PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10849392-B1
Application Number: US-201715707998-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Battery watch band

Abstract:
A watch can include a watch body and a watch band that is capable of housing batteries and transferring power from the batteries to the watch body to power the watch. The watch band can include an inner frame that has multiple slots, each slot configured to house a corresponding battery. The watch band can further include an outer covering that encompasses the inner structure and hermetically seals the batteries. A battery connector operatively connects each of the batteries to each other and to the watch body.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A watch band, comprising:
 multiple batteries; 
 an inner frame with slots configured to receive the batteries; 
 a battery connector that is configured to be electrically connected to each of the batteries and to transfer power from the batteries to a watch body; 
 first tapered projections each positioned on a first side of a corresponding one of the multiple batteries; 
 second tapered projections each positioned on a second side of a corresponding one of the multiple batteries; and 
 an outer covering that entirely encompasses the inner frame, the batteries, the first tapered projections, the second tapered projections, and at least a portion of the battery connector. 
 
     
     
       2. The watch band of  claim 1 , the battery connector comprising a non-extendable, flexible fiber having flexible sections between adjacent slots, the first and second tapered projections being attached to the inner frame on opposing sides of each slot and on opposing sides of the flexible sections, with adjacent pairs of the first and second tapered projections being rotationally connected to each other by the flexible sections. 
     
     
       3. The watch band of  claim 2 , wherein each of the first and second tapered projection has a trapezoidal cross-section that tapers away from the corresponding slot. 
     
     
       4. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein the inner frame further comprises an extension that extends beyond the slots, the extension defining first openings for receiving an attachment mechanism, the outer covering defining second openings that correspond to the first openings in the extension. 
     
     
       5. The watch band of  claim 1 , further comprising a pin for conductively connecting the batteries to the watch body. 
     
     
       6. The watch band of  claim 1 , further comprising the batteries, wherein each battery is positioned within a corresponding one of the slots. 
     
     
       7. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein each slot of the inner frame is defined by top securing portions and a bottom securing portion, the top securing portions and the bottom securing portion being configured to be disposed around a corresponding one of the batteries. 
     
     
       8. The watch band of  claim 7 , wherein the top securing portions and the bottom securing portion do not overlap. 
     
     
       9. The watch band of  claim 1 , further comprising an induction coil for receiving wireless power to charge the batteries. 
     
     
       10. The watch band of  claim 9 , wherein the induction coil is wound about one of the batteries. 
     
     
       11. A watch band comprising:
 an inner covering having slots; 
 batteries, each of the batteries being hermetically sealed in a corresponding one of the slots; 
 a battery connector that connects the batteries to each other and is configured to transfer power from the batteries to a watch body; and 
 tapered projections positioned on opposing sides of each of the batteries on opposing sides of the battery connector; 
 an outer frame comprising multiple links, each of the links comprising an upper portion and a lower portion on opposing sides of a corresponding one of the batteries, wherein the inner covering extends continuously through and within an interior portion of each of the multiple links of the outer frame, and between opposing pairs of the upper portions and the lower portions, the outer frame is non-extendable, each of the slots and batteries is disposed within a cavity of a corresponding one of the links of the outer frame, and the inner covering hermetically seals the batteries and the tapered projections. 
 
     
     
       12. The watch band of  claim 11 , wherein the outer frame comprises metallic links. 
     
     
       13. The watch band of  claim 12 , wherein the metallic links are rotationally connected to each other. 
     
     
       14. The watch band of  claim 11 , wherein the inner covering is an elastomer. 
     
     
       15. A wearable device comprising:
 a watch body; and 
 a watch band coupled to the watch body and comprising:
 batteries hermetically sealed within an outer covering; 
 a battery connector that connects the batteries to each other with flexible sections between adjacent batteries, wherein the battery connector transfers power from the batteries to the watch body; 
 projections positioned on opposing sides of each of the batteries on opposing sides of the battery connector, wherein the outer covering extends continuously around each of the batteries and the projections. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The wearable device of  claim 15 , wherein the battery connector comprises a non-extendable, flexible fiber, and the outer covering comprises an elastomer that is molded over the battery connector. 
     
     
       17. The wearable device of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 an inner frame comprising slots for housing the batteries; and 
 the projections being attached to the inner frame on opposing sides of each slot and on opposing sides of the flexible sections, with adjacent projections being rotationally connected to each other by the flexible sections, wherein each projection has a trapezoidal cross-section that tapers away from the corresponding slot of each projection; 
 wherein the inner frame further comprises an extension that extends beyond the slots, the extension defining first openings for receiving an attachment mechanism, the outer covering defining second openings that correspond to the first openings in the extension; 
 wherein each slot of the inner frame is defined by top securing portions and a bottom securing portion, the top securing portions and the bottom securing portion being disposed around a corresponding one of the batteries. 
 
     
     
       18. The wearable device of  claim 17 , wherein at least one of the slots houses an antenna. 
     
     
       19. The wearable device of  claim 15 , wherein the watch band further comprises:
 an outer frame that includes cavities that each house one of the batteries, wherein the outer frame is non-extendable. 
 
