band and in direct contact with strands 60 as stitches 80 are stretched and strands 60 are spread away from each other. The binder 90 may comprise a thermoplastic material, such as polycarbonate, that may melt or partially melt to bond to and infiltrate the strands 60. The binder 90 may then cool and retain a more rigid shape to hold the strands 60 in place.

As shown in fig. 11, a portion of strand 60 may be severed at a location that separates strand 60 and a portion of adhesive 90 from stitch 80. For example, a sacrificial portion of the workpiece may be designated for removal. The sacrificial portion may include the traces 80 such that the traces 80 and any attachment structures do not form part of the final product. The new end of the band may be defined by the adhesive 90 and the ends of the strands 60. The end may be designated as end portion 110. The end portion 110 may have a first width 112 or another width that forms the first width 112 when paired with the outer strand 60A. The tapered portion 120 may taper from the tip portion 110 to an extension portion 130 having a second width 132. In the terminal portion 110, the strands 60 are maintained in a braiding pattern having a first helix angle 114 that is different than a second helix angle 134 formed in the extension 130. As used herein, the helix angle is the angle formed between the direction of strand extension and the longitudinal axis 52 of the band. As shown in FIG. 11, the first helix angle 114 in the tip portion 110 may be greater than the second helix angle 134 in the extension portion 130. The helix angle within the tapered portion 120 correspondingly transitions from the first helix angle 114 to the second helix angle 134.

Referring now to fig. 12 and 13, an anchoring element 100 is provided to couple the outer strand to an attachment element to form an end portion of the band. As shown in fig. 12, the anchoring element may include an inner portion 104 for residing within the outer strand and one or more outer portions 102 extending away from the inner portion 104. The inner portion 104 may be formed into a shape corresponding to the desired shape of the outer strands. For example, the inner portion 104 may define a path along the loop to be formed by the outer strand 60A. In such examples, the inner portion 104 may be curved to form at least a portion of a loop. As another example, the inner portion 104 may form a shape similar to or conforming to the profile of the channel into which the outer strand 60A is inserted. Although a pair of outer portions 102 are shown, it should be understood that any number of outer portions 102 may be provided. The outer portion 102 may optionally be straight and/or extend in substantially similar (e.g., parallel) directions.

As shown in fig. 13, the inner portion 104 of the anchoring element 100 may be positioned within the outer strand 60A, and the outer portion 102 of the anchoring element 100 may extend away from the outer strand 60A. For example, the inner portion 104 may extend within the braided filaments 64 of the outer strand 60A. Accordingly, the braided filaments 64 may be wrapped around the inner portion 104 along with filaments (not shown). Because the anchoring element 100 may be more rigid than the outer strands 60A, the outer strands 60A may retain a fixed shape based on the shape of the inner portion 104. Moreover, the position and/or orientation of the outer strands 60A may be maintained when the outer portion 102 of the anchoring element 100 is coupled to another structure (e.g., an attachment element), as further described herein.

Referring now to fig. 14 and 15, the strands can be coupled to an attachment element to form an end portion of a watch band. For example, as shown in fig. 14, the strands 60 may terminate at regions that are optionally bonded by a binder 90. The outer strands 60A (each having an anchoring element 100) may be positioned at the same end proximate to the binder 90. The attachment element 70 may provide an inner portion 72 for receiving the strand 60.

As shown in fig. 15, the attachment elements 70 may be disposed over the strands 60 and the binder 90. For example, the attachment element 70 may completely cover the adhesive 90. Additionally, the outer strands 60A may be coupled to the attachment element 70 by securing the anchoring element 100 to the opposite side of the attachment element 70. The strands 60, anchoring elements 100, and/or binder 90 may be secured within the inner portion 72 of the attachment element 70 by one or more of a variety of mechanisms. For example, a binder may be provided to bond two or more of these components together. Other mechanisms, such as welding and/or other mechanical attachment are contemplated. Such mechanisms may be fixed or removable. Such mechanisms may be completely contained within the interior portion 72 of the attachment element 70 so as not to be visible.

Referring now to fig. 16, an alternative design is shown with additional detail. It should be understood that the embodiment shown in fig. 16 is a more detailed example of the previously shown embodiment, providing additional and/or alternative features that may optionally be provided to achieve the above-described aspects. As shown in fig. 16, the strands 60 may terminate at regions that are optionally bonded by a binder 90. The outer strands 60A may be positioned at the same end proximate to the binder 90. Anchoring element 100 may be provided to couple outer strand 60A to attachment element 70 via another structure, such as intermediate element 140. For example, each of the anchoring elements 100 may extend through the outer strand 60A and may be held in place against the intermediate element 140 by a joining element 142 that is welded or otherwise coupled to the intermediate element 140. The attachment element 70 may provide an inner portion 72 for receiving the intermediate element 140. The intermediate member 140 may be secured within the inner portion 72 of the attachment member 70 by one or more of a variety of mechanisms. For example, an adhesive may be provided to couple two or more of these components together. Other mechanisms, such as welding and/or other mechanical attachment are contemplated. Such mechanisms may be fixed or removable. Such mechanisms may be completely contained within the interior portion 72 of the attachment element 70 so as not to be visible.

