PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10463120-B2
Application Number: US-201615264528-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Wearable band having incremental adjustment mechanisms

Abstract:
A wearable band may be coupled with an electronic device, and a user can secure the electronic device around a body part of the user with an attachment mechanism of the wearable band. The wearable band and/or the attachment mechanism can include an incremental adjustment mechanism. The attachment mechanism can produce an initial fit or tightness when the wearable band is secured around the body part of the user. The incremental adjustment mechanism can be used to incrementally adjust the initial fit of the wearable band on the body part. The incremental adjustment mechanism is configured to allow the user to adjust the fit or tightness of the wearable band around the body part more finely than the attachment mechanism.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wearable band configured to couple to an electronic device, comprising:
 a first band segment comprising multiple first attachment mechanisms, wherein adjacent pairs of the first attachment mechanisms are separated by a distance; 
 a second band segment comprising:
 a first band sub-segment; 
 a second band sub-segment movably coupled to the first band sub-segment; and 
 a second attachment mechanism configured to engage one of the multiple first attachment mechanisms and couple the first and second band segments together; and 
 
 an incremental adjustment mechanism operably connected to at least one of the first band sub-segment and the second band sub-segment and configured to move the first band sub-segment with respect to the second band sub-segment to incrementally adjust a tightness of the wearable band, the first band sub-segment and the second band sub-segment being separated by a gap that is adjustable between a minimum size and a maximum size, the maximum size being smaller than the distance separating the adjacent pairs of the first attachment mechanisms. 
 
     
     
       2. The wearable band of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device comprises a smart watch. 
     
     
       3. The wearable band of  claim 1 , wherein the incremental adjustment mechanism comprises:
 a first toothed edge formed in the first band sub-segment; 
 a second toothed edge formed in the second band sub-segment opposite the first toothed edge; and 
 a gear configured to rotate between the first and second toothed edges to move the first and second band sub-segments relative to one another. 
 
     
     
       4. The wearable band of  claim 3 , wherein a tooth at an end of the first toothed edge is larger than other teeth of the first toothed edge and configured to act as a stop mechanism for the gear. 
     
     
       5. The wearable band of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first attachment mechanisms comprise openings through the first band segment; and 
 the second attachment mechanisms each comprises a post configured to be inserted into one of the openings. 
 
     
     
       6. A wearable band configured to couple to an electronic device, comprising:
 a first band segment; 
 a second band segment comprising:
 a first band sub-segment; and 
 a second band sub-segment movably coupled to the first band sub-segment; 
 
 an attachment mechanism configured to couple the first and second band segments together in one of multiple band segment arrangements to adjust a tightness of the wearable band within a first range; and 
 an incremental adjustment mechanism operably connected to at least one of the first band sub-segment and the second band sub-segment and configured to move the first band sub-segment with respect to the second band sub-segment to adjust the tightness of the wearable band within a second range that is smaller than the first range. 
 
     
     
       7. The wearable band of  claim 6 , wherein the electronic device comprises a smart watch. 
     
     
       8. The wearable band of  claim 6 , wherein the incremental adjustment mechanism comprises:
 a first toothed edge formed in the first band sub-segment; 
 a second toothed edge formed in the second band sub-segment opposite the first toothed edge; and 
 a gear configured to rotate between the first and second toothed edges to move the first and second band sub-segments relative to one another. 
 
     
     
       9. The wearable band of  claim 8 , wherein a tooth at an end of the first toothed edge is larger than other teeth of the first toothed edge and configured to act as a stop mechanism for the gear. 
     
