PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11006705-B2
Application Number: US-201815937714-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Clasp mechanism for wrist-worn devices

Abstract:
Clasp assemblies for bands (e.g., for watches) are disclosed. In some embodiments, a clasp assembly may include a plurality of pivotally interconnected links, where respective links are releasably coupled to one another, and spring assemblies disposed between respective links impart biasing forces between the respective links. In some embodiments, a clasp assembly may include a clasp body, a clasp cover, and a connecting arm pivotally coupled to the clasp body at a first end of the connecting arm, and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover at a second end of the connecting arm. The clasp assembly may include springs, magnets, elastomer members, and/or other mechanisms, components, or assemblies that impart a biasing force between the clasp body, the connecting arm, and/or the clasp cover.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A watch band comprising:
 a latching link comprising:
 a first body having a first engagement structure; 
 a latch member moveably disposed at least partially within the first body; 
 a release button disposed at least partially within the first body and operable to move the latch member relative to the first body; and 
 a spring; and 
 
 a receptacle link configured to be releasably coupled to the latching link, the receptacle link comprising:
 a second body having a second engagement structure configured to slidably receive the first engagement structure along a first axis, and to restrict motion of the latching link in a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis; and 
 a latch retention structure configured to engage with the latch member to releasably couple the receptacle link to the latching link; 
 
 wherein, when the latching link is releasably coupled to the receptacle link, the spring imparts a biasing force via the latch member between the latching link and the receptacle link. 
 
     
     
       2. The watch band of  claim 1 , further comprising an additional receptacle link, wherein:
 the latching link comprises:
 a linking end; and 
 a fastening end opposite to the linking end; and 
 
 the fastening end of the latching link is pivotally coupled to the additional receptacle link. 
 
     
     
       3. The watch band of  claim 1 , further comprising an additional latching link, wherein:
 the additional latching link comprises:
 a linking end; and 
 a fastening end opposite to the linking end; and 
 
 the fastening end of the additional latching link is pivotally coupled to the receptacle link. 
 
     
     
       4. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein the latch member is pivotally coupled to the second body by a pivot member oriented along a pivot axis. 
     
     
       5. The watch band of  claim 4 , wherein the pivot axis is parallel to the first axis. 
     
     
       6. The watch band of  claim 4 , the first body further comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein:
 the release button is exposed through an aperture in the first surface; and 
 the latch member includes an engagement portion extending beyond the second surface. 
 
     
     
       7. The watch band of  claim 6 , wherein actuation of the release button when the latching link is engaged with the receptacle link causes the latch member to be rotated about the pivot axis, thereby disengaging the latch member from the latch retention structure of the receptacle link. 
     
     
       8. The watch band of  claim 6 , wherein the engagement portion of the latch member is configured to engage with the latch retention structure of the receptacle link in order to releasably couple the latching link to the receptacle link. 
     
     
       9. The watch band of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first engagement structure includes a slide; 
 the second engagement structure includes a channel configured to receive the slide. 
 
     
     
       10. A watch band comprising:
 a latching link comprising:
 a first body having a first engagement structure; 
 a latch member pivotably coupled to the first body; and 
 a release button configured to, when pressed, push against the latch member to cause the latch member to pivot, the latch member being biased against the release button; and 
 
 a receptacle link configured to be releasably coupled to the latching link, the receptacle link comprising:
 a second body having a second engagement structure configured to allow the first engagement structure to slide along a first axis and to restrict motion of the latching link in a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis; and 
 a latch retention structure configured to engage with the latch member when the first engagement structure slides to a predetermined position along the first axis, wherein, when the latch retention structure is engaged with the latch member, the latch retention structure restricts motion of the latching link in the first axis. 
 
 
     
     
       11. The watch band of  claim 10 , wherein the receptacle link further comprises a biasing spring assembly configured to impart a biasing force between the latching link and the receptacle link while the latching link is releasably coupled to the receptacle link. 
     
     
       12. The watch band of  claim 11 , wherein the release button is operable to overcome the biasing force. 
     
     
       13. A watch band comprising:
 a latching link comprising:
 a first body having a first engagement structure; 
 a latch member disposed at least partially within the first body; and 
 a release button disposed at least partially within the first body and operatively coupled to the latch member; and 
 
 a receptacle link configured to be releasably coupled to the latching link, the receptacle link comprising:
 a second body having a second engagement structure configured to slidably receive the first engagement structure along a first axis, and to restrict motion of the latching link in a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis; and 
 a latch retention structure configured to engage with the latch member to releasably couple the receptacle link to the latching link; 
 
 a biasing spring assembly coupled to the latching link or the receptacle link and disposed between the latching link and the receptacle link such that the biasing spring assembly imparts a biasing force between the latching link and the receptacle link when the latching link is releasably coupled to the receptacle link, the biasing spring assembly comprising:
 a plunger slidably coupled to the first body; and 
 a spring disposed between the plunger and the first body, wherein engagement of the plunger with the receptacle link causes the plunger to be translated in a first direction, and the spring imparts the biasing force in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 
 
 
     
     
       14. The watch band of  claim 13 , further comprising an additional receptacle link, wherein:
 the latching link comprises:
 a linking end; and 
 a fastening end opposite to the linking end; and 
 
 the fastening end of the latching link is pivotally coupled to the additional receptacle link. 
 
     
     
       15. The watch band of  claim 13 , further comprising an additional latching link, wherein:
 the additional latching link comprises:
 a linking end; and 
 a fastening end opposite to the linking end; and 
 
 the fastening end of the additional latching link is pivotally coupled to the receptacle link. 
 
     
     
