Patent Publication Number: US-8978944-B2

Title: Clamp braces and related methods

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/272,555, filed on Nov. 17, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/003,514, filed on Nov. 16, 2007. The disclosures of the applications listed above are incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to braces, and relates more particularly to clamp braces and methods for manufacturing, selling, and using the same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Modern day electronics have become increasingly portable, allowing users an unprecedented degree of freedom and mobility with respect to electronic and/or wireless communications and entertainment. For example, electronic devices such as cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, and digital music players have become smaller and more functional, allowing users to carry them wherever they go. Users, however, have not evolved as fast as electronic devices, and still have only two hands to juggle their daily routines. Oftentimes, a user might not want to hand-carry an electronic device, such as to free her hands or use her hands for other purposes. In such situations, a brace can be configured to wield the electronic device in a hands-free manner. A need still exists, however, for braces that can securely wield portable devices and that can be easily and quickly positioned and/or removed from a usage position on the user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of a first apparatus or brace, in an unadjusted and unlocked configuration, according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of the brace of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the brace of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a bottom view of the brace of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an isometric view of a locking mechanism according to a second embodiment of a brace. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates the locking mechanism of  FIG. 5  in a closed or locked state. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the locking mechanism of  FIG. 5  in a fully open and unlocked state. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric view of a second brace in an unadjusted and unlatched state, according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an isometric view of the brace of  FIG. 8  in an adjusted state and configured for a relaxed fit. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of the brace of  FIG. 8  in the adjusted state, where an arrow indicates a motion to configure the brace from the relaxed fit to a bracing fit. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of the brace of  FIG. 8  in the adjusted state, and configured for the bracing fit. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an isometric view of a third brace according to a fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a flowchart of a method for selling or marketing a brace according to a fifth embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a flowchart of a method for using a brace according to a sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an isometric view of another brace configured for a relaxed fit according to a seventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates another isometric view of the brace of  FIG. 15  configured for the relaxed fit. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a different isometric view of the brace of  FIG. 15  configured for the relaxed fit. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a top view of the brace of  FIG. 15  in a partially assembled configuration. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a bottom view of the brace of  FIG. 15  in the partially assembled configuration. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a side view of the brace of  FIG. 15  in the partially assembled configuration. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates the brace of  FIG. 15  configured for a bracing fit. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a flowchart of method for manufacturing a brace according to an eighth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring of the drawings. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of different embodiments. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements. 
     The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described in the present disclosure are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. 
     The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described in the present disclosure are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as directly or indirectly connected in a physical, mechanical, or other manner. 
     The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements, mechanically and/or otherwise, either directly or indirectly through intervening elements. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable. 
     DESCRIPTION 
     In one embodiment, an apparatus to carry a portable device comprises a brace body, an adjustment mechanism coupled to the brace body, and a locking mechanism coupled to the brace body. The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the apparatus for an adjusted fit and to retain the adjusted fit for the apparatus when not in use. The locking mechanism is configured to conform to a locked state to configure the apparatus for a bracing fit and to conform to an unlocked state to configure the apparatus for a relaxed fit. The bracing fit is configured to brace the apparatus at a usage position, and the relaxed fit permits positioning of the apparatus relative to the usage position. 
     Referring now to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an apparatus or brace  1000 , in an unadjusted and unlocked configuration.  FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of brace  1000 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of brace  1000 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a bottom or underside view of brace  1000 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , brace  1000  can be any kind of attachment device capable of being worn on the body of a user, and normally employed to comfortably wield portable devices in a hands-off manner. Brace  1000  can represent, for example, an armband, a headband, a wristband, a belt, an ankleband and other similar devices, although brace  1000  is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The functional aspects of brace  1000  can be employed in many different devices not specifically depicted or otherwise described herein. 
     In the present embodiment, brace  1000  comprises a brace body  1100 , an adjustment mechanism  1200 , a locking mechanism  1300 , and a wielding mechanism  1400 . In the illustrated embodiment, brace body  1100  comprises a brace band  1110  and a brace band  1120 , both coupled together via locking mechanism  1300 . In a different embodiment, brace body  1100  can comprise a single brace band routed through locking mechanism  1300 . In other embodiments, brace body  1100  can comprise more than two brace bands coupled to each other to permit further expansion of the length of the brace. 
     Brace body  1100  can include a skin-protective exterior  1130  made of a skin-friendly material, and designed to protect the skin or clothes of users from pinching or other related harms while wearing brace  1000 . The skin-friendly material used for skin-protective exterior  1130  can include one of or a combination of more thane one of leather, cloth, fabric, foam, wool, cotton, neoprene, and/or other similar materials with skin-protective characteristics. In the present embodiment, skin-protective exterior  1130  is coupled to the underside of brace bands  1110  and  1120 , covering areas of brace body  1100  likely to come into contact with skin or clothes of users when brace  1000  is worn. In a different embodiment, skin-protective exterior  1130  can encase brace body  1100 , covering its entire underside and topside surface. In other embodiments, skin-protective exterior  1130  can comprise of the inherent exterior surface of brace body  1100 , where brace body  1100 , or at least brace bands  1110  and  1120 , is made of skin-friendly material. 
     Brace  1000  comprises adjustment mechanism  1200 , which is designed to allow users to adjust brace  1000  from a variety of lengths to an adjusted fit customized by a user for a desired usage position. In one example, the desired usage position can be a part of the user&#39;s body to which the user wants to hold brace  1000  while in use. In one embodiment, the desired usage position can be located proximate to an arm, an upper arm, a bicep, a forearm, a wrist, a head, an ankle, an upper leg, a lower leg, a waist, or another location to which brace  1000  can be braced to wield, for example, portable devices in a hands-off manner. The adjusted fit serves to pre-determine and retain measurements for a custom configuration that can securely hold brace  1000  at the desired usage position while brace  1000  is worn. Adjustment mechanism  1200  is normally capable of retaining the adjusted fit as configured by users, even when brace  1000  is not in use, such that a user does not have to readjust the adjusted fit each time she wears brace  1000 . 
     In the present embodiment, adjustment mechanism  1200  is coupled to brace body  1100 , and consists of adjustment elements  1210  and  1220 , where adjustment element  1210  couples to brace band  1110 , and adjustment element  1220  couples to brace band  1120 . In a different embodiment, adjustment elements  1210  and  1220  can be coupled to different regions of a single brace band comprising brace body  1100 , such as to opposite ends of brace body  1100  as formed by the single brace band, and/or to opposite extremes of the single brace band. In another embodiment, adjustment mechanism  1200  can be coupled to brace body  1100  by being attached or spread across more than two brace bands of brace body  1100 . 
