PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10123608-B2
Application Number: US-201514643643-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Wearable band including magnets

Abstract:
A wearable band may include a first strap portion including a loop, and a second strap portion positionable through the loop of the first strap portion. The second strap portion may include a multi-pole magnet assembly, the multi-pole magnet assembly including two or more magnets arranged in a multi-pole magnet structure and at least one discrete shunt positioned over a surface of the multi-pole magnet structure.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wearable band comprising:
 a strap; and 
 a first multi-pole magnet assembly within the strap, the first multi-pole magnet assembly including at least three first magnets arranged with a first alternating pole arrangement in a first row and a first shunt positioned over the first row; and 
 a second multi-pole magnet assembly within the strap, the second multi-pole magnet assembly including at least three second magnets arranged with a second alternating pole arrangement in a second row and a second shunt positioned over the second row, wherein when the strap is folded onto itself, each of the first magnets in the first row is magnetically attracted to a corresponding one of the second magnets in the second row to align edges of a folded portion of the strap with edges of a remaining portion of the strap. 
 
     
     
       2. The wearable band as in  claim 1 , wherein a discrete shunt is positioned over a transition area between the first magnets in the first multi-pole magnet assembly. 
     
     
       3. The wearable band as in  claim 1 , wherein a discrete shunt is positioned over a portion of a surface of only one of the first magnets in the first multi-pole magnet assembly. 
     
     
       4. The wearable band as in  claim 1 , wherein magnetic fields produced by the first multi-pole magnet assembly form a unique and identifiable arrangement of magnetic fields. 
     
     
       5. The wearable band as in  claim 1 , further comprising multiple discrete shunts configured as strips with a strip of a non-ferromagnetic material interposed between the strips of discrete shunts to form a continuous layer of a shunt assembly. 
     
     
       6. A wearable band comprising:
 a first strap portion including a loop; and 
 a second strap portion positionable through the loop of the first strap portion, the second strap portion including:
 first rows each including at least three first magnets positioned adjacent a first end of the second strap portion with the first magnets arranged in a first alternating pole arrangement within each first row; and 
 second rows each including at least three second magnets positioned adjacent a second end, opposite the first end, of the second strap portion with the second magnets arranged in a second alternating pole arrangement within each second row, wherein the second strap portion is foldable onto itself to maintain an alignment of edges extending from the first end of the second strap portion with edges extending from the second end of the second strap portion when the first magnets in the first alternating pole arrangement are magnetically coupled to the second magnets in the second alternating pole arrangement. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The wearable band as in  claim 6 , wherein one of the second magnets comprises an enlarged second magnet positioned directly adjacent a free end of the second strap portion. 
     
     
       8. The wearable band as in  claim 7 , wherein the enlarged second magnet comprises a multi-pole magnet assembly. 
     
     
       9. The wearable band as in  claim 8 , further comprising at least one discrete shunt positioned over at least one transition area between two of the second magnets. 
     
     
       10. The wearable band as in  claim 9 , further comprising multiple discrete shunts configured as strips with a strip of a non-ferromagnetic material interposed between the strips of discrete shunts to form a continuous layer of a shunt assembly, wherein each strip of the discrete shunts is positioned over a transition area between two of the second magnets. 
     
     
       11. The wearable band as in  claim 6 , wherein a discrete shunt is positioned over at least one transition area between two of the first or second magnets. 
     
     
       12. The wearable band as in  claim 6 , wherein a discrete shunt is positioned over a portion of a surface of only one of the first or second magnets. 
     
     
       13. A wearable electronic device comprising:
 a housing; and 
 a wearable band coupled to the housing, the wearable band including:
 a first strap portion including a loop coupled to the housing; 
 a second strap portion coupled to the housing, opposite the first strap portion, the second strap portion including:
 at least three first magnets positioned in a first row with a first alternating pole arrangement and adjacent a first end of the second strap portion; and 
 at least three second magnets positioned in a second row with a second alternating pole arrangement and adjacent a second end of the second strap portion, wherein the second strap portion is foldable onto itself to position the first magnets over the second magnets such that alignment of the first alternating pole arrangement with the second alternating pole arrangement maintains alignment of overlapping edges of the second strap portion. 
 
 
 
     
     
       14. The wearable electronic device as in  claim 13 , wherein one of the second magnets comprises an enlarged magnet positioned directly adjacent a free end of the second strap portion. 
     
     
       15. The wearable electronic device as in  claim 14 , wherein the enlarged magnet comprises a multi-pole magnet assembly. 
     
     
       16. The wearable electronic device as in  claim 15 , further comprising one or more discrete shunts positioned over at least one transition area between two magnets in the multi-pole magnet assembly. 
     
     
       17. The wearable electronic device as in  claim 16 , further comprising multiple discrete shunts configured as strips with a strip of a non-ferromagnetic material interposed between the strips of discrete shunts to form a continuous layer of a shunt assembly, wherein each strip of the discrete shunts is positioned over a transition area between two magnets in the multi-pole magnet assembly. 
     
     
       18. The wearable electronic device as in  claim 13 , wherein the wearable electronic device comprises a smart watch. 
     
     
       19. The wearable band as in  claim 1 , wherein the first multi-pole magnet assembly is embedded beneath an outer surface of the strap. 
     
     
       20. The wearable band as in  claim 6 , wherein the first strap portion and the second strap portion are each independently attachable to a housing. 
     
     
       21. The wearable band as in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one discrete shunt facing away from the first magnets when the strap is folded onto itself. 
     
     
       22. The wearable band as in  claim 6 , further comprising at least one discrete shunt facing away from the second magnet when the second strap portion is folded onto itself. 
     
