PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9924766-B2
Application Number: US-201615258127-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Attachment mechanism for a wearable device

Abstract:
An attachment mechanism that can be used to attach a portable or wearable electronic device to a user. The attachment mechanism may include a band strap having multiple links that are configured to wrap around a user&#39;s wrist. The links of the band may be spring biased and allow the band to be secured to a wrist or other object as it transitions from an open to a closed position. The amount of spring bias may be adjusted or specially configured to attach the device comfortably yet securely.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A band for a wearable electronic device comprising:
 a pair of band straps configured to attach to a housing of the wearable electronic device and configured to transition between an open position and a closed position to secure the wearable electronic device to a user, each band strap comprising:
 a first group of links configured to attach to the housing and comprising:
 a first pivotal connection coupling a first pair of links and including a first biasing member configured to exert a first biasing torque between the first pair of links; and 
 
 a second group of links attached to the first group of links and comprising:
 a second pivotal connection coupling a second pair of links and including a second biasing member configured to exert a second biasing torque that is less than the first biasing torque. 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The band of  claim 1 , wherein the first pivotal connection comprises:
 a leaf spring that is configured to bend an provide a pivoting motion between the first pair of links; 
 a first pair of clamps attaching a first end of the leaf spring to a first link of the first pair of links; and 
 a second pair of clamps attaching a second end of the leaf spring the a second link of the first pair of links. 
 
     
     
       3. The band of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a third group of links attached to the second group of links and comprising:
 a third pivotal connection coupling a third pair of links and including a third biasing member configured to exert a third biasing torque that is less than the second biasing torque. 
 
 
     
     
       4. The band of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each band strap of the pair of band straps is configured to attach to the housing at a fixed end; and 
 each band strap is configured to wrap around a wrist of the user at a free end. 
 
     
     
       5. The band of  claim 4 , wherein:
 when the band is in the closed position, free ends of the pair of band straps define a gap. 
 
     
     
       6. The band of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first pivotal connection comprises a pivot pin joining the first pair of links; and 
 the first biasing member comprises a torsional spring disposed partially about the pivot pin and coupled to each link of the first pair of links. 
 
     
     
       7. The band of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first biasing member includes a leaf spring; 
 the leaf spring is coupled to each of the first pair of links and is configured to bend in response to a pivoting motion between the first pair of links; and 
 the bending of the leaf spring produces the first biasing torque. 
 
     
     
       8. The band of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a pair of clamping elements that clamp to a first end of the leaf spring; wherein 
 the pair of clamping elements attach the first end of the leaf spring to one link of the first pair of links. 
 
     
     
       9. The band of  claim 1 , wherein each link is formed from a closed loop of tubular material. 
     
     
       10. The band of  claim 1 , wherein, for a first band strap of the pair of band straps, each link is coupled using a biasing member configured to exert a biasing torque that is different than other biasing members of the first band strap. 
     
     
       11. The band of  claim 1 , wherein one or both of the first and second pivotal connections are removable. 
     
     
       12. A wearable electronic device comprising:
 a device housing; 
 a display positioned within the device housing; 
 a pair of band straps attached to the housing, each band strap comprising: 
 a first link pivotally attached to the device housing using a first pivot and a first biasing member; 
 a group of intermediate links pivotally engaged with the first link; and 
 a second link pivotally engaged with the group of intermediate links using a second pivot and a second biasing member, wherein 
 the first biasing member is configured to exert a first torque that is greater than a second torque of the second biasing member. 
 
     
     
       13. The wearable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the pair of band straps are configured to move between an open position and a closed position; and 
 the first biasing member and the second biasing member are configured to bias the pair of band straps toward the closed position. 
 
     
     
       14. The wearable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the first link is coupled to the device housing using a toggling pivot; 
 the toggling pivot is configured to bias the pair of band straps toward an open position when positioned past an opening threshold; and 
 the toggling pivot is configured to bias the pair of band straps toward a closed position when positioned past a closing threshold. 
 
     
     
       15. The wearable electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein:
 each link of the pair of band straps is joined to an adjacent link using the toggling pivot; 
 the toggling pivots are configured to bias the pair of band straps toward the open position when positioned past an opening threshold; and 
 the toggling pivots are configured to bias the pair of band straps toward the closed position when positioned past a closing threshold. 
 