       16. The watch band of  claim 13 , wherein the latch member is pivotally coupled to the second body by a pivot member oriented along a pivot axis.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/012,831, filed Feb. 1, 2016, which is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,659, filed Mar. 6, 2015 and titled “Sliding Clasp Mechanism for Wrist-Worn Devices,” the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to releasable links and clasps for bands used to secure electronic devices to persons or objects. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional wearable devices, such as wristwatches, include bands that couple the device to a user. For example, a conventional wristwatch typically includes a band that attaches the watch to a user&#39;s wrist. Some bands are composed of multiple articulating links, such that the band can flex to match the shape and contours of a user&#39;s wrist. Such bands are sometimes known as “bracelet bands.” In order for such bands to fit properly, they often need to be resized by adding or removing individual links from the band. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments discussed herein are related to clasp mechanisms for wearable electronic devices, and, in particular, to articulable band (e.g., watch band) assemblies that include quick-release links that can be added to or removed from a band without special tools or expertise. More specifically, some embodiments described herein provide button-operated quick-release mechanisms that allow a user to couple and decouple individual links to and from a band simply by pressing a button on one of the links. Moreover, in some embodiments, biasing spring assemblies are employed that bias the quick-release links apart from one another, which causes links to forcibly separate (or “pop” open) when a user presses the button or otherwise releases the links. Thus, adding and removing individual links is made simple and convenient. Spring biasing assemblies are also provided in clasps that open and close to secure a band to a user or other object in order to increase the security and user experience of such clasps. 
     In some embodiments, a clasp assembly includes a latching link and a receptacle link. The latching link comprises a body having a first engagement structure; a latch member disposed at least partially within the body; and a release button disposed at least partially within the body and operatively coupled to the latch member. The receptacle link is releasably coupled to the latching link, and comprises a body having a second engagement structure configured to slidably receive the first engagement structure along a first axis, and to restrict motion of the latching link in a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis; and a latch retention structure configured to engage with the latch member to releasably couple the receptacle link to the latching link. The clasp assembly further includes a spring assembly coupled to the latching link or the receptacle link and disposed between the latching link and the receptacle link such that the spring assembly imparts a biasing force between the latching link and the receptacle link when the latching link is releasably coupled to the receptacle link. 
     In some embodiments, a clasp assembly includes a clasp body having a channel and a spring member across the channel. The clasp assembly also includes a clasp cover, and a connecting arm pivotally coupled to the clasp body and the clasp cover. The clasp assembly is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and, in the closed configuration, the clasp body is retained with the clasp cover, and the connecting arm engages with the spring member such that the spring member biases the clasp body away from the connecting arm. 
     In some embodiments, a clasp assembly includes a clasp body, a clasp cover, and a connecting arm pivotally coupled to the clasp body at a first end of the connecting arm, and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover at a second end of the connecting arm. The clasp assembly is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein, in the closed configuration, the clasp body is retained with the clasp cover, and the connecting arm is disposed between the clasp body and the clasp cover. The connecting arm includes a groove in a surface of the connecting arm, the groove including a fulcrum therein, and a spring element having a first spring end and a second spring end opposite to the first spring end. The spring element is coupled to the fulcrum between the first and the second spring ends. The spring element is configured to engage with the clasp body such that the first spring end and the second spring end bend about the fulcrum, when the clasp assembly is in the closed configuration, to impart a biasing force between the clasp body and the connecting arm. 
     In some embodiments, a clasp assembly includes a clasp cover, a clasp body, and a connecting arm pivotally coupled to the clasp body at a first end of the connecting arm, and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover at a second end of the connecting arm. The clasp assembly is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein, in the closed configuration, the clasp body is retained with the clasp cover, and the connecting arm is disposed between the clasp body and the clasp cover. The clasp body includes first and second elongate members defining a first wall and a second wall, respectively, of a channel between the two elongate members, and a first chamfer between the first wall and a first surface of the clasp body facing the clasp cover. The connecting arm includes a first compliant member having a first wedge configured to engage with the first chamfer when the clasp assembly is closed. When the clasp assembly is in the closed configuration, the first compliant member forces the first wedge against the first chamfer such that a biasing force is produced between the connecting arm and the clasp body. 
     In some embodiments, a clasp assembly includes a clasp body, a clasp cover, and a connecting arm assembly pivotally coupled to the clasp body at a first end of the connecting arm assembly, and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover at a second end of the connecting arm assembly. The clasp assembly is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein, in the closed configuration, the clasp body is retained with the clasp cover, and the connecting arm assembly is disposed between the clasp body and the clasp cover. The clasp body includes first and second elongate members defining a first wall and a second wall, respectively, of a channel between the two elongate members. The connecting arm assembly includes a compliant member, a first pivot lug member coupled to a first end of the compliant member, and a second pivot lug member coupled to a second end of the compliant member opposite to the first end. The first pivot lug member engages with the clasp body, when the clasp assembly is in the closed orientation, to deform the compliant member such that the compliant member imparts a biasing force between the connecting arm assembly and the clasp body. 
     In some embodiments, a clasp assembly includes a clasp body, a clasp cover, and a connecting arm pivotally coupled to the clasp body at a first end of the connecting arm, and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover at a second end of the connecting arm. The clasp assembly is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein, in the closed configuration, the clasp body is retained with the clasp cover, and the connecting arm is disposed between the clasp body and the clasp cover. A first elastomer member is coupled to one of the connecting arm or the clasp body and is at least partially disposed between the connecting arm and the clasp body such that, when the clasp assembly is in the closed position, the first elastomer member is compressed between the connecting arm and the clasp body. The elastomer member thereby imparts a biasing force between the connecting arm and the clasp body. 
     In some embodiments, a clasp assembly includes a clasp body comprising a first magnet coupled thereto, a clasp cover, and a connecting arm pivotally coupled to the clasp body at a first end of the connecting arm, and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover at a second end of the connecting arm. The clasp assembly is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein, in the closed configuration, the clasp body is retained with the clasp cover, and the connecting arm is disposed between the clasp body and the clasp cover. The connecting arm includes a second magnet coupled thereto such that, when the clasp assembly is in the closed configuration, a magnetic field of the second magnet interacts with a magnetic field of the first magnet to produce a biasing force between the connecting arm and the clasp body. 
     In some embodiments, a link assembly includes a plurality of pivotally interconnected links forming a portion of a band. The plurality of links include a receptacle link and a latching link, wherein the latching link is configured to be releasably coupled to the receptacle link. The receptacle link includes a base surface, a channel defined on a first side by a first friction cam feature extending away from the base surface, and defined on a second side by a catch feature extending away from the base surface. The latching link includes a pivot lug at a first end of the latching link, a catch protrusion at a second end of the latching link opposite to the first end, and a second friction cam feature between the catch protrusion and the pivot lug, wherein the second friction cam feature is configured such that, when the latching link is being coupled to the receptacle link, the second friction cam feature slides over the first friction cam feature of the receptacle link and orients the latching link such that the catch protrusion engages with the catch feature to releasably couple the receptacle link to the latching link. 
     Other embodiments are disclosed herein. The features, utilities and advantages of various embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description of embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  depicts an illustrative perspective view of one example of a wearable electronic device; 
         FIGS. 1B-1C  depict plan views of the band of the wearable electronic device of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an illustrative perspective view of components of releasable link assemblies, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  depict illustrative plan views of a releasable link assembly, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  depict illustrative cross-sectional views of a releasable link assembly, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  depicts an illustrative plan view of a releasable link assembly, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  depict illustrative cross-sectional views of a releasable link assembly, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  depict illustrative perspective views of a releasable link assembly, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  depicts an illustrative perspective view of a releasable link assembly, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  depicts an illustrative cross-sectional view of components of a releasable link assembly, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 10A  depicts an illustrative perspective view of one example of a wearable electronic device; 
         FIGS. 10B-10C  depict plan views of a band of the wearable electronic device of  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 11  depicts an illustrative perspective view of components of releasable link assemblies, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  depict illustrative cross-sectional views of components of releasable link assemblies, in accordance with some embodiments 
