PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10064458-B2
Application Number: US-201615258092-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Band with folded seam for an electronic device

Abstract:
A wearable band formed from two or more pieces of material is disclosed. The wearable band may include a first material having a thinned portion formed on an inner surface and adjacent an end of the first material, and a second material positioned adjacent to the first material. The second material may include a thinned portion formed on an inner surface and adjacent an end of the second material. The wearable band may also include a coupling component configured to couple the first material to the second material. The thinned portion of the first material may be folded onto itself, and the thinned portion of the second material may be folded onto itself.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wearable band comprising:
 a first material having a first thinned portion formed on a first surface at a first end of the first material; 
 a second material having a second thinned portion formed at a second surface at a second end of the second material; and 
 a coupling component coupling the first end to the second end; wherein 
 the first thinned portion of the first material is folded onto itself; and 
 the second thinned portion of the second material is folded onto itself. 
 
     
     
       2. The wearable band of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first material forms a top layer of the wearable band; 
 the second material forms at least a portion of a bottom layer of the wearable band; and 
 the coupling component comprises a thread sewn through the first thinned portion and the second thinned portion to form a seam; and 
 the seam is positioned along the bottom layer of the wearable band. 
 
     
     
       3. The wearable band of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first thinned portion of the first material is folded about the coupling component and toward the first surface; and 
 the second thinned portion of the second material is folded about the coupling component and toward the second surface of the second material. 
 
     
     
       4. The wearable band of  claim 1 , wherein the first thinned portion of the first material has first thickness that is less than a second thickness of a remaining portion of the first material adjacent to the first thinned portion. 
     
     
       5. The wearable band of  claim 1 , wherein the first thinned portion of the first material has first thickness that is approximately half of a second thickness of a remaining portion of the first material adjacent to the first thinned portion. 
     
     
       6. The wearable band of  claim 1 , further comprising a filler material positioned over the second surface and the second thinned portion of the second material. 
     
     
       7. The wearable band of  claim 6 , wherein the filler material is positioned over the first thinned portion of the first material. 
     
     
       8. A method for forming a wearable band for an electronic device, comprising:
 thinning a first end of a first band portion to form a first thinned portion; 
 thinning a second end of a second band portion to form a second thinned portion; 
 positioning the first end of the first band portion adjacent to the second end of the second band portion; 
 affixing the first thinned portion of the first band portion to the second thinned portion of the second band portion using a coupling component; 
 folding the first thinned portion of the first band portion about the coupling component and onto itself; and 
 folding the second thinned portion about the coupling component and onto itself. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8 , wherein:
 a seam is formed between the first and second band portions; and 
 the first and second band portions form a smooth substantially flat surface. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the first band portion and the second band portion are part of a continuous strip of material; and 
 the first and second band portions are joined to form a loop. 
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the loop is flattened to form a portion of the wearable band; and 
 the seam is positioned along a bottom surface of the wearable band. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the loop is flattened to form the wearable band; and 
 the seam is positioned at an attachment end of the wearable band that is configured to couple the wearable band to a device housing. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 folding a remaining portion of the first band portion over the second band portion to form a top layer of the wearable band, wherein: 
 the second band portion forms at least a portion of a bottom layer of the wearable band. 
 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 positioning a filler material between the bottom layer and the top layer of the wearable band. 
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 8 , wherein:
 positioning the first end of the first band portion adjacent the second end of the second band portion comprises aligning the first end of the first band portion with the second end of the second band portion and releasably coupling the first band portion to the second band portion; and 
 affixing the first thinned portion of the first band portion to the second thinned portion of the second band portion comprises sewing a thread through the first thinned portion and the second thinned portion. 
 
     
     
       16. A wearable electronic device comprising:
 a housing; 
 a display positioned within the housing; and 
 a wearable band coupled to the housing and comprising:
 a first material forming a top layer of the wearable band, the first material having a thinned portion formed at a first end; 
 a second material positioned adjacent the first material and forming at least a portion of a bottom layer of the wearable band and having a second thinned portion at a second end of the second material; 
 a coupling component formed through the thinned portion of the first material and the thinned portion of the second material to couple the first material to the second material, wherein the first and second thinned portions are folded to form a seam. 
 
 
     
     
       17. The wearable electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the first thinned portion of the first material is folded onto itself; and 
 the first thinned portion of the first material folded onto itself has a thickness that is approximately equal to a remaining portion of the first material. 
 
     
     
       18. The wearable electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein a thickness of the wearable band across the seam is substantially uniform. 
     
     
       19. The wearable electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the first and second thinned portions have a uniform material thickness. 
     
     
       20. The wearable electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the first thinned portion of the first material includes a first tapered portion; and 
 the second thinned portion of the second material includes a second tapered portion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/215,371, filed Sep. 8, 2015 and titled “Leather Band with Seams,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to forming a band for an electronic device and, more particularly, to techniques for coupling two pieces of material together to form a folded seam for a band. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional wearable electronic devices include may include a watch band for attaching the device to a user&#39;s wrist. There are varieties of materials and configurations for forming conventional wearable bands. In some cases, it may be desirable to form a band having multiple layers of different materials. However, due to normal or predictable use, a composite or multi-layer band that is constructed using some traditional techniques may be susceptible to failure. The techniques described herein may be used to form a multi-layer or multi-material band for an electronic device that may have a construction that is more robust as compared to some traditional watch bands. 
     SUMMARY 
     A wearable band is disclosed. The wearable band comprises a first material comprising a thinned portion formed on an inner surface and adjacent an end of the first material, and a second material positioned adjacent to the first material. The second material comprises a thinned portion formed on an inner surface and adjacent an end of the second material. The wearable band also comprises a coupling component configured to coupling the first material to the second material. The thinned portion of the first material is folded onto itself, and the thinned portion of the second material is folded onto itself. 
     A method for forming a wearable band for an electronic device is disclosed. The method comprises thinning an inner surface adjacent an end of a first material to form a first thinned portion, thinning a distinct inner surface adjacent an end of a second material to form a second thinned portion, and positioning the end of the first material adjacent the end of the second material. The first thinned portion of the first material contacts the second thinned portion of the second material. The method also comprises affixing the first thinned portion of the first material to the second thinned portion of the second material, folding the first thinned portion of the first material toward the inner surface of the first material and onto itself, and folding the second thinned portion of the second material toward the inner surface of the second material and onto itself. 
     A wearable electronic device is disclosed. The wearable electronic device comprises a housing, a display module positioned within the housing, and a wearable band coupled to the housing. The wearable band comprises a first material forming a top layer of the wearable band. The first material comprises a thinned portion formed on an inner surface of the first material, adjacent an end of the first material. The wearable band also comprises a second material positioned adjacent the first material and forming at least a portion of a bottom layer of the wearable band. The second material comprises a thinned portion formed on an inner surface of the second material, adjacent an end of the second material. The wearable band further comprises a coupling component formed through the thinned portion of the first material and the thinned portion of the second material to couple the first material to the second material, and a seam formed between an outer surface of the first material and an outer surface of the second material. The seam is positioned adjacent the coupling component. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to a wearable band having a first material with a first thinned portion formed on a first surface at a first end of the first material, and a second material having a second thinned portion formed at a second surface at a second end of the second material. The wearable band may also include a coupling component coupling the first end to the second end. The first thinned portion of the first material may be folded onto itself, and the second thinned portion of the second material may be folded onto itself. In some cases, the first thinned portion of the first material is folded about the coupling component and toward the first surface, and the second thinned portion of the second material is folded about the coupling component and toward the second surface of the second material. The coupling component may include a thread sewn through the first thinned portion and the second thinned portion. 
     In some embodiments, the first thinned portion of the first material has first thickness that is less than a second thickness of a remaining portion of the first material adjacent to the first thinned portion. In some cases, the first thinned portion of the first material has first thickness that is approximately half of a second thickness of a remaining portion of the first material adjacent to the first thinned portion. 
     Some example embodiments include a filler material positioned over the second surface and the second thinned portion of the second material. The filler material may be positioned over the first thinned portion of the first material. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to a method for forming a wearable band for an electronic device. A first end of a first band portion may be thinned to form a first thinned portion, and a second end of a second band portion may be thinned to form a second thinned portion. The first end of the first band portion may be positioned adjacent to the second end of the second band portion. The first thinned portion of the first band portion may be affixed to the second thinned portion of the second band portion using a coupling component. The first thinned portion of the first band portion may be folded about the coupling component and onto itself, and the second thinned portion may be folded about the coupling component and onto itself. 
     In some embodiments, a seam is formed between the first and second band portions. The first and second band portions near the seam may form a smooth substantially flat surface. In some cases, the first band portion and the second band portion are part of a continuous strip of material, and the first and second band portions are joined to form a loop. The loop may be flattened to form a portion of the wearable band, and the seam may be positioned along a bottom surface of the wearable band. In some cases, the loop is flattened to form the wearable band, and the seam is positioned at an attachment end of the wearable band that is configured to couple the wearable band to a device housing. 
     In some cases, a remaining portion of the first band portion is folded over the second band portion to form a top layer of the wearable band. The second band portion may form at least a portion of a bottom layer of the wearable band. In some embodiments, a filler material is positioned between the bottom layer and the top layer of the wearable band. 
     In some embodiments, the first end of the first band portion is positioned adjacent the second end of the second band portion. The positioning may include aligning the first end of the first band portion with the second end of the second band portion and releasably coupling the first band portion to the second band portion. The first thinned portion of the first band portion may be affixed to the second thinned portion of the second band portion by sewing a thread through the first thinned portion and the second thinned portion. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to a wearable electronic device having a housing, a display positioned within the housing, and a wearable band coupled to the housing. The wearable band may include a first material forming a top layer of the wearable band, the first material having a thinned portion formed at a first end. The wearable band may also include a second material positioned adjacent the first material and forming at least a portion of a bottom layer of the wearable band and having a second thinned portion at a second end of the second material. A coupling component may be formed through the thinned portion of the first material and the thinned portion of the second material to couple the first material to the second material. The first and second thinned portions are folded to form a seam. 
     In some embodiments, the first thinned portion of the first material is folded onto itself, and the first thinned portion of the first material folded onto itself has a thickness that is approximately equal to a remaining portion of the first material. In some cases, a thickness of the wearable band across the seam is substantially uniform. In some instances, the first and second thinned portions have a uniform material thickness. Alternatively, the first thinned portion of the first material may include a first tapered portion, and the second thinned portion of the second material includes a second tapered portion. 
    
