PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10172426-B2
Application Number: US-201514884588-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Magnetic band clasp

Abstract:
A magnetic band clasp includes a female clasp assembly of a first band segment and a male clasp assembly of a second band segment. The female clasp assembly defines one or more cavities with one or more magnetic elements disposed underneath. The male clasp assembly includes a projection that may include a magnetic element. Magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements couples the first and second band segments when the projection is positioned in the cavity. In implementations where the female clasp assembly includes multiple cavities, changing which of the cavities the projection is positioned in adjusts a combined coupled length of the first and second band segments.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A magnetic band clasp for a wearable electronic device, comprising:
 a first band segment comprising a molded elastomer defining a continuous first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; 
 a female clasp assembly, coupled to the first band segment, comprising:
 a female mating component defining a cavity and including an alignment feature, the female mating component disposed within the molded elastomer along the second surface; and 
 a female magnetic element coupled to the female mating component, wherein the continuous first surface extends across the female mating component and the female magnetic element; 
 
 a second band segment; and 
 a male clasp assembly coupled to the second band segment, comprising:
 a male mating component including a projection; and 
 a male magnetic element coupled to the male mating component; wherein:
 magnetic attraction between the male magnetic element and the female magnetic element couples the first and second band segments when the projection is positioned in the cavity; and 
 the alignment feature guides inserting the projection into the cavity. 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The magnetic band clasp of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the male magnetic element comprises a permanent magnet; and 
 the female magnetic element comprises ferromagnetic material. 
 
     
     
       3. The magnetic band clasp of  claim 1 , wherein the alignment feature comprises a tapered edge adjacent the cavity. 
     
     
       4. The magnetic band clasp of  claim 3 , wherein the tapered edge is curved. 
     
     
       5. The magnetic band clasp of  claim 1 , wherein the female mating component comprises at least one of plastic or metal. 
     
     
       6. The magnetic band clasp of  claim 1 , wherein the female mating component is formed of a nonmagnetic material. 
     
     
       7. The magnetic band clasp of  claim 1 , wherein the first band segment obscures the projection when the projection is positioned in the cavity. 
     
     
       8. An adjustable band for a wearable electronic device, comprising:
 a first band segment comprising a molded elastomer; 
 sockets defined by the molded elastomer on a side of the first band segment; 
 first band segment magnetic elements, each of the first band segment magnetic elements being entirely surrounded by the molded elastomer and being aligned with one of the sockets; 
 a second band segment; 
 a protrusion coupled to the second band segment; and 
 a protrusion magnetic element coupled to the protrusion; 
 wherein magnetic attraction between the protrusion magnetic element and one of the first band segment magnetic elements couples the first and second band segments when the protrusion is positioned in the one of the sockets. 
 
     
     
       9. The adjustable band of  claim 8 , further comprising adhesive bonding the protrusion magnetic element to the protrusion. 
     
     
       10. The adjustable band of  claim 8 , further comprising adhesive bonding the protrusion to the second band segment. 
     
     
       11. The adjustable band of  claim 8 , further comprising a first retaining structure on which the protrusion is disposed, the first retaining structure bonded to a shelf located in an aperture defined by the second band segment. 
     
     
       12. The adjustable band of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a second retaining structure bonded to the shelf opposite the first retaining structure; wherein 
 a portion of the first retaining structure is positioned within a cavity defined by the second retaining structure. 
 
     
     
       13. The adjustable band of  claim 8 , wherein the protrusion is covered by the first band segment when the first and second band segments are coupled together. 
     
     
       14. The adjustable band of  claim 8 , wherein the first band segment and the second band segment are formed of at least one of silicone or fluoroelastomer. 
     
     
       15. An adjustable band for a wearable electronic device, comprising:
 a first band segment comprising:
 an upper portion; and 
 a lower portion bonded to the upper portion and defining sockets; 
 
 multiple first band segment magnetic elements surrounded by the upper portion and the lower portion, each of the first band segment magnetic elements being aligned with one of the sockets; 
 a second band segment; 
 a protrusion coupled to the second band segment; and 
 a protrusion magnetic element coupled to the protrusion; 
 wherein magnetic attraction between the protrusion magnetic element and one of the first band segment magnetic elements couples the first and second band segments when the protrusion is positioned in the one of the sockets. 
 
