PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12096829-B2
Application Number: US-202217849487-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Dynamically adjustable bands for wearable devices

Abstract:
Bands for electronic devices, including wearable devices, are designed to dynamically alter their shape (e.g., lengthen) in response to an external force. A band may include one or more interior structures disposed in an exterior structure. The interior structure(s) is/are pulled in tension by the exterior structure. When the interior structure(s) is/are pulled in tension, an additional force (e.g., by a user) that applies tension to the interior structure(s) may cause a relatively small change in tension to the interior structure(s). As a result, the band may appear to provide the same amount to users, despite users having a different wrist size/diameter. A similar phenomenon may occur to a single user when the user&#39;s wrist changes in size. Accordingly, based on the interior structure(s) being placed in tension by the exterior structure(s), the force provided by the band may appear constant to users.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A band for a wearable device, the band comprising:
 a first structural member that comprises an internal chamber, the first structural member further comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a central portion between the first end and the second end; and 
 a second structural member positioned in the internal chamber, wherein the second structural member is secured with the first structural member, wherein in response to the first structural member coupling with the wearable device:
 a first force is applied to the second structural member by the first structural member, and 
 a second force is applied to the first structural member by the second structural member, the second force altering the first structural member from a first dimension to a second dimension. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The band of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first structural member comprises a fabric, and 
 the second structural member compresses the fabric. 
 
     
     
       3. The band of  claim 1 , wherein the second structural member expands from a first length to a second length based on the first force provided by the first structural member. 
     
     
       4. The band of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first structural member comprises a fabric, and 
 the second structural member comprises an assembly, the assembly comprising a first metal structure and a second metal structure. 
 
     
     
       5. The band of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the first end is configured to couple with a first receptacle of the wearable device; and 
 the second end is configured to couple with a second receptacle of the wearable device, wherein the first metal structure is secured with the first end, and the second metal structure is secured with the second end. 
 
     
     
       6. The band of  claim 5 , wherein the first structural member extends continuously from the first end to the second end. 
     
     
       7. The band of  claim 4 , wherein the first metal structure overlaps the second metal structure. 
     
     
       8. The band of  claim 1 , wherein the second structural member is fixed to the first end, and the second dimension is less than the first dimension. 
     
     
       9. The band of  claim 1 , wherein the second force provides a counterforce that biases the first end and the second end toward the central portion. 
     
     
       10. A band for a wearable device, the band comprising:
 a fabric cover that forms a first end and a second end opposite the first end; 
 a first spring element coupled with the first end; and 
 a second spring element coupled with the second end, wherein the fabric cover pulls the first spring element and the second spring element in tension, and based on the first spring element and the second spring element being in tension, the first spring element and the second spring element are configured to apply a counterforce to compress the fabric cover from a first dimension to a second dimension. 
 
     
     
       11. The band of  claim 10 , wherein the fabric cover comprises a sleeve, and the first spring element and the second spring element are disposed in the sleeve. 
     
     
       12. The band of  claim 10 , wherein the first spring element overlaps with the second spring element. 
     
     
       13. The band of  claim 10 , wherein the first spring element and the second spring element are non-overlapping. 
     
     
       14. The band of  claim 10 , wherein:
 when the first end is secured in a first receptacle of the wearable device, at least a portion of the first spring element is located in the first receptacle, and 
 when the second end is secured in a second receptacle of the wearable device, at least a portion of the second spring element is located in the second receptacle. 
 
     
     
       15. A band for a wearable device, the band comprising:
 an exterior structure that includes a sleeve, the exterior structure comprising a first end and a second end; and 
 an interior structure disposed in the sleeve, the interior structure fixed to the first end, wherein in response to the first end and the second end being coupled with the wearable device, the interior structure applies a first force to compress the exterior structure from a first dimension to a second dimension less than the first dimension while the exterior structure applies a second force to pull the interior structure in tension. 
 
     
     
       16. The band of  claim 15 , wherein the interior structure comprises:
 a first structural member that carries a first magnet and a second magnet; and 
 a second structural member that carries a third magnet and a fourth magnet, wherein the first structural member and the second structural member are adjustable with respect to each other to transition between a first position and a second position. 
 
     
     
       17. The band of  claim 16 , wherein:
 in the first position:
 the first magnet is magnetically coupled to the third magnet, and 
 the second magnet is magnetically coupled to the fourth magnet, and 
 
 in the second position:
 the first magnet is magnetically coupled to the fourth magnet, and 
 the second magnet is magnetically coupled to the third magnet. 
 
 
     
     
       18. The band of  claim 15 , wherein the interior structure comprises:
 a first structural member that carries a first detent and a second detent; and 
 a second structural member that carries a first receptacle, a second receptacle, and a third receptacle, wherein the first structural member and the second structural member are adjustable with respect to each other to transition between a first position and a second position. 
 
