PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10117504-B2
Application Number: US-201514701615-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Wearable band including magnets

Abstract:
A wearable band for an electronic device and a method of forming the wearable band for the electronic device. The wearable band may include a first strap portion including a loop, and a second strap portion positioned through the loop of the first strap portion. The second strap portion may include a first group of components positioned adjacent a first end of the second strap portion. The first group of components may include magnetic properties. The second strap portion may also include a second group of components positions adjacent a second end, opposite the first end, of the second strap portion. The second group of components may include magnetic properties.

Claims:
We claim: 
     
       1. A watch band comprising:
 a first strap portion including a loop; and 
 a second strap portion insertable through the loop of the first strap portion, the second strap portion including first magnets and second magnets, wherein each of the first magnets lies beneath a first protrusion on a first surface of the second strap portion, each of the second magnets lies beneath a second protrusion on a second surface of the second strap portion, the first magnets and the second magnets are arranged to be magnetically coupled to each other in a first alignment relative to each other while the second strap portion is in a first folded state with the first protrusions overlapping the second protrusions, and the first magnets and the second magnets are further arranged to be magnetically coupled to each other in a second alignment relative to each other, different than the first alignment, while the second strap portion is in a second folded state with the first protrusions extending into gaps between adjacent pairs of the second protrusions. 
 
     
     
       2. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein the first magnets include a first magnets having a first magnetic field. 
     
     
       3. The watch band of  claim 2 , wherein the second magnets include a second magnets having a second magnetic field, distinct from the first magnetic field. 
     
     
       4. The watch band of  claim 3 , wherein the second magnetic field of the second magnets is stronger than the first magnetic field of the first magnets. 
     
     
       5. The watch band of  claim 3 , wherein the second magnets includes an enlarged magnet positioned directly adjacent a second end of the second strap portion, the enlarged magnet substantially larger than a remainder of the second magnets. 
     
     
       6. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein the loop of the first strap portion is formed from a material having magnetic properties. 
     
     
       7. The watch band of  claim 6 , wherein the loop of the first strap portion is formed from a ferrous metal material. 
     
     
       8. The watch band of  claim 1  further comprising inserts positioned between the first magnets and the second magnets, the inserts including magnetic properties. 
     
     
       9. The watch band of  claim 8 , wherein a number of the first magnets is larger than at least one of:
 a number of the second magnets; and 
 a number of inserts forming the inserts. 
 
     
     
       10. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein a first length of the second strap portion having the first magnets comprises approximately half of a second length of the second strap portion having the second magnets. 
     
     
       11. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein over a second length of the second strap portion having the second magnets comprises at least approximately a quarter of a total length of the second strap portion. 
     
     
       12. A watch comprising:
 a housing; and 
 a watch band coupled to the housing, the watch band including:
 a first strap portion including a loop coupled to the housing; and 
 a second strap portion coupled to the housing, opposite the first strap portion, the second strap portion including:
 first magnets each having a first magnetic polarity; 
 second magnets each having a second magnetic polarity, opposite the first magnetic polarity; and 
 inserts each formed of a magnetically attractable metal and positioned between the first magnets and the second magnets, wherein the second magnets are attracted to the first magnets and at least some of the inserts when the second strap portion is folded onto itself. 
 
 
 
     
     
       13. The watch of  claim 12 , wherein the first strap portion and the second strap portion are formed from leather material. 
     
     
       14. The watch of  claim 12 , wherein the second strap portion further comprises:
 a top layer; and 
 a bottom layer positioned opposite the top layer, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer are one of: 
 formed from distinct pieces of material, or formed from a single piece of material. 
 
     
     
       15. The watch of  claim 14 , wherein the first magnets, the second magnets and the inserts are positioned between the top layer and the bottom layer of the second strap portion. 
     
     
       16. The watch of  claim 12 , wherein the second strap portion further comprises a filler material substantially surrounding at least one of:
 the first magnets; 
 the second magnets; and 
 the inserts. 
 
     
     
       17. The watch of  claim 16 , wherein the first strap portion includes the filler material. 
     
     
       18. The watch of  claim 12 , wherein the second strap portion further comprises a protective layer at least one of:
 coupled to the first magnets, the second magnets and the inserts, respectively; and 
 positioned between the first magnets, the second magnets and the inserts, respectively. 
 
     
     
       19. The watch of  claim 18 , wherein the protective layer is formed from a polycarbonate. 
     
     
       20. The watch of  claim 12 , wherein the loop is integrally formed with the first strap portion. 
     
     
       21. The watch of  claim 20 , wherein the loop includes reinforcing fibers positioned:
 around an entire circumference of the loop, or within two opposite portions of the circumference of the loop. 
 
     
     
       22. The watch of  claim 21 , wherein the reinforcing fibers include magnetic properties. 
     
     
       23. The watch of  claim 12 , wherein the second strap portion includes a length of excess material between an end and the second magnets. 
     
     
       24. The watch of  claim 12 , wherein the second magnets are magnetically coupled to at least one of:
 the first magnets; and 
 the inserts. 
 
     
     
       25. The watch of  claim 12 , wherein the second strap portion further comprises a magnetic shield coupled to a bottom side of:
 the first magnets; and 
 the second magnets. 
 
     
     
       26. The watch of  claim 25 , wherein the magnetic shield is formed from steel. 
     
     
       27. The watch of  claim 25 , wherein the second strap portion further comprises a resin outer coating positioned around:
 the first magnets and the magnetic shield; and 
 the second magnets and the magnetic shield. 
 
     
     
       28. A watch band comprising:
 a first strap portion including a loop formed of a magnetically attractable metal; and 
 a second strap portion insertable through the loop of the first strap portion, the second strap portion including first magnets and second magnets arranged to be magnetically coupled to each other when the second strap is folded onto itself, wherein one of the second magnets is an enlarged magnet that is positioned at a free end of the second strap, produces a stronger magnetic field than each of a remainder of the second magnets, and becomes magnetically coupled to the loop when the free end of the second strap passes through the loop. 
 
