PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10575602-B2
Application Number: US-201816165980-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Consumer product attachment systems having a locking assembly

Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a locking assembly for an attachment system of an electronic device. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an attachment unit that is configured to be inserted and removed from a housing of a consumer product. The attachment unit and/or the housing includes a catch member or other such locking assembly configured to relaseably secure the attachment unit within the housing.

Claims:
We claim: 
     
       1. A watch comprising:
 a housing having a channel and a recess; and 
 a band having an attachment unit configured to be inserted within the channel, wherein the attachment unit comprises:
 a body portion insertable into the channel; and 
 a catch member defining a terminal end of the attachment unit and being configured to pivot with respect to the body portion from a first position to a second position, wherein:
 while the catch member is in the first position, the attachment unit is permitted to slide within the channel; and 
 while the catch member is in the second position with a portion of the catch member within the recess of the housing, the attachment unit is locked in place within the channel. 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The watch of  claim 1 , wherein the catch member is configured to pivot between the first position to the second position while within the channel of the housing. 
     
     
       3. The watch of  claim 1 , wherein a shoulder is positioned at a transition from the channel to the recess, wherein while in the second position the catch member engages the shoulder. 
     
     
       4. The watch of  claim 1 , wherein the catch member forms a convex surface at a terminal end of the band. 
     
     
       5. The watch of  claim 1 , wherein the catch member forms a hook. 
     
     
       6. The watch of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a first magnet and the catch member comprises a second magnet, wherein the first magnet magnetically pulls the catch member into the second position. 
     
     
       7. The watch of  claim 1 , wherein the catch member has a ramp that enables the catch member to move from the second position to the first position in response to an applied force. 
     
     
       8. A watch comprising:
 a housing having a channel and a locking mechanism movable from a first position and a second position, wherein the locking mechanism has an end exposed at a surface of the housing for actuation of the locking mechanism by an applied force; and 
 a band having an attachment unit configured to be inserted within the channel, wherein the attachment unit comprises a recess defined at a terminal end of the attachment unit, wherein:
 while the locking, mechanism is in the first position, the attachment unit is permitted to slide within the channel past the locking mechanism; and 
 while the locking mechanism is in the second position with a portion of the locking mechanism within the recess of the attachment unit, the attachment unit is locked in place within the channel. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The watch of  claim 8 , further comprising a spring biasing the locking mechanism toward the second position. 
     
     
       10. The watch of  claim 8 , wherein the convex surface and the concave surface are aligned when the locking mechanism is in the first position. 
     
     
       11. The watch of  claim 8 , further comprising ribs within the channel and extending toward each other and against the attachment unit when the attachment unit is inserted within the channel. 
     
     
       12. A watch comprising;
 a housing comprising:
 a channel; 
 a button recess; and 
 a button movable within the button recess; and 
 
 a band having an attachment unit comprising:
 a body portion insertable into the channel; 
 a first bar latch portion; and 
 a second bar latch portion pivotably coupled to the first bar latch portion, 
 
 wherein the first and second bar latch portions are biased to extend into the button recess while the body portion is within the channel, and the button is moveable to urge the first and second bar latch portions out of the button recess. 
 
     
     
       13. The watch of  claim 12 , wherein the bar latch is spring-biased to extend into the button recess while the body portion is within the channel. 
     
     
       14. The watch of  claim 12 , wherein the first bar latch and the second bar latch each comprise a protrusion that extends into the button recess while the body portion is within the channel. 
     
     
       15. The watch of  claim 12 , wherein the button recess comprises a first button recess portion and a second button recess portion, wherein the first bar latch portion is biased to extend into the first button recess portion while the body portion is within the channel and the second bar latch portion is biased to extend into the second button recess portion while the body portion is within the channel. 
     
     
       16. The watch of  claim 12 , wherein the channel has a protrusion that is configured to fit within a space between the first bar latch portion and the second bar latch portion. 
     