     In the present embodiment, adjustment mechanism  1200  includes a hook and loop mechanism comprising adjustment elements  1210  and  1220 . Adjustment element  1210  comprises hook  1211 , and adjustment element  1220  comprises loop  1221 . Adjustment element  1220  can also comprise, as illustrated in the present embodiment, several loops such as loop  1221 , loop  1222 , and loop  1223 . Similarly, in other embodiments, adjustment element  1210  can comprise several hooks in addition to hook  1211 . In the present embodiment, hook  1211  is designed to allow users to configure brace  1000  to the adjusted fit by latching hook  1211  onto loop  1221 , or onto any other loop on adjustment element  1220 . Similarly, loop  1221 , and any other loop on adjustment element  1220 , can securely sheath hook  1211  when inserted by users, and can prevent hook  1211  from becoming unintentionally unsheathed such that the adjusted fit is retained even when brace  1000  is not in use. 
     In a different embodiment, adjustment mechanism  1200  can comprise a snap-button mechanism that includes a snap-button stud coupled to a first region of brace body  1100 , and a snap-button socket coupled to a second region of brace body  1100 . The snap-button mechanism can be designed to be easily engaged when the snap-button stud is inserted, or “snapped,” into the snap-button socket by a user. When engaged, the snap-button stud is securely grasped by the snap-button socket to prevent unintentional dislodgement and to retain the adjusted fit when the brace is not in use. Similarly, the snap-button mechanism can be designed to be easily disengaged when the snap-button stud is removed out of the snap-button socket by the user. 
     In another embodiment, adjustment mechanism  1200  can comprise a slide-button mechanism that includes a button coupled to a region of brace body  1100 , and an buttonhole coupled to a second region of brace body  1100 . The slide-button mechanism can be designed to be easily engaged when the button is slid into the buttonhole by a user. When engaged, the button is securely held in place by the buttonhole to prevent unintentional dislodgement and to retain the adjusted fit when the brace is not in use. Similarly, the slide-button mechanism can be designed to be easily disengaged when the button is removed from the buttonhole by the user. 
     In some embodiments, adjustment mechanism  1200  can comprise a mechanism that includes a multi-hook material attached to a first region of brace body  1100 , and a multi-loop material attached to a second region of brace body  1100 . In one example, the multi-loop and multi-hook materials can comprise hook and loop fasteners manufactured by Velcro USA, Inc., from Manchester, N.H. In some examples, a mechanism comprising multi-hook and multi-loop material can be referred to as a Velcro®-type mechanism. 
     In a different embodiment, adjustment mechanism  1200  can comprise a magnetic mechanism that includes a first magnetic element coupled to a first region of brace body  1100 , and a second magnetic element coupled to a second region of brace body  1100 . The magnetic mechanism can be designed to be easily engaged when the first and second magnetic elements are brought towards each other and coupled together via magnetic attraction. In one example, each of the first and second magnetic elements comprises a magnet. In a different embodiment, the first magnetic element comprises a magnet, and the second magnetic element comprises a magnetic metal such as iron or steel. When the first and second magnetic elements are engaged, the magnetic attraction prevents unintentional dislodgement of the first and second magnetic elements to retain the adjusted fit when the brace is not in use. Similarly, the magnetic mechanism can be designed to be easily disengaged when the first and second magnetic elements are pulled apart from each other. 
     Brace  1000  also incorporates locking mechanism  1300 . Locking mechanism  1300  can allow users to easily and swiftly configure or alternate brace  1000  from a bracing fit to a relaxed fit, and vice versa. The bracing fit can be engaged by conforming locking mechanism  1300  to a locked state for configuring brace  1000  to a tighter fitting, and is normally meant to securely hold brace  1000  to the usage position while worn. Conversely, the relaxed fit can be engaged by conforming locking mechanism to an unlocked state for configuring brace  1000  to a looser fitting, and is normally meant to allow users to easily position or remove brace  1000  towards or away from the desired usage position. As a result, relaxed fit measurements and dimensions tend to be larger and looser than bracing fit measurements for brace  1000 . 
     In the present embodiment, locking mechanism  1300  includes a clamp assembly having clamp tab  1310  coupled to clamp tab  1320  via hinge  1330 . In some embodiments, clamp tab  1310  can be referred to as a bottom clamp tab, and clamp tab  1312  can be referred to as a top clamp tab. Locking mechanism  1300  can be coupled to brace body  1000  through brace band  1110  via clamp tab  1320 , and through brace band  1120  via clamp tab  1310  and around hinge  1330 . In a different embodiment, where brace body  1100  comprises a single brace band, brace body  1100  can be routed through locking mechanism  1300  in an “S” shape fashion, entering through clamp tab  1310  and exiting through clamp tab  1320 , or vice versa. 
     Locking mechanism  1300  can be designed to permit a hinging movement of clamp tab  1310  or clamp tab  1320 , via hinge  1330 , to occur away from and opposite to an interface surface at the usage position. Such a design may prevent pinching or other harms, and can make locking mechanism  1300  more comfortable to engage or disengage. In some examples, the interface surface can comprise the skin or clothes of users. Upon the hinging of locking mechanism  1300 , two or more sections of brace body  11000  would overlap to configure brace  1000  for the bracing fit, as described in more detail below. 
     In the present example, clamp tab  1320  includes a clamp stub  1321 , and clamp tab  1310  includes a clamp slot  1311 . In some embodiments, clamp stub  1321  clamp tab slot  1311  can be referred to as locking elements. Clamp stub  1321  is designed to be firmly latchable by users into clamp slot  1311  when clamp tab  1310  and clamp tab  1320  are brought together or mated through the hinging action of hinge  1330 . In the present example, clamp stub  1321  and clamp slot  1311  are substantially equidistant from hinge  1330 . Clamp stub  1321  is also designed to be easily unlatchable by users from clamp slot  1311  when clamp tab  1310  is separated from clamp tab  1320  through the hinging action of hinge  1330 . The latching and unlatching of clamp stub  1321  with clamp slot  1311  controls the fitting of brace  1000 . Locking mechanism  1300  is conformed to the locked state when clamp stub  1321  and clamp slot  1311  are latched or locked together, thereby configuring brace  1000  for the bracing fit. Similarly, when clamp stub  1321  is unlatched from clamp slot  1311 , locking mechanism  1300  engages brace  1000  into the relaxed fit. 
     In another embodiment, locking mechanism  1300  may comprise a single-tab clamp assembly that comprises a single clamp tab with a first locking element, and a second locking element coupled directly to a part of brace body  1100 . In such an example, the single clamp tab can be similar to clamp tab  1320 , but may hinge over brace body  1100  to couple directly to the second locking element at brace body  1100 . 
     In some embodiments, locking mechanism  1300  and/or adjustment mechanism  1200  can be ergonomically tailored to fit the desired usage position. In one example, clamp tab  1310  can be curved, being concave or convex as needed with respect to the skin of users. In the same or a different example, clamp tab  1320  can be similarly curved. In the same or a different example, the ergonomic tailoring of locking mechanism  1300  can be based on standard anatomical data of average users for desired usage positions, such as the average size of upper arms, biceps, or forearms, among others. 