     
     
       29. The watch band of  claim 28 , further comprising:
 inserts each formed of a magnetically attractable metal and positioned between the first magnets and the second magnets, wherein the second magnets are attracted to the first magnets and at least some of the inserts when the second strap portion is folded onto itself.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/035,419, filed Aug. 9, 2014, entitled “Wearable Band Including Magnets,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/035,999, filed Aug. 11, 2014, entitled “Wearable Band Including Magnets,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to a wearable band for an electronic device and a method of forming the wearable band for the electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional wearable electronic devices include bands that couple the electronic device to a user or a desired object for holding the electronic device (e.g., bicycle handlebar). For example, a conventional wristwatch typically includes a band that attaches the watch to a user&#39;s wrist. There are many varieties of conventional wearable bands for watches including, but not limited to, elastic bands, flexible bands including buckles, and metal bands including metal clasp. However, each of these conventional bands may include negative aspects, and may undesirably fail prior to the end of the expected operational life of the wearable electronic device. 
     For example, the conventional elastic band may lose its elastic properties over time, and may become too big for a user&#39;s wrist, which may result in the electronic device unexpectedly slipping from a user&#39;s wrist and being damaged. In another example, the material forming the flexible bands may tear or deteriorate over time due to normal use over the operational life of the band and/or the concentrated force applied at the hole of the flexible band by the tongue of the buckle. The metal bands including the metal clasp may include a plurality of components all coupled together, which may fail, become uncoupled or malfunction over time. That is, the plurality of components forming the metal band may become damaged, not function properly over time, or may become uncoupled, rendering the metal band incapable of attaching the wearable electronic device to a user. When a conventional wearable band fails and/or is incapable of securely attaching the electronic device to a user&#39;s wrist, the band needs to be replaced and/or the wearable electronic device may be susceptible to damage. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally, embodiments discussed herein are related to a wearable band for an electronic device, and methods of forming the wearable band for the electronic device. The wearable band may include two strap portions coupled to a wearable electronic device. The first strap portion may include a loop and the second strap portion, capable of being inserted through the loop of the first strap portion, may include a plurality of components having magnetic properties (e.g., magnets, ferrous metals). The wearable electronic device including the wearable band may be secured to an object (e.g., user&#39;s wrist) by inserting the second strap portion through the loop of the first strap portion and releasably coupling the components of the second strap portion to one another. A group of magnets positioned at a first end of the second strap portion may be magnetically coupled to a distinct group of magnets positioned at a second end, opposite the first end, after the second end is positioned through the loop of the first strap portion and folded back on the remainder of the second strap portion. By utilizing magnets, the magnetic bond or coupling formed between the plurality of components in the second strap portion may not substantially weaken or fail over time. Additionally, as a result of the components being included in and/or encased within the second strap portion, the risk of mechanical failure (e.g., loss or damage of components) may be substantially minimized. 
     One embodiment may include a wearable band. The wearable band may include a first strap portion including a loop, and a second strap portion positioned through the loop of the first strap portion. The second strap portion may include a first group of components positioned over a first length of the second strap portion. The first group of components may include magnetic properties. The second strap portion may also include a second group of components positioned over a second length of the second strap, distinct from the first length. The second group of components may include magnetic properties. 
     Another embodiment may include a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device may include a housing, and a wearable band coupled to the housing. The wearable band may include a first strap portion including a loop coupled to a first portion of the housing, and a second strap portion coupled to a second portion, opposite the first portion, of the housing. The second strap portion may include a first group of magnets positioned adjacent a first end of the second strap portion, a second group of magnets positioned adjacent a second end of the second strap portion. The second group of magnets may be positioned opposite the first group of magnets, and a plurality of inserts positioned between the first group of magnet and the second group of magnets. The plurality of inserts may include magnetic properties. 
     A further embodiment may include a method of forming a wearable band for a wearable electronic device. The method may include coupling a plurality of components to a protective layer. The plurality of components may include magnetic properties. The method may also include coupling filler material to at least one of the protective layer and the plurality of components to form an internal assembly, and positioning the internal assembly within a strap of the wearable electronic device. 
    
    
     
       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  depicts an illustrative perspective view of a wearable electronic device including a portion of a wearable band, according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows an illustrative top view of the wearable band as shown in  FIG. 1 , according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows an enlarged top view of a portion of a first strap portion and a second strap portion of the wearable band as shown in  FIG. 2 , according to additional embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-section top view of a strap of the wearable band taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 , according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 5A  shows a cross-section side view of a portion of the strap of the wearable band taken along line  5 A- 5 A of  FIG. 4 , according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 5B  shows a cross-section side view of a portion of the strap of the wearable band taken along line  5 B- 5 B of  FIG. 4 , according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows an illustrative top view of the wearable band as shown in  FIG. 2  coupled to the loop, according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows an illustrative side view of a portion of the wearable band as shown in  FIG. 6  coupled to the loop, according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows an enlarged portion of a second strap portion of the wearable band as shown in  FIG. 7  coupled to the loop, according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows an enlarged cross-section top view of a second strap portion of the wearable band as shown in  FIGS. 6-8  coupled to the loop, according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows an enlarged portion of a second strap portion of the wearable band as shown in  FIG. 7  coupled to the loop, according to additional embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows an illustrative top view of a wearable band, according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows a flow chart illustrating a method of forming a wearable band for an electronic device. This method may form the wearable band as shown in  FIGS. 1-11 . 
     
    
    