     
     
       16. The wearable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the wearable electronic device is an electronic watch configured to function as a timekeeping device.

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. 62/220,131, filed Sep. 17, 2015 and titled “Attachment Mechanism for a Wearable Device,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The embodiments disclosed herein relate to mechanisms for attaching a device to a user and, in particular, the embodiments relate to an attachment band with multiple spring-loaded links that are configured to wrap around a user&#39;s wrist. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Advances in portable computing and electronics have led to increased use and portability of electronic devices. Portable devices such as watches, smart watches, smart phones, and the like have become more popular in recent years and there is an increased desire to carry these devices at all times. Users may carry these devices while moving in various environments during their daily activities. Users may carry the devices using a pocket in an article of clothing, a handbag, a briefcase, or other similar carrying technique. 
     For devices that are sufficiently small and lightweight, it may be advantageous to carry the device directly on the body of the user. For example, a wrist band, arm band, or lanyard may be used to attach a device to a user. Some traditional attachment techniques include the use of a flexible strap (e.g., leather) that wraps around the body part of the user and is attached to the device or a mating strap using a clasp or buckle. While traditional attachment techniques may adequately secure the device, they may lack sufficient adjustability, comfort, and/or visual appeal. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosed embodiments are directed to an attachment mechanism to secure an electronic device to a user or to otherwise securely transport a portable electronic device. Some aspects of the attachment mechanism may offer functional and aesthetic advantages over some traditional mechanisms. 
     The attachment mechanism may be made from a series of links that are joined by a spring-loaded or spring biased pivotal connection. The series of links may be configured to conform to the wrist or other body part of a user and fit more comfortably than some traditional attachment techniques. Adjacent links may be biased in a direction to wrap around a wrist of a user or another object. The amount of the bias may be different in different regions of the wristband such that the band may fit securely and comfortably around the wrist of the user. In some embodiments, the bias may be adjustable to allow the user to determine the most comfortable fit of the wristband. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to an attachment mechanism including a housing of a portable electronic device and a pair of band straps attached to the housing and configured to transition between a closed position securing the portable electronic device to the user and an open position releasing the portable electronic device from the user. Each band strap may include a first group of links attached to the housing. The first group of links may include a first pivotal connection coupling a first pair of links in the first group of links and including a first biasing member configured to exert a first biasing torque between the pair of links. A second group of links may be attached to the first group of links and may include a second pivotal connection coupling a second pair of links in the second group of links and a second biasing member configured to exert a second biasing torque that is less than the first biasing torque. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second pivotal connections are removable. 
     In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism includes a third group of links attached to the second group of links. The third group of links may include a third pivotal connection coupling a third pair of links and including a third biasing member configured to exert a third biasing torque that is less than the second biasing torque. 
     In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism is a watch band and the portable electronic device is a watch. Each link may be formed from a metal material. In some cases, each link is formed from a closed loop of tubular material. 
     In some embodiments, each band strap of the pair of band straps is attached to the housing at a fixed end. Each band strap may also be configured to wrap around the user&#39;s wrist at a free end. In some embodiments, when the attachment mechanism is in the closed position, the free ends of the pair of band straps define a gap. 
     In some embodiments, the first group of links is attached to the housing at a fourth pivotal connection using a fourth biasing member configured to exert a fourth biasing torque that is greater than the first biasing torque. 
     In some embodiments, the first pivotal connection comprises a pivot pin joining the first pair of links. The biasing member may include a torsional spring disposed partially about the pivot pin and coupled to each link of the pair of links. In some embodiments, the first biasing member includes a leaf spring. The leaf spring may be coupled to each of the first pair of links. The first biasing torque may be caused by a bending of the leaf spring. In some embodiments, the first pivotal connection includes a pair of clamping elements that clamp to a first end of the leaf spring. The pair of clamping elements may attach the first end of the leaf spring to one link of the first pair of links. 
     In some embodiments, for one band strap of the pair of band straps, each link is coupled using a biasing member configured to exert a biasing torque that is different than other biasing members of the one band strap. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to an articulated strap for coupling a device to a user. The articulated strap may include a first link that is pivotally attached to a device housing using a first pivot and a first biasing member. A group of intermediate links may be pivotally engaged with the first link. A third link may be pivotally engaged with the group of intermediate links using a second pivot and a second biasing member. The first biasing member may be configured to exert a first torque that is greater than a second torque of the second biasing member. In some embodiments, the articulated strap is configured to move between an open position and a second, closed position. The first biasing member and the second biasing member may be configured to bias the articulated strap toward the closed position. 
     In some embodiments, the first link is coupled to the device housing using a toggling pivot. The toggling pivot may be configured to bias the strap toward an open position when positioned past an opening threshold. The toggling pivot may also be configured to bias the strap toward a closed position when positioned past a closing threshold. 
     In some embodiments, each link of the articulated strap is joined to an adjacent link using a toggling pivot. The toggling pivots may be configured to bias the strap toward an open position when positioned past an opening threshold and configured to bias the strap toward a closed position when positioned past a closing threshold. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to a method for making an attachment mechanism. A first link may be pivotally connected to a second link with a first biasing member. The second link may be pivotally connected to a third link with a second biasing member. The third link may be pivotally coupled to a fourth link with a third biasing member. The attachment mechanism may be attached to a housing of a wearable device. In some embodiments, the first biasing member has a biasing torque that is greater than the third biasing member. 
     In some embodiments, pivotally connecting the first link to the second link includes attaching the first link to the second link using a pivot and coupling the first biasing member to the first and second links. In some embodiments, the first biasing member is a leaf spring and pivotally connecting the first link to the second link includes attaching a first end of the leaf spring to the first link and a second end of the leaf spring to the second link. In some embodiments, a biasing torque is adjusted between at least one pair of adjacent links. 
    