A locking mechanism 190 may be provided that extends through openings in the attachment member 70 and the intermediate member 140. As shown, the locking mechanism 190 may be an assembly of components that move relative to each other and extend through opposite sides of the attachment element 70 and the intermediate element 140. The locking mechanism 190 may engage and/or interact with different portions of the channel when inserted therein. One or more friction pads 192 may also be included on the attachment element 70, as described herein.

Referring now to fig. 17 and 18, another design is shown with additional detail. It should be understood that the embodiment shown in fig. 17 can be considered a more detailed example of the previously shown embodiments, providing additional and/or alternative features that can optionally be provided to achieve the above-described aspects. As shown in fig. 17, the strands 60 may terminate at regions that are optionally bonded by a binder 90. The outer strands 60A may be positioned at the same end proximate to the binder 90. An anchoring element 100 may be provided to couple the outer strand 60A to the attachment element 70 in cooperation with another structure, such as an intermediate element 140. For example, each of the anchoring elements 100 may extend through the outer strands 60A and be held in place by the plate member 144 and/or the intermediate member 140. Anchor member 100 may be welded or otherwise coupled to a corresponding one of plate member 144 and intermediate member 140.

The strands 60 and/or binder 90 may be coupled to the attachment elements 70 via the plate element 144, the intermediate elements 140, and the pins 146. For example, a portion of the strands 60 and/or the binder 90 may be placed between the plate member 144 and the intermediate member 140. The pin 146 may extend through a corresponding one of the intermediate member 140, the adhesive 90, and the plate member 144. The pins 146 may be securely coupled (e.g., fused, welded, adhered, etc.) to each of the intermediate members 140 and a corresponding one of the plate members 144.

As shown in fig. 18, the attachment member 70 may provide an inner portion 72 for receiving the intermediate member 140, the plate member 144, and the pin 146. The intermediate member 140 may be secured within the inner portion 72 of the attachment member 70 by one or more of a variety of mechanisms. For example, an adhesive may be provided to couple two or more of these components together. Other mechanisms, such as welding and/or other mechanical attachment are contemplated. Such mechanisms may be fixed or removable. Such mechanisms may be completely contained within the interior portion 72 of the attachment element 70 so as not to be visible.

Referring now to fig. 19 and 20, another design is shown with additional detail. It should be understood that the embodiment shown in fig. 19 can be considered a more detailed example of the previously shown embodiments, providing additional and/or alternative features that can optionally be provided to achieve the above-described aspects. As shown in fig. 19, the strands 60 may terminate at regions that are optionally bonded by a binder 90. The outer strands 60A may be positioned at the same end proximate to the binder 90. Anchoring element 100 may be provided to couple outer strand 60A to attachment element 70 in cooperation with another structure, such as intermediate element 140 and/or plate element 144. For example, each of the anchoring elements 100 may extend through the outer strands 60A and be held in place by the plate member 144 and/or the intermediate member 140. Anchor member 100 may be welded or otherwise coupled to plate member 144 and/or intermediate member 140.

The strands 60 and/or binder 90 may be coupled to the attachment elements 70 via the plate element 144, the intermediate elements 140, and the pins 146. For example, a portion of the strands 60 and/or the binder 90 may be placed between the plate member 144 and the intermediate member 140. The pin 146 may extend through the intermediate member 140, the adhesive 90, and the plate member 144. The pin 146 may be securely coupled (e.g., fused, welded, adhered, etc.) to each of the intermediate member 140 and the plate member 144. The pins 146 may have a small cross-sectional diameter such that they may extend through the strands 60 and/or the binder 90 without substantially displacing or deflecting the strands 60 from a natural position based on their weave pattern. Thus, the strands 60 and/or binder 90 may surround each of the pins 146.

Locking mechanism 190 may be disposed on one side of attachment member 70 and cap member 198 may be disposed on an opposite side of attachment member 70. The locking mechanism 190 may be part of or an assembly including components that move relative to each other. For example, the spring element 196 may bias the locking mechanism 190, as further described herein. One or more friction pads 192 may also be included on the attachment element 70, as described herein.

As shown in fig. 20, the attachment element 70 may receive the plate element 144, the intermediate element 140, the strands 60, and/or the binder 90. The intermediate member 140 may be secured within the interior portion of the attachment member 70 by one or more of a variety of mechanisms, as described above with respect to fig. 18.

The spring element 196 may be provided in a preloaded state to bias the locking mechanism 190 to protrude from the attachment element 70 when in a nominal state. While the spring element 196 is shown as a leaf spring, it should be understood that other configurations of springs may additionally or alternatively be provided. The spring element 196 is elastically deformable to allow the locking mechanism 190 to move toward and/or at least partially into the attachment element 70. Such action may occur when the attachment element 70 moves (e.g., slides laterally) within a channel of the case of the watch body. The locking mechanism 190 may include edges that form chamfers, bevels, ramps, and/or bevels such that when the locking mechanism 190 encounters an edge of a channel, the housing of the watch body forces the locking mechanism 190 to retract and move toward the attachment member 170. Within the channel, a spring element 196 forces the locking mechanism 190 to engage and/or interact with a different portion of the channel (e.g., a groove) when inserted therein. Once engaged, the locking mechanism 190 may restrict further movement within the channel. The locking mechanism 190 may be released from the channel by a button or other actuator of the watch body that can be operated by a user.

