USO10973285B2, co» United States Patent Lukens et al. (10) Patent No.: (45) Date of Patent: US 10,973,285 B2 ‘Apr. 13, 2021 (72) Inventors: William C, Lukens, San Francisco, CA 4,170,104 A * 10/1979 Yamagata GO4B 37/106 (73) Assignee: Apple Ine., Cupertino, CA (US) 7.526840 B2* $2000 Pemu AMaC S14 (2) Ar No sss So pees 8 aad (60) Provisional application No. 62/516,043, filed on Jun. (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Morgan, Lewis & Unibody button is positioned between the main body and the CPC. GOS 37/14; GMB 37/1486; 444 Sits; seep ‘i 4B AT GOED ATILABG, SAAC SS: eae cover. The button is biased aginst the rear cover and is Sion bumcosr ties eveile wvand the canel wo rele wathband usec 224/152, 164 cusnesd therein See application file for compte 18 Claims, 5 Drawing SheetsUS 10,973,285 B2 Page 2 (89) References Cited x cosirs 42017 Wo wottmeat Hg US. PATENT DOCUMENTS Wo Woden 2206 998 243018 tan GO MHA Ae NONE AI 8200 Ga on OBES age gpogewm tu 3,208 : wa 34365 ental Seach port and Whiten Opinion fom PCTUS2O18 ee eee ABCA thins data oct 25 2018 15 page Doosenssis2 at 122005 Th oab Sr ise Ausalan tamaston Report om Asan Pet Application Aeg25) No 01827997 ed Oct 16,2019. 3 puss DINGS ALY 122014 De Of wuss AMCETE — Tarpean OMe Aun tom fuepen Tae Apliton No Bectet Teron dal Teh 26.2020, paps 20160037876 AL* 22016 Peskins ‘A446 5/2085 Korean Olice Action from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019: 32464 Gotan, dud Bab 25.200, 9 popes inldng Eg in co nee ARNEL TG ld 25,2009 oiling ash pe roiscososos At 22016 Peking ee ames Alea Oe ernie to eres eee eee it AI* 32016 Rott 11643 «cation No. 7 Aug. 120. 10 pages. OISOING7S AI 32016 thloph OOS WI6ES SANE stu ae tan No 21 Fomine coe tt 325 ESB tt 20,10 pas nn Ph tae BNR6 Teeaion Sears tt enn eee ‘Kn Na of Assane date Sep 15,202, 3 pages Sifuansoo At» ‘Sane te cost y3eay Rowan Otic Aton fom Koren Ptnt pation So 10201 Sorvursisip Als @a017 Nowak RikC sas Tolnt3 dated 902020, 12 page neting ah langage tnnshticn TOREION PATENT DOCUMENTS Inn Ole Acton nian Pat Apion No. 2091701411 tt rh 2091, ages ~ tose x2016 a sociprs: 32018 + sited by examinerU.S. Patent Apr. 13, 2021 Sheet 1 of 5 US 10,973,285 B2 30 m 20 6 INTERFACE COMM DISPLAY SENSOR BATTERYU.S. Patent Apr. 13, 2021 Sheet 2 of 5 US 10,973,285 B2 2 2U.S. Patent Apr. 13, 2021 Sheet 3 of 5 FIG.5 US 10,973,285 B2 SSE R 16U.S. Patent Apr. 13, 2021 Sheet 4 of 5 US 10,973,285 B2U.S. Patent Apr. 13, 2021 Sheet 5 of 5 US 10,973,285 B2 FIG.9 FIG. 10US 10,973,285 B2 1 ATTACHMENT SYSTEM FOR WATCHBAND. (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED. [APPLICATIONS This application elaims the benefit of US. Provisional Applicaton No. 62/516,083, entitled “ATTACHMENT. SYSTEM POR WATCHBAND.” filed Jun. 6, 2017, the ‘entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD The present description relates generally to securement of wearable devices, and, more particulary, to attachment systems for watchbands. BACKGROUND, Some electronic devices may be removably attacied 10 a user. For example, a wristwatch of fitnssheath tracking ‘device can be aftached toa wser's wrist by joining free ends ‘of watchband together. In many cases, watchbands may have fimited fit adjustment increments available. For ‘example, some bands have an inerementally ser-adjustable size (eg. a buckling clasp, pin and eyelet, ete.) whereas ‘other bands have a substantially fixed size, adjustable only ‘with specialized tools andor expense (eg, folding clasp, deployment clasp, snap-fit clasp, et.) Othor bands may be ‘elasticated expansion-type bands that stretch 1o it round & user's wrist, The degree of comfort and securement of the ‘electric device to the wer ean depend on the finetion and arrangement of the watchband, Consumer products such as watches, cameras, phones, purses, and glasses may include one oF more accessories tached thereto, The manner in which they are attached may be widely varied. However, they typically suer from simi- lar if not the same, drawbacks. For example, many con- sumer produits typically do not include user-friendly attsch- ment systems. Some may require special ols and others may even require taking the constimer product into a shop in ‘onl to remove, fx or replace the acessories. Furthermore, ‘even when products have user oriented attachment mecha- nisms, they may not provide adequate retention foree. Bven if the retetion Tore is adequate, the mechanism used may be quite robust and lange thereby adversely allecting the ‘elegance af the consumer prot. none example, wristwatches typically include a ease and 1 band. The ease carries the components or mechanisms of the wristwatch including the face. The band extends away from the case so that it €an Wrap around the wrist ofa user. “The band may be integral with the ease. However, in most, ‘cases, the hand is a separate part that is attached tothe case For example, the ease may include a pin that captures the band thereby attaching the band to the ease. In onder ‘detach the band from the ease, te pin needs fo be removed Tnsome instances, band removal ean be accomplished with 8 special tool. However, in many cases, the wser may need to Visita specialty store or have the assistance of technician in order to remove the band, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Certain features ofthe subject technology are st forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments ofthe subject technology are set forth inthe following figures. 