     
       23. The wearable electronic device as in  claim 13 , further comprising at least one discrete shunt facing away from the first magnets when the second strap portion is folded onto itself.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/035,912, filed Aug. 11, 2014 and titled “Wearable Band Including Magnets,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to a wearable band for an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional wearable electronic devices include bands that couple the electronic device to a user or a desired object for holding the electronic device (e.g., bicycle handlebar). For example, a conventional wristwatch typically includes a band that attaches the watch to a user&#39;s wrist. There are many varieties of conventional wearable bands for watches including, but not limited to, elastic bands, flexible bands including buckles, and metal bands including metal clasps. However, each of these conventional bands may have negative aspects, and may undesirably fail prior to the failure of the wearable electronic device. 
     For example, a conventional elastic band may lose its elastic properties over time, and may become too big for a user&#39;s wrist, which may result in the electronic device unexpectedly slipping from a user&#39;s wrist and being damaged. In another example, the material forming the flexible bands may tear or deteriorate over time due to normal and/or the concentrated force applied at the hole of the flexible band by the tongue of the buckle. The metal bands including the metal clasp may include a plurality of components all coupled together, which may fail, become uncoupled, or otherwise malfunction over time. That is, the plurality of components forming the metal band may become damaged, not function properly over time, or may become uncoupled, rendering the metal band incapable of attaching the wearable electronic device to a user. When a conventional wearable band fails and/or is incapable of securely attaching the electronic device to a user&#39;s wrist, the band needs to be replaced and/or the wearable electronic device may be susceptible to damage. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally, embodiments discussed herein are related to a wearable band for an electronic device. The wearable band may include two strap portions coupled to a wearable electronic device. The first strap portion may include a loop and the second strap portion, capable of being inserted through the loop of the first strap portion, may include a plurality of components having magnetic properties (e.g., magnets, ferrous metals). The wearable electronic device including the wearable band may be secured to an object (e.g., user&#39;s wrist) by inserting the second strap portion through the loop of the first strap portion and releasably coupling the components of the second strap portion to one another. More specifically, a group of one or more magnets positioned at a first end of the second strap portion may be magnetically coupled to a distinct group of one or more magnets positioned at a second end, opposite the first end, after the second end is positioned through the loop of the first strap portion and folded back on the remainder of the second strap portion. At least one of the magnets in the first group and/or in the second group may be configured as a multi-pole magnet assembly that includes two or more magnets arranged in a multi-pole magnet structure and at least one discrete shunt positioned over a surface of the multi-pole magnet structure. 
     In one aspect, a wearable band may include a first strap portion including a loop, and a second strap portion positionable through the loop of the first strap portion. The second strap portion may include one or more magnets positioned adjacent a first end of the second strap portion, and one or more magnets positioned adjacent a second end, opposite the first end, of the second strap portion. At least one of the magnets may be configured as a multi-pole magnet assembly that includes two or more magnets arranged in a multi-pole magnet structure and at least one discrete shunt positioned over a surface of the multi-pole magnet structure. 
     In another aspect, a wearable electronic device may include a housing and a wearable band coupled to the housing. The wearable band may include a first strap portion including a loop coupled to a first portion of the housing, and a second strap portion coupled to a second portion, opposite the first portion, of the housing. The second strap portion may include a first group of one or more magnets positioned adjacent a first end of the second strap portion and a second group of one or more magnets positioned adjacent a second end of the second strap portion. The second group of one or more magnets may be positioned opposite the first group of one or more magnets. At least one magnet in the first group and/or the second group may be configured as a multi-pole magnet assembly that includes two or more magnets arranged in a multi-pole magnet structure and at least one discrete shunt positioned over a surface of the multi-pole magnet structure. 
     In another aspect, the wearable band may include a strap and a multi-pole magnet assembly within the strap. The multi-pole magnet assembly includes two or more magnets arranged in a multi-pole magnet structure and at least one discrete shunt positioned over a surface of the multi-pole magnet structure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention are better understood with reference to the following drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical features that are common to the figures. 
         FIG. 1  depicts an illustrative perspective view of one example of a wearable electronic device; 
         FIG. 2  shows an illustrative top view of the wearable band as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  depicts an enlarged top view of a portion of a first strap portion and a second strap portion of the wearable band as shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4A  shows an illustrative end view of the second strap portion of the wearable band; 
         FIG. 4B  shows a cross-section top view of a strap of the wearable band taken along line  4 B- 4 B in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5  depicts an enlarged top view of a second strap portion of the wearable band as shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows a simplified illustration of a multi-pole magnet structure; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a simplified depiction of a first multi-pole magnet assembly; 
         FIG. 8  shows a simplified illustration of a second multi-pole magnet assembly; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a simplified depiction of a third multi-pole magnet assembly; 
         FIG. 10  shows a simplified illustration of a fourth multi-pole magnet assembly; 
         FIG. 11  shows a simplified depiction of a first enclosure that includes a multi-pole magnet assembly; 
         FIG. 12  depicts a simplified illustration of a second enclosure that includes multi-pole magnet assemblies; 
         FIG. 13  shows a simplified depiction of a third enclosure that includes a multi-pole magnet assembly; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a plan view of a first example of a magnetic shunt assembly; 
         FIG. 15A  shows a cross-section side view of the strap of the wearable band taken along line  15 A- 15 A in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 15B  depicts a cross-section side view of the strap of the wearable band taken along line  15 B- 15 B in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 15C  depicts a perspective view of a second example of a magnetic shunt assembly; 
         FIG. 15D  depicts a cross-section end view of a fifth multi-pole magnet assembly taken along line  15 D- 15 D in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 15E  depicts a cross-section end view of a sixth multi-pole magnet assembly taken along line  15 D- 15 D in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 16  shows an illustrative top view of the wearable band as shown in  FIG. 2  coupled to the loop; 
         FIG. 17  depicts an illustrative side view of a portion of the wearable band as shown in  FIG. 16  coupled to the loop; 
         FIG. 18  shows an enlarged portion of a second strap portion of the wearable band as shown in  FIG. 17  coupled to the loop; 
         FIG. 19  depicts an enlarged cross-section top view of a second strap portion of the wearable band as shown in  FIGS. 16-18  coupled to the loop; 
         FIG. 20  shows an enlarged portion of a second strap portion of the wearable band as shown in  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 21  depicts an illustrative top view of another wearable band; 
         FIG. 22  shows a flowchart illustrating a method of forming a wearable band for an electronic device; and 
         FIG. 23  is a flowchart of a method for producing a multi-pole magnet assembly that may be included in optional operation  2202 . 
     
    
    
