PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10306972-B2
Application Number: US-201615166204-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Securement apparatus having a concealed structural component

Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a securement apparatus, such as a lanyard, that has increased tensile strength and shear strength when compared with a conventional securement apparatus. The securement apparatus includes a connector extending from a connector body, a strap coupled to the connector body, and a structural component. The structural component has a tapered geometry such that a first end that is contained within the connector body has a first width and/or height and a second end that transitions from the connector body into the strap has a second width and/or height that is less than the first width and/or height.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A securement apparatus for an electronic device, comprising:
 a connector body; 
 a connector extending from the connector body and operative to connect to the electronic device; 
 a flexible strap coupled to the connector body and having a first end and a second end coupled to the connector body, the connector body having a maximum dimension that is larger than a maximum dimension of the flexible strap; 
 a structural component within the flexible strap and tapering from a maximum dimension of the structural component within the connector body to a point within the flexible strap and outside the connector body; and 
 a pin mechanism coupled to the first end of the strap and the second end of the strap and operative to secure the flexible strap within the connector body. 
 
     
     
       2. The securement apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the maximum dimension of the structural component is a width of the structural component. 
     
     
       3. The securement apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the maximum dimension of the structural component is a height of the structural component. 
     
     
       4. The securement apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the structural component further comprises strands arranged in an orientation that is offset from both a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis of the structural component. 
     
     
       5. The securement apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pin mechanism is received in an aperture defined by an end of the structural component. 
     
     
       6. The securement apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first adhesive layer positioned between a first side of the structural component and a first side of the flexible strap; and 
 a second adhesive layer positioned between a second side of the structural component and a second side of the flexible strap. 
 
     
     
       7. A securement apparatus, comprising:
 a cover portion; and 
 a strap, comprising:
 a first end coupled to the cover portion; 
 a second end coupled to the cover portion; 
 a first tapered component extending within the cover portion and the first end of the strap; 
 a second tapered component extending within the cover portion and the second end of the strap; and 
 a reinforcement component positioned between the first tapered component and the second tapered component, wherein the reinforcement component defines an aperture for receiving a pin mechanism; 
 wherein the first tapered component and the second tapered component each have a teardrop shape and are configured to resist tearing of the strap. 
 
 
     
     
       8. The securement apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising the pin mechanism being coupled to the first end of the strap and the second end of the strap, and operative to secure the strap within the cover portion. 
     
     
       9. The securement apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the reinforcement component has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. 
     
     
       10. The securement apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the first tapered component and the second tapered component each have a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. 
     
     
       11. The securement apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising a connector extending from the cover portion and operative to secure the cover portion and the strap to an electronic device. 
     
     
       12. The securement apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the strap comprises:
 a first material on a first side of the strap; 
 a second material on a second side of the strap; and 
 a portion of each of the first material and the second material are coupled to respective portions of the first tapered component and the second tapered component using an adhesive. 
 
 
     
     
       13. A lanyard for an electronic device, comprising:
 a connector body defining a first side and a second side; 
 a connector extending from the first side of the connector body and operative to removably attach the lanyard to the electronic device; 
 a strap having first and second ends coupled to the second side of the connector body, thereby forming a loop; 
 a first structural component, comprising:
 a first head portion defining a first aperture; and 
 a first tapered body portion extending along the first end of the strap; 
 
 a second structural component, comprising:
 a second head portion defining a second aperture; 
 a second tapered body portion extending along the second end of the strap; 
 a pin mechanism contained within the connector body and coupled to the first structural component and the second structural component by the first aperture and the second aperture; and 
 a reinforcement component positioned within the connector body and between the first head portion of the first structural component and the second head portion of the second structural component, wherein the reinforcement component is coupled to the first head portion of the first structural component and the second head portion of the second structural component by an adhesive. 
 
 
     
     
       14. The lanyard of  claim 13 , wherein the strap comprises:
 a first material coupled to a first side of the first tapered body portion and a first side of the second tapered body portion; and 
 a second material coupled to a second side of the first tapered body portion and a second side of the second tapered body portion. 
 