    
     
       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: 
         FIGS. 1A-1B  show an example device attached to a user using an attachment mechanism; 
         FIG. 2  shows another example attachment mechanism; 
         FIG. 3  shows a side view of a portion of an attachment mechanism; 
         FIG. 4  shows a series of links used to form an attachment mechanism; 
         FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of a pivotal connection including a leaf spring; 
         FIG. 6  shows a view of links of a pivotal connection including a torsional spring; 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating a method for attaching a wristband to a user; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a wristband. 
     
    
    
     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. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-8 . 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. 
     The following disclosure is directed to embodiments that include an attachment mechanism for securing a device to a user. The attachment mechanism may include a pair of articulated straps (band straps that are configured to move between an open and closed position. In a closed position, the attachment mechanism may be configured to wrap around a body part of a user, such as a wrist or arm. In an open position, the attachment mechanism may be removed from the body part and detached from the user. The articulated straps may each be formed from a series of links that are pivotally coupled to each other. The pivotal connections or couplings may include a pivot (e.g., a pivot pin or other hinge) and a biasing member. In some cases, the pivot and the biasing member are formed by a single component. The biasing member may be configured to produce a biasing torque or force that biases the articulated strap toward a closed position. 
     In some embodiments, the torque of the biasing members are configurable and may vary along the length of the articulated strap. For example, the biasing torque provided by links near the housing of the device may be greater than (or stronger than) the biasing torque provided by links further away from the housing. The amount of biasing torque may be configured to provide a secure attachment without pinching or exerting excessive clamping forces on the user&#39;s wrist or arm. In some cases, the biasing torque or clamping force is adjustable either through mechanical adjustment or through replacement of a biasing member or element. Accordingly, the clamping force provided by an attachment mechanism may be specially configured for a particular user or a particular use. 
     In some embodiments, the pivotal connections may include a dampening element to dampen the pivotal movement between the links. In some embodiments, a clutching mechanism may be used to restrict or stop the motion between the links until an external force is applied. For example, the attachment mechanism may be configured to maintain an open position until a user clamps or closes the attachment mechanism around the user&#39;s wrist. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment mechanism may include a toggling pivot that is configured to bias the strap toward an open position when positioned past an opening threshold and configured to bias the strap toward a closed position when positioned past a closing threshold. 
       FIGS. 1A-1B  depicts an example device  100  (e.g., a wearable device) including an attachment mechanism  110 . In this example, the attachment mechanism  110  includes a pair of band straps: right strap  112 , and left strap  114 . Each of the straps  112 ,  114  are formed from a series of articulating segments or links  104  that are pivotally coupled to each other. The straps  112 ,  114  may transition or move between a closed position (shown in  FIG. 1A ) and an open position (shown in  FIG. 1B ). Collectively, the straps  112 ,  114  may be referred to as an articulating strap, articulating band, watch strap, watch band, or simply a strap or a band. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B , each band strap  112 ,  114  of the pair of band straps may be attached to the housing  101  at a fixed end and configured to wrap around the user&#39;s wrist  120  at a free end. As shown in  FIG. 1A , when the attachment mechanism  110  is in the closed position, the free ends of the pair of band straps may define or be separated by a gap. In some embodiments, the free ends of the band straps  112 ,  114  touch or nearly touch when the attachment mechanism  110  is in the closed position. In the present example, the attachment mechanism  110  is configured to attach the device  100  to the user  120  without using a clasp, buckle, or similar mechanism to join the free end of the right strap  112  with the free end of the left strap  114 . 
     One or more pairs of links  104  may include a biasing member, such as a spring, for biasing the straps  112 ,  114  into the closed position to secure or attach the device  100  to the user  120 . As described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 3 , the biasing members may be configured to provide a biasing torque that may vary along the length of each strap  112 ,  114 . By varying the biasing torque, the attachment mechanism  110  may provide a secure attachment without undue pinching or clamping on the user&#39;s wrist  120 . In one non-limiting example, the biasing torque between each link becomes lighter as the links are further from the housing  101  of the device  100 . 
