PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10021945-B2
Application Number: US-201514641404-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Self-closing buckle mechanism

Abstract:
Embodiments are directed to a wearable device including first and second band straps attached to a device body. A buckle mechanism is configured to attach the first band strap to the second band strap and includes a spring bar attached to an end of the first band strap and a buckle loop engaged to the spring bar. A tang is configured to engage a hole formed in the second band strap to secure the first band strap to the second band strap. The tang defines an aperture that receives the spring bar and is configured to pivot about an offset axis that is offset with respect to an axis of the bar. As the tang is rotated, a restoring force biases the tang toward the buckle loop.

Claims:
We claim: 
     
       1. A buckle mechanism for a wearable device, the buckle mechanism comprising:
 a tang disposed at an end of a band strap and having an opening; 
 a buckle loop disposed at the end of the band strap and having a notch feature that is configured to receive an end of the tang when the buckle mechanism is closed; 
 a biasing member positioned within the opening of the tang and configured to deform when the tang is pivoted away from the notch feature in the buckle loop and to bias the tang toward the notch feature; and 
 a spring bar attached to the end of the band strap and rotatably connecting the tang to the buckle loop, wherein the opening receives the spring bar. 
 
     
     
       2. The buckle mechanism of  claim 1 ,
 wherein 
 the tang is configured to pivot about an offset axis that is offset with respect to an axis of the spring bar; 
 the biasing member is formed from an elastic material disposed between the spring bar and a side wall of the opening; and 
 the elastic material is configured to compress when the tang is pivoted away from the notch feature in the buckle loop. 
 
     
     
       3. The buckle mechanism of  claim 1 ,
 wherein 
 the tang is configured to pivot about an offset axis that is offset with respect to an axis of the spring bar; and 
 the biasing member includes the spring bar, which is configured to bend when the tang is pivoted away from the notch feature formed in the buckle loop. 
 
     
     
       4. The buckle mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the wearable device is a health monitoring device; and 
 the band strap is configured to attach the health monitoring device to a wrist of a user. 
 
     
     
       5. A self-closing buckle mechanism comprising:
 a bar disposed at an end of a band strap; 
 a tang defining an opening that receives the bar, the tang configured to pivot about an offset axis that is offset with respect to an axis of the bar; and 
 a buckle loop disposed at the end of the band strap and having a recess that receives an end of the tang, wherein as the tang is rotated away from the recess, a restoring force biases the tang toward the recess. 
 
     
     
       6. The self-closing buckle mechanism of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 an insert member disposed within the opening, wherein the insert member is configured to generate the restoring force biasing the tang toward the recess. 
 
     
     
       7. The self-closing buckle mechanism of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the insert member is formed from an elastic material; and 
 the elastic material deforms when the tang is pivoted away from the recess. 
 
     
     
       8. The self-closing buckle mechanism of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the insert member is formed from two or more elastic materials; and 
 the two or more elastic materials have different elastic properties. 
 
     
     
       9. The self-closing buckle mechanism of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the buckle loop includes a bearing sleeve portion; 
 the tang includes a cylindrical portion that pivotally engages the bearing sleeve portion of the buckle loop; and 
 the tang is configured to pivot about the offset axis defined by the cylindrical portion. 
 
     
     
       10. The self-closing buckle mechanism of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the opening is a clearance fit with respect to the bar; and 
 the bar is configured to bend in response to a rotational movement of the tang. 
 
     
     
       11. A wearable electronic device comprising:
 a body; 
 a first band strap attached to a first portion of the body; 
 a second band strap attached to a second portion of the body; and 
 a buckle mechanism configured to attach the first band strap to the second band strap, the buckle mechanism comprising:
 a spring bar attached to an end of the first band strap; 
 a buckle loop engaged to the spring bar; and 
 a tang configured to engage a hole formed in the second band strap to secure the first band strap to the second band strap, wherein:
 the tang defines an opening that receives the spring bar; 
 the tang is configured to pivot about an offset axis that is offset with respect to an axis of the spring bar; and 
 as the tang is rotated, a restoring force biases the tang toward the buckle loop. 
 
 
 
     
     
       12. The wearable electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the restoring force maintains engagement of the tang within the hole of the second band strap. 
     
     
       13. The wearable electronic device of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 an elastic material disposed between the spring bar and a side wall of the opening; 
 wherein the elastic material is configured to deflect in response to the tang being pivoted away from the buckle loop and provide the restoring force. 
 