     In a different embodiment, locking mechanism  1300  can comprise a snap-button mechanism that includes locking elements such as a snap-button stud coupled to a first region of brace  1000 , and a snap-button socket coupled to a second region of brace  1000 . In one example, the snap-button stud is coupled to one of clamp tabs  1310  or  1320 , and the snap-button socket is coupled to the other one of clamp tabs  1310  or  1320 . In embodiments comprising a single-tab clamp assembly, locking mechanism  1300  can include the snap-button stud coupled to clamp tab  1320 , and the snap-button socket coupled to brace band  1120 . Other combinations and permutations of clamp tabs  1310  and  1320  with the snap-button stud and the snap-button socket are possible. 
     In a another embodiment, locking mechanism  1300  can comprise a slide-button mechanism that includes a button coupled to a first region of brace  1000 , and a buttonhole coupled to a second region of brace  1000 . In one example, the button is coupled to one of clamp tabs  1310  or  1320 , and the buttonhole is coupled to the other one of clamp tabs  1310  or  1320 . In embodiments comprising a single-tab clamp assembly, locking mechanism  1300  can include the button coupled to clamp tab  1320 , and the buttonhole coupled to brace band  1120 . Other combinations and permutations of clamp tabs  1310  and  1320  with of the button and buttonhole are possible. 
     In a further embodiment, locking mechanism  1300  can comprise a Velcro®-type mechanism, including multi-hook material coupled to a first region of brace  1000 , and multi-loop material coupled to a second region of brace  1000 . 
     In one example, the multi-hook material is coupled to one of clamp tabs  1310  or  1320 , and the multi-loop material is coupled to the other one of clamp tabs  1310  or  1320 . In embodiments comprising a single-tab clamp assembly, locking mechanism  1300  can include the multi-hook material coupled to clamp tab  1320 , and the multi-loop material coupled to brace band  1120 . Other combinations and permutations of clamp tabs  1310  and  1320  with the multi-hook material and the multi-hook material possible. 
     In another example, locking mechanism  1300  can comprise a magnetic mechanism that includes locking elements such as a first magnetic element coupled to a first region of brace  1000 , and a second magnetic element coupled to a second region of brace  1000 . The first and second magnetic elements could each comprise a magnet. Alternatively, the first magnetic element could comprise a magnet while the second magnetic element could comprise a magnetic metal. In one example, the first magnetic element is coupled to one of clamp tabs  1310  or  1320 , and the second magnetic element is coupled to the other one of clamp tabs  1310  or  1320 . In embodiments comprising a single-tab clamp assembly, locking mechanism  1300  can include the first magnetic element coupled to clamp tab  1320 , and the second magnetic element coupled to brace band  1120 . Other combinations and permutations of clamp tabs  1310  and  1320  with the first and second magnetic elements are possible. 
     In some embodiments, locking mechanism  1300  can also include a skin-protective exterior. In the present embodiment, locking mechanism  1300  uses the skin-protective exterior  1130  of brace band  1120  as routed under clamp tab  1310 , thus minimizing skin contact with locking mechanism  1300 . In other embodiments, locking mechanism  1300  can have its own skin protective exterior attached to it, instead of or in addition to relying upon the skin protective exterior  1130  of brace body  1100 . In other examples, the exterior surface of locking mechanism  1300  can comprise a skin-protective exterior such that locking mechanism  1300  is made of skin-friendly material 
     In the same or a different example, where brace  1000  comprises a skin-protective exterior, the skin or clothes of users at the interface surface can be protected from pinching, tearing, or other harms by preventing direct contact between the skin or clothes and parts of brace  1000  that may be sharper, rougher, or moveable. In the present embodiment, the skin protective exterior  1130  on brace band  1120  covers hinge  1330  on locking mechanism  1300 , thus preventing hinge  1330  from contacting or pinching the skin or clothes of users when locking mechanism  1300  is moved from the open to the closed positions, and vice versa. In addition, in the present example, skin protective exterior  1130  prevents most other areas of brace  1000  from directly contacting skin or clothes of users altogether, thus adding a safety and comfort margin against harm to skin or clothes due to any sharp, rough or uncomfortable edges while brace  1000  is worn. 
     In the same or a different example, locking mechanism  1300  can incorporate a curling formed on either or both of clamp tab  1310  or clamp tab  1320 . The curling can be designed to elevate and distance the location of hinge  1330  from the interface surface, such as to further minimize any possibility for pinching or harm due to contact with the hinging action of hinge  1330 . A more detailed example of the curling is further described below with reference to  FIGS. 5-7 . 
     Brace  1000  can include wielding mechanism  1400 . Wielding mechanism  1400  allows users to attach portable devices to brace  1000 , and is capable of securely wielding portable devices when brace  1000  is in use. Portable devices that can be wielded by the brace  1000  can include mechanical devices and electrical devices such as, for example, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and portable digital music players, including MP3 players such as those sold under the trademark iPod® by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. In the present example, wielding mechanism  1400  is coupled to brace band  1110  of brace body  1100 . Other examples may comprise similar wielding mechanisms coupled to locking mechanism  1300  and/or adjustment mechanism  1200 . 
     In the present illustration, wielding mechanism  1400  is coupled to brace body  1100 , and includes a wielding loop  1410  capable of securely sheathing, for example, standard clip-on tabs commonly found on many portable devices. In a different embodiment, wielding mechanism  1400  can comprise brace body  1100  itself, for example, when standard clip-on tabs of portable devices are slid over any region of brace body  1100 . In other examples, wielding mechanism  1400  can be attached instead to locking mechanism  1300  and/or to adjustment mechanism  1200 . In some embodiments, wielding mechanism  1400  can comprise a snap-button mechanism, a slide-button mechanism, a magnetic mechanism, or a Velcro®-type mechanism, among other arrangements. 
       FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7  illustrate different isometric views of locking mechanism  5300 , which is similar to locking mechanism  1300  in  FIGS. 1-4 . In particular,  FIG. 6  illustrates locking mechanism  5300  in a closed or locked state, while  FIG. 7  illustrates locking mechanism  5300  in a fully open and unlocked state. 
     In the present embodiment, locking mechanism  5300  comprises clamp tab  5312 , hingedly attached via hinge  5330  to clamp tab  5320 . In particular,  FIG. 5  illustrates clamp tab  5310  featuring ergonomic tailoring  5312 . In the same or a different embodiment, ergonomic tailoring  5312  can be designed to make locking mechanism  5300  more comfortable to wear at the desired usage position. In one example, ergonomic tailoring  5312  for clamp tab  5310  can be curved, being concave or convex as needed with respect to the skin of users. In the same or a different embodiment, an ergonomic tailoring  5322  can be implemented into clamp tab  5320 , for example, following the same methodology and for the same comfort considerations of ergonomic tailoring  5312 , or to otherwise make clamp tab  5320  easier to operate. In the same or a different example, ergonomic tailoring  5312  and/or ergonomic tailoring  5322  of locking mechanism  5300  can be based on standard anatomical data of average users for desired usage positions, such as the average size of user upper arms, biceps, or forearms, among others. 