    
     
       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. 1A  shows a top view of a wearable electronic device including a wearable band, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 1B  shows a bottom view of the wearable electronic device including the wearable band shown in  FIG. 1A , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows a flow chart of an example process for forming a wearable band for an electronic device, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a side cross-section view of two distinct pieces of material used to form a wearable band for a wearable electronic device, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3B  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 3A  sewn together, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3C  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 3B  forming a seam, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3D  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 3C  with the thinned portions folded onto themselves, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3E  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 3D  forming the wearable band for a wearable electronic device, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  shows a side cross-section view of a portion of a wearable band having a seam formed between a top layer and bottom layer of the wearable band, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 5A  shows a side cross-section view of two distinct pieces of material used to form a wearable band for a wearable electronic device, according to additional embodiments. 
         FIG. 5B  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 5A  sewn together, according to additional embodiments. 
         FIG. 5C  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 5B  with a first thinned portion folded onto itself and a second thinned portion folded onto the first thinned portion, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 6A  shows a side cross-section view of two distinct pieces of material having distinct thickness used to form a wearable band for a wearable electronic device, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 6B  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 6A  sewn together, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 6C  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 6B  with thinned portions folded onto themselves, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 6D  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 6C  including a filler material, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 6E  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 6D  forming the wearable band for a wearable electronic device, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 7A  shows a side cross-section view of two distinct pieces of material having distinct thickness used to form a wearable band for a wearable electronic device, according to additional embodiments. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 7A  sewn together, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 7C  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 7B  with thinned portions folded onto themselves, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 7D  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 7C  including a filler material, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 7E  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 7D  forming the wearable band for a wearable electronic device, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 8A  shows a side cross-section view of two distinct pieces of material having thinned portions with a tapered thickness to form a wearable band for a wearable electronic device, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 8B  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 8A  sewn together, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 8C  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 7B  with thinned portions folded onto themselves, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 8D  shows a side cross-section view of the two distinct pieces of material of  FIG. 8C  forming the wearable band for a wearable electronic device, according to embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates generally bands for electronic devices and, more particularly, to techniques for coupling two pieces of material together to form a band for a watch or other wearable device. For a variety of reasons, it may be desirable to form a band (e.g., a watch band) out of multiple materials and/or multiple layers. For example, an outer or top layer may have a desired appearance or durability and an inner or bottom layer may have a desired softness or feel that is comfortable against the user&#39;s skin. 
     Some traditional techniques for joining band materials may have various drawbacks or disadvantages. For example, some leather bands are formed by using a combination of stitching and adhesive bonding. Over the operational life of the band, glue used to couple the ends of the two pieces of band material may begin to fail. Specifically, the glue coupling the ends of the band materials may dry out, be absorbed and/or may lose its adhesive properties, which may result in the uncoupling of the ends of the two pieces of material. Additionally, using some traditional techniques, the thickness of the band may not be uniform or flat, which may be undesirable. 
     The following embodiments may address some of the disadvantages inherent in some traditional band-forming techniques. In a particular embodiment, two or more pieces of material are used to form a wearable band for an electronic device having a uniform thickness. The pieces of material include materially thinned or skived portions that are sewn together to form a stitched portion. Once sewn together, the materially thinned portions are folded onto themselves and/or are folded about the stitched portion. By folding the thinned portions onto themselves, the piece of material maintains a uniform thickness in both the materially thinned portion and the unaltered, remaining portions. The uniform thickness allows for the material to be substantially flat when formed into a wearable band, strap, tether, lanyard, strip or the like. Additionally, by sewing the two pieces of material together at the thinned portions, a seam is formed between the two pieces of material that is strong and substantially permanent. Furthermore, a wearable band formed from two pieces of material as discussed herein includes improved comfort, fit and/or wearability, as the seam and/or transition between the two pieces of material is smooth and/or has no identifiable bulge or discontinuity. The seam formed between the two pieces of material is also aesthetically pleasing to the user because the thickness between the two materials is uniform on either side of the seam, and the thread used to sew the material together and form the seam is hidden from view. Finally, the pieces of material forming the wearable band can be formed from two different types and/or colors of material, which allows the wearable band to have distinct patterns or a two-tone appearance. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-8D . 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. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  show top and bottom views, respectively, of a portable or wearable electronic device  100  (hereafter, “electronic device”), according to embodiments. Electronic device  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , is configured as a wearable device such as an electronic or smart watch. However, it is understood that electronic device  100  can be configured as a mobile telephone, a gaming device, a display, a digital music player, a wearable computing device or display, a health monitoring device, and so on. 
     As discussed herein, electronic device  100  includes a wearable band (e.g., wristband, armband, headband, necklace, etc.) for holding or attaching to an electronic device including, but not limited to a wearable electronic device or other type of portable electronic device. As discussed herein, each wearable band  110   a ,  110   b  is formed from at least two distinct pieces of material that have a uniform thickness. That is, the two pieces of material forming each wearable band  110   a ,  110   b  have uniform thicknesses in and around a seam formed where the materials are coupled together. The techniques described herein may be used to form a seam between two materials or portions of a band that results in a smooth substantially flat surface and/or a uniform thickness. The smooth substantially flat surface and uniform thickness may provide wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  with an aesthetically pleasing appearance and comfortable feel. 
     In some instances, the seam is formed when the materials are sewn together. By sewing the materials together, the bond and/or coupling between the first material and the second material is substantially strong and/or permanent. Forming a strong bond and/or coupling the two materials forming the wearable band by sewing them together improves the operational life of the wearable band and/or prevents the wearable band from failing, which can result in the wearable band being unable to keep the electronic device on a user&#39;s wrist. As described in more detail below, the materials can be thinned or skived and folded to provide a seam that is flat and has a substantially uniform thickness. 
     In some embodiments, the bands  110   a ,  110   b  are formed from two different materials that are joined using the techniques described herein. In some embodiments, the bands  110   a ,  110   b  are formed from a single strip or section of material. A first and second portions or ends of the strip of material may be similarly joined using the techniques described herein. While example embodiments may be provided with respect to a particular configuration (two materials or a single strip), the techniques described herein may be applied to a variety of configurations and the examples are not intended to be limiting. 
     In some implementations, two materials (e.g., two types of leather, a leather and a synthetic, two types of synthetic) may be joined or coupled to form the wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b . Each material may have different structural properties, tactile feel, and/or appearance. In some cases, the materials are selected to provide a band having composite properties: a first set of properties (associated with a first material) for an inner layer that comes in contact with a user&#39;s skin, and a second set of properties (associated with a second material) for an outer layer that is visible and exposed to various environmental elements. 
     In some implementations, one or multiple materials may be formed into a continuous strip of material that is used to form the wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b . The continuous strip of material may define a first and second portions at a respective first and second ends of the strip. The first and second ends may be jointed to each other using the techniques described herein to form a loop or other closed shape. In some cases, the loop may be flattened to form the wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b.    