     
     
       14. The wearable electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the spring bar is configured to bend when the tang is pivoted away from the buckle loop and provide the restoring force.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/036,095, filed Aug. 11, 2014 and titled “Self-Closing Buckle,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,538, filed Mar. 6, 2015 and titled “Self-Closing Buckle Mechanism,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a buckle mechanism for a band or strap, and more particularly to a buckle mechanism having a biasing member or a self-closing feature. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable electronic devices such as watches, portable media players, mobile phones, and the like have become ubiquitous in recent years. Users carry these devices while moving in various environments during their daily activities. Modern portable electronic devices may be hand-carried by a user or they may be removably attached to the person of a user by means of straps, tethers, or other attachment systems. Many users have grown accustomed to carrying portable electronic devices while engaging in strenuous activities such as running, climbing and the like. Because users are in possession of these devices in such environments, it may be advantageous to securely fasten the device to a body part of the user to reduce the risk of the device being lost or dropped. Straps, tethers, and other attachment systems may prevent the user from dropping or losing the device and function as a convenience to the user. 
     Many bands use a buckle with a tang to secure one end of a band to another. The buckle may be held shut by the tension of the band strap, which typically prevents movement or disengagement of the tang. In the absence of the strap tension, the tang may freely move and the buckle may come open, permitting the band ends to disconnect. Embodiments described herein may reduce or eliminate some drawbacks associated with some traditional buckle mechanisms. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts an attachment band having a buckle mechanism; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an exploded view of an example buckle mechanism; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example buckle mechanism along section A-A; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example buckle mechanism along section B-B, illustrating the relative positions of the spring bar and insert member; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example buckle mechanism along section B-B, with the tang in an open position; 
         FIG. 6  depicts an exploded view of a buckle mechanism; 
         FIG. 7  depicts the buckle mechanism with a partial cutaway to illustrate a position of the spring bar; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a cross-sectional view of a buckle mechanism along section C-C; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative buckle mechanism along section C-C, having a flexible spring bar; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative buckle mechanism along section C-C, having a torsional spring; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative buckle mechanism along section C-C, having an over-molded portion; 
         FIG. 12  depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative buckle mechanism along section C-C, having a band strap with an integrated tang; 
         FIG. 13  depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative buckle mechanism along section C-C, having a tang with a living hinge; and 
         FIG. 14  depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative buckle mechanism along section C-C, having buckle loop with a spiral portion. 
     
    
    