As shown, locking mechanism 190 and spring element 196 may be positioned on one side of strands 60 and/or adhesive 90 such that locking mechanism 190 and spring element 196 may operate and move without interfering with the position and/or alignment of strands 60. Thus, the strands 60 and/or the binder 90 may maintain a consistent and constant position and/or alignment such that the individual strands 60 are evenly distributed in a manner that provides a natural aesthetic appearance.

Referring now to fig. 21 and 22, another design is shown with additional detail. It should be understood that the embodiment shown in fig. 21 can be considered a more detailed example of the previously shown embodiments, providing additional and/or alternative features that can optionally be provided to achieve the above-described aspects. As shown in fig. 21, the strands 60 may terminate at regions that are optionally bonded by a binder 90. The outer strands 60A may be positioned at the same end proximate to the binder 90. Anchoring element 100 may be provided to couple outer strand 60A to attachment element 70 in cooperation with another structure, such as intermediate element 140 and/or plate element 144. For example, each of the anchoring elements 100 may extend through the outer strands 60A and be held in place by the plate member 144 and/or the intermediate member 140. Anchor member 100 may be welded or otherwise coupled to plate member 144 and/or intermediate member 140.

The strands 60 and/or binder 90 may be coupled to the attachment elements 70 via the plate element 144, the intermediate elements 140, and the pins 146. For example, a portion of the strands 60 and/or the binder 90 may be placed between the plate member 144 and the intermediate member 140. The pin 146 may extend through the intermediate member 140, the adhesive 90, and the plate member 144. The pin 146 may be securely coupled (e.g., fused, welded, adhered, etc.) to each of the intermediate member 140 and the plate member 144.

Locking mechanism 190 may be disposed on one side of attachment member 70 and cap member 198 may be disposed on an opposite side of attachment member 70. The locking mechanism 190 may be part of or an assembly including components that move relative to each other. For example, cap member 198 may be coupled to and/or integral with post 180 that extends through an opening in each of intermediate member 140 and plate member 144. The pins 146 and/or posts 180 may have a small cross-sectional diameter such that they may extend through the strands 60 and/or binder 90 without substantially displacing or deflecting the strands 60 from a natural position based on their braid pattern. Thus, the strands 60 and/or binder 90 may surround each of the pins 146 and/or posts 180. One or more friction pads 192 may also be included on the attachment element 70, as described herein.

As shown in fig. 22, the attachment element 70 may receive the plate element 144, the intermediate element 140, the strands 60, and/or the binder 90. The intermediate member 140 may be secured within the interior portion of the attachment member 70 by one or more of a variety of mechanisms, as described above with respect to fig. 18.

The spring element 196 may be arranged to bias the locking mechanism 190 to protrude from the attachment element 70 when in the nominal state. While the spring element 196 is shown as a coil spring wrapped around the post 180, it should be understood that other configurations of springs may additionally or alternatively be provided. The spring element 196 is elastically deformable to allow the locking mechanism 190 to move toward and/or at least partially into the attachment element 70. Such action may occur when the attachment element 70 moves (e.g., slides laterally) within a channel of the case of the watch body. The locking mechanism 190 may include edges that form chamfers, bevels, ramps, and/or bevels such that when the locking mechanism 190 encounters an edge of a channel, the housing of the watch body forces the locking mechanism 190 to retract and move toward the attachment member 170. Within the channel, a spring element 196 forces the locking mechanism 190 to engage and/or interact with a different portion of the channel (e.g., a groove) when inserted therein. Once engaged, the locking mechanism 190 may restrict further movement within the channel. The locking mechanism 190 may be released from the channel by a button or other actuator of the watch body that can be operated by a user.

As shown, locking mechanism 190 and cap member 198 are positioned on opposite sides of strands 60 and/or binder 90. The post 180 and spring member 196 may extend through the channel portion formed by the plate member 144 and/or intermediate member 140. The channel portions may separate the posts 180 and spring elements 196 from the strands 60 and/or adhesive 90 so that the locking mechanism 190 and spring elements 196 may be operated and moved without interfering with the position and/or alignment of the strands 60. Thus, the strands 60 and/or the binder 90 may maintain a consistent and constant position and/or alignment such that the individual strands 60 are evenly distributed in a manner that provides a natural aesthetic appearance.

Referring now to fig. 23 and 24, the locking mechanism may provide features that facilitate passage and/or securing of the attachment element relative to the watch case. Such locking mechanisms can interact with the watch case in a manner that allows the watch case to be easily attached and automatically secured with minimal user interaction.