         FIG. 13A  depicts an illustrative perspective view of one example of a wearable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 13B  depicts an illustrative perspective view of one example of a clasp for a wearable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 14A  depicts an illustrative perspective view of one example of a wearable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 14B  depicts an illustrative perspective view of one example of a clasp for a wearable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 15A-15B  depict illustrative perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a clasp for a wearable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 15C  depicts an illustrative perspective view of a clasp for a wearable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 16A-16B  depict illustrative perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a clasp for a wearable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 17A-17B  depict illustrative perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a clasp for a wearable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 18A  depicts an illustrative perspective view of a clasp for a wearable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 18B-18C  depict illustrative cross-sectional views of the clasp of  FIG. 18A , in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 19A  depicts an illustrative perspective view of a clasp for a wearable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 19B-19C  depict illustrative cross-sectional views of the clasp of  FIG. 19A , in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 20A  depicts an illustrative perspective view of a clasp for a wearable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 20B-20C  depict illustrative cross-sectional views of the clasp of  FIG. 20A , in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 21A  depicts an illustrative perspective view of a clasp for a wearable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments; and 
         FIGS. 21B-21C  depict illustrative cross-sectional views of the clasp of  FIG. 21A , in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Wearable devices, such as watches, are typically secured to a user or to an object with a band. Some bands are composed of multiple, pivotally connected links that allow the band to flex to conform to a wearer&#39;s wrist. Discussed herein are articulable watch band link assemblies that include quick-release links that allow users to quickly and easily add and remove links to a watch band. The quick-release mechanisms may be incorporated into the links in such a manner that they do not interfere with the operation or appearance of the band. For example, as described herein, buttons and other mechanical components of the quick-release mechanisms may be positioned so that they face the user&#39;s body when they are worn, thus ensuring that the aesthetic appearance of the watch band is not compromised. 
     Additionally, watch bands may include clasps that allow the band to open and close to facilitate application and removal of the device, as well as to secure the device when it is being worn. Such clasps suffer potential drawbacks, however. For example, because watch band clasps have to be very secure so that they do not accidentally release, they may be difficult to open and close. Accordingly, also described herein are clasp mechanisms that may be more secure and easier to operate. 
     Various embodiments are described herein with respect to the figures. In particular,  FIGS. 1A-9  relate to releasable links and link assemblies, including embodiments where the releasable links are configured to slidably engage with one another and include spring mechanisms to bias the links toward an open configuration.  FIGS. 10A-12C  relate to releasable links and link assemblies, including embodiments where the releasable links use friction cam features and clasps to couple to one another.  FIGS. 13A-21C  relate to various embodiments of clasps that include mechanisms to bias the clasp toward an open configuration. Each of the figures is discussed herein. 
     Releasable Link Assemblies 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1A , there is shown an illustrative perspective view of one example of a wearable device  100  (also referred to as “device  100 ”). The device  100  may be any appropriate wearable device, including an electrical or mechanical wrist watch, an electronic computing device, a health monitoring device, a timekeeping device, a stopwatch, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the device  100  may be an electronic device configured to provide health-related information or data such as but not limited heart rate data, blood pressure data, temperature data, oxygen level data, diet/nutrition information, medical reminders, health-related tips or information, or other health-related data. The device  100  may optionally convey the health-related information to a separate electronic device such as a tablet computing device, phone, personal digital assistant, computer, and so on. In addition, the device  100  may provide additional information, such as but not limited to, health, statuses of externally connected or communicating devices and/or software executing on such devices, messages, video, operating commands, and so forth (and may receive any of the foregoing from an external device). 
     The device  100  may include a housing  102  that forms an outer surface or partial outer surface and protective case for the internal components of the wearable electronic device  100 . The housing  102  may also include mounting features formed on opposite ends to connect a wearable band  104  (also referred to as “band  104 ”) to the housing  102 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , and discussed herein, the band  104  may be composed of or otherwise include multiple links  110  that are pivotally coupled to form all or a portion of the band  104 . The band  104  may also include a clasp that opens and closes to facilitate application and removal of the device  100  from a user. The band  104  may be used to secure the device  100  to a user, or to any other object capable of receiving the device  100 . In a non-limiting example where the device  100  is a watch, the band  104  may secure the watch to a user&#39;s wrist. In other non-limiting examples, the band  104  may secure the device  100  to or within another part of a user&#39;s body. 
     In some embodiments, some or all of the links  110  are releasable links that can be coupled to and decoupled from one another. In some embodiments, the band  104  is composed entirely of releasable links. In some embodiments, however, the band  104  includes both releasable links as well as conventional, non-releasable links. In some embodiments, releasable links are included with a portion of a band that is not composed of articulating links. For example, a band may include one or more portions made from leather, fabric, mesh, or another material, in conjunction with a plurality of releasable links. 
     By providing several releasable links in a watch band, a user is able to remove as many links (or add as many additional links) as is necessary to customize the fit of the band. Moreover, in some embodiments, the release mechanisms, such as buttons, of the releasable links are located on the inside surface of the links (e.g., the portion of the links that contact the wearer&#39;s skin) so that the outward appearance of the releasable links may be made identical to any non-releasable links. 
       FIGS. 1B and 1C  depict plan views of the interior portion of the band  104  (e.g., the portion that contacts a wearer&#39;s skin), illustrating the band  104  when all of the releasable links are coupled together ( FIG. 1B ), and when one releasable link  110 - 1  is decoupled from another releasable link  110 - 2  ( FIG. 1C ). 
       FIG. 2  depicts an illustrative perspective view of a releasable link assembly  110 - 1  (also referred to as a “releasable link  110 - 1 ,” or simply a “link  110 - 1 ”), and a portion of a complimentary releasable link assembly  110 - 2 . Each releasable link assembly  110  includes a latching link  202  and a receptacle link  204 . In a given releasable link assembly  110 - 1 , the latching link  202 - 1  is pivotally coupled to the receptacle link  204 - 1 . As will be apparent from the figures and description, the latching link of a given releasable link assembly is configured to releasably couple to the receptacle link of another releasable link assembly. Similarly, the receptacle link of the given releasable link assembly is configured to releasably couple to the latching link of yet another releasable link assembly. In this way, a band (or a portion of a band comprising multiple links) can be formed by coupling multiple identical releasable link assemblies to one another. Any of the releasable links can therefore be removed, or new links added, in order to customize the size of the band. 
     The latching link  202 - 1  includes a body  206 . The body  206  may be formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, amorphous metal/metallic alloys, ceramic, and plastic. 
     The body  206  includes a first engagement structure  208 . The first engagement structure  208  is configured to slidably engage with a second engagement structure  210  on a receptacle link of another releasable link assembly (e.g., the receptacle link  204 - 2 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the first engagement structure  208  is a slide feature that is configured to be received into the second engagement structure  210  (a channel) of the receptacle link  204 - 2 . In some embodiments, the locations of the slide feature and the channel are swapped, so that the slide feature is disposed on the receptacle link, and the channel is disposed on the latching link. The first and second engagement structures align the latching link with the receptacle link so that the latching mechanisms, described below, properly engage and retain to one another. Further, the slide feature and the channel define a sliding axis between the releasable link assemblies, and also provide the physical support that retains the links together in a direction perpendicular to the sliding axis. 
     The latching link  202 - 1  also includes a release button  212 . The release button  212  is operatively coupled to a latch member such that operation of the release button  212  when the latching link  202 - 1  is releasably coupled to a complimentary receptacle link causes the latch member to unlatch from the receptacle link. The latch member is described herein with reference to  FIGS. 4A-4B . 
     The body  206  also includes an aperture  214  that exposes a portion of a plunger  216  of a spring assembly  412  (discussed with respect to  FIGS. 4C-4D ). The spring assembly  412  is configured to provide a biasing force between the latching link  202 - 1  and the receptacle link  204 - 2  when the latching and receptacle links are releasably coupled to one another. The biasing force may provide several benefits. For example, the biasing force can press the latching member  402  of the latching link  202 - 1  against a latch retention structure  222  in the receptacle link  204 - 2 , resulting in a more secure coupling between the links. Moreover, the biasing force may force the latching link  202 - 1  and the receptacle link  204 - 2  apart when the user presses the release button  212 , providing immediate physical separation between the two links. This is particularly beneficial because it can be difficult for a user to simultaneously apply both a pressing force on the release button  212  and a pulling force between the links, which may be necessary if a biasing force were not provided by a spring assembly. 
