The disclosure relates generally to components made from a mesh material, and more specifically, to a band strap formed from a metallic mesh that is integrated with various other elements.
In general, mesh materials may be used in a plurality of applications and industries. Some mesh materials are configured to be flexible and may be used similar to other textile-based products. In some cases, a metallic mesh material can be used in applications similar to a traditional non-metallic textile. However, some traditional metal mesh materials have drawbacks that prevent them from being widely adopted. For example, some traditional metal mesh materials may lack the flexibility or surface finish for some applications. Additionally, it may be difficult to join a metallic mesh with other components or integrate the mesh with other components of a device or product.
The following disclosure generally relates to components or devices made with a mesh material. In particularly a metallic mesh material may be used to form a portion of a band or securing strap for a wearable device. The band may include or be integrated with a magnetic tab for securing a wearable device to the wrist of a user. The tab may include one or magnetic elements that are configured to engage a surface of the mesh to secure the wearable device to the wrist of a user. A friction-enhancing member may also be disposed on a surface of the tab to improve the engagement of the tab. Techniques for manufacturing a mesh band are also described herein.
One example embodiment includes a consumer product, such as a wearable electronic device, having a body connected to a band strap. A magnetic tab may be attached to a free end of the band strap. The magnetic tab includes at least one magnetic element. A second tab element may include a loop having an aperture for receiving the free end of the first band strap. The magnetic tab may be configured to pass through the aperture and attach to a surface of the first band strap. The loop may be attached to the body of the device or, alternatively, to a second band strap that is attached to the body of the device. In some embodiments, the body includes an electronic device enclosure and the band strap is formed from a metallic mesh material. In some cases, the magnetic tab also includes an attachment face having a substantially flat surface that is configured to mate to the surface of the first band strap when the wearable electronic device is attached. In some cases, the magnetic tab includes an elastic member disposed on the attachment face. The elastic member may conform to and/or increase the friction between the surface of the first band strap and the tab. The magnetic tab may include one or more shunt elements on an opposite to the attachment face that are configured to shape the magnetic field of the magnetic tab.
In some embodiments, the magnetic tab includes multiple magnetic elements, including a center magnetic element having a magnetic pole orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the attachment face, and at least one side magnetic element having a magnetic pole orientation that is at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the attachment face. In some cases, the angle is approximately 45 degrees.
In some embodiments, the magnetic tab includes a single magnetic element having a magnetic pole orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the attachment face.
In some embodiments, the magnetic tab includes multiple magnetic elements, including a first magnetic element having a magnetic pole orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the attachment face and oriented in a first direction, and a second magnetic element having a magnetic pole orientation oriented along a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.
In some embodiments, the magnetic tab includes multiple magnetic elements, including a first magnetic element having a magnetic pole that is substantially perpendicular to the attachment face and oriented in a first direction, a second magnetic element disposed between the first magnetic element and a second magnetic element, the second magnetic element having a magnetic pole that is oriented perpendicular to the first direction, and the third magnetic element having a magnetic pole that oriented in a third direction that is opposite to the first direction.
In some embodiments, the magnetic tab includes an attachment face that is configured to mate to or engage the surface of the first band strap when the wearable electronic device is attached. The magnetic claims may also include a friction-enhancing member disposed on the attachment face and configured to increase the resistance to shear when the magnetic tab is attached to the surface of the first band strap. The friction-enhancing member may include an elastic ring disposed in a groove on in the magnetic tab. In some cases, the friction-enhancing member may include a band formed around at least a portion of the perimeter of the magnetic tab.
In some embodiments, the magnetic tab may also include a groove feature and is joined to the free end of the first band strap, which includes a corresponding tongue feature. The tongue feature may be formed by compressing the metallic mesh material and then substantially filling any voids or gaps in the mesh with a braze or weld material to form a solid section.
In some embodiments, the magnetic tab is attached to the free end of the first band strap via a butt joint having at least one filet weld formed at the intersection between the magnetic tab and the free end of the first band strap. In some cases, the magnetic tab is attached to the free end of the first band strap via a slit joint having the free end of the band strap inserted into a slot in the magnetic tab, wherein at least filet weld is formed at the intersection between the magnetic tab and the free end of the first band strap.
