PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10206463-B2
Application Number: US-201414771563-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Magnetic wristband

Abstract:
This application relates generally to various embodiments of a magnetic wristband. More specifically the application describes a design for a magnetic wristband having a number of configurations. In one configuration the wristband is magnetically coupled around a user&#39;s wrist. In another configuration the magnetic wristband can be magnetically coupled around an electronic device to which it is attached. In this second described configuration the magnetic wristband acts as a protective cover for the electronic device to which the wristband is attached. In this way a user can reduce the likelihood of damage being inflicted upon the electronic device while it is not being worn.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A magnetic band for a wristwatch, the magnetic band comprising:
 a first layer; 
 a second layer; 
 pockets defined between the first layer and the second layer; and 
 magnets; 
 wherein the magnetic band is configurable to:
 extend from one side of the wristwatch; and 
 maintain a secure configuration in which the magnets are attracted to one another while the magnetic band is folded onto itself; 
 
 wherein, when the magnetic band is fully extended on a flat surface, the magnets are arranged within the pockets and in multiple rows and columns such that:
 a first adjacent pair of the magnets, within one of the rows, have magnetic polarity orientations, defined by north-south polarization direction, that are opposite one another; and 
 a second adjacent pair of the magnets, within one of the columns, have magnetic polarity orientations that are opposite one another. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The magnetic band of  claim 1 , wherein the pockets form separations between each of the magnets. 
     
     
       3. The magnetic band of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an end connectable to the wristwatch. 
 
     
     
       4. The magnetic band of  claim 1 , wherein the first layer and the second layer each comprise a leather layer. 
     
     
       5. A wristwatch, comprising:
 a housing; 
 an attachment point coupled to the housing; and 
 a strap, releasably coupled to the attachment point, comprising:
 a first cover; 
 a second cover, the first and second covers defining pockets; and 
 magnets positioned in an alternating polarity pattern within the pockets, wherein the magnets are arranged in multiple rows and columns such that, when the strap is fully extended on a flat surface, at least two of the magnets within one of the rows have alternating magnetic polarity orientations, defined by north-south polarization direction, and at least two of the magnets within one of the columns have alternating magnetic polarity orientations. 
 
 
     
     
       6. The wristwatch of  claim 5 , wherein the magnets comprise bar magnets. 
     
     
       7. The wristwatch of  claim 6 , wherein each of the bar magnets are disposed longwise perpendicular to a longwise dimension of the strap. 
     
     
       8. The wristwatch of  claim 5 , wherein:
 each magnet of the magnets has a polarity pattern; and 
 polarity patterns of adjacent magnets alternate. 
 
     
     
       9. The wristwatch of  claim 5 , wherein:
 each magnet of the magnets has a polarity pattern; and 
 the polarity pattern comprises a first polarity pattern and a second polarity pattern that is opposite the first polarity pattern. 
 
     
     
       10. The wristwatch of  claim 5 , wherein the attachment point comprises a clamping mechanism. 
     
     
       11. The wristwatch of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 an additional attachment point coupled to the housing; and 
 an additional strap coupled to the additional attachment point. 
 
     
     
       12. A magnetic band for a wristwatch, comprising:
 a first strap comprising:
 magnets within in the first strap and having an alternating polarity pattern in which, when the first strap is fully extended on a flat surface, a given one of the magnets has a magnetic polarity orientation, defined by north-south polarization direction, that is:
 different than a magnetic polarity orientation of a first adjacent magnet in a same row as the given one of the magnets; and 
 different than a magnetic field orientation of a second adjacent magnet in a same column as the given one of the magnets; and 
 
 protective layers that enclose and protect the magnets, wherein the magnetic band is configurable to extend from a side of the wristwatch and maintain a secure configuration in which the magnets are attracted to one another while the magnetic band is rolled onto itself; and 
 
 a second strap opposite the first strap. 
 
     
     
       13. The magnetic band of  claim 12 , wherein the magnets are operable to lock the magnetic band in a rolled configuration where a first portion of the first strap attaches to a second portion of the first strap. 
     
