Wearable Band for Receiving a Clip-On Device, Docking Accessories, and Methods of Use

Abstract

A wearable band for receiving a clip-on device is disclosed. The wearable band may comprise a planar member with strap members extending therefrom. The band may include a first opening and the second opening in the planar member for receiving a clip-on device. A longitudinal axis of the first opening and a longitudinal axis of the second opening may be generally parallel. A latitudinal axis of each of the openings may be generally aligned relative a particular axis of the planar member.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to (1) U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/477,557 filed on Apr. 20, 2011 titled “WEARABLE BAND FOR RECEIVING A CLIP-ON DEVICE AND DOCKING ACCESSORIES”; (2) U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/444,132 filed Feb. 18, 2011 titled “WEARABLE BAND FOR RECEIVING A CLIP-ON DEVICE AND DOCKING ACCESSORIES”; and (3) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/389,604 filed on Oct. 4, 2010 titled “WEARABLE BAND FOR RECEIVING A CLIP-ON DEVICE.” Each of the foregoing applications is herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a band that is wearable. More specifically, the present invention relates to a band that is wearable for receiving a clip-on device and accessories related thereto and methods of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

Wearable bands used for securely receiving and retaining devices (such as an electronic device) have a number of limitations. For example, these bands are sometimes complex and may break easily. In addition, these bands often involve systems that cover or limit access to the device. Further, these bands may not provide secure engagement between the band and the device.

Accordingly, a band for receiving a clip-on devices that addresses one or more of the foregoing disadvantages is desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of the invention's scope, the exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a disclosed band that may be secured around a person's wrist shown together with a clip-on device;

FIG. 2a is a top view of one embodiment of the disclosed band shown together with a clip-on device;

FIG. 2b is a top view of one embodiment of the disclosed band;

FIGS. 3a-e is various views of one type of a clip-on device that may be utilized in connection with one embodiment of the disclosed band, the clip-on device being shown in a closed position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of a clip-on device shown in an open position;

FIGS. 5a-e illustrate a method of utilizing one embodiment of a disclosed band in connection with a clip-on device;

FIG. 6 is a side view of one embodiment of a disclosed band shown with a clip-on device secured therein;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a disclosed band shown together with a clip-on device across line 7-7 of the FIG. 5e;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a disclosed band together with a cross-sectional view of a clip-on device disposed within the band across the line 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed band;

FIG. 10 is a partially exploded view of a clip dock for use with a wearable band shown with a clip-on device;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a clip dock shown with a clip-on device secured thereto;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a clip dock;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an intermediary member for use with a clip dock;

FIG. 14 is a top view of an intermediary member shown with a clip-on device partially disposed therein;

FIG. 15 is a side view of an intermediary member shown with a clip-on device fully disposed therein;

FIG. 16 is a side view of an intermediary member having a clip-on device fully positioned therein, the intermediary member and the clip-on device being partially positioned within a clip dock;

FIGS. 17a-c illustrate one embodiment of a method for securing an intermediary member and a clip-on device within a clip dock; and

FIG. 18a is a perspective view of a single purpose clip-on device in an open or partially open state;

FIG. 18b is a top view of the single purpose clip-on device of FIG. 18a;

FIG. 18c is a side view of the single purpose clip-on device of FIG. 18a shown in an open state; and

FIG. 18d is a side view of the single purpose clip-on device of FIG. 18a shown in a closed state.

In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or method. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the disclosure are described below. It should be apparent that the teachings herein may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and that any specific structure, function, or both being disclosed herein is merely representative. Based on the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that an aspect disclosed herein may be implemented independently of any other aspects and that two or more of these aspects may be combined in various ways. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, such an apparatus may be implemented or such a method may be practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein. Furthermore, an aspect may comprise at least one element of a claim. The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of one embodiment of a band 10 disclosed herein. The band 10 is secured around a person's wrist 12 shown together with a clip-on device 14. The drawing of FIG. 1 shows merely illustrative embodiments of the band 10 and clip-on device 14. The band 10 could also be wider or narrower than the band 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 and could have different patterns, such as thematic patterns or designs (e.g., a pattern or design based on a movie or book). The clip-on device 14 could be an electronic device (e.g., such an Apple® iPod Nano device), as illustrated in FIG. 1, or could comprise a piece of jewelry or other ornamental item. Also, the band 10 could be secured around other portions of a person's body, such as around a person's bicep or waist. The band 10 could be made from various materials, such as leather, nylon, neoprene, or a polymer.

