Magnetic wristband
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorErik G. de Jong
Life of this patent
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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'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.
Claims16
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.
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.
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.