PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11717060-B2
Application Number: US-202117306802-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Attachment system for an electronic device

Abstract:
A removable module and a housing for an attachment system of a consumer product is described. The removable module includes a locking mechanism comprising a first portion having a substantially planar top surface and second portion that comprises a substantially non-planar bottom surface. The first portion and the second portion are coupled together. The locking mechanism also includes a first spring mechanism coupled between the first portion and the second portion. The first spring mechanism causes the first portion to be biased away from the second portion. The locking mechanism also includes a second spring mechanism. The second spring mechanism causes the substantially planar top surface of the first portion to be biased substantially flush with respect to the removable module and also causes the substantially non-planar bottom surface of the second portion to be biased proud with respect to the removable module.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A watch band assembly for a wearable electronic device having a channel and a recess, the watch band assembly comprising:
 a removable module configured to be removably coupled to the wearable electronic device, the removable module comprising a body defining a surface and an opening extending into the surface; 
 a catch member moveable within the opening, the catch member comprising:
 a substantially planar top surface; and 
 a chamfered edge surrounding the substantially planar top surface and extending from the substantially planar top surface at least to the surface of the body; and 
 
 a spring mechanism configured to bias the catch member to be proud of the surface of the removable module, wherein the chamfered edge is configured to actuate the catch member to be flush with the surface of the removable module when the removable module moves along the channel and the chamfered edge contacts the channel or the recess. 
 
     
     
       2. The watch band assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a band strap configured to attach the wearable electronic device to a user, the removable module being coupled to the band strap. 
     
     
       3. The watch band assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising friction pads on opposite sides of the catch member. 
     
     
       4. The watch band assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the spring mechanism is a first spring mechanism and the watch band assembly further comprises a second spring mechanism to bias the catch member. 
     
     
       5. The watch band assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the catch member forms a rounded oblong shape. 
     
     
       6. The watch band assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the catch member is further configured to be actuated by force applied by a tool or a user. 
     
     
       7. A watch band assembly for a wearable electronic device having a channel and a recess, the watch band assembly comprising:
 a band strap configured to attach the wearable electronic device to a user; 
 a removable module coupled to the band strap and configured to be removably coupled to the wearable electronic device, the removable module comprising a body defining a top surface and an opening extending into the top surface; and 
 a locking mechanism configured to lock the removable module to the wearable electronic device when inserted into the channel of the wearable electronic device, the locking mechanism comprising:
 a catch member having a chamfered edge extending either to the top surface of the body or into the opening; and 
 a spring mechanism facilitating movement of the locking mechanism between:
 a first position, while the locking mechanism is outside the channel, with the catch member being proud with respect to the top surface of the removable module; 
 a second position, while the locking mechanism is partially within the channel, with the catch member substantially flush with the top surface of the removable module, wherein the chamfered edge actuates the locking mechanism from the first position to the second position when the chamfered edge contacts the channel of the wearable electronic device; and 
 a third position, while the locking mechanism is inside the channel, with the catch member protruding out of the opening into the recess. 
 
 
 
     
     
       8. The watch band assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the spring mechanism is a first spring mechanism and the locking mechanism further comprises a second spring mechanism to bias the catch member. 
     
     
       9. The watch band assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the chamfered edge surrounds a substantially planar top surface of the catch member. 
     
     
       10. The watch band assembly of  claim 7 , further comprising friction pads on opposite sides of the catch member. 
     
     
       11. The watch band assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the catch member forms a rounded oblong shape. 
     
     
       12. The watch band assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the catch member is further configured to be actuated by force applied by a tool or the user. 
     
     
       13. A watch band assembly for a wearable electronic device, the watch band assembly comprising:
 a removable module configured to be removably coupled to the wearable electronic device, the removable module comprising a body defining a surface and an opening extending into the surface; 
 a catch member moveable within the opening, the catch member comprising:
 a substantially planar top surface; and 
 a chamfered edge extending from the substantially planar top surface at least to the surface of the body, the chamfered edge being configured to actuate the catch member as the removable module is inserted into a channel and the chamfered edge contacts the channel; and 
 
 a spring mechanism configured to bias the catch member to be proud of the surface of the removable module. 
 
     
     
       14. The watch band assembly of  claim 13 , further comprising a band strap configured to attach the wearable electronic device to a user, the removable module being coupled to the band strap. 
     
     
       15. The watch band assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the chamfered edge surrounds the substantially planar top surface. 
     
     
       16. The watch band assembly of  claim 13 , further comprising friction pads on opposite sides of the catch member. 
     
     
       17. The watch band assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the spring mechanism is a first spring mechanism and the watch band assembly further comprises a second spring mechanism to bias the catch member. 
     
     
       18. The watch band assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the catch member forms a rounded oblong shape. 
     
     
       19. The watch band assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the catch member is moveable within the opening to a position with the substantially planar top surface being substantially flush with the surface of the removable module. 
     