     It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates generally to an electronic device, and more particularly, to a wearable band for an electronic device and a method of forming the wearable band for the electronic device. 
     The wearable band may include two strap portions coupled to a wearable electronic device. The first strap portion may include a loop and the second strap portion, capable of being inserted through the loop of the first strap portion, may include a plurality of components having magnetic properties (e.g., magnets, ferrous metals). The wearable electronic device including the wearable band may be secured to an object (e.g., user&#39;s wrist) by inserting the second strap portion through the loop of the first strap portion and releasably coupling the components of the second strap portion to one another. A group of magnets positioned at a first end of the second strap portion may be magnetically coupled to a distinct group of magnets positioned at a second end, opposite the first end, after the second end is positioned through the loop of the first strap portion and folded back on the remainder of the second strap portion. By utilizing magnets, the magnetic bond or coupling formed between the plurality of components in the second strap portion may not substantially weaken or fail over time. Additionally, as a result of the components being included in and/or encased within the second strap portion, the risk of mechanical failure (e.g., loss or damage of components) may be substantially minimized. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-12 . 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  shows an illustrative perspective view of a portable or wearable electronic device  100 , according to embodiments. Wearable electronic device  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , may be configured to provide health-related information or data such as, but not limited to, heart rate data, blood pressure data, temperature data, oxygen level data, diet/nutrition information, medical reminders, health-related tips or information, or other health-related data. The wearable electronic device may optionally convey the health-related information to a separate electronic device such as a tablet computing device, phone, personal digital assistant, computer, and so on. In addition, wearable electronic device  100  may provide additional information, such as but not limited to, time, date, health, statuses or externally connected or communicating devices and/or software executing on such devices, messages, video, operating commands, and so forth (and may receive any of the foregoing from an external device), in addition to communications. 
     Wearable electronic device  100  may include a housing  102  at least partially surrounding a display  104  and one or more buttons  106  or input devices. The housing  102  may form an outer surface or partial outer surface and protective case for the internal components of wearable electronic device  100 , and may at least partially surround the display  104 . The housing  102  may be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. Alternatively, the housing  102  may be formed of a single piece operably connected to the display  104 . Housing  102  may include a plurality of distinct materials including, but not limited to: corundum, commonly referred to as sapphire, metal, glass or plastic. Additionally, housing  102  may include a decorative and/or coating layer that be disposed on the outer and/or or inner surface of housing  102 . The decorative layer and/or coating layer may be disposed on the surface(s) of housing  102  to protect the enclosure and/or provide a decorative feature (e.g., exterior color) for electronic device  100 . 
     Housing  102  may also include recesses  108  formed on opposite ends to connect a wearable band  110  (partially shown in  FIG. 1 ) to wearable electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , and discussed herein, wearable band  110  may include a first strap portion  112  coupled to housing  102 , and a second strap portion  118  positioned opposite first strap portion  112  and coupled to housing  102 . Wearable band  110 , and specifically first strap portion  112  and second strap portion  118 , may be used to secure wearable electronic device  100  to a user, or any other object capable of receiving wearable electronic device  100 . In a non-limiting example where wearable electronic device  100  includes a smart watch, wearable band  110  may secure the watch to a user&#39;s wrist. In other non-limiting examples, wearable electronic device  100  may secured to another part of a user&#39;s body using wearable band  110 . Additionally in other non-limiting examples discussed herein, wearable band  110  may be formed as a single component coupled to housing  102  or as two distinct components coupled to opposite ends of housing  102 . 
     Display  104  may be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to, a multi-touch sensing touchscreen that uses liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. 
     Button  106  may include any suitable input/output (I/O) device for electronic device  100 . Specifically, button  106  may include an actuation component in electronic and/or mechanical communication with the internal components of electronic device  100 , to provide user input and/or allow the user to interact with the various functions of electronic device  100 . In an embodiment button  106  may be configured as a single component surrounded by housing  102 . Alternatively, button  106  may include a plurality of components, including an actuation component, in mechanical/electrical communication with one another and/or internal component of electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an illustrative top view of wearable band  110  of  FIG. 1 . Specifically,  FIG. 2  may show first strap portion  112  and second strap portion  118  forming wearable band  110  for wearable electronic device  100 . First strap portion  112  and second strap portion  118  may be formed from substantially the same material or any material including similar flexible and/or deformable characteristics. In a non-limiting example, first strap portion  112  and second strap portion  118  may be formed from a leather material. 
     First strap portion  112  and second strap portion  118  may be formed from a top layer  120  and a bottom layer  122  (see,  FIG. 4 ) of material (e.g., leather) bonded or coupled to one another. First strap portion  112  and second strap portion  118  may be formed using a single piece of material or multiple pieces of material, where first strap portion  112  and second strap portion  118  include top layer  120  and bottom layer  122 . In a non-limiting example, each of first strap portion  112  and second strap portion  118  may be formed from single, distinct pieces of material. The single piece of material may be folded over itself to form top layer  120  and bottom layer  122 , and the folded portion may be positioned at a housing end  124  (e.g., second strap portion  118 ). Housing end  124  of first strap portion  112  (not shown) and/or second strap portion  118  may be coupled to and/or positioned within recess  108  to couple wearable band  110 , and specifically first strap portion  112  and second strap portion  118 , to housing  102  of wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). In another non-limiting example, first strap portion  112  and second strap portion  118  may be formed from multiple pieces of material, where each distinct piece of material forms top layer  120  or bottom layer  122  for first strap portion  112  and/or second strap portion  118 . In an additional non-limiting example discussed herein, wearable band  110  may be formed from a single piece of material, such that first strap portion  112  and second strap portion  118  are integrally formed. 