     
     
       16. The adjustable band of  claim 15 , further comprising adhesive bonding the protrusion magnetic element to the protrusion. 
     
     
       17. The adjustable band of  claim 15 , further comprising adhesive bonding the protrusion to the second band segment. 
     
     
       18. The adjustable band of  claim 15 , wherein the protrusion is covered by the first band segment when the first and second band segments are coupled together. 
     
     
       19. The adjustable band of  claim 15 , wherein the first band segment and the second band segment are formed of at least one of silicone or fluoroelastomer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/219,562, filed Sep. 16, 2015 and titled “Magnetic Band Clasp,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to attachment mechanisms. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to magnetic band clasps for wearable electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many different devices include attachment mechanisms that can be used to attach the devices to various objects. Some attachment mechanisms may be used to mount a device to another object, such as the dashboard of a motor vehicle. Other attachment mechanisms may be used to attach the device to a user. Bands, lanyards, tethers, and the like fall into this latter category. 
     Many bands include a clasp that is operable to secure two band segments around a body part of a user, such as the user&#39;s arm or wrist. Often, such a clasp may include a buckle with a tongue affixed to a first band segment that interacts with one or more holes on a second band segment. Such a clasp may operate by feeding the second band segment through the buckle and projecting the tongue through one of the holes in the second band segment. Thus, the buckle and the tongue may be positioned proud of the band and exposed when the clasp joins the two band segments. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to magnetic band clasps. A female clasp assembly of a first band segment defines one or more cavities with one or more magnetic elements disposed underneath. A male clasp assembly of a second band segment includes a projection having a magnetic element. Magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements couples the first and second band segments when the projection is positioned in the cavity. 
     In various embodiments, a magnetic band clasp for a wearable electronic device includes a first band segment, a female clasp assembly coupled to the first band segment, a second band segment, and a male clasp assembly coupled to the second band segment. The female clasp assembly includes a female mating component defining a cavity and a female magnetic element coupled to the female mating component. The female mating component includes an alignment feature. 
     The male clasp assembly includes a male mating component having a projection and a male magnetic element coupled to the male mating component. Magnetic attraction between the male magnetic element and the female magnetic element couples the first and second band segments when the projection is positioned in the cavity. The alignment feature guides inserting the projection into the cavity. The first band segment obscures the projection when the projection is positioned in the cavity. 
     In some examples, the male magnetic element may be a permanent magnet and the female magnetic element may be ferromagnetic material. The female mating component may be formed of a nonmagnetic material. The female mating component may be at least one of plastic or metal. 
     In various examples, the alignment feature may be a tapered edge adjacent the cavity. The edge may be curved. 
     In some embodiments, an adjustable band for a wearable electronic device includes a first band segment, sockets defined in the first band segment, a set of first band segment magnetic elements that are each disposed under one of the sockets, a second band segment, a protrusion coupled to the second band segment, and a protrusion magnetic element coupled to the protrusion. Magnetic attraction between the protrusion magnetic element and one of the set of first band segment magnetic elements couples the first and second band segments when the protrusion is positioned in the one of the sockets. 
     In various examples, the adjustable band may include adhesive bonding the protrusion magnetic element to the protrusion. The adjustable band may also include adhesive bonding the protrusion to the second band segment. 
     In some examples, the adjustable band may include a first retaining structure and a second retaining structure. The protrusion may be disposed on the first retaining structure. The first retaining structure may be bonded to a shelf located in an aperture defined by the second band segment. The second retaining structure may be bonded to the shelf opposite the first retaining structure. A portion of the first retaining structure may be positioned within a cavity defined by the second retaining structure. 
     In various examples, the protrusion may be covered by the first band segment when the first and second band segments are coupled. In some examples, the first band segment and the second band segment may be formed of at least one of silicone, fluoroelastomer, or leather. 
     In various embodiments, a method of constructing a band clasp may include molding a first band segment around ferromagnetic materials to define recesses where each of the recesses are proximate to one of the ferromagnetic materials, bonding a permanent magnet to a plug, and bonding the plug to a second band segment such that the first band segment and second band segment are coupleable via magnetic attraction between the permanent magnet and one of the ferromagnetic materials when the plug is inserted into one of the recesses. 
     In some examples, molding the first band segment around the ferromagnetic materials to define the recesses may include configuring the recesses in mounts, bonding the ferromagnetic materials to surfaces of the mounts opposite the recesses, and molding the first segment around the mounts. In various examples, the operation of molding the first band segment around the ferromagnetic materials to define the recesses may include forming at least one curved corner proximate to each of the recesses. 
     In some examples, the method may also include subjecting the first band segment to a magnetic field to magnetize the ferromagnetic materials. The operation of subjecting the first band segment to the magnetic field may be performed during molding of the first band segment. In various examples, the method may also include configuring the second band segment with a recessed shelf wherein the bonding the plug to the second band segment includes bonding the plug to the recessed shelf. 
    