     
       17. The watch of  claim 12 , wherein the button configured to urge both the first bar latch portion and the second bar latch portion simultaneously.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/867,621, filed Jan. 10, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/684,138, filed Apr. 10, 2015, which is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/048,248, filed Sep. 9, 2014 and titled “Attachment Systems for Consumer Products,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/036,080, filed Aug. 11, 2014, and titled “Attachment Mechanism for an Electronic Device,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure is directed to an attachment system for consumer products. More specifically, the embodiments described herein may be used to releasably couple an object to a consumer product. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Consumer products such as watches, cameras, phones, purses, and glasses may include one or more accessories attached thereto. The manner in which the accessories are attached may be widely varied. However, the attachment of these accessories suffer from similar if not the same drawbacks. For example, many consumer products typically do not include user-friendly attachment mechanisms. Furthermore, even when products have user oriented attachment mechanisms, they may not provide adequate retention force. Even if the retention force is adequate, the mechanism used may be quite robust and large thereby adversely affecting the elegance of the consumer product. 
     In one example, wristwatches typically include a case and a strap. The case carries the watch mechanisms including the watch face. The strap extends away from the case so that it can wrap around the wrist of a user. The strap may be integral with the case. However, in most cases, the strap is a separate part that is attached to the case. For example, the case may include a pin that captures the strap thereby attaching the strap to the case. In order to detach the strap from the case, the pin needs to be removed. In some instances, the user may need to visit a specialty store in order to have the pin and strap removed. 
     In another example, a pair of glasses, such as, electronic glasses, sunglasses and the like, may have temples or stems that extend from a frame. The temples or stems may be coupled to the frames by a screw, a pin or other such mechanism. However, it may be difficult to remove or replace the temples or stems without use of a specialized tool or without visiting a specialty store. 
     In still yet another example, other electronic devices may be coupled to a lanyard or other type of strap. For example a camera, a remote control, a game controller and the like may have a lanyard that is attached to a housing. However, it may be difficult to attach the lanyard to the housing as a portion of the lanyard is typically required to be inserted into a small opening within the housing. In this example, as with the other examples discussed above, the lanyard, accessory, object or article may not be attached to the electronic device or consumer product in a manner that is secure and aesthetically pleasing. 
     It is with respect to these and other general considerations that embodiments have been made. Although relatively specific problems have been discussed, it should be understood that the embodiments should not be limited to solving the specific problems identified in this background. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Provided herein is an attachment system for a consumer product. As will be explained in detail below, the attachment system may be used to couple an article, an object, an accessory and the like to the consumer product. For example, the object, article, or accessory may be a cover, a lanyard, a band, a strap, a dock and the like. Likewise, the consumer product may be an electronic device, a mechanical device, an electromechanical device and so on. Accordingly, the object may be securely coupled to the attachment system or removably coupled to the attachment system. The attachment system may then be removably coupled to the electronic device. 
     As also described herein, the object, the attachment system and the consumer product may comprise an ecosystem whereby each of the object, the attachment system and the consumer product are interchangeable with respect to one another. Thus, a single attachment system may be used with various objects, various attachment systems may be used with various consumer products and so on. In embodiments where the object is securely coupled to the attachment system, the attachment system and the object combination may be interchangeable with a replacement attachment system and object combination. In this manner, objects (such as bands) having different characteristics may be matched or used with a single consumer product, thereby allowing the band to be easily and efficiently changed or swapped. One band may be changed out for another to account for environmental differences, operational features, functional characteristics, appearance, and so on. 
     Additionally, the consumer product may be changed out such that multiple consumer products may be coupled to a given band, although not necessarily simultaneously. A band may be connected to a media player through an attachment system associated with on one or both of the band and media player, as one example. The media player may be removed from the band and a portable health monitor or timekeeping device may then be attached to the band using the same attachment system or a compatible attachment system. 
     The interoperability of bands and devices may be facilitated by a common attachment system. The attachment system may be received into a receiving module on a consumer product and may also be coupled to the band using a mating structure. By maintaining commonality of receiving modules across consumer products and commonality of mating structures across bands, interchangeability, functionality and choice may be enhanced. This may permit a variety of unique use cases, including using a band to physically connect two consumer products to one another presuming the band has a mating structure at both ends. Likewise, by providing a group of objects (bands, accessories, lanyards, charging mechanisms, data transfer mechanisms, cables, stands, supports, structures, and so on) that each have a common mating structure that may be utilized by the attachment system, and a group of consumer products that each have a common receiving module for receiving the attachment system, an ecosystem of objects and devices may be formed to provide increased choice, flexibility, operation and interoperability to a user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary attachment system of a consumer product configured to removably receive an attachment unit according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates an exemplary consumer product that includes an accessory according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates a side view of the consumer product of  FIG. 1A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates a bottom view of the consumer product of  FIG. 1A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an attachment unit with a locking assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an exploded view of the locking assembly of the attachment unit of  FIG. 2A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a cross-section view of the attachment unit of  FIG. 2A  being inserted into a housing of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2D  illustrates a perspective view of the attachment unit and housing combination according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2E  illustrates a cross-section view of the attachment unit of  FIG. 2A  being inserted into a housing of a consumer product according to one or more alternate embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2F  illustrates a side view of the attachment unit and housing combination according to an alternate embodiment one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an exploded view of attachment unit and corresponding receiving unit having a magnetic locking assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a cross-section view of the attachment unit and housing combination of  FIG. 3A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an attachment unit having a magnetic locking assembly and corresponding receiving unit of a housing according to one or more alternative embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates the attachment unit of  FIG. 4A  being inserted into the receiving unit of the housing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a cross-section view of the attachment unit and the receiving unit of  FIG. 4B  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a housing of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5B - FIG. 5C  illustrate various views of an attachment unit being inserted into the housing of  FIG. 5A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates an exploded view of an attachment system having a ribbed configuration according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates an attachment unit and a corresponding ribbed receiving mechanism of  FIG. 6A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates a side view of the assembled attachment system of  FIG. 6A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6D  illustrates a cross-section view of the assembled attachment system of  FIG. 6A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7A - FIG. 7B  illustrate an exemplary locking mechanism that may be used with one more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7C  illustrates a cross-section view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 7A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9A - FIG. 9C  illustrate an attachment system having a pivoting catch member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10A - FIG. 10C  illustrate an attachment system having a pivoting catch member according to one or more alternate embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11A - FIG. 11C  illustrate an attachment system having a pivoting catch member according to one or more additional embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12A - FIG. 12B  illustrate an attachment system having an hourglass locking assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13A - FIG. 13B  illustrate an attachment system having a magnetic locking assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14A - FIG. 14B  illustrate an attachment unit having a pivoting bar latch according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an exemplary attachment unit that may be used with one or more embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 16A - FIG. 16C  illustrate an exemplary attachment system that includes a pin assembly configured to cause the catch member to move from a retracted position to an extended position according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17A - FIG. 17C  illustrate an attachment system in which the housing of the consumer product includes a locking assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18A - FIG. 18C  illustrate an attachment system in which the housing of the consumer product includes a locking assembly according to one or more alternative embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19A - FIG. 19B  illustrate an attachment unit having a shape memory alloy component according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19C - FIG. 19D  illustrate the attachment unit of  FIG. 19A  being integrated with an attachment unit and a band according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20A - FIG. 20B  illustrate an attachment system having a pin locking assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21A - FIG. 21C  illustrate a button that is configured to be inserted into a band of a consumer product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22A - FIG. 22B  illustrate a magnetic tooth assembly of an attachment unit according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 23A - FIG. 23B  illustrate an attachment system having an hourglass locking assembly disposed within the housing according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 24A - FIG. 24B  illustrate an squeeze button assembly of an attachment unit according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 25A - FIG. 25B  illustrate an attachment system having a spring-biased catch member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 26A - FIG. 26B  illustrate an attachment system having a magnetic locking assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     Provided herein is an attachment system for a consumer product. The attachment system may include a removable module or an attachment unit that interfaces with some portion of the consumer product. For example, the removable module may engage with a related or corresponding module, recess, aperture or component of, or associated with, the consumer product. When engaged, the removable module may be carried by the consumer product. For example, when the removable module is engaged with the consumer product, the module and the consumer product may become an integrated unit. In some cases, the removable module can extend the functionality of the consumer product. That is, the attachment system and/or the removable module can provide additional operability to the consumer product. Additionally or alternatively, the removable module may be used as an accoutrement to the consumer product. 
     For example, the removable module may add an aesthetic or structural enhancement to the consumer product. Additionally or alternatively, the removable module may be configured to couple another object or article to the consumer product. For example, the object may be an accessory such as a cover, skin, plate, lanyard, band, strap, dock and/or the like. In all of these examples, the interface between the removable module and the consumer product may be a standard interface such that different functionality, accoutrements, and objects can be coupled to the consumer product. 
     The consumer product that may be used in conjunction with the attachment system can be widely varied. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the consumer product may be an electronic device, a mechanical device, an electromechanical device and the like. In one example, the consumer product is a portable consumer product. In another example, the consumer product is a wearable product. Additional and more specific examples of the consumer product include mobile phones, personal digital assistants, music players, timekeeping devices, health monitoring devices, tablet computers, laptop computers, glasses (electronic or otherwise), portable storage devices and the like. Although the examples above include electronic devices, the attachment system of the present disclosure may be used with non-electronic devices. 
     As will also be described below, the attachment system of the present disclosure typically includes a product side attachment assembly and a non-product side attachment assembly that can engage and disengage to and from one another. Each of these assemblies may, for example, include a lug portion that physically interface with one another in order to secure the two assemblies together. The assemblies may also releasably interface with one another in order to free the assemblies from each other. 