     The straps  112 ,  114  may be configured to move between an open position and a closed position, as indicated by arrows  130 . The biasing torque between the links  104  of the straps  112 ,  114  may be sufficient to secure the device  100  to the user&#39;s wrist  120  while the attachment mechanism  110  is in the closed position. To disengage or remove the device  100 , the user may pull the attachment mechanism  110  away from the user&#39;s wrist  120  to move the attachment mechanism  110  into an open position. The pulling force provided by the user generally is greater than the biasing torque provided by the pivotal connection between the links  104 . 
     In some cases, the pivotal connections may include one or more toggling pivots. The toggling pivots may be configured to bias the straps  112 ,  114  toward an open position when positioned past an opening threshold, and may be configured to bias the straps  112 ,  114  toward a closed position when positioned past a closing threshold. In this way, the straps  112 ,  114  may tend to remain in either an open or closed position until acted on or moved by the user (or other external force). Alternatively or additionally, the pivotal connections may include a damping element or damping mechanism to resist or dampen pivotal motion between adjacent pairs of links  104 . 
     The links  104  may be formed from a metal, plastic, ceramic, or other suitable material. While the links  104  are depicted as being generally oval in shape, the links  104  may be rectangular, circular, polygonal, or any one of a variety of other types of shapes. In the present example, the links  104  all have approximately the same shape. However, in alternative embodiments, the shape of the links  104  may vary along the length of the straps  112 ,  114 . In some embodiments, one or more of the links  104  may be removably attached from an adjacent link  104  to allow for an adjustable length strap  112 ,  114  to fit different sized wrists. In some embodiments, the entire strap  112 ,  114  may be removably coupled to the housing  101  to facilitate band replacement or use of multiple, alternative band styles. 
     In the example depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1B , the device  100  is illustrated as, but not limited to, a wearable device that is attached to the wrist  120  of a user. The device  100  may include a mechanical watch, an electronic watch, a health monitoring device, a portable media player, or the like. A mechanical or electronic watch may be configured to function as a timekeeping device by displaying the current time, elapsed time, or other timekeeping function. An electronic watch may include electronic components including, for example, circuitry and processing units that are configured to perform the various functions of the device. While  FIGS. 1A-1B  depict the device  100  as being attached to the user&#39;s wrist  120 , the attachment mechanism  110  may be used to attach the device  100  to other body parts of the user or to other devices, structures, or objects. 
     The device  100  includes a housing  101  that defines an opening. A display  105  is at least partially disposed within the opening of the housing  101  and may be covered by a crystal, cover glass, or other similar protective element. The display  105  may include a light emitting diode, a liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode display, or other type of display element. In some embodiments, the device  100  includes a purely mechanical (non-electronic) display such as a traditional watch face. 
     The housing  101  may be formed from one or more separate components and serves as a protective enclosure for the internal components of the device  100 . The housing  101  may enclose a battery, mechanisms, electronics, processors, and other internal components of the device  100 . The housing  101  may also provide for one or more user input devices such as a crown, dial, button, slide, and the like. The user input devices may be configured to receive a user input. For example, the device may include a crown or dial that is configured to receive a rotary and/or translational user input to control one or more aspects of the device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts another example device  200  having attachment mechanism  210  used to attach the device  200  to a user (e.g., user&#39;s wrist  220 ). Similar to the previous example, the attachment mechanism  210  includes two straps  212 ,  214  that are formed by a series of articulating links  204  that are pivotally coupled to each other. Each of the pair of straps  212 ,  214  is attached to opposite sides of the housing  201  of the device  200 . The straps  212 ,  214  may be pivotally and/or removably coupled or connected to the housing  201  using a pin, hinge, or other similar coupling joint. In the present embodiment, the straps  212 ,  214  are pivotally coupled to the housing  201  using the pivot pin  202 . The pivotal connection between the straps  212 ,  214  and the housing  201  may include a biasing member that is configured to exert a biasing force or torque on the respective straps  212 ,  214 . 