     
     
       15. The lanyard of  claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of the first tapered body portion and at least a portion of the second tapered body portion are contained within the connector body.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to a securement apparatus. The securement apparatus may be a lanyard or other such mechanism that may be used to secure an object to an individual. The securement apparatus of the present disclosure includes a concealed structural component having a shape that decreases or eliminates discontinuities in the stiffness between different portions of the securement apparatus while providing increased tensile strength and shear strength. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Lanyards, and other types of securement apparatuses, are typically used to secure one or more objects to an individual. For example, a lanyard is typically worn around a neck, shoulder, arm, or wrist of an individual and may be used to carry keys, access or identification cards, and so on. In other examples, lanyards may be used to secure a remote control, a gaming controller, and the like to the individual. 
     However, lanyards have a tendency to break or tear when an individual inadvertently or deliberately pulls or yanks on the straps of the lanyard. In other cases, the straps of the lanyard wear during use and thus be more susceptible to breaking. When the straps of the lanyard break, any object that is attached to the lanyard may be lost. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein is a securement apparatus for securing an object to an individual. The securement apparatus of the present disclosure includes a structural component that increases tensile strength and shear strength of the securement apparatus. The structural component also has a shape that decreases or eliminates stiffness discontinuity between different portions of the securement apparatus. The securement apparatus may be a lanyard, a strap, a band, or any other mechanism that may be used to secure an object to an individual. 
     The present disclosure also describes a securement apparatus for an electronic device. The securement apparatus comprises a connector body, a connector extending from the connector body and operative to connect to the electronic device and a flexible strap coupled to the connector body. The securement apparatus also includes a structural component comprising a first end contained within the connector body, and a second end. The second end is opposite the first end and extends along and/or into the flexible strap and tapers such that the first end has a first dimension and the second end has a second dimension that is less than the first dimension. The first end may be within the connector body and the strap simultaneously, insofar as the strap may be received within the connector body. 
     Also disclosed is a securement apparatus comprising a cover portion and a strap having a first end and a second end. A first tapered component is contained within the cover portion and within the first end of the strap. A second tapered component is also contained within the cover portion and within the second end of the strap. Each of the first end and the second end are coupled to the cover portion and the first and second tapered components are configured to resist tearing of the strap. 
     Also disclosed is a lanyard for an electronic device. The lanyard includes a connector body defining a first side and a second side, a connector extending from the first side of the connector body and operative to removably attach the lanyard to the electronic device. The lanyard also includes a strap having first and second ends that are coupled to the second side of the connector body, thereby forming a loop. A first structural component is also included. The first structural component comprises a first head portion defining a first aperture and a first tapered body portion that extends along the first end of the strap. The lanyard also includes a second structural component that comprises a second head portion defining a second aperture and a second tapered body portion that extends along the second end of the strap. A pin mechanism is contained within the connector body and is coupled to the first structural component and the second structural component by the first aperture and the second aperture. The first structural component is configured to reduce a stiffness discontinuity of the first end of the strap and the second structural component is configured to reduce a stiffness discontinuity of the second end of the strap. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example securement apparatus that may use or incorporate a structural component such as described herein; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the example securement apparatus of  FIG. 1  attached to an example remote control and secured to an individual; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a first example structural component contained within an example securement apparatus; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a second example structural component contained within an example securement apparatus; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a side view of an example securement apparatus having a structural component; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a side of an example securement apparatus in which the structural component reduces or otherwise eliminates stiffness discontinuity between different portions of the securement apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example securement apparatus; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of a structural component that may be used or incorporated by a securement apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure is directed to a securement apparatus, such as, for example, a lanyard, a strap, a belt, a leash, a cord or any other attachment apparatus for securing an object to an individual. The securement apparatus includes a connector body. The connector body may be made of plastic, metal, rubber, or other material. A connector extends from the connector body and is configured to be secured to an object. For example, the connector may be inserted into or otherwise coupled to a remote control, a keycard, a key, or any other object. A flexible or bendable strap extends from a second end of the connector body. The strap may be used to secure the object to an individual. For example, the strap may be placed around a wrist, hand, arm, or shoulder of the individual. The term “strap” is generally intended to encompass any of the foregoing. 