     The aperture  214  is configured to allow an ejection block  218  on the receptacle link to contact and displace the plunger  216 , thereby compressing or otherwise straining a resilient component (e.g., a coil spring) in the spring assembly. The interaction between the ejection block  218  and the plunger  216  is addressed with respect to  FIGS. 4C-4D . 
     The receptacle link  204 - 2  includes a body  220 , which, like the body  206  of the latching link  202 - 1 , may be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the body  220  of the receptacle link  204 - 2  is formed from the same material as the body  206  of the latching link  202 - 1 , though this need not be the case. 
     The receptacle link  204 - 2  also includes one or more latch retention structures  222  (or openings  222 ) that are configured to engage with the latch member  402  of the latching link to releasably couple the receptacle link  204 - 2  to the latching link  202 - 1 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B , the one or more latch retention structures are openings (e.g., blind holes) in a surface of the receptacle link body  220 . As shown in  FIG. 4A-4B , a portion of the latch member  402  projects into the opening  222  in order to retain the latching link to the receptacle link in a direction parallel to the sliding axis. In other words, the latch member  402  latches on to the latch retention structures  222  to releasably couple the latching link  202 - 1  to the receptacle link  204 - 2 . 
     The receptacle link  204 - 2  also includes pivot joints  224  that pivotally couple the receptacle link  204 - 2  to another latching link (not shown). In some embodiments, the latching link includes protrusions that are received into the pivot joints  224 . In some embodiments, the latching link and the receptacle link are pivotally coupled via a spring pin that passes through an opening in the latching link and engages with the pivot joints  224  on the receptacle link  204 - 2 . While the pivot joints  224  are described with respect to the receptacle link  204 - 2 , it will be understood that the receptacle link  204 - 1  (shown coupled to the latching link  202 - 1 ) includes the same or similar structures, as any respective receptacle link of one type is essentially identical to any other receptacle link of the same type. 
       FIGS. 3A-3B  are top plan views depicting a releasable link assembly  110 - 1 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIGS. 3A-3B  show several interior components of the latching link  202 - 1  in phantom lines. These components will be discussed with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4D . 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates the latching link  202 - 1  separated from the receptacle link  204 - 1  to which it is pivotally attached to form the releasable link assembly  110 - 1 , as well as a pivot pin  300  that is used to couple the latching link  202 - 1  to the receptacle link  204 - 1 . In particular, the pivot pin  300  is placed inside a channel  302  (e.g., a cylindrical opening) in the latching link  202 - 1 , and ends of the pivot pin  300  are received into pivot joints  224  in the receptacle link  204 - 1 . In some embodiments, the pivot pin  300  is a spring pin, such as the kind that are commonly used to couple watch bands to watches. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates the latching link  202 - 1  pivotally attached to the receptacle link  204 - 1 , thus forming an assembled releasable link assembly  110 - 1 . 
       FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of the latching link  202 - 1 , taken through line  4 A- 4 A in  FIG. 3A . Latch members  402  are disposed inside an opening in the body  206  of the latching link  110 - 1 . The latch members  402  are pivotally coupled to the latch body via pivots  404 . Springs  406  bias the latch members  402  in a “latched” position, which corresponds to the engagement portions  408  of the latch members  402  extending below the bottom surface of the body  206 . The engagement portions  408  of the latch members are configured to engage with the latch retention structures  222  of the receptacle link  204 - 2 . In some embodiments, where the latch retention structures  222  are openings in a surface of the receptacle link  204 - 2 , the engagement portions of the latch members extend into the openings in order to retain the latching link to the receptacle link. 
     When the release button  212  is pressed downward, the release button  212  (or a feature or component of or coupled to the release button  212 ) pushes against actuation portions  410  of the latch members  402 , causing the latch members  402  to pivot about the pivots  404  and raise the engagement portions  408 , as shown in  FIG. 4B . In some embodiments, the engagement portions  408  are raised far enough that they retract completely from the latch retention structures. Thus, when the latching link  202 - 1  is removably coupled to the receptacle link  204 - 2  via the latch members  402 , pressing the release button  212  causes the latch members  402  (and, more specifically, the engagement portions  408  of the latch members) to disengage from the latch retention structures  222 , thereby allowing the user to disconnect the latching link  202 - 1  from the receptacle link  204 - 2 . Moreover, once the latch members  402  disengage from the latch retention structures  222 , the springs of the spring assembly  412  ( FIGS. 4C-4D ) are allowed to freely decompress, thus imparting a biasing force between the latching link and the receptacle link, resulting in the links being forcibly separated from one another (e.g., they “pop” apart). 
     In some embodiments, the engagement portions  408  of the latch members  402  are contoured or otherwise configured such that the latch members  402  are pivoted about the pivots  404  automatically when a user couples the latching link  202 - 1  to the receptacle link  204 - 2  (by sliding them together). Thus, a user need not press the release button  212  when attempting to couple the links together, as the process of sliding the latching link  202 - 1  into the receptacle link  204 - 2  provides force of a sufficient magnitude and direction to pivot the latch members  402  and allow them to engage with the latch retention structures  222 . 
     The latching link  202 - 1  also includes a plunger  216 . The plunger  216  is part of the spring assembly  412 , which imparts a biasing force between the latching link  202 - 1  and a receptacle link. 
       FIG. 4C  depicts a cross-sectional view of a releasable link assembly  110 - 1  (including the receptacle link  204 - 1  and the latching link  202 - 1 ) and a receptacle link  204 - 2  of a complimentary releasable link assembly  110 - 2 , in accordance with some embodiments, taken along the line  4 C- 4 C in  FIG. 2 . The latching link  202 - 1  in  FIGS. 4C-4D  corresponds to the latching link  202 - 1  shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 4A-4B . 
     As noted above, the latching link  202 - 1  includes a spring assembly  412 . In some embodiments, the spring assembly  412  includes a plunger  216 , one or more springs  416 , and one or more guide rods  418  that align the plunger  216  with respect to the body  206  of the latching link  202 - 1 . 
     The receptacle link  204 - 2  includes latch retention structures  222  and an ejection block  218 . The ejection block  218  is positioned and configured to pass through the aperture  214  of the body of the latching link  202 - 1  when the latching link  202 - 1  is being removably coupled to the receptacle link  204 - 2 .  FIG. 4D  illustrates the latching link  202 - 1  of the releasable link assembly  110 - 1  releasably coupled to the receptacle link  204 - 2 . In this figure, the ejection block  218  has contacted the plunger  216  to compress the springs  416  and, thus, impart a biasing force between the receptacle link  204 - 2  and the latching link  202 - 1 . 
       FIGS. 5-6C  depict another embodiment of a latching link (latching link  500 ). In particular, whereas the latching link  202 - 1  in  FIGS. 2-4D  includes a spring assembly  412  that is separate from and disposed below the release button  212  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 4A-4B ), the spring assembly  502  in the latching link  500  in  FIGS. 5-6C  is built into a body portion of the release button  504 . In some embodiments, both the latching link  202 - 1  and the latching link  500  may be used with the same receptacle link  204 - 2 . 
       FIG. 5  is a top plan view depicting the latching link  500 , in accordance with some embodiments. The latching link  500  in  FIG. 5  includes a body  508 , a release button  504  and latch members  506  disposed at least partially within the body  504 , and a plunger  518  disposed at least partially within the release button  504 . 
       FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of the latching link  500  of  FIG. 5  taken through line  6 A- 6 A in  FIG. 5 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , latch members  506  are disposed inside an opening in the body  508 . The latch members  506  are pivotally coupled to the latch body via pivots  510 . Springs  512  bias the latch members  506  in a “latched” position, such that the engagement portions  516  of the latch members  506  extend below the bottom surface of the body  508 . The engagement portions  516  of the latch members are configured to engage with the latch retention structures  222  of the receptacle link  204 - 2  ( FIGS. 2, 4C ). In some embodiments, where the latch retention structures  222  are openings in a surface of the receptacle link  204 - 2 , the engagement portions  516  of the latch members  506  extend into the openings in order to retain the latching link  500  to the receptacle link  204 - 2 . 
     Similar to the discussion above, when the release button  504  is pressed downward, the release button  504  pushes against actuation portions  514  of the latch members  506 , causing the latch members  506  to pivot about the pivots  510  and raise the engagement portions  516 . In this way, the latch members  506  are disengaged from the latch retention structures, and the latching link  500  can be disconnected from the receptacle link  204 - 2 . 
     The latching link  500  also includes a plunger  518  coupled to, and disposed partially within, the release button  504 . The plunger  518  is positioned such that the plunger  518  is at least partially in contact with the ejection block  218  both when the release button is pressed and when it is not. Accordingly, while the plunger  518  may slide against a surface of the ejection block  218  when the release button moves up and down within the latching link, the plunger  518  imparts a biasing force against the ejection block  218  throughout the button&#39;s travel. 
       FIG. 6B  depicts a cross-sectional view of a releasable link assembly that includes the latching link  500  pivotally coupled to the receptacle link  204 - 1 , and a complementary receptacle link (e.g., the receptacle link  204 - 2 ) of a complimentary releasable link assembly, in accordance with some embodiments. While the latching link  202 - 1  has been replaced with the latching link  500  in  FIG. 6B , the receptacle links  204 - 1  and  204 - 2  are the same as those depicted in  FIGS. 2-4D . 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates the releasable link assembly that includes the latching link  500  when the latching link is releasably coupled to the receptacle link  204 - 2 . Specifically,  FIG. 6C  illustrates how the ejection block  218  interacts with the plunger  518  to displace the plunger  518 , and thereby produce a biasing force between the latching link  500  and the receptacle link  204 - 2 . 