     In the present embodiment, locking mechanism  5300  includes curling  5340  on clamp tab  5310 . Curling  5340  is meant to protect the skin and/or clothes of users from pinching and other related harms by spacing apart or raising hinge  5330  up and away from the side of locking mechanism  5300  most likely to be in contact with an interface surface when worn. In other embodiments, clamp tab  5320  could feature its own curling similar to curling  5340 . 
     In the illustrated example, locking mechanism  5300  includes a clamp handle  5324  on clamp tab  5320 . Clamp handle  5324  can be designed to assist in latching locking mechanism  5300  by providing users with better leverage to facilitate insertion of a clamp stub  5321  into a clamp slot  5311 . Similarly, clamp handle  5324  can be designed to assist in unlatching locking mechanism  5300 , providing users better grip to facilitate removal of clamp stub  5321  from clamp slot  5311 . 
     Locking mechanism  5300  is designed in the present example to allow a brace to be configured into or out of position by a user. In some examples, the brace can be similar to brace  1000  in  FIGS. 1-4 . Locking mechanism  5300  includes brace band slot set  5323  on clamp tab  5320 , designed to allow the attachment of a first portion of a brace band to locking mechanism  5300 . In some embodiments, the brace band can comprise either a single brace band strip or a plurality of brace band strips coupled together. As locking mechanism  5300  is latched by inserting clamp stub  5321  into clamp slot  5311 , clamp tab  5320  pulls the first portion of the brace band along towards clamp tab  5310 , thus configuring the brace for a bracing fit similar to the bracing fit described for brace  1000  in  FIGS. 1-4 . When locking mechanism  5300  is unlatched by removing clamp stub  5321  from clamp slot  5311 , clamp tab  5320  pulls the first portion of the brace band away from clamp tab  5310 , thus configuring brace  5000  for a relaxed fit similar to the relaxed fit described for brace  1000  in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     In the present example, locking mechanism  5300  also includes a brace band slot set  5313  divided between clamp tabs  5310  and  5320 . In other embodiments, brace band slot set  5313  can be fully contained in clamp tab  5310  or clamp tab  5320 . Brace band slot set  5313  is designed to allow the attachment of a second portion of the brace band to locking mechanism  5300 . In the present embodiment, the second portion of the brace band attaches around brace band slot set  5313 , thus covering hinge  5330  and other areas of locking mechanism  5300  likely to come into contact with the skin or clothes of users. In other embodiments, the attachment of the second brace band around brace band slot set  5313  may not necessarily prevent hinge  5330  or other parts of locking mechanism  5300  from contacting skin or clothes of users. 
       FIGS. 8-11  illustrate multiple isometric views of brace  8000  in a different embodiment of brace  1000  ( FIGS. 1-4 ). Brace  8000  includes brace body  8100 , which can be similar to brace body  1100  of  FIGS. 1-4 . Brace  8000  also includes adjustment mechanism  8200 , similar to adjustment mechanism  1200  in  FIGS. 1-4 . In addition, brace  8000  further includes locking mechanism  8300 , similar to locking mechanisms  1300  ( FIGS. 1-4 ) and  5300  in ( FIGS. 5-7 ). 
     Different modes of operation that a user might follow when using brace  8000  can be ascertained by referencing the different configurations shown in  FIGS. 8-11  for brace  8000 . References to usage modes, such as adjusted fit, relaxed fit, and bracing fit, relate to similar operating or usage configurations as described for  FIGS. 1-7 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric view of brace  8000  in an unadjusted and unlatched state, and indicates with an arrow a direction for moving adjustment mechanism  8200  to configure brace  8000  to an adjusted fit. 
     Brace  8000  comprises a brace body  8100  including brace band  8110  and a brace band  8120 , both coupled together via a locking mechanism  8300 . Locking mechanism  8300  comprises a clamp tab  8310  and a clamp tab  8320 , both hingedly coupled together via a hinge  8330 . Brace band  8120  attaches to locking mechanism  8300  via clamp tab  8320 , while brace band  8110  attaches to locking mechanism  8300  by passing through clamp tab  8310  and wrapping around hinge  8330 . Brace  8000  further comprises adjustment mechanism  8200 . Adjustment mechanism  8200  includes an adjustment assembly  8210  including at least a hook  8211  on brace band  8110 , and an adjustment assembly  8220  including at least a loop  8221  on brace band  8120 . Loop  8221  is designed to securely sheath hook  8211 , once inserted by a user, and to prevent hook  8211  from becoming unintentionally unsheathed. 
     Brace  8000  can be configured to an adjusted fit, similar to the adjusted fit described for brace  1000  in  FIGS. 1-4 . In order to configure brace  8000  to an adjusted fit, a user can first latch locking mechanism  8300  by bringing together clamp tab  8320  and clamp tab  8310  through the hinging action of hinge  8330 . Brace  8000  can then be wrapped around a desired usage position on the user&#39;s body, and can then be configured to an adjusted fit via adjustment mechanism  8200  by sheathing hook  8211  onto, for example, loop  8221 . Once custom-set by the user, the adjusted fit can be retained for brace  8000 , even while not being worn, via the sheathing action of adjustment mechanism  8200 . Adjustment mechanism  8200  thus prevents the user from having to re-configure brace  8000  to a custom adjusted fit each time it is used. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an isometric view of brace  8000  in an adjusted state and configured for a relaxed fit. The relaxed fit can be similar to the relaxed fit described for brace  1000  in  FIGS. 1-4 . Locking mechanism  8300  is shown unlatched and fully open, separating brace band  8120  away from clamp tab  8310 , thus configuring brace  8000  for a relaxed fit such that a user can more easily slide brace  8000  into or out of a desired usage position. In addition, adjustment mechanism  8200  is shown preserving the adjusted fit, with loop  8221  securely sheathing hook  8211 , even while brace  8000  is not in use. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an isometric view of brace  8000  in an adjusted state, and indicates with an arrow a motion for moving locking mechanism  8300  to configure brace  8000  from a relaxed fit to a bracing fit. The bracing fit can be similar to the bracing fit described for brace  1000  in  FIGS. 1-4 . After having set the adjusted fit for brace  8000  as described for  FIG. 8 , the user can position brace  8000  onto the desired usage position while brace  8000  remains configured for the relaxed fit as shown in  FIG. 9 . The user can then easily engage the bracing fit for brace  8000  by latching locking mechanism  8300  via the hinging action of hinge  8330 . The latching of locking mechanism  8300  pulls brace band  8120  along towards clamp tab  8310 , thus configuring brace  8000  for the bracing fit by decreasing its diameter. Once configured for bracing fit, the measurements of brace  8000  automatically match the custom previously-set adjusted fit measurements, as retained by adjustment mechanism  8200 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of brace  8000  in an adjusted state, and configured for the bracing fit. Locking mechanism  8300  is shown latched and fully closed, pulling brace band  8120  towards clamp tab  8310 , and thus configuring brace  8000  for the custom adjusted fit measurements previously set by the user. When engaged, the bracing fit will securely hold brace  8000  to the desired usage position on the user&#39;s body, allowing the user to easily carry any portable devices attachable to brace  8000 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an isometric view of a brace  12000 , which can be similar to brace  1000  ( FIGS. 1-4 ), the brace described for  FIGS. 5-7 , and brace  8000  ( FIGS. 8-11 ). Brace  12000  comprises brace body  12100 , adjustment mechanism  12200 , and locking mechanism  12300 . 