2 FIG. 1 i a perspective view of a watch, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 isa side view of a watch housing, in accordance ith some embodiments of the present disclosure FIG. 3 is a rear view of a watch housing in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of @ watch housing, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG, 5 is a perspective view of a watch housing and @ \watchband connector, in accordance with some embodi- ments of the present disclosure, TIG. 6 is 9 sectional view of a watch housing and a watchband connector of the section A-A of FIG. 3, in ‘aeordance with some embodiments of the present disclo- IG. 7 is sectional view of the watch housing and the Watchhand connector of FIG, 6, in accordance with some tmbodiments of the present disclosure FIG, 8 is section view ofthe watch housing and the watehhand connector of FIG, 6, in accordaee with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG, 9 is a sectional view of a Watch housing and a \watchband connector, in acconlance with some embod mens of the present disclosure, FIG, 10 is'a sectional view of a watch housing and a \atchband connector, in accordance with some embodi- nents of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION ‘The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various conligurations ofthe subject tehn0l ‘gy ands not intended to represent the only configurations in whieh the subject technology may be practiced, The appended drawings are incorporated herein and consitte a part of the detsiled description, The detailed description Includes specific details for the purpose of providing thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, itwill be clearand apparent to those skilled inthe art hat the subject technology # not Himited to the specie details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific detail. In some instances, well-known structures and com- Ppnents are shown in black diagram form in order to avoid Dbscuring the concepts of the subject technology: ‘Wearable electronic devices, sich as watches, can be provided with an attachment system for connecting. and releasing removable module that interfaces with some portion of the electronic deviee, For example, a watch can fnchide watchbands that connect to a watch housing and secure the watch housing to a wrist of a user, The wateh- bands engage with a related or comesponding. module, recess, aperture, o component of the watch housing. "Attachment systems for such modules are desited to provide secure retention, ease of release, and aesthetic {qalities. For example, am attachment system for a watch is desired 1 retain and selectively release a watehband without adversely allacting look and fee ofthe watch. As the parts for sucha system ean be smal, precise fabrication wit low tolerances are preferred so the parts are responsive 0 operation by 2 user. ‘A button can be provided for retaining and releasing an ‘atachmeat unit ofa watehbaadl from a channel of a watch housing. Where the button is made from multiple pars, the complexity and cost of fabrication can be relatively high. In Some designs, the multiple parts of the button: must be sssembled within the watch housing, which is an aitionalUS 10,973,285 B2 sep that introduces a risk of flawed assembly. The inter= ‘connection between parts (ew. snap ft) can lead to poor Performance as aettion of one part can be improperly translated to other parts. Furthermore, the multiple parts can shi relative to each other, such that aesthetic features, such 8s surface alignment with respect tothe watch housing, can be dificult @ achieve with precision, [Embodiments ofthe present disclosure provide a unibody button for retaining and releasing an attachment unit of @ Watchhand from a channel ofa watch housing, The button is moveably contained between the watch housing and a rear ‘cover, against which the button is biased. With a unibody ‘eonsiruction, the button is able to be made with seal tolerances. Fabrication of « small unibody part is more ‘traightforward an less expensive than multiple eonstituent parts. The total number of parts is reduced, thereby simpli fying assembly. By eliminating interfaces between constiti- ‘ent parts of a button, activity (eg. forces, biasing, and ‘engagement) at one portion ofthe button translates direlly to other portions thereof. Assembly tolerances and subse- ‘quent cosmetic variation of the button to the suerounding surfaces are reduced duet elimination ofthe button sssem- by requirement IG. illustrates a watch 10 including & watch housing 90 that is useable with an attachment unit 12 of an attachment system according to one or more embodiments ofthe present lisclosure. twill be appreciated that the teachings relating to a watch can be applied 10 other electronic devices, including wearable andlor portable computing devices Examples include eell phones, smartphones, tablet comput- cers, laptop computers, timekeeping devices, computerized lasses and other wearable devices navigation devices, sports devices, accessory devices, health-nonitoring devices, medical devices, wristhands, bracelets, jewelry, ‘andor the Tike, “According to some embodiments, one of the components included in the watch 10 can be one or more VO systems For example, the watch 10 can include a touchsereen 20 ‘configured o output various information about the wateh 10 ‘The tovehscreen 20 ofthe Watch 10 can also be configured lo receive it. The watch 10 eam also have oer input and ‘utpit mechanisms. For example, the watch 10 can incde ‘or interface with one or more bution, a crown, Keys, dials, trackpads, microphones and the like The watch 10 can include a watch howsing 30 and one or more attachment units 12 capable of being. removably ‘coupled to a main body 14 of the wateh housing 30. The ‘wateh housing 30 serves to suround a periperalrexion of the watch 10 as wel as support the internal components of the watch 10 in their assembled position. For example, the watch housing 30 eneloses and supports various snteral ‘componens (inchiding for eximple integrated circuit chips, processors, memory devices and other eireuty) to provide ‘computing and functional operations forthe watch 10. The watch 10 can wiizea watchband 18 Tr attaching the ‘watch 10 to a wrist, Por example, as shown in FIG. 1, the Watchband 18 can include a fest and strap 62 attached to a fist allachment unit 12 of the watch 10 and a second band strap 64atached to w second atachment unit 12 of the watch 10> Ia sonve embodiments, free ends of the frst band sieap 62 and the second band strap 64 can be configured to be releasably atached or secured 0 one another using a clasp 66 or other attachment mechanism wo Form & lop, This loop ‘can then he used to attach the watch U0 to a user's wrist. Although a single attachment unit 12 is discussed herein, ‘9 phiality of attachment units 12 ean he coupled to the watch housing 30. When multiple atachment units 12 are » 4 used, a8 shown