     Similar to the spring assembly  412  described above, the spring assembly  515  includes a plunger  518 , one or more springs  520 , and one or more guide rods  522  that align the plunger  518  with respect to a body portion of the release button  504 . Despite being built into the release button  504 , the spring assembly  515  operates similarly to the spring assembly  412 . In particular, the plunger  518  is positioned such that the plunger  518  is at least partially in contact with the ejection block  218  when the latching link  500  is removably coupled to a receptacle link. When the release button is actuated while the links are removably coupled, the plunger  518  imparts a biasing force against the ejection block  218 , thus causing the latching link  500  to be forcibly separated from the receptacle link  204 - 2  (e.g., they “pop” apart). 
       FIGS. 7A-7B  depict perspective views of a releasable link assembly  110 - 1 , in accordance with some embodiments, illustrating a latching link  202 - 1  pivotally coupled to a receptacle link  204 - 1 . Specifically,  FIG. 7A  illustrates the link assembly  110 - 1  in a substantially aligned orientation, and  FIG. 7B  illustrates the latching link  202 - 1  pivoted clockwise about the pivot pin  300  (shown in  FIG. 3A , not shown in  FIG. 7A ), resulting in the latching link  202 - 1  positioned at an angle with respect to the receptacle link  204 - 1 . 
     As noted above, a link assembly is made up of a plurality of releasable link assemblies  110 - 1 . Accordingly, the ability of a latching link to pivot with respect to the receptacle link to which the latching link is coupled allows the watch band to flex and conform to a wearer&#39;s wrist, even though the releasable coupling between separate link assemblies (e.g., the link between the latching link  202 - 1  and the receptacle link  204 - 2 ) may be inflexible. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates yet another embodiment of a latching link  800  that may be included in a releasable link assembly, as well as a receptacle link  802  to which the latching link  800  can be releasably coupled. Like the latching link assemblies described above, the latching link  800  includes a body  804 . The body  804  includes a first engagement structure  806  that is configured to slidably engage with a second engagement structure  808  on the receptacle link  802 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the first engagement structure  806  is a slide feature that is configured to be received into the channel of the receptacle link  802  (the second engagement structure  808 ). In some embodiments, the locations of the slide feature and the channel are swapped, so that the slide feature is disposed on the receptacle link  802 , and the channel is disposed on the latching link  800 . 
     A spring  810  (or other resilient component) is disposed in the second engagement structure  808  (as shown), or is coupled to the slide (not shown), such that the spring is compressed when the latching link  800  is removably coupled to the receptacle link  802 . In some embodiments, the receptacle link  802  and the latching link  800  each include multiple complementary engagement structures, and each engagement structure includes a spring  810 . 
     Similar to the spring assemblies  412 ,  515  described above, the spring (or springs)  810  in  FIG. 8  imparts a biasing force between the latching link  800  and the receptacle link  802  that forcibly separates the latching link  800  from the receptacle link  802  when the latching mechanism is released, and may also increase the security of the connection between the links by applying a force to the latch members and corresponding latch retention structures that increases the latching force therebetween. 
     Moreover, while the spring  810  is shown as being disposed within the channel in  FIG. 8 , springs may instead or additionally be coupled to any surface, feature, or portion of a receptacle link or a latching link, so long as the latching and receptacle links engage with the spring such that the spring imparts a biasing force between the links. Moreover, the spring need not be a coil spring. Rather, any appropriate resilient member, structure, or assembly may be used to impart the biasing force. For example, a leaf spring may be disposed in the channel and protrude into the channel, such that the engagement structure  806  bends the leaf spring when the latching link  800  is releasably coupled to the receptacle link  802 . 
     The latching link  800  also includes a release button  812 . The release button  812  is operatively coupled to a latch member such that operation of the release button  812  when the latching link  800  is releasably coupled to a complimentary receptacle link  802  causes the latch member to unlatch from the receptacle link. 
     The receptacle link  802  includes one or more latch retention structures  814  (or openings  814 ) that are configured to engage with one or more latch members of the latching link  800  (shown and discussed with respect to  FIG. 9 ). In some embodiments, the latch retention structure  814  is an opening (e.g., a blind hole) that is machined or otherwise formed into the receptacle link  802 . 
       FIG. 9  depicts a cross-sectional view of the body  804  of the latching link  802  from  FIG. 8 , taken along the line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 8 , illustrating the latching mechanism disposed within the body  804 . The latching link  800  includes a release button  812  that, when actuated (e.g., pressed downwards) when the latching link  800  is coupled to a receptacle link  802 , causes the links to decouple from one another. 
     The latching link  800  also includes a latching member  908 . The latching member  908  is configured to engage with the latch retention structure  814  of the receptacle link  802  so as to releasably couple the latching link  800  to the receptacle link  802 . The latching member  908  is coupled to a spring  910  that imparts a biasing force between the latching member  908  and the body  804  of the latching link  800  to keep the latching member  908  pressed downward. This biasing force helps keep the latching member  800  engaged with the complementary retention structure  814  with which it engages to releasably couple the links together. 
     The latching link  800  also includes a latch control arm  902 . The latch control arm  902  is pivotally coupled to the body  804  about a pivot axis  905 , and has a first portion  904  that engages with the release button  812  and a second portion  906  that engages with the latching member  908 . More specifically, the first portion  904  of the latch control arm  902  is configured to be displaced downward by the release button  812  (or a component linked to or otherwise coupled to the release button  812 ) when the release button is depressed. The downward motion of the first portion  904  of the latch control arm causes the latch control arm  902  to pivot about the pivot axis  905 , resulting in the second portion  906  of the latch control arm being raised. The second portion  906  of the latch control arm is coupled to the latching member  908  (or to a component linked to or otherwise coupled to the latching member  908 ). Thus, when the second portion of the latch control arm  902  is raised, the latching member  908  is also raised. The raising of the latching member  908  disengages the latching member  908  from the latch retention structure  814  of the receptacle link  802 , and allows the latching link  800  to be decoupled from the receptacle link  802 . 
     Releasable latch assemblies that do not have release buttons and spring assemblies may also be provided. For example,  FIG. 10A  illustrates an illustrative perspective view of one example of a wearable device  1000  (also referred to as “device  1000 ”) that includes a band  1004  that includes a plurality of releasable link assemblies  1002  that are releasably coupled to one another using a linking mechanism, as described herein. In particular, instead of a user pressing on a release button to unlatch a releasable link assembly from another, and thus allowing the user to slide the links apart, the releasable link assemblies in  FIGS. 10A-12C  are decoupled by a user lifting and/or pivoting a latching link so as to unclip the latching link from a receptacle link. 
     The device  1000  may include a housing  1006  that includes mounting features formed on opposite ends of the housing  1006 , where the mounting features connect the housing to a wearable band  1004  (also referred to as “band  1004 ”). The band  1004  may include (or be entirely composed of) releasable link assemblies  1002 . 
       FIGS. 10B and 10C  depict plan views of the interior portion of the band  1004  (e.g., the portion of the band that contacts a user&#39;s person), illustrating the band  1004  when all of the releasable links are coupled together ( FIG. 10B ), and when one releasable link  1002 - 1  is decoupled from another releasable link  1002 - 2  ( FIG. 10C ). 
       FIG. 11  depicts an illustrative perspective view of a releasable link assembly  1002 - 1  (also referred to as a “releasable link  1002 - 1 ,” or simply a “link  1002 - 1 ”), and a portion of a complimentary releasable link assembly  1002 - 2 , showing the links  1002 - 1 ,  1002 - 2  in an open (e.g., unlatched) configuration. 
     A releasable link assembly  1002 - 1  includes a latching link  1008 - 1  and a receptacle link  1010 - 1  that is pivotally coupled to the latching link  1008 - 1 . The latching link  1008 - 1  of the releasable link assembly  1002 - 1  is configured to releasably couple to a receptacle link  1010 - 2  of a complimentary releasable link assembly  1002 - 2 . 
     The receptacle link  1010 - 2  includes a base surface  1100  and at least one channel that is defined on a first side by a first friction cam feature  1102  that extends away from the base surface  1100 , and defined on a second side by a catch feature  1104  extending away from the base surface  1100 . The channel is substantially perpendicular to the overall length of the band  1004 , and is configured to receive and securely latch to one or more features of the latching link  1008 - 1 , as described herein. 
       FIGS. 12A-12C  are cross-sectional views of a latching link  1008 - 1  and a receptacle link  1010 - 2  in a fully separated, a partially open, and a fully closed configuration, respectively, taken through line  12 A- 12 A. 
     Turning to  FIG. 12A , the latching link  1008 - 1  includes a pivot lug portion  1202  at a first end of the latching link  1108 - 1 . The pivot lug portion  1202  is configured to couple the latching link  1008 - 1  to the receptacle link  1010 - 1  via a pivot member (not shown). In some embodiments, the pivot member is a spring bar, similar to those that are used to couple watch bands to watch cases. In such a case, the spring bar may pass through an opening  1208  (e.g., a cylindrical channel) in the pivot lug  1202 , and ends of the spring bar may be seated in pivot openings in the receptacle link  1010 - 1 . Other structures or mechanisms to pivotally couple the latching link  1008 - 1  to the receptacle link  1010 - 1  may also be used. 
     The latching link  1008 - 1  also includes a catch protrusion  1204  at a second end of the latching link  1008 - 1 , the second end of the latching link  1008 - 1  being opposite to the first end. The catch protrusion  1204  is configured to engage with the catch feature  1104  of the complementary receptacle link  1010 - 2  to retain the receptacle link  1010 - 2  to the latching link  1008 - 1 , as shown in  FIGS. 12B-12C . 