     In one embodiment, the attachment system includes a removable module that mechanically engages to and disengages from a component of the consumer product. The module may be coupled with and removed from the component of the consumer product. In one example, the component may be a housing or a portion of the housing of the consumer product. For example, the removable module may include a first lug portion configured for attachment to a second lug portion of the housing (or case) of the consumer product (e.g., a lug portion integrated with the housing). In another example, the component may be a module that is fixed to, recessed in, or extends from or is otherwise attached to the housing of the consumer product. For example, the removable module may have a first lug portion configured for attachment to a second lug portion, which is fixed to and extends from the housing (or case) of the consumer product. In another example, the first lug portion of the consumer product may be received into a recess or channel within the housing. 
     In one embodiment, the removable module of the attachment system may be configured to be inserted into an opening on the consumer product. The insertion may be a lateral insertion, a frontal insertion, and so on. Once the removable module, has been inserted into the opening, the removable module may slide within the opening of the consumer product. For example, the consumer product may have a channel that is disposed on one or more sides of a housing of the consumer product. The channel may be configured to follow the shape of the housing. Once the end portion of the removable module has been inserted into the channel, the removable module may slide further into the channel. 
     The sliding motion of the removable module may continue until the removable module is secured or otherwise coupled to or within the channel. Just as the removable module is configured to slide into the channel of the consumer product, the removable module may also slide out of the channel of the consumer product. Thus, the removable module may be easily inserted into and removed from the consumer product. 
     In other cases the removable module may be forwardly inserted into (or inserted straight into) the channel or opening of the housing. For example, the removable module may be inserted into a front face of the channel or other such opening in a housing and be secured in place using one or more securement mechanisms in or on the channel and/or in or on the removable module. 
     In another embodiment, the attachment system may be shaped to mechanically interlock with the consumer product. In such embodiments, a removable module of the attachment system may have a first shape that corresponds to a shape of a receiving module that is associated with or part of the consumer product. For example, the length, width, height, shape and other dimensions of the removable module may similar to or otherwise correspond with the length, width, height and shape of the receiving module. As such, when the removable module is placed within the receiving module of the consumer product, the removable module is integrated (either partially or entirely) with the consumer product. 
     In one embodiment, the attachment system includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be integrated with the removable module of the attachment system. Further the locking mechanism may be configured to interact with the receiving module of the consumer product. As such, as the removable module is inserted into the receiving module of the consumer product, the locking mechanism interfaces with a portion of the receiving module to lock or otherwise secure the removable module within the receiving module. 
     The locking mechanism may also be configured to interface with a releasing mechanism associated with the receiving module. The releasing mechanism, or a portion of the releasing mechanism, may be part of, or integrated with, the receiving module. As such, when the locking assembly has been received into the receiving module, the releasing mechanism may be actuated. Actuation of the releasing mechanism causes the locking mechanism to be removed from the portion of the receiving module and enables the removable module to slide within the receiving module. 
     In other cases, the locking mechanisms may be contained within the housing of the consumer product. As such, the housing may be configured to insert at least a portion of a locking mechanism into a receiving aperture of the removable module. Accordingly, the removable module may be configured to trigger a release of the locking mechanism from the receiving aperture of the removable module. 
     In addition to the above, the attachment system of the present disclosure may have various other components and modules that enables the removable module to engage with and be disengaged from the consumer product. For example the attachment system may have various pads disposed on a surface of the removable module to assist or otherwise enable the removable module to slide within the receiving module of the consumer product. The pads may also be used to prevent undesired movement of the removable module once the removable module has been locked within the receiving module and maintain spacing between the removable module and the receiving module. 
     The attachment system may also be used to secure various accessories to the consumer product. For example, an accessory, article or object may be coupled or otherwise attached to the removable module of the attachment system. Further, the accessory, article or object may be used to secure the consumer product to a user. For example, the attachment system may be removably coupled to a housing or a receiving module of the consumer product. 
     The consumer product may be configured to receive multiple different bands, accessories and the like. The consumer product, and the associated bands, may each include a common node that couples to a corresponding node associated with the consumer product. Accordingly, the consumer product may have a plurality of accessories or bands that may be interchangeable thereby providing a user many different aesthetic looks for the consumer product. More specifically, the consumer product may be configured to receive a first band, and second band which is different than the first band. Further, each of the first band and the second band may include a common node that couples to, or is received by, a corresponding node in the consumer product. Thus, each band may be interchangeable with respect to one another and with other bands and/or accessories. 
     Furthering the example from above, a band or strap may be removably coupled to the attachment system and may further be used to secure the consumer product to the user. Because the attachment system is removably coupled to both the housing of the consumer product and a band or strap, the attachment system itself, or the band or strap, may be interchangeable with numerous other bands having different materials, designs and configurations. 
     In one particular embodiment, the consumer product is a portable electronic device. More specifically, the consumer product is may be a wearable consumer product. A wearable consumer product is one that can be worn by or otherwise secured to a user. For example, the wearable electronic device may include, but is not limited to a wearable computer, a wearable watch, a wearable communication device, a wearable media player, a wearable health monitoring device, and/or the like. In cases such as these, the attachment system may be used to couple a band, a strap, a sleeve or various types of clothing to the wearable consumer product. For example, in the case of a wrist worn product, the removable module of the attachment system may carry a band that can be wrapped around and secured to a user&#39;s wrist when the removable module is attached to the wearable product. It should be appreciated, however, that the above examples are not limitations. 
     In certain embodiments, the band, the attachment system and/or portions of each may be made up of a variety of different materials and/or configurations. In certain embodiments, the band and/or the attachment system, may be made from rubber, metal, woven fiber, leather, rubber overlaying a woven mesh, silicon, Milanese mesh, and so on. In some embodiments, a first band, or a first portion of a first band may be made up of a first material and a second bad, or a second portion of the first band, may be made from a second different material. The band may also be made up of a plurality of links with the attachment system forming one or more of the links. As such, the band may be resizable by, for example, adding or removing links. 
     In some embodiments, the bands may be coupled to respective attachment systems using pins, holes, adhesives, screws, and so on. In yet other embodiments, the band may be co-molded or overmolded with at least a portion of the attachment mechanism. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. 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. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary consumer product  10  that may be used with an attachment unit  12  of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The consumer product  10  may include a base unit (shown in  FIG. 1A  as a housing  14 ) and one or more attachment units (shown in  FIG. 1A  as attachment unit  12 ) capable of being removably coupled to the housing  14 . The housing  14  may, for example, include a coupling node (shown in  FIG. 1A  as channel  16 ) that mechanically engages a corresponding coupling node on the attachment unit  12 . The coupling nodes may be widely varied. The coupling node on the housing  14  includes an opening while the coupling node on the attachment unit  12  includes a lug that fits within the opening. The opening may be configured in a variety of different shapes and orientations. Further, the opening is configured to removably receive the lug such as will be described in detail below. 
     The attachment unit  12  may be laterally inserted into the housing  14  of the consumer product  10 . As such, the attachment unit  12  may be configured to slide relative to the housing  14  of the consumer product  10 . In other embodiments, the attachment unit  12  may be pressed, snap fit or otherwise forwardly inserted into the channel  16  of the housing  14 . Once inserted, the attachment unit  12  may be locked or otherwise secured within the housing  14 . 
     In some embodiments, the attachment unit  12  may include a rounded body and one or more arms that extend from the body. This shape of the body may be a teardrop shape. In other embodiments, the shape of the body may be rectangular, square or other such shape. The arms may have substantially planar outer side surfaces that flare outwardly from a first end to a second rounded end. In another embodiment, the top and/or bottom surface of the body may be flat or substantially flat and have at least one rounded side wall that transitions from the flat top surface to the flat bottom surface. In other configurations, the surfaces of the body may be flat or substantially flat. More specifically, a top surface of the body may be rounded and also have one rounded sidewall (or front portion) that transitions to a bottom surface. As will be explained below, one or more locking assemblies may extend from the bottom surface, the top surface and/or the rounded surface. In other implementations, the top surface, the bottom surface and/or the rounded surface may have one or more recesses that are used to receive a locking assembly. 
     Although not shown, the attachment unit  12  may include one or more friction pads. The friction pads may be positioned on both the bottom surface of the body and the top surface of the body. Further, the friction pads may be positioned on either side of the locking assembly. In other embodiments, the friction pads may not be present. 
     In certain embodiments, the attachment unit  12  includes arms that extend from the body. The arms of the attachment system may have a width that starts narrow at one end and gets wider the closer the arms get to the body of the attachment unit  12 . That is, the arms may have a narrow width at a proximal end and have a wider width as the arms are integrated with the body. In some embodiments, each arm may have a sidewall that extends along the outside of the attachment unit  12  that make up a width of the attachment unit  12 . In some embodiments, the arms may be joined by a bar that creates an opening such as shown below. The opening may be used to receive a band or other accessory. 
     In some embodiments, the sidewalls of each arm (whether separate or integrated) may be angled and/or tapered. More specifically, the sidewall of each arm may be angled or slanted from the top surface of the body toward the bottom surface of the body. 
     Although the attachment unit  12  may be locked in place within the housing  14 , actuation of a button assembly (e.g., button assembly  34  of  FIG. 1D ) or other types of actuators on the housing  14  release the attachment unit  12  which enables the attachment unit  12  to be removed from the housing  14 . In some embodiments, the button assembly  34  ( FIG. 1D ) may be disposed on an underside ( 32  of  FIG. 1D ) of the housing  14 . In other embodiments, the button assembly  34  ( FIG. 1D ) may be disposed or positioned on a top side of the housing  14 . Further, the button assembly  34  may be placed at various locations on the underside and/or the top side of the housing  14 . In some cases, the actuator or button assembly that is used to release the attachment unit  12  from the housing  14  may be located on the attachment unit  12 . In some cases, an applied force on the attachment unit  12  in a particular direction may cause the locking assembly to retract or otherwise release the attachment unit  12  from within the housing  14  such as will be described below. 
     Although a single attachment unit  12  is discussed, a plurality of attachment units  12  may be coupled to the consumer product  10 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1A , an attachment unit  12  may be coupled to a first side of the consumer product  10  and a second attachment unit  12  may be coupled to a second side of the consumer product  10 . 
     When multiple attachment units  12  are used, the consumer product  10  may have a channel  16  or other such coupling node on a first side of the housing  14  and a second channel  16  or other such coupling node on a second side of the housing  14 . The channel  16  on the first side of the housing  14  of the consumer product  10  may receive one of the attachment units  12  and the channel  16  on the second side of the housing  14  of the consumer product  10  may receive another attachment unit  12 . Further, each of the attachment units  12  may be inserted into their respective channels  16  such as described above. 