     Brace  12000  can differ from the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in that brace body  12100  comprises a single brace band  12110 , instead of both brace band  1110  and brace band  1120  as in brace body  1100  ( FIGS. 1-4 ). In the present embodiment, adjustment assembly  12220  is coupled to clamp tab  12320 , instead of to brace body  12100 , in contrast to the coupling shown in  FIG. 1  for adjustment assembly  1220 . Finally, locking mechanism  12300  comprises a complementary hook and loop latching mechanism, in contrast to the clamp stub and slot mechanism of the embodiment in  FIG. 1 . 
     In the present embodiment, adjustment assembly  12220  can serve a double purpose. Firstly, adjustment assembly  12220  can act as part of adjustment mechanism  12200 , keeping brace  12000  in an adjusted fit by holding adjustment assembly  12210  in place after brace  12000  has been adjusted by its user. Secondly, adjustment assembly  12220  can serve as a clamp handle, similar in function to clamp handle  5324  ( FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7 ), to provide better grip when latching or unlatching locking mechanism  12300 . In the same or a different embodiment, adjustment assembly  12220  can be made of a severable material, able to be cut or otherwise shortened to size, after the user has configured brace  12000  to an adjusted fit. 
     Skipping ahead to  FIGS. 15-21 , multiple views of a brace  15000  are illustrated. Brace  15000  can be similar in many aspects to brace  1000  in  FIGS. 1-4 , the brace described for  FIGS. 5-7 , brace  8000  in  FIGS. 8-11 , and/or brace  12000  in  FIG. 12 , and can be configured for adjusted, relaxed, and bracing fits similar to those fits described above. Brace  15000  comprises brace body  15100 , adjustment mechanism  15200 , locking mechanism  15300 , and wielding mechanism  17400 . Locking mechanism  15300  could be described as a clamping mechanism in some examples. In the present example, locking mechanism  15300  comprises locking elements  5311  and  5321  (not shown in  FIGS. 15-17 ), as described above for  FIGS. 5-7 .  FIG. 15-17  illustrate brace  15000  configured for the relaxed fit.  FIGS. 18-20  illustrate brace  15000  in a partially assembled configuration, with brace band  15110  not fully routed through adjustment mechanism  15200  and locking mechanism  15300 .  FIG. 21  illustrates brace  15000  configured for the bracing fit, with locking mechanism  15300  in a locked state. In the present example, locking mechanism  15300  is similar to locking mechanism  1300  in  FIGS. 1-4 , to locking mechanism  5300  in  FIGS. 5-7 , and to locking mechanism  8300  in  FIGS. 8-11 . In addition, wielding mechanism  17400  is similar to wielding mechanism  1400  in  FIGS. 1-4 . In some examples, brace  15000  could comprise a skin protective exterior at one or more of brace body  15100 , adjustment mechanism  15200 , locking mechanism  15300  and/or wielding mechanism  15400 . 
     Brace  15000  differs from the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , for example, in that brace body  15100  comprises a single brace band  15110 , instead of both brace band  1110  and brace band  1120  of brace body  1100  ( FIGS. 1-4 ). In addition, adjustment mechanism  15200  includes a glider buckle mechanism, in contrast to the hook and loop adjustment mechanism  1200  of brace  1000  in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     In the present embodiment, adjustment mechanism  15200  comprises glider buckle  15220  coupled to brace band  15110 . Glider buckle  15220  comprises glider post  15221 , glider leg  15222 , and glider leg  15223 , and is configured to slide along at least a portion of brace band  15110 . Glider legs  15222  and  15223  can form part of a continuous periphery of glider buckle  15220 , and need not be physically separated from each other. Brace band  15110  also comprises a first extreme  15111  and a second extreme  15112 . 
     In the illustrated example, brace band  15110  is coupled to locking mechanism  15300  by routing first extreme  15111  along underside  15311  of clamp tab  15310  and around hinge  15330 . The loop thus formed by first extreme  15111  around hinge  15330  is secured to region  15601  of brace band  15110  by stitching, gluing, or other suitable methods. Second extreme  15112  of brace band  15110  is routed through adjustment mechanism  15200 , entering at one side of adjustment mechanism  15200  between glider leg  15222  and glider post  15221 , continuing around glider post  15221 , and exiting at the other side of adjustment mechanism  15200  between glider post  15221  and glider leg  15223 . Brace band  15110  is then coupled to clamp tab  15320  by routing second extreme  15112  around brace band slot set  15323  of clamp tab  15320 . The routing of brace band  15110  then continues back towards glider buckle  15220 , where second extreme  15112  is looped around glider post  15221 , and then secured to glider buckle  15220  at region  15602  of brace band  15110  by stitching, gluing, or other suitable methods. 
     Based on the routing of brace band  15110  as described above, brace band  15110  could be described in terms of the following portions. A portion  15901  of brace band  15110  can extend through slot  15502  of clamp tab  15310 , to the top side of clamp tab  15320 , around hinge  15330 , and through slot  15501  back to underside  15311 . The portion  15901  that extends through slot  15501  can couple to region  15601  of brace band  15110  proximate to slot  15501 . Region  15601  can be part of portion  15901 . A portion  15902  of brace band  15110  extends from portion  15901  and couples to adjustment mechanism  15200 . A portion  15903  of brace band  15110  extends from portion  15902  and couples to slot  15503  of clamp tab  15320 . A portion  15904  of brace band  15110  extends from portion  15903  and couples back to adjustment mechanism  15200 . A portion  15905  of brace band  15110  extends from portion  15904 , through slot  15504  of adjustment mechanism  15200 , and couples to region  15602  of brace band  15110 . Region  15602  can be part of portion  15905 . 
