PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10729210-B1
Application Number: US-201715608900-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Watchband securement with clamp pads

Abstract:
A watchband can comfortably secure an electronic device to a wrist of a user. A connector can be provided along a segment of the watchband to receive and secure to another segment of the watchband. For example, a connector can include a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a first pad within the housing, and a second pad within the housing. When a watchband segment between the first and second pads is moved in a direction from the outlet toward the inlet, the first pad and the second pad move toward each other to clamp the watchband segment without plastically deforming the watchband segment.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A watchband connector comprising:
 a housing for receiving a watchband segment; 
 a first guide rail opposite a second guide rail, each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail comprising upper guide grooves and lower guide grooves; 
 an upper pad comprising:
 an upper escalator plate; 
 an upper engagement block for engaging a watchband segment; and 
 upper pins on opposite sides of the upper escalator plate and extending in opposite directions away from the upper escalator plate, the upper pins being slidable within the upper guide grooves; and 
 
 a lower pad comprising:
 a lower escalator plate; 
 a lower engagement block for engaging the watchband segment; and 
 lower pins on opposite sides of the lower escalator plate and extending in opposite directions away from the lower escalator plate, the upper pins being slidable within the lower guide grooves; 
 
 wherein, when the upper pad and the lower pad move in a first direction, the upper guide grooves and the lower guide grooves urge the entire upper pad and the entire lower pad toward each other on opposite sides of the watchband segment. 
 
     
     
       2. The watchband connector of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a connector housing with an inlet and an outlet and containing the first guide rail, the second guide rail, the upper pad, and the lower pad, wherein the watchband segment is a first watchband segment, wherein the first watchband segment is receivable between the first guide rail and the second guide rail, between the upper pad and the lower pad, and between the inlet and the outlet; 
 a second watchband segment attached to the connector housing and connectable to a watch housing; 
 springs biasing the upper pad and the lower pad toward each other; and 
 release buttons moveable toward each other to move the upper and lower pads away from each other; 
 wherein the first guide rail comprises two upper guide grooves and two lower guide grooves; 
 wherein the second guide rail comprises two upper guide grooves and two lower guide grooves; 
 wherein each upper guide groove has an upper guide groove maximum dimension with a first end that is closer to the inlet and the lower guide grooves than is a second end that is opposite the first end; 
 wherein each lower guide groove has a has a lower guide groove maximum dimension with a first end that is closer to the inlet and the upper guide grooves than is a second end that is opposite the first end. 
 
     
     
       3. The watchband connector of  claim 1 , wherein the upper pad and the lower pad are biased toward each other. 
     
     
       4. The watchband connector of  claim 1 , wherein the upper engagement block comprises an upper planar surface and the lower engagement block comprises a lower planar surface, wherein the upper and lower planar surfaces are parallel to each other for engaging the watchband segment. 
     
     
       5. A watchband connector comprising:
 a housing with an inlet and an outlet; 
 a first pad within the housing; 
 a second pad within the housing, wherein, when a watchband segment between the first and second pads is moved in a direction from the outlet toward the inlet, the first pad and the second pad move toward each other to clamp the watchband segment without plastically deforming the watchband segment; and 
 release buttons on opposing sides of the housing, the release buttons being moveable toward each other and to positions interposed between the first pad and the second pad to directly engage and move the first pad and the second pad away from each other. 
 
     
     
       6. The watchband connector of  claim 5 , wherein, when the watchband segment is moved in the direction from the outlet toward the inlet, the first pad and the second pad move toward each other with respect to the housing. 
     
     
       7. The watchband connector of  claim 5 , wherein, when the watchband segment is moved in the direction from the outlet toward the inlet, engagement forces of the first pad and the second pad on the watchband segment are increased to prevent movement of the watchband segment out from between the first and second pads. 
     
     
       8. The watchband connector of  claim 7 , wherein, when the watchband segment is stationary between the inlet and the outlet, the first and second pads are biased to apply contact forces, less than the engagement forces, on the watchband segment. 
     