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments described herein may be directed to a clasp or buckle mechanism for attaching a device to a user. In some embodiments, a buckle mechanism disposed at an end of a first band strap and includes a tang and buckle loop that are configured to engage or fasten to a second, mating band strap. The tang may rotate and have an end that is configured to feed through a hole or aperture in the second band strap. The tang may also be received by a notch or other feature formed into the buckle loop. In some implementations, the buckle mechanism includes a biasing member that is configured to maintain the buckle mechanism in a closed position. For example, a biasing member, spring, or other compliant element may be used to bias the tang toward the notch or mating feature of the buckle loop to help maintain engagement of the second band strap. In some cases, the wearable device is a health monitoring device, and the first and second band straps are configured to attach the health monitoring device to a wrist of a user. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to a buckle mechanism for a wearable device. The mechanism may include a tang disposed at an end of a first band strap. The tang may be configured to engage a hole in a second band strap. A buckle loop may be disposed at the end of the first band strap and have a notch feature that is configured to receive an end of the tang when the buckle mechanism is closed. A biasing member may be configured to bias the tang toward the notch feature. 
     In some embodiments, a spring bar is attached to the end of the first band strap. The tang may wrap around the spring bar. For example, the tang may define an aperture that receives the spring bar. In some embodiments, the tang is configured to pivot about an offset axis that is offset with respect to an axis of the spring bar. In some implementations, the biasing member is formed from an elastic material disposed between the spring bar and a side wall of the aperture. The elastic material may be configured to compress when the tang is pivoted away from the notch feature in the buckle loop. In some implementations, the biasing member may include the spring bar, which is configured to bend when the tang is pivoted away from the notch feature formed in the buckle loop. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing member includes a tab disposed relative to an upper surface of the tang. The tab may be configure to resist movement of the tang away from the notch feature formed in the buckle loop. In some cases, the tang is integrally formed with the first band strap and a living hinge is formed at a junction between the tang and the first band strap. The living hinge may be configured to repeatedly bend along a bend line. 
     In some embodiments, a first portion of the first band strap forms a top portion of the tang and a second portion of the first band strap forms a bottom portion of the tang. The biasing member may include a spring layer is disposed between the top portion of the tang and the bottom portion of the tang. 
     In some embodiments, a spring bar is attached to the end of the first band strap. The tang may define an aperture that receives the spring bar and the tang may be configured to pivot about the spring bar. In some cases, the biasing member may include a torsional spring including: a coil portion at least partially wrapped about the spring bar; a first leg portion that is fixed with respect to the buckle loop; and a second leg portion that is fixed with respect to the tang. 
     In some embodiments, the biasing member includes a spiral portion of the buckle loop. The spiral portion may includes a spiral-shaped cut formed into the buckle loop. The spiral portion may be coupled to the tang and is may configured to twist as the tang is rotated. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to a self-closing buckle mechanism that includes a bar disposed at an end of a band strap and a tang defining an aperture that receives the bar. The tang may be configured to pivot about an offset axis that is offset with respect to an axis of the bar. A buckle loop may be disposed at the end of the band strap and have a recess that receives an end of the tang. In some cases, as the tang is rotated away from the recess, a restoring force biases the tang toward the recess. In some implementations, an insert member is disposed within the aperture. The insert member may be configured to generate the restoring force biasing the tang toward the recess. The insert member may be formed from an elastic material and the elastic material may deforms when the tang is pivoted away from the recess. In some cases, the insert member is formed from two or more elastic materials, and the two or more elastic materials have different elastic properties. 
     In some embodiments, the buckle loop includes a bearing sleeve portion. The tang may include a cylindrical portion that pivotally engages the bearing sleeve portion of the buckle loop. The tang may be configured to pivot about the offset axis defined by the cylindrical portion. In some embodiments, the aperture is a clearance fit with respect to the bar, and the bar is configured to bend in response to a rotational movement of the tang. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to a wearable electronic device including a body, a first band strap attached to a first portion of the body, and a second band strap attached to a second portion of the body. A buckle mechanism may be configured to attach the first band strap to the second band strap. The buckle mechanism may include a spring bar attached to an end of the first band strap and a buckle loop engaged to the spring bar. A tang may be configured to engage a hole formed in the second band strap to used secure the first band strap to the second band strap. The tang may define an aperture that receives the spring bar. The tang may be configured to pivot about an offset axis that is offset with respect to an axis of the bar. As the tang is rotated, a restoring force may bias the tang toward the buckle loop. In some cases, the restoring force maintains engagement of the tang within the hole of the second band strap. 
     In some embodiments, an elastic material is disposed between the spring bar and a side wall of the aperture. In some cases, the elastic material is configured to deflect in response to the tang being pivoted away from the buckle loop and provide the restoring force. In some embodiments, the spring bar is configured to bend when the tang is pivoted away from the buckle loop and provide the restoring force. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and in particular with reference to  FIGS. 1-14 . 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. 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. Like reference numerals denote like structure throughout each of the various figures. 