     The securement apparatus also includes a structural component. The structural component may be contained, or otherwise concealed within, the securement apparatus. The structural component has a head portion and a body portion. The head portion is contained within the connector body. The body portion extends from the connector body into the strap. Insofar as the strap may be partially within the connector body, the strap may encompass or otherwise receive an entirety of the structural component (although this is not necessary). The structural component increases tensile strength and shear strength of the securement apparatus. As used herein, the term “tensile strength” means an amount of force required to pull an object until it breaks. The term “shear strength” means the amount of shear stress the object can withstand without rupturing or tearing (e.g., along a plane that is parallel to the direction of applied force on the object). 
     The structural component also decreases or eliminates discontinuities in the stiffness that may be present in the strap, and more specifically, at an interface between the strap and the connector body, as a result of the structural component extending from the connector body and into the strap. As used herein, the terms “stiffness discontinuity” and/or “discontinuities in stiffness” mean that a first portion of the securement apparatus is stiffer than a second portion of the securement apparatus. Any stiffness discontinuity may affect the feel of the securement apparatus (e.g., some portions of the flexible strap of the securement apparatus may be soft while other portions are hard, bend less readily, and/or have higher bend resistance), and it may also affect the aesthetics of the securement apparatus. For example, when the strap of the securement apparatus bends, the strap may have sharp or pronounced bend angles at a transition point within the strap where the structural component ends. 
     More specifically, the strap of the securement apparatus may be made from a soft, pliable material. Accordingly, the strap may be flexible or bendable. However, it may be relatively easy to inadvertently rip, tear or yank the strap out of the connector body. The structural component may be made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The harder PET material increases the tensile strength and shear strength of the strap. 
     However, due to the difference in the stiffness or the hardness between the structural component and the strap, a user may be able to feel, but not see, the structural component within the strap and/or feel where the structural component ends. In addition, when the strap is bent or is otherwise manipulated, the portions of the strap having the structural component have a higher bend resistance while the portions of the strap without the structural component are more pliable. As such, the strap may have a rigid bend at a transition point where the structural component ends. 
     In order to remedy this, the structural component has at least one dimension that gradually decreases along its length. For example, a width and/or a height of the structural component may gradually decrease along its length. Accordingly, the head portion of the structural component has a first width and/or height and the body portion of the structural component has a width and/or height that gradually decreases along its length to a second width and/or height. In some embodiments, the body portion may terminate at a point. As such, the shape of the structural component may be described as a teardrop shape or as having a tapered geometry. 
     The decrease in the width and/or height from the head portion to the end of the body portion may be linear or substantially linear. In other embodiments, the decrease in the width and/or the height from the head portion to the end of the body portion may be a sawtooth, a stair-step, a sinusoid or other curve, and so on. In some implementations, the tapered geometry of the structural component may be caused by stacking and/or placing different layers of material on top of one another and/or adjacent one another. 
     Due to the tapered geometry of the structural component, the body portion of the structural component is pliable. Accordingly, any stiffness discontinuity between different portions of the securement apparatus, such as, for example, a portion of the strap in which the structural component is contained and a portion of the strap in which the structural component is not contained, may be reduced or eliminated. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example securement apparatus  100 . As will be described herein, the securement apparatus  100  may include a structural component (e.g., a reinforcement structure) that increases the tensile strength and shear strength of the securement apparatus  100  while reducing or eliminating stiffness discontinuity between various portions of the securement apparatus  100 . In one example embodiment, the securement apparatus  100  is a lanyard. Although a lanyard is shown in  FIG. 1 , the securement apparatus  100  may be a strap, a band, a leash, a belt, a cord, or any such device that may be used to secure an object to an individual. 
     The securement apparatus  100  may include a strap  110 , a connector  120 , and a connector body  130 . The connector  120  may extend from the connector body  130  and may be used to removably secure or couple the securement apparatus  100  to an object. 
     The strap  110  may be a single strap having a first end and a second end. Each of the first end and the second end may be coupled to the connector body  130  or otherwise extend from the connector body  130  such that the strap  110  forms a loop. The loop may then be secured to an individual. For example, the individual may place her arm, wrist, hand, or shoulder in the loop to carry or hold the object that is attached to the securement apparatus  100 . 