     
     
       19. The band of  claim 18 , wherein:
 in the first position:
 the first detent is located in the first receptacle, and 
 the second detent is located in the second receptacle, and 
 
 in the second position:
 the first detent is located in the second receptacle, and 
 the second detent is located in the third receptacle. 
 
 
     
     
       20. The band of  claim 15 ,
 wherein the exterior structure extends continuously from the first end to the second end.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application is directed to bands for wearable devices, and more particularly, to dynamically adjustable bands that are used to secure wearable devices to users. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wearable devices often include a band used to secure the wearable device to a user. In order to adjust the band to a desired length (corresponding to a diameter for a user&#39;s wrist), bands require a user-initiated adjustment. For example, some bands include two separate band portions, with one portion carrying a clasp that can enter one of a number of openings in the other portion of the band, with the different openings accommodating different wrist sizes. In another example, one portion of the band includes an external magnet that can magnetically couple to a magnetically attractable feature(s) on the other portion of the band. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device and a band secured with the electronic device, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the wearable device and the band shown in  FIG.  1   , further showing a lengthening of the band, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a plan view of an exterior structure of a band, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a plan view of an interior structure of a band, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a plan view of a band formed from an exterior structure and an interior structure disposed in the exterior structure, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a side view of an electronic device and a band secured with the electronic device, showing the band with an interior and exterior structures, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  7  and  8    illustrates a side view of an electronic device and a band secured with the electronic device, showing different relationships between interior structures of the band, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a plan view of an alternate exterior structure of a band, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a plan view of an alternate interior structure of a band, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a plan view of a band formed from an alternate exterior and interior structures, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a side view of an electronic device and a band secured with the electronic device, showing the band with the alternate interior and exterior structures, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  13  and  14    illustrates a side view of an electronic device and a band secured with the electronic device, showing the band with an interior structures that include magnets, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  15  and  16    illustrates a side view of an electronic device and a band secured with the electronic device, showing the band with an interior structures that include detents and receptacles, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. 
     This disclosure is directed to bands for wearable devices. In particular, the bands described herein are designed to dynamically adjust (e.g., expand and contract) without a user having to manually adjust the band to change the size of the band. Put another way, the diameter of the band may increase or decrease without a user modifying clasps or other external mechanical features. Also, the band is designed to adjust to different users in a manner that provides an appearance of the same force applied to each user, regardless of users with different appendage sizes. The term “appendage” as used in this detailed description and in the claims refers to a user&#39;s extremity including, but not limited to, a wrist, a forearm, a bicep, a leg, an ankle, and a shin. Also, while wrist is used throughout this detailed description, it should be noted that “wrist” may be substituted with the aforementioned forms of an appendage. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the band includes an exterior structure that encloses an internal structure (or structures). In an initial steady state, the exterior structure applies a force that holds the interior structure(s) in tension. As a result, an additional, external force applied to the band that causes additional tension to the interior structure(s) causes a relatively small amount of change in tension to the interior structure(s). For example, when a user places a wrist through a loop formed by the band, the force provided by the user&#39;s wrist results in little change in tension to the interior structure(s) of the band. In another example, when a different user with a larger wrist places the wrist through the loop, the additional force provided by the user&#39;s larger wrist may cause the band to expand and increase the diameter of the loop. However, little change in tension to the interior structure(s) occurs. Accordingly, each user may experience the appearance of the same, or substantially similar, force provided by the band. 
     In another example, some users may experience swelling of a wrist due to physical activity, which increases the force provided to the band. The interior structure(s) may nonetheless undergo little change in tension. In this manner, while the loop formed by the band may increase in diameter to accommodate the swelling wrist, the user may experience the appearance of the same, or substantially similar, force provided by the band. 
     Based on the interior structure(s), the band may provide a constant force to users despite the users having different wrist sizes. The force may be constant, or appear substantially constant to within ±0.5 Newtons (N) of a given force, through a range of displacement. The range of displacement may include a predetermined or expected range of loop diameters for a given band. Further, bands, including their structural components, may be tuned to provide a force within a desired range of forces, such as a range of approximately 0.5 to 1.5 N. 
     The interior structure(s) held in tension may include metal structures, including steel structures. Further, some metal structures described herein may be bent or curved in a manner corresponding to the curvature of a loop of a band. These interior structure(s) may be covered by an exterior structure(s) such that the exterior structure(s) pulls the interior structure(s) in tension. Alternatively, the interior structure(s) may include a structure with elastic features, thus allowing the interior structure(s) to expand contract. 