     Embodiments described herein may be directed to a clasp or buckle mechanism for attaching a device to a user. In some embodiments, a buckle mechanism disposed at an end of a first band strap and includes a tang and buckle loop that are configured to engage or fasten to a second band strap. The tang may rotate and have an end that is configured to feed through a hole or aperture in the second band strap. The tang may also be received by a notch or other feature formed into the buckle loop. In some implementations, the buckle mechanism includes a biasing member that is configured to maintain the buckle mechanism in a closed position. For example, a spring or other compliant element may be used to bias the tang toward the notch or mating feature of the buckle loop to help maintain engagement of the second band strap. 
     The embodiments described herein may be used in a variety of attachment systems. For example, the buckle mechanism may be used to secure a first attachment component, including a strap, band, lanyard, or other attachment component to a mating attachment component. The buckle mechanism may secure the attachment components to each other in order to attach a device to another object, such as the body of a user. For example, the buckle mechanism may be used to attach two band straps together in order to secure a wearable electronic device (e.g., a watch) to the wrist of a user. While some examples are provided with respect to wrist-worn wearable device, the principles of the buckle mechanism may be applied to a variety of attachment systems. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an example device  100  having a buckle mechanism  103 . In particular,  FIG. 1  depicts a wearable electronic device  100  which may include a watch, smart watch, time-keeping device, wearable health monitoring device, and the like. In other embodiments, the device may include a computing device, a mobile phone, a portable media player, tablet computing device, and so on. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  100  may include an attachment system (e.g., band straps  102 ,  104 ) that are configured to attach the device  100  to an object, such as a body part of the user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  100  includes a device body  101  attached to a first band strap  102  and a second band strap  104 . In particular, one end of first band strap  102  is attached to a first portion of the device body  101  and one end of the second band strap  104  is attached to a second portion of the device body  101  that is opposite to the first portion. The band straps  102 ,  104  may be attached to the device body  101  by a pin, bar, or other attachment member. In some embodiments, the band straps  102 ,  104  are removably attached to the device body  101 . In some embodiments, band straps  102 ,  104  are integrally formed with the device body  101 . 
     The band straps  102 ,  104  may be formed from a flexible or bendable material that may be wrapped around a body part of the user. In some cases, the band straps  102 ,  104  may be formed from a textile material that includes natural or synthetic fibers or threads that are woven or otherwise interconnected to form the textile. In some cases, the band straps  102 ,  104  may be formed from a metallic material, including for example, a metallic mesh, metallic weave, metallic link, or other metallic construction. In some cases, the band straps  102 ,  104  may be formed from a natural or synthetic leather material. The band straps  102 ,  104  may also be formed from a polymer, elastomer, polyurethane, natural rubber, and so on. In some cases, the band straps  102 ,  104  are a composite of multiple materials. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first band strap  102  includes a buckle mechanism  103  disposed at a free end of the first band strap  102 . As described in more detail below, the buckle mechanism  103  may include a tang and a buckle loop that are configured to engage the free end of the second band strap  104  to attach the device  100  to an object, such as a user&#39;s wrist. The buckle mechanism  103  is configured to receive a free end of the second band strap  104 , which may be pulled through the buckle loop and tighten the band straps  102 ,  104  with respect to each other. In some implementations, a tang of the buckle mechanism  103  is configured to engage a hole  105  or aperture formed in the second band strap  104  to secure the first band strap  102  to the second band strap  104 . When the first  102  and second  104  band straps are attached, they may form a band loop that encircles or wraps around an object, such as the user&#39;s wrist. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the second band strap  104  includes a series of holes  105  that can be used to adjust the size of the band loop. 
     In some embodiments, the buckle mechanism  103  is configured to provide a biasing force to maintain the engagement between the buckle mechanism  103  and the second band strap  104 . In accordance with some embodiments described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 2-14 , the buckle mechanism may include a spring, biasing member, or other component that produces a biasing force on the tang of the buckle mechanism  103  to maintain the engagement of the tang with a corresponding hole  105  or aperture formed in the second band strap  104 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts an exploded view of an example buckle mechanism  200 . The buckle mechanism of  FIG. 2  may correspond to the buckle mechanism  103  described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . In particular, the buckle mechanism  200  of  FIG. 2  may be disposed at the end of a first band strap  202  and used to attach the first band strap  202  to a second band strap. As discussed above with respect to  FIG. 1 , the second band strap may include a hole or aperture for receiving a tang  210  of the buckle mechanism  200 . In some embodiments, the buckle mechanism  200  includes a component or feature that biases the tang  210  in a direction to maintain the engagement between the tang  210  and the second band strap. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the buckle mechanism  200  includes a spring bar  220  disposed at an end of the band strap  202 . In some embodiments, the spring bar  220  may be attached to the band strap  202  via a loop or hole formed into the end of the band strap  202 . In some embodiments, the spring bar  220  is integrally formed with the band strap  202 . The spring bar  220  may pivotally couple to the band strap  202 , or alternatively, the spring bar  220  may remain fixed with respect to the band strap  202 . 