     
       10. The wearable band of  claim 6 , wherein the attachment mechanism comprises:
 openings through the first band segment; and 
 a post extending from the second band segment and being configured to be inserted into one of the openings.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/234,867, filed Sep. 30, 2015 and titled “Wearable Band Having Incremental Adjustment Mechanisms,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to wearable bands. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to wearable bands that include incremental adjustment mechanisms. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Users frequently encounter a variety of different electronic devices in the modern world. Such electronic devices include computers, media players, entertainment systems, displays, communication systems, and so on. Many electronic devices, such as laptop computers, tablet computers, and smart phones, are portable. Some of these portable electronic devices may be configured to be worn by a user. In some cases, a wearable electronic device includes one or more bands, straps, or other attachment devices that may be used to attach the wearable electronic device to a body part of a user. For example, a wrist worn wearable electronic device may include a band that can be used to secure the wearable electronic device to a user&#39;s wrist. 
     A band used to secure the wearable electronic device may not attach the electronic device to the body part as tightly as desired or needed. For example, an electronic device may be able to shift on or slide around the body part while attached to the body part. Additionally or alternatively, the band may be sufficiently loose on the body part such that one or more components (e.g., sensors) in the electronic device may not be able to operate, or may not function as well, due to the loose fit of the band on the body part. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a wearable band is configured to couple with an electronic device, such as a health assistant or a watch. The wearable band includes a first band segment, a second band segment, and an attachment mechanism configured to couple the first and second band segments together. The second band segment can include a first band sub-segment and a second band sub-segment. An incremental adjustment mechanism may be operably connected to at least one of the first band sub-segment and the second band sub-segment. When the wearable band is secured to a body part of a user, the attachment mechanism produces a first band tightness around the body part. The incremental adjustment mechanism is configured to move one band sub-segment with respect to other band sub-segment to incrementally adjust the first tightness of the band to a second tightness. 
     In another aspect, a wearable band includes a folding clasp coupled to a first band segment and to a second band segment. The folding clasp is configured to open and close when a user secures the wearable band to a body part. One example of a folding clasp is a single deployant clasp. The folding clasp produces a first band tightness for the band around the body part when the folding clasp is closed. An incremental adjustment mechanism is included in the folding clasp. The incremental adjustment mechanism comprises a button configured to open the folding clasp when pushed and to adjust a spacing between the first and the second band segments to incrementally adjust the first band tightness to a second band tightness. 
     In yet another aspect, a wearable band can include an expandable clasp, such as a butterfly clasp. The expandable clasp includes two top segments coupled to two bottom segments. A respective top segment is connected to a first band segment and a second band segment. The expandable clasp is configured to open and close when a user secures the wearable band to a body part. The two top segments fold down onto two bottom segments when the clasp is closed. The expandable clasp produces a first band tightness for the band around the body part when the folding clasp is closed. An incremental adjustment mechanism is coupled to the two bottom segments and configured to move with respect to each other to incrementally adjust the first band tightness to a second band tightness. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a plan view of an electronic device coupled to a band; 
         FIG. 2  shows one example of an attachment mechanism and an incremental adjustment mechanism for a wearable band; 
         FIG. 3  shows the band sub-segments at a first position; 
         FIG. 4  shows the band sub-segments at a second position; 
         FIG. 5  shows one example of an incremental adjustment mechanism that is suitable for use in the incremental adjustment mechanism shown in  FIGS. 2-4 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows one example of a gear assembly that is suitable for use in the incremental adjustment mechanism shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows another example of an attachment mechanism and an incremental adjustment mechanism for a wearable band; 
         FIG. 8  shows the clasp in a closed position with the incremental adjustment mechanism at a first position; 
         FIG. 9  shows a plan view of another example of an attachment mechanism for a wearable band; 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  show a second incremental adjustment mechanism that is suitable for use with the wearable band shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIGS. 11A-11B  show a third incremental adjustment mechanism that is suitable for use with the wearable band shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  shows a fourth incremental adjustment mechanism that is suitable for use with the wearable band shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  shows another attachment mechanism in a closed position; 
         FIGS. 14A-14B  show the attachment mechanism of  FIG. 13  in a partially open position and in an open position with one example of an incremental adjustment mechanism that is suitable for use with the attachment mechanism; 
         FIG. 15  shows a plan view of the incremental adjustment mechanism shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIGS. 16-17  show a second incremental adjustment mechanism that is suitable for use with the wearable band shown in  FIG. 14 ; and 
         FIG. 18  shows another incremental adjustment mechanism that is suitable for use with the wearable bands shown in  FIGS. 7 and 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates to a wearable band that attaches to a body part of a user using an attachment mechanism. The wearable band and/or the attachment mechanism can include an incremental adjustment mechanism. The incremental adjustment system permits a user to have much finer control over the fit of a band than is provided by a typical band. This can lead to increased comfort when the user is wearing the band. This increased comfort can result in a user wearing the electronic device for longer periods of time, which may bring attendant benefits dependent on the functions of the device. For example, a user may be able to operate one or more health monitoring applications or functions for a longer period of time. 