     Additionally, after the additional force provided by, for example, a user&#39;s wrist is removed from the band, the band may return to its initial size and shape. Accordingly, the band is a self-adjusting band that does not require specific user interaction to change the size of the band. Beneficially, the band can dynamically adjust to different users, while providing the appearance to different users of the same force to the user&#39;s wrist. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 16   . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
     According to some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG.  1   , an electronic device  100  is shown in the form of a wearable device, or smartwatch, capable of being worn by a user on a wrist of the user. Electronic device  100  includes a device housing  102  that includes an internal chamber, or internal volume, that stores operational components, such as processors (including a central processing unit and a graphics processing unit), a memory circuit, electronic sensors (e.g., heart rate sensor, blood-oxygen level sensor), and a battery, as non-limiting examples. Device housing  102  may include a metal housing or non-metal housing. 
     To secure to a user, electronic device  100  may include a band  104  that wraps around a wrist of a user. Band  104  may include one or more of a variety of materials, such as silicone, woven fabric, elastic (or materials with elastically stretchable characteristics), or multiple metal links, as non-limiting examples. As shown in  FIG.  1   , band  104  can secure with device housing  102  at multiple locations. For example, device housing  102  includes a receptacle  106   a  and a receptacle  106   b . As shown in  FIG.  1   , opposing ends of band  104  can secure within receptacles  106   a  and  106   b  of device housing  102 . While band  104  is shown as being connected to device housing  102 , band  104  can be disconnected with device housing  102  at receptacles  106   a  and  106   b , and replaced with one or more bands (not shown in  FIG.  1   ). Accordingly, band  104  can be detachably secured with device housing  102 . 
     Electronic device  100  further includes a display  108  designed to present visual information in the form of textual information, still images, or motion images (e.g., video). Display  108  may include a light-emitting diode (LED) display or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, as non-limiting examples. Additionally, display  108  may include a capacitive touch input display, thus allowing display  108  to take the form of a touchscreen to receive an input from a user. 
     Additionally, electronic device  100  may include input mechanisms designed to provide an input to a processor of electronic device  100 , with the input causing the processor to provide a command to alter and update the visual information provided by display  108 . For example, electronic device  100  includes an input mechanism  110 . In some embodiments, input mechanism  110  includes a button that, when depressed, actuates a switch to generate an input. Alternatively, in some embodiments, input mechanism  110  includes a dial that, when rotated, generates an input, with the input varying based upon clockwise rotation or counterclockwise rotation of input mechanism  110 . Although not shown, one or more input mechanisms may be included, each of which may take a form of input mechanism  110  as described herein. 
     Referring again to band  104 , when a respective end of band  104  is secured within receptacles  106   a  and  106   b , band  104  forms a continuous loop with diameter D 1 . Traditional bands for wearable devices include multiple, separable components that can be moved relative to each other and coupled together by a clasp to change the diameter of the loop. However, as shown in  FIG.  1   , band  104  is a continuous, single-piece band. As will be described below, band  104  can dynamically change in diameter. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , band  104  is elongated and the loop formed by band  104  includes a diameter D 2  that is greater than D 1  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). The length of band  104  may increase based upon external forces acting on band  104 . For example, users with different wrist sizes (i.e., wrist diameters) can wear electronic device  100 , causing band  104  to elongate such that the loop formed by band  104  increases to D 2 . Alternatively, when a user&#39;s wrist increases in size, the increased size can cause the loop of band  104  to increase to D 2 . Still further, the user can cause the loop of band  104  to increase by moving electronic device  100  to a different location on the user (e.g., from wrist to bicep). When the external force acting on band  104  is removed, band  104  can return to its original size and the loop formed by band  104  can return to its original diameter, i.e., diameter D 1 . While D 2  represents a single diameter change from D 1 , it should be noted that several additional diameters different from D 2 , and greater than D 1 , are possible. 
       FIGS.  3  and  4    show various structures for band  104  (shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ). Referring to  FIG.  3   , a structural member  120  for band  104  is shown. While structural member  120  includes a rectangular shape, other shapes are possible. As shown in  FIG.  3   , structural member  120  includes a dimension  122 , representing a one-dimensional length of structural member  120 . Also, dimension  122  represents a steady-state length of structural member  120 . Put another way, dimension  122  of structural member  120  represents a length when no other external forces are acting upon structural member  120 , with the exception of gravitational forces. 
     In some embodiments, structural member  120  includes one or more textile materials. For example, structural member  120  may include one or more fabrics, or one or more yarns, as non-limiting examples. Alternatively, or additionally, structural member  120  may further include elastic (or an elastically stretchable material), polymers, leather, metal, or some combination thereof. Moreover, the selected material(s) may be knitted or woven together to form structural member  120 . Generally, structural member  120  may include any material(s) with elastically compressible properties, thus allowing structural member  120  to change (e.g., decrease) its length to a length less than dimension  122  when a force(s) is/are acting upon structural member  120 , while also allowing structural member  120  to return to its original, uncompressed length (i.e., dimension  122 ) when the force(s) is/are removed. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , structural member  120  includes an internal chamber  124  (shown as a dotted line) designed to receive and enclose another structural member(s) of band  104 . Internal chamber  124  represents a three-dimensional void or space within structural member  120 . In this regard, internal chamber  124  may be referred to as a sleeve or a pocket. 