Fig. 23 shows a top view of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism 190 may define a top surface 186 that extends along a majority of an outer perimeter of the locking mechanism 190. The top surface 186 may define the extent to which the locking mechanism 190 projects outwardly from and away from the attachment element. The top surface 186 may be substantially planar. Additionally or alternatively, the top surface 186 may have a shape that substantially conforms to or is otherwise complementary to an opposing surface at the channel wall.

The locking mechanism 190 may further define one or more side surfaces 178. The side surface 178 may extend from the top surface 186 at one or more edges thereof and/or extend away. The side surface 178 may be flat, planar, curved, or a combination thereof. At least a portion of the side surface 178 may be orthogonal to the top surface 186. The side surface 178 may face the direction of travel of the locking mechanism 190 and/or corresponding attachment element as it moves within the channel of the watch case. Thus, side surface 178 may interact with one or more other surfaces of the watch case to provide, for example, fixation of the band relative to the watch case.

The locking mechanism 190 may further define one or more angled surfaces 188. The inclined surface 188 may extend from the top surface 186 and/or the side surface 178. The inclined surface 188 may be flat, planar, curved, or a combination thereof. At least a portion of the inclined surface 188 may form a non-zero angle with respect to the top surface 186 and/or the side surface 178. For example, the inclined surface 188 may connect a portion of the top surface 186 to a portion of the side surface 178 while forming a non-zero angle with each. The side surface 178 may face the component (e.g., in a plane of movement) in a direction of travel of the locking mechanism 190 and/or corresponding attachment element as it moves within the channel of the watch case. The direction may have another component that is orthogonal to the top surface 186 (e.g., orthogonal to the plane of movement). Thus, the direction in which the inclined surface 188 faces may form a slope, wedge, or another shape, thereby converting a force along the direction of movement into a force orthogonal to the direction of movement. Such a resultant force may cause a force applied to the sloped surface 188 to move the locking mechanism 190 into the attachment element. Thus, the inclined surface 188 may interact with one or more other surfaces of the watch case to provide, for example, actuation of the locking mechanism 190.

As further shown in fig. 23, the locking mechanism 190 may define an inner side 202 and an outer side 204. On the inner side 202, the top surface 186 may be connected to the side surface 178 by one or more inclined surfaces 188. On outer side 204, top surface 186 may directly intersect (e.g., intersect) side surface 178. By providing the inclined surface 188 on a side different from the other side, the case of the watch body can interact with the locking mechanism 190 in different ways. For example, the housing may actuate the locking mechanism 190 when the attachment element is inserted into the channel, and the housing may receive the locking mechanism 190 to lock the attachment element within the channel when the attachment element is fully seated within the channel.

FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism taken along line B-B of FIG. 23. As shown in fig. 24, the locking mechanism 190 may provide different shapes on different sides thereof. For example, the locking mechanism 190 may have a first height 182 at its inner side 202 and the locking mechanism 190 may have a second height 184 at its outer side 204. The first height 182 at the medial side 202 may be less than the second height 184 at the lateral side 204. For example, the sloped surface 188 may transition from a full height of the top surface 186 (e.g., the second height 184) to a lower height (e.g., the first height 182) along the side surface 178. Such a height may refer to the overall height of the locking mechanism and/or the height of a portion of the locking mechanism that protrudes from the surface of the attachment element.

Referring now to fig. 25-30, the attachment element can facilitate attachment, securing, and release of the band relative to the watch case by movement of the locking mechanism within the attachment element. While various configurations are illustrated herein, it should be understood that the system may optionally transition from one configuration to another in any order and/or with additional steps.

Fig. 25 shows a top view of the band and case, and fig. 26 shows a cross-sectional view of the band and case taken along line C-C of fig. 25. As shown, the attachment element 170 may be partially inserted into the channel 14 defined by the case 16 of the watch body. When the locking mechanism 190 is outside of the channel 14, the locking mechanism 190 may be biased by the spring element 196 to a first configuration in which the locking mechanism extends to protrude beyond the surface of the attachment element 170.

As the attachment element 170 is further advanced through the passage 14, the locking mechanism 190 may contact the housing 16 to be actuated thereby. For example, the sloped surface 188 of the locking mechanism 190 may contact the housing 16 prior to any other portion of the locking mechanism 190 (e.g., the side surface 178). As another example, the sloped surface 188 and the portion of the housing 16 providing the contact may have complementary shapes. The edge of the inclined surface 188 (e.g., at the top surface) and the edge of the housing 16 may both extend in a direction that is inclined relative to the direction of travel of the attachment element 170 within the channel 14. Thus, the edge of the housing 16 may contact the angled surface 188 on the inside of the locking mechanism 190, rather than the side surface of the locking mechanism 190. Such contact may actuate and retract the locking mechanism 190 within the attachment element 170 (e.g., move into the attachment element). It should be understood that such actuation does not require direct input from the user, such as a force applied directly to the locking mechanism. Rather, the mere sliding of the attachment element 170 within the channel may provide contact with the housing 16 to facilitate the actuation required to allow the locking mechanism 190 to enter the channel.