     The spring bar  220 , also referred to as simply a bar or a pin, may include a generally cylindrically-shaped body having a spring-loaded post extending from each end of the body. The spring-loaded posts may be configured to compress or withdraw into the body of the spring bar  220  when pressed. Then released, spring-loaded posts may then extend and engage a corresponding feature formed in a mating part. In the example depicted in  FIG. 2 , the posts of the spring bar  220  may be compressed into the body to assemble the spring bar  220  to the buckle loop  230 . When the spring bar  220  is in the assembled position (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ), the posts of the spring bar  220  may extend outward and engage a corresponding recess, hole, or aperture formed in the buckle loop  230 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the spring bar  220  may also be received by an aperture  212  formed within or defined by the tang  210 . In the present embodiment, the tang  210  wraps around and is pivotably coupled to the spring bar  220 . For example, the tang  210  may be able to rotate or pivot with respect to the spring bar  220 . In some implementations, the tang  210  may pivot about the spring bar  220  but does not rotate on the same axis as the spring bar  220 . In some implementations, the tang  210  rotates about an axis that is offset with respect to the spring bar  220 . 
     The buckle mechanism  200  of  FIG. 2  also includes a buckle loop  230  which is disposed at the end of the band strap  202 . In the present embodiment, the buckle loop  230  is attached to the spring bar  220 , which is held in a loop or feature formed in the end of the band strap  202 . The buckle loop  230  may be pivotably coupled to the spring bar  220  such that the buckle loop  230  is able to rotate a few degrees with respect to the end of the strap  202 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the buckle loop  230  is formed about or at least partially surrounds the tang  210 . The buckle loop  230  also includes a notch, recess, or other feature for receiving the end of the tang  210  when the buckle is closed. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example buckle mechanism  200  along section A-A of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  depicts an example tang  210  that rotates about an offset axis  232  which is offset with respect to axis  222  of the spring bar  220 . In the present embodiment, the axis  232  of rotation of the tang  210  is also aligned with an axis of a (rear) portion of buckle loop  230  located proximate to the tang  210 . While the alignment of the tang  210  rotation with respect to a portion of the buckle loop  230  is not necessary, it may be advantageous in order to prevent the creation of gaps between the tang  210  and the buckle loop  230  as the tang  210  is rotated. 
     The offset between the offset axis  232  of the tang  210  and the axis  222  of the spring bar  220  may be advantageous from more than one aspects. In particular, the offset between the axes  232 ,  222  may provide for an attachment of the band strap toward the rear or periphery of the buckle loop  230 , which may increase or improve the amount rotation that the buckle mechanism  200  may have with respect to the band strap. The offset spring bar location depicted in  FIG. 3  may also enhance the aesthetic appearance of the buckle mechanism  200  by reducing overlap between the band strap and the buckle loop  230  of the buckle mechanism  200 . 
     Another advantage of having an offset between the axis  232  of the tang  210  and the axis  222  of the spring bar  222 , as depicted in  FIG. 3 , is that the an insert member or other element may be used to create a bias force on the tang  210 .  FIGS. 4-5  depict a cross-sectional views of the buckle mechanism  200  including an example insert member  240 . In the present example, the insert member  240  is disposed at least partially within the aperture  212  of the tang  210 . A portion of the insert member  240  is also disposed in a space between the wall of the aperture  212  and the spring bar  220 . 
     In the present example, the insert member  240  provides a bias force that may help maintain the buckle mechanism  200  in a closed position. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a rotation or pivoting of the end  214  of the tang  210  upward or away from a notch feature  234  in the buckle loop  230  may deform and/or compress the insert member  240 . The deformation and/or compression of the insert member  240  may create a rotational moment on the tang  210 , which may bias the end  214  of the tang  210  back toward the notch feature  234  in the buckle loop  230 . In some cases, the insert member  240  is partially deflected or pre-loaded when the tang  210  is in a closed or downward position. In some cases, the bias provided by the insert member  240  facilitates continued engagement between the end  214  of the tang  210  and a hole or aperture formed in a mating band strap that has been inserted in the buckle mechanism  200 . 
     In some implementations, the insert member  240  creates an intentional interference between the tang  210  and other stationary components of the buckle mechanism  200 . In the present embodiment, the insert member  240  is compressed between the walls of the aperture  212  of the tang  210  and the spring bar  220 , which is received by the aperture  212 . In the present example, the offset between the axis of the spring bar  220  and the (offset) axis rotation of the tang  210  results in the distortion and/or compression of the insert member  240 . Because the insert member  240  is elastic or resilient, the distortion of the insert member  240  may result in a bias or return force on the tang  210 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the axes of the spring bar  220  and the tang  210  may be aligned and the insert member  240  provides a restoring or biasing force due to a twisting or torsional deflection of the insert member. For example, the outside perimeter of the insert member  240  may be mechanically engaged (via adhesion, friction, or the like) with the side wall of the aperture  212 . An inside perimeter of the insert member may also be engaged with a portion of the spring bar  220  such that a rotation of the tang  210  with respect to the spring bar  220  results in a twisting, torsional displacement, or similar distortion of the insert member  240 . Similar to the previous examples, a distortion of the insert member  240 , which is elastic in nature, may generate a biasing or return force on the tang  210 . 
     The insert member  240  may be formed from an elastic or resilient material, including, for example, a polymer, elastomer, rubber, and the like. In some implementations, the insert member  240  is formed from two or more types of elastic materials. For example, the insert member may be formed from a first elastomer and a second elastomer that is over-molded or insert molded onto the first elastomer. The first and second elastomers may have different elastic properties to form a dual-compound insert member. Dual compound insert members may, in some examples, provide an easier initial resistance to a tang rotation due to one or more (softer) elastomers, which may progress into an increasing resistance to further tang rotation due to one or more other (harder) elastomers. 
