PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10064460-B2
Application Number: US-201615273657-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Frictional stabilization of band and securement mechanism

Abstract:
A band is disclosed which attaches to a portable electronic device. The band includes a flexible length of material which forms a loop into which a pin is inserted. In one embodiment, the loop has an insert with a protrusion therein. The protrusion frictionally contacts the pin. In another embodiment the pin includes an elastomeric surface. The elastomeric surface may include O-rings between two pin portions such that the amount of the elastomeric surface extending beyond the pin may be adjusted. In another embodiment, the elastomeric surface includes a sleeve on the pin.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An attachment mechanism for a watch, the attachment mechanism comprising:
 a securement mechanism removably attachable to a body of the watch; 
 a pin attached to the securement mechanism; 
 a band forming a loop through which the pin passes; and 
 a frictional insert within the loop, and engaging the pin and the band; wherein:
 the frictional insert is shaped to occupy a space defined by the pin and the band; 
 the frictional insert tapers along its length from a first end abutting the pin to a second, smaller end that is opposite the first end; and 
 the frictional insert is configured to increase friction between the pin and the band, thereby reducing motion of the band with respect to the pin. 
 
 
     
     
       2. A watch comprising:
 a watch body; and 
 the attachment mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the securement mechanism is removably attached to the watch body. 
 
     
     
       3. The attachment mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the frictional insert is formed on the band. 
     
     
       4. The attachment mechanism of  claim 3 , wherein the frictional insert is made from polyurethane. 
     
     
       5. The attachment mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the frictional insert comprises:
 an insert body having a first dimension and abutting the band; and 
 a neck having a second dimension and abutting the pin; wherein 
 the first dimension is less than the second dimension. 
 
     
     
       6. The attachment mechanism of  claim 5 , wherein the neck is a rib formed unitarily with the insert body. 
     
     
       7. The attachment mechanism of  claim 5 , wherein the insert body is formed from a separate material from the neck. 
     
     
       8. The attachment mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the frictional insert is an elastic collar. 
     
     
       9. The attachment mechanism of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the elastic collar is received within a seam of the pin; and 
 a surface of the elastic collar is offset by an offset distance from a surface of the pin. 
 
     
     
       10. The attachment mechanism of  claim 9 , wherein the offset distance is controlled by compressing the elastic collar. 
     
     
       11. A method for controlling motion of a band with respect to a securement mechanism of an electronic device, comprising:
 adjusting an offset distance between a securement mechanism and the band; 
 in response to adjusting the offset distance, increasing a friction between an elastic element and the band; and 
 in response to increasing the friction between the elastic element and the band, maintaining a spatial relationship between the securement mechanism and the band. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the elastic element encircles a pin of the securement mechanism. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the elastic element is received in a seam of the securement mechanism. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , wherein of adjusting the offset distance comprises moving a first pin section relative to a second pin section, thereby changing a compression of the elastic element. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the offset distance corresponds to a distance between an outer surface of the elastic element and an outer surface of the pin. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein maintaining a spatial relationship between the pin and the band comprises maintaining a translational and a rotational alignment between the pin and the band. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising maintaining translational and rotational alignment of the electronic device with respect to the band. 
     
     
       18. An attachment mechanism for a watch, the attachment mechanism comprising:
 a securement mechanism comprising:
 a body; and 
 a pin affixed to the body; 
 
 an elastic collar about the pin; 
 a flexible strap; and 
 a frictional device; 
 wherein:
 the flexible strap defines a gap; 
 the frictional device is positioned within the gap; 
 the frictional device engages the flexible strap; and 
 the frictional device frictionally engages the elastic collar. 
 