     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, they are 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. 
     Embodiments of a wearable band may include two strap portions coupled to a wearable electronic device. The first strap portion may include a loop and the second strap portion, capable of being inserted through the loop of the first strap portion, may include a plurality of components having magnetic properties (e.g., magnets, ferrous metals). The wearable electronic device including the wearable band may be secured to an object (e.g., user&#39;s wrist) by inserting the second strap portion through the loop of the first strap portion and releasably coupling the components of the second strap portion to one another. More specifically, one or more magnet assemblies positioned at a first end of the second strap portion may be magnetically coupled to one or more magnet assemblies positioned at a second end, opposite the first end, after the second end is positioned through the loop of the first strap portion and folded back on the remainder of the second strap portion. By utilizing magnets, the magnetic bond or coupling formed between the plurality of components in the second strap portion may not substantially weaken or fail over time, as may occur with other securing mechanisms such as traditional buckles. Additionally, as a result of the components being included in and/or encased within the second strap portion, the risk of mechanical failure (e.g., loss or damage of components) may be substantially minimized. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-23 . 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. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an illustrative perspective view of one example of a wearable electronic device  100 . Wearable electronic device  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , may be configured to provide health-related information or data such as but not limited heart rate data, blood pressure data, temperature data, oxygen level data, diet/nutrition information, medical reminders, health-related tips or information, or other health-related data. The wearable electronic device may optionally convey the health-related information to a separate electronic device such as a tablet computing device, phone, personal digital assistant, computer, and so on. In addition, wearable electronic device  100  may provide additional information, such as but not limited to, time, date, health, statuses of externally connected or communicating devices and/or software executing on such devices, messages, video, operating commands, and so forth (and may receive any of the foregoing from an external device), in addition to communications. 
     Wearable electronic device  100  may include a housing  102  at least partially surrounding a display  104  and one or more buttons  114  or input devices. The housing  102  may form an outer surface or partial outer surface and protective case for the internal components of wearable electronic device  100 , and may at least partially surround the display  104 . 
     Housing  102  may also include recesses  106  formed on opposite ends to connect a wearable band  108  (partially shown in  FIG. 1 ) to wearable electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , and discussed herein, wearable band  108  may include a first strap portion  110  coupled to housing  102 , and a second strap portion  112  positioned opposite first strap portion  110  and coupled to housing  102 . Wearable band  108 , and specifically first strap portion  110  and second strap portion  112 , may be used to secure wearable electronic device  100  to a user, or any other object capable of receiving wearable electronic device  100 . In a non-limiting example where wearable electronic device  100  includes a smart watch, wearable band  108  may secure the watch to a user&#39;s wrist. In other non-limiting examples, wearable electronic device  100  may secure to or within another part of a user&#39;s body. Additionally, in other non-limiting examples discussed herein, wearable band  108  may be formed as a single component coupled to housing  102 . 
     Display  104  may be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to, a multi-touch sensing touchscreen that uses liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. 
     Button  114  may include any conventional input/output (I/O) device for electronic device  100 . Specifically, button  114  may include an actuation component in electronic and/or mechanical communication with the internal components of electronic device  100 , to provide user input and/or allow the user to interact with the various functions of electronic device  100 . In an embodiment, button  114  may be configured as a single component surrounded by housing  102 . Alternatively, button  114  may include a plurality of components, including an actuation component, in mechanical/electrical communication with one another and/or internal components of electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an illustrative top view of wearable band  108  of  FIG. 1 . Specifically,  FIG. 2  shows first strap portion  110  and second strap portion  112  forming wearable band  108  for wearable electronic device  100 . First strap portion  110  and second strap portion  112  may be formed from substantially the same material or any material including similar flexible and/or deformable characteristics. In a non-limiting example, first strap portion  110  and second strap portion  112  may be formed from a leather material. 
     First strap portion  110  and second strap portion  112  may be formed from a top layer  200  and a bottom layer  202  (see,  FIG. 4 ) of material (e.g., leather) bonded or coupled to one another. More specifically, first strap portion  110  and second strap portion  112  may be formed using a single piece of material or multiple pieces of material, where first strap portion  110  and second strap portion  112  include top layer  200  and bottom layer  202 . In a non-limiting example, each of first strap portion  110  and second strap portion  112  may be formed from single, distinct pieces of material. In the non-limiting example, the single piece of material may be folded over itself to form top layer  200  and bottom layer  202 , and the folded portion may be positioned at a housing end  204  (e.g., second strap portion  112 ). Housing end  204  of first strap portion  110  (not shown) and/or second strap portion  112  may be coupled to and/or positioned within recess  106  (see,  FIG. 1 ) to couple wearable band  108 , and specifically first strap portion  110  and second strap portion  112 , to housing  102  of wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). In another non-limiting example, first strap portion  110  and second strap portion  112  may be formed from multiple pieces of material, where each distinct piece of material forms top layer  200  or bottom layer  202  for first strap portion  110  and/or second strap portion  112 . In an additional non-limiting example discussed herein, wearable band  108  may be formed from a single piece of material that, such that first strap portion  110  and second strap portion  112  are integrally formed. 
     First strap portion  110  and second strap portion  112  may include a coupling component  206  (shown in phantom) positioned substantially around and/or adjacent the perimeter of the respective strap. Coupling component  206  may include a suitable material or technique that may be used to couple top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  to one another to form first strap portion  110  and/or second strap portion  112 . Additionally, and as discussed herein, coupling component  206  may be utilized within first strap portion  110  and/or second strap portion  112  to ensure internal components of the respective straps remain within and/or between top layer  200  and bottom layer  202 . In a non-limiting example, and as discussed herein, coupling component  206  may include an adhesive or bonding agent positioned adjacent the perimeter of first strap portion  110  and/or second strap portion  112  to bond top layer  200  to bottom layer  202 . In another non-limiting example, coupling component  206  may include a thread that may pass through top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  around the perimeter of first strap portion  110  and/or second strap portion  112  to couple top layer  200  to bottom layer  202 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , first strap portion  110  may include a loop  208  positioned at an end  210  adjacent second strap portion  112 . As discussed herein, a free end  212  of second strap portion  112  may be fed and/or positioned through opening  214  of loop  208 , and a portion of second strap portion  112  may fold back on itself to couple wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ) to a user or a desired object. In a non-limiting example, loop  208  may be formed from a distinct material or component that may be coupled to the material forming first strap portion  110  (see,  FIG. 2 ). More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 2 , loop  208  may be a distinct component from first strap portion  110 , and may be formed from a material having magnetic properties. For example, loop  208  may be formed from a ferrous metal material, and may be coupled to end  210  of first strap portion  110  using any suitable coupling component and/or technique (e.g., thread, adhesive, melting and so on). As discussed herein, loop  208  of first strap portion  110  may be formed from a material having magnetic properties to prevent free end  212  of second strap portion  112  from being completely and/or undesirably removed from loop  208  during use of wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). 
     In another non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , loop  300  may be formed integrally with first strap portion  110 . More specifically, loop  300  may be formed from the same material forming first strap portion  110 , and may include top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  (see,  FIG. 4 ), as similarly discussed herein with respect to first strap portion  110 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , opening  302  of loop  300  may be formed through the material forming loop  300  and/or first strap portion  110  and may receive free end  212  of second strap portion  112 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4B , there is shown a cross-section top view of second strap portion  112  of wearable band  108  taken along line  4 B- 4 B of  FIG. 4A  (which shows an end view of second strap portion  112 ). Specifically,  FIG. 4B  shows second strap portion  112  with top layer  200  removed. As shown in  FIG. 4 , and as discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2 , coupling component  206  may be positioned substantially around and/or substantially adjacent a perimeter of second strap portion  112 . Coupling component  206  may include an adhesive or bonding agent that may positioned on bottom layer  202  of second strap portion  112 , and may couple or bond bottom layer  202  to top layer  200  (see,  FIG. 2 ) to form second strap portion  112 . The adhesive or bonding agent forming coupling component  206  may be any suitable adhesive capable of coupling the material forming top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  of second strap portion  112 . 