     
       20. The watch band assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the catch member is further configured to be actuated by force applied by a tool or a user.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/297,390, filed Mar. 8, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/869,640, filed Sep. 29, 2015, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,264,857, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/789,292, filed Jul. 1, 2015, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,085,523 and titled “Attachment System for an Electronic Device,” which is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/036,080, filed Aug. 11, 2014 and titled “Attachment System for an Electronic Device,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/047,625 filed Sep. 8, 2014 and titled “Wearable Electronic Device and an Attachment System for Coupling Objects to the Wearable Electronic Device,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,891, filed Mar. 8, 2015 and titled “Attachment System for an Electronic Device,” the disclosures of each of which being hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to an attachment system for coupling two objects together and, more specifically, to an attachment system for a consumer product. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Consumer products such as watches, cameras, phones, purses, and glasses may include one or more accessories attached thereto. The manner in which they are attached may be widely varied. However, they typically suffer from similar, if not the same, drawbacks. For example, many consumer products typically do not include user-friendly attachment systems. Some may require special tools and others may even require taking the consumer product into a shop in order to remove, fix or replace the accessories. Furthermore, even when products have user oriented attachment mechanisms, they may not provide adequate retention force. Even if the retention force is adequate, the mechanism used may be quite robust and large thereby adversely affecting the elegance of the consumer product. 
     In one example, wristwatches typically include a case and a band. The case carries the components or mechanisms of the wristwatch including the face. The band extends away from the case so that it can wrap around the wrist of a user. The band may be integral with the case. However, in most cases, the band is a separate part that is attached to the case. For example, the case may include a pin that captures the band thereby attaching the band to the case. In order to detach the band from the case, the pin needs to be removed. In some instances, band removal can be accomplished with a special tool. However, in many cases, the user may need to visit a specialty store or have the assistance of technician in order to remove the band. 
     In another example, a pair of glasses, such as, eye glasses, electronic glasses, sunglasses and the like, may have temples or stems that extend from a frame. The temples or stems may be coupled to the frames by a screw, a pin or other such mechanism. However, like the wristwatch, a special tool may be required to remove and/or secure the temples or stems to and from the frame. 
     In still yet another example, other electronic devices may be coupled to a lanyard or other type of band or accessory. For example a camera, a remote control, a game controller and the like may have a lanyard that is attached to a housing. However, it may be difficult to attach the lanyard to the housing as a portion of the lanyard is typically required to be inserted into a small opening within the housing of the electronic device. In this example, as with the other examples discussed above, the lanyard or other such accessory may be attached to the electronic device or consumer product in a manner that is neither secure nor aesthetically pleasing. 
     It is with respect to these and other general considerations that embodiments of the present disclosure have been made. Although relatively specific problems have been discussed, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein should not be limited to solving the specific problems identified in this background. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Provided herein is an attachment system for a consumer product. As will be explained in detail below, the attachment system may be used to couple an article, an object, an accessory and the like to the consumer product. For example, the object, article, or accessory may be a cover, a lanyard, a band, a strap, a chain, a dock and the like. Likewise, the consumer product may be an electronic device, a mechanical device, an electromechanical device and so on. Accordingly, the attachment system may be coupled the article and further be used to secure the article to the consumer product. The attachment system may also be removed from the consumer product which thereby removes the article from the consumer product. 
     The article, the attachment system and the consumer product may comprise an ecosystem whereby each of the article, the attachment system and the consumer product are interchangeable with respect to one another. Thus, a single attachment system may be used with various articles and with various consumer products. Likewise, various articles may be used with various attachment systems and various consumer products. When the article is coupled to the attachment system, the combination of the article and the attachment system may be interchangeable with another attachment system and article combination. In this manner, articles (such as bands) having different characteristics may be matched or used with a single consumer product, thereby allowing the band to be easily and efficiently changed or swapped. One band may be changed out for another to account for environmental differences, operational features, functional characteristics, appearance, and so on. 
     Additionally, the consumer product may be changed out such that multiple consumer products may be coupled to a given band, although not necessarily simultaneously. A band may be connected to a media player through an attachment system associated with on one or both of the band and media player, as one example. The media player may be removed from the band and a portable health monitor or timekeeping device may then be attached to the band using the same attachment system, a component of the attachment system, or a compatible attachment system. 
     The interoperability of bands and consumer products and other such devices may be facilitated by a common attachment system. More specifically, the interoperability may be facilitated by a removable module of the attachment system. For example, the removable module of the attachment system may be received into a receiving module of a consumer product and may also be coupled to the article using a mating structure. By maintaining commonality of receiving modules across consumer products and commonality of mating structures across articles, interchangeability, functionality and choice may be enhanced. This may permit a variety of unique use cases, including using a band to physically connect two consumer products to one another presuming the band has a mating structure at both ends. Likewise, by providing a group of objects (bands, accessories, lanyards, chains, charging mechanisms, data transfer mechanisms, cables, stands, supports, structures, and so on) that each have a common mating structure that may be utilized by the attachment system, and a group of consumer products that each have a common receiving module for receiving the removable module of the attachment system, an ecosystem of objects and devices may be formed to provide increased choice, flexibility, operation and interoperability to a user. 
     Accordingly, and as will be described herein, an attachment system having a removable module is disclosed. The removable module is adapted to be received into an aperture, a groove or a channel of a housing of a consumer product. As the removable module slides relative to the aperture, groove or channel, the removable module may be locked in place within the aperture, groove or channel with a spring-biased locking mechanism located in a body of the removable module. More specifically, a portion of the spring-biased locking mechanism may be received into an opening within the aperture, groove or channel which locks the removable module within the housing of the consumer product. 
     A locking mechanism for an attachment system of an electronic device is also disclosed. The locking mechanism may be included in or otherwise retained in a body of a removable module of the attachment system. The locking mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The first portion is spring-biased away from the second portion and is also spring-biased substantially flush with respect to the body of the removable module. The second portion is also spring-biased away from the first portion and is spring-biased proud with respect to the body of the removable module. 
     A locking mechanism for an attachment system of a consumer product is disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a first portion having a substantially planar top surface and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The second portion has a substantially non-planar bottom surface. The first portion of the locking mechanism is spring-biased away from the second portion. Further, the substantially planar top surface of the first portion is spring-biased substantially flush with respect to a body of a removable module of the attachment system and the substantially non-planar bottom surface of the second portion is spring-biased proud with respect to the body of the removable module of the attachment system. 
     Also disclosed is a removable module for an attachment system of a consumer product. The removable module comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end. At least one of the proximal end and the distal end is configured to be inserted into a channel of a housing of the consumer product. The body of the removable module includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a latch having a substantially planar top surface and ramp having a substantially non-planar bottom surface. The ramp and the latch are coupled together using a flange disposed on or otherwise associated with the ramp. The locking mechanism also includes a first spring mechanism coupled between the latch and the ramp and a second spring mechanism coupled between the ramp and an interior surface of the body. The second spring mechanism and the coupling of the latch and ramp cause the substantially planar top surface of the latch to be biased substantially flush with respect to the body of the removable module. The second spring mechanism also causes the substantially non-planar bottom surface of the ramp to be biased proud with respect to the body of the removable module. 
     A method for inserting a removable module of an attachment system into a channel of a housing of a consumer product is also disclosed. The method includes inserting a first portion of the removable module into the channel of a housing of a consumer product. The removable module includes a locking mechanism having a first portion that is spring-biased substantially flush with respect the removable module and a second portion that is spring-biased proud with respect to the removable module. The removable module is configured to slide into and within the channel. The sliding action of the removable module causes the first portion of the locking mechanism to enter the channel and remain substantially flush with respect to the attachment system. The sliding action also causes the second portion of the locking mechanism to be compressed by the channel such that the second portion of the locking mechanism is received into the removable module and is substantially flush with respect to the removable module. As the sliding action continues, the first portion of the locking mechanism is received into a recess of the channel when the first portion of the locking mechanism is in proximity to the recess. 
     A spring-biased locking mechanism that secures a removable module of an attachment system within a housing of a consumer product is disclosed herein. The locking mechanism includes a catch member and a ramp coupled to the catch member. The catch member comprises a substantially planar surface while the ramp has a substantially non-planar surface. A first spring mechanism and a second spring mechanism may be secured between the catch member and the ramp which causes the catch member to be biased away from the ramp such that the locking mechanism is in an expanded state. The second spring mechanism causes the catch member to be biased flush with respect to the removable module and further causes the ramp to be biased proud with respect to the removable module. 
     A removable module of an attachment system is also disclosed. The removable module has an elongated body having a rounded top surface and a rounded bottom surface. An aperture is disposed through the elongated body. The aperture defines an opening that receives a locking mechanism. In addition, the aperture comprises a first ledge portion and a second ledge portion. The first ledge portion is adapted to hold a first portion of the locking mechanism at a first location within the aperture and the second ledge portion is configured to hold a second portion of the locking mechanism at a second location within the aperture. The first location within the aperture is opposite the second location within the aperture. The second portion of the locking mechanism may be actuated in a first direction that is toward the first portion of the locking mechanism and the second ledge portion of the aperture. Actuation of the second portion of the locking mechanism in this manner causes the first portion of the locking mechanism to expand away from the first ledge portion and the second portion of the locking mechanism. 
     Also disclosed is a removable module of an attachment system. The removable module is comprised of an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. The removable module also includes a spring-biased locking mechanism having a catch member and a ramp disposed through an axis of the elongated body. The catch member of the locking mechanism is spring-biased substantially flush against a first side of the elongated body and the ramp of the locking mechanism is spring-biased proud with respect to a second side of the elongated body. 
     Also disclosed herein is a release mechanism for a housing of a consumer product. The release mechanism for the housing of the consumer product includes an actuation member having a substantially planar top surface. The release mechanism also includes a plunger member configured to mate with the actuation member. The release mechanism may include one or more spring mechanisms disposed between the actuation member and the plunger member. The one or more spring mechanisms may cause the substantially planar top surface of the actuation member to be biased substantially flush with respect to the housing and away from the plunger member. In certain embodiments, the release mechanism is configured to interact with a locking mechanism of an attachment system disposed within the housing. Specifically, when the actuation member of the release mechanism is actuated, the release mechanism is configured to compress at least a portion of the locking mechanism to enable the attachment system to slide within the housing. 
     A housing for a consumer product is disclosed. The housing includes a channel disposed at least partially along a length of the housing. In certain embodiments, the channel has an opening on one or more of a proximal end and a distal end. Each opening of the channel is configured to receive a proximal end or a distal end of an attachment system. One or more embodiments also provide that a through-hole is disposed on a first portion of the channel. The through-hole is configured to receive a release mechanism and comprises at least one ledge. The at least one ledge is configured to retain at least a portion of the release mechanism in a first position. The through-hole also includes a recess that is configured to receive a portion of the release mechanism and a portion of a spring-biased locking mechanism of the attachment system. 
     One or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a housing for a consumer product. The housing comprises a channel disposed along a sidewall of the housing. The channel may include an opening on a proximal end and an opening on a distal end. The opening on each of the proximal end and the distal end is configured to receive at least a portion of an attachment system. The channel also includes a recess that is configured to receive a spring-biased locking mechanism of an attachment system. The recess may include at least a portion of a release mechanism that is configured to expel the spring-biased locking mechanism from within the recess in response to actuation of the release mechanism. 
     The present disclosure also describes an attachment system disposed within a channel of a housing of a consumer product. The housing includes a release mechanism. At least a portion of the release mechanism is positioned within a recess of the channel. The attachment system includes a compressible locking mechanism in which at least a portion of the compressible locking mechanism is configured to be received within the recess of the channel. The portion of the release mechanism contained within the recess is configured to expel the spring-biased locking mechanism from the recess in response to actuation of the release mechanism. Once the spring-biased locking mechanism is free from the recess, the attachment system may be removed from the channel of the housing. 
     A method for coupling an attachment system to a housing of a device is also described. For this method, a first portion of an attachment system is inserted into a channel of a housing. The attachment system may comprise a spring-biased locking mechanism having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the locking mechanism is spring-biased substantially flush with respect to a first side of the attachment system and the second portion of the locking mechanism is spring-biased proud with respect to a second side of the attachment system. The method also includes sliding the attachment system within the housing. The sliding action causes the second portion of the locking mechanism to contract such that at least a portion of the second portion of the locking mechanism is substantially flush with respect to the second side of the attachment system. Additionally, the channel of the housing further causes the first portion of the locking mechanism to remain substantially flush with respect to the first side of the attachment system. When the first side of the locking mechanism is beneath or substantially beneath a recess in the channel of the housing, the first portion of the locking mechanism expands and is received into the recess in the channel. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a method for assembling a locking mechanism for an attachment system. In such embodiments, an attachment system is provided. The attachment system may include a through-hole having at least a first ledge and a second ledge. A latch portion and a ramp of the locking mechanism are also provided. The latch portion may include a substantially planar top surface and a chamfered edge and the ramp has a rounded or non-planar bottom surface. In embodiments, the ramp is configured to mate with the latch portion and secures a first spring mechanism and a second spring mechanism between the latch portion and the ramp. The first spring mechanism causes the latch portion to be biased away from the ramp such that the locking mechanism is in an expanded state. Likewise, the second spring mechanism biases the ramp away from the latch portion such that the substantially planar top surface of the latch portion is substantially flush with respect to a first surface of the attachment system. Additionally, the second spring mechanism causes the rounded or non-planar bottom surface of the ramp to protrude from a second surface of the attachment system. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a method for assembling a release mechanism for a housing of a device. The housing may include a channel at least partially disposed along a length of the housing. The housing may also include an opening that includes a recess portion disposed within the channel. The opening is configured to receive an actuation portion of the release mechanism and the recess is configured to receive a plunger of the release mechanism. One or more embodiments further provide that the actuation portion of the release mechanism is coupled with the plunger of the release mechanism. When the actuation portion is actuated, the plunger is configured to slide within the recess of the housing and compresses at least a portion of a locking mechanism that is contained within the recess. 
     One or more embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a method of releasing an attachment system from a housing of a consumer product. Specifically, one or more embodiments provide for actuating a button member disposed within a housing of the consumer product. In such embodiments, actuation of the button member causes a first portion of a spring-biased locking mechanism associated with the attachment system to be expelled from a recess within the housing such that the first portion of the locking mechanism that was contained within the recess is substantially flush with respect to a top surface of the attachment system. Further, in response to actuating the button member, the attachment system is moved from a first position within the housing to a second position at least substantially outside of the housing. When the attachment system is at least substantially out of the housing, a second portion of the locking mechanism is released from attachment system which causes the second portion of the locking mechanism to be biased proud with respect to a bottom surface of the attachment system while keeping the first portion of the locking mechanism biased flush with respect to the top side of the attachment system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1 A  illustrates an example attachment system for a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  1 B  illustrates a removable module of the attachment system being inserted into a channel of the attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  1 C  illustrates the removable module being fully inserted into a channel of the attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 A  illustrates a side view of a first locking configuration of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 B  illustrates a side view of a second locking configuration of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 C  illustrates a side view of a third locking configuration of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 D  illustrates a side view of a fourth locking configuration of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 E  illustrates a side view of a fifth locking configuration of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 F  illustrates a side view of a sixth locking configuration of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 A  illustrates a block diagram of a removable module of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 B  illustrates a block diagram of a housing of a consumer product that may be part of or integrated with the attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 C  illustrates a block diagram of a removable module being inserted into a housing of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 D  illustrates the removable module being locked in place within the housing of the consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 E  illustrates the removable module being removed from the housing of the consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 A  illustrates an example consumer product that may utilize an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 B  illustrates an example consumer product that may utilize the attachment system to attach an accessory to the consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 C  illustrates a side view of the consumer product of  FIG.  4 A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 D  illustrates a bottom view of the consumer product of  FIG.  4 A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5 A  illustrates an example attachment system and removable module that may be integrated with a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5 B  illustrates a removable module of an attachment system being inserted into a channel of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5 C  illustrates the removable module being fully inserted into the channel of the attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6 A  illustrates a top view of an example attachment system that may be integrated with a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6 B  illustrates a top view of a removable module of an attachment system being inserted into a channel of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6 C  illustrates a top view of the removable module being fully inserted into the channel of the attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7 A  illustrates a perspective exploded view of a locking mechanism of a removable module of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7 B  illustrates a perspective view of the assembled locking mechanism of  FIG.  7 A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8 A  illustrates an exploded side cross-section view of the locking mechanism of  FIG.  7 A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8 B  illustrates an assembled side cross-section view of the locking mechanism of  FIG.  7 B  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 A  illustrates a front cross-section view of an opening in a removable module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 B  illustrates a front cross-section view of a locking mechanism of the removable module of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 C  illustrates a front cross-section view of a locking mechanism of a removable module of an attachment system and the movement of the locking mechanism as it engages with a mating feature of the attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 A  illustrates an exploded view of a release mechanism of an attachment system that is integrated within a housing of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 B  illustrates an assembled release mechanism of an attachment system that is integrated within the housing of the consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11 A  illustrates an exploded side cross-section view of a release mechanism of an attachment system that is integrated within a housing of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11 B  illustrates an assembled side cross-section view of the release mechanism of the attachment system that is integrated within the housing of the consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12 A  illustrates a front cross-section view of an opening of a housing of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12 B  illustrates a front cross-section view of an assembled release mechanism in the opening of the housing of the consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13 A  illustrates a front cross-section view of a removable module of an attachment system being partially inserted into a channel of the attachment system that is integrated with a housing of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13 B  illustrates a front cross-section view of the removable module of the attachment system being inserted farther into the channel of the attachment system that is integrated with the housing of the consumer product such that a locking mechanism of the attachment system is in a compressed state according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13 C  illustrates a front cross-section view of the locking mechanism fully inserted into the channel of the housing in which a catch member of the locking mechanism is engaged with a recess formed in the channel of the housing of the consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14 A  illustrates a side cross-section view of a locking mechanism of an attachment system being received into a recess formed in a channel of a housing of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14 B  illustrates actuation of a release mechanism of the attachment system that is integrated with a housing of the consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a front cross-section view of an actuation of a release mechanism of the attachment system that is integrated with a housing of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  16 A  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a locking mechanism of a removable module of an attachment system according to one or more alternate embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  16 B  illustrates a perspective view of the assembled locking mechanism of  FIG.  16 A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  17    illustrates an attachment system that is integrated with a consumer product that is configured to receive the removable module of  FIG.  16 B  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  18 A  illustrates a removable module of an attachment system according to one or more alternative embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  18 B  illustrates an attachment system that is integrated with a consumer product that is configured to receive the attachment system of  FIG.  18 A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  19    illustrates an example process of inserting and securing a removable module to a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  20    illustrates an example process of removing a removable module from a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  21    is a block diagram illustrating example physical components of a consumer product that may be used with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  22 A- 1  and  22 A- 2    illustrate a removable module and an attached accessory according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  22 B- 1  and  22 B- 2    illustrate a removable module and an attached accessory according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  22 C- 1  and  22 C- 2    illustrate a removable module and an attached accessory according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  22 D- 1  and  22 D- 2    illustrate a removable module and an attached accessory according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  22 E- 1  and  22 E- 2    illustrate a removable module and an attached accessory according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  22 F- 1  and  22 F- 2    illustrate a removable module and an attached accessory according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  23    illustrates an exploded view of a removable module of an example attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  24    illustrates a first perspective view of a removable module of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  25    illustrates a second perspective view of a removable module of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  26    illustrates a top-down view of the bottom surface of a removable module of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  27    illustrates a top-down view of the top surface of a removable module of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  28    illustrates a first side view of a removable module of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  29    illustrates a second side view of a removable module of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  30    illustrates a front view of a removable module of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  31    illustrates a back view of a removable module of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     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. 
     Provided herein is an attachment system for a consumer product. The attachment system may include a removable module that interfaces with some portion of the consumer product. For example, the removable module may engage with a related or corresponding module, recess, aperture or component of, or associated with, the consumer product. When engaged, the removable module may be carried by the consumer product. For example, when the removable module is engaged with the consumer product, the module and the consumer product may become an integrated unit. In some cases, the removable module can extend the functionality of the consumer product. That is, the attachment system and/or the removable module can provide additional operability to the consumer product. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the removable module may be used as an accoutrement to the consumer product. For example, the removable module may add an aesthetic or structural enhancement to the consumer product. Additionally or alternatively, the removable module may be configured to couple another object or article to the consumer product. For example, the object may be an accessory such as a cover, skin, plate, lanyard, band, strap, dock and/or the like. In all of these examples, the interface between the removable module and the consumer product may be a standard interface such that different functionality, accoutrements, and objects can be coupled to the consumer product. 
     The consumer product that may be used in conjunction with the attachment system can be widely varied. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the consumer product may be an electronic device, a mechanical device, an electromechanical device and the like. In one example, the consumer product is a portable consumer product. In another example, the consumer product is a wearable product. Additional and more specific examples of the consumer product include mobile phones, personal digital assistants, music players, timekeeping devices, health monitoring devices, tablet computers, laptop computers, glasses (electronic or otherwise), portable storage devices and the like. Although the examples above include electronic devices, the attachment system of the present disclosure may be used with non-electronic devices including purely mechanical timepieces, luggage, purses, jewelry, and the like. 
     The attachment system can also be widely varied. In one embodiment, the attachment system may have a tool-less design such that a special tool is not needed to connect and/or disconnect a removable module of the attachment system, or the attachment system itself, from the consumer product. As a tool may not be required, the attachment system may be easy to use and intuitive. Additionally or alternatively, a tool or other component, such as a component of the consumer product to which the attachment system is coupled or integrated with, may be configured to actuate a button or other component of the attachment system to secure and/or release the attachment system and/or the removable module from the consumer product. 