     
       14. The magnetic band of  claim 12 , wherein the protective layers maintain the magnets at a set spacing interval. 
     
     
       15. The magnetic band of  claim 12 , wherein the alternating polarity pattern is configured such that magnetic polarity orientations of adjacent magnets alternate. 
     
     
       16. The magnetic band of  claim 12 , wherein the magnetic band is configured to adjust a wristband size.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 application of PCT/US2014/022651, filed Mar. 10, 2014 and titled “Magnetic Wristband,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/800,041, filed Mar. 15, 2013 and titled “Magnetic Wristband,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The described embodiments relate generally to a magnetic wristband. The application relates more specifically to a magnetic wristband operable to both secure a device to a wrist in one configuration and to protect that device while it is not being worn in another configuration. 
     Related Art 
     Wristwatches generally include a housing having a display with a transparent cover disposed over a display that provides among other things time of day information to a user. Common display covers include glass, mineral glass crystal, sapphire or even diamond. In many cases a user may wish to remove a wristwatch and place it in a bag or storage container until a later time. Unfortunately, when removed the wristwatch can be subjected to even greater forces and damage than when worn by the user. Unfortunately, removed wristwatch tends to leave the housing and display cover completely unprotected and susceptible to damage. Frequently both a housing portion of the wristwatch and the display cover can be susceptible to scratching, dings and even cracks, when for example the housing is made from a vulnerable material such as aluminum or stainless steel. Certain types of finishes of the housing can also change the susceptibility of the housing to damage. For example, an aluminum housing with a sandblasted finish can be more likely to incur cosmetic or functional damage than an aluminum housing with an anodized and/or polished surface. Furthermore, custom protective watch bags and cases can be quite expensive and even inconvenient when a user simply wants to put the wristwatch down. 
     Such may not provide a convenient way for a user to protect a housing and display cover of a wristwatch or wrist-mountable device without having to store an extra piece of gear. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to a magnetic wristband having at least two wrapping configurations. 
     In a first embodiment a magnetic wristband is disclosed. The magnetic wristband may include at least the following: (1) a first wrist strap having a first end mechanically coupled to a first end of an object, the first wrist strap possibly including at least the following: a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a first group of magnets disposed between the first and second surface in accordance with a first polarity pattern; and (2) a second wrist strap having a first end mechanically coupled to a second end of the object, the second wrist strap possibly including at least: a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a second group of magnets disposed between the first and second surface in accordance with a second polarity pattern. In a first wrapping configuration the first wrist strap may be magnetically coupled concurrently to both the first and second surface of the second wrist strap, and in a second wrapping configuration the first wrist strap may be magnetically coupled only to the first surface of the second wrist strap. 
     In another embodiment an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include at least the following: (1) a housing having a first end and second end, the second end opposite the first end; (2) a display; (3) a user interface; and (4) a magnetic wristband. The magnetic wristband may include at least the following: (1) a first wrist strap having a first end mechanically coupled to the first end of the housing, the first wrist strap possibly including: a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a first group of magnets disposed between the first and second surface in accordance with a first polarity pattern; and (2) a second wrist strap having a first end mechanically coupled to the second end of the housing, the second wrist strap possibly including: a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a second set of magnets disposed between the first and second surface in accordance with a second polarity pattern. In a first wrapping configuration the first wrist strap may be magnetically coupled concurrently to both the first and second surface of the second wrist strap, and in a second wrapping configuration the first wrist strap may be magnetically coupled only to the first surface of the second wrist strap. 