 
     
     
       19. The attachment mechanism of  claim 18 , wherein the frictional device affixed to the flexible strap. 
     
     
       20. A watch comprising:
 a watch body; and 
 the attachment mechanism of  claim 18 , wherein the securement mechanism is removably attached to the watch body.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/235,515, filed Sep. 30, 2015 and titled “Frictional Stabilization of Band and Securement Mechanism,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to attachment bands for portable electronic devices. More particularly, embodiments relate to a device for controlling the resistance of a band associated with an attachment device, in order to stabilize the band. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recent advances in portable computing have led to increased use of portable electronic devices. Many users prefer to wear certain electronic devices, such as watches, fitness trackers, and even mobile phones. Often, such electronic devices are attached to a band by a securement mechanism. The band encircles part of the wearer, while the securement mechanism attaches the band to the device. In some cases, the band may loop about the securement mechanism. This may permit the band to rotate or otherwise move about the securement mechanism which may, in turn, alter the relative position of the electronic device with respect to the band. 
     Flexible bands or bracelets have been used to secure wristwatches and other devices to the person of a user for many years. These bands have made from a variety of materials including leather, cloth, plastic metal inks, and so on. Such bands often permit the portable electronic device to rotate, slip, or otherwise move, thereby changing the orientation and/or fit of the device (and/or band) with respect to the wearer. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed embodiments may provide a user with a functional and aesthetically pleasing securement mechanism to affix an electronic device to a band, while retaining a chosen position, alignment, and/or orientation between the electronic device and band. When the band affixes the electronic device to a user, a frictional insert may increase friction between the securement mechanism and the band. This increase in friction may likewise increase the overall force required to move, rotate or otherwise dislodge the electronic device with respect to the band. 
     One embodiment takes the form of a portable electronic device, comprising: a body; a securement mechanism affixed to the body; a pin attached to the securement body; a band forming a loop through which the pin passes; and a frictional insert within the loop, and engaging the pin and the band; wherein: the frictional insert is shaped to occupy a space defined by the pin and the band; the frictional insert tapers along its length; and the frictional insert is configured to increase friction between the pin and the band, thereby reducing motion of the band with respect to the pin. 
     Another embodiment takes the form of a method for controlling motion of a band with respect to a securement mechanism of an electronic device, comprising: adjusting an offset distance between a pin of the securement mechanism and the band; in response to adjusting the offset distance, increasing a friction between an elastic element and the band; in response to increasing the friction between the elastic element and the band, maintaining a spatial relationship between the pin and the band. 
     Still another embodiment takes the form of an attachment mechanism for an electronic device, comprising: an attachment structure; a flexible strap attached to the securement mechanism; and a frictional device comprising: a body; and a neck extending from the body; wherein: the frictional device is adjacent, and connected to, the attachment structure and the flexible strap; the flexible strap defines a gap; the frictional device is positioned within the gap; the body engages the flexible strap; and the neck frictionally engages the attachment structure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a portable electronic device attached to a user by a band; 
         FIG. 2  shows the electronic device, a securement mechanism, and a band; 
         FIG. 3  shows a securement mechanism connected to a band; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the securement mechanism of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows a cross-section view of a band extending around a pin and an insert; 
         FIG. 6  shows a second cross-section view of a band extending around a pin and a second type of insert; 
         FIG. 7A  is an exploded view of a multi-section pin; 
         FIG. 7B  shows the multi-section pin of  FIG. 7A , as assembled; 
         FIG. 8  shows a pin having an elastic collar; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section view showing a pin with an elastic collar received in a seam; 
         FIG. 10  shows a pin having a second type of elastic collar disposed about the pin; and 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a pin and elastic collar within a loop of a band. 
     