     Second strap portion  112  may include a plurality of components  400 ,  402  and inserts  404 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 4 , second strap portion  112  may include a first group of components  400  positioned adjacent housing end  204 , and a second group of components  402  positioned adjacent free end  212 , opposite first group of component  400 . Second strap portion  112  may also include one or more inserts  404  positioned between first group of component  400  and second group of components  402 . The first group of components  400 , the second group of components  402 , and the plurality of inserts  404  may be positioned within second strap portion  112  between top layer  200  and bottom layer  202 . 
     The first group of components  400 , the second group of components  402 , and the plurality of inserts  404  may all include magnetic properties. That is, each of the components  400 ,  402  and inserts  404  may all be formed from a material that may include magnetic properties (e.g., magnetic field, magnetic attraction, and so on). In non-limiting examples, first group of components  400  may include one or more first magnets  406  having a first magnetic field, and second group of components  402  may include one or more second magnets  408  having a second magnetic field. The second magnetic field of the one or more second magnets  408  may be distinct (for example, larger) than the first magnetic field of the one or more first magnets  406 . Additionally in a non-limiting example, the plurality of inserts  404  may be formed from a ferrous metal material and may be magnetically attracted to the one or more second magnets  408 . As discussed in detail below, the one or more second magnets  408  of the second group of components  402  may be magnetically attracted and/or coupled to the one or more first magnets  406  of the first group of components  400  and/or the one or more inserts  404  for coupling wearable band  108  including wearable electronic device  100  to a user. 
     First magnets  406  and/or second magnets  408  may be single magnets or multi-pole magnetic structures. For example, in some embodiments, first magnets  406  and/or second magnets  408  are composed of a single monolithic magnet. In other embodiments, first magnets  406  and/or second magnets  408  are composed of multiple individual magnets. Where the magnets  406 ,  408  are composed of multiple individual magnets, respective magnets may be coupled to adjacent magnets via magnetic attraction, adhesive, soldering, cementing, welding, sintering, or the like. In some cases, the individual magnets that constitute first or second magnets  406 ,  408  are not coupled to one another, but are merely in proximity to one another in an assembled band  108 . Examples of multi-pole magnet structures and embodiments of wearable bands  108  that employ multi-pole magnet structures are discussed herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , the number of first magnets  406  in first group of components  400  may be larger than the number of second magnets  408  in second group of components  402  and/or the number of inserts  404 . As a result, the one or more first magnets  406  in first group of components  400  may be positioned along the majority of a length of second strap portion  112 . In a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the one or more first magnets  406  in first group of components  400  may be positioned along approximately half of the length of second strap portion  112 . The one or more second magnets  408  in second group of components  402  and the one or more inserts  404  may span or be positioned over the remainder of the length of second strap portion  112 . Specifically, second magnet(s)  408  in second group of components  402  may be positioned over at least approximately a quarter of the length of second strap portion  112 . Additionally, the one or more inserts  404  may be positioned over the remaining portion of second strap portion  112  between first group of components  400  and second group of components  402 . 
     It is understood that the number of components  400 ,  402  or magnets  406 ,  408  and inserts  404  shown in  FIG. 4B  may be merely exemplary. That is, the number of components, magnets and/or inserts shown in  FIG. 4B  may be merely exemplary for clearly and completely describing the disclosure, and may not represent the actual number of components, magnets and/or inserts used to form wearable band  108  for wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , the one or more second magnets  408  of second group of components  402  may include an enlarged second magnet  408 A positioned directly adjacent free end  212  of second strap portion  112 . Enlarged second magnet  408 A may be substantially larger than the remaining second magnets  408  of second group of components  402 . Additionally, enlarged second magnet  408 A may be substantially larger than the remaining one or more first magnets  406  of first group of components  400 , and/or the one or more inserts  404 . Enlarged second magnet  408 A may be larger than the remaining second magnets  408  of second group of components  402  to produce a stronger magnetic field or flux, and to ultimately ensure that the portion of second strap portion  112  including enlarged second magnet  408 A is magnetically coupled to a distinct first magnet  406  and/or insert  404 , as discussed herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , second strap portion  112  may also include a protective layer  412 . Protective layer  412  may be coupled to the various components  400 ,  402  and/or inserts  404  positioned within second strap portion  112 . More specifically, protective layer  412  may be coupled to the one or more first magnets  406  of first group of components  400 , the one or more second magnets  408  of second group of components  402 , and/or the one or more inserts  404  positioned within second strap portion  112 . Additionally, and as shown in  FIG. 4B , protective layer  412  may be positioned between the one or more first magnets  406  of first group of components  400 , the one or more second magnets  408  of second group of components  402 , and/or the one or more inserts  404 , respectively. Protective layer  412  may include a single layer of material, two separate layers of material, or a plurality of distinct portions of a material. In a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 4B , protective layer  412  may include a plurality of distinct portions of a material positioned between and coupled to each of the respective magnets  406 ,  408  and inserts  404  for coupling the magnets  406 ,  408  and inserts  404  together within second strap portion  112 . In additional non-limiting examples, not shown, the respective magnets  406 ,  408  and inserts  404  may be coupled to a first surface of a single layer of protective layer  412 , or may be coupled and/or sandwiched between two distinct layers of protective layer  412 . Protective layer  412  may be formed from a polycarbonate material, and may be included within second strap portion  112  to protect magnets  406 ,  408  and inserts  404 , to couple the respective magnets  406 ,  408  and inserts  404  together, and/or to maintain the shape of second strap portion  112  of wearable band  108 . 
     Additionally, second strap portion  112  may include a filler material  414 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , filler material  414  may substantially surround the one or more first magnets  406  of first group of components  400 , the one or more second magnets  408  of second group of components  402 , and/or the one or more inserts  404 . Additionally, filler material  414  may substantially surround protective layer  412  of second strap portion  112 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , filler material  414  may substantially surround magnets  406 ,  408 , inserts  404 , and/or protective layer  412 , and may fill in the space between magnets  406 ,  408 , inserts  404 , and/or protective layer  412 , and coupling component  206 . Filler material  414  may be formed from any suitable material that may provide and/or maintain the structure of second strap portion  112  including, but not limited to, fabric, foam, rubber or the like. 
     Although not shown, it is understood that first strap portion  110 , similar to second strap portion  112 , may also include filler material  414 . That is, first strap portion  110  may also include filler material  414  to substantially maintain the structure, texture, thickness and/or appearance as second strap portion  112 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts an enlarged top view of a second strap portion of the wearable band as shown in  FIG. 4B . As described earlier, the one or more second magnets  408  of second group of components  402  may include an enlarged second magnet  408 A positioned directly adjacent free end  212  of second strap portion  112 . The enlarged second magnet  408 A is configured as a multi-pole magnet structure that includes two or more magnets  500 ,  502 ,  504 ,  506 ,  508  arranged to vary the polarity pattern of the magnets. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the polarity pattern can be an alternating polarity pattern where the north N (positive) and south S (negative) poles alternate across the multi-pole magnet assembly. 
     The magnetic fields produced by the multi-pole magnet structure of the enlarged second magnet  408 A may attract objects near top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  of second strap portion  112  of wearable band  108 . As described with reference to  FIG. 4B , the magnetic attraction force associated with top layer  200  ensures the portion of second strap portion  112  that includes enlarged second magnet  408 A is magnetically coupled to a distinct first magnet  406  and/or insert  404  when the free end  212  of second strap portion  112  is positioned through a loop of first strap portion  110  and folded back on the remainder of second strap portion  112 . The magnetic fields associated with bottom layer  202  (at least a portion of which is facing outward when the free end  212  of second strap portion  112  is folded back on the remainder of second strap portion  112 ), however, may attract or adversely impact objects located near bottom layer  202 . For example, the magnetic fields can de-magnetize or otherwise interfere with credit cards, radio frequency antennas, identification badges, and the like, or attract metal objects such as paper clips, coins, and the like. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more non-contiguous or discrete shunts may be positioned over a portion of at least one surface of the multi-pole magnet structure or structures in the second strap portion  112  to re-direct the magnetic fields of the multi-pole magnet structure. As used herein, the term “multi-pole magnet assembly” includes the combination of one or more discrete shunts positioned on at least one surface of a multi-pole magnet structure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , enlarged second magnet  408 A includes distinct shunts  510  (shown in phantom) positioned over portions of the surface of the multi-pole magnet structure that is adjacent bottom layer  202 . Distinct shunts  510  (shown in phantom) may be positioned over portions of the surface of one or more remaining multi-pole magnet structures  408  that is adjacent bottom layer  202 . Shunts  510  can be made of a metal or ferromagnetic material, such as a magnetic stainless steel. Shunts  510  re-direct the magnetic fields of the multi-pole magnet structure. In some embodiments, shunts  510  dampen or reduce the peaks of the magnetic fields in the z-direction (direction normal to bottom layer  202 ) while not significantly reducing the magnetic fields in the x and y directions. 