     In some instances, the strap  110  may be flexible or bendable. As such, the strap  110  may be made from a pliable material such as, for example, rubber, leather, polyurethane, microfiber, or other such materials. The pliable material may provide a level of comfort to the individual when the strap  110  is secured to the individual. In some instances, a first side of the strap  110  is made from a first material while a second side of the strap  110  is made from a second, different material. 
     The securement apparatus  100  may also include a sliding mechanism  140 . The sliding mechanism  140  may move along the strap  110  in the direction of arrow  150  in order to tighten or loosen the strap  110  on the individual. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the example securement apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1  attached to an example remote control  200  and also secured to an individual. In this example embodiment, the connector  120  is used to removably attach the securement apparatus  100  to the remote control  200 . For example, the connector  120  may be inserted into a receiving port of the remote control  200 . The strap  110  may then be wrapped around a wrist  210  of the individual. The individual may use the sliding mechanism  140  to loosen or tighten the strap  110  around her wrist  210 . 
     Although a remote control  200  is specifically shown, the securement apparatus  100  may be used with a variety of electronic devices and other objects. For example, the securement apparatus  100  may be removably coupled to a telephone, a tablet computer, a portable music player, an identification card, an access key, car keys, a wallet, or any other object. 
     Regardless of the device or object the securement apparatus  100  is coupled to, a structural component contained within the connector body  130  and extending along or otherwise within the strap  110  increases the tensile strength and the shear resistance of the securement apparatus  100 . The structural component may be fully within the strap  110  or only partially within the strap  110 . Thus, when the object, such as the remote control  200 , is being held or is otherwise being used or carried by the individual, there may be less risk of the strap  110  tearing or being yanked or pulled out of the connector body  130 . 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates an example structural component  340  that may be contained within a securement apparatus  300 . The securement apparatus  300  may be similar to the securement apparatus  100  shown and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-2 . Accordingly, the securement apparatus  300  may include a flexible strap  310 , a connector  320 , and a connector body  330 . The connector  320  may extend from a first side of the connector body  330  and be used to removably couple the securement apparatus  300  to an object. The strap  310  may extend from a second side of the connector body  330 . In some implementations, the strap  310  may be a single unitary piece in which a first end of the strap  310  is connected to a first portion of the connector body  330  and a second end of the strap  310  is connected to a second portion of the connector body  330  such that the strap  310  forms a loop. The connector body  330  may be made of plastic, rubber, metal, or other material. The connector  320  and the strap  310  may function in a similar manner such as described above. 
     The strap  310  may be made from a pliable material. For example, the strap  310  may be made from cloth, leather, rubber, polyurethane, microfibers, and so on. While these materials may be soft and/or comfortable when the strap  310  is worn by the individual, these materials are also susceptible to ripping or tearing—especially at the point where the strap  310  is coupled to, or otherwise extends from, the connector body  330 . 
     Accordingly, the securement apparatus  300  includes a structural component  340  that is integrated with, or otherwise affixed to, the connector body  330  and the strap  310 . The structural component  340  is configured to resist tearing of the strap  310 . In some embodiments, the structural component  340  is entirely contained within the strap  310  and/or the connector body  330  such that it is not visible to a user. For example, the structural component may be fully within the strap and a portion of the strap may be contained within the connector body, such that the structural component is partly within the connector body and partly outside the connector body as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     The structural component  340  may be made from PET although other materials may be used. The structural component  340  may be coupled or adhered to one or more inner surfaces of the strap  310  which increases the tensile strength and shear resistance of the securement apparatus  300 . For example, the stiffness or the hardness of the structural component  340  makes the strap  310  more resistant to being yanked out of the connector body  330  and also makes it harder to tear or rip the strap  310 . However, in the event the securement apparatus  300  gets caught on an object or is at risk for harming the user, the structural component  340  and/or the strap  310  are configured to break when a threshold amount of force is provided to the securement apparatus  300 . 
     The structural component  340  includes a first portion, also referred to as a head portion  360  and a second portion also referred to as body portion  350 . The body portion  350  may extend from the head portion  360  and form a unitary structure. The head portion  360  may have a first dimension and/or shape. For example, the head portion  360  may be rounded and have a first width. The body portion  350  may have a second dimension and/or shape. For example, the body portion  350  may have a second width that is less than the first width. As such, the structural component  340  is tapered in at least one plane or dimension. However, the structural component  340  can also be tapered in another plane or dimension. For example, the head portion  360  may have a first height and the body portion  350  has a second height that is less that the first height. 