     In some embodiments, the shape of the insert member  240  may be configured to produce a particular biasing force profile as the tang  210  is rotated. For example, in some embodiments, the insert member  240  may be shaped such that no biasing or closing force is exerted on the tang  210  until the tang  210  rotates to a certain point or after it rotates past a certain point. In some cases, this may increase the ease with which a user might buckle or unbuckle the band straps from each other. 
     In some embodiments, the rotation of the tang  210  is determined by a feature formed into the buckle loop  230 . For example, the buckle loop  230  may include a bearing sleeve portion formed at the opening in the buckle loop  230  that receives the tang  210 . The tang  210  may have a corresponding cylindrical portion that pivotally engages the bearing sleeve portion of the buckle loop  230 , which may rotationally constrain the tang  210  to rotate about a particular axis (e.g., axis  232  of  FIG. 3 ). An example sleeve bearing and cylindrical portion are depicted and described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 6-8 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-5  the buckle loop  230  may include a notch feature  234  that is configured to receive the end  214  of the tang  210 . The notch feature  234  may include a dimple, pocket, groove, or other type of recess that is configured to accept a portion of the end  214  of the tang  210 . In some embodiments, the notch feature  234  is configured to support and center the tang  210  within the buckle mechanism  200 . For example, the notch feature  234  may prevent or reduce lateral movement of the tang  210  within the buckle loop  230 , which may enhance the engagement between the tang  210  and a hole or aperture formed in a mating band strap. 
       FIGS. 6-8  depict an alternative embodiment of a self-closing buckle mechanism  300 . In the examples of  FIGS. 6-8 , the spring bar  320  is configured to deflect in response to a rotation of the tang  310  within the buckle mechanism.  FIG. 6  depicts a partial view of the buckle mechanism  300  during assembly.  FIG. 7  depicts a partial view of the buckle mechanism  300  assembled with the tang  310  closed.  FIG. 8  depicts a cross-sectional partial view of the buckle mechanism  300  with the tang  310  closed. The embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 6-8  may correspond to the buckle mechanism described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     Similar to the example described above with respect to  FIG. 3 , in the examples of  FIGS. 6-8 , the axis of the spring bar  320  is offset with respect to rotational axis of the tang  310 . The offset axis of the spring bar  320  with respect to the tang  310  may be used create a biasing or restoring force that maintains the buckle mechanism  300  in a closed position. In some embodiments, the offset spring bar  320  helps to maintain engagement between the tang  310  and a corresponding hole or aperture of a mating strap. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , the tang  310  defines an aperture  312  having an inner wall that is configured to engage the spring bar  320  as the tang  310  is rotated. In some embodiments, the inner wall of the aperture  312  has a ramp portion  313  that is configured to make sliding contact with the spring bar  320  and deflect the spring bar  320  as the tang  310  is rotated. As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , the ramp portion  313  may include a region of the inner wall of the aperture  312  that is closer to the center of axis of rotation of the tang  310  as compared to other regions of the inner wall of the aperture  312 . In some cases, the ramp portion  313  is positioned relative to the location of the spring bar  320  such that movement (rotation or pivoting) of the tang  310  in an upward direction away from the buckle loop  330  cause the ramp portion  313  to gradually deflect the spring bar  320 . In some cases, the ramp portion  313  partially deflects or pre-loads the spring bar  320  even when the tang  310  is in a downward or closed position. 
     Thus, in the embodiments of  FIGS. 6-8 , the spring bar  320  functions as a biasing member that is configured to provide a biasing or return force for the tang  310  of the buckle mechanism  300 . In particular, as the inner wall of the aperture  312  deflects the spring bar  320 , the spring bar  320  may be formed from a resilient material that produces a restoring force in response to the deflection, which in turn biases the tang downward or toward the buckle loop  330 . In some cases, the spring bar  320  is formed from a compliant metal material and is configured to deflect without yielding throughout the rotation of the tang  310 . In some embodiments, the spring bar  320  is formed from a steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or other metallic material. In some embodiments, the spring bar  320  comprises a plastic, elastomer, or polymer material. 
     Similar to the previous example described above, the tang  310  may be configured to engage one or more features of the buckle loop  330  to define the axis of rotation of the tang  310 . In some cases, to maintain the appearance of the tang  310  while it rotates (e.g., to prevent the tang from becoming off-center with respect to the buckle during rotation), bearing surfaces may be defined within the buckle loop  330 . For example, the buckle loop  330  may include a bearing sleeve portion  336  formed at the opening in the buckle loop  330  that receives the tang  310 . The tang  310  may have a corresponding cylindrical portion  316  that pivotally engages the bearing sleeve portion  336  of the buckle loop  330 , which may rotationally constrain the tang  310  to rotate about a particular axis (e.g., axis  232  of  FIG. 3 ). In the examples depicted in  FIGS. 6-8 , the tang  310  includes two cylindrical portions  316 , which pivotally engage with two corresponding bearing sleeve portions  336  formed at the ends of the buckle loop  330 . 
     In some cases, the cylindrical portion  316  of the tang  310  and ramp portion  313  of the aperture  312  together define how the spring bar  320  deflects as the tang  310  rotates. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , as the tang  310  rotates, the cylindrical portions  316 , which are rotationally constrained by the bearing sleeves  336  of the buckle loop  330  help drive the ramp portion  313  into the spring bar  320 . The cylindrical portions  316  guided by the bearing sleeves  336  maintain rotation about an axis of the tang  310  despite the fact that the spring bar  320  extends through the aperture  312  of the tang  310  along an offset axis. 
     The interaction between the tang  310  and the spring bar  320  bends the spring bar  320 , as described above, resulting in a restoring force that seeks to return the tang to a closed position with the end of the tang  310  resting against the buckle loop  330 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, the configuration depicted in  FIGS. 6-8  has an additional advantage that any force exerted on the tang  310  is transferred to the buckle loop  330  and not to the spring bar  320 . In some cases, this may increase the overall amount of force to which the buckle mechanism  300  can be subjected to before a component breaks or fails. This is particularly true for configurations in which the buckle loop  330  and tang  310  have superior strength as compared to the narrower spring bar  320 . 