     It is understood that a different type of multi-pole magnet structure and/or a different polarity pattern may be used in other embodiments. In a non-limiting example, a Halbach array may be used as a magnet structure, and one or more discrete shunts can be positioned on a surface or surfaces of the Halbach array (e.g., a discrete shunt can be positioned substantially near the center of the Halbach array). Additionally, the magnets in the multi-pole magnet structure and/or the discrete shunts may have any given shape and size. It is also understood that the number of magnets and/or shunts shown in  FIG. 5  may be merely exemplary. That is, the number of magnets and/or shunts may be merely exemplary for clearly and completely describing the disclosure, and may not represent the actual number of magnets and/or magnets used to form wearable band  108  for wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 6  shows a simplified illustration of a multi-pole magnet structure. The multi-pole magnet structure  600  includes three magnets  602  having alternating polarities N and S. Magnetic fields or flux flow from a positive pole (e.g., N) to a negative pole (e.g., S) and from a negative pole to a positive pole in three-dimensional space around the magnets  602 . In  FIG. 6 , magnetic field lines  604  represent the magnetic fields of the magnets  602  in only one dimension, the z direction. As shown in  FIG. 7 , discrete shunts  700  are positioned on surface  702  of multi-pole magnet structure  600 . Shunts  700  re-direct the magnetic field through the shunts and reduce the magnetic fields emanating in the direction normal to surface  702 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the magnetic fields are dampened in the z-direction. 
     A portion of the magnetic fields from surface  702  may be directed through the magnets and out of the other surfaces of the magnets  602 , which can increase the magnetic fields associated with those surfaces. Thus, the magnetic attraction forces associated with the surfaces, including surface  704 , may increase due to shunts  700 . Thus, in the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , discrete shunts  510  can dampen the magnetic attraction forces associated with bottom layer  202  and strengthen the magnetic attraction forces associated with top layer  200 , which may improve the magnetic coupling between enlarged second magnet  408 A (and any other second magnets  408  that include shunts) and one or more first magnets  406  and/or inserts  404 . 
     One or more discrete shunts can be positioned at any suitable location on a multi-pole magnet structure. As shown in  FIG. 8 , discrete shunts  800  are positioned in a transition area between adjacent magnets  802 . In other words, shunts  800  are located at adjoining or abutting edges of magnets  802 . The size and/or shape of the shunts  800  can vary depending on the desired re-direction of the magnetic fields. In  FIG. 8 , discrete shunts  800  are positioned at each transition area between two magnets, while in  FIG. 9  discrete shunts  900  are positioned at only two transition areas. 
     Additionally, one or more discrete shunts can be positioned on a single surface or on multiple surfaces of a multi-pole magnet structure. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , discrete shunts  1000  are located on surface  1002  and on an opposing surface  1004 . The size and/or shape of the discrete shunts  1000  on surface  1002  may vary across a surface. As shown, discrete shunt  1000 A is larger and covers more of surface  1002  than the remaining discrete shunts on surface  1002 . 
     In some embodiments, discrete shunts can be used to produce a unique pattern of magnetic fields in one or more dimensions (e.g., x, y, and/or z directions) that may be used to identify the object or device that includes the multi-pole magnet assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the unique pattern of magnetic fields can be used to perform an operation, such as, for example, to provide access to an area, device, or application. In a non-limiting example, the unique magnetic field pattern may lock or unlock a physical lock that includes a magnetic sensor that senses or reads magnetic field patterns. A processing device can be used to determine if a magnetic field pattern matches one or more stored magnetic field patterns. 
     Discrete shunts may be used to increase or decrease the magnetic attraction force associated with a surface of an enclosure. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the discrete shunts  1100  over surface  1102  of the multi-pole magnet structure  1104  can decrease the magnetic attraction forces associated with surface  1106  of enclosure  1108 . The magnetic attraction forces associated with at least one other surface (e.g., surface  1110 ) may increase due to a portion of the magnetic field being directed through the magnets and out at least one other surface of the magnets. 
     Additionally, discrete shunts can be used to increase the magnetic attraction force on one region of a surface of an enclosure and to decrease the magnetic attraction force on another region of a different surface of the enclosure. As shown in  FIG. 12 , discrete shunts  1200  disposed over surface  1202  of multi-pole magnet structure  1204  can decrease the magnetic attraction forces associated with region  1206  of enclosure  1208 . Discrete shunts  1210  positioned over surface  1212  of multi-pole magnet structure  1214  can decrease the magnetic attraction forces associated with region  1216  of enclosure  1208 . 
     Discrete shunts may also be used to vary the magnetic attraction forces over a single surface of an enclosure. Discrete shunts  1300  are positioned over different locations of surface  1302  of multi-pole magnet structure  1304  (see,  FIG. 13 ). The magnetic attraction forces are reduced at regions  1306  and  1308  of enclosure  1310 . The magnetic attraction forces are not reduced at region  1312  of enclosure  1310 . Thus, as described in conjunction with  FIG. 5 , discrete shunts may be disposed over the surface of multi-pole magnet structure of enlarged second magnet  408 A adjacent bottom layer  202  to reduce the magnetic attraction force associated with bottom layer  202 . Additionally, shunts may be positioned over a surface or surfaces of one or more remaining second magnets  408  and/or one or more first magnets  406  adjacent bottom layer  202  to dampen the magnetic attraction forces associated with bottom layer  202 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , there is shown a plan view of one example of a magnetic shunt assembly. As shown in  FIG. 14 , strips of ferromagnetic material  1400  alternate between strips of non-ferromagnetic material  1402 . In a non-limiting example, the ferromagnetic material  1400  may be magnetic stainless steel and the non-ferromagnetic material  1402  can be non-magnetic stainless steel. Strips  1400  can be attached to strips  1402  to form a continuous layer of a magnetic shunt assembly. Any suitable attachment mechanism may be used to affix the strips to one another. For example, strips  1400 ,  1402  can be welded together to form the continuous layer. The continuous layer of the magnetic shunt assembly may be positioned over and affixed to a surface of a multi-pole magnet assembly. Any suitable attachment mechanism can be used to affix the shunt assembly to the surface of the multi-pole magnet assembly. As one example, an adhesive can be used to attach the shunt assembly to the surface of the multi-pole magnet assembly. 
     It is understood that the number, shape, size, material, and/or arrangement of the strips shown in  FIG. 14  may be merely exemplary. That is, the number of strips, the shape, size, material, and/or arrangement of the strips may be merely exemplary for clearly and completely describing the disclosure, and may not represent the actual number, shape, size, material, and/or arrangement of the strips used to form wearable band  108  for wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  show cross-section side views of distinct portions of second strap portion  112  of wearable band  108 . Specifically,  FIG. 15A  shows a cross-section side view of second strap portion  112  taken along line  15 A- 15 A of  FIG. 4 , and depicts first magnets  406  of first group of components  400  positioned between top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  of second strap portion  112 . Additionally,  FIG. 15B  shows a cross-section side view of second strap portion  112  taken along line  15 B- 15 B of  FIG. 4 , and depicts second magnets  408  of second group of components  402  positioned between top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  of second strap portion  112 . It is understood that similarly named components or similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion, may include similar materials and/or may include similar interactions with other components. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15B , second strap portion  112  may also include a shunt  1500 . More specifically, a plurality of shunts  1500  may be coupled to or substantially cover or surround a portion of each first magnet  406  (see,  FIG. 15A ) and each second magnet  408  (see,  FIG. 15B ). The portion of each first magnet  406  and second magnet  408  covered by shunt  1500  may be a bottom portion of each magnet  406 ,  408  positioned adjacent bottom layer  202  of second strap portion  112 . That is, as shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15B , shunt  1500  may cover a portion of first magnets  406  and second magnets  408 , respectively, positioned directly adjacent bottom layer  202 . A top portion of magnets  406 ,  408 , opposite the bottom portion covered by shunt  1500 , may remain substantially uncovered to aid in the magnetic coupling of magnets  406 ,  408  and/or inserts  404  during use of wearable electronic device  100 , as discussed herein. As noted above, shunt  1500  of second strap portion  112  may substantially block, redirect or minimize a magnetic flux in a portion of the magnets  406 ,  408  covered by shunt  1500 . 