     Also, structural member  120  may include an end  126   a  and end  126   b , representing opposing ends of structural member  120 . Ends  126   a  and  126   b  may be referred to as a first end and a second end, respectively. However, “first” and “second” may be interchanged. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , structural members  130   a  and  130   b  for band  104  are shown. While structural members  130   a  and  130   b  each includes a rectangular shape, other shapes are possible. For example, structural members  130   a  and  130   b  may each take the form of a cylindrical shape. When band  104  is assembled, structural members  130   a  and  130   b  may be disposed in internal chamber  124  of structural member  120  (shown in  FIG.  3   ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , structural members  130   a  and  130   b  include a dimension  132   a  and a dimension  132   b , respectively. Dimensions  132   a  and  132   b  represent a one-dimensional length of structural members  130   a  and  130   b , respectively. Also, dimensions  132   a  and  132   b  represent a steady-state length of structural members  130   a  and  130   b , respectively. Put another way, dimension  132   a  and dimension  132   a  represent a length of structural member  130   a  and structural member  130   a , respectively, when no other external forces are acting upon structural members  130   a  and  130   b , with the exception of gravitational forces. 
     In some embodiments, structural members  130   a  and  130   b  include a metal, such as steel. However, in some embodiments, structural members  130   a  and  130   b  each includes a material(s) with elastically stretchable properties, thus allowing structural members  130   a  and  130   b  to change (e.g., increase) their length to a length greater than that of dimension  132   a  and dimension  132   b , respectively, when acted upon by an external force(s). When the external force(s) is/are removed, structural members  130   a  and  130   b  subsequently return to their original length (i.e., dimensions  132   a  and  132   b ). 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , band  104  is assembled with structural members  130   a  and  130   b  positioned within internal chamber  124  of structural member  120 . Accordingly, structural member  120  may be referred to as an outer structural member or exterior structural member, and structural members  130   a  and  130   b  may be referred to as inner structural members or interior structural members. Further, when structural member  120  is formed from a fabric-based material, structural member  120  may be referred to as a fabric cover. While structural members  120 ,  130   a  and  130   b  are shown as flat or planar, the structures may be bent or curved to secure with an electronic device (e.g., electronic device  100  shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ). Structural member  130   a  and  130   b  each include an end region, or simply an end, that is fixed in an end of structural member  120 . As shown, structural member  130   a  includes an end that is fixed with end  126   a  and structural member  130   b  includes an end that is fixed with end  126   b . Also, ends  126   a  and  126   b  of structural member  120  may take the form of ends for band  104  when band  104  is assembled. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , structural members  130   a  and  130   b  may overlap based on their respective dimensions. Additionally, when disposed in structural member  120 , structural members  130   a  and  130   b  may be under tension based on a pulling force applied by structural member  120 . This may occur when band  104  is secured with an electronic device. Additionally, while structural members  130   a  and  130   b  are under tension by structural member  120 , structural members  130   a  and  130   b  may apply a compression force to structural member  120 , causing at least some reduction in a dimension of structural member  120 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  5   , structural member  120  undergoes compression and reduces to a dimension  142  that is less than dimension  122  (shown in  FIG.  3   ). The compression of structural member  120  may bias ends  126   a  and  126   b  to toward a central portion  143  located between ends  126   a  and  126   b.    
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , band  104  is assembled with device housing  102 . For example, ends  126   a  and  126   b  are secured within receptacles  106   a  and  106   b , respectively, of device housing  102 . Based on an end of structural members  130   a  and  130   b  being positioned in ends  126   a  and  126   b , respectively, an end of structural members  130   a  and  130   b  is also secured within receptacles  106   a  and  106   b , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , structural members  130   a  and  130   b  are curved structural members. Structural member  120  applies a force that places structural members  130   a  and  130   b  in tension. Structural members  130   a  and  130   b  may each provide a counterforce or counterbalance, which is a function of a spring constant of structural members  130   a  and  130   b . Accordingly, each of structural members  130   a  and  130   b  may be referred to as a spring element. Simultaneously, structural members  130   a  and  130   b  combine to apply a force that compresses structural member  120 . Without other forces acting on structural members  120 ,  130   a , and  130   b , band  104  forms a loop with diameter D 1 . 
     At a steady state condition, band  104  forms a loop with diameter D 1 . In this regard, diameter D 1  is an expected diameter of the loop of band  104  when structural member  120  provides a force to structural members  130   a  and  130   b , and structural members  130   a  and  130   b  provide a force to structural member  120 , and no other external force(s) is/are applied with the exception of gravitational forces. When an external force is applied to band  104 , band  104  may lengthen, causing the loop to lengthen to a diameter greater than diameter D 1 . However, due in part to structural member  120  placing structural members  130   a  and  130   b  in tension, additional tension provided by an external force (i.e., a force other than the tension provided by structural member  120 ) to structural members  130   a  and  130   b  results in a relatively small change in tension to structural members  130   a  and  130   b . For example, different users having different wrist sizes may wear electronic device  100  and apply different degrees of tension to structural members  130   a  and  130   b . In another example, a user may wish to move electronic device  100 , including band  104 , from the wrist do a different extremity (e.g., forearm, bicep, or leg) having a larger