     Although a tool may not be required to secure and/or release the removable module from the consumer product, the attachment system of the present disclosure is robust and provides a retention force that enables the removable module to be securely coupled to the consumer product. Although the attachment system is robust, as will be discussed below and shown in the figures, the attachment system may have a low profile thereby enabling the consumer product to maintain a desirable or particular shape and and/or aesthetic. 
     As will also be described below, the attachment system of the present disclosure typically includes a product side attachment assembly and a non-product side attachment assembly that can engage with and disengage from one another. Each of these assemblies may, for example, include a lug portion that physically interfaces with one another in order to secure the two assemblies together. The assemblies may also releasably interface with one another in order to free the assemblies from each other. 
     In one embodiment, the attachment system includes a removable module that mechanically engages/disengages a component of the consumer product. The removable module may be coupled with and removed from the component of the consumer product. In one example, the component may be a housing of the consumer product. For example, the removable module may include a first lug portion configured for attachment to a second lug portion of the housing (or case) of the consumer product (e.g., a lug portion integrated with the housing). In another example, the component may be a module that is fixed, extends from or is otherwise attached to the housing of the consumer product. For example, the removable module may have a first lug portion configured for attachment to a second lug portion, which is fixed to and/or extends from the housing (or case) of the consumer product. 
     The attachment system may also include a captive locking mechanism that may be incorporated with the non-product side attachment assembly. The captive locking mechanism may be configured to engage a corresponding feature of a product-side attachment assembly of a consumer product. For example, if the consumer product is a wearable electronic device, such as a time keeping device or other wrist-wearable device, the attachment system may be configured to attach a band assembly to the body of the wearable electronic device. The band assembly may include one or more straps and a clasp that can be used to secure the wearable electronic device to the wrist of a user. In this case, the attachment system may include a captive locking mechanism that is incorporated with the band assembly and is configured to engage a corresponding feature formed in or incorporated with the body of the wearable electronic device. In some cases, the locking mechanism secures or locks the band assembly to the body of the wearable electronic device. 
     The attachment system may also include a release mechanism that may be incorporated with the product-side attachment assembly of a consumer product. For example, if the consumer product is a wearable electronic device, a release mechanism may be integrated with or incorporated into the body of the wearable electronic device. The release mechanism may be configured to disengage or unlock the captive locking mechanism and facilitate removal of a band assembly or other component. 
     In still yet other embodiments, the attachment system may include a removable module of the non-product assembly that mechanically or slideably engages/disengages a component of the consumer product. In one example, the component may be the housing or enclosure of the consumer product and the removable module may include a removable lug that forms part of a band assembly. In some cases, the band assembly includes at least one strap and a clasp that are configured to attach the consumer product to the wrist of an individual or user. 
     The removable module of the attachment system may be configured to be inserted into an opening on the consumer product. Once the removable module, has been inserted into the opening, the removable module may slide within the opening of the consumer product. For example, the consumer product may have a channel that is disposed on one or more surfaces or sides of a housing of the consumer product. The channel may be configured to receive a portion, such as an end portion, of the removable module of the attachment system. Once the end portion of the removable module has been inserted into the channel, the removable module may slide farther into the channel. The sliding motion of the removable module may continue until the removable module is secured or otherwise coupled to or within the channel. Just as the removable module is configured to slide into the channel of the consumer product, the removable module may also slide out of the channel of the consumer product. Thus, the removable module may be easily inserted into and removed from the consumer product. 
     In some embodiments, an opening or channel of the attachment system may be shaped to retain the removable module. For example, the opening or channel may include an undercut or narrowed portion that mechanically engages the removable module to retain the removable module in the opening or channel. As such, when the removable module is placed within the receiving module of the consumer product, the removable module may be integrated (either partially or entirely) with the consumer product. 
     In addition to the above, the attachment system of the present disclosure may have various other components and modules that enable the removable module to engage with and be disengaged from the consumer product. For example the removable module of the attachment system may have various pads disposed on a surface to assist or otherwise enable the removable module to slide within the receiving module of the consumer product. The pads may also be used to prevent undesired movement of the removable module once the removable module has been locked within the receiving module. 
     The attachment system may also be used to secure various accessories to the consumer product. For example, an accessory, article or object may be coupled or otherwise attached to the removable module of the attachment system. Further, the accessory, article or object may be used to secure the consumer product to a user. In some cases, the consumer product may be configured to receive multiple different bands, accessories and the like. 
     The consumer product, and the associated bands, may each include a common node (e.g., a removable module) that couples to a corresponding node (e.g., an opening or channel) associated with the consumer product. Accordingly, the consumer product may have a plurality of accessories or bands that may be interchangeable thereby providing a user many different aesthetic looks for the consumer product. More specifically, the consumer product may be configured to receive a first band, and second band which is different than the first band. Further, each of the first band and the second band may include a common node that couples to, or is received by, a corresponding node in the consumer product. Thus, each band may be interchangeable with respect to one another and with other bands and/or accessories. 
     Furthering the example from above, a band assembly or strap may be removably coupled to the removable module of the attachment system and may further be used to secure the consumer product to the user. Because the removable module is removably coupled to both the housing of the consumer product and a band or strap, the removable module itself, or the band or strap, may be interchangeable with numerous other bands having different materials, designs and configurations. 
     In another example, various consumer products may have bodies of different shapes, sizes and so on. However, each body may be configured to connect to a variety of different bands using a standard interface. In addition, each of the consumer products may be configured to connect via a standard interface to another type of non-band component, such as the removable module, an attachment system, a non-band component, or to another device. 
     For example, a consumer product may have a body that is adapted to attach to one or more bands, straps, or other similar component that may be used to attach the consumer product to the body of a user. The consumer product may be interchangeable or interchanged to provide a different set of functions or features. The bands or attachment components may be interchangeable or interchanged to provide desired functionality or features. 
     Furthering the example, each consumer product may include at least one receiving feature that is configured to interconnect with a corresponding feature that is attached to or integrally formed with the end of each of the bands or other mating part. The receiving feature may include a channel or groove that is formed in the body or housing of the consumer product. The mating feature of a respective band or component may be configured to slideably engage with the receiving feature formed in the body or housing of the consumer product to attach the band or component. 
     In some embodiments, the receiving feature and the mating feature are standardized. Thus, any of the bands can be interchangeably used with any of the bodies of the various consumer products. 
     In one particular embodiment, the consumer product is a portable electronic device, although the attachment system disclosed may be used with non-electronic consumer products. More specifically, the consumer product is a wearable consumer product. A wearable consumer product is one that can be worn by or otherwise secured to an individual or user. For example, the wearable electronic (or non-electronic) device may include, but is not limited to a wearable computer, a wearable watch, a wearable communication device, a wearable media player, a wearable health monitoring device, and/or the like. When used with these electronic devices, the attachment system may be used to couple a band, a strap, a sleeve or various types of clothing to the electronic device. 
     For example, in the case of a wrist worn product, the removable module of the attachment system may couple the device to a band that can be wrapped around and secured to a user&#39;s wrist. It should be appreciated, however, that this embodiment is not a limitation. 
     The band, the attachment system and/or portions of each may be made up of a variety of different materials and/or configurations. For example, the band and/or the attachment system, may be made from rubber, metal, woven fiber, leather, rubber overlaying a woven mesh, silicon, Milanese mesh, stainless steel, and so on. 
     In some embodiments, a first band, or a first portion of a first band, may be made up of a first material and a second band, or a second portion of the first band, may be made from a different material. The band may also be made up of a plurality of links with the attachment system forming one or more of the links. As such, the band may be resizable by, for example, adding or removing links. 
     The band may be coupled to a portion of the attachment system using a mechanical joint. For example, the band may be attached to a removable module such as a lug using one or more pins, holes, adhesives, screws, and the like. In some implementations, the band may be co-molded or overmolded with at least a portion of the removable module or lug. The band may also be integrally formed with a feature that functions as the removable module or lug. In still other implementations, the band may be configured to magnetically couple to a second part of the part or to a portion of the consumer product. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIG.  1   - FIG.  31   . 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. It is understood that similarly numbered and/or named components shown in the various figures and described throughout may function in a substantially similar fashion and may be formed from similar portions and/or similar materials. 
       FIG.  1 A - FIG.  1 C  illustrate an example attachment system  100  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The attachment system  100  may include a removable module  102  that interfaces with some portion of a consumer product  104 . The removable module  102  may, for example, engage with a housing  106  of the consumer product  104 . The housing  106  may include, for example: a portion of the housing of the consumer product, an extension of another part of the consumer product  104 , a separate part fixed to a portion of the housing  106  of the consumer product  104 , and the like. In certain embodiments, the housing  106  may be used as a housing for various consumer products, electronic devices, mechanical devices and the like. Accordingly, the housing  106  may be referred to a housing  106  throughout this disclosure. 
     As discussed above, non-limiting examples of consumer products include electronic devices, mechanical devices and so on. Mores specific examples include, but are not limited to, a tablet computer, a timekeeping device, a mobile telephone, a portable music player, a personal digital assistant, glasses and the like. As such, the component or housing  106  may have various dimensions and shapes based on the anticipated or actual use of the housing  106 . Further, the housing  106  may include various openings and/or recesses (not shown) that may be used for buttons, display screens and the like. Depending on the intended use, the actual use and desired durability of the housing  106 , the housing  106  may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, gold, glass, platinum, or other such materials and combinations thereof. 
     The removable module  102  can be widely varied. The removable module  102  may, for example, extend the functionality of the consumer product  104  (e.g., adding operational modules, electrical systems and the like). The removable module  102  may be used as an accoutrement to the consumer product  104  thereby enhancing aesthetics of the consumer product  104 . The removable module may also be configured to couple an object or other article to the consumer product  104 . For example, the object may be a cover, skin, plate, lanyard, band, strap, and/or the like. The interface may be standard interface such that different objects can be attached to the consumer product  104  via the attachment system  100 . 
     The removable module  102  may include a body  108  that is configured for insertion into a mating feature or channel  110  of the housing  106  of the consumer product  104 . For example,  FIG.  1 A  shows the removable module  102  outside of the channel  110  and  FIG.  1 C  shows the removable module  102  inserted within the channel  110 . When the removable module  102  is inserted into the channel  110 , the removable module  102  is engaged with or otherwise secured to the consumer product  104  such that the consumer product  104  carries the removable module  102  (e.g., the two parts become an integrated unit). 
     The shape of the body  108  of the removable module  102  may correspond to a shape of the channel  110 . For example, if the channel  110  is rounded or has another shape, the removable module  102  may have a similar shape. As such, the removable module  102  may mate with, fit within or otherwise be received and contained within the channel  110 . 
     Furthermore, the length of the body  108 , or the overall length of the removable module  102 , may generally correspond to the length of the channel  110 . In some cases, the ends of the removable module  102  may be flush or substantially flush with the outer surfaces or sidewalls of the housing  106  when fully engaged such as shown in  FIG.  1 C . In other implementations, the length of the removable module  102  may be less than or greater in length than the channel  110 . Accordingly, the removable module  102  may jut from one or more sides of the channel  110 . 
     The body  108  of the removable module  102  may be configured to engage the housing  106  by sliding within the channel  110  such as shown in  FIG.  1 B . Although not shown, a keying feature may be provided to ensure proper alignment between the removable module  102  and the housing  106 . Furthermore, a retention feature such an undercut or flange may be provided to prevent disengagement in a direction that is perpendicular to the length of the channel  110 . 
     In some implementations, the channel  110  of the consumer product  104  may be dimensioned and shaped to provide sliding movement but not movement that is perpendicular to the sliding direction. The channel  110  may include a single open end for receiving the body  108 . Alternatively, the channel  110  may include opposing open ends for receiving the body (as shown in  FIG.  1 A - FIG.  1 C ). 
     The removable module  102  may be manufactured from stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, gold, platinum or other such materials and combinations thereof. Although specific materials are mentioned, the removable module  102 , and/or the components of the attachment system  100 , may be manufactured from various other materials. Likewise, the housing  106  of the consumer product  104  may be made from similar or different materials or combinations of materials. 
     The body  108  of the removable module  102  includes a proximal end  112  and a distal end  114 . The proximal end  112  and the distal end  114  of the removable module  102  may each have an arm that extends beyond a width of the body  108  (not shown). 
     The removable module  102  may have an opening or a recess  116  that receives an accessory, an object, an article and the like. For example, the recess  116  may be configured to receive a pin (not shown) or other connection mechanism that enables a strap or a band, such as, for example, a band or other accessory  158  ( FIG.  4 A ) or another device or component to be removably attached to the removable module  102 . 
     The removable module  102  may be a single unitary piece having a shape that conforms to the shape of the housing  106 . That is, when the removable module is inserted into the housing  106 , the shape of the removable module  102  acts as a blank to fill in the channel  110  of the housing  106 . In such implementations, arms, slots or other apertures may not be present in the removable module  102 . 
     When arms or other such attachment mechanisms are included on the removable module  102 , an inner side of each arm may include a recess. The recess may be used to coupled or secure various accessories to the removable module  102 . In other implementations, the arms of the removable module  102  may include one or more protrusions. An accessory may have one or more detents that mate with the protrusions. In another embodiment, the arms, the recesses and/or the protrusions may be magnetized to enable a magnetic connection between the removable module  102  and the accessory. Although not specifically mentioned, other connection mechanisms may be used between the removable module  102  and the accessory. Examples include snaps, hooks and so on. 
     The body  108  of the removable module  102  may also include an opening or aperture (not shown) that extends from a top surface of the body  108  to a bottom side of the body  108 . The opening receives and secures a locking mechanism within the removable module  102 . As will be explained in greater detail below, the locking mechanism may include a spring-loaded locking mechanism that includes a catch member  118  and a ramp member (not shown). The springs of the locking mechanism position the catch member  118  flush or substantially flush with respect to the top surface of the body  108 . The springs may also be configured to cause the catch member  118  to be received into an opening or recess within the channel  110  when the removable module  102  is fully inserted into the channel  110 . 
     The locking mechanism may be centrally located on the body  108  of the removable module  102  although this is not required. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism may be located at other areas on the body  108 . Further, although a single locking mechanism is shown on the body  108 , the removable module  102  may have multiple locking mechanisms at various locations on the body  108 . Alternatively or additionally, the locking mechanism may be positioned in or on the housing  106 . 
     In other embodiments, the opening may partially extend through the body  108  of the removable module  102 . An example locking mechanism according to this embodiment is described in more detail below with reference to  FIG.  16 A  and  FIG.  16 B . 
     The catch member  118  of the locking mechanism may have a top surface that is recessed, flush or substantially flush with respect to a top surface of the body  108  when the locking mechanism is in its nominal state. In some cases, a ramp member (not shown), or the bottom portion of the locking mechanism, may be spring-biased proud with respect to a bottom surface of the body  108 . As such, a bottom surface of the ramp member extends or protrudes beyond the bottom surface of the body  108 . As the ramp member is forced into the opening of the removable module  102  (e.g., as the removable module  102  is being inserted into the channel  110 ), an internal spring of the locking mechanism may exert an outward force on the catch member  118 , which may cause the catch member  118  to extend or protrude beyond the top surface of the body  108  and into a corresponding recess or aperture formed in a side wall of the channel  110 . 
     Because the locking mechanism is spring-biased in a particular manner, when the ramp member contracts or is pushed into the opening, the spring mechanisms within the locking mechanism cause the catch member  118  to move from a first position (e.g., the recessed, flush or substantially flush position) to a second position (if available space within the channel permits the expansion). 
     The second position is a position in which at least a portion of the catch member  118  extends beyond the top surface of the body  108 . However, when the removable module  102 , and more particularly the catch member  118 , is sliding or contained within the channel  110 , the catch member  118  will not move from the first position to the second position until the catch member  118  is in proximity to a recess formed within the channel  110  as the recess permits the expansion. 
     Once the catch member  118  is in proximity to the recess within the channel  110 , the locking mechanism expands such that at least a portion of the catch member  118  extends from the body  108  and is received into the recess. Once the catch member  118  is received into the recess, the removable module  102  is locked in place within the channel  110 . 
     The recess of the channel  110  is shaped and positioned in such a manner as to enable the catch member  118  to be received directly into the recess when the removable module  102  reaches a determined point within the channel. The determined point within the channel  110  may be when the body  108  of the removable module  102  is centered in the channel  110 . In some cases, the determined point may be a location at which the proximal end  112  and the distal end  114  of the removable module  102  are flush or substantially flush with one or more sidewalls of the housing  106  and/or one or more openings of the channel  110 . 
     To unlock and subsequently remove the removable module  102  from the housing  106 , the housing  106  includes a release mechanism  120 . Actuation of the release mechanism causes the catch member  118  to be displaced from the recess within the channel. Once the catch member  118  has been removed from the recess, the removable module  102  may slide within, or be removed entirely from, the channel  110 . 
     When the removable module  102  is removed from the channel  110 , the spring mechanisms within the locking mechanism cause the ramp member to expand or protrude outwardly from the body  108  of the removable module  102 . As a result, the ramp member is again spring-biased proud with respect to the bottom surface of the body  108 . The spring mechanisms that cause the ramp member to be biased proud with respect to the body  108  also cause the catch member  118  to be biased flush or substantially flush to the top surface of the body  108 . 
     The body  108  of the removable module  102  may also include one or more protrusions  122 . The protrusions  122  may be positioned on one or both of the top surface of the body  108  and the bottom surface of the body  108 . Further, the protrusions  122  may be positioned on one side of the locking mechanism or on both sides of the locking mechanism. In other embodiments, the protrusions  122  may be absent from the body  108 . 
     The protrusions  122  may be used to increase friction between the removable module  102  and the channel  110 . For example, the protrusions  122  may add a damping feel when the removable module  102  is inserted into the channel  110  and reduce or eliminate any rattling that may occur. In another embodiment, the channel  110  may include protrusions that are configured to mate with corresponding recesses on the removable module. The protrusions  122  may be made of nylon, silicon or other such material. 
     Although the removable module  102  and its associated components are shown having a particular shape, the removable module  102  and its associated components may have any shape. For example, the body  108  of the removable module  102  may be rounded, squared, triangular and the like. Non-limiting examples of various shapes are shown in  FIG.  2 A - FIG.  2 F . 
     If present on the body  108 , the arms of the removable module  102  may also have any desired shape, orientation or dimensions. Further, the catch member  118 , the ramp, and/or the protrusions  122  may also have various dimensions and shapes. 
     The housing  106  of the consumer product  104  may include a channel  110  disposed along at least one side or sidewall. Although a single channel  110  is shown in  FIG.  1 A , the housing  106  may have any number of channels  110  disposed on various sides. The channel  110  may include an opening at a distal end and an opening at a proximal end. 
     Although  FIG.  1 A  depicts the channel  110  having openings at both a distal end and a proximal end, the channel  110  may have an opening at one end (e.g., the distal end) and be closed or solid at another end (e.g., the proximal end  112 ). In such embodiments, the removable module  102  may travel within the channel  110  until one end of the removable module  102  (e.g., the proximal end  112 ) comes into contact with the closed end of the channel  110 . 
     Once the end of the channel  110  has been reached, a spring-biased locking mechanism may be used to secure the proximal end  112  of the removable module  102  to the closed end of the channel  110 . Alternatively or additionally, a spring-biased locking mechanism may be used to secure the proximal end  112  of the removable module within a recess of the channel  110  such as described above. 
     Alternatively, one or more magnets or other securement mechanisms may be positioned at or near the closed end of the channel  110 . As such, when a proximal end  112  or a distal end  114  of the removable module  102  is in proximity to or comes into contact with the magnet, the removable module  102  may be magnetically secured within the channel  110 . 
     Although the channel  110  and the button portion of the release mechanism  120  are shown having a particular shape and orientation, each of the above elements may have any shape and orientation. For example, the channel  110  may be rounded or polygonal. Further, the channel  110  may be orientated at any desired position and angle. For example, the channel  110  may be positioned below a centerline of the housing. The channel  110  may be positioned below a display or other components of the consumer product  104 . The button portion of the release mechanism  120  may have any desired shape and size and may be positioned at any desired location on the housing  106 . 
       FIG.  1 B  illustrates the removable module  102  shown in  FIG.  1 A  being partially inserted into the channel  110  of the housing  106  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  1 B , the proximal end  112  of the removable module  102  may be inserted into an opening of the channel  110  of the housing  106  in the direction indicated by arrow  124 . 
     Although  FIG.  1 B  shows the proximal end  112  of the removable module  102  being inserted into the opening of the channel  110  and sliding in the direction of arrow  124 , the distal end  114  of the removable module  102  may be inserted into the channel  110  and may slide within the channel  110  in the direction indicated by arrow  126 . Regardless of the direction in which the removable module  102  is inserted into the channel  110 , the removable module  102  slides or moves within the channel  110  in either direction until the locking mechanism, and more specifically the catch member  118  of the locking mechanism, is received into the recess of the channel  110 . 
     As the removable module  102  is inserted into the channel  110 , a portion of channel  110  contacts the ramp member of the locking mechanism. Continued movement in the direction indicated by arrow  124  causes the ramp member to be compressed or otherwise forced into the body  108  of the removable module  102 . Further movement in the indicated direction causes the locking mechanism to enter a fully compressed state (e.g., a state in which the ramp member and the catch member  118  are both contained within the body  108  of the removable module  102  and both the ramp member and catch member  118  are prohibited from expanding). 
       FIG.  1 C  illustrates the attachment system  100  having the removable module  102  fully engaged with the housing  106  of the consumer product  104  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As previously discussed, the removable module  102  is fully engaged with the housing  106  when the removable module  102  is centered within the channel  110 . However, in other embodiments, the removable module  102  may be fully engaged with the housing  106  when the removable module is offset or otherwise not centered within the channel  110 . 
     When the removable module  102  has been fully inserted into the channel  110 , a portion of the removable module  102  may extend in a direction that is perpendicular to the length of the channel  110 . In other embodiments, there may be no extension of the removable module  102 . In still yet other embodiments, the removable module  102  may be flush or substantially flush with respect to the channel  110  or may be recessed within the channel  110 . Likewise, each of the proximal end  112  and the distal end  114  of the removable module  102  may extend from, be flush or substantially flush, or be recessed from one or more edges or sidewalls of the housing  106  and/or one or more edges or sides of the channel  110 . 
     For example, a sidewall of the proximal end  112  of the removable module  102  and a sidewall of the distal end  114  of the removable module  102  may have a shape that is complimentary to the shape of the sidewall of the housing  106 . Thus, when the removable module  102  is locked in place within the channel  110  of the housing  106 , the sidewalls of the removable module  102  and the sidewalls of the housing  106  are flush and/or smooth with respect to one another. That is, the shape of the sidewall of the removable module  102  may match the shape, or otherwise is coordinated with, the sidewall of the housing  106 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the proximal end  112  and the distal end  114  of the removable module  102  may protrude or extend from the housing  106  when the removable module  102  has been locked within or is otherwise engaged with the channel  110 . Alternatively, the length of the channel  110  and/or the housing  106  may be longer than the length of the removable module  102 . In such instances the proximal end  112  and the distal end  114  of the removable module  102  may be recessed within the channel  110  or the housing  106 . Further, one or more of the proximal end  112  and the distal end  114  may have a surface that extends around a diameter of the end. The surface may engage with the housing  106  and/or the channel  110  to prevent or prohibit further movement of the removable module  102  within the channel. 
     The locking mechanism engages with the housing  106  when the removable module  102  is fully engaged. For example, when the catch member  118  ( FIG.  1 A ) of the locking mechanism is in proximity to or beneath a recess in the channel  110 , one or more spring mechanisms within the locking mechanism cause the catch member  118  of the locking mechanism to expand into the recess. 
     More specifically, one or more springs in the locking mechanism may cause the catch member  118  to move from a first position, in which the catch member  118  is flush or substantially flush with respect to a top surface of the body  108  of the removable module  102 , to a second position, in which at least a portion of the catch member  118  extends from the top surface of the body  108  and is received into the recess. Once received into the recess, the catch member prevents movement of the removable module  102  within the housing  106 . 
     When the removable module  102  is fully engaged with the housing  106 , the removable module  102  is retained until released. In some instances, the locking mechanism of the removable module  102  may be released from the recess when a button portion of the release mechanism  120  is actuated. For example, a release mechanism  120 , or portions of a release mechanism  120 , may be located in the recess of the housing  106  above the catch member  118 . When the button portion of the release mechanism  120  is actuated, a plunger of the release mechanism  120  pushes or expels the catch member  118  of the locking mechanism out of the recess. Once the catch member  118  is no longer engaged with the recess, the removable module  102  may be once again slide within the channel  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the housing  106  may not include a release mechanism  120 . For example, the locking mechanism or the recess may be shaped such that when a force is applied to one end of the removable module  102 , the removable module  102  moves in the direction of the applied force. As the removable module  102  moves, one or more side walls of the recess causes the locking mechanism to contract and disengage from the recess. The contraction of the locking mechanism continues as the removable module  102  moves in the direction of the applied force. As a result, the locking mechanism enters a compressed state (e.g., the locking mechanism is contained within the body  108  of the removable module  102 ). When the locking mechanism is in the compressed state, the removable module  102  may slide within the channel  110  such as previously described. 
     The removable module  102  may have a band, strap or other such accessory, article or object removably coupled thereto. Although a band and a strap are specifically mentioned, the removable module  102  may be coupled to various accessories or devices. For example, the removable module  102  may be used to secure a clip, a lanyard, a dock, a case, or a protective cover to the consumer product  104 . In embodiments where the removable module  102  is used to couple a band, strap or other such accessory, article or object to the consumer product  104 , the band or strap may be attached to the removable module  102  using a pin (not shown), a clasp (not shown), a snapping mechanism (not shown) or other type of attachment mechanism. The band or strap may be used to secure the consumer product  104  to a user of the consumer product  104  or to an article of clothing, a stand, a display system, or any suitable item. 