    
    
     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 disclosure to any particular or preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates to an attachment band or tether for securing a portable electronic device to a user or to an object, such as a bicycle, article of clothing, structure, and so on. The band is flexible to allow it to conform to a wrist or other portion of the person of a user, or other suitable structure. An attachment pin passes through a loop of the band and is used to affix the band to an accessory, such as an electronic device, timekeeping device, wearable device, and so on. For example, the accessory may be a watch, fitness tracker, medical monitor, mobile phone, and so on. 
     In a particular embodiment, a frictional device is included within a loop defined by an attachment band. The frictional device stabilizes the band and prevents it from rotating about the attachment pin (or simply “pin”) so that the band does not change its orientation with respect to the attached electronic device or other accessory (or vice versa). The frictional device may reduce space between the pin and the band, as well as increase friction with respect to one or both of the pin and the band. Accordingly, the band is less likely to rotate about the pin and can sustain a greater load before rotating. 
     In some embodiments, the frictional device may be a rib or other protrusion. The rib may project from the band toward the pin, or vice versa. The rib may engage the pin if it projects from the band, or may engage the band if it projects from the pin. In one embodiment, a hole defined by, or in, the band (through which the pin passes) may be filled with a material, such as urethane, that may be cured and shaped to form the rib or other protrusion. 
     In other embodiments, an elastomer may be fitted about the pin or other structure about which the band passes. The elastomer may be molded to the pin, or may be a sleeve, ring or the like that is fitted on the pin. The elastomer may be inserted into a gap defined by two parts of the pin. For example; the two parts of the pin may define the gap at a point where the two parts join one another. 
     Where an elastomer is used as the frictional device, an amount of friction between pin and band may be controlled by varying one or more dimensions of the pin. The thickness of the elastomer may be varied by compressing the two parts of the pin (e.g., moving them toward one another), which may cause the elastomer to likewise compress along an axis parallel to the direction of motion of the parts. Compressing the elastomer may reduce a surface area of the elastomer that is in contact with the band encircling the pin, thereby reducing friction. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-14 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a system  100  including a portable electronic device  101  and a band  104  attached thereto. The band  104  may secure the electronic device  101  to a wearer  105 , another electronic device, a surface, a post, or any other securement structure. In the embodiment  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , the band electronic device  101  takes the form of a watch. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the watch  101  and band  104  of  FIG. 1 , as well as a securement mechanism  206  that affixes the band  104  to the watch  101  (or other electronic device, in other embodiments). As shown, each side of the band  104  is connected to the watch  101  by its own, separate securement mechanism  206 . The band and securement mechanism may together form an attachment mechanism. 
     In some embodiments the securement mechanism  206  may releasably couple the band  104  and watch  101 . In these embodiments, the securement mechanism  206  may be removed from a channel or other aperture defined in a body of the electronic device  101 , which in turn may decouple the band  104  from the electronic device. In certain embodiments, the securement mechanism(s)  206  may be permanently affixed to the electronic device  101  and the band  104  may be removed from the securement mechanism(s). The securement mechanism  206  can take substantially any shape and can be substantially any size, and is generally shaped and sized to be received in a channel of the electronic device  101 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the securement device  206  and its relationship to the band  104 . As shown, the band  104  is attached to the securement mechanism  206  by a pin  302 . In particular, the band  104  wraps about the pin  302 . The band  104  may be sewn, glued, or otherwise affixed to itself to form the loop extending about pin  302 . In some embodiments, the securement device  206  may be omitted. Instead, the pin  203  may directly connect the band  102  to the watch  101 ; the pin may be received in recesses defined within a body of the watch, for example. 