Fig. 27 shows a top view of the band and case, and fig. 28 shows a cross-sectional view of the band and case taken along line D-D of fig. 27. As shown, the attachment element 170 may be further, but still only partially, inserted into the channel 14 defined by the case 16 of the watch body. When locking mechanism 190 is located within channel 14 but not within groove 22, locking mechanism 190 may be biased by spring element 196 to a second configuration in which the locking mechanism abuts a wall on the inner surface of channel 14 (e.g., and top surface 186). The second configuration of the locking mechanism 190 may be a configuration in which the locking mechanism 190 protrudes beyond the attachment element 170 to a lesser extent than the locking mechanism in the first configuration. Optionally, the locking mechanism 190 (e.g., at the top surface 186) may be flush with the attachment element 170.

Fig. 29 shows a top view of the band and case, and fig. 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the band and case taken along line E-E of fig. 29. As shown, the attachment element 170 may be fully inserted into the channel 14 defined by the case 16 of the watch body. The locking mechanism 190 may be biased by a spring element 196 to extend into the recess 22 and/or to abut the release button 18 within the recess 22. The third configuration of the locking mechanism 190 may be a configuration in which the locking mechanism 190 protrudes beyond the attachment element 170 to a greater extent than the locking mechanism in the second configuration and/or to an equal extent compared to the first configuration.

When within the groove 22, the locking mechanism 190 may contact the housing 16 to be secured thereby. For example, when a lateral force is applied to the attachment element 170, the side surface 178 of the locking mechanism 190 may contact the housing 16 prior to any other portion of the locking mechanism 190 (e.g., the angled surface 188). As another example, the side surface 178 and the portion of the housing 16 defining the recess 22 may face opposite one another. When a force tending to move the attachment element 170 is applied, the side surface 178 of the locking mechanism 190 in the third configuration (e.g., extending within the recess 22) abuts the housing 16 and prevents movement.

When the release button 18 is actuated, it may provide a force to the locking mechanism 190 to move (e.g., retract) the locking mechanism into or more toward the attachment element 170. Such a configuration may be similar to the second configuration of the locking mechanism 190. In such configurations, the side surface 178 of the locking mechanism 190 does not abut the housing 16, but rather allows the attachment element 170 to move within the channel 14. The user may then remove the attachment element 170 from the channel and remove the strap from the watch body.

Thus, the arrangement described herein allows the wristband to be attached, secured, released, and removed from the watch body without requiring complex actions by the user. The sliding of the attachment element provides an automatic passage into the passage and the release button allows the wristband to be easily released. Further, such an arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be positioned on only one side of the attachment element, such that other portions of the strap (e.g., the braided strands) may be located within the attachment element and extend across the locking mechanism.

Referring now to fig. 23 and 24, the band may be provided with surface features at an end portion thereof. As shown in fig. 23, surface features 92 can optionally be provided to extend from attachment element 70 and along the surface of strands 60 of band 50. The surface features 92 may extend any length from the attachment element 70. Although surface features 92 of fig. 23 are shown as extending only a few strands 60 in width, surface features 92 may optionally extend any distance, including to opposing attachment elements 70 at opposing ends of band 50. Surface features 92 may be features that provide information and/or an aesthetic design. Additionally or alternatively, surface features 92 can be features that provide structural support and/or enhance user comfort when wearing band 50.

Surface features 92 may be coupled directly or indirectly to strands 60 of band 50. For example, in addition to engaging with attachment elements 70, surface features 92 may be bonded to one or more of strands 60 such that the surface features remain substantially fixed against the exterior surface of band 50 along the length of the band. Surface features 92 may have an elasticity similar to the elasticity of strands 60 of band 50 such that surface features 92 may move with strands 60 and keep them bonded to the strands. Alternatively, the portions of the surface features 92 that are external to the attachment element 70 may be free of strands 60. Thus, the surface features 92 may move away from the strands 60 by flexing, bending, or otherwise pivoting at the interface with the attachment element 70.

As shown in fig. 24, the attachment elements 70 may be disposed over the strands 60, the binder 90, and a portion of the surface features 92. Surface features 92 may include one or more layers. For example, surface features 92 may include an outer layer 94 that defines an outer perimeter of surface features 92. The outer layer 94 may define the outer surface of the surface features 92. The outer layer 94 may comprise a soft textile such as microfiber, fluff, silk, cotton, or the like. The textile may optionally be laminated to the structural core, for example with an adhesive (e.g., a heat activated adhesive). At least a portion of the outer layer 94 may be located within the attachment element 70. As another example, the surface features 92 may also include an inner layer 96 between the outer layers 94. The inner layer 96 can comprise a thin structural film, textile, woven material, nonwoven material, and/or laminate. The inner layer 96 may comprise, for example, a polymer, a synthetic fabric, woven fiberglass, or the like. At least a portion of the inner layer 96 may be located within the attachment element 70. For example, a portion of the inner layer 96 may extend beyond the end of the outer layer 94 and couple to the attachment element 70.