     More specifically, the width and/or the height of the structural component  340  gradually decreases along its length from the head portion  360  to the body portion  350 . In some embodiments, the decrease in the width and/or the height may be gradual along a first portion of the body portion  350  and become more pronounced toward the end of the body portion  350 . The decrease in the width and/or the height may be linear or substantially linear. In other implementations, the structural component  340  may be a stair-step, a sawtooth, a sinusoid or any other non-linear configuration along its length. For example, different layers of a PET film or other materials having different lengths and/or widths may be stacked on top of one another to provide the tapered geometry. 
     The head portion  360  may be entirely contained within the connector body  330  (and, optionally, also within the strap  310 ). The body portion  350  may be partially contained within the connector body  330  and extend into and/or along the strap  310 , outside of the connector body. In some embodiments, one end of the body portion  350  may extend into and/or along the strap  310  such as shown in  FIG. 3A . More specifically, the tapered section of the body portion  350  of the structural component  340  may be pointed away from the connector body  330  and toward a middle or center portion of the strap  310 , as well as being positioned outside the connector body. In some instances, the structural component  340  may be entirely contained with the connector body  330  and the strap  310  such that the structural component  340  is hidden from view. 
     In some embodiments, a majority of the length of the body portion  350  may extend into and/or along the strap  310  such as shown in  FIG. 3B . In yet another embodiment, the body portion  350  may have a length that extends the entire length of the strap  310 . In each embodiment, a width and/or a height of the body portion  350  may decrease along its length. 
     Although the structural component  340  increases the durability of the securement apparatus  300 , it may not be desirable to have a first portion of the strap  310  look thicker, bend differently or feel different from a second portion of the strap  310 . For example, the portion of the strap  310  that includes the body portion  350  of the structural component  340  may be more stiff than a portion of the strap  310  that does not include the body portion  350 . Likewise, the portion of the strap  310  that includes the body portion  350  may bend differently (e.g., have more pronounced bend angles) than the portion of the strap  310  that does not include the body portion  350 . 
     In order to reduce or eliminate any stiffness discontinuity between various portions of the strap  310 , the structural component  340  has the tapered geometry such as described above. The tapered geometry enables one portion of the structural component  340  to have a first rigidity while a second portion of the structural component  340  has a second rigidity that is less than the first rigidity. For example, the head portion  360  of the structural component  340  may have a first rigidity while the body portion  350  of the structural component  340  is more pliable. As described above, as the width and/or the height of the body portion  350  decreases along its length, it becomes more pliable. Thus, the head portion  360  may act to increase the tensile strength of the strap  310  while the body portion  350  may bend and move with the strap  310  as it has a smaller width and/or height. 
     The head portion  360  may define an aperture  370 . The aperture  370  may receive a pin or other attachment mechanism that couples the strap  310  to the connector body  330 . The pin may also be used to secure structural component  340  to the strap  310 . 
     In some implementations, the connector body  330  may have a recess or an aperture that receives one or both ends of the strap  310  and the pin. The strap  310  may then extend from the connector body  330  such as shown. In another embodiment, the connector body  330  may be press-fit or molded over the pin and the strap  310 . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a side view of an example securement apparatus  400  or lanyard having a reinforcement structure taking the form of a tapered component  440 . The securement apparatus  400  may be similar to the securement apparatus  100  shown and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-2  and the securement apparatus  300  described above with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3B . Likewise, the tapered component  440  may be similar to the structural components described above. 
     The securement apparatus  400  may include a cover portion  430  (which may be similar to, or the same as, the aforementioned connector body), a connector  420  extending from a first side of the cover portion  430  and a strap  410  extending from a second side of the cover portion  430 . The cover portion  430  is configured to be held by a user when the user connects the securement apparatus  400  to an object. The cover portion  430  may also conceal the one or more ends of the strap  410  and the tapered component  440 . For example, the strap  410  may be a unitary strap  410  having a first end that is coupled to a first portion of the cover portion  430  and a second end that is connected to a second portion of the cover portion  430 . Although the strap  410  is described as a unitary strap, in other embodiments, the strap  410  may be formed from multiple segments. 
     The securement apparatus  400  also includes a tapered component  440 . More specifically, each end of the strap  410  that is coupled to the cover portion  430  has an integrated tapered component  440 . The tapered component  440  has a first portion  460  and a second portion  450 . The first portion  460  may be contained within or otherwise be coupled to the cover portion  430 . The second portion  450  may be partially contained within the cover portion  430  and also within the strap  410 . In some embodiments, the first end of the strap  410  and the second end of the strap  410  may also be at least partially contained within the cover portion  430 . 