     Each attachment unit  12  may have a specific shape, size or orientation based on the channel  16  the attachment unit  12  is to be inserted into. For example, a first attachment unit  12  may have a circular orientation and/or a first size that corresponds to a shape and/or size of the channel  16  on the first side of the housing  14  of the consumer product  10 . Likewise, a second attachment unit  12  may have a second size and/or shape that corresponds to a shape and/or size of the channel  16  on the second side of the housing  14  of the consumer product  10 . In other embodiments, each attachment unit  12  may have the same shape and/or size and can therefore be interchangeable with respect to one another. 
     In addition to the above, the first attachment unit  12  may be coupled to the consumer product  10  while the second attachment unit  12  is detached or removed from the consumer product  10 . Likewise, the second attachment unit  12  may be coupled to the consumer product  10  while the first attachment unit  12  is removed from the consumer product  10 . The first attachment unit  12  may be configured to receive a first accessory, object or article or type of accessory, object or article. Likewise the second attachment unit  12  may be configured to receive an accessory, object or article that is similar to, or different from, the accessory, article or object that is coupled to the first attachment unit  12 . 
     The channel  16  may include a recess or other opening that is configured to receive a locking assembly of the attachment unit  12 . In some embodiments, the recess may be disposed on a single side of the channel  16  or on multiple sides of the channel  16 . In some cases, the channel  16  may include various grooves that are configured to mate with protrusions or ribs disposed on the attachment unit. In other cases, the channel  16  may include ribs or other protrusions that are configured to mate with corresponding grooves or striations on the attachment unit  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the recess is positioned within the channel  16  such that the locking assembly of the attachment unit  12  is aligned with the recess when the sides of the locking assembly are flush or substantially flush with respect to the channel  16  and/or one or more sidewalls of the housing  14 . For example, the channel  16  of the housing  14  is configured to receive either a proximal end or a distal end of the attachment unit  12 . Once either the proximal end or the distal end of the attachment unit  12  has been received by the channel  16 , the attachment unit  12  may slide or move within the channel until the locking mechanism of the attachment unit  12  expands into, engages with, or otherwise enters, the recess contained within the channel  16 . In embodiments in which the locking assembly is contained within housing  14  or the channel  16 , the attachment unit  12  may be inserted into the channel  16  or otherwise move within the channel  16  until the locking assembly of consumer product  10  is received into a locking recess disposed on the attachment unit  12 . 
     To release the attachment unit  12  from the channel  16 , a button assembly (e.g., button assembly  34  of  FIG. 1D ) associated with the housing  14  is actuated (or a button assembly  34  on the attachment unit  12  is actuated in embodiments where the locking assembly is contained in the housing  14 ). Actuation of the button assembly  34  expels the locking assembly from the recess and enables the attachment unit  12  to once again freely move or slide within the channel  16  of the housing  14  or be pulled out from the front face of the channel  16 . 
     As briefly discussed above, one or more accessories  18 , objects or articles may be coupled to each attachment unit  12 . More specifically, each accessory  18  may be removably coupled to the consumer product  10  using one or more of the attachment units  12 . 
     In another example, each accessory  18  that is coupled to a respective attachment unit  12  may be different structures or part of the same structure. As such, one end of the accessory  18  may be removably coupled to the attachment unit  12  while a second end of the accessory  18  may be coupled to another accessory  18  or to a user. In some embodiments, the accessory  18  may be integrated with the attachment unit  12 . As such, the accessory  18  may not be removable from the attachment unit  12 . In such instances, the attachment unit  12  and accessory combination may be interchangeable with a different attachment unit  12  and accessory combination. 
     The accessory  18  may be interchangeable with respect to the attachment unit  12 . Thus, the accessory  18 , the attachment unit  12  and the housing  14  of the consumer product  10  (or the consumer product  10  itself), and various combinations thereof, may comprises an ecosystem whereby each component of the ecosystem may be interchangeable with respect to one another. For example, one attachment unit  12  may be used with various accessories. In another embodiment, various attachment units  12  may be used with a single consumer product  10 . In yet another embodiment, a single accessory  18  and/or a single attachment unit  12  may be used in various consumer products  10 . 
     In some embodiments, the attachment unit  12  may be coupled to the consumer product  10  or secured within the receiving component of the consumer product  10  using a clasp or other attachment means such as, for example, magnets, snaps, and the like. In other embodiments, the accessory  18  may be secured, coupled or otherwise attached to the attachment unit  12  using a variety of attachment means. Examples of such include, but are not limited to a clasp, a removable pin, magnets, snaps, and other such attachment means. In other embodiments, the accessory  18  may be secured to the attachment unit  12  by being overmolded to, woven onto, or otherwise integrated with the attachment unit  12 . 
     The consumer product  10  may be widely varied. In some embodiments the consumer product  10  may be a wearable consumer product  10 . Additionally or alternatively, the consumer product  10  may be an electronic device. In yet other embodiments, the consumer product  10  may be a portable computing device. Examples include cell phones, smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, timekeeping devices, computerized glasses and other wearable devices navigation devices, sports devices, accessory devices, health-monitoring devices, medical devices, wristbands, bracelets, jewelry, and/or the like. 
     In one example and as shown in  FIG. 1A , the consumer product  10  may be a wearable multifunctional electronic device. The wearable multifunctional electronic device may have various functionalities and/or capabilities described above (e.g., computing, communication, timekeeping or time display, health monitoring, health tracking and/or health output functionalities/capabilities, etc.). In another example, the consumer product  10  is a wrist worn multifunctional device and may include various components and/or modules In another example, the consumer product  10  may act as an extension of another electronic device (or vice versa). For example, if the consumer product  10  is configured as a wrist worn device, it may serve as a watch like device that can interact with a phone that is carried by (e.g., in a pocket) or otherwise associated with the user. 
     The consumer product  10  may include a housing  14 . The housing  14  serves to surround a peripheral region of the consumer product  10  as well as support the internal components of the consumer product  10  in their assembled position. That is, the housing  14  may enclose and support various internal components (including for example integrated circuit chips, processors, memory devices and other circuitry) to provide computing and functional operations for the consumer product  10 . The housing  14  may also help define the shape or form of the consumer product  10 . That is, the contour of the housing  14  may embody the outward physical appearance of the consumer product  10 . As such, it may include various ornamental and mechanical features that improve the aesthetical appearance and tactile feel of the device. The housing  14  may be formed as a single piece, which may enhance the structural rigidity, water impermeability, and manufacturability of the housing  14 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the housing  14  may have a rectilinear shape although other shapes are contemplated. The housing  14  may also have a substantially planar or flat top surface on which a display  20  may be positioned and a substantially planar or flat bottom surface. Although the top surface of the housing  14  and the bottom surface of the housing  14  may be substantially planar, the transition between the top surface of the housing  14  and one or more sidewalls of the housing may be curved. Put another way, the transition from the top surface to the one or more sidewalls of the housing (e.g., including a side in which the channel  16  is positioned) may be rounded such that a smooth transition is present between the top surface and the sides of the housing  14 . Likewise, the transition from the bottom surface of the housing  14  to one or more sidewalls of the housing  14  may have a similar rounded shape and transition. In some cases, the shape of the housing may be rounded. In such embodiments, the channel  16  may also be rounded. 
     The housing  14  and the attachment unit  12  may be formed of plastic, glass, ceramics, fiber composites, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), other suitable materials, or a combination of these materials. Further, the surface of the housing  14  and the attachment unit  12  may be formed from any suitable material, including aluminum, steel, gold, silver and other metals, metal alloys, ceramics, wood, plastics, various types of glass and combinations thereof, and the like. 
     The consumer product  10  may include various components that may be disposed on the outside of the housing  14 , within the housing  14 , through the housing  14 , inside the housing  14  and so on. For example, the housing  14  may include a cavity for retaining components internally as well as holes or windows for providing access to the various internal components. The housing  14  may also be configured to form a water-resistant or water-proof device. For example, the housing  14  may be formed from a single body and the openings in the body may be configured to cooperate with other components to form a water-resistant or water-proof barrier. 
     In some embodiments, one of the components included in the consumer product  10  may be one or more I/O systems. For example, the consumer product  10  may include a display  20  configured to output various information about the consumer product  10 . The display  20  may also output data from applications and other programs that are being executed by the consumer product  10 . For example, the consumer product  10  may provide information regarding the current time, health of a user, status notifications, notifications or messages received from externally connected devices or communicating devices and/or software executing on such devices. The consumer product  10  may also provide information about applications or otherwise display messages, video, operating commands, and so forth that are executing on the consumer product  10 . 
     The display  20  of the consumer product  10  may also be configured to receive input. For example, the display  20  may be a touch screen display that incorporates capacitive touch electrodes. In embodiments where the display  20  is configured to receive input, the display  20  may have an input area. The input area may cover the entire display  20  or substantially all of the display  20 . In another embodiment, the input area may cover only a portion of the display  20 . Further, the display  20  may be a multi-touch display that is configured to receive and process various contact points received on the display. 
     The display  20  may include image pixels formed from light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), plasma cells, electronic ink elements, liquid crystal display (LCD) components, or other suitable image pixel structures. The shape, size and dimensions of the display  20  may also vary. For example, the display  20  may be planar or substantially planar. In other embodiments, the display  20  may be concave or convex. The display  20  may be shaped to cover or substantially cover a top portion of the housing  14 . As such, the display  20  may have a shape that is similar to the shape of the housing  14 . In other embodiments, the shape of the display  20  may differ from the shape and/or size of the housing  14 . 
     The consumer product  10  may also have other input and output mechanisms. For example, the consumer product  10  may include or interface with one or more buttons  22 , a crown  24 , keys, dials, trackpads, microphones and the like. Each of these input mechanisms may be disposed on a top surface of the housing  14 , a bottom surface of the housing  14  and/or on one or more sidewalls of the housing  14 . The consumer product  10  may also include one or more speakers, headphone jacks and the like. 
     The consumer product  10  may also be configured to provide haptic output, audio output, visual output or combinations thereof. With respect to the haptic output, the consumer product  10  may have one or more haptic actuators that are configured to provide the haptic output. The haptic output, and other forms of output provided above, may vary based on a variety of factors. Some of these include, but are not limited to, how the consumer product  10  is being used, which applications are being executed, the information that is output on the display  20  and the like. For example, if the consumer product  10  is monitoring the health of the user, a first type of haptic output may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, if the consumer product  10  is being used as a time keeping device, a second type of haptic output may be provided. In yet another example, if a warning or message is output on the display  20 , the warning or message may include a haptic output, visual output and an auditory output. 
     The type, feel and duration of the haptic output, the audio output and/or the visual output may also vary. For example, the type, feel and duration of the haptic output of the consumer product  10  based on an orientation of the consumer product  10  and/or a location or position of the consumer product  10  (e.g., with respect to a user, environmental conditions, whether the consumer product  10  is outside or inside and the like). 
     In addition to the above, the attachment unit  12  itself, or portions of the attachment unit  12 , may be configured to provide and/or enhance haptic feedback. For example, the attachment unit  12  may have a haptic actuator disposed in an inner portion. In another embodiment, the accessory  18  that is coupled to the attachment unit  12  may be used to enhance and/or provide haptic output. In yet another embodiment, a haptic actuator disposed in the consumer product  10  may cause the attachment unit  12 , or a portion of the attachment unit  12 , to resonate or amplify the haptic output that is provided by the haptic actuator. 
     The consumer product  10  may include a connection system, either wired or wireless, that enables the consumer product to interface with other devices. These other devices may include laptop computers, mobile phones, tablet computers, exercise equipment, electronic glasses and the like. 
