Frictional stabilization of band and securement mechanism
A band is disclosed which attaches to a portable electronic device. The band includes a flexible length of material which forms a loop into which a pin is inserted. In one embodiment, the loop has an insert with a protrusion therein. The protrusion frictionally contacts the pin. In another embodiment the pin includes an elastomeric surface. The elastomeric surface may include O-rings between two pin portions such that the amount of the elastomeric surface extending beyond the pin may be adjusted. In another embodiment, the elastomeric surface includes a sleeve on the pin.
1. An attachment mechanism for a watch, the attachment mechanism comprising:
a securement mechanism removably attachable to a body of the watch;
a pin attached to the securement mechanism;
a band forming a loop through which the pin passes; and
a frictional insert within the loop, and engaging the pin and the band; wherein:
the frictional insert is shaped to occupy a space defined by the pin and the band;
the frictional insert tapers along its length from a first end abutting the pin to a second, smaller end that is opposite the first end; and
the frictional insert is configured to increase friction between the pin and the band, thereby reducing motion of the band with respect to the pin.
2. A watch comprising:
a watch body; and
the attachment mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the securement mechanism is removably attached to the watch body.
3. The attachment mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the frictional insert is formed on the band.
4. The attachment mechanism of claim 3 , wherein the frictional insert is made from polyurethane.
5. The attachment mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the frictional insert comprises:
an insert body having a first dimension and abutting the band; and
a neck having a second dimension and abutting the pin; wherein
the first dimension is less than the second dimension.
6. The attachment mechanism of claim 5 , wherein the neck is a rib formed unitarily with the insert body.
7. The attachment mechanism of claim 5 , wherein the insert body is formed from a separate material from the neck.
8. The attachment mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the frictional insert is an elastic collar.
9. The attachment mechanism of claim 8 , wherein:
the elastic collar is received within a seam of the pin; and
a surface of the elastic collar is offset by an offset distance from a surface of the pin.
10. The attachment mechanism of claim 9 , wherein the offset distance is controlled by compressing the elastic collar.
11. A method for controlling motion of a band with respect to a securement mechanism of an electronic device, comprising:
adjusting an offset distance between a securement mechanism and the band;
in response to adjusting the offset distance, increasing a friction between an elastic element and the band; and
in response to increasing the friction between the elastic element and the band, maintaining a spatial relationship between the securement mechanism and the band.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the elastic element encircles a pin of the securement mechanism.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the elastic element is received in a seam of the securement mechanism.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein of adjusting the offset distance comprises moving a first pin section relative to a second pin section, thereby changing a compression of the elastic element.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the offset distance corresponds to a distance between an outer surface of the elastic element and an outer surface of the pin.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein maintaining a spatial relationship between the pin and the band comprises maintaining a translational and a rotational alignment between the pin and the band.
17. The method of claim 15 , further comprising maintaining translational and rotational alignment of the electronic device with respect to the band.
18. An attachment mechanism for a watch, the attachment mechanism comprising:
a securement mechanism comprising:
a body; and
a pin affixed to the body;
an elastic collar about the pin;
a flexible strap; and
a frictional device;
wherein:
the flexible strap defines a gap;
the frictional device is positioned within the gap;
the frictional device engages the flexible strap; and
the frictional device frictionally engages the elastic collar.
19. The attachment mechanism of claim 18 , wherein the frictional device affixed to the flexible strap.
20. A watch comprising:
a watch body; and
the attachment mechanism of claim 18 , wherein the securement mechanism is removably attached to the watch body.