     
     
       20. The wearable device of  claim 19 , wherein the outer frame is formed of metallic links, each metallic link including an upper portion, a lower portion, and end portions, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion have corresponding concave interior surfaces that form the cavities, and the metallic links are rotationally connected.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/397,268, entitled “BATTERY WATCH BAND,” filed Sep. 20, 2016, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present description relates in general to a wearable device, and, more particularly, to a watch band for a wristwatch or other wrist-mounted device (e.g., a smartwatch). 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some electronic devices may be removably attached to a user. For example, a wristwatch or fitness/health tracking device can be attached to a user&#39;s wrist by joining free ends of a watchband together. In one example, wristwatches typically include a case and a band. The case carries the components or mechanisms of the wristwatch including the face. The band extends away from the case so that it can wrap around the wrist of a user. The band may be integral with the case. However, in most cases, the band is a separate part that is attached to the case. 
     Recent advances in smartwatches have enabled users to do increasingly more on their smartwatches. A longer battery life for a user&#39;s smartwatch may enable them to use their smartwatch with less frequent recharging. 
    
    
     
       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 perspective view of a wearable device including a watch band. 
         FIG. 2  shows a top view of a wearable device. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the watch band and its inner architecture. 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the inner architecture of the watch band. 
         FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of the inner architecture of the watch band of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional side view of the watch band and its inner architecture taken along line  6 - 6 ′ of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a detail cross-sectional side view of the watch band and its inner architecture taken from area  7  of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a wearable device including a watch band. 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a portion of the watch band. 
         FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the portion of the watch band of  FIG. 9  taken along line  10 - 10 ′. 
         FIG. 11  shows a side view of a wearable device including a watch band. 
         FIG. 12  shows a partial perspective view of a wearable device including a watch band. 
         FIG. 13  shows an exploded detail view of the watch band of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a watch band and its inner architecture. 
         FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of a watch band and its inner architecture. 
     
    
    