One example embodiment includes a wearable electronic device having a body connected to a first and second band straps. A magnetic tab may be attached to a free end of the first band strap. The magnetic tab includes at least one magnetic element. A second band strap includes an aperture for receiving the free end of the first band strap. The magnetic tab may be configured to loop through the aperture and attach to a surface of the first band strap. In some embodiments, the body includes an electronic device enclosure and the first and second band straps are formed from a metallic mesh material.
One example embodiment includes a wearable electronic device having a body connected to a band strap. A tab element may be disposed at a free end of the band strap and a second tab element may be disposed at a free end of the second band strap or on the body of the device. The second tab element may have a aperture or loop for receiving the first tab element allowing the first tab element to mate with or engage a surface of the band strap. The band strap may be formed from a metallic mesh of interlocking links, and a portion of the edge of the first band strap may be removed to create a substantially flattened surface. In some cases, multiple pairs of crescent features are formed by a portion of the interlocking links that have been substantially flattened.
Some embodiments are directed to a method of forming an end of a mesh band. The method may include: forming a protrusion along the end of the mesh band; brazing the end of the mesh band to form a solid section that is substantially free of open space or internal cavities; and joining the mesh band to a mating part. An alternative method may comprise: placing a compression sleeve over an end of the mesh band; compressing the compression sleeve into the mesh band to form a protrusion; and laser-welding the compression sleeve and end of the mesh band to form a solid section that is substantially free of open space or internal cavities. The methods may further comprise: machining the protrusion to form a tongue feature inserting the tongue feature into a groove feature of a mating part; and attaching the mesh band to the mating part.
Another method of forming a mesh may comprise: thinning a mesh material using a roller to create a thinned mesh material, wherein the thinned mesh material has a thickness that is less than the mesh material; and disposing a compliant member between the roller and the mesh material during the thinning operation, wherein the compliant member distributes a force from the roller over the mesh material. In some cases, the compliant member is attached to an outer surface of the roller. In some cases, the compliant member is a sheet that is disposed adjacent an upper surface of the mesh material near the roller. In some cases, the method may further comprise disposing a lower compliant member adjacent to a lower surface of the mesh opposite to the roller.
Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.
The following disclosure relates generally to a consumer product having components or devices made with a mesh material, and more particularly, to a metallic mesh that has been adapted for use as a band or securing strap for a consumer product, such as a wearable electronic device. As discussed in more detail below, the band or band strap may include or be integrated with a magnetic tab for securing a consumer product to the wrist of a user. A metallic mesh may provide superior strength and durability, but, using some traditional techniques, may also be difficult to manufacture and/or integrate with other components. The techniques described herein may be used to make or form a band strap from a metallic mesh material, which may provide manufacturing advantages and/or improved functionality and features, as compared to some other traditional textile bands.
In some embodiments, the band strap includes a magnetic tab which is configured to attach the consumer product to the wrist of a user. The magnetic tab may be attached to one end of the band and may be configured to fold through a loop and magnetically couple to a surface of the band. In some embodiments, the loop may include a protective rail for reducing the risk of damage to the band in the case of a fall or impact. In some embodiments, the latch includes one or more magnets in a configuration that facilitate coupling to the band while, in some instances, also reducing the magnetic attraction to other objects or materials.
In some embodiments, the tab is attached to the metallic mesh using one of a variety of techniques. Some techniques described herein may be used to attach the tab to the band material to create a reliable and strong mechanical bond between the two components. In some instances, the band is attached to the tab using a brazing technique. In some instances, the a separate sleeve is placed on one end of the band and the end is formed into a substantially solid portion of material. The end may also be machined and bonded or otherwise mechanically attached to the tab or other component.
In some embodiments, the tab is attached to the metallic mesh using a combination of mechanical and adhesive techniques. In particular, in some cases, the tab includes a recess that is formed at an angle with respect to a corresponding mating feature on one end of the band. The end of the band may be inserted into the recess and then twisted slightly to provide a mechanical engagement between the two parts. In some embodiments, an adhesive, braising material, or other bonding agent is used to join the two pieces that are also mechanically interlocked.
In some embodiments, the metallic mesh material is compressed to obtain a desired thickness and also to compress individual links or loops in the mesh. In one example, a roller is used to flatten the metallic mesh material. In some cases, a compressible or compliant member is used to reduce faceting or flattening of the individual links during a flattening process. In some cases, the compressible or compliant member is located on the roller used to flatten the metallic mesh. In some cases, the compressible or compliant member is a sheet or strip of material that is placed on the surface of the metallic mesh during the rolling process. In some cases, a rolling process is alternated with a crushing process to maintain a consistent or even mesh pattern while thinning the mesh.