     The latching link  1008 - 1  also includes a second friction cam feature  1206 . The second friction cam feature  1206  is complementary to the first friction cam feature  1102  of the receptacle link  1010 - 2 , and is configured to slidably engage with the first friction cam feature  1102  during the process of coupling the latching link  1008 - 1  to (and decoupling the latching link  1008 - 1  from) the receptacle link  1010 - 2 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 11-12C , the catch protrusion  1204  and the second friction cam feature  1206  are formed as a unitary feature. More specifically, a single latching protrusion includes the catch protrusion  1204  on a first side, and the second friction cam feature  1206  on a second side opposite to the first side. In other embodiments, however, the catch protrusion  1204  and the second friction cam feature  1206  are formed as separate features, and are separated by a channel that is defined by the features themselves. In the latter case, the features that form the catch protrusion and the second friction feature may each be relatively smaller than a unitary structure that includes both features, making them relatively more flexible than a unitary structure may be. This may help reduce the force required to securely engage the catch protrusion with the catch feature of the receptacle link, as a more flexible catch protrusion may deflect more easily when sliding past the catch feature. 
     In order to removably couple the latching link  1008 - 1  to the receptacle link  1010 - 2 , a user first orients the links such that the latching link  1008 - 1  is angled with respect to the receptacle link  1010 - 2  (i.e., such that the catch feature  1204  of the latching link  1008 - 1  is tilted above the channel in the receptacle link  1010 - 2 , as shown in  FIG. 12A ), and places the second friction cam feature  1206  in contact with the first friction cam feature  1102 , as shown in  FIG. 12B . The user then rotates the latching link  1008 - 1  in a counterclockwise direction (based on the orientation of the components in the figure), such that the second friction cam feature  1206  slides over the first friction cam feature  1102 , resulting in the catch protrusion  1204  being received within the channel and engaging with the catch feature  1104 , as shown in  FIG. 12C . Once the catch feature  1104  is engaged with the catch protrusion  1204 , the latching link  1008 - 1  is removably coupled to the receptacle link  1010 - 2 . 
     The rotation of the second friction cam feature  1206  over the first friction cam feature  1102  creates a secure coupling between the latching link  1008 - 1  and the receptacle link  1010 - 2 , because both the second friction cam feature  1206  and the catch protrusion  1204  are disposed within and retained by the channel defined by the first friction cam feature  1102  and the catch feature  1104 . In particular, the second friction cam feature  1206  is contoured such that, when the links are coupled, a portion of the second cam feature  1206  is disposed underneath a protruding portion of the first cam feature  1102 . Thus, the protruding portion of the first cam feature  1102  acts as an undercut that engages with and retains the protruding portion of the second friction cam feature  1206  within the channel, thus preventing the latching link  1108 - 1  from being decoupled from the receptacle link  1010 - 2 . As is shown in  FIG. 12C , a similar engagement exists between the catch feature  1104  and the catch protrusion  1204 , which furthers the engagement between the latching and receptacle links. 
     Moreover, the counterclockwise rotation that is used to removably couple the latching link  1008 - 1  to the receptacle link  1010 - 2  also ensures that the articulation of the releasable link assembly caused by a user wrapping the band over a wrist tends to further secure, rather than separate, the link assemblies. More specifically, when the band is wrapped around a user&#39;s wrist, each latching link  1008 - 1  is subjected to a counterclockwise articulation with respect to a complementary receptacle link  1010 - 2 , thus biasing the latching link  1008 - 1  toward a secure, latched position. On the other hand, the latching link  1008 - 1  would only be removable from the receptacle link (absent extreme, possibly damaging force) by rotating the latching link  1008 - 1  in a clockwise direction with respect to the receptacle link  1010 - 2 , and such a motion would be difficult to achieve when the band is secured to a user&#39;s wrist or body. 
     Clasps 
     As noted above, bands for watches and other wearable devices, whether they include releasable link assemblies or not, frequently have clasps that allow the user to open and close the band to facilitate application and removal of the device from the user&#39;s wrist.  FIG. 13A  is an illustrative perspective view of one example of a wearable device  1300  (also referred to as “device  1300 ”) that includes a clasp  1302  in accordance with some embodiments. As described herein, the clasp  1302  may be used in conjunction with a band that has a plurality of releasable link assemblies. In some cases, however, the clasp  1302  may be used in conjunction with bands that do not include such assemblies. 
     Returning to  FIG. 13A , the device  1300  may include a housing  1304 . The housing  1304  may include mounting features formed on opposite ends to connect a wearable band  1306  (also referred to as “band  1306 ”) to the housing  1304 . As shown in  FIG. 13A , and discussed herein, the band  1306  may include a first strap  1308  and a second strap  1310  positioned opposite the first strap  1308 . In some embodiments, either or both the first and the second straps  1308 ,  1310  include one or more releasable link assemblies, such as those described above. In some embodiments, the first and second straps  1308 ,  1310  are composed entirely of releasable link assemblies. 
     The band  1306  may also include a clasp  1302  coupled to the first strap  1308  and the second strap  1310 . The band  1306 , and specifically first strap  1308 , the second strap  1310 , and the clasp  1302 , may be used to secure the device  1300  to a user, or to any other object capable of receiving the device  1300 . 
       FIG. 13B  illustrates a perspective view of the clasp  1302 , showing the clasp  1302  in a partially open configuration. In this example, the clasp  1302  includes a clasp body  1312  pivotally coupled to first and second connecting arms  1314 ,  1316 . The connecting arms  1314 ,  1316  are, in turn, pivotally coupled to respective clasp covers  1318 ,  1320 . The operation of the pivoting couplings between the connecting arms and the clasp body and respective clasp covers allows the clasp  1302  to articulate between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the connecting arms  1314 ,  1316  are disposed at least partially between the clasp body  1312  and the clasp covers  1314 ,  1316  such that the clasp covers may engage with the clasp body via a latching mechanism (not shown) to secure the clasp in a closed configuration. 
     While  FIGS. 13A-13B  illustrate a clasp  1302  that has two connecting arms and two clasp covers, a clasp  1400  (having a clasp body  1402 ) in accordance with the embodiments described herein may include only one connecting arm  1406  and only one clasp cover  1404 , as shown in  FIGS. 14A-14B . It will be understood that the descriptions of the various spring and biasing mechanisms described herein apply equally to either type of clasp. 
     Also, while components of the clasps are referred to by certain names in the present description, it will be understood that these names are merely for convenience, and that other names or terminology may also be appropriate. For example, in some embodiments, a clasp cover need not actually cover all (or even a portion of the clasp). Indeed, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the following descriptions may relate to any clasp or linkage having components that are pivotally coupled to one another. 
     As noted above with respect to the releasable link assemblies, including biasing springs in a clasp to cause the clasp to forcibly separate (or “pop” open) may increase the functionality and usability of a clasp. For example, when a user unlatches or unsnaps a clasp that includes biasing mechanisms as described herein, the clasp may at least partially separate under its own force, thus allowing the user to more easily open the clasp, and obviating the need to apply complex manipulations to the clasp to both unlatch the clasp and unfold the mechanism. Moreover, clasps may be retained in a closed configuration by operation of hook-shaped latches or catches, and a force that biases the latch toward an open configuration may help to force the hook of the latch against a retaining structure, thereby increasing the strength and the security of the clasp. Various example embodiments of mechanisms and assemblies for imparting a biasing force between components of the clasp are shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 15A-21C . 
       FIG. 15A  is an illustrative perspective view of a clasp  1500 , in accordance with some embodiments, showing the clasp  1500  in a partially open configuration. The clasp includes a clasp body  1502 , a clasp cover  1504 , and a connecting arm  1506  that is pivotally coupled to the clasp body  1502  at a first end of the connecting arm  1506 , and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover  1504  at a second end of the connecting arm  1506 . The clasp  1500  is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, where, in the closed configuration, the clasp body  1502  is retained with the clasp cover  1504 , and the connecting arm  1506  is disposed between the clasp body  1502  and the clasp cover  1504 . 
     The clasp body  1502  includes a first elongate member  1508  and a second elongate member  1510  defining first and second sides, respectively, of a channel  1520  between the elongate members. In some embodiments, the channel  1520  is open at the bottom, whereas in other embodiments, it is enclosed at the bottom (e.g., the channel  1520  includes a bottom surface). As shown in  FIGS. 15A-15B , the channel is enclosed at the bottom. 
     The clasp body  1502  includes a spring member  1512  extending across the channel  1520  from a first wall  1522  of the channel  1520  to a second wall  1524  of the channel  1520 . The spring member  1512  may be any appropriate material, such as steel, titanium, metal alloy, polymer, or any other appropriate material. The spring member  1512  may be of any appropriate shape or configuration. For example, the spring member  1512  may be a wire spring having a substantially circular cross section. As another example, the spring member may be a leaf spring having a substantially rectangular cross section. Other shapes may also be used for the spring member  1512 . 
     The connecting arm  1506  engages with the spring member  1512  when the clasp  1500  is in the closed configuration to impart a biasing force between the clasp body and the connecting arm (e.g., a force that biases the clasp toward an open and/or unlatched configuration). In particular, when the clasp  1500  is closed, the connecting arm  1506  is at least partially disposed within the channel, which causes the connecting arm  1506  to contact and deform the spring member  1512 . The deformation of the spring member, in turn, provides a force in the opposite direction (e.g., the biasing force), thus biasing the connecting arm  1506  away from the clasp body  1502 . As noted above, when the clasp  1500  is secured in the closed configuration, this biasing force may increase the security of the clasp, and when the clasp  1500  is unlatched by a user, the biasing force will forcibly separate the connecting arm  1506  and the clasp body  1502 , resulting in the clasp “popping” open for easier removal or application. 
     In some embodiments, the connecting arm  1506  includes a protrusion  1514  that is configured to engage with (and deform) the spring member when the clasp  1500  is in the closed configuration. For example, as shown in  FIG. 15B , the connecting arm  1506  includes a triangular protrusion  1514  that extends transversely across the connecting arm from a first side of the to a second side. In particular, the triangular protrusion begins at the first side of the connecting arm, increasing its height away from the connecting arm until it reaches the middle of the connecting arm  1506 , and then decreases in height toward the second side of the connecting arm  1506 . 