     First strap portion  112  and second strap portion  118  may include a coupling component  126  (shown in phantom) positioned substantially around and/or adjacent to the perimeter of the respective strap portions. Coupling component  126  may include an suitable material or technique that may be used to couple top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  to one another to form first strap portion  112  and/or second strap portion  118 . Additionally, and as discussed herein, coupling component  126  may be utilized within first strap portion  112  and/or second strap portion  118  to ensure internal components of the respective straps remain within and/or between top layer  120  and bottom layer  122 . In a non-limiting example, coupling component  126  may include an adhesive or bonding adjacent positioned adjacent the perimeter of first strap portion  112  and/or second strap portion  118  to bond top layer  120  to bottom layer  122 . In another non-limiting example, coupling component  126  may include a thread that may pass through top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  around the perimeter of first strap portion  112  and/or second strap portion  118  to couple top layer  120  to bottom layer  122 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , first strap portion  112  may include a loop  128  positioned at an end  130  adjacent a second strap portion  118 . As discussed herein, a free end  132  of second strap portion  118  may be feed and/or positioned through opening  134  of loop  128 , and a portion of second strap portion  118  may be fold back on itself to couple wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ) to a user or a desired object. In a non-limiting example, loop  128  may be formed from a distinct material or component that may be coupled to the material forming first strap portion  112  (see,  FIG. 2 ). In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 2 , loop  128  may be a distinct component from first strap portion  112 , and may be formed from a material having magnetic properties. In the non-limiting example, loop  128  may be formed from a ferrous metal material, and may be coupled to end  130  of first strap portion  112  using any suitable coupling component and/or technique (e.g., thread, adhesive, melting and so on). As discussed herein, loop  128  of first strap portion  112  may be formed from a material having magnetic properties to prevent free end  132  of second strap portion  118  from being completely and/or undesirably removed from loop  128  during use of wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , wearable band  110  may also include a retention loop  135  positioned on and/or substantially around second strap portion  118 . As discussed herein, retention loop  135  may aid in securing free end  132  and/or a portion of second strap portion  118  to the remainder of second strap portion  118  when free end  132  is positioned through loop  128  and folded back onto the remaining portion of second strap portion  118 . Retention loop  135  may form an opening (not shown) located between second strap portion  118  of wearable band assembly  110  and retention loop  135 , where the opening may receive free end  132  and/or a portion of second strap portion  118 . In a non-limiting example, retention loop  135  may be coupled to and/or fixed in a predetermined position of second strap portion  118 . In another non-limiting example, retention loop  135  may surround second strap portion  118 , and may be free to move over the length of second strap portion  118  of wearable band  110 . 
     In another non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , loop  128  may be formed integrally with first strap portion  112 . More specifically, loop  128  may be formed from the same material forming first strap portion  112 , and may include top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  (see,  FIG. 4 ), as similarly discussed herein with respect to first strap portion  112 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , opening  134  of loop  128  may be formed through the material forming loop  128  and/or first strap portion  112  and may receive free end  132  of second strap portion  118 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , where loop  128  is integrally formed with first strap portion  112 , loop  128  may include reinforcing fibers  136  (shown in phantom). More specifically, reinforcing fibers  136  may be positioned within at least a portion of loop  128  and/or may substantially surround at least a portion of opening  134  of loop  128 . In a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , reinforcing fibers  136  may be positioned around an entire circumference of loop  128  and/or opening  134  of loop  128 . In another non-limiting example, not shown, reinforcing fibers may be positioned within two opposite portions of the circumference of loop  128  and/or opening  134 . In the non-limiting example, reinforcing fibers  136  may be positioned within a first portion of loop  128  positioned directly adjacent free end  132  of second strap portion  118 , and an opposition portion of loop  128  positioned directly adjacent the body of first strap portion  112 . 
     Reinforcing fibers  136  may be made from a flexible material that may be woven through top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  of material forming loop  128 , to provide additional support to loop  128  during use of wearable band  110 . That is, reinforcing fibers  136  may provide additional support to loop  128  of first strap portion  112  to minimize a pull stress placed on loop  128  by second strap portion  118  when wearable electronic device  100  is being used. As similar discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2  and as discussed in detail below, reinforcing fibers  136  may be formed from a material having magnetic properties to prevent free end  132  of second strap portion  118  from being completely and/or undesirably removed from loop  128  during use of wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 4  shows a cross-section top view of second strap portion  118  of wearable band  110  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 . Specifically,  FIG. 4  shows second strap portion  118  with top layer  120  removed. As shown in  FIG. 4 , and as discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2 , coupling component  126  may be positioned substantially around and/or substantially adjacent to a perimeter of second strap portion  118 . Coupling component  126  may include an adhesive or bonding agent that may positioned on bottom layer  122  of second strap portion  118 , and may couple or bond bottom layer  122  to top layer  120  (see,  FIG. 2 ) to form second strap portion  118 . The adhesive or bonding agent forming coupling component  126  may be any suitable adhesive capable of coupling the material forming top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  of second strap portion  118 . 
     Second strap portion  118  may include a plurality of components  138 ,  140  and inserts  142 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 4 , second strap portion  118  may include a first group of components  138  positioned adjacent housing end  124 , and a second group of component  140  positioned adjacent free end  132 , opposite first group of component  138 . Second strap portion  118  may also include a plurality of inserts  142  positioned between first group of component  138  and second group of components  140 . The first group of components  138 , the second group of components  140  and the plurality of inserts  142  may be positioned within second strap portion  118  between top layer  120  (see,  FIG. 2 ) and bottom layer  122 . 
     The first group of components  138 , the second group of components  140  and the plurality of inserts  142  may all include magnetic properties. That is, each of the components  138 ,  140  and inserts  142  may all be formed from a material that may include magnetic properties (e.g., magnetic field, magnetic attraction, and so on). In non-limiting examples, first group of components  138  may include a plurality of first magnets  144  having a first magnetic field, and second group of components  140  may include a plurality of second magnets  146  having a second magnetic field distinct from the first magnetic field of the first magnets  144 . The second magnetic field of the second magnets  146  of the second group of component  140  may be distinct (for example, larger) than the first magnetic field of the first magnets  144  of the first group of component  138 . Additionally in a non-limiting example, the plurality of inserts  142  may be formed from a ferrous metal material and may be magnetically attracted to second magnets  146  of the second group of components  140 . As discussed in detail below, second magnets  146  of the second group of components  140  may be magnetically attracted and/or coupled to first magnets  144  of the first group of components  138  and/or the plurality of inserts  142  for coupling wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ) including wearable band  110  to a user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the number of first magnets  144  in first group of components  138  included in second strap portion  118  may be larger than the number of second magnets  146  in second group of components  140  and/or the number of inserts in the plurality of inserts  142 . As a result, first magnets  144  in first group of components  138  may be positioned over the majority of second strap portion  118 . In a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , first magnets  144  in first group of components  138  may be positioned over approximately half of a length of second strap portion  118 . Second magnets  146  in second group of components  140  and the plurality of inserts  142  may span or be positioned over the remainder of the length of second strap portion  118 . In a non-limiting example, second magnets  146  in second group of components  140  may be positioned over at least a quarter of the length of second strap portion  118 . Additionally, the plurality of inserts  142  may be positioned over the remaining portion of second strap portion  118  between first group of components  138  and second group of components  140 . 