In some embodiments, the edges or sides of the metallic mesh are finished to provide a specific edge profile shape. In some cases, the edge of a metallic mesh band is ground to provide a substantially flat surface. Depending on the depth of the grind, different visual patterns in the edge of the mesh may be created. In one example, a double crescent or hurricane pattern is formed at the edge of the band. In some cases, a saw tooth or rampart pattern is formed at the edge of the band.
These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to
As shown in
In some embodiments, the coupling components 112, 122 may include one or more separate pieces that form an end of the respective band straps 110, 120. In some embodiments, the coupling components 112, 122 are formed into or integrated with the steel mesh material of the respective band straps 110, 120. Example forming and attachment techniques are described in more detail below with respect to
As shown in
In general, to attach the wearable device 100 to a user, the body 102 may be placed against the user's wrist and the first and second band straps 110, 120 may be wrapped around the wrist. The magnetic tab 114 and a portion of the first band strap 110 may be inserted into the loop 124 allowing the bands to be tightened around the user's wrist. In some cases, the magnetic tab 114 includes at least one magnetic element and a face configured to attach to a portion of the first band strap 110 located between a first and second end. In some embodiments, because the magnetic tab 114 can attach along virtually any position along the first band strap 110, the magnetic tab 114 provides for an infinitely adjustable band.
Similar to the previous example, the band strap 160 of
In the example depicted in
Example alternative embodiments of a protective rail and loop are depicted in
430. In the present embodiment, the band may be folded over tangs 432 when attaching the band to the body of a user. In particular, the band may be fed through a portion of the aperture 434
that is located between the tangs 432 and the body of the device. The band may then fold over the tangs 432 and back through another portion of the aperture 434 that is located between the tangs 432 and the protective rail 436. In some embodiments, the tangs 432 include a radius or rounded edge to facilitate the insertion and/or sliding of the mesh within the loop 430. In the embodiment of
In some embodiments, the width of the aperture 434 is reduced as compared to a loop not having a protective rail. For example, a loop not having a protective rail (e.g., 174 of
1 mm as compared to a loop aperture not having a protective rail. In some cases, the width of the aperture 434 is reduced by approximately 1.5 mm as compared to a loop not having a protective rail. In some cases, the width of the aperture 434 is reduced by approximately 2 mm as compared to a loop not having a protective rail. Other embodiments having a protective rail may be similarly reduced in size along the width of the aperture(s).
In some embodiments, the band straps of any of the previous examples (110, 120, 160, 180, 310) may be formed from a metallic mesh material. In some cases, the metallic mesh is formed from an array of links that are interlocked to form a sheet of fabric. Some or all of the links in the mesh may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, which may facilitate magnetic engagement with the magnetic tab, as described above. In some cases, each link of the mesh is formed from a section of metallic filament that is bent or formed into a closed shape. In some cases, the links of the mesh are formed from a metallic filament that is bent or formed into a spiral or coil shape. Each link may be interlocked with one or more adjacent links to form a portion of the sheet or fabric. In some cases, a metallic filament is formed around a series of rods or pins that are disposed at a regular spacing within the mesh. In some cases, one or more strands or filaments that may be formed from a ferromagnetic material are woven or integrated with the links of the mesh. A variety of link-based mesh configurations may be suitable for use in the band straps described in the present disclosure.
The metallic mesh may not necessarily be formed entirely of metallic materials and, more specifically, ferromagnetic materials. For example, in some embodiments, some of the links are formed from a ferromagnetic material and some of the links may be formed from a material that is not ferromagnetic. In some cases, some or all of the non-ferromagnetic links may be formed from a non-metallic material, including, without limitation, ceramics, polymers, plastics, and natural or synthetic fibers. In some cases, some or all of the non-ferromagnetic
links may be formed from a metallic material that is not ferromagnetic. For example, the non-ferromagnetic links may be formed from a copper, silver, gold, aluminum, magnesium, platinum, or other non-magnetic metal material. In some cases, the mesh includes one or more strands or filaments that are woven or integrated with the links. The one or more strands or filaments may also be either a ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic material. A combination of materials may be selected based on density of the ferromagnetic materials suitable for engaging the magnetic tab and other factors, such as mesh finish, mesh appearance, and/or mechanical properties of the mesh material.