     In yet another embodiment a magnetic wristband is disclosed. The magnetic wristband may include at least the following: (1) a first wrist strap having a first end rotatably coupled to a first end of an object, the first wrist strap possibly including at least the following: a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a number of magnetically attractable elements disposed between the first and second surface; and (2) a second wrist strap having a first end rotatably coupled to a second end of the object, the second wrist strap possibly including at least the following: a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a number of magnets disposed between the first and second surface in accordance with a polarity pattern. In a first wrapping configuration the first wrist strap may be magnetically coupled concurrently to both the first and second surface of the second wrist strap, and in a second wrapping configuration the first wrist strap may be magnetically coupled only to the first surface of the second wrist strap. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of a wrist-mountable electronic device configured with a magnetic wristband; 
         FIG. 1B  shows a perspective view of magnetic fields emanating from two magnets suitable for use within a magnetic wristband; 
         FIG. 1C  shows a perspective view of magnetic fields emanating from three magnets suitable for use within a magnetic wristband; 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  show cross sectional views of a wrist-mountable device and an associated wristband; 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  show cross sectional views of a portion of each of two wrist straps; 
         FIG. 4A  shows a wrist-mountable device and wristband in which magnetic elements are mixed with magnetically attractable elements; 
         FIG. 4B  shows a wristband having one wrist strap configured only with magnetically attractable elements and another wrist strap with magnets; 
         FIG. 5A  shows an electronic device configured with a wristband in one wrapping configuration; 
         FIG. 5B  shows an electronic device configured with a wristband in another wrapping configuration; 
         FIGS. 5C and 5D  show a number of magnetic fields associated with ring magnets suitable for use in a magnetic wristband; 
         FIG. 6  shows a block diagram describing a process for assembling a magnetic wristband and attaching it to an electronic device; 
         FIG. 7  shows a magnetic wrist-band configured to display a wrist-mountable device at a convenient viewing angle; 
         FIG. 8  shows how a magnetic wristband can be configured to attach a wrist-mountable device to a portable electronic computing device; and 
         FIGS. 9A-9B  show a number of ways in which a wrist-mountable device can be magnetically coupled to other devices. 
         FIG. 10  shows another embodiment of the electronic device of  FIG. 5A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS 
     Representative applications of an apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     Wristbands for wristwatches have traditionally served a single purpose of securing a watch to a user&#39;s wrist. In many cases the wristbands, especially in the case of many metal and plastic wristbands, tend to cause a display portion and portion of the housing of the wristwatch to be disposed in an outward facing manner, thereby putting the device in a vulnerable position. One solution that can provide protection for a wristwatch, or any other similarly configured device is a magnetic wristband having at least two configurations. In a first wrapping configuration the magnetic wristband can be attached to a user&#39;s wrist while in a second wrapping configuration the wristband can be wrapped around the device such that both an upper and lower surface of the device are substantially protected from damage while the device is not being worn. The first wrapping configuration is achieved by wrapping the wristband made up of two wrist straps around a user&#39;s wrist. Since the wrist straps include a number of magnets arranged with magnetic polarity patterns that are complementary to one another, the wrist straps become magnetically coupled around a user&#39;s wrist once they come in close proximity to one another. The second wrapping configuration is achieved by rotating a first strap of the wristband around a lower surface of the device and rotating a second strap of the wristband around an upper surface of the device. By continuing to rotate the first and second straps around the device a protective layer is formed around the device. As the wrist straps are wrapped on top of one another the magnetic fields of the two wrist straps are attracted to one another and firmly secure the wrist straps together in a protective configuration. When the wristband is made of a softer material than the housing and display portions of the device, such as for example fabric or leather the wristband itself can provide protection without posing any danger of causing damage to the device itself. 
     Various embodiments of a wristband suitable for use with a wrist-mountable device are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-6 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the full extent of the embodiments goes beyond these limited descriptions. 
       FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of wrist-mountable device  100  configured with magnetic wristband  150 . Wrist-mountable device  100  can include display  102 . Display  102  can be configured to provide information to a user. In some embodiments device  100  generates information displayed by display  102  while in other embodiments device  100  can be configured to display information on display  102  that is wirelessly transmitted from another device. In one more specific embodiment wrist-mountable device  100  can be utilized to display notifications from another device with which it is in communication. The notification can be displayed visually through display  102  or alternatively through a vibration element disposed within a housing of wrist-mountable device  100 . In yet other embodiments a speaker element can be disposed within wrist-mountable device  100  to provide an auditory indication of an event or status change that a user should be apprised of. Wrist-mountable device  100  can include a number of means for inputting information into wrist-mountable device  100 , such as for example buttons  104  or a touch screen sensor disposed across display  102 . In this way a user can interact with the wrist-mountable device. Display  102  can include a protective element configured to both protect display components within device  100  and in embodiments where display  102  is touch-enabled to provide a surface across which a user can comfortably provide touch inputs. In some exemplary embodiments the protective element can be made of glass while in other embodiments the protective element can be hard plastic. Still other materials such as transparent crystal, sapphire, or even diamond are also possible. 
       FIG. 1A  as mentioned also includes wristband  150 . In some embodiments wristband  150  can be in communication with wrist-mountable device  100 , either wirelessly or by a wired link. Wristband  150  includes a number of magnets  152 - 174  disposed within it. The magnets are arranged within wristband  150  such that magnetic polls emanating from magnets  152 - 174  are aligned parallel to the X-axis. When magnets are disposed in a fixed X-axis position within wristband  150 , wrist straps  176  and  178  are precisely aligned with respect to the X-axis once attached due to the two poll alignment of magnetically coupled magnets. Separation between magnets in each of the wrist straps results in discrete fastening positions in which wrist straps  154  and  156  can attach. By spacing the magnets in this way a size of wristband  150  is unlikely to change during wear when the magnets contained within wristband  150  are sufficiently strong. In one specific embodiments magnets  152 - 174  can be neodymium magnets. Neodymium magnets provide high attraction forces and can be configured with shaped magnetic fields allowing great variation in attraction between the magnets. Because the magnets are enclosed in a fabric or leather wrist strap  176  and  178 , brittleness of the magnets can be overcome as each of the magnets has a protective cover that prevents direct contact between the magnets and provides a cushioning effect as wrist straps  176  and  178  are magnetically coupled. Another advantage of the depicted embodiment is that since each magnet is configured to repel adjacent magnets, neither wrist strap  176  nor wrist strap  178  is susceptible to portions of the strap folding over on itself. For example, were a user to fold wrist strap  176  such that magnets  156  and  160  were in close proximity the two would tend to repel one another due to the orientation of magnets  156  and  160 . This prevents a user of device  100  from having to unfold each of wrist straps  176  and  178  prior to wearing the device. It should be noted that in addition to being mountable to a user&#39;s wrist or assuming a protective configuration, magnetic wristband  150  can also be used to magnetically couple wrist-mountable device  100  to a magnetically attractable device such as for example a surface of a refrigerator. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view of magnetic fields emanating from two magnets suitable for use within magnetic wrist straps  176  and  178 . In this view the wrist straps have been removed to more clearly illustrate magnetic field lines between magnets  156  and  158 . Since the polls are arranged opposite one another the field lines from each of magnets  156  and  158  cooperate and a strong attractive force between the magnets results.  FIG. 1C  shows magnetic fields for three vertically stacked magnets. Given alternating polarities as depicted all three magnets can be attracted together in a vertical stack configuration. Subsequent figures will depict why this is beneficial when the magnetic wristband assumes a protective configuration. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  show cross sectional views of wrist-mountable device  200  and associated wristband  250 .  FIG. 2A  shows a cross-sectional view of wrist-mountable device  200  in a wearable configuration. The depicted position shows the smallest possible size of depicted wrist-mountable device  200 . As can be appreciated such a configuration provides the most secure attachment since a total of six pairs of magnets are in magnetic contact with one another. As wristband  250  expands fewer magnet pairs hold wrist straps  252  and  254  together. In some embodiments wrist strap  254  can be designed to be longer so that a wider range of users can wear the device. In other embodiments wrist strap  254  and  252  can be of equal length thereby making the device easier to switch between wrists. When a user is done wearing wrist-mountable device  200 ,  FIG. 2B  shows how it can be placed into a protective configuration. In this configuration wrist strap  254  can be wrapped in an opposite direction such that a portion of wrist strap  254  is surrounded by magnets disposed both above and below it as depicted. Wristband  250  can be flexible enough that portion  256  of wrist strap  254  and portion  258  of wrist strap  252  can bend sharply around wrist-mountable device  200  thereby wrapping wrist-mountable device tightly within wristband  250 . 