FIG. 2a illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a band 10 shown together with a clip-on device 14, while FIG. 2b illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of the band 10 shown without a clip-on device 14. As illustrated, the band 10 includes a first opening 11 and a second opening 13. It should also be noted that, as illustrated, the first opening 11 and the second opening 13 are each rectangular in shape, although other shapes may be utilized. Also, each of the openings 11, 13 are enclosed (i.e., disposed entirely within the band 10, mutually exclusive, and not connected). The first opening 11 and the second opening 13 each have a narrow dimension 15a-b and a wide dimension 17a-b. As illustrated, the band 10 is generally rectangular in shape, but may have other shapes, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 9. Referring still to FIGS. 2a-b, the band 10 may include various types of securing mechanisms for securing one part of the band 10 to another part of the band 10, such as Velcro®, a clasp, button studs, or a buckle. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2a-b illustrate the use of button studs 8a-d. The button studs 8a-d are secured within openings 9a-h on one side of the band 10. The button studs 8a-d may be secured within openings 9i-l, and on the opposite side of the band 10 to selectively secure the band 10 around the wrist of a person. The number and positioning of openings 9a-l and button studs 8a-d may be varied within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2a-b, the band 10 includes a central planar member 5 and two strap members 7a-b extending away from the central planar member 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap members 7a-b may extend in opposite directions away from the central planar member 5. The central planar member 5 may include the first and second openings 11, 13 and receives the clip-on device 14. The strap members 7a-b are secured to each other when the band 10 is secured to a person.

FIGS. 3a-e illustrate various views of one type of a clip-on device 14 that may be utilized in connection with a disclosed band 10. More specifically, the device 14 includes a hinged plate 16 with a proximal portion 18 (the portion of the hinged plate 16 adjacent to or abutting the hinge 26), a proximal edge 20 adjoining the proximal portion 18, a distal portion 22 (the portion of the hinged plate 16 adjacent to or abutting a securing protrusion 30), and a distal edge 24 adjoining the distal portion 22. A pivoting hinge 26 pivotally secures the proximal portion 18 of the hinged plate 16 to a body 28 of the device 14. The securing protrusion 30 may extend from the distal portion 22 of the hinged plate 16. The clip-on device 14 illustrated in FIGS. 3a-e is shown in a closed position (i.e., the hinged plate 16 is in a closed position when the securing protrusion 30 is abutting or close to the body 28 of the device 14). The hinged plate 16 may be biased in the closed position, for example, by a spring (not shown) within the hinge 26.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a clip-on device 14 shown in an open position (i.e., the hinged plate 16 is in an open position when the securing protrusion 30 is more remote from the body 28 of the device 14 relative to the closed position).

FIGS. 5a-e illustrate a method of utilizing one embodiment of a disclosed band 10 in connection with a clip-on device 14. As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the hinged plate 16 of the clip-on device 14 is in an open position (although not fully open) in preparation for inserting the distal edge 24 of the hinged plate 16 into the first opening 11 of the band 10. FIG. 5b illustrates the distal portion 22 of the hinged plate 16 positioned within the first opening 11. In FIG. 5c, the distal portion 22 of the hinged plate 16 has passed through the first opening 11 and is being moved toward the second opening 13. FIG. 5d illustrates the securing protrusion 30 just prior to positioning the securing protrusion 30 within the second opening 13. FIG. 5e illustrates the clip-on device 14 positioned within the band 10, and also illustrates the clip-on device 14 from a bottom view positioned within the band 10. As shown, peripheral portions 40, 42 of the band 10 are intermediate the edges of the band 10 and the first and second openings 11, 13 (shown in FIG. 2b). The peripheral portions 40, 42 aid in securely retaining the device 14 within the band 10. A top view of such a configuration is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2a. A side view of such a configuration is illustrated in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, the clip-on device 14, because of the configuration of the band 10, rests directly on top of the band 10 (i.e., there is no space between the band 10 and the device 14 in the illustrated embodiment). As such, the clip-on device 14 is closely secured to the band 10 and thus is less likely to be dislodged from the band 10. Because the openings 11, 13 are enclosed, the device 14 secured within the band 10 is constrained in movement in all directions.

FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a cross-sectional view of one embodiment the central planar member 5 of a disclosed band 10 shown together with a clip-on device 14 across a line 7-7 from FIG. 5e. In FIG. 7, the clip-on device 14 is secured within the central planar member 5 of the band 10. In particular, the securing protrusion 30 is positioned within the second opening 13 and the hinge 26 of the clip-on device 14 is secured within the first opening 11.

As shown in FIG. 7, the central planar member 5 and clip-on device 14 each have a longitudinal dimension 61, latitudinal dimension 63, and transverse dimension 65. The clip-on device 14 includes a central axis distance 50 between a central axis 51 of the securing protrusion 30 and a central axis 52 of the hinge 26. The central axis 51 refers to the midpoint of the securing protrusion 30 along the latitudinal dimension 63. The central axis 52 refers to the midpoint of the hinge 26 again along the latitudinal dimension 63. Each of the first and second enclosed openings 11, 13 has a proximal edge 54a-b and a distal edge 56a-b, band opening interior distance 58 spans from the proximal edge 54a of the first opening 11 to the proximal edge 54b of the second enclosed opening 13 along the latitudinal dimension 63. A band opening exterior distance 60 spans from the distal edge 56a of the first opening 11 and the distal edge 56b of the second enclosed opening 13 along the latitudinal dimension 63. As illustrated, the central axis distance 50 of the clip-on device 14 is greater than the band opening interior distance 58 and less than the band opening exterior distance 60 along the latitudinal dimension 63. The central axis distance 50, in certain embodiments, may be approximately 26.0 millimeters or 19.95 millimeters.

In addition, a hinged plate distance 62 spans between the proximal and distal edges 20, 24 of the hinged plate 16 along the latitudinal dimension 63. As shown, in one embodiment, the hinged plate distance 62 is greater than or equal to the band opening exterior distance 60. Such a configuration enables the clip-on device 14 to be more securely retained within the band 10. As illustrated, the hinged plate 16 is in a closed position such that the hinged plate 16, securing protrusion 30, the hinge 26, and the body 28 of the device 14 are positioned around the intermediary portion 74 of the material intermediate the first and second openings 11, 13.

FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a cross-sectional view of the hinge 26 and the securing protrusion 30 of the clip-on device 14 shown with a top view of the central planar member 5 of a disclosed band 10 across a line 8-8 from FIG. 6. As indicated previously, the planar member 5 may have a longitudinal dimension 61, latitudinal dimension 63, and transverse dimension 65. The longitudinal dimension 61 may extend generally across the planar member 5 from a first strap member 7a to a second strap member 7b. The longitudinal dimension 61, the latitudinal dimension 63, and the transverse dimension 65 are each mutually perpendicular and form a three-dimensional axis.

As illustrated by the cross-section of the hinge 26, shown in FIG. 8, the hinge 26 may have a narrow dimension 80a and a wide dimension 82a. The securing protrusion 30 also may have a narrow dimension 80b and a wide dimension 82b, as illustrated by the cross-section of the securing protrusion 30 shown in FIG. 8. The first and second openings 11, 13 each have a narrow dimension 84a-b and a wide dimension 86a-b, as these openings 11, 13 may be generally rectangular in shape. As shown, the narrow dimension 84a of the first opening 11 may be at least as great as the narrow dimension 80a of the hinge 26. Also, the wide dimension 86a of the first opening 11 may be at least as great as the wide dimension 82a of the hinge 26. The narrow dimension 84b of the second opening 13 may be at least as great as the narrow dimension 80b of the securing protrusion 30, and the wide dimension 86b of the second opening 13 may be at least as great as the wide dimension 82b of the securing protrusion 30.

The first opening 11 may have a narrow midpoint 71a along the narrow dimension 84a. As illustrated, the narrow dimension 84a may extend along the latitudinal dimension 63 of the planar member 5. Alternatively, the narrow dimension 84a may extend along a longitudinal dimension 61 or another dimension of the planar member 5. A longitudinal axis 70a of the first opening 11 may intersect the narrow midpoint 71a of the first opening 11 and may extend in the longitudinal dimension 61.