     
       9. The watchband connector of  claim 5 , wherein, when the segment is between the first pad and the second pad, the first pad and the second pad are biased toward the watchband segment. 
     
     
       10. The watchband connector of  claim 5 , wherein, when the watchband segment is moved in a direction from the inlet toward the outlet, the first pad and the second pad move away from each other to release the watchband segment. 
     
     
       11. The watchband connector of  claim 5 , further comprising rails within the housing and having guide grooves, wherein the first pad has pins on sides of the first pad to engage some of the guide grooves, and wherein the second pad has pins on sides of the second pad to engage some of the guide grooves. 
     
     
       12. The watchband connector of  claim 5 , further comprising release buttons moveable toward each other to move the first pad and the second pad away from each other. 
     
     
       13. A watchband connector comprising:
 a housing having first guide grooves defined by first rails and second guide grooves defined by second rails; 
 a first pad having first pins engaging the first rails for sliding within the first guide grooves; and 
 a second pad having second pins engaging the second rails for sliding within the second guide grooves, wherein the first pad and the second pad are biased toward each other by first spring element attached to one of the first pins and one of the second pins and a second spring element attached to another one of the first pins and another one of the second pins. 
 
     
     
       14. The watchband connector of  claim 13 , wherein, when the first pad and the second pad move in a first direction, the first guide grooves and the second guide grooves urge the first pad and the second pad toward each other. 
     
     
       15. The watchband connector of  claim 13 , further comprising a watchband segment attached to the connector housing and connectable to a watch housing. 
     
     
       16. The watchband connector of  claim 13 , further comprising release buttons moveable toward each other to move the first and second pads away from each other. 
     