     Although a square sidewall and channel are shown in  FIG.  1 A - FIG.  1 C , the sidewalls of the body  108  of the removable module  102  and the sidewalls of the component or housing  106 , in particular the proximal and distal ends of the channel  110 , may have any desired shape so long as the shapes are complimentary to one another. For example, the body  108  of the removable module  102  may be rounded, squared, triangular and the like such as shown in  FIG.  2 A - FIG.  2 F . 
     More specifically and as shown in  FIG.  2 A - FIG.  2 F , the sidewalls of the proximal end and the distal end of the removable module  102 , as well as the sidewalls of the housing  106  and/or the channel  110  may have one or more flanges ( FIG.  2 A ). In other implementations channel and the removable module may be trapezoidal ( FIG.  2 B ), curvilinear ( FIG.  2 C ), oval ( FIG.  2 D ), polygonal ( FIG.  2 E ), or have another such shape such as shown in  FIG.  2 F . Likewise, the attachment system may be arranged in any desired orientation within the housing  106 . 
     The channel  110  may have an undercut that retains the removable module  102  within the channel  110 . The channel  110  of the housing  106  has an opening width  129  at the opening of the channel  110  and a maximum width  128  within the channel. The maximum width  128  may be greater than the opening width  129  to form the undercut. Similarly, the removable module  102  may have a first portion with a first thickness that is smaller than the opening width  129  of the channel  110  and a second thickness that is less than the maximum width  128  of the channel  110  and also greater than the opening width  129 . Thus, due to the undercut formed by the channel  110 , the opening width  129  of the channel may be configured to limit the movement of the removable module  102  in a direction that is perpendicular to the opening. 
       FIG.  3 A - FIG.  3 E  are simplified examples of an attachment system having a removable module  130  being engaged with a mating feature of a mating component  138 . The mating component  138  may be the housing or body of a device or other type of consumer product. The attachment system of  FIG.  3 A - FIG.  3 E  may be similar to the attachment system  100  discussed above with respect to  FIG.  1 A - FIG.  1 C  as well as the other attachment systems, removable modules and the like disclosed herein. 
       FIG.  3 A  illustrates a block diagram of an example removable module  130  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  3 A , the removable module  130  may include a locking mechanism having a catch member  132  and a ramp member  134 . In some embodiments, the catch member  132  is coupled to the ramp member  134  by a spring element  136 . In certain embodiments, the catch member  132  may be spring-biased flush or substantially flush with respect to a top surface of the removable module  130  when the locking mechanism is in an expanded state (as shown in  FIG.  3 A ). In addition, the ramp member  134  of the locking mechanism may be spring-biased proud with respect to a bottom side of the removable module  130 . 
       FIG.  3 B  illustrates a block diagram of a housing or component  138  of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The component  138  may be a housing for an electronic device such as described herein. The component  138  may include a mating feature such as a channel  144  having two ends and an opening extending between the ends. The channel  144  may have a single opening at one end of the channel  144 . The channel  144  may be configured to receive the removable module  130  of  FIG.  3 A . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 B , the component  138  may also include a release mechanism  140  disposed relative to the channel  144 . The release mechanism  140  may be positioned within or relative to a recess  142  formed in a side wall of the channel  144 . Actuation of the release mechanism  140  causes the catch member  132  ( FIG.  3 A ) to be expelled from the recess  142  and disengage the removable module  130  from the component  138 . 
       FIG.  3 C  illustrates a block diagram of an attachment system  146  having a removable module  130  being inserted into a housing or component  138  of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. A first end of the removable module  130  may be inserted into an opening of a channel  144  of the component  138 . As the removable module  130  is inserted farther into the channel  144  of the component  138 , the ramp member  134  comes into contact with a lower portion of the channel  144  causing the ramp member  134  of the removable module  130  compresses. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 C , an upward or inward movement of the ramp member  134  may cause compression of the spring element  136 , which produces an upward or outward force on the catch member  132 . If movement of the catch member  132  were to be unimpeded, the upward or outward force caused by the spring element  136  would cause the catch member  132  to extend or protrude from the upper surface of the removable module  130 . However, as shown in  FIG.  3 C , because the catch member  132  is at least partially inserted into the channel  144 , the catch member  132  is prevented from protruding and remains substantially flush with the upper surface of the removable module  130 . 
     Thus, with reference to  FIG.  3 C , as the removable module  130  continues to slide or move within the channel  144  of the component  138 , the locking mechanism remains in the compressed state (i.e., both the catch member  132  and the ramp member  134  being contained within the body of the removable module  130 ). The locking mechanism remains in this state until the catch member  132  is in proximity to the recess  142  or other opening within the channel  144 . 
       FIG.  3 D  illustrates the removable module  130  fully engaged or inserted into the mating feature of the component  138 , in this case, the channel  144 . As shown in  FIG.  3 D , the removable module  130  is positioned such that the catch member  132  is aligned with or is proximate to the recess  142 . As also shown in  FIG.  3 D , the removable module  130  is centered with respect to the channel  144  and the sides of the removable module  130  are flush or substantially flush with respect to one or more sidewalls of the component  138 . 
     As also shown in  FIG.  3 D , the catch member  132  is permitted to expand, be received, or otherwise engage with the recess  142 , which locks the removable module  130  in place within the component  138 . In particular, the catch member  132  of the locking mechanism may move from a first position, in which the catch member  132  is flush or substantially flush with respect to a top surface of the removable module  130 , to a second position in which the catch member  132  of the locking mechanism protrudes from the top surface of the removable module  130  and is received into the recess  142 . The upward or outward movement of the catch member  132  is facilitated by spring element  136 , which maintains the catch member  132  in the second position as shown in  FIG.  3 D . In the present example, the engagement between the catch member  132  and the recess  142  prevents movement of the removable module  130  with respect to the channel  144 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the locking mechanism may include a catch member  132  but not a ramp member  134 . In such embodiments, the catch member  132  of the locking mechanism may be biased by a spring or similar element causing the catch member  132  to protrude from a top surface of the body of the removable module  130 . When the catch member  132  of the locking mechanism comes into contact with the channel  144  of the component  138 , the contact causes the catch member  132  to be withdrawn or depressed into the removable module  130 , causing one or more springs or compressible elements of the locking mechanism to compress. However, when the catch member  132  is in proximity to the recess  142  of the channel  144 , such as described above with respect to  FIG.  3 D , the catch member  132  is permitted to expand or otherwise move into the recess  142  thereby locking the removable module  130  within the channel  144 . 
     A release mechanism  140  may be used to disengage or release the removable module  130  from the channel  144 . In some cases, in order to unlock the removable module  130 , the release mechanism  140  may be disposed on the component  138  (e.g., housing) of the consumer product and is configured to expel the catch member  132  from the recess  142 . When the release mechanism  140  is actuated, a plunger of the release mechanism  140  causes the catch member  132  of the locking mechanism to move from the second position back to, or substantially back to, the first position. Once the catch member  132  of the locking mechanism has been removed from the recess  142 , the removable module  130  may be moved within, or removed entirely from, the channel  144  of the component  138 . 
       FIG.  3 E  illustrates the removable module  130  being removed from a housing or component  138  of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As described above, once the catch member  132  has been expelled or is otherwise removed from the recess  142 , the removable module  130  may slide or move within the channel  144  of the component  138 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  3 E , the removable module  130  may be moved in a direction away from the one opening within the channel  144  and out of a second opening within the channel  144 . In this case, the removable module  130  may be slid out of the channel  144  completely disengaging the removable module  130  from the component  138 . 
     Although actuation of a release mechanism  140  is specifically mentioned, the catch member  132  may be compressed using other methods. However, this alternate design, nor any other alternate design disclosed herein, does not affect the utility of the embodiments disclosed herein. 
     For example, a force may be applied to one side of the removable module  130  when the catch member  132  is within the recess of the channel  144 . As the force is applied to the removable module  130 , the catch member  132  of the locking mechanism may contact the side of the recess  142 . As the removable module  130  continues to move in the direction of the applied force, the side of the recess  142  may cause the catch member  132  of the locking mechanism to further contract until the catch member  132  has moved from the second position back to, or substantially back to, the first position. Once the catch member  132  of the locking mechanism has been removed from the recess  142 , the removable module  130  may move or slide within the channel  144  and may be disengaged or separated from the component  138 . 
       FIG.  4 A  illustrates an example consumer product  150  that may be used with an attachment system of the present disclosure. The consumer product  150  may, for example, correspond to the consumer product shown in the previous figures. 
     The consumer product  150 , and more specifically the attachment system of the consumer product  150  may include a base unit (shown in  FIG.  4 A  as a housing  154 ) and one or more attachment units (shown in  FIG.  4 A  as removable module  152 ) capable of being removably coupled to the housing  154 . The housing  154  may, for example, include a coupling node (shown in  FIG.  4 A  as channel  156 ) that mechanically engages a corresponding coupling node on the removable module  152 . The channel  156  may be widely varied. The channel  156  on the housing  154  includes an opening while the coupling node on the removable module  152  includes a lug that fits within the opening. The opening may be configured in a variety of different shapes and orientations. Further, the opening is configured to removably receive the lug. 
     More specifically and as shown in  FIG.  4 A , the removable module  152  of the attachment system is configured to slide relative to the housing  154  of the consumer product  150 . Once inserted, the removable module  152  may continue to slide or move within the housing  154  of the consumer product  150 . The removable module  152  may also lock in place within the housing  154  of the consumer product  150  when the removable module  152  reaches a certain point within the housing  154 . Although the removable module  152  may be locked in place within the housing  154 , actuation of a release mechanism (e.g., release mechanism  174  of  FIG.  4 D ) or an actuator on the housing  154  releases the removable module  152  which enables the removable module  152  to be removed from the housing  154 . The release mechanism  174  ( FIG.  4 D ) may be disposed on an underside ( 172  of  FIG.  4 D ) of the housing  154 . In other embodiments, the release mechanism  174  ( FIG.  4 D ) may be disposed or positioned on a top side of the housing  154 . Further, the release mechanism  174  may be placed at various locations on the underside and/or the top side of the housing  154 . 
     Although a single removable module  152  is discussed, a plurality of removable modules  152  may be coupled to the consumer product  150 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  4 A , a removable module  152  may be coupled to a first side of the consumer product  150  and a second removable module  152  may be coupled to a second side of the consumer product  150 . 
     When multiple removable modules  152  are used, the consumer product  150  may have corresponding channels  156  or other such coupling nodes on both sides of the housing  154 . Thus, a channel  156  on the first side of the housing  154  may receive one removable module  152  and the channel  156  on the second side of the housing  154  receives another removable module  152 . 
     Each removable module  152  may have a specific shape, size or orientation based on the channel  156  the removable module  152  is to be inserted into. For example, a first removable module  152  may have a circular shape and/or a first size that corresponds to a shape and/or size of the channel  156  on the first side of the housing  154 . Likewise, a second removable module  152  may have a second size and/or shape that corresponds to a shape and/or size of the channel  156  on the second side of the housing  154 . In other embodiments, each removable module  152  may have the same shape and/or size and can therefore be interchangeable with respect to one another. 
     In addition to the above, the first removable module  152  may be coupled to the consumer product  150  while the second removable module  152  is detached or removed from the consumer product  150 . Likewise, the second removable module  152  may be coupled to the consumer product  150  while the first removable module  152  is removed from the consumer product  150 . The first removable module  152  may be configured to receive a first accessory, object or article or type of accessory, object or article. Likewise the second removable module  152  may be configured to receive an accessory, object or article that is similar to, or different from, the accessory, article or object that is coupled to the first removable module  152 . 
     As briefly discussed above, one or more accessories  158 , objects or articles may be coupled to each removable module  152 . More specifically, each accessory  158  may be removably coupled to the consumer product  150  using one or more of the removable modules  152 . 
     In another example, each accessory  158  that is coupled to the respective removable modules  152  may be different structures or part of the same structure. As such, one end of the accessory  158  may be removably coupled to the removable module  152  while a second end of the accessory  158  may be coupled to another accessory  158  or to a user. The accessory  158  may be integrated with the removable module  152 . As such, the accessory  158  may not be removed from the removable module  152 . 
     The consumer product  150  may be widely varied. For example, the consumer product  150  may be a wearable consumer product  150 . Additionally or alternatively, the consumer product  150  may be an electronic device. The consumer product  150  may be a portable computing device. Examples include cell phones, smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, timekeeping devices, computerized glasses and other wearable devices navigation devices, sports devices, accessory devices, health-monitoring devices, medical devices, wristbands, bracelets, jewelry, and/or the like. 
     In one example, the consumer product  150  may be a wearable multifunctional electronic device. The electronic device may have various functionalities and/or capabilities described above (e.g., computing, communication, timekeeping or time display, health monitoring, health tracking and/or health output functionalities/capabilities, etc.). In one example, the consumer product  150  is a wrist worn multifunctional device and may include various components and/or modules such as, for example, the components and modules shown and described below with respect to  FIG.  21   . In another example, the consumer product  150  may act as an extension of another electronic device (or vice versa). For example, if the consumer product  150  is configured as a wrist worn device, it may serve as a watch like device that can interact with a phone that is carried by (e.g., in a pocket) or otherwise associated with the user. 
     The consumer product  150  may include a housing  154 . The housing  154  serves to surround a peripheral region of the consumer product  150  as well as support the internal components of the consumer product  150  in their assembled position. That is, the housing  154  may enclose and support various internal components (including for example integrated circuit chips, processors, memory devices and other circuitry) to provide computing and functional operations for the consumer product  150 . The housing  154  may also help define the shape or form of the consumer product  150 . That is, the contour of the housing  154  may embody the outward physical appearance of the consumer product  150 . As such, it may include various ornamental and mechanical features that improve the aesthetical appearance and tactile feel of the device. The housing  154  may be formed as a single piece, which may enhance the structural rigidity, water impermeability, and manufacturability of the housing  154 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  4 A , the housing  154  may have a rectilinear shape. However, the housing  154  may be configured in a variety of shapes. The housing  154  may also have a substantially planar or flat top surface on which a display  160  may be positioned and a substantially planar or flat bottom surface. Although the top surface of the housing  154  and the bottom surface of the housing  154  may be substantially planar, the transition between the top surface of the housing  154  and one or more sidewalls of the housing may be curved. Put another way, the transition from the top surface to the one or more sidewalls of the housing (e.g., including a side in which the channel  156  is positioned) may be rounded such that a smooth transition is present between the top surface and the sides of the housing  154 . Likewise, the transition from the bottom surface of the housing  154  to one or more sidewalls of the housing  154  may have a similar rounded shape and transition. 
     The housing  154 , which may sometimes be referred to as a case or enclosure, may be formed of plastic, glass, ceramics, fiber composites, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, magnesium), other suitable materials, or a combination of these materials. Further, the surface of the housing  154  may be formed from any suitable material, including aluminum, steel, gold, silver and other metals, metal alloys, ceramics, wood, plastics, various types of glass and combinations thereof, and the like. 
     The consumer product  150  may include various components that may be disposed on the outside of the housing  154 , within the housing  154 , through the housing  154 , inside the housing  154  and so on. For example, the housing  154  may include a cavity for retaining components internally as well as holes or windows for providing access to the various internal components. The housing  154  may also be configured to form a water-resistant or water-proof device. For example, the housing  154  may be formed from a single body and the openings in the body may be configured to cooperate with other components to form a water-resistant or water-proof barrier. 
     In some embodiments, the consumer product  150  may include one or more I/O systems. For example, the consumer product  150  may include a display  160  configured to output various information about the consumer product  150 . The display  160  may also output data from applications and other programs that are being executed by the consumer product  150 . For example, the consumer product  150  may provide information regarding time, health of a user, status notifications, notifications or messages received from externally connected devices or communicating devices and/or software executing on such devices. The consumer product  150  may also provide information about applications or otherwise display messages, video, operating commands, and so forth that are executing on the consumer product. 
     The display  160  may also be configured to receive input. The display  160  may be integrated with or incorporated with a touch panel or touch sensor that includes an array of capacitive touch electrodes. In embodiments where the display  160  is configured to receive input, the display  160  may have an input area. The input area may cover the entire display  160  or substantially all of the display  160 . In another embodiment, the input area may cover only a portion of the display  160 . Further, the display  160  may be a multi-touch display that is configured to receive and process various contact points received on the display. 
     The display  160  may include image pixels formed from light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), plasma cells, electronic ink elements, liquid crystal display (LCD) components, or other suitable image pixel structures. The shape, size and dimensions of the display  160  may also vary. For example, the display  160  may be planar or substantially planar. In other embodiments, the display  160  may be concave or convex. The display  160  may be shaped to cover or substantially cover a top portion of the housing  154 . As such, the display  160  may have a shape that is similar to the shape of the housing  154 . In other embodiments, the shape of the display  160  may differ from the shape and/or size of the housing  154 . 
     The consumer product  150  may also include other input and output mechanisms. For example, the consumer product  150  may include or interface with one or more buttons  162 , a crown  164 , keys, dials, trackpads, microphones and the like. Each of these input mechanisms may be disposed on a top surface of the housing  154  and/or on one or more sidewalls of the housing  154 . The consumer product  150  may also include one or more speakers, headphone jacks and the like. 
     The consumer product  150  may also be configured to provide haptic output, audio output, visual output or combinations thereof. With respect to the haptic output, the consumer product  150  may have one or more haptic actuators that are configured to provide the haptic output. The haptic output, and other forms of output provided above, may vary based on a variety of factors. Some of these include, but are not limited to, how the consumer product  150  is being used, which applications are being executed, the information that is output on the display  160  and the like. 
     For example, if the consumer product  150  is monitoring the health of the user, a first type of haptic output may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, if the consumer product  150  is executing a time keeping application, a second type of haptic output may be provided. In yet another example, if a warning or message is output on the display  160 , the warning or message may include a haptic output, visual output and an auditory output. 
     The type, feel and duration of the haptic output, the audio output and/or the visual output may also vary. For example, the type, feel and duration of the haptic output of the consumer product  150  based on an orientation of the consumer product  150  and/or a location or position of the consumer product  150  (e.g., with respect to a user, environmental conditions, whether the consumer product is outside or inside and the like). 
     In addition to the above, the band or other accessory attached to the device (using, e.g., the attachment system), may be configured to provide and/or enhance haptic output. For example, the band or other accessory may have a haptic actuator disposed in an inner portion of the removable portion. In yet another embodiment, a haptic actuator disposed in the consumer product  150  may cause the band or accessory  158  to resonate or amplify the haptic output that is provided by the haptic actuator. 
     The consumer product  150  may include a connection system, either wired or wireless, that enables the consumer product to interface with other devices. These other devices may include laptop computers, mobile phones, tablet computers, exercise equipment, electronic glasses and the like. 
     The consumer product  150  may also include operation components (potentially housed with the housing  154 ). These components may include a processor, a memory, a communication system, an antenna and the like. For example, the consumer product  150  may include a processor coupled with or in communication with a memory. The consumer product  150  may also include one or more communication interfaces, The communication interface(s) can provide electronic communications between the communications device and any external communication network, device or platform, such as but not limited to wireless interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, Near Field Communication interfaces, infrared interfaces, USB interfaces, Wi-Fi interfaces, TCP/IP interfaces, network communications interfaces, or any conventional communication interfaces. 
     The consumer product  150  may also include various sensors. These sensors may include and are not limited to, biometric sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, light sensors, optical sensors, global positioning sensors, and so on. These sensors may assist with or otherwise provide functionality to the consumer product  150 . In addition, readings from these sensors may be analyzed by the consumer product  150  and/or may be transmitted to a companion device or other product. 
     As also shown, in  FIG.  4 A , the consumer product  150  may include a channel  156  a groove or other such opening that is configured to receive a removable module  152 , such as an interchangeable lug, for a wristband or attachment accessory  158 . While a wristband is depicted as an example attachment accessory  158 , other types of attachment accessories, accessories, components, and the like, may be removably attached to the housing  154  of the consumer product  150  using the attachment system. In some implementations, the first accessory includes a long band or strap that is configured to attach the device to the user by looping the band strap through the second accessory, which includes a loop or clasp. 
     The accessory  158  may be interchangeable with respect to the removable module  152 . Thus, the accessory  158 , the removable module  152  and the housing  154  of the consumer product  150  (or the consumer product  150  itself), and various combinations thereof, may comprises an ecosystem whereby each component of the ecosystem may be interchangeable with respect to one another. For example, one removable module  152  may be used with various accessories. In another embodiment, various removable modules may be used with a single consumer product  150 . 
     In yet another embodiment, a single accessory  158  and/or a single removable module  152  may be used in various consumer products  150 . In still yet other embodiments, the accessory  158  may not be removable from the removable module  152 . In such instances, the removable module  152  and accessory combination may be interchangeable with a different removable module  152 . In the case of a watch band accessory  158 , the removable module  152  may include a lug having one end that is configured to attach to the housing  154  of the consumer product  150  and another end that is configured to attach to a band strap of the accessory  158 . 
     A component of the accessory  158  (e.g., a band or strap) may be coupled to the removable module  152  using a clasp or other attachment means such as, for example, magnets, snaps, and the like. A component of the accessory  158  may also be secured, coupled or otherwise attached to the removable module  152  using a variety of attachment means. Examples of such include, but are not limited to a clasp, a pin, magnets, snaps, and other such attachment means. In other embodiments, one or more components of the accessory  158  may be secured to the removable module  152  by overmolding a material, weaving a material into, or otherwise integrating the material of the component with the removable module  152 . 
     The band (or accessory  158 ) may include a first band strap  166  attached to a first removable module  152  of the consumer product  150  and a second band strap  168  attached to a second removable module  152  of the consumer product  150 . In some embodiments, free ends of the first band strap  166  and the second band strap  168  may be configured to be releasably secured to one another using a clasp  170  or other attachment mechanism to form a loop. This loop may then be used to attach the consumer product  150  to a user&#39;s wrist. 
     The first band strap  166  and the second band strap  168  may be formed from various materials that are suited for various applications. For example, the first band strap  166  and the second band strap  168  may be formed from leather, plastic, woven textiles, metal links, metallic mesh materials and the like. The materials and construction of the first band strap  166  and the second band strap  168  may depend on the application. 
     For example, the first band strap  166  and the second band strap  168  may be formed from a woven textile material configured for exposure to impact and moisture typically associated with outdoor activities. In another example, the first band strap  166  and the second band strap  168  may be formed from a metallic mesh material that may be configured to have a fine finish and construction that may be more appropriate for professional or social activities. 
     The clasp  170  may also be configured for a particular application and/or selected based on a particular style of band. For example, if the first band strap  166  and the second band strap  168  are formed from a metallic mesh material, the clasp  170  may include a magnetic clasp mechanism. 
     The accessory  158  may be a unitary accessory. As such, a distal end of the accessory  158  may be configured to be coupled to a first removable module  152  and a proximal end of the accessory may be configured to be coupled to a second removable module  152 . In yet another example, the accessory  158  may be coupled directly to, or may be manufactured to contain, a removable module  152  or various components of the removable module. That is, the accessory  158  may designed to include a feature that is configured to slide within the housing  154  of the consumer product  150  in a similar fashion as the removable module described above. 
     For example, the proximal end and/or the distal end of the accessory  158  may have a locking mechanism that acts to secure the ends of the accessory  158  within the channel  156  of the housing  154 . In addition, the ends of the accessory  158  may include one or more protrusions or friction pads such as described herein. Further, the proximal end and/or the distal end of the accessory may be made from various materials including leather, silicon, metal links or mesh, and so on. 
       FIG.  4 C  illustrates a side view of the consumer product  150  of  FIG.  4 A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The housing  154  may have a three-dimensional shape that is generally rectilinear. Although a rectilinear shape is shown and described, the housing  154  may be rounded, square, oval, triangular, and have other such shapes. 
     In the example depicted in  FIG.  4 A , the housing  154  can be described as having two ends (a first end and a second end opposite the first end), and a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the sides being continuous with the ends. In this example, the first end and the second end and the first side and the second side have an outwardly curved three-dimensional shape. 
     The top side and the bottom side of the housing  154  may be substantially planar or flat. In other implementations one or both of the top side and the bottom side may be rounded. A display  160  may be positioned on the top side of the housing  154 . When the display  160  ends, the housing  154  may transition from a flat or planar surface into one or more rounded edges. The rounded edges provide a smooth transition from the top side of the housing  154  to a sidewall of the housing  154  and from a sidewall of the housing  154  to a bottom side of the housing  154 . The rounded edges of the housing  154  may cause a side profile of the housing to have a general lozenge shape although other shapes are contemplated. 
     In the example shown in  FIG.  4 C , the channel  156  is formed in the first end. Similarly, a second channel  156  is formed in the second end. In the present example the channels  156  have openings at the interface of the first and second sides and first and second ends. As also shown in  FIG.  4 C , the channel  156  of the housing  154  may be disposed on one or more sidewalls of the housing  154 . Thus, as the rounded edges transition from the top surface to the bottom surface of the housing  154 , the rounded edges may transition into the channel  156  itself. That is, the channel  156  may be carved directly into a solid portion of the housing  154 . As such, the channel  156  may be positioned below the display  160  of the consumer product  150 . 
     The length and shape of the channel  156  may follow the shape and length of the housing  154 . Thus, if the housing  154  is rounded or curved, the channel, and one or more removable modules  152  may also be rounded or curved. 