     The triangular protrusion  1514  is positioned such that the peak of the protrusion contacts the spring member  1512  at a point between the ends of the spring member (e.g., at the middle of the spring member  1512 ). The triangular protrusion  1514  may improve the durability and effectiveness of the spring member  1512 , because the deformation force can be focused at a point that is further away from the joint between the spring member  1512  and the walls  1522 ,  1524  of the channel. More specifically, by contacting the middle portion of the spring member  1512 , the triangular protrusion  1514  can reduce the shear forces that might otherwise be imparted to the spring member  1512  if the connecting arm contacted the spring member  1512  proximate to the walls of the channel. 
     In some embodiments, the protrusion (e.g., the triangular protrusion  1514 ) is disposed at least partially within a groove  1516  in the connecting arm  1506  that extends transversely across the connecting arm from the first side to the second side of the connecting arm. In such cases, portions of the spring member  1512  may be disposed at least partially within the groove  1516  when the clasp is in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, however, the protrusion is not set inside any groove or channel, and it simply extends away from a surface of the connecting arm. 
       FIG. 15B  is an illustrative cross-sectional view of the connecting arm  1506  and the clasp body  1502 , taken through line  15 B- 15 B in  FIG. 15A .  FIG. 15B  illustrates the clasp  1500  in the closed configuration, such that the triangular protrusion  1514  has contacted the spring member  1512  and deformed it. The deformed spring member  1512  is, therefore, imparting a biasing force between the connecting arm  1506  and the clasp body  1502 . 
       FIG. 15C  is an illustrative perspective view of a clasp  1500 , in accordance with some embodiments, showing the clasp  1500  in a partially open configuration. In this embodiment, the spring member  1518  is a leaf spring, rather than the wire spring member  1512  shown in  FIG. 15A . 
     In the embodiments described above with respect to  FIGS. 15A-15B , the mechanisms have been shown and described as imparting a biasing force between the clasp body  1502  and the connecting arm  1506 . In some embodiments, the mechanisms are configured such that the biasing force is imparted between the connecting arm  1506  and the clasp cover  1504 . In such cases, the components, features, and/or mechanisms that are described herein as being coupled to or otherwise part of the clasp body  1502  may instead or additionally be located on the clasp cover  1504 . For example, a spring member  1512  such as that shown in  FIG. 15A  may be located on the clasp cover  1504  instead of the clasp body  1502 , and the protrusion  1514  on the connecting arm  1506  may be located on the opposite face of the connecting arm  1506 , such that the protrusion  1514  engages with the spring member that is coupled to the clasp cover  1504 . Moreover, in some embodiments, multiple spring mechanisms are provided so that biasing forces are imparted between the connecting arm  1506  and both the clasp body  1502  and the clasp cover  1504 . 
       FIG. 16  is an illustrative perspective view of a clasp  1600 , in accordance with some embodiments, showing the clasp  1600  in a partially open configuration. The clasp includes a clasp body  1602 , a clasp cover  1604 , and a connecting arm  1606  that is pivotally coupled to the clasp body  1602  at a first end of the connecting arm  1606 , and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover  1604  at a second end of the connecting arm  1606 . The clasp  1600  is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, where, in the closed configuration, the clasp body  1602  is retained with the clasp cover  1604 , and the connecting arm is disposed between the clasp body  1602  and the clasp cover  1604 . 
     The connecting arm  1606  includes a spring member  1608  coupled thereto, where the spring member  1608  extends transversely across the connecting arm  1606  from a first side to a second side. The spring member  1608  is configured to engage with the clasp body  1602  when the clasp  1600  is in the closed configuration, such that the spring member  1608  is deformed, thereby imparting a biasing force between the clasp body  1602  and the connecting arm  1606 . In some embodiments, the spring member  1608  (and the fulcrum  1610 , discussed below) are contained at least partially within a groove  1612  in the connecting arm  1606 . 
     In some embodiments, the clasp body  1602  includes one or more protrusions  1614  that are configured to engage with the spring member  1608 . In particular, in some embodiments, protrusions  1614  are located within a channel in the clasp body  1602  such that they contact the ends of the spring member  1608 , as shown in  FIG. 16B . 
       FIG. 16B  is an illustrative cross-sectional view of the connecting arm, taken through line  16 B- 16 B. The connecting arm  1606  includes a groove in a surface of the connecting arm  1606 , where the groove includes a fulcrum  1612 . The spring member  1608  is mounted or coupled to the fulcrum  1610  at or near the mid-point of the spring member  1608 . This configuration allows the spring member  1608  to bend about the fulcrum  1610  when the clasp  1600  is in the closed configuration.  FIG. 16B  also illustrates how the protrusions  1614  engage with the ends of the spring member  1608  to bend the spring member  1608  about the fulcrum  1610 . 
       FIGS. 17A-17B  are illustrative perspective and cross sectional views, respectively, of a clasp  1700 . The clasp  1700  includes a clasp body  1706 , a clasp cover  1712 , and a connecting arm  1708  that is pivotally coupled to the clasp body  1706  at a first end of the connecting arm  1708 , and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover  1712  at a second end of the connecting arm  1708 . The clasp  1700  is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, where, in the closed configuration, the clasp body  1706  is retained with the clasp cover  1712 , and the connecting arm  1708  is disposed between the clasp body  1706  and the clasp cover  1712 . 
     The clasp  1700  is similar to the clasp  1600  described with respect to  FIGS. 16A-16B , except that protrusions  1704  are located on the spring member  1702 , rather than in the channel of the clasp body  1706 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 17B , the interaction between the protrusions  1704  and the clasp body  1706  causes the spring member  1702  to bend about the fulcrum  1710 . In this embodiment, though the spring member  1702  may be disposed within the groove of the connecting arm  1708  when the spring is not deformed, the protrusions  1704  may extend outside of the groove, beyond the surface of the connecting arm  1708 . Thus, the protrusions  1704  will contact the clasp body  1706  when the clasp is in the closed configuration. 
       FIG. 18  is an illustrative perspective view of a clasp  1800 , in accordance with some embodiments, showing the clasp  1800  in a partially open configuration. The clasp includes a clasp body  1802 , a clasp cover  1804 , and a connecting arm  1806  that is pivotally coupled to the clasp body  1802  at a first end of the connecting arm  1806 , and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover  1804  at a second end of the connecting arm  1806 . The clasp  1800  is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, where, in the closed configuration, the clasp body  1802  is retained with the clasp cover  1804 , and the connecting arm  1806  is disposed between the clasp body  1802  and the clasp cover  1804 . 
     The clasp body  1802  includes first and second elongate members  1808 ,  1810  defining a first wall  1812  ( FIG. 18B ) and a second wall  1814  of a channel between the elongate members. The clasp body  1802  also includes a first chamfer  1816  between the first wall  1814  and a first surface  1818  of the clasp body (e.g., a surface of the clasp body that faces the clasp cover) ( FIG. 18B ). The clasp body  1802  includes a second chamfer  1820  between the second wall  1812  and the first surface  1818  ( FIGS. 18A, 18B ). 
     The connecting arm  1806  includes at least a first compliant member  1824 , and a second compliant member  1822 . In some embodiments, the compliant members  1824 ,  1822  are defined by openings formed in the connecting arm. In some embodiments, the connecting arm  1806  and the complaint spans  1824 ,  1822  are a monolithic component. In such cases, the openings may be formed in any appropriate way, including machining, casting, or the like. In other embodiments (not shown), the compliant spans are distinct components that are coupled to the connecting arm  1806 . 
     The compliant members each include a respective wedge  1826 ,  1828  that is configured to engage with a respective chamfer  1816 ,  1820  of the clasp body  1802 . In particular, with reference to  FIG. 18B , the wedge  1826  is configured to contact the first chamfer  1816  of the clasp body  1802 , such that the compliant member  1822  forces the wedge  1826  against the chamfer  1816 . The force imparted by the complaint member  1822  is substantially perpendicular to the first wall  1812  of the channel. Because the contact surfaces of the chamfer  1816  and wedge  1826  are not perpendicular to the force imparted by the compliant member  1822 , however, a biasing force is generated between the connecting arm  1806  and the clasp body  1802 . In particular, the angled contact surfaces of the wedge  1826  and the chamfer  1816  cause a portion of the force imparted by the compliant member  1822  to be transformed into a force that is parallel with the first wall  1812  (e.g., a biasing force). 
     In some embodiments, the materials and surface finishes/treatments/polishes of the wedges and chamfers are selected so as to result in a desired coefficient of friction between the wedges and chamfers, and thus provide a desired biasing force. For example, if the coefficient of friction is too high, the biasing force may not be sufficient to overcome the coefficient of friction, and the biasing force will not cause the connecting arm to be forcibly separated from the clasp body. Rather, the wedge and chamfer will simply remain in contact, and the user will have to pry the clasp open manually. On the other hand, if the coefficient of friction is properly selected, the biasing force will overcome the frictional forces between the wedges and chamfers, thus creating the desired effect. 
     While the foregoing example includes chamfers on the clasp body and compliant members (and wedges) on the connecting arm, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that these components may be swapped in some embodiments. For example, the clasp body  1802  may include compliant spans with wedges, and the connecting arm  1806  may include chamfers that engage with the wedges. 
       FIGS. 18B-18C  are illustrative cross-sectional views of the connecting arm  1806  and a portion of the clasp body  1802 , taken through line  18 B- 18 B in  FIG. 18A .  FIG. 18B  illustrates the clasp  1800  in an open configuration, where the clasp body  1802  is not engaged with the connecting arm  1806 .  FIG. 18C  illustrates the clasp  1800  in a closed configuration, where the clasp body  1802  is engaged with the connecting arm  1806  such that the first and second wedges  1826 ,  1828  are in contact with the first and second chamfers  1816 ,  1820  of the clasp body  1802 . Arrows  1830  indicate the force imparted by the compliant members on the wedges, and arrows  1832  indicate the resulting biasing force that is imparted between the clasp body  1802  and the connecting arm  1806 . 