     The securement apparatus  400  also includes a reinforcement component  445 . The reinforcement component  445  may be positioned or otherwise sandwiched between each of the tapered components  440 . The reinforcement component  445  may be made from the same material as the tapered components  440  and be used to further increase the tensile strength of the securement apparatus  400 . 
     The tapered component  440  may be used to increase the tensile strength and the shear strength of the securement apparatus  400 . The tapered component  440  may have a tapered geometry such as described above. In some instances, an end or point of the tapered component  440  may be pointed away from the cover portion  430  and into the strap  410 . The tapered geometry acts to reduce or eliminate stiffness discontinuity that may be present in the strap  410 . 
     For example, and as shown in  FIG. 4B , the tapered geometry of the second portion  450  of the tapered component  440  enables the tapered component  440  to bend along with the strap  410 . As such, the strap  410  has a rounded and continuous bend, even in the portions of the strap  410  that include the second portion  450  of the tapered component  440 . More specifically, as one or more dimensions of the second portion  450  get smaller due to the taper, the bend resistance of the tapered component  440  decreases. As the bend resistance decreases, the second portion  450  of the tapered component  440  exhibits the rounded and continuous bend shown in  FIG. 4B . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example securement apparatus  500 . The securement apparatus  500  may be similar to the securement apparatuses or lanyards previously described herein. Accordingly, the securement apparatus may include a connector, a connector body, and a strap. However, for clarity purposes, the connector body and the connector are omitted from  FIG. 5 . Additionally, the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5  illustrates first and second ends of the same strap. 
     The strap of the securement apparatus  500  may be made from various layers. Each of the layers may be pressed together, or otherwise formed into a single strap. In one embodiment, the strap of the securement apparatus may include a first outer layer  510 . The first outer layer  510  may be made from a pliable material. In one specific example, the first outer layer  510  may be polyurethane. In another embodiment, the first outer layer  510  may be nylon, rubber, leather, or other pliable material. The first outer layer  510  may define an aperture in which a pin mechanism  505  may be placed. 
     The securement apparatus  500  also includes adhesive layers  515  and  520 . Adhesive layers  515  and  520  may be used to couple the first outer layer  510  to a first side of a first structural component  525 . For example, adhesive layer  515  may be used to couple a head portion of the first outer layer  510  to a head portion of the first structural component  525  and adhesive layer  520  may be used to couple the remaining portion of the first outer layer  510  to the body portion of the first structural component  525 . Although adhesive layers  515  and  520  are shown as separate adhesive layers, each of the adhesive layers  515  and  520  may be a single layer. In addition, although an adhesive layer is specifically mentioned, a film or other coupling substance may be used to couple the first outer layer  510  to the first structural component  525 . 
     The first structural component  525  may be similar to the structural components described herein. For example, the structural component  525  may be similar to the structural component  340  of  FIGS. 3A-3B  and the tapered component  440  of  FIGS. 4A-4B . Accordingly, the first structural component  525  may have a tapered geometry with respect to its width and/or height. 
     The securement apparatus  500  may also include a first inner layer  535 . The first inner layer  535  may be made from a microfiber, a fabric, or other material. In some embodiments, the first inner layer  535  may be made from the same material as the first outer layer  510 . The first inner layer  535  may be coupled and secured to a second side of the first structural component  525  using an adhesive layer  530 . The adhesive layer  530  and the adhesive layer  520  may also be coupled to each other such that the first structural component  525  is sandwiched between these layers. Additionally, the adhesive layer  530  and the adhesive layer  520  may be coupled to each other and ultimately couple the first outer layer  510  to the first inner layer  535 . 
     The securement apparatus  500  also includes a reinforcement component  545 . The reinforcement component  545  may be made from a similar material as the first structural component  525 . For example, the reinforcement component  545  may be made from PET. The reinforcement component  545  may be used to further increase the tensile strength of the securement apparatus  500 . In some embodiments, the reinforcement component  545  may be omitted. 
     The reinforcement component  545  may be coupled to the first structural component  525  by an adhesive layer  540 . Another adhesive layer  550  may be used to couple a second side of the reinforcement component  545  to a first side of a second structural component  565 . 
     The securement apparatus  500  may also include a second inner layer  555 . In some instances, such as when the strap is a single unitary piece, the second inner layer  555  is an extension of the first inner layer  535 . As such, the second inner layer  555  may be made from the same material as the first inner layer  535 . The second inner layer  555  is coupled to a first side of the second structural component  565  using an adhesive layer  560 . The second structural component  565  is also coupled to a second outer layer  580  using adhesive layers  570  and  575 . Adhesive layers  570  and  575  may be similar to adhesive layers  515  and  520 . Just as the second inner layer  555  is an extension of the first inner layer  535 , the second outer layer  580  may be an extension of the first outer layer  510 . 