     In the same or a different embodiment, adjustment mechanism  15200  can serve the same purposes as the adjustment mechanisms for the embodiments previously described, including adjustment mechanism  1200  in  FIGS. 1-4 . In that regard, adjustment mechanism  15200  can allow users to configure brace  15000  to an adjusted fit customized for a desired usage position. 
     The adjusted fit for brace  15000  can be configured by sliding the glider buckle of glider buckle  15220  along brace body  15100 . Because portion  15905  of brace band  15110  is coupled to glider buckle  15220 , any sliding of glider buckle  15220  inherently repositions portion  15905  as well along brace body  15100 . As a result, the diameter of clamp brace  15000  can be decreased, to configure a smaller adjusted fit, by sliding glider buckle  15220  towards clamp tab  15310 . This sliding inherently drags portion  15905  along brace body  15100 , allowing more of brace band  15110  to be routed around brace band slot set  15323  into inner side  15020  of brace  15000 . Similarly, the diameter of brace  15000  can be increased to configure a larger adjusted fit by sliding glider buckle  15220  towards clamp tab  15320 . This sliding inherently drags portion  15905  along brace body  15100 , allowing more of brace band  15110  to be routed around brace band slot set  15323  towards outer side  15010  of brace  15000 . 
     After the adjusted fit has been established, brace  15000  can be configured to and from bracing and relaxed fits through locking mechanism  15300 , as detailed for example for the previously described bracing and relaxed fits. The bracing fit could comprise locking elements  5311  and  5321  ( FIGS. 5-7 ) coupled together, upon a rotation of clamp tabs  15310  and  15320  towards each other about hinge  15330 , to overlap two or more sections of brace band  15110 . 
     Regardless of their structural differences, all braces described herein can serve similar functions of securely and comfortably wielding portable devices in a hands-off manner, and of allowing users to easily engage or disengage the bracing fit with a single hand. It should be understood that these braces are merely exemplary, and are not limited to the presented embodiments. The functional aspects of the braces can also be employed in many different devices not specifically depicted or otherwise described herein. 
     Jumping back to  FIG. 13 , a flowchart of a method  13000  for selling or marketing a brace for portable electronic devices (i.e., a PED brace) is shown. Step  13100  forms part of method  13000 , and involves making available a PED brace having an adjustment mechanism and a locking mechanism. The portable electronic devices that can be wielded by the PED brace could include, for example, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and/or portable digital music players, including MP3 players such as those sold under the trademark iPod® by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. The PED brace can be any kind of attachment apparatus capable of affixing a portable electronic device to a user for comfortable hands-off portability. The PED brace can comprise, for example, an armband, a headband, a wristband, and anklebands, a belt, and similar devices. 
     The adjustment mechanism of the PED brace provided in step  13100  can incorporate, for example, a hook and loop arrangement, where a loop assembly on the PED brace can securely sheath a hook on a hook assembly. Alternatively, the adjusting mechanism can also incorporate other arrangements, such as button-down assemblies, magnetic assemblies, or complementary hook and loop material systems. The different types of adjustment mechanisms can retain the PED brace as configured, once adjusted by the user. 
     The locking mechanism of the PED brace provided in step  13100  can incorporate, for example, a clamp assembly, where clamp tabs can be closed or opened by the user to quickly configure the PED brace for different fits. In one example, one of the different fits can be used to secure the PED brace into a desired position, while another one of the different fits can be used to allow the PED brace to be easily positioned as desired. Alternatively, the locking mechanism can also incorporate other arrangements different from a clamp assembly, such as button-down assemblies, magnetic assemblies, or complementary hook and loop material systems. 
     In step  13100 , the PED brace can be made available to purchasers or users, for example, by the manufacturer of the PED brace, distributors, marketers, or resellers. The PED brace can be made available at any point after manufacture, through marketing, or using wholesale distribution methods or retail networks that cater to midstream parties and end users. 
     In one example, the PED brace of step  13100  can be brace  1000  ( FIGS. 1-4 ), the brace described for  FIGS. 5-7 , brace  8000  ( FIGS. 8-11 ), brace  12000  ( FIG. 12 ), and/or brace  15000  ( FIGS. 15-21 ). In the same or a different example, the adjustment mechanism in step  13100  can be adjustment mechanism  1200  ( FIGS. 1-4 ), the adjustment mechanism described for  FIGS. 5-7 , adjustment mechanism  8200  ( FIGS. 8-11 ), adjustment mechanism  12200  ( FIG. 12 ), and/or adjustment mechanism  15200  ( FIGS. 15-21 ). In the same or a different example, the locking mechanism in step  13100  can be locking mechanism  1300  ( FIGS. 1-4 ), locking mechanism  5300  ( FIGS. 5-7 ), locking mechanism  8300  ( FIGS. 8-11 ), locking mechanism  12300  ( FIG. 12 ), and/or locking mechanism  15300  in  FIGS. 15-21 . 
     After step  13100 , a step  13200  of method  13000  in  FIG. 13  involves providing advice for configuring the PED brace to an adjusted fit via the adjustment mechanism introduced in step  13100 . The adjusted fit can configure the PED brace to fit the user in a custom fashion while in use, and can be set by engaging the adjustment mechanism per the advice provided in step  13200 . The advice in step  13200  can be offered to purchasers or users in general, and may be provided via different conduits such as through instruction sheets, commercials, advertisements, drawings, and other similar channels. As an example, the adjusted fit in step  13200  can be the adjusted fit described for brace  1000  in  FIGS. 1-4 , the adjusted fit for brace  8000  in  FIGS. 8-11 , the adjusted fit for brace  12000  in  FIG. 12 , and/or the adjusted fit for brace  15000  in  FIGS. 15-21 . 
     Subsequently, a step  13300  of method  13000  in  FIG. 13  involves providing advice for configuring the PED brace to a relaxed fit via the locking mechanism introduced in step  13100 . The relaxed fit can allow the user to easily maneuver or situate the PED brace to and/or from a desired usage position on the user, and can be set by positioning the locking mechanism per the advice provided in step  13300 . The advice in step  13300  can be offered to purchasers or users in general, using the same conduits as described for step  13200 . As an example, the relaxed fit in step  13300  can be the relaxed fit described for brace  1000  in  FIGS. 1-4 , the relaxed fit for brace  8000  in  FIGS. 8-11 , the relaxed fit for brace  12000  in  FIG. 12 , and/or the relaxed fit for brace  15000  in  FIGS. 15-21 . 
     Then, a step  13400  of method  13000  in  FIG. 13  involves providing advice for configuring the PED brace to a bracing fit via the locking mechanism introduced in step  13100 . The bracing fit can allow the user to securely brace the PED brace to the desired usage position on the user, and can be set by engaging the locking mechanism per the advice provided in step  13400 . The advice in step  13400  can be offered to purchasers or users in general, using the same conduits as described for steps  13200  and  13300 . As an example, the bracing fit in step  13400  can be the bracing fit described for brace  1000  in  FIGS. 1-4 , the bracing fit for brace  8000  in  FIGS. 8-11 , the bracing fit for brace  12000  in  FIG. 12 , and/or the bracing fit for brace  15000  in  FIGS. 15-21 . 