in FIG. 1, the watch housing 30 can have a band retaining feature (e'n, luanne 16, latch, clip, recess, Jock or other such coupling node) ona first side and a second side of the main body 14. While the band retaining feature of FIG. 1is shown as a channel, it will be understood that ther retention mechanisms ean be applied. The channel 16 fm the fist side of the main body 14 of the wateh housing 30 can reocive one of the attachment units 12 and the channel 16-on the second side of the main body 14 of the wate housing 30 can receive anoth The attachment its 12 ean have a same or different size andr shape, wherein the size andlor shape corresponds 9 1 size undior shape of the respective channel 16 “According to some embodiments, for example as shown Jn FIG. 2 the main body 14 includes one or more channels 16 that mechanically engage a comresponding attachment unit 12. The channels 16 on the main body 14 include an ‘opening while the attachment unit 12inclodes a fg that its within the opening. The opening can be configured in a variety of cillerent shapes and orientations. Further, the ‘opening is configured (0 eemovably receive he hig such will be desribed in detail below. ‘As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the watch 10 can include components for performing various functions, including interacting with @ user. For example, the watch 10 can include components for inferscting witha user. The tovel- screen 20 can provide visual (image or video) ouput for the watch 10. The touchscreen 20 may also provide an input surface for one or more tevch inp devices such asa toch sensing deve, foree sensing deviee, temperature sensing device, andor a fingerprint sensor. The touchsereen 20 may be any size suitable for inclusion at east partially within the housing of the watch 10 and may be positioned substantially fnyrwhere on the watch 10, “The watch 10 can fther include one oe more other user interfaces 76 for receiving input from andlor provi ‘ouput to user, For example, one or more butions, dials, frowns, stitches, oF other devices can be provided for receiving input fiom a user. The user interlace 76 can Include speaker, a microphone, and/or a haptic device. A haptic deviee can be implemented a any’ suitable device configured to provide force feedback, vibratory feclback, ‘aetle sensations, and the like. For example in one embodi- ment, the haptic device may be implemented as a linea? actuator configured io provide a punctuated haptic feedback, such as a tap or a knock, ‘As further showa in PIG. 2, the watch 10 includes one or ‘more processing units 72 tht include or are configured to aveess 4 memory having instructions stored thereon, The Jnsiictions oF compister programs may be configured perform one or more of the operations or funetions describe ‘with respect tothe Watch 10, The processing units 72.can be implemented as any electronic deviee capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instrction. For example, the processing units 72 may include one or more ol: & microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an appli- ccatouspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As Seseribed herein, the term “processor” is meant 1 encom pass a single processor or processing unit, multiple proces ors, multiple processing unit, or oer suitably configured computing element or elements. The memory can store electronic data that can be used by the watch 10, For texample, a memory ean store electrical data or content sich fs, for example, abdio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing and control signals or data fr the various modules, dataUS 10,973,285 B2 5 structs or databases, and soon. The memory can be ‘configured as any type of memory. By way of example onl, the memory ean be implemented as random aocess memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, oF ‘other types of storage elements, or combinations of such doves. ‘As further shown in FIG. 2, the watch 10 may include @ ‘communication component 74 that fociltaes transmission ‘of data andlor power t or from other electronic devices scross standardized or proprietary protocols. For example, ‘communication component 74 ean trinsmit electronic sig nals via a wireless andor wired network connection. Examples of wireless and wired network connections include, but ar not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared, REID and Fhernt. As further shown in FIG. 2, the watch 10 may sso inelude fone or more sensors 78, such a5 biosensors, positioned substantially anywhere of the watch 10, The one or more sensors 78 may be configured to sense substantially any type ‘of characteristic suc as, but not imitedt, images, pressure, light, touch, force, temperature, position, motion, and so on For example, the sensor(s) 78 may be a photodetector, temperature sensor a Tight or optical sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnet, a gyroscope, naecelerometer, and so on Inother examples the watch 10 may include one or more health sensors. In some examples, th health sensors ean be disposedon a bottom surface af the housing of the watch 10, such as nea the rear cover 22. The ‘one or more sensors 78 can inchide optical andor electronic biometric sensor that may be use to compute one or more biometric characteristic. A sensor 78 can include a light source and a photodetector to form a photoplethysmiography (PPG) sensor. Light can be transmited from the sensor 78, to the user, and back othe sensor 78. For example, the main body 14 andior the rear cover 22 can provide one oF mare windows 90 (eg. opening, transmission medium, andior Jens) to transmit Tight to andlor from the sensor 78. The ‘optical (¢g., PPG) sensor or sensors may beused to compute \arious biometric characteristic including, without Tinita~ tion, hear rate 1 respiration rate, blood oxygenation level, 1 blood volume estimate, blood pressure, ors combination thereof; One oF more ofthe Sensors 78 may’ also be config: tied to perform an electrical measurement using oe oF more electrodes. The electrical sensors) may be used 0 measure electrocardiographie (ECG) characteristics, gal- \anie skin sistance, and other elecrical properties of the user's body. Additionally or