     The consumer product  10  may also include various other operating components (potentially housed with the housing  14 ). These components may include a processor, a memory, a communication system, an antenna and the like. For example, the consumer product  10  may include a processor coupled with or in communication with a memory. The consumer product  10  may also include one or more communication interfaces, The communication interface(s) can provide electronic communications between the communications device and any external communication network, device or platform, such as but not limited to wireless interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, Near Field Communication interfaces, infrared interfaces, USB interfaces, Wi-Fi interfaces, TCP/IP interfaces, network communications interfaces, or any conventional communication interfaces. 
     The consumer product  10  may also include various sensors. These sensors may include and are not limited to, biometric sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, light sensors, optical sensors, global positioning sensors, and so on. These sensors may assist with or otherwise provide functionality to the consumer product  10 . In addition, readings from these sensors may be analyzed by the consumer product  10  and/or may be transmitted to a companion device or other product. 
     The consumer product  10  may be a wrist worn device that utilizes bands or straps for attaching the consumer product  10  to a wrist. In such embodiments, the consumer product  10  may have a band that is coupled to each side of the consumer product  10 . Further, each band may engage with or disengage with the attachment unit  12  located on respective sides of the consumer product  10 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the band (or accessory  18 ) may include a first band strap  26  attached to a first attachment unit  12  of the consumer product  10  and a second band strap  28  attached to a second attachment unit  12  of the consumer product  10 . In some embodiments, free ends of the first band strap  26  and the second band strap  28  may be configured to be releasably attached or secured to one another using a clasp  30  or other attachment mechanism to form a loop. This loop may then be used to attach the consumer product  10  to a user&#39;s wrist. 
     The first band strap  26  and the second band strap  28  may be formed from various materials that are suited for various applications. For example, the first band strap  26  and the second band strap  28  may be formed from leather, woven textiles, or metallic mesh materials. The materials and construction of the first band strap  26  and the second band strap  28  may depend on the application. 
     For example, the first band strap  26  and the second band strap  28  may be formed from a woven textile material configured for exposure to impact and moisture typically associated with outdoor activities. In another example, the first band strap  26  and the second band strap  28  may be formed from a metallic mesh material that may be configured to have a fine finish and construction that may be more appropriate for professional or social activities. 
     The clasp  30  may also be configured for a particular application and/or selected based on a particular style of band. For example, if the first band strap  26  and the second band strap  28  are formed from a metallic mesh material, the clasp  30  may include a magnetic clasp mechanism. 
     In other embodiments, the accessory  18  may be a unitary accessory. In such embodiments, a distal end of the accessory  18  may be configured to be coupled to a first attachment unit  12  and a proximal end of the accessory may be configured to be coupled to a second attachment unit  12 . In yet another example the accessory  18  may be coupled directly to, or may be manufactured to contain, a removable module. That is, the accessory  18  may designed to include a feature that is configured to slide within the housing  14  of the consumer product  10   
     For example, the proximal end and/or the distal end of the accessory  18  may have a locking assembly that acts to secure the ends of the accessory  18  within the channel  16  of the housing  14 . In addition, the ends of the accessory  18  may include one or more protrusions or friction pads such as described herein. Further, the proximal end and/or the distal end of the accessory may be made from various materials including silicon, metal, and so on. 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates a side view of the consumer product  10  of  FIG. 1A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The housing  14  may have a three dimensional shape that is generally rectilinear. Although a rectilinear shape is shown and described, the housing  14  may be rounded, square, oval, arced, triangular, and have other such shapes. 
     In example depicted in  FIG. 1A , the housing  14  can be described as having two ends (a first end and a second end opposite the first end), and a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the sides being continuous with the ends. In this example, the first end and the second end and the first side and the second side have an outwardly curved three-dimensional shape. 
     In some embodiments, a top side and a bottom side of the housing  14  may be substantially planar or flat. A display  20  may be positioned on the top side of the housing  14 . When the display  20  ends, the housing  14  may transition from a flat or planar surface into one or more rounded edges. The rounded edges provide a smooth transition from the top side of the housing  14  to a sidewall of the housing  14  and from a sidewall of the housing  14  to a bottom side of the housing  14 . The rounded edges of the housing  14  may cause a side profile of the housing to have a general lozenge shape although other shapes are contemplated. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1C , the channel  16  is formed in the first end. Similarly, a second channel  16  is formed in the second end. In the present example the channels  16  have openings at the interface of the first and second sides and first and second ends. As also shown in  FIG. 1C , the channel  16  of the housing  14  may be disposed on one or more sidewalls of the housing  14 . Thus, as the rounded edges transition from the top surface to the bottom surface of the housing  14 , the rounded edges may transition into the channel  16  itself. That is, the channel  16  may be carved directly into a solid portion of the housing  14 . As such, the channel  16  may be positioned below the display  20  of the consumer product  10 . 
     In some embodiments, the channel  16  may also have an inwardly curved three-dimensional shape with an undercut. For example, the channel  16  may have a width that is greater than the openings on a proximal end and/or a distal end of the channel  16 . In some embodiments, the upper portion of the housing  14  overhangs the lower portion of the housing  14  at the channel  16  opening. In the example depicted in  FIG. 1C , the channel  16  is cut into a solid portion of the housing  14  such that the channel  16  forms a continuous interior shape. As discussed above, the attachment unit  12  may have a shape and other dimensions that mirror those of the channel  16  and/or the housing  14 . 
     In some embodiments, the channel  16  is formed at an angle relative to the centerline of the housing  14 . In some embodiments, the channel  16  is located underneath a centerline of the housing  14 . In some embodiments, the channel  16  is angled upward and inward within the profile of the housing  14 , such that the channel  16  crosses a vertical centerline of the housing  14 . In some embodiments, the channel  16  may be angled with respect to a centerline of the housing  14  at approximately five degrees or greater. 
     The channel  16  may be configured in a variety of shapes. For example, the channel  16  may be rounded such as shown in  FIG. 1C . In other embodiments, the channel  16  may be rectilinear or have other shapes. 
     The channel  16  may also have an opening at a proximal end and another opening at a distal end. As discussed above, the channel  16  may extend along a side of the housing  14  such that the openings at each end are connected. In addition, the channel  16  may be shaped such that a lateral opening of the channel  16 , as well as the proximal end and the distal end of the channel  16  follow the contour of the housing. As such, the openings may be slanted or otherwise curved based on the shape and dimensions of the housing  14 . The openings may be on a curved surface and/or located inward of an outer dimension of the consumer product  10 . 
     In some embodiments, the channel  16  may be shaped such that the openings at the proximal end and the distal end are slightly tapered. As the channel  16  progresses toward the center of the channel  16 , the depth of the channel increases. Put another way, near the open ends of the channel  16 , the channel  16  may have a shallow depth and as the channel  16  progresses within the housing  14 , the depth of the channel increases. As each opening may be configured to receive an accessory (e.g., accessory  18 ) and/or an attachment unit  12  such as described above, the configuration of the channel  16  in this manner may assist in enabling the attachment unit  12  or accessory  18  to enter the channel  16 . 
     In addition to the openings at the proximal ends and the distal end of the channel  16 , a lateral slot may extend between the proximal end and the distal end of the channel  16 . The lateral slot may provide space for an object to pass through the housing which enables the object to be attached to an attachment unit  12  contained within the channel  16  or otherwise be secured to the housing  14 . 
     In some embodiments, the lateral slot may also be tapered or have a dimension that is narrower than the dimensions of the openings at each of the ends. That is, the proximal end and the distal end of the channel  16  may have a first dimension while the lateral slot of the channel  16  has a second dimension. In some embodiments, the second dimension is smaller than the first dimension. This configuration may help prevent forward insertion and/or removal of an accessory  18  and/or attachment unit  12  that are contained within the channel  16 . For example, due to the narrower dimension of the lateral slot, an accessory  18  or attachment unit  12  may be prohibited from being pulled out of the front of the slot due to an applied “pulling” force on the attachment unit  12  or accessory  18 . The lateral slot of the housing  14  may also be comprised of a rigid material which prevents or helps prevent the housing  14  from bending, expanding and so on. 
       FIG. 1D  illustrates a bottom view of the consumer product  10  of  FIG. 1A  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the bottom side  32  of the housing  14  may be flat or substantially flat such as described above. In addition, the bottom side  32  of the housing  14  may include a button assembly  34 . In certain embodiments, the button assembly  34  is aligned with a recess in the channel  16 . As discussed above, the button assembly  34  may be used to release a locking assembly of the attachment unit  12  from the channel  16 . 
     Although  FIG. 1D  shows the button assembly  34  centrally positioned near the sides of the housing  14 , the button assembly  34  may be positioned anywhere on the bottom side  32  of the housing  14 . In addition, each side of the housing  14  may include a single button assembly  34  or multiple button assemblies  34 . Further, although the button assembly  34  is shown on the bottom side  32  of the consumer product  10 , the button assembly  34  may be positioned on a sidewall of the housing  14 , a top side of the consumer product  10  and/or on the attachment unit  12 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 1D , when the attachment unit  12  is inserted into the channel  16 , the attachment unit  12  is contained within the channel  16 . Thus, when the attachment unit  12  is contained within the channel  16 , the attachment unit  12  may complete or otherwise fill the groove in the periphery of the housing  14  caused by the channel  16 . As shown in  FIG. 1D , one or more arms of the attachment unit  12  may extend from the channel  16 . The arms may be used to secure an accessory  18  to the housing  14  such as described above. 
     The following description and their associated figures are directed to various attachment systems, attachment units, channels and/or housings that may be used by or otherwise integrated with a consumer product. In some cases, the attachment system includes a receiving mechanism on the consumer product and a lug or other such attachment unit that is configured to be removably received by the receiving mechanism. As such, the various attachment units described below may be similar to the attachment unit  12  described above. In addition, the housings, channels and consumer products described below may be similar to the housing  14 , the channel  16  and the consumer product  10  described above. Further, each attachment unit  12  may be configured to be coupled to a band, a strap or other accessory such as described above. It is also contemplated that the various embodiments describe below may be combined in a variety of ways and are not limited to the illustrated embodiments. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates an exemplary attachment unit  100  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the attachment unit  100  may include or be integrated with a band such as shown. In other embodiments, the band may be removably coupled to the attachment unit  100 . The attachment unit  100  may have a linear or curved configuration and be configured for lateral insertion or forward insertion into a groove or channel of a housing of a consumer product such as shown and described with respect to  FIG. 2C   FIG. 2F . 
     Once the attachment unit  100  has been inserted into the housing  110  a spring biased locking assembly of the attachment unit  100  may secure the attachment unit  100  in place within the channel of the housing. For example and referring to  FIG. 2B , the locking assembly of the attachment unit  100  may include a spring  108 , a catch member  106 , a bracket portion  104  and one or more securement mechanisms  102  that secure the locking assembly to the attachment unit  100 . 