     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 claims. 
     A smartwatch offers a variety of different features and applications that make the smartwatch attractive to users. Smartwatches can be powered by a rechargeable battery that is located within a watch body. However, different features and applications offered by smartwatches can require differing amounts of processing and power, which can drain the battery life of the rechargeable battery and diminish the user&#39;s ability to use the smartwatch or some features of the smartwatch as they desire without recharging the battery. The amount of power that can be produced by a battery can be based on the volume of the battery itself. Accordingly, the amount of power producible by batteries that are housed within the watch body is limited by the space available in the watch body. 
     Some embodiments described herein include a watch band for a smartwatch that secures the smartwatch to a user&#39;s wrist and also houses batteries in the watch band in order to provide additional battery life to the smartwatch. This can provide an additional power source for the smartwatch without increasing the size of a watch body. Also, since smartwatches already include watch bands, such embodiments provide additional power without adding an additional component to the watch band (such as, for example, a supplemental battery pack). To keep the batteries out-of-contact with the external environment, the watch band can hermetically seal the batteries within the watch band. In addition, the watch band can include an inner frame or an outer frame that helps prevent or limit stretching and/or twisting of the watch band in order to help maintain the structural and electrical integrity of the electrical components and the batteries within the watch band. 
     The present disclosure describes a watch body and watch band architectures for housing batteries within the watch band and for transferring power from the batteries within the watch band to the watch body in order to power the watch. The batteries in the watch band can thus provide additional battery life to the smartwatch without increasing the size of a watch body of the watch. 
     In some embodiments, a strong inner frame, like an endoskeleton, provides structural support for housing batteries within a watch band, while a flexible outer covering seals the batteries in the watch band. For example, a watch band can house batteries in an inner frame that includes a slot for each battery. A battery connector can connect each of the batteries in the watch band to each other, and the battery connector can be configured to transfer power from the batteries to a watch body connected to the watch band. The inner frame can be constructed of a flexible non-extendable high-strength material. The inner frame helps limit stretching and twisting of the battery connector. An outer covering can entirely encompass the inner frame and hermetically seal the batteries and the battery connector. 
     In some embodiments, a flexible inner covering seals the batteries within a watch band, while a strong outer covering, like an exoskeleton, provides structural support for the band around the batteries. For example, a watch band can house batteries within slots of an inner covering. A battery connector can connect each of the batteries in the inner covering to each other, and the battery connector can be configured to transfer power from the batteries to a watch connected to the watch band. The inner covering hermetically seals the batteries and the battery connector. An outer frame can have corresponding cavities that correspond to the slots of the inner covering. The outer frame can entirely encompass the inner covering and provide structural support for the watch band to help limit stretching and twisting of the inner covering and the battery connector. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. 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 wearable device  100  (e.g., a smartwatch), which can include a watch body  110  and a watch band  120 . Watch band  120  can include a first band portion  130  and, optionally, a second band portion  140  having an attachment mechanism  150 . Wearable device  100  can be attached and secured to a user&#39;s wrist by connecting first band portion  130  to second band portion  140  by attachment mechanism  150 . Alternatively or additionally, first band portion  130  can connect directly to watch body  110  at multiple locations to secure the watch without the use of second band portion  140 . For example, first band portion  130  can slideably extend through a loop structure attached to watch body  110  and connect to itself. 
     One or both of first band portion  130  and second band portion  140  can include segments  122  which can each include a battery embedded therein to provide power for wearable device  100 . As such, aspects of the first band portion  130  and second band portion  140  described herein can apply to the entirety of watch band  120  or any portion thereof. All or some segments  122  of a watch band  120  can contain a battery or other electronic component, but in other embodiments only some number of segments  122  less than all of segments  122  contain a battery or other electronic component, while other segments are included for aesthetic purposes to provide a consistent look and feel to watch band  120 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of wearable device  100  where first band portion  130  and second band portion  140  are separated from watch body  110 . Outer portions of first band portion  130  are illustrated in phantom lines in  FIG. 2  to better illustrate an inner architecture  210  of first band portion  130  for housing and securing batteries within first band portion  130 . Upon an electrical connection between first band portion  130  and watch body  110 , the batteries of first band portion  130  can provide power to components of watch body  110 . Inner architecture  210  of first band portion  130  can have structural characteristics that help prevent or limit stretching and twisting of first band portion  130 , as will be described in more detail below. 
     First band portion  130  and/or second band portion  140  can be permanently attached to watch body  110  at the time of manufacturing. Alternatively, first band portion  130  and/or second band portion  140  can be attachable and removable at connections  200  by a user so that the user can swap out different watch bands according to their preferences. When worn by a user, first band portion  130  and/or second band portion  140  can be attached to each other or to watch body  110  at attachment mechanism  150  in a variety of manners, such as, for example, with mechanical interlocks, magnets, latches, snap or press-fit connections, hook-and-loop fasteners, or any other suitable connection. 