    
     
       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 a wearable electronic device having a band with a magnetic band clasp; 
         FIG. 2  depicts the clasped first and second band segments of  FIG. 1  with the main body of the wearable electronic device removed; 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a cross-sectional view of the clasped first and second band segments of  FIG. 2 , taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3B  depicts removal of the projection of the male clasp assembly from one of the cavities; 
         FIG. 3C  depicts positioning of the removed projection in another of the cavities; 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a female mating component of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a top view of the female mating component of  FIG. 4A  after bonding of the female magnetic element to a recess; 
         FIG. 4C  depicts a cross-sectional view of the bonded female mating component of  FIG. 4B , taken along line B-B of  FIG. 4B ; 
         FIG. 4D  depicts the first band segment, showing the band molded around female mating components; 
         FIG. 5A  depicts an exploded view of the male clasp assembly coupled to the second band segment, illustrating how the components of the male clasp assembly couple to the second band segment; 
         FIG. 5B  depicts an assembled view of the male clasp assembly coupled to the second band segment, illustrating how the components of the male clasp assembly couple to the second band segment; 
         FIG. 6A  depicts an additional example of a band segment in accordance with further embodiments; 
         FIG. 6B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the band segment of  FIG. 6A , taken along line C-C of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  depicts an additional example of a band segment in accordance with further embodiments; 
         FIG. 7B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the band segment of  FIG. 7A , taken along line D-D of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a cross-sectional view of an additional example of a band segment in accordance with further embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a cross-sectional view of another additional example of a band segment in accordance with further embodiments; and 
         FIG. 10  depicts an example method of forming magnetic band clasp. The example method may form one or more of the magnetic band clasps illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7B . 
     
    
    