     In some examples, one or more of the different steps of method  13000  can be combined into a single step. For example, the advice of steps  13200 ,  13300 , and/or  13400  could be provided on a single instruction sheet, thereby combining steps  13200 ,  13300 , and  13400  into a single step. In the same or a different example, the sequence of one or more of the different steps of method  13000  can be changed. As an example, step  13400  could be performed before step  13300 . In the same or a different example, method  13000  can comprise further or different steps consistent with marketing or selling a PED brace. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a flowchart of a method  14000  for using a PED brace. A step  14100  of method  14000  in  FIG. 14  involves obtaining the PED brace. As an example, the PED brace in method  14000  can be the brace described for method  13000  in  FIG. 13 , among others. Similarly, the portable electronic devices that can be wielded by the PED brace in method  14000  can be any of the portable electronic devices in method  13000  in  FIG. 13 , among others. In step  14100 , the PED brace can be obtained by a user, for example, from a manufacturer, distributor, marketer, or reseller of the PED brace. 
     Next, a step  14200  of method  14000  in  FIG. 14  involves configuring the PED brace for a custom adjusted fit via an adjustment mechanism on the brace. The adjustment mechanism and custom adjusted fit can be similar to those described for method  13000  in  FIG. 13 . The custom adjusted fit could be engaged for, and retained by, the PED brace via the adjustment mechanism. 
     In order to configure the PED brace for the custom adjusted fit, a user can first engage a locking mechanism of the brace into a locked state. The locking mechanism can be similar to the locking mechanism described for method  13000 . The user can then wrap the PED brace around a desired usage position on the user&#39;s body. Once positioned, the custom adjusted fit can then be set by engaging the adjustment mechanism on the PED brace such that the PED brace will fit comfortably and securely around the desired usage position. The custom adjustment fit may be configured to be snug enough so that the brace can securely hold on to the desired usage position while wielding a portable electronic device that the user may couple to it. 
     After custom-set by the user, the adjustment mechanism can retain the custom adjusted fit for the PED brace, even while not being worn, thus preventing the user from having to re-configure the PED brace&#39;s custom adjusted fit each time it is used. Upon completion of the custom adjusted fit configuration, the user can remove the PED brace by disengaging the locking mechanism, and then sliding the PED brace off the desired usage position. 
     A step  14300  of method  14000  in  FIG. 14  involves coupling a portable electronic device to the PED brace. A user can couple the portable electronic device to the PED brace, for example, via a wielding mechanism such as wielding mechanism  1400  described for  FIGS. 1-4 , or such as wielding mechanism  17400  of  FIGS. 17-19 . among others. In the same or a different example, where the portable electronic device comprises its own holding mechanism, such as a standard clip-on tab, the user may be able to couple the portable electronic device directly onto different regions of the PED brace. 
     A step  14400  of method  14000  in  FIG. 14  comprises configuring the brace to a relaxed fit, via the locking mechanism on the brace. The relaxed fit can be similar to the relaxed fit described for method  13000  in  FIG. 13 . Whenever a user is wearing the PED brace, the user may remove the PED brace from the desired usage position by first configuring the PED brace to a relaxed fit. The relaxed fit can be configured for the PED brace by unlocking the locking mechanism. By configuring the PED brace to the relaxed fit, the user can more easily maneuver or position the PED brace relative to the desired usage position. 
     A step  14500  of method  14000  in  FIG. 14  comprises configuring the brace to a bracing fit, via the locking mechanism of the brace, for attachment onto a desired usage position. The bracing fit can be similar to the bracing fit described for method  13000  in  FIG. 13 . After the custom adjusted fit has been set as described in step  14200 , whenever a user decides to wear the PED brace, he can first configure the brace for a relaxed fit by unlocking the locking mechanism, if not already unlocked. Setting the locking mechanism to an unlocked state configures the PED brace to relaxed fit, allowing the user to more easily maneuver the PED brace to and from the desired usage position. After the user positions the PED brace as desired onto the desired usage position, the user can configure the PED brace for a bracing fit by locking the locking mechanism. The bracing fit allows the PED brace to fit comfortably and securely over the desired usage position, such that portable electronic devices can be attached and comfortably carried by the user in a hands-off manner. 
     In some examples, one or more of the different steps of method  14000  can be combined into a single step. In the same or a different example, the sequence of one or more of the different steps of method  14000  can be changed. As an example, steps  14300  can be performed before or after steps  14400  and/or  14500 . In the same or a different example, method  14000  can comprise further or different steps, such as a step for removing the brace from the desired usage position after step  14500 . 
     Moving ahead through the figures,  FIG. 22  illustrates a flowchart of a method  22000  for manufacturing a clamp brace for a portable device. In one example, the clamp brace of method  22000  can be similar to brace  1000  ( FIGS. 1-4 ), the brace described for  FIGS. 5-7 , brace  8000  ( FIGS. 8-11 ), brace  12000  ( FIG. 12 ), and/or brace  15000  ( FIGS. 15-21 ). 
     Step  22100  of method  22000  comprises providing a brace band for the clamp brace. In one example, the brace band can be similar to one or more of the brace bands of brace bodies  1100  ( FIGS. 1-4 ),  8100  ( FIGS. 8-11 ),  12100  ( FIG. 12 ), and/or  15100  ( FIGS. 15-21 ), such as brace band  12110  ( FIG. 12 ), or brace band  15110  ( FIGS. 15-12 ). In some examples, providing the brace band can comprise providing a skin protective exterior for the brace band, where the skin protective exterior can be coupled to, or an inherent characteristic of, the brace band. 
     Step  22200  of method  22000  comprises providing an adjustment mechanism to retain an adjusted fit for the clamp brace when not in use. In some examples, the adjustment mechanism can be similar to adjustment mechanism  1200  ( FIGS. 1-4 ), the adjustment mechanism described for  FIGS. 5-7 , adjustment mechanism  8200  ( FIGS. 8-11 ), adjustment mechanism  12200  ( FIG. 12 ), and/or adjustment mechanism  15200  ( FIGS. 15-21 ). The adjusted fit for the clamp brace can also be similar to the adjusted fit detailed above with respect to previously described braces. 