       FIGS. 2C and 2D  show an alternate magnet configuration in which the polarity of adjacent magnets alternate. Such a configuration can prevent slipping between wrist straps  252  and  254  as adjacent magnetic connections would tend to hold the wristband in one position. In one embodiment the embedded magnets can be narrower and/or spaced more closely together, thereby allowing for more wristband size adjustments to be realized while maintaining the enhanced locking power between the wrist straps. In other embodiments a N N S S configuration or, a N N S N N configuration are both possible. Any reversible pattern or palindrome (i.e. that reads the same forwards or backwards) can be utilized such that the wrist straps will attach securely to each other in both a wearable configuration and a protective configuration. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  show cross sectional views of a portion of each of two wrist straps. A number of different magnet configurations involving configurations with magnetically neutral elements are depicted. Magnetically neutral elements are indicated by the letter U in  FIGS. 3A-3C . In some embodiments the magnetically neutral elements can be made of for example aluminum or plastic. The magnetically neutral elements can be utilized to provide a more consistent feeling around the wristband. Furthermore, since magnetic elements can be relatively expensive the magnetically neutral elements can be used in lieu of magnetic elements when sufficient adhesion strength can be achieved with fewer magnets, thereby reducing material prices.  FIG. 3A  shows wrist strap  302  and  304  configured in close proximity to one another with accompanying arrows between the two showing magnetic forces acting to pull the two wrist straps together. Also visible in  FIG. 3A  is a protective layer  306  disposed around a North polarized magnet. This protective layer  306  can be embodied as a thin layer of cushioning providing individual protection for the single magnet. Additionally, as discussed previously the wrist straps provide a certain amount of protection for the magnets. In one embodiment layer  308  of wrist strap  302  represents a layer of microfiber that encloses each magnet. In another embodiment layer  308  represents a layer of leather that encloses the magnetic elements. In yet another embodiment protective layer  306  can be coupled directly to layer  308 , thereby keeping each magnetic element in place within the wristband. 
       FIG. 3B  shows an alternative embodiment in which the magnets are arranged in a different polarity pattern. Each of the magnets can be held in place by a pocket arranged within the wrist strap. As depicted, magnet  310  lies within pocket  312  of wrist strap  314 . When pocket  312  wraps tightly around magnet  310  a consistent position of magnet  310  within the wrist strap can be achieved. When wrist strap  314  is made of a micro fiber or fabric material pocket  312  can be sewn into wrist strap  314 . In other embodiments partitions forming pocket  312  can be adhesively fixed within wrist strap  314 .  FIG. 3C  shows yet another magnetic element arrangement. In this embodiment the magnetic elements have a narrower geometry allowing for more frequent repetition of the more complex pattern of N N U S S U N N. In this embodiment each of both the magnets and the magnetically neutral spacers are shown having protective layers  306  disposed around them such that each of wrist straps  318  and  320  have a consistent feel across a circumference of the wristband when worn. 
       FIG. 4A  shows a wrist-mountable device  400  and wristband  450  in which magnets are mixed with magnetically attractable elements. In  FIG. 4A  wristband  450  is depicted with wrist strap  452  and wrist strap  454 . Wrist strap  452  is configured with a number of magnetically attractable elements, indicated by an M. In the depicted embodiment every fourth element is a north polarity magnet indicated by an N. By mixing magnets with magnetically attractable elements a reduction in a total number of magnets can be reduced while the remaining magnets can maintain strong connections in between certain portions of wrist strap  452  and  454 . By using a couple of magnets in each wrist strap alignment between the wrist straps can be maintained thereby overcoming a problem associated with magnetically attractable element which do not automatically align the wrist straps as two magnets can. In other embodiments wrist strap  452  can be configured without any magnets and only magnetically attractable elements. While a connection between wrist strap  454  and  452  can be somewhat weaker in such a configuration an exterior layer of magnetically attractable elements can reduce the risk of inadvertent interference between magnetic fields emanating from wristband  450  and other magnetized objects such as for example credit cards.  