     In one embodiment, band  104  is made from a flexible material such as leather, plastic, cloth or other woven strands, a polymer, or other flexible or semi-flexible material. Band  104  may also be made a series of substantially rigid structures (or materials) that may move with respect to one another, such as metal links, coils that cooperate to form a metal mesh, and so on. Generally, the band  142  is sufficiently flexible to encompass a wrist of a user and to form a loop about the pin  302 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the securement device  206  in an exploded view. The securement device may include a securement body  401  that is sized and/or shaped to fit within an aperture of the electronic device  101 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The body  401  may be formed from metal, plastic, ceramic, or any other suitable material. 
     In some embodiments, the body  401  is configured to slide into the aperture of the electronic device  101 . The body  401  may be retained in the aperture by one or more protrusions  404  or teeth that extend into a cavity or other recess within the aperture. The protrusion(s)  404  may secure the securement device  206  within the cavity; a user may depress the protrusion or cause the protrusion  404  to be depressed to remove it from the cavity and thus permit the body  401  to exit the aperture. 
     A multi-part pin  302  is formed from a first pin section  302 A and a second pin section  302 B, although in some embodiments a unibody pin may be used. The first pin section  302 A may define a male fitting  404  at one end, while the second pin section  302 B may define a female fitting (e.g., cavity)  405  at one of its ends. The male fitting  404  is sized to be received within the female fitting  405 . In some embodiments, the male fitting may be threaded and the female fitting complementarily threaded, so that the first pin section  302 A may be screwed to the second pin section  302 B. In other embodiments, the male fitting  404  may frictionally engage inner sidewalls of the female fitting  405 , and the pin  302  may rely on friction to maintain engagement between the first pin section  302 A and second pin section  302 B. In still other embodiments, the first pin section  302 A and second pin section  302 B may be adhered, welded, soldered, or otherwise affixed to one another. Some embodiments may configure the first and second pin sections  302 A,  302 B to releasably mate with one another while other embodiments may be configured such that they permanently mate. 
     Fasteners  403  may extend through fastening apertures  402  in the body  401  of the securement mechanism  206  and affix the first and second pin sections  302 A,  302 B to the body. The fasteners  403  may be screws, pins, plugs, rivets, or the like. 
     Typically, but not necessarily, the securement mechanism  206  is assembled and affixed to a band  104  in the following manner. A band  104  may be positioned between the first and second pin sections  302 A,  302 B. The first pin section  302 A is mated to the second pin section  302 B, either releasably or fixedly, such that the pin extends through a loop of the band  104 . (In some embodiments, the pin sections may be mated first and the band then looped around them.) Non-mated ends of the pin  302  are inserted into the fastening apertures  402 . Fasteners  403  are inserted into the fastening apertures  402  from an opposing side of the securement body  401 , and ultimately into the non-mated ends of the pin  302 . The fasteners  403  are affixed to the pin  302  to maintain the alignment and position of the pin  302  and securement body  401 . 
     In some embodiments, although the band  104  may extend around the pin  302  of the securement mechanism  206 , the band may be loose on the pin. Thus, the band may slip, shift or otherwise move, translationally and/or rotationally, with respect to the pin. This may affect a fit of the band  104  with respect to a wearer, the electronic device  101 , and/or a retaining structure. 
     The discussion now turns to  FIG. 5 , which is a cross-section showing a pin  302  retained within a loop defined by a band  104 . In order to mitigate translation and/or rotation of the band  104  with respect to the pin  302 , a frictional insert  500  may be placed within a loop of the band, abutting the pin  302  and an interior surface  502  of the band  104 . The insert  500  generally frictionally couples the pin  302  to the band  104  (e.g., it increases friction therebetween). By increasing friction between the pin  302  and band  104 , the insert  500  may likewise increase the amount of force required to rotate the band about the pin, which may maintain the relative position of a secured electronic device with respect to the band. This may stabilize the electronic device with respect to the band, thus increasing comfort for a wearer and/or fit of the band and device. 
     In some embodiments, the frictional insert  500  (or simply “insert”) may be made from polyurethane. In other embodiments, any suitable rigid, semi-rigid, or elastomeric material may be used, including rubber and other polymers. 