     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 description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein. 
     The following disclosure relates to magnetic band clasps for wearable electronic devices. A female clasp assembly of a first band segment defines one or more cavities with one or more magnetic elements disposed underneath. A male clasp assembly of a second band segment includes a projection having a magnetic element. Magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements couples the first and second band segments when the projection is positioned in the cavity. This may allow for simple and efficient coupling and decoupling of the band segments without using traditional clasping mechanisms that project through band segments and/or have exposed portions during use that can damage other surfaces. In implementations where the female clasp assembly includes multiple cavities, changing which of the cavities the projection is positioned in adjusts a combined coupled length of the first and second band segments. 
     In some implementations, the cavity is defined in a female mating component incorporated into the female clasp assembly. In some examples of such an implementation, the magnetic element of the female clasp assembly is coupled to the female mating component before the female mating component is coupled to the first band segment. In other implementations, the cavity may be formed on the first band segment that has the magnetic element of the female clasp assembly embedded therein. 
     In various implementations, an alignment feature is positioned around the cavity. The alignment feature guides inserting the projection into the cavity. For example, the alignment feature may have edges or corners adjacent the cavity that are tapered or curved such that a mouth of the cavity is wider than the interior of the cavity. Thus, the mouth of the cavity is wider than the projection to guide inserting the projection. 
     In some implementations, the magnetic element of the female clasp assembly may be a ferromagnetic material (e.g., materials that can be magnetized by an external magnetic field and remain magnetized after the external field is removed) and the magnetic element of the male clasp assembly may be a permanent magnet (e.g., a magnetized material that creates its own persistent magnetic field). In such an implementation, the first band segment may be molded around the ferromagnetic material and the projection may be bonded to the second band segment. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 . 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  depicts a wearable electronic device  100  having a band  102  with a magnetic band clasp. The wearable electronic device  100  may include a main body  101  that may be coupled and/or otherwise attached to a user&#39;s body part (such as the user&#39;s wrist) by clasping a first band segment  103 A with a second band segment  103 B (which may be formed of various flexible materials such as silicone, fluoroelastomer, leather, and so on).  FIG. 2  depicts the clasped first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B of  FIG. 1 . For purposes of clarity, the main body  101  of the wearable electronic device  100  removed and the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B are arranged flat. As shown, the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B overlap when coupled. 
       FIG. 3A  depicts a cross-sectional view of the clasped first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B of  FIG. 2 , taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 . One or more female clasp assemblies  310  coupled to the first band segment  103 A may interact with a male clasp assembly  316  coupled to the second band segment  103 B to clasp the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B. 
     The female clasp assembly  310  is referred to as “female” because it receives at least a portion of the male clasp assembly  316 . Similarly, the male clasp assembly  316  is referred to as “male” because at least a portion of the male clasp assembly  316  is received by the female clasp assembly  310 . 
     The female clasp assembly  310  may define a cavity  313  (also encompassing a socket, recess, indent, depression, aperture, and so on) in which a projection  320  (also encompassing a protrusion, plug, protuberance, knob, and so on) may be positioned by inserting the projection  320  at least partially into the cavity  313 . Magnetic attraction between one or more female magnetic elements  312  coupled to the first band segment  103 A (or a set of first band segment magnetic elements) and a male magnetic element  322  coupled to the projection  320  (or a projection or protrusion magnetic element) may couple the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B when the projection  320  is positioned in the cavity. 
     The female clasp assembly  310  may include an alignment feature  314  that aids insertion of the projection  320  into the cavity  313 . In this implementation, the alignment feature  314  may be an edge adjacent to the cavity that is curved, tapered, or otherwise shaped such that a mouth of the cavity is wider than an interior of the cavity. The interior of the cavity  313  may have one or more dimensions sized correspondingly to the projection  320 . As the mouth of the cavity  313  has wider dimensions than the projection  320  due to the curved edges of the alignment feature  314 , a user may be more easily able to insert the projection  320  at least partially into the cavity  313  than if the mouth of the cavity matched the dimensions of the projection  320  more closely. The curved surface may also guide the projection  320  into the cavity  313 . 
     The female clasp assembly  310  may include one or more female mating components  311  (also encompassing a mount). The female mating component  311  may define the cavity  313 . Further, the alignment feature  314  may be part of the female mating component  311 , such as a part of an exterior surface. In various implementations, the female mating component  311  may be formed of stainless steel or other metals, plastic, elastomer, and/or other materials. Optionally, such materials may be nonmagnetic. The female magnetic element  312  may be bonded to the female mating component  311 , such as using adhesive  327 . 
     However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the cavities  313  may be formed on the first band segment  103 A and the female mating components  311  may be omitted. In such an implementation, the female magnetic elements  312  may be embedded in the first band segment  103 A, for example disposed under the cavities  313 . 