     It is understood that the number of components  138 ,  140  or magnets  144 ,  146  and/or inserts  142  shown in  FIG. 4  may be merely exemplary. That is, the number of components, magnets and/or inserts shown in  FIG. 4  may be merely exemplary for clearly and completely describing the disclosure, and may not represent the actual number of components, magnets and/or inserts used to form wearable band  110  for wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , second magnets  146  of second group of components  140  man include an enlarged second magnet  146 A positioned directly adjacent free end  132  of second strap portion  118 . Enlarged second magnet  146 A may be substantially larger than the remaining second magnets  146  of second group of components  140 . Additionally, enlarged second magnet  146 A may be substantially larger than the remaining first magnets  144  of first group of components  138 , and/or the plurality of inserts  142  of second strap portion  118 . Enlarged second magnet  146 A may be larger than the remaining second magnets  146  of second group of components  140  to produce a stronger magnetic field or flux, and to ultimately ensure that the portion of second strap portion  118  including enlarged second magnet  146 A is magnetically coupled to a distinct first magnet  144  and/or insert  142 , as discussed herein. Additionally, as a result of the stronger magnetic field or flux of enlarged second magnet  146 A, enlarged second magnet  146 A may be magnetically coupled and/or attracted to loop  128  of first strap portion  112  (see,  FIG. 2 ). This magnetic coupling/attraction to loop  128  may substantially prevent free end  132  of second strap portion  118  from being easily and/or undesirably removed from loop  128  when wearable electronic device  100  including wearable band  110  (see,  FIG. 1 ) is taken off of a user and/or wearable band  110  is adjusted. 
     To aid in the positioning of free end  132  of second strap portion  118  through loop  128 , second strap portion  118  may also include a length of excess material  148  between free end  132  and second magnets  146  of second group of components  140 . Excess material  148  may provide a user a portion of material to grab that is not magnetically attracted to loop  128  of first strap portion  112 , when positioning free end  132  of second strap portion  118  through loop  128 . The excess material  148  may aid in position free end  132  through loop  128  to magnetically couple second magnets  146  of second group of components  140  with first magnets  144  of first group of components  138  and/or the plurality of inserts  142 , and ultimately couple wearable electronic device  100  to a user, as discussed herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , second strap portion  118  may also include a protective layer  150 . Protective layer  150  may be coupled to the various components  138 ,  140  and/or inserts  142  positioned within second strap portion  118 . In a non-limiting example, protective layer  150  may be coupled to first magnets  144  of first group of components  138 , second magnets  146  of second group of components  140  and/or the plurality of inserts  142  positioned within second strap portion  118 . Additionally, and as shown in  FIG. 4 , protective layer  150  may be positioned between first magnets  144  of first group of components  138 , second magnets  146  of second group of components  140  and/or the plurality of inserts  142 , respectively. Protective layer  150  may include a single layer of material, two separate layers of material, or a plurality of distinct portions of a material. In a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , protective layer  150  may include a plurality of distinct portions of a material positioned between and coupled to each of the respective magnets  144 ,  146  and inserts  142  for coupling the magnets  144 ,  146  and inserts  142  together within second strap portion  118 . In additional non-limiting examples, not shown, the respective magnets  144 ,  146  and inserts  142  may be coupled to a first surface of a single layer of protective layer  150 , or may be coupled and/or sandwiched between two distinct layers of protective layer  150 . In a non-limiting example, protective layer  150  may be formed from a polycarbonate material, and may be included within second strap portion  118  to protect magnets  144 ,  146  and inserts  142 , coupled the respective magnets  144 ,  146  and inserts  142  together, and/or to maintain the shape of second strap portion  118  of wearable band  110 . In another non-limiting example, protective layer  150  may be formed from any suitable material that may add structural support and/or stiffness to wearable band  110 , such as a molded elastomer, liquid crystal polymer fibers (e.g., Vectran®), aromatic polyester fibers, para-aramid fibers (e.g., Kevlar®), polyamide fibers (e.g., Nylon®), and the like. 
     Additionally, second strap portion  118  may include a filler material  152 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , filler material  152  may substantially surround first magnets  144  of first group of components  138 , second magnets  146  of second group of components  140  and/or the plurality of inserts  142 . Additionally, filler material  152  may substantially surround protective layer  150  of second strap portion  118 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , filler material  152  may substantially surround magnets  144 ,  146 , inserts  142 , and/or protective layer  150 , and may fill in the space between magnets  144 ,  146 , inserts  142 , and/or protective layer  150 , and coupling component  126 . Filler material  152  may be formed from any suitable material that may provide and/or maintain the structure of second strap portion  118  including, but not limited to, fabric, foam, rubber, molded elastomer, liquid crystal polymer fibers (e.g., Vectran®), aromatic polyester fibers, para-aramid fibers (e.g., Kevlar®), polyamide fibers (e.g., Nylon®), or the like. 
     Although not shown, it is understood that first strap portion  112 , similar to second strap portion  118 , may also include filler material  152 . That is, first strap portion  112  may also include filler material  152  to substantially maintain the structure, texture, thickness and/or appearance as second strap portion  118 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  show cross-section side views of distinct portions of second strap portion  118  of wearable band  110 . In a non-limiting example,  FIG. 5A  shows a cross-section side view of second strap portion  118  taken along line  5 A- 5 A of  FIG. 4 , and depicts first magnets  144  of first group of components  138  positioned between top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  of second strap portion  118 . Additionally,  FIG. 5B  shows a cross-section side view of second strap portion  118  taken along line  5 B- 5 B of  FIG. 4 , and depicts second magnets  146  of second group of components  140  positioned between top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  of second strap portion  118 . It is understood that similarly named components or similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion, may include similar materials and/or may include similar interactions with other components. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , second strap portion  118  may also include a magnetic shield  154 . In non-limiting examples, a plurality of magnetic shields  154  may be coupled to or substantially surround a portion of each first magnet  144  (see,  FIG. 5A ) and each second magnet  146  (see,  FIG. 5B ), respectively. The portion of each first magnet  144  and second magnet  146  covered by magnetic shield  154  may be a bottom portion of each magnet  144 ,  146  positioned adjacent bottom layer  122  of second strap portion  118 . As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , magnetic shield  154  may cover a portion of first magnets  144  and second magnets  146 , respectively, positioned directly adjacent bottom layer  122 . A top portion of magnets  144 ,  146 , opposite the bottom portion covered by magnetic shield  154 , may remain substantially uncovered to aid in the magnetic coupling of magnets  144 ,  146  and/or inserts  142  during use of wearable electronic device  100 , as discussed herein. Magnetic shield  154  of second strap portion  118  may substantially block, redirect or minimize a magnetic flux in a portion of the magnets  144 ,  146  covered by magnetic shield  154 . In the non-limiting example, magnetic shield  154  may block a portion of the magnetic flux of first magnets  144  and second magnets  146  in areas that may be exposed to foreign magnetic materials or objects, in order to prevent wearable band  110  including second strap portion  118 , from being undesirably attracted or magnetically coupled to foreign objects. In a non-limiting example, magnetic shield  154  may be made from an iron alloy (e.g., steel). 