     Similar to the previous example, each of the links  204  may be coupled or connected via a pivotal connection that allows for a pivoting movement. Each pivotal connection may include a biasing member that provides a biasing force or torque to bias the straps  212 ,  214  from an open to a closed position. The biasing force or torque may cause the attachment mechanism  210  to snap or clamp around the user&#39;s wrist  220 . An example closing movement is illustrated by arrows  230 . 
     In the present example, the links  204  have a closed loop or hoop shape with an open center portion. Each link  204  may be formed from a closed loop of tubular material and connected to an adjacent link using a pivot pin, pivot hinge, or other type of pivotal connection. Example pivotal connections are described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     The pivotal connection or coupling between each of the links  204  provides the bias force to move the attachment mechanism  210  from the open to the closed position or to maintain the attachment mechanism  210  in the closed position. If the device  200  is attached to the user&#39;s wrist  220 , the user may remove the device  200  by pulling the attachment mechanism  210  in the direction opposite to arrows  230  and away from the user&#39;s wrist  220  to move it into an open position. In some cases, the pivotal connections may include one or more toggling pivots. The toggling pivots may be configured to bias the straps  212 ,  214  toward an open position when positioned past an opening threshold, and may be configured to bias the straps  212 ,  214  toward a closed position when positioned past a closing threshold. In this way, the straps  212 ,  214  may tend to remain in either an open or closed position until acted on or moved by the user (or other external force). 
       FIG. 3  depicts a side view of an articulated strap  300 . The articulated strap  300  may correspond to a portion of one of the straps described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 . Similar to as described above with respect to the previous figures, the strap  300  may be connected to a housing at a first end and a second, opposite end may be configured to wrap around a user&#39;s wrist. Using two articulated straps  300  attached to opposite sides of a housing, the straps  300  may be configured to clamp or close around a user&#39;s wrist to secure a device to the user&#39;s body. The directional arrow  306  indicates the direction associated with a closing motion and the arrow  307  indicates the direction associated with an opening motion. 
     The articulated strap  300  is formed from a series of links  301  that are connected to each other by pivotal connections  313 ,  314 ,  315 . The pivotal connections may be configured to bias the strap  300  in the direction  306  (associated with a closing or closed position of the strap  300 ). The pivotal connections  313 ,  314 ,  315  include a biasing member (not shown), which may provide a biasing torque for each of the pivotal connections  313 ,  314 ,  315 . The biasing member may include a spring or other resilient component that is configured to produce a biasing torque between adjacent pairs of links  301 . Example pivotal connections and example biasing members are described below with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     The biasing torque may vary along the length of the strap  300 . In particular, the series of links  301  in the strap  300  may include multiple groups of links, each group including two or more links that are joined by a pivotal connection ( 313 ,  314 ,  315 ) having a different biasing torque. In the example of  FIG. 3 , the strap  300  includes three groups of links ( 303 ,  304 ,  305 ). Three groups of links are provided as one non-limiting example and an alternative design may include use fewer or more groups of links. A first group of links  303  is positioned at one end of the strap  300  and may include an end link  301  that may be used to attach the strap  300  to a housing of the device or other component. The first group of links  303  includes a first pivotal connection  313  coupling at least one pair of links  301  in the first group of links  303 . Here, the first group of links  303  includes three links  301  joined together by two pivotal connections  313 . Each pivotal connection  313  includes a first biasing member that is configured to exert a first biasing torque between the pair of links. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the strap  300  includes a second group of links  304  that is attached to the first group of links  303 . The second group of links includes a second pivotal connection  314  coupling at least one pair of links  301  in the second group of links  304 . Here, the second group of links  304  includes three links  301  joined together by two pivotal connections  314 . Each pivotal connection includes a second biasing member configured to exert a second biasing torque. In some embodiments, the second biasing torque of the second pivotal connection  314  is less than the first biasing torque of the first pivotal connection  313 . 