       FIGS. 3-5  illustrate different views of first band portion  130  with segments  122  showing inner architecture  210 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of first band portion  130  including inner architecture  210 .  FIG. 4  illustrates inner architecture  210  alone, and  FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of  FIG. 4 . Inner architecture  210  can include an inner frame  300 , batteries  310 , battery slots  320 , a battery connector  330 , pins  340 , and an outer covering  350 . Inner frame  300  provides a structure for housing and securing batteries  310  in first band portion  130  in slots  320 . Alternatively, slots  320  can house other electrical components in addition to or instead of batteries  310 , such as, for example, sensors, antennas, processors, microphones, or any other suitable components. 
     Battery connector  330  electrically interconnects batteries  310 . Outer covering  350  seals batteries  310  and battery connector  330  within first band portion  130 . For example, the sealing can be a hermetic seal. Outer covering  350  can be applied to inner frame  300 , batteries  310 , and battery connector  330  by overmolding, injection molding, compression molding, extrusion molding, dip-molding, sewing, and the like. Outer covering  350  can be silicone, elastomer, caoutchouc, leather, textile, synthetic leather, polyvinyl chloride, or any other suitable material. 
     Inner frame  300  can be a textile material. For example, inner frame  300  can be fabricated from a non-extendable high-strength fiber scrim, such as, for example, liquid crystal polymer high modulus synthetic fiber, as can be sold under the trade name Vectran®. The term “non-extendable” is used herein to mean having no more than 5% elongation before break. The ultimate tensile strength of inner frame  300  (i.e., of the non-extendable high-strength fiber scrim) can be at least 0.5 GPa (e.g., 0.5-5 GPa) with no more than 5% elongation before break (e.g., 1-4% elongation before break). With its high ultimate tensile strength and low elongation, inner frame  300  helps prevent stretching of first band portion  130  when subjected to outside forces, which helps to minimize stress on internal components of first band portion  130 , such as batteries  310 , battery connector  330 , or other electrical components. Inner frame  300  can be fabricated from a number of different fibers or any suitable material with a high tensile strength (above 0.5 GPa) and low elongation (below 10% elongation before break). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , inner frame  300  includes slots  320  that each house a corresponding battery  310 . Accordingly, inner frame  300  can have an equal number of slots  320  and batteries  310 . Alternatively, inner frame  300  can include additional slots  320  to house other electrical components and can include empty slots  320  for aesthetic purposes to provide a consistent look and feel to watch band  120 .  FIG. 5  illustrates inner architecture  210  with six batteries, however, the present disclosure is not as limited as the number of batteries can be more or less than six. 
     Batteries  310  can have a variety of different shapes and cross sections, such as cylindrical, conical, trapezoidal, capsule, frustum, spherical, tubular, and the like. Slots  320  can have a corresponding shape to match the shapes of the batteries. Batteries  310  can be rechargeable, such as lithium-ion (LiOn), lithium polymer (Li-Pop), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-cadmium (NiCd), and the like. 
     Each slot  320  can include securing portions for securing batteries  310 . For example,  FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of inner architecture  210  and illustrates top securing portions  502  and bottom securing portions  504  forming portions of inner frame  300 . Each slot  320  is formed by top securing portions  502  at opposing ends of each slot  320  in the width direction and a bottom securing portion  504  centered between top securing portions  502  for securing battery  310  in slot  320 . The use of three securing portions as illustrated in  FIG. 5  is merely an example and additional securing portions can be used to secure battery  310  in slot  320 . The securing portions can alternate between top securing portions  502  and bottom securing portions  504  in order to better secure battery  310  and to make optimal use of the textile material forming inner frame  300 , as will be described in more detail below. Additionally, each battery  310  can be housed in a sleeve  520  that is placed in a slot  320 . Sleeve  520  can be fabricated from non-conductive material to help insulate batteries  310 . 
     The placement of the securing portions creates each individual slot  320  for housing batteries  310 . For example, during the manufacturing process of inner frame  300 , a flat textile material for forming inner frame  300  can extend in a length direction of watch band  120  (e.g., along an axis  302 ). A pair of slits can be introduced in the material in the direction of axis  302  to create and separate top securing portions  502  and bottom securing portion  504  of each slot  320 . Top securing portions  502  can be pushed up and bottom securing portion  504  can be pushed down to form slot  320  when a battery  310  is inserted into slot  320 . In this configuration top securing portions  502  and bottom securing portion  504  wrap around the contour of battery  310  and naturally secure it in place from opposing sides. Since the top securing portions  502  and bottom securing portions  504  are made of the same material, the top securing portions  502  and bottom securing portions  504  do not overlap in the width direction. Alternatively, top securing portions  502  and bottom securing portion  504  can be reversed in that the top securing portions  502  are on the bottom and bottom securing portion  504  is on the top. This configuration makes optimum use of the material forming inner frame  300 , since it can secure battery  310  from both sides with only a single layer of material. 
     Additional slits can be made in the direction of axis  302  to create even more securing portions. In some embodiments, each securing portion can have an equal lengths or each securing portion can have differing lengths. However, since the slits are made in the same material, the multiple top and bottom securing portions created do not overlap in the width direction. 
     In some embodiments, the securing portions can have a top layer and a separate bottom layer connected across their widths at intervals to create each slot  320  between adjacent connections. The top layer can be a top securing portion that extends the width of battery  310  and the bottom layer can be a bottom securing portion that extends the width of battery  310 . Alternatively, the top layer and the bottom layer can be shorter or longer than the width of battery  310 . In some embodiments, the top layer can have portions removed to create multiple top securing portions. Similarly, the bottom layer can have portions removed to create multiple bottom securing portions. Further, since the top layer and the bottom layer are separate from each other, the top layer and the bottom layer can overlap in the width direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , projections  506  can be attached to inner frame  300  on opposing sides of each slot  320 . Each projection  506  can extend along a width of slot  320  and project toward an adjacent slot  320 . Alternatively, projections  506  can only extend a portion of the width of slot  320 . Projections  506  can have a trapezoidal cross-section and each projection  506  can taper as it projects away from its slot  320 . Alternatively, projections  506  can have a variety of different cross-sections, for example, triangle, rectangular, arc-shape, and the like. Projections  506  can be formed of a rigid material, for example, plastic or metal. 