     The male clasp assembly  316  includes a first retaining structure  318  and a second retaining structure  319  that together form a male mating component. The first and second retaining structures  318  and  319  may be positioned in an aperture  317  of the second band segment  103 B. The first and second retaining structures  318  and  319  may be bonded to opposite sides of a shelf  328  positioned in the aperture  317 , such as via adhesives  325  and  326 . As illustrated, the shelf  328  is configured as a ring. However, in other examples the shelf  328  may be annular, be configured as multiple separate shelves around the aperture  317 , and/or be otherwise configured. Similarly, the adhesives  325  and  326  are shown as rings but may be annular, be configured as multiple separate adhesive sections around the shelf  328 , and/or be otherwise configured. The second retaining structure  319  may define a cavity  324  in which a portion of the first retaining structure  318  is positioned after the first and second retaining structures  318  and  319  are bonded to opposite sides of the shelf  328 . 
     Although the projection  320  is illustrated and described as bonded to the second band segment  103 B via the first retaining structure  318 , it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the projection  320  may be formed from the second band segment  103 B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The projection  320  may be disposed on and form part of the first retaining structure  318 . The first retaining structure  318  may define a recess  323  on an opposing side and underneath (from the perspective shown in  FIG. 3A ) the projection  320 . The male magnetic element  322  may be positioned in the recess  323  and bonded thereto, such as using adhesive  321 . Thus, the male magnetic element  322  may be bonded to the projection  320 . 
     Although the male magnetic element  322  is illustrated and described as bonded to the projection  320 , it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the projection  320  itself may be magnetic and a separate male magnetic element  322  may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In various implementations, the female magnetic element  312  may be a ferromagnetic material (and/or a resin and/or other material doped with ferromagnetic material) and the male magnetic element  322  may be a permanent magnet (though in other implementations the female magnetic element  312  may be a permanent magnet and the male magnetic element  322  may be a ferromagnetic material). This may allow magnetic attraction between the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  while allowing the first band segment  103 A to be molded around the female magnetic element  312 . Molding may involve subjecting the female magnetic element  312  to high temperatures. Exposure to high temperatures may degrade the performance of permanent magnets. Thus, using ferromagnetic material for the female magnetic element  312  instead of a permanent magnet may avoid degradation from molding temperatures. As bonding may not expose the male magnetic element  322  to molding temperatures, bonding the male clasp assembly  316  to the second band segment  103 B may allow use of the permanent magnet without degradation. 
     However, it is understood that this is an example. In other implementations, ferromagnetic material may be used for the female magnetic element  312  and may be magnetized after the first band segment  103 A is molded around the female magnetic element  312 . This may be accomplished by subjecting the first band segment  103 A to a magnetic field. In this way, the female magnetic element  312  may be magnetized without degrading performance due to the high temperatures of molding. 
     Further, in other implementations, the female magnetic element  312  may be bonded to the first band segment  103 A. Similarly, the second band segment  103 B may be molded around the male magnetic element  322 . In such an implementation, the female magnetic element  312  may be a permanent magnet and the male magnetic element may be a ferromagnetic material. 
     Additionally, in still other implementations, the second band segment  103 B may be molded around a ferromagnetic material that forms the male magnetic element  322  and is subsequently magnetized. In this way, the male magnetic element  322  may be magnetized without degrading performance due to the high temperatures of molding. 
       FIG. 3B  depicts removal of the projection  320  of the male clasp assembly  316  from one of the cavities  313 .  FIG. 3C  depicts positioning of the removed projection  320  in another of the cavities  313 . As the cavities are variously positioned along the first band segment  103 A, changing the cavity  313  in which the projection  320  in is positioned may adjust a combined coupled length of the first and second band segments. 
       FIG. 4A  depicts the female mating component  311  by itself. The female mating component  311  may include a recess  430  into which the female magnetic element  312  may be bonded.  FIG. 4B  depicts a top view of the female mating component  311  after bonding of the female magnetic element  312 .  FIG. 4C  depicts a cross-sectional view of the female mating component  311  of  FIG. 4B , taken along line B-B of  FIG. 4B . As shown, the female magnetic element  312  is bonded to the female mating component  311 , via the adhesive  327 , and on an opposite side of the female mating component  311  from the alignment feature  314 .  FIG. 4D  depicts the first band segment  103 A, after molding of the first band segment  103 A around female magnetic elements  312  and the female mating components  311 . Though  FIG. 4D  illustrates six aligned female mating components  311 , it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, other numbers of female mating components  311  may be arranged in various configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIGS. 5A-5B  depict exploded and assembled views of the male clasp assembly  316  coupled to the second band segment  103 B. As illustrated, the second retaining structure  319  may be bonded to the shelf  328 , which is positioned in the aperture  317 , by the adhesive  326 . The male magnetic element  322  may be affixed in the recess  323  of the first retaining structure  318  by the adhesive  321 . The first retaining structure  318  may be bonded to the shelf  328  (on an opposite side of the shelf  328  to which the second retaining structure  319  is bonded) by the adhesive  325 , thus positioning part of the first retaining structure  318  in the cavity  324  of the second retaining structure  319 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5B , the components of the male mating clasp assembly  316  (other than the projection  320 ) may be flush and/or recessed into the second band segment  103 B after coupling. This may prevent the components of the male mating clasp assembly  316  other than the projection  320  from scratching and/or otherwise contacting objects during use. Further, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3C , the first band segment  103 A may obscure the projection  320  when the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B are clasped as the projection  320  is positioned in a cavity  313  and covered by the first band segment  103 A. As such, the projection  320  may also be prevented from scratching and/or otherwise contacting objects during use. 