     Insert  500  may be generally wedge-shaped with a concave end surface  506 . Put another way, the insert  500  may taper along its length, from a first end abutting the pin to a second, smaller end (which may be pointed, rounded, or otherwise shaped) near a point where the band loops back to contact itself (e.g., the smaller end of the space defined by the loop). A majority of the wedge sidewalls may contact an interior surface of the band and, in some embodiments, may be affixed thereto. The concave end surface  506  may abut and frictionally engage the pin  302 , band  104 , or both. The insert  500  may be sized to occupy a majority of space within the band  104  loop that is not occupied by pin. Alternately, the insert  500  may be sized to abut at least part of the pin  302  and band  104  interior, but may not occupy a majority of volume inside the loop. For example, a void space  508  may be present between pin  302  and part of loop  104 . 
     A width of the insert  500  may be less than the width of the band  104 , or may be substantially the same width as the band. Typically, although not necessarily, the insert  500  is not visible when the band  104  is attached to the securement mechanism  200 . 
     The insert  500  may rotationally and/or translationally stabilize the pin  302  with respect to the band  104 . For example, the concave end surface  506  may create sufficient friction with the pin  302  that the pin  302  does not rotate or translate, with respect to the insert  500 , under normal loads and/or operating conditions. Likewise, the insert  500  may frictionally engage the band  104  to prevent motion of the band with respect to the insert, at least under normal operating loads and conditions. Since both the pin  302  and loop  104  are rotationally and/or translationally fixed with respect to the insert  500 , they are likewise fixed with respect to one another. Similarly, in embodiments where the insert is affixed to the band  104 , the insert  500  may stabilize the pin  302  and prevent the pin from moving with respect to the band. 
     In still other embodiments, the frictional device/insert  500  may be affixed to both the pin  302  and the band  104 . For example, the insert  500  may be adhered to one or both of the band  104  (e.g., flexible structure) and pin  302 . 
     In some embodiments, the insert  500  may be formed by depositing polyurethane or a similar polymer (or other material) in the interior of the loop formed by the band  104 . The insert material may be deposited in a liquid form and cured or otherwise hardened within the loop, as one non-limiting example. The insert may initially occupy all or a majority of volume within the loop, including a space in which the pin  302  may ultimately rest, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Further, curing the insert material while it contacts the loop  104  may bond the insert to the loop, thereby creating a relatively strong engagement between the two. Further, this may ensure that the shape of the insert  500  generally conforms to a shape of an interior of the loop formed by the band  104 . 
     A cavity may be formed in insert  500  to accommodate pin  302 , once the insert material has cured or otherwise solidified. The cavity may be formed by machining one end of the insert  500 , or may be formed through the insert  500 . In the former example, the insert may be bored, cut, or otherwise machined to a particular shape; continuing the example, the insert  500  may be machined to form the concave surface  506 . In the latter example, a hole may be machined through the insert  500  such that the insert  500  ultimately surrounds a pin  302  passing through the band  104  loop. 
     In either example, the insert  500  may be machined to result in a relatively tight fit with the pin  302 , thereby frictionally engaging the pin and preventing rotation and/or translation of the pin under typical operating loads and conditions. By controlling the size of the hole formed in the aperture and/or dimensions of concave surface  506  (or other end surface structure), an amount of friction between insert  500  and pin  302  may be controlled. Thus, the insert  500  may be configured to generate a desired amount of frictional force with pin  302 . This, in turn, permits relatively fine control of the maximum operating load, force, and/or other conditions under which the pin  302  will not move with respect to the band  104 . 
     In some embodiments, a coating may be placed on the machined surface of insert  500 , such as concave surface  506 . The coating may be added before or after the pin  302  passes through the loop, and may serve to more consistently engage the insert  500  with the pin  302 . The coating may increase friction between the two in some embodiments, or it may decrease friction in some embodiments. For example, the coating may be polyurethane configured to fill a gap between the insert and the pin, or the coating may be a lubricant configured to reduce friction between the gap and insert in other embodiments. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates, in cross-section, another sample frictional device  600  (similar to the insert  500  discussed above) is positioned within a loop of a flexible strap, such as a band  104 . As with the embodiments of  FIG. 5 , the frictional device  600  may abut (or be formed on) the flexible strap  104  and the pin  302 , or other securement mechanism. Here, however, neck  605  extends from the body of the frictional device  600  to engage a sidewall of the securement mechanism  302 . The neck  606  defines a concave contact surface  606  that engages the securement mechanism&#39;s sidewall. The neck  605  may be formed integrally with the body of the frictional device  600 , or may be formed separately therefrom. For example, the neck  605  may be a rib extending from the body  600  of the frictional device. The frictional device may be machined to form the neck  605 , such that neck and body are unitary and made from the same material. Alternately, neck  605  may be a second material affixed to the body of frictional device  600 . For example, the frictional device body may be cured around a protrusion that forms the neck  605 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , neck  605  may be smaller in multiple dimensions than the body of frictional device  600 . For example, the neck  605  may not abut the flexible strap  104 . Further and as shown, the neck  605  is not cross-sectioned in the view of  FIG. 6 . In this embodiment, the neck  605  may not extend along an entire width of the flexible strap  104  (e.g., in and out of the page in the view of  FIG. 6 ), and in any event may have a smaller width than the body of frictional device  600 . 
     Generally, the frictional device  600  (including neck  605 ) operates in a similar fashion as previously described with respect to the insert  500  of  FIG. 5  in order to reduce or prevent a likelihood of the securement mechanism  302  (e.g., pin) moving with respect to the flexible strap  104  (e.g., band) Likewise, the frictional device  600  may be formed in the same or similar fashions as discussed above with respect to insert  500 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 6 , the flexible strap  104  may form a loop and be affixed to itself at a seam or other joint  610 . The joint may be formed by sewing the flexible strap  104  to itself, adhering the flexible strap to itself, or in any other suitable fashion. The frictional device  600  may provide structural support to the portion of the flexible strap  104  forming the loop, thereby ensuring the flexible strap does not collapse inward. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a multi-part pin  302  (e.g., securement mechanism) is shown. As previously discussed, the multi-part pin  302  may be formed from a first pin section  302 A and second pin section  302 B. A male fitting  704  may mate with a female fitting  705  (similar to the male and female fittings previously discussed). The fittings may be threaded or they may be friction-fit fittings. Generally, the male fitting  704  is moved in direction  706  to mate with the female fitting  705 . This results in the formed pin  302  shown in  FIG. 7B , which also illustrates a seam  707  between the two pin sections  302 A,  302 B. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the pin  302  of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  with elastic collars  802  fitted about the pin. The elastic collars  802  generally sit within the seam  707 , although in alternative embodiments they may cover the seam. Each pin section  302 A,  302 B may have its own elastic collar; the collars may be placed about the pin sections prior to joining the pin sections together or after so joining. Further, in some embodiments a single elastic collar  802  is placed about one or both pin sections  302 A,  302 B. The elastic collar may be made of any suitable material, such as a rubber, polymer, or other elastomer. 
     An outer surface of the elastic collars  802  is offset from an outer surface of the pin sections  302 A,  302 B by an offset distance  804 . Put another way, a diameter (or height, or width) of the collars  802  is greater than a corresponding diameter (or height, or width) of the pin sections  302 A,  302 B. Although reference is made to diameters, it should be appreciated that the collars  802  and/or pin sections  302 A,  302 B need not be round. Accordingly, the term “diameter” is used for convenience and in an encompassing sense. Further, it should be appreciated that the offset distance  804  is exaggerated in  FIG. 8  for purposes of illustration. 
       FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view of the pin sections  302 A,  302 B and their mating structure. For example, male fitting  704  is shown received within female fitting (e.g., cavity)  705 . The elastic collars  802  sit at least partly within seam  707 . Further, the elastic collars  802  project above the surface of the pin sections  302 A,  302 B by the offset distance  804 . 
     The offset distance  804  may be modified by moving the pin sections  302 A,  302 B closer or farther away from one another. For example, male fitting  704  may be moved deeper into female fitting  705 . This compresses the elastic collars  802  (or collar, in some embodiments), which causes them to bulge outwardly, away from the pin sections  302 A,  302 B. Thus, the offset distance  804  increases. As male fitting  704  is moved out of cavity  705 , the elastic collars  802  may decompress, thereby reducing the offset distance  804 . As discussed below with respect to  FIG. 11 , adjusting the offset distance may a friction between the elastic collars  802  and a band  104  encircling the collars and pin sections  302 A,  302 B. 