     Second strap portion  118  of wearable band  110  may also include a resin outer coating  156 . As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , resin outer coating  156  may be formed around each of first magnets  144  and magnetic shield  154  (see,  FIG. 5A ), and second magnets  146  and magnetic shield  154  (see,  FIG. 5B ), respectively. Resign outer coating  156  may form a barrier around magnets  144 ,  146  and magnetic shield  154 , and may separate magnets  144 ,  146  and magnetic shield  154  from distinct components (e.g., protective layer  150 , filler material  152 ) positioned between top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  of second strap portion  118 . Resin outer coating  156  may be formed using any suitable casting technique or process, and may be formed around the respective magnets  144 ,  146  and magnetic shield  154  to encompass both components. Additionally, Resin outer coating  156  may be formed from any suitable resin material that may formed around magnets  144 ,  146  and magnetic shield  154  to maintain the coupling between magnets  144 ,  146  and magnetic shield  154 , and/or provide structure to magnets  144 ,  146  and magnetic shield  154  within second strap portion  118 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  may include protrusions  158  positioned substantially adjacent magnets  144 ,  146 . In a non-limiting example, the portions of top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  positioned directly above and/or below magnets  144 ,  146  may include protrusions  158 , extending above the remaining portions of top layer  120  and bottom layer  122 , respectively. Protrusions  158  may be formed in top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  as a result of the dimension of magnets  144 ,  146 , magnetic shields  154  and/or resin outer coating  156 , as well as, the hardness of each of the components (e.g., magnets  144 ,  146 , magnetic shields  154  and so on) positioned between protrusions  158 . Additionally, protrusions  158  may be formed as a result of magnets  144 ,  146  and/or magnetic shield  154  being formed from materials that are not substantially deformable, and/or because magnets  144 ,  146 , magnetic shields  154  and/or resin outer coating  156  may be substantially larger than protective layer  150 . However, protrusions  158  may be substantially minimal and may or may not be visible to a user of wearable band  110 . That is, protrusions  158 , although extending above the remaining portions of top layer  120  and below bottom layer  122  of second strap portion  118 , may only extend above/below a negligible amount, such that a user of wearable band  110  including second strap portion  118  may view top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  as substantially linear surfaces. As discussed herein, protrusions  158  formed on top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  may aid in the aligning and/or magnetic coupling of second strap portion  118  when wearable electronic device  100  is coupled to a user using wearable band  110 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 6-9 , a description of how wearable band  110  functions to couple wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ) to a user may now be discussed. Specifically,  FIGS. 6-9  may illustrate how a portion of second band  118  is positioned through loop  128  of first band  112  and folded back onto itself, such that second magnets  146  of second group of components  140  may be coupled to first magnets  144  of first group of components  138  and/or inserts  142  to secure wearable band  110  around a user. 
       FIG. 6  shows a top view of wearable band  110  of wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ) including second strap portion  118  coupled to first strap portion  112 . More specifically, free end  132  of second strap portion  118  may be positioned or feed through opening  134  of loop  128  coupled to first strap portion  112 , and may be subsequently pulled toward housing end  124  of second strap portion  118  to couple second strap portion  118  to first strap portion  112 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , and as discussed herein, free end  132  may be feed through an opening formed by retention loop  135 , and retention loop  135  may aid in securing a portion of second strap portion  118  to the remainder of second strap portion  118 . Additionally, as a result of folding a portion  160  of second strap portion  118  back onto itself to couple second strap portion  118  to first strap portion  112 , bottom layer  122  of the folded portion  160  may be exposed and/or facing away from a contact surface (e.g., user&#39;s skin) in which the wearable band  110  is coupled. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a side view of a portion of wearable band including second strap portion  118  coupled to first strap portion  112 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 7 , second strap portion  118  may be positioned or feed through opening  134  of loop  128  coupled to first strap portion  112 , and may be subsequently pulled toward housing end  124  (see,  FIG. 6 ) of second strap portion  118  to couple second strap portion  118  to first strap portion  112 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , folded portion  160  of second strap portion  118  positioned through and/or adjacent loop  128  of first strap portion  112  may include a substantial curve in the material forming second strap portion  118  to fold folded portion  160  back onto the remaining portion of second strap portion  118 . The folded portion  160  may include this curve, and ultimately may include a minimal height (H) difference within folded portion  160 , as a result of magnets  144 ,  146  being separated and/or spaced apart. In the non-limiting example, folded portion  160  may be closely folded around loop  128  of first strap portion  112 , such that the height (H) of the fold is substantially small, as a result of magnets  144 ,  146  being spaced apart and/or separated by the flexible material forming protective layer  150 . When spaced apart, magnets  144 ,  146  may not substantially obstruct or limit the flexibility of second strap portion  118  by contacting each other during the folding of folded portion  160  around loop  128 . The height (H) of folded portion  160  may be substantially small or negligible to avoid the undesirable catching of folding portion  160  on another object, and ultimately the uncoupling of folded portion  160  from the remaining portion of second strap portion  118 . 
       FIG. 8  shows an enlarged cross-section side view of a portion of second strap portion  118  in  FIG. 7 . In a non-limiting example,  FIG. 8  shows a portion of fold portion  160  including second magnets  146  coupled to the remaining portion of second strap portion  118  including first magnets  144 . When fold portion  160  contacts the remaining portion of second strap portion  118 , the respective magnets,  144 ,  146  may be magnetically attracted to, and/or coupled to one another. That is, and as shown in  FIG. 8 , second magnets  146  included in folded portion  160  may be positioned adjacent and/or above first magnets  144  of second strap portion  118 , and may be magnetically coupled to surrounding first magnets  144 . The magnetic attraction between first magnet  144  and second magnet  146  may be illustrated within  FIG. 8  using reference arrows. As shown in  FIG. 8 , and discussed in detail herein, the polarity configuration of magnets  144 ,  146  may result in second magnets  144  being aligned between and magnetically coupled to two distinct first magnets  146 . As a result, magnets  144 ,  146  may be aligned in a staggered configuration as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Additionally as shown in  FIG. 8 , protrusions  158  formed on top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  of second strap portion  118  may aid in the staggered alignment of first magnets  144  and second magnets  146 . Protrusions  158  of folded portion  160  may be positioned between protrusions  158  formed in the remaining portion of second strap portion  118  to align first magnets  144  with second magnets  146  in a staggered configuration. As discussed herein, the staggering of first magnets  144  and second magnets  146  may provide for a strong bond or magnetic coupling between folded portion  160  and the remaining portion of second strap portion  118 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , and discussed herein, protrusion  158  formed on top layer  120  of folder portion  160  of second strap portion  118  may be positioned adjacent to protrusions  158  formed on top layer  120  of the remaining portion of second strap portion  118 . Additionally, bottom layer  122  in folded portion  160  and bottom layer  122  of the remaining portion of second strap portion  118  may be positioned opposite one another and/or may be exposed. As a result, and as shown in  FIG. 8 , magnetic shields  154  may also be positioned adjacent the exposed bottom layer  122 . As discussed herein, magnetic shields  154  may be positioned adjacent the exposed bottom layer  122  when folded portion  160  is coupled to the remaining portion of second strap portion  118  to prevent wearable band  110  from being undesirably attracted to and/or magnetically coupled to foreign objects. 