altenatively, a sensor 78 can be configured to measure body temperature, exposure to UV radiation, and other health-related information As further shown in FIG. 2, the watch 10 may include a battery 80 tht is used to store and provide power fo the other ‘components of the watch 10, The battery 80 may be a rechargeable power supply that is configured 10 provide power w dhe wath 10, The watch 10 may also be coaigured to rechange the battery 80 using a wireless charging system, FIG. 3 illustrates & bottom view of the watch 10 of FIG. 1 according to one of more embodiments of the prescat disclosure. A rear eover 22 or multiple rear covers can be provided over a portion ofthe main body 14, The button 34 ‘can be disposed on an underside of the main body 14 Altemativey or additionally, the button 34 can be disposed. ‘or positioned on a top side of the main body 14. The rear ‘cover 22 can surround at least a portion of one of more buttons 34, According to some embodiments, the button 34 ‘ean be used to release a Tocking mechanism of the atach- ment unit 12 from the channel 16. Actuation of the button 34 » 6 releases the attachment unit 12, which enables the attach- ‘ment unit 12 w be removed from the channel 16 The rear cover 22 can cover a substantial portion of the ‘ain body 14 of the watch 10. For example, the rear cover 22 can cover & majority of the main body 14 on one side thereof (e.g. more than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, oF 0% oF up ‘© 100% ofa surface area onside ofthe main body 14). The rear eover 22 can extend approximately from one channel 9 nether channel tht are both within the main body M4. The rear cover 22 can provide an entirety of the surface of the housing that is contacted hy the iris ofthe user when the watch 10 is wom, Te reareover 22 can include one or more components 88 that provide communication, access, or functions on oF through the rear cover 22. The components 88 can inchade ‘one oF more windows 89, one or more electrodes 92, andlor fone of more modules 94. While the components 88 of FIG, 3 re represented as squares aligned ina grid patter, it will be understood thatthe components 88 can be of any size, shape, andor arrangement. For example, the components 38 can be square, rectangular, polygonal, ound, curve, arcu- at, eieular, semi-circular, at, or another shape. The com ponents 88 (e., windows 99, electrodes 92, and/or medules 594) can be the same size, itfeont sizes, the same shape oF siferent shapes. The components #8 (eg, windows 90, electrodes 92. and/or modules 94) can be distbuted in a pattem or another armingement along the surfce ofthe rear over 22, At least a pie ofthe components RB of one type (ex, windows 90, electrodes 92, and] modules 94) can be separated from each other by components 88 of another ‘ype. One or more of the components 88 (ez, windows 99, electrdes 92, und modules 94) can partially or entirely ‘surround another one or more of the components 88 (eg, windows 99, electrodes 92, and modules 94). For example, at least some of the clocttades 92 can partially or entirely ‘Surround one or more ofthe windows 90 and/or modules 94 A Teast some of the Windows 90 ean parially or entirely surround one or more other windows 99, For example, one fr more central windows 90 can be used o transmit ight in one direction, and other surrounding windows 90 can be tesed to trnsmit light im another direction, Additionally oF allematively, the windows 90 can partially or entirely sue- round one or mere ofthe electeles 92 andlor mdiles 94 The components 8¥ can extend along an inner and/or outer surface ofthe rer cover 22 adler extend into oF though the ‘width of the rear cover 22 (eg, between and to opposing sides of the rear cover 22) “The reat cover 22 can provide one or more windows 90 {forming optical pathsvays to transmit ight to andr froma Sensor within the main body 14, With light tansmited through the windows 90, an optical (ep., PPG) sensor oF sensors ean be used to compute various biometric chara teristics including, without Fimitation, 2 heart rate, a respic ration rate, blood oxygenation level, a blood volume est ‘mate, blood pressure, or a combination thereof. The windows 90 can form an opening, a wansmission medium, an optical filer, and/ora lens. It willbe appreciated that any fnumber of windows 90 can be provided. One of more ‘Windows 90 can provide tasmission of Hight from a light milling device Within the main body 14. One or more ‘windows 90 can provide transmission of light to a Tght= detecting device (eg. sensor) within the main body 14, The ‘windows 90 can be of any size, shape, and arrangement. For example, the windows 99 can be atranged (0 align with Sensor andi a tart repion or regions ofthe user When the watch is wom by the wer.US 10,973,285 B2 7 “The rear cover 22 can provide one oF more elecitoes 92 to provide an electrically conductive pathway through or along the rer cover 22. The elsctrodes 92 can be operated to perform an elecricl measurement, for example, to mea sure electrocardiographic (ECG) characterises, galvanie skin resistance, and other electical properties of the user's body andor the environment willbe appreciated that any number of electrodes 92 can be provided, Each electrode 92 ‘can be insulated from other electrodes 92 andor other ‘components of the watch, One or more electtodes 92 ean ‘operate asa first terminal, and oncor more electrodes 92.ean, ‘operate 38 an additional terminal. The electodes 92 can be ‘of any size, shupe, and arrangement. For example, the ‘lecirdes 92 can be arranged to align with a target region ‘or regions ofthe user when the watch is wor by the user ‘The rea cover 22 can provide one or more modules 94 providing additional functionality. The one or more mexdules ‘94 can provide of facilitate measurements of body tempera ture, exposure to UV radiation, and other health-related information. The one of more modules 94 can provide of facilitate measurements of body temperature, exposure (0 UV radiation, and other health-related information. The one ‘or more modules 94 can be configured to provide or fac tate detection of images, pressure, light, touch, fore, tem= perature, position, motion, and so on. The ape or more modules 94 can