The second opening 13 may have a narrow midpoint 71b along the narrow dimension 84b. As illustrated, the narrow dimension 84b may extend along the latitudinal dimension 63 of the planar member 5. Alternatively, the narrow dimension 84b may extend along a longitudinal dimension 61 or another dimension of the planar member 5. A longitudinal axis 70b of the second opening 13 may intersect the narrow midpoint 71b of the second opening 13 and may extend in the longitudinal dimension 61. As illustrated, the longitudinal axis 70a of the first opening 11 may be offset from the longitudinal axis 70b of the second opening 13 along the latitudinal dimension 63. Also, the longitudinal axis 70a of the first opening 11 may be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 70b of the second opening 13. In one embodiment, generally parallel may signify within 5° of being perfectly parallel. In other embodiments, generally parallel may signify within 12° of being perfectly parallel or less.

The first opening 11 may have a wide midpoint 75a along the wide dimension 86a. As illustrated, the wide dimension 86a may extend along the longitudinal dimension 61 of the planar member 5. Alternatively, the wide dimension 86a may extend along a latitudinal dimension 63 or another dimension of the planar member 5. A latitudinal axis 73a of the first opening 11 may intersect the wide midpoint 75a of the first opening 11 and may extend in the latitudinal dimension 63.

The second opening 13 may have a wide midpoint 75b along the wide dimension 86b. As illustrated, the wide dimension 86b may extend along the longitudinal dimension 61 of the planar member 5. Alternatively, the wide dimension 86b may extend along a latitudinal dimension 63 or another dimension of the planar member 5. A latitudinal axis 73b of the second opening 13 may intersect the wide midpoint 75b of the second opening 13 and may extend in the latitudinal dimension 63. As illustrated, the latitudinal axis 73a of the first opening 11 may be generally aligned with the latitudinal axis 73b of the second opening 13 along the longitudinal dimension 61. In one embodiment, generally aligned may signify within 0.1 inches of being perfectly aligned along the longitudinal dimension 61. In other embodiments, generally aligned may signify within 0.5 inches or less of being perfectly aligned.

FIG. 8 further illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hinge 26 and of the securing protrusion 30. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional view may vary depending upon the position where the cross-section is taken within the hinge 26 or securing protrusion 30, such as could be the case, for example, with a hinge 26 illustrated in FIG. 3e (which varies in width). In one embodiment, the cross-section is taken across one or more areas (such as the largest cross-sectional area) in which the hinge 26 or securing protrusion 30 is or is likely to be positioned within the first or second openings 11, 13 when the clip-on device 14 is secured to the band 10. In one embodiment, the cross-section comprises the largest cross-sectional area of the entire hinge 26 or securing protrusion 30. In one embodiment, the hinge 26 or securing protrusion 30 may have one or more open spaces disposed therein. Thus, the cross-sectional view of the hinge 26 or securing protrusion 30 illustrated in FIG. 8 show exterior boundaries of the hinge 26 or securing protrusion 30 taken at a particular cross-section.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a wearable band 910. The illustrated wearable band 910 includes a central planar member 905 and strap members 907a-b extending away from the central planar member. As illustrated, narrowing regions 915a-b are positioned between the central planar member 905 and each of the strap members 907a-b. A first and a second opening 911, 913 are disposed within the central planar member 905 and receive a clip-on device 14 (shown in FIG. 1). The wearable band 910 may be made from a resilient material, such as silicon, a resilient cloth, a plastic, or a polymer. In addition, the wearable band 910 may be made from leather or metal. The band 910 may be also formed from multiple types of materials, such as metal and silicone. For example, the central planar member 905 may be made from leather or metal and the strap members 907a-b may be made from metal, leather, cloth, or silicone.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 includes buckle openings 960 on one of the strap members 907b. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 may also include a buckle mechanism 962 on the other strap member 907a. The buckle mechanism 962 and buckle openings 960 allow the wearable band 910 to be secured, for example, around a user's arm and comprise an example of a securing mechanism. Securing loops 963 may also be included for retaining a strap end 965.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate one embodiment of a clip dock 1000 together with a clip-on device 1014. FIG. 10 comprises a partially exploded view of the clip dock 1000, while FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of the clip dock 1000 in a closed position with a clip dock secured within a receiving member 1002 of the clip dock 1000. The clip dock 1000 enables different types of devices 1014 to be secured to a wearable band (e.g., 10 or 910). For example, the wearable band (e.g., 910) may be configured to receive and interlock with a particular type of device 14. The clip dock 1000 allows other types of devices 1014 to be secured to the wearable band (e.g., 910) without the need to purchase a new wearable band (e.g., 910) specifically adapted for the type of device 1014 at issue. Accordingly, if the configuration of a new generation of the device 1014 is different than the prior generation, the same wearable band (e.g., 910) may be utilized through use of the clip dock 1000.