Additionally, the band straps (110, 120, 160, 180, 310) may be formed from a metallic mesh material that comprises a woven material that includes one or more strands or threads formed from a ferromagnetic material. In one example, the mesh is formed from a plurality of warp threads that are woven around one or more weft threads. More specifically, the mesh may include a plurality of warp threads disposed along the length of the band strap and at least one weft thread positioned perpendicular to, and coupled to, woven or interlaced between the plurality of warp threads. In some cases, the plurality of warp threads may run the entire length of the mesh portion of the band strap. Additionally, in some cases, the at least one weft thread may include a single thread that may be continuously woven between the plurality of warp threads or, alternatively, may include a plurality of threads that may be woven between the plurality of warp threads. A weft thread that is woven between a plurality of warp threads may form consecutive cross-layers with respect to the plurality warp threads in order to form the mesh.
Similar to as described above, a metallic (woven) mesh may not necessarily be formed entirely of metallic materials and, more specifically, ferromagnetic materials. For example, in some embodiments, some of the threads may be formed from a ferromagnetic materials and some of the threads may be formed from a material that is not ferromagnetic. In some cases, some or all of the non-ferromagnetic threads may be formed from a non-metallic material, including, without limitation, polymers, plastics, and natural or synthetic fibers. In some cases, some or all of the non-ferromagnetic threads may be formed from a metallic material that is not ferromagnetic. For example, the non-ferromagnetic links may be formed from a copper, silver, gold, aluminum, magnesium, platinum, or other non-magnetic metal material. As in the previous example, the combination of materials may be selected based on density of the ferromagnetic materials required for engaging the magnetic tab and other factors, such as mesh finish, mesh appearance, and/or mechanical properties of the mesh material. Additionally, while it may be advantageous for multiple band straps (e.g., first and second band straps 110, 120) to be formed from the same type of material to provide a uniform appearance, it may not be necessary that the multiple band straps be the same for the functional performance of the magnetic tab.
In some cases, the metallic mesh material includes a lubricant material that facilitates the relative movement of the individual links (or threads) with respect to each other. For example, a lubricant material may reduce rubbing friction when the mesh is bent and/or flattened. The lubricant material may also allow the mesh to return a natural shape that is free from kinks after being bent. In some cases, the lubricant material includes a dry powdered lubricant material. For example a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or PTFE-composite particle powder may be applied to the mesh material using a dip or immersion process. In some cases, the lubricant, as applied, includes a solvent material that evaporates leaving the lubricant material in the mesh. In some cases, a light oil or wet lubricant may be applied to the mesh material using a spray or other liquid application process.
In the present embodiment, the tab 184 includes at least one magnetic element and an attachment face configured to attach to or otherwise engage a portion of the first band strap 180 located between the ends the band strap 180.
As shown in
184
a. The magnetic elements 511, 512, 513 may be arranged to focus or concentrate the magnetic field over a region, as depicted in
512, 513 may be configured to concentrate the magnetic field over a region of an attachment surface on the end cap 501. In the present example, a center magnetic element 511 is located between two side magnetic elements 512, 513. The center magnet 511 has a magnetic pole orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the attachment surface of the end cap 501. The center magnet 511 is disposed between the two side magnets 512, 513, which each have a magnetic pole orientation that is at an angle with respect to the attachment surface of the end cap 501. In the present example, the orientation of the poles of the side magnets 512, 513 is approximately 45 degrees with respect to the attachment surface. In other embodiments, the angle between the poles of the side magnets 512, 513 vary over a range between 10 degrees and 80 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle may vary over a range between 30 and 60 degrees.
adjacent magnetic element. In some cases, the alternating arrangement of poles and the magnetic elements may result in a magnetic field that extends further away from the attachment face of the tab 184c, as compared to some non-alternating configurations.
In particular, in the example depicted in
In the example depicted in
In each of the examples described above with respect to
A variety of configurations of the magnetic elements depicted in
In some implementations the attachment face of the tab may include additional features or elements that improve the friction or grip properties of the tab. For example, one or more elastic members may be disposed on the attachment face of the tab. This may be advantageous for improving the strength and reliability of the tab when the wearable device is being worn.