include or facilitate operation ofa tempera lure sensor, ight or optical sensor, an atmospheric pressure seasor. a humidity sensor, a magnet a gyroscope, an accel- ‘eronieter, and 80 on, The one or more modules 94 ean include an opening extending panially or entirely through the rear cover 22 to provide exposure to an extemal env ronment, for example, for measurements. FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the ‘watch 10 of FIG. [according to one or more embodiments ‘of the present disclosure, The button 34 can be positioned between the rear cover 22 and the main body M4. By providing the rear cover 22 and the main body 14 on ‘opposite sides of the button 34, the wateh 10 can be assembled to contain the bution 34. As such, the button 34 ‘can be a unibody strocture rather than an assembly of pats that are assembled within the watch 10, As used herein, unibody strcture is one that is integrally formed ofa single piece. For example, the bution 34 can be a monolithic structure. By providing a unibody button 34, the button 34 does not contain dimensional ‘variations that occur in assembled pats. Aeconingy, the unibody button 34 can be Tabricated to more precise ad consistent dimensions. This allows the unibody button 34 t0 more accurately match the ‘dimensions ofthe main body 14 and the rear cover 22 into ‘which the unibody button 34 is placed, ‘Acconing to some emboxtiments the butlon 34 is aligned ita housing opening 26 of the main body 14. The housing ‘opening 26 extends through the main body 14 atleast tothe channels 16. In some embodiments the housing opening 26 is positioned within the ehannel 16 such that the locking mcchanism of the attachment nit 12 is aligned with the housing opening 26 when te sides of the attachment unit 12 ar flush or substantially uh with respect to the channel 16 andor one or more sidewalls of the main body 14. For ‘example, the chanel 16 of the main body 14 is configured to receive either a proximal end or a distal end of the tachment unit 12. Once either the proximal end or the ‘distal end ofthe ataclanent unit 12 as been received by the ‘channel 16, te attachment unit 12 can slide or move within, the channel 16 until the locking mechanism of the attoch- ‘ment unit 12 expands into, engages with, or otherwise enters the housing opening 26 contained within the main body 14 » 8 According to some embodiments, the button 34 is aligned with a cover opening 24 of the rear cover 22, The cover ‘pening 24 extends through the rear cover 22 t0 opposite srfaces thereof, The rear cover 22 ean be placed oa the rain body 14 so dhat dhe bution 34 is secured within the housing opening 26 and the cover opening 24. The user can gees the button 34 athe cover opening 24 othe rear cover 22, The button 34 can be movable through a least part ofthe ‘over opening 24 andthe housing opening 26 while the rear ‘over 2 is alixed to the main body 14 The housing opening 26 and the cover opening 24 can provide one oF more of a varity of shapes and sizes 10 fneeommodate pontons of the bution 34. For example, the shape andior sizeof the housing opening 26 and the cover ‘pening 24 can complement coeresponding portions of the button 34. The housing opening 26 andor the eover opening 24 ean have a cross-sectional shape that is round, octangt lag, oval, oblong, lozenge-shapal, andor polygonal, The housing opening 26 and the cover opening 24 can have the same or different shapes and/or sizes. According to some embodiments, the caver opening 24 is layer than the housing opening 26 to accommodate fingerail andlor tool to actuate the button 34. Separate housing openings 26 of tiven main body 14 can have the same or diferet shapes andor sizes. Separate cover openings 24 of a given rear ‘over 22 can have the same or different shapes andioe sizes For any given housing opening 26 or caver opening 24, the crosesectional shape andlor size can be the same or vary along the depth thereof According to some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 8, the attachment unit 12 can be laterally inserted the main body 14 of the watch 10, As such, the ‘aachment unit 12 can be configured a slide relative to the ‘main body 14 of the watch 10. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment unit 12 can be pressed, snap ft or otherwise {orwardly inserted into the channel 16 of the main body 14 Once inserted, the attachment unit 12 can be locked oF otherwise sectired within the main body 14. For example, Tocking mechanism (e., # hug) can engage at least the housing opening 26 within the channel 16. FIG, 6ilustrates a sectional view of the watch 10 of FIG, 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, Theattachatent unit 12 is shown within a ehannel 16, which separates portions ofthe main body 14 from each other, According to” some embodiments, for example as shovn ia FIG, 6 the button is movesbly coated between the rear cover 23 and the main body 14, which are coupled tw each other: The cover opening 24 of the rear cover 22 is provided across from a housing opening 26 of the main body 14, so that a continuous opening is provided from the channel 16 oan outer surface ofthe ear cover 22, A locking mechanism (€4, lug 8) of the attachment unit 12 engages within the housing opening 26 when aligned therewith. In this positon, he attachment unit 12is unable to move within forbe removed fom the channel 16 until the lug 8 is released {orm the housing opening 26. According to soaie embodiments, the button 34 comprises various regions. The regions of the button 34 are not Aistintl separable, but rather regions of the unibody’ struc ‘ure, The button 34 includes area portion 40 that can extend fat least partially through the cover opening 24. The rear portion 40 can be accessed by a user for actuation. Ina rest position (eg., when not actuated by user, the rear portion 440 can be fish witha surface ofthe rear cover 22. The rear portion 40 can form a spline within the ree cover 22 so that the surface of the rear portion 40 is continuous with the surface of the rear cover 22. The rear portion 40 has aUS 10,973,285 B2 9 ‘contour that matches contour of the surface of the rear ‘cover 22, The button 34 futher includes a chanel portion 444 that can extend at