     As shown below with respect to  FIG.  10 A , channel may also have an inwardly curved three-dimensional shape with an undercut. For example, the channel  156  may have a width that is greater than the openings on a proximal end and/or a distal end of the channel  156 . The upper portion of the housing  154  may overhang the lower portion of the housing  154  at the channel  156  opening. In the example depicted in  FIG.  4 C , the channel  156  is cut into a solid portion of the housing  154  such that the channel  156  forms a continuous interior shape. 
     The channel  156  may be formed at an angle relative to the centerline of the housing  154 . The channel  156  may also be located underneath a centerline of the housing  154 . In some embodiments, the channel  156  is angled upward and inward within the profile of the housing  154 , such that the channel  156  crosses a vertical centerline of the housing  154 . The channel  156  may be angled with respect to a centerline of the housing  154  at approximately 5 degrees or greater. 
     The channel  156  may be configured in a variety of shapes. For example, the channel  156  may be rounded such as shown in  FIG.  4 C . In other embodiments, the channel  156  may be rectilinear or have other shapes such as described above with respect to  FIG.  2 A - FIG.  2 F . 
     The channel  156  may also have an opening at a proximal end and another opening at a distal end. As discussed above, the channel  156  may extend along a side of the housing  154  such that the openings at each end are connected. In addition, the channel  156  may be shaped such that a lateral opening of the channel  156 , as well as the proximal end and the distal end of the channel  156  follow the contour of the housing. As such, the openings may be slanted or otherwise curved based on the shape and dimensions of the housing  154 . The openings may be on a curved surface and/or located inward of an outer dimension of the consumer product  150 . 
     The channel  156  may be shaped such that the openings at the proximal end and the distal end are slightly tapered. As the channel  156  progresses toward the center of the channel  156 , the depth of the channel increases. Put another way, near the open ends of the channel  156 , the channel  156  may have a shallow depth and as the channel  156  progresses within the housing  154 , the depth of the channel increases. As each opening may be configured to receive an accessory (e.g., accessory  158 ) and/or a removable module  152  such as described above, the configuration of the channel  156  in this manner may assist in enabling the removable module  152  or accessory  158  to enter the channel  156 . 
     In addition to the openings at the proximal ends and the distal end of the channel  156 , a slot may extend between the proximal end and the distal end of the channel  156 . The slot may provide space for an object to pass through the housing  154  which enables the object to be attached to an removable module  152  contained within the channel  156  or otherwise be secured to the housing  154 . 
     The slot may be tapered or have a dimension that is narrower than the dimensions of the openings at each of the ends. That is, the proximal end and the distal end of the channel  156  may have a first dimension while the slot of the channel  156  has a second dimension. In some embodiments, the second dimension is smaller than the first dimension. This configuration may help prevent perpendicular movement of an accessory  158  and/or removable module  152  that is contained within the channel  156 . 
     For example, due to the narrower dimension of the slot, an accessory  158  or removable module  152  may be prohibited from being pulled out of the front of the slot due to a pulling motion or force that may be applied on the removable module  152  or accessory  158 . The slot of the housing  154  may also be comprised of a rigid material which prevents or helps prevent the housing  154  from bending, expanding and so on. 
       FIG.  4 D  illustrates a bottom view of the consumer product  150  of  FIG.  4 A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The bottom side  172  of the housing  154  may be flat or substantially flat such as described above. In other embodiments, the bottom side  172  of the housing  154  or portions of the bottom side  172  of the housing  154  may be rounded. In addition, the bottom side  172  of the housing  154  may include a release mechanism  174 . The release mechanism  174  is aligned with a recess in the channel  156 . As discussed above, the release mechanism  174  may be used to release a locking mechanism of the removable module  152  from the channel  156 . 
     Although  FIG.  4 D  shows the release mechanism  174  centrally positioned near the sides of the housing  154 , the release mechanism  174  may be positioned anywhere on the bottom side  172  of the housing  154 . In addition, each side of the housing  154  may include a single release mechanism  174  or multiple release mechanisms  174 . Further, although the release mechanism  174  is shown on the bottom side  172  of the consumer product  150 , the release mechanism  174  may be positioned on a sidewall of the housing  154  and/or a top side of the consumer product  150 . 
     As also shown in  FIG.  4 D , when the removable module  152  is inserted into the channel  156 , the removable module  152  is contained within the channel  156 . When the removable module  152  is contained within the channel  156 , the removable module  152  may complete or otherwise fill the groove in the periphery of the housing  154  caused the channel  156 . As shown in  FIG.  4 D , one or more arms may extend from the channel  156 . The arms may be used to secure an accessory  158  ( FIG.  4 A ) to the housing  154  such as described above. 
       FIG.  5 A - FIG.  6 C  illustrate an example attachment system  200  including a removable module  205  and a housing  300  combination in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The removable module  205  may for example, correspond to the removable modules shown and described with respect to any of the previous figures. For example, the removable module  205  and the housing  300  may be similar to the removable module and housing shown and described with respect to  FIG.  4 A - FIG.  4 D . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5 A - FIG.  5 C , the removable module  205  of the attachment system  200  may be removably coupled to a component or housing  300  of a consumer product. More specifically,  FIG.  5 A - FIG.  6 C  illustrate the removable module  205  during various stages of being inserted into a housing  300  of a consumer product. 
       FIG.  5 A  illustrates an example attachment system  200  including a removable module  205  and an example housing  300  or other such component of a consumer product. The removable module  205  is configured as an entirely separate unit that may be wholly removed from or integrated with the housing  300  of the consumer product. The removable module  205  may have a rounded and/or tapered body  210  with one or more arms  213  extending therefrom. 
     The outer walls of the arms  213  may be smooth and chamfered such as shown. More specifically, the arms  213  may begin as a part of the body  210  and extend beyond the body  210 . The shape of the arms  213  may vary based on the shape of the channel  315  and the shape of the housing  300 . Further, the arms  213  are configured to be flush or substantially flush with respect to at least a portion of an outer surface  310  of the housing  300  when the removable module  205  has been placed entirely within the housing  300  such as shown in  FIG.  5 C . 
     As also shown in  FIG.  5 A , the housing  300  may include a release mechanism that includes a spring-biased button portion  330  that interacts with one or more components of the removable module  205 . For example, the button portion  330  is configured to be actuated to release the removable module  205  from the channel  315  of the housing  300  after the removable module  205  has been locked in place within the housing  300 . A more detailed description of an example release mechanism is provided below with respect to  FIG.  10 A - FIG.  12 B . 
       FIG.  5 B  illustrates the removable module  205  being partially inserted into the channel  315  of the housing  300 . As shown in  FIG.  5 B , the removable module  205  fits within the channel  315  and slides relative to the channel  315 . Although not shown in  FIG.  5 B , once the body  210  of the removable module  205  has been inserted into the channel  315 , a locking mechanism of the removable module  205  is compressed such as shown and described with reference to  FIG.  13 B . 
     Once the body  210  of the removable module  205  is fully inserted into the channel  315  such as shown in  FIG.  5 C , the locking mechanism, or a portion of the locking mechanism, engages with a recess in the channel, which locks the removable module  205  in place within the channel  315 . Interaction between the locking mechanism and the recess is shown and described in greater detail below with respect to  FIG.  13 C - FIG.  15   . When the removable module  205  has been locked within the channel  315 , actuation of the button portion  330  of a release mechanism on an outer surface  310  of the housing  300  releases the removable module  205  thereby permitting the removable module  205  to move within the channel  315 . 
     As also shown in  FIG.  5 C , when the removable module  205  of the attachment system  200  is locked within the channel  315 , the shape of the outer surface of the arms  213  conforms to the outer shape of the housing  300 . Thus, if the sides of the housing were rounded, the outer surface of the arms  213  may also be rounded such that the removable module  205  and the housing  300  appear as a single unitary piece. 
       FIG.  6 A - FIG.  6 C  illustrate various views of an attachment system  200  including a removable module  205  and an example housing  300  of a consumer product. The removable module  205  may be similar to the removable modules shown and described above. As such, the removable module  205  may be inserted into a housing  300  of an electronic device or otherwise coupled to a consumer product. Further, the removable module  205  may be removably connected to a band, a strap, a dock, a stand, a display system and the like. 
     The various components and features of the removable module  205  will be discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIG.  7 A - FIG.  9 C . As such, similar reference numbers may be used across the various figures to show similar components. Additionally, various cross-section views represented by cross-section AA and cross-section BB are discussed in greater detail below. Additionally, various cross-section views represented by cross-section CC and cross-section DD shown in  FIG.  6 A  are discussed in greater detail below. 
       FIG.  6 A  illustrates a top view of the removable module  205  not engaged or attached to the housing  300 ,  FIG.  6 B  illustrates a top view of the removable module  205  being partially inserted into the channel  315  of the housing  300 , and  FIG.  6 C  illustrates a top view of the removable module  205  being fully inserted into the channel  315  of the housing  300 . As shown in the assembly sequence of  FIG.  6 A - FIG.  6 C , the removable module  205  is configured to slideably engage with the channel  315  of the housing  300  to connect the two components. Other components, such as a band or strap, may also be attached to the removable module  205 , which are omitted from these views for clarity. 
     A catch member  220  of a locking mechanism disposed on the body  210  may interact with the channel  315 . As will be shown and described below with respect to  FIG.  13 A  and  FIG.  13 B , the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism may be spring-biased flush with respect to the body  210  of the removable module  205 . As a result, the catch member  220  may be received into the channel  315  with little to no resistance. However, when the body  210  of the removable module  205  has been fully received into the channel  315 , the catch member  220  may expand into a recess within the channel  315  such as shown and described below with respect to  FIG.  13 C  and  FIG.  14 A . 
     The removable module  205  may also include one or more friction pads  260 . The friction pads may be positioned at various locations on the body  210  of the removable module  205  and be used to increase friction, restrict movement, and maintain spacing of the removable module  205  within the channel  315 . 
     The removable module  205  may have a profile shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the profile shape of the housing  300 . In particular, as shown in  FIG.  6 C , the width of the channel  315  may be substantially equivalent to the width of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . When the removable module  205  is fully inserted, as shown in  FIG.  6 C , at least a portion of the outer surface of the body  210  is flush or substantially flush with an outer surface  310  of the housing  300 . 
     In the present embodiment, the contour of the outer surface of the body  210  corresponds to the contour of the outer surface  310  of the housing although this is not required. For example, in some implementations, the body of the removable module may have a shape that corresponds to the channel  315  of the housing  300  while another portion of the removable module  205  (e.g., one or more arms  213 ) has a non-conforming shape. Also, as also shown, the arms  213  of the removable module  205  may extend from the housing  300  in a direction perpendicular to the length of the channel  315 . 
     The removable module  205  may include arms  213  for coupling the removable module  205  with another component or accessory. An engagement feature  265  is formed in a surface of a respective arm  213 . The engagement feature  265  may be a recess that receives a pin, post, or similar protrusion feature of a mating part. The mating part may include a band strap or other component that attaches to the removable module  205  using the engagement feature  265 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the arms  213  of the removable module  205  may be partially or entirely received into the channel  315  of the housing  300 . In another embodiment, the body  210  and the arms  213  may extend from or otherwise protrude from the channel  315 . As also shown in these figures, the arms  213  are configured to be flush or substantially flush with respect to one or more outer walls of the housing  300  when the removable module  205  has been placed entirely within the housing  300  such as shown in  FIG.  6 C . Actuation of a button portion  330  on the housing  300  enables the removable module  205  to be released from the channel  315  such as described below. 
       FIG.  7 A - FIG.  9 C  illustrate various views and components of a removable module  205  of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The removable module  205  shown and described with respect to  FIG.  7 A - FIG.  9 C  may be similar to the removable modules of the attachment systems shown and described above. In addition, specific dimensions, shapes and orientations are described below with respect to the removable module  205  and the various components of the removable module  205 . However, the disclosed dimensions, shapes and orientations of the removable module  205 , and its associated components, are not limiting and are used as examples. Alternate shapes, dimensions and orientations do not affect the utility of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, similar dimensions, shapes and orientations of the removable module  205 , and its associated components, described below with respect to  FIG.  7 A - FIG.  9 C  may be used with the various embodiments of the removable modules described herein. 
       FIG.  7 A  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a removable module  205  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The removable module  205  may include a body  210 . The body  210  may be elongated and rounded such as shown in  FIG.  7 A . More specifically, a top surface of the body  210  may be rounded and also have a rounded sidewall that transitions to a rounded bottom surface. The body  210  may also have a flat surface disposed between two arms  213  that extend from the body  210 . The flat surface may be opposite the rounded sidewall that is between the rounded or curved top surface and the rounded or curved bottom surface. 
     The width of the arms  213  and/or the body  210  may increase when moving from a font side (e.g., a side where the arms  213  begin) to a back side of the body  210 . In other embodiments, the height of the body  210  may also increase when moving from a first portion of the body to a second portion of the body  210  (e.g., from a flat side wall or first transition wall to the rounded sidewall or second transition wall of the body). 
     The arms  213  may have substantially planar outer side surfaces that flare outwardly from a first end to a second rounded end. The body  210  may be disposed between the arms  213  to complete the removable module  205 . In another embodiment, the top and/or bottom surface of the body  210  may be flat or substantially flat and have at least one rounded side wall that transitions from the flat top surface to the flat bottom surface. 
     In certain embodiments the body  210  of the removable module  205  is 32.2 mm in length, 3.2 mm in height and 7.2 mm in width. Although specific dimensions and shapes have been given, the body  210  may have any desired shape and/or dimensions based on, for example, the type or size of the housing of the electronic device the removable module  205  is to be used for. 
     For example, if the removable module  205  is to be used in a housing of a wearable electronic device, the body  210  and/or the entire removable module  205  may have a first set of dimensions. Likewise, if the removable module  205  is to be used in a housing of a mobile phone, the body  210  and/or the entire removable module  205  may have a second set of dimensions. The removable module  205  may have the same size across a variety of different products. As such, a removable module  205  that is used for one product may be interchangeable with an attachment system of another product. 
     In yet another embodiment, the removable module  205  may have different dimensions for differing sizes of similar devices. For example, a wearable device may be available in a first size and may also be available in a second size. Although the wearable devices may have similar functionality, the attachment systems and the removable modules may be shaped and sized differently based the respective size of the housing of each wearable device. 
     Further, the shape and dimensions of the removable module  205  and/or the body  210  may vary based on demographics of a target audience of a particular electronic device. For example, if the target user of a particular electronic device is a child, the removable module  205  may have a first shape, orientation and set of dimensions. Likewise, if the target user of the electronic device is an adult, the removable module  205  may have a second shape, orientation and set of dimensions. 
     The body  210  of the removable module  205  may be made from a variety of materials including metal, fabric, ceramics, plastic, rubber or other such polymer and so on. In some embodiments, the removable module  205  may be integrated with an accessory or object such as, for example a band. That is, the removable module  205  and the band may be formed as a single integrated unit. In other embodiments the band may be molded over the removable module  205 . In embodiments where the removable module  205  is integrated with an object or accessory, the various components described below may also be integrated with the object or accessory. 
     Continuing with the band example, the band may have one or more friction pads  260  that are integrated with the band. Likewise, the band may have a locking mechanism such as described below. In other embodiments, the band may have a thickness that is slightly greater than the dimensions of a channel. As such, the band may have to be compressed to enter the channel but decompresses within the channel to secure the band within the channel. 
     Depending on the type of material used to create the body  210  of the removable module  205 , the body  210  may include a support member or structure disposed within the body  210 . For example, if the body  210  was made of fabric, rubber or plastic, a support structure may be placed within the body  210  to add rigidity to the body  210 . The added rigidity of the support structure may help prevent the removable module  205  from being compressed or being perpendicularly pulled (e.g., being pulled from a frontal opening of the channel) or otherwise removed from a channel of a housing. 
     Referring back to  FIG.  7 A , the body  210  includes a proximal end and a distal end. Although not required, each of the proximal end and the distal end may include an arm  213  that extends beyond the body  210 . The arms  213  may follow the shape of the body  210  and have a lozenge shape although other shapes are contemplated. For example, as shown in  FIG.  5 A,  6 A  and  FIG.  7 A , each of the proximal end and the distal end of the body  210  has a rounded and/or chamfered arm  213 . 
     The arm  213  may be rounded and/or tapered/chamfered so as to enable the proximal end and the distal end of the body  210  of the removable module  205  to be flush or substantially flush with respect to one or more sides of the housing of the electronic device or the channel into which the removable module  205  is to be inserted (such as shown in  FIG.  5 C  and  FIG.  6 C ). The chamfered arms  213  may be chamfered using an angle of about 5 degrees from the back of the arm  213  to the front of the arm  213 . 
     Although a specific angle has been described, the angle of the chamfer of the arms  213  may be at any angle. In addition, the arms  213  may be configured in a variety of sizes. However, the size of the arms  213  should not be so large that force is unduly concentrated on any portion of the arms  213  when the removable module  205  is within the channel or slides within the channel. Although rounded chamfered arms  213  are specifically shown and described, the proximal end and the distal end of the removable module  205  may be in any shape or configuration based on the shape of the housing, the shape of the channel within the housing or based on a desired aesthetic of the removable module  205 . 
     The removable module  205  may also include an opening  215  disposed within the body  210 . The opening  215  may be positioned at any point along the body  210 . Thus, although the opening  215  is shown as being in a center axis of the body  210 , the opening  215  may be positioned at any point, and in any orientation along the body  210 . In embodiments, the opening  215  is configured to receive one or more portions of a locking mechanism. Further, the opening  215  enables each portion of the locking mechanism to slideably move within respective portions of the opening  215 . 
     Specifically, the opening  215  includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion and the bottom portion may be separated by an outer ledge and an inner ledge (such as for example, outer ledge  216  and inner ledge  217  ( FIG.  9 A )). Both the inner ledge and the outer ledge may be used to hold various portions of the locking mechanism in place within the opening  215 . Further, the inner ledge and the outer ledge are also used to ensure that various portions of the locking mechanism are spring-biased in the manner described herein with respect to the removable module  205  and with respect to each other. 
     Referring back to  FIG.  7 A , the locking mechanism of the removable module  205  includes a catch member  220  and a ramp  235 . From top to bottom, the catch member  220  includes an upper surface, a sidewall  225  forming the body that extends from the upper surface of the catch member  220  to a bottom portion of the catch member  220 , an aperture  230  in the body, and an opening in the bottom. In some embodiments, the sidewall  225  of the catch member  220  may be formed at a ninety-degree angle with respect to the upper surface of the catch member  220  although other angles may be used. For example, the catch member  220  may have a chamfer disposed between the top surface of the catch member  220  and the sidewalls of the catch member such as shown in  FIG.  16 A . The chamfer may define a transition between the upper surface of the catch member and a body of the catch member. In such embodiments, the chamfered edge may be rounded. 
     The catch member  220  may be made of plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, metal, ceramic or any other material or combination of materials. The catch member  220  may be configured in a rounded oblong or lozenge shape and may include a smooth planar or substantially planar top surface. In certain embodiments, the catch member  220  may be approximately 5.2 mm in length, 1.9 mm in width and 1.8 mm in height although other dimensions may be used. 
     In embodiments where the chamfered edge is present, the planar or substantially planar top surface of the catch member  220  may be surrounded or substantially surrounded by the chamfered edge. As will be explained below with respect to  FIG.  16 A , the chamfered edge may be used to facilitate withdrawal and insertion of the catch member  220  in the recess of a channel. In such embodiments, the chamfered edge may angled at approximately eighteen degrees with respect to the planar or substantially planar top surface of the catch member  220  and have a length of 0.5 mm although other angles and lengths are contemplated. 
     Although the catch member  220  has been described as having a planar or substantially planar top surface, the top surface of the catch member  220  may have various configurations. The top surface need not be planar and need not have a chamfered edge. Rather, the top surface can take any of a number of different forms; it may define a central depression surrounded by a flattened, raised edge; it may define a C-, U-, T-, E-, or S-shape (or other, similar shape) that is generally flat; it may take the form of a discontinuous group of flat or substantially flat surfaces; and so on. 
     In some cases, only a portion of the top surface of the catch member  220  is planar or substantially planar while other portions of the top surface are concave, non-planar, substantially non-planar and so on. For example, an outer edge of the catch member may be planar or substantially planar while the other portions (e.g., an inner portion) of the top surface are concave. For example, a substantially planar edge may extend entirely or partially around the top surface of the catch member  220 . In another example, the top surface of the catch member  220  may have a planar or substantially planar section that extends from a proximal side to a distal side. 
     Regardless of the configuration of the top surface, at least a portion of the top surface typically engages the channel until the catch member  220  has been received into a channel of the housing and/or the recess within the channel. More specifically, the substantially planar top surface provides for uninterrupted travel of the removable module  205  as the removable module  205  slides relative to a housing such as described herein. It should be appreciated that portions of the top surface may continuously engage an edge of the channel in some embodiments, or may continuously engage a channel sidewall in other embodiments. 
     Although specific dimensions, angles and shapes are discussed above, the catch member  220  may have various configurations, shapes and sizes. In addition to the examples set forth above, in another implementation, the top surface of the catch member  220  may be rounded or non-planar. In another example, the catch member  220  may have a rectangular shape, a rounded or oblong shape and so on. When present, the chamfered edge of the catch member  220  may be disposed on proximal and distal ends (e.g., the ends of the catch member  220  that contact or engage the channel of the housing) of the catch member  220 . 
     The top surface of the catch member  220  may have blocked or stair-step configuration. Although not shown in  FIG.  7 A , the shape of the recess within the channel of the housing of the electronic device may have a shape, dimensions and orientations which enables the catch member  220  to be at least partially received into the recess. 
     One or more sidewalls of the catch member  220  may also define an aperture  230 . The aperture  230  is configured to receive one or more flanges  245  of the ramp  235 . For example, the one or more flanges  245  of the ramp  235  may be configured to be at least partially received into the catch member  220  and moveably secured within the aperture  230 . Although the aperture  230  is shown in  FIG.  7 A  as being rounded, the aperture  230  may have various shapes and dimensions. Further, the aperture  230  may be positioned at various locations on the catch member  220 . 
     Although the aperture  230  is shown as extending entirely through the sidewall of the catch member  220 , the aperture  230  may extend partially through the sidewall which creates a ledge or cliff on the sidewall. The ledge may also be configured to receive and secure the flanges  245  of the ramp  235 . 
     The locking mechanism also includes a ramp  235 . The ramp  235  may be made of plastic, aluminum, stainless steel or any other material or combination of materials. The ramp  235  may have a rounded oblong shape and have a rounded or substantially non-planar bottom surface. In certain embodiments, the ramp  235  may be 5.2 mm in length, 1.5 mm in width and 2.5 mm in height although other dimensions may be used. 
     The rounded or non-planar bottom surface of the ramp  235  enables the ramp  235  to slideably contract within the opening  215  when the rounded surface of the ramp  235  comes into contact with the channel of the housing of the electronic device or is otherwise compressed. Likewise, the rounded or non-planar bottom surface of the ramp  235  enables the ramp to slideably expand from the opening  215  as the ramp  235  exits the channel of the housing of the electronic device or is otherwise permitted to expand from the opening  215 . 
     Although the ramp  235  is shown with a rounded or non-planar bottom surface, the bottom surface of the ramp  235  may be configured in any shape. For example, the bottom surface of the ramp  235  may be partially flat or substantially flat and have a chamfered edge. As the chamfered edge of the ramp comes into contact with the channel of the housing, the force applied by the channel on the chamfered edge causes the ramp  235  to contract within the opening  215 . 
     The ramp  235  also includes one or more protrusions  240  and one or more flanges  245 . The protrusions  240  may extend from the ramp  235  and may be used to secure a first set of spring mechanisms  250  between the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism and the ramp  235  of the locking mechanism. 
     The first set of spring mechanisms  250  may be used to bias the catch member  220  away from the ramp  235 . Thus, when the ramp  235  moves in a direction toward the catch member  220  (and the catch member  220  is not prevented from expanding), the first set of the spring mechanisms  250  causes the catch member  220  to move in a direction away from the ramp  235  such that the catch member  220  protrudes from the top surface of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . Accordingly, the catch member  220  may be configured to receive at least a portion of each spring mechanism of the first set of spring mechanisms  250  along with the protrusions  240 . Although two spring mechanisms  250  and two protrusions  240  are shown and described, the first set of spring mechanisms  250  may include any number of spring mechanisms. Likewise, the ramp  235  may have any number of protrusions  240 . 
     The ramp  235  may also include one or more flanges  245 . As discussed above, the one or more flanges  245  may be used to secure the ramp  235  to the catch member  220 . Further, the one or more flanges  245  may be used to secure a second set of spring mechanisms  255  between the ramp  235  and a lower portion of the opening  215 . Although two spring mechanisms are shown with respect to the second set of spring mechanisms  255 , the ramp  235  may be used to secure any number of spring mechanisms within the bottom portion of the opening  215  and the ramp  235 . 
     The second set of spring mechanisms  255  may be used to bias the ramp  235  of the locking mechanism proud with respect to a bottom surface of the removable module  205 . In addition, the second set of spring mechanisms  255  also cause the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism to be biased flush or substantially flush with respect to a top surface of the removable module  205 . Specifically, the second set of spring mechanisms  255  cause the rounded or non-planar bottom surface of the ramp  235  to protrude from the removable module  205 . 
     Although the ramp  235  is spring-biased proud with respect to the removable module  205 , when force is applied to the non-planar bottom surface of the ramp  235  (e.g., by causing the non-planar bottom surface of the ramp to come into contact with the channel and continuing to the slide the attachment system within the channel) the second set of spring mechanisms  255  contract which enables the ramp  235  to move in a direction toward to the catch member  220  such that the non-planar bottom surface of the ramp  235  is flush, or substantially flush, with respect to the bottom side of the body  210  removable module  205 . When the ramp  235  is removed from the channel of the housing of the electronic device, the second set of spring mechanisms  255  expand which causes the ramp  235  to once again protrude from the body  210  of the removable module  205 . 
     The removable module  205  may also include one or more friction pads  260  that extend or protrude from the body  210  of the removable module  205 . The friction pads  260  may be positioned at leading edges of the body  210 . The friction pads  260  may include one or more alignment pads that act as a guide for the removable module  205  when the removable module  205  slides relative to a channel in the housing of the electronic device. The friction pads  260  may have a rounded top surface that follows or substantially follows the contour of the body  210  while still protruding from the top surface of the body  210 . The friction pads  260  may have a planar or substantially planar top surface. In another embodiment, a friction pad  260  may be part of or integrated with the locking mechanism. For example, the catch member  220  and/or ramp  235  of the locking mechanism may be friction pads  260  or have a friction pad positioned on a surface. 
     The friction pads  260  may be 5.2 mm in length, 1.5 mm in width and 3.4 mm in height. In some embodiments, the friction pads  260  may extend approximately 0.11 mm above the top surface and/or below the bottom surface of the body  210 . Further, the distance from the center of a friction pad  260  to the opening  215  is 7.2 mm. The distance from a center of a friction pad  260  to an outer edge of the body  210  is 8.9 mm in some embodiments and 10.3 mm in embodiments where the removable module  205  is larger. 