     
       17. The watchband connector of  claim 16 , wherein the release buttons are biased away from the first and second pads. 
     
     
       18. The watchband connector of  claim 13 , wherein each first guide groove has an first guide groove maximum dimension with a first end that is closer to the inlet and the second guide grooves than is a second end that is opposite the first end, wherein each second guide groove has a has a second guide groove maximum dimension with first end that is closer to the inlet and the first guide grooves than is a second end that is opposite the first end.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present description relates generally to securement of wearable devices, and, more particularly, to watchband securement with clamps. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some electronic devices may be removably attached to a user. For example, a wristwatch or fitness/health tracking device can be attached to a user&#39;s wrist by joining free ends of a watchband together. In many cases, watchbands may have limited fit adjustment increments available. For example, some bands have an incrementally user-adjustable size (e.g., a buckling clasp, pin and eyelet, etc.) whereas other bands have a substantially fixed size, adjustable only with specialized tools and/or expertise (e.g., folding clasp, deployment clasp, snap-fit clasp, etc.). Other bands may be elasticated expansion-type bands that stretch to fit around a user&#39;s wrist. The degree of comfort and securement of the electronic device to the user can depend on the function and arrangement of the watchband. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a watch on a wrist of a user, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the watch of  FIG. 1  on the wrist of the user, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a watchband, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a connector and a watchband, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of a connector, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of a connector and a watchband, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view of a connector and a watchband, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a connector, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective sectional view of a connector and a watchband, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view of a connector and a watchband, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view of a connector and a watchband, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is another sectional view of the connector and the watchband of  FIG. 11 , in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a sectional view of a connector and a watchband, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is another sectional view of the connector and the watchband of  FIG. 13 , in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional view of a connector and a watchband, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional view of a connector and a watchband, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. 
     An electronic device, such as a wristwatch or fitness/health tracking device, can be attached to a user&#39;s wrist by a watchband. It can be desirable to maintain a secure attachment to the wrist so that the electronic device does not shift excessively or slip off of the user. Securement of the electronic device against the user can also be important to the function of electronic components, such as biometric sensors. For comfort and aesthetic purposes, the watchband can include flexible materials, such as polymers and leather. Portions of the watchband can be somewhat susceptible to damage after repeated securement and release. 
     Adjusting the size or fit of conventional watchbands often requires multiple steps, specialized tools, and/or technical expertise. Sizing options available to a user may be insufficient to obtain a proper fit. The fit may be different and/or may be perceived to be different given certain environmental (e.g. temperature, humidity) or biological conditions (e.g., sweat, inflammation). As a result, users of conventional wristwatches and/or fitness/health tracking devices may select a tolerable (although not optimally comfortable) fit, reserving tight bands for fitness/health tracking devices and loose bands for conventional wristwatches. However, some wearable electronic devices may be multi-purpose devices, providing both fitness/health tracking and timekeeping functionality. Accordingly, a user may prefer the fit of a watch to vary with use. For example, a user may prefer a looser fit in a timekeeping mode and a tighter fit in a fitness/health tracking mode. Accordingly, dynamic adjustment of the fit of wearable electronic devices can be desired. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure can enhance comfort by providing adjustability across a continuous scale of tightness. For example, the watchband can be adjusted to any length, rather than to one of a few discrete lengths. The attachment mechanisms can provide dynamic adjustment of a watchband with ease. The watchband can be repeatedly and securely fastened without damaging the watchband material over time. 
     According to some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG. 1 , a watch  10  includes an electronic device  12  that is worn on a wrist  2  with a watchband  20 . The electronic device  12  can be portable and also be attached to other body parts of the user or to other devices, structures, or objects. The watchband  20  can be flexible and encircle at least a portion of the wrist  2  of a user. By securing the electronic device  12  to the person of the user, the watchband  20  provides security and convenience. In some embodiments, the electronic device  12  includes a display  14  and a housing  16  for containing components. According to some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG. 2 , the watchband  20  extends to an opposite side of the wrist  2  of user from electronic device  12 . The watchband  20  includes a first watchband segment  22  and a second watchband segment  24  that overlap and engage each other with a connector  30 . 
     According to some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG. 3 , the first watchband segment  22  extends into and through the connector  30 . The watchband  20  is sized to fit securely and comfortably onto the wrist  2  by selecting an extent to which the first watchband segment  22  extends through the connector  30  and overlaps with the second watchband segment  24 . A capture band  18  on the second watchband segment  24  retains the first watchband segment  22  when inserted therein. A user can insert at least a portion of the first watchband segment  22  through a portion of the capture band  18 . The capture band  18  can then encompass a portion of the first watchband segment  22  and the second watchband segment  24 . The first watchband segment  22  includes an end  26  for attaching to the housing  16  of the electronic device  12 . The second watchband segment  24  includes an end  28  for attaching to the housing  16  of the electronic device  12 . 