     In this particular embodiment, the catch member  106  may be coupled to the spring  108  which causes a portion of the catch member  106  to protrude from a surface of the attachment unit  100 . The spring  108  also enable the catch member  106  to move in an upward and downward manner within the attachment unit  100  in response to received pressure. For example, when the attachment unit  100  is inserted into a channel of a housing such as shown in  FIG. 2C , the spring  108  enables the catch member  106  to retract into the attachment unit  100 . More specifically, if the attachment unit  100  is forwardly inserted (or laterally inserted) into a channel of the housing  110 , contact between the catch member  106  and the housing causes the catch member  106  to retract. Once the attachment unit has been inserted into the channel and the catch member  106  is in proximity to the recess within the channel, the spring  108  causes the catch member  106  to be received into the recess thereby locking the attachment unit  100  within the housing. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2C ,  FIG. 2C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the attachment unit  100  being inserted into a housing  110  of a consumer product. In some embodiments, the housing  110  may include a display  112  and an actuation member or button  114  disposed within or adjacent to a channel or other such receiving module. The channel of the housing  110  may include a recess that receives the catch member  106  of the locking assembly. Although not specifically shown, the recess may have a shape that conforms to the catch member  106 . In some implementations, the recess may be ramped on one or both lateral sides to enable the catch member  106  to slide on the ramp which causes a retraction of the catch member  106 . 
     The housing  110  may also include a button  114  that interacts with the catch member  106  of the locking assembly. In some embodiments, the button  114  may protrude from the housing  110  such as shown in  FIG. 2C . Further, the button  114  may have a surface that matches or otherwise conforms to the at least a portion of the catch member  106  such as shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 2D . For example a bottom surface of the button  114  may be triangular or otherwise have a shape that matches or corresponds to the shape of a protrusion on the catch member  106 . 
     As described above, the button  114  may be used to expel the catch member  106  from the recess. For example, in response to actuation of the button  114  on the housing  110 , the button  114  contacts the catch member  106  of the locking assembly. Continued movement of the button  114  causes the spring  108  within the locking assembly to contract which enables the catch member  106  to be retracted into the attachment unit  100 . Once the catch member  106  has been retracted, the attachment unit  100  may be removed from the channel of the housing  110 . 
       FIG. 2E - FIG. 2F  illustrate an alternate embodiment of the button  116  that may be used with embodiments of the present disclosure. The button  116  of this embodiment may function in a similar manner to the button  114  described above. However, the button  116  on the housing  110  has a different configuration. For example, the button  116  may have a smaller profile such as, for example, a ball-point pen assembly. As such, the button  116  may be recessed within the housing  110  such as shown in  FIG. 2E . In this example, the button  116  may be actuated by a finger of a user or may be actuated by a tool or other such mechanism. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates an exploded view of attachment unit  120  having a receiving feature for a locking assembly contained within a housing  138  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the locking assembly of the housing  138  may include a spring  136  that is coupled to a catch member  134  and a magnet  132 . The spring  136 , the catch member  134  and the magnet  132  are contained within a recess  130  that may be disposed within a receiving unit  126  such as shown in  FIG. 3B . As will be explained below, the receiving unit  126  is configured to receive and secure the attachment unit  120  using the above described magnetic locking assembly. The attachment unit  120  may include a recess  124  configured to hold one or more magnets  122 . In addition, the recess  124  is configured to receive the catch member  134  of the locking assembly. 
     The magnets in the locking assembly may be configured to hold the catch member  134  in the recess  130  within the channel  128  such that the attachment unit  120  may be inserted into the channel  128 . Once the attachment unit  120  has been inserted into the channel  128  (e.g., by lateral or straight insertion), the magnets  122  in the attachment unit  120  attract the catch member  134  of the locking mechanism. This attraction causes the catch member  134  (via the spring mechanism  136 ) to move toward the recess  124  in the attachment unit  120  thereby securing the attachment unit  120  within the channel  128  such as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
     To remove the attachment unit  120  from the channel  128 , lateral force (or force in another direction) may be applied to the attachment unit  120 . In response to the applied force, the magnetic pull of the magnets  122  may be overcome and the magnet  132  in the locking assembly causes the catch member  134  to retract back into the recess  130  within the channel  128 . As a result, the attachment unit may have unobstructed movement within the channel  128 . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates an attachment unit  140  having magnetic teeth  142  that are configured to be received into one or more recesses within a channel  144  of a housing  146  according to one or more alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the attachment unit  140  is configured to laterally slide within the channel  144  of the housing  146 . Once the attachment unit  140  has been inserted within the channel  144  such as shown in  FIG. 4B , the magnetic teeth  142  within the attachment unit  140  are magnetically coupled to corresponding magnets  148  within a recess of the channel  144 . 
     More specifically, the magnetic teeth  142  of the attachment unit  140  are configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the magnetic teeth  142  are contained within a body of the attachment unit  140  using one or more magnets disposed underneath the teeth  142 . 
     For example, the magnetic teeth  142  of the attachment unit  140  may be flush or sub-flush with respect to a top surface of the attachment unit  140  using one or more magnets contained within the body of the attachment unit  140 . When the attachment unit  140  is placed within the channel  144  of the housing  146 , one or more magnets  148  ( FIG. 4C ) within a recess within the channel  144  of the housing  146  pull the magnetic teeth  142  of the attachment unit  140  into corresponding recesses thereby locking the attachment unit  140  in place within the channel  144 . 
     In some embodiments, the magnetic teeth  142  and/or the recess within the channel  144  may have a ramped configuration. This configuration enables the magnetic teeth  142  to overcome the magnetic coupling between the magnetic teeth  142  and magnets  148  when a force is applied to the attachment unit  140 . As a result of the applied force, the magnetic teeth  142  may be pulled back into the attachment unit  140  (e.g., reenter the retracted state) thereby enabling the attachment unit  140  to be removed from the channel  144  of the housing  146 . 
       FIG. 5A - FIG. 5C  illustrate an alternative arrangement of a housing  152  and an attachment unit  150  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in these figures, the channel of the housing  152  may be arced or have a rounded or curved configuration. In another embodiment, the housing  152  itself may have a curved or rounded configuration and as such, the channel may also have a rounded or curved configuration. In such embodiments, an attachment unit  150  or a band or accessory that is configured for insertion into the channel of the housing  152  may have a matching configuration. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 5B  and  FIG. 5C , the attachment unit  150  have an arced or rounded configuration that matches the arced or rounded configuration of the channel. Although the attachment unit  150  and the housing  152  have a rounded configuration, the proximal and distal ends of the attachment unit  150  may be flush with respect to one or more sidewalls of the housing  152 . 
     Although not shown, the housing  152  and/or the attachment unit  150  may have one or more locking mechanisms that are configured to secure the attachment unit within the channel. For example, the attachment unit  150  may include a spring-biased ramp and catch member locking assembly that is configured to expand and contract based on movement within the channel. 
     More specifically, a ramp of the locking assembly may be spring biased proud with respect to a surface of the attachment unit  150  and the catch member may be spring biased flush or substantially flush with respect to a top surface of the attachment unit  150 . As the attachment unit  150  is inserted into the channel of the housing  152 , the channel causes the ramp portion to retract. The locking assembly remains in this state until the catch member portion of the locking assembly is beneath or proximate to a recess in the channel. The recess enables the spring mechanism within the locking assembly to expand. As a result, the catch member is received into the recess thereby locking the attachment unit  150  within the housing  152 . 
     To release the attachment unit  150  from the channel, a button assembly on the housing may be actuated. Actuation of the button assembly pushes the catch member out of the recess and back into the attachment unit  150 . The attachment unit may then be removed from the channel. 
     Although a specific example has been given, the rounded housing and channel configuration shown in these figures may be used with the various locking mechanisms and attachment units described herein. It is also contemplated that multiple button assemblies and locking assemblies may be used including various combinations of locking assemblies, attachment units and housing shapes and orientations. 
       FIG. 6A - FIG. 6D  illustrate an attachment system having a housing  166 , and an attachment unit  160  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As with the other attachment systems described herein, the attachment unit  160  is configured for lateral insertion into a channel of the housing  166 . However, in the embodiments shown in  FIG. 6A - FIG. 6D , the housing  166  includes an alignment mechanism  164 . The alignment mechanism  164  is configured to be inserted or is otherwise integrated with the channel of the housing  166 . The alignment mechanism  164  also includes a rib or other such railed mechanism that aligns with corresponding grooves in the attachment unit  160 . As such, the attachment unit  160  may be held within the channel by the rib or the rails. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 6B  and  FIG. 6C , as the attachment unit  160  is inserted into the channel, or more specifically, inserted into the alignment mechanism  164 , the ribs within the alignment mechanism  164  are inserted into corresponding grooves disposed on one or more surfaces of the attachment unit  160 . The coupling of the ribs and the grooves helps secure the attachment unit  160  within the channel of the housing  166 . More specifically, the ribs and the grooves may prevent the attachment unit  160  from being pulled out of the front face of the channel of the housing  166 . 
     In some embodiments, the ribs and corresponding grooves run the entire length of the channel and the attachment unit  160 . In other embodiments, the ribs and corresponding grooves partially extend along the channel and the attachment unit  160 . Further, in some embodiments, the ribs may be disposed on the attachment unit  160  and the grooves may be disposed on the alignment mechanism  164 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 6A , the attachment unit  160  may also include ball detent feature  162  that may be used to center and secure the attachment unit  160  within the channel. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 6D , the ball detent feature  162  may be disposed within the attachment unit  160  and be configured to interact with a receiving detent in the channel (or the alignment mechanism  164 ) of the housing  166 . The ball detent feature  162  may include a spring mechanism that enables the ball detent feature  162  to move between a contracted position and an extended position. Thus, when the attachment unit  160  is placed within the channel, the ball detent feature  162  may move into the contracted position which enables the attachment unit to slide within the alignment mechanism  164 . 
     When the ball detent feature  162  is in proximity to a receiving recess disposed within the channel, the ball detent feature may move from the contracted position to the extended position and be received into the recess. Because the ball detent feature  162  includes a spring mechanism, when force is applied to either the proximal end or the distal end of the attachment unit  160 , contact with the channel causes the ball detent feature  162  to move from extended position to the contracted position and the attachment unit  160  is able to slide within the channel and be removed from the housing  166 . 
       FIG. 7A - FIG. 7C  illustrate an attachment system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiments shown in these figures, the attachment system may include a band  170  that has one or more receiving features  178  ( FIG. 7C ) that are configured to be secured to a magnetic clamping mechanism  176 . In some embodiments, the receiving features  178  may be disposed on multiple surfaces of the band  170 . Thus, when the clamping mechanism  176  moves or pivots on an axis from an open state (such as shown in  FIG. 7C ) to a closed state in which teeth of the clamping mechanism  176  are received into the receiving features  178 , the band  170  may be secured or retained within the housing  172 . 
     For example, the band  170  may be configured for lateral insertion within the channel  174  of the housing  172 . Once the band  170  is within the channel  174  and the receiving features  178  are in proximity to the teeth of the clamping mechanism  176 , a magnetic force causes the clamping mechanism  176  moves on a common pivot axis and the teeth are received into the receiving features  178 . 
     In some embodiments, the magnetic force may be caused by magnets disposed on the teeth of clamping mechanism  176 . In other embodiments, the magnets may be disposed in the receiving features  178 . In still yet other embodiments, magnets may be present on both the clamping mechanism  176  and the receiving features  178 . 
     In order to release the band  170  from the channel  174 , the teeth of the clamping mechanism  176  and/or the receiving features  178  may have a slanted or a ramped configuration. Thus, as a force is applied to one or more ends of the band  170 , the ramped configuration overcomes the magnetic force and the teeth are removed from the receiving features  178 . 
     In some embodiments, the channel  174  and the clamping mechanism  176  may be integrated directly into a housing of a consumer product. In other embodiments, such as shown in  FIG. 8 , the clamping mechanism  182  may be a subassembly that is coupled to the housing  184  of a consumer product after production. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the band  180  may be inserted into and secured within the housing  184  in a similar manner described above with respect to the  FIG. 7A - FIG. 7C . 