     Although the friction pads  260  are shown in a rounded oblong or lozenge shape, the friction pads  260  may be curved, proud, flat, angled, have a raised edge and a flat interior or any combination thereof. Further, although specific dimensions have been given, the friction pads  260  may be configured in various shapes with varying dimensions. 
     The friction pads  260  may be positioned on various parts of the body  210  of the removable module  205  such as shown in  FIG.  7 A . For example, a top surface of the body  210  of the removable module  205  may include one or more friction pads  260  and the bottom surface of the body  210  of the removable module  205  may also include additional friction pads  260 . In such embodiments the friction pads  260  on the top surface of the body  210  may be aligned with respect to the friction pads  260  on the bottom surface of the body  210 . 
     The friction pads  260  on the top surface of the body  210  may be asymmetrically aligned with the fiction pads  260  on the bottom surface of the body  210 . In addition, the friction pads  260  may be aligned with the catch member  220  and the ramp  235  of the locking mechanism. 
     In other implementations, the friction pads may not be aligned with the catch member  220  and/or the ramp  235  of the locking mechanism. In yet other implementations, the friction pads  260  may be removed entirely from the body  210  or be present on either a top surface or a bottom surface of the body  210 . 
     The friction pads  260  may be made of plastic, nylon or other such material. The material may be a material that acts to increase friction between the removable module  205  and the channel of the housing of the consumer product. 
     The body  210  of the removable module  205  may include one or more recesses in which the friction pads  260  may be placed. In alternative embodiments, the friction pads  260  may be placed directly on top, bottom and/or side surfaces of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . Further, the friction pads  260  may be disposed in one or more openings that extend entirely though an axis of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . 
     The friction pads  260 , or at least a portion of each friction pad  260 , extends or protrudes from one or more surfaces of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . In such embodiments, the portion of the friction pad  260  that extends beyond the surface of the body  210  of the removable module  205  is used to: (1) increase friction between the removable module  205  and the channel of the housing of the electronic device into which the removable module  205  is to be placed; and (2) maintain or substantially maintain spacing between one or more surfaces of the removable module  205  and a surface of a channel of the housing of the electronic device into which the removable module  205  is to be placed. In embodiments, because the friction pads  260  help maintain spacing between the removable module  205  and the channel, undesired movement, rattling and/or noise caused by any movement of the removable module  205  may be reduced when the removable module  205  is contained within the channel. 
     The removable module  205  may also include one or more engagement features  265 . As shown in  FIG.  7 A , the one or more engagement features  265  may be placed on inner sides of the arms  213  that extend from each of the proximal end and the distal end of body  210  of the removable module  205 . Further, the engagement features  265  may be posited in parallel with the flat or substantially flat sidewall or transition wall of the body  210 . 
     The engagement features  265  may be used to secure a band, a strap or other accessory (not shown) to the removable module  205 . For example, a band or a strap may include one or more pins that enable the band or strap to be removably attached to the removable module  205 . As such, proximal and distal ends of the pin associated with the band or strap may be received into respective ones of the one or more engagement features  265 . 
     In certain embodiments, the pin that is used to secure the band to the removable modules  205  by being coupled to the engagement features  265  may also be used to perform a hard reset on the electronic device. For example, the pin, or other such connection mechanism, may be removed from the engagement feature  265  and inserted into an aperture or communication port that causes the electronic device to be restored into a factory default state. In another embodiment, the pin or other such connection mechanism may be used to access a compartment (e.g., a tray that holds a SIM card or a memory card or device) that is removably or slideably coupled to the housing of the electronic device. 
     Although the one or more engagement features  265  are shown and described at particular locations, the engagement features  265  may be positioned at various points along the body  210  of the removable module  205 . In alternative embodiments, a bar may laterally extend between the arms  213  of the proximal end and the distal end of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . In such embodiments, the one or more engagement features  265  may not be required as a band or strap may be woven, directly molded or attached to, or otherwise inserted through the bar and the removable module  205 . 
       FIG.  7 B  illustrates a perspective view of the assembled removable module  205  of  FIG.  7 A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  7 B , the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism is placed within the body  210  of the removable module  205  such that the top surface of the catch member  220  is flush or substantially flush with respect to a top side of the body  210 . Likewise, the ramp  235  of the locking mechanism is placed within the body  210  of the removable module  205  such that the bottom surface of the ramp  235  is biased proud or protrudes from a bottom surface of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . 
     As also shown in  FIG.  7 B , one or more flanges  245  are configured to be received within an aperture  230  of the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism. The one or more flanges  245  may be permitted to move within the aperture  230  in response to actuation of the ramp  235  and movement of the catch member  220 . 
     For example, when the ramp  235  is compressed, the flanges  245  may move within the aperture  230  toward the top surface of the catch member  220 . When the catch member  220  expands outwardly from the body  210 , the flanges  245  move from a top portion of the aperture  230  and contact the bottom portion of the aperture  230 . When the flanges  245  contact the bottom portion of the aperture  230  the catch member  220  is prohibited from further outward expansion. Likewise, as the ramp  235  expands outwardly, the flanges  245  are secured against the bottom portion of the aperture  230  which causes the catch member  220  to be biased flush or substantially flush with respect to the top side of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . 
     As also shown in  FIG.  7 B , the first set of spring mechanisms  250  may be coupled to one or more protrusions of the ramp  235 . The first set of spring mechanisms  250  may also be secured between the ramp  235  and catch member  220 . As discussed, the first set of spring mechanisms  250  cause the catch member  220  to be biased away from the ramp  235 . Further, when the ramp  235  is compressed, the first set of spring mechanisms  250  are also compressed which causes the catch member  220  to move from a first position, in which the planar or substantially planar top surface of the catch member  220  is flush or substantially flush with respect to the top side of the body  210  of the removable module  205 , to a second position, in which at least a portion of the catch member  220  protrudes from the top side of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . 
     The second set of spring mechanisms  255  are secured between the ramp  235  and an inner ledge of a bottom portion of the opening  215  contained within the body  210  of the removable module  205 . As the one or more flanges  245  of the ramp are secured to the catch member  220 , when the second set of spring mechanisms  255  bias the ramp  235  proud, the flanges  245  and the second set of spring mechanisms  255  causes the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism to be biased flush or substantially flush with respect to a top side of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . 
       FIG.  8 A  illustrates an exploded side cross-section view of the locking mechanism of the removable module  205  of  FIG.  7 A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically,  FIG.  8 A  illustrates an exploded cross-section view taken from cross-section BB shown in  FIG.  6 A . 
       FIG.  8 A  also illustrates the overall shape of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . For example, the body  210  of the removable module  205  may have a planar or substantially planar sidewall, a rounded top surface, a rounded bottom surface and a rounded (or substantially non-planar) outer sidewall, opposite from the substantially planar sidewall. Each sidewall may provide a transition between the top surface and the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the rounded outer sidewall may have dimensions that are greater than the substantially planar sidewall. In another embodiment, the top surface of the body  210  and/or the bottom surface of the body  210  may be flat or planar and have the rounded outer sidewall and flat or substantially flat sidewall such as described above. 
     In some embodiments, a thickness height, and/or width of the body  210  may increase when moving from the arms  213  ( FIG.  7 A ) toward to the rounded sidewall of the body and/or toward the opening  215  is disposed. That is, the body  210  may be tapered such that the thickness of the body  210  increases when moving from a first side (e.g., a side in which the arms  213  extend from body  210 ) to a second side. 
     As shown in  FIG.  8 A , the removable module  205  may include an opening  215  that has an upper portion and a bottom portion. In certain embodiments, the upper portion of the opening  215  is configured to receive a catch member  220  of a locking mechanism and the bottom portion of the opening is configured to receive a ramp  235  of the locking mechanism. 
     As also shown in  FIG.  8 A , the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism may have a planar or substantially planar top surface. In certain embodiments, the catch member  220  includes an aperture  230  configured to moveably secure one or more portions (e.g., one or more flanges  245 ) of the ramp  235 . More specifically, one or more flanges  245  of the ramp  235  may be received into a bottom opening of the catch member  220  and be snap-fit, press-fit or otherwise received into the aperture  230 . Although the one or more flanges  245  are secured within the aperture  230 , the one or more flanges  245  may also move within the aperture  230 . For example, when the ramp  235  is actuated in a direction toward the catch member  220  or in a direction that is away from the catch member  220 , the one or more flanges may be permitted to move or slide within the aperture  230  in a given direction while still being secured within the aperture  230 . 
     The ramp  235  of the locking mechanism may have a rounded or non-planar bottom surface. The non-planar bottom surface of the ramp  235  may enable the ramp  235  to be gradually actuated as the removable module  205  slides or is otherwise inserted into a channel of a housing of an electronic device. 
     The ramp  235  may also include one or more protrusions (not shown in  FIG.  8 A ) and one or more flanges  245 . In embodiments, the protrusions may extend from the ramp  235  and may be used to secure a first set of spring mechanisms  250  between the catch member  220  and the ramp  235 . Likewise, the one or more flanges  245  may be used to secure the ramp  235  to the catch member  220  and may be configured to receive and secure a second set of spring mechanisms  255  within the locking mechanism. Specifically, the one or more flanges  245  may be used to secure the second set of spring mechanisms  255  between the ramp  235  and a bottom portion of the opening  215  such as described above. 
       FIG.  8 B  illustrates an assembled side cross-section view (e.g., cross-section view BB ( FIG.  6 A )) of the locking mechanism of the removable module  205  of  FIG.  7 B  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  8 B , the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism is placed within an opening  215  of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . In such embodiments, the top portion of the opening has a depth sufficient to enable the top planar or substantially planar surface of the catch member  220  to be spring-biased flush or substantially flush with respect to the top surface of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . 
       FIG.  8 B  also shows how the one or more flanges  245  are configured to be moveably received within the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism. For example, the flanges  245  may be in contact with a bottom side of the aperture  230  when the locking mechanism is an extended state such as shown in  FIG.  8 B . However, when the ramp  235  is compressed, the flanges  245  may slideably move in an upward direction toward the top surface of the catch member  220  within available space provided by the aperture  230 . When the catch member  220  subsequent expands outwardly from the body  210 , the flanges  245  move from the top portion of the aperture  230  back to the bottom portion of the aperture  230 . When the flanges  245  contact the bottom portion of the aperture  230  the catch member  220  is prohibited from further outward expansion. 
       FIG.  8 B  also illustrates that the first set of spring mechanisms  250  may be secured between the catch member  220  and the ramp  235 . Additionally,  FIG.  8 B  illustrates that the second set of spring mechanisms  255  may be secured between the ramp  235  of the locking mechanism and an inner ledge of the bottom portion of the opening  215 . As discussed above, the first set of spring mechanisms  250  causes the catch member  220  to be biased away from the ramp  235  of the locking mechanism. Further, the second set of spring mechanisms  255  causes catch member  220  to be biased flush or substantially flush with respect to a first side of the body  210  of the removable module  205  and further causes the ramp  235  to be biased proud with respect to a second side of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . 
     Although the ramp  235  is spring-biased proud with respect to the body  210  of the removable module  205 , when pressure is applied to the non-planar bottom surface of the ramp  235 , or the ramp  235  is otherwise actuated, the ramp  235  compresses and is received into the opening  215 . The ramp  235  may continue to be received into the body  210  until the non-planar bottom surface of the ramp is substantially received, or entirely received, into the bottom portion of the opening  215 . 
       FIG.  9 A  illustrates a front cross-section view of the opening  215  in the body  210  of the removable module  205 . More specifically,  FIG.  9 A  illustrates a cross-section view AA ( FIG.  6 A ) of the opening  215 . As discussed, the opening  215  is configured to receive one or more portions of a locking mechanism of the removable module  205 . As such, the opening  215  may include a top portion  214  and a bottom portion  219 . The top portion  214  may have first depth and be configured to receive a catch member (e.g., catch member  220  ( FIG.  7 A )) of a locking mechanism. The depth of the top portion  214  of the opening  215  may be defined by one or more of an outer ledge  216  and an inner ledge  217 . Further, the depth of the top portion  214  of the opening  215  may be similar or substantially similar to the depth of the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism. 
     The opening  215  may also include a bottom portion  219  configured to receive a ramp (e.g., ramp  235  ( FIG.  7 A ) of a locking mechanism. As with the top portion  214  of the opening  215 , the bottom portion  219  of the opening  215  may have a depth defined by the outer ledge  216  and the inner ledge  217 . The bottom portion  219  of the opening  215  has a depth sufficient to enable the ramp  235  of the locking mechanism to be received into the bottom portion  219 . As such, when the ramp  235  is in a compressed state, a non-planar bottom surface of the ramp of the locking mechanism may be flush or substantially flush with respect to a second side of the body  210 . In certain embodiments, the depth of the bottom portion  219  of the opening may be at least twice the depth of the ramp although other depths may be used. 
     The opening  215  may include one or more pass-through holes  218 . The one or more pass-through holes  218  may be used to enable one or more protrusions (e.g., protrusions  240  ( FIG.  7 A )) and one or more spring mechanisms coupled to the protrusions (e.g., first set of spring mechanisms  250  ( FIG.  7 A ) to pass between the bottom portion  219  of the opening  215  into the top portion  214  of the opening  215 . In addition, the opening  215  may have one or more additional pass-through holes (not shown) to enable one or more flanges (e.g., flanges  245  ( FIG.  7 A )) to pass from the bottom portion  219  of the opening  215  to the top portion  214  of the opening  215  and be moveably received into a aperture (e.g., aperture  230  ( FIG.  7 A )) of a catch member of a locking mechanism. 
       FIG.  9 B  illustrates a front cross-section view of an opening  215  in a body  210  of the removable module  205  that contains an assembled locking mechanism according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically,  FIG.  9 B  illustrates the cross-section view AA of  FIG.  6 A  in which the locking mechanism is in a fully expanded state with no external force or compression being exerted on the locking mechanism. As previously discussed with respect to  FIG.  9 A , the opening  215  in the body  210  of the removable module  205  may include a top portion and a bottom portion (e.g., top portion  214  and bottom portion  219  of  FIG.  9 A ). 
     The top portion may have a first depth that is defined by one or more of an outer ledge  216  and an inner ledge  217 . Further, as shown in  FIG.  9 B , the outer ledge  216  is configured to support at least a portion (e.g., an outer edge) of a catch member  220  of the locking mechanism. In such embodiments, the outer ledge  216  prevents the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism from moving from the top portion of the opening  215  into the bottom portion of the opening  215 . Further, the outer ledge  216  may be configured to support the catch member  220  such that the top planar or substantially planar surface of the catch member  220  is flush or substantially flush with respect to a first side of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . 
     The bottom portion of the opening  215  may have a depth that is defined by the outer ledge  216  and the inner ledge  217 . The inner ledge  217  may be used to support one or more spring mechanisms, such as, for example, the second set of spring mechanisms  255 . The second set of spring mechanisms  255  may cause the ramp  235  to be biased proud with respect to the second side of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . Further, the second set of spring mechanisms enable the ramp  235  to be compressed within the bottom side of the opening  215 . 
     The opening  215  also includes one or more pass-through holes  218  that enable protrusions  240  and the first set of spring mechanisms  250  to pass between the bottom portion of the opening  215  into the top portion of the opening  215 . The pass-through holes  218  may constrain the lateral motion of the first set of spring mechanisms  250  as the first set of spring mechanisms  250  expand and contract. In addition, the opening  215  may have one or more additional pass-through holes (not shown) that enable flanges  245  to pass from the bottom side of the opening  215  to the top surface of the opening  215  and be moveably received into the aperture  230  in the sidewall  225  of the catch member  220  of a locking mechanism. 
       FIG.  9 C  illustrates a front cross-section view of a locking mechanism or locking mechanism of an removable module  205  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically,  FIG.  9 C  illustrates a cross-section view AA of  FIG.  6 A  in which the locking mechanism is in a fully expanded state with no external force or compression being exerted on the locking mechanism.  FIG.  9 C  also illustrates the interplay between a first set of spring mechanisms  250  of the locking mechanism with respect to the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism and the ramp  235  of the locking mechanism.  FIG.  9 C  also illustrates the interplay between a second set of spring mechanisms  255  of the locking mechanism with respect to the ramp  235  and an inner ledge  217  of an opening  215 . 
     As previously discussed, the catch member  220  of a locking mechanism may be placed within the opening  215  of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . As also discussed, the top portion of the opening  215  has a depth such that the top planar or substantially planar surface of the catch member  220  is flush or substantially flush with respect to a first side of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . Additionally, one or more protrusions  240  may extend from the ramp  235  of the locking mechanism and may be received in the catch member  220 . The protrusions  240  may also be used to constrain lateral movement of the first set of spring mechanisms  250 . 
     The first set of spring mechanisms  250  may be configured to compress and expand in the direction of arrows  270 . Further, the first set of spring mechanisms  250  may be configured to bias the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism away from the ramp  235  of the locking mechanism. In addition to the above, the first set of spring mechanisms  250  may also cause at least a portion of the catch member  220  to protrude from the opening  215  when the ramp  235  of the locking mechanism is compressed as discussed in more detail below. 
     As also shown in  FIG.  9 C , the ramp  235  of the locking mechanism may be placed within a bottom portion of the opening  215 . The ramp  235  may be spring-biased proud with respect to a second side of the body  210  such that at least a portion of the ramp  235  protrudes from the second side of the body  210  of the removable module  205 . In such embodiments, the second set of spring mechanisms  255  (e.g., preloaded springs) may be placed between an inner ledge  217  of the opening  215  and the ramp  235 . 
     The second set of spring mechanisms  255  may also enable the ramp  235  to compress such that the ramp  235  may slide within the bottom portion of the opening  215  when a force is applied to the non-planar bottom side of the ramp  235  or when the ramp  235  is otherwise actuated. When this actuation occurs, and if the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism has a clear path of movement (e.g., not contained within a channel of the housing or not beneath a recess in the channel of the housing), the first set of spring mechanisms  250  causes the catch member  220  to move from a first position, such as, for example, a position in which the top-planar side of the catch member  220  is flush or substantially flush with respect to the first side of the body  210  of the removable module  205  such as shown in  FIG.  9 C , to a second position in which at least a portion of the catch member  220  protrudes from the opening  215 . In embodiments where a chamfered edge is present, the chamfered edge of the catch member  220 , and/or a portion of the body of the catch member  220 , may protrude from the opening  215 . As will be discussed below, the protruding portion of the catch member  220  enables the attachment system to be releasably locked within a channel of a housing of an electronic device. 
       FIG.  10 A - FIG.  12 B  illustrate various views and components of a housing  300  of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The housing  300  of the electronic device shown and described with respect to  FIG.  10 A - FIG.  12 B  may be similar to the housing of the consumer product shown and described above. Further, one or more components and features shown and described with respect to  FIG.  10 A - FIG.  12 B  may be similar to components and features associated with the various housings, components, apertures and the like shown and described above. In addition, specific dimensions, shapes and orientations are described below with respect to the housing and the channel within the housing. Further, the disclosed dimensions, shapes and orientations of the housing, the channel, and their associated components and features, are not limiting and are used as examples. Similar dimensions, shapes and orientations of the housing, the channel and their associated components and features described below may be used with the embodiments described above. 
       FIG.  10 A  illustrates a portion of a housing  300  of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The housing  300  may be made from stainless steel, aluminum, plastic or any other suitable material. The housing  300  may include a channel  315  that extends from a first side of the housing  300  to a second side of the housing  300  such as shown in  FIG.  10 A . The channel  315  may be carved into a solid portion of the housing  300 . As such, the channel  315  may be located underneath various components of the electronic device. For example, the channel  315  may be located underneath a display of the electronic device. 
     For example, the channel  315  may be formed directly into the housing  300 . This configuration may reduce the number of parts and also enhance the structural integrity of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the channel  315  may be standardized and configured to work with a system of interchangeable components. Forming the channel  315  directly into the housing  300  may reduce parts and also facilitate structural rigidity of the device. 
     Although the channel  315  is shown as extending completely from a first side of the housing  300  to a second side of the housing  300 , the channel  315  may partially extend from a first side of the housing  300  to a second side of the housing  300 . In such an embodiment, one end of the channel  315  ends at an inner wall (not shown) of the housing  300 . 
     In certain embodiments, the channel  315  may have a diameter of 3.3 mm. Further, the length of the profile curve within the mouth of the channel  315  may have a length of about 8.8 mm. When the removable module  205  ( FIG.  7 A ) has been inserted into the channel  315 , a gap of approximately 0.045 mm may be present around the removable module  205  although due to manufacturing tolerances, the gap may vary between 0.015 mm and 0.075 mm. As discussed above, one or more friction pads  260  ( FIG.  7 A ) may be used to maintain that spacing. 
     The channel  315  may also have a sidewall that is at least partially rounded. Further, the channel  315  may have a sidewall that is flat or substantially flat. In addition, the channel  315  may be disposed at an angle of about five degrees with respect to the housing  300  such as shown in  FIG.  10 B  and  FIG.  11 A . The channel  315  may be located beneath a center axis line of the housing although other positions are contemplated. Although specific shapes, angles and dimensions of the channel  315  are specifically discussed, the channel  315  may be configured in any desired shape having various dimensions and orientations. 
     The housing  300  may also include an opening  320  disposed on an outer surface  310 . In certain embodiments, the opening  320  is used to receive one or more portions of a release mechanism. Specifically, the opening  320  is configured to receive a button portion  330  of the release mechanism as well as one or more spring mechanisms  340  of the release mechanism. The spring mechanisms  340  may be secured between the button portion  330  and a ledge of the opening  320 . The spring mechanisms  340  may be used to cause the planar or substantially planar top surface of the button portion  330  of the release mechanism to be biased flush or substantially flush with respect to an outer surface  310  of the housing  300 . 
     In certain embodiments, the button portion  330  of the release mechanism is made from stainless steel, aluminum, plastic or any other suitable material. As discussed, the button portion  330  of the release mechanism may have a rounded or angular top surface that is configured to be flush or substantially flush with the outer surface  310  of the housing  300  when the button portion  330  is placed into the opening  320 . In alternative embodiments, the button portion  330  may have a planar or substantially planar top surface. 
     The button portion  330  may be configured in a substantially rounded oblong shape. In certain embodiments, the button portion  330  may be 7.5 mm in length, 1.6 mm in width and 2.2 mm in height. Although specific dimensions are discussed, the button portion  330  may have various dimensions and shapes. The button portion  330  of the release mechanism may also include one or more receiving slots  335  that are configured to receive one or more flanges  350  of a plunger  345  of the release mechanism. 
     The plunger  345  of the release mechanism may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic or any other suitable material. Further, the plunger  345  may have a planar or substantially planar bottom surface such as shown in  FIG.  10 A . In other implementations, the bottom surface may be concave or convex. According to one or more embodiments, the plunger  345  may be 4.8 mm in length, 1.6 mm in width and 2.0 mm in height although other dimensions and shapes may be used. 
     The bottom surface of the plunger  345  may be used to actuate at least a portion of a locking mechanism, such as, for example, a catch member of a locking mechanism such as described above. The plunger  345  may also include one or more flanges  350  that are configured to be received and secured in one or more receiving slots  335  of the button portion  330  of the release mechanism. 
     The housing  300  also includes a recess  325  disposed within the channel  315  of the housing  300 . The recess  325  may be positioned at any point within the channel  315 . For example, the recess  325  may be positioned near one of the openings of the channel  315 . In one embodiment, multiple recesses  325  may be disposed within the channel  315 . In yet another embodiment, the recess  325  may not be disposed within the channel  315  as the channel  315  may have other securement means such as described later herein. 
     The recess  325  may be positioned below the opening  320  and form part of the opening  320 . As such, one or more flanges  350  of the plunger  345  may extend from the plunger  345  through the recess  325  into the opening  320  and be secured within respective receiving slots  335  of the button portion  330 . Because the plunger  345  is coupled to the button portion  330 , actuation of the button portion  330  causes the plunger  345  to move within the recess  325 . As the plunger  345  moves within the recess  325  (e.g., from a first position within the recess  325  to a second position within the recess  325 ) in response to actuation of the button portion  330  of the release mechanism, the plunger  345  is configured to expel or otherwise remove a portion (e.g., a catch member) of a locking mechanism from the recess  325 . 
     Although not shown in  FIG.  10 A , the channel  315  may also include a connector slot that may be used to connect a cable, plug or other such mechanism to the electronic device. The cable may be used to, for example, charge a battery of the device, transfer data to and from a storage device, perform maintenance processes, restore default and/or saved settings on the electronic device and so on. The connector slot may be positioned proximate to the recess  325  or may aligned with the recess  325 . In another embodiment, the connector slot may be positioned anywhere within the channel  315  or other part of the housing  300 . 
       FIG.  10 B  illustrates an assembled release mechanism contained within a housing  300  of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As discussed above, the release mechanism may include a button portion  330  and a plunger  345 . As shown in  FIG.  10 B , the button portion  330  may be received in an opening  320  of the housing  300 . Likewise, the plunger  345  may be received into a recess  325  disposed within a channel  315  of the housing  300 . 
     A planar top surface of the button portion  330  is spring-biased flush or substantially flush with respect to the outer surface  310  of the housing  300  using one or more spring mechanisms  340 . The plunger  345  may be coupled to the button portion  330  using one or more flanges  350 . That is, the one or more flanges are received into respective receiving slots  335  defined by the button portion  330 . 
     The plunger  345 , by virtue of its coupling to the button portion  330 , is held within the recess  325  at an upper most portion of the recess  325  such as shown in  FIG.  10 B . Such a positioning enables the recess  325  to receive a portion of a locking mechanism such as described above. When a portion of a locking mechanism has been received into the recess  325 , actuation of the button portion  330  causes the plunger  345  to move within the recess  325  from the first position to a second position (e.g., a position in which a planar or substantially planar bottom surface of the plunger  345  is flush or substantially flush with respect to the channel  315 ). Movement of the plunger  345  from the first position to the second position expels the portion of the locking mechanism from within the recess  325  and further causes the locking mechanism to compress and/or enter a compressed state. 
       FIG.  11 A  illustrates an exploded side cross-section view of the release mechanism of the housing  300  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically,  FIG.  11 A  illustrates a cross-section view of the housing  300  taken from cross-section CC of  FIG.  6 A . 
     As shown in  FIG.  11 A , the housing  300  may include a channel  315  that extends from a first side of the housing  300  to a second side of the housing  300 . In certain embodiments, the channel  315  may have a rounded configuration and may be positioned at a certain angle with respect to the housing such as described above. 