The surface features 92 may be coupled to the attachment element 70 within an interior portion of the attachment element. The adhesive 90 of the surface features 92, the intermediate element 140, and/or the inner layer 96 may be secured within the interior portion of the attachment element 70 by one or more of a variety of mechanisms. For example, an adhesive (e.g., a heat activated adhesive) may be provided to bond two or more of these components together. Other mechanisms, such as welding and/or other mechanical attachment are contemplated. Such mechanisms may be fixed or removable. Such mechanisms may be completely contained within interior portions of the attachment element 70 so as not to be visible. As another example, inner layer 96 and/or another portion of surface features 92 may be positioned between two or more structures, such as attachment element 70 and intermediate element 140. Where the inner layer 96 may be coupled to the attachment element 70, the outer layer 94 may be coupled to the attachment element 70 only via the inner layer 96. The inner layer 96 may provide sufficient tensile strength and structural support to anchor the entire surface feature 92 to the attachment element 70.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a stretchable watch band with braided strands that provide a comfortable fit around a user's wrist. The band may stretch and conform to the user based on the elasticity within each strand and based on the ability of the strands to move relative to each other. In addition, the end portion of the wristband may include an attachment element that securely connects the wristband to the case of the wristwatch. The end portion may be configured to be releasably connected to the housing in a manner that is reliable and easy for a user. In addition, the wristband may provide a smooth transition from the size and/or shape of the case to the size and/or shape of the continuous portion of the wristband. In addition, the band may conceal its portions other than the braided strands when attached to the case of the watch.

For convenience, various examples of aspects of the disclosure are described below as terms. These examples are provided by way of example and do not limit the subject technology.

Clause a: a watch band comprising strands that are woven together to form: an end portion for residing within a channel formed in a case of a watch and having a first width located within the channel; a tapered portion for residing outside of the channel and extending away from the terminal end portion; and an extension portion extending away from the tapered portion and having a second width that is substantially uniform along a length of the extension portion, wherein the tapered portion tapers from the first width to the second width along a length of the tapered portion that is outside of the channel.

Clause B: a watch band, the watch band comprising: an attachment element for engaging a channel formed in a case of a watch; and strands braided together, at least some of the strands being partially secured within an interior portion of the attachment element, wherein the shell and the strands entirely surround the attachment element when the attachment element is located within the channel.

Clause C: a watch band, the watch band comprising: an attachment element for connecting the wristband to a case of a wristwatch; a plurality of strands braided together and extending within the attachment element; and an anchoring element extending from within one of the strands, the anchoring element being secured to the attachment element.

Clause D: a watch, the watch comprising: a watch body, the watch body comprising: a housing; a channel; a groove; and a button located within the recess; a watch band, the watch band comprising: a belt portion; an attachment element for insertion into the channel; a locking mechanism movable within the attachment element, wherein when the attachment element is partially inserted into the channel, the housing is configured to engage an angled surface of the locking mechanism to move the locking mechanism into the attachment element, and wherein when the locking mechanism is located within the groove, the housing is configured to engage a side surface of the locking mechanism to limit movement of the attachment element within the channel.

Clause E: a watch band, the watch band comprising: an attachment element for insertion into a passage of a housing; a locking mechanism movable within the attachment element between: a first configuration wherein the inclined surface of the locking mechanism protrudes from a surface of the attachment element; a second configuration wherein a top surface of the locking mechanism is biased against a wall of the channel, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration by engaging the housing with the ramped surface, the ramped surface extending from the top surface; and a third configuration, wherein the locking mechanism extends into a recess of the watch case.

Clause F: a watch band, the watch band comprising: a belt portion; a locking mechanism at an end of the band portion, the locking mechanism comprising: a top surface; a side surface, wherein the top surface intersects the side surface on an outer side of the locking mechanism; an inclined surface, wherein the inclined surface connects the top surface to the side surface on an inner side of the locking mechanism.

One or more of the above clauses may include one or more of the following features. It should be noted that any of the following clauses may be combined with each other in any combination and placed into the corresponding independent clause, e.g., clause A, B, C, D, E or F.

Clause 1: an attachment element for engaging the channel of the case of the watch, at least a portion of the tip portion being positioned within an interior portion of the attachment element.

Clause 2: the strands include outer strands coupled to opposite sides of the attachment element and defining the first width of the tip portion.

Clause 3: the strands are arranged in the end portion at a first strand density and in the extension portion at a second strand density, the first strand density being lower than the second strand density.

Clause 4: the strands are arranged in the end portion at a first helix angle and in the extension portion at a second helix angle, the first helix angle being greater than the second helix angle.

Clause 5: the strands are arranged with the same number of strands across the first width and across the second width.

Clause 6: the length of the tapered portion is at least 5 mm.

Clause 7: a binder that bonds the strands to each other in the end portions, wherein the strands in the extension portion are free to move relative to each other.

Clause 8: the first width is greater than the second width.

Clause 9: the strands include outer strands coupled to opposite sides of the attachment element and configured to occupy opposite ends of the channel when the attachment element is located within the channel.