In some cases, the friction-enhancing member 616 is formed from an elastic elastomer material. For example, the member 616 may be formed from a rubber, silicone, butyl, Viton, or similar material. In general, the member 616 has frictional properties that are greater than the material used to form the surface of the tab. In some cases, the member 616 may deflect slightly when the tab 614 is engaged with a mating mesh surface, which may further improve the frictional properties of the tab 614. As also shown in
In some cases, the size and shape of the member 616 are configured to correspond to the size and shape of elements that form the mesh. This may further improve the grip of the tab 614 by forming a mechanical interface between the member 616 and the mesh. For example, the member 616 may have a cross section that is approximately the same size as the pitch between elements in the mesh. In some cases, the member 616 may be configured to mechanically engage one or more of the elements (e.g., links) that form the mesh material, improving the shear grip between the two surfaces.
As shown in
A friction-enhancing member may be attached to the tab using a variety of other techniques. For example, a member may be attached to the tab using an adhesive, threaded fastener, or other attachment technique. In some cases, the member may be attached to the tab using an over-molding process or similar technique. For example, the friction-enhancing member may be formed over at least a portion of the attachment surface of the tab.
The friction-enhancing member 816 may be bonded to the side of the tab 814 using and adhesive or other attachment technique. In some cases, the member 816 may also be formed around the back surface of the tab 814. In this case, the member 816 may be attached to the tab 814 by a snap-fit or other similar type of mechanical engagement. In yet another example embodiment, the friction-enhancing member 816 also forms part or all of the shell 802 of the tab 814.
In the examples provided above, the tab is attached to the band strap, which is formed from a mesh material. As previously mentioned, using some traditional techniques, it may be challenging to form a strong and/or reliable joint between a mesh material and another component, such as a tab, coupling component, or other element of the band.
In the example depicted in
(e.g., T-shaped protrusion 1012) to mechanically engage or interlock the two pieces.
As shown in
As shown in
tab 1014 includes an opening portion 1016a which is configured to receive the T-shaped protrusion 1012 when it is generally aligned with the opening portion 1016a (as shown, for example, in
As previously discussed, in some embodiments, the band strap 1010 may be bonded to the tab 1014 after the two parts have been mechanically interlocked or engaged. For example, in some embodiments, an adhesive, solder material, braze material, or other bonding agent may be injected or otherwise disposed within the recess 1016 and cured/baked to prevent the tab 1014 from being removed from the band strap 1010. In some cases, the band strap 1010 is welded to the tab 1014 after the two parts have been mechanically interlocked or engaged. For example, a weld may be formed along the seam between the band strap 1010 and the tab 1014 after the two parts have been assembled. In some cases, the mechanical interlock in combination with the adhesive bond or weld may provide a joint that has superior strength or durability as compared to a joint using only an adhesive or weld to secure the parts.
In the example of
the recess and undercut formed in the tab may be formed at an angle. In some embodiments, both the protrusion at the end of the band strap and the recess formed in the tab may be formed at an angle with respect to a plane of the respective parts. Additionally, while the recess is formed into the tab 1014 in the present embodiment, in alternative embodiments, the recess may be formed into a portion of the mesh and the protrusion may be formed into the tab.
As shown in
1202 of the band strap 1210. The upper 1215a and lower 1215b mandrels may both move, or one may remain stationary during the forming process. The mandrels 1215a, 1215b may be brought together using a hydraulic or other high-pressure forming mechanism. Depending on the material properties of the sleeve 1201 and the end 1202, the pressing operation depicted in FIG.
12B may result in the sleeve material being fused with a portion of end 1202. In some cases, a laser welding operation is used to melt the sleeve material and facilitate fusion of the two components. In some cases, a brazing process is used to fill any remaining gaps or cavities in the end 1202 of the band.
As a result of the operation depicted in
In some embodiments, the mesh used to form the band strap is subjected to processing or operations that are configured to produce a band strap having the desired dimensions and physical qualities. For example, the mesh material may be rolled flat to decrease the thickness of the mesh. In cases where the mesh material is formed from an array of interlocking links, a rolling process may also lengthen or elongate the links, which may increase the flexibility of the mesh and allow it to bend around a smaller radius. In some embodiments, a rolling operation may facilitate the latching configuration described above in, for example, FIG.
2A. Additionally, in some implementations, the mesh may also be compacted or crushed along the width of the band. In one example, a crushing operation may be performed on a portion of band before or after it is subjected to a rolling or thinning operation.