FIG. 4B  shows that a wristband  450  with wrist strap  452  configured only with magnetically attractable elements can be configured to assume a protective configuration in which the straps coordinate to protect wrist-mountable device  400 . Since wrist strap  454  with south polarized magnets are arranged between two portions of magnetically attractable strap  452 , both portions of magnetically attractable strap  452  are magnetically coupled to wrist strap  452 . In such a configuration the magnetically attractable elements can act as a shunt for the South polarized magnets, thereby helping to contain a magnetic field emanating from wrist strap  454 . It should be noted that in some embodiments a wristband can include magnets, magnetically attractable elements and magnetically neutral elements. 
       FIGS. 5A-5B  show electronic device  500  configured with wristband  550  in both a first wrapping configuration and in a second wrapping configuration.  FIG. 5A  shows a first wrapping configuration in which pairs of ring magnets are used in lieu of a bar magnet. The ring magnets are disposed within wrist straps  554  and  556 . As depicted a magnetic field associated with for example magnet  552  is aligned with the Z-axis as opposed to the embodiment from  FIG. 1A  in which each magnetic field is aligned along the X-axis. Precise alignment of wrist straps  554  and  556  can still be achieved due to the pair of magnets disposed within the wrist straps having opposing polarities. In one embodiment the magnets can be arranged in a repeating pattern in which polarities alternate between magnets as depicted. In other embodiments polarity patterns can be varied having polarity patterns similar to those depicted in  FIGS. 2A-4B . Also illustrated in  FIG. 5A  are attachment points  558 . Attachment points  558  can have a pin suspended between them such that wrist strap  554  can be rotatably coupled around the pin. In this way wrist straps  554  and  556  can freely rotate with respect to electronic device  500 .  FIG. 5B  shows a second wrapping configuration in which wrist straps  556  and  554  cooperate to cover bottom and top surfaces of electronic device  500 . In configurations where wristband  550  is thicker than an outer dimension of the electronic device (such as is shown in  FIG. 10 ), protection for lateral portions of the electronic device can be achieved as well. For example, wider wristband embodiments can help to prevent inadvertent actuation of buttons disposed on lateral portions of the electronic device. It should be noted that in some embodiments sensitive electrical components disposed within the housing of electronic device  500  can be shielded in a way that prevents magnetic field energy from causing undue interference to the sensitive electrical components. 
       FIGS. 5C and 5D  show magnetic fields associated with ring magnets.  FIG. 5C  shows a pair of ring magnets  572  and  574  in a configuration typically associated with the first wrapping configuration depicted in  FIG. 5A . Magnetic field  570  runs through a center portion of ring magnets  572  and  574 , thereby supplying an attractive magnetic force tending to couple the two ring magnets together. Since magnetic fields of magnets  576  and  578  are oriented in a direction opposite magnets  572  and  574 , there is no risk of for example ring magnet  578  being attracted to ring magnet  572 .  FIG. 5D  similarly shows a vertical stack of three magnets with associated magnetic fields passing through central portions of the magnets.  FIG. 5D  is representative of a configuration of magnets at a bottom portion of the wristband in the second wrapping configuration, specifically at the point where wrist strap  554  is magnetically coupled to both sides of wrist strap  556 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a block diagram describing process  600  for assembling a magnetic wristband and attaching it to an electronic device. In step  602  a number of magnets are inserted into a first wrist strap. The magnets are inserted in accordance with a first polarity pattern. The polarity pattern determines the magnetic orientation of a magnetic field associated with each of the inserted magnets. In some embodiments the polarity pattern of the inserted magnets is configured such that magnetic field orientations of adjacent magnets are the same. In other embodiments, magnetic field orientations can be alternating such that magnetic field orientations between adjacent magnets are oriented opposite one another. The first wrist strap can be configured to maintain adjacent magnets at a set spacing interval. In step  504  a number of magnets are inserted into a second wrist strap. Similar to step  502  the magnets are arranged within the second wrist strap having a second polarity pattern. The second polarity pattern is configured to be opposite the first polarity pattern, thereby causing the first and second wrist strap to attract to each other. Furthermore the polarity patterns are palindrome patterns allowing the polarity patterns to match up whether disposed against one another on a first surface of a wrist strap or a second surface of a wrist strap. In step  506  a first end of the first wrist strap is coupled to a first side of an electronic device. The coupling can be a mechanical coupling. In one embodiment a hole is disposed through one end of the wrist strap that can be attached to the electronic device by a pin, thereby allowing the first wrist strap to freely rotate with respect to the electronic device. In another embodiment the first end can be clamped by a clamping mechanism portion of the electronic device. It should be noted that any secure mechanical coupling can be used to couple the wrist straps to the device. In step  508  a first end of the second wrist strap is coupled to a second side of the electronic device. This allows the first and second wrist straps to form a magnetic wristband allowing the electronic device to be attached to a wrist of a user. The magnetic wristband is also operable to act as a protective cover for the electronic device when a user is not wearing it. 