diameter than that of the wrist. However, each of the users may experience a similar feel (i.e., similar force) provided by band  104  when wearing electronic device  100 , due in part to the relatively small change in tension to structural members  130   a  and  130   b , regardless of the different applied tension from different users. In another example, a user wearing electronic device  100  may undergo physical activity, causing the user&#39;s wrist to swell and increase in diameter. While this may cause band  104  to expand to a diameter greater than diameter D 1 , the relatively small change in tension to structural members  130   a  and  130   b  may cause the user to feel the same force applied by band  104  to the user. Accordingly, structural members  130   a  and  130   b , when placed in tension by structural member  120 , provide a counterforce that appears constant, or approximately constant, to a user (or users) for a given range of displacement of band  104 . An example of a given range of displacement may include a predetermined range of wrist sizes/diameters for a variety of users. It should be noted that when the external force providing tension is removed from band  104  (particularly, to structural members  130   a  and  130   b ), the loop formed by band  104  may return to its original diameter, i.e., diameter D 1 , thus allowing band  104  to dynamically change back to its steady state condition. 
     Also, as shown in  FIG.  6   , structural members  130   a  and  130   b  overlap each other. When additional tension is applied to structural members  130   a  and  130   b , structural members  130   a  and  130   b  may remain overlapped. However, in some embodiments, additional tension by an external force may cause structural members  130   a  and  130   b  to transition from an overlapping configuration shown in  FIG.  6    to a non-overlapping configuration, with a transition back to the overlapping configuration when the additional tension is removed. 
       FIGS.  7 - 16    show alternate embodiments of bands for electronic devices. The bands shown and described in  FIGS.  7 - 16    may include at least some features previously described for bands. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , an electronic device  200  includes a band  204  with a structural member  220  and structural members  230   a  and  230   b  positioned within structural member  220 , with structural members  230   a  and  230   b  in a non-overlapping configuration. Further, band  204  is in a steady-state position with no additional forces acting on band  204  or its components, and structural members  230   a  and  230   b  do not overlap each other. Based on the configuration shown in  FIG.  7   , structural member  220  applies a force that places structural members  230   a  and  230   b  in tension, and structural members  230   a  and  230   b  provide a force that may provide at least some compression to structural member  220 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , an electronic device  300  includes a band  304  with a structural member  320  and structural members  330   a  and  330   b  positioned within structural member  320 , with structural members  330   a  and  330   b  having stop mechanisms. Based on the configuration shown in  FIG.  8   , structural member  320  applies a force that places structural members  330   a  and  330   b  in tension, and structural members  330   a  and  330   b  provide a force that may provide at least some compression to structural member  320 . Further, band  304  is in a steady-state position with no additional forces acting on band  304  or its components. 
     As shown in the enlarged view, structural members  330   a  and  330   b  overlap each other and include a stop mechanism  338   a  and a stop mechanism  338   b , respectively. In this regard, when an external force is applied to band  304  that would cause band  304  to otherwise displace beyond a predetermine range, structural members  330   a  and  330   b  may move apart from each other such that stop mechanisms  338   a  and  338   b  engage each other, thus preventing further displacement of band  304 . 
       FIGS.  9  and  10    show various structures for one or more bands described herein. Referring to  FIG.  9   , a structural member  420  for a band is shown. Structural member  420  includes a dimension  422 , representing a one-dimensional length of structural member  420 . Also, dimension  422  represents a steady-state length of structural member  420 . Put another way, dimension  422  of structural member  420  represents a length when no other external forces are acting upon structural member  420 , with the exception of gravitational forces. 
     In some embodiments, structural member  420  includes one or more textile materials. For example, structural member  420  may include one or more fabrics, or one or more yarns, as non-limiting examples. Moreover, the selected material(s) may be knitted or woven together to form structural member  420 . Generally, structural member  420  may include any material(s) with elastically compressible properties, thus allowing structural member  420  to change (e.g., decrease) its length to a length less than that of dimension  422  when an external force(s) is/are acting upon structural member  420 , while also allowing structural member  420  to return to its original length (i.e., dimension  422 ) when the external force(s) is/are removed. While structural member  420  includes a rectangular shape, other shapes are possible. 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , structural member  420  may include an internal chamber  424  designed to receive and enclose another structural member(s) of a band. Also, structural member  420  may include an end  426   a  and end  426   b , representing opposing ends of structural member  420 . When structural member  420  is assembled to form a band, ends  426   a  and  426   b  may be used as ends of the band. 
     Also, structural member  420  includes several discrete elements. For example, structural member  420  includes an element  428   a , an element  428   b , and an element  428   c . Elements  428   a ,  428   b , and  428   c  (representative of several additional elements of structural member  420 ) may include fabric elements, yarn elements, or the like. 
     Referring to  FIG.  10   , a structural member  430  for a band is shown. Structural member  430  may include one or more materials. While structural member  430  includes a rectangular shape, other shapes are possible. For example, structural member  430  may take the form of a cylindrical shape. When a band is assembled, structural member  430  may be disposed in internal chamber  424  of structural member  420  (shown in  FIG.  9   ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , structural member  430  includes a dimension  432 , representing a one-dimensional length of structural member  430 . Also, dimension  432  represents a steady-state length of structural member  430 . Put another way, dimension  432  of structural member  430  represents a length when no other external forces are acting upon structural member  430 , with the exception of gravitational forces. 