     The material of inner frame  300  between adjacent slots  320  can act as a flexible section  508 . Projections  506  can taper toward flexible section  508 . Flexible sections  508  allow flexibility for inner frame  300  to enable first band portion  130  to wrap around a user&#39;s wrist. The length of flexible sections  508  helps determine the flexibility of inner frame  300 . For example, the longer flexible section  508 , the greater the flexibility of inner frame  300 . Conversely, the shorter the length of flexible section  508 , the less flexibility of inner frame  300 , since adjacent projections  506  can have more room to move relative to each other. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional view of first band portion  130  along line  6 - 6 ′ of  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 7  illustrates a detail view of  FIG. 6  taken from area  7  of  FIG. 6 . Projections  506  can sandwich inner fame  300  on a top and a bottom of inner frame  300  on both sides of each slot  320 . A top projection  506  can project a lesser distance toward an adjacent slot  320  than a bottom projection  506 . Projections  506  can be attached to inner frame  300  in a variety of different manners, such as, for example, by adhesive, sewing, riveting, fasteners extending through inner frame  300 , and the like. 
     The structure of inner frame  300  and projections  506  promotes torsional rigidity, which helps limit the amount of twisting that inner frame  300  can experience during use. This can help maintain the integrity of internal components such as, for example, batteries  310  and battery connector  330 . The width of projections  506 , the width of the flexible sections  508 , and the distance between adjacent projections  506  affect the ability of inner frame  300  to limit twisting. For example, the distance between projections  506  of adjacent slots  320  (i.e., the length of flexible section  508 ) puts an upper limit on how far up or down ends of adjacent projections  506  can move relative to each other when first band portion  130  is twisted. The width of inner frame  300  between projections  506  of adjacent slots  320  (i.e., the width of flexible section  508 ) and the widths of adjacent projections  506  themselves puts an upper limit on the angle adjacent projections  506  can create relative to each other when first band portion  130  is twisted. In some embodiments, projections  506  can twist relative an opposing projection  506  by less than 5 degrees. 
     Returning to  FIG. 5 , inner frame  300  can further include an extension  510  that extends along axis  302 . Extension  510  can define openings  512 , which can be used to attach first band portion  130  to second band portion  140  by attachment mechanism  150 . In addition, outer covering  350  can be overmolded over extension  510  and through openings  512  to help secure the molding of outer covering  350  to inner frame  300 . This can help strengthen the connection between first band portion  130  and second band portion  140 , and can help ensure that any stress put on first band portion  130  is transferred to inner frame  300 , through attachment mechanism  150  and openings  512 . Accordingly, outer covering  350  can define openings  352  that correspond to openings  512  in inner frame  300 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , inner frame  300  can further include a housing  514  for electrical component  538 . Electrical component  538  can include components that help enable the transfer of power from batteries  310  to the watch body, and likewise, the recharging of batteries  310  when the watch body is connected to a power source. For example, such electrical components  538  can include a processor, a voltage regulator, or other electrical components. Electrical components  538  can further include communications components, such as an antenna and a transceiver for communicating with the watch body. 
     Power can be transferred from batteries  310  to the watch body through a conducted electrical path such as battery connector  330 . Battery connector  330  interconnects batteries  310  to each other and transfers power from batteries  310  to the watch body. For example, battery connector  330  electrically interconnects batteries  310 , electrical components  538 , and/or pins  340 . Battery connector  330  can be a rigid flex printed circuit board, wires, or any other suitable connection. Battery connector  330  can be fabricated from copper, gold, silver, conductive polymers, plasmas, or other suitable substitutes or combinations. 
     Battery connector  330  can further include tabs  530  that connect to batteries  310 . For example, battery connector  330  can include a pair of tabs  530  for each battery  310  to order to connect the pair of tabs  530  to opposing ends  532  of each battery  310 . Tabs  530  can be connected to battery  310  by welding, soldering, crimping, brazing, or any other suitable connection. 
     Tabs  530  can be connected together by a lateral joint  534  with tabs  530  on each end of lateral joint  534 . Lateral joint  534  can extend the entire width of battery  310 . Battery connector  330  can include lateral joints  534  for each battery  310 . Each lateral joint  534  can be secured to a projection  506 . Adjacent lateral joints  534  can be connected together by a central joint  536 . Central joints  536  can connect all lateral joints  534  together. In this manner, all of the batteries  310  are interconnected and battery connector  330  is able to transfer power from batteries  310  to the watch body through pins  340  that extend from a proximal end of first band portion  130  to connect to the watch body. For example, pins  340  can be connector pins (e.g., fixed or pogo pins). A seal  540  can further seal pins  340  where pins  340  extend from inner frame  300 . The pins  340  can also be used to charge the batteries of the watch band independently of a connection with the watch body. Alternatively or additionally, one or more coils of the first band portion  130  can inductively couple to the watch body. For example, the one or more coils can operate to induce an electrical current in one or more coils of the watch body. Accordingly, the watch band can provide electrical power to the watch body without physical and/or conductive contact. 