     Although the above illustrates and describes the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  as configured such that they attract each other whenever the projection  320  is positioned in the cavity  313 , it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  may be configured such that they magnetically attract each other in certain positions and do not attract each other, attract each other less strongly, and/or repel each other in other positions. 
     For example, the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  may be configured with surfaces having polarity patterns made up of multiple positive and negative areas. The positive and negative areas on the surfaces of the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  may oppose each other (e.g., positive areas of one surface aligned with negative areas of the opposing surface and so on) when the projection  320  is positioned in the cavity  313  and the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B are aligned lengthwise, thus magnetically attracting the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  to each other. Rotating the first or second band segments  103 A and  103 B may move the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  with respect to each other such that the positive and negative areas on the surfaces no longer oppose and may match (e.g, positive areas of one surface aligned with positive areas of the opposing surface and so on). In such a position, the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  may no longer attract each other and/or may repel each other, aiding in decoupling of the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B. 
     By way of another example, the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  are illustrated as circularly shaped components. As such, the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  may be aligned each other whenever the projection  320  is positioned in the cavity  313  regardless of the orientation of the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  with respect to each other. However, in various implementations, the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  may be shaped such that they are aligned in some orientations with respect to each other but not in others. 
     For example, the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  may be configured as triangularly shaped components with corresponding triangularly shaped gaps or nonmagnetic materials positioned there between. In such an example, the triangularly shaped female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  may align (and thus magnetically attract) when the projection  320  is positioned in the cavity  313  and the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B are aligned lengthwise. However, when the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B are moved such that they are not aligned lengthwise, the triangularly shaped female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  may be misaligned. When the triangularly shaped female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  are misaligned, they may no longer magnetically attract each other or may not as strongly attract each other. 
     Additionally, in some implementations, though the above describes moving the first and/or second band segments  103 A and  103 B to change the orientations of the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322 , it is understood that this is an example. In some implementations, orientations of the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  may be changeable by a movement mechanism incorporated into the first and/or second band segment  103 A and  103 B. 
     For example, the female and/or male magnetic elements  312  and  322  may be mounted on a gear system that is connected to a button or other input mechanism. The gear system can be actuated by a user via the input mechanism. When actuated, gears of the gear system move and transfer such motion to the female and/or male magnetic elements  312  and  322 . Movement of the female and/or male magnetic elements  312  and  322  changes the orientations of the female and/or male magnetic elements  312  and  322 . Changing the orientations of the female and/or male magnetic elements  312  and  322  may couple, decouple, and/or aid in decoupling the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B. 
     Further, the female mating component  311  is illustrated as surrounding a perimeter of the projection  320  when the projection  320  is positioned in the cavity  313 . As such, the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  may be moved further apart from each other in order to decouple the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B. Motion of the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  with respect to each other may be difficult due to magnetic attraction, as compared to moving the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  laterally with respect to each other (e.g., in a shear direction). Since the female mating component  311  surrounds the perimeter of the projection  320 , the projection  320  is prevented from moving such that the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  move laterally with respect to each other. 
     However, in some implementations, a gap may be configured in the female mating component  311  so that the female and male magnetic elements  312  and  322  can be moved laterally with respect to each other until they no longer attract, or do not attract, one another as strongly. In some examples, the gap may substantially correspond to the dimensions of the projection  320 . This may enable the projection  320  to move through the gap while reducing the possibility that the projection will move through the gap when not moved by a user, which may result in unintentionally decoupling the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B. 