     In some embodiments, structural member  430  includes an elastic material. Generally, structural member  430  may include any material(s) with elastically stretchable properties, thus allowing structural member  430  to change (e.g., increase) its length to a length greater than that of dimension  432  when an external force(s) is/are acting upon structural member  430 , while also allowing structural member  430  to return to its original length (i.e., dimension  432 ) when the external force(s) is/are removed. 
     Referring to  FIG.  11   , a band  404  formed from structural members  420  and  430  is shown. When band  404  is assembled, structural member  430  can be positioned in internal chamber  424  of structural member  420 , such that structural member  430  is enclosed by and hidden within structural member  420 . In this manner, structural member  430  may be referred to as an inner structural member or interior structural member, and structural member  420  may be referred to as an outer structural member or exterior structural member. Also, structural member  420  and structural member  430  may be referred to as a first structural member and a second structural member, respectively. However, “first” and “second” may be interchanged. 
     When band  404  is assembled, ends  426   a  and  426   b  may also be used as opposing ends for band  404 . Ends  426   a  and  426   b  can be detachably coupled to receptacles of a device housing of an electronic device, thus allowing band  404  to detachably couple from the device housing. Although not explicitly shown, ends  426   a  and  426   b  can be modified to include a shape corresponding to that of the receptacles of the device housing. 
     Also, an assembly process of band  404  may include securing opposing ends of structural member  430  with ends  426   a  and  426   b , respectively, of structural member  420 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . By securing opposing ends of structural member  430  to ends  426   a  and  426   b , structural members  420  and  430  can act on each other to change their respective dimensions. This may occur, for example, when band  404  is secured to a device housing. For example, as a result of a force applied by structural member  420 , structural member  430  increases from dimension  422  (shown in  FIG.  10   ) to a dimension  442 . Conversely, as a result of a force applied by structural member  430 , structural member  420  compresses and decreases from dimension  432  (shown in  FIG.  9   ) to a dimension  444 . The compression of structural member  420  may bias ends  426   a  and  426   b  to toward a central portion  443  located between ends  426   a  and  426   b . Accordingly, structural member  420  provides a force that elongates structural member  430  and places structural member  430  in tension, while simultaneously, structural member  430  provides a force that compresses structural member  420 , thus reducing the length of structural member  420 . 
     Regarding structural member  420 ,  FIG.  11    shows adjacent elements of structural member  420  engaging each other based on the compression force provided by structural member  430 . For example, elements  428   a  and  428   b  engage each other, and elements  428   b  and  428   c  engage each other. Based upon the force provided by structural member  430  and the material makeup of elements  428   a ,  428   b , and  428   c , the elements  428   a ,  428   b , and  428   c  may individually compress and reduce in size, and the reduce of structural member  420  may be attributed to the individual compressions of elements  428   a ,  428   b , and  428   c . Additionally, the engagement by the adjacent elements of structural member  420  provides at least some of the force that maintains tension (e.g., the pulling force) that expands structural member  430 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  12   , an electronic device  400  with band  404  is shown. Electronic device  400  may include any feature(s) previously described for an electronic device, including a device housing  402  and receptacles  406   a  and  406   b . Band  404  is secured with device housing  402  by way of ends  426   a  and  426   b  being positioned in receptacles  406   a  and  406   b , respectively, of device housing  402 . 
     At a steady state condition, band  404  forms a loop with diameter D 1 . In this regard, diameter D 1  is an expected diameter of the loop of band  404  when structural members  420  and  430  apply their respective forces on each other and no other external force(s) is/are applied, with the exception of gravitational forces. When an external force is applied to band  404 , however, band  404  may lengthen, causing the loop to lengthen to a diameter greater than diameter D 1 . Due in part to structural member  420  placing structural member  430  in tension, additional tension provided by the external force to structural member  430  results in a relatively small change in tension to structural member  430 . The additional force that provides tension may be applied by different users with different wrist diameters, or a user with a wrist that changes in diameter during, for example, physical activity. In either event, users may experience a similar feel (i.e., similar force) provided by band  404 , due in part to the relatively small change in tension to structural member  430 , regardless of varying applied tension from wrists of different sizes. Accordingly, structural member  430 , when placed in tension by structural member  420 , provides a force that appears constant, or approximately constant, to a user (or users) for a given range of displacement of band  404 . It should be noted than when the external force providing tension is removed from band  404  (particularly, to structural member  430 ), the loop formed by band  404  may return to its original diameter, i.e., diameter D 1 . 
       FIGS.  13  and  14    show an electronic device  500  with a band  504  having alternate structural elements. Referring to  FIG.  13   , electronic device  500  includes a band  504  with a structural element  520  and structural members  530   a  and  530   b  disposed within structural element  520 . As shown in the enlarged view, structural members  530   a  and  530   b  include several magnetic elements. For example, structural member  530   a  includes a magnetic element  546   a , a magnetic element  546   b , a magnetic element  546   c , and a magnetic element  546   d , while structural member  530   b  includes a magnetic element  548   a , a magnetic element  548   b , magnetic element  548   b , and a magnetic element  548   d . As shown in  FIG.  13   , magnetic elements  546   a ,  546   b ,  546   c , and  546   d  of structural member  530   a  are magnetically coupled to magnetic elements  548   a ,  548   b ,  548   c , and  548   d , respectively, of structural member  530   b . The aforementioned magnetic couplings may apply tension to structural members  530   a  and  530   b , in addition to the tension applied by structural element  520 . Alternatively, the aforementioned magnetic couplings may apply virtually all tension to structural members  530   a  and  530   b , while little or no tension is applied by structural element  520 . 