     The incremental adjustment mechanism is configured to allow the user to adjust the fit or tightness of the wearable band more finely than the attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism can produce an initial fit or tightness and the incremental adjustment mechanism can adjust the initial tightness. In other words, a user can use the attachment mechanism to select a first band tightness or a second band tightness. The incremental adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the chosen first or second band tightness by a fraction of the difference between the first and second band tightnesses. 
     In some embodiments, the incremental adjustment of a wearable band can be done before a user secures the band to a body part. In other embodiments, the incremental adjustment of the wearable band may be done while a user is wearing the band on the body part. This “on-the-fly” incremental adjustment allows a user to change the tightness of a band at various times during a day based on comfort and/or activity. For example, a user may want a slightly tighter fit when exercising so a health sensor (e.g., heart rate monitor) can operate more effectively. However, at other times of the day the user may want a looser fit. Several techniques are disclosed for performing incremental adjustments. 
     In a first example embodiment, a wearable band includes two band segments that are configured to couple together with the attachment mechanism. One of the band segments includes two band sub-segments that are operably coupled together with the incremental attachment mechanism. The incremental attachment mechanism is configured to move one band sub-segment with respect to the other band sub-segment, or to move both band sub-segments to incrementally adjust the tightness of the band. In one non-limiting example, the two band sub-segments each include a toothed edge. The toothed edges are positioned opposite one another. A rotatable gear is positioned between the two toothed edges. A dial is attached to the gear and a user turns the dial to incrementally adjust the tightness of the band when the wearable band is attached to the body part of the user. As one example, the user can rotate the dial in a clockwise direction to loosen the tightness of the wearable band, or the user can rotate the dial in a counter-clockwise direction to increase the tightness of the wearable band around the body part. 
     In a second example embodiment, the first band segment can include a post that couples with an opening in the second band segment. The post is movable between at least two positions on the first band segment. For example, the post may rotate from a first position to a second position to incrementally adjust the tightness of the band. Alternatively, the post may slide or shift from the first position to the second position. In one embodiment, the post may be positioned at only two positions. In another embodiment, the post can be positioned at three or more different positions (e.g., post can be positioned at 0 degrees, 90 degrees, and 180 degrees along a half circle). 
     In some embodiments, a user can select a post from multiple posts connected to the first band segment to couple with an opening in the second band segment. As one example, the posts may rotate from a first position to a second position to position the selected post in a location to couple with the opening. For example, one post may be positioned to couple with the opening at the first position and another post can be positioned to couple with the opening at the second position. The multiple posts can have different dimensions (e.g., round posts with different diameters). A user may incrementally adjust the tightness of the band by selecting a post having a particular diameter and positioning that post to couple with an opening in the second segment of the wearable band. 
     In other embodiments, the incremental adjustment is done prior to a user attaching the wearable band to a body part. In one example embodiment, a continuous wearable band can include a foldable and unfoldable attachment mechanism. One example of a foldable and unfoldable attachment mechanism is a single deployant clasp. With a single deployant clasp, a first wing of the band folds down onto a second wing of the band and couples to the second wing. To uncouple the first and second wings, a user can pull up or press one or more buttons to release the first wing from the second wing. 
     Alternatively, another example of a foldable and unfoldable attachment mechanism is an expandable clasp such as a butterfly clasp. With a butterfly clasp, two top segments of the band unfold from (open) and fold down onto (closed) two bottom segments. An incremental adjustment mechanism can be included in the attachment mechanism or in the continuous band. As one example, when the butterfly clasp is open, at least one bottom segment moves with respect to the other segment to incrementally adjust the tightness of the band. A plate can attached to both bottom segments with fasteners (e.g., screws) to secure the two bottom segments together when the band is at a desired length. As one example, the bottom segments can be coupled together with a tongue and groove joint that allows one or both bottom segments to slide closer together or farther apart. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-18 . 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. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a plan view of an electronic device coupled to a band. The electronic device is depicted as a smart watch, but other embodiments are not limited to such a device. Any suitable electronic device may be coupled to a wearable band. Example electronic devices include, but are not limited to, a digital music player, a health monitoring device, a smart telephone, and any other suitable electronic device that can attach to a body part of a user with a band. 
     The wearable electronic device  100  can include a display  102  at least partially surrounded by an enclosure  104 . In some embodiments, the display  102  may incorporate an input device configured to receive touch input, force input, temperature input, and the like. The display  102  can be implemented with any suitable display, including, but not limited to, a multi-touch sensing touchscreen device that uses liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, or organic electro luminescence (OEL) technology. The display  102  can have any given size and be located substantially anywhere on the electronic device  100 . 
     The enclosure  104  can be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. Alternatively, the enclosure  104  can be formed of a single piece operably connected to the display  102 . The enclosure  104  can be formed of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, plastic and metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure  104  is formed into a substantially rectangular shape, although this configuration is not required. 