       FIG. 9  shows an enlarged top view of a portion of second strap portion  118  after free end  132  is fold over and positioned on the remaining portion of second strap portion  118 . Top layer  120  of second strap portion  118  is removed in  FIG. 9  to clearly show the alignment of first magnets  144  (shown in phantom), and second magnets  146  in folded portion  160  of second strap  118 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , first magnets  144  and second magnets  146  may be magnetized and/or include various alternating magnetic fields or polarities (e.g., north (N), south (S)) over the length of the magnet. In a non-limiting example, first magnets  144  may include a first configuration of alternating magnetic fields over the length of the magnet, and second magnets  146  may include a second configuration of alternating magnetic fields over the length of the magnet, distinct from the first configuration of first magnets  144 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , each of the individual magnetic fields of the second configuration of alternating magnetic fields for second magnets  146  may include a magnetic polarity opposite to a corresponding individual magnet field of the first configuration of alternating magnetic fields for first magnets  144 . 
     The configuration of magnetic fields for first magnets  144  and second magnets  146  may be opposite one another to form a magnetic attraction or magnetic bond between the respective magnets, as discussed herein. In a non-limiting example, each individual portion of second magnet  146  includes a polarity that may be magnetically attracted to and/or magnetically bonded to a corresponding portion of first magnet  144  including an opposite polarity. Additionally, as a result of spacing the magnets apart, within second strap portion  118 , each second magnet  146  may be positioned between and may be magnetically attracted to and/or magnetically bonded to two first magnets  144  positioned on either side of second magnet  146 . This may ultimately result in a strong magnetic bond between folded portion  160  of second strap portion  118  and the remaining portion of second strap portion  118  when wearable band  110  is coupled to a user&#39;s wrist. Finally, the first and second configurations of the magnetic fields for each of first magnets  144  and second magnets  146  may allow folded portion  160  of second strap portion  118  to be aligned with the remaining portion of second strap portion  118  during magnetic bonding or coupling. In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 9 , both first magnets  144  and second magnets  146  include a plurality of alternating, and opposite, magnetic fields throughout the entire length of the respective magnets. As a result, second magnets  146  may be aligned with, and magnetically bonded to first magnets  144  in such a way that all portions are magnetically bonded or attracted. Furthermore, when magnetically bonded, the magnetic field configurations of first magnets  144  and second magnets  146  may not only align the respective magnets, but may also align the edges of folded portion  160  and the remaining portion of second strap portion  118  when wearable band  110  is coupled to a user. 
     In an additional non-limiting example, protrusions  158  of top layer  120  and bottom layer  122  of the respective strap portions may be substantially aligned and/or contacting when utilizing wearable band  110 .  FIG. 10  shows an enlarged cross-section side view of a portion of second strap portion  118  in  FIG. 7 , according to another embodiment. In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 10 , a portion of fold portion  160  including second magnets  146  may be coupled to the remaining portion of second strap portion  118  including first magnets  144 . Like  FIG. 8 , the respective magnets  144 ,  146  may be magnetically attracted to, and/or coupled to one another, as illustrated in  FIG. 10  using reference arrows. Distinct from  FIG. 8 , protrusions  158  of second strap portion  118  may be in substantial alignment and/or may contact each other when folded portion  160  of second strap portion  118  is magnetically coupled to the remaining portion of second strap portion  118 . In the non-limiting example, the polarity configuration of magnets  144 ,  146  may result in first magnets  146  being aligned directly above and magnetically coupled to a single, corresponding second magnets  144 . As a result, and compared to  FIG. 8 , each of the first magnets  144  may be aligned in a common vertical plane as a corresponding second magnet  146  as shown in  FIG. 10 . Additionally, each protrusion  158  of folded portion  160  may also be aligned in a common vertical plane with a corresponding protrusion  158  in the remaining portion of second strap portion  118 , and no protrusions  158  included in the folded portion  160  may be positioned between two distinct protrusions  158  of the remaining portion of second strap portion  118 . As discussed herein, a common vertical plane may be understood as a vertical plane passing through a top and bottom magnet and/or protrusions with respect to the orientation and positioning shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , and as discussed herein, protrusion  158  formed on top layer  120  of folder portion  160  of second strap portion  118  may be positioned adjacent to, and substantially aligned with, corresponding protrusions  158  formed on top layer  120  of the remaining portion of second strap portion  118 . Additionally, bottom layer  122  in folded portion  160  and bottom layer  122  of the remaining portion of second strap portion  118  may be positioned opposite one another, aligned and/or exposed. As a result, and as shown in  FIG. 10 , magnetic shields  154  may also be positioned adjacent the exposed bottom layer  122 . As discussed herein, magnetic shields  154  may be positioned adjacent the exposed bottom layer  122  when folded portion  160  is coupled to the remaining portion of second strap portion  118 . 
     As similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 9 , first magnets  144  and second magnets  146  may be magnetized and/or include various alternating magnetic fields or polarities (e.g., north (N), south (S)) over the length of the magnet. In a non-limiting example, first magnets  144  may include a first configuration of alternating magnetic fields over the length of the magnet, and second magnets  146  may include a second configuration of alternating magnetic fields over the length of the magnet, distinct from the first configuration of first magnets  144 . Each of the individual magnetic fields of the second configuration of alternating magnetic fields for second magnets  146  may include a magnetic polarity opposite to a corresponding individual magnet field of the first configuration of alternating magnetic fields for first magnets  144 . 
     The configuration of magnetic fields for first magnets  144  and second magnets  146  may be opposite one another to form a magnetic attraction or magnetic bond between the respective magnets, as discussed herein. In a non-limiting example, each individual portion of second magnet  146  including a first polarity may be magnetically attracted to and/or magnetically bonded to a corresponding portion of first magnet  144  including an opposite polarity. Additionally, as a result of the configuration of the magnets within second strap portion  118 , each second magnet  146  may be aligned in a common plane and may be magnetically attracted to and/or magnetically bonded to a single, corresponding first magnet  144  directly below second magnet  146 . 
     Although not shown in  FIG. 10 , it is understood that the magnetic attraction and/or the coupling of the folded portion  160  and the remaining portion of second strap portion  118  may cause at least a partial deformation in wearable band  110 . As a result of the flexible and/or elastic material used to form at least a portion of second strap portion  118 , aligned and contacting protrusions  158  of second strap portion  118  may be deformed, such that second strap portion  118  is substantially flat or linear. The deformation of protrusions  158  may be based on the magnetic attraction and/or magnetic coupling formed between the magnets  144 ,  146  of wearable band  110 . 
     Although shown herein as including two distinct straps (e.g., first strap portion  112 , second strap portion  118 ), wearable band may be formed from a single strap. In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 11 , wearable band  1010  may be formed as a single strap, such that first strap portion  1012  and second strap portion  1018  may be integrally formed. It is understood that similarly named components or similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion, may include similar materials and/or may include similar interactions with other components. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As discussed herein, wearable band  1010  may be formed from a single piece of material. That is, wearable band  1010  may be formed from a single piece of material (e.g., leather), where top layer  1020  is folded over and positioned above bottom layer  1022  (not shown) to form wearable band  1010 . Where wearable band  1010  is formed from a single piece of material, the fold in the material to differentiate between top layer  1020  and bottom layer  1022  may be positioned at end  1030 , adjacent loop  1028 . The single piece of material forming wearable band  1010  may be feed through loop  1028  of wearable band  1010 , and loop  1028  may be partially positioned between top layer  1020  and bottom layer  1022 , and secured at end  1030  of wearable band  1010 . In another non-limiting example, not shown, single strap wearable band  1010  may be formed from two pieces of material, where each piece of material forms a respective layer (e.g., top, bottom) of wearable band  1010 . 