Clause 10: the attachment element of the band is configured to slide laterally with the channel until locked relative to the case.

Clause 11: when the attachment element is located within the channel, no portion of the attachment element is located outside of the channel and the outer surface of the attachment element is covered by the shell and the strand.

Clause 12: the anchoring element includes a straight portion located outside of the one of the strands and a curved portion located within the one of the strands.

Clause 13: the anchoring element is a first anchoring element, the band further comprising a second anchoring element extending from within another of the strands, the second anchoring element being secured to the attachment element on a side opposite the first anchoring element.

Clause 14: an intermediate element positioned within the attachment element and connecting the strand to the attachment element.

Clause 15: an engagement element coupling the anchoring element to the intermediate element.

Clause 16: a locking mechanism extending through openings of the attachment element and the intermediate element, the locking mechanism configured to securely engage the case of the watch.

Clause 17: the one of the strands comprises: a core filament; and an outer filament woven together around the core filament and a portion of the anchoring element.

Clause 18: the one of the strands conforms to a shape of the anchoring element such that the one of the strands forms a loop.

Clause 19: the band further includes a spring element that biases the locking mechanism away from the attachment element.

Clause 20: the sloped surface forms a chamfer connecting a top surface of the locking mechanism to the side surface.

Clause 21: the locking mechanism is configured to protrude on only one side of the attachment element.

Clause 22: the button is biased away from the locking mechanism and is movable within the groove to push the locking mechanism into the attachment element.

Clause 23: the locking mechanism defines: an outer side facing the belt portion and having a first height; and an inner side opposite the outer side and having a second height that is less than the first height.

Clause 24: the housing is configured to engage the angled surface of the locking mechanism with an edge at an oblique angle relative to a direction of travel of the attachment element within the channel.

Clause 25: the locking mechanism further defines a side surface configured to engage the groove when the locking mechanism is in the third configuration.

Clause 26: the chamfer connects the top surfaces to form an edge that is at an oblique angle relative to a direction of travel of the attachment element within the channel.

Clause 27: a braided strand positioned within the attachment element and spanning the locking mechanism, the braided strand extending out of and away from the attachment element.

Clause 28: an attachment element within which the locking mechanism is movable; and a spring element biasing the locking mechanism away from the attachment element.

As described above, one aspect of the present technology may include collecting and using data from a variety of sources. The present disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, such collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or may be used to contact or locate a particular person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, phone numbers, email addresses, twitter IDs, home addresses, data or records related to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identity or personal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the present technology may be useful to benefit the user. For example, health and fitness data may be used to provide insight into the overall health condition of a user, or may be used as positive feedback for individuals using technology to pursue health goals.

The present disclosure contemplates that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing, or otherwise using such personal information data will comply with established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should enforce and adhere to the use of privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easily accessible to users and should be updated as data is collected and/or used. Personal information from the user should be collected for legitimate and legitimate uses by the entity and not shared or sold outside of these legitimate uses. Furthermore, such acquisition/sharing should be performed after receiving user informed consent. Furthermore, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to defend and secure access to such personal information data, and to ensure that others who have access to the personal information data comply with their privacy policies and procedures. In addition, such entities may subject themselves to third party evaluations to prove compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adjusted to the particular type of personal information data collected and/or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards including specific considerations of jurisdiction. For example, in the united states, the collection or acquisition of certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the health insurance association and accountability act (HIPAA); while other countries may have health data subject to other regulations and policies and should be treated accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country.

Regardless of the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which a user selectively prevents use or access to personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware elements and/or software elements may be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of an ad delivery service, the techniques of the present invention may be configured to allow a user to opt-in or opt-out of participating in the collection of personal information data at any time during or after registration service. In another example, the user may choose not to provide emotion-related data for the targeted content delivery service. In another example, the user may choose to limit the length of time that emotion-related data is kept, or to prohibit the development of the underlying emotional condition altogether. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications related to accessing or using personal information. For example, the user may be notified that their personal information data is to be accessed when the application is downloaded, and then be reminded again just before the personal information data is accessed by the application.

Further, it is an object of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of inadvertent or unauthorized access or use. Once the data is no longer needed, the risk can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification may be used to protect the privacy of the user. De-identification may be facilitated by removing particular identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data among users), and/or other methods, as appropriate.

Thus, while the present disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that various embodiments may be implemented without the need to access such personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present technology do not fail to function properly due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content may be selected and delivered to a user by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or an absolute minimum amount of personal information, such as content requested by a device associated with the user, other non-personal information available to a content delivery service, or publicly available information.

To illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, items such as various illustrative blocks, modules, components, methods, operations, instructions, and algorithms have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, software, or combination of hardware and software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to be exclusive, but rather refers to one or more. For example, "a" module may refer to one or more modules. The prefix "a", "an", "the" or "said" does not exclude the presence of other identical elements, without further limitation.