The clip dock 1000 includes a receiving member 1002. The receiving member 1002 is configured to receive the device 1014, and the receiving member 1002 may be secured to a wearable band (e.g., 910). The receiving member 1002 includes a first and a second extension member 1008a-b. The extension members 1008a-b may extend away from and may be generally perpendicular to a planar member 1003 of the receiving member 1002. The extension members 1008a-b may include receiving grooves 1012a-b. The receiving grooves 1012a-b each comprise a closed end 1010a-b and an open end 1006a-b. The receiving grooves 1012a-b receive the protruding edges 1005 of the device 1014 through the open ends 1006a-b of the receiving grooves 1012a-b. The closed ends 1010a-b prevent the device 1014 from passing entirely through the receiving grooves 1012a-b.

The extension members 1008a-b may optionally include curved regions 1009a-b for receiving mating portions 1011 of the clip-on device 1014.

The clip dock 1000 may further include a hinged plate 1016 that is pivotally secured to the planar member 1003 of the receiving member 1002 using a pivoting hinge 1026. The pivoting hinge 1026 may include, for example, two receiving openings 1017a-b on hinged plate extensions 1020a-b extending from the hinged plate 1016, a spring 1021, and a hinge pin 1023, and a receiving member protrusion 1025 that defines an enclosed channel 1027 for receiving the pin 1023.

A securing protrusion 1030 may extend from the hinged plate 1016. The hinged plate 1016 may be positioned in an open and closed position relative to the receiving member 1002 to enable securing the clip dock 1000 to a wearable band 10 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 5a-e.

Mating edges 1001a-b of the device 1014 may be inserted into and retain within the receiving grooves 1012a-b. The mating edges 1001a-b could include, for example, a proximal edge 20 and a distal edge 24 of the clip-on device 14 illustrated in FIGS. 3a-e. Accordingly, the mating edges 1001a-b may comprise mating edges 1001a-b of a planar member 1015. The receiving grooves 1012a-b may be positioned to slidably engage the mating edges 1001a-b.

During insertion of the device 1014 into the receiving grooves 1012a-b, a detent 1047 is diverted from its default position, which is illustrated in FIG. 10. The detent 1047 returns to its default position to retain the device 1014 within the grooves 1012a-b after the device 1014 has been fully inserted into the receiving grooves 1012a-b, as illustrated in FIG. 11. The detent 1047 comprises a resilient member that is selectively movable out of its default position. In an alternate embodiment, a second detent (not shown) may be used in lieu of the closed ends 1010a-b to prevent the device 1014 from passing entirely through the receiving grooves 1012a-b.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10-11 is merely illustrative. For example, in one embodiment, the clip-on device 1014 does not include a hinged plate, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-11, or any other type of pivoting mechanism. In other words, the receiving member 1002 may be adapted to mate with different types of clip-on devices 1014, including those without a built-in securing mechanism.

FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a clip dock 1200. The clip dock 1200 includes a receiving member 1202 and a pivoting member 1204. The receiving member 1002 is configured to receive a device 1014 in a manner similar to the clip dock 1000 (shown in FIG. 10-11). The receiving member 1202 includes extension members 1208a-b. The extension members 1208a-b extend away from and are generally perpendicular to a planar member 1203 of the receiving member 1202.

