Patents by Inventor Osamu Yabe

Osamu Yabe has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20200323316
    Abstract: A stretchable watch band can include braided strands that provide a comfortable fit around the wrist of the user. The watch band can stretch and conform to the user based on the elasticity within each strand and based on the ability of the strands to move relative to each other. End sections of the watch band can include attachment elements that securely connect the watch band to a housing of the watch. The end sections can be configured to releasable connect to the housing in a manner that is reliable and easy for a user. Additionally, the watch band can provide a smooth transition from the size and/or shape of the housing to a size and/or shape of a continuous section of the watch band. Additionally, the watch band can conceal portions thereof other than the braided strands when connected to the housing of the watch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy S. LUI, Osamu YABE, Zebinah P. MASSE, Clayton J. MCCOY, Benjamin A. STEVENSON, Hsiang Hung CHEN
  • Patent number: 10730210
    Abstract: Systems and methods of providing a composite material that is bendable but substantially resists stretching under tension. One embodiment may take the form of a composite material formed by over-molding a woven glass fiber with silicone. The woven glass fiber may be rolled out with a silicon polymer melted into the woven fabric as the rolling process continues. The composite of the two materials may provide a material that bends easily but does not substantially stretch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Derek C. Krass, Douglas J. Weber, Jen-Chun Hsu, Osamu Yabe
  • Patent number: 10575602
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a locking assembly for an attachment system of an electronic device. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an attachment unit that is configured to be inserted and removed from a housing of a consumer product. The attachment unit and/or the housing includes a catch member or other such locking assembly configured to relaseably secure the attachment unit within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins, Michael J. Webb, Stephen Dey, Osamu Yabe, Hsiang Hung Chen
  • Publication number: 20190341677
    Abstract: A watch band for a watch can include an antenna that is operable for wireless communication with other devices. The antenna can be embedded within a body of the watch band to protect the antenna from an external environment and to conceal it from view. The antennas can adaptably stretch, bend, and flex with the watch band body, thereby avoiding damage from applied forces while also maintaining the compliance and comfort of the watch band while worn by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Jen-Chun HSU, Yi-Chia CHEN, Osamu YABE
  • Patent number: 10219591
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an attachment system for a consumer product and methods related to the manufacture thereof. In one aspect, an embodiment includes an attachment system including a band having an insert portion. The insert portion may include an aperture. The attachment system may further include a lug having a cavity and a friction element disposed at, and extending away from, an outer surface of the lug to define a protrusion. The attachment system may further include a pin and a retention member positioned within the cavity. The retention member may be configured to retain the pin within the aperture upon advancement of the pin past the retention member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Motohide Hatanaka, Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Eiryo Shiraishi, Osamu Yabe, Hsiang Hung Chen
  • Publication number: 20190053584
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a locking assembly for an attachment system of an electronic device. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an attachment unit that is configured to be inserted and removed from a housing of a consumer product. The attachment unit and/or the housing includes a catch member or other such locking assembly configured to relaseably secure the attachment unit within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins, Michael J. Webb, Stephen Dey, Osamu Yabe, Hsiang Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 10172426
    Abstract: A magnetic band clasp includes a female clasp assembly of a first band segment and a male clasp assembly of a second band segment. The female clasp assembly defines one or more cavities with one or more magnetic elements disposed underneath. The male clasp assembly includes a projection that may include a magnetic element. Magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements couples the first and second band segments when the projection is positioned in the cavity. In implementations where the female clasp assembly includes multiple cavities, changing which of the cavities the projection is positioned in adjusts a combined coupled length of the first and second band segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jen-Chun Hsu, Osamu Yabe
  • Patent number: 10123593
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a locking assembly for an attachment system of an electronic device. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an attachment unit that is configured to be inserted and removed from a housing of a consumer product. The attachment unit and/or the housing includes a catch member or other such locking assembly configured to releasably secure the attachment unit within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins, Michael J. Webb, Stephen Dey, Osamu Yabe, Hsiang Hung Chen
  • Publication number: 20180271232
    Abstract: Attachment systems for attaching a wearable electronic device to a user including a sizing band and a retaining band are disclosed. The sizing band includes at least one sizing eyelet and a band-insertable end. The retaining band includes at least a post for insertion into the sizing eyelet of the sizing band and a concealment aperture configured to receive the band-insertable end of the sizing band. On a bottom surface of the retaining band can be a recessed guide bed configured to guide the band-insertable end along the bottom surface of the retaining band. A wearable electronic device can couple to both the sizing band and the retaining band by accepting an end portion of each band into receiving channels extending into opposite sidewalls of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Osamu YABE, Derek C. KRASS, Scott W. SLABAUGH, Michael BRICKNER, Julian HOENIG, Wayne COWAN, Rico ZÖRKENDÖRFER, Christopher J. STRINGER, Ian DAVISON
  • Patent number: 10016029
    Abstract: Attachment systems for attaching a wearable electronic device to a user including a sizing band and a retaining band are disclosed. The sizing band includes at least one sizing eyelet and a band-insertable end. The retaining band includes at least a post for insertion into the sizing eyelet of the sizing band and a concealment aperture configured to receive the band-insertable end of the sizing band. A bottom surface of the retaining band can be a recessed guide bed configured to guide the band-insertable end along the bottom surface of the retaining band. A wearable electronic device can couple to both the sizing band and the retaining band by accepting an end portion of each band into receiving channels extending into opposite sidewalls of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Osamu Yabe, Derek C. Krass, Scott W. Slabaugh, Michael Brickner, Julian Hoenig, Wayne Cowan, Rico Zörkendörfer, Christopher J. Stringer, Ian Davison
  • Publication number: 20180125178