       FIG. 9  depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative buckle mechanism  400  along section C-C, having a flexible spring bar  420 . The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9  may correspond to the buckle mechanism described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 . Also, similar to the example described above with respect to  FIG. 3 , in the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the axis of the spring bar  420  is offset with respect to rotational axis of the tang  410 . The offset axis of the spring bar  420  with respect to the tang  410  may be used create a biasing or restoring force that maintains the buckle mechanism  400  in a closed position. In some embodiments, the offset spring bar  420  helps to maintain engagement between the tang  410  and a corresponding hole or aperture of a mating strap. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the spring bar  420  is received by an aperture  412  formed or defined by the tang  410 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the tang  410  wraps around the spring bar  420 . In the present example, the aperture  412  is a hole that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the spring bar  420 . In some cases, the aperture  412  is sized to allow for a clearance fit between the tang  410  and the spring bar  420  such that the tang  410  can rotate with respect to the spring bar  420  without binding or catching. In some embodiments, the clearance between the walls of the aperture  412  and the spring bar  420  may range between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm for a spring bar  420  having a diameter of approximately 2 mm. 
     Similar to the examples described above with respect to  FIGS. 6-8 , the spring bar  420  of  FIG. 9  is configured to bend or deflect as the tang  410  is rotated about its axis. In particular, because the spring bar  420  is offset with respect to the rotational axis of the tang  410 , a portion of the side walls of the aperture  412  will contact the spring bar  420  and force the spring bar  420  to bend or deflect as the tang  410  is rotated. The spring bar  420  may be compliant and generate a restoring force in response to the deflection, which may bias the tang  410  downward or toward the buckle loop  430 . In some cases, the aperture  412  of the tang  410  partially deflects or pre-loads the spring bar  420  even when the tang  410  is in a downward or closed position. Also similar to the examples of  FIGS. 6-8 , the axis of rotation of the tang  410  may be determined by one or more bearing features formed into the buckle loop  430 . 
       FIGS. 10-14  depict alternative buckle mechanisms that may use different types of biasing members to bias the tang of the mechanism toward the buckle loop. Similar to the other examples described above, the biasing or restoring force may help to maintain the buckle mechanism in a closed position and help to maintain the engagement between the buckle mechanism and a mating band strap or other attachment component. In each of the embodiments of  FIGS. 10-14 , the spring bar may be aligned or offset with respect to an axis of rotation of the tang. In some cases, the embodiments of  FIGS. 10-14  may be combined with one or more features of the buckle mechanisms described above with respect to  FIGS. 3-9 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative buckle mechanism  500  along section C-C, having a torsional spring  552 . In the configuration of  FIG. 10 , the torsional spring  552  may function as a biasing member by providing a restoring or biasing force on the tang  510 . In particular, as the tang  510  is pivoted upward or away from the buckle loop  530 , the torsional spring  552  may deflect or twist resulting in a biasing or restoring force being applied to the tang  510 . In some embodiments, the torsional spring  552  is pre-loaded and provides a biasing force on the tang  510  even when the tang  510  is in the closed position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , a coil portion of the torsional spring  552  may be wound or wrapped around a portion of the buckle mechanism  500 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the coil portion of the torsional spring  552  may be wound around the spring bar  520  internal to the buckle loop  530 . Alternatively, the coil portion of the torsional spring  552  may be located exterior to the buckle loop  530  or in a different location than as shown in  FIG. 10 . While one torsional spring  552  is depicted in  FIG. 10 , more than one torsional spring may be arranged within the buckle mechanism  500  in other embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , a first leg portion  556  of the spring  552  may extend toward the band and be attached or fixed with respect to the end of the band. In an alternative embodiment, the first leg portion  556  of the spring  552  may extend toward a portion of the buckle loop  530  and be fixed with respect to the buckle loop  530 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 10 , a second leg portion  554  of the spring  552  may extend over or along the tang  510 . In the present embodiment, the second leg portion  554  engages a top surface of the tang  510  to provide the restoring or biasing force. In alternative embodiments, the second leg portion  554  may be formed into the tang  510 , embedded within the tang  510 , or otherwise hidden from view. 
       FIG. 11  depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative buckle mechanism  600  along section C-C, having an over-molded portion. In the configuration of  FIG. 11 , a tab  606  may function as a biasing member by providing a restoring or biasing force on the tang  610 . In particular, as the tang  610  is pivoted upward or away from the buckle loop  630 , the tab  606  may deflect or bend resulting in a biasing or restoring force being applied to the tang  610 . In some embodiments, the tab  606  slightly deformed or pre-loaded when the tang  610  is in a downward or closed position and provides a biasing force on the tang  610  even when the buckle mechanism  600  is closed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the tab  606  is positioned over an upper or top surface of the tang  610 . In alternative embodiments, the tab  606  may be formed over multiple surfaces or partially encapsulate the tang  610 . Also, while the tab  606  is represented as having a substantially uniform thickness for purposes of illustration, in some embodiments, the thickness of the tab  606  may vary along its length and it may have one or more contoured or shaped surfaces. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the tab  606  may be integrally formed with the band strap  602 . In some embodiments, the tab  606  may be formed as part of an over-molding process or co-molding process with the band strap  602 . 