Headings and sub-headings (if any) are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the terms "includes," "has," and the like are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second, and the like may be used for distinguishing one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, a specific implementation, the specific implementation, another specific implementation, some specific implementation, one or more specific implementations, embodiments, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, configurations, the configuration, other configurations, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations, and the like are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such one or more phrases is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to such one or more phrases may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Disclosure relating to such one or more phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa and this applies similarly to the other preceding phrases.

The phrase "at least one of," preceding a series of items, separates any of the items by the terms "and" or, "modifying the list as a whole rather than each member of the list. The phrase "at least one" does not require the selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows the meaning of at least one of any one item and/or at least one of any combination of items and/or at least one of each item to be included. For example, each of the phrases "at least one of A, B and C" or "at least one of A, B or C" refers to a alone, B alone, or C alone; A. any combination of B and C; and/or A, B and C.

It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Unless specifically stated otherwise, it is understood that a specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in a different order. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed concurrently. The accompanying method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations, or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed serially, linearly, in parallel, or in a different order. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems may generally be integrated together in a single software/hardware product or packaged into multiple software/hardware products.

In one aspect, the terms coupled, and the like, may refer to a direct coupling. On the other hand, the terms coupled and the like may refer to indirect coupling.

Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, and the like refer to any frame of reference, not to the usual gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such terms may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

The present disclosure is provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. The present disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects.

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element need be construed according to the provisions of 35u.s.c. § 112, unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase "method to" or, in the case of a method claim, the element is stated using the phrase "step to".

The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as limiting descriptions. They are not to be considered as limiting the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples, and that various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, and all legal equivalents are embraced therein. None of these claims, however, contain subject matter that is inconsistent with the requirements of the applicable patent laws and should be interpreted in such a manner.

Claims

1. A watch, the watch comprising:

a watch body, the watch body comprising:

a housing;

a channel;

a groove; and

a button located within the recess; and

a watch band, the watch band comprising:

a belt portion;

an attachment element for insertion into the channel; and

a locking mechanism movable within the attachment element, wherein when the attachment element is partially inserted into the channel, the housing is configured to engage an angled surface of the locking mechanism to move the locking mechanism into the attachment element, and wherein when the locking mechanism is located within the groove, the housing is configured to engage a side surface of the locking mechanism to limit movement of the attachment element within the channel.

2. The watch of claim 1, wherein the band further comprises a spring element that biases the locking mechanism away from the attachment element.

3. The watch of claim 1, wherein the sloped surface forms a chamfer connecting a top surface of the locking mechanism to the side surface.

4. The watch of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to protrude on only one side of the attachment element.

5. The watch of claim 1, wherein the button is biased away from the locking mechanism and is movable within the groove to push the locking mechanism into the attachment element.

6. The watch of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism defines:

an outer side facing the belt portion and having a first height; and

an inner side opposite the outer side and having a second height that is less than the first height.

7. The watch of claim 1, wherein the band portion comprises a braided strand positioned within the attachment element and across the locking mechanism.

8. The watch of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to engage the sloped surface of the locking mechanism with an edge at an oblique angle relative to a direction of travel of the attachment element within the channel.

9. A watch band, the watch band comprising:

an attachment element for insertion into a passage of a housing; and

a locking mechanism movable within the attachment element between:

a first configuration wherein the inclined surface of the locking mechanism protrudes from a surface of the attachment element;

a second configuration wherein a top surface of the locking mechanism is biased against a wall of the channel, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration by engaging the housing with the ramped surface, the ramped surface extending from the top surface; and

a third configuration wherein the locking mechanism extends into a recess of the watch case.

10. The band recited in claim 9, wherein the band further includes a spring element that biases the locking mechanism away from the attachment element.

11. The band of claim 9, wherein:

the locking mechanism further defines a side surface configured to engage the groove when the locking mechanism is in the third configuration; and

the sloped surface forms a chamfer connecting a top surface of the locking mechanism to the side surface.

12. The band of claim 11, wherein the chamfer connects the top surfaces to form an edge that is at an oblique angle relative to a direction of travel of the attachment element within the channel.

13. The band of claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to protrude on only one side of the attachment element.

14. The band recited in claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism defines:

an outer side facing into the channel and having a first height; and

15. The band recited in claim 9, further comprising braided strands positioned within the attachment elements and spanning the locking mechanism, the braided strands extending out of and away from the attachment elements.

16. A watch band, the watch band comprising:

a belt portion; and

a locking mechanism at an end of the band portion, the locking mechanism comprising:

a top surface;

a side surface, wherein the top surface intersects the side surface on an outer side of the locking mechanism; and

an inclined surface, wherein the inclined surface connects the top surface to the side surface on an inner side of the locking mechanism.

17. The band of claim 16, further comprising:

an attachment element within which the locking mechanism is movable; and

a spring element biasing the locking mechanism away from the attachment element.

18. The band of claim 17, wherein the strap portion includes braided strands positioned within the attachment element and across the locking mechanism.

19. The band of claim 16, wherein the sloped surface forms a chamfer connecting a top surface of the locking mechanism to the side surface.

20. The band of claim 16, wherein:

the outer side has a first height; and

the inner side has a second height that is less than the first height.