     Further, such a gap may be formed on the female mating component  311  to reduce the possibility that the projection  320  will move through the gap without being intentionally moved by a user. For example, the tension between the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B related to being coupled around a user&#39;s body part may exert force on the male and female mating components  311  and  316  in a direction parallel to the longwise dimension of the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B. The gap may be formed perpendicular to the longwise dimension of the first band segment  103 A. In this way, the tension between the first and second band segments  103 A and  103 B related to being coupled would not move the projection through the gap. Instead, the male and female mating components  311  and  316  may remain coupled until a force is exerted by a user perpendicular to the longwise dimension of the first band segment  103 A in the direction of the gap to move the projection  320  through the gap. 
     For example,  FIG. 6A  depicts an example band segment  603 A that includes such a gap  650 . As shown, the cavity  613  is connected to the gap  650 , which extends through to the edge of the band segment  603 A. A projection of a male mating component of a band segment such as the second band segment  103 B of  FIG. 3A  may be moved through the gap  650  into the cavity  613  perpendicularly with respect to the longwise dimension of the band segment  603 A to couple the band segment with the example band segment  603 A. Conversely, the projection may be moved from the cavity  613  out through the gap  650  perpendicularly with respect to the longwise dimension of the band segment  603 A to decouple couple the band segment from the example band segment  603 A. 
       FIG. 6B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example band segment  603 A of  FIG. 6A . As shown, the example band segment  603 A includes a female mating component  611 . The female mating component  611  has a female magnetic element  612  affixed thereto by adhesive  627 . The female mating component  611  is shaped to define the gap  650  shown in  FIG. 6A . 
     Additionally, although  FIGS. 6A-6B  are described as including a gap  650  extending through a dimension of the example band segment  603 A, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the cavity  613  may be formed with differing dimensions than a projection of a male mating component of a band segment (such as the second band segment  103 B of  FIG. 3A ) that may be coupled to the example band segment  603 A. The female magnetic element  612  may be positioned on or under a portion of such a cavity  613  and not on or under other portions such that the projection may be translated within the cavity  613  to couple and/or decouple the band segment and the example band segment  603 A. In such an implementation, the cavity  613  may thus not extend through the example band segment  603 A. 
     For example,  FIG. 7A  depicts an example band segment  703 A that includes a cavity  713  connected to a channel  751 . The dimensions of the cavity  713  may correspond to a projection of a male mating component of a band segment (such as the second band segment  103 B of  FIG. 3A ) that may be coupled to the example band segment  703 A. One or more dimensions of the channel  751  may be larger than the projection. The projection inserted into the channel  751  and then moved into the cavity  713  to couple the band segment and the example band segment  703 A. Conversely, the projection may be moved from the cavity  713  into the channel  751  and removed therefrom to decouple couple the band segment from the example band segment  703 A. Further, the larger dimension of the channel  751  as compared to the projection may guide insertion of the projection into the channel  751 . 
       FIG. 7B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example band segment  703 A of  FIG. 7A . As shown, the example band segment  703 A includes a female mating component  711 . The female mating component  711  has a female magnetic element  712  affixed thereto by adhesive  727 . The female mating component  711  is shaped to define the cavity  713  and the channel  751  shown in  FIG. 7A . As shown, the female magnetic element  712  is positioned on the female mating component  711  so as to align with a male magnetic element of the projection when the projection is positioned in the cavity  713 , but not when the projection is positioned in the channel  751 . 
       FIGS. 8-9  depict additional examples of a band segments  803 A and  803 A in accordance with further embodiments. The band segments  803 A and/or  903 A may be utilized with the second band segment  103 B and/or the wearable electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In contrast with the first band segment  103 A of  FIG. 3A , the band segment  803 A may have one or more cavities  813  defined in its surface. In this example, the alignment feature  814  may be a shaped edge or corner of the band segment  803 A around the cavity  813 . The band segment  803 A may also include one or more female magnetic elements  812  embedded in the band segment  803 A. The female magnetic element  812  may be disposed underneath the cavity  813 . 
     In some implementations, the band segment  803 A may be molded around the female magnetic element  812 . The female magnetic element  812  may be ferromagnetic material, resin doped with ferromagnetic material, and so on. The female magnetic element  812  may be magnetized after molding by subjecting the band segment  803 A to a magnetic field. 
     Contrasted with the first band segment  103 A, the band segment  903 A may include an upper portion  940  bonded to a lower portion  941 , such as by adhesive  944 . The upper portion  940  may be molded to define one or more cavities  942 . One or more female magnetic elements  912  (which may be permanent magnets, ferromagnetic material, resin and/or other material doped with ferromagnetic material, and/or other magnetic elements) may be bonded to the upper portion  940  in the cavities  942 , again by adhesive  943 . The lower portion  941  may be molded to define one or more cavities  913  with alignment features  914  adjacent the cavities. In this way, permanent magnets may be used in the band segment  903 A without degrading magnetic performance as the upper and lower portions  940  and  941  may be separately assembled and then bonded together. 