     Similarly, a third group of links  305  may be attached to the second group of links  304  and may include a third pivotal connection  315  coupling at least one pair of links  301  in the third group of links  305 . The third pivotal connection  315  may include a third biasing member that is configured to exert a third biasing torque that is less than the first and second biasing torques of the other two groups of links ( 303 ,  304 ). 
     The strength of the biasing torque provided by each pivotal connection  313 ,  314 ,  315  determines the amount of force that the articulated strap  300  exerts against a wrist or other body part or object around which a band is secured. In the current example, the biasing torque provided by pairs of links in group  303  may be stronger than in group  304  and the biasing torque in group  304  may be stronger than in group  305 . In this configuration, the higher or stronger torque provided by the first and second groups of links ( 303 ,  304 ) may be configured to secure the device to the user&#39;s wrist. The lower or weaker torque provided by the third group of links  305  may be configured to wrap the strap  300  around the user&#39;s wrist in a comfortable manner without undue clamping or squeezing. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the biasing torque provided by the first group of links  303  may be weaker or lower than the torque provided by the second group of links  304 , which in turn may be weaker or lower than the torque provided by the third group of links  305 . In this embodiment, the stronger biasing force in region  305  may be desirable to more securely attach the strap  300  (and the device) around a user&#39;s wrist or around an object such as a pole or the handlebar of a bicycle or motorcycle. 
     The torque provided by the pivotal connections  313 ,  314 ,  315  may be due to a spring or other resilient element that is configured to produce an increasing biasing torque in response to a pivotal motion in the direction  307  (corresponding to an opening motion of the strap  300 ). Example spring-based pivotal connections are described below with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Additionally or alternatively, adjacent pairs of links include one or more magnetic elements that are configured to provide a centering and/or biasing torque between the pair of links. The adjacent links may, for example, include a pair of attracting magnets that tend to pull the adjacent links in the direction  306  (corresponding to a closing motion of the strap  300 ). 
     In some embodiments, each link  301  of the strap  300  is joined to an adjacent link  301  using a toggling pivot. The toggling pivots may be configured to bias the strap toward an open position when positioned past an opening threshold and bias the strap toward a closed position when positioned past a closing threshold. The toggling pivot may be formed from an over-center linkage or mechanism that toggles a biasing force when moved past an over-center position. For example, the toggling pivot may include a link or pair of opposing links that are configured to rotate away from an over-center position. In some embodiments, the toggling pivot may be provided by a pair of opposing magnets that tend to rotate the links away from an over-center position. 
     In some embodiments, the amount of rotation provided by each type of pivotal connection  313 ,  314 ,  315  may vary along the length of the strap  300 . In particular, each pivotal connection  313 ,  314 ,  315  may include a hard stop configuration that limits the amount of rotation between adjacent links to a different amount, In some embodiments, the pivotal connection  313  may be configured to move through a greater amount of rotation than the pivotal connections  314  and  315 . Similarly, the pivotal connection  314  may be configured to move through a greater amount of rotation than the pivotal connection  315 . In an alternative embodiment, the pivotal connection  315  may be configured to rotate further than pivotal connection  314 , which may be configured to rotate further than pivotal connection  313 . The amount of rotation may also be adjustable by adjusting the position of hard stops between one or more pair of links. 