     According to some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG. 4 , the second watchband segment  24  is attached to a housing  36  of the connector  30 , for example, with a base  38  of the connector  30 . The first watchband segment  22  can be inserted into the connector  30  through an inlet  32  of the housing  36 . The first watchband segment  22  can extend through the connector  30  to an outlet  34  of the housing  36 . Accordingly, the watchband  20  can be removed from the electronic device  12  and replaced, thereby permitting a user to switch watchbands as necessary or desired. The connector  30  can also be provided with release buttons  40  for disengaging the first watchband segment  22  from within the connector  30 , as described further herein. 
     According to some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG. 5 , an upper pad  52  and a lower pad  56  are provided within the housing  36  of the connector  30 . The upper pad  52  includes one or more upper pins  58  that slidably engage upper guide grooves  62 . The lower pad  56  includes one or more lower pins  59  that slidably engaged lower guide grooves  66 . The upper guide grooves  62  and/or the lower guide grooves  66  can be provided by or within the housing  36 , so that the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  can slidably move with respect to the housing  36 . The upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  can be biased towards each other, for example within upper spring element  72  and a lower spring element  76 , which can apply forces with respect to the housing  36  or another structure. The biasing forces urge the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  to slide toward each other as directed by the upper guide grooves  62  and the lower guide grooves  66 . 
     According to some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG. 6 , the first watchband segment  22  can be provided through the inlet  32  of the housing  36  and towards the outlet  34 . The insertion of the first watchband segment  22  urges the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  away from each other to accommodate entry of the first watchband segment  22 . The upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  can slide away from each other as directed by the upper guide grooves  62  and the lower guide grooves  66 . The upper spring element  72  and the lower spring element  76  urge the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  into contact with the first watchband segment  22 . While the first watchband segment  22  is at rest within the housing  36 , contact forces applied by the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  to the first watchband segment  22  are insufficient to frictionally resist movement of the first watchband segment  22 . For example, the first watchband segment  22  can continue toward the outlet  34  while the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  apply forces to the first watchband segment  22 . Additionally, as the first watchband segment  22  moves toward the outlet  34 , the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  can be moved in the same direction until the upper guide grooves  62  and the lower guide grooves  66  urge the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  away from each other and/or away from the first watchband segment  22 . 
     According to some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG. 7 , the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  resist movement of the first watchband segment  22  out of the inlet  32 . The upper spring element  72  and the lower spring element  76  bias the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  against the first watchband segment  22 . As the first watchband segment  22  is moved toward the inlet  32  and away from the outlet  34 , friction provided by the biasing force will tend to draw the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  along with the first watchband segment  22 . As the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  move longitudinally toward the inlet  32  and away from the outlet  34 , the upper guide grooves  62  and the lower guide grooves  66  direct the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  toward each other and against the first watchband segment  22 . Accordingly, engagement forces are applied by the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  to the first watchband segment  22 . The engagement forces are greater than the contact forces applied while the first watchband segment  22  is at rest within the housing  36 . The upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  clamp onto the first watchband segment  22  to resist movement of the first watchband segment  22  relative to the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56 . The engagement forces applied by the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56  are distributed across contact surfaces at the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56 . For example, the total forces are distributed and the engagement forces are only applied when the first watchband segment  22  is pulled toward the inlet  32 . At rest, no engagement forces are applied. Accordingly, the first watchband segment  22  is not damaged, torn, plastically deformed, or otherwise permanently altered. Instead, the first watchband segment  22  is engaged for a time, and after the first watchband segment  22  is released, it is restored to its shape and condition prior to engagement by the upper pad  52  and the lower pad  56 . 
     Because the mechanism of the connector  30  does not require attachment to occur at particular locations along the length of the first watchband segment  22 , the user can select any length to provide adjustability across a continuous scale of tightness. Furthermore, the selection of an appropriate length is simple, in that the user can insert the first watchband segment  22  until it reaches a comfortable level of tightness, at which point the connector automatically engages the first watchband segment  22  to maintain the selected level of tightness. As such, the connector  30  can operate as a one-way ratchet. 