least partially through the housing ‘opening 26. The channel portion 44 can engage the lug 8 of the attachment unit 12 when the button 34 i vetuated Between the ear portion 40 and the channel portion 44, the button 34 includes a flange 42 for engaging other structures ‘According to some embodiments, the rear portion 40 of the button 34 can include or be coupled to weap (not shown. The ap can be ofa different material andor have cosmetic feature that is different than that ofthe rear portion 40, For ‘example, the cap can cosmetically match a surfce of the rear cover 22. Atleast some of the cap extends outwardly towant or through the cover opening 24 “The button 34 is biased to a rest positon. According to some embodiments, the button 34 is biased so that the flange 42 is pressed against the rear cover 22, One of more spring ‘elements 46.can be provided between the buton 34 (e.., the ange 42) and the main body 14. According to some ‘embostiments, the spring elements 46 ean include a ceil spring, «compression spring, a leaf spring, a torsion spring, ‘cantilever spring ora stricture of an elastic material, The spring elements can bias the button 34 into the cover ‘opening 24 or agains the ear cover 22. The spring een 446 can also bias the button 34 away from the main body the housing opening 26, andr the ing 8 ofthe attachment unit 12, The sprig elements 46 apply a force to the button 54 at Keast wien the button 34 is depressed hy a user. The Force can be normal to the eover opening 24, so that the button 34 is radially aljgned within the cover opening 24, rather than deflected to one side thereof. The spring elements 46 can continue wo apply a foree to the bution 34 when not depressed, so the buon is maintained away Irom the Ig 8 Because the button 34 js a unibody stroetre, the position of ‘every part of the button 34 is predictable when the spring Clements 46 acts presses the flange 42 against the rear cover 22. For example, the movement and position ofthe Mange 42 is controled based on the bias of the spring elements 46 and the limit provided by the rear cover 2. Accordingly; the rear portion 40 and the channel portion 44 are moved and Positioned in direct relation to the flange 42 where all parts re ofa unibody structure, Wit this result the entire button 34 can be size and shaped to fit relative tothe main body 14 nd the rar cover 22 with lower tolerances than woul be required with buttons of multiple assembled pars FIG. illustrates a sectional view ofthe watel 10 of FIG. 6 withthe button actuated by a user acconling to one or more ‘embostimens of the present disclosure. To release the atach- ‘ment unit 12 from the channel 16, the bon 34 is actuate ‘Whea actuated, the button 34 can move so that the ehanne portion 44 of the button 34 moves towards and partially through the housing opening 26. Actuation ofthe bution 34 ‘expels the lg & from the housing opening 26. As shown in IG. & ths also enables the attachment unit 12 te once again freely move or slide within the channel 16 ofthe main body [or be pled out frm the front foe of the channel 16. Por ‘example, when actuated, the buton 34 ean move so that the ‘channel portion 44 is fash with surfoce ofthe channel 16 The channel portion 4 ean form a spline within the main body 14 s0 that the surface of the chanael portion 44 is ‘contiuous with dhe surface of the chaanel 16. The chanel portion 44 as a contour that matches a contour of the Surface ofthe channel 16, When released, the button 34 can Fetum tothe Fest position by action of the spring elements 46 ‘According to some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 9, the button 34 is biased with one or more of 10 variety of spring elements, For example, one oF more extension amis 52 can exten fom the button 34 toward the ‘main body 14, The extension aims §2 can be parts of & continous stecture, The extension arms §2 ean be inte- tated into the butlon 34, for example by welding or fvermolding. Each of the extension arms 52 is fixed a corresponding retention member $4 that is attached to the ‘main body 14. The extension arms $2 canbe resilient, so that tend to push against the retention members 84 and bias the button 34 against the ear cover 22 ‘Other configurations for biasing the button 34 against the rear cover 22 are contemplated, For example, the button M4 canbe biased against the rear eover 22 with a pring element that is connected tothe butfon 34 and the rea cover 22. The spring element can inclode a tension spring between the button 34 and the rear cover 22 that stetehes when the button is depressed and applies a tension foree on the button to bias it agains the rea cover 22. The spring element need fot between the button Mand the rear cover 22. For ‘example, the spring element can cannect aside of the button 34 Facing the channel 16 with a portion ofthe rear cover 22 that is outside the periphery of the huton 34, “Accorng to some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 10, the button 34 and the cover opening 24 have complementary shapes that feciltate radial alignment ofthe button within the cover opening 24. s shown in FIG. 10, the rear portion 40 of the butlon 34 can have a tapered eros sectional dimension along a depth thersaf. The cover apen- ing 24 can also have a tapered eross-setional dimension ‘long a depth thereof. The shape fr either ean, for example, Form a frastrum (e-, frustoconical, et). The shape ean be complementary so tht the button 34 is radially aligned Within he cover opening 4 by moving axially ito the cover ‘pening 24. Where radial misalignment occurs, reentry ito the cover opening 24 can restore proper aligantent. Furher- more, engagement between the button 34 and the cover ‘opening 24 can coeur when a surface ofthe button 34s fish ‘With a surface of the rear cover 22 ‘Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure pr vide a button (eat, unibody button) for retaining and releas- jing an altachmen! unit of @ Watchband from a ebunael of @ ‘watch housing. The button is moveably contained between the watch housing and a rea cover, against which the buton js based. With a unibody construction, the button is able to bbe made with small tolerances. Fabrication of small unibody parts more straightforward and less expensive than ‘utile constituent paris, The total aumber of pars is recluced, thereby simplifying assembly. By eliminating inter- aces between constinvent pars of « button, activity (eg, forces, biasing. and engagement at one portion of the button teansltes directly to other portions thereof, Assembly tol- feranges and subsequent cosmetic variation of the button to the surounding surfaces are reduced duc to elimination of the bution assembly requirement. A relerence o an clement in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more. For example, “a” module may refer to fone oF more modules, An element proceeded by “a,” "an" the." of “said” does not, without further constraints, pre clude the existence of additional same elements. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for coave- rience only and do not limit the invention. The word exemplary is used (© mean serving as an example or ilus- tration, To the extent thatthe tem includ, have, othe ike is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in & manner Similar tothe term comprise as comprise i interpreted when employed asa transitional word ina elaim, Relational termsUS 10,973,285 B2 u such as first and second and the Fike may be used 10 ‘distinguish one entity or action from another without nee~ ‘sarily requiring or implying any aetval sich relationship or ‘niet between such entities or actions Phrases such ab an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implemen- tations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the ‘embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one ‘or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more ‘configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for [Convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) i essential tothe subject technology’ o that Such disclosure applies to all configations ofthe subject technology. disclosure relating to such phmse(s) may apply tall configurations, or one or more configurations. disclosure relating to such phrases) may provide one or more examples. pase such aan aspoct or some aspects 2 may refer tone oF more aspeets and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases. ‘Aphase “at leastone of preceding a series of items, with the tems “and” or“or"to separate any ofthe items, modes the list a a whole, rather than eaeh member of the list. The Phrase “atleast one of” does not require selection ofa least ‘one item; rater, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one ofthe items, andor at last ane of any ‘combination ofthe items, andr at least one of each ofthe items. By way of example, each ofthe phrases “atleast one ‘oF A, B, and Cor “a least one of, Bor C”reles to only A. only B,oronly C;any combination of A,B, and C; andlor ‘at least one of exch of A, B, and C. Is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed i an ilustration of ‘exemplary appmaches. Unless explicitly stated othervise it is understood that the specie order oF hierarchy of steps, ‘operations, or processes may be perfonmed in different order Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be per- formed simultaneovsly. The accompanying method clsims, if any, present elements of the various sleps, operations oF processes in a sample onde, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarehy presented. These may be performed in serial, linearly in parallel or in different order It should he understood that the described instructions, ‘operations, and systems can generally be interated together ina single softwarelhardware product or packaged io nnltipfe software/bardware products. In one aspect, a term coupled or the fike may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, aterm coupled or the Tike may’ reer © being indigecly coupled, “Terms sue as top, bottom, ffont, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference rather than tothe ordinary gravitational frame of reference ‘Thus, such @ term may extend upwardly. downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in @ gravitational frame of ref “The disclosure is provide to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein, In some instances, well-known sirvctures and componeats are showin block diagram form i order to avoid obscuring the ‘concepts of the subject technology. The disclosure provides ‘various examples ofthe subject technology, and the subject technology is ant limited t these examples. Various mocl- fications to these aspects will be readily apparent (0 those skilled inthe art, und the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects 12 Al strgtural and funetional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ‘ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims, Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be de cated tothe public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the elsims. No elaim element is 19 be construed under the provisions of 35 USC. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited wsing the Phrase "means for” of in the ease of « method claim, the element is rected using the phnise “step for” The tile, background, brief description of the drawings, strat, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the tlisclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted ‘with the understanding that they wil not be used olin the scope or meaning ofthe claims. In adlition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides ithistative examples and the various features ate grouped ‘ogether in various implementations for the purpose of sreumliing the disclose. The method of disclosure i not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention thst the claimed subject matter eoqutes more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, asthe claims reflect, inventive subject matter ies in less than all features of single Aisclosed configuration or operation, The elsis are hereby ‘incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim Standing on its own asa separately’ claimed subject mate. “The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be acconded the fall scope consistent wit the language ofthe claims and to encompass all legal equivalents, Notwithstanding, none