The extension members 1208a-b include receiving grooves 1212a-b for receiving mating edges 1001a-b of a device 1014 (illustrated in FIG. 10). Each receiving groove 1212a-b includes an open end 1206a-b and a closed end 1210a-b. The mating edges 1001a-b of a device 1014 (shown in FIG. 10) may be inserted into the open ends 1206a-b of the receiving grooves 1212a-b. When fully inserted into the receiving grooves 1212a-b, the detent 1247, in its default position, serves to retain the device 1014 within the receiving member 1202.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the curved portions 1019a-b of FIG. 11 may be omitted from the extension members 1208a-b. Thus, the extension members 1208a-b include remote flat edges 1219a-b. The remote flat edges 1219a-b enable the clip dock 1200 to interface with devices with which the curved portions 1019a-b would interfere during the insertion process.

The receiving member 1202 is pivotally coupled to the pivoting member 1204 via the pivoting hinge 1226. The pivoting hinge 1226 enables the clip dock 1200 to be moved into an open position or a closed position (which closed position is illustrated in FIG. 12). In the closed position, a securing protrusion 1230 of the pivoting member 1204 is positioned adjacent to or abuts a planar member 1203 of the receiving member 1202. In the open position, the securing protrusion 1230 is situated in a position remote from the planar member 1203 of the receiving member 1202.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate one embodiment of an intermediary member 1307 together with a device 1314, which is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 but not FIG. 13. Certain devices 1314 may not properly interface and interlock with either the wearable band (e.g. 910), the clip dock 1000 of FIGS. 10 and 11, or clip dock 1200 of FIG. 12. Accordingly, an intermediary member 1307 allows such a device 1314 to interface with and to be secured to the wearable band (e.g., 910) via the clip dock 1000, 1200.

More specifically, FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of an intermediary member 1307. The intermediary member includes two extension members 1308a-b, which extend away from a planar member 1303. The extension members 1308a-b include receiving grooves 1312a-b. Each receiving groove 1312a-b includes an open end 1306a-b. One of the ends of each grooves 1312a-b may comprise a closed end 1310a-b. In one embodiment, each of the ends of each groove 1312a-b are open. For example, the intermediary member 1307 may optionally include detents 1347a-b for selectively securing a device 1314 within the intermediary member 1307. Alternatively, the extension members 1208a-b (shown in FIG. 12) may retain the device 1314 within the intermediary member 1307 when the intermediary member 1307 and device 1314 are positioned therein, as will be explained in more detail below in connection with FIG. 16.

FIG. 14 illustrates a device 1314 partially inserted into the intermediary member 1307, while FIG. 15 illustrates the device 1314 fully inserted into the intermediary member 1307. In one embodiment, the detent 1347a (shown in FIG. 13) may selectively retain the device 1314 within the intermediary member 1307.

In addition, FIG. 16 illustrates the intermediary member 1307 and device 1314 being partially inserted into a clip dock 1200. One embodiment of the intermediary member can also interface with and be partially inserted into the clip dock 1000 illustrated in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 16, the extension member 1208a retains the device 1314 within the intermediary member 1307. Accordingly, as explained above, in one embodiment, the receiving grooves 1312a-b of the intermediary member 1307 may each include open ends 1306a-b and not have a closed end 1310a, such that the device 1314 is retained within the intermediary member 1307 by the extension members 1208a-b (with 1208b being shown only in FIG. 12).

The FIGS. 17a-c illustrate one embodiment of a method for inserting a device 1014 and intermediary member 1307 into a clip dock 1200. FIGS. 17a-c show a clip dock 1200 positioned within and secured to a wearable band 10 in the manner, for example, illustrated in FIGS. 5a-e. Alternatively, the steps illustrated in FIGS. 17a-c could be performed first to secure the device 1014 and intermediary member 1307 to the clip dock 1200. Thereafter, the device 1014, intermediary member 1307, and clip dock 1200 could be secured to the wearable band 10.