     In some embodiments, the male fitting  704  and female fitting  705  may be threaded so that their spatial relationship may be set and maintained which, in turn, maintains the offset distance  804 . In other embodiments, detents, projections, and the like may be used to set and maintain the spatial relationship. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a collar  1000  about a pin  302 . The collar  1000  sits around an exterior surface of the pin  302 , rather than in a seam. An outer surface of the collar  1000  is nonetheless separated from an outer surface of the pin  302  by an offset distance  804 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  may be particularly suitable for a unitary pin  302 , or when the offset distance  804  does not need to be manipulated. 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a pin  302  received within a loop of a band  104 . As with prior embodiments, an insert  1105  is positioned within the loop and may be affixed to the band  104 . An elastic collar  1100  encircles the pin  302 . The elastic collar  1100  may sit within a seam of the pin  302 , as with the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , or may encircle the pin  302 , as with the embodiment of  FIG. 10 . 
     An outer surface of the elastic collar  110  may contact an interior of the band  104  and the insert  1105 . Accordingly, in this embodiment, the insert  1105  does not contact the pin  302  at all. Rather, the elastic collar  1100  frictionally abuts the insert  1105  and has a friction fit with the pin  302 . The friction between pin  302  and collar  1100 , as well as collar  1100  and insert  1105  (and/or band  104 ), may control and/or prevent rotational and/or translational motion of the pin relative to the band. 
     The amount of friction between the elastic collar  1100  and band  104 , or insert  1105 , may be varied by adjusting an offset distance  1104  between the outer surface of the pin  302  and inner surface of the band  104 . The offset distance  1104  may be increased by increasing a compressive force on the collar, which may cause the collar to bulge or otherwise expand outward. As discussed in previous embodiments, the sections of a multi-part pin may be moved toward one another to increase compressive force in a first direction on the collar, which causes the collar to expand outward in a direction transverse to the force. In the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the collar  1100  thus expands outward from the pin  302  toward an interior surface of the band  104 . This increases the friction between collar  1100  and band  104  (and/or insert  1105 ), thereby maintaining translational and/or rotational alignment of the pin and band. This, in turn, maintains translation and/or rotational alignment of the securement mechanism and, ultimately, the electronic device with respect to the band. 
     Likewise, the offset distance may be decreased by reducing the force exerted on the collar  1100  by the pin  302 , or any other structure configured to exert such force. This reduces the offset distance  1104  and thus the friction between collar and pin, and/or collar and insert  1105 . Thus, the pin may have a variable friction fit within the band. 
     In certain embodiments the pin  302  may be centered within the elastic collar  1100 , although this is not necessary. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the pin may be off-center with respect to a center of the elastic collar  1100 . 
     It should be appreciated that certain embodiments may omit the insert  1105  entirely. Instead, the elastic collar may frictionally engage only the band  104 . The elastic collar  1100  may be sized to reduce or prevent lateral motion of the pin  302  relative to the band  104  in the absence of the insert, while maintaining friction with the band to prevent or reduce rotational motion. 
     Some embodiments may permit a user to adjust friction between the pin and the band, and thus change a feel of the band when worn. The user may lengthen or shorten the pin, for example, by moving the pin sections relative to one another. This may adjust the friction between the elastic collar and band and/or insert, as described. Accordingly, some embodiments may be user-configurable to provide a more comfortable fit. Further, where the electronic device  100  incorporates a biometric sensor, the user may increase friction between the band and the securement mechanism (e.g., the pin or the like) to hold the electronic device in a stable position, which in turn may enhance operation of the biometric sensor. 
     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: 20160922
Publication Date: 20180904
Grant Date: 20180904
Priority Date: 20150930
Inventors: SIAHAAN, EDWARD
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/1486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T24/4782", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T24/4718", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/1486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T24/4782", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T24/4718", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T24/4718", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/1486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T24/4782", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58408420