     As previously discussed, the housing  300  may also include an opening  320  disposed on an outer surface  310 . The opening  320  may be used to receive one or more portions of a release mechanism. More specifically, the opening  320  is configured to receive a button portion  330  of the release mechanism as well as one or more spring mechanisms  340  of the release mechanism. The spring mechanisms  340  may be secured between the button portion  330  of the release mechanism and a ledge of the opening  320 . Further, the spring mechanisms  340  may cause the top surface of the button portion  330  of the release mechanism to be biased flush or substantially flush with respect to the outer surface  310  of the housing  300  such as shown in  FIG.  11 B . 
     The release mechanism may also include a plunger  345 . The plunger  345  may have a planar or substantially planar bottom surface that may be configured to move from a first position within the recess  325  to a second position within the recess  325  in response to actuation of the button portion  330 . The plunger  345  may also include one or more flanges  350  that are configured to be received and secured in one or more receiving slots  335  of the button portion  330  of the release mechanism such as shown in  FIG.  11 B . 
     As discussed above, the housing  300  may also include a recess  325 . In certain embodiments, the recess  325  may be positioned below the opening  320  and enable one or more flanges  350  of the plunger  345  to extend through the recess  325  into the opening  320 . The one or more flanges  350  may then be secured within respective receiving slots  335  of the button portion  330 . 
       FIG.  11 B  illustrates a side cross-section view (e.g., cross-section view CC of  FIG.  6 A ) of an assembled release mechanism contained within the housing  300  of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  11 B , because the plunger  345  is coupled to the button portion  330 , the plunger  345  is positioned within a top portion of the recess  325  and is flush or substantially flush with the outer surface  310  of the housing  300 . When the plunger  345  is positioned within the top portion of the recess  325 , the recess  325  includes a space that is configured to receive at least a portion of a locking mechanism. Once the portion of the locking mechanism is received into the recess, subsequent actuation of the button portion  330  causes the plunger  345  to move within the recess  325  and expel the portion of the locking mechanism that is contained within the recess  325 . As also shown, the spring mechanisms  340  are secured between the plunger  345  and the button portion  330  when the one or more flanges  350  are received into corresponding receiving slots  335 . 
       FIG.  12 A  illustrates a front cross-section view (e.g., cross-section view DD of  FIG.  6 A ) of the opening  320  of the housing  300  of the electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and  FIG.  12 B  illustrates a front cross-section view (e.g., cross-section view DD of  FIG.  6 A ) of an assembled release mechanism in the opening  320  of the housing  300  of the electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the opening  320  is positioned above a recess  325  that is positioned in or defined by a channel  315  of the housing  300 . 
     The opening  320  and the recess  325  may be at least partially separated by an outer ledge  321 . As shown in  FIG.  12 B , the outer ledge  321  is configured to hold the spring mechanisms  340  such that the spring mechanisms  340  bias the top surface of the button portion  330  of the release mechanism flush or substantially flush with respect to the outer surface  310  or top surface of the housing  300 . Further, the outer ledge  321  is also configured to retain the plunger  345  of the release mechanism in the recess  325 . 
     As also shown in  FIG.  12 B , a pass-through is provided between the opening  320  and the recess  325 . In certain embodiments, the pass-through enables one or more components of the plunger  345  (e.g., flanges  350 ) to extend from the recess  325  into the opening  320  and be coupled to the button portion  330 . 
       FIG.  13 A  illustrates a front cross-section view (taken at cross-section AA of  FIG.  6 A ) of a removable module  205  being partially inserted into a channel  315  of a housing  300  of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  13 A , the removable module  205  may include a locking mechanism having a catch member  220  and a ramp  235 . In certain embodiments, the catch member  220  is moveably coupled to the ramp  235  using one or more flanges  245  that extend from the ramp  235 . 
     According to various embodiments, the catch member  220  may be spring-biased flush with respect to a body  210  of the attachment system while the ramp  235  may be spring-biased proud with respect to the body  210  of the removable module  205 . Specifically, the locking mechanism may include a first set of spring mechanisms  250  coupled to or secured by one or more protrusions  240  that cause the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism and the ramp  235  of the locking mechanism to be biased away from each other. In addition, a second set of spring mechanisms  255  may cause the ramp  235  to be biased proud with respect to the body  210  of the removable module  205 . The second set of spring mechanisms  255 , along with the flange  245 , may also cause the catch member  220  to be biased flush with respect to the body  210  of the removable module  205 . 
     As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the flange  245  is secured to the catch member  220  via an aperture  230 . In such embodiments, the flange  245  may initially latch to a bottom portion of the aperture  230  such as shown in  FIG.  8 B . However, as also discussed with respect to  FIG.  8 B , the flange  245  may be configured to move within the aperture  230 . Specifically, as the ramp  235  is compressed, the flange  245  may move from a first position (in which the overhang of the flange  245  is in contact with the bottom portion of the aperture  230 ) within the aperture  230  to a second position within the aperture  230 . Likewise, when the ramp  235  is spring-biased proud, the flange  245  may exert a downward force (e.g., a force toward to the ramp  235 ) on aperture  230  of the catch member  220  that holds or causes the catch member  220  to be flush or substantially flush with respect to the body  210  of the removable module  205 . 
     The catch member  220  may have a length that is substantially equal to or slightly greater than a length of the ramp  235 . For example, the catch member  220  may have a length of 2.5 mm while the ramp  235  has a length of 2.0 mm. Although specific measurements are given, the ramp  235  and the catch member  220  may have any lengths. Although the catch member  220  is configured to be flush or substantially flush with respect to the top surface of the body  210 , when the catch member  220  extends from the top surface of the body  210  (as a result of the ramp  235  being actuated), the catch member  220  may extend past the top surface of the body  210  by approximately 0.38 mm. 
     The lengths of each of the catch member  220  and the ramp  235  may affect how the removable module  205  is received into the channel  315  of the housing  300 . For example, compression of the ramp  235  may cause the catch member  220  to extend or protrude from the body  210  of the removable module  205 . However, if the catch member  220  extends from the body  210  of the removable module  205  prior to the catch member  220  being inserted into the channel  315 , the removable module  205  may be prohibited from fully entering the channel  315  (without actuation of the catch member  220  to re-compress the catch member  220 ) as the protruded catch member  220  will come into contact with the side of the channel  315  or the side of the housing  300 . 
     However, even in embodiments where the catch member  220  may protrude from the housing, either by the ramp  235  being compressed, or by not being flush or substantially flush with respect to the top surface of the removable module  205 , contact between the catch member  220  and the channel  315  may cause the catch member  220  to begin to compress. Specifically, the channel  315  may contact a sidewall  225  of the catch member  220  (or a chamfered edge of the catch member when a chamfered edge is present) and cause the catch member  220  to compress such that the catch member  220  is received within the body  210  of the removable module  205 . Once the catch member  220  has been compressed, the catch member  220  may enter the channel  315 . 
     In addition to the features of the catch member  220  discussed above, the shape and/or length of the ramp  235  may enable at least a portion of the catch member  220  to be inserted into the channel  315  prior to the ramp  235  being compressed. Such a configuration may also help prevent the catch member  220  from outer expansion prior to a portion of the catch member  220  being inserted into the channel  315 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  13 A , a length  223  of the catch member  220  is received into the channel  315  of the housing prior to the ramp  235  coming into contact with an outer edge of the channel  315 . As the removable module  205  is inserted farther into the channel  315 , the first set of spring mechanisms  250  and the second set of spring mechanisms  255  enable the ramp  235  to be compressed. However, because the length  223  of the catch member  220  is contained within the channel  315  of the housing  300 , the catch member  220  cannot fully expand. Further, as the removable module  205  is inserted into the channel  315 , one or more friction pads  260  may maintain the spacing between the removable module  205  and the channel  315 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIG.  13 B , as the removable module  205  is inserted farther into the channel  315  of the housing  300 , the channel  315  causes the ramp  235  and the second set of spring mechanisms  255  to continue to compress until the bottom rounded surface of the ramp  235  is flush or substantially flush with respect to the body  210  of the removable module  205 . As the ramp  235  is compressed the one or more flanges  245  move within the aperture  230 . As also shown in  FIG.  13 B , compression of the ramp  235  and the second set of spring mechanisms  255  also causes the first set of spring mechanisms  250  to compress. However, because the catch member  220  is contained within the channel  315 , the locking mechanism remains in a compressed state as shown. In some embodiments, the position of the body  210  of the removable module  205  shown in  FIG.  13 B  may be equivalent to the position of the body  210  of the removable module  205  shown and described above with respect to  FIG.  5 B  and  FIG.  6 B . 
       FIG.  13 C  illustrates a front cross-section view (taken for example at cross-sections AA and DD of  FIG.  6 A ) of a locking mechanism of a removable module  205  in which a catch member  220  of the locking mechanism is contained within a recess  325  of a channel  315  of a housing  300 . As shown in  FIG.  13 C , when the removable module  205  has been inserted into a channel  315  of the housing  300  and the catch member  220  comes into contact with the recess  325  in the channel  315 , the first set of spring mechanisms  250  expand. The expansion of the first set of spring mechanisms  250  causes the catch member  220  to move in the direction of arrows  400  and the catch member  220  is received into the recess  325  which locks the removable module  205  in place. In some embodiments, the catch member  220  extends into the recess  325  approximately 0.38 mm although other distances are contemplated. In some embodiments, the position of the body  210  of the removable module  205  shown in  FIG.  13 C  may be equivalent to the position of the body  210  of the removable module  205  shown and described above with respect to  FIG.  5 C  and  FIG.  6 C . 
     The catch member  220  may include a chamfered edge. In such embodiments, the recess  325  may also be chamfered so as to receive the chamfered edge of the catch member  220 . Such a configuration may help eliminate movement of the removable module  205  when the removable module  205  has been locked in place within the channel  315 . 
     As also shown in  FIG.  13 C , as the catch member  220  expands into the recess  325 , the catch member  220  may expand outwardly until it comes into contact with the plunger  345  of the release mechanism. More specifically, the planar or substantially planar top surface of the catch member  220  may come into contact with the planar or substantially planar bottom surface of the plunger  345 . Thus, in response to actuation of the button portion  330  of the release mechanism, the plunger  345  does not travel prior to coming into contact with the catch member  220 . 
       FIG.  14 A  illustrates a side cross-section view (taken for example at cross-sections BB and CC of  FIG.  6 A ) of a locking mechanism of a removable module  205  that has been received into a recess  325  of a channel  315  of a housing  300  of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, as shown in  FIG.  14 A , when the removable module  205  has been inserted into a channel  315  of the housing  300 , the removable module  205  may travel within the channel  315  until the catch member  220  is below the recess  325  in the channel  315 . Once the catch member  220  is below the recess  325  in the channel  315 , the first set of spring mechanisms  250  expand which causes the sidewalls  225  of the catch member  220  to be received into the channel  315 . As also shown in  FIG.  14 A , the catch member  220  may expand into the recess  325  until it comes into contact with the plunger  345  of the release mechanism. 
     The removable module  205  may be equally or substantially equally spaced within the channel  315 . As discussed above, one or more friction pads (not shown) may be disposed on the removable module  205  and used to maintain the spacing between the channel  315  and the removable module  205 . 
       FIG.  14 B  illustrates actuation of a release mechanism contained within a housing  300  of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically,  FIG.  14 B  when compared with  FIG.  14 A  illustrates the interplay between the release mechanism contained within the housing  300  of the consumer product and the locking mechanism contained in the removable module  205 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  14 B , when the button portion  330  of the release mechanism is actuated in the direction of arrow  410 , the button portion  330  travels below the outer surface  310  of the housing  300 . More specifically, the spring mechanisms  340  in the release mechanism compress and enable the button portion  330  to move within the opening  320  of the housing  300 . Because the plunger  345  of the release mechanism is coupled to the button portion  330 , actuation of the button portion  330  also causes the plunger  345  to move from a first position in the recess  325  (e.g., the position shown in  FIG.  14 A ) to a second position within the recess  325  such as shown in  FIG.  14 B . 
     The second position of the plunger  345  may be a position in which the planar or substantially planar bottom surface of the plunger  345  is flush or substantially flush with respect to the channel  315 . As further shown in  FIG.  14 B , as the plunger  345  moves from the first position to the second position, the plunger  345  causes the catch member  220  of the locking mechanism to move in the direction of arrow  420 . Specifically, the plunger  345  causes the first set of spring mechanisms  250  within the locking mechanism to compress. As the first set of spring mechanisms compress, the catch member  220  is expelled from the recess  325 . Once the catch member  220  has been removed from the recess  325 , the removable module  205  may move within the channel  315 . 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a front cross-section view of an actuated release mechanism contained within a housing  300  of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically,  FIG.  15   , when compared with  FIG.  13 C , illustrates the interplay between the release mechanism contained within the housing  300  of the consumer product and the locking mechanism contained in the removable module  205 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  15   , when the button portion  330  of the release mechanism is actuated, the spring mechanisms  340  in the release mechanism compress and enable the button portion  330  to move within the opening  320  of the housing  300 . Actuation of the button portion  330  also causes the plunger  345  of the release mechanism to move from a first position in the recess  325  (e.g., the position shown in  FIG.  13 C ) to a second position within the recess  325  such as shown in  FIG.  15   . In certain embodiments, the second position may be a position in which the planar or substantially planar bottom surface of the plunger  345  is flush or substantially flush with respect to the channel  315 . As the plunger  345  moves from the first position to the second position, the plunger  345  causes the first set of spring mechanisms  250  to compress which enables the catch member  220  to be removed from the recess  325 . Once the catch member  220  has been removed from the recess  325 , the removable module  205  may move within the channel  315 . 
       FIG.  16 A  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a locking mechanism of a removable module  500  of an attachment system according to one or more alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. The removable module  500  shown and described with respect to  FIG.  16 A  may be used with embodiments shown and described above. As such, the removable module  500  may be inserted into a housing of a consumer product such as consumer product  180  of  FIG.  4 A . Further, the removable module  500  may be removably connected to a band, a strap, a dock, a stand, a display system and the like. 
     The removable module  500  includes a body  510 . The body  510  may be elongated and rounded such as shown in  FIG.  16 A . In certain embodiments, the body  510  may have dimensions similar to those described above with respect to body  210  of  FIG.  7 A . In certain embodiments, the body  510  includes a proximal end and a distal end. Although not required, each of the proximal end and the distal end may include an arm  513  that extends beyond the body  510 . That is, is some implementations, the removable module  500  may include a body  510  without arms  513 . In other implementations, the body  510  may include a channel, aperture or other such opening in which a band or other accessory may be placed. 
     Although rounded chamfered arms  513  are specifically shown and described with respect to  FIG.  16 A , the proximal end and the distal end of the removable module  500  may be in any shape or configuration based on the shape of the housing, the shape of the channel within the housing or based on a desired aesthetic of the removable module  500 . 
     The removable module  500  may also include an opening  515  disposed within the body  510 . The opening  515  may be configured to receive a catch member  520  of a locking mechanism and enable the catch member  520  to move within the opening  515 . However, as shown in  FIG.  16 A , the locking mechanism of this example embodiment excludes a ramp. 
     The catch member  520  may be made of plastic, aluminum, stainless steel or any other material or combination of materials. The catch member  520  may be configured in a rounded oblong shape and include a planar or substantially planar top surface. In certain embodiments, the catch member  520  may have similar dimensions to those described above with respect to the catch member  220  ( FIG.  7 A ) although other dimensions may be used. 
     The planar or substantially planar top surface of the catch member  520  may be surrounded or substantially surrounded by a chamfered edge  525  that facilitates actuation of the catch member  520  as the removable module  500  is inserted into a channel or removed from a recess or other opening within the channel. In other implementations, the catch member  520  may have a rounded or substantially non-planar top surface that is conducive to enabling the catch member  520  to be actuated as the catch member  520  comes into contact with a channel of the housing. As such, the chamfered edge  525  may not be needed. 
     In some implementations, the catch member  520  may be actuated by force applied by a tool or a user. Once the catch member  520  has been actuated by the user applied force, the removable module  500  may be inserted into a channel of the housing. 
     More specifically, the catch member  520  may protrude from the body  510  of the removable module  500 . In order to fully insert the removable module  500  into the channel, the catch member  520  may need to be flush or substantially flush with respect to the body  510 . As such, an individual or tool may need to manually compress or physically actuate the catch member  520  to enable the catch member  520 , and subsequently the body  510  of the removable module  500  to be inserted into the channel. Although manual actuation of the catch member is specifically discussed with the embodiment shown in  FIG.  16 A  and  FIG.  16 B , manual actuation of the catch member  520  may be used with the other embodiments described herein. 
     The removable module  500  may also include a set of spring mechanisms  530 . The set of spring mechanisms  530  may enable the catch member  520  to move from an extended position in which the catch member  520  is biased proud with respect to a top surface of the body  510  of the removable module  500  (as shown in  FIG.  16 B ) to a contracted position in which a top surface of the catch member  520  is flush or substantially flush with respect to the top surface of the body  510  of the removable module  500 . Although two spring mechanisms  530  are shown and described, the set of spring mechanisms  530  may include any number of spring mechanisms. 
     Although not required, the removable module  500  may also include one or more friction pads  540 . The friction pads  540  may have dimensions similar to those described above with respect to friction pads  260  ( FIG.  7 A ). Further, although the friction pads  540  are shown in a rounded oblong configuration, the friction pads  540  may be configured in various shapes with varying dimensions. 
     For example, a top surface of the body  510  may include multiple friction pads  540  while a bottom surface of the body  510  may include a single friction pad  540  that extends partially or entirely along the bottom surface of the body  510 . In another embodiment, three friction pads  540  may be positioned on the bottom surface of the body  510  and located opposite from the two friction pads  540  and the catch member  520  located on the top surface of the body  510 . In certain embodiments, the friction pads  540  may be made of plastic, nylon or other such material that is conducive to reducing friction between two surfaces. 
     The body  510  of the removable module  500  may include one or more recesses in which the friction pads  540  may be placed. In alternative embodiments, the friction pads  540  may be placed directly on top, bottom and/or side surfaces of the body  510  of the removable module  500 . The friction pads  540  may be disposed in one or more openings that extend entirely though an axis of the body  510  of the removable module  500 . 
     The friction pads  540 , or at least a portion of each friction pad  540 , may extend or protrude from one or more surfaces of the body  510  of the removable module  500 . The portion of the friction pad  540  that extends beyond the surface of the body  510  of the removable module  500  may be used to: (1) increase friction between the removable module  500  and the channel of the housing of the consumer product into which the removable module  500  is inserted so as to reduce undesired movement, rattling, and/or noise caused by any movement of the removable module  500 ; and (2) maintain or substantially maintain spacing between the surfaces of the removable module  500  and a surface of a channel of the housing of the consumer product into which the removable module  500  is inserted. 
     The removable module  500  may also include one or more engagement features  550  according to various embodiments. As shown in  FIG.  16 A , the one or more engagement features  550  may be placed on inner sides of the arms  513  that extend from each of the proximal end and the distal end of body  510  of the removable module  500 . The one or more engagement features  550  may be used to secure a band or a strap (not shown) to the removable module  500  such as described above with respect to  FIG.  5 B . 
       FIG.  16 B  illustrates a perspective view of an assembled locking mechanism of  FIG.  16 A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  16 B , the catch member  520  of the locking mechanism is placed within the body  510  of the removable module  500  such that the top surface of the catch member  520  is spring-biased proud with respect to a top side of the body  510  of the removable module  500 . Although the catch member  520  is spring-biased proud with respect to the top side of the body  510 , the set of spring mechanisms  530  enable the catch member  520  to compress which causes the catch member  520  to move from a first position, such as shown in  FIG.  16 B , to a second position in which the top surface of the catch member  520  is flush or substantially flush with respect to the top side of the body  510  of the removable module  500 . 
       FIG.  17    illustrates a portion of a housing  600  of a consumer product configured to receive the removable module  500  of  FIG.  16 A  and  FIG.  16 B  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Although housing  600  is shown and described as receiving the removable module  500 , other embodiments of the housings shown and described herein may also be used in conjunction with the removable module  500 . For example, the removable module  500  may be releasably received in housing  300  shown and described above. 
     The housing  600  may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic or any other suitable material. The housing  600  may include a channel  615  that extends from a first side of the housing  600  to a second side of the housing  600 . Although the channel  615  is shown as extending completely from a first side of the housing  600  to a second side of the housing  600  in  FIG.  9   , the channel  615  may partially extend from a first side of the housing  600  to a second side of the housing  600  such that one of the ends of the channel  615  ends at an inner wall (not shown) of the housing  600 . 
     The channel  615  may have a rounded configuration and be positioned at an angle with respect to the housing  600  such as described above with respect to  FIG.  4 C . The housing  600  also includes a recess  625  disposed within the channel  615  of the housing  600 . The recess  625  is configured to receive a catch member of a locking mechanism such as, for example, catch member  520  ( FIG.  13 A ). 
     In embodiments, the recess  625  may be shaped to release and/or cause the catch member of the locking mechanism to compress when a force is applied to a proximal end or a distal end of a removable module that is received within the channel  615 . For example, as force is applied to one end of the removable module, an edge of the recess  625  may cause the catch member of the removable module to begin to compress. As the removable module continues to move in the direction of the applied force, the catch member continues to compress until it reaches a fully compressed state (e.g., a state in which the top surface of the catch member is substantially contained within a body of the removable module). Once the catch member is in a fully compressed state, the removable module may freely move within the channel  615  of the housing  600 . 
       FIG.  18 A  illustrates a removable module  700  of an attachment system according to one or more alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the removable module  700  includes a body  710 . The body  710  may be elongated and rounded such as shown in  FIG.  17   . In certain embodiments the body  710  may have dimensions similar to those described above with respect to body  210  of  FIG.  7 A . 
     As shown in  FIG.  18 A , the body  710  includes a proximal end and a distal end and, although not required, each of the proximal end and the distal end may include an arm  715  that extends beyond the body  710 . Although rounded chamfered arms  715  are specifically shown and described, the arms  715 , as well as the proximal end and the distal end of the removable module  700  may be in any shape or configuration based on the shape of the housing, the shape of the channel within the housing or based on a desired aesthetic of the removable module  700 . 
     The removable module  700  may also include one or more friction pads  720  disposed on one or more surfaces of the removable module  700 . For example, a top surface of the removable module  700  may include one or more friction pads  720  and the bottom surface of the removable module  700  may also include one or more friction pads  720 . In certain embodiments, the friction pads  720  may be made of plastic, nylon or other such material that is conducive to reducing friction between two surfaces. In embodiments, the friction pads  720  may have dimensions similar to those described above with respect to friction pads  260  ( FIG.  7 A ). Further, although the friction pads  720  are shown in a rounded oblong configuration, the friction pads  720  may be configured in various shapes with varying dimensions. 
     The body  710  of the removable module  700  may include one or more recesses in which the friction pads  720  may be placed. In alternative embodiments, the friction pads  720  may be placed directly on top, bottom and/or side surfaces of the body  710  of the removable module  700 . Further, the friction pads  720  may be disposed in one or more openings that extend entirely though an axis of the body  710  of the removable module  700 . In some embodiments, a friction pad  720  may be integrated with or otherwise a part of a ramp  235  ( FIG.  7 A ) and/or a catch member  220  ( FIG.  7 A ). 
     The friction pads  720 , or at least a portion of each friction pad  720 , may extend or protrude 0.11 mm or more from one or more surfaces of the body  710  of the removable module  700 . In such embodiments, the portion of the friction pad  720  that extends beyond the surface of the body  710  of the removable module  700  may be removably received into corresponding recesses in a channel of a housing such as, for example, recesses  820  of  FIG.  18 B . Further, the friction pads  720  may be used to: (1) increase friction between the removable module  700  and the channel of the housing of the consumer product into which the removable module  700  is to be inserted so as to reduce undesired rattling or movement of the removable module  700 ; and (2) maintain or substantially maintain spacing between the surfaces of the removable module  700  and a surface of a channel of the housing of the consumer product into which the removable module  700  is to be inserted. 
     The removable module  700  may also include one or more engagement features  730  according to various embodiments. As shown in  FIG.  18 A , the one or more engagement features  730  may be placed on inner sides of the arms  715  that extend from each of the proximal end and the distal end of body  710  of the removable module  700 . The one or more engagement features  730  may be used to secure a band or a strap (not shown) to the removable module  700  such as described above with respect to  FIG.  7 A . 
       FIG.  18 B  illustrates a housing  800  of a consumer product configured to receive the removable module  700  of  FIG.  18 A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments the housing  800  may be part of an attachment system and be made of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic or any other suitable material. The housing  800  may include a channel  815  that extends from a first side of the housing  800  to a second side of the housing  800  such as shown in  FIG.  18 B . Although the channel  815  is shown as extending completely from a first side of the housing  800  to a second side of the housing  800 , the channel  815  may partially extend from a first side of the housing  800  to a second side of the housing  800  such that one of the ends of the channel  815  ends at an inner wall (not shown) of the housing  800 . 
     In certain embodiments, the channel  815  may have a rounded configuration and be positioned at an angle with respect to the housing  800 . The housing  800  may also include a plurality of recesses  820 . 
     In certain embodiments, the plurality of recesses  820  may be used to receive at least a portion of a friction pad, such as, for example, friction pad  720  ( FIG.  18 A ). For example and as discussed above, a portion of a friction pad may protrude from a surface of a removable module. Accordingly, one or more recesses  820  disposed in the channel  815  may be shaped to receive the protruded portion of the friction pad when the removable module is placed within the channel  815 . As the removable module slides within the channel  815 , the protruded portion of the friction pad may be received into the recesses  820 . As a result, the removable module may be locked in place. Similarly, when a force is exerted on a proximal end or a distal end of the removable module, the force causes the friction pads to compress or otherwise be removed from the recesses  820  which enables the removable module  700  to slide within the channel  815 . 
       FIG.  19    illustrates a method  900  of inserting and securing a removable module of an attachment system into a channel of a housing or component of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The method  900  may be used to insert various attachment systems into various channels, components, apertures, and the like such as described herein. For example, method  900  may be used to insert the removable module  205  shown and described with respect to  FIG.  7 A - FIG.  9 C  into a channel  315  of a housing  300  shown and described with respect to  FIG.  10 A - FIG.  12 B . Although specific attachment systems, including removable modules and channels are described, the method  900 , or portions thereof, may be used to insert any of the removable modules described herein into any of the channels of the various devices described herein. 
     Method  900  begins when a removable module or engagement node is inserted  910  into a channel of the housing of a consumer product. More specifically, a head portion of a removable module may be configured to slide relative to the consumer product. The removable module may comprise a locking mechanism having one or more sets of spring mechanisms, a first portion and a second portion. 