In FIG. 17a, the intermediary member 1307 and the device 1014 are shown in the initial stages of inserting the intermediary member to insertion of the intermediary member 1307 into the receiving grooves of clip dock 1200. A detent 1247 of the clip dock 1200 is partially retracted as a result of the insertion of the intermediary member 1307 into the clip dock 1200. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving grooves 1212a-b each comprise a closed end 1210a-b, each of which prevent the device 1014 from passing entirely through the receiving grooves 1212a-b. FIG. 17b illustrates the intermediary member 1307 and device 1014 in a more advanced stage of being inserted into the clip dock 1200. And finally, in FIG. 17c, the intermediary member 1307 is shown fully inserted into the clip dock 1200 with the detent 1247 selectively retaining intermediary member 1307 the clip dock 1200.

FIGS. 18a-d illustrate one embodiment of a clip-on device 1814. In one embodiment, the clip-on device 1814 includes a single purpose clock, i.e., the device 1814 serves only to provide time, date, and/or day of the week and does not perform other functions. Alternatively, the clip-on device 1814 may comprise a multipurpose device, such as an iPod Nano® by Apple® of Cupertino, Calif. FIG. 18a provides a perspective view of the clip-on device 1814 in an open state with a distal portion 1822 of a hinged plate 1816 and a securing protrusion 1830 in a remote position relative to a body 1828 of the clip-on device 1814.

FIG. 18b provides a top view of the clip-on device 1814. FIG. 18c provides a side view of the clip-on device 1814 in an open state, while FIG. 18d provides a side view of the clip-on device 1814 in a closed state.

It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of steps in any disclosed process is an example of a sample approach. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A band for securely receiving a clip-on device, the device having a hinged plate with a proximal portion, a proximal edge adjoining the proximal portion, a distal portion, a distal edge adjoining the distal portion, a pivoting hinge pivotally securing the proximal portion of the hinged plate to a body of the device, a securing protrusion extending from the distal portion of the hinged plate, a central axis distance between a central axis of the securing protrusion and a central axis of the hinge, the hinge having a narrow dimension and a wide dimension, the securing protrusion also having a narrow dimension and a wide dimension, the band comprising:

a first member having a planar portion;

a first opening disposed within the planar portion and having a narrow dimension and a wide dimension, the narrow dimension of the first opening being at least as great as the narrow dimension of the hinge, the wide dimension of the first opening being at least as great as the wide dimension of the hinge;

a second opening disposed within the planar portion and having a narrow dimension and a wide dimension, the narrow dimension of the second opening being at least as great as the narrow dimension of the securing protrusion, the wide dimension of the second opening being at least as great as the wide dimension of the securing protrusion, a longitudinal axis of each of the first and second enclosed openings being generally parallel, each of the first and second enclosed openings having a proximal and a distal edge, wherein a band opening interior distance between the proximal edge of the first opening and the proximal edge of the second enclosed opening is less than the central axis distance of the clip-on device, wherein a band opening exterior distance between the distal edge of the first opening and the distal edge of the second enclosed opening is greater than the central axis distance of the clip-on device.

2. The band of claim 1, further comprising a hinged plate distance between the proximal and distal edges of the hinged plate, wherein the hinged plate distance is greater than or equal to the band opening exterior distance.

3. The band of claim 1, wherein the first member comprises leather.

4. The band of claim 1, wherein the planar member comprises a resilient material.

5. The band of claim 1, wherein the band is generally rectangular in shape.

6. The band of claim 1, further comprising a securing mechanism for securing a first strap member of the band to a second strap member of the band to enable the band to be secured around a limb of a human being.

7. A method of using the band of claim 1, the clip-on device having an open and a closed position, the securing protrusion of the hinged plate being closer to the body of the device in the closed position than in the open position, the hinged plate being biased toward a closed position,

the method comprising:

positioning the hinged plate in the open position;

inserting the distal edge of the hinged plate through the first opening;

positioning the hinge within the first opening;

positioning the securing protrusion within the second opening;

positioning the hinged plate in the closed position such that the hinged plate, securing protrusion, the hinge, and the body of the device are positioned around an intermediary portion of the planar member intermediate the first and second openings.