     The enclosure  104  can form an outer surface or partial outer surface for the internal components of the electronic device  100 . For example, the electronic device  100  can include internal components such as a processing device operably connected to a memory, one or more sensors, one or more communication interfaces, output devices such as displays and speakers, one or more input devices, a power supply (e.g., a battery), and a health monitoring system. The communication interface(s) can provide electronic communications between the communications device and any external communication network, device or platform, such as but not limited to wireless interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, USB interfaces, Wi-Fi interfaces, TCP/IP interfaces, network communications interfaces, or any conventional communication interfaces. 
     The sensor(s) may be configured to sense substantially any type of characteristic, such as but not limited to, images, pressure, light, touch, force, temperature, position, motion, and so on. For example, the sensor(s) may be an image sensor, a temperature sensor, a light or optical sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a force sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnet, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and so on. 
     The health monitoring system can be configured to detect, measure, or determine any suitable health parameter of a user. For example, a health monitoring system may determine a heart rate or pulse of the user, the blood pressure, and/or an amount of calories expended based on an activity. The health monitoring system, in conjunction with a communication interface, may transmit or receive health, fitness, and/or wellness data or information to or from a website or another electronic device, such as a smart telephone or tablet computing device. 
     The electronic device  100  is attached to a band  106 . In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  is permanently attached to the band. In other embodiments, the electronic device  100  can be detachable from the band  106 . As one example, the ends of the band  106  proximate to the electronic device  100  can slide in and out of grooves formed in the ends of the electronic device  100 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the band includes two band segments  108 ,  110  that couple together when a user attaches the band to a body part (e.g., a wrist). An attachment mechanism  112 ,  114  at the distal ends of the band segments  108 ,  110 , respectively, are configured to couple to each other. Any suitable type of attachment mechanism(s) can be used. For example, in one embodiment the attachment mechanism  112  is a post and the attachment mechanism  114  is one or more openings that receive the post. In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism  114  can be an opening that receives the distal end of the band segment  108 . Once the distal end is through the opening, the distal end of the band segment  108  can fold over and secure to another section of the band segment  108 . For example, both the distal and other section of the band segment  108  may include magnets that couple together when the band segment  108  is folded onto itself. 
     In some embodiments, the band  106  includes only one attachment mechanism. As one example, the attachment mechanism  114  can be an opening that receives the distal end of the band segment  108  and positions the distal end of the band segment  108  between the body part and the band segment  110 . Alternatively, the band  106  can be a continuous band (no segments) and the attachment mechanism can expand to allow a user to attach the band to a body part and then collapse once the band is at a desired location on the body part. For example, a butterfly clasp or a single deployant clasp can be used as an attachment mechanism. 
     The one or more attachment mechanisms  112 ,  114  can operate as a coarse adjustment in that the user is able to attach the band to a body part, but the band may not be attached as tightly to the body part as desired or needed. For example, a band may be able to shift on the body part (e.g., wrist) or slide around the body part while attached to the body part. Additionally or alternatively, the band may be sufficiently loose on the body part such that one or more components (e.g., sensors) in the electronic device  100  and/or in the band  106  may not be able to operate, or may not function as well due to the band&#39;s loose fit on the body part. 
     As one example, a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor may be located at the bottom surface of the electronic device  100  (the surface that is near or contacts the body part of the user). The PPG sensor emits light toward the body part and receives a portion of the light that reflects back toward the sensor. If the band  106  is too loose, the PPG sensor may not be able to determine a health measurement (e.g., pulse rate) for a user. Alternatively, the movement of the band  106  can create motion artifacts in the signals used to determine a health measurement, which can cause errors in the health measurement. 
     Example embodiments are described herein that include an incremental adjustment mechanism that can be separate from an attachment mechanism or may be included in an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism can produce an initial fit or tightness and the incremental adjustment mechanism can adjust the initial tightness. The incremental adjustment mechanism is configured to allow a user to adjust the length, fit, or tightness of the wearable band more finely than the attachment mechanism. Various example incremental adjustment mechanisms are described in conjunction with  FIGS. 2-18 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one example of an attachment mechanism and an incremental adjustment mechanism for a wearable band. The wearable band  200  includes a first band segment  202  and a second band segment  204 . The attachment mechanism on the first band segment  202  includes multiple openings  206 , and the attachment mechanism on the second band segment  204  is a post  208  that couples with (e.g., inserts into) one of the openings  206 . 
     The first band segment  202  includes a first band sub-segment  210  and a second band sub-segment  212 . An incremental adjustment mechanism  214  is configured to move at least one band sub-segment with respect to the other band sub-segment to increase or decrease the tightness of the band. In one embodiment, the first and second band sub-segments  210 ,  212  are coupled together and cannot be separated from one another. In another embodiment, the first and second band sub-segments  210 ,  212  can be disassembled from one another. 