     Electronic device  100  includes a housing  102  at least partially surrounding a display  104 , and a cover  106  coupled to housing  102  and covering display  104  to protect display  104  of electronic device  100  from contaminants. The electronic device  100  also includes one or more input devices or buttons  108  configured to provide user input and/or allow the user to interact with the various functions of electronic device  100 . The housing  102  forms an outer surface, partial outer surface, and/or protective case for the internal components of electronic device  100 , and at least partially surrounds the display  104 . Housing  102  may be formed from a plurality of distinct materials including, but not limited to, metal, glass, and plastic. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , electronic device  100  also includes wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  positioned on opposite sides of housing  102 . Housing  102  includes recesses  112  formed on opposite ends for receiving an attachment component  118  to couple wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  to electronic device  100 . Specifically, and as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  are coupled to attachment component  118 , and a portion of attachment component  118  is coupled and/or positioned within recesses  112  of housing  102  to couple the wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  to housing  102  of electronic device  100 . Although shown as two distinct bands  110   a ,  110   b  forming a wearable band for electronic device  100 , it is understood that the wearable band can be formed from a single band embodiment that is formed from two or more pieces of material as discussed herein. 
     Wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  secure electronic device  100  to a user, or any other object capable of receiving electronic device  100 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  include buckle  120 , and sizing apertures  122  (hereafter, “apertures”) formed on second wearable band  110   b  positioned opposite buckle  120 . Although shown as buckle  120  and apertures  122 , it is understood the wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  can include any suitable coupling and/or securing structure or component for securing electronic device  100  to a user or other object capable of receiving electronic device  100 . 
     Additionally as shown in  FIG. 1B , and as discussed below in detail, two (or more) pieces of material are used to form each wearable band  110   a ,  110   b . The two pieces of material wearable forming each of wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  can be coupled along perimeter  124  and are sewn together to form seam  126 . Specifically, free ends of each of the two pieces of material forming each of wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  are sewn together to form seam  126  within wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b . Seam  126  can be formed on the bottom side or layer of wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  of electronic device  100  as shown in  FIG. 1B . As a result, seam  126  contacts a user&#39;s wrist when electronic device  100  is worn by a user and/or is not visible when a user is wearing electronic device  100 . Although shown as being formed on a bottom layer of wearable bands  110   a .  110   b , it is understood and discussed herein that seam  126  can be formed in any portion of wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b . Additionally as discussed herein, although wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  may be formed from two distinct pieces of material, the thickness of the materials and/or the overall thickness of wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  is substantially uniform, even at seam  126  and the portions of wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  surrounding seam  126 . Although discussed herein as being formed from two pieces of material, it is understood that wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  can be formed from more than two pieces of material. 
     As discussed herein, each wearable band  110   a ,  110   b  can be formed from two or more distinct portions, sections, layers and/or pieces of material. The distinct pieces of material forming wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  can be distinct or similar in material composition, color and/or thickness, as discussed herein. In non-limiting examples, the pieces of material forming wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  are formed from natural or synthetic materials, such as leather, woven material such as textiles, non-woven material, such as, felt, synthetic materials, such as polymers or synthetic rubber, or any other suitable material that is substantially flexible and capable of being thinned, as discussed herein. Additionally, although two pieces are shown and discussed herein for forming wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b , it is understood that any number of pieces of material can be used to form wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b , and each of the pieces of material can be distinct or similar in material composition, color and/or thickness. Where wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  are formed from more than two pieces of material, it is understood that multiple seams  126  are formed within wearable bands  110   a ,  110   b  in a similar fashion as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an example process for forming a wearable band for an electronic device. Specifically,  FIG. 2  is a flowchart depicting one example process  200  for forming a wearable band from two distinct pieces of material. While this is provided as one example, the process  200  may also be used to form a seam between a first and second band portion of a continuous strip of material or a variety of other configurations. With regard to the following description of process  200 , two materials and/or two band portions may be joined together to form a flat seam. In some cases, the wearable band may be utilized in an electronic device, as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     In operation  202 , a first material or a first portion is thinned to form a first thinned portion. In one example, an inner surface of the first material is materially thinned at an end of the first material to form the first thinned portion in the first material. Thinning the first material to form the first thinned portion includes removing a thickness of material from the end of the first material. That is, thinning the first material includes removing a thickness of material and/or substantially thinning the material thickness of a portion of the first material. In non-limiting examples, the first thinned portion of the first material can be formed by performing a skiving process or a material splitting process on the first material. As such, the first thinned portion includes a portion of the first material that has a reduced thickness. The material thinned and/or removed from the first material is removed from the inner surface of the first material such that an outer surface of the first material remains unchanged. In a non-limiting example, the thickness of the removed material is equal to a thickness of the remaining material of the first material forming the first thinned portion. In another non-limiting example, the thickness of the removed material is less than or greater than the material thickness of the first thinned portion. Additionally in non-limiting examples, the first material is thinned to form the first thinned portion to have a uniform thickness or, alternatively, a tapered thickness that is smallest at the end of the first material. 
     Operation  204  is substantially similar to operation  202 , and is performed on a second material or a second portion that is distinct from the first material or first portion. In one example, a second material is thinned to form a second thinned portion. Specifically, an inner surface of the second material is materially thinned at an end of the second material to form the second thinned portion in the second material. The thinning of the inner surface of the second material to form the second materially thinned portion includes removing a thickness of material from the end of the second material. As such, the second thinned portion includes a portion of the second material that has a reduced thickness. In a non-limiting example, the thickness of the removed material is equal to a thickness of the remaining material of the second material forming the second thinned portion. In another non-limiting example, the thickness of the removed material is less than or greater than the material thickness of the second thinned portion. Additionally, in further non-limiting examples, the material thickness of the second thinned portion is equal to or different than the material thickness of the first thinned portion formed in operation  202 . In additional non-limiting examples, the remaining material of the second material forming the second thinned portion is thinned to have a uniform thickness or, alternatively, a tapered thickness that is smallest at the end of the second material. 
     In operation  206 , the end of the first material (or first portion) is positioned adjacent the end of the second material (or second portion). In one example, the ends of the first material and the second material are positioned adjacent one another, such that the first thinned portion of the first material contacts the second thinned portion of the second material. Additionally, positioning the end of the first material adjacent the end of the second material also includes contacting at least a portion of the outer surface of the first material adjacent to at least a portion of the outer surface of the second material. The portion of the outer surface of the first material includes a portion of the outer surface positioned adjacent the end of the first material and adjacent the first thinned portion of the first material. Additionally, the portion of the outer surface of the second material includes a portion of the outer surface positioned adjacent the end of the second material and adjacent the second thinned portion of the second material. When the portions of the outer surfaces of the first material and second material contact one another, the inner surface of the first material is positioned opposite the inner surface of the second material. 
     Additionally, positioning the end of the first material adjacent the end of the second material includes aligning the end of the first material with the end of the second material and releasably and/or temporarily coupling the first material to the second material. The aligned ends of the first material and the second material are aligned in a common plane. The releasable and/or temporary coupling of the first material to the second material also includes using a temporary coupler to couple the end of the first material to the end of the second material. The temporary coupler can include a variety of suitable components or devices that releasably and/or temporarily couple the end of the first material to the end of the second material. In non-limiting examples, the temporary coupler can include, but is not limited to, tape wrapped around the ends of the first material and the second material, a clamp or pin contacting and/or clamping the ends of the first material and the second material, a temporary stitch formed through the ends of the first material and the second material, or temporary adhesive formed adjacent the ends on and/or between contacting outer surfaces of the first material and the second material. 