8. A band for securely receiving a clip-on device, the device having a hinged plate with a proximal portion, a proximal edge adjoining the proximal portion, a distal portion, a distal edge adjoining the distal portion, a pivoting hinge pivotally securing the proximal portion of the hinged plate to a body of the device, a securing protrusion extending from the distal portion of the hinged plate, a central axis distance between a central axis of the securing protrusion and a central axis of the hinge, the hinge having a narrow dimension and a wide dimension, the securing protrusion also having a narrow dimension and a wide dimension, the band comprising:

a first member having a planar portion;

a first opening disposed within the planar portion and having a narrow dimension and a wide dimension, the narrow dimension of the first opening being at least as great as the narrow dimension of the hinge, the wide dimension of the first opening being at least as great as the wide dimension of the hinge;

a second opening disposed within the planar portion and having a narrow dimension and a wide dimension, the narrow dimension of the second opening being at least as great as the narrow dimension of the securing protrusion, the wide dimension of the second opening being at least as great as the wide dimension of the securing protrusion, each of the first and second enclosed openings having a proximal and a distal edge, wherein a band opening interior distance between the proximal edge of the first opening and the proximal edge of the second enclosed opening is less than the central axis distance of the clip-on device, wherein a band opening exterior distance between the distal edge of the first opening and the distal edge of the second enclosed opening is greater than the central axis distance of the clip-on device.

9. The band of claim 8, further comprising a hinged plate distance between the proximal and distal edges of the hinged plate, wherein the hinged plate distance is greater than or equal to the band opening exterior distance.

10. The band of claim 8, wherein the first member comprises leather.

11. The band of claim 8, wherein the planar member comprises a resilient material.

12. The band of claim 8, wherein the band is generally rectangular in shape.

13. The band of claim 8, further comprising a securing mechanism for securing a first strap member of the band to a second strap member of the band to enable the band to be secured around a limb of a human being.

14. A method of using the band of claim 8, the clip-on device having an open and a closed position, the securing protrusion of the hinged plate being closer to the body of the device in the closed position than in the open position, the hinged plate being biased toward a closed position,

the method comprising:

positioning the hinged plate in the open position;

inserting the distal edge of the hinged plate through the first opening;

positioning the hinge within the first opening;

positioning the securing protrusion within the second opening;

positioning the hinged plate in the closed position such that the hinged plate, securing protrusion, the hinge, and the body of the device are positioned around an intermediary portion of the planar member intermediate the first and second openings.

15. A wearable band for securely receiving a clip-on device, the band comprising:

a first member having a planar portion, the planar portion having a first dimension and a second dimension, the first and the second dimensions being mutually perpendicular;

a first opening disposed within the planar portion having a narrow dimension and a wide dimension and a longitudinal axis and a latitudinal axis, the latitudinal axis of the first opening being positioned on a midpoint of the wide dimension of the first opening, the longitudinal axis of the first opening being positioned on a midpoint of the narrow dimension of the first opening, the latitudinal and the longitudinal axis of the first opening being mutually perpendicular, the first opening being entirely surrounded by the planar portion;

a second opening disposed within the planar portion and having a narrow dimension and a wide dimension and a longitudinal axis and a latitudinal axis, the latitudinal axis of the second opening being positioned on a midpoint of the wide dimension of the second opening, the longitudinal axis of the second opening being positioned on a midpoint of the narrow dimension of the second opening, the latitudinal and the longitudinal axis of the second opening being mutually perpendicular, the second opening being entirely surrounded by the planar portion, the longitudinal axis of the first opening in the longitudinal axis of the second opening being generally parallel to each other, the latitudinal axis of the first opening and the latitudinal axis of the second opening being generally aligned along the first axis of the planar member, and the longitudinal axis of the first opening in the longitudinal axis of the second opening being offset from each other along the second axis of the planar member, the wide dimension of the first opening being greater than the wide dimension the second opening.

16. The band of claim 15, the first and the second openings being generally rectangular in shape.

17. The band of claim 15, the first and the second openings each having at least one rounded end.

18. The band of claim 15, wherein the first member comprises leather.

19. The band of claim 15, wherein the planar member comprises a resilient material.

20. The band of claim 15, further comprising the clip-on device, the clip-on device comprising a hinged plate and the body, a pivoting hinge intermediate the hinged plate and the body, the body of the hinged plate comprising a first and a second extension member and a detent, each extending member comprising a receiving groove with a closed end, the receiving grooves positioned to slidably engage mating edges of the clip-on device.