     By turning the dial  216  clockwise or counter-clockwise, one or both band sub-segments  210 ,  212  move in one of two directions as shown by arrow  218 . Moving the band sub-segments  210 ,  212  closer together reduces the size of the gap  220  (down to a minimum size) and incrementally increases the tightness of the band, while moving the band sub-segments  210 ,  212  farther apart increases the size of the gap  220  (up to a maximum size) and incrementally decreases the tightness of the band. In the illustrated embodiment, the minimum size of the gap  220  is reached when the edge  222  of the dial  216  contacts or nearly contacts the edge  224  of the first band sub-segment  210 . The maximum size of the gap  220  can be determined in one of several ways. For example, the dial  216  can have a limited rotation distance, which in turn limits the separation distance between the two band sub-segments  210 ,  212 . Additionally or alternatively, the maximum size of the gap  220  may be based on the distance D between two of the openings  206 . For example, the maximum size of the gap  220 , and therefore the maximum achievable separation distance between the two band sub-segments  210 ,  212 , can be a fraction of the distance D (e.g., 50% of D). 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  depict the band sub-segments  210 ,  212  in two different positions. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first and second band sub-segments  210 ,  212  are close together in a first position. In one example, one or both of the first and second band sub-segments  210 ,  212  move(s) to a different second position (move farther apart) when the dial  216  is turned in a first direction (e.g., clockwise as shown by arrow  300 ), which increases the size of the gap  220  and decreases the tightness of the band  200  (see  FIG. 4 ). Conversely, when the dial  216  is turned in a second direction (e.g., counter-clockwise as shown by arrow  302 ), one or both of the first and second band sub-segments  210 ,  212  move(s) closer together to a different third position, which decreases the size of the gap  220  and increases the tightness of the band  200  (e.g., change from  FIG. 4  back to  FIG. 3 ). Movement of one or both band sub-segments  210 ,  212  does not affect the attachment of the first and second band segments  202 ,  204 . The attachment mechanisms  206 ,  208  remain securely coupled together while the first and/or second band sub-segments  210 ,  212  move. 
       FIG. 5  shows one example of an incremental adjustment mechanism that is suitable for use in the incremental adjustment mechanism shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . The dial  216  is removed so that the incremental adjustment mechanism is visible. The first and second band sub-segments  210 ,  212  each include a toothed edge  500 ,  502 , respectively. The toothed edges are positioned opposite one another. At least one tooth (e.g., tooth  504 ) at the end of a toothed edge can be enlarged to act as a stop mechanism for a rotatable gear  506 . The first and second band sub-segments  210 ,  212  move based on the rotation direction of the gear  506 . For example, if the gear  506  is rotated in a clockwise direction, the first and second sub-segments  210 ,  212  move farther apart. As shown, band sub-segment  210  moves in the direction of arrow  508  and band sub-segment  212  moves in the direction of arrow  510  when the gear  506  is rotated in a clockwise direction. Thus, the rotation of the gear  506  translates into linear motion of the band sub-segments  210 ,  212 . Alternatively, if the gear  506  is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, the first and second sub-segments  210 ,  212  move closer together (band sub-segment  210  moves in the opposite direction of arrow  508  and band sub-segment  212  moves in the opposite direction of arrow  510 ). 
       FIG. 6  illustrates one example of a rotatable gear assembly that is suitable for use in the incremental adjustment mechanism shown in  FIG. 5 . The rotatable gear assembly  600  includes the dial  216  connected to the gear  506  by a connector  602 . Rotation of the dial  216  causes the gear  506  to rotate in a similar direction. 
     Other embodiments can configure the incremental adjustment mechanism differently. As one example, the dial  216  can be configured to move only a single band sub-segment. Alternatively, an eccentric cam apparatus may be configured to move one band sub-segment with respect to the other band sub-segment. 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , the band sub-segments  210 ,  212 , the dial  216 , the gear  506 , and the connector  602  can each be made of any suitable material. For example, the band sub-segments  210 ,  212  may be made of a rigid or flexible material or combination of materials, such as metal, leather, ceramic, and plastic. If the band sub-segments  210 ,  212  are made of a flexible material, the toothed edges  502 ,  504  can be made of a more rigid material. The dial  216 , the gear  506 , and the connector  602  can be made of the same rigid material(s) or of different rigid materials. For example, the dial  216 , the gear  506 , and the connector  602  may each be made of a metal, ceramic, or plastic. 
       FIG. 7  shows another example of an attachment mechanism and an incremental adjustment mechanism for a wearable band. The illustrated attachment mechanism  700  is known as a single deployant clasp. The wearable band  702  is a continuous band that can include multiple links  704  connected together. In other embodiments, the band can be made as a solid band without links. The band  702  can be made of any suitable material, including metal, plastic, leather, or various combinations thereof. 
     The attachment mechanism  700  unfolds or opens to position the band  702  on a user&#39;s body part (e.g., wrist). The user folds or closes the attachment mechanism  700  to secure to the band on the body part. The attachment mechanism  700  includes a first wing  706  that rotates (e.g., folds and unfolds) with respect to a second wing  708  when the attachment mechanism  700  closes and opens, respectively. An incremental adjustment mechanism  710  includes a dial  712  positioned in a top segment  714  of the attachment mechanism  700 . In one embodiment, the dial  712  can be configured to open the attachment mechanism  700  by pressing downward on the dial  712 . For example, a tab (not shown) that extends out from the edge  716  of the top segment  714  may engage with an opening (not shown) in the edge  718  of the band  702  when the attachment mechanism  700  is closed. The tab can retract out of the opening when the dial  712  is pushed downward. 
     The top segment  714  includes two band sub-segments  720 ,  722  that are configured to move relative to one another. The incremental adjustment mechanism  710  is configured to move at least one band sub-segment to increase or decrease the tightness of the band  702 .  FIG. 8  shows the clasp in a closed position with the incremental adjustment mechanism  710  at a first position. By turning the dial  712  clockwise or counter-clockwise, one or both band sub-segments  720 ,  722  move closer together or farther apart. Moving the band sub-segments  720 ,  722  closer together reduces the size of the gap  800  (down to a minimum size) and increases the tightness of the band  702 , while moving the band sub-segments  720 ,  722  farther apart increases the size of the gap  800  (up to a maximum size) and decreases the tightness of the band  702 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the gap  800  is arranged in an “s” shape to permit the two sub-segments  720 ,  722  to be co-planar and maintain continuity in the top surface of the two-segments  720 ,  722  (see area  801 ). Other embodiments can configure the gap  800  differently. For example, a gap can be arranged in a straight line across the width of the band  702 . Alternatively, in some embodiments one sub-segment can rest on top of the other sub-segment when the attachment mechanism is closed. 