     As described above, the magnets  406 ,  408  may configured as a multi-pole magnet structure, and distinct magnets (or portions of the multi-pole magnet structure that correspond to a particular magnetic pole) may be associated with distinct shunts. In some embodiments, shunt  1500  is part of a magnetic shunt assembly that corresponds to a particular multi-pole magnet assembly and includes distinct shunts (and/or non-shunting components, described below) to correspond to particular portions of the multi-pole magnet structure. Shunt assemblies with distinct shunts and/or shunt portions are shown and discussed with respect to  FIGS. 15C-15D . Alternatively, shunt  1500  may be a single component that covers a portion of each magnet or portion of a multi-pole magnet structure (not shown). In other words, instead of a shunt that has multiple distinct shunts and/or shunt portions each corresponding to a discrete magnet, the shunt  1500  may be a single component that is long enough to cover the desired portion of an entire magnet structure. 
       FIG. 15C  shows a simplified perspective view of a magnetic shunt assembly  1506  including shunts  1500 . While three shunts  1500  are shown in  FIG. 15C , more or fewer shunts  1500  may be used.  FIG. 15D  shows a simplified cross-section of magnet  408  taken along line  15 D- 15 D of  FIG. 4 , and depicts magnet  408  (composed of second magnets  500 ,  502 ,  504 ,  506 , and  508 ) coupled to one example of a magnetic shunt assembly (magnetic shunt assembly  1506 ). Magnetic shunt assembly  1506  includes a plurality of shunts  1500 . Shunts  1500  may be positioned adjacent a magnet and/or adjacent a transition area between the magnets of the multi-pole magnet structure.  FIG. 15D  illustrates individual shunts  1500  each adjacent a respective second magnet of magnet  408   FIG. 15E  shows a simplified cross-section of magnet  408  taken along line  15 D- 15 D of  FIG. 4 , and depicts magnet  408  coupled another example of a magnetic shunt assembly (magnetic shunt assembly  1508 ), where shunts  1500  are adjacent transition areas between the respective second magnets of magnet  408 . 
     In some embodiments, a magnetic shunt assembly (e.g., magnetic shunt assembly  1506 ,  1508 ) includes one or more non-shunting components  1510  positioned between shunts  1500 . Non-shunting components  1510  may be used to separate shunts  1500  from one another so as to allow selective shunting of the magnetic fields of individual magnets in a multi-pole magnet structure (e.g., to generate unique and identifiable arrangement of magnetic fields, as described above with respect to  FIG. 13 ). For example, non-shunting components  1510  may be used to fill gaps between individual shunts  1500  while still forming a continuous structure, as shown in  FIG. 15D . In some embodiments, magnetic shunt assembly  1508  may be composed entirely of shunts  1500  without interstitial non-shunting components  1510 . 
     Using a continuous structure for the magnetic shunt assembly even when shunts are not needed or desirable at every transition area may improve manufacturability of the second strap portion  112  by reducing the number of discrete parts that need to be aligned and/or assembled when manufacturing the second strap portion  112 , and may improve aesthetics by eliminating irregularities, bumps, or asymmetries that may otherwise occur if shunts were not placed continuously along a multi-pole magnet structure. 
     Shunts  1500  and non-shunting components  1510  (if any) in magnetic shunt assembly  1506 ,  1508  may be coupled using any suitable coupling component and/or technique (e.g., thread, adhesive, melting and so on). Alternatively, shunts  1500  and non-shunting components  1510  (if any) in magnetic shunt assembly  1506 ,  1508  may be held together by an encapsulating material, such as an overmolded resin coating. Second strap portion  112  of wearable band  108  may also include a resin outer coating  1502 . More specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15B , resin outer coating  1502  may be formed around each of first magnets  406  and shunt  1500  (see,  FIG. 15A ), and second magnets  408  and shunt  1500  (see,  FIG. 15B ). (As used herein, shunt  1500  may be a discrete shunt or a magnetic shunt assembly containing multiple discrete shunts and/or non-shunting connecting plates.) Resin outer coating  1502  may form a barrier around magnets  406 ,  408  and shunt  1500 , and may separate magnets  406 ,  408  and shunt  1500  from distinct components (e.g., protective layer  412 , filler material  414 ) positioned between top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  of second strap portion  112 . Resin outer coating  1502  may be formed using any suitable casting technique or process, and may be formed around the respective magnets  406 ,  408  and shunt  1500  after shunts  1500  are coupled to the magnets  406 ,  408  to encompass both components. Additionally, resin outer coating  1502  may be formed from any suitable resin material that may be formed around magnets  406 ,  408  and shunt  1500  to maintain the coupling between magnets  406 ,  408  and shunt  1500 , and/or provide structure to magnets  406 ,  408  and shunt  1500  within second strap portion  112 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15B , top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  may include protrusions  1504  positioned substantially adjacent magnets  406 ,  408 . More specifically, the portions of top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  positioned directly above and/or below magnets  406 ,  408  may include protrusions  1504 , extending above the remaining portions of top layer  200  and bottom layer  202 . Protrusions  1504  may be formed in top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  as a result of the dimension of magnets  406 ,  408 , shunts  1500  and/or resin outer coating  1502 , as well as, the hardness of each of the components (e.g., magnets  406 ,  408 , shunts  1500  and so on) positioned between protrusions  1504 . That is, because magnets  406 ,  408  and/or shunts  1500  are formed from materials that are not substantially deformable, and/or because magnets  406 ,  408 , shunts  1500  and/or resin outer coating  1502  may be substantially larger than protective layer  412 , protrusions  1504  may be formed in top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  of second strap portion  112 . However, protrusions  1504  may be substantially minimal and may not be visible to a user of wearable band  108 . That is, protrusions  1504 , although extending above the remaining portions of top layer  200  and below bottom layer  202  of second strap portion  112 , may only extend above/below a negligible amount, such that a user of wearable band  108  including second strap portion  112  may view top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  as substantially planar surfaces. As discussed herein, protrusions  1504  formed on top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  may aid in the aligning and/or magnetic coupling of second strap portion  112  when wearable electronic device  100  is coupled to a user using wearable band  108 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 16-19 , a description of how wearable band  108  functions to couple wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ) to a user may now be discussed. Specifically,  FIGS. 16-19  may illustrate how a portion of second band  112  is positioned through loop  208  or  300  of first band  110  and folded back onto itself, such that second magnets  408  of second group of components  402  may be coupled to first magnets  406  of first group of components  400  and/or inserts  404  to secure wearable band  108  around a user. 
       FIG. 16  shows a top view of wearable band  108  of wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ) including second strap portion  112  coupled to first strap portion  110 . More specifically, free end  212  of second strap portion  112  may be positioned or fed through opening  214  of loop  208  coupled to first strap portion  110 , and may be subsequently pulled toward housing end  204  of second strap portion  112  to couple second strap portion  112  to first strap portion  110 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , and as discussed herein, as a result of folding a portion  1600  of second strap portion  112  back onto itself to couple second strap portion  112  to first strap portion  110 , bottom layer  202  of the folded portion  1600  may be exposed and/or facing away from a contact surface (e.g., user&#39;s skin) in which the wearable band  108  is coupled. 
       FIG. 17  depicts a side view of a portion of wearable band including second strap portion  112  coupled to first strap portion  110 . That is,  FIG. 17  illustrates second strap portion  112  positioned or feed through opening  214  of loop  208  coupled to first strap portion  110 , and subsequently pulled toward housing end  204  (see,  FIG. 16 ) of second strap portion  112  to couple second strap portion  112  to first strap portion  110 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , folded portion  1600  of second strap portion  112  positioned through and/or adjacent loop  208  of first strap portion  110  may include a substantial curve in the material forming second strap portion  112  to fold folded portion  1600  back onto the remaining portion of second strap portion  112 . The folded portion  1600  may include this curve, and ultimately may include a minimal height (H) difference within folded portion  1600 , as a result of magnets  406 ,  408  being separated and/or spaced apart. That is, folded portion  1600  may be closely folded around loop  208  of first strap portion  110 , such that the height (H) of the fold is substantially small, as a result of magnets  406 ,  408  being spaced apart and/or separated by the flexible material forming protective layer  412 . When spaced apart, magnets  406 ,  408  may not substantially obstruct or limit the flexibility of second strap portion  112  by contacting each other during the folding of folded portion  1600  around loop  208 . The height (H) of folded portion  1600  may be substantially small or negligible to avoid the undesirable catching of folding portion  1600  on another object, and ultimately the uncoupling of folded portion  1600  from the remaining portion of second strap portion  112 . 