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a locking assembly for an attachment system of an electronic device. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an attachment unit that is configured to be inserted and removed from a housing of a consumer product. The attachment unit and/or the housing includes a catch member or other such locking assembly configured to releasably secure the attachment unit within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Ryan C. PERKINS, Michael J. WEBB, Stephen DEY, Osamu YABE, Hsiang Hung CHEN
  • Patent number: 9894964
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a locking assembly for an attachment system of an electronic device. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an attachment unit that is configured to be inserted and removed from a housing of a consumer product. The attachment unit and/or the housing includes a catch member or other such locking assembly configured to relaseably secure the attachment unit within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins, Michael J. Webb, Stephen Dey, Osamu Yabe, Hsiang Hung Chen
  • Publication number: 20170265607
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an attachment system for a consumer product and methods related to the manufacture thereof. In one aspect, an embodiment includes an attachment system including a band having an insert portion. The insert portion may include an aperture. The attachment system may further include a lug having a cavity and a friction element disposed at, and extending away from, an outer surface of the lug to define a protrusion. The attachment system may further include a pin and a retention member positioned within the cavity. The retention member may be configured to retain the pin within the aperture upon advancement of the pin past the retention member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Motohide Hatanaka, Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Eiryo Shiraishi, Osamu Yabe, Hsiang Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 9659723
    Abstract: An accessory may be provided with a button controller having a microphone and switches. Plastic structures for the accessory may be formed by injection molding. Plastic structures may be molded around switch terminals. Switches may be formed using dome switch members and the switch terminals. A printed circuit with components may be mounted in the plastic structures. Recesses in the structures may be configured to receive the dome switch members, components on the printed circuit board, and wires in a cable. A backplate may be used to cover the printed circuit. A layer of plastic may be molded over the backplate to seal an interface created by the backplate. Cable strain relief structures may be molded into the layer of plastic. A lip on the strain relief structures may prevent particles from entering the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Osamu Yabe, Craig M. Stanley, Kurt R. Stiehl, Christopher D. Prest
  • Publication number: 20170071298
    Abstract: A magnetic band clasp includes a female clasp assembly of a first band segment and a male clasp assembly of a second band segment. The female clasp assembly defines one or more cavities with one or more magnetic elements disposed underneath. The male clasp assembly includes a projection that may include a magnetic element. Magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements couples the first and second band segments when the projection is positioned in the cavity. In implementations where the female clasp assembly includes multiple cavities, changing which of the cavities the projection is positioned in adjusts a combined coupled length of the first and second band segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Jen-Chun Hsu, Osamu Yabe
  • Publication number: 20160250782
    Abstract: Systems and methods of providing a composite material that is bendable but substantially resists stretching under tension. One embodiment may take the form of a composite material formed by over-molding a woven glass fiber with silicone. The woven glass fiber may be rolled out with a silicon polymer melted into the woven fabric as the rolling process continues. The composite of the two materials may provide a material that bends easily but does not substantially stretch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Derek C. Krass, Douglas J. Weber, Jen-Chun Hsu, Osamu Yabe
  • Publication number: 20160037876
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a locking assembly for an attachment system of an electronic device. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an attachment unit that is configured to be inserted and removed from a housing of a consumer product. The attachment unit and/or the housing includes a catch member or other such locking assembly configured to relaseably secure the attachment unit within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins, Michael J. Webb, Stephen Dey, Osamu Yabe, Hsiang Hung Chen
  • Publication number: 20160037878
    Abstract: Attachment systems for attaching a wearable electronic device to a user including a sizing band and a retaining band are disclosed. The sizing band includes at least one sizing eyelet and a band-insertable end. The retaining band includes at least a post for insertion into the sizing eyelet of the sizing band and a concealment aperture configured to receive the band-insertable end of the sizing band. A bottom surface of the retaining band can be a recessed guide bed configured to guide the band-insertable end along the bottom surface of the retaining band. A wearable electronic device can couple to both the sizing band and the retaining band by accepting an end portion of each band into receiving channels extending into opposite sidewalls of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Osamu Yabe, Derek C. Krass, Scott W. Slabaugh, Michael Brickner, Julian Hoenig
  • Publication number: 20130313097
    Abstract: An accessory may be provided with a button controller having a microphone and switches. Plastic structures for the accessory may be formed by injection molding. Plastic structures may be molded around switch terminals. Switches may be formed using dome switch members and the switch terminals. A printed circuit with components may be mounted in the plastic structures. Recesses in the structures may be configured to receive the dome switch members, components on the printed circuit board, and wires in a cable. A backplate may be used to cover the printed circuit. A layer of plastic may be molded over the backplate to seal an interface created by the backplate. Cable strain relief structures may be molded into the layer of plastic. A lip on the strain relief structures may prevent particles from entering the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Osamu Yabe, Craig M. Stanley, Kurt R. Stiehl, Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 8479359
    Abstract: A hinge device includes a first frame member having a securing section at which the first frame member is secured to a first body, a rotation shaft supporting the first frame member allowing rotation thereof, a stopper provided on the first frame member in such a manner as to project in a direction in which the rotation shaft extends and to rotate together with the first frame member about the rotation shaft, and a second frame member. The second frame member having a securing section at which the second frame member is secured to a second body, a rotation-shaft-supporting section supporting the rotation shaft, and a stopper-receiving portion receiving the stopper. The stopper and the stopper-receiving portion are subjected to load-redirecting processing such that a load produced upon contact between the stopper and the stopper-receiving portion is applied in such a direction that a thickness of the stopper becomes larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Osamu Yabe, Yuichi Yamada, Tomoyuki Sonoda