of the claims fre intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satis the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. ‘What i claimed is 1. A wateh housing eomprising: ‘main body hoving a first opening and a band retaining feature fr receiving a watehband: a rear cover having a sevond opening ‘button comprising a flange and extending at least parially through the first opening and second opening, ‘wherein the lange is between a first end of the button fand a second end of the button and te button is moveable between a first position with the first end catirely within the frst opening and a second position ‘withthe second end entirely within the second opening: and «spring clement between the ange and the main body, ‘wherein the spring element is configured to bis an entirety of the button away fom an entiety of the ‘watehband, 2. The watch housing of claim 1, further comprising: 4 touchscreen configured to display a visual ourput to a ‘user and receive touch input fm a user ‘a microphone: a speaker; ‘communication component for communicating wire Tessly with another deviee; and 4 sensor configured to detect a characterise of « user though the rear cover. 3. The Watch housing of elsim 1, further comprising ‘a photoplethysmography sensor comprising alight source ‘and photodetector, wherein the rear eaver includes 3US 10,973,285 B2 13 first window for tansmitng ight fom te ight source fand a. second Window for trinsmittiag Hght 10 the Photodetector. 4. The watch housing of claim 1, further comprising: 1 sensor configured 0 detetelesirocardiographie (ECO) characteristics of a user, wherein the rear cover includes an electrode operably connected to the sensor 5. The watch housing of claim 1, wherein the fist opening and the second opening are connected to form a continuous space within the watel hou 6. The watch housing of claim 1, wherein the button is socessible hy a user theough the second opening 7.A watch housing comprising ‘main body having a fist band retaining feature on a fst ‘side of the main body’ for receiving a frst watehnd portion and a second band relaning feature on a second side of the main body. opposite the fist side, for receiving @ seeond watchband portion: 1 rear cover attached to the main body and extending continuously from the first side ofthe main body tothe second side of the main body first button having a frst ange betwoen the main body ‘nd the rear cover, wherein the fist button is biased ‘toward the rear cover and avay from an entirety ofthe first and retaining feature, whorcin when the frst, button is depressed it releases the fist watchband portion from the fist bund retaining feature while the fist flange abuts the main body. and wherein movement of the first button away from the first hand retaining ‘eatureis limited by contact between the first lange and the main body, and second button having a second flange between the main body and the rear cover, wherein the second button is, biased toward the rear cover and away from an entirety of the second band retaining feature, wherein when the second ton is depressed it releases the second watch= band portion from the second band reaining feature While the second flange abuts the main body, and ‘wherein movement ofthe second button away fom the second band retaining feature is Timited by contact between the fst Mange and tae main body 8. The watch housing of claim 7, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a heart rate ofa user through the 9. The watch housing of claim 7, further comprising @ sensor configured to detect electrocariographie (ECG) characteristics of user, wherein the eur cover includes a ‘lectrode operably connacied 10 the sensor. 10. The Watch housing of elaim 7, wherei the first button is biased to a rest position in which the fst button rests ‘agains the rear cover, » 14 11, The watch housing of claim 10, wherein the fist bution, while in the est pesitin, has a surface tat is Mush and continuous with a surface of the rear cover 12, The wateh honsing of claim 7, wherein the frst band retaining feature comprises a channel and the fist button is ‘moveable toward the channel until a surface of the fist button is Mush and continuous with a surface of the channel 13, The wateh housing of elaim 7, wherein when the fist button js depressed it aetuates a portion of te first wate ‘band portion that interacts with the watch housing 14. The watch housing of claims 7, wherein movement of the frst button away from the fist band retaining feature is Timited by the rear cover 15. A watch housing comprising 1 main body having a channel for rseiving & watchband and a frst opening extending to the chanoe!; 1a rear cover having a second opening: ‘auton comprising a firt terminal end portion extending atleast partially through the frst opening, second terminal end portion extending at last partially through the second opening. and a flange between the first terminal end portion and the second terminal end portion: and 1 spring element between the flange and the main body, ‘wherein the spring element biases the ange against the ear cover, wherein the ton is depressable away From the rear cover to release the watchband from the channel, wherein the button is moveable between a first position withthe fist terminal end portion fish with, the channel and a second position with the second terminal end portion flush with a surface of the rear 16, The watch howsing of claim 18, wherein the rear cover is coupled to the main boxy: the fist opening and the second opening. are connected to form a continvous space within the Wateh howsing the flange has a cross-sectional dimension thot is larger than the frst opening and the second opening; and the frst terminal ead portion of the button forms frst spline within the first opening and the second terminal ced portion ofthe bution forms a second spline within, the second opening. 17. The watch housing of claim 18, wherein the watch housing contains a sensor and the rear eaver comprises ‘window for transmitting light to or frm the sensor. 18. The watch housing of elaim 15, wherein the sping element comprises a resilient anm that extends from the button to a retention member attached to the main body