       FIG. 18  shows an enlarged cross-section side view of a portion of second strap portion  112  in  FIG. 17 . Specifically,  FIG. 18  shows a portion of folded portion  1600  including second magnets  408  coupled to the remaining portion of second strap portion  112  including first magnets  406 . When folded portion  1600  contacts the remaining portion of second strap portion  112 , the respective magnets,  406 ,  408  may be magnetically attracted to, and/or coupled to one another. That is, and as shown in  FIG. 18 , second magnets  408  included in folded portion  1600  may be positioned adjacent and/or above first magnets  406  of second strap portion  112 , and may be magnetically coupled to surrounding first magnets  406 . The magnetic attraction between first magnet  406  and second magnet  408  may be illustrated within  FIG. 18  using reference arrows. As shown in  FIG. 18 , and discussed in detail herein, the polarity configuration of magnets  406 ,  408  may result in second magnets  406  being aligned between and magnetically coupled to two distinct first magnets  408 . As a result, magnets  406  may be aligned in a staggered configuration as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     Additionally as shown in  FIG. 18 , protrusions  1504  formed on top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  of second strap portion  112  may aid in the staggered alignment of first magnets  406  and second magnets  408 . More specifically, protrusions  1504  of folded portion  1600  may be positioned between protrusions  1504  formed in the remaining portion of second strap portion  112  to align first magnets  406  with second magnets  408  in a staggered configuration. As discussed herein, the staggering of first magnets  406  and second magnets  408  may provide for a strong bond or magnetic coupling between folded portion  1600  and the remaining portion of second strap portion  112 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , and discussed herein, protrusion  1504  formed on top layer  200  of folder portion  1600  of second strap portion  112  may be positioned adjacent protrusions  1504  formed on top layer  200  of the remaining portion of second strap portion  112 . Additionally, bottom layer  202  in folded portion  1600  and bottom layer  202  of the remaining portion of second strap portion  112  may be positioned opposite one another and/or exposed. As a result, and as shown in  FIG. 18 , shunts  1500  may also be positioned adjacent the exposed bottom layer  202 . As discussed herein, shunts  1500  may be positioned adjacent the exposed bottom layer  202  when folded portion  1600  is coupled to the remaining portion of second strap portion  112  to prevent wearable band  108  from being undesirably attracted or magnetically coupled to foreign objects or to adversely interfere with foreign objects. 
     In embodiments that position discrete shunts over the surface of one or more second magnets  408 , and over the surface of one or more first magnets  406  adjacent bottom layer  202 , the discrete shunts may be positioned adjacent the exposed bottom layer  202  when folded portion  1600  is coupled to the remaining portion of second strap portion  112  to prevent wearable band  108  from being undesirably attracted or magnetically coupled to foreign objects or to adversely interfere with foreign objects. 
       FIG. 19  shows an enlarged top view of a portion of second strap portion  112  after free end  212  is fold over and positioned on the remaining portion of second strap portion  112 . Bottom layer  202  of second strap portion  112  is removed in  FIG. 19  to clearly show the alignment of first magnets  406  (shown in phantom), and second magnets  408  in folded portion  1600  of second strap  112 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , first magnets  406  and second magnets  408  may be magnetized and/or include various alternating magnetic fields or polarities (e.g., north (N), south (S)) over the length of the magnet. More specifically, first magnets  406  may include a first configuration of alternating magnetic fields over the length of the magnet, and second magnets  408  may include a second configuration of alternating magnetic fields over the length of the magnet, distinct from the first configuration of first magnets  406 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , each of the individual magnetic fields of the second configuration of alternating magnetic fields for second magnets  408  may include a magnetic polarity opposite to a corresponding individual magnet field of the first configuration of alternating magnetic fields for first magnets  406 . 
     The configuration of magnetic fields for first magnets  406  and second magnets  408  may be opposite one another to form a magnetic attraction or magnetic bond between the respective magnets, as discussed herein. That is, each individual portion of second magnet  408  including a polarity may be magnetically attracted to and/or magnetically bonded to a corresponding portion of first magnet  406  including an opposite polarity. Additionally, as a result of spacing the magnets within second strap portion  112 , each second magnet  408  may be positioned between and may be magnetically attracted to and/or magnetically bonded to two first magnets  406  positioned on either side of second magnet  408 . This may ultimately result in a strong bond between folded portion  1600  of second strap portion  112  and the remaining portion of second strap portion  112  when wearable band  108  is coupled to a user&#39;s wrist. Finally, the first and second configurations of the magnetic fields for each of first magnets  406  and second magnets  408  may allow folded portion  1600  of second strap portion  112  to be aligned with the remaining portion of second strap portion  112  during magnetic bonding or coupling. More specifically, and as shown in  FIG. 19 , because both first magnets  406  and second magnets  408  include a plurality of alternating, and opposite, magnetic fields throughout the entire length of the respective magnet, second magnets  408  may be aligned with, and magnetically bonded to first magnets  406  in such a way that all portions are magnetically bonded or attracted. As such, where both first magnets  406  and second magnets  408  are positioned in aligned within second strap section  112 , when magnetically bonded, the magnetic field configurations of first magnets  406  and second magnets  408  may not only align the respective magnets, but may also align the edges of folded portion  1600  and the remaining portion of second strap portion  112  when wearable band  108  is coupled to a user. 
     In embodiments that include discrete shunts, the discrete shunts may be positioned adjacent bottom layer  202 . For simplicity,  FIG. 19  shows one discrete shunt  510  over one second magnet  408  and one discrete shunt  510  (shown in phantom) over one first magnet  406 . 
     In an additional non-limiting example, protrusions  1504  of top layer  200  and bottom layer  202  of the respective strap portions may be substantially aligned and contacting when utilizing wearable band  108 .  FIG. 20  shows an enlarged cross-section side view of a portion of second strap portion  112  in  FIG. 17 , according to another embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 20  shows a portion of folded portion  1600  including second magnets  408  coupled to the remaining portion of second strap portion  112  including first magnets  406 . Like  FIG. 18 , the respective magnets  406 ,  408  may be magnetically attracted to, and/or coupled to one another, as illustrated in  FIG. 20  using reference arrows. Distinct from  FIG. 18 , protrusions  1504  of second strap portion  112  may be in substantial alignment and/or may contact each other when folded portion  1600  of second strap portion  112  is magnetically coupled to the remaining portion of second strap portion  112 . That is, the polarity configuration of magnets  406 ,  408  may result in first magnets  406  being aligned directly above and magnetically coupled to a single, corresponding second magnet  408 . As a result, and compared to  FIG. 18 , each of the first magnets  406  may be aligned in a common vertical plane as a corresponding second magnet  408  as shown in  FIG. 20 . Additionally, and as discussed herein, each protrusion  1504  of folded portion  1600  may also be aligned in a common vertical plane with a corresponding protrusion  1504  in the remaining portion, and no protrusions  1504  included in the folded portion  1600  may be positioned between two distinct protrusions  1504  of the remaining portion of second strap portion  112 . As discussed herein, a common vertical plane may be understood as a vertical plane passing through a top and bottom magnet and/or protrusion with respect to the orientation and positioning shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , and discussed herein, protrusion  1504  formed on top layer  200  of folded portion  1600  of second strap portion  112  may be positioned adjacent, and substantially aligned with, corresponding protrusions  1504  formed on top layer  200  of the remaining portion of second strap portion  112 . Additionally, bottom layer  202  in folded portion  1600  and bottom layer  202  of the remaining portion of second strap portion  112  may be positioned opposite one another and/or exposed. As a result, and as shown in  FIG. 20 , shunts  1500  may also be positioned adjacent the exposed bottom layer  202 . As discussed herein, shunts  1500  may be positioned adjacent the exposed bottom layer  202  when folded portion  1600  is coupled to the remaining portion of second strap portion  112 . 
     In embodiments that position discrete shunts over the surface of one or more second magnets  408 , and over the surface of one or more first magnets  406  adjacent bottom layer  202 , the discrete shunts may be positioned adjacent the exposed bottom layer  202  when folded portion  1600  is coupled to the remaining portion of second strap portion  112  to prevent wearable band  108 . 
     As similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 19 , first magnets  406  and second magnets  408  may be magnetized and/or include various alternating magnetic fields or polarities (e.g., north (N), south (S)) over the length of the magnet. More specifically, first magnets  406  may include a first configuration of alternating magnetic fields over the length of the magnet, and second magnets  408  may include a second configuration of alternating magnetic fields over the length of the magnet, distinct from the first configuration of first magnets  406 . Each of the individual magnetic fields of the second configuration of alternating magnetic fields for second magnets  408  may include a magnetic polarity opposite to a corresponding individual magnet field of the first configuration of alternating magnetic fields for first magnets  406 . 
     The configuration of magnetic fields for first magnets  406  and second magnets  408  may be opposite one another to form a magnetic attraction or magnetic bond between the respective magnets, as discussed herein. That is, each individual portion of second magnet  408  including a polarity may be magnetically attracted to and/or magnetically bonded to a corresponding portion of first magnet  406  including an opposite polarity. Additionally, as a result of the configuration of the magnets within second strap portion  112 , each second magnet  408  may be aligned in a common plane and may be magnetically attracted to and/or magnetically bonded to a single, corresponding first magnet  406  directly below second magnet  408 . 
     Although not shown in  FIG. 20 , it is understood that the magnetic attraction and/or coupling of between the folded portion  1600  and the remaining portion of second strap portion  112  may cause at least a partial deformation in wearable band  108 . More specifically, as a result of the flexible and/or elastic material used to form at least a portion of second strap portion  112 , aligned, and contacting protrusions  1504  of second strap portion  112  may be deformed, such that second strap portion  112  is substantially flat or linear. The deformation of protrusions  1504  may be based on the magnetic attraction and/or magnetic coupling formed between the magnets  406 ,  408  of wearable band  108 . 