     In operation  208 , the first thinned portion of the first material (or first portion) is affixed to the second thinned portion of the second material (or second portion). As a result of affixing the first thinned portion of the first material to the second thinned portion of the second material, the first material is coupled to the second material. Affixing the first thinned portion of the first material to the second thinned portion of the second material can include sewing the first thinned portion of the first material affixed to the second thinned portion of the second material. The first thinned portion is sewn to the second thinned portion using a thread. The thread is sewn through the first thinned portion of the first material and the second thinned portion of the second material, adjacent or proximate to the respective ends for the first material and the second material. The thread is formed from any suitable material capable of coupling the first material to the second material and can be sewn through the first thinned portion and the second thinned portion using any suitable sewing technique or process. 
     In operation  210 , the first thinned portion is folded toward the inner surface of the first material (or first portion). For example, the end of the first material including the first thinned portion may be folded toward the inner surface, and the first thinned portion is folded onto and/or over itself. The first thinned portion is folded at or about the thread sewn through the first thinned portion. The folding of the first thinned portion can also include securing the first thinned portion to itself. The first thinned portion can be secured using any suitable coupling or fixing component, feature and/or technique. In a non-limiting example, the first thinned portion can be secured using an adhesive. 
     In operation  212 , the second thinned portion is folded toward the inner surface of the second material (or second portion) and folded onto and/or over itself. The second thinned portion is folded at or about the thread sewn through the second thinned portion. Similar to the folding of the first thinned portion in operation  210 , the folding of the second thinned portion can also include securing the second thinned portion to itself. The second thinned portion can be secured to itself using any suitable coupling or fixing component, feature and/or technique. In a non-limiting example, the second thinned portion can be secured using an adhesive. 
     In operation  214 , a seam is created between the first material and the second material. The seam is created specifically between the outer surface of the first material and the outer surface of the second material. The seam created in operation  214  is also positioned adjacent the thread sewn through the first material and the second material. As a result of creating the seam between the outer surface of the first material and the outer surface of the second material, the seam is substantially visible. 
     Creating the seam in operation  214  can include positioning the seam on a bottom layer of the wearable band formed using the process  200  discussed herein. The wearable band is formed after creating the seam in operation  214  and performing additional final processes on the first material and the second material, as discussed below. In a non-limiting example, positioning the seam on the bottom layer of the wearable band includes folding the remaining portion of the first material over the first thinned portion formed in the first material and over the second material including the second thinned portion. The folding of the remaining portion of the first material over the thinned portion of the first material and the second material forms the top layer of the wearable band. Additionally, the thinned portion of the first material, the second material and the seam created therebetween form the bottom layer of the wearable band. 
     In another non-limiting example, creating the seam in operation  214  can include positioning the seam on an end of the wearable band between the bottom layer and the top layer. The seam positioned on the end of the wearable band is also positioned adjacent an attachment component of the wearable band, which is configured to couple the wearable band to a housing of an electronic device, as discussed herein. In the non-limiting example, positioning the seam on the end of the wearable band between the bottom layer and the top layer includes folding the first material around the attachment component and over the second material, where the first material forms the top layer of the wearable band and the second material forms the bottom layer of the wearable band. 
     Additionally, processes may be performed on the first material and the second material for forming the wearable band, as discussed herein. In a non-limiting example, adhesive or binder can be applied to at least a portion of the inner surface of the first material and/or the second material, and filler material can be positioned over at least a portion of the inner surface of the first material and/or the second material. Additionally, adhesive or binder can be applied to the inner surface of the first material forming the top layer of the wearable band to adhere the top layer to the filler material. The filler material is positioned between the bottom layer and the top layer of the wearable band to provide structure, support, padding and/or rigidity to the wearable band. The top layer, the bottom layer and the filler material can be subsequently compressed to ensure the top layer and/or the bottom layer are coupled to and/or adhered to the filler material and/or to one another. 
     In further non-limiting examples, the first material and second materials, once secured together via the seam and/or the compression process, can be cut (e.g., die cut) to a final shape for the wearable band and, subsequently, the cut edges of the wearable band can undergo final treatment processes. The final treatment processes performed on the cut edges of the wearable band can include, but are not limited to, sanding, shaping, and painting. 
     One may appreciate that, although many embodiments are disclosed herein, that the operations and steps presented with respect to processes, methods and techniques described herein are meant as exemplary and accordingly are not exhaustive. One may further appreciate that alternate step order or fewer or additional steps may be required or desired for particular embodiments. Additionally, one may appreciate that, although depicted as being performed in consecutive steps, at least some of the operations discussed herein may be performed simultaneously. 
       FIGS. 3A-3E  show side cross-section views of first material  328  and second material  330  undergoing the example process  200  for wearable band  310  (see,  FIG. 3E ) for electronic device  100  (see,  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) as discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2 . It is understood that similarly numbered and/or named components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
       FIG. 3A  shows a side cross-section view of first material  328  and second material  330 . First material  328  and second material  330  are both formed from leather material, but each leather material forming first material  328  and second material  330  may be different colors to produce a two-tone wearable band  310  (see,  FIG. 3E ) for electronic device  100  (see,  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). As shown in  FIG. 3A  and as discussed herein, first material  328  has a thickness (T 328 ) and second material  330  has a thickness (T 330 ). In the non-limiting example, the thickness (T 328 ) of first material  328  is substantially similar and/or equal to the thickness (T 330 ) of second material  330 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , first material  328  includes an outer surface  332  and an inner surface  334  positioned opposite the outer surface  332 . Additionally, second material  330  includes an outer surface  342  and an inner surface  344  positioned opposite the outer surface  342 . As discussed herein, the respective outer surfaces  332 ,  342  of first material  328  and second material  330  form an outer surface for wearable band  310  formed from first material  328  and second material  330  (see,  FIG. 3E ). The respective inner surfaces  334 ,  344  of first material  328  and second material  330  may not be visible in wearable band  310 . 
       FIG. 3A  shows first material  328  and second material  330  subsequent to undergoing a material thinning process (e.g., skiving or material splitting). Thinning, as discussed herein, is a process of removing a thickness of material from first material  328  and second material  330 , respectively. As discussed herein, the thinning process removes or thins at least a portion of first material  328  and second material  330  such that the thinned portions of the materials include a thickness less than that of the thickness (T 328 , T 330 ) of the remaining portion (e.g., unaltered or not-thinned portions) of each respective material. First material  328  and second material  330  may be thinned using any suitable material thinning device or system and/or using any suitable material thinning technique or process. In non-limiting examples, first material  328  and second material  330  are thinned by undergoing a skiving process or a material splitting process, as discussed herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , first material  328  includes a first materially thinned portion  336  (hereafter, “thinned portion  336 ”) formed on and/or adjacent end  338 . Additionally, first thinned portion  336  is formed on and/or within inner surface  334  of first material  328 . First thinned portion  336  is formed by thinning and/or removing a thickness of material from a portion of first material  328  at or on inner surface  334 . In a non-limiting example, first thinned portion  336  includes a material thickness (T M ) that is approximately half the thickness (T 328 ) of the remaining portion of first material  328 . That is, and as shown in  FIG. 3A , the material thickness (T M ) of first thinned portion  336  is equal to a thinned depth or thickness (T S ) of the material removed from first thinned portion  336  of first material  328 . Both the material thickness (T M ) and the thinned depth or thickness (T S ) for first thinned portion  336  are equal to half the thickness (T 328 ) of first material  328 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 3A , second material  330  includes a second materially thinned portion  346  (hereafter, “thinned portion  346 ”) formed on and/or adjacent end  348  of second material  330 . Second thinned portion  346  is formed on and/or within inner surface  344  of second material  330 . In a non-limiting example, and similar to first thinned portion  336  of first material  328 , second thinned portion  346  includes a material thickness (T M ) that is approximately half the thickness (T 330 ) of the remaining portion of second material  330 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , the material thickness (T M ) of second thinned portion  346  is equal to a thinned depth or thickness (T S ) of the material removed from second thinned portion  346  of second material  330 . Both the material thickness (T M ) and the thinned depth or thickness (T S ) for second thinned portion  346  are equal to half the thickness (T 330 ) of second material  330 . Additionally, and because first material  328  and second material  330  include similar thicknesses (T 328 , T 330 ), the material thickness (T M ) of second thinned portion  346  of second material  330  is substantially equal to the material thickness (T M ) of first thinned portion  336  of first material  328 . 