     Any suitable type of incremental adjustment mechanism may be used. For example, in one embodiment, the incremental adjustment mechanism shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  can be used in the embodiment of  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Additionally or alternatively, a gap  802  between one or more pairs of links  804  can increase or decrease when the dial  712  is turned. In some embodiments, the gaps  802  between adjacent links  806 ,  808  can change size equally over the length of the band  702 . Alternatively, the gaps  802  between adjacent links  806 ,  808  can change size in differing amounts over the length of the band  702 . In some embodiments, the gaps  802  between adjacent links  806 ,  808  in only a section of the band  702  (or in multiple sections) can change size (equally or unequally) over the length of the band  702 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a plan view of another example of an attachment mechanism for a wearable band. Like the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the band  900  includes a first band segment  902  and a second band segment  904  attached to an electronic device  906 . The attachment mechanism includes a first post  908  and a second post  910  offset from one another by a distance D and connected to the distal end of the first band segment  902 , and multiple openings  912  formed in a distal end of the second band segment  904 . In some embodiments, the unused post can be depressed into the first band segment  902  to reduce the height of the unused post. The post that couples with a respective opening  912  can be pulled up to extend out from the top surface of the first band segment  902 . 
     The incremental adjustment mechanism includes the first and second posts  908 ,  910 . When a user attaches the band  900  to a body part, the user can insert either the first or second post into a respective opening  912 . In one embodiment, the distance D between the first and second posts  908 ,  910  can be a fraction of the distance D′ between two adjacent openings  912 . For example, D may be approximately half of the distance of D′. The two posts  910 ,  912  permit a user to fit the band around a body part (e.g., a wrist) more tightly or loosely compared to the fit obtained with a single post. 
       FIGS. 10A-10B  show a second incremental adjustment mechanism that is suitable for use with the wearable band shown in  FIG. 9 . The attachment mechanism includes a post  1002  on a first band segment  1000  and multiple openings formed in a second band segment (not shown). The incremental adjustment mechanism includes the post  1002  mounted on a rotatable elliptical substrate  1004 . The rotatable elliptical substrate  1004  can be situated within the first band segment  1000 . The rotatable substrate  1004  can having a different shape and/or dimensions in other embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, the rotatable elliptical substrate  1004  is coupled with a rotating apparatus (not shown) that is configured to permit the rotatable elliptical substrate  1004  to partially rotate and move the post  1002  from one end of the major axis of the elliptical substrate to the other end of the major axis and back again along the same path (e.g., the post only moves along half of the perimeter of the ellipse). In other embodiments, the rotatable elliptical substrate  1004  is coupled with a rotating apparatus (not shown) that is configured to permit the rotatable elliptical substrate  1004  to rotate completely and move the post  1002  from one end of the major axis of the elliptical substrate to the other end of the major axis and back again along the full perimeter of the ellipse. 
     To incrementally adjust the fit of a band, a user can rotate the post  1002  and the rotatable elliptical substrate  1004  (see arrow  1006 ) to position the post in a given location and produce a desired band fit. For example, when the post  1002  is positioned as shown in  FIG. 10A , and the post  1002  is coupled with an opening in the second band segment, the fit of the band around a body part can be tighter. Conversely, when the post  1002  is positioned as shown in  FIG. 10B , the fit of the band around a body part can be looser. In one embodiment, the differences in band length between the two positions can be a fraction of the distance between two openings in the second band segment (e.g., approximately half the distance). 
     In some embodiments, the material that forms the first and second band segments is a compliant or elastomer material that conforms to the post  1002  when the post  1002  is inserted into an opening in the second band segment regardless of the position of the post  1002 . In other words, the post  1002  can be coupled to the same opening when the post  1002  is positioned as shown in  FIG. 10A  and as shown in  FIG. 10B . Additionally, the compliant or elastomer material allows the rotatable elliptical substrate  1004  to rotate, and when positioned at a given location, supports and supplies a holding force to the rotatable elliptical substrate  1004  to counteract any non-user imposed forces and prevent the rotatable elliptical substrate  1004  from rotating to a different position based on the non-user imposed forces. In this manner, the post  1002  is held firmly within the opening and the first band segment  1000  is securely attached to the second band segment. 
       FIGS. 11A-11B  show a third incremental adjustment mechanism that is suitable for use with the wearable band shown in  FIG. 9 . The attachment mechanism includes a single post  1102  slidably affixed to a first band segment  1100  and multiple openings formed in a second band segment (not shown). The incremental adjustment mechanism includes the single post  1102  that slides within region  1104 . In one embodiment, the post  1102  can be positioned at one of two given positions (e.g., at the ends of the track  1104  formed in the first band segment  1100 ). In some instances, the difference in length between the two positions can be a fraction of the distance between two adjacent openings a second band segment (not shown). 
     For example, in  FIG. 11A  the post  1102  is positioned in a first position and in  FIG. 11B  the post  1102  is positioned in a second position by sliding the post  1102  along the track  1104 . When the post  1102  is inserted into a respective opening in the second band segment while in the first position ( FIG. 11A ), the fit of the band around a body part (e.g., a wrist) can be looser because the first position increases the length of the band. Conversely, the fit of the band around a body part can be tighter when the post  1102  is inserted into a respective opening in the second band segment while in the second position ( FIG. 11B ) because the second position shortens the length of the band. 