In some cases, the rolling process depicted in
The creation of facets or flattened links may be minimized or reduced by using a compliant member when rolling the mesh material.
1405 by an adhesive or mechanical attachment. In other cases, the compliant sheet 1411 may be fed between the roller 1402 and the mesh 1405 as the mesh 1405 is being fed under the roller
1402. In some cases, the compliant sheet 1411 is used only one time. This may be particularly true if the compliant sheet 1411 is deforms to yield during the rolling process.
may further reduce the formation of facets or flat surfaces on the bottom of the mesh 1405 as it is being formed.
As previously mentioned, the mesh may be processed using multiple rolling operations to achieve the desired thickness and/or bend radius properties. The mesh may also be processed using one or more crushing operations that compact or crush the mesh material along the width of the strip (e.g., perpendicular to the rolled thickness). For example, the mesh may be placed width-wise between two mandrels or tools that are configured to apply substantial force along the edge of the mesh.
The crushing operation(s) may be used to maintain the desired width of the mesh in between rolling operations. The crushing operations may also help to maintain the orientation of the links and/or preserve the structural integrity of the mesh. In some example process flows, the mesh is rolled and then crushed in an alternating fashion until the final shape and/or desired properties are achieved. In one particular example, the mesh is rolled and then crushed three separate times to achieve the desired bend radius, although more or fewer rolling and crushing operations may be performed in various embodiments, and multiple rollings may be done per crushing or vice versa. In some cases, this process allows the mesh to achieve a bend radius that is superior or improved with respect to some other meshes having a comparable density.
For some mesh materials, multiple rolling and/or crushing processes may produce a warp or distortion in the links of the mesh material. In one example, the portion of the mesh near the middle of the mesh may experience greater expansion that portions of the mesh near the edges of the mesh. This may result in a bowed or curved pattern in the mesh material, which
may not be desirable in the final product. To help reduce or alleviate uneven expansion, a sacrificial portion of the mesh may be formed at the end or ends of the mesh material. In one example, a sacrificial portion may be formed by crushing the length of the mesh, excluding the end portion or portions of the mesh; the excluded, uncrushed portion may be the sacrificial portion. The sacrificial portion(s) may prevent uneven expansion of the mesh and reduce the chance of warp or distortion due to multiple rolling and crushing operations. In some cases, the sacrificial portions of the mesh are cut away after the rolling and crushing processes are complete.
The mesh may also be placed in a fixture to facilitate handling and placement in a crushing press or similar forming tool. In one example embodiment, the mesh is located and retained using a fixture having at least one magnetic or magnetized face. The mesh may be clamped, for example between two plates, one of which includes a magnetized face. The magnetic fixture may allow the mesh to be positioned and held in a crushing press without the use of mechanical clamps or adhesives. This may be advantageous in reducing the stress or load that the fixture may place on the mesh during the crushing operation.
In some cases, the mesh may be further processed to produce the mechanical and optical properties that are desired in some mesh bands. For example, the ends of the mesh may be machined or formed to produce a particular mesh profile or edge finish. In some cases, a portion of the mesh material at the edges may be removed to produce a more square profile shape for the band. In some cases, material at the edge of the mesh may be removed to produce a particular shape formed by the links or elements of the mesh.
half of the link filament diameter is removed from the edge of the mesh. The mesh material may be removed using a grinding or machining process that is configured to produce a consistent and high quality finish. In some cases, additional surface polishing operations are performed on the edge of the mesh material after the material has been removed. As shown in
In some cases, material is added to the small region 1510 of the mesh 1500 located between the crescent features 1505. For example, a laser welding operation may be used to deposit a bead or portion of material in the region 1510 located between a pair of crescent features 1505. In some embodiments, the edge of the mesh 1500 is lapped or polished again
after the additional material is added to regions 1510. The resulting mesh 1500 may have a more consistent profile shape and refined look, as compared to other untreated mesh bands.
formed into the edge of the mesh 1550 if the mesh is machined or ground to a greater depth than the example provided above with respect to
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular embodiments. Functionality may be separated or combined in procedures differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/802,280, filed Nov. 2, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/641,227, filed Mar. 6, 2015, which is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/035,425, filed on Aug. 9, 2014, and titled “Milanese Band,” the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
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