     Wearable band  1010 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , may function substantially similar to wearable band  110  discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 1-10 . That is, wearable band  1010  may include free end  1032  positioned opposite, and capable of being positioned through loop  1028  to be folded back onto a remaining portion of wearable band  1010  to couple wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ) to a user. Although not shown, it is understood that second strap portion  1018  of wearable band  1010  may include a similar internal configuration as second strap portion  118  discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 4 . In a non-limiting example, wearable band  1010  may also include a first group of components (e.g., first magnets), a second group of components (e.g., second magnets) and a plurality of inserts positioned between the first and second group of components. The first and second group of components and plurality of inserts may be utilized to couple a folded portion of second strap portion  1018  to a remaining portion of wearable band  1010  to ultimately couple wearable electronic device  100  to a user, as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 1-10 . 
       FIG. 12  depicts an example process for forming a wearable band for a wearable electronic device. Specifically,  FIG. 12  is a flowchart depicting one example process  1100  for forming a wearable band for a wearable electronic device. In some cases, the process may be used to form one or more wearable bands, as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-11 . 
     In a preliminary, optional operation  1102  (shown in phantom) a plurality of components may be processed. More specifically, at least a portion of a plurality of components having magnetic properties may undergo preliminary processes. The processing of at least a portion of the plurality of components may include at least one of coupling a magnetic shield to at least one side of at least the portion of the plurality of components, and/or forming a resin coating around at least the portion of the plurality of components. Additionally, the resin coating formed around the components may also be formed around the magnetic shield, where a magnet shield is coupled to at least one side of at least the portion of the plurality of components. 
     In operation  1104 , a plurality of components may be coupled to a protective layer. The plurality of components may include magnetic properties. The coupling of the plurality of components may include coupling a first group of magnets to the protective layer, and coupling a second group of magnets to the protective layer opposite the first group of magnets. The first and second group of magnets may or may not be magnetized when coupled to the protective layer. The coupling of operation  1104  may also include coupling a plurality of inserts to the protective layer between the first group of magnets and the second group of magnets. Like the first and second group of magnets, the plurality of inserts may include magnetic properties (e.g., magnetic field, magnetic attraction, and so on). Additionally, the coupling of the plurality of components to the protective layer may also include positioning at least a portion of the protective layer between each of the components (e.g., first and second group of magnets, inserts). Each of the first group of magnets, second group of magnets and plurality of inserts may be spaced apart from one another, and/or may be separated by a portion of the protective layer. 
     In operation  1106 , a filler material may be coupled to at least one of the protective layer and/or plurality of components. More specifically, a filler material may be coupled to at least one of the first group of magnets, the second group of magnets, the plurality of inserts and/or the protective layer. Filler material may be coupled to the respective components (e.g., magnets, inserts, protective layer) to form substantially a perimeter around the components. The coupling of the filler material to the protective layer and/or plurality of components may also result in the formation of an internal assembly. The internal assembly may include the first group of magnets, the second group of magnets, the plurality of inserts, the protective layer and the filler material. 
     In operation  1108 , the internal assembly may be positioned within a strap of a wearable electronic device. More specifically, the internal assembly, including the first and second group of magnets, the inserts, the protective layer and the filler material, may be positioned and/or secured within a strap of a wearable electronic device. The strap may be formed from a single piece of material, or a plurality of pieces of material. Where the strap is formed from a single piece of material, the positioning of the internal assembly in operation  1108  may further include positioning the internal assembly on an inner surface of a bottom layer of the strap, and subsequently folding a top layer of the strap over the internal assembly and bottom layer. Additionally, the strap may be formed as a single strap that may be coupled to the wearable electronic device, or strap may be formed from multiple pieces, that may be individually coupled to the wearable electronic device. 
     In operation  1110  (shown in phantom), at least a portion of the plurality of components of the internal assembly may be magnetized. That is, the first group of magnets and second group of magnets, if not magnetized already, may undergo an magnetizing process. The magnetizing of the portion of components included in the internal assembly may include magnetizing the first group of magnets to have a first unique pattern of polarities, and magnetizing the second group of magnets to have a second unique pattern of polarities, distinct and/or opposite from the first unique pattern of polarities of the first group of magnets. The first group and second group of magnets may include distinct and/or opposite polarities so that the second group of magnets may be magnetically coupled to the first group of magnets during use of the wearable band. Additionally, the distinct and/or opposite polarities between the first and second group of magnets may aid in the alignment of the portions of the band including the respective magnets during use of the wearable band. The second group of magnets may also be magnetically coupled to and/or attracted to the plurality of inserts including magnetic properties. 
     Although not shown, the internal assembly and/or the strap may undergo additional process for forming a wearable band for a wearable electronic device. For example, at least a portion of the strap may be cut. In a non-limiting example, the strap may undergo a cutting process, where at least a portion of the strap is cut. The strap may be cut to alter the length, and/or width of the strap to a specific or desired dimension. Additionally, a free end of the strap that may be folded back onto a portion of the strap to couple to wearable band to a user may also be cut so that the free end visually and/or cosmetically matches the width of the remaining portion of the wearable band. The strap may be cut prior to positioning the internal assembly within the strap, or subsequent to positioning the internal assembly within the strap. 
     An additional process not shown may include bonding the edges of the strap including the internal assembly. More specifically, subsequent to positioning the internal assembly within the strap, the edges of the top layer and the bottom layer forming the strap may be bonded together to maintain the internal assembly within the strap. The edges may be bonded using any suitable bonding component or technique. In non-limiting examples, the edges of the strap may be bonded using an adhesive or by stitching the top layer to the bottom layer using a thread positioned through the respective layers adjacent the edges of the strap. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150501
Publication Date: 20181106
Grant Date: 20181106
Priority Date: 20140809
Inventors: BATAILLOU, JEREMY D.
KOSOGLOW, RICHARD D.
CORBIN, SEAN S.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A45F5/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2071", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/008", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/0263", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/20", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/0263", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2071", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/0263", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/008", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2071", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55266442