     Battery connector  330  is connected to inner frame  300  which can help protect battery connector  330  from stretching and twisting. As discuss previously, the architecture and material of inner frame  300  and projections  506  helps prevent stretching and twisting of inner frame  300 . The integrity of battery connector  330  helps ensure that the power from batteries  310  can be transferred to the watch body and that those batteries  310  can be recharged when the watch body is connected to a power recharging source. If battery connector  330  is severed or the connection is broken in any manner along battery connector  330 , the ability to harness the power of each of batteries  310  can be limited. For example, if any components of battery connector  330 , such as tabs  530 , lateral joint  534 , or central joints  536  are compromised or broken, the ability to transfer power from batteries  310  or to recharge batteries  310  can be cut off for batteries  310  downstream from the broken component. 
       FIGS. 2-7  illustrate batteries  310  disposed within first band portion  130 , however, the present disclosure is not so limited. Alternatively, each band portion (e.g., first band portion  130  and second band portion  140 ) can each house batteries  310  in the same manner as described above. Each first band portion  130  and second band portion  140  can connect directly to watch body  110  to transfer power from batteries  310  to watch body  110 . Alternatively, first band portion  130  and second band portion  140  can electrically connect to each other through attachment mechanism  150 . Further, watch band  120  can include slots  320  that do not house batteries or electrical components. The empty slots can be included for aesthetic purposes in order to provide a consistent look and feel to watch band  120 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a wearable device  800 , according to some embodiments, which can include a watch body  810 , a watch band  820  with a first band portion  830  and a second band portion  840 , and an attachment mechanism  850 . Wearable device  800  can be attached and secured to a user&#39;s wrist by connecting first band portion  830  to second band portion  840  by attachment mechanism  850 . Watch band  820  can have an outer frame that helps limit stretching and/or twisting of watch band  820  to help protect batteries and electrical components within watch band  820 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a portion of watch band  820  with an outer frame  900  including mechanical links  910  that can be interconnected to each other along a portion of watch band  820  (e.g., the entirety of watch band  820 ). Links  910  can be of equal size and length, or alternatively, the size and length of links  910  can vary. Outer frame  900  provides a structure for housing and securing batteries in watch band  820 . Links  910  can be stainless steel, ceramic, titanium, gold, or any other suitable metal or material. 
     One or both of first band portion  830  and second band portion  840  can include links  910 , each of which can include a battery contained therein to provide power for wearable device  800 . In some embodiments each link  910  of a watch band  820  contains a battery or other electronic component. Alternatively, only some of links  910  can contain a battery or other electronic component, while other links  910  are included to provide a consistent look and feel. Empty links  910  on watch band  820  can allow for removal of empty links  910  in order to size watch band  820  to the user&#39;s wrist. 
     Each link  910  can include an upper portion  912 , a lower portion  914 , and end portions  916  that oppose each other. Lower portion  914  can be a portion of outer frame  900  that is in contact with the user&#39;s wrist when worn, whereas, upper portion  912  can be a portion of outer frame  900  that is not in contact with the user&#39;s wrist. Outer frame  900  can further include fasteners or screws  918  and  919  to couple upper portion  912 , lower portions  914  and end portions  916  together. For example, screw  918  connects upper portion  912  to a corresponding end portion  916  and a separate screw  919  connects lower portion  914  to the same corresponding end portion  916 . Alternatively, upper portion  912 , lower portions  914 , and end portions can be coupled by bonding, soldering, welding, crimping, riveting, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable connection. 
     Links  910  are connected to adjacent links  910  by a connection  920 . Connection  920  provides an axis of rotation  922  between adjacent links  910  to allow adjacent links  910  to rotate relative to each other. The extent of rotation of links  910  can be limited by the design and shape of the end portions  916 . For example, end portion  916  can include a projection  917  that projects from at least one side of end portion  916  within a corresponding indentation  915  on an opposing side of an adjacent end portion  916 . The shapes of projection  917  and indentation  915  can allow for a rotation around an axis of rotation  922  from, for example, 0 to 45 degrees between adjacent links  910  (e.g., 15 to 30 degrees). The degrees of rotation can vary dependent upon the number of links  910  in watch band  820 . For example, the more links  910  in watch band  820 , the smaller the degree of rotation can be between adjacent links  910 . Conversely, the fewer links  910  in watch band  820 , the greater the degree of rotation can be between adjacent links  910 . In this manner, links  910  allow the watch band to wrap around a user&#39;s wrist, but limit the range of rotation between adjacent links  910 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective cross-sectional view along line  10 - 10 ′ of  FIG. 9 . It illustrates an inner covering  1000  disposed within outer frame  900 . Inner covering  1000  can include slots  1010  for housing and securing batteries  1020  within inner covering  1000 . Slots  1010  can be evenly spaced or spaced at irregular intervals along inner covering  1000 . 
     Outer frame  900  can also include cavities  1040  that correspond with slots  1010  of inner covering  1000 . Upper portion  912  and lower portion  914  can have concave interior surfaces (shown U-shaped in cross-section) to receive corresponding slots  1010  of inner covering  1000 . 
     Batteries  1020  within slots  1010  of inner covering  1000  are interconnected to each other by a battery connector  1030 . Battery connector  1030  can create a conducted electrical pathway for transferring power from each battery  1020  to watch body  810 . Battery connector  1030  can extend along the width of batteries  1020  and be encompassed and sealed within inner covering  1000 . Alternatively, battery connector  1030  can extend only a portion of the width of battery  1020  and still be encompassed and sealed within inner covering  1000 . Battery connector  1030  can be fabricated from copper, gold, silver, conductive polymers, plasmas, or other suitable substitutes or combinations. Battery connector  1030  can be wires, rigid flex printed circuit board, conductive inks, or another suitable conductive material. Battery connector  1030  can connect to the ends of batteries  1020  (e.g., through tabs such as described above with respect to battery connector  330 ), and can extend between adjacent batteries  1020  between top and bottom layers of inner covering  1000 . 