     Although the above describes affixing the upper portion  940  to the lower portion  941  using adhesive  944  and affixing female magnetic elements  912  to the upper portion  940  using adhesive  943 , it is understood that adhesives  933  and  944  are examples. In various implementations, other affixing mechanisms and techniques may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in various implementations, ultrasonic welding may be used. 
     Although the above describes magnetic clasps in the context of bands, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, attachment mechanisms other than bands may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Further, although the above describes magnetic band clasps in the context of wearable electronic devices, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, magnetic clasps may be used with a variety of different devices without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 10  depicts an example method  1000  of forming magnetic band clasp. The example method  1000  may form one or more of the magnetic band clasps illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7B . 
     At  1010 , a female magnetic element is bonded to a female mating component. The female magnetic element may be ferromagnetic material. The female mating component may be nonmagnetic material such as plastic, stainless steel, and so on. The female mating component may have a recess in which the female magnetic element is bonded using adhesive. The female mating component may define a cavity (or recess) on an opposing surface from the recess. The female mating component may also include alignment feature, such as a curved corner or edge, formed adjacent the cavity. 
     At  1020 , a first band segment may be molded around the female mating component. The first band segment may be molded around the female mating component after the female magnetic element is bonded to the female mating component. In some implementations, the first band segment may be molded around multiple female mating components. 
     At  1030 , a male magnetic element may be bonded within a protrusion (or plug) of a male mating component. The male magnetic element may be bonded using adhesive. The male magnetic element may be a permanent magnet. The protrusion may be shaped correspondingly to the cavity defined by the female mating component. 
     At  1040 , the male mating component may be bonded to a second band segment. The male mating component may be bonded to a shelf recessed into an aperture of the second band segment using adhesive. The first and second band segments may be coupleable by inserting the protrusion into the cavity, magnetically coupling the male and female mating components via magnetic attraction of the male and female magnetic elements. 
     Although the example method  1000  is illustrated and described as including particular operations performed in a particular order, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, various orders of the same, similar, and/or different operations may be performed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     For example, in some implementations, the example method  1000  may include the additional operation of configuring the cavity in the female mating component prior to bonding the female magnetic elements to surfaces of the female mating components opposite the cavity. Subsequently, the first band segment may be molded around the female mating component. Configuration of the cavity may include forming a curved corner or other alignment feature in the female mating component proximate to the cavity. 
     By way of another example, in some implementations, the example method  1000  may include the additional operation of subjecting the first band segment to a magnetic field. The operation of subjecting the first band segment to a magnetic field may be performed after molding the first band segment around the female mating components, thus magnetizing the female magnetic elements. However, in some cases, the operation of subjecting the first band segment to a magnetic field may be performed during molding of the first band segment. 
     By way of another example, in various implementations, the example method  1000  may include configuring the recessed shelf of the second band segment. The operation of configuring the recessed shelf may be performed prior to bonding of the male mating component to the second band segment. 
     By way of still another example, in various implementations, the example method  1000  may include positioning the female magnetic element proximate to the recess. In various examples, such an operation may be part of molding the first band segment around the female mating component. 
     As described above and illustrated in the accompanying figures, the present disclosure relates to magnetic band clasps for wearable electronic devices. A female clasp assembly of a first band segment defines one or more cavities with one or more magnetic elements disposed underneath. A male clasp assembly of a second band segment includes a projection having a magnetic element. Magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements couples the first and second band segments when the projection is positioned in the cavity. This may allow for simple and efficient coupling and decoupling of the band segments without using traditional clasping mechanisms that project through band segments and/or have exposed portions during use that can damage other surfaces. In implementations where the female clasp assembly includes multiple cavities, changing which of the cavities the projection is positioned in adjusts a combined coupled length of the first and second band segments. 
     In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed may be implemented as sets of instructions or software readable or executable by a device. Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed are examples of sample approaches. In other embodiments, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20151015
Publication Date: 20190108
Grant Date: 20190108
Priority Date: 20150916
Inventors: HSU, JEN-CHUN
YABE, OSAMU
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A41F1/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2071", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2071", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A41F1/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58257735