       FIG. 7  shows a magnetic wristband coupled to a wrist-mountable device. The magnetic wristband includes at least magnetic wrist strap  702  and  704 . In one embodiment magnetic wrist strap  702  can be configured with magnets in a configuration similar to the configuration shown in  FIG. 4B . By rolling magnetic strap  702  up as depicted the magnetic wrist strap can be used as a stand to prop wrist-mountable device  706  at a convenient viewing angle. Magnetic strap  702  can maintain a secure configuration since magnets within magnetic strap  702  can be attracted to one another. Magnetic strap  704  can have magnetically attractable elements disposed within it, causing at least end  708  of magnetic strap  708  to be magnetically attracted to magnetic strap  702 . In this way magnetic straps  702  and  704  can be neatly stowed behind wrist-mountable device  706 , while displaying wrist-mountable device  706  at a convenient viewing angle. 
       FIG. 8  shows a portable electronic computing device. Wrist-mountable device  802  can be magnetically coupled to portable electronic computing device  804  in a number of ways. When wrist-mountable device  802  is coupled to magnetic wrist straps, the magnetic wrist straps can be magnetically coupled to a magnetically attractable portion of portable electronic computing device  804 . Alternatively, a magnetically attracable clip  806  can be coupled to portable electronic device  804 , allowing magnetic elements within wrist straps associated with magnetically attractable device  802  to be securely coupled to it. Such a configuration can be highly desirable when wrist-mountable device  802  is in communication with portable electronic computing device  804 . For example, wrist-mountable device  802  can be wireless communication with portable electronic computing device  804  via any number of wireless protocols such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or any other protocol capable of at least one way communication. In a connected state wrist-mountable device  802  can be configured to display critical alerts or information to a user. Alternatively, a information sync can be accomplished between the two devices. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  show various other ways in which a wrist-mountable device can be conveniently positioned through the use of a magnetic wristband. In  FIG. 9A  wrist-mountable device  902  can be magnetically attracted to refrigerator  904 A. Such a configuration can be desirable when a user of the wrist-mountable device doesn&#39;t wish to be wearing the device but still wants convenient access to it. In a kitchen, for example, a user could utilize such a device as a timer or convenient way to browse a certain recipe that was stored on wrist-mountable device  902 . In  FIG. 9B , wrist-mountable device  902  is shown magnetically coupled to computing device  904 B. Computing device  904 B can be configured with a number of magnets  906 . In one embodiment magnets  906  can be generally configured to couple a sheet of cover glass to a front portion of the display. In such a configuration, wrist-mountable device  902  can be configured to be magnetically attracted to those same magnets to securely couple the device to computing device  904 B. In such a position, as discussed in  FIG. 8 , wrist-mountable device can be configured to interact with computing device  904 B. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20140310
Publication Date: 20190219
Grant Date: 20190219
Priority Date: 20130315
Inventors: DE JONG, ERIK G.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2071", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B1/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2001/0035", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/0007", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/16", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2071", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/20", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/2071", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/0007", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/16", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/0007", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/0007", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/16", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44D2203/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2200/83", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B1/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50686103