     In some embodiments, battery connector  1030  includes a top layer  1032  and a bottom layer  1034 . Alternatively, in another embodiment, battery connector  1030  can be either a top layer  1032  or a bottom layer  1034  to interconnect the batteries  1020  together. Top layer  1032  of battery connector  1030  follows the top contours of battery  1020  and bottom layer  1034  of battery connector  1030  follows the bottom contours of battery  1020 . Top layer  1032  and bottom layer  1034  can be connected together between adjacent batteries  1020  by bonding, mechanical fasteners, welding, soldering, crimping, brazing, or any other suitable connection. Batteries  1020  can be evenly spaced or spaced at irregular intervals along inner covering  1000 . 
     Upper and lower portions of inner covering can extend and be connected together between adjacent batteries  1020  by bonding, mechanical fasteners, welding, soldering, crimping, brazing, pressure applied by outer frame  900 , or any other suitable connection. The extension of inner covering  1000  and battery connector  1030  between adjacent batteries  1020  creates a flexible hinge joint  1036 , which allows flexibility of inner covering  1000  and battery connector  1030 . The length of flexible hinge joint  1036  depends upon the amount of flexibility desired of inner covering  1000 . For example, inner covering  1000  has greater flexibility the longer the length of flexible hinge joint  1036 . Conversely, inner covering  1000  has less flexibility the shorter the length of flexible hinge joint  1036 . 
     Batteries  1020  and battery connector  1030  are entirely encompassed and hermetically sealed within inner covering  1000 , except for the connection of the battery connector  1030  to the watch body  810  by pins, similar to pins  340  described above. Inner covering  1000  can be silicone, elastomers, caoutchouc, or any other suitable material that hermetically seals the batteries within outer frame  900 . Inner covering  1000  can be manufactured by overmolding, injection molding, compression molding, extrusion molding, dip-molding, and the like. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a wearable device  1100 , according to some embodiments, that can include a watch body  1110  and a watch band  1120  with watch band links  1130  and rotational connectors  1140 . Watch band links  1130  can vary in size or each link  1130  can be of equal size. Watch band links  1130  can be connected to each other by rotational connectors  1140 , which allows for rotation between adjacent links  1130 . This enables watch band  1120  to wrap around a user&#39;s wrist. Links  1130  can have a slight curvature to allow watch band  1120  to more naturally wrap around the user&#39;s wrist. For example, at least one link  1130  can have a curved shape that has an arc length of at least 3 centimeters (e.g., at least 5 centimeters). Alternatively, links  1130  can be flat. For illustrative purposes,  FIG. 11  illustrates three links  1130 , however, the present disclosure is not so limited, and there can be more or less than three links  1130 . One or more of links  1130  can house one or more batteries within link  1130 . For example, links  1130  that have a direct connection to watch body  1110  can house a battery and links  1130  that does not have a direct connection to watch body  1110  cannot house a battery. Alternatively, all of links  1130  can house batteries, and the conducted electrical connection can pass through rotational connectors  1140  (e.g., in the same manner as described above with reference to battery connector  1030 ), thereby interconnecting all of the batteries within links  1130 , which allows the power from the batteries to be transferred to watch body  1110 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate a wearable device  1200 , according to some embodiments, that can include a watch body  1210  and a watch band  1120  that includes compartments  1300 . Each compartment  1300  can house a battery  1310  and a battery connector  1330  for connecting batteries in separate compartments to each other (e.g., in the same manner as described above with reference to battery connector  1030 ). Battery  1310  and battery connector  1330  can be sealed within compartment  1300  by a compartment lid  1320 . Batteries  1310  can be interconnected to each other by watch band  1220  (e.g., in the same manner as described above with reference to battery connector  1030 , where a portion of inner covering  1000  is replaced by a seal of compartment lid  1320 ), which transfers the power of the batteries to watch body  1210  and also allows recharging of batteries  1310 . This configuration can facilitate removal and replacement of batteries from watch band  1120 . 
     It will be recognized that aspects of wearable device  1200  can be applied to other embodiments described herein. For example, upper portion  912  of watch band  820 , illustrated in  FIGS. 9-10 , can include a removable lid similar to compartment lid  1320  so that batteries  1020  can be removed and replaced. By further example, a portion of inner covering  1000  can be removable and replaceable with upper portion  912  to provide access to battery  1020 . 
     The batteries of a watch band can be charged independently of the watch body. For example, the watch band can include an ability to receive power wirelessly through inductive coupling.  FIG. 14  illustrates a view of first band portion  2130  with segments  2122  showing inner architecture  2210 . Inner architecture  2210  can include batteries  2310 , battery slots  2320 , a battery connector  2330 , and one or more pins  2340 . An inner frame provides a structure for housing and securing batteries  2310  in first band portion  2130  in slots  2320 . Alternatively or additionally, slots  2320  can house other electrical components in addition to or instead of batteries  2310 , such as, for example, sensors, antennas, processors, microphones, or any other suitable components. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , first band portion  2130  can include one or more induction coils  2390  for receiving power wirelessly. Each of induction coils  2390  can be positioned within a segment  2122  of first band portion  2130 . While two induction coils  2390  are shown in  FIG. 14 , it will be recognized that any number of induction coils  2390  can be provided. Induction coils  2390  can include one or more wires wound about the same or different axes. Induction coils  2390  can have a shape that fits within its corresponding segment  2122  to provide a shape that is consistent with other segments  2122  or otherwise provides a consistent look and feel to first band portion  2130 . For example, induction coils  2390  can have a size and shape that is generally similar to the size and shape of the batteries  2310 . Induction coils  2390  can be wound about a magnetic core for structural support and improved induction capabilities. Alternatively or additionally, induction coils  2390  can include one or more flexible printed circuits. 