     The processes performed on first material  328  and second material  330  as shown and discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 3A  may correspond to operations  202  and  204  of the process  200  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 3B  shows first material  328  positioned adjacent second material  330 . Specifically,  FIG. 3B  shows end  338  of first material  328  positioned adjacent end  348  of second material  330 . Ends  338 ,  348  of first material  328  and second material  330  are substantially aligned and/or are positioned in a common plane. Additionally, first thinned portion  336  of first material  328  is positioned adjacent second thinned portion  346  of second material  330 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 3B , in order to position ends and/or thinned portions  336 ,  346  to be adjacent one another, at least a portion of outer surface  332  of first material  328  may contact and/or touch a portion of outer surface  342  of second material  330 . As a result of outer surface  332  of first material  328  contacting outer surface  342  of second material  330 , inner surface  334  of first material  328  is positioned opposite and/or faces away from inner surface  344  of second material  330 . 
     Additionally as shown in  FIG. 3B , first material  328  and second material  330  are releasably and/or temporarily coupled. First material  328  and second material  330  are releasably and/or temporarily coupled using temporary coupler  356 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 3B , temporary coupler  356  is configured as a clamp or pin positioned adjacent ends  338 ,  348  and positioned on and/or clamping first thinned portion  336  and second thinned portion  346  together. Temporary coupler  356  temporarily couples and/or holds first material  328  and second material  330  together to ensure that ends  338 ,  348 , first thinned portion  336  and second thinned portion  346 , and/or first material  328  and second material  330  remain aligned when a coupling component  352 , such as a thread (hereafter, “thread  352 ”), is sewn through first material  328  and second material  330 , as discussed herein. Although shown and discussed herein as a clamp or a pin, it is understood that temporary coupler  356  may be configured as any temporary coupler that releasably and/or temporarily couples end  338  of first material  328  to end  348  of second material  330 . In non-limiting examples, temporary coupler  356  can be tape wrapped around first material  328  and second material  330 , a temporary stitch formed through first material  328  and second material  330  and/or temporary adhesive formed between outer surface  332  of first material  328  and outer surface  342  of second material  330 . Additionally, although shown and discussed herein as a thread, coupling component  352  may be formed from any suitable material, component and/or device configured to couple first material  328  to second material  330  including, but not limited to, yarn, manufactured-industrial line, adhesive and the like. 
     Thread  352  is also sewn through first material  328  and second material  330 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , thread  352  is sewn through first thinned portion  336  of first material  328  and second thinned portion  346  of second material  330 . Additionally, thread  352  is positioned adjacent end  338  of first material  328  and end  348  of second material  330 , respectively. Thread  352  is sewn through first thinned portion  336  and second thinned portion  346  to affix or couple first material  328  to second material  330 , and more specifically, to affix or couple first thinned portion  336  to second thinned portion  346 . As discussed herein, thread  352  is formed from any suitable material that may be sewn and/or woven through first material  328  and second material  330  to couple, affix and/or secure first material  328  to second material  330 . 
     The processes performed on first material  328  and second material  330  as shown and discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 3B  may correspond to operations  206  and  208  of the process  200  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIGS. 3C and 3D  show first material  328  and second material  330  subsequent to sewing thread  352  (see,  FIG. 3C ) through first thinned portion  336  and second thinned portion  346  to couple first material  328  and second material  330 . Specifically,  FIG. 3C  shows first thinned portion  336  and second thinned portion  346  prior to being folded onto themselves, and  FIG. 3D  shows first thinned portion  336  and second thinned portion  346  subsequent to being folded onto themselves. Thread  352  has been removed from  FIG. 3D  to more clearly shown first thinned portion  336  and second thinned portion  346  folded onto themselves. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3C and 3D , first material  328  and second material  330  may be substantially flattened, spread out and/or separated after thread  352  (see,  FIG. 3C ) is sewn through first material  328  and second material  330 . As shown in  FIGS. 3C and 3D , only a portion of outer surface  332  of first material  328  contacts the portion of outer surface  342  of second material  330  positioned adjacent second thinned portion  346 . The portion of outer surface  332  of first material  328  contacting outer surface  342  of second material  330  is positioned adjacent first thinned portion  336 . Additionally, the portion of outer surface  342  of second material  330  contacting outer surface  332  of first material  328  is positioned adjacent second thinned portion  346 . As shown in  FIGS. 3C-3E , the portion of outer surface  332  of first material  328  permanently contacts the portion of outer surface  342  of second material  330  as a result of first material  328  and second material  330  being coupled by thread  352 . 
     Additionally as shown in  FIG. 3C , the formation or creating of seam  326  may be initially depicted. That is, after sewing first thinned portion  336  of first material  328  to second thinned portion  346  of second material  330 , and subsequently separating first material  328  and second material  330 , seam  326  may be formed on and/or between outer surface  332  of first material  328  and outer surface  342  of second material  330 . Although initially shown as being formed in  FIG. 3C , the positioning of seam  326  within wearable band  310  formed from first material  328  and second material  330  is determined when first material  328  is folded around an attachment component  318  and/or over second material  330 , as discussed herein (see,  FIG. 3E ). 
     Turning to  FIG. 3D , first thinned portion  336  of first material  328  is folded onto itself. First thinned portion  336  is folded onto itself such that end  338  of first material  328  is folded toward inner surface  334  of first material  328 . Additionally, first thinned portion  336  is folded at or about thread  352  (see,  FIG. 3C ) sewn through first material  328 . 
     Additionally, and similar to first thinned portion  336  of first material  328 , second thinned portion  346  of second material  330  is folded onto itself. As shown in  FIG. 3D , second thinned portion  346  is folded onto itself such that end  338  of first material  328  is folded toward inner surface  344  of second material  330 . Additionally, second thinned portion  346  is folded at or about thread  352  (see,  FIG. 3C ) sewn through second material  330 . 
     Additionally as shown in  FIG. 3D , when first thinned portion  336  is folded onto itself and second thinned portion  346  is folded onto itself, first material  328  and second material  330  may include substantially uniform thicknesses. In a non-limiting example, folding first thinned portion  336  onto itself results in first material  328  having a uniform thickness (T 328 ). First material  328  has a uniform thickness (T 328 ) once first thinned portion  336  is folded onto itself as a result of first thinned portion  336  having a material thickness (T M ) that is approximately half of overall thickness (T 128 ) of first material  328  (see,  FIG. 3A ). As shown in  FIG. 3D , forming a uniform thickness (T 328 ) throughout first material  328  also results in first thinned portion  336  being in planar alignment with inner surface  334  of first material  328 . 
     Similar to first material  328 , folding second thinned portion  346  onto itself results in second material  330  having a uniform thickness (T 330 ). Second material  330  has a uniform thickness (T 330 ) once second thinned portion  346  is folded onto itself as a result of second thinned portion  346  having a material thickness (T M ) that is approximately half of overall thickness (T 330 ) of second material  330  (see,  FIG. 3A ). Additionally, because the thickness (T 330 ) of second material  330  is equal to the thickness (T 328 ) of first material  328 , the thicknesses of first material  328  and second material  330  do not vary between first thinned portion  336  and second thinned portion  346  once the respective thinned portions  336 ,  346  are folded onto themselves. As shown in  FIG. 3D , forming a uniform thickness (T 330 ) throughout second material  330  also results in second thinned portion  346  being in planar alignment with inner surface  344  of second material  330 . Also because the thickness (T 330 ) of second material  330  is equal to the thickness (T 328 ) of first material  328 , second thinned portion  346  is in planar alignment with inner surface  334  of first material  328 . 
     The processes performed on first material  328  and second material  330  as shown and discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 3C and 3D  may correspond to operations  210  and  212  of the process  200  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 3E  shows wearable band  310  formed from first material  328  and second material  330  in an operational or final state. Similar to  FIG. 3D , thread  352  has been removed from  FIG. 3E  to more clearly show first thinned portion  336  and second thinned portion  346  formed onto themselves as wearable band  310  is formed. As shown in  FIG. 3E , first material  328  and second material  330  forming wearable band  310  are coupled together and positioned adjacent one another. Specifically, a remaining portion (e.g., not-thinned portion) of first material  328  excluding the thinned portion is folded over first thinned portion  336  of first material  328  and the entirety of second material  330  including second thinned portion  346 . Folding first material  328  over first thinned portion  336  and second material  330  including second thinned portion  346  also includes positioning first material  328  to substantially surround and/or be folded over attachment component  318 . Inner surface  334  of first material  328  is positioned adjacent to, contacts and/or is coupled to attachment component  318  when surrounding and/or folded over attachment component  318 . 