     At a steady state condition, band  504  forms a loop with diameter D 1 . However, an external force provided to band  504  may cause band  504  to lengthen such that the looped formed by band  504  increases. Referring to  FIG.  14   , band  504  forms a loop with a diameter D 2  that is greater than diameter D 1  (shown in  FIG.  13   ). Based on the increased diameter, at least one of structural members  530   a  and  530   b  may undergo relative movement (e.g., movement away from each other), causing new magnetic couplings between the respective magnetic elements of structural members  530   a  and  530   b . For example, magnetic elements  546   c  and  546   d  of structural member  530   a  are magnetically coupled to magnetic elements  548   a  and  548   b , respectively, of structural member  530   b . The remaining magnetic elements are not magnetically coupled to another magnetic element. The relative movement of structural element  530   a  and/or structural element  530   b  may be provided by a user of electronic device  500 . Further, any additional tension provided by an external force (e.g., provided by a user) to structural members  530   a  and  530   b  results in a relatively small change in tension to structural members  530   a  and  530   b . Additionally, the movement of structural member  530   a  and  530   b , and subsequent retention by the magnetic couplings, may assist structural members  530   a  and  530   b  in providing a counterforce to maintain an appearance of a constant force to users. It should be noted than when the external force providing tension is removed from band  504  (particularly, to structural members  530   a  and  530   b ), the loop formed by band  504  may return to its original diameter, i.e., diameter D 1 , and the original magnetic couplings shown in  FIG.  13    may again be formed. 
       FIGS.  15  and  16    show an electronic device  600  with a band  604  having alternate structural elements. Referring to  FIG.  15   , electronic device  600  includes a band  604  with a structural element  620  and structural members  630   a  and  630   b  disposed within structural element  620 . As shown in the enlarged view, structural members  630   a  and  630   b  include structures coupled together. For example, structural member  630   a  includes a detent  652   a , detent  652   b , a detent  652   c , and a detent  652   d , while structural member  630   b  includes a receptacle  654   a , a receptacle  654   b , a receptacle  654   c , and a receptacle  654   d . Further, detents  652   a    652   b ,  652   c , and  652   d  of structural member  630   a  are positioned in receptacles  654   a ,  654   b ,  654   c , and  654   d , respectively, of structural member  630   b . The aforementioned couplings may apply tension to structural members  630   a  and  630   b , in addition to the tension applied by structural element  620 . Alternatively, the aforementioned couplings may apply virtually all tension to structural members  630   a  and  630   b , while little or no tension is applied by structural element  620 . 
     At a steady state condition, band  604  forms a loop with diameter D 1 . However, an external force provided to band  604  may cause band  604  to lengthen such that the looped formed by band  604  increases. Referring to  FIG.  16   , band  604  forms a loop with a diameter D 2  that is greater than diameter D 1  (shown in  FIG.  15   ). Based on the increased diameter, at least one of structural members  630   a  and  630   b  may undergo relative movement (e.g., movement away from each other), causing new couplings between their respective detents and receptacles. For example, detents  652   c  and  652   d  of structural member  630   a  are positioned in receptacles  654   a  and  654   b , respectively, of structural member  630   b . Detents  652   a  and  652   b  are no longer positioned in a receptacle. The relative movement of structural element  630   a  and/or structural element  630   b  may be provided by a user of electronic device  600 . Further, any additional tension provided by an external force (e.g., provided by a user) to structural members  630   a  and  630   b  results in a relatively small change in tension to structural members  630   a  and  630   b . Additionally, the movement of structural member  630   a  and  630   b , and subsequent retention by the detent/receptacle couplings, may assist structural members  630   a  and  630   b  in providing a counterforce to maintain an appearance of a constant force to users. It should be noted than when the external force providing tension is removed from band  604  (particularly, to structural members  630   a  and  630   b ), the loop formed by band  604  may return to its original diameter, i.e., diameter D 1 , and the original couplings shown in  FIG.  15    may again be formed. 
     Various examples of aspects of the disclosure are described below as clauses for convenience. These are provided as examples, and do not limit the subject technology.
         Clause A: A band for a wearable device, the band including: a first structural member that includes an internal chamber, the first structural member further including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a central portion between the first end and the second end; and a second structural member positioned in the internal chamber, wherein the second structural member is secured with the first structural member such that the second structural member i) is held in tension by the first structural member and ii) provides a counterforce that biases the first end and the second end toward the central portion.   Clause B: A band for a wearable device, the band including: a fabric cover that forms a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the fabric cover including: a first elastic element, a second elastic element; and a first spring element coupled with the first end; and a second spring element coupled with the second end, wherein the fabric cover pulls the first spring element and the second spring element in tension, and the first elastic element and the second elastic element are compressed based the first spring element and the second spring element.   Clause C: A band for a wearable device, the band including: an exterior structure that includes a sleeve; and an interior structure disposed in the sleeve, wherein the interior structure compresses the sleeve while the exterior structure pulls the interior structure in tension.       