     In some embodiments, each pivotal connection  313 ,  314 ,  315  may include a dampening element or dampening mechanism for restricting or dampening a pivoting motion between adjacent pairs of links. In one example, a gear-driven dampening mechanism coupled to a fluidic or other type of damper may be integrated in one or more of the pivotal connections  313 ,  314 ,  315 . In another example, a dampening element such as a washer or ring formed from a polymer material may be used to restrict or dampen the pivoting motion between adjacent links. In some embodiments, the amount of dampening varies along the length of the band  300  similar to as described above with respect to the biasing torque. That is, the dampening provided by the first group of links  303  may be greater than the dampening provided by the second group of links  304 , and so on. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  depict an example articulating strap  400  formed from a series of links  401  that are pivotally coupled to each other. In particular,  FIG. 4  depicts an assembled articulating strap  400  and  FIG. 5  depicts an exploded view of a pair of adjacent links  401   a - f  and an example pivotal connection between them. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the strap  400  is formed from multiple groups of links  403 ,  404 , and  405 . Similar to as described above with respect to  FIG. 3 , each group of links may provide a different biasing torque, clamping force, amount of rotation, dampening, or other variation of pivotal connection between adjacent links  401   a - f . As described above with respect to  FIG. 3 , each group of links  403 ,  404 ,  405  may provide a biasing torque that increases along the length of the strap  400 . Alternatively, one or more groups of links  403 ,  404 ,  405  may fixedly or rigidly couple adjacent links to each other. In one example, the strap  400  includes pivotal connections alternating or interspersed with rigid connections between adjacent links. 
     In general, the biasing torque provided by links closer to an attachment to a device housing may be increased as compared to the biasing torque between links that are further away. In one example, the first link  401   a  is configured to be pivotally attached to a device housing or other component using a first pivot and a first biasing member. A group of intermediate links  401   b - e  are pivotally engaged with the first link  401   a . The link  401   f  may be pivotally engaged with the group of intermediate links  401   b - e  using a second pivot and a second biasing member. In some implementations, the first biasing member may be configured to exert a first torque that is greater than a second torque of the second biasing member. In some embodiments, the intermediate links  401   b - e  may be pivotally coupled to each other. Alternatively, one or more pairs of intermediate links  401   b - e  are fixedly or rigidly coupled to each other. 
       FIG. 5  depicts an exploded view of an example pivotal connection  500  between adjacent links  401   a  and  401   b . In this example, the pivotal connection  500  includes leaf spring  506  that functions as both a biasing member and the pivot between the links  401   a  and  401   b . In particular, the leaf spring  506  is configured to bend to provide a pivoting motion between the links  401   a  and  401   b . The bending of the leaf spring  506  also produces the biasing torque between the links  401   a ,  401   b . The leaf spring  506  may be formed from spring steel or other compliant material. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the leaf spring  506  is attached or secured to each of the links  401   a  and  401   b . In this example, a first end  507   a  of the leaf spring  506  is clamped using a first pair of clamping elements  503   a , which are then inserted in an opening  504   a  of the link  401   a . The first pair of clamping elements  503   a  (and the first end  507   a  of the leaf spring  506 ) are attached or secured to the link  401   a  using a mechanical fastener or other removable connection technique. In some embodiments, the opening  504   a  is tapered or otherwise shaped such that when clamping elements  503   a  are inserted, the opening  504   a  retains the first pair of clamping elements  503   a  and may also provide at least a portion the clamping force on the first end  507   a . The opening  504   a  may also include a snap-fit, press-fit or other feature for retaining the first pair of clamping elements  503   a . In some implementations, the first pair of clamping elements  503   a  are attached to the link  401   a  using an adhesive, weld, or other semi-permanent attachment connection technique. Similarly, the second end  507   b  of the leaf spring  506  is attached or secured to the link  401   b  using a second pair of clamping elements  503   b  inserted into the opening  504   b.    
     The leaf spring  506  may be configured to provide a predetermined amount of biasing force between links  401   a ,  401   b . In this example, the leaf spring  506  is includes a slight fold or crease that angles each end  507   a ,  507   b  in a downward direction (as viewed from the perspective of  FIG. 5 ). The shape and compliant resistance provided by the leaf spring  506  may create a biasing torque between adjacent links  401   a  and  401   b  in the direction indicated by arrows  508 . 
     In some implementations, the amount of biasing torque between adjacent links  401   a ,  401   b  may be adjusted by varying the material, size, shape, thickness and/or angle of the fold in leaf spring  506 . Thus, leaf springs having different characteristics may be used between adjacent links  401   a ,  401   b  to exert a different biasing torque. With respect to the example of  FIG. 4 , each group of links  403 ,  404 ,  405  may have a pivotal connection having a different leaf spring configured to produce a different biasing torque. 