     Each of the first outer layer  510 , adhesive layers  515 ,  540 ,  550  and  575 , the first structural component  525 , the reinforcement component  545 , the second structural component  565  and the second outer layer  580  may each define an aperture. These apertures may receive the pin mechanism  505  that further secures each of these layers together. In addition, the pin mechanism  505  may be used to secure all of the constructed layers of the strap within a connector body of the securement apparatus  500 . For example, the connector body of the securement apparatus may include a recess that receives the pin mechanism  505 . 
     In some embodiments, a width of each of the layers may be equivalent or substantially equivalent to one another. For example, the first outer layer  510  may have a width that is equivalent or substantially equivalent to the adhesive layer  520 . Likewise, a width of a portion of the first structural component  525  (e.g., a head portion and/or at least a portion of the body portion) may be equivalent or substantially equivalent to a width of the first outer layer  510  and the first inner layer  535 . 
     In some embodiments, each of the first structural component  525  and the second structural component  565  have a thickness of approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 0.5 mm, although other values may be used. The reinforcement component  545  may have a thickness of approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 0.1 mm, although other values may be used. 
     In some embodiments, thicknesses of the first structural component  525  and/or the second structural component  565  may change from a first end to a second end. For example, the head portion of the first structural component  525  may have a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm while the body portion has a thickness of approximately 0.05 mm. 
     In such embodiments, the thickness or the height of each of the first structural component  525  and the second structural component  565  may gradually decrease along its length. For example, as the width of the first structural component  525  decreases along its length, the thickness of the first structural component  525  also decreases along its length. 
     As discussed above, the pin mechanism  505  may be used to secure the strap of the securement apparatus  500  within the connector body. However, the pin mechanism  505  may also be used to ensure the one or more straps of the securement apparatus  500  break when a particular amount of force is provided on the securement apparatus. 
     For example, the securement apparatus  500 , and more specifically the first structural component  525  and/or the second structural component  565  are configured to rip, tear or otherwise break when a threshold amount of force is applied to the securement apparatus. This is primarily for user safety. For example, if a user has secured the securement apparatus  500  around her wrist and the securement apparatus gets caught on an object or could otherwise cause harm to the user, the straps of the securement apparatus  500  are configured to tear, rip or break, such that the user is able to remover her wrist from the securement apparatus  500 . In some embodiments, the structural components  525  and  565  are configured to break near the aperture that receives the pin mechanism  505 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of a structural component  600  that may be used or incorporated by a securement apparatus. The structural component  600  may be similar to any of the structural components described above. Accordingly, the structural component  600  has a tapered geometry such as described above. For example, the structural component  600  has a first end and a tapered second end. The second end is opposite the first end such as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     As discussed above, the structural component  600  may be used to increase the tensile strength and shear strength of a securement apparatus. As such, the structural component  600  may be made from PET or other such material. The structural component  600  may also include various strands  610 . These strands  610  may be carbon strands that are present in the PET when the structural component  600  is manufactured. In some embodiments, additional strands may be inserted into the structural component  600 . The additional strands may be glass fiber strands or additional carbon fiber strands that act to further increase the tensile strength provided by the structural component  600 . 
     In some embodiments, the alignment of the strands  610  may be set during the manufacturing process. For example, during the manufacturing process, the roll direction of the PET may be used to align the strands  610  in a particular orientation. The alignment of the strands  610  may also affect the tensile strength of the structural component  600 . 
     In some embodiments, the structural component  600  is manufactured such that the strands  610  are offset from a longitudinal axis or transverse axis of the structural component  600 . In other embodiments, the structural component  600  is manufactured such that the strands  610  are aligned with either the longitudinal axis or transverse axis of the structural component  600 . This may increase a resistance of the structural component to tearing, ripping, or otherwise separating under force along the longitudinal and/or transverse axes of the component. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160526
Publication Date: 20190604
Grant Date: 20190604
Priority Date: 20160526
Inventors: MENDEZ, JAVIER
STANLEY, CRAIG M.
BUSHNELL, TYLER S.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A45F2005/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2200/055", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2200/0508", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2200/0516", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/008", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/1516", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/1508", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/155", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/008", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/1516", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/155", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/1508", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/008", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 60420601