       FIG. 19A  is an illustrative perspective view of a clasp  1900 , in accordance with some embodiments, showing the clasp  1900  in a partially open configuration. The clasp  1900  includes a clasp body  1902 , a clasp cover (not shown), and a connecting arm assembly  1904  that is pivotally coupled to the clasp body  1902  at a first end of the connecting arm assembly  1904 , and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover at a second end of the connecting arm assembly  1904  (similar to the coupling between the connecting arm  1708  and clasp cover  1704  in  FIG. 17A ). The clasp  1900  is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, where, in the closed configuration, the clasp body  1902  is retained with the clasp cover, and the connecting arm assembly is disposed between the clasp body  1902  and the clasp cover. 
     With reference to  FIG. 19B , the connecting arm assembly  1904  includes a compliant member  1906 , a first pivot lug member  1908  coupled to a first end of the compliant member  1904 , and a second pivot lug member  1910  coupled to a second end of the compliant member  1904 . The first and second pivot lug members are separate components, and are coupled to one another by the compliant member  1906 . In some embodiments, the first and second pivot lug members contact one another at a location between the ends of the complaint member  1904 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 19B , the first pivot lug member  1908  extends along the length of the compliant member  1904  for more than half of the length of the complaint member  1904 , and contacts the second pivot lug member  1910  near the opposite end of the compliant member  1904 . 
     In some embodiments, a sliding end  1912  of the first pivot lug member  1908  is seated in a sliding end  1914  of the second pivot lug member  1910 . The sliding end  1912  of the first pivot lug member  1908  may be a rounded or contoured protrusion, and may be seated in a rounded or contoured socket of the sliding end  1914  of the second pivot lug  1910 . The resulting sliding joint between the first and second pivot lug members may increase the structural rigidity and integrity of the connecting arm assembly  1904 . Moreover, the sliding joint may be used to define and/or control how the connecting arm assembly  1904  interacts with the clasp body  1902  and the clasp cover (not shown) when the clasp is closed, and can be used to ensure that the connecting arm assembly  1904  articulates such that the clasp can close completely, and that the connecting arm assembly  1904  does not interfere with the operation (or aesthetics) of the clasp  1900 . 
       FIG. 19B  is an illustrative cross-sectional view of the clasp  1900 , including the connecting arm assembly  1904  and the clasp body  1902 , taken through line  19 B- 19 B in  FIG. 19A , showing the clasp  1900  in an open configuration.  FIG. 19C  is an illustrative cross-sectional view of the clasp  1900  in a closed configuration, illustrating how the connecting arm assembly  1904  interacts with the clasp body  1902  and articulates when the clasp  1900  is closed. Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 19B , the connecting arm assembly  1904  is in an undeformed state (e.g., the compliant member  1906  is in a relaxed state). In this embodiment, the first and second pivot lug members  1908 ,  1910  are substantially in line with one another, though this need not be the case. (For example, the first and second pivot lug members  1908 ,  1910  may be disposed at an angle to one another when the connecting arm assembly is undeformed.) 
     When the clasp is closed, as shown in  FIG. 19C , the first pivot lug member  1908  engages with the clasp body (in particular, a bottom surface of a channel in the clasp body  1902 ) by contacting the clasp body, resulting in deformation of the compliant member  1906  and an articulation of the first pivot lug member  1908  with respect to the second pivot lug member  1910 . In particular, the clasp is configured such that the relaxed state of the connecting arm assembly  1904  corresponds to an at least partially open configuration of the clasp. Thus, when the connecting arm assembly  1904  is deformed in order to close the clasp, the force of the connecting arm assembly attempting to return to its relaxed, undeformed state results in a biasing force between the connecting arm assembly  1904  and the clasp body  1902  (e.g., the force of the connecting arm assembly attempting to return to its relaxed state imparts a force between the clasp body  1902  and the connecting arm assembly  1904  that biases the clasp towards an open configuration). 
     In some embodiments, where the pivot lug members slidably contact one another at a sliding joint, the first pivot lug member  1908  slides and/or pivots around the sliding joint when the first pivot lug member  1908  contacts the clasp body  1902  such that the first pivot lug member  1908  is rotated about the sliding joint. This results in the deformation of the compliant member  1904  that creates a biasing force between the connecting arm assembly  1904  and the clasp body  1902 . 
       FIG. 20A  is an illustrative perspective view of a clasp  2000 , in accordance with some embodiments, showing the clasp  2000  in a partially open configuration. The clasp includes a clasp body  2002 , a clasp cover  2004 , and a connecting arm  2006  that is pivotally coupled to the clasp body  2002  at a first end of the connecting arm  2006 , and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover  2004  at a second end of the connecting arm  2006 . The clasp  2000  is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, where, in the closed configuration, the clasp body  2002  is retained with the clasp cover  2004 , and the connecting arm  2006  is disposed between the clasp body  2002  and the clasp cover  2004 . 
     The clasp  2000  includes an elastomer member  2008  coupled to the connecting arm  2006  (or the clasp body, not shown) such that, when closed, the elastomer member  2008  is disposed at least partially between the connecting arm  2006  and the clasp body  2002 . The clasp  2000  also includes an elastomer member  2010  disposed at least partially between the connecting arm  2006  and the clasp cover  2004  (as shown in  FIG. 20B ). 
       FIG. 20B  is an illustrative cross-sectional views of the clasp  2000 , taken through line  20 B- 20 B in  FIG. 20A .  FIG. 20B  illustrates an embodiment where two elastomer members are used, such that biasing forces are produced between the connecting arm  2006  and both the clasp cover  2004  and the clasp body  2002 . In some embodiments, the elastomer members  2008 ,  2010  are coupled to the connecting arm (as shown), whereas in other embodiments the elastomer members  2008 ,  2010  are coupled to the clasp body  2002  and the clasp cover  2004 , respectively. 
     The elastomer members  2008 ,  2010  may be coupled to the connecting arm  2006 , the clasp body  2002 , or the clasp cover  2004  in any appropriate way. For example, in some embodiments, the elastomer members include retention flanges or recesses, and the elastomer members are configured to be received into an opening in the connecting arm  2006  that has a complementary retention feature. Thus, the elastomer members  2008 ,  2010  may be retained in the connecting arm  2006 . Elastomer members may be made from any suitable elastomer or elastic material, such as polybutadiene, butyl rubber, or any other appropriate elastic material. In some embodiments, the elastomer members are replaced by coil springs, leaf springs, or other spring members of any material. 
     The elastomer members  2008 ,  2010  are configured to be compressed between the connecting arm  2006  and the clasp body  2002  to impart a biasing force between the connecting arm  2006  and the clasp body  2002 . In particular,  FIGS. 20B-20C  are illustrative cross-sectional views of the connecting arm, taken through line  20 B- 20 B in  FIG. 20A .  FIG. 20B  illustrates the clasp  2000  in an open configuration, where the elastomer members are not being compressed.  FIG. 20C  illustrates the clasp  2000  in the closed configuration, such that the elastomer member  2008  has been compressed between the clasp body  2002  and the connecting arm  2006 , and the elastomer member  2010  has been compressed between the clasp cover  2004  and the connecting arm  2006 . Where the clasp includes elastomer members disposed between the connecting arm  2006  and both the clasp cover  2004  and the clasp body  2002  (as shown), the biasing force from the elastomer members forcibly separates both the clasp cover  2004  and the clasp body  2002  when the clasp  2000  is unlatched or otherwise released from a closed configuration. 
       FIG. 21A  is an illustrative perspective view of a clasp  2100 , in accordance with some embodiments, showing the clasp  2100  in a partially open configuration. The clasp  2100  is structurally similar to the clasp  2000  described with respect to  FIG. 20A , but instead of elastomer members, the clasp  2100  includes magnets that interact with one another to impart a biasing force to the clasp. In particular, the connecting arm  2106  includes a first magnet  2110 , and the clasp body  2102  includes a second magnet  2108 . The first and second magnets  2110 ,  2108  are configured such that the magnets repel one another (rather than attract one another) when they are brought into proximity as a result of the clasp  2100  being closed. For example, the north pole of the first magnet  2110  may face outward from the connecting arm  2106 , and the north pole of the second magnet  2108  may face outward from the clasp body  2102 . Moreover, the first and second magnets are located in positions that ensure their magnetic fields will interact with one another when the clasp is closed. Accordingly, closure of the clasp  2100  results in the north poles of the magnets being brought into proximity, resulting in a magnetic repulsion that imparts a biasing force between the clasp body  2102  and the connecting arm  2106 . 
     In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the magnets on the clasp body  2102  and connecting arm  2106 , a third magnet  2114  is disposed on the connecting arm  2106  facing the clasp cover  2104 , and a fourth magnet  2116  is disposed on the clasp cover  2104  (facing the connecting arm  2106 ) to impart an additional biasing force between the connecting arm  2106  and the clasp cover  2104 . The third and fourth magnets  2114  and  2116  are shown in  FIGS. 21B-21C . 
       FIGS. 21B-21C  are illustrative cross-sectional views of the clasp  2100 , taken through line  21 B- 21 B.  FIG. 21B  illustrates the clasp  2100  in an open configuration, where the magnets have not been brought into close enough proximity to impart an appreciable repulsion force.  FIG. 21C , on the other hand, illustrates the clasp  2100  in the closed configuration, such that the magnetic fields of the magnetic pairs (magnets  2110  and  2108 , and magnets  2112  and  2114 ) are each producing a repulsion force. These repulsion forces forcibly separate both the clasp cover  2104  and the clasp body  2102  from the arm  2106 . 
     While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular embodiments. Functionality may be separated or combined in procedures differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20180327
Publication Date: 20210518
Grant Date: 20210518
Priority Date: 20150306
Inventors: HATANAKA, MOTOHIDE
CHEN, HSIANG HUNG
WANG, ERIK L.
WEBB, MICHAEL J.
Weber, Douglas J.
DE LULIIS, DANIELE
QUAH, KAH SIM
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A44C5/243", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/243", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/243", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 56849882