     According to some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG. 8 , a connector  130  can also be used to engage a watchband. The connector  130  can be similar in many respects to the connector  30  described above. For example, features of the connector  30  and the connector  130  can be combined in either or both of the connector  30  and the connector  130 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the connector  130  includes a housing  136  that provides an inlet  132  and an outlet  134 . An upper pad  152  and a lower pad  156  are provided within the housing  136 . The upper pad  152  includes an upper escalator plate  153  and an upper engagement block  155 , which can be attached to each other by an adhesive  154  and/or another attachment mechanism. The upper escalator plate  153  can be more rigid than the upper engagement block  155  and include one or more upper pins  149 . The lower pad  156  includes a lower escalator plate  157  and a lower engagement block  159 , which can be attached to each other by an adhesive  158  and/or another attachment mechanism. The lower escalator plate  157  can be more rigid than the lower engagement block  159  and include one or more lower pins  151 . The upper engagement block  155  and the lower engagement block  159  can be of a flexible material with a coefficient of friction that facilitates engagement with a watchband segment without damaging the watchband segment. For example, the flexible material can include a polymer, such as rubber or silicone. The upper engagement block  155  and the lower engagement block  159  can be smooth or textured on contact surfaces thereof. The upper engagement block  155  and the lower engagement block  159  can be flat, planar, or a shape that is complementary to the first watchband segment  122 , so that forces are evenly distributed across contact surfaces thereof. For example, an entirety of each contact surface that contacts or engages the first watchband segment  122  can be flat, planar, or a complementary shape. As such, no portion of the upper engagement block  155  and the lower engagement block  159  pierces or penetrates the first watchband segment  122  to achieve frictional engagement. The upper engagement block  155  and the lower engagement block  159  can be on a surface or within a recess of the upper escalator plate  153  or the lower escalator plate  157 , respectively. The upper engagement block  155  and the lower engagement block  159  can be parallel to each other. 
     The connector  130  includes a first rail  160  and a second rail  161 , opposite the first rail  160  within the housing  136 . The first rail  160  and the second rail  161  can each provide upper and lower guide grooves for engagement by the upper pins  149  and the lower pins  151 , as described further herein. The first rail  160  and the second rail  161  also provide access for a first release button  140  and a second release button  141  on opposite sides of the housing  136 . The first release button  140  and the second release button  141  can each be biased to an outward position by a release button spring  142  between the corresponding release button and rail. 
     According to some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIG. 10 , the upper guide grooves  162  and/or the lower guide grooves  166  are provided by the first rail  160  and the second rail  161 . The upper pins  149  of the upper pad  152  can slidably move within the upper guide grooves  162 , and the lower pins  151  of the lower pad  156  can slidably move within the lower guide grooves  166 . The upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  can be biased towards each other, for example by spring elements  170  that each connects an upper pin  149  to a lower pin  151 . The biasing forces urge the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  to slide toward each other and as directed by the upper guide grooves  162  and the lower guide grooves  166 . 
     According to some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the first watchband segment  122  is provided through the inlet  132  of the housing  136  and towards the outlet  134 . The insertion of the first watchband segment  122  urges the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  away from each other to accommodate entry of the first watchband segment  122 . The upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  can slide away from each other as directed by the upper guide grooves  162  and the lower guide grooves  166 . For example, the upper pins  149  and the lower pins  151  can move away from each other by sliding within the upper guide grooves  162  and the lower guide grooves  166 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , outer portions of the upper guide grooves  162  and the lower guide grooves  166  can extend transverse to the first watchband segment  122  to allow the upper pins  149  and the lower pins  151  to move directly away from each other (e.g., vertically, rather than diagonally). The spring elements  170  urge the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  into contact with the first watchband segment  122 . While the first watchband segment  122  is at rest within the housing  136 , contact forces applied by the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  to the first watchband segment  122  are insufficient to frictionally resist movement of the first watchband segment  122 . For example, the first watchband segment  122  can continue toward the outlet  134  while the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  apply forces to the first watchband segment  122 . Additionally, as the first watchband segment  122  moves toward the outlet  134 , the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  can be moved in the same direction until the first rail  160  and the second rail  161  urge the upper pins  149  and the lower pins  151  away from each other and/or away from the first watchband segment  122 . 
     According to some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  resist movement of the first watchband segment  122  out of the inlet  132 . As the first watchband segment  122  is moved toward the inlet  132  and away from the outlet  134 , friction provided by the biasing force and from the spring elements  170  will tend to draw the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  longitudinally along with the first watchband segment  122 . As the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  move longitudinally toward the inlet  132  and away from the outlet  134 , the first rail  160  and the second rail  161  direct the upper pins  149  and the lower pins  151  toward each other until the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  are against the first watchband segment  122 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , inner portions of the upper guide grooves  162  and the lower guide grooves  166  can extend diagonally with respect to the first watchband segment  122  to allow the upper pins  149  and the lower pins  151  to move toward each other when moving toward the inlet  132  (e.g., diagonally, rather than only vertically). Accordingly, engagement forces are applied by the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  to the first watchband segment  122 . The engagement forces are greater than the contact forces applied while the first watchband segment  122  is at rest within the housing  136 . The upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  clamp onto the first watchband segment  122  to resist movement of the first watchband segment  122  relative to the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156 . The engagement forces applied by the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  are distributed across contact surfaces at the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156 . For example, the total forces are distributed and the engagement forces are only applied when the first watchband segment  122  is pulled toward the inlet  132 . At rest, no engagement forces are applied. Accordingly, the first watchband segment  122  is not damaged, torn, plastically deformed, or otherwise permanently altered. Instead, the first watchband segment  122  is engaged for a time, and after the first watchband segment  122  is released, it is restored to its shape and condition prior to engagement by the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156 . 
     According to some embodiments, for example as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the first release button  140  and the second release button  141  are operable to achieve disengagement of the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  from the first watchband segment  122 . When the first release button  140  and the second release button  141  are biased to an outward position, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  are permitted to contact and/or engaged the first watchband segment  122  as described above. For example, the first release button  140  and the second release button  141 , while in an outward position, can avoid interference with application of the contact forces and engagement forces upon the first watchband segment  122 . Each of the first release button  140  and the second release button  141  can be provided with a shoulder that limits outward movement thereof out of the housing  136  and/or the first rail  160  and the second rail  161 . Accordingly, the biasing forces on the first release button  140  and the second release button  141  can bring the first release button  140  and the second release button  141  at rest in the outward position when not acted upon by a user. 
     The first release button  140  and the second release button  141  can be moveable by a user from the outward position to an inward position toward the first watchband segment  122 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . With such action, the first release button  140  and the second release button  141  can apply a force to the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156 . Interface surfaces between each of the first release button  140  and the second release button  141  and each of the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  can translate the movement of the first release button  140  and the second release button  141  to movement of the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156 . For example, each of the first release button  140 , the second release button  141  can include one or more sloped surfaces  144  for engaging the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156 . Accordingly, movement of the first release button  140  and the second release button  141  toward each other results in movement of the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  away from each other. While the first release button  140  and the second release button  141  are actuated, the contact forces and engagement forces of the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156  on the first watchband segment  122  can be removed, such that a user can easily remove the first watchband segment  122  from the connector  130 . When released, the first release button  140  and the second release button  141  can return to the outward position away from the upper pad  152  and the lower pad  156 . 
     The first release button  140  and the second release button  141  can be operated to remove the watchband segment  122  from the housing  136  of the connector  130 . Alternatively or in combination, the first release button  140  and the second release button  141  can be operated to adjust the first watchband segment  122  within the housing  136  of the connector  130 . For example, while the first release button  140  and the second release button  141  are actuated, a user can move the watchband segment  122  within the housing  136  to reduce the tightness of the watchband on the user. The first release button  140  and the second release button  141  can be released when the desired tightness is achieved, and the connector can automatically re-engage the first watchband segment  122 . Thus, adjustment can be simple and rapid with the use of the first release button  140  and the second release button  141 . 
     The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the subject disclosure. 
     The predicate words “configured to”, “operable to”, and “programmed to” do not imply any particular tangible or intangible modification of a subject, but, rather, are intended to be used interchangeably. For example, a processor configured to monitor and control an operation or a component may also mean the processor being programmed to monitor and control the operation or the processor being operable to monitor and control the operation. Likewise, a processor configured to execute code can be construed as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code 
     A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A phrase such as a configuration may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa. 
     The word “example” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or design 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170530
Publication Date: 20200804
Grant Date: 20200804
Priority Date: 20170530
Inventors: SANO, TATSUYA
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A44C5/0053", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2071", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/20", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/246", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2076", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2052", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/246", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/0053", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2071", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/20", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 71838635