     One or more of the above clauses can include one or more of the features described below. It is noted that any of the following clauses may be combined in any combination with each other, and placed into a respective independent clause, e.g., clause A, B, or C.
         Clause 1: wherein the first structural member includes an assembly, the assembly including: a first element; and a second element that engages the first element based on the counterforce.   Clause 2: wherein: the first structural member includes a fabric, and the second structural member compresses the fabric.   Clause 3: wherein the second structural member expands from a first length to a second length based on the tension provided by the first structural member.   Clause 4: wherein: the first structural member includes a fabric, and the second structural member includes an assembly, the assembly including a first metal structure and a second metal structure.   Clause 5: wherein: the first end is configured to couple with a first receptacle of the wearable device; and the second end is configured to couple with a second receptacle of the wearable device, wherein the first metal structure is secured with the first end, and the second metal structure is secured with the second end.   Clause 6: wherein the first structural member extends continuously from the first end to the second end.   Clause 7: wherein the first metal structure overlaps the second metal structure.   Clause 8: wherein the fabric cover includes a sleeve, and the first spring element and the second spring element are disposed in the sleeve.   Clause 9: wherein the first spring element overlaps with the second spring element.   Clause 10: wherein the first spring element and the second spring element are non-overlapping.   Clause 11: wherein: when the first end is secured in a first receptacle of the wearable device, at least a portion of the first spring element is located in the first receptacle, and when the second end is secured in a second receptacle of the wearable device, at least a portion of the second spring element is located in the second receptacle.   Clause 12: wherein the interior structure includes: a first structural member that carries a first magnet and a second magnet; and a second structural member that carries a third magnet and a fourth magnet, wherein the first structural member and the second structural member are adjustable with respect to each other to transition between a first position and a second position.   Clause 13: wherein: in the first position: the first magnet is magnetically coupled to the third magnet, and the second magnet is magnetically coupled to the fourth magnet, and in the second position: the first magnet is magnetically coupled to the fourth magnet, and the second magnet is magnetically coupled to the third magnet.   Clause 14: wherein: the exterior structure includes a first length in the first position, and the exterior structure includes a second length in the second position, the second length different from the first length.   Clause 15: wherein the interior structure includes: a first structural member that carries a first detent and a second detent; and a second structural member that carries a first receptacle, a second receptacle, and a third receptacle, wherein the first structural member and the second structural member are adjustable with respect to each other to transition between a first position and a second position.   Clause 16: wherein: in the first position: the first detent is located in the first receptacle, and the second detent is located in the second receptacle, and in the second position: the first detent is located in the second receptacle, and the second detent is located in the third receptacle.   Clause 17: wherein the exterior structure includes: a first end; and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the exterior structure extends continuously from the first end to the second end.       

     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users. 
     As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one of each item listed; 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, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer 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. 
     The predicate words “configured to”, “operable to”, and “programmed to” do not imply any particular tangible or intangible modification of a subject, but, rather, are intended to be used interchangeably. In one or more implementations, a processor configured to monitor and control an operation or a component may also mean the processor being programmed to monitor and control the operation or the processor being operable to monitor and control the operation. Likewise, a processor configured to execute code can be construed as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code. 
     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. 
     The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”. Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include”, “have”, or the like is used in the description or the claims, 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. 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element 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 previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein 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”. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the subject disclosure.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220624
Publication Date: 20240924
Grant Date: 20240924
Priority Date: 20220624
Inventors: LEITH, WILLIAM
HENROT, CAMILLE I.
OLMSTEAD, DONALD L.
LU, Jessica J.
CAMP, JOHN S.
KIM, SEUL BI
WALKER, JOSEPH B.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A44C5/0053", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 89324472