     In some embodiments, the amount of biasing toque may be adjusted. For example, a person or machine may replace leaf spring  506  with a different size leaf spring having different characteristics. In some implementations, an additional leaf spring may be added to increase the biasing torque provided between the adjacent links  401   a ,  401   b . In some implementations, a mechanical adjustment may be used (using a preloading screw or similar technique) to increase or decrease the preload on the leaf spring  506 , which may also alter the biasing torque between the adjacent links  401   a ,  401   b.    
       FIG. 6  depicts an alternate embodiment of a pivotal connection  600  between adjacent links  601   a  and  601   b . In this example, a torsion spring  606  is used to provide the biasing torque between the adjacent links  601   a  and  601   b . The size and tension of torsion spring  606  may determine the amount of torque exerted between the adjacent links  601   a  and  601   b . In this embodiment, the torsion spring  606  is at least partially disposed about a pivot pin  603  used to couple the links  601   a  and  601   b . Thus, in this example, the pivotal connection  600  is accomplished using two components, the torsion spring  606  and the pivot pin  603 . 
     The amount of biasing torque between the links  601   a  and  601   b  may be adjusted or configured using a variety of techniques. In some implementations, the torsion spring  606  may be replaced with a different torsion spring having a different wire diameter, number of wraps, or leg configuration to produce a pivotal connection  600  having a different biasing torque. Additionally or alternatively, a mechanical adjustment may be used (using a preloading screw or similar technique) to adjust the position of one or more of the legs of the torsion spring  606 , which may also alter the biasing torque of the pivotal connection  600 . 
     While  FIGS. 5 and 6  depict example configurations used to create a pivotal connection between links, other configurations may be used. For example, another type of spring and/or a magnetic coupling may be used to produce a biasing coupling between the links. In some embodiments, the pivotal connection includes multiple biasing or spring members to produce the biasing torque. Additionally or alternatively, the pivotal connection may include one or more dampening elements or mechanisms for restricting motion between adjacent links. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a flow chart of an example process  700  for assembling and adjusting an example attachment mechanism or wristband. In operation  701 , a user may select a wristband including two series of links and attach the series of links to a portable electronic device, such as a watch. In some embodiments, the series of links may already be attached to the portable electronic device. In operation  702 , the user may adjust the opening and closing forces of the series of links. In one embodiment, this is accomplished in operation  703  by disassembling adjacent links and replacing the biasing member between the adjacent links with one of having a higher or lower spring force. In one alternative embodiment, operation  704  may be used to adjust biasing torque between links. In operation  704 , the user may replace a link (or pair of links) with another links (or pair of links) which includes a biasing member having a higher or lower spring force. One or more operations of process  700  may be repeated until the desired fit is achieved. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a flow chart depicting an example process  800  for assembling an attachment mechanism. In operation  801 , a first link is pivotally connected to a second link with a first biasing member. In operation  802 , a second link is pivotally connected to a third link with a second biasing member. In operation  803  the third link is pivotally connected to a fourth link with a third biasing member. Operations  801 ,  802  and  803  may be repeated in order to assemble a band with the desired number of links. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 8 , in each of operations  801 ,  802  and  803  the step of pivotally connecting may include selecting a biasing member with a spring force which either increases or decreases from one link to an adjacent link or which remains the same for a number of adjacent links and then changes. In operation  804 , the strap may be attached to a portable electronic device. 
     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: 20160907
Publication Date: 20180327
Grant Date: 20180327
Priority Date: 20150917
Inventors: DE IULIIS DANIELE
WEBB MICHAEL J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A44C5/0007", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/147", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/1486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/0007", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/1486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/147", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58276103