     As discussed herein, folding first material  328  over attachment component  318  determines the position of seam  326  within wearable band  310 . In non-limiting examples, the amount of first material  328  that is folded over and/or around attachment component  318  and/or the position or proximity of attachment component  318  to first thinned portion  336  of first material  328  determines where on wearable band  310  seam  326  is formed. In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 3E , and as discussed herein, the remaining portion of first material  328  is folded over and/or around attachment component  318  and is folded and/or positioned over first thinned portion  336  of first material  328  and the entirety of second material  330  including second thinned portion  346 . As such, seam  326  is formed on the bottom layer of wearable band  310 . As shown in  FIG. 3E , the remaining portion of first material  328  forms the top layer of wearable band  310 . Additionally, first thinned portion  336  of first material  328  and second material  330  including second thinned portion  346  form the bottom layer of wearable band  310 . Seam  326  is formed between first thinned portion  336  and second thinned portion  346  on the bottom layer. As discussed herein, where seam  326  is formed on the bottom layer of wearable band  310 , seam  326  contacts a user&#39;s wrist when electronic device  100  is worn by a user and/or seam  326  is not visible when a user is wearing electronic device  100 . 
     Prior to folding first material  328  over first thinned portion  336  of first material  328  and second material  330  including second thinned portion  346 , filler material  354  is positioned over first thinned portion  336  and second material  330 . As shown in  FIG. 3E , filler material  354  is positioned adjacent attachment component  318  and substantially covers first thinned portion  336  of first material  328  and second material  330  including second thinned portion  346 . Filler material  354  is positioned over first thinned portion  336  and second material  330  forming a bottom layer prior to first material  328  being folded over the bottom layer to form the top layer. As a result, and as shown in  FIG. 3E , filler material  354  is positioned between the top layer and the bottom layer of wearable band  310 . Filler material  354  includes a uniform thickness in order to maintain a consistent thickness through wearable band  310 . 
     Although not shown, it is understood that filler material  354  may be coupled to the first material  328  and second material  330  using any suitable adhering or bonding component and/or any coupling technique. In a non-limiting example, filler material  354  can be coupled to the materials (e.g., first material  328 , second material  330 ) forming the top layer and the bottom layer of wearable band  310  using an adhesive. As discussed herein, filler material  354  is positioned between the top layer and bottom layer of wearable band  310  to provide structure, support, padding and/or rigidity to wearable band  110 . As such, filler material  354  may be formed from any suitable material including plastic, woven material and/or excess material removed of first material  328  and/or second material  330  when forming wearable band  310 , as discussed herein. In another non-limiting example, filler material  354  may be formed from a fiber-spun liquid crystal polymer material (e.g., Vectran) that is positioned between the top layer and the bottom layer of wearable band  310  to prevent first material  328  and second material  330  from stretching over the operational life of wearable band  310 . 
     The processes performed on first material  328  and second material  330  as shown and discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 3E  may correspond to operation  214  of the process  200  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Although the portion of first material  328  of wearable band  310  wrapped around, surrounding and/or positioned adjacent attachment component  318  is depicted as thicker than the total thickness of first material  328 , second material  330  and filler material  354 , it is understood that the thickness may be substantially uniform around attachment component  318 . That is, the thickness of the portion of wearable band  310  formed adjacent attachment component  318  may be substantially uniform with the remaining thickness of wearable band  310 . In another non-limiting example, the thickness of the portion of wearable band  310  formed adjacent attachment component  318  may be thicker than the remaining portion of wearable band  310  by an unperceivable amount by a user of electronic device  100  (see,  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). As such, the difference or variation in thicknesses in wearable band  310  may not be visible, detectable or identifiable by a user of wearable band  310 . 
     Additionally, although shown as being substantially circular in shape, it is understood that attachment component  318  may be formed as any geometry. In another non-limiting example, attachment component  318  can be a substantially rectangular shape which can flatten or reduce the thickness of the portion of wearable band  310  including attachment component  318  to be substantially uniform with the remaining portion of wearable band  310 , as discussed herein. Additionally, attachment component  318  can be formed with a smaller size, geometry or dimension than depicted. The smaller size, geometry or dimension may also reduce the thickness of the portion of wearable band  310  including attachment component  318 . 
     As discussed herein, folding the first material over the attachment component of the electronic device determines the position of the seam formed within the wearable band of the electronic device.  FIG. 4  shows another non-limiting example of wearable band  410 . Wearable band  410  is formed from first material  428  and second material  430 , which are substantially similar to first material  328  and second material  330  discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3E . Specifically, first material  428  and second material  430  include identical thicknesses (T 428 , T 430 ), and undergo similar steps of process  200 , as discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2  and shown herein with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3D . Redundant explanation of these similar components and similar process steps has been omitted for clarity. 
     However, distinct from wearable band  310  shown in  FIG. 3E , seam  426  is formed on an end of wearable band  410 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , seam  426  formed between first material  428  and second material  430  is positioned adjacent attachment component  418 , and is formed between a top layer of wearable band  410  formed by first material  428 , and a bottom layer formed by second material  430 . Seam  426  is formed on the end of wearable band  410  by positioning first thinned portion  436  of first material  428  and second thinned portion  446  of second material  430  directly adjacent attachment component  418 . Additionally, first material  428  and second material  430  are folded or wrapped around attachment component  418 , and first material  428  is positioned over second material  430 . Distinct from wearable band  310  shown in  FIG. 3E , first thinned portion  436  and second thinned portion  446  are not covered by first material  428 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , only the remaining portion of second material  430  is covered by the remaining portion of first material  428 . As a result of forming seam  426  on the end of wearable band  410  and/or between the top layer and the bottom layer, seam  426  is positioned adjacent a housing of the electronic device (see,  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) and may not be visible or easily seen by a user of wearable band  310 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  show side cross-section views of first material  528  and second material  530  forming wearable band  510  for electronic device  100  (see,  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). First material  528  and second material  530  undergo some similar steps as those discussed herein with respect to process  200 , and as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3E . However, first material  528  and second material  530  include distinct features discussed in detail below and, as such, undergo distinct steps from those discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2 , and as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3E . It is understood that similarly numbered and/or named components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
       FIG. 5A  shows a side cross-section view of first material  528  and second material  530  subsequent to undergoing a thinning process. In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 5A  and as similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 3A , first material  528  has a thickness (T 528 ) and second material  530  has a thickness (T 530 ). In the non-limiting example, the thickness (T 528 ) of first material  528  is substantially similar and/or equal to the thickness (T 530 ) of second material  530 . 
     Distinct from  FIG. 3A , the thinned portions  536 ,  546  of first material  528  and second material  530  have different material thicknesses (T M1 , T M2 ) and/or are formed through different surfaces. As shown in  FIG. 5A , first material  528  includes first thinned portion  536  having a material thickness (T M1 ) that is less than approximately half the thickness (T 528 ) of first material  528 . Additionally, material thickness (T M1 ) of first thinned portion  536  is less than the thinned depth or thickness (T S1 ) of the material removed from first thinned portion  536  of first material  528 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 5A , the material thickness (T M1 ) of first thinned portion  536  is approximately one-quarter (¼) or a fourth of the thickness (T 528 ) of first material  528 . 
     Second material  530  is distinct from second material  330  discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 3A . Specifically, second thinned portion  546  is formed on and/or through outer surface  542  of second material  530 , and includes a material thickness (T M2 ) that is approximately half the thickness (T 530 ) of second material  530 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the material thickness (T M2 ) of second thinned portion  546  formed in outer surface  542  is equal to a thinned depth or thickness (T S2 ) of the material removed from second thinned portion  546  of second material  530 . The material thickness (T M2 ) and thinned thickness (T S2 ) of second material  530  are equal to half the thickness (T 530 ) of second material  530 . Additionally, and because first material  528  and second material  530  include similar thicknesses (T 528 , T 530 ), the material thickness (T M2 ) of second thinned portion  546  of second material  530  is substantially greater than the material thickness (T M1 ) of first thinned portion  536  of first material  528 . In the non-limiting example, the material thickness (T M1 ) of first thinned portion  536  of first material  528  is approximately half of the material thickness (T M2 ) of second thinned portion  546  of second material  530 . 