       FIG. 12  depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative buckle mechanism  700  along section C-C, having a band strap  702  with an integrated tang  762 . In the configuration of  FIG. 12 , the integrated tang  762  may include or function as a biasing member and provide a restoring or biasing force to maintain a closed position of the tang  762 . In particular, as the integrated tang  762  is pivoted upward or away from the buckle loop  730 , integrated tang  762  itself may deflect or bend resulting in a biasing or restoring force being applied to the tang  762 . In some embodiments, the tang  762  slightly deformed or pre-loaded when the tang  762  is in a downward or closed position and provides a biasing force even when the buckle mechanism  700  is closed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the integrated tang  762  is integrally formed with the band  702 . In some embodiments, the tang  762  is formed as part of the same molding process as the formation of the band  702 . In some embodiments, the tang  762  is over-molded or co-molded with the band  702 . In some embodiments, the integrated tang  762  includes a spring layer  764 . The spring layer  764  may be integrally formed into the tang  762  as part of the over-molding or co-molding process. The spring layer  764  may be formed from a sheet of spring steel, steel, or other metal material. As shown in  FIG. 11 , a portion of the spring layer  764  may extend into the band  702  and a portion of the spring layer  764  may extend into a portion of (or through all of) the tang  762 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the tang  762  may be formed from three or more layers. In particular, a first portion or layer of the band strap  702  may form a top portion of the tang  762 . A second portion or layer of the band strap may form a bottom surface of the tang. In the buckle mechanism  700  depicted in  FIG. 12 , the biasing member includes a spring layer  764  disposed between the top and bottom portions or layers of the tang  762 . 
       FIG. 13  depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative buckle mechanism  800  along section C-C, having a tang  868  with a living hinge. The example of  FIG. 13  is similar to the integrated tang described above with respect to  FIG. 12  in that the tang  868  may be formed as an integral part of the band  802 . The tang  868  may or may not include a spring layer, as described above with respect to  FIG. 12 . Also similar to the previous example, the tang  868  may be molded as part of the same process as the band  802 . In some embodiments, the tang  868  is over-molded, co-molded, or otherwise integrated with the material of the band  802 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , the integrated tang  868  includes a living hinge integrally formed in the tang  868 . In some cases, the living hinge is formed from the same material as the tang  868  and/or the band  802 , but is configured to repeatedly and reliably flex or bend about a bend line. In general, the living hinge may facilitate repeated opening and closing of the buckle mechanism  800  by allowing the tang  868  to bend about the bend line of the living hinge. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the living hinge may include a recess  866  formed in a surface of the tang  868  near the junction between the tang  868  and the main body of the band  802 . In some embodiments, the recess  866  facilitates the repeated and reliable flexure of the living hinge along the bend line, which may be proximate to the location of the recess  866 . 
       FIG. 14  depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative buckle mechanism  900  along section C-C, having buckle loop  935  with a spiral portion  938 . In the configuration of  FIG. 14 , the spiral portion  938  of the buckle loop  935  may function as a biasing member by providing a restoring or biasing force on the tang  937 . In particular, as the tang  937  is pivoted upward or away from the buckle loop  935 , the spiral portion  938  may deflect or twist resulting in a biasing or restoring force being applied to the tang  937 . In some embodiments, spiral portion  938  is pre-loaded and provides a biasing force on the tang  937  even when the tang  937  is in the closed position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the spiral portion  938  is integrally formed into the buckle loop  935 . The spiral portion  938  may be formed by making a spiral-shaped cut in a portion of the buckle loop  935 . The spiral-shaped cut may allow the spiral portion  938  the buckle loop  935  to twist in response to the movement of the tang  937 . As the spiral portion  938  twists, it may resist torsional movement of the tang  937  and provide the restoring or biasing force described above. The size and shape of the spiral-shaped cut may determine, in part, the degree of biasing or restoring force to the tang  937 . For example, a spiral portion  938  having a spiral cut that continues approximately two times around the buckle loop  935 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , may provide a greater restoring or biasing force as compared to a spiral cut that wraps more than two times around the buckle loop  935 . Other aspects of the spiral cut, including width of the cut and angle of the cut, may also determine the amount of restoring or biasing force provided by the spiral portion  938 . The cross-sectional view of  FIG. 14  depicts one spiral portion  938  formed into one half of the buckle loop  935 . However, in a typical embodiment, the buckle loop  935  may include two, symmetrical spiral portions formed in respective halves of the buckle loop  935 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the tang  937  is integrally formed into the buckle loop  935  at the end of the spiral portion  938  (or between two spiral portions). In some embodiments, the tang  937  and the buckle loop  935  are formed from a metallic material that is cast or molded into shape. The spiral portion  938  may be formed by laser-cutting or machining a spiral cut within a portion of the buckle loop  935 . In some embodiments, the tang  937  may be formed from a separate piece and attached to the spiral portion  938  or other portion of the buckle loop  935 . 
     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: 20150308
Publication Date: 20180717
Grant Date: 20180717
Priority Date: 20140811
Inventors: ROHRBACH, MATTHEW D.
RUSSELL-CLARKE, Peter N.
SHAH, DHAVAL N.
SHAFFER, BENJAMIN A.
SIAHAAN, EDWARD
SU, Ying-liang
DABOV, TEODOR
WEBB, MICHAEL J.
BRICKNER, MICHAEL T.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A44C5/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/24", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/24", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/24", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55266426