     Alternatively, in another embodiment the post  1102  can be positioned in one of three or more positions within region  1104 . In one non-limiting example, the bottom surface of the post  1102  may be a toothed surface that mates with a similarly toothed element within the first band segment  1102 . The number of positions the post  1102  can be moved to can be based on the number of teeth in the toothed element or in the toothed surface of the post  1102 . A user may pull the post  1102  up to move the post from one position to another position. 
     In some embodiments, the material that forms the second band segment is a compliant or elastomer material that conforms to the post  1102  regardless of which position the post  1102  is located. In this manner, the post  1102  is held firmly within an opening in the second band segment and the first band segment  1100  is securely attached to the second band segment. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a fourth incremental adjustment mechanism that is suitable for use with the wearable band shown in  FIG. 9 . The attachment mechanism includes a post  1208  connected to a first band segment  1202  and multiple openings formed in a second band segment (not shown). The incremental adjustment mechanism includes a housing  1200  disposed within the first band segment  1202 . The housing  1200  includes two indentations or cutouts  1204 ,  1206 . The post  1208  can be moved from one cutout to the other cutout to incrementally adjust the tightness of the band. In one embodiment, the distance between the two cutouts  1204 ,  1206  can be a fraction of the distance between two adjacent openings in a second band segment (not shown). 
     To incrementally adjust the fit of a band, a user can pull the post  1208  up so that the post  1208  is lifted out of one cutout. The user may then move or slide the post  1208  to mate with the other cutout. For example, as shown in  FIG. 12  the post  1208  can be pulled up and lifted out of the first cutout  1206 . The user may then slide the post  1208  along the track  1210  to the second cutout  1204  (post shown in phantom in second cutout). In some embodiments, the material that forms the second band segment is a compliant or elastomer material that conforms to the post  1208  regardless of which cutout  1204  or  1206  the post  1208  is located. In this manner, the post  1208  is held firmly within the opening and the first and second band segments are securely attached to one another. When the post  1208  is inserted into a respective opening in the second band segment while the post  1208  is positioned in one cutout (e.g., the first cutout  1206 ), the fit of the band around a body part can be looser because the first cutout  1206  increases the length of the band. Conversely, the fit of the band around a body part can be tighter when the post  1208  is inserted into a respective opening in the second band segment while in the post  1208  is positioned in the other cutout (e.g., the second cutout  1204 ) because the second cutout  1204  shortens the length of the band. 
     Other embodiments can configure the attachment mechanism differently. For example, a single post can be affixed to a first band segment and multiple openings formed in a second band segment. The incremental adjustment mechanism can include the shape of the post (or the shape of the portion of the post that resides within an opening). The shape is designed to provide one or more incremental adjustments in the fit of the band. In one non-limiting example, the post (or the shape of the portion of the post that resides within an opening) is an elliptical shape that produces at least one incremental adjustment by rotating the post (or the portion of the post that resides within an opening) to one of two different positions. The major axis of the elliptical shape can be positioned parallel with the length of the band for a first band fit, or the major axis of the elliptical shape may be positioned perpendicular to the length of the band for a second fit. 
       FIG. 13  depicts another attachment mechanism in a closed position.  FIGS. 14A-14B  show the attachment mechanism of  FIG. 13  in a partially open position and in an open position, respectively, with one example of an incremental adjustment mechanism that is suitable for use with the attachment mechanism. The illustrated attachment mechanism  1300  is known as a butterfly clasp. The band  1302  is a continuous band that can include multiple links  1304  connected together. Only a portion of the band  1302  is shown for simplicity. In other embodiments, the band  1302  can be made without links. A band can be made of any suitable material, such as metal or leather. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 13 and 14A-14B , the attachment mechanism  1300  opens to position the band  1302  on a user&#39;s body part (e.g., wrist). The user closes the attachment mechanism  1300  to secure to the band on the body part. The attachment mechanism  1300  includes two first wings  1400  that rotate with respect to the second wings  1402  when the attachment mechanism  1300  is opened and closed. The attachment mechanism  1300  can be opened using any suitable method. For example, although not shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , one or two buttons (not shown) can be positioned on the sides of the attachment mechanism  1300  to open the attachment mechanism  1300  when the button(s) are pressed downward or into the sides of the attachment mechanism.  FIG. 14A  depicts the attachment mechanism in a partially open position. As a user continues to open the attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism reaches a fully open position as shown in  FIG. 14B . 
     An incremental adjustment mechanism  1404  includes a plate  1406  attached to movable bottom segments  1408 ,  1410  by inserting one fastener into opening  1412  and another fastener into opening  1414  or opening  1416 . The fasteners couple with corresponding openings (not shown) in the bottom segments  1408 ,  1410 . Any suitable fastener can be used. As one example, the fasteners may be screws. 
     The bottom segment  1410  can include a single opening that is configured to couple with the fastener. The fastener can be inserted into opening  1414  or opening  1416  depending on the desired tightness of the band  1302 . Alternatively, the bottom segment  1410  can include one elongated opening that is configured to couple with the fastener regardless of the position of the bottom segment  1410 . 
     In one embodiment, the plate  1406  is removably attached to at least one bottom segment to allow a bottom segment to slide with respect to the other segment. To incrementally adjust the tightness of the band  1302 , a user can loosen or remove one or both fasteners in openings  1412  and  1414  (or  1416 ) to slide one or both bottom segments to incrementally adjust the length of the band. For example, a user can slide segment  1408  in the direction indicated by arrow  1418  to increase the length of the band  1302  (which reduces the tightness of the band  1302 ). Conversely, sliding the bottom segment  1408  in the opposite direction can decrease the length and increase the tightness of the band  1302 . Once the bottom segment(s)  1408 ,  1410  are each in a particular location that produces a desired band tightness, one or both fasteners can be coupled with the opening  1412  and the opening  1414  or  1416  (and corresponding openings in the bottom segments  1408 ,  1410 ) to secure the bottom segments  1408 ,  1410  in their positions. 