     Step  22300  of method  22000  comprises providing a clamping mechanism to alternate the clamp brace between a bracing fit and a relaxed fit. In some examples, the clamping mechanism of step  22300  can be similar to locking mechanism  1300  ( FIGS. 1-4 ), locking mechanism  5300  ( FIGS. 5-7 ), locking mechanism  8300  ( FIGS. 8-11 ), locking mechanism  12300  ( FIG. 12 ), and/or locking mechanism  15300  in  FIGS. 15-21 . The bracing and relaxed fits for the clamp brace of method  22000  can be similar to the bracing and relaxed fits described above with respect to previously described braces. For example, the bracing fit can be configured to brace the clamp brace of method  22000  at a usage position similar to the usage positions previously described. In addition, the relaxed fit can be configured to permit positioning of the clamp brace of method  22000  relative to the usage position. In some examples, providing the clamping mechanism can comprise providing a skin protective exterior for the clamping mechanism, where the skin protective exterior can be coupled to, or be an inherent characteristic of, the clamping mechanism. 
     The clamping mechanism of step  22300  can comprise a top clamp tab with a top locking element, a hinge coupled to the top clamp tab, and a bottom clamp tab with a bottom locking element and coupled to the hinge. In one example, the top and bottom clamp tabs, and/or the top and bottom locking elements, can be respectively similar to those described above for clamp tabs  1310  and  1320  ( FIGS. 1-4 ), clamp tabs  5310  and  5320  ( FIGS. 5-7 ), clamp tabs  8310  and  8320  ( FIGS. 8-11 ), clamp tabs  12310  and  12320  ( FIG. 12 ), and/or clamp tabs  15310  and  15320  ( FIGS. 15-21 ). In addition, the hinge can be similar to hinges  1330  ( FIGS. 1-4 ),  5330  ( FIGS. 5-7 ),  8330  ( FIGS. 8-11 ), and/or  15330  ( FIGS. 15-21 ). 
     Step  22400  of method  22000  comprises coupling the brace band of step  22100  to the adjustment mechanism of step  22200  and to the clamping mechanism of step  22300 . Upon completion of step  22400 , the relaxed fit for the clamp brace of method  22000  can be configured to comprise the top and bottom locking elements of the clamp tabs of step  22300  disengaged from each other. In addition, the bracing fit for the clamp brace of method  22000  can be configured to comprise the top and bottom locking elements coupled together to overlap two or more sections of the brace band upon a rotation of the top and bottom clamp tabs towards each other about the hinge. 
     In one example, step  22400  can comprise several sub-steps to couple the brace band of step  22100  to the adjustment mechanism of step  22200  and to the clamping mechanism of step  22300 . 
     A first sub-step of step  22400  can comprise coupling a first portion of the brace band through a first slot of the bottom clamp tab and back to a first region of the brace band proximate to the first slot of the bottom clamp tab. In the same or a different example, the first sub-step of step  22400  could comprise coupling the first portion of the brace band through a second slot of the top clamp tab and around the hinge. In some examples, this can be accomplished as illustrated for portion  15901  as routed around hinge  15330  in  FIG. 15 . 
     A second sub-step of step  22400  can comprise coupling a second portion of the brace band to the adjustment mechanism, where the second portion is adjacent to the first portion of the brace band. In one example, the second portion of the brace band can be coupled similar to portion  15902  of brace band  15100  ( FIG. 15 ). In the same or a different example, the second sub-step of step  22400  can also comprise coupling a part of the second portion of the brace band to extend along an underside of the bottom clamp tab, from the first portion of the brace band to a second slot of the bottom clamp tab. This can be done, for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 15  for the part of brace band  15100  along underside  15311  of clamp tab  15310 . 
     A third sub-step of step  22400  can comprise coupling a third portion of the brace band through a first slot of the top clamp tab, where the third portion is adjacent to the second portion of the brace band. In one example, the third portion of the brace band can be coupled similar to portion  15903  of brace band  15100  ( FIG. 15 ). 
     A fourth sub-step of step  22400  can comprise coupling a fourth portion of the brace band to the adjustment mechanism, where the fourth portion is adjacent to the third portion of the brace band. In one example, the fourth portion of the brace band can be coupled similar to portion  15904  of brace band  15100  ( FIG. 15 ). 
     A fifth sub-step of step  22400  can comprise coupling a fifth portion of the brace band through a first slot of the adjustment mechanism and to a second region of the brace band proximate to the first slot of the adjustment mechanism. The fifth portion is adjacent to the fourth portion of the brace band. In one example, the fifth portion of the brace band can be coupled similar to portion  15905  of brace band  15100  ( FIG. 15 ). In the present example, because the fifth portion of the brace band is coupled to the adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism can be configured to reposition the fifth portion of the brace band along a length of the brace band to alter a diameter of the clamp brace of method  22000 . This ability can be used, for example, to adjust the adjusted fit for the clamp brace of method  22000 . In examples where the adjustment mechanism of step  22200  comprises a glider buckle, such as glider buckle  15220  ( FIG. 15 ), the fifth portion of the brace band can comprise an end of the brace band fixedly attached around the glider post of the glider buckle. In addition, although described as different portions, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth portions of the brace band of method  22000  need not be separate, and can be integral with and/or continuous along the brace band, where the brace band can comprise a single piece. 
     A step  22500  of method  22000  comprises coupling a wielding mechanism to at least one of the brace band, the clamping mechanism, or the adjustment mechanism to wield the portable device. In some examples, the wielding mechanism can be similar to wielding mechanism  1400  ( FIGS. 1-4 ), wielding mechanism  17400  ( FIGS. 17-18 ), or any other wielding mechanism described above. In the same or a different example, the brace band of step  22100  can serve as the wielding mechanism for the clamp brace of method  22000 , for example, when a portable device has a clip that latches directly onto the brace band. 
     In some examples, one or more of the different steps of method  22000  can be combined into a single step. For example, the brace band of step  22100  may inherently comprise the wielding mechanism of step  22500 , such that steps  22100  and  22500  could comprise a single step. In the same or a different example, the sequence of one or more of the different steps of method  22000  can be changed. As an example, the sequence of steps  22100 ,  22200 , and  22300  could be interchanged without affecting the execution of method  22000 . In the same or a different example, method  22000  can comprise further or different steps consistent with manufacturing a clamp brace. 
     Although the clamp braces and methods for manufacturing, selling, and using the same have been described with reference to specific embodiments, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure herein. Various examples of such changes have been given in the foregoing description. As another example, although the fourth portion of brace band  15100  is shown at inner side  15020  of brace  15000  in  FIG. 15 , a different embodiment may comprise a fourth portion of brace band  15100  at outer side  15010  of brace band  15100 . These and other modifications would not interfere with or depart from the concepts described herein. 
     Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of the clamp braces and methods for manufacturing, selling, and using the same is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the application and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of this application shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. For example, it will be readily apparent that the clamp braces and methods for manufacturing, selling, and using the same discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Therefore, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment of the clamp braces and methods for manufacturing, selling, and using the same, and may disclose alternative embodiments of the clamp braces and methods for manufacturing, selling, and using the same. 
     All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to the clamp braces or method for manufacturing, selling, or using the same claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims. 
     Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.