     The first portion of the locking mechanism may be inserted into the channel of a housing or component. In some embodiments, the removable module has a body with a profile shape that is extruded or extended along a length of the body. Similarly, the housing or component may have a corresponding opening or feature having a similar profile shape that is extended along a length or direction. With regard to operation, the removable module may be inserted by sliding the body of the removable module into the opening in the housing along a direction that is substantially aligned with both the length of the body and the length of the opening. 
     As previously described, the removable module may include a spring-loaded locking mechanism. In some embodiments, a first portion of the locking mechanism may be spring-biased flush with respect to the removable module. The first portion of the locking mechanism may correspond to the catch member described above with respect to the previous figures. A second portion of the locking mechanism may be spring-biased proud with respect the removable module. The second portion of the locking mechanism may correspond to the ramp member described above with respect to the previous figures. The locking mechanism may also include a first set of spring elements or mechanisms that cause the first portion of the locking mechanism and the second portion of the locking mechanism to be biased away from each other. In addition, a second set of spring elements or mechanisms may cause the second portion to be biased proud with respect to a surface of the removable module. The second set of spring elements or mechanisms may also cause the first portion of the locking mechanism to be biased flush with respect to the removable module. 
     In operation  920 , a force is applied to at least one side of the removable module. As the force is applied to the removable module, the removable module slides within the channel in the direction of the applied force. The first portion of the locking mechanism may have a length that is substantially equal to, or slightly greater than, a length of the second portion of the locking mechanism. As such, as the removable module slides farther into the housing, the first portion of the locking mechanism enters the channel prior to the second portion of the locking mechanism coming into contact with an outer edge of the channel. Alternatively, the channel may have a first edge that protrudes beyond a second edge resulting in the first portion of the locking mechanism engaging the first edge before the second portion of the locking mechanism engages the second edge. In either case, the channel may keep the first portion of the locking mechanism in a compressed state even when the second portion of the locking mechanism begins to enter a compressed state due to contact with the channel such as described above. 
     In operation  930 , the second portion of the locking mechanism of the removable module comes into contact with the channel. When the second portion of the locking mechanism comes into contact with the channel and force is continually applied to the removable module, the channel causes the second portion of the locking mechanism to compress or withdraw into the removable module. 
     As the removable module is inserted farther into the channel, the first set of spring elements or mechanisms and a second set of spring elements or mechanisms enable the second portion of the locking mechanism to compress until the second portion of the locking mechanism is contained within the removable module or at least until the second portion of the locking mechanism is contained within the channel. Although the first and the second set of spring elements or mechanisms are compressed, and although the first set of spring elements or mechanisms cause the first portion of the locking mechanism to be biased away from the second portion of the locking mechanism, the first portion of the locking mechanism is contained within the channel which prohibits the first portion of the locking mechanism from expanding. Therefore, the locking mechanism may remain in a compressed state. 
     The locking mechanism remains in the compressed state as the removable module continues to slide within the channel. However, when the locking mechanism is in proximity to, or beneath a recess contained in the channel, flow proceeds to operation  940  and the locking mechanism may expand or extend into a recess of the housing. 
     More specifically, in operation  940 , the first portion of the locking mechanism aligns with and engages the recess in the channel. In some embodiments, the first set of spring elements mechanisms of the locking mechanism expand. The expansion of the first set of spring elements or mechanisms causes the first portion to move in a direction toward the recess. When the first portion of the locking mechanism is in the recess, the removable module may be locked in place within the channel. Although the first portion of the locking mechanism is in an expanded state (e.g., a state in which a portion of the first portion of the locking mechanism extends beyond the removable module), the second portion of the locking mechanism remains in a contracted or withdrawn state due to continued contact with the channel of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the removable module may be retained or locked with respect to the housing until the first portion is disengaged or released with respect to the recess in the channel of the housing. The resulting engagement of the removable module with respect to the housing results in a secure connection between the housing of a device and an accessory such as a band, strap, or other attachment accessory. 
       FIG.  20    illustrates an example process  1000  of removing a removable module from a housing or component of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The process  1000  may be used to remove various removable modules from various channels such as described herein. For example, process  1000  may be used to disengage a locking mechanism of the removable module  205  shown and described with respect to  FIG.  7 A - FIG.  9 C  from the channel  315  of a housing  300  shown and described with respect to  FIG.  10 A - FIG.  12 B . Although specific removable modules and channels are described, the process  1000 , or portions thereof, may be used to remove any of the removable modules described herein from any of the channels, components, apertures, housings, and the like described herein. 
     In operation  1010 , a release mechanism on a housing of a consumer product is actuated. The release mechanism may be actuated, for example, by applying a force to an actuation portion or first portion of the release mechanism using an object, such as a finger or tool. In some embodiments, when a first portion of the release mechanism is actuated, a spring mechanism in the release mechanism compresses and enables the first portion of the release mechanism to move within an opening in the housing. In some embodiments, the first portion of the release mechanism corresponds to the actuation portion or button potion described with respect to the previous figures. The actuation of the first portion may also cause a second portion of the release mechanism to move from a first position in a recess of a channel in the housing to a second position within the recess of the channel. In some embodiments, the second portion of the release mechanism corresponds to the plunger portion described above with respect to the previous figures. 
     In operation  1020 , the movement of the release mechanism may cause the second portion of the release mechanism to expel a first portion of a locking mechanism of a removable module from the recess. As previously discussed, the second portion of the release mechanism may depress the first portion of the locking mechanism to be flush or nearly flush with a surface of the removable module, thereby disengaging the locking mechanism from the housing. 
     Once the first portion of the locking mechanism has been expelled from the recess, in operation  1030 , a force may be applied to the removable module to move the removable module within the channel. For example, when the first portion of the release mechanism is actuated, spring elements or mechanisms in the release mechanism may compress and enable the first portion to move within the housing. Actuation of the first portion of the release mechanism may also cause the second portion of the release mechanism to move from a first position in the recess to a second position within the recess. As the second portion of the release mechanism moves from the first position to the second position, the second portion of the release mechanism may cause a spring element or mechanism in the locking mechanism to compress. The compression may result in the first portion of the locking mechanism to be removed from the recess. Once the first portion of the locking mechanism has been removed from the recess, the removable module may move within the channel in a direction of applied force. 
     In operation  1040 , the removable module may be removed from the channel and a second portion of the locking mechanism of the removable module may expand. In some implementations, when the second portion of the locking mechanism is removed from the channel of the housing of the consumer product, the second spring elements or mechanism may cause the second portion of the locking mechanism to be biased proud with respect to the removable module while causing the first portion of the locking mechanism to be biased flush or substantially flush with respect to the removable module. 
     The result of process  1000  is that the band, strap, or other attachment accessory is detached from the housing of a device. In some embodiments, process  1000  may be used to detach a first type of band, strap, or other attachment accessory and method  900  can be used to attach a different, second type of band, strap, or other attachment accessory. In some embodiments, the attachment systems and methods described herein may be used to create an interchangeable system of components and accessories that can be attached to a consumer product. The interchangeable components or accessories may alter the functionality and/or appearance of the consumer product and thereby expand the applicability or use of a particular consumer product. 
       FIG.  21    is a block diagram illustrating example components, such as, for example, hardware components of a consumer product  1100  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The consumer product  1100  may be similar to the consumer product  104  described above. Although various components of the consumer product  1100  are shown, connections and communication channels between each of the components are omitted for simplicity. 
     In a basic configuration, the consumer product  1100  may include at least one processor  1105  or processing unit and a memory  1110 . The memory  1110  may comprise, but is not limited to, volatile storage such as random access memory, non-volatile storage such as read-only memory, flash memory, or any combination thereof. The memory  1110  may store an operating system  1115  and one or more program modules  1120  suitable for running software applications  1155 . The operating system  1115  may be configured to control the consumer product  1100  and/or one or more software applications  1155  being executed by the operating system  1115 . The software applications  1155  may include browser applications, e-mail applications, calendaring applications, contact manager applications, messaging applications, games, media player applications, time keeping applications, and the like. 
     The consumer product  1100  may have additional features or functionality than those expressly described herein. For example, the consumer product  1100  may also include additional data storage devices such as removable storage device  1125  and non-removable storage device  1130 . Examples of such storage devices include magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. 
     As also shown in  FIG.  21   , the consumer product  1100  may include one or more input devices  1135 . The input devices  1135  may include a keyboard, a mouse, a pen or stylus, a sound input device, a touch input device, and the like. The consumer product  1100  may also include one or more output devices  1140 . The output devices  1140  may include a display, one or more speakers, and the like. The consumer product  1100  may also include one or more haptic actuators  1160  that are used to provide the haptic feedback. In some embodiments, the consumer product  1100  may also include one or more sensors  1165 . The sensors may include, but are not limited to, accelerometers, ambient light sensors, gyroscopes, magnetometers and other types of sensors. 
     The consumer product  1100  may also include communication connections  1145  that facilitate communications with additional computing devices  1150 . Such communication connections  1145  may include a RF transmitter, a receiver, and/or transceiver circuitry, universal serial bus (USB) communications, parallel ports and/or serial ports. 
     As used herein, the term computer-readable media may include computer storage media. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile media and/or removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for the storage of information. Examples include computer-readable instructions, data structures, or program modules. The memory  1110 , the removable storage device  1125 , and the non-removable storage device  1130  are all examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other article of manufacture which can be used to store information and which can be accessed by the consumer product  1100 . 
     The consumer product  1100  may also include a synchronization application or module (not shown) configured to synchronize applications or data resident on the consumer product  1100  with another computer or device. 
     The consumer product  1100  may also include a power supply such as a battery, a solar cell, and the like that provides power to each of the components shown. The power supply may also include an external power source, such as an AC adapter or other such connector that supplements or recharges the batteries. The consumer product  1100  may also include a radio that performs the function of transmitting and receiving radio frequency communications. Additionally, communications received by the radio may be disseminated to the application programs. Likewise, communications from the application programs may be disseminated to the radio as needed. 
     The consumer product  1100  may also include a visual indicator, a keypad and a display. In embodiments, the keypad may be a physical keypad or a virtual keypad generated on a touch screen display. The visual indicator may be used to provide visual notifications to a user of the consumer product. The consumer product  1100  may also include an audio interface for producing audible notifications and alerts. 
     In certain embodiments, the visual indicator is a light emitting diode (LED) or other such light source and the audio interface is a speaker. In certain embodiments, the audio interface may be configured to receive audio input. 
     The audio interface may also be used to provide and receive audible signals from a user of the consumer product  1100 . For example, a microphone may be used to receive audible input. The system may further include a video interface that enables an operation of an on-board camera to record still images, video, and the like. 
     In one or more embodiments, data and information generated or captured by the consumer product  1100  may be stored locally. Additionally or alternatively, the data may be stored on any number of storage media that may be accessed by the consumer product using the radio, a wired connection or a wireless connection between the consumer product and a remote computing device. Additionally, data and information may be readily transferred between computing devices. 
       FIGS.  22 A- 1 - 22 F- 2    illustrate various removable modules and attached accessories that may be used in the various attachment systems described herein. Each of the removable modules shown in  FIGS.  22 A- 1 - 22 F- 2    may be similar to the various removable modules described above. For example, the removable modules shown in  FIGS.  22 A- 1 - 22 F- 2    may be similar to removable module  205  shown and described with respect to  FIG.  7 A - FIG.  7 B . Although the various removable modules shown and described with respect to these figures may interface with a band or other accessory in various ways, the functionality of the removable module remains the same. For example, the locking mechanism, if present, of each removable module may be configured to be received within a recess of a channel such as described above. Additionally, the friction pads may also provide the same functionality and so on. 
       FIGS.  22 A- 1  and  22 A- 2    illustrate an example removable module  1200  in which the removable module, and/or components of the removable module is integrated with a band  1210 . More specifically, the removable module  1200 , in addition to the various components of the removable module  1200  (e.g., a locking mechanism, friction pads and so on) may formed in the band  1210  itself or protrude from the band  1210 . In another embodiment, the band  1210  may be overmolded on the removable module  1200  such that the various components may protrude through or are otherwise accessible through the band  1210 . 
       FIGS.  22 B- 1  and  22 B- 2    illustrate another embodiment in which a removable module  1200  of an attachment system is coupled to a band  1220 . In this embodiment, the band  1220  may be a mesh material such as, for example, a metallic mesh. Although a metallic mesh is specifically mentioned, other materials can be used. For example, the band  1220  may be made of woven fibers or other such materials. In some embodiments, the removable module  1200  may be coupled directly to the band  1220 . In another embodiment, a pin or other connection mechanism may be used to secure the band  1220  to the removable module  1200 . 
       FIGS.  22 C- 1  and  22 C- 2    illustrate another embodiment of a removable module  1200  of an attachment system. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  22 C , a bar  1230  may be integrated with the removable module  1200  such that the bar  1230  and the removable module  1200  form a single, unitary component. As such, a band, object or another accessory may be, threaded, woven or otherwise inserted through the opening formed between the bar  1230  and the removable module  1200 . In another embodiment, a band or other such accessory may be removably coupled (e.g., clipped, snapped and so on) to the bar  1230 . In other implementations, a band or other accessory may be overmolded onto the bar  1230 . 
       FIGS.  22 D- 1  and  22 D- 2    illustrate yet another example removable module  1200  of an attachment system in which the removable module  1200  is coupled to or otherwise comprises a band  1240  that is comprised of multiple links. More specifically, the band  1240  may be comprised of a number of links that may be attached to and detached from one another. In some implementations, one of the links may be the removable module  1200 . In another embodiment, the band  1240  or one of the links in the band  1240  may be coupled to the removable module  1200  using a pin or other such securement mechanism. 
       FIGS.  22 E- 1  and  22 E- 2    illustrate an example removable module  1200  of an attachment system and an associated band  1250 . In this particular example, the removable module  1200 , or portions of the removable module  1200  may be integrated with the band  1250 . More specifically, one or more components of the removable module  1200  (e.g., the friction pads, locking mechanism etc.) may be coupled to the band  1250 . In another implementation, a body portion of the removable module  1200  may be covered by a portion of the band  1250  while the components remain exposed. The band  1250  may be a leather band, a silicon band, a plastic band and the like. 
       FIGS.  22 F- 1  and  22 F- 2    illustrate an embodiment of a removable module  1200  of an attachment system that includes a bracket  1270  that is coupled to both the band  1260  and the removable module  1200 . In some implementations, the band  1260  may be overmolded onto the bracket  1270 . In another embodiment, the band  1260  may include an opening, a hole or other aperture through which the bracket  1270  may be inserted. In some embodiments and as will be described below, the bracket  1270  may be comprised of two separate pieces that may be coupled to each other and decoupled from each other in order to secure or remove the band  1260  from the bracket  1270  and the removable module  1200 . In addition, each piece of the bracket  1270  may be removably coupled to the removable module  1200 . 
     In each of the examples set forth above, the removable module  1200 , whether integrated with the various band or coupled to the various bands, may be inserted into a channel of a housing of a consumer product such as described above. Further, each of the bands may be formed from a different material or may be made using a different construction. 
     For example, band  1260  may be formed from a textile material that may be constructed from a pattern of thread or fiber material. The textile material may include a variety of materials, including natural fibers, synthetic fibers, metallic fibers, ductile metals or alloys and so on. The bands may also be formed from a woven material may be constructed from an array of warp fibers or threads interwoven with one or more weft fibers or threads. Similarly, the warp and weft fibers may include a variety of materials, including natural fibers, synthetic fibers, metallic fibers, and so on. 
     In another embodiment, the bands may be formed from leather material such as, for example, a sheet or strip of cowhide or other types of animal hide. The leather material may also include a synthetic leather material, such as vinyl or plastic. In still yet other embodiments, the bands may be formed from a metallic mesh or link construction. For example, band  1220  may be formed from a Milanese mesh or other similar type of construction. The bands may also be formed from a silicone or other elastomer material. 
     In some cases, the band is a composite construction that includes various materials which may be selected based on the end use or application. In some embodiments, a first band strap, or a first portion of the first band strap may be made up of a first material and a second band strap, or a second portion of the second band strap, may be made from a second, different material. The band may also be made up of a plurality of links and, as such, the band may be resizable by, for example, adding or removing links. 
     As discussed above, each removable module and band combination may be interchangeable which allows for individual customization of the device or to better adapt the device for a range of uses or applications. In some instances, the type of band that is selected and installed can facilitate a particular user activity. For example, a band formed from a textile material and that includes a durable clasp may be particularly well suited for exercise or outdoor activities. Alternatively, a band formed from a metallic material and includes a thin or low-profile clasp may be well suited for more formal or fashion-focused activities. 
     In some embodiments, the band may be coupled to the removable module  1200  using pins, holes, adhesives, screws, and so on. In yet other embodiments, the band may be co-molded or overmolded with at least a portion of the component having a mating feature such as, for example the bar  1230  discussed above. In some embodiments, the band is coupled to the component via a pin that allows the straps to rotate with respect to the component. The pin may be formed integrally with or disposed in a loop formed in the end of the band. 
     In some embodiments, each band may have a band clasp. On example clasp may include first band strap having a buckle or tang assembly which is configured to interface with a second band strap having a series of apertures or holes formed with the strap. Additionally or alternatively, the bands may include a magnetic clasp having one or more magnetic elements on a first band strap that is configured to mate to one or more magnetic or ferromagnetic elements on a second band strap. 
       FIG.  23    illustrates an exploded view of a removable module  1300  of one sample attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The removable module  1300  may be similar to the removable module  1200  shown and described above with respect to  FIG.  22 F . 
     The removable module  1300  may have a body  1310  having similar shapes, components and dimensions such as described above with respect to the other embodiments described herein. As such, the removable module may include one or more friction pads, a locking mechanism and so on, and may be adapted to be received in a channel of an electronic, electromechanical, or mechanical device. 
     The removable module  1300  may also include a bracket formed from a first section  1320  and a second section  1330 . As shown in  FIG.  23   , each of the first section  1320  and the second section  1330  may have an “L” shape although other shapes and configurations are possible. 
     More specifically, the first section  1320  may include a first projection connected at a radiused angle to a second projection. The second projection may include a male protrusion that extends therefrom. Likewise, the second section  1330  may include a first projection connected at a radiused angle to a second projection. The second projection of the second section  1330  may include a female receptacle configured to receive the male protrusion of the first section  1320 . 
     More specifically, the male protrusion of the first section  1320  may be configured to be snugly inserted into or otherwise be received into the female receptacle of the second section  1330 . This may enable the first section  1320  and the second section  1330  to be joined together to form a single, unitary piece. Further, each of the first section  1320  and the second section  1330  may be inserted into an aperture in band or other such accessory. Once inserted into the aperture of the band or the accessory, the male portion of the first section  1320  may be received into the female portion of the second section  1330  which secures the band or the accessory to the bracket which may subsequently be coupled to the removable module  1300 . 
     In another implementation, the first section  1320  can be joined or otherwise coupled to the second section  1330  and the band or accessory may then be coupled to the resulting bracket. The bracket and band combination can then be coupled to the body  1310 . 
     The body  1310  of the removable module  1300  also defines apertures  1340 . The apertures  1340  are configured to receive end portions (e.g., the end portions that do not include the male protrusion and female receptacle) of the first section  1320  and the second section  1330  respectively. For example, a first aperture may be configured to receive a distal end of the first section  1320  and a second aperture may be configured to receive a distal end of the second section  1330 . 
     One or more bolts, screws  1350  or other suitable securement mechanisms may then be inserted through the apertures  1340 . The screws  1350  may secure the first section  1320  of the bracket and the second section  1330  of the bracket to the body  1310 . Securing the first section  1320  and the second section  1330  of the bracket to the body in this way may also secure the band or accessory to the removable module  1300  and also secures the first section  1320  to the second section  1330 . 
     To remove the bracket from the body  1310  (e.g., to change the band or accessory that is coupled to the removable module  1300 ), the screws  1350  may be removed from the first section  1320  and the second section  1330 . The first section  1320  may then be decoupled from the second section  1330  and the band or the accessory may be removed. 
       FIG.  24   - FIG.  31    illustrate various views of a removable module  1400  of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically,  FIG.  24    illustrates a perspective view of a bottom surface of a removable module  1400 ,  FIG.  25    illustrates a perspective view of a top surface of the removable module  1400 ,  FIG.  26    illustrates a top view of the bottom surface of the removable module  1400 ,  FIG.  27    illustrates a top view of the top surface of the removable module  1400 ,  FIG.  28    and  FIG.  29    illustrate left and right side views of the removable module  1400 ,  FIG.  30    illustrates a front view of the removable module  1400  and  FIG.  31    illustrates a back view of the removable module  1400 . As each of these figures illustrate various views of the removable module  1400 , like reference numerals may be used throughout  FIG.  24   - FIG.  31   . In some embodiments, the removable module  1400  described with respect to these figures may be similar to the various removable modules described herein. As such, the removable module  1400  may include many of the dimensions, features and components described above. 
     Referring to  FIG.  24   , the removable module  1400  may include a rounded body  1405  and one or more arms  1410  that extend from the body  1405 . This shape of the body  1405  may have a teardrop shape such as shown in  FIG.  28    and  FIG.  29   . The body  1405  may include a locking mechanism such as described above. The locking mechanism may include a ramp  1415  that is configured to protrude from the bottom surface of the removable module  1400 . As such, when the removable module  1400  is inserted into a channel or groove of a consumer product, the locking mechanism may be actuated such as described above. 
     In addition, the removable module  1400  may include one or more friction pads  1420 . The friction pads  1420  may be positioned on both the bottom surface of the body  1405  and the top surface of the body  1405  (shown in  FIG.  25   ). Further, the friction pads  1420  may be positioned on either side of the locking mechanism. As shown in  FIG.  28   - FIG.  31   , the friction pads  1420  may protrude from both the bottom surface of the body  1405  and the top surface of the body  1405 . Although friction pads  1420  are shown and described, in some embodiments, the friction pads may be excluded from the removable module  1400  or may be positioned on a single side. 
     The body  1405  of the removable module  1400  may include arms  1410  that extend from the body  1405 . The arms  1410  of the removable module  1400  may have a width that starts narrow at one end and gets wider the closer the arms  1410  get to the body  1405  of the removable module  1400 . That is, the arms  1410  may have a narrow width at a proximal end and have a wider width as the arms  1410  are integrated with the body  1405 . Each arm  1410  may include a sidewall that extends along the outside of the removable module that make up a width of the removable module  1400 . 
     The sidewalls of each arm  1410  may be angled and/or tapered such as shown in  FIG.  24    and  FIG.  26   . More specifically as shown in  FIG.  24   ,  FIG.  26    and  FIG.  30   , the sidewall of each arm  1410  may be angled or slanted from the top surface of the body  1405  toward the bottom surface of the body  1405 . The body may also include a rounded edge that transitions from or otherwise connects the top surface of the body  1405  to the bottom surface of the body  1405 . 
     A pin  1425  may be secured between the arms  1410  of the removable module  1400 . As discussed above, the pin may be removably received into one or more recesses within the arms  1410 . In another embodiment, the pin  1425  may be directly coupled to the arms  1410  forming an integrated piece. In some cases the pin  1425  may be screwed into the arms or the body  1405  of the removable module. The pin  1425  may also be formed of two or more separate pieces that may be coupled together. The pin  1425  may be used to secure a band, strap or other object/accessory to the removable module  1400 . 
       FIG.  25    illustrates a top surface of the body  1405  of the removable module  1400 . As discussed above, the top surface of the body  1405  includes a portion of the locking mechanism. More specifically, a catch member  1430  of the locking mechanism may be disposed on the top surface of the body  1405  such that the catch member  1430  is flush or substantially flush with respect to the body  1405  when the locking mechanism is in its fully expanded state. The position of the catch member  1430  is further shown in  FIG.  30    and  FIG.  31   . 
     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. 
     Further, regardless of whether the features shown and described herein are shown and described in combination or separately, the various features, including structural features and methodological features, are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Further, the directions and orientations described above may be reversed. For example a top portion or surface in one embodiment may be a bottom portion or surface in another embodiment. Likewise, a bottom portion or surface in one embodiment may be a top surface or portion in another embodiment. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the embodiments described herein that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed embodiments. 
     Further, embodiments of the present disclosure are described above with reference to block diagrams and operational illustrations of methods and the like. The operations described may occur out of the order as shown in any of the figures. Additionally, one or more operations may be removed or executed substantially concurrently. For example, two blocks shown in succession may be executed substantially concurrently. Additionally, the blocks may be executed in the reverse order.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210503
Publication Date: 20230808
Grant Date: 20230808
Priority Date: 20140811
Inventors: PERKINS, RYAN C.
HOBSON, PHILLIP M.
WEBB, MICHAEL J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A44B17/0011", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/2596", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/263", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/147", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2085", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/1486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T403/602", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/2596", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B17/0011", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/147", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/263", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2085", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/1486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T403/602", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T403/602", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/147", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/2596", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/263", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2085", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/1486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 53879766