     Increasing the length of the band  1302  can expand the attachment mechanism  1300  slightly. As shown in  FIG. 13 , when the length of the band is increased, the top segments  1304 ,  1306  are separated slightly by a gap  1308 . Like the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the gap  1308  may be arranged in an “s” shape to permit the two sub-segments to be co-planar and maintain continuity in the top surface of the two-segments, or the gap  1308  can be arranged in a straight line across the width of the band  1302 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a plan view of the incremental adjustment mechanism shown in  FIG. 14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom segments  1408 ,  1410  are coupled together along the path  1500 . The coupling of the bottom segments  1408 ,  1410  is configured to allow at least one bottom segment to slide along the path  1500 . Any suitable technique can be used to permit one or both bottom segments to slide. For example, in one embodiment the bottom segments  1408 ,  1410  can be coupled with a tongue and groove joint. 
     One or both fasteners  1502 ,  1504  (e.g., screws) can be loosened or removed to slide at least one segment  1408 ,  1410  along the path  1500 . Once the bottom segments  1408 ,  1410  are each at a desired position, the plate  1406  can be positioned over and attached to the bottom segments  1408 ,  1410  with the fasteners  1502 ,  1504 . The fastener  1502  couples with the opening  1412 , while the fastener  1504  couples with opening  1414  or with opening  1416  (fastener  1504  shown in phantom). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom segment  1410  includes two openings (not shown) that can each couple with the fastener  1504 . The locations of the two openings in the bottom segment  1410  correspond to the locations of the openings  1414 ,  1416 . To incrementally adjust the length of the band, a user can remove or loosen the fastener  1504  in one of the openings  1414  or  1416 , slide one or both bottom segments  1408 ,  1410  to a different position, and then affix the fastener  1504  in the other opening. Alternatively, a user can remove both fasteners  1502 ,  1504  and the plate  1406 , slide one or both bottom segments  1408 ,  1410  to a different position, and then affix the plate  1406  over the bottom segments  1408 ,  1410  by coupling the fasteners  1502 ,  1504  in the appropriate openings. The length of the band is increased and the tightness of the band is decreased when the fastener  1504  is in the opening  1416 , and the length of the band is reduced and the tightness of the band increased when the fastener  1504  is in the opening  1414 . 
     Other embodiments can configure the incremental adjustment mechanism differently. For example, the incremental adjustment system can include a series of openings that through the sides of both segments  1408 ,  1410  along path  1500 . A removable pin can be inserted into one of the openings to incrementally adjust the length of a band. Alternatively, the bottom segments  1408 ,  1410  may couple with one plate positioned above the bottom segments and one plate positioned below the bottom segments. The opposing surfaces of the plates (e.g., top of bottom plate and bottom of top plate) can have toothed sections that at least partially mate together. The fasteners  1502 ,  1504  can be removed or loosened to allow a user to move one plate with respect to the other plate to incrementally adjust the tightness of the band. In such an embodiment, the bottom segment  1410  may include an elongated opening that receives a fastener regardless of the position of the bottom segment  1410 , or the bottom plate may include multiple openings that may receive a fastener. 
       FIGS. 16-17  show a second incremental adjustment mechanism that is suitable for use with the wearable band shown in  FIG. 14 . Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the incremental adjustment mechanism  1600  includes a first bracket  1602  and a second bracket  1604  connected together with a connector  1606 . Each outer leg  1608  of the first and second brackets  1602 ,  1604  connects to the second wings  1402  shown in  FIG. 14 . The connector  1606  is attached to the first bracket  1602  using any suitable method. For example, the movable connector  1606  can be welded to the first bracket  1602 . 
     The connector  1606  is attached to a shaft  1700  positioned within an opening  1610  in the second bracket  1604 . The opening  1610  extends from one side of the second bracket  1604  to the other side of the second bracket  1604 . An eccentric cam  1702 ,  1704  is connected to each end of a connecting bar  1700 . The connecting bar  1700  is positioned in the opening  1610  with the eccentric cams  1702 ,  1704  at each end of the opening  1610 . To incrementally adjust the tightness of the band (not shown), the position of the shaft  1700  is rotated, which in turn moves the connector  1606  to adjust the distance between the first and second brackets  1602 ,  1604 . As one example, the shaft  1700  can be rotated by inserting a tool (not shown) into the opening  1706  and rotating the shaft  1700 . 
       FIG. 18  shows another incremental adjustment mechanism. The incremental adjustment mechanism  1800  includes a first link  1802  operably connected to a second link  1804  via a connector  1806 . The incremental adjustment mechanism  1800  is suitable for use with multiple wearable bands, including bands that employ a single deployant clasp and a butterfly clasp. As one example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the first link can be the top segment  714 , the second link the second wing  708 , and the connector the first wing  706 . 
     The connector  1806  attaches to the second link  1804  with a rotatable shaft  1808 , and to the first link  1802  with an eccentric cam  1810 . The eccentric cam  1810  is configured to move the first link  1802  in the directions indicated by arrow  1812  when the position of the eccentric cam is adjusted. As one example, a tool (not shown) can be inserted into the shaft  1814  to rotate the shaft,  1814 , which causes the first link  1802  to move with respect to the second link  1804  in a direction that corresponds to the rotation direction. For example, the first link  1802  moves to the right when the shaft  1814  is rotated clockwise to increase the length of the band and decrease the tightness of the band. Conversely, the first link  1802  moves to the left when the shaft  1814  is rotated counter-clockwise to decrease the length of the band and increase the tightness of the band. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160913
Publication Date: 20191105
Grant Date: 20191105
Priority Date: 20150930
Inventors: DE IULIIS, DANIELE
PERKINS, RYAN C.
WEBB, MICHAEL J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A44C5/246", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/246", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/246", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58408433