       FIG. 5B  shows first material  528  coupled to second material  530 . Specifically, and similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 3B , thread  552  is sewn through first thinned portion  536  of first material  528  and second thinned portion  546  of second material  530  to couple first material  528  to second material  530 . Distinct from first material  328  and second material  330  shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ,  FIGS. 5A and 5B  show that thinned portions  536 ,  546  have different lengths and/or are formed into the respective materials (e.g., first material  528 , second material  530 ) at different lengths. As shown in  FIG. 5B , the length of first thinned portion  536  is longer than second thinned portion  546 . Similar to second material  330  discussed and shown herein with respect to  FIG. 3B , thread  552  is sewn through approximately the halfway or midway length of second thinned portion  546  of second material  530 . Distinct from second material  530 , and as a result of the longer length of first thinned portion  536 , thread  552  is formed through a portion of first thinned portion  536  that is less than the halfway or midway length of first thinned portion  536 , and is sewn substantially adjacent end  538  of first material  528 . As discussed herein, the varying length between first thinned portion  536  and second thinned portion  546  relates to how thinned portions  536 ,  546  of the materials  528 ,  530  are folded when forming a wearable band. 
     Additionally as shown in  FIG. 5B , second material  530  is substantially bent, shaped and/or displaced into first material  528  to sew thread  552  through first thinned portion  536  and second thinned portion  546 . That is, as a result of second thinned portion  546  being formed in outer surface  542  of second material  530  and because outer surface  542  of second material  530  contacts outer surface  532  of first material  528  during the coupling or sewing process, second thinned portion  546  is displaced to contact first thinned portion  536 . Second thinned portion  546  is displaced toward first thinned portion  536  to contact outer surface  532  of first material  528  in order for thread  552  to be sewn through both first thinned portion  536  and second thinned portion  546 . As similarly discussed herein, thread  552  is sewn through first thinned portion  536  and second thinned portion  546  to couple first material  528  and second material  530 . 
       FIG. 5C  shows thinned portions  536 ,  546  subsequently folded onto the first thinned portion  536  of first material  528 . As shown in  FIG. 5C , and distinct from  FIG. 3D , first thinned portion  536  of first material  528  and second thinned portion  546  of second material  530  are both folded and/or positioned over first thinned portion  536  of first material  528 . First thinned portion  536  of first material  528  is initially folded onto and/or over itself, adjacent thread  452 . Additionally, end  538  of first material  528  is folded toward inner surface  534 . Because first thinned portion  536  includes a material thickness (T M1 ) (see,  FIG. 5A ) that is less than half the thickness (T 528 ) of first material  528 , first thinned portion  536  and end  538  are positioned below and/or not in alignment with inner surface  534  of first material  528 . In the non-limiting example discussed herein where the material thickness (T M1 ) of first thinned portion  536  is a fourth of the thickness (T 528 ) of first material  528 , folded first thinned portion  536  has a thickness equal to half of the thickness (T 528 ) of first material  528 . 
     After first thinned portion  536  is folded onto itself, second thinned portion  546  of second material  530  is folded and/or positioned over folded, first thinned portion  536  of first material  528 . As discussed herein, first material  528  and second material  530  include similar thicknesses (T 528 , T 530 ) and the material thickness (T M2 ) of second thinned portion  546  is equal to half of the thickness (T 530 ) of second material  530  and the thickness (T 528 ) of first material  528 , respectively. Additionally, and as discussed above, folded, first thinned portion  536  has a thickness equal to half the thickness (T 528 ) of first material  528 . As a result, when second thinned portion  546  of second material  530  is positioned over folded, first thinned portion  536 , the collective thickness of folded, first thinned portion  536 , and second thinned portion  546  is equal to the thickness (T 528 ) of first material  528  and the thickness (T 530 ) of second material  530 , respectively. Additionally, second thinned portion  546  of second material  530  is in planar alignment with inner surface  534  of first material  528  and inner surface  544  of second material  530 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 5C , folding first thinned portion  536  onto itself and subsequently folding second thinned portion  546  over folded, first thinned portion  536 , results in first material  528  and second material  530  with substantially uniform thicknesses throughout the individual material and with respect to one another. 
       FIGS. 6A-6E  show cross-section views of first material  628  and second material  630  forming wearable band  610  (see,  FIG. 6E ). Distinct from the non-limiting examples discussed herein, first material  628  and second material  630  include distinct thicknesses. In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 6A , the thickness (T 628 ) of first material  628  is larger than the thickness (T 630 ) of second material  630 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , and similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 3A , first material  628  includes first thinned portion  636  formed in inner surface  634  adjacent end  638 , and second material  630  includes second thinned portion  646  formed in inner surface  644  adjacent end  648 . First thinned portion  636  and second thinned portion  646  include a similar material thickness (T M ) for the material of first thinned portion  636  and second thinned portion  646 , respectively. However distinct from those examples discussed herein, the material thickness (T M ) for the material of first thinned portion  636  and second thinned portion  646  is equal to half the thickness (T 628 ) of first material  628 . As a result, the thinned depth or thickness (T S1 ) of first thinned portion  636  is substantially equal to the material thickness (T M ) of first thinned portion  636 . However, the thinned depth or thickness (T S2 ) of second thinned portion  646  is not equal to the material thickness (T M ) of second thinned portion  646 . Rather, the material thickness (T M ) of second thinned portion  646  is larger than the thinned depth or thickness (T S2 ) of second thinned portion  646  as a result of second material  630  having a smaller thickness (T 630 ) than the thickness (T 628 ) of first material  628 . Additionally, the material thickness (T M ) of second thinned portion  646  is larger than half the material thickness (T 630 ) of second material  630  as a result of second material  630  having a smaller thickness (T 630 ) than the thickness (T 628 ) of first material  628 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6B , thread  652  is sewn through first thinned portion  636  and second thinned portion  646  to couple first material  628  to second material  630 . Thread  652  being sewn through first thinned portion  636  and second thinned portion  646  to couple first material  628  to second material  630  may be substantially similar to that described herein with respect to  FIGS. 3B and 5B . As such, redundant explanation is omitted. 
       FIG. 6C  shows first thinned portion  636  and second thinned portion  646  subsequent to being folded onto themselves. Similar to  FIG. 3D , first thinned portion  636  of first material  628  is folded onto itself and toward inner surface  634  of first material  628 . As shown in  FIG. 6C , and as a result of first thinned portion  636  having a material thickness (T M ) that is half of the thickness (T 628 ) of first material  628 , when first thinned portion  636  is folded onto itself, first thinned portion  636  is in planar alignment with inner surface  634  of first material  628 . 
     Additionally, and similar to first thinned portion  636  of first material  628 , second thinned portion  646  of second material  630  is folded onto itself, toward inner surface  644  of second material  630 . Second thinned portion  646  is folded onto itself at or about thread  652 . However, distinct from first material  628 , as a result of second thinned portion  646  having a material thickness (T M ) that is greater than half the thickness (T 630 ) of second material  630 , when second thinned portion  646  is folded onto itself, second thinned portion  646  is not in planar alignment with inner surface  644  of second material  630 . Instead, second thinned portion  646  includes an extended portion  658  that is positioned above inner surface  644 . Although not in planar alignment with inner surface  644  of second material  630 , because second thinned portion  646  has a material thickness (T M ) equal to half the thickness (T 628 ) of first material  628 , second thinned portion  646  of second material  630  is in planar alignment with inner surface  634  of first material  628 . 
     To achieve uniform thickness between first material  628  and second material  630 , additional layers of filler material  654   a  are positioned over portions of second material  630 . As shown in  FIGS. 6D and 6E , first layer of filler material  654   a  is shaped or formed to have a thickness substantially equal to the height of extended portion  658  of second thinned portion  646 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 6D , first layer of filler material  654   a  is then positioned over and/or coupled to the remaining portion of second material  630 , adjacent second thinned portion  646  having extended portion  658 . Once positioned over the remaining portion of second material  630 , second material  630  including extended portion  658  of second thinned portion  646  includes a uniform thickness. The new uniform thickness formed by covering the remaining portion of second material  630  with the first layer of filler material  654   a  is also equal to the thickness (T 628 ) of first material  628 . 
     As a result of forming a uniform thickness for both first material  628  and second material  630 , first material  628  and second material  630  as shown in  FIG. 6D  may undergo similar processes as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 3D and 3E  to form wearable band  610 . In a non-limiting example, a second layer of filler material  654   b  is applied to and/or covers first thinned portion  636  of first material  628 , the entirety of second material  630  including second thinned portion  646  and the first layer of filler material  654   a . After the second layer of filler material  654   b  is formed over first material  628 , second material  630  and the first layer of filler material  654   a , the remaining portion of first material  628  is folded around and/or over attachment component  618  and over the second layer of filler material  654   b  to form wearable band  610  shown in  FIG. 6E  and as similarly discussed herein. 