     Multiple induction coils  2390  can be grouped together or distributed within the first band portion  2130 . For example, induction coils  2390  can be positioned adjacent to each other, within a same segment  2122 , within adjacent segments  2122 , and/or within non-adjacent segments  2122 . Where induction coils  2390  are grouped in close proximity, wireless power can be more efficiently transferred to a localized region. By further example, induction coils  2390  can be distributed among and separated by batteries  2310  and/or electrical components  2338 . Where induction coils  2090  are distributed, wireless power can be transferred to one or more of a variety of regions. 
     Multiple induction coils  2390  can have the same or different orientations within the first band portion  2130 . It will be recognized that an orientation of each induction coil  2390  can be defined by an axis of winding or a direction in which induction coil  2390  is most sensitive to a given magnetic field. Where induction coils  2390  have the same orientation, induction coils  2390  can be similarly sensitive to a given magnetic field. Accordingly, induction coils  2390  can effectively receive maximum power while first band portion  2130  is in a particular orientation. 
     Where induction coils  2390  have different orientations, induction coils  2390  can be sensitive to different magnetic fields. For example, 2 or more induction coils  2390  can have orthogonal orientations, such that the induction coils  2390  are wound about orthogonal axes or most sensitive to magnetic fields that are orthogonal to each other. Accordingly, at least one of induction coils  2390  can effectively receive power while first band portion  2130  is in any one of a variety of orientations. 
     The inner frame can further house one or more electrical components  2338 . Electrical component  2338  can include components that help enable the transfer of power from batteries  2310  to the watch body, and likewise, the recharging of batteries  2310  with induction coils  2390 . For example, such electrical components  2338  can include a processor, a voltage regulator, or other electrical components. 
     Battery connector  2330  electrically interconnects batteries  2310 , induction coils  2390 , electrical components  2338 , and/or pins  2340 . Outer covering  2350  seals batteries  2310 , induction coils  2390 , and battery connector  2330  within an interior of first band portion  2130 . For example, the sealing can be a hermetic seal. Outer covering  2350  can be applied to batteries  2310 , induction coils  2390 , and battery connector  2330  by overmolding, injection molding, compression molding, extrusion molding, dip-molding, sewing, and the like. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a view of first band portion  3130  with segments  3122  showing inner architecture  3210 . Inner architecture  3210  can include batteries  3310 , battery slots  3320 , a battery connector  3330 , and one or more pins  3340 . An inner frame provides a structure for housing and securing batteries  3310  in first band portion  3130  in slots  3320 . Alternatively or additionally, slots  3320  can house other electrical components in addition to or instead of batteries  3310 , such as, for example, sensors, antennas, processors, microphones, or any other suitable components. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , first band portion  3130  can include one or more induction coils  3390  for receiving power wirelessly. Induction coils  3390  can include one or more wound wires. Each of induction coils  3390  can be positioned about a corresponding battery  3310 . For example, within a given segment  3122 , a battery  3310  and an induction coil  3390  can both be positioned to fit within the given segment  3122 . Induction coils  3390  can be positioned against a battery  3310  or about a structure supporting battery  3310 . Induction coils  3390  can be provided about one or more of batteries  3310 . 
     The inner frame can further house one or more electrical components  3338 . Electrical component  3338  can include components that help enable the transfer of power from batteries  3310  to the watch body, and likewise, the recharging of batteries  3310  with induction coils  3390 . For example, such electrical components  3338  can include a processor, a voltage regulator, or other electrical components. 
     Battery connector  3330  electrically interconnects batteries  3310 , induction coils  3390 , electrical components  3338 , and/or pins  3340 . Outer covering  3350  seals batteries  3310 , induction coils  3390 , and battery connector  3330  within an interior of first band portion  3130 . For example, the sealing can be a hermetic seal. Outer covering  3350  can be applied to batteries  3310 , induction coils  3390 , and battery connector  3330  by overmolding, injection molding, compression molding, extrusion molding, dip-molding, sewing, and the like. 
     A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more. For example, “a” module may refer to one or more modules. An element proceeded by “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional same elements. 
     Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the term include, have, or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprise as comprise is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. 
     Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases. 
     A phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, each of the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C. 
     It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in different order. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed in serial, linearly, in parallel or in different order. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software/hardware product or packaged into multiple software/hardware products. 
     In one aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled. 
     Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such a term may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. 
     The disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects. 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for”. 
     The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 
     The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170918
Publication Date: 20201201
Grant Date: 20201201
Priority Date: 20160920
Inventors: WITTENBERG, MICHAEL B.
SLABAUGH, SCOTT W.
Dey, Stephen E.
KALLMAN, BENJAMIN J.
DE JONG, ERIK G.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G04G17/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02E60/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C10/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M50/247", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/345", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/34", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/0007", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M50/503", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M2220/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/0525", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M50/216", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M6/46", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C10/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C10/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M6/46", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M2/1044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 73554752