       FIG. 9A - FIG. 9C  illustrate an attachment system having a pivoting tooth according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the attachment system includes an attachment unit  190  that is configured to laterally slide within a channel  196  of a housing  194 . The attachment unit  190  includes a magnetic catch member  192  that is configured to pivot from a first position in which the catch member  192  is flush with respect to a surface of the attachment unit  190  (such as shown in  FIG. 9B ), to a second position in which the catch member is received into a recess within the channel  196  (such as shown in  FIG. 9C ). That is, a magnetic pull from a magnet within the recess in the channel  196  causes the catch member  192  to pivot away from the attachment unit  190  and into a recess within the channel  196 . This pivoting motion locks the attachment unit  190  within the channel  196 . 
     To release the catch member  192 , a button (not shown) on the housing  194  may be actuated which releases the catch member from the recess. In other embodiments, the catch member  192  and/or the recess within the channel  196  may have a ramped configuration that enables the catch member  192  to move from the second position to the first position in response to an applied force. 
       FIG. 10A - FIG. 10C  illustrate an attachment system having a pivoting catch member according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiments shown in  FIG. 10A - FIG. 10C  are similar to the embodiments shown above with respect to  FIG. 9A - FIG. 9C . For example and as shown, the attachment system includes an attachment unit  200  that is configured to laterally slide within a channel  206  of a housing  204 . The attachment unit  200  includes a magnetic catch member  202  that is configured to pivot from a first position in which the catch member  202  is flush with respect to a surface of the attachment unit  200  (such as shown in  FIG. 10B ), to a second position in which the catch member is received into a recess within the channel  206  (such as shown in  FIG. 10C ). That is, a magnetic force applied by a magnet within the recess in the channel  206  causes the catch member  202  to pivot away from the attachment unit  200  and into a recess within the channel  206 . This pivoting motion locks the attachment unit within the channel  206 . 
     To release the catch member  202  from the recess, a button (not shown) on the housing  204  may be actuated. In other embodiments, the catch member  202  and/or the recess within the channel  206  may have a ramped configuration that enables the catch member  202  to move from the second position to the first position in response to an applied force. Once the catch member  202  has been released from the recess, the attachment unit  200  may be removed from the channel  206 . 
       FIG. 11A - FIG. 11C  illustrate another exemplary attachment system having a pivoting catch member according to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments shown in  FIG. 11A - FIG. 11C  are similar to the embodiments shown above with respect to  FIG. 9A - FIG. 10C . However, unlike the catch member that pivots away from the attachment unit in the above embodiments, the attachment system of  FIG. 11A - FIG. 11C  includes an attachment unit  210  having a catch member  212  that pivots into the attachment unit  210  and is secured into a recess within channel  216  of a housing  214 . 
     For example and as shown in the figures, the attachment unit  210  is configured to laterally slide within a channel  216  of a housing  214 . The attachment unit  210  includes a magnetic catch member  212  that is configured to pivot from a first position in which the catch member  212  is flush with respect to a surface of the attachment unit  200  (such as shown in  FIG. 11C ), toward the attachment unit  210  to a second position in which a portion of the catch member  212  extends beyond an opposite surface of the attachment unit  210  and is received into a recess within the channel  216  (such as shown in  FIG. 11B ). For example, a hook portion of the catch member  212  may be received into the recess. 
     That is, a magnetic pull of a magnet within the recess in the channel  216  causes the catch member  212  to pivot into the attachment unit  210  and into a recess within the channel  216 . This pivoting motion locks the attachment unit  210  within the channel  216 . 
     To release the catch member  212 , a button (not shown) on the housing  214  may be actuated which releases the catch member  212  from the recess. In other embodiments, the catch member  212  and/or the recess within the channel  216  may have a ramped configuration that enables the catch member  212  to move from the second position to the first position in response to an applied force. Once the catch member  212  has been released from the recess, the attachment unit  210  may be removed from the channel  216 . 
       FIG. 12A - FIG. 12B  illustrate an attachment system according to another alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. The attachment system shown in  FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12B  includes an attachment unit  220  configured to laterally slide within a channel  222  of a housing  224 . In some embodiments, the channel  222  may include one or more ribs  228 . The ribs  228  may be similar to the alignment mechanism described above with respect to  FIG. 6A - FIG. 6D . Accordingly, the attachment unit  220  may also have grooves or other depressions that mate with the ribs  228  in order to secure the attachment unit  220  within the channel  222 . In other embodiments, the attachment unit  220  may have one or more protrusions or ribs that mate with corresponding grooves within the channel  222 . 
     The attachment system may also include an hourglass locking mechanism  226 . The hourglass locking mechanism  226  may be configured to move from a first position, that enables the attachment unit  220  to slide within channel  222 , to a second position in which the hourglass locking mechanism  226  engages a recess disposed on the front (or rounded transition) of the attachment unit  220 . More specifically, when the attachment unit  220  reaches a certain point within the channel  222 , the hourglass locking mechanism  226  engages the recess on attachment unit  220  to lock the attachment unit in place within the channel  222 . 
     In some embodiments, the hourglass locking mechanism  226  may be actuated by a button or other actuation mechanism such as described above. In other embodiments, the hourglass locking mechanism  226  and/or the recess disposed on the attachment unit  220  may have a ramped configuration such as described with other embodiments described herein. 
       FIG. 13A - FIG. 13B  illustrate a magnetic locking assembly for an attachment system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in these figures the attachment system includes an attachment unit  230  configured to laterally slide within a channel of a housing  242 . 
     The attachment unit  230  may include a rotating magnetic latch  232  disposed in a body of the attachment unit  230 . The magnetic latch  232  is configured to rotate about a pivot point  234  in the direction of the arrow  236  in response to a magnetic force. In some embodiments, an amount of rotation of the magnetic latch  232  may be defined by one or more hard stops  238  within the attachment unit  230 . In addition, the magnetic latch  232  may be comprised of magnetic stainless steel and/or may also include a magnet. 
     The housing of the attachment system shown in  FIG. 13A  and  FIG. 13B  may also include a moveable magnet  240  (or a magnetic sliding button) disposed within the housing  242 . In addition, the channel may contain an upper recess and a lower recess. In some embodiments, the magnet  240  is disposed above an upper recess. Further the moveable magnet  240  may be moved in response to user actuation and in turn, causes the magnetic latch  232  to pivot. 
     For example, when the attachment unit  230  has been inserted into the channel of the housing  242 , the moveable magnet  240  on the housing slides within the recess in response to user actuation. As the magnet  240  slides or otherwise moves from a first position to a second position, a magnetic force caused by the magnet  240  causes the magnetic latch  232  to rotate about the pivot point  234 . As the magnetic latch  232  rotates, the magnetic latch  232 , or portions of the magnetic latch  232 , may extend from a top and/or bottom surfaces of the attachment unit  230  and are received into the upper and/or lower recesses disposed within the channel of the housing  242 . 
     When positioned in this manner (such as shown in  FIG. 13A ) the magnetic latch  232  secures the attachment unit  230  within the channel of the housing  242 . Likewise, movement of the magnet  240  in the opposite direction causes the latch to rotate back into its nominal (e.g., horizontal or original position) thereby unlocking the attachment unit. 
       FIG. 14A  and  FIG. 14B  illustrate an attachment system having a bar latch configuration according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the attachment system includes an attachment unit  250  configured to slide within a channel of a housing  252 . In some embodiments, the channel may have a slanted or ramped configuration that opens into a recess within the channel. As shown in  FIG. 14A , the recess includes a button  256 . 
     The attachment unit  250  includes a pivoting bar latch  254 . The bar latch  254  may be spring biased proud such that one or more protrusions or teeth extend from a surface of the attachment unit  250 . More specifically, the bar latch  254  may have a spring biased first portion coupled to a spring biased second portion. Thus, as one portion of the bar latch  254  moves, the other portion of the bar latch  254  moves in the same direction. 
     As the attachment unit  250  is inserted into a channel of a housing  252 , the bar latch  254  moves from the first position in which one or more portions of the bar latch  254  extend from the surface of the attachment unit  250  to a second position in which the one or more teeth are flush or substantially flush with respect to a surface of the attachment unit  250 . However, as the attachment unit  250  continues to slide within the channel, the slanted configuration of the channel allows the bar latch  254  to expand outwardly until the one or more teeth of the bar latch  254  are received into the button recess. 
     As previously discussed, the recess within the channel includes a button  256  that when actuated, expels the bar latch  254  from the recess. In some embodiments, both the first portion of the bar latch  254  and the second portion of the bar latch  254  may be received into different recesses. In another embodiment, the channel may have a protrusion or other feature that is configured to fit within a space between the first portion of the bar latch  254  and the second portion of the bar latch  254 . In such embodiments, the button  256  may be configured to interact with or otherwise actuate both the first portion of the bar latch  254  and the second portion of the bar latch  254  simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an attachment unit  260  according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The attachment unit  260  may be used in conjunction with the other housing embodiments described herein. For example, the attachment unit  260  may be used with the hourglass locking assembly described above. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the attachment unit  260  includes spring bows  262  disposed on a top surface and on a bottom surface of the attachment system. In a nominal position, each spring bow  262  may be flush on outer ends and proud in the middle. As the attachment unit  260  is inserted into a channel of a housing, the spring bows  262  may contract such that the attachment unit  260  can be smoothly inserted. More specifically, a locking mechanism within the channel may be coupled to one or more recesses disposed underneath the spring bows  262 . Thus, as the spring bows  262  contract, the locking assembly within the channel are able to be coupled to the recesses. Such a configuration may help prevent forward pullout of the attachment unit  260 . 
       FIG. 16A - FIG. 16C  illustrate an attachment system having a pushpin locking assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically,  FIG. 16A  illustrates an attachment unit  270  that is configured for lateral insertion and removal from a channel  274  of a housing  272 . The attachment unit  270  includes a catch member  278  that is configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position in response to user actuation of the pin mechanism  276 . Thus, when the attachment unit  270  is inserted into the channel  274  of the housing  272 , the catch member  278  may be inserted into and removed from a recess within the housing. 
     More specifically and as shown in the figures, the attachment unit  270  includes a retracting catch member  278  that is coupled to a pin mechanism  276 . The pin mechanism  276  includes various detents interact with the catch member  278 . For example, when the pin mechanism  276  is actuated, the detents on the pin mechanism  276  interact with or engage a spring coupled to the catch member  278 . Thus, as the pin mechanism  276  moves laterally within the attachment unit  270 , the detents on the pin mechanism  276  may engage with a ramp or various V-shaped channels on the catch member  278  that cause the spring to move the catch member  278  from a retracted position such as shown in  FIG. 16C  to an extended position such as shown in  FIG. 16B . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 16B , when the pin  276  is flush or substantially flush with respect to proximal and distal ends of the attachment unit  270 , the catch member  278  is extended and when the attachment unit  270  is inserted into the channel  274  of the housing, the catch member  278  is received into the recess. However, when a portion of the pin  276  extends from the attachment unit  270 , the catch member is retracted such as shown in  FIG. 16C . In some embodiments, the pin may extend from one side of the attachment unit  270  when retracted and another side when extended. 
       FIG. 17A - FIG. 17C  illustrate an attachment system having a key locking assembly disposed in the housing according embodiments of the present disclosure. In this particular embodiment, the attachment system may include a band  280  that is configured for lateral insertion into a channel  284  of a housing  282  such as shown in  FIG. 17B . In some embodiments, the channel  284  includes a spring key  286  ( FIG. 17C ) that is configured to be received into a recess  288  that is disposed on a surface of the inserted portion of the band  280 . When the key  286  has been received into the recess  288 , the band  280  is locked within the housing  282 . In some embodiments, the spring key  286  and/or the recess  288  on the band  280 , may have a ramp to assist in disengaging the spring key  286  from the recess  288  (e.g., in response to an applied force). 