       FIGS. 7A-7E  show cross-section views of first material  728  and second material  730  forming wearable band  710  (see,  FIG. 7E ). Similar to  FIGS. 6A-6E , first material  728  and second material  730  include distinct thicknesses, where the thickness (T 728 ) of first material  728  is larger than the thickness (T 730 ) of second material  730 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7A , and similarly discussed herein, first material  728  includes first thinned portion  736 , and second material  730  includes second thinned portion  746 . Distinct from first material  628  and second material  630  discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 6A , first thinned portion  736  and second thinned portion  746  include a distinct material thicknesses (T M1 , T M2 ) for the material of first thinned portion  736  and second thinned portion  746 , respectively. In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 7A , the material thickness (T M1 ) for first thinned portion  736  of first material  728  is identical to the thinned depth or thickness (T S1 ), and approximately half the thickness (T 728 ) of first material  728 . Additionally, the material thickness (T M2 ) for second thinned portion  746  of second material  730  is identical to the thinned depth or thickness (T S2 ), and approximately half the thickness (T 730 ) of second material  730 . Because the thickness (T 7   28 ) of first material  728  is larger than the thickness (T 730 ) of second material  730 , the material thickness (T M1 ) for first thinned portion  736  of first material  728  is also larger than the material thickness (T M2 ) for second thinned portion  746  of second material  730 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7B , thread  752  is sewn through first thinned portion  736  and second thinned portion  746  to couple first material  728  to second material  730 . Thread  752  being sewn through first thinned portion  736  and second thinned portion  746  to couple first material  728  to second material  730  may be substantially similar to that described herein with respect to  FIGS. 3B and 5B . As such, redundant explanation is omitted. 
       FIG. 7C  shows first thinned portion  736  and second thinned portion  746  subsequent to being folded onto themselves. Similar to  FIG. 3D , first thinned portion  736  of first material  728  is folded onto itself. As shown in  FIG. 7C , and as a result of first thinned portion  736  having a material thickness (T M1 ) that is half of the thickness (T 728 ) of first material  728 , folded, first thinned portion  736  is in planar alignment with inner surface  734  of first material  728 . 
     Additionally, and similar to first thinned portion  736  of first material  728 , second thinned portion  746  of second material  730  is folded onto itself. Also as a result of second thinned portion  746  having a material thickness (T M2 ) that is half of the thickness (T 730 ) of second material  730 , folded, second thinned portion  746  is in planar alignment with inner surface  744  of second material  730 . 
     However, because first material  728  and second material  730  have distinct thicknesses, first material  728  and second material  730  may not be uniform with each other. As shown in  FIG. 7C , inner surface  734  of first material  728  is not in planar alignment with inner surface  744  of second material  730  as a result of first material  728  having a thickness (T 728 ) that is larger than the thickness (T 730 ) of second material  730 . As a result a gap (G) may be formed between inner surface  734  of first material  728  and inner surface  744  of second material  730 . 
     To achieve uniform thickness between first material  728  and second material  730 , additional layers of filler material  754   a  are positioned over second material  730 . As shown in  FIGS. 7D and 7E , and as similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 6D and 6E , first layer of filler material  754   a  is shaped or formed to have a thickness substantially equal to the height of the gap (G) formed between inner surface  734  of first material  728  and inner surface  744  of second material  730 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 7D , first layer of filler material  754   a  is then positioned over and/or coupled to the entirety of second material  730 . Once positioned over second material  730 , second material  730  and filler material  754   a  includes a thickness that is substantially equal to the thickness (T 728 ) of first material  728 . 
     As a result of forming a uniform or equal thickness for both first material  728  and second material  730 , first material  728  and second material  730  as shown in  FIG. 7D  may undergo similar processes as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 6D and 6E  to form wearable band  710 . In a non-limiting example, a second layer of filler material  754   b  is applied to and/or covers first thinned portion  736  of first material  728 , the entirety of second material  730  including second thinned portion  746 , and the first layer of filler material  754   a . After the second layer of filler material  754   b  is formed over first material  728 , second material  730  and the first layer of filler material  754   a , first material  728  is folded around and/or over attachment component  718  and over the second layer of filler material  754   b  to form wearable band  710  shown in  FIG. 7E  and as similarly discussed herein. 
       FIGS. 8A-8D  show cross-section views of first material  828  and second material  830  forming wearable band  810  (see,  FIG. 8E ). Distinct from the non-limiting examples discussed herein that discuss thinned portions that have a uniform thickness, first material  828  and second material  830  include similar thicknesses, but include a tapered portion having a tapered thickness for thinned portions  836 ,  846 . It is understood that similarly numbered and/or named components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8A , and similarly discussed herein, first material  828  includes first thinned portion  836 , and second material  830  includes second thinned portion  846 . Distinct from the various thinned portions discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 3A-7E , first thinned portion  836  and second thinned portion  846  include a varying or tapered thickness (T T ). In general, the thinned portions  836 ,  846  having a varying or tapered thickness (T T ) may also be referred to as tapered portions. In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 8A , first thinned portion  836  of first material  828  includes a varying or tapered thickness (T T ) such that the thickness of the material in first thinned portion  836  is smallest or thinnest at end  838  and thicker at opposite end  838 . Additionally, second thinned portion  846  of second material  830  includes a varying or tapered thickness (T T ) such that the thickness of the material in second thinned portion  846  is smallest or thinnest at end  848  and thicker at opposite end  848 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , tapered thickness (T T ) for first thinned portion  836  and second thinned portion  846  includes a slope or gradient that is substantially constant and/or does not vary. That is, the amount of material removed at the thinnest thickness of first thinned portion  836  at end  838  is substantially equal to the amount of material that remains at the thickest portion of first thinned portion  836  formed opposite end  838 . In a non-limiting example, the varying or tapered thickness (T T ) of each of first thinned portion  836  and second thinned portion  846  may have a slope or gradient for the taper that is approximately 45°. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8B , thread  852  is sewn through first thinned portion  836  having a tapered thickness (T T ) and second thinned portion  846  also having a tapered thickness (T T ). Thread  852  is sewn through first thinned portion  836  and second thinned portion  846  to couple first material  828  to second material  830 . Thread  852  being sewn through first thinned portion  836  and second thinned portion  846  may be substantially similar to that described herein with respect to  FIGS. 3B and 5B . As such, redundant explanation is omitted. 
       FIG. 8C  shows first thinned portion  836  and second thinned portion  846  subsequent to being folded onto themselves. First thinned portion  836  of first material  828  is folded onto itself, such that end  838  is folded toward inner surface  834 . Additionally as shown in  FIG. 8C , the thinner portion of first thinned portion  836  formed at end  838  is folded onto the thicker portion of first thinned portion  836  formed opposite end  838 . As a result of first thinned portion  836  having a constant taper thickness (T T ), folded, first thinned portion  836  and end  838  are in planar alignment with inner surface  834  of first material  828 . 
     Additionally, and similar to first thinned portion  836  of first material  828 , second thinned portion  846  of second material  830  is folded onto itself, such that end  848  is folded toward inner surface  844 . The thinner portion of second thinned portion  846  formed at end  848  is folded onto the thicker portion of second thinned portion  846  formed opposite end  848 . Also, as a result of second thinned portion  836  having a constant taper thickness (T T ), folded, second thinned portion  846  and end  848  are in planar alignment with inner surface  844  of second material  830 . 
       FIG. 8D  shows wearable band  810  formed from first material  828  and second material  830  in an operational or final state. As shown in  FIG. 8E , first material  828  and second material  830  forming wearable band  810  undergo similar processes as discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 3E . That is, filler material  854  may be positioned over first thinned portion  836  having tapered thickness (T T ), and second material  830  including second thinned portion  846  having a tapered thickness (T T ). First material  830  is also folded over and/or around attachment component  818  and over filler material  854  to form wearable band  810 . 
     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: 20160907
Publication Date: 20180904
Grant Date: 20180904
Priority Date: 20150908
Inventors: Griffin, II, James G.
SHAFFER, BENJAMIN A.
SIAHAAN, EDWARD
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C66/14", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/0053", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/0053", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/008", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/008", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/0053", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C66/14", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58190942