     Although shown herein as including two distinct straps (e.g., first strap portion  110 , second strap portion  112 ), wearable band may be formed from a single strap. More specifically, and as shown in  FIG. 21 , wearable band  2108  may be formed as a single strap, such that first strap portion  2110  and second strap portion  2112  may be integrally formed. It is understood that similarly named components or similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion, may include similar materials and/or may include similar interactions with other components. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As discussed herein, wearable band  2108  may be formed from a single piece of material. That is, wearable band  2108  may be formed from a single piece of material (e.g., leather), where top layer  2100  is folded over and positioned above a bottom layer (not shown) to form wearable band  2108 . Where wearable band  2108  is formed from a single piece of material, the fold in the material to differentiate between top layer  2100  and the bottom layer may be positioned at end  2130 , adjacent loop  2128 . The single piece of material forming wearable band  2108  may be fed through loop  2128  of wearable band  2108 , and loop  2128  may be partially positioned between top layer  2100  and the bottom layer, and secured at end  2130  of wearable band  2108 . In another non-limiting example, not shown, single strap wearable band  2108  may be formed from two pieces of material, where each piece of material forms a respective layer (e.g., top, bottom) of wearable band  2108 . 
     Wearable band  2108 , as shown in  FIG. 21 , may function substantially similar to wearable band  108  discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 1-20 . That is, wearable band  2108  may include free end  2132  positioned opposite, and capable of being positioned through opening  2134  in loop  2128  to be folded back onto a remaining portion of wearable band  2108  to couple wearable electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ) including wearable band  2108  to a user. Although not shown, it is understood that second strap portion  2112  of wearable band  2108  may include a similar internal configuration as second strap portion  112  discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 4-20 . That is, wearable band  2108  may also include a first group of components (e.g., first magnets), a second group of components (e.g., second magnets) and a plurality of inserts positioned between the first and second group of components. The first and second group of components and a plurality of inserts may be utilized to couple a folded portion of second strap portion  2112  to a remaining portion of wearable band  2108  to ultimately couple wearable electronic device  100  to a user, as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 1-20 . 
       FIG. 22  depicts an example process for forming a wearable band for a wearable electronic device. Specifically,  FIG. 22  is a flowchart depicting one example process  2200  for forming a wearable band for a wearable electronic device. In some cases, the process may be used to form one or more wearable bands, as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-21 . 
     In a preliminary, optional operation  2202  (shown in phantom) a plurality of components may be processed. More specifically, at least a portion of a plurality of components having magnetic properties may undergo preliminary processes. The processing of at least a portion of the plurality of components may include at least one of coupling a shunt to at least one side of at least the portion of the plurality of components, and/or forming a resin coating around at least the portion of the plurality of components. Additionally, the resin coating formed around the components may also be formed around the shunt, where a shunt is coupled to at least one side of at least the portion of the plurality of components. 
     In operation  2204 , a plurality of components may be coupled to a protective layer. The plurality of components may include magnetic properties. The coupling of the polarity of components may include coupling a first group of magnets to the protective layer, and coupling a second group of magnets to the protective layer opposite the first group of magnets. The first and second group of magnets may or may not be magnetized when coupled to the protective layer. The coupling of operation  2204  may also include coupling a plurality of inserts to the protective layer between the first group of magnets and the second group of magnets. Like the first and second group of magnets, the plurality of inserts may include magnetic properties (e.g., magnetic field, magnetic attraction, and so on). Additionally, the coupling of the plurality of components to the protective layer may also include positioning at least a portion of the protective layer between each of the components (e.g., first and second group of magnets, inserts). That is, each of the first group of magnets, second group of magnets and plurality of inserts may be spaced apart from one another, and/or may be separated by a portion of the protective layer. 
     In operation  2206 , a filler material may be coupled to at least one of the protective layer and/or plurality of components. More specifically, a filler material may be coupled to at least one of the first group of magnets, the second group of magnets, the plurality of inserts and/or the protective layer. Filler material may be coupled to the respective components (e.g., magnets, inserts, protective layer) to form substantially a perimeter around the components. The coupling of the filler material to the protective layer and/or plurality of components may also result in the formation of an internal assembly. The internal assembly may include the first group of magnets, the second group of magnets, the plurality of inserts, the protective layer and the filler material. 
     In operation  2208 , the internal assembly may be positioned within a strap of a wearable electronic device. More specifically, the internal assembly, including the first and second group of magnets, the inserts, the protective layer and the filler material, may be positioned and/or secured within a strap of a wearable electronic device. The strap may be formed from a single piece of material, or a plurality of pieces of material. Where the strap is formed from a single piece of material, the positioning of the internal assembly in operation  2208  may further include positioning the internal assembly on an inner surface of a bottom layer of the strap, and subsequently folding a top layer of the strap over the internal assembly and bottom layer. 
     In operation  2210  (shown in phantom), at least a portion of the plurality of components of the internal assembly may be magnetized. That is, the first group of magnets and second group of magnets, if not magnetized already, may undergo a magnetizing process. The magnetizing of the portion of components included in the internal assembly may include magnetizing the first group of magnets to have a first unique pattern of polarities, and magnetizing the second group of magnets to have a second unique pattern of polarities, distinct and/or opposite from the first unique pattern of polarities of the first group of magnets. The first group and second group of magnets may include distinct and/or opposite polarities so that the second group of magnets may be magnetically coupled to the first group of magnets during use of the wearable band. Additionally, the distinct and/or opposite polarities between the first and second group of magnets may aid in the alignment of the portions of the band including the respective magnets during use of the wearable band. The second group of magnets may also be magnetically coupled to and/or attracted to the plurality of inserts including magnetic properties. 
     Although not shown, the internal assembly and/or the strap may undergo additional process for forming a wearable band for a wearable electronic device. For example, at least a portion of the strap may be cut. That is, the strap may undergo a cutting process, where at least a portion of the strap is cut. The strap may be cut to alter the length, and/or width of the strap to a specific or desired dimension. Additionally, a free end of the strap that may be folded back onto a portion of the strap to couple to wearable band to a user may also be cut so that the free end visually and/or cosmetically matches the width of the remaining portion of the wearable band. The strap may be cut prior to positioning the internal assembly within the strap, or subsequent to positioning the internal assembly within the strap. 
     An additional process not shown may include bonding the edges of the strap including the internal assembly. More specifically, subsequent to positioning the internal assembly within the strap, the edges of the top layer and the bottom layer forming the strap may be bonded together to maintain the internal assembly within the strap. The edges may be bonded using any suitable bonding component or technique. In non-limiting examples, the edges of the strap may be bonded using an adhesive or by stitching the top layer to the bottom layer using a thread positioned through the respective layers adjacent the edges of the strap. 
       FIG. 23  is a flowchart of a method for producing a multi-pole magnet assembly that may be included in optional operation  2202 . In optional operation  2300 , one or more shunts may be formed to produce a given magnetic field pattern for a multi-pole magnet structure. As described previously in conjunction with  FIG. 14 , in one non-limiting example, discrete shunts are formed as strips that alternate with strips of non-ferromagnetic material. The strips of shunts or ferromagnetic material may be affixed to the strips of non-ferromagnetic material to form a layer that is positioned over a multi-pole magnet structure. Additionally, the shunts may be formed into a layer, or the discrete shunts may be positioned individually over respective portions of a multi-pole magnet structure. 
     In optional operation  2302 , one or more multi-pole magnet structures may be formed. The multi-pole magnet structures can be configured as shown in  FIG. 6 , where the polarities of the magnets alternate across the structure. Other embodiments, however, can construct the multi-pole magnet structure differently. As one example, the multi-pole magnet structure may be a Halbach array. 
     In operation  2304 , the shunt or shunts are positioned over at least one surface of the multi-pole magnet structure to form a multi-pole magnet assembly. The shunt or shunts may be affixed to the multi-pole assembly using any suitable attachment mechanism. As described earlier, an adhesive may be used to attach the shunt(s) to the multi-pole magnet assembly. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150310
Publication Date: 20181113
Grant Date: 20181113
Priority Date: 20140811
Inventors: KOSOGLOW, RICHARD D.
ZHU, HAO
STRYKER, JAMES A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2071", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2200/0508", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/008", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/1508", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/1508", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2071", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2071", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/008", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/008", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55266441