       FIG. 18A - FIG. 18C  illustrate an attachment system having a spring loaded locking assembly disposed within the housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In these embodiments, the attachment unit  290  may be configured for forward insertion (shown by arrow  294 ) into a channel of a housing  292  such as shown in  FIG. 18A  or lateral insertion such as shown in  FIG. 18B . 
     The attachment unit  290  includes a recess  302  that is configured to receive a key  300  disposed within a corresponding recess within a channel of the housing  292 . The key  300  may be coupled to a spring mechanism  298 . Thus, as the attachment unit  290  is inserted into the channel (either laterally via a sliding motion or forward insertion) the spring mechanism  298  enables the key  300  to retract. Once the attachment unit  290  has been inserted into the channel of the housing  292 , the spring mechanism  298  causes the key  300  to be received into the recess  302  on the attachment unit  290  such as shown in  FIG. 18C . For purposes of assembling the key  300  and the spring mechanism  298  within the housing  292 , a removable cover  296  may be coupled to the housing  292 . 
     In some embodiments, the key  300  and/or the recess  302  in the attachment unit  290  may be have a ramped or slanted configuration. The ramped or slated configuration may assist in the insertion and removal of the attachment unit  290  from the housing  292 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 18C , a front portion of the key  300  includes a chamfer. The chamfer may assist in the forward insertion of the attachment unit  290  and/or lateral removal of the attachment unit  290 . 
       FIG. 19A - FIG. 19D  illustrate a locking mechanism  310  that may be used with various attachment units according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism  310  includes a catch portion  312  and a base portion  314 . The catch portion  312  is separated from the base portion  314  by a rubber insert  316  and is configured to move toward and away from the base portion  314 . Although rubber is specifically mentioned, it is contemplated that other materials may be used. 
     More specifically and as shown in  FIG. 19B , the locking mechanism  310  includes a shape memory alloy component  318  that runs through the base portion  314  and into the catch portion  312 . The shape memory alloy component  318  causes the catch portion  312  to move between a contracted position and an extended position. For example, when an electric current is applied to the shape memory alloy component  318 , the shape memory alloy component  318  contracts. As a result, the catch portion  312  moves in a direction toward the base portion  314  and compresses the rubber inserts  316 . When the current is removed, the shape memory alloy component  318  returns to its nominal state or extended state. 
     In some embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 19C  and  FIG. 19D , the locking mechanism  310  may be inserted into or otherwise used by various attachment units. For example, as shown in  FIG. 19C , the locking mechanism  310  may be part of an attachment unit  320 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 19D , the locking mechanism may be integrated into a band  322 . As shown in each of these figures, the catch portion  312  of the locking mechanism  310  may extend from the attachment unit  320  and/or the band  322  when in its nominal state. Further, when a current is applied such as described above, the catch portion  312  may be retracted into the attachment unit  320  or the band  322  to enable the attachment unit  320  or the band  322  to be inserted into channel of a housing. 
     Once inserted into the channel, the current may be removed from the locking mechanism  310  and the catch portion  312  will again expand and may be received by a recess within the channel of the housing such as described above in other embodiments. 
       FIG. 20A - FIG. 20B  illustrate an attachment system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the attachment system includes an attachment unit  330  configured to laterally slide within a channel of a housing  332 . The housing  332  includes a spring loaded pin  334  that is disposed in or otherwise associated with the channel. In addition, the attachment unit  330  includes a receptacle  336  for receiving the pin  334 . Therefore, when the attachment unit  330  has been inserted into the channel of the housing  332  and the receptacle  336  is in proximity to the pin  334 , the spring mechanism associated with the pin  334  causes the pin  334  to be inserted into the receptacle  336  thereby locking the attachment unit  330  in place within the channel of the housing  332 . 
     To remove the attachment unit  330  from the channel, the pin  334  may need to be compressed. To compress the pin  334 , an actuation mechanism (not shown) may be inserted into an open end of the receptacle  336  disposed on the attachment unit  330 . When a force is applied to the actuation mechanism, the spring mechanism associated with the pin  334  is compressed and the pin  334  is removed from the receptacle  336 . Once the pin  334  has been removed from the receptacle  336 , the attachment unit  330  may be removed from the channel of the housing  332 . 
       FIG. 21A - FIG. 21C  illustrate an attachment system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the attachment unit may include a button  340  having a rubber base. As shown in  FIG. 21A , the rubber base of the button  340  may include a divot or notch that enables the rubber base to be squeezed or otherwise compressed. Further the button  340  may be configured to be placed directly into a recess within a band  344  such as shown in  FIG. 21C  and  FIG. 21D . 
     For example, to insert the button  340  into a band  344 , the rubber base is squeezed or compressed. Once the rubber base has been inserted into the recess, the notches expand within the recess holding the button  340  in place within the band  344 . The rubber base also causes the button to be biased proud (e.g., about 0.4 mm) with respect to a top surface of the band  344  and also enables the button  340  to be compressed such that a top surface of the button  340  may be flush or substantially flush with respect to a top surface of the band  344 . 
     Thus, when the band  344  and button  340  assembly are inserted into a channel of the housing, the band  344  may easily slide within the channel until the button  340  is in proximity to a recess within the channel. At this point, the button  340  may expand and be received into the recess. To remove the band  344 , the button may be compressed using a button or other actuation mechanism. 
       FIG. 22A - FIG. 22B  illustrate an attachment unit having a magnetic tooth assembly  354  according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As with the other embodiments described herein, the magnetic tooth assembly  354  is configured to be received within a recess of a housing such as described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the magnetic tooth assembly  354  expands and contracts based on a magnetic force caused by a magnetic deployment mechanism  356  disposed beneath the magnetic tooth assembly  354 . For example, actuation of a pin mechanism  352  causes the magnetic deployment mechanism  356  to move from a first position to a second position and exert a repulsive force on the magnetic tooth assembly  354 . As a result of the repulsive force, the magnetic tooth assembly  354  moves from a retracted position (such as shown in  FIG. 22A ) to an extended position (shown in  FIG. 22B ). 
     In some embodiments and as shown, the pin mechanism  352  may protrude from one or more sides of the attachment unit  350  depending on whether the magnetic tooth assembly  354  is in the extended position or the contracted position. For example, as shown in  FIG. 22A , the pin mechanism  352  may protrude from the attachment unit  350  when the magnetic tooth assembly  354  is retracted. Furthering the example, the pin mechanism  352  may be flush or substantially flush with one more sides of the attachment unit  350  when the magnetic tooth assembly  354  is in the extended position. 
       FIG. 23A - FIG. 23B  illustrate an attachment system having an hourglass locking assembly disposed within a housing according to embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, the attachment system of this embodiment includes an attachment unit  360  that is configured to slide within a channel  364  of a housing  362 . However, in this particular embodiment and as shown in detail in  FIG. 23B , the attachment unit  360  includes a retractable band  366  disposed around a periphery of the attachment unit  360 . The retractable band  366  may be inserted within a groove (not shown) of the channel  364  to help prevent the attachment unit  360  from being pulled or otherwise removed from the front of the channel  364 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 23B , the housing  362  may include a spring loaded hourglass locking feature  368  configured to mate with or otherwise secure the attachment unit  360  within the channel  364  such as was described above. In some embodiments, the housing  362  may include an actuation hole that is configured to receive an actuation member that moves the spring loaded hourglass locking feature  368  between a locked state and an unlocked state. 
       FIG. 24A - FIG. 24B  illustrate an attachment system having a squeezable or compressible locking assembly according embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the attachment system includes an attachment unit  370  that is configured to slide within a channel  374  of a housing  372 . The attachment unit  370  includes a squeeze button assembly  376  having an actuation member  378  and a catch member  380 . As with other embodiments described herein, the catch member  380  is configured to be received within recess  382  disposed within the channel  374  such as shown in  FIG. 24B . 
     In this embodiment, the catch member  380  is retracted in response to a squeezing action on the squeeze button assembly  376 . More specifically, when the actuation member  378  is moved toward the base of the attachment unit  370 , a cone  384  disposed within the squeeze button assembly  376  contracts which causes the catch member  380  to move from an extended position to a retracted position. When the actuation member  378  is released, the catch member  380  moves back into the extended position. Thus, the above-described squeezing motion may enable the attachment unit to be inserted and removed from the channel  374 . 
       FIG. 25A - FIG. 25B  illustrates an attachment system having a spring-biased locking assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure. This attachment system includes an attachment unit  390  having a spring biased catch member  396  that is configured to retract in response to being inserted into a channel  394  of a housing  392 . 
     More specifically, the catch member  396  may be spring biased proud with respect to a surface of the attachment unit  390 . When the catch member  396  is inserted into the channel  394 , contact with the channel  394  or other actuation mechanism causes the catch member  396  to retract. Once the catch member  396  is in proximity to a recess within the channel  394 , the catch member  396  is permitted to expand and be received into the recess thereby locking the attachment unit  390  in place within the channel  394 . 
     To release the catch member  396 , an actuation mechanism (not shown) may be inserted through a hole  398  positioned above the recess in the channel  394 . Force applied by the actuation mechanism causes the catch member  396  to retract. The attachment unit  390  may then be removed from the channel  394 . 
       FIG. 26A - FIG. 26B  illustrate an attachment system having a magnetic locking mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the attachment system includes an attachment unit  400  configured for insertion into a channel  404  of a housing  402 . The housing  402  includes a magnetic locking mechanism  408  that may be used to cause a catch member  406  disposed in the attachment unit  400  to move from a retracted position (such as shown in  FIG. 26A ) to an extended position (such as shown in  FIG. 26B ). 
     More specifically, the magnetic lock mechanism  408  causes the catch member  406  to extend from the attachment unit  400  when the catch member  406  is in proximity to the magnetic lock mechanism  408 . When the catch member  406  is extended, the catch member is received into an opening within magnetic lock mechanism  408 . To release the catch member  406 , an actuation mechanism may be inserted through the hole. 
     In some embodiments, a magnet may be present in the attachment unit  400  to keep the catch member  406  flush or substantially flush with respect to a top surface of the attachment unit when the catch member  406  is in a retracted state. 
     In the embodiments described above, the attachment system is configured to be received into a channel of a housing of a consumer product. This may be done by sliding the attachment into an open end of the channel and in some embodiments may be done by forward insertion. In some embodiments the channel and the attachment system may take on a variety of shapes and sizes. Further the shape and/or curvature of the channel may follow the shape and/or curvature of the housing. 
     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. 
     Further, regardless of whether the features shown and described herein are shown and described in combination or separately, the various features, including structural features and methodological features, are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Further, the directions and orientations described above may be reversed. For example a top portion or surface in one embodiment may be a bottom portion or surface in another embodiment. Likewise, a bottom portion or surface in one embodiment may be a top surface or portion in another embodiment. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the embodiments described herein that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed embodiments.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20181019
Publication Date: 20200303
Grant Date: 20200303
Priority Date: 20140811
Inventors: PERKINS, RYAN C.
WEBB, MICHAEL J.
DEY, STEPHEN
YABE, OSAMU
CHEN, HSIANG HUNG
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A44C5/2085", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/1486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/263", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/147", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/1486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2085", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/263", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/2596", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/147", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/147", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2085", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